Houston Area Blog Posts

Local Mont Belvieu News and Reports

As your local real estate market experts, agents at Blackshear Realty will constantly update and report on new events in the community of Barbers Hill. Watch our blog for market insights that are important to buyers and sellers in the Mont Belvieu Area. We'll keep you up to date with what's going on in Mont Belvieu, Tx. as well as the surrounding areas that are in the local markets that we serve. You can count on your Blackshear Realty Agents to be knowledgeable about new planning decisions and upcoming real estate developments in the city of Mont Belvieu, news and events going on at Barbers Hill with the students and teachers, as well as community groups and fundraisers to support our community and wonderful residents. If you have an important announcement and would like to be included in our blog, contact the Broker, Tye Blackshear directly. Thank you for supporting the Barbers Hill Eagles, the Mont Belvieu community, and your local real estate company. For more information about the real estate market in a specific subdivision, a local upcoming event, or the Barbers Hill School District, leave a comment for us below or sign up and let us know what you'd like information about. We look forward to hearing from you!

The Woodlands News and Market Reports

In our North Houston market area including Spring, The Woodlands, and Conroe in Northern Harris County and Montgomery County, Blackshear Realty will be bringing you monthly reports on the status of the real estate housing market and the newest information you'll need when making the decision to buy or sell a home in The Woodlands Tx. and surrounding areas. Bookmark us in your browser to check back in for community events, real estate home tours, and a whole lot more. As we expand our market area to the Spring and Conroe areas, we are looking forward to blogging about exciting developments in the real estate market in this part of Houston. If you are considering buying or selling in North Houston area, contact the Broker to set up an appointment with our Woodlands residential specialist Cody Warrick. Cody will update this blog with new content monthly to give you an opportunity to see what's happening in The Woodlands Tx. market in Spring. If there is a certain question you would like answered about the real estate housing market condition where you are located, just submit a comment when you sign up for an account, or leave a comment on one of our blog posts below.

Thank you for viewing the Houston Area Blog at Blackshear Realty!

May 17, 2024

Pros and Cons of Living in Mont Belvieu

Exploring the Pros and Cons of Living in Mont Belvieu

Are you contemplating a move to Mont Belvieu? Nestled in the heart of Texas, this charming community boasts a plethora of enticing features that may make it the perfect place to call home. From exceptional schools to a tight-knit community spirit, Mont Belvieu offers a unique blend of advantages and disadvantages worth considering. Let's delve into the pros and cons of living in this vibrant town.

Pros:

1. Outstanding Schools and Family Activities

One of the standout features of Mont Belvieu is its exceptional school system. Families are drawn to the area for its top-notch education opportunities, which have been a cornerstone of the community for decades. From early childhood programs to high school, Mont Belvieu schools consistently provide students with a quality education. Additionally, the town offers a variety of sports and extracurricular activities for children of all ages, fostering a strong sense of community among families.

2. Close-Knit Community and Year-Round Events

The heartwarming camaraderie among Mont Belvieu residents is undeniable. From neighborhood gatherings to city-wide events, there's always something happening in this bustling town. Whether it's a holiday celebration or a community fundraiser, Mont Belvieu residents come together to support one another and create lasting memories.

3. Favorable Tax Rates and Home Appreciation

Financial stability is a significant draw for Mont Belvieu residents. With relatively low tax rates and steady home equity growth, homeowners in the area enjoy a sense of security and long-term investment potential. This, coupled with the town's strong economy and job opportunities, makes Mont Belvieu an attractive destination for families and individuals alike.

4. Proximity to High-Paying Jobs and Healthcare Facilities

Mont Belvieu's strategic location offers residents easy access to lucrative job opportunities in the oil and gas industry, as well as top-tier healthcare facilities in nearby Houston. This combination of career prospects and healthcare accessibility adds to the town's appeal and enhances overall quality of life.

5. Safety and Family-Friendly Entertainment

Safety is paramount in Mont Belvieu, where residents enjoy a peaceful and secure environment. From well-maintained parks to a variety of recreational activities like fishing and boating, there's no shortage of family-friendly entertainment options in this thriving community. Restaurants, shopping centers, and cultural attractions further contribute to the town's vibrant atmosphere.

