The Woodlands area - and Unrestricted

A lot of my blog is devoted to unrestricted property that is rural.  At least it used to be rural at one time and it might be crowded by restricted neighborhoods now.

In the Houston area there is another type of unrestricted property and it is located "smack dab in the middle" of lots of rather urban growth.  Often the property was acquired for asset growth by some visionary investor.  Other times, the land was purchased for the owner's purpose - priorities changed - and now the seller is ready to liquidate the investment.

A colleague of mine, Wilona Dyson, has a couple of lots that are between Interstate 45 and Grogans Mill.  This location, surrounded by The Woodlands, has many potential uses. 

You will find the taxes, the acquisition costs and the building restrictions much more favorable than within The Woodlands itself.

Take a look at what Wilona says about her listing.  She has two lots about 2.5 acres each.  It is a great opportunity to acquire 5 acres +/- in a easy access area, seconds away from I-45 and The Woodlands.

NOW - let's talk breifly about agency relationships.  Clearly, my colleague is representing the seller and will do everything to act in her client's best interest.

So, what that means is you need a competant agent to represent you.  Someone who knows the area, can develop a negotiating strategy, work hard to get you the property for the lowest possible price; in your best time frame; with the least possible hassle to you.

That is ME - Kathi Frank
(936) 441-1314
Kathi@KathiFrank.com

The reason I am sharing this information on someone else's listing is to make the point that I also represent Buyers.  Be assured that I will do my best to merit your confidence.

If you have interest in this - or any other property in the State of Texas 

I am licensed to assist you in that sale. 

(My geographical expertise is limited to the north side of Houston, but my license is not so limited.)

CALL, ask questions, "google me" to learn more about what I can do for you.

Let's be FRANK...I will work hard for YOU!

Trust the change from Houston Unrestricted Property

Sometimes you KNOW it is time

for a change...

Yet taking the next step feels precarious...

It may even feel downright DANGEROUS!

but I am here to tell you that you must

TRUST CHANGE.

Think about the major changes in your life.  Some of the ones that felt the most scary at the time have turned out to be the ones you cherish in retrospect.  Trust that "knowing" part of yourself.  If you know it is time to change then you can be confident that the next steps will take you to greater and greater things.

If you are living on a piece of unrestricted property in the Houston area, then you are experiencing change, whether you like it or not.   Right now, the changes may be happening TO you.  You have the choice to make changes happen FOR you.

Without the help of someone who can show you the options, it may feel like you are jumping off the bridge into unknown waters.  With competant, knowledgeable consultation we can build a bridge that serves you in reaching your ultimate goals.

Many people whose quiet rural paradise is being smothered by restricted subdivisions like The Woodlands would find themselves much happier by moving farther out into the country.  Because the value of their property has increased dramatically, they now can purchase a much larger tract of land and build the new home of their dreams.

This is only one scenario, but you KNOW when it is time for a change.  I would encourage you to also know that I can help you gather all the information you need to consider the next step.  With us working together the move will no longer feel as scary and you can start building your new dream.

The Perfect Location for Business near The Woodlands

Peace and Quiet
combined with
Profitable Business...

Is it even Possible???

I am pleased to announce that the answer is a resounding YES!!!

Recently, I was given the task of marketing an incredible unrestricted property just south of The Woodlands, in the Greater Houston area.  It is located on the busy (and getting busier every day) Gosling Road - at the crossroad of Rayford - and in the middle of a whirlwind of residential growth.  You can see some of our beginning marketing efforts on http://www.har.com/, MLS #9005219 or simply click on this link. 

We will soon have additional information and photos on commercial sites and other web media.  I will keep you informed.  In the meantime, let me know if you have anyone who is seeking this rare sanctuary in the midst of a fast-paced world.

Imagine a real estate buyer developing a medical complex...corporate retreat...multifamily housing...or some other business with the view of this lake as part of the amenities???  The possibilities are endless.


