example - Sugar Land Real Estate Info

 Copyrights Copyright  2013 Sheila Cox. All rights reserved. Printed in United States First printing 2009 The information in this guide is subject to change without notice. No part of this guide may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, or mechanical, for any purpose, without the express written permission of: Sheila Cox Keller Williams Southwest 1650 Hwy 6 #350 Sugar Land, TX 77478 Sheila Cox may have patents or pending patent applications, trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual property rights covering subject matter in this guide. The furnishing of this guide does not give you license to these patents, trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual property except as expressly provided in a written licenses agreement from Sheila Cox. All information in this report is subject to change and should be independently verified. Please note that data in this report is derived from various sources and every effort is made to ensure the accuracy. However, Sheila Cox assumes no liability or damages due to errors or omissions. Contents Contents Introduction to Sugar Land, TX ........................................................................ 1
Relocating to Sugar Land?................................................................................................................. 3
Why I Love Sugar Land............................................................................................................ 3
Where to Stay When You Visit ............................................................................................... 5
Extended Stay in Sugar Land .................................................................................................. 6
Overview of Sugar Land, TX .............................................................................................................. 7
Description of Sugar Land, TX................................................................................................. 7
Video Tours............................................................................................................................. 8
Awards .................................................................................................................................... 9
Sugar Land Demographics .................................................................................................... 10
Sugar Land Activities ....................................................................................................................... 12
Sugar Land Entertainment.................................................................................................... 12
Sugar Land Kid Activities....................................................................................................... 13
Sugar Land Mom Activities ................................................................................................... 14
Sugar Land Calendar of Events ............................................................................................. 14
Sugar Land Parks & Recreation............................................................................................. 15
Sugar Land Shopping ............................................................................................................ 17
Sugar Land Golf Courses ................................................................................................................. 18
Sweetwater........................................................................................................................... 18
Sugar Creek........................................................................................................................... 18
Greatwood............................................................................................................................ 19
Houstonian/Shadow Hawk ................................................................................................... 19
Pecan Grove.......................................................................................................................... 20
Fort Bend Country Club ........................................................................................................ 20
Quail Valley........................................................................................................................... 20
Sugar Land Crime Statistics............................................................................................................. 21
Sugar Land Commute Times ........................................................................................................... 23
Sugar Land Home Values and Housing Costs.................................................................................. 25
Sugar Land Real Estate Market ....................................................................................................... 26
Sugar Land Housing Shortage............................................................................................... 26
Houston Employment Forecast ............................................................................................ 27
Fort Bend Real Estate Sales Data.......................................................................................... 28
Best Sugar Land Real Estate Agent....................................................................................... 31
Sugar Land Property Taxes.............................................................................................................. 33
About Flood Zones .......................................................................................................................... 34
Important Phone Numbers............................................................................................................. 35
Sugar Land Neighborhoods ............................................................................ 38
Map of Neighborhood Locations .................................................................................................... 39
List of Main Neighborhoods............................................................................................................ 40
Comparison Chart................................................................................................................. 41
How to Choose the Right Sugar Land Neighborhood for You ........................................................ 42
About Sugar Land Master Planned Communities........................................................................... 45
Avalon ............................................................................................................................................. 47
Commonwealth............................................................................................................................... 53
First Colony ..................................................................................................................................... 59
Greatwood ...................................................................................................................................... 66
Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com i Contents New Territory.................................................................................................................................. 72
River Park ........................................................................................................................................ 78
Riverstone ....................................................................................................................................... 83
Sugar Creek ..................................................................................................................................... 90
Sugar Lakes...................................................................................................................................... 96
Sweetwater ................................................................................................................................... 101
Telfair ............................................................................................................................................ 108
Sugar Land Area Schools.............................................................................. 115
Sugar Land Public Schools............................................................................................................. 116
Schools Sorted Alphabetically ............................................................................................ 116
Schools Sorted By Type Then Rating .................................................................................. 118
Elementary School Zones.............................................................................................................. 120
Middle School Zones..................................................................................................................... 121
High School Zones......................................................................................................................... 122
Sugar Land Private Schools ........................................................................................................... 123
Sugar Land Private Schools: All in Alphabetical Order ....................................................... 123
Sugar Land Private Preschools............................................................................................ 125
Sugar Land Private Elementary Schools ............................................................................. 126
Sugar Land Private Middle Schools .................................................................................... 127
Sugar Land Private High Schools ........................................................................................ 127
Sugar Land Private Montessori Schools ............................................................................. 128
Sugar Land Private Christian Schools ................................................................................. 128
Sugar Land Private Islamic Schools..................................................................................... 129
Sugar Land Private Secular Schools .................................................................................... 129
Sugar Land Home School Resources................................................................................... 129
About Texas Real Estate............................................................................... 131
Do I Need a Real Estate Agent? .................................................................................................... 132
Maybe I Can Do This By Myself .......................................................................................... 132
Real Estate Laws Vary From State to State......................................................................... 132
Your Legal Exposure in a Real Estate Transaction Can Be Very High ................................. 133
Real Estate Data Is Not a Matter of Public Record In Texas............................................... 133
Do You Really Want (or Have the Time) To Learn Everything You Need To Know About Real Estate? ................................................................................................................................ 134
It's Complicated! Are You Qualified to Manage the Entire Transaction? .......................... 134
Do You Know the Area As Well As You Need To? .............................................................. 136
Sometimes You Need An Objective Partner When Choosing the Right Home.................. 136
Summary............................................................................................................................. 137
Does My Real Estate Agent Represent Me or the Seller? ............................................................ 138
Buyer Beware ..................................................................................................................... 138
Texas is Dual Agency State ................................................................................................. 138
Typical Agency .................................................................................................................... 139
Intermediary Agency With Appointments ......................................................................... 139
Intermediary Agency Without Appointments.................................................................... 140
Who Pays the Real Estate Commission in Texas?......................................................................... 141
How Can I Make Sure My Agent is On My Side? .......................................................................... 142
What To Look for In a Texas Real Estate Agent ............................................................................ 144
ii Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Contents Buying and Selling Tips ................................................................................ 147
How To Buy a Home in Sugar Land, TX ......................................................................................... 147
Secure the Best Buyer Representation............................................................................... 148
Find Homes With The Best Customized Search Available.................................................. 149
Tour the Neighborhood With a Local Expert...................................................................... 149
Keep Track of Legal Paperwork Online............................................................................... 149
Get Help With Home Inspections & Repairs ...................................................................... 150
Get a Home Warranty To Minimize Future Repairs ........................................................... 150
Earning That Commission... ................................................................................................ 150
Checklist for Buying a Home ......................................................................................................... 151
How To Sell Your Sugar Land Home.............................................................................................. 153
Hire the Best Agent Possible .............................................................................................. 155
Be Ready for Surprises........................................................................................................ 155
Price Your Home To Sell ..................................................................................................... 156
Stage Your Home to Show It At Its Best ............................................................................. 157
Maximize Your Curb Appeal With Great Photos ................................................................ 158
Let Them Walk Your Home Virtually .................................................................................. 160
Marketing to the Max......................................................................................................... 161
Dealing with Contracts and Signatures Online................................................................... 162
Receiving Frequent Updates and Communication............................................................. 162
Obtaining Help with Home Inspections & Repairs ............................................................. 162
Getting Other Helpful Selling Tools .................................................................................... 163
Moving Tips.................................................................................................. 165
Planning the Move ........................................................................................................................ 166
Packing Tips................................................................................................................................... 167
Helping Children Cope With the Move ......................................................................................... 168
Moving Checklists ......................................................................................................................... 169
Two Months Before Moving............................................................................................... 169
One Month Before Moving................................................................................................. 169
Two Weeks Before Moving................................................................................................. 170
One Week Before Moving .................................................................................................. 170
The Day Before Moving ...................................................................................................... 171
Moving Day......................................................................................................................... 171
Arrival Day .......................................................................................................................... 172
Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com iii Contents This page left blank on purpose for double‐sided printing
iv Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Introduction to Sugar Land 1 Introduction to Sugar Land, TX About This Chapter This chapter contains the following: Relocating to Sugar Land?................................................................................................................. 3
Why I Love Sugar Land............................................................................................................ 3
Where to Stay When You Visit ............................................................................................... 5
Extended Stay in Sugar Land .................................................................................................. 6
Overview of Sugar Land, TX .............................................................................................................. 7
