Real Estate in Spring, Tomball, Magnolia, Cypress, NW Houston and the Woodlands

It has been a long time in coming but the Spring Klein area finally has a Chamber of Commerce.  The Chamber is in its infancy and so far has only had a few meeting but there is a lot of energy and vitality surrounding it. Toni Richard of the Tomball Spring Times and Candace Runaas of Runaas Public Relations conceived the idea. The first meeting was in May 2008 and they are taking the ball and running with it.

I have heard some discussion as to why would we need another Chamber of Commerce when there are already Chambers in Northwest Houston, Tomball and The Woodlands. We are such a large area those of us that live and work in Spring have had to drive to one of these outlying chambers to be involved in a Chamber of Commerce. When we first moved here 11 years ago I got involved with the Northwest Chamber but as the community grew (and the traffic increased) it was just too far for me to want to drive. It really centers on 1960 and I live almost to the Harris Montgomery County line off of Kukeydahl; so it was just not convenient.  This area has grown phenomenally in the last 5 years and I think that now is the right time for Spring Klein to have its own Chamber of Commerce.

Membership in the Spring Klein Chamber offers business exposure, media exposure, discounts at various Spring Klein merchants and the opportunity to network with other business people in the community. This is an opportunity to network and learn about our community through a monthly luncheon which is currently being held the first Tuesday of every month at the Sizzler located at 2920 and Kuykendahl.

There will also be other events taking place throughout the year. As a matter of fact the Chamber already has their first fundraising event scheduled at the Augusta Pines Golf Club. It will be Christmas in July.I am on the auction committee and we are presently looking for donations.  These could be big items or small items.  It could be something as simple as a haircut, oil change, a summer gift basket etc. We have a live auctioneer who is donating his time to make this a fun auction for us.  If you have any items you would like to donate please contact me at Marchel@AgentwithResults.com

For complete information about the event go the Spring Klein Chamber of Commerce website. I will be writing post about the event as it gets closer also.

Results Realty has joined and I hope you will consider joining also. It is a great way to give back to our community and ensure positive growth in the Spring area. I am enjoying getting involved and meeting other business owners in my community. I hope you will also consider joining the Spring Klein Chamber.

For all your Spring TX Real Estate needs, contact me today!
Marchel Peterson
Results Realty
Cell:               832-721-8332       

Sherwood Forest is located in the city limits of Tomball Texas, off of Baker Road and SH 249.  It is a small subdivision with about 150 homes.  The subdivision has restrictions but they are very light compared to most other subdivisions.   Along with the light restrictions you also have a very low HOA fee (at the present time $10 per year.)  I often have people looking for a subdivision where you can keep your travel trailer in your yard, that is permissible in this subdivision. No permanent mobile homes are allowed  though. 

The subdivision was first developed in the mid 1960’s with the majority of the homes being built in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s.  You will find newer homes scattered through the subdivision.  The most recent home I was able to find in tax records was built in 2003.    Square footage ranges from a low of about 1200 square feet to 2600 square feet.  Current sales  ranged from $135,000 to $202,000. The beauty of this subdivision are the towering pines and oak trees on over-sized subdivision lots.

Sherwood Forest is accessible to all the amenities Tomball has to offer.  It is close to shopping, medical facilities, ball parks, parks and much more.

The subdivision is in the highly acclaimed Tomball ISD.   The elementary is Tomball, the middle school is Tomball and the high school is Tomball High.

Photos are for illustration purposes only and do not necessarily represent current or past listings.

For all your Tomball TX Real Estate needs, contact me today!
Marchel Peterson
Results Realty
Cell:               832-721-8332       

Our April 2008 sales results are out and the Houston market still maintains relative stability.  For the third month in a row the number of homes slid as compared to the number of homes that sold last year.  However the actual sales price rose to the highest level ever according to the Houston Association of REALTORS.  The average sales price rose by .09 percent to 207,270.  In April of last year the average sales price was $205,490.  The median sales price maintained at $150,000.

I was a little confused about the difference between the median price and the average price so consulted HAR.  The median price is the price that is midway between the least expensive and most expensive home sold in an area during a given period of time. During that time, half the buyers bought homes that cost more than the median price and half bought homes for less than the median price. The average home price is the sum of prices of all homes sold in a certain area in a certain period, divided by the number of properties sold in the same area in that period.

