The Dog Days of Summer will soon be over, and this time of year, Houston really does become a destination spot for travelers.

 

From interesting tours and museums to great shows and sporting events, there’s so much to see and do here, even if you’re just looking to make the most of a long weekend trip!

 

Best of all, Houston is full of great hotels that are centrally located with access to plenty of venues you can reach on foot.  This city undeniably one of the most fun place to visit over the coming months!

 

Houston Strong!

 

Here Are 12 Exciting Things To Do During Your Stay In Houston:

1. Visit amazing museums for free

 

Believe it or not, there are quite a few museums in Houston that you can visit for free during your trip.  Whether you’re interested in art, history, science, nature, or something a bit more kid-friendly, you can plan a fun afternoon even without spending money on tickets!

2. See James Turrell’s Twilight Epiphany Skyspace

The Skyspace is actually a music venue, designed to provide an ideal acoustic setting for live performances.  During the day, though, the structure is open to the public, and free to access every day of the week except Tuesdays or during a private event.

 

Each day at sunrise and sunset, the LED light sequence called Twilight Epiphany is performed, with beautiful lights and colors projected onto the ceiling, momentarily transforming the structure into a truly remarkable sight!

 

3. Watch a show at Miller Outdoor Theatre

 

Every year, the Miller Outdoor Theatre offers dozens of shows and events for free from March through October.  Check out the full event calendar to see what’s happening during your stay in Houston!

4. Hike through Buffalo Bayou Park

If you’re looking for ways to connect with nature, make sure you visit Buffalo Bayou Park!  It’s open to the public from dawn until dusk and makes for the perfect picnic location!  You can also rent bicycles, kayaks, and canoes, or visit the skatepark with the kids!

 

5. Visit the Cloud Column (AKA the “refried bean”)

 

Did you know Anish Kapoor, the sculptor who designed Chicago’s famous Cloud Gate, also designed a sculpture for Houston?

 

Lovingly nicknamed the “refried bean,” in reference to Chicago’s sculpture, the Cloud Column is more than 2 stories tall and a great spot to take photos!

 

6. Bring your camera to these 8 famous landmarks

 

Beatles statues

 

Artist David Adickes famously created a number of incredible sculptures that can be found throughout Houston, including the beloved 36-feet-tall statues of the Beatles in their Sgt. Pepper Heart’s Club Band gear.  Check them out in the 8^th Wonder Brewery’s backyard!

 

Howard Hughes’ gravesite at Glenwood Cemetery

 

Glenwood Cemetery has become known as the final resting place for some of history’s most impressive figures, including Howard Hughes and lifelong friend, actress Gene Tierney, to name a few.

 

San Jacinto Monument

 

Whether you’re a true history buff or you’d love a chance to see a birds-eye view of Houston, the San Jacinto Monument is definitely a must-see landmark to visit on your trip!

 

Underground tunnel

 

Located 20 feet below the streets of downtown Houston is an underground tunnel system where you can escape from the city noise to explore fun shopping and dining options!

 

Eclectic Menagerie Park

 

As the name suggests, the Eclectic Menagerie Park features an expansive collection of incredible sculptures that are truly one-of-a-kind and perfect for taking some interesting photos!

 

John Milkovisch’s Beer Can House

 

This house covered in beer cans, bottle caps, and other beer-related items has become one of Houston’s most well-known pieces of folk art and is another great backdrop for your vacation photos.

Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern

While no longer in use, the underground cistern located at 105 Sabine Street is another breathtaking landmark you won’t want to miss!  Admission is free on Thursdays, otherwise, tickets cost $10 for adults or $8 for seniors and students.

 

7. Visit Chinatown

 

You can easily spend an entire day in Chinatown; there’s so many shops and restaurants to try!  With massage parlors, plenty of shopping, karaoke bars, and dozens of places to eat, Chinatown absolutely has something for everyone!

 

8. Rent a bicycle and tour the city

 

If weather permits, there’s no better way to explore Houston!  The new BCycle bike sharing program makes it easy to rent a bicycle and tour the city at your own pace!