Description of Sugar Land, TX................................................................................................. 7
Video Tours............................................................................................................................. 8
Awards .................................................................................................................................... 9
Sugar Land Demographics .................................................................................................... 10
Sugar Land Activities ....................................................................................................................... 12
Sugar Land Entertainment.................................................................................................... 12
Sugar Land Kid Activities....................................................................................................... 13
Sugar Land Mom Activities ................................................................................................... 14
Sugar Land Calendar of Events ............................................................................................. 14
Sugar Land Parks & Recreation............................................................................................. 15
Sugar Land Shopping ............................................................................................................ 17
Sugar Land Golf Courses ................................................................................................................. 18
Sweetwater........................................................................................................................... 18
Sugar Creek........................................................................................................................... 18
Greatwood............................................................................................................................ 19
Houstonian/Shadow Hawk ................................................................................................... 19
Pecan Grove.......................................................................................................................... 20
Fort Bend Country Club ........................................................................................................ 20
Quail Valley........................................................................................................................... 20
Sugar Land Crime Statistics............................................................................................................. 21
Sugar Land Commute Times ........................................................................................................... 23
Sugar Land Home Values and Housing Costs.................................................................................. 25
Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 1 Introduction to Sugar Land Sugar Land Real Estate Market ....................................................................................................... 26
Sugar Land Housing Shortage............................................................................................... 26
Houston Employment Forecast ............................................................................................ 27
Fort Bend Real Estate Sales Data.......................................................................................... 28
Best Sugar Land Real Estate Agent....................................................................................... 31
Sugar Land Property Taxes.............................................................................................................. 33
About Flood Zones .......................................................................................................................... 34
Important Phone Numbers............................................................................................................. 35
2 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Introduction to Sugar Land Relocating to Sugar Land? Why I Love Sugar Land I can’t tell you how much I love living in the Sugar Land area, and if you’re in the process of relocating to Sugar Land, I know you’re going to love this Sugar Land Relocation Guide! It has over 170 pages of detailed information on our wonderful city, school, neighborhoods, activities, home values…everything that you need to know. There are so many benefits to living in the Houston area, and Sugar Land is one of its top suburbs. Why do I think Sugar Land TX is great?… Culturally Diverse Sugar Land is a unique suburb in that it has a distinct “cosmopolitan” feel and is very culturally diverse. While about half of the population is white, the remaining 50 percent is comprised of Asian, Indian, Middle Eastern, Hispanic and African American cultures. And just as important as its diverse demographics, is its fostering of an inclusive and accepting community. In fact, in 2007, Sugar Land was the first city in the nation to be named a Community of Respect® by the Anti‐Defamation League (ADL). It has maintained this distinction. » Read Sugar Land embraces diversity Excellent Schools Sugar Land schools are known to be excellent. Half of the 18 elementary schools have a score of 10 with Greatschools.org and, likewise, half of the six middle schools score a 10 as well. There are four high schools with Sugar Land addresses (and several others nearby) with two scoring 9 (Austin and Dulles) and one scoring a 10 (Clements). Sugar Land is part of Fort Bend ISD which is an award‐
winning school district but does not rate as highly as the nearby Katy and Lamar Consolidated ISDs. This is because Fort Bend ISD is much larger than those ISDs and includes many non‐Sugar Land schools (like nearby Houston). Almost all Sugar Land schools score 8‐10 (the highest scores available) at Greatschools.org. High Quality of Life With all of these accolades it’s no wonder that Sugar Land has been on the list of numerous best places to live surveys. Some of the most noteworthy include CNN Money Magazines 100 Best Place to Live (2006) in the nation, Forbes’ list of Top Towns to Live Well and Business Week’s best and most affordable suburbs. America’s Promise–The Alliance for Youth name Sugar Land a three‐
time winner of the nation’s 100 Best Communities for Young People. Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 3 Introduction to Sugar Land Quality Homes and Communities Sugar Land is home to the largest number of master‐planned communities in the nation. Every community has quality homes and wonderful subdivisions with swaths of green space and community amenities such as club houses, swimming pools, parks, tennis courts, fishing lakes, and walking trails. For neighborhood details, jump to Sugar Land Neighborhoods. Well‐Maintained and Scenic Public Spaces Because it is entirely master planned, Sugar Land has ample well‐designed public spaces, parks, walking‐ trail systems and tree‐lined streets, all of which are held to high scenic standards. Consistently winning awards from Keep Texas Beautiful and the Texas Recreation and Parks Society, Sugar Land also received the inaugural Texas Scenic City “Silver” Certification for achieving the highest level of scenic standards for public roadways and spaces. Low Crime Rate For years now, Sugar Land has been consistently ranked among the top 20 safest cities in its size category in America by FBI crime statistics. Read more about Sugar Land crime rates. Growth Having grown more than 158 percent in the last ten years, Sugar Land is one of the state’s fastest‐
growing cities. It is also Fort Bend County’s largest city and its economic center, not to mention the Houston area’s second‐largest in economic activities. Sugar Land Regional Airport 4 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Introduction to Sugar Land Where to Stay When You Visit I recommend staying at the Town Square Marriott to get a real feel for Sugar Land. It is located in the middle of our Town Square area and surrounded by restaurants and shopping. Other places to stay include: 
Hyatt Place Sugar Land 
Hilton Garden Inn 
Extended Stay America 
Holiday Inn Express 
Drury Inn & Suites 
Extended Stay Deluxe NOTE Some of these places may actually be located in Stafford TX which is adjacent to Sugar Land. Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 5 Introduction to Sugar Land Extended Stay in Sugar Land Also known as Temporary Housing or Short‐Term Housing If you need extended stay in Sugar Land or Stafford (which is adjacent to Sugar Land), here are some options. These options frequently change, but this should at least get you started. Extended Stay America Houston – Sugar Land 13420 Southwest Fwy, #59, Sugar Land, TX 77478 (281) 494‐6699 Extended Stay America Houston – Stafford 4726 Sugar Grove Blvd, Stafford, TX (281) 240‐0025 Studio 6 Houston – Stafford/Sugar Land 12827 Southwest Freeway, Stafford, TX, 77477 (281) 240‐6900 Aplus Furnished Homes 2018 Winged Foot Dr Missouri City, TX 77459 Brittany (281) 416‐2700 Oakwood Corporate Housing (866) 279‐5094 Gables Residential Tina Caramamma (713) 895‐9929 Executive Living Carol Gremillion (281) 494‐4945 6 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Introduction to Sugar Land Overview of Sugar Land, TX Description of Sugar Land, TX The city of Sugar Land TX (population approximately 85,000) is one of the best places to live in America…probably because of our family‐friendly activities, master planned neighborhoods, tree‐lined streets, excellent schools, and reasonably priced homes. Plus, the outstanding shopping, restaurants, parks, lakes, and exceptional healthcare facilities means that we have it all! (Even our own minor‐
league baseball team: the Skeeters!) Here are a few important facts about Sugar Land that may interest you… Here are a few important facts about Sugar Land, TX that may interest you: 
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Sugar Land, TX, is located Southwest of Houston, TX. Typically, you can drive to downtown Houston from Sugar Land in approximately 25 to 45 minutes (depending on time of day and the amount of traffic on the highway). The economy in Sugar Land is healthy with unemployment rate well below the state and national percentages. Census 2000 figures ranked Sugar Land #1 in growth in the Houston metro area and #1 among the state's 45 largest cities. The City's population jumped from 24,529 in 1990 to 63,328 in 2000 ‐ a 158 percent increase. Estimated 2011 Population: 84,511 Census 2010 figures ranked Sugar Land the state's 49th largest city in Texas. By race, the City's breakdown is 52.0% White, 35.3% Asian, 10.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.4% Black or African American, and 2.3% Other. The median household income is approximately $116,000. The state governor, Rick Perry, named Fort Bend ISD the "Fittest School District" in the large district category in 2005, 2006, and 2008. Most of Fort Bend's elementary schools are either "Exemplary" or "Recognized." Sugar Land homes range in price from $100,000 to over $3,000,000 with the average price around $278,882. Between the new Town Center and First Colony Mall, shopping in Sugar Land is great. We're also close to the Houston Galleria and Katy Mills Outlet mall. Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 7 Introduction to Sugar Land Video Tours
If you prefer to “drive” the city and neighborhoods, then check out the Sugar Land Neighborhood videos on YouTube. These are not slideshows! This is actual video footage of Sugar Land. We have an overview video of Sugar Land as well as drive‐through videos of our most popular neighborhoods including: 
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Avalon Commonwealth Greatwood Telfair 
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Riverstone Sweetwater First Colony New Territory 8 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Introduction to Sugar Land Awards Sugar Land, TX, has won the following awards: 
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Outstanding Achievement in the City Livability Awards, 2007 Fittest City in Texas (22,000‐99,000 population) Texas Round‐up Governor's Challenge 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 Award of Merit American Society of Landscapers and Architects (for achievement in Planning and Analysis) 2007 Gold Certificate Award to the City of Sugar Land and Fort Bend Independent School District 2007 #1 in 100 Best Communities for Young People from America's Promise ‐ The Alliance for Youth 2006 Business Week Top 25 Best and Most Affordable Suburbs in the US 2006 CNN Money and Money Magazine's Third Best Place to Live in America 2006 Best of the Best in Standard of Living, Education, Health and Safety and Lifestyle by Best Places to Raise Your Family: The Top 100 Affordable Communities (Wylie 2006) NOTE An updated list of Sugar Land awards is also available. View of Constellation Field (Home of the Skeeters Baseball Team) Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 9 Introduction to Sugar Land Sugar Land Demographics Census 2010 figures ranked Sugar Land the state's 49th largest city in Texas. By race, Sugar Land demographics breakdown is:  52.0% White  35.3% Asian  10.6% Hispanic or Latino  7.4% Black or African American  2.3% Other Sugar Land is a very diverse city. It consists of multiple master‐planned neighborhoods, each containing multiple subdivisions. The best way to determine the Sugar Land demographics for a certain area of Sugar Land, is to check the demographics of the middle school to which it is zoned. Sugar Land embraces diversity (read article) To help you look up the Sugar Land demographics of a specific school, the following is a list of Sugar Land schools sorted alphabetically by name. Click a school name to see the demographics and stats for that school. 10 School Type Austin Parkway Elementary Elementary 9 4400 Austin Pkwy Barrington Place Elementary Elementary 7 2100 Squire Dobbins Dr Bess Campbell Elementary Elementary 10 1000 Shadow Bend Dr Billy Baines Middle School Middle School 8 9000 Sienna Ranch Rd, Missouri City Brazos Bend Elementary Elementary 10 621 Cunningham Creek Blvd Clements High School High School 9 4200 Elkins Dr Colony Bend Elementary Elementary 9 2720 Planters St Colony Meadows Elementary Elementary 10 4510 Sweetwater Blvd Commonwealth Elementary Elementary 10 4909 Commonwealth Blvd Cornerstone Elementary Elementary 10 1800 Chatham Dulles Elementary Elementary 6 630 Dulles Ave Dulles High School High School 8 550 Dulles Ave Dulles Middle Middle School 8 500 Dulles Ave First Colony Middle Middle School 9 3225 Austin Pkwy Fort Settlement Middle School Middle School 10 5440 Elkins Rd George Bush High School High School 5 6707 Fm 1464, Richmond George Ranch High School High School 8 8181 FM 762, Richmond Highlands Elementary Elementary 9 2022 Colonist Park Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Score Address Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Introduction to Sugar Land School Type Score Address Irma Dru Hutchison Elementary Elementary 8 3602 Ransom Rd, Richmond JJ Wessendorff Middle School Middle School 5 5201 Mustang Ave, Rosenberg Kempner High School High School 7 14777 Voss Rd Lakeview Elementary Elementary 7 314 Lakeview Dr Lamar Consolidated High School High School 4 4606 Mustang Ave, Rosenberg Lawrence E Elkins High School High School 7 7007 Knights Ct, Missouri City Lexington Creek Elementary Elementary 8 2335 Dulles Ave, Missouri City Macario Garcia Middle Middle School 9 18550 Old Richmond Oakland Elementary Elementary 8 4455 Waterside Estates Dr Oyster Creek Elementary Elementary 9 16425 Mellow Oaks Ln Reading Junior High Middle School 9 8101 FM 762 Richmond Rita Drabek Elementary Elementary 9 11325 Lake Woodbridge Dr Sartartia Middle School Middle School 10 8125 Homeward Way Settlers Way Elementary Elementary 9 3015 Settlers Way Dr Stephen F Austin High School High School 8 3434 Pheasant Creek Dr Sugar Land Middle Middle School 7 321 Seventh St Sugar Mill Elementary Elementary 7 13707 Jess Pirtle Blvd Susanna Dickinson Elementary Elementary 10 7110 Greatwood Pkwy Townewest Elementary Elementary 6 13927 Richmond Rd Walker Station Elementary Elementary 10 6200 Homeward Way Blvd William B Travis High School High School 7 11111 Harlem Rd Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 11 Introduction to Sugar Land Sugar Land Activities Sugar Land Entertainment Sugar Land entertainment‐‐something for everyone! Sugar Land has many things to do (click a link for up‐to‐date info): 
Imperial Recreation Center 
TE Harman Senior Adult Center 
Imperial Performing Arts 
Painting With a Twist 
Sugar Land Auditorium 
Fred Astaire Dance Studio 
Houston Museum of Natural Science 
Sugar Land Heritage Foundation 
Sugar Land Ice & Sports 
Sugar Land Skeeters /Constellation Field 
AMC First Colony 
Laserzone 
Techno Chaos 
Stomping Grounds 
George Ranch Historical Park (20 mins from Sugar Land) 
George Observatory (at Brazos Bend State Park) And don’t forget about all the Sugar Land activities to be found at the many neighborhood recreation centers and swimming pools, plus the Sugar Land parks and trails. » Look here for information on the many Sugar Land sports associations.
12 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Introduction to Sugar Land Sugar Land Kid Activities There are lots of activities to keep kids busy in Sugar Land. Here is a list of Sugar Land kid's activities. Go to my website to see up‐to‐date details on these activities. Most of these places have summer camps. 
Art 
Cheerleading 
Dance 
Drama 
Entertainment 
Fun 
Golf 
Museums 
Music 
Sports 
Summer Camps 
Swimming 
Toddlers 
Vacation Bible School First Colony Pool Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 13 Introduction to Sugar Land Sugar Land Mom Activities We all know that Sugar Land has great schools and wonderful neighborhoods. But did you know that Sugar Land offers many Sugar Land mom activities as well? Here is a list of Sugar Land mom activities. Click on a link to see up‐to‐date details on my Website. 
