So, after almost 14 years, I've decided to sell my house. In the Heights, values are still really high and it is getting to the point where the cost of upkeep and maintaining the house is just not worth it when the value is where it is compared to what I have invested in it. I have a good friend who is a realtor in this area, which helps with advice, etc. I still need to do some minor repairs before I put it on the market, but it won't be long. I am going to start looking for an apartment - preferably someplace small like a garage apartment so I can save some money for the next year or two. I want to stay in the area - Heights/Inner Loop - so any advice is appreciated. I'm also going to have a big ass yard sale in a few weeks to rid myself of all the crap I have accumulated.
Jeff, If it's not too personal, may I ask why you are selling your house? If I recall correctly, you have an older home, which I do as well. The argument of tear-down and rebuild vs. adding on is a constant in my life lately. I was just wondering if you were in the same boat? Also, wrt your question, have you looked into the Spring Branch area off of Westview? It doesn't have the charm of the Heights, but it's very convenient re: access to the major freeways.
Jeff...so many people I know have opted for the same. They just don't want to own property anymore, and I can't say that I blame them. Regardless, you should do well. Values in the Heights have stayed high. I am so there, cash in hand! Let me know when!
Im trying to move in and youre leaving? b*stard! Let me know when the garage sale happens. Oh and there are plenty of garage apartments in the Heights.
how about you let me check out your house before you put it on the market and we can square a deal without the realtor fee? i'm in the heights now in a townhouse and we're looking to buy a home there. keep us posted on the house and yardsale!
Any chance you'll be selling any musical equipment at that garage sale? Check with Midtown Properties - they have many garage and 4-plex apartment properties that they manage (I live in one of their 4 plexes in Montrose). They're an absolutely great landlord (24 hour call-line, stuff gets fixed right away, they have quarterly pest control spraying) and they're laid back when it comes to rent (i.e. if you pay on the 3rd, they're not going to threaten to evict you).
I remember your buying price. You should make out quite well and you are right, houses in the Heights are still moving fast compared to the rest of Houston. It wll probably only take a month or so. If you were in Woodland Heights it would be even faster.
I'm actually looking to buy possibly in that area, anyone think it is a good time to buy? I plan on buying in a year or 2.
I'm having about 10K worth of renovations done to mine so I can put it back on the market next month. Hopefully I can make some money instead of selling it 'as is' for a huge loss. Let me know if you need a good contractor. Mine is the best. The best, Jeff. The best.
For me, it's just time. Trying to keep up with this place by myself is just too much and, frankly, I could save so much more money if I lived in a smaller place. It is fairly likely I'll spend a third of what I spend now if I move into a smaller place and that means more disposable income and silly things like retirement and health insurance. In case anyone is interested, here are some basic details: 1600 sq ft (appx) 5000 sq ft lot (standard in the Heights) 2 bedrooms downstairs 1 converted attic/loft upstairs 1 bathroom in the house Garage converted to living space with full bath Central a/c heat Large (odd for the Heights) re-modeled kitchen Fairly open floor plan throughout Real hardwoods under the laminates currently in the house Yard all native plants - no grass Greenhouse behind garage area The exterior has all been remodeled 3 years ago - new roof down to the deck, all rotten siding replaced, all termite and rot damage on beams under house completely repaired/replaced, exterior repainted, new breaker box, new 220 in the laundry room and new doors installed throughout. Speaking of termites, it is inspected every year and in very good shape in that regard. It was treated extensively 3 years ago. It's the second largest house on the block and has a county appraisal value of around $260k. No idea what I'll list it at yet, but I still need a few more weeks to clean up, do a few minor repairs and start looking for another place. --- Oh, and I'll definitely have some music stuff at the yard sale.
I can tell you that the home values in the Heights have been steadily increasing since before I moved in here and analysts have suggested that trend will continue for at least the next 5 years or more. So, your value should not decrease if you move in the next couple years.
It won't be a ton and it won't be a lot of high end stuff. It's a yard sale after all. Oh, and as for the cats, I'll be down to just three when I move, so I'm not concerned with that.
Can you be nice enough to post what elementary, middle and high schools are close to the property? I might be interested. also, is it Mexican friendly?
I'm VERY near Love Elementary - an exemplary HISD school. I'm guessing the middle school is Hamilton and the high school is Regan. As to your joking question about Mexican friendly, this area is something like 70 percent Hispanic. Several of my neighbors are Hispanic including both my next door neighbors, who are really amazing folks. The thing I'll probably miss the most about this place are my incredible neighbors. They are just awesome.
I was joking, 'cuz I know about the area... but, eh, Hamilton is one of the most sought-after schools and one with waiting lists.