Cons:

1. Risk of Hurricanes

Like many areas in Texas, Mont Belvieu is not immune to the risk of hurricanes and extreme weather conditions. While the town is equipped with emergency preparedness measures, prospective residents should be aware of the potential challenges posed by severe weather events.

2. Proximity to Refineries: A Source of Economic Stability

The presence of oil and gas refineries near Mont Belvieu can be viewed as a source of economic stability for the community. These refineries provide employment opportunities for local residents and contribute to the town's overall economic vitality. Additionally, the presence of such industries may attract related businesses and services, further bolstering the local economy. While environmental concerns are valid, strict regulations and industry standards help mitigate any potential risks, ensuring the well-being of residents.

3. Higher Cost of Living: Reflecting Quality of Life

While it's true that the cost of living in Mont Belvieu, including median home prices and insurance expenses, may be higher compared to neighboring areas, it's essential to consider the value proposition. The higher cost of living often reflects the town's desirable amenities, such as excellent schools, recreational facilities, and community services. Moreover, investing in a home in Mont Belvieu can be seen as a long-term investment in both financial and lifestyle terms, as property values tend to appreciate over time. Additionally, residents benefit from a higher quality of life, including access to well-maintained infrastructure, cultural events, and recreational opportunities.

In summary, while the proximity to refineries and the higher cost of living may initially raise concerns, these aspects can be reframed as positive attributes that contribute to the overall vibrancy and economic resilience of Mont Belvieu. By embracing the opportunities presented by its industrial landscape and investing in its thriving community, Mont Belvieu continues to attract residents who value both economic stability and a high quality of life.

Despite these drawbacks, the numerous advantages of living in Mont Belvieu far outweigh any concerns. With its exceptional schools, tight-knit community, and favorable economic outlook, Mont Belvieu offers a welcoming and enriching environment for individuals and families alike. If you're considering making Mont Belvieu your new home, reach out to Blackshear Realty today and let us help you find the perfect property in this vibrant Texas town. Call or Text Tye Blackshear, Broker/Owner at 713-870-5671

 

May 6, 2024

Your Trusted Mont Belvieu Real Estate Team

Get to Know Us Better: Your Trusted Mont Belvieu Real Estate Team

1 Story Mont Belvieu Home

Hello friends, clients, and neighbors,

We're thrilled to connect with you through this blog post and share a bit more about who we are and how we can assist you with your real estate needs.

If you're curious to learn more about us, we invite you to explore the following platforms:

1. Website: www.BlackshearRealty.com

2. 5 Star Google Reviews: Check out our stellar reviews at Blackshear Realty on Google.

3. YouTube Channel: Find samples of our work and valuable insights on our channel @homesforsaleinMontBelvieu

4. Facebook Pages: Connect with us on Facebook through our pages:

Mont Belvieu Homes for Sale – Gaynell Blackshear

Blackshear Realty - facebook.com/BlackshearRealty

At Blackshear Realty, we're more than just a real estate agency - we're a family-owned business deeply rooted in the Mont Belvieu community. My son, Tye Blackshear, serves as our Broker/Owner, while my daughter, Summer Land, and I, Gaynell Blackshear, work tirelessly as a real estate team serving Houston and the surrounding areas.

With 25 years of experience under our belt, we have proudly listed and sold properties for countless clients, always ensuring they are taken care of every step of the way on their real estate journey. Our mission is simple: to Help, Inspire, and Serve.

No matter the time or day, you can count on us to be there for you. Feel free to reach out to us anytime, and we'll be sure to answer the phone promptly.

Thank you for considering us for your real estate needs. We look forward to the opportunity to assist you and to be a trusted partner in your real estate endeavors.

Best wishes,

Gaynell Blackshear, Realtor – Direct cell: 832-265-7836

Tye Blackshear, Broker – Direct cell: 713-870-5671

April 22, 2024

A Guide to Mont Belvieu

Ready to Move to Texas? A Guide to Mont Belvieu

Beautiful 2 Story New Construction Home in Mont Belvieu

If you're considering a move to Texas, especially in the next 1 to 100 days, you're in luck! Mont Belvieu, nestled conveniently between Beaumont and Houston, offers a charming location with easy access to both cities. And if you're ready to make the move, Blackshear Realty is here to assist you every step of the way.

