Howdy folks, I'm new to Houston and looking to purchase a loft-style condo in the downtown area to replace a 1700 sq.ft loft condo in New Orleans (sigh..) If anyone is out there interested in helping I'd appreciate some help in getting up to speed. 1. I've cruised the forum and a few websites, along Main and Texas Sts. look popular and appealing (St. Germain, Capitol, Rice). I'm also going to grab a broker and take a look at some properties in the next week or so. Any opinions? Other good resources? Other areas to consider? 2. In NOLA prices would be $200-$250/sq.ft in a similar CBD area w/ $0.21-.26 maint. fee. How would that compare to Houston? I'm hoping to get something cheaper than that, ideally close to $150/sq.ft for a larger place. 3. I don't really need much luxury, fancy trim, fittings, gym, pool, etc, preferring larger floor plans, ceilings and lower maint. fees. Rough and sparce is ok. 4. I'd also be willing to move out a bit to an up and coming fringe area (if any exist) and take a shot at dealing with greater riff-raff if the price is better (I parked outside the Flying Saucer on Main one night and it was a bit rough, I'm ok with that). 5. Any new units going up in the next 6 months that I can still get in on? Much appreciated.