BONUS FEATURE:  There is currently an Ag-Exemption for the growing tree farm on the property.  Not only will this open the possibility of very low taxes....it will also give a sound buffer for maintaining the tranquility.

It couldn't get any better than this!

Is the Tide Turning?

Are Things Improving?

More and More Experts Say YES!

According to an article in the Wall Street Journal, by the title of "Nabbing a Bargain-Basement Mortgage Before Rates Rise" -   a major change is about to happen in the real estate world.  This is the fourth article predicting market improvement that has caught my attention this week.  Earlier, three other articles predicted a "Turn of the Tide".

From HousingCrisis.com: "Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies Notes Duress"

From the Nation's Building News: "Slow Recovery May be Leading to Serious Housing Shortages"

From HousingWatch.com: "Everybody Panic: The Coming Housing Shortage"

Anyone who has been THINKING ABOUT making a move would be well advised to think about the consequences of waiting.  Sure, no one really knows what is going to happen.  Sometimes it seems that you can ask the clerk down at the convenience store for economic predictions and get as dependable an answer as we get from "experts".  But true to the definition of "turning the tide", we have enough evidence now to expect drastic change soon.

From Dictionary.com —Idiom

turn the tide, to reverse the course of events, esp. from one extreme to another:

he Battle of Saratoga turned the tide of the American Revolution.

What does that mean to you?

Perhaps nothing - If you are perfectly happy with the way things are, you can sit on the sidelines and watch things change (or not).

Perhaps many things - Opportunity is greatest in a down market.  I could spend a dozen blog posts showing evidence of people who have made their fortunes by taking bold moves in a down market.

Let's talk about your situation:

* Do you currently own a piece of unrestricted property in the Greater Houston area?

* Do you feel that you would rather have your money in something other than this property?

* Do you have dreams of operating your business on an unrestricted tract of land - maybe even living on the land until the business can economically support both a business and personal home?

Let this plentiful data from outside sources be the stimulus you need to take action. 

I know that my real estate business has been booming in and around The Woodlands this year.  People who were waiting to see the market stabilize are placing their homes on the market and buying the homes they have been wanting for a couple of years.

Business owners are re-evaluating their needs, considering expansion or re-structuring.  Commercial lenders are beginning to loosen the tight restrictions on money for the small business owner.  I believe the time has come to:

Stop Waiting and Take Action!!!

Call if I can answer any questions.  Kathi Frank (936) 441-1314

Houston Is An Experiment

Houston - Non-Zoning Tradition

is Being Watched by Many Cities

If you were to research urban-planning and the affects of zoning, you will find that Houston's Unrestricted Property is an example of economic and land use freedom that almost no other city experiences.  Feagin [1988] calls the political and economic structure a "free enterprise city".

In Buitelaar's book, The Cost of Land Use Decisions, he states that "Exercising private property rights without much public regulation has always been a key feature of urban development in Houston."  He sites three failed referenda (in 1948, 1962 and 1993) that attempted to introduce zoning.

As stated in his book, middle-income homeowners migrate toward zoning (or deed restricted property) because they believe that it will prevent undesirable externalities and preserve property values.  This is why such Master-Planned Communities as The Woodlands has experienced such growth and popularity.

Advocates of the free use of property claim that it promotes creativity and distributes physical space efficiently.  Leaving "un-claimed" land parcels unrestricted allows for individuals to follow their own individual dream for the property.  It may look like chaos.  But it is a fine expression of liberty and results in economic opportunity that is rare in other parts of the country.

As the nation begins to pull itself out of economic recession people are asking whether the lack of zoning played a part in our relatively light consequences (when compared to many other cities).  Indeed, the cities with the most regulated land use restrictions seem to be the ones that have had the largest downturn.  When there is huge amounts of "red tape" required for a developer to get a project off the ground, it naturally inhibits the natural growth of the city.  Add the fact that zoning gives the powerful interests of a city an additional tool to enforce their power - the result can stunt growth, push up prices and harm the citizens they were charged to serve.