This has been an interesting trend.  Our prices are going up but we are not selling as many homes.  I personally think this has everything to do with what is going on in the lending industry.  It is just harder for people to get loans which correlates in not having as many buyers as we use to have.  The days of the 100% loan are almost gone so the buyers need to have at least a little cash to be able to get in to a house.I think this has to do with the fact that we never saw the huge increases in prices like much of the country; therefore we did not have a bubble to burst. 

This makes our area a bit of an anomaly compared to the rest of the country.  However, there has been a ripple effect.  Point in case is the number of homes that have been sold compared to the number sold last year.  It is interesting however to see that our prices have really not been affected.  We had some milestones in April.  We had the largest number of single family homes sold so far in 2008 with the highest average single family sales price.  The sales of single family homes below $80,000 rose by 27.3 percent.  The sales of townhouse and condominiums reached the highest level since August with the highest median and average price.Our HAR chairman, Michael Levitin summed our market up quite nicely so I am going to leave you with his words.“Coming off of two consecutive record years, the Houston real estate market is demonstrating relative stability while other cities continue to suffer dramatic declines in both sales and pricing,” said Michael Levitin, HAR chairman. “We avoided a bubble thanks to Houston’s history of moderate growth in home values. The healthy local job market and diverse economy have created dynamics that are conducive to a faster recovery and we anticipate conditions to improve in the second half of the year.” If you are considering a move to the Houston Northwest area or the surrounding areas of Spring, Tomball, Magnolia or The Woodlands please give me a call or visit my website. 

For all your Northwest Houston Real Estate  needs, contact me today!
Marchel Peterson
Results Realty
Cell:               832-721-8332       

Clear Creek Forest is located in Montgomery County just south of Magnolia off of Nichols Sawmill Road. Clear Creek Forest is one of the few affordable country subdivisions.  This is affordable country living not too far from the city.  It is probably about an hour commute in to the city from Clear Creek Forest. 

Clear Creek Forest is a country acreage community. You will find lots ranging in size from ½ acre to larger parcels of 4 to 5 acres. It is so peaceful you can set on your front porch and listen to nature. It is not uncommon to see deer crossing the street.  One of your biggest problems will be learning how to garden with deer as your neighbors.  I have a client who has learned how to garden vertically.  That’s right his garden is in containers that are off the ground and he gardens growing everything up.

The subdivision has been around since the 1970’s but the majority of the homes are built in the 1990’s and 2000’s. There have been a lot of small custom builders that have built homes and are currently building homes in this community. There are numerous sections throughout the community and the house sizes will range according to deed restrictions per section. There are some sections of the community that allow homes as small as 1200 square feet and there are other sections where there is a 1600 square foot minimum. Horses are welcome and it is my understanding that you can also have your FFA project animals. Deed restrictions are reasonable but no mobiles are allowed.

 The school district is Magnolia ISDand the schools are great. The elementary is JL Lyons, the middle school is Magnolia and the high school is the new Magnolia West.

Home prices range from $150,000 to $450,000. There is a large range of land sizes and this influences the price of the home. Most of the area has community water and each house has its own septic. There are no MUD taxes which keeps the tax rate relatively low.

For all your Magnolia TX Real Estate needs, contact me today!
Marchel Peterson
Results Realty
Cell:               832-721-8332       

North Star Estates is a located off Zion road in Tomball TX, a hometown with a heart.  There are not many subdivisions that are actually in Tomball and this is one of the few.  North Star Estates is approximately 30 to 35 minutes from Houston.   It is a small quiet neighborhood with towering pines, oaks and nicely landscaped yards.

North Star Estates was developed in the mid 1990’s by Partners in Building.  With only about 200 homes it is a fairly small subdivision.  The homes range in size from 1855 square feet to 4700 square feet.  Many homes have over-sized lots.  The subdivision is fairly well built out but there are a few lots left that can still be built on.

Typical amenities include game rooms, 3 to 4 bedrooms, 2.5 to 3 bathrooms, separate formal areas and large windows.  North Star Estates has a HOA.  There is a community pool and a small park with walking trails.  A number of homes back up to the park.

Homes sales are currently in the $165,000 to $375,000 range.  The subdivision is NOT in a MUD district but is in the actual city of Tomball.  The tax rate is $2.78 per 100 home value.  This helps to keep the property taxes fairly reasonable.  Being located in Tomball the subdivision has all the Tomball city amenities such as water, trash, sewer and gas.

The subdivision is in the highly acclaimed Tomball ISD.  The High School is Tomball, the middle school is Beckendorf and the elementary is Tomball.

