House that backs up to commercial property...how bad? (Houston: for sale, renters)

[Mr. Nice Guy]

My wife and I have been looking for homes in the Houston area for several weeks now, and we finally found a home we really like in NW Houston. The house itself is very nice (and in a nice neighborhood), but the backyard is very small. Just on the other side of the wall in the backyard is an office park. Nothing grungy (dentists & doctors offices), but it is pretty visible from the home, especially if you are standing upstairs and look out the large windows in the den.

How much of a drawback is that for you? The house has been on the market for a long time, and I'm starting to think that's the reason.

[modster]

It's a draw back, and one that should be reflected in the price you pay. Just remember when it comes your turn to sell though, bargain in, bargain out!

[Bike4Life]

I couldn't be that bad. Here is what it's like in Houston without zoning :

[usc619]

Originally Posted by modster

It's a draw back, and one that should be reflected in the price you pay. Just remember when it comes your turn to sell though, bargain in, bargain out!

Ditto

[Kandy]

Make a low offer...see if they accept...then plant a bunch of trees so that they will block the view in and out of your property. Maybe the privacy screen of trees will be mature by the time you need to sell.

[Poltracker]

Just remember that office parks change tenants alot. One of the biggest problems I've encountered with folks who live adjacent to strip centers and office parks is the dumpsters. Dumpsters can cause unnattractive odors and trash problems. Also exhaust from diesels making deliveries.

[desertsun41]

What you are describing, Realtors call "functional obsolescence". Meaning there is a funtional defect about the property that can not be fixed.

Some one did mention to plant some good tall trees. What about the 5 AM garbage trucks coming behind those buildings.....your back yard to empty those dumpsters? At least twice a week you will not sleep in.

As of this writing there are 41,037 single family homes for sale in Houston. Are you telling us you cant find one nicer then one that backs to an office park?

Homes like that usually can not sell and eventually turn into a rental. Soon the next door neighbors cant sell theirs either so they rent it out. Soon the whole block is dominated by renters and at this point it already is a dump. Property values are lost at this point with no hope of recovery.

Go look around some more. Do not let your heart buy a house. Instead use your head to buy smart. In the long run you will make money on your investment.

Good luck.

Maybe come on back and let us know how you make out?

[sunny57]

How much of a drawback is that for you? The house has been on the market for a long time, and I'm starting to think that's the reason.


In the n/nw burb's... backing to commercial is not a good thing. Even if you get a heck of a deal you still need to be looking at resale. There are too many other homes to consider. Stay away from homes that back to commercial or busy streets...the resale will kill you Sunny

[EasilyAmused]

I think you could get away with it in River Oaks, Memorial or Tanglewood. You know, places where people buy for location.

I think in the suburbs it would be an instant loss.

[sbhubbell]

Shopping online I see a house I like that backs up to the Lifetime Fitness in Cinco Ranch. Can't tell how much view there is, but there appears to be a significant buffer between the property line and the outdoor pool area...might get a little noisy in the daytime but who knows...anyone think this is a bad idea?