New to real estate / houston market

New to real estate / houston market

Member since 2023 · 1 post · 2 votes

Hello! I am moving to Houston in the summer for a year and looking for a single family or multifamily house to live and rent out after I move out. I am looking at Spring Branch and west side of inner loop like Heights and Rice Military. It would be nice to cash flow and I assume that is rare so appreciation is the goal within the next 3 to 5 years. Since I will be living in, I am looking for a nice neighbrhood with somewhat remodeled house with opportunities to increase the value as well.

I would love to connect with other investors in the area and appreicate any insights as a newbie!

Some of the questions i have about the market:

1) How are the townhomes/condos in terms of appreciation?

2) I have seen many new construction homes in Spring Branch. What do you think about these new houses vs older houses in heights/montrose? Is there a chance that the price will go down? 

3) Any other insights / tips are appreciated :)

2Reply
39 views

Most Popular Reply

Robin SimonBusiness Member
Lender · Austin, TX · Member since 2022 · 5k+ posts · 4k+ votes
2y

Houston in particular be vary wary of flood zones and any potential historical water damage from the frequent flooding / hurricanes of just a few years ago.  Really make sure to do your due diligence on this front on every property you look at

See this reply in the discussion

6 Replies

Jump to latestLatest
  • Robin SimonBusiness Member
    Lender · Austin, TX · Member since 2022 · 5k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    2y

    Houston in particular be vary wary of flood zones and any potential historical water damage from the frequent flooding / hurricanes of just a few years ago.  Really make sure to do your due diligence on this front on every property you look at

  • Wale LawalBusiness Member
    Real Estate Broker · Houston | Dallas | Austin, TX · Member since 2018 · 5k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    2y

    @Seona Joung

    The real estate market in Houston has many options for investors. Townhomes and condos in areas like Spring Branch, Heights, and Rice Military can see high appreciation rates. In Spring Branch, new homes with modern amenities come with lower maintenance costs, but might have tough competition and higher initial expenses. Older homes in neighborhoods like Heights and Montrose are full of charm, character, and history, but may need some renovations.

    When navigating the market, it's important to partner with a local real estate agent, take into account rental market demand and rates, search for value-add chances, and learn about landlord-tenant laws. Engaging with fellow investors at networking events and online forums can offer helpful guidance.

    Good luck!

    • NJ · Member since 2024 · 207 posts · 91 votes
      1y
      Quote from @Wale Lawal:

      @Seona Joung

      The real estate market in Houston has many options for investors. Townhomes and condos in areas like Spring Branch, Heights, and Rice Military can see high appreciation rates. In Spring Branch, new homes with modern amenities come with lower maintenance costs, but might have tough competition and higher initial expenses. Older homes in neighborhoods like Heights and Montrose are full of charm, character, and history, but may need some renovations.

      When navigating the market, it's important to partner with a local real estate agent, take into account rental market demand and rates, search for value-add chances, and learn about landlord-tenant laws. Engaging with fellow investors at networking events and online forums can offer helpful guidance.

      Good luck!

       Couldn't have said it better! I also recommend @Wale Lawal as a great Realtor if you are looking!

  • Real Estate Agent · Houston, TX · Member since 2022 · 135 posts · 84 votes
    2y

    HI @Seona Joung, 

    Great questions and welcome to Houston soon!

    To answer your questions- 

    1) How are the townhomes/condos in terms of appreciation? These assets do appreciate, but in my opinion, not as fast as single family, detached houses with bigger lots. The townhomes  usually sit on very small lots and a lot of value is found in the dirt in central Houston. There are also many new construction townhomes all over Houston, so if/when you go to re-sale, most people can buy new for just a bit more (if not the same) than buy your used townhome. Both of these factors can negatively affect appreciation. 

    2) I have seen many new construction homes in Spring Branch. What do you think about these new houses vs older houses in heights/montrose? Is there a chance that the price will go down? I'm a big fan of the Spring Branch area for being in the path of progress and future appreciation. The Heights/Montrose appreciate as well, they are just much more inflated prices currently. There is always the chance of pricing correcting. 

    3) Any other insights / tips are appreciated

    Other things to think about: 

    A lot of value is in the land. Find a house on a bigger lot. 

    Schools zones are important. A higher rated school zone will help the home appreciate more. 

    Flood zone- check this when buying a home. 

    Freeway access- be within a couple miles to a major freeway (i-10, 290, Beltway 8) 

    Feel free to reach out with any other questions. I am a real estate agent, investor and developer in central Houston. 

    - Chris Kersey 

  • Real Estate Agent · Member since 2024 · 23 posts · 6 votes
    2y

    Hi Seona,

    I saw your comment and was wondering if I can help you find your next project. Let me know if you would be free to jump on a call sometime soon.

    Text me at 512 994 5410

Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.