 

9. Head to the Washington Avenue Arts District

 

Here, you can enjoy the work of talented local artists or see a fun theater production!  There’s also plenty of restaurant options in the area.

 

10. Check out the latest upcoming events

 

Regardless of what time of year your trip is, there are always exciting events happening all throughout the city!

 

11. Visit the Space Center

 

Would any trip to Houston be complete without seeing the space center?

 

Learn about Nasa, the International Space Station, astronaut training, and so much more!  Make sure you check out which attractions will be available during your stay!

 

12. Get a taste of local cuisine

 

When you come to a city like Houston, be prepared for incredible restaurant options.  Whether you prefer a classic American steakhouse, southern BBQ, or authentic international cuisine, Houston has it all!

 

And while you’re in town, make sure you check out long list of top-rated bars, too!

 

Learn More About Houston!

 

For more information and fun facts about Houston, make sure you follow me on Twitter and like my Facebook page!

 

Buying or Selling a Home Near Houston?

 

Whether you’re ready to make your move or still need some help navigating the market, please feel free to contact me today for assistance!

 

You can also subscribe to my YouTube channel to learn more about Houston’s housing market.

Houston is such a fun city!   There are always a variety of things to do consistently year round.   I like to call Houston the smallest big city in the country.   What I mean by that is that there is a small town feeling in Houston.  Just like towns that have small theaters, festivals and fairs, Houston has the River Oaks Theatre, the Rodeo, and much, much more.

 

The ethnic festivals are abound, my personal favorite is the Greek festival in October in the Montrose area.  However, there are many, many more in various parks and community centers throughout the year.  Sports?  Oh my!  All three major sports leagues and the Houston Dynamo soccer gives sports fans nice activities all year!

 

If you are in to music and the performing arts, Houston is right up there with the best any big city has to offer.  You can visit the Hobby Center for a musical, the Toyota Center for a concert, the Alley Theatre for a live performance or the Miller Outdoor Auditorium for live performances as well!

 

Anyway, there’s always something to do, and no need to be stuck in front of the TV.

 

30 Houston Events To Look Forward To This Fall:

 

September Events

 

1. The International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes – Daily, 9/1-9/30

 

This special exhibit will be at the Houston Museum of Natural Science the entire month of September.  Guests are invited to discuss the tales of Sherlock Holmes, as viewed through the lens of the science community!

 

2. ComedySportz Improv Comedy—Weekly, 9/7 – 11/24

 

Bring the whole family to watch professional comedians play improv games in a challenge to win the most laughs!

 

3. The Brunch! Mixer & Market—9/9

 

Axelrad Beer Garden is hosting this fun brunch pop-up event from 2-6 pm, where you can enjoy food and drinks with friends in celebration of the last days of summer.

 

4. Come Wine With Us—9/14

 

If you’re looking for a chance to learn about and taste new wines, this is a can’t-miss event!  Enjoy delicious bites from Sud Italia Ristorante as you explore various reds and whites at Houston’s Italian Cultural & Community Center!

 

5. Farm Kitchen Thai Food Pop-Up—9/18

 

Finca Tres Robles is hosting this pop-up event, where Chef Benchawan Jabthong Painter will present exquisite Thai cuisine.  Guests can look forward to a five-course meal, as well as multiple award-winning wines from the Perissos winery!

 

6. Fall Dinner Series—9/20, 10/25, 11/29

 

Visit Ronin’s for a five-course dinner featuring locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients, complete with wine pairings!

 

7. Whiskies of the World—9/22

 

Distillers from all over the globe will gather at this expo to share their whisky knowledge—and some of their best creations, too!

 

8. Harvest Moon Ball—9/22

 

Presented by the Houston Swing Dance Society, attendees can enjoy dancing to live music by Austin’s very own Rent Party at the Rice University Grand Hall!

 

9. 2018 Taste of New Orleans—9/22

 

Visit Jones Plaza for the 4^th annual Taste of New Orleans event, where you can experience dancing, delicious food, live music, and even cocktails inspired by the Big Easy!

