Hello BBBB Friends:
With an increase in new listings and an off week for new sales contracts, months of inventory on hand hit 2.9 months for the first time since February of 2021. (Months of inventory (MOI) refers to the number of months it would take to sell all the homes currently on the market, assuming no new homes were listed for sale.) We still have a long way to go to reach a balanced market which is considered five months of inventory.
This week I am featuring six new listings. I also have several price reductions, new contracts, and final sales for homes that are Still on My List, so be sure to keep scrolling down!
INTEREST RATES AND LENDING NEWS
- 10th time lucky? The FED raised its rate again Wednesday, the 10th time in about a year, and signaled a pause. Meanwhile, the 10-year Treasury rate, which is the rate tied to fixed-rate mortgages, dropped to 3.43%. According to Freddie Mac, the average long-term mortgage rate in the US dipped slightly this week to 6.39%.
- If you’ve applied for a mortgage loan lately and wondered why you’re your phone and email are blowing up with spam, it may be the result of “Trigger Leads.” Credit bureaus like Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion sell the contact information of anyone who applies for credit unless they actively “opt out.” These lists of potential borrowers are known as “Trigger Leads,” and while many people are unaware of their existence, they can be bought by telemarketers and junk mail distributors. Fortunately, a new bill being considered in Congress would eliminate Trigger Leads altogether. The new legislation will change the law so that you can only be contacted if you “opt in”! Find out more HERE.
YOUR FEEDBACK NEEDED
I have been sharing my love for bungalows and Heights homes on my blog, Becky’s Best Bungalow Bets, for seven years this month. However, I am considering a name change due to social media naming constraints and would love to hear your thoughts. I have narrowed down my options to “Beckys-Best-Heights-Homes” or “Beckys-Hot-Heights-Homes.” I value your opinion and would appreciate it if you could take a moment to share your preference via a return email. Your feedback will help me choose a name that accurately reflects my content and resonates with my readers. Thank you in advance for your input, and I look forward to hearing from you soon!
Have a great week, and,
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).
The Week’s Featured Properties
607 W 20th St: $575,000
- Houston Heights
- Queen Anne inspired, c. 2004 by Perry Homes
- 3/2/1, 1843 sq ft on a 3275 sq ft lot
- New wide-plank engineered flooring downstairs
- Updated kitchen with built-in breakfast room seating and breakfast bar
- Primary suite with tray ceiling, walk-in closet, renovated bath
- Covered back porch and green space between house and garage
- Alley access to 2-car detached garage
- Additional driveway parking
- Curbed street
- Zoned to Helms Elementary
This is a great option for people who value the convenience of a walkable location with plenty of dining and shopping options. (Note: there is no street parking on 20th Street.)
******
1034 Peddie: $639,000
- Norhill Historic District
- Arts & Crafts Bungalow, c. 1930
- 2/1, 1460 sq ft on a 5000 sq ft lot
- Charming kitchen with original tile-work
- Beautiful original built-in cabinetry in the dining area
- Original fireplace
- Sunroom
- Primary bedroom with two closets
- Zeriscaped front and back yards
- Gated driveway access to 1-car garage with flex room
- Curbed street
- Zoned to Field Elementary
This is my cutie-patootie pick of the week. In 2021, this charming bungalow underwent renovation and restoration that preserved its early 19th-century roots while updating the plumbing, electric, HVAC, and other essential features. The backyard is a stunning retreat with a low-maintenance landscape design that showcases native plants.
******
618 E 8th St: $799,000
- Houston Heights
- Victorian inspired, c. 1989
- 3/2, 1900 sq ft on a 6595 sq ft lot
- Kitchen and bath updates
- Breakfast area with built-in desk and cabinets
- Two secondary bedrooms down, primary suite up
- Primary suite with vaulted ceiling, wood accent wall
- Bonus room in the primary suite: perfect for a nursery or workout room
- Open office space on the second floor
- Covered back porch, backyard with green space, and a mature shade tree
- Gated access to 2-car detached garage
- Zoned to Harvard Elementary
This property offers a convenient location, just a short walk away from a variety of restaurants on Studewood and White Oak, as well as Harvard Elementary, Donovan Park, and Heights Mercantile.
******
121 Payne: $980,000
- Germantown Historic District
- Craftsman and Folk National, c. 1900
- 4/3/1, 2464 sq ft on a 5250 sq ft lot
- Renovated in 2013 by Fisher Homes
- Landscaped front yard
- Open kitchen/dining/living area
- Two secondary bedrooms downstairs
- Primary suite with tray ceiling plus additional secondary bedroom up
- Gameroom with retractable glass doors opening to the backyard
- Landscaped backyard with green space and heated POOL
- Gated driveway parking
- Zoned to Travis Elementary
The highlight of this home is its seamless indoor-outdoor living design, achieved through retractable glass doors that connect the game room and the backyard pool area.
