newhouseguy

The most important thing for me would be the right combination of location (<30 minutes to Beltway and 59, <30 minutes to Rice/Memorial Park) and a decent investment that I could possibly make a little money on if I wanted to turn around and sell it in 5-6 years.

Thanks for the info. I am taking into account the taxes. For instance, there's 2-bedroom high-rise that is listed at $149,000. I'm ready to put $32000 down. With this type of place, I'd like to get the 3.75% year loan that balloons at 7-years b/c I don't think that I would stay in it longer than that. With the $4000 in taxes, that would make my payments in the neighborhood of $1500. Excluding high-rises, any other ideas for me?

I am looking for my first house/townhome/high-rise condo. I'd like to keep my monthly payments under $1500, and I'd like to live somewhere south of I-10 and east of Dairy Ashford. Other than that, I am open for ideas. y'all seem like some of the most knowledgeable people around so I wanted to hear from you. I'm single right now but will be married within a year with kids hopefully coming at least a few years away. I wouldn't mind moving somewhere for 5 or 6 years as just an investment. On the other hand, if I found the right place at the right price, I'd buy a 3+ bedroom house. Any thoughts? The options are making my head swirl. As I see it, high-rise condos have had the least appreciation lately and have the largest monthly maintenance fees ($500- 800 for inside the loop). Homes in the right neighborhood probably have the greatest appreciation but cost the most to maintain. Any advice would help - I'm going in circles.