 

10. Texas Hot Sauce Festival—9/22 & 9/23

 

Try dozens of exotic hot sauces, salsa, dips, marinades, and more at the Bayou City Event Center’s 18^th Annual Texas Hot Sauce Festival!

 

11. Family Meal With El Topo Truck and Del Maguey—9/23

 

Enjoy a family dinner at Johnny’s Gold Brick, prepared by some of the Houston area’s best chefs.

 

12. Rooftop Yoga 2018—9/23

 

Bring your yoga mat and a water bottle to Noel Furniture for the 6^th annual Rooftop yoga session.  Children under 13 can even join for free!

 

13. TacoWorld Houston—9/29

 

Guadalupe Plaza Park will host this family-friendly event, where you can indulge in the culinary treats of some of Houston’s finest restaurants!  The event will also feature live music, street artists, and artisan pop-up vendors.

 

14. 2018 Houston Fall Whiskey Tasting Festival—9/29

 

This year’s event includes a 2-hour tasting session and a chance to win a trip for 2 to Dublin for St. Patrick’s Day!

 

October Events

 

15. Original Greek Festival—10/4 – 10/7

 

With great food, live music, and plenty of vendors, this event is always a blast!

16. The 2nd Annual Greater Houston Food Truck Festival—10/6

 

Experience Houston’s diverse culinary community with food and beverages from some of the city’s best food trucks!  Kids under 12 can join for free, so bring the whole family along!

17. Houston Margarita Festival—10/6

 

Bring your lawn chairs and get ready to enjoy margaritas in every flavor imaginable at the Buffalo Bayou Water Works Park!

 

18. Houston Italian Festival—10/11 – 10/14

 

Celebrate Italian culture and cuisine at the 40^th annual Festa Italiana!  Enjoy wine sampling, beer tasting, live music, and plenty of food at this year’s festival, which will be held at University of St Thomas.

 

19. Taps and Tapas: Beer Fest—10/13

 

Taste the creations of Houston’s many local breweries with complimentary tapas at this free event!

 

20. Bayou City Art Festival Downtown 2018—10/13

 

This longstanding tradition has brought over 20,000 art lovers together over the years to enjoy the works of hundreds of talented artists and craftsmen.  Celebrate fine art at this year’s event, set to take place in Downtown Houston surrounding City Hall, Herman Square, Houston Public Library, Sam Houston Park, and the surrounding area.

 

21. Brick Fest Live Lego Fan Experience—10/20 – 10/21

 

Bring your little architect to enjoy hands-on attractions and shop for new LEGO sets!

 

22. Wings Over Houston Airshow—10/20 – 10/21

 

This is a can’t-miss event for history buffs and anyone interested in aviation!  Get a first-hand look at the evolution of aviation, from the WWII-era through present-day.

 

November Events

 

23. 5th Annual Magnolia Park Dia De Los Muertos Block Party—11/3

 

Celebrate the Day of the Dead in style at the 5^th annual block party!  Visit American Legion Hall in Houston for live music, amazing food, and plenty of shopping from local vendors.

 

24. Genesys Works Houston Cellar Classic 2018—11/10

Come try the best wine Houston has to offer at The Tasting Room in Uptown Park!

 

25. Houston Eats!—11/11

 

Get a taste of some of Houston’s best food trucks and enjoy live music and giveaways at Inked Studios!

 

26. Deer Moon Dinner—11/16

 

Take a tour of Ronin Farm and enjoy an incredible nine-course meal, complete with wine pairings and dessert served under the stars!

 

27. R&B and Blues Music Food Festival—11/ 17

 

Visit the Houston Food Truck Stop for an afternoon of live music, shopping, and plenty of food!  Children up to age 12 can attend for free.

 

28. Houston Fairytale Ball—11/17 – 11/18

 

Bring your own little princess to sing songs, play games, and spend time with Cinderella, Tinkerbell, Rapunzel, The Little Mermaid, and more!

