posted 09-13-2004 01:41 PM                  

I just recently accepted a position at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX. This is a big jump for me from the semiconductor industry. Well, I start on the 11th of Oct, and our lease here in Austin is up on Nov 5th. My wife, son, dog and two cats are looking for a home(our FIRST!.. now you can see where the Prowler Money has gone, first a kid, now a house.. it will never end!!! ...lol).

The problem we have is twofold:

1. I will be working in the Medical Center Area, her Job will be in the I-10 HW6 area.
   
2. Where do we live that we can afford for under around $155k?
   

We have thought of the Colonies, Copperfield, or in the Hearthstone Country Club area. Also have thought of Pearland, because of the easy access to Beltway8 and the toll road for Becky. How would the drive time for either of these options work out?

We are trying to aim for last 10 year construction, or a really well kept late 80's house. 3-4 bedrooms and a nice backyard. Does anyone have Any Input that can help us out?!?!?

Oh yeah, USAA has hooked us up with a realtor we really don't mesh with, so if anyone out there knows of one who can help us, we would appreciate it. We are calling today to try and get our realtor changed.

posted 09-13-2004 03:48 PM                  

The drive up 288 to the medical center is not too bad. The distance is not far but there can be a lot of traffic. It probably takes me about 20-25 minutes to get to that point.

The drive around Beltway 8 to I-10 and then west is quite a bit farther but has far less traffic. There are a couple of bottleneck spots (around the Hwy 59 interchange), but nothing too drastic. I-10 has some of the worse traffic anywhere and they are currently widening it do something crazy like 8 lanes on each side. But one of you are going to deal with that traffic no matter where you live. At least going west in the morning and east in the evening gets you going against the majority of the traffic.

As far as agents go I can't really be of much help. I would just call around and ask a couple to send you some literature and show you around.

You can PM me if you have any specific questions.

-Pete

posted 09-13-2004 05:04 PM                    

Copperfield - I've owned homes there. Good master planned community. Newer sections are less then 10 years old. Older ones are approaching 25 years. There are a number of other ones there like Riata Ranch all off Barker-Cypress.

I'd avoid anything close to I-10 as the commute time will be rediculous getting anywhere. 290 isn't too bad but, even the beltways get congested at certain times of the day.

You could probably get an older home in the Larchmont area that would be just outside the 610 loop and about equidistance for both of you but, you wanted fairly new construction.

posted 09-13-2004 05:06 PM                    

quote:

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Originally posted by idive:
Agents work for the seller. Brokers work for the buyer.

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Agents work for the broker. Broker runs (or owns/partners the business).

There are buyer's agents and seller's agents (basically the same person) but, they make you sign a document now stating that they are working for you as which one.

posted 09-14-2004 08:01 AM                  

As it happens the home right next store to us is up for sale, I believe it is a 3 bedroom. His wife passed away several years ago and he has remarried and now they are having a new home built and are stuck selling both of their prior homes. I know it is in the price range you mentioned. If interested drop me a note and I'll get you my cell # and or information..

posted 09-14-2004 10:56 AM                  

Here's a thought you might consider.....my wife owns a townhouse near 1960/249 and the beltway. Its 3+ years old and is on the market for $137,500.00 but would possibly lease it out til you found something. Other than that, my friend at Gary Green.....ED GAMBLE 281-890-4024