Why Mont Belvieu?

Located just 10 minutes from Baytown, Texas, in Chambers County, Mont Belvieu provides an ideal setting for families and professionals alike. Its proximity to major oil and gas industry plants such as Exxon, Enterprise, and Chevron/Phillips makes it particularly appealing for those working in the energy sector. Additionally, its central location between Beaumont and Houston offers a manageable commute for couples with different workplace locations.

Education and Amenities

Mont Belvieu boasts excellent schools conveniently located along Eagle Drive, the town's main thoroughfare. From kindergarten to high school, education is easily accessible for residents. Beyond education, Mont Belvieu offers a range of amenities, including medical facilities like the Texas Medical Center, Baylor College of Medicine, and the UT Health Science Center, all within a 45-minute drive.

Community Living

Living in Mont Belvieu means being part of a vibrant community with ample recreational opportunities. The city provides access to amenities such as the Eagle Point Golf and Recreation Center, workout gyms, wave pools, parks, and a senior center. Residents can also enjoy events like movie nights, holiday festivities, and live music, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere for families.

Real Estate Opportunities

Blackshear Realty specializes in showcasing the best of Mont Belvieu's real estate market. While the featured home in this blog may not be currently available, it serves as an example of the quality and value you can expect in the area. With a market price range in the low $500s, Mont Belvieu offers a range of housing options to suit various needs and preferences.

Navigating the Market

Navigating the real estate market can be daunting, but with Blackshear Realty's experienced team, including Tye, Summer, and Gaynell, you're in good hands. Whether you're buying or selling, they offer free consultations to help you make informed decisions. With over 15 years of experience in Mont Belvieu, Blackshear Realty is a trusted partner in your real estate journey.

Get in Touch

Ready to explore the possibilities in Mont Belvieu? Contact Blackshear Realty today to schedule a property tour or discuss your real estate needs. Whether you prefer to call, text, or email, Tye, Summer, and Gaynell are ready to assist you. Experience the personalized service of a family-based business committed to helping you find your dream home in Mont Belvieu, Texas.

Conclusion

Mont Belvieu offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and modern amenities, making it an ideal place to call home in Texas. With its convenient location, excellent schools, and thriving community, it's no wonder why so many are choosing to make Mont Belvieu their new home. Start your journey today with Blackshear Realty, your trusted partner in Mont Belvieu real estate.

Our contact information is www.BlackshearRealty.com and you can reach anyone of our team, Tye, Gaynell or Summer at 713-870-5671. Call or Text and we answer the phone.

1 Story Home in Mont Belvieu Tx

May 22, 2018

Key Differences Between a Buyer's and Seller's Market

sellers market, buying a home, selling a home, woodlands, texas

Whether you’re selling or buying a home, knowing your market can help you make informed decisions. There are many influencing factors in the housing market, such as interest rates, inflation, employment, new construction, immigration, and the health of local and national economies.

Buying & Selling in Different Markets

If you’re not sure what kind of market you’re in, the easiest way to tell is to check local inventory. Look at how many homes sold in a given month(s), then divide that number by the total number of homes still for sale at the end of the month(s). If that rate is higher than 20%, you’re in a seller’s market. A rate below 15% signals a buyer’s market. If you don’t have time to crunch numbers, a quick call to your realtor can determine the market with no math required!

Buyer’s Market

  • Ideal market for buyers.
  • Occurs when the available homes for sale exceed the number of buyers seeking to purchase them.
  • Commonly occurs in areas of struggling economy or stagnate job growth when there are many people moving away.
  • Can also occur during the high-selling season when there are more houses on the market (summer months).

Seller’s Market

  • Ideal market for sellers.
  • Occurs when there are more buyers seeking to purchase homes than there are available homes on the market.
  • May lead to multiple buyers interested in a single home, resulting in competing bids.
  • Most commonly occurs in areas experiencing rapid job growth and economic stability, making it a desirable place to live.
  • May also occur in the slow-selling season when there are fewer houses on the market (winter months).