 

29. The 9th Annual Friendswood Art in the Park—11/17 – 11/18

 

Head to Stevenson Park to experience live demonstrations from talented artists and musicians, plus great food and free art activities!

 

30. The Houston Pancakes & Booze Art Show—11/30

 

Check out the pop-up art show featuring over 500 pieces, ranging from pop art to photography.  There’ll be live music, DJs, and a free pancake bar, so make sure you bring your appetite!

 

Buying or Selling a Home Near Houston?

 

I’ve worked in the Houston area for nearly 30 years and would be more than happy to assist you with your real estate needs.  Whether you’re ready to make a move or need some help navigating the market, you can send your questions my way.

 

Please contact me today for help with your next move!

 

 

 

 

You’ve chosen your new neighborhood, looked at several homes for sale, and now you’ve found the perfect place.  You can’t picture a better home for your new start, and you can already see yourself moving in.  Before that can happen, though, you’ll need to make sure you can put together an offer that’s both fair for you and attractive to the seller.

 

Of course, the first step you must take before creating your offer is getting pre-approved for a mortgage (if you don’t intend to pay for the property in cash).  A bid from a potential buyer who’s already secured financing will inevitably be more appealing than a bid from a buyer who has not done so.  Sellers are simply more inclined to consider your offer when you can eliminate any doubts about your ability to pay for the home.

 

Additionally, try to find out what the seller’s motivation is for listing the property; while some sellers can afford to wait for the highest offer, others may be on a tight timeline and more willing to negotiate if it means a quicker transaction.  Consult with your Realtor to identify the best way to appeal to the seller’s interests.

 

Writing Your Offer Letter

 

Creating a compelling offer is equal parts art and science; every real estate transaction poses a unique situation, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to offer letters.  There are, however, some common components of an offer letter that you should be familiar with and include in your own offer.

 

7 Common Elements Of Offer Letters

 

1. Property’s address

 

Of course, the first piece of information you’ll want to include is the correct address of the property you’re interested in buying.

 

2. Offer price and financing method

 

Included with your offer price should be a breakdown of how you intend to pay for the home; you’ll need to state clearly how much money will be acquired through financing and how much cash you’ll be paying at closing.  The sum of these two amounts equals the final sale price for the home.

 

3. Earnest money requirements

 

In addition to your offer amount, the contract should also specify how much you will deposit as earnest money and the date by which this payment will be made.

 

4. Details surrounding title policy and survey

 

The contract should indicate whether the buyer or seller is responsible for the cost of title insurance.

 

There should also be clear terms describing who will pay for professional land surveying and when the survey is to be completed.

 

5. Contingencies

 

Contingencies outline the conditions that must be met in order for the transaction to take place.  As you’ve probably guessed, the purpose of including contingencies is to protect the buyer and minimize ambiguity in the contract.  If the deal is not completed for a reason outlined in the contingency clauses, these stipulations allow the buyer to recoup his or her earnest money.

There are many potential factors that could cause a deal to fall through.  For example, a buyer who’s been pre-approved for a mortgage may still be unable to pay for the home if the appraiser determines the value to be less than the agreed-upon price.  Including an appraisal contingency in the contract allows the buyer to walk away from the deal if this should happen.

 

Other common types of contingencies relate to inspections for property damage or safety hazards that may require costly repairs; for instance, many offer letters include contingencies for property inspections, so that buyers aren’t forced to complete a transaction that involves a home in need of significant work.

 

6. Offer expiration date

 

Including an expiration date and time for your offer is another way to help protect yourself as a buyer.  By making your offer valid for only a given period of time, you can avoid wasting time waiting for an answer if the seller is holding out for higher bids.  This strategy also gives you the freedom to pursue other options if you do not receive a response from the seller.

 

7. Closing date and requirements

 

The offer letter will also include information about when the deal will close and any final steps that need to be completed on either party’s end during closing.

 

Home Buyer Offer Letter Sample (Downloadable PDF)

 

 

Still Have Questions About The Home Buying Process?