Houston is still an experiment in land use.  Personally, I think the economic freedoms found in this area attract prosperity.  Variety is created when people have the right to chose a deed-restricted structure or a more free spirited way of life.

Houston Unrestricted Property - What does that mean???

If you were to ask the average person in The Woodlands what "Houston Unrestricted Property" means, you would likely get one of two answers. 

One answer would admit that they have absolutely no idea...they are perfectly happy in their highly restricted community and have no reason to learn about anything else.

The second answer might go like this...unrestricted property is that trashy land that you find when you leave The Woodlands.  It has trailers and industrial buildings and ramshackle homes...I have no idea why anyone would want to live there.

If you asked someone living on an unrestricted tract to define "Houston Unrestricted Property" they would tell you about the freedom, opportunity to do what they want and the breathing room to enjoy what they have paid good money to purchase.

It is ALL about FREEDOM to Them!!!

A lot is happening right now to shift people's attitude toward opportunity.  In Michael Hyatt's blog today he talked about Seth Godin’s new book, Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?  Since Godin is a "God" in the eyes of many of the nation's business leaders - I always try to listen to what he is saying.  Here is a passage that Hyatt posted in his blog after an interview with Godin:

"The linchpin is the person who takes an alternative path, who declined the take-care-of-you-bargain. The linchpin insists on making a difference, on leading, on connecting with others and doing something I call art. The linchpin is the indispensable one, the one the company can’t live without. This is about humanity, not compliance."  He explains that the take-care-of-you-bargain was made with those that were willing to trade a job for the compensation and security that was promised to them.  Since corporations are less often promising to take care of people and see them as a commodity to trade, the independant-minded folks are seeing their value rising.

I plan to talk about the independant minded owners of Houston Unrestricted Property more in future blogs.  For now, know that there are people who would never settle for living in a community where the rules are set by someone else.  Sure, they know that the decision opens them up to having "less than savory" property uses nearby...but the ability to set their own rules - well - it RULES!

Restricted and Unrestricted Communities Clash!

Houston Unrestricted Property Clashes

with Deed-Restricted Neighbors.

There are many differences between a "Restricted" community and "Unrestricted" property.  This blog is committed to opening the conversation about such differences.  However, purchasing your home or building lot in a restricted community does not give you all the protections you may have expected.

This photo was taken on FM 2978, the road that runs along the most western side of The Woodlands.  The lot is usually muddy.  The highlight of the property is the large, dimpled and damaged dumpster.  And to the back of the lot, you can see the only plumbing facility...and it is portable.  While the seller of the property is maximizing his right to the "Highest and Best" use of the property until a buyer is found - the situation is not good for everyone.

The sad fact is that the "port-a-potty" is placed very close to a really nice house that you can see through the narrow strip of trees.  Can you see it in the background of the picture above?

When you come around to the other side, this is the home of some unsuspecting family.  Little did they know that the hard work done to create a great, private place in the restricted community of Westwood would become the backdrop for the metal roofed shed you can see beyond the trees from here.

This is one SCREAMING EXAMPLE of how quickly a real estate investment can become worth much less because of the actions of others.  Please know - I do not know the owners of either property.  But I would be willing to bet that the proud people who built this home did not anticipate having a muddy, unsightly commercial tract in their back yard.

Can this kind of financial mistake be avoided? The answer is YES!

One of the many things I have learned from decades serving real estate clients is that purchasing property on the perimeter of a restricted community can often expose the buyer to the risks of unrestricted property.  I spoke about those risks in a previous post, "3 Huge Pitfalls of Unrestricted Property", on November 28, 2009.  Although I am a champion for the benefits of owning Houston unrestricted property, I will be the first to tell you that there are HUGE mistakes that can easily be made by the inexperienced buyer.