Balanced Market

  • Interest rates are good and the number of buyers and sellers in the marketplace are fairly equalized.

An Expert Behind You

No one knows the market better than your local real estate agent. They’ll be able to come up with a strategy to get you the best deal, whether it’s a buyer’s or seller’s market. If you’re selling a home, your agent will know the right asking price, and if you’re buying, they’ll know what kind of offer you’ll need to stay competitive.

Contact An Agent to learn more getting the house you want, no matter the market.

May 15, 2018

The Importance of a Home Buying Checklist

home buying checklist, buying a home, texas

Buying a home is complicated, and can quickly become overwhelming if you aren’t organized.  It’s important to stay one step ahead of the process since mistakes have the potential to be extremely costly.

Your Home Buying Checklist

A home buying checklist is a smart way to find the right house without losing your mind in the process! It acts as the first step in the process of elimination, saving you time, money and heartache as you search for the perfect home.  Here are the 3 easy steps to narrow your search:

Determine Needs

There will probably be certain traits that you absolutely must have in a new home. These are the aspects of the home that can’t be changed, such as location, school district or proximity to work. These are your needs. Once you’ve made a list of your needs, your agent should find homes to show you within those specific parameters. Viewing homes that don’t meet your needs is a waste of time for both of you and may result in an emotional attachment to a home that won’t work for your family in practical terms.

Establish Wants

Once you’ve determined your non-flexible needs, you can start to list those things that are important to you, but not absolutely necessary. These are most commonly the traits of a home that can be changed. For example, if you want a home with marble countertops but find a house you love with quartz countertops, that’s something that can be changed fairly easily.

Limit Compromises

Once you’ve developed a list of needs and wants, set limits on how much you’re willing to compromise. If you only have a $30,000 budget for renovations, then a house that realistically needs $60,000 of work should not make the cut. Prioritize those things that are most important to you, so that when the time comes to put in an offer or keep looking, you can do so with confidence that you’re making a sound decision.

Making The Smart Choice

Buying a home is such an exciting time, and knowing that you’ve made the right choice makes the experience even sweeter. It’s important to enter into the process with equal parts practicality and heart. This checklist is a great place to start.

Contact An Agent to learn more about finding your dream home!

May 8, 2018

What To Do This Weekend Around Spring

What To Do This Weekend Around Spring, Blackshear Realty, Spring, Texas

What are you doing this weekend? If you’re like most people, you work so hard through the week that you barely have time to think about the weekend until it’s here! Let us take the guesswork out of making a plan with some fun entertainment ideas:

Indoor Skydiving at iFly

If you’ve always wanted to try skydiving but never knew where to start, iFly is the place for you. The vertical wind tunnel simulates true freefall, but there is no jumping, parachute or plane. Experience the feeling of weightlessness while you float on a cushion of air. It’s just like flying!

Top Golf

Top Golf is a sports entertainment complex that features a high-tech driving range game that everyone can enjoy. Enjoy climate-controlled bays and music while you peruse the extensive menu of food and drinks. Come as a couple or meet a large group of friends, there’s plenty of room for everyone!

Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion 

On Friday, May 4, watch the Houston Ballet perform as part of the 2018 Performing Arts Season. Orchestra seating is just $20 or you can opt for free mezzanine and lawn seating. Bring a blanket and a picnic dinner and make a memorable night out of it. 

Line Dancing

Nothing screams “Texas” quite like line dancing. There are many establishments to practice your two step with a cold beer in hand and live music accompanying you, but perhaps the most well-known is Big Texas Dance Hall and Saloon. Come for the free beginners lesson on Wednesday night, then return on the weekend to show off your moves! 

Old Town Spring

Once a thriving hub between 2 railroads, Old Town Spring (then just “Spring”) was home to a lumber mill, hotel, bank, opera house and saloon. When the railroad moved in 1928, with prohibition close at its heels, many businesses were forced to close. The oil boom of the 1960s saw many merchants return, and today the heart of Old Town Spring is vibrant once again. Home to many eclectic shops, bars, restaurants and historic sites, it’s a great place to explore on the weekend.  