 

I’m here to help!  Send me a message if you’re thinking about buying a home in the Houston area.  I’m especially familiar with the Memorial, Uptown, Galleria, and Tanglewood neighborhoods.

 

If you’d like more information about the Houston market, please make sure you subscribe to my YouTube channel as well!

It’s finally that time of year again: the 2018 Restaurant Weeks have officially begun!

 

Restaurant Weeks is a Summer tradition here in Houston.   During the Dog Days of August when so many people are winding down their Summer vacations, the restaurant industry has created this event to raise money for the Houston Food Bank.   Each specific participating restaurant has a special daily menu to choose from and a certain percentage of the tab goes to the Food Bank!   It’s lots of fun and has become a wonderful time to reconnect with friends, former clients, and prospects!

 

25 Of The Best Restaurants To Visit During 2018’s Houston Restaurant Weeks*

1. Willie G’s

 

• Address: 1640 W Loop South Houston, TD 77027 (Galleria/ Uptown)
• Cuisine: Seafood and Steak
• Restaurant Week Special: $45 dinner

 

Willie G’s is practically famous for their fresh seafood and delicious steaks.  The restaurant’s atmosphere can best be described as casual, yet elegant, and there’s even a great outdoor dining area!

 

2. Bloom & Bee

 

• Address: 1600 West Loop S Houston, TX 77027 (Galleria/ Uptown)
• Cuisine: American
• Restaurant Week Special: $45 dinner

 

Known for their extensive menu and beautiful atmosphere, Bloom & Bee specializes in fresh cuisine inspired by the local Houston culture.

 

3. Etoile Cuisine Et Bar

 

• Address: 1101 Uptown Park Blvd Suite 11 Houston, TX 77056 (Galleria/ Uptown)
• Cuisine: French and European
• Restaurant Week Special: $20 brunch and lunch, $45 dinner

 

Etoile Cuisine Et Bar is best known for their amazing French dishes, served in a European-inspired atmosphere.

 

4. McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood

 

• Address: 1151-01 Uptown Park Blvd. Houston, TX 77056 (Galleria/ Uptown)
• Cuisine: Seafood, Steak, American
• Restaurant Week Special: $20 lunch, $35 dinner

 

McCormick & Schmick’s is one of the best restaurants to visit for seafood or steak.  They also have a wide selection of drinks, ranging from classic cocktails to more trendy concoctions!

 

5. Songkran Thai Kitchen

• Address: 1101-8 Uptown Park Houston, TX 77056 (Galleria/ Uptown)
• Cuisine: Thai
• Restaurant Week Special: $35 dinner

 

If you love fresh, authentic Thai food, you have to visit Songkran Thai Kitchen!  Not only are the meals delicious; there’s even a fun list of signature drinks to try, too!

 

6. True Food Kitchen

 

• Address: 1700 Post Oak Boulevard Houston, TX 77056 (Galleria/ Uptown)
• Cuisine: American, Farm-to-Table, Vegetarian/ Vegan
• Restaurant Week Special: $35 dinner

 

True Food specializes in delectable options for health-conscious diners.  Whether you’re on a strict vegan diet or just prefer to eat clean, organic meals, this is a great restaurant for a fun night out with friends!

 

7. Le Colonial

 

• Address: (Galleria/ Uptown)
• Cuisine: Vietnamese, French, Contemporary Asian
• Restaurant Week Special: $20 lunch, $45 dinner

 

Le Colonial is known for combining the flavors of French cuisine and Colonial Southeast Asian dishes for a truly unique experience.

8. Emmaline

 

• Address: 3210 W Dallas St Houston, TX 77019 (Midtown/ Montrose)
• Cuisine: American
• Restaurant Week Special: $20 lunch, $45 dinner

 

Emmaline describes itself as a “laid-back interpretation of an American Trattoria,” and is known for combining American dishes in a European-inspired atmosphere.