For all your Tomball TX Real Estate needs, contact me today!
Marchel Peterson
Results Realty
Cell:               832-721-8332       

Rosewood Hill is located just to the west of Tomball off of 2920.  Jack Frey developed this subdivison some 30 years ago; it was one of the first subdivisons he developed.    As is typical of Jack Frey developments it  provides a relaxed country lifestyle to its residents.  It is getting harder to find acreage communities with Tomball schools.  With its wooded acreage home sites and winding country roads it is one gorgeous community.

There are approximately 300 home sites.  Home sizes range from 1700 square feet to over 4000 square feet.  Most homes are on one acre lots although some home sites have a little larger acreage.  The homes range in age from 1979 to 2003. 

There is a recreation center with a community swimming pool and tennis courts for the use of the residents.  The lakes that surround Rosewood Hills really adds to the ambiance of the communuity  There are several community lakes for the use of the Rosewood Hills property owners.  The lakes are surrounded by large trees and beautiful foliage.  Rosewood Hillsa allows catch and release fishing  in the lakes for the residents.  The day I was there several young people were fishing in the lake.  A picnic area is located at one of the lakes.

Rosewood Hills is in the highly acclaimed Tomball ISD.  If you are looking for an acreage community in Tomball with Tomball schools this could be just the community for you.

For all your Tomball TX Real Estate needs, contact me today!
Marchel Peterson
Results Realty
Cell:               832-721-8332       

Wimbledon Falls is located just to the south of the Woodlands in Northwest Harris County off of Kukendahl.  The community is small and has amenities that you normally only find in much larger communites.  It is designed around water and boast a scenic waterfall, walking trails, greenbelts and a reservoir.   The clubhouse has a room that can be used for private parties, a beautifully equipped work out room and a community pool.  The falls are a wonderful place to relax.  The day I was there taking pictures someone was doing a photo-shoot.  I was dodging them as I was wanting pictures of the falls and he was taking a photo-shoot of the gal around the falls. It is a gorgeous community and also abounds with towering pines and hardwoods. 

Homes are currently priced between $170,000 to $300,000.  The subdivision is still being developed; the current builders are Imperial Homes, Gehan Homes and Plantation Homes.  Wimbldeon Falls is only a few years old so all the homes that are in the subdivision are recent.  The good news about this subdivision is that they are keeping the trees.   It is unusual to find a newer subdivision that is still keeping trees; most of the newer subdivisions have started clear cutting.  I am never thrilled to see the clear cutting that goes on so to me that is a huge plus for Wimbledon Falls.

Wimbledon Falls is in the highly acclaimed Klein ISD.  The elementary is Metzler Elementary (one of our recent elementaries), Hildebrandt Intermediate and Klein Oak High School.

Wimbledon Falls is located in unincorporated Harris County just minutes from the county line.  It has a Tomball mailing address but is just minutes from Spring and just 5 minutes north you have all the amenities of The Woodlands.

For all your Tomball TX Real Estate needs, contact me today!
Marchel Peterson
Results Realty
Cell: 832-721-8332

This post is about the Texas “option fee clause” in the standard Texas “1 to 4 family residential contract” and what this clause has to do with home inspections.  I have lived in four states and each state has handled the home inspection process in a different manner.  In Texas all residential contracts have an “option fee” clause. This clause allows buyers and sellers to negotiate a specified time during which the buyer can fully evaluate the house.  For this right, they buyer pays the seller a nonrefundable “option fee”. 

So let’s say you have finished negotiations everything is signed and you are under contract.  If you chose to have an option period you are now going to be in your option period.  (Personally I think everyone should take this right).  Everything is negotiable but usually you will have put $50 to $100 down for a 5 to 10 day option period.  This period gives you the time to do your home inspections and if you get cold feet this option also gives you the right to back out at anytime during that option period and all you lose is your option check and any money you may have paid on inspections. 

When doing inspections time is of the essence.  You will need to quickly find an inspector to inspect the home.  If you would like more information about finding an inspector and what to ask check out my post on “What to ask your home inspector”.

The primary purpose of the inspection is to educate you so you can make an informed purchasing decision.  If you are buying a re-sale home I can almost guarantee you that the inspector will find something; that is what you are paying them for.  The big ticket items you will want to keep in mind are the foundation, the heat/air and the roof; almost everything else is small stuff.  Should you find something that needs to be repaired during the inspections you can either ask for repairs or negotiate an agreed upon price so that you can do the repairs yourselves.

If the repairs are more than what you want to do, or maybe you just got cold feet,  remember because of that Texas “option fee clause” you can back out for any reason during this option period.  As I said earlier the only money you will lose is the money you put down for the option and the cost of your inspections. The earnest money will be returned to you in full as long as you provide the owner a termination letter in the agreed upon days.  Again time is of the essence!

