Hello and welcome! Thanks for taking the time to check out my website and blog! I hope to bring you useful information in the form of fun blog posts – market trends, local information, fun things to do in our area, etc. Stick around… we post twice a week! Enjoy!
Buying a home can be difficult, even for buyers who’ve been down this road a time or two. As a first-time homebuyer, we know you’re eager to jump in, find the perfect home, and move in. Before you do that, it’s good to know what exactly you’re jumping into. These 14 tips are designed to help you go into your home search with confidence.
It’s easy to start looking at homes for sale online and fall in love with million dollar price tags. That’s why we always recommend that our clients get pre-approved before looking at homes. If you find the perfect home and then find out your budget is lower than that, you’ll probably have a harder time finding something you like as much in your price range.
Sure, it would be nice to have everything you want in your dream home. Bay windows? Jacuzzi tub and separate shower? Walk-in closets in every room? Wet bar with built-in wine fridge? While those all sound awesome, unless you have a pretty hefty budget in most areas, you’ll need to pick and choose which things are “must-haves” for you, and which you could live without.
If you’re handy and on a budget, a fixer-upper can help you to save a ton of money on your mortgage. When you’re doing the work to repaire it yourself (depending on the project, of course), you can save a ton of money. Plus, you can put in things you want, such as updated cabinetry, at a lower price point.
If the inspector finds flaws in the property during the inspection, use them to negotiate with the sellers. You can either ask the sellers to repair the issues, split costs of the repairs with you, or even negotiate a lower sale price. This can help you to stay under budget and gives you extra money to upgrade the house to your liking.
Buying a home sounds nice on paper, and it’s often the better choice over renting. But before you buy, be sure you’re ready. If you’re looking at smaller homes now, do you plan on adding to your family in the next few years? If you’re purchasing in the country, does it make more sense to rent in the city and shorten your commute? After considering all expenses, are you sure you’ll be able to afford your new home? More than just finances, if you think you may need to relocate within the next few years, renting may be a better option.
You may love the home, but you should love the area, too. Check with local governments and HOAs to ensure that you’re okay with any upcoming plans for the area surrounding your home. If you love peace and quiet, you probably don’t want to live next to that recreation center that’s going up across the street.
Just because you qualify for a certain amount doesn’t mean you have to spend that amount. The money you save in your home costs could go to furniture, upgrades, and decorations. Don’t make any huge purchases or take out any loans within 6 months of closing on your home. And, as a first-time home buyer, you probably qualify for some assistance with your loans or down payment. Be sure to ask your lender about the options.
Washington County, the birthplace of Texas, is steeped in history. Some of that history still exists today! If you’re looking to take a step back into the past, here are some great options located locally.
The Brenham fire museum was erected to house Samanthe, one of only 34 American LaFrance Type 38 fire engines made between 1900 and 1930. It now houses both Samanthe and a 1950 American LaFrance. This museum is located directly across from the Heritage Museum.
Although currently undergoing renovations, the Brenham Heritage Museum is operating out of the Brenham Bus Depot. This museum features exhibits spanning 10,000 years of Washington County area’s history, including artifacts from prehistory and Paleo-Indian cultures.
Toubin Park is a State Archeological Landmark commemorating the historic cisterns of Brenham, which were used to store rainwater for firefighting. Brenham was one of the first Texas cities to use public cisterns for this purpose, or to even provide public services.
The original Sinmon Theatre was built in 1925 and has been renovated with modern conveniences such as air conditioning, heat, and Digital Cinema Projection. The theatre is part of The Barnhill Center, a multi-purpose meeting and event center.
The Burton Farms Gin is a National Historic Engineering Landmark that is located on the same site it was built in 1914. This museum was designated in 2009 as the Official Cotton Gin Museum of Texas.
This home belonged to Margaret Lea Houston, wife of former Republic of Texas Present and U.S. Senator Sam Houston, after his death in Jule 1863. She passed away in DEcember 1867 and was interred in Independence.
26.37 acres of unrestricted, ag exempt land in Chappell Hill with a 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath brick home with an additional half bath in the over-size 2 car garage. AC Unit is approx 5 years old, the metal roof is approx. 12 years old. This property has a large elevation change in the back third of the property providing 360-degree views of Washington County. The property has 3 ponds stocked with largemouth bass up to 5 pounds in size. Two barns, one for hay storage with convenient loft door right above hay trough as well as extra storage for tractor and implements. All deer stands, deer feeders convey with the property at a reasonable price. Option to purchase tractors and implements, as well as, other items are available. Perimeter fencing with cross fencing in place. Mineral rights negotiable based on the offer price.
1306 Hidden Creek has been reduced to $124,900 - now is a great time to make an offer on this property! Visit c21holtonrealty.com for more information about this home and others like it.
Call our office today! 979-277-9944
Century 21 Holton Realty has 4 new listings we'd love to share.
If you are interested in these properties, or want to sell or buy a home, contact our office by clicking the link above or calling 979-277-9944.
Century 21 Holton Realty has some great new listings to share.
405 Tequila is a beautiful Spanish/Mediterranean style home at 2,850 sqft on 1.69 acres with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, an inclosed pool, 3 car garage, finished basement, stucco exterior, clay roof and the traditional courtyard surrounded by a horseshoe shaped covered patio with Saltillo tiles. This central courtyard leads from the kitchen/dining area, master bedroom and garage. Absolutely breathtaking, a MUST SEE! Listed at $365,000.