 

9. Fig & Olive

 

• Address: 5115 Westheimer Road Houston, 77056 (Galleria/ Uptown)
• Cuisine: French, Mediterranean
• Restaurant Week Special: $20 lunch, $35 dinner

 

Despite having only opened earlier this year, Fig & Olive has already established a reputation for its authentic Mediterranean dishes, focusing on flavors from the coastal regions of France, Italy, and Spain.

 

10. Pappas Bros Steakhouse

 

• Address: 5839 Westheimer Rd Houston, TX 77057 (Galleria/ Uptown)
• Cuisine: Steak, American, Seafood
• Restaurant Week Special: $45 dinner

 

Pappas Bros boasts in-house dry-aged steaks that pair perfectly with their award-winning wines.  This fine dining experience is one you won’t forget!

 

11. Ouisie’s Table

 

• Address: 3939 San Felipe Road Houston, TX 77027 (Galleria/ Uptown)
• Cuisine: Southern, American, Comfort Food
• Restaurant Week Special: $20 brunch and lunch, $35 dinner

 

Named for chef and founder Elouise Adams Jones, Ouisie’s Table offers a wide range of award-winning Southern comfort foods and a fantastic wine list!

 

12. Liberty Kitchen and Oysterette

 

• Address: 4224 San Felipe St Houston, TX 77027 (River Oaks)
• Cuisine: Seafood, American
• Restaurant Week Special: $35 dinner

 

Known for its Oyster Bar, Liberty Kitchen and Oysterette is another go-to seafood restaurant in Houston.  Some of the most popular choices here include grilled oysters, sushi, and seafood towers, though this restaurant also serves many delicious meals featuring local Texas Beef.

 

13. Toulouse Café and Bar

 

• Address: 4444 Westheimer Suite E Houston, TX 77027 (River Oaks)
• Cuisine: French
• Restaurant Week Special: $45 dinner

 

Toulouse combines French cuisine with imaginative recipes in a casual, elegant setting for a sophisticated dining experience.  They’re also known for their amazing desserts made completely from scratch!

 

14. Brenner’s Steakhouse on the Bayou

 

• Address: 1 Birdsall Street Houston, TX 77007 (River Oaks)
• Cuisine: Steakhouse, American, Seafood
• Restaurant Week Special: $20 lunch, $45 dinner

 

Brenner’s combines an elevated, rustic atmosphere with mouthwatering American cuisine.  Make sure you check out the award-winning wine list when you visit!

 

15. B&B Butchers & Restaurant

 

• Address: 1814 Washington Ave Houston, TX 77007 (Heights/ Washington)
• Cuisine: Steakhouse, Steak, Seafood
• Restaurant Week Special: $20 lunch, $45 dinner

 

This upscale steakhouse is known for serving some of the finest Texas and Japanese Wagyu beef.  They even dry-age their steaks in-house!

 

16. Eloise Nichols Grill & Liquors

 

• Address: 2400 Midlane Suite 100 Houston, TX 77027 (Galleria/ Uptown)
• Cuisine: Contemporary American, Bistro, Lounge
• Restaurant Week Special: $35 dinner

 

Eloie Nichols is the perfect spot for a casual happy hour with friends.  This restaurant is famous for their American comfort food and exciting new cocktails!

 

17. Grace’s

 

• Address: 3111 Kirby Drive Houston Houston, TX 77098 (Upper Kirby/ Shepherd Corridor)
• Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
• Restaurant Week Special: $20 lunch, $35 dinner

 

Inspired by Sunday family lunches, Grace’s specializes in comfort foods like fresh bread, homemade soup, and original sauces.  It’s the perfect casual dining experience!

 

18. Season 52

 

• Address: 4410 Westheimer Houston, TX 77027 (Galleria/ Uptown)
• Cuisine: American, Contemporary American
• Restaurant Week Special: $20 lunch, $35 dinner

 

Season 52 specializes in seasonal dishes inspired by fresh, locally-grown ingredients.  In addition to the fantastic food, they also offer a massive wine list including more than 100 different international wines!