For all your Spring TX Real Estate needs, contact me today!
Marchel Peterson
Results Realty
Cell: 832-721-8332

High Meadow Ranch is often advertised as where the city meets the country.  This is a great way to describe High Meadow Ranch; as it is conventient to Tomball and Magnolia.  If you work in the city it is a failry easy commute; especially with the overpass through Tomball almost finished.  You can enjoy a true rural lifestyle in this golf course estate community located in southern Montgomery County just north of Tomball off 1774. The landscape could not be more gorgeous with gently rolling hills, tall pine trees and hardwoods. High Meadow Ranch sits on the site where Lester Goodson (dealership owner) used to raise champion quarter horses. It has now been turned in to a country master planned community. Homes range in price from $350,000 to well over a million.

High Meadow Ranch is country estate living at its finest.  There are three different areas you can choose to live in. 

The High Meadow Ranch area is divided in to 2 to 10 acre home sites. This is the area in High Meadow Ranch where you can have horses. You are permitted one horse per acre. There are various trails you can ride on throughout the subdivision. 

The Village of High Meadow Ranch is located adjacent to High Meadow Ranch. This area has the same beautiful rural country setting among the tall pines, oak trees and gently rolling hills. This area features 160 one acre home sites.

Oak Falls at High Meadow Ranch is an exclusive golf course community. The home sites all sit within one of three, six hole loops that make up the golf course. There are 34 home sites in this area and they all enjoy a golf course view. The falls enjoy the privacy of a central restricted recreation area.

High Meadow Ranch Golf Course is a premier daily fee golf course. The 18-hole golf course is routed around three, six-hole loops. The terrain varies from loop to loop and this unique cloverleaf design offers a variety of golf course experiences. The course has several practice areas and putting greens. There is a golf shop with all the latest golf equipment. There are teaching programs with PGA professional staff. If you get hungry Ogie’s grill is a full service bar and grill.

The development has many amenities from swimming, tennis, sports courts. There are numerous walking trails and places to take nature hikes. There is even a community fishing lake.

This is another beautiful Jack Frey Properties Development. Jack Frey Properties have been developing communities in the Northwest Harris and Southern Montgomery County areas for the last 30 years.

The community is in the highly acclaimed Magnolia Independent School District.  The elementary is Magnolia elementary the intermediate is Magnolia junior high and the high school is the new Magnolia West.

High Meadow Ranch Resources

For all your Magnolia TX Real Estate needs, contact me today!
Marchel Peterson
Results Realty
Cell: 832-721-8332

Indigo Lake Estates is located just to the west of Magnolia off of Nichols Sawmill.

It is a convenient commute from Tomball and has fairly easy access to Houston.  Located on over 2500 wooded acres Indigo Lake estates has over 400 existing homes; this might be just the country community for you.  Horses and Indigo Lake Estates go hand in hand.

The homes in Indigo Lakes are on from 1 to 17 acres with most being in the 2 to 3 acre size. The homes range in size from 2000 square feet to over 6000 square feet.  As I said if you are looking for a country subdivision that allows horses this could be the subdivision for you; horse and nature trails surround the subdivision.  The restrictions allow for 1 horse per acre.  There is a total of 6 miles of riding and hiking trails.

Home prices currently range from $200,000 to over a million. The subdivision is not in a municipal utility district (MUD). The subdivision is on community water and each home has its own septic. This helps to keep the tax rate low.

There is an actual lake that goes with the name of Indigo Lake Estates.   It is a 160 acre private lake big enough that you can water ski on it but only if you are a resident or the guest of a resident.  Unlike most subdivision lakes which are for looks only you can boat, swim and fish in the lake.  There are three lake parks surrounding the lake.  The lake parks have picnic areas, barbecue grills, playgrounds, beach volleyball areas.

Indigo Lake Estates is in the highly acclaimed Magnolia Independent School District. The Elementary school is Nichol Sawmill, the Intermediate is Magnolia and the high school is the new Magnolia West.

Listing alert - find out about new listing in Indigo Lake Estatesbefore most REALTORS - You’ll receive automatic emails when homes that meet your criteria are added to the MLS.

Indigo Lake Estates Resources

• Indigo Lake Estates Community Highlights
• Magnolia TX Volunteer Fire Department
• Magnolia Chamber of Commerce

For all your Magnolia TX Real Estate needs, contact me today!
Marchel Peterson
Results Realty
Cell: 832-721-8332