Mom’s Club Sugar Land – South 
Mom’s Club Sugar Land ‐ West 
Mom’s Club Sugar Land – East 
MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) – search for 77478 
Mom’s Meetup 
New Territory Women’s Association 
Fort Bend Junior Service League 
Various Book Clubs 
Greatwood Ladybugs 
Telfair Women’s Association Sugar Land Calendar of Events Our Sugar Land Town Center (also known as “Town Square”) is the best place to see a calendar of fun local events. Go to http://sugarlandtownsquare.com/events/ Sugar Land City Hall in Town Square
14 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Introduction to Sugar Land Sugar Land Parks & Recreation There are many Sugar Land parks to offer plenty of playgrounds, picnic pavilions, fishing lakes, and hiking/biking trails throughout the city. The following is a list of the Sugar Land parks (click a link to see up‐to‐date info): 
Sugar Land Memorial Park 
City Park (with swimming pool) 
Duhacsek Park 
Eldridge Park 
First Colony Park 
Imperial Park 
Lost Creek Park 
Oyster Creek Park Trail 
Pawn Springs Dog Park 
Cullinan Park 
Brazos Bend State Park (40 mins from Sugar Land) And don’t forget about all the neighborhood parks! The following are photos of some of the Sugar Land parks. Swimming Pool at City Park Skate Park at City Park Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 15 Introduction to Sugar Land Oyster Creek Park Oyster Creek Park Eldridge Park Pecan Park in New Territory Memorial Park 16 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Eldridge Park Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Introduction to Sugar Land Sugar Land Shopping Sugar Land shopping–something for everyone! Sugar Land has all the shopping that you can want: 
First Colony Mall 
Sugar Land Town Square First Colony Mall offers both indoor and outdoor Sugar Land shopping. The indoor mall is a traditional mall with a Dillard’s , Macy’s, and JC Penney. Of course, it also has other shops that you usually find in a mall, as well as a large food court. It is right down the street from the 24 screen AMC theatre. The outdoor mall offers Sugar Land shopping in both high‐end shops like Ann Taylor, Chico’s, Swarovski, Sephora, as well as restaurants such as The Cheese Cake Factory, Black Walnut Cafe, and Grimaldi’s Pizzeria. Within walking distance of First Colony Mall is Sugar Land’s Town Square. Built as a square around City Hall, this is a fun collection shops and restaurants as well as Sugar Land’s conference center and Marriott hotel. There is a lot more shopping all down I59 and Hwy 6. And don’t forget the Houston Galleria is only about 25 minutes away! NOTE For more details on Sugar Land shopping, you may also find the http://www.shopsugarland.com Website extremely useful. It includes the following graphic. Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 17 Introduction to Sugar Land Sugar Land Golf Courses There are many Sugar Land golf courses and more in the surrounding area: 
Sweetwater Country Club 
Sugar Creek Country Club 
Greatwood Pubic Course 
Houstonian Golf & Country Club (aka Shadow Hawk) 
Pecan Grove Country Club 
Fort Bend Country Club 
Quail Valley » View a list of Sugar Land golf course homes for sale Sweetwater “Designed by architect Roger Packard, Sweetwater opened its first 9 holes in late 1982. Host to the LPGA Hall of Fame Golf Classic in July 1984 & 85. Sweetwater Country Club now lives on as a formidable test in golf for the firmly established family community culture of Sugar Land. Two courses (Pecan & Cypress) continue to offer a diverse challenge to golfers of all levels. On Pecan, players will experience lengthy holes of relatively open play, susceptible to ever present Texas winds and at a turn begin winding through majestic pecan groves with the tranquility of aged Spanish moss. Those who would rather play a shorter test are constantly challenged by the emphasis of position over length to avoid the water hazards, strategic bunkers and uneven lies of the Cypress course.” –Source: Sweetwater Country Club Sugar Creek “Sugar Creek Country Club’s 27 hole golf course features a traditional layout and is one of the best in the Houston area. Established in 1972, this course puts a premium on shot placement off the tees. There are opportunities for long hitters to cut off yardage but not without the risk of posting a big number. Sugar Creek Country Club is a true shot makers course with a good mix of bunkered greens and water hazards that will keep every golfer on their toes.” –Source: Sugar Creek Country Club 18 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Introduction to Sugar Land Greatwood The Greatwood Golf Course is a public golf course that opened in 1990 and was voted a Top‐25 Best in Texas by the Dallas Morning News and a Top‐Rated public course by the Houston Chronicle. It is an 18‐
hole facility designed by Carlton Gipson and features 6,836 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72 . The course rating is 72.3 and it has a slope rating of 138 on Bermuda grass. –View more info: Greatwood Golf Course Houstonian/Shadow Hawk “At the first light of day on October 30, 1999, the Honorable George H. W. Bush, 41st President of the United States, hit a drive straight and true down the middle of the first hole to commence the first round played at Shadow Hawk Golf Club, eighteen holes designed by preeminent architect Rees Jones on two hundred and forty acres of property winding through old Pecan trees and several large lakes. This land in Richmond, Texas, which is approximately twenty‐five miles southwest of downtown Houston, was chosen because of its native character. The vision, several years in the making, is a straightforward concept: create and operate a small stand alone private golf club offering a rare golf experience: a peaceful refuge from the city, but still close by, where one can quietly entertain friends, be with family, or just get away to enjoy a more reserved environment than that of a fast paced town. Shadow Hawk’s distinguished membership is capped at 325 total members. Accessibility to the course, even on Saturday mornings, is a given and rounds of four hours are considered too slow by most members even by those who walk with a caddie or carry their own clubs. Shadow Hawk’s property is an immaculately maintained natural setting. In keeping with the owners’ and Mr. Jones’s mutual respect for the tradition of the game, the course design is a throw‐back to old style architecture with small greens slightly elevated and a very well defined presentation of where to play, although many of the challenges are subtle and appreciated more over time after multiple rounds. As Shadow Hawk closes in on ten years of operation, the Club strives to maintain and refine its founding concepts to offer its Members and their Guests a rare golf experience on a daily basis.” –Source: Houstonian Golf & Country Club Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 19 Introduction to Sugar Land Pecan Grove “Pecan Grove Plantation features a beautiful 27‐hole championship golf course designed by Carlton Gipson. The traditional layout lined with magnificent pecan and oak trees provide three distinct golfing experiences. From novices to the more experienced, Pecan Grove Plantation gives members the opportunity to play a truly challenging yet fair course day after day. Members also have access to a full practice facility and putting green, and our staff of golf professionals directs private lessons, clinics, and tournaments year around. Pecan Grove Plantation test players’ skills in surroundings of unparalleled beauty.” –Source: Pecan Grove Country Club Fort Bend Country Club “The scenic, tree‐lined and strategically bunkered 6424 yard, par 71 golf course is a challenge for all levels of skill. Our member‐owners have access to the course at all times without making tee times and also have the option of owning their own golf cart. The facilities include a driving range, a short game practice area and a putting green to allow members to improve their skills. The Men’s and Women’s Golf Associations are very active with tournaments scheduled throughout the year. In addition, to the Stroke Play Championships, Match Play Championships, Member‐Guests and Member‐Member Tournaments , there are also fun seasonal scramble for the beginning and occasional golfers. At Fort Bend Country Club we strive to provide an enjoyable golf experience for every level of player. Golf Professional, Gene Amman, offers not only private lessons, but also provides group lessons and clinics covering all areas of the game. Fort Bend Country Club is the home course for the 2002 and 2003 Texas State Amateur Champion and the Lamar Consolidated High School golf team, the district champions since 1997.” –Source: Fort Bend Country Club Quail Valley “Spread across 400 acres and 36 holes is Quail Valley Golf Course, located in Missouri City, Texas. Our course ranks among the finest in Houston golf, a short drive southwest of the city. Designers intended Quail Valley to be a country club before Missouri City acquired it, enabling the course to offer Houston golf enthusiasts an exclusive feel at an accessible price. But don’t play and leave. Stick around and enjoy our redesigned Bluebonnet Grille at the 37th Hole, serving our famous seafood and sandwich plates. Unwind with your favorite drink from our bar as you enjoy the Quail Valley atmosphere with your friends. We’d love to show you our amenities at our affordable prices.” –Source: Quail Valley Golf Course 20 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Introduction to Sugar Land Sugar Land Crime Statistics Sugar Land crime is lower than the national average for cities of the same size. In fact, Sugar Land has been named one of the safest cities in America and the second safest city in Texas. Read the following article... "Sugar Land Once Again Among Safest in America; This Time, Second in Texas Sugar Land was recently named America’s 20th Safest City, a distinction based on an analysis of FBI crime statistics. The distinction makes Sugar Land the second safest city in Texas. Sugar Land, TX – Sugar Land was recently named America’s 20th Safest City, a distinction based on an analysis of FBI crime statistics. The distinction makes Sugar Land the second safest city in Texas. The national ranking is included in the annual publication of City Crime Rankings 2012‐2013: Crime in Metropolitan America, a report published by Washington‐based CQ Press to spotlight crime comparisons in U.S. cities and metropolitan areas. The publication’s authors have compiled state and city rankings books for more than two decades. Sugar Land Police Chief Doug Brinkley credits a strong police presence, community partnerships and a commitment to technology for Sugar Land’s low crime rate. Several ongoing police initiatives continue to address property crimes, including a partnership with retail districts and neighborhoods to encourage the use of cameras for security purposes. SLPD has also created a task force that focuses exclusively on burglaries, shopper safety and public education. A departmental focus on technology such as license plate recognition provides officers important crime‐fighting tools. Technology also allows officers to more effectively utilize their time to focus on important initiatives. As an example, red light cameras have resulted in a 15 percent reduction in red light violations and allow police officers to focus on other important efforts, such as special teams to focus on burglaries and other areas of emphasis. Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 21 Introduction to Sugar Land According to CQ Press, the incidence of crime is of real concern to millions of Americans, and the rankings help them better understand what is happening in their communities. Sugar Land Police Department The CQ Press rankings of the safest and most dangerous cities and metropolitan areas are calculated using six basic crime categories: murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, and motor vehicle theft. These categories have been used for determining city ratings since 1999. The rankings include all cities of at least 75,000 residents that reported crime data to the FBI in the categories noted. For more information on CQ Press’ Safest Cities, visit http://www.cqpress.com." SOURCE: http://www.sugarlandtx.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=9 on February 6, 2013. NOTE You can also review the current Sugar Land crime analysis from the police department. 22 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Introduction to Sugar Land Sugar Land Commute Times If you are relocating to Sugar Land, Texas, commute times are reasonable, averaging about 25 minutes. The main work hubs of HoustonDowntown, The Galleria and The Texas Medical Centerare in within 25 miles of Sugar Land. Here is a chart with approximate travel times to Houston in standard commuting traffic. Miles from Sugar Land Peak Travel Times Off‐Peak Travel Times Galleria 25 Miles 40‐55 minutes 25‐35 minutes Downtown 15 miles 45‐65 minutes 35‐45 minutes Medical Center 20 Miles 45‐65 minutes 35‐40 minutes If you choose to car pool with a colleague or family member, HOV and diamond lanes are available on Route 59 (also called the Southwest Freeway) from Sugar Land to inside Route 610 (locals say, “inside the loop”). In addition to driving, there are various commuting options from Sugar Land, including park and ride services as well as car pools through NuRide and van pools with MetroVan. To learn more about alternative options for commuting, check out Sugar Land’s Transit Services: http://www.sugarlandtx.gov/index.aspx?NID=535 » Also see: The City of Sugar Land’s “Comprehensive Mobility Plan” Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 23 Introduction to Sugar Land Estimated Commute Times from Sugar Land This is data collected using Yahoo! Local Maps on February 24, 2010. The miles and minutes listed in this chart are estimates only during regular traffic times (not rush hour) assuming the roads are clear of wrecks and obstacles. Different addresses within the same neighborhood will vary in both miles and minutes. This chart is meant to be a “guesstimate” only. A rule‐of‐thumb for estimating drive times during rush hour in the Houston area is to multiply normal drive time by 1.5—or 50 percent longer than usual. So if regular drive time is 31 minutes, then estimate 46 minutes during rush hour. Neighborhood To Downtown To Medical Center To Galleria To Bush Airport To Hobby Airport Miles Minutes