******
943 Columbia: $1,195,000
- Heights South Historic District
- Bungalow, c. 1910
- 4/3, 2760 sq ft on a 6600 sq ft lot
- Kitchen and bath updates
- Primary suite plus two secondary bedrooms downstairs
- Upstairs open living area/game room with decorative wood vaulted ceiling
- Additional secondary bedroom up
- Back deck, backyard with green space, patio, and POOL
- Alley access to 2-car oversized garage w/workshop
- Offstreet front parking
- Zoned to Harvard Elementary
Although situated within the Heights South Historic District, this 1910 home has been extensively renovated, resulting in alterations to the front facade that make it non-conforming with historic guidelines. Originally a pediment-style bungalow, the house underwent a major renovation that included the addition of a second story and a full-width front porch.
******
925 Tulane #B: $1,215,000
- Houston Heights
- Greek Revival, c. 2018 by Ansari Homes
- 4/4/1, 3731 sq ft on a 3300 sq ft lot
- Designed by Creole Design
- Double gallery front porches
- Chef’s kitchen with 8′ island and Thermador appliances
- All bedrooms with ensuite baths
- Nicely designed primary closet with built-ins
- Fourth bedroom/game room with full bath on 3rd floor
- Turfed green space between house and garage
- Alley access to 2-car detached garage with a covered walkway
- Zoned to Love Elementary
Although the yard space is limited, this home boasts an excellent location just two blocks from the Hike and Bike Trail and within easy walking distance of Heights Mercantile and M-K-T.
******
This Week’s Price Reductions & Status Updates
PRICE REDUCED
508 Cordell: $895,000 was $925,000
- Brooke Smith
- Modern farmhouse, c. 2017 by Project Bungalow
- 3/2/1, 2758 sq ft on 5000 sq ft lot
- Wrap-around front porch
- Millwork, including built-ins, wainscoting, and crown moldings
- Dining room with coffered ceilings and floor-to-ceiling built-ins
- Open sitting area/game space up
- Primary suite with vaulted ceiling and glass-enclosed wet zone/spa bath
- Covered side porch and small green space
- Driveway access to 2-car attached garage
- Additional driveway parking
- Zoned to Browning Elementary
You can still find new and recent construction on full-size lots in Brooke Smith for under $1 million.
*****
PRICE REDUCED
517 E 11th St: $899,000 was $925,000
- Houston Heights
- Brownstone, c. 2001
- 3/2/1, 3036 sq ft on a 2800 sq ft lot
- Pine flooring
- Island kitchen with stained wood cabinets
- Primary suite and flex room on 3rd floor
- 2 secondary bedrooms on 1st floor
- Fenced low-maintenance turfed front yard provides green space
- Rooftop deck
- Alley access to 2-car attached garage
- Zoned to Harvard Elementary
Situated opposite Buchanan’s Nursery and just a short walk from some of the most popular spots in Heights, including Field and Tide and Dish Society.
******
BACK ON MARKET
1016 Rutland: $1,499,000
- 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.
*****
OPTION PENDING
733 Tulane: $950,000
- Tulane Trails (Houston Heights)
- Greek Revival, c. 2018 by Sullivan Builders
- 3/2/1, 2357 sq ft on a 3300 sq ft lot
- Original List Price: $950,000
- Days on Market: 2
******
OPTION PENDING
1108 Arlington: $950,000
- Heights East Historic District
- Bungalow, c. 1920
- 3/2/1, 2316 sq ft on 6600 sq ft lot
- Original List Price: $970,000
- Days on Market: 90
******
OPTION PENDING
622 E 16th St: $1,175,000
- Pinelawn (Houston Heights)
- Brick cottage, c. 1925
- 3/3, 2367 sq ft on a 5700 sq ft lot
- Original List Price: $1,175,000
- Days on Market: 13
******
Going, Going, Gone!
SOLD
216 Byrne: $999,000
- Woodland Heights Annex
- American Foursquare, c. 2006 by Choice
- 3/3, 2500 sq ft on 5500 sq ft lot
- Price at Time of Contract: $999,000
- List to Sell Ratio: 107%
- Original List Price: $999,000
- Days on Market: 6
- Title Paid By: Seller
- Seller Contribution to Buyer Closing Costs: $5,000
*****
SOLD
1443 Oxford: $1,195,000
- Heights East Historic District
- Queen Anne, c. 1996
- 3/2/1, 2760 sq ft on 6600 sq ft lot
- Price at Time of Contract: $1,195,000
- List to Sell Ratio: 93%
- Original List Price: $1,195,000
- Days on Market: 23
- Title Paid By: Seller
*****
But wait, there’s more…
This is just the latest and greatest; however, there are still lots more on my list that you can check out here:
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