 

19. Brassrie 19

 

• Address: 1962 West Gray Houston, TX 77019 (River Oaks)
• Cuisine: French, American
• Restaurant Week Special: $45 dinner

 

With an elegant atmosphere, Brasserie 19 combines French cuisine with American influences to create a one-of-a-kind experience.

 

20. Masraff’s

 

• Address: 1753 Post Oak Blvd Houston, TX 77056 (Galleria/ Uptown)
• Cuisine: Contemporary American, Seafood, Steakhouse
• Restaurant Week Special: $45 dinner

 

Masraff’s is the perfect place to visit for American favorites with a hint of Southern Europe.  Once you’ve eaten here, you’ll understand quickly why it’s a favorite spot among Houstonians!

 

21. Armandos

 

• Address: 2630 Westheimer Houston, TX 77098 (River Oaks)
• Cuisine: Mexican, Seafood, Steak
• Restaurant Week Special: $35 dinner

 

Inspired by Spanish and French colonial Mexico, Armandos combines exquisite Mexican food with an elegant, sophisticated atmosphere.

 

22. Maggiano’s

 

• Address: 2109 Post Oak Blvd Houston, TX 77056 (Galleria/ Uptown)
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Restaurant Week Special: $35 dinner

 

If you’re looking for Italian-American cuisine in a warm, casual environment, Maggiano’s is the place to go!  The menu ranges from classic to contemporary dishes, including signature salads, fresh fish, homemade pastas, steaks, and more.

 

23. Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House

 

• Address: 5061 Westheimer Rd Suite 8060 Houston, TX 77056 (Galleria/ Uptown)
• Cuisine: Steakhouse, Steak, Seafood
• Restaurant Week Special: $20 lunch, $45 dinner

 

Del Frisco’s is best known for providing guests with a truly luxurious fine dining experience.  With prime beef, seafood, and an extensive wine list, Del Frisco’s is one of the classiest steakhouses in the Houston area.

 

24. Peli Peli

 

• Address: 5085 Westheimer Suite B2515 Houston, TX (Galleria/ Uptown)
• Cuisine: South African, Contemporary American
• Restaurant Week Special: $45 dinner

 

This award-winning restaurant combines South African delicacies with Southern hospitality and is even currently ranked the #1 restaurant in Houston by Trip Advisor!

 

25. Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina

 

• Address: 9005 Katy Fwy Houston, 77024 (West Side)
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex, Mexican
• Restaurant Week Special: $20 lunch, $35 dinner

 

Goode Co Kitchen & Cantina seamlessly blends authentic Mexican dishes with delicious Southern Texas cuisine.  It’s the perfect place to enjoy a few margaritas with friends or family!

 

Where Will You Be Dining During This Year’s Restaurant Weeks?

 

I would definitely like to reconnect with many Houston friends, so hit me up and let’s coordinate our schedules!

 

 

Planning A Move To The Houston Area?

 

If you’re thinking about buying a home near Houston, let’s connect!  Please contact me today for assistance in your home buying journey!

 

For more updates on fun and exciting Houston events, follow me on Twitter or like my Facebook page!  You can also subscribe to my YouTube channel for updates about the Houston real estate market.

 

 

*Based on ratings from Open Table

 

 

If hours of binge-watching HGTV have sparked an interest in buying your own fixer-upper, it may be time for a quick reality check.  Despite what network executives may want you to believe, renovating a fixer-upper is often much easier said than done; buying a home that needs serious work is, quite literally, a gamble, as there’s no definitive way to predict just how much you’ll end up spending.  In fact, buying a fixer-upper may not be so budget-friendly in the long run after all.

 

8 Biggest Secrets About Buying Fixer-Uppers (That Reality TV Doesn’t Want You To Know):

 

1. It’s not always easy (or possible) to stay within your budget

 

When it comes to buying a fixer-upper, there’s just no telling what you’ll get yourself into.  Aside from estimated remodeling costs, you may be responsible for additional expenses like correcting building code violations, resolving open permits, and even additional costs resulting from unpaid taxes.