Miles
Minutes
Miles
Minutes Miles
Minutes
Miles
Minutes
Avalon 27 36 26 31 19 24 47 52 33 41 Commonwealth 28 38 18 33 20 27 47 55 34 44 First Colony 24 32 23 28 16 21 44 49 31 38 Greatwood 30 38 28 32 21 25 49 53 36 42 New Territory 27 38 27 32 20 25 48 53 34 43 Riverstone 28 39 18 26 23 28 51 54 27 35 Sugar Creek & Sugar Lakes 23 32 20 26 14 19 42 48 28 37 Sugar Mill 24 34 18 30 16 23 44 54 30 41 Sweetwater 26 35 25 31 18 24 46 52 32 41 Telfair 27 35 29 33 22 27 50 55 36 44 24 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Introduction to Sugar Land Sugar Land Home Values and Housing Costs One of the things I’ve found that excites people the most about buying a home in Sugar Land, TX, is how far their dollars go. No matter what price range you’re looking at, you get much more for your money in Sugar Land than in other parts of the country because the Sugar Land housing costs are so reasonable. Plus, there is a home for every budget! Depending upon the communities you’re considering, homes can range from $200,000 to several million. 2013‐2014 Does this seem too good to be true? Well believe me, it’s not. Fort Bend County has a very diverse job market and tax revenue source based more on consumption than income and profits. This has helped us sustain both a strong economy and real estate market…and to keep Sugar Land housing costs low. In fact, we have been in a Seller’s market for over 12 years. What do I mean by that? Let me explain… We determine the type of market we’re in by the amount of current inventory (homes available for sale). A Buyer’s market is seven months or more of inventory. This is where the demand for homes is somewhat less than the supply of homes and where Buyers may have more “say” over house prices than Sellers. A Seller’s market is five months or less of inventory. The demand for homes is somewhat greater than the supply of homes, giving Sellers more power over house prices than Buyers. Six months of inventory is considered “equilibrium.” » To get a better idea of home values, browse through various Sugar Land homes for sale Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 25 Introduction to Sugar Land Sugar Land Real Estate Market Sugar Land Housing Shortage The Sugar Land real estate market is currently experience a historic housing shortage. We simply do not have enough homes for sale to meet the current demand. This is great news for home sellers, but worrisome for home buyers. If you are planning to buy a home in Sugar Land right now, be prepared to offer top‐dollar and be involved in multiple‐offer, super‐competitive negotiations. To strengthen your negotiation position you should get PRE‐APPROVED (not just pre‐qualified) through a reputable local lender (not a big, national bank) and be ready to show Proof of Funds (as in, copies of bank statements showing the balance). NOTE A pre‐approved buyer has already submitted W‐2s, tax statements, bank statements, etc. to the lender and the lender has actually verified employment, assets, etc. The lender will provide a letter stating this fact. When a Seller has to choose between multiple offers, the seller will often choose the buyer who has already obtained pre‐approval. And often times, that seller will prefer a local lender who can Close faster (within six weeks) over a large, national lender who may take eight weeks or longer to Close. 26 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Introduction to Sugar Land Houston Employment Forecast The past four years have been really good for the Sugar Land real estate market. Hopefully the market will continue grow and indications are positive since Houston may have 70,000 new jobs in 2014. Read excerpt from “2014 Houston Employment Forecast: A Publication of the Greater Houston Partnership“ » Read also “How long will Houston boom last? Top 5 real estate predictions for 2014“ » Read also “Housing Outlook 2014: 10 Predictions From The Experts“ » Read also “Houston Housing Market Metrostudy 1Q14 Survey Results: Market Continues Surge in 2014; Inventory Constraints Cause Price Increases“ Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 27 Introduction to Sugar Land Fort Bend Real Estate Sales Data The Sugar Land real estate market is part of Fort Bend county. The following charts and graphs show data for all properties (single‐family homes, townhomes, and condominiums) located within Fort Bend County including: Sugar Land, Katy, Richmond, Rosenberg, Missouri City, etc. It shows the tremendous surge in home sales in Fort Bend County in 2013 as well as the serious lack of inventory (approximately 2 mths). The Sugar Land real estate market is constantly changing. The way we determine the type of real estate market we’re in (Buyer’s Market vs. Seller’s Market) is based on the amount of inventory (homes available for sale) currently available. Six months of inventory is considered “equilibrium”–
neither a Seller’s or Buyer’s Market. A Buyer’s Market is considered to be 7 months or more of inventory. This is where the demand for homes is somewhat less than the supply of homes…and where Buyers may have more “say” over house prices than Sellers. A Seller’s Market is considered to be 5 months or less of inventory. This is where the demand for homes is somewhat greater than the supply of homes…and where Sellers may have more “say” over house prices than Buyers. 28 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Introduction to Sugar Land IMPORTANT! These graphs and charts are for the entire Fort Bend county… if you want Sugar Land‐specific market data, you need to sign up for the Sugar Land Market Reports. Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 29 Introduction to Sugar Land 30 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Introduction to Sugar Land Best Sugar Land Real Estate Agent Sheila Cox is an award‐winning Sugar Land real estate agent who has lived in the Sugar Land area (Fort Bend County) for over 10 years. She is the professional, enthusiastic, service‐oriented, caring Realtor that you have always wanted...serving you before, during, and after the sale. She is the Sugar Land real estate agent who will fight to get you the best deal possible and to make sure your goals are achieved while protecting your interests to the best of her ability. Not only that, she provides extensive information (view a sample house report) to you so that you can make the best decisions. Click to read testimonials Click to read about award Click to read endorsements Testimonials
"Sheila was the best realtor we could have ever asked for. We could always depend on her to get the job done and she was always looking out for our best interests. I was going through the tragic loss of my mother during the sale and purchase of our home, and Sheila went above and beyond in ensuring that all was being taken care of and everything was moving along smoothly on BOTH ends. Where the other realtor failed during the process, Sheila jumped in to pick up the pieces and kept things moving along. She is dependable and trustworthy, and has great knowledge of the market and lenders. Her superb advice and expertise made the whole process, which could have been very stressful given the circumstances, move along as smoothly and possible. People like Sheila are few and far between, and we are so grateful that we had the opportunity to work with her." —Talley Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 31 Introduction to Sugar Land "Sheila is simply an outstanding realtor. She helped my wife and I sell our fourth and purchase our fifth house. Out of all the realtors, she is honestly the best! She treats the transaction as her own, provides you timely updates as changes occur. Her advice also saved us from costly pitfalls that could have ruined the sell and purchase of our new house. My advice: 1) Use Sheila as your realtor 2) Listen to her recommendations! She is an expert and provides outstanding advice. Sheila thank you for all of your hard work. You did an outstanding job!" —Worley "Sheila is a wonderful agent with great passion for ‘Doing the right thing’ for her clients. Moving to Houston was a big move for me and not knowing where to start my search was a concern to me. Shelia’s genuine approach to understanding what I was looking for made my final choose very simple. She never let me settle for anything less than what I was looking for. I would recommend her services to anyone looking for a new home, Sheila is awesome and my agent for life." —Carrion Click to socialize with me...
Most of these sites include even more photos, videos, and info on Sugar Land! 32 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Introduction to Sugar Land Sugar Land Property Taxes Unfortunately, property taxes in Texas are among the highest in the country. But before you panic, just remember that we don’t have a state income tax in Texas…so one sort of offsets the other. You can read more about Texas property taxes so you are well‐informed. In addition, each Sugar Land subdivision (and there are over 200!) has different property tax rates…and they can change from year to year. Subdivisions in our newest neighborhoods, like Telfair and Riverstone, tend to have the highest property tax rates (3.2 to 3.5) and subdivisions in our older neighborhoods, like Sugar Creek or Sugar Mill, tend to have the lowest tax rates (2.2 to 2.8). One thing I like to point out though…our newer homes tend to be much more energy‐
efficient than our older homes; so you will save money in energy costs when you buy a newer home. That may help partially offset the higher taxes. There are tax benefits and other benefits in owning your own home (which can make up for the high property taxes). Please read The Benefits of Home Ownership to learn more. To get up‐to‐date property tax rates, search for the subdivision (or the neighborhood name) below. When you view a neighborhood page, look at the “Subdivision Tax Rates” section and add up the five or six different tax types (city, school, drainage, levee, etc.) to determine the overall tax rate for the subdivision. » Go to my website to check current property taxes on the neighborhood of your choice Pecan Park New Territory Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 33 Introduction to Sugar Land About Flood Zones Sugar Land is located near the Brazos river and has an elevation of 100ft, therefore, flooding is a potential hazard that needs to be understood. There are also many neighborhood lakes (and Oyster Creek) that run through Sugar Land and could serve as potential flood hazards. However, most of the Sugar Land neighborhoods, that could have potential flooding issues, are currently protected with a vast levee system. Whenever you buy a home in Sugar Land you should obtain a recent survey and flood certificate to notify you if the home is in a Sugar Land flood zone or not. Most homes in Sugar Land do NOT require flood insurance because the flood hazard is considered very small. But if you have concerns, there is national flood insurance available at an extremely low cost ($400/yr) to most home owners. As a service to all of my buying clients, I always research the FEMA flood maps to ensure that you know which Sugar Land flood zone (if any) a home is located in BEFORE you purchase. View a sample of my House Report. » Read advice about flooding » View digital Sugar Land flood map » Learn more about flood zone definitions 34 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Introduction to Sugar Land Important Phone Numbers Animal Services 101 Gillingham Lane Sugar Land, TX 77498 (281) 275‐ADOG (2364) http://www.sugarlandtx.gov/community_dev/enviro
nmental/animal_services/index.asp County (Fort Bend) Courthouse 309 South Fourth (street) 301 Jackson (mailing) Richmond, Texas 77469 (281) 342‐3411 www.fortbendcountygov.com Automobile Registration/License Plates Fort Bend County Tax Assessor‐Collector 12550 Emily Court Sugar Land Substation (281) 242‐4311 http://www.co.fort‐bend.tx.us Driver's License Dept. of Public Safety 5505 Avenue N (FM 2218 off U.S. 59) Rosenberg, TX (281) 232‐4334 Cable Television Comcast 9920 Highway 90A (713) 341‐1000 (800) 776‐9993 AT&T (800) 288‐2020 Electric Service Visit Texas Electric Choice where you can choose the Retail Electric Provider that's right for you. Make sure you also check out a company with the BBB before you sign up or hire them. Chamber of Commerce of Fort Bend County 445 Commerce Green Blvd. Phone: (281) 491‐0800 www.fortbendchamber.com Garbage City of Sugar Land 281‐275‐2750 Sugar Land Trash Schedule Or check with your neighborhood's MUD (municipal utility district) City Hall of Sugar Land 2700 Town Center Blvd. North Sugar Land, TX 77479 Main: (281) 275‐2700 Fax: (281) 275‐2721 www.sugarlandtx.gov Gas Service Centerpoint Energy 800‐752‐8036 CenterPoint Energy City of Sugar Land P.O. Box 110 Sugar Land, TX 77487‐0110 (281) ASK‐CITY Highway Hotline (281) 276‐9959 Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 35 Introduction to Sugar Land County (Fort Bend ) Central Appraisal District 2801 B. F. Terry Blvd. Rosenberg, Texas 77471 (281) 344‐8623 Job Hotline (281) 275‐2796 Libraries Fort Bend County Public Libraries Schools: Fort Bend ISD 16431 Lexington Blvd. Sugar Land, TX 77479 phone: (281) 634‐1000 www.fortbend.k12.tx.us License Plates – Register Auto http://www.co.fort‐bend.tx.us Schools: Lamar CISD 3911 Avenue I Rosenberg, TX 77471 phone: (281) 341‐3229 www.lcisd.org Parks & Recreation 200 Matlage Way Sugar Land, TX 77478 (281) 275‐2885 http://www.sugarlandtx.gov/parks_recreation/index.