Something For Everyone

Spring is a wonderful place to live, and there is truly something for everyone here. If you’ve been thinking about buying a house in Spring, come spend a weekend here and we know you’ll be convinced to stay!

Contact An Agent for more information about finding the perfect house in Spring, Texas.

Posted in Spring TX Homes
May 1, 2018

The Best Reasons to Buy a Home in The Woodlands, Texas

Buy a Home in The Woodlands, Texas, Houses For Sale, Blackshear Realty

With booming job growth, a healthy housing market and just about every amenity you could ask for, The Woodlands has become one of the most desirable cities to live in. Not only in the state, but the country. It has something for everyone, from upscale dining and shopping to local barbecue joints and water parks. Here are just a few reasons to look for a home in The Woodlands:

Highly Rated

The Woodlands consistently ranks in the Top Ten Best Cities to Live in America based on diversity, safety, public schools, cost of living and overall quality of life. It’s a family friendly, convenient community nestled within lush forests and tranquil waterways. 

Convenience

With easy access to I-45, many residents make the short commute to Houston daily in about 30-45 minutes.  The Woodlands also boasts a free Trolley service that shuttles passengers throughout the Waterway and entertainment district. 

Entertainment 

There is no shortage of things to do in The Woodlands, and plenty of entertainment for people of all ages. The Cynthia Woods Pavilion hosts concerts on a regular basis, and features a Performing Arts Season with the Houston Ballet, Grand Opera and Symphony.  There are more than 200 miles of bike and hiking trails, and more than 125 parks. Take a stroll along the Waterway and grab a glass of wine at one of the fabulous restaurants surrounding Lake Woodlands.

Safety

Crime rates in The Woodlands are significantly lower than Houston, and state averages in general. There is a reassuring police presence in the area, including friendly constables and a mounted patrol service. If you’re out of town for vacation, you can request that local law enforcement drive by your home periodically to ensure that it’s secure. 

A Wonderful Place to Call Home

The Woodlands is truly a wonderful place to call home.  Buying a home here is a smart move in a healthy housing market that shows no sign of slowing down. Whether you’re looking for your first home or want to buy a waterfront retirement estate, The Woodlands boasts a wide range of options.

Contact An Agent for more information about real estate in The Woodlands, or search our many houses for sale in the area.

Posted in The Woodlands
May 11, 2017

The 5 Most Important Things First Time Home Buyers Will Hear. PERIOD.

So you’re considering buying your first home in League City?  That’s great news!   Now stop what you are doing immediately…

Most first time buyers blindly stumble into home ownership and walk away from the experience having a bad taste in their mouth. This leaves Realtors scratching their head because they know it doesn’t have to be this way. Really. 

If you want to have a stress inducing experience that may or may not end with you owning a home, stop reading. If you want to guarantee a successful path to home ownership and have an experience you can brag about to your friends and family, follow the 5 Most Important Things Home Buyers in League City Will Hear. PERIOD.

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Posted in league-city-tx
April 12, 2017

Finding a REALTOR® in Spring Texas

If you’ve found this blog, chances are you’re currently home shopping, and plan on making a purchase in the next few months, weeks, or even days! Often, I have many new buyers signing up on my site to browse the most current listings and who are thinking of buying a home in Spring in the next year or sooner. As such, I figured I’d write a blog about what you can expect when using www.BlackshearRealty.com to find your next home and what happens when you create your own account with us. I’ll give you a hint – we are all about helping you find a great REALTOR® and an amazing home!

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Posted in Spring TX Homes
March 2, 2017

A Foodie’s Playground; Top 3 Eateries in and Near League City

Ranked as one of the fastest growing cities by WalletHub in 2016, League City, Texas is absolutely teeming with gourmet eateries. As a resident and Realtor in the League City area, I never run out of delicious options to wine and dine my clients and associates. These are Blackshear Realty’s Top 3 Eateries in and near League City and their best menu items.

League City TX Realtor Site

 

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Posted in league-city-tx