3050 Jasmine is in an elevated location on corner lot in Bluebonnet Hills on 1.13 acres. Home has nice floor plan with kitchen and dining area open to the living area. Several windows in the home allow for a pretty view outside. Bedrooms and bathrooms are comfortable size. 18'x10' storage building, 8'x10' storage building and 1 car garage with circular driveway. Enclosed area off master bedroom with hot tub. Condition of hot tub and hot tub equipment is unknown. Some repairs are needed. Home is in an estate and being sold as-is.
641 CR 411 in Somerville is an immaculate, professionally-designed 2 story home on 2.02 acres with a wrap around porch, barn, private pond and fire pit patio invites comfort and modern elegance. Complete with 3 separate living quarters, there are 2 bedrooms and a full bath on both levels of the house, and a 1 bedroom, 1 bath barndominium apartment, all with generous living space and stylish finishes, you will enjoy a perfect setting for relaxing and entertaining.
These homes won't be listed for long! If you are interested in seeing any of these listings, call our office today at 979-277-9944 or visit our website by clicking the link above.
Century 21 Holton Realty has some price reductions and new listing we'd like to share:
Bluehaven Hill Circle is now reduced to $159,900. This beautiful property is accessed by the Bluebonnet Hills subdivision. Nice ranch behind the property and trees bordering the property. Rolling terrain, nice views, scattered trees, pond, seasonal creek, barn, shed, pergola, fenced and great building spots. New gravel driveway and gate recently installed. Really a property to see!
Also recently reduced to $249,000 is 3700 Bluehaven Hill Circle. The living room is a nice size with many built-ins, fireplace, laminate wood flooring, crown moulding, and is open to the kitchen and dining area. The kitchen has plenty of counter and cabinet space, and stainless steel GE appliances. The mud room/laundry room can be entered from the back patio closest to the garage. A beautiful home in a great subdivison.
*New Listing*
17th & Rice 7.5 residential lots available! Approximately 1.0761 Acres conveniently located! No mobile homes allowed. Modular homes can qualify! Most of the property has been cleared! Seller will not divide. Electricity & telephone available. A ''Utility Request Form'' can be submitted to the city to determine the cost to run city water, gas, and sewer to the property lots 1-5 are in a flood plain. Lot sizes are typically 125X50. Huge beautiful old shade trees on this property! Great potential home site!
If you are interested in any of these properties, contact us today by clicking the link above or calling our office at 979-277-9944.
Bridgeland, a beautiful master-planned community-subdivision, excitedly announced that there will be a new fire station built, fire station 13, on the east side of Westgreen, just south of Bridgeland Creek Parkway. "The fire station will occupy approximately 19,000 square feet in a single story building with four to five apparatus bays, living quarters, a training/conference room, work rooms, a decontamination room, turn-out gear space, EMS storage and a physical wellness area." Bridgeland says the project is anticipated to be complete in just one year. The facility will provide fire suppression, EMS and resuce services out of their new location.
There are many volunteers involved with the Cy-Fair Volunteer Fire Department, also including full and part-time paid personnel. If you're interested in volunteering, you are encouraged to apply to the fire department, located at 9630 Telge, Houston, TX, 77095 or by calling 281-550-6663.
To find out more information or view the original blog post, visit Bridgeland's website.
Century 21 Holton Realty has a new commercial listing. 2710 Market St. is listed for $650,000 with 7,773 square feet. A convenient location on Market Street with a total of 20 bays with roll up doors. This is a great business or investment opportunity. If you or someone you know is interested in this property or any other commercial property, click the link above to visit our website or call our office today.
Century 21 Holton Realty has some new listings to share.
10441 Hidalgo Falls and Old Navasota are two beautiful pieces of property that are just waiting to be purchased. Are you interested in buying or listing a property? We can help with any property on the market. Click the link above to see our listings or visit us today
Old Navasota: 10 beautiful acres with mature trees, open areas, 20x40 workshop on slab, electricity, white rock driveway, new partial fencing and spring fed creek! Community water is available at the road. Electricity is established at the workshop with an RV plug outside. The property has mixed terrain with open areas and wonderful mature trees including some water oaks and live oaks.
Hidalgo Falls: Barndominium on 5 wooded acres. The driveway thru the trees leads to an open clearing with 1455 sq ft barndo, 18'x20' carport, 12'x24' lean-to type barn, 8'x12' shed and concrete patio space. A larger area around the barndo has been cleared leaving a canopy of various trees. Seasonal creek on one side of the property.
Century 21 Holton Realty has a price reduction on our 3700 Bluehaven property, to $265,000. A beautiful house waiting to be your forever home!
The living room is a nice size with many built-ins, fireplace, laminate wood flooring, crown moulding, and is open to the kitchen and dining area. Kitchen has plenty of counter and cabinet space, and stainless steel GE appliances. Refrigerator will convey in the sale. The mud room/laundry room can be entered from the back patio closest to the garage. The washer and dryer will convey in the sale. The home has a 23 seer HVAC system with HEPA filtration and UV treatment and galvanized steel roof.
...with more sold properties! 11500 Lakeview & 1901 Cena. Are you or someone you know interestd in finding your forever home? Here at Century 21 Holton Realty, we are dedicated to you and helping you find exactly what you're looking for. Give us a call or visit our website today to see our recent listings.
Century 21 Holton Realty has been busy lately. We recently sold two properties: 1600 Navratil and 118 Cape Conroe. If you are interested in buying or selling your home, visit our website listed below to see our current listings, and give us a call today.
www.c21holtonrealty.com
Navratil:
http://www.har.com/1600-navratil/sold_47506304
Cape Conroe:
http://www.har.com/118-cape-conroe/sold_48115481