Michael Magana

Thank you all VERY much for your replies! I will research these locations now.

Did you ever find you loft?

I've run across a couple of forclosures at the Franklin Lofts downtown that are in your price range.

Take a look at the Heights. There any many housing options, new, old, single family, townhomes etc. It is centrally located and in an area that will hold it's value. My best friend is from Nottingham and I moved him and his wife into a town home on 11th street. They love it. Garden Oaks is also a good option but not the better location of the two. I'd be happy to email you what is available in those locaitons.

I think that the spring will be the tell if we are headed for lower prices. Houston typically sees its most activity in the Spring with more closings happening in May and June than at any other time in the year. But, your right on that prices have not gone down. The total number of sales is down but still very strong. I've noticed a reduction in the total inventory which tells me that homes that are not selling are being taken off the market. We'll wait and see. Good Luck

I'm sorry that your home fell through in Spring. Your right about Spring Valley it has become the "Memorial to the North", prices there have gone up dramatically the last 5 years. Those of us in the business believe that Spring Valley has and will continue to be a popular option for buyers. I see continued gentrification of the area. It's convenience to town will keep land values high. There are also plenty of private schools in the area that continue to attract families. As you head north make sure to check out schools and know where school boundaries start and end. It is also a good idea to check out recent sales before making your purchase.

The area south of Town and Country inside the beltway is a little less expensive than Memorial and yes it is considered part of Memorial. As you get closer to the beltway, prices do go down. The lot sizes can also be smaller than a typical Memorial lot. The schools are the same, Spring Branch school district. They change to HISD when you get outside he beltway in Briargrove park. Check the maps. It is a good area. Check out this listing I ran across when looking at this area. Nice Mid century modern, perhaps a little too close to the beltway, but an interesting listing none the less. http://search.har.com/engine/dispSearch.cf...mp;backButton=Y

Michael