Confused by areas and local Real Estate Market (Houston, Sugar Land: hotel, houses)

[Va-Cat]

My husband and I just relocated here and are looking for a home to purchase. He works in Sugar Land so we are concentrating our search in Sugar Land, Richmond,and Missouri City. I've read on this board that zip code 77459 in Missouri City is not a very nice area. What about the area known as Quail Valley East? I like older homes with well established trees and landscaping over the new subdivsions that have tiny new trees and back yards that look like prison yards (I.E. no trees or bushes at all). We have 3 large dogs so a large back yard is also a must. We'd like to keep our purchase in the $150K range for a 3 BR 2 & 1/2 bath and buy a home that needs cosmetic renovations only. I've seen a couple homes in that range that are listed as Quail Valley and would like to get a local Houstonian view on this area. I'm kinda overwhelmed at this point trying to learn a new city and state but am also very tired of living in a hotel room with 3 dogs and a husband. Any and all view will be very appreciated.

Thanks!

[mikeyyc]

77459 is a very nice area. It includes Lake Olympia and Sienna Plantation.

[SkyeAnjel]

Have you considered a real estate agent? That would really help you make decisions about neighborhoods and help you get familiar with the city.I personally do not work that area but could refer you to someone who does if you have no idea who to call. I know some very nice realtors who work that area that I could put you in touch with.
As for all the realtor bashers, please refrain. There are alot of worthy realtors out there believe it or not, some really are looking out for the best interests of their clients. If I refer you, you will get someone who will put you first.

[recuerdeme]

Even though Missouri City has sort of a bad rap. Some parts are really nice.
(But thinking of resale... more often then not people are going to be put off by the Missouri City... city)
You may be able to find something in Sugarland in your price range. Most areas out there have nice yards. Stafford is also a good area... you could definitely get something in your price range without the fixing up part attached.

[Va-Cat]

Thanks all for the responses. We have worked a little with an agent but he has been trying to steer us more to the "cookie cutter" homes in Richmond that are at the very top, if not over our maximum price. Thats why I thought I would try and look a little on our own. It also gives me a chance to learn the neighborhoods. What I've see of Sugar Land, though very pretty, is out of our price range to get the back yard we need for the dogs. I looked around Quail Valley and though the houses seem very nice, the neighborhoods looks a little tired and in areas rundown. This is to be our home but we will be retiring in about 10 years and want to make a good investment too.

Any suggestions on other areas I should check out?

Thanks every one and I am so happy that I found this board!

[SkyeAnjel]

Hoipefully someone on the board will read your posts and steer you in the right direction. Unfortunately, I don't know that area at all. As far as your agent, you might want to get another if yours is not listening to what you need.

[Kappinator]

You may want to check out HAR.com. That is the Houston Association of Realtors website. Refer to the map area on the left side of the page and highlight area 37 which is Fort Bend-West. There are many search options available such as price, # of bedrooms, zip code, new construction, etc.

[RJJDFCH]

I understand you like older homes however be prepared to have huge electric bills. I would suggest you purchase a home less than 4 years old as they have double paine windows, etc. You can buy new and not have all the hassles of renovating

[Va-Cat]

Thanks RJ - but I actually LIKE renovating and love the charm of older homes with well matured landscaping. As too the electric bill.... One thing that I am seeing is a lot of aluminium single pane windows in the older homes around here. Must have been a 70's -80's thing in this area. Whatever we buy will include a renovation budget to help get utility cost in line. Cchester thank you to you too. We had already found HAR.com. It does help but not knowing the neighborhoods or areas is using up a lot of high priced gasoline.