asp U.S. Post Office First Colony Branch 3130 Grants Lake Blvd. (800) 275‐8777 Sugar Land Main Post Office 225 Matlage Way (800) 275‐8777 Phone Service WindStream Communications 8306 Highway 90 A 866‐255‐8356 (residential service) 800‐843‐9214 (business service) AT&T 800‐288‐2020 Verizon 888‐583‐8111 Voter Registration Ask for a voter registration card at Sugar Land City Hall, a U.S. Post Office or a county office. Return the form to the Voter Registrar. Questions should be addressed to the Elections/Voter Registration Office at (281) 341‐
8670. View Web Site Police Department 1200 Highway 6 South Sugar Land, Texas 77478 (281) 275‐2500 http://www.sugarlandtx.gov/police/index.asp Water Service City of Sugar Land Treasury Management 2700 Town Center Blvd. North (281) 275‐2750 View Web Site Or check with your neighborhood's MUD (municipal utility district) 36 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Introduction to Sugar Land Recycling Centers Curbside Info Fort Bend County Social Security Administration 10703 Stancliff Houston, TX 77099 (800) 772‐1213 www.ssa.gov Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 37 Sugar Land Neighborhoods 2 Sugar Land Neighborhoods About This Chapter This chapter includes the following: Map of Neighborhood Locations .................................................................................................... 39
List of Main Neighborhoods............................................................................................................ 40
Comparison Chart................................................................................................................. 41
How to Choose the Right Sugar Land Neighborhood for You ........................................................ 42
About Sugar Land Master Planned Communities........................................................................... 45
Avalon ............................................................................................................................................. 47
Commonwealth............................................................................................................................... 53
First Colony ..................................................................................................................................... 59
Greatwood ...................................................................................................................................... 66
New Territory.................................................................................................................................. 72
River Park ........................................................................................................................................ 78
Riverstone ....................................................................................................................................... 83
Sugar Creek ..................................................................................................................................... 90
Sugar Lakes...................................................................................................................................... 96
Sweetwater ................................................................................................................................... 101
Telfair ............................................................................................................................................ 108
38 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Sugar Land Neighborhoods Map of Neighborhood Locations
The map below shows approximate neighborhood boundaries, to give you an idea of where various Sugar Land neighborhoods are located. Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 39 Sugar Land Neighborhoods List of Main Neighborhoods
Sugar Land neighborhoods are mostly master planned communities with tree‐lined streets, parks, playgrounds, and community pools and tennis courts. Most Sugar Land neighborhoods are divided into subdivisions, and each subdivision will have its own tax rate, school zone, and price range. But when searching for a home, it is best to focus on a neighborhood…not one of the 200+ subdivisions in Sugar Land. The main Sugar Land neighborhoods are shown below. You can click a neighborhood to see a complete description of it including maps, videos, photos, tax info, school ratings, and a list of homes for sale in that neighborhood: 
Avalon 
Commonwealth 
First Colony 
Greatwood 
Lake Pointe 
New Territory 
River Park 
Riverstone 
Sugar Creek 
Sugar Lakes 
Sweetwater 
Telfair 40 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Sugar Land Neighborhoods Comparison Chart The following neighborhood comparison chart was updated March 2015. Neighborhood Avg Price Avg Tax HOA Fee School Scores* E M H Pool Waterpark Tennis Golf Parks Trails Waterfront Commute Avalon $632K 2.35 $900‐1700 10 10 9 Y N Y N Y N Y B Commonwealth $492K 2.42 $845 10 10 9 Y N Y N Y N N C First Colony $342K 2.28 $748‐1800 7‐10 10 9 Y Y Y N Y Y N A Greatwood $348K 2.82 $725 10 9 8 Y N Y Y Y Y Y C New Territory $326K 2.45 $1050 9 or 10 10 8 Y N Y N Y Y Y B River Park $251K 3.87 $880 9 5 4 Y N N N Y Y N C Riverstone $545K 3.34 $800‐900 10 10 7 Y Y Y N Y Y Y C Sugar Creek $352K 2.43 $400‐1200 7 8 8 N N N Y N N Y A Sugar Lakes $398K 2.15 $600‐700 8 8 8 Y N Y N Y N Y A Sweetwater $1.4M 2.55 $748‐1800 9 or 10 10 9 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y B Telfair $511K 3.28 $715‐1850 10 10 7 Y Y Y N Y Y Y A Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 41 Sugar Land Neighborhoods How to Choose the Right Sugar Land Neighborhood for You
The average price of a home in Sugar Land is approximately $377,000. If your budget is under $300,000 then you may need to consider a townhome/condo or a bargain property. All Sugar Land neighborhoods have homes with swimming pools, but certain types of homes (for example, a golf course home) can only be found in certain neighborhoods at certain prices. The Comparison Chart (next page) shows the Sugar Land neighborhoods that contain a specific Type of home by specific Price Range. For example, if you want a home zoned to the highest ranking high schools in Sugar Land (as in Clements, Austin, or George Ranch high schools) and you have a budget of $200‐300K, then your options are only New Territory, First Colony, and Greatwood. If you have $400K to spend, then you can afford a home in Avalon, Commonwealth, or Sweetwater as well. Use the following chart to narrow down your list of neighborhood options. Click a neighborhood to view a list of homes for sale. 42 Type Priced Under $200K Priced $200K‐$300K Priced $300K‐$500K Priced Over $600K+ Best Schools* First Colony New Territory New Territory New Territory First Colony First Colony First Colony Greatwood Greatwood Greatwood Avalon Avalon Commonwealth Commonwealth Sweetwater Water Views Sugar Mill Sugar Mill Avalon Chelsea Harbour Chelsea Harbour Telfair Sugarwood Sugarwood Riverstone Orchard Lake First Colony New Territory Telfair Sugar Creek Sugar Lakes Sugar Lakes Lakes of Bella Terra Sweetwater Lake Pointe Venetian Estates Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Sugar Land Neighborhoods Type Priced Under $200K Priced $200K‐$300K Priced $300K‐$500K Priced Over $600K+ Alkire Lake Golf Course Sugar Creek Sugar Creek Sugar Creek Greatwood Greatwood Greatwood Pecan Grove Pecan Grove Sweetwater Oversized Lots Greatwood Sugar Creek Sweetwater Alkire Lake Venetian Estates Maranatha Farms Energy‐efficient/ Green‐built Telfair Telfair Riverstone Riverstone Riverstone Long Meadow Farms Long Meadow Farms Lakes of Bella Terra Lakes of Bella Terra Lakes of Bella Terra New Construction Telfair Telfair Riverstone Riverstone Riverstone Long Meadow Farms Long Meadow Farms Lakes of Bella Terra Lakes of Bella Terra Lakes of Bella Terra Gated Canyon Gate Orchard Lake Old Orchard New Territory Canyon Gate Woodbridge Riverstone Westheimer Lakes Lakes of Bella Terra Sweetwater Westheimer Lakes Lake Pointe Bridlewood Texana Plantation Lakes of Bella Terra Orchard Lake Estates Lakes of Williams Ranch Unique Architecture Sugar Creek Sugar Creek Sugar Creek Sugarwood Sugarwood Sugarwood Sweetwater Patio Homes Sugar Creek Sugar Creek Sugar Creek Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 43 Sugar Land Neighborhoods Type Priced Under $200K Priced $200K‐$300K Priced $300K‐$500K Priced Over $600K+ Telfair Telfair Riverstone Riverstone Riverstone Shortest Commute to Downtown Houston Sugar Mill Sugar Mill Sugar Creek Sugar Creek Sugar Creek Sugar Lakes Sugar Lakes Sugar Lakes Lake Pointe Sugarwood Sugarwood Venetian Estates First Colony Alkire Lake Bargain Properties First Colony River Park River Park West Townewest Covington Woods Barrington Place Pheasant Creek Townhome/Condo Grants Lake City Plaza City Plaza Lake Pointe Luxury ($1Million+) Greatwood Estates Riverstone Telfair Avalon Sugar Creek Sweetwater Alkire Lake Venetian Estates Maranatha Farms Lakes of Williams Ranch *Best Schools: Sugar Land is known for its excellent schools. In fact, most of our schools score 8 or above (on a scale of 1 to 10). However, our two highest scoring high schools are Clements H.S. and Austin H.S. Naturally homes zoned to these two high schools are also zoned to high‐ranking elementary and middle schools. 44 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Sugar Land Neighborhoods About Sugar Land Master Planned Communities Sugar Land, Texas, is a unique area that consists mostly of "planned communities." We typically refer to these Sugar Land planned communities as "neighborhoods." Most neighborhoods are further divided into subdivisions. There are over 200 subdivisions in Sugar Land! The only exception is Sugar Land's newest planned community/neighborhood: Telfair. It is not subdivided into official subdivisions. Other neighborhoods like New Territory (40+ subdivisions), Greatwood (25+ subdivisions), and First Colony (30+ subdivisions) are divided into many subdivisions. Here's how this happens... When a developer decides to create a planned community, it doesn't develop the entire plot of land all at once. It opens a section or two at a time. Each section typically has 2 to 5 different builders who are building homes within a certain price range. So one subdivision may contain homes in the $200‐400K price range, and another may contain homes in the $400‐600K price range, and yet another may contain homes $750K and up. So within one Sugar Land planned community you may have home prices from $200K to over $1 million, but they would be subdivided so that you should never see a $200K house next to a $900K house. Also some subdivisions may have different features than surrounding subdivisions such as a water front section, gated section, golf course section, etc. For the larger Sugar Land planned communities you will notice that various subdivisions may be zoned to various elementary schools‐‐and maybe even different middle schools and high schools‐‐all within the same neighborhood. So it is very challenging for newcomers to get a handle on where to live! Another complication is that various subdivisions may have different HOA (home owner's association) maintenance fees...even within the same neighborhood. This is because various subdivisions may have different amenities and features from surrounding subdivisions. For example, Sweetwater is actually an upscale subdivision in the First Colony planned community, but is treated as if it is its own neighborhood. Some of Sweetwater has a constable service, so their HOA fees are higher (up to $1800/yr) than other First Colony HOA fees to cover that extra service. Another example is Sugar Creek where, if you live on Country Club Blvd, the HOA maintains your front yard for you, so your annual HOA fee is higher than homes that are not located on Country Club Blvd. Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 45 Sugar Land Neighborhoods Yet one more example is Telfair where, if you live in a patio home, your yard maintenance is included in the annual HOA fee as well, and will be higher than the typical HOA fee for that neighborhood. First Colony Waterpark The HOA fees in Sugar Land planned communities (sometimes referred to as maintenance fees) are annual fees that cover the cost and upkeep of the neighborhood's shared amenities such as street lights, sidewalks, common areas, park, swimming pool, tennis courts, etc. There are Pro's and Con's for having home owner associations but if you want to live in Sugar Land, you might as well resign yourself to the fact that you are probably going to have to deal with one because there are very few parts of Sugar Land that are not covered by an HOA. HOA fees are typically paid annually and, as specified previously, they can vary from house to house within the same subdivision, so always check with your real estate agent before purchasing a specific home. These fees can change (slightly) from year to year as well. Some HOAs also have transfer fees (applied each time you buy or sell a home that is within an HOA) that may be paid by either the Seller or the Buyer. There can also be compliance inspections and certificates during home sale transactions, depending on the HOA, which is another cost when purchasing or selling a home. These fees are all typically under $200 each (transfer fee is separate from the compliance certificate fee). You need a good real estate agent who can guide you through all of the requirements during a real estate transaction so you don't end up with a home that hasn't met its HOA compliance, and then have to (unexpectedly) pay more money to get it up to compliance after you move‐in! Inexperienced agents or agents from other areas may not know and understand these complicated HOA requirements. 46 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Sugar Land Neighborhoods Avalon List of Homes for Sale in Avalon Description Price Range: Home prices range from $321 to over $1.4 million dollars with $632K the average home price. Avalon, Sugar Land, TX, is a gorgeous neighborhood zoned to some of the best schools in Sugar Land. This neighborhood sits on approximately 427 acres including more than 70 acres of lakes...so waterfront homes for sale in Sugar Land can be found in Avalon, Sugar Land. This neighborhood was developed in 1999‐2005 by Monarch Development of Texas, Inc. and has both custom and semi‐custom homes ranging in size from 2,200 to over 6,500 square feet. Home prices in Avalon, Sugar Land, range from the low $300s to over $1.4 million dollars with $632K the average home price. Avalon, Sugar Land, features an elegant clubhouse, public lagoon‐style swimming pool, tennis courts, jogging trails, as well as fishing ponds for canoeing and sailing. Plus, it is close to Sugar Land's Memorial Park, the University of Houston's Sugar Land branch, shopping, and has easy access to Interstate 59 if you work in Houston. Clubhouse Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 47 Sugar Land Neighborhoods Map Here's a map of Avalon, Sugar Land. Commute Times Here is a chart with approximate travel times in standard commuting traffic. This data was collected using Google Maps on February 24, 2010. The miles and minutes listed in this chart are estimates only during regular traffic times (not rush hour) assuming the roads are clear of wrecks and obstacles. Different addresses within the same neighborhood will vary in both miles and minutes. This chart is meant to be a “guesstimate” only. Location Miles Minutes Downtown Houston 27 36 Medical Center 26 31 Galleria Area 19 24 Bush Intercontinental Airport 47 52 Hobby Airport 33 41 48 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Sugar Land Neighborhoods School Ratings The Score refers to GreatSchools.com ratings which give an overview of a school's test results based on a comparison of test results for all schools in the state. For the Score, the higher the number, the higher (better) the school’s test performance. NOTE These ratings and score are as of March 2015 and may change in the future. School Type Score Address Commonwealth Elementary Elementary 10 4909 Commonwealth Blvd Fort Settlement Middle School Middle School 10 5440 Elkins Rd Clements High School High School 9 4200 Elkins Dr Demographics To determine demographics for a neighborhood you can look at the demographics for the middle school zoned to that neighborhood. Or you can get more specific by looking at the demographics for a specific elementary school (use schools links in chart above). Source: Greatschools.org June 2014 Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 49 Sugar Land Neighborhoods Amenities This neighborhood has the following amenities:  Club House = 1  Swimming Pools = 1  Waterpark = 0  Splash Pads = 0  Tennis Courts = Yes  Parks/playgrounds = 0  Sport Leagues (Kid) = No  Sport Leagues (Adult) = No  Walking Trails = No  Lakes = Yes  Golf Course = No  Community Intranet = No The annual HOA fee, which pays for these amenities, is approximately $900‐$1700 depending on the lot. Go to Avalon Home Owner's Association Website Crime “Sugar Land, TX – Sugar Land was recently named America’s 20th Safest City, a distinction based on an analysis of FBI crime statistics. The distinction makes Sugar Land the second safest city in Texas…” (read more) Source: RaidsOnline 50 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Sugar Land Neighborhoods Home Values Here are some charts and graphs to show home values and trends in this neighborhood since January 1, 2005 (10‐years). Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 51 Sugar Land Neighborhoods Photos of Neighborhood Here are some photos of Avalon, Sugar Land. If you prefer to “drive” the neighborhood, then check out the Sugar Land Neighborhood videos on YouTube. Club House Swimming Pool Tennis Lake 52 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Sugar Land Neighborhoods Commonwealth List of Homes for Sale in Commonwealth Description Price Range: Home prices range from $355K to $810K with $492K the average. Commonwealth, Sugar Land, is a lovely neighborhood on the Southside of Sugar Land...just East of Avalon and south of Sweetwater. Zoned to the best schools in the city, Commonwealth, Sugar Land, is a beautiful area with tree‐lined boulevards, parks, lakes, and ponds. There is a community club house, swimming pool, multiple playgrounds, and public tennis courts. Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 53 Sugar Land Neighborhoods Map Here’s a map showing where Commonwealth, Sugar Land, is located. Commute Times Here is a chart with approximate travel times in standard commuting traffic. This data was collected using Google Maps on February 24, 2010. The miles and minutes listed in this chart are estimates only during regular traffic times (not rush hour) assuming the roads are clear of wrecks and obstacles. Different addresses within the same neighborhood will vary in both miles and minutes. This chart is meant to be a “guesstimate” only. Location Miles Minutes Downtown Houston 28 36 Medical Center 18 33 Galleria Area 20 27 Bush Intercontinental Airport 47 55 Hobby Airport 34 44 54 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Sugar Land Neighborhoods School Ratings The following table shows the schools zoned to Commonwealth, Sugar Land. The Score refers to www.GreatSchools.com ratings which give an overview of a school's test results based on a comparison of test results for all schools in the state. For the Score, the higher the number, the higher (better) the school’s test performance. NOTE These ratings and score are as of March 2015 and may change in the future. School Type Score Address Commonwealth Elementary Elementary 10 4909 Commonwealth Blvd Fort Settlement Middle School Middle School 10 5440 Elkins Rd Clements High School High School 9 4200 Elkins Dr Demographics To determine demographics for a neighborhood you can look at the demographics for the middle school zoned to that neighborhood. Or you can get more specific by looking at the demographics for a specific elementary school (use schools links in chart above). Source: Greatschools.org June 2013 Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 55 Sugar Land Neighborhoods Amenities This neighborhood has the following amenities:  Club House = 1  Swimming Pools = 2  Waterpark = 0  Splash Pads = 0  Tennis Courts = Yes  Parks/playgrounds = 3  Sport Leagues (Kid) = No  Sport Leagues (Adult) = No  Walking Trails = Yes  Lakes = Yes  Golf Course = No  Community Intranet = No The annual HOA fee, which pays for these amenities, is approximately $845. Go to Commonwealth Home Owner's Association Website Crime “Sugar Land, TX – Sugar Land was recently named America’s 20th Safest City, a distinction based on an analysis of FBI crime statistics. The distinction makes Sugar Land the second safest city in Texas…” (read more) Source: RaidsOnline 56 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Sugar Land Neighborhoods Home Values Here are some charts and graphs to show home values and trends in this neighborhood since January 1, 2005 (past 10 years). Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 57 Sugar Land Neighborhoods Photos of Neighborhood Here are some photos of Commonwealth, Sugar Land. If you prefer to “drive” the neighborhood, then check out the Sugar Land Neighborhood videos on YouTube. Club House Swimming Pool Tennis Park 58 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Sugar Land Neighborhoods First Colony List of Homes for Sale First Colony Description Price Range: Home prices range from $100K to $6M (Sweetwater) with the average being $342K. Each subdivision has it's own price range and average. First Colony, Sugar Land is a large community consisting of many different subdivisions in the heart of Sugar Land. Unsurpassed in amenities and conveniences, First Colony, Sugar Land evokes a sense of family and community. It has a unique blend of residential neighborhoods and businesses with protective architectural guidelines. First Colony, Sugar Land offers a spectacle of tree lined streets, miles of walking paths, lush parks, 10 swimming pools‐‐truly unlimited recreational opportunities. With convenient access to the Southwest Freeway (I59) First Colony is less than 20 miles from downtown Houston. Huge Waterpark Complex
Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 59 Sugar Land Neighborhoods Map Here’s a map of First Colony. Commute Times Here is a chart with approximate travel times in standard commuting traffic. This data was collected using Google Maps on February 24, 2010. The miles and minutes listed in this chart are estimates only during regular traffic times (not rush hour) assuming the roads are clear of wrecks and obstacles. Different addresses within the same neighborhood will vary in both miles and minutes. This chart is meant to be a “guesstimate” only. Location 60 Miles Minutes Downtown Houston 24 32 Medical Center 23 28 Galleria Area 16 21 Bush Intercontinental Airport 44 49 Hobby Airport 31 38 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Sugar Land Neighborhoods School Ratings The following table shows the schools zoned to First Colony, Sugar Land. The Score refers to www.GreatSchools.com ratings which give an overview of a school's test results based on a comparison of test results for all schools in the state. For the Score, the higher the number, the higher (better) the school’s test performance. NOTE The information below is as of March 2015 and may change in the future. School Type Score Address Colony Meadows Elementary Elementary 10 4510 Sweetwater Blvd Austin Parkway Elementary Elementary 9 4400 Austin Pkwy Colony Bend Elementary Elementary 9 2720 Planters St Highlands Elementary Elementary 9 2022 Colonist Park Settlers Way Elementary Elementary 9 3015 Settlers Way Dr Lexington Creek Elementary Elementary 8 2335 Dulles Ave, Missouri City Dulles Elementary Elementary 6 630 Dulles Ave Fort Settlement Middle School Middle School 10 5440 Elkins Rd First Colony Middle Middle School 9 3225 Austin Pkwy Dulles Middle Middle School 8 500 Dulles Ave Clements High School High School 9 4200 Elkins Dr Dulles High School High School 8 550 Dulles Ave Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 61 Sugar Land Neighborhoods Demographics First Colony, Sugar Land is a very large area covering four different middle schools. Check demographics by looking at the middle school zoned to the house you are interested in. Or you can get more specific by looking at the demographics for a specific elementary school (use schools links in chart above). Source: Greatschools.org June 2013 62 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Sugar Land Neighborhoods Amenities This neighborhood has the following amenities:  Club House = Many!  Swimming Pools = Many!  Waterpark = Yes  Splash Pads = Yes  Tennis Courts = Many!  Parks/playgrounds = Many!  Sport Leagues (Kid) = Yes  Sport Leagues (Adult) = Yes  Walking Trails = Yes  Lakes = Yes  Golf Course = Sweetwater  Community Intranet = No Go to First Colony Home Owner's Association Website for details on amenities. Annual HOA fees start at $748 but each subdivision may have added fees for various amenities unique to it. For example, some subdivisions in Sweetwater can go up to $1800/yr because they have a Constable service. Crime “Sugar Land, TX – Sugar Land was recently named America’s 20th Safest City, a distinction based on an analysis of FBI crime statistics. The distinction makes Sugar Land the second safest city in Texas…” (read more) Source: RaidsOnline Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 63 Sugar Land Neighborhoods Home Values Here are some charts and graphs to show home values and trends in this neighborhood since January 1, 2005 (past 10 years). 64 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Sugar Land Neighborhoods Photos of Neighborhood Here are some photos of First Colony, Sugar Land. If you prefer to “drive” the neighborhood, then check out the Sugar Land Neighborhood videos on YouTube. Waterpark Swimming Pool Splashpad Park Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 65 Sugar Land Neighborhoods Greatwood List of Homes for Sale Greatwood Description Price Range: Home prices range from $187K to $965K with $348K the average. Greatwood, Sugar Land is a very large, beautiful community, just South of Sugar Land, Texas, on Hwy. 59. Residing on approximately 32 acres of lakes, and one of the top sugar land golf course communities, this neighborhood is located on the Greatwood golf course and has three public swimming pools, a community club house, tennis courts, parks, a jogging trail, and a four‐acre nature park. One of the only naturally wooded communities in Southwest Houston, Greatwood is home to more than 3,000 households. A very active neighborhood, your family will find lots of activities here. Check out the latest newsletter on the HOA's Website to see more. 66 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Sugar Land Neighborhoods Map Here’s a map showing the location of Greatwood, Sugar Land. Commute Times Here is a chart with approximate travel times in standard commuting traffic. This data was collected using Google Maps on February 24, 2010. The miles and minutes listed in this chart are estimates only during regular traffic times (not rush hour) assuming the roads are clear of wrecks and obstacles. Different addresses within the same neighborhood will vary in both miles and minutes. This chart is meant to be a “guesstimate” only. Location Miles Minutes Downtown Houston 30 38 Medical Center 28 32 Galleria Area 21 25 Bush Intercontinental Airport 49 53 Hobby Airport 36 42 Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 67 Sugar Land Neighborhoods School Ratings The Score refers to www.GreatSchools.com ratings which give an overview of a school's test results based on a comparison of test results for all schools in the state. For the Score, the higher the number, the higher (better) the school’s test performance. NOTE These ratings and score are as of March 2015 and may change in the future. School Type Score Address Bess Campbell Elementary Elementary 10 1000 Shadow Bend Dr Susanna Dickinson Elementary Elementary 10 7110 Greatwood Pkwy Reading Junior High Middle School 9 8101 FM 762 Richmond George Ranch High School High School 8 8181 FM 762, Richmond Demographics To determine demographics for a neighborhood you can look at the demographics for the middle school zoned to that neighborhood. Or you can get more specific by looking at the demographics for a specific elementary school (use schools links in chart above). Source: Greatschools.org June 2013 68 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Sugar Land Neighborhoods Amenities This neighborhood has the following amenities: 
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Club House = 1 Swimming Pools = 3 Waterpark = No Splash Pads = 1 Tennis Courts = Yes Parks/playgrounds = 3 Sport Leagues (Kid) = No Sport Leagues (Adult) = No Walking Trails = Yes Lakes = Yes Golf Course = Greatwood Community Intranet = No The annual HOA fee, which pays for these amenities, is approximately $725. Go to Neighborhood Home Owner's Association Website Go to Golf Club Website Crime “Sugar Land, TX – Sugar Land was recently named America’s 20th Safest City, a distinction based on an analysis of FBI crime statistics. The distinction makes Sugar Land the second safest city in Texas…” (read more) Source: RaidsOnline Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 69 Sugar Land Neighborhoods Home Values Here are some charts and graphs to show home values and trends in this neighborhood since January 1, 2005 (past 10 years). 70 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Sugar Land Neighborhoods Photos of Neighborhood Here are some photos of Greatwood, Sugar Land. If you prefer to “drive” the neighborhood, then check out the Sugar Land Neighborhood videos on YouTube. Club House Swimming Pool Golf Course Swimming Pool 2 Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 71 Sugar Land Neighborhoods New Territory List of Homes for Sale in New Territory Description Price Range: Home prices in New Territory range from $143K to $740K with $326K the average. New Territory, Sugar Land, is a family‐
oriented community in Sugar Land, TX, with a commitment to provide a wide variety of high quality recreation and leisure programs. Located on 3,200 acres where once magnificent old pecan groves and sugar cane fields thrived, New Territory, Sugar Land, residents now enjoy over 450 acres of parks, greenbelts, jogging trails, seven lakes, four recreation centers, and the gorgeous 8.5 acre Pecan Park. New Territory, Sugar Land, is a master‐planned community of 4,601 homes (17,000 residents), schools, churches, and retail shopping is nestled in Fort Bend County, the third fastest‐growing county in the United States. However, careful planning of the 42 subdivisions and attention to amenities gives New Territory the feeling of Small Town America. 72 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Sugar Land Neighborhoods Map Here’s a map to show where New Territory, Sugar Land, is located. Commute Times Here is a chart with approximate travel times in standard commuting traffic. This data was collected using Google Maps on February 24, 2010. The miles and minutes listed in this chart are estimates only during regular traffic times (not rush hour) assuming the roads are clear of wrecks and obstacles. Different addresses within the same neighborhood will vary in both miles and minutes. This chart is meant to be a “guesstimate” only. Location Miles Minutes Downtown Houston 27 38 Medical Center 27 32 Galleria Area 20 25 Bush Intercontinental Airport 48 53 Hobby Airport 34 43 Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 73 Sugar Land Neighborhoods School Ratings New Territory, Sugar Land, schools are among the best in the area...in Fort Bend ISD for that matter. Below is a list of the school ratings and scores. The Score refers to GreatSchools.com ratings which give an overview of a school's test results based on a comparison of test results for all schools in the state. For the Score, the higher the number, the higher (better) the school’s test performance. NOTE These ratings and score are as of March 2015 and may change in the future. School Type Score Address Brazos Bend Elementary Elementary 10 621 Cunningham Creek Blvd Walker Station Elementary Elementary 10 6200 Homeward Way Blvd Sartartia Middle School Middle School 10 8125 Homeward Way Stephen F Austin High School High School 8 3434 Pheasant Creek Dr William B Travis High School High School 7 11111 Harlem Rd Demographics To determine demographics for a neighborhood you can look at the demographics for the middle school zoned to that neighborhood. Or you can get more specific by looking at the demographics for a specific elementary school (use schools links in chart above). Source: Greatschools.org June 2013 74 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Sugar Land Neighborhoods Amenities This neighborhood has the following amenities: 