 

While no homebuyer is safe from unexpected surprises, fixer-uppers are notoriously associated with unplanned expenses that can quickly spiral out of control.

 

2. You may not end up saving any money in the long run

 

On a related note, by the time you’ve finished making your fixer-upper habitable, you may not end up saving very much, if anything, at all.  Don’t forget, aside from the cosmetic upgrades you’ll likely want to make, the home may require other serious expenses like HVAC system repairs or replacements, new appliances, mold remediatiation, or even pest control.  These types of high-priority projects require immediate work and are not often cheap.

 

Even if you buy a fixer-upper at a low price, you actually could end up spending just as much in the end as if you had purchased a move-in ready home.

 

3. Between looking at homes for sale and renovating your fixer-upper, the entire process may easily take several months

 

After money, the resource you’ll need most if you’re buying a fixer-upper is patience.

 

Regardless of whether you hire a contractor or do it yourself, most home improvement projects just don’t get finished on time.  Unfortunately, the more work your house requires, the more likely you are to fall behind schedule (and realistically, most fixer-uppers easily require at least 4-6 weeks’ worth of work).

 

 

4. Your projects won’t always be completed correctly on the first try

 

Be prepared to face setbacks.  When it comes to large-scale projects, you can usually anticipate some margin of error.

 

Materials don’t always ship on time, and sometimes arrive with damage or in the wrong quantity.  Certain projects require approval from the town, which may take days or weeks to receive.  You might make mistakes as you’re working through a project and have to start over from the beginning.

 

There are countless ways that your remodel can get delayed.  If you’re determined to buy a fixer-upper, first make sure you can handle extending your remodeling timeline as needed.

 

5. You may not actually be able to afford luxurious design features

 

As we discussed, the best way to approach a fixer-upper is with a conservative budget.  Until you know for certain how much money the home will require, don’t expect to pour the money you saved by buying a fixer-upper into high-end flooring and custom features.

 

6. Buying a fixer-upper is not exactly the most responsible financial choice

 

If you’re thinking of buying a fixer-upper to avoid racking up debt with a large mortgage, make sure you crunch your numbers carefully.  Depending on the scope of work that your fixer-upper requires, you may have no other option than to take out a home improvement loan.  Even the cost of materials alone can add up much faster than you may expect!

 

Again, there’s no way to know with complete certainty just how much you’ll need to spend on remodeling projects, but keep this in mind as you’re calculating the overall cost of buying a home.

 

7. The end result may not look exactly like your “dream home”

As you begin your remodel and explore the home more carefully, you may find yourself altering your original plans in order to make room in budget for new projects that come up along the way.  Of course, this doesn’t mean you can’t still create a beautiful home, but be prepared for the final product to be slightly different from what you envisioned initially.

 

8. Contractors aren’t always reliable

 

Possibly one of the most frustrating parts of owning a home is having to deal with unreliable contractors.  Before you make the decision to buy a fixer-upper, spend some time researching contractors near you.  The same goes for any other professional you intend to hire, whether that includes a plumber, electrician, landscaper, or any other type of specialist.  Avoid wasting time and money on incompetent workers that you don’t trust!

 

Make Sure You Know What You’re Getting Into Before You Make Your Next Home Purchase!

 

There are so many pitfalls and “traps” involved in remodeling a home.  I’ve seen patchwork jobs that individually looked ok, but viewed as a whole made the home look like a quilt of stitched-together projects.  My best piece of advice would be to create a “road map” for the entire project and use a qualified, reliable contractor to complete the entire job at once or to complete it in phases that make sense.   Financial restrictions will always be a factor, so plan the budget carefully, communicate with your project director, and listen to the professional advice.

 

Whether you’re a first time homebuyer, investing in real estate, or you’re moving to start a new job, you can never be too prepared when it comes to buying a property.  If you’re looking to purchase a home in the Houston area, and are interested in the Uptown, Memorial, Galleria, or Tanglewood neighborhoods, please contact me today for assistance!

 

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