Hello BBBB Friends:

As anticipated for Spring Break week, there was a noticeable decrease in listing and sales activity. While off the previous week’s highs, it was still a busy week with 17 new listings and 16 new sales contracts. I selected five charming bungalows to share today. I also have new contracts and final sales to report from those homes that are Still on My List. To see the changes, keep scrolling down.

THE CONUNDRUM OF PRICE PER SQUARE FOOT

Realtors dread the moment when a client starts comparing houses using price per square foot.

Price per square foot (PPSF) can be a useful tool for measuring the relative value of properties, but its effectiveness depends on the consistency of the properties being compared. Today’s lineup of featured homes are all classified as bungalows, but their differences beyond this classification are reflected in the range of PPSF from $390 to $494. (I’ve added the PPSF for the homes below for illustration purposes only.) This wide range indicates that the properties are not consistent and that other factors are influencing their value beyond just their square footage.

Here are five reasons why this may be:

1. Lot size: PPSF only considers the home’s square footage, not the lot’s size.
2. Location: Homes in desirable neighborhoods will typically have a higher PPSF.
3. Home size: Larger homes tend to have a lower PPSF, even if they are more expensive overall.
4. Home features: PPSF doesn’t consider the quality of finishes, layout, number of bedrooms or baths, or other important features that can significantly impact the value of a home.
5. Age of the home and condition: Older homes may have a lower PPSF than newer homes, even if they require more maintenance or need to be updated.

Focusing solely on price per square foot can cause clients to overlook important details and potentially miss out on their dream home. When clients fixate on this metric, realtors can feel frustrated and even a little bit crazy as they work to help their clients understand the bigger picture of what makes a home valuable.

JOIN US NEXT WEEKEND-SKYFARM HOUSTON

Save the date! Our Spring event is just around the corner, and we don’t want you to miss out on the fun. Join us on Saturday, March 25 from 10 AM to 1 PM at the stunning Skyfarm located at POST Houston, 401 Franklin St, Houston 77201.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Explore the largest rooftop farm in Texas and learn about sustainable farming practices.
• Roll up your sleeves and contribute to the community garden. Or, if you prefer, simply enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
• Get gardening tips from an expert and discover how to make the most of your own green space.
• Take photos with the iconic Houston skyline as your backdrop, a perfect opportunity for an Instagram-worthy shot.
• Enjoy refreshments and snacks as you soak up the atmosphere.
• Make your way to the POST and indulge in a delectable dining experience.

Don’t miss out on this exciting event! We look forward to seeing you there.

Let’s look at houses or talk about selling yours!

Becky Davis

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Information About Brokerage Services
TREC Consumer Protection Notice

Becky Davis
Compass Realty
832-628-8221

Thinking of selling? We can front the cost for painting, landscaping, upgrades, and more. No fees or interest, EVER! Click here for more information. 

*Note: For purposes of BBBB, the “Heights” is defined as the area between I-10 and Loop 610 N and between Shepherd and I-45). 

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The Week’s Featured Properties

1122 W Gardner: $735,000

• PPSF: $493.62
• Norhill Historic District
• Gable front bungalow, c. 1926
• 3/2, 1489 sq ft on 5000 sq ft lot
• Kitchen & bath updates
• Plantation shutters
• Small backyard
• Porte-cochere
• Gated driveway access to a detached 2-car garage
• Curbed street
• Zoned to Browning Elementary

The porte-cochere provides a covered outdoor living space and sheltered parking with access to the house.

*****

931 Louise: $849,900

• PPSF: $423.26
• Pineridge (south of East Sunset Heights)
• Craftsman bungalow, c. 1930
• 3/2/1, 2008 sq ft on 7500 sq ft lot
• Updated kitchen and baths
• Home office (could be a 4th bedroom)
• Back deck and large backyard
• Gated driveway access to 2-car detached garage
• Curbed street plus additional driveway parking
• Zoned to Field Elementary

Located on a charming block of the Pineridge subdivision south of Sunset Heights featuring a combination of new construction and original early-1900 homes. The large lot provides options for future development, including new construction and property expansion.

*****

832 Allston: $899,000

• PPSF: $410.69
• Houston Heights
• Queen Anne bungalow, c. 1920
• 3/2/1, 2189 sq ft on 6600 sq ft lot
• Kitchen & bath updates
• Sunroom
• Period features include exterior & interior transom windows, stained glass, and exposed chimney stack
• Commercial-grade kitchen appliances (Sub-zero, Viking & Bosch)
• 2 secondary bedrooms on 1st floor
• Primary suite with ensuite bath, cedar closet & balcony on 2nd floor
• Large landscaped backyard with pergola/brick patio
• Storage shed (matches the house)
• Driveway access to 2-car (tandom) attached/detached garage
• Front parking pad
• Zoned to Harvard Elementary

Heights Mercantile, Donovan Park, and the Hike and Bike Path are all within two blocks of the house. Take the Hike and Bike Route to the west and MKT and Lawrence park are just a few blocks away.

*****

501 E 12th St: $950,000

• PPSF: $448.96
• Heights East Historic District
• Queen Anne bungalow, c. 1920
• 3/2/1, 2116 sq ft on 5869 sq ft lot
• Updated kitchen and baths
• Primary suite and open game room/den on the second floor
• 2 secondary bedrooms downstairs
• Fenced, landscaped front and side yards with play set
• Additional green space (putting green) with pergola in the rear
• Gated driveway access to 2-car detached garage
• Curbed streets (corner lot)
• Zoned to Harvard Elementary

The garage is finished out and is currently used as an office and storage area.

*****

1016 Rutland: $1,550,000

• PPSF: $390.33
• Houston Heights
• Prairie/Craftsman bungalow, c. 2015 by The Contemporary Craftsman
• 5/4, 3971 sq ft on 4400 sq ft lot
• Period elements include: reclaimed floors and doors, hardware, shiplap in dining and kitchen, Craftsman style moldings and door trims
• Home office or 5th bedroom down
• Quarters/game room (484 sq ft, full bath, and kitchenette, no exterior access)
• Screened-in porch
• Sideyard with outdoor kitchen and turfed green space
• Alley access to 2-car attached garage
• Zoned to Harvard Elementary

This replica bungalow built in 2015 offers a historic feel with the conveniences of recent construction.

*****