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Club House = 1 Swimming Pools = 4 Waterpark = 0 Splash Pads = 1 Tennis Courts = Many! Parks/playgrounds = 3 Sport Leagues (Kid) = Yes Sport Leagues (Adult) = Yes Walking Trails = Yes Lakes = Yes Golf Course = No Community Intranet = No The annual HOA fee, which pays for these amenities, is approximately $1050. Go to New Territory Home Owner's Association Website Crime “Sugar Land, TX – Sugar Land was recently named America’s 20th Safest City, a distinction based on an analysis of FBI crime statistics. The distinction makes Sugar Land the second safest city in Texas…” (read more) Source: RaidsOnline Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 75 Sugar Land Neighborhoods Home Values Here are some charts and graphs to show home values and trends in this neighborhood since January 1, 2005 (past 10 years). 76 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Sugar Land Neighborhoods Photos of Neighborhood Here are some photos of New Territory, Sugar Land. If you prefer to “drive” the neighborhood, then check out the Sugar Land Neighborhood videos on YouTube. Club House Swimming Pool Tennis Park Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 77 Sugar Land Neighborhoods River Park List of Homes for Sale in Riverpark Description Price Range: Home prices range from $200K to $400K with $250K the average. River Park Richmond TX (and Riverpark West) is a beautiful new master‐
planned home community located in the growing Southwest Houston suburb of Richmond, Texas, in Fort Bend County near Sugar Land. The fun and exciting Recreation Center is available to all residents, complete with a pool, pavilion and playground. Mischer Development has carefully designed this beautiful 545‐acre master‐planned community to complement the natural beauty of the land while developing approximately 1,100 new home sites for new homes available in a variety of styles, sizes and price ranges along with attractive onsite recreational amenities for residents to enjoy. These homes are zoned to Lamar Consolidated School District instead of Fort Bend ISD. 78 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Sugar Land Neighborhoods Map Here’s a map to show where Riverpark, Sugar Land, is located. Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 79 Sugar Land Neighborhoods School Ratings The Score refers to www.GreatSchools.com ratings which give an overview of a school's test results based on a comparison of test results for all schools in the state. For the Score, the higher the number, the higher (better) the school’s test performance. NOTE These ratings and score are as of March 2015 and may change in the future. School zoning may change as well. School Type Score Address Irma Dru Hutchison Elementary Elementary 8 3602 Ransom Rd, Richmond JJ Wessendorff Middle School Middle School 5 5201 Mustang Ave, Rosenberg Lamar Consolidated High School High School 4 4606 Mustang Ave, Rosenberg Demographics To determine demographics for Riverpark Sugar Land you can look at the demographics for the middle school zoned to that neighborhood. Or you can get more specific by looking at the demographics for a specific elementary school (use schools links in chart above). Source: Greatschools.org June 2013 80 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Sugar Land Neighborhoods Amenities This neighborhood has the following amenities: 
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Club House = 1 Swimming Pools = 1 Waterpark = No Splash Pads = Yes Tennis Courts = No Parks/playgrounds = 2 Sport Leagues (Kid) = No Sport Leagues (Adult) = No Walking Trails = Yes Lakes = Yes Golf Course = No Community Intranet = No The annual HOA fee, which pays for these amenities, is approximately $718. Crime “Sugar Land, TX – Sugar Land was recently named America’s 20th Safest City, a distinction based on an analysis of FBI crime statistics. The distinction makes Sugar Land the second safest city in Texas…” (read more) Source: RaidsOnline Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 81 Sugar Land Neighborhoods Home Values Here are some charts and graphs to show home values and trends in this neighborhood since January 1, 2005 (past 10 years). 82 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Sugar Land Neighborhoods Riverstone List of Homes for Sale in Riverstone Description Price Range: Home prices range from $275K to $2.6M with $545K the average. Riverstone is one of the newest neighborhoods in Sugar Land...well, technically it is in Missouri City, which borders Sugar Land and is still zoned to Fort Bend ISD. This neighborhood has more than 250 acres of lakes planned...so waterfront homes are available. Another 500 acres in this neighborhood are dedicated to recreational complexes, open spaces, walking trails, and parks. Residents of Riverstone, Sugar Land, enjoy two recreation centers with swimming pools, as well as playgrounds, lighted tennis courts, and fishing pier. One of Riverstone’s newest amenities is proving “paw”‐pular (a 3.5‐acre dog park) the first to open in the Sugar Land/Missouri City area. The facility has two leash‐free enclosed areas, canine obstacle courses, a pet‐cleaning station and more. Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 83 Sugar Land Neighborhoods Map Here’s a map to show where Riverstone, Sugar Land, is located. Commute Times Here is a chart with approximate travel times in standard commuting traffic. This data was collected using Google Maps on February 24, 2010. The miles and minutes listed in this chart are estimates only during regular traffic times (not rush hour) assuming the roads are clear of wrecks and obstacles. Different addresses within the same neighborhood will vary in both miles and minutes. This chart is meant to be a “guesstimate” only. Location Miles Minutes Downtown Houston 28 39 Medical Center 18 26 Galleria Area 23 28 Bush Intercontinental Airport 51 51 Hobby Airport 27 35 84 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Sugar Land Neighborhoods School Ratings The following table shows the schools zoned to Riverstone, Sugar Land. The Score refers to www.GreatSchools.com ratings which give an overview of a school's test results based on a comparison of test results for all schools in the state. For the Score, the higher the number, the higher (better) the school’s test performance. NOTE These ratings and score are as of March 2015 and may change in the future. School zones may change as well. School Type Score Address Austin Parkway Elementary Elementary 9 4400 Austin Pkwy Commonwealth Elementary Elementary 10 4909 Commonwealth Blvd Settlers Way Elementary Elementary 9 3015 Settlers Way Dr First Colony Middle Middle School 9 3225 Austin Pkwy Fort Settlement Middle School Middle School 10 5440 Elkins Rd Lawrence E Elkins High School High School 7 7007 Knights Ct, Missouri City Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 85 Sugar Land Neighborhoods Demographics To determine demographics for a neighborhood you can look at the demographics for the middle school zoned to that neighborhood. Or you can get more specific by looking at the demographics for a specific elementary school (use schools links in chart above). Source: Greatschools.org June 2013 86 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Sugar Land Neighborhoods Amenities This neighborhood has the following amenities: 
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Club House = 2 Swimming Pools = 3 Waterpark = Yes Splash Pads = Yes Tennis Courts = Yes Parks/playgrounds = 2 Sport Leagues (Kid) = No Sport Leagues (Adult) = No Walking Trails = Yes Lakes = Yes Golf Course = No Community Intranet = No Dog Park The annual HOA fee, which pays for these amenities, is approximately $800‐$900. Go to Riverstone Home Owner's Association Website Crime “Sugar Land, TX – Sugar Land was recently named America’s 20th Safest City, a distinction based on an analysis of FBI crime statistics. The distinction makes Sugar Land the second safest city in Texas…” (read more) Source: RaidsOnline Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 87 Sugar Land Neighborhoods Home Values Here are some charts and graphs to show home values and trends in this neighborhood since January 1, 2005 (past 10 years). NOTE It is difficult to provide an accurate picture of Riverstone because it is a new neighborhood with many newly constructed homes which are never listed by builders on the MLS system. The above data is for homes listed on the MLS only…sometimes by home builders, but usually by home owners “reselling” their home when they decide to move. 88 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Sugar Land Neighborhoods Photos of Neighborhood Here are some photos of Riverstone, Sugar Land. If you prefer to “drive” the neighborhood, then check out the Sugar Land Neighborhood videos on YouTube. Lakes Swimming Pool Dog Park Swimming Pool 2 Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 89 Sugar Land Neighborhoods Sugar Creek List of Homes for Sale in Sugar Creek Description Price Range: Home prices range from $200K to $900 with $352K the average. One of Fort Bend's first and finest master‐planned communities, Sugar Creek, Sugar Land, graciously meanders around the highly acclaimed Robert Trent Jones golf course of Sugar Creek Country Club. One of the top sugar land golf course communities, it encompasses over 1600 home sites which are spread across 1200 acres. Stately custom homes are resplendent with age‐old moss draped trees, gracious ponds and natural waterways. Feelings of nature abound along waterfront properties as well as in the private cul‐de‐
sacs. Rolling greenbelts and natural wildlife are part of the Sugar Creek lifestyle. Convenience to shopping, imposing architectural efforts, a feeling of neighborhood, country club living, and easy freeway access make this an inviting place to call home. Sugar Creek is strategically located near all of Fort Bend's major arteries making accessibility a major advantage. 90 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Sugar Land Neighborhoods Map Here’s a map showing where Sugar Creek, Sugar Land, is located. Commute Times Here is a chart with approximate travel times in standard commuting traffic. This data was collected using Google Maps on February 24, 2010. The miles and minutes listed in this chart are estimates only during regular traffic times (not rush hour) assuming the roads are clear of wrecks and obstacles. Different addresses within the same neighborhood will vary in both miles and minutes. This chart is meant to be a “guesstimate” only. Location Miles Minutes Downtown Houston 23 32 Medical Center 20 26 Galleria Area 14 19 Bush Intercontinental Airport 42 48 Hobby Airport 28 37 Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 91 Sugar Land Neighborhoods School Ratings The Score refers to www.GreatSchools.com ratings which give an overview of a school's test results based on a comparison of test results for all schools in the state. For the Score, the higher the number, the higher (better) the school’s test performance. NOTE These ratings and score are as of March 2015 and may change in the future. School zones may change as well. School Type Score Address Dulles Elementary Elementary 6 630 Dulles Ave Dulles Middle Middle School 8 500 Dulles Ave Dulles High School High School 8 550 Dulles Ave Demographics To determine demographics for Sugar Creek Sugar Land you can look at the demographics for the middle school zoned to that neighborhood. Or you can get more specific by looking at the demographics for a specific elementary school (use schools links in chart above). Source: Greatschools.org June 2013 92 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Sugar Land Neighborhoods Amenities This neighborhood really doesn't have many amenities as shown below. You would need to join the Sugar Creek Country Club to have access to a community pool, clubhouse, tennis courts, and golf course.  Club House = 0  Swimming Pools = 1  Waterpark = No  Splash Pads = No  Tennis Courts = No  Parks/playgrounds = 0  Sport Leagues (Kid) = No  Sport Leagues (Adult) = No  Walking Trails = No  Lakes = Yes  Golf Course = Sugar Creek Country Club  Community Intranet = No The annual HOA fee, which pays for these amenities, is approximately between $400 and $1200 depending on the type of lot. Homes on Country Club Blvd. have built‐in lawn maintenance which is what would cause the high‐end of these fees. Go to Sugar Creek Home Owner's Association Website Crime “Sugar Land, TX – Sugar Land was recently named America’s 20th Safest City, a distinction based on an analysis of FBI crime statistics. The distinction makes Sugar Land the second safest city in Texas…” (read more) Source: RaidsOnline Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 93 Sugar Land Neighborhoods Home Values Here are some charts and graphs to show home values and trends in this neighborhood since January 1, 2005 (past 10 years). 94 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Sugar Land Neighborhoods Photos of Neighborhood Here are some photos of Sugar Creek, Sugar Land. If you prefer to “drive” the neighborhood, then check out the Sugar Land Neighborhood videos on YouTube. Golf Course Country Club Lakes Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 95 Sugar Land Neighborhoods Sugar Lakes List of Homes for Sale in Sugar Lakes Description Price Range: Home prices range from $330K to $800K with $398K being the average. Sugar Lakes is a community of 600 homes located in Sugar Land, Texas. We are located just off US‐59 South of Houston. Amenities include beautiful lakes and a recreational facility that features a clubhouse, swimming pool, tennis courts, playground, softball field and basketball court. There is also a city park in the neighborhood. Monarch Development of Texas, Inc. developed this 330‐acre waterfront community built around breathtaking lakes and nature reserves. Sugar Lakes offers a variety of custom homes and affordable, family‐oriented plans. The custom homes and Baybridge garden home collection provide well‐designed homes for the move‐up buyer. Baybridge homes offer a full yard maintenance program. With lake access, the Bay View collection provides versatile home plans at affordable prices. 96 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Sugar Land Neighborhoods Map Here’s a map showing where Sugar Lakes, Sugar Land, is located. Commute Times Here is a chart with approximate travel times in standard commuting traffic. This data was collected using Google Maps on February 24, 2010. The miles and minutes listed in this chart are estimates only during regular traffic times (not rush hour) assuming the roads are clear of wrecks and obstacles. Different addresses within the same neighborhood will vary in both miles and minutes. This chart is meant to be a “guesstimate” only. Location Miles Minutes Downtown Houston 23 32 Medical Center 20 26 Galleria Area 14 19 Bush Intercontinental Airport 42 48 Hobby Airport 28 37 Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 97 Sugar Land Neighborhoods School Ratings The following table shows the schools zoned to Sugar Lakes, Sugar Land. The Score refers to www.GreatSchools.com ratings which give an overview of a school's test results based on a comparison of test results for all schools in the state. For the Score, the higher the number, the higher (better) the school’s test performance. NOTE These ratings and score are as of March 2015 and may change in the future. School zones may change as well. School Type Score Address Highlands Elementary Elementary 6 2022 Colonist Park Dulles Middle Middle School 8 500 Dulles Ave Dulles High School High School 8 550 Dulles Ave Demographics To determine demographics for Sugar Lakes Sugar Land you can look at the demographics for the middle school zoned to that neighborhood. Or you can get more specific by looking at the demographics for a specific elementary school (use schools links in chart above). Source: Greatschools.org June 2013 98 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Sugar Land Neighborhoods Amenities This neighborhood has the following amenities:  Club House = 1  Swimming Pools = 1  Waterpark = No  Splash Pads = No  Tennis Courts = Yes  Parks/playgrounds = 2  Sport Leagues (Kid) = No  Sport Leagues (Adult) = No  Walking Trails = No  Lakes = Yes  Golf Course = No  Community Intranet = No The annual HOA fee, which pays for these amenities, is approximately between $600 and $700 depending on the type of lot. Go to Sugar Lakes Home Owner's Association Website Crime “Sugar Land, TX – Sugar Land was recently named America’s 20th Safest City, a distinction based on an analysis of FBI crime statistics. The distinction makes Sugar Land the second safest city in Texas…” (read more) Source: RaidsOnline Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 99 Sugar Land Neighborhoods Home Values Here are some charts and graphs to show home values and trends in this neighborhood since January 1, 2005 (past 10 years). 100 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Sugar Land Neighborhoods Sweetwater List of Homes for Sale in Sweetwater Description Price Range: Home prices range from $425K to $6M with $1.4M the average. Sweetwater, Sugar Land, is a gorgeous, upscale neighborhood in the heart of Sugar Land. It is one of the top sugar land golf course communities with approximately 570 households. Built around the Sweetwater golf course and country club, Sweetwater boasts the best schools in Fort Bend. This neighborhood is part of the First Colony Home Owner's Association and has all the amenities thereof including 10 swimming pools, parks, recreations facilities, and more. Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 101 Sugar Land Neighborhoods Map Click to activate this map of Sweetwater, Sugar Land, Texas. Commute Times Here is a chart with approximate travel times in standard commuting traffic. This data was collected using Google Maps on February 24, 2010. The miles and minutes listed in this chart are estimates only during regular traffic times (not rush hour) assuming the roads are clear of wrecks and obstacles. Different addresses within the same neighborhood will vary in both miles and minutes. This chart is meant to be a “guesstimate” only. Location 102 Miles Minutes Downtown Houston 26 35 Medical Center 25 31 Galleria Area 18 24 Bush Intercontinental Airport 46 52 Hobby Airport 32 41 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Sugar Land Neighborhoods School Ratings The following table shows the schools zoned to Sweetwater, Sugar Land. The Score refers to www.GreatSchools.com ratings which give an overview of a school's test results based on a comparison of test results for all schools in the state. For the Score, the higher the number, the higher (better) the school’s test performance. NOTE These ratings and score are as of March 2015 and may change in the future. School zones may change as well. School Type Score Address Colony Bend Elementary Elementary 9 2720 Planters St Colony Meadows Elementary Elementary 10 4510 Sweetwater Blvd First Colony Middle Middle School 9 3225 Austin Pkwy Fort Settlement Middle School Middle School 10 5440 Elkins Rd Clements High School High School 9 4200 Elkins Dr Demographics To determine demographics for a neighborhood you can look at the demographics for the middle school zoned to that neighborhood. Or you can get more specific by looking at the demographics for a specific elementary school (use schools links in chart above). Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 103 Sugar Land Neighborhoods Source: Greatschools.org June 2013 104 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Sugar Land Neighborhoods Amenities This neighborhood has the following amenities:  Club House = Many!  Swimming Pools = Many!  Waterpark = Yes  Splash Pads = Yes  Tennis Courts = Many!  Parks/playgrounds = Many!  Sport Leagues (Kid) = Yes  Sport Leagues (Adult) = Yes  Walking Trails = Yes  Lakes = Yes  Golf Course = Sweetwater  Community Intranet = No Go to First Colony Home Owner's Association Website for details on amenities. The annual HOA fee, which pays for these amenities, is approximately $1600‐$2000 depending on the lot. View the Sweetwater Country Club's Website Crime “Sugar Land, TX – Sugar Land was recently named America’s 20th Safest City, a distinction based on an analysis of FBI crime statistics. The distinction makes Sugar Land the second safest city in Texas…” (read more) Source: RaidsOnline Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 105 Sugar Land Neighborhoods Home Values Here are some charts and graphs to show home values and trends in this neighborhood since January 1, 2005 (past 10 years). 106 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Sugar Land Neighborhoods Photos of Neighborhood Here are some photos of Sweetwater, Sugar Land. If you prefer to “drive” the neighborhood, then check out the Sugar Land Neighborhood videos on YouTube. Swimming Pool Country Club Golf Course Tennis Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 107 Sugar Land Neighborhoods Telfair List of Homes for Sale in Telfair Description Price Range: Resale homes in this neighborhood range from $365K to over $1.2 million with $510K the current average. Telfair, Sugar Land, is one of the newest neighborhoods in Sugar Land. It features over 250 acres devoted to parks, playgrounds, lakes, swimming, and recreation. Telfair Central has a fabulous fitness center, banquet hall, meeting rooms, tennis courts, and a swimming pool with slides, splash pad and zero‐entry area for wading in. The second, Jurgensen Recreation Center, also has a pool and playground for the younger children. The entire neighborhood, including lakes and parks, has Wi‐Fi access which is handy because of the neighborhood's own social intranet. Telfair is zoned to some of the best schools in Sugar Land. 108 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Sugar Land Neighborhoods Map Here’s a map to show where Telfair, Sugar Land, is located. Commute Times Here is a chart with approximate travel times in standard commuting traffic. This data was collected using Google Maps on February 24, 2010. The miles and minutes listed in this chart are estimates only during regular traffic times (not rush hour) assuming the roads are clear of wrecks and obstacles. Different addresses within the same neighborhood will vary in both miles and minutes. This chart is meant to be a “guesstimate” only. Location Miles Minutes Downtown Houston 27 35 Medical Center 29 33 Galleria Area 22 27 Bush Intercontinental Airport 50 55 Hobby Airport 36 44 Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 109 Sugar Land Neighborhoods School Ratings The following table shows the schools zoned to Telfair, Sugar Land. The Score refers to www.GreatSchools.com ratings which give an overview of a school's test results based on a comparison of test results for all schools in the state. For the Score, the higher the number, the higher (better) the school’s test performance. NOTE These ratings and score are as of March 2015 and may change in the future. School zones may change as well. School Type Score Address Cornerstone Elementary Elementary 10 1800 Chatham Sartartia Middle School Middle School 10 8125 Homeward Way Kempner High School* High School 7 14777 Voss Rd *There are plans to rezone Telfair to Clements H.S. which is a 9. Demographics To determine demographics for a neighborhood you can look at the demographics for the middle school zoned to that neighborhood. Or you can get more specific by looking at the demographics for a specific elementary school (use schools links in chart above). Source: Greatschools.org June 2013 110 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Sugar Land Neighborhoods Amenities This neighborhood has the following amenities:  Club House = 1  Swimming Pools = 2  Waterpark = Yes  Splash Pads = 1  Tennis Courts = Yes  Parks/playgrounds = 2  Sport Leagues (Kid) = No  Sport Leagues (Adult) = No  Walking Trails = Yes  Lakes = Yes  Golf Course = No  Community Intranet = Yes The annual HOA fee, which pays for these amenities, is approximately between $715 and $1850 depending on the type of lot. Patio homes have built‐in lawn maintenance which is what would cause the high‐end of these fees. Go to Telfair Home Owner's Association Website or Go to Main Telfair Website Crime “Sugar Land, TX – Sugar Land was recently named America’s 20th Safest City, a distinction based on an analysis of FBI crime statistics. The distinction makes Sugar Land the second safest city in Texas…” (read more) Source: RaidsOnline Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 111 Sugar Land Neighborhoods Home Values Here are some charts and graphs to show home values and trends in this neighborhood since January 1, 2005 (past 10 years). NOTE The introduction of Avalon at Telfair on the southeast corner of I59/University drastically increased the average sales price of this neighborhood in 2011. These homes are zoned to Clements H.S. instead of Kempner H.S. and the average sales price is currently $650K going up to over $1 million. Keep in mind that it is difficult to provide an accurate picture of Telfair which is a new neighborhood where many homes are sold by home builders without ever being listed/recorded on the MLS. 112 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Sugar Land Neighborhoods Photos of Neighborhood Here are some photos of Telfair, Sugar Land. If you prefer to “drive” the neighborhood, then check out the Sugar Land Neighborhood videos on YouTube. Club House Swimming Pool Tennis Lake Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 113 Sugar Land Neighborhoods This page left blank on purpose for double‐sided printing 114 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Sugar Land Schools 3 Sugar Land Area Schools About This Chapter This chapter includes the following information: Sugar Land Public Schools............................................................................................................. 116
Schools Sorted Alphabetically ............................................................................................ 116
Schools Sorted By Type Then Rating .................................................................................. 118
Elementary School Zones.............................................................................................................. 120
Middle School Zones..................................................................................................................... 121
High School Zones......................................................................................................................... 122
Sugar Land Private Schools ........................................................................................................... 123
Sugar Land Private Schools: All in Alphabetical Order ....................................................... 123
Sugar Land Private Preschools............................................................................................ 125
Sugar Land Private Elementary Schools ............................................................................. 126
Sugar Land Private Middle Schools .................................................................................... 127
Sugar Land Private High Schools ........................................................................................ 127
Sugar Land Private Montessori Schools ............................................................................. 128
Sugar Land Private Christian Schools ................................................................................. 128
Sugar Land Private Islamic Schools..................................................................................... 129
Sugar Land Private Secular Schools .................................................................................... 129
Sugar Land Home School Resources................................................................................... 129
Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 115 Sugar Land Schools Sugar Land Public Schools Most Sugar Land schools are in the Fort Bend Independent School District, but a few fall into Lamar Consolidated Independent School District (West Fort Bend). To see a detailed report on a particular school, click the school’s blue name in the left column. The Score refers to www.GreatSchools.com ratings which give an overview of a school's test results based on a comparison of test results for all schools in the state. For the Score, the higher the number, the higher (better) the school’s test performance. Schools Sorted Alphabetically The following is a list of Sugar Land area schools, sorted by School Name. Click a school name to see the score and stats for that school at Greatschools.org (which are based on test scores relative to other schools in the state). NOTE These scores are as of March 2015 and may change periodically. 116 School Type Austin Parkway Elementary Elementary 9 4400 Austin Pkwy Barrington Place Elementary Elementary 7 2100 Squire Dobbins Dr Bess Campbell Elementary Elementary 10 1000 Shadow Bend Dr Billy Baines Middle School Middle School 8 9000 Sienna Ranch Rd, Missouri City Brazos Bend Elementary Elementary 10 621 Cunningham Creek Blvd Clements High School High School 9 4200 Elkins Dr Colony Bend Elementary Elementary 9 2720 Planters St Colony Meadows Elementary Elementary 10 4510 Sweetwater Blvd Commonwealth Elementary Elementary 10 4909 Commonwealth Blvd Cornerstone Elementary Elementary 10 1800 Chatham Dulles Elementary Elementary 6 630 Dulles Ave Dulles High School High School 8 550 Dulles Ave Dulles Middle Middle School 8 500 Dulles Ave First Colony Middle Middle School 9 3225 Austin Pkwy Fort Settlement Middle School Middle School 10 5440 Elkins Rd George Bush High School High School 5 6707 Fm 1464, Richmond George Ranch High School High School 8 8181 FM 762, Richmond Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Score Address Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Sugar Land Schools School Type Score Address Highlands Elementary Elementary 9 2022 Colonist Park Irma Dru Hutchison Elementary Elementary 8 3602 Ransom Rd, Richmond JJ Wessendorff Middle School Middle School 5 5201 Mustang Ave, Rosenberg Kempner High School High School 7 14777 Voss Rd Lakeview Elementary Elementary 7 314 Lakeview Dr Lamar Consolidated High School High School 4 4606 Mustang Ave, Rosenberg Lawrence E Elkins High School High School 7 7007 Knights Ct, Missouri City Lexington Creek Elementary Elementary 8 2335 Dulles Ave, Missouri City Macario Garcia Middle Middle School 9 18550 Old Richmond Oakland Elementary Elementary 8 4455 Waterside Estates Dr Oyster Creek Elementary Elementary 9 16425 Mellow Oaks Ln Reading Junior High Middle School 9 8101 FM 762 Richmond Rita Drabek Elementary Elementary 9 11325 Lake Woodbridge Dr Sartartia Middle School Middle School 10 8125 Homeward Way Settlers Way Elementary Elementary 9 3015 Settlers Way Dr Stephen F Austin High School High School 8 3434 Pheasant Creek Dr Sugar Land Middle Middle School 7 321 Seventh St Sugar Mill Elementary Elementary 7 13707 Jess Pirtle Blvd Susanna Dickinson Elementary Elementary 10 7110 Greatwood Pkwy Townewest Elementary Elementary 6 13927 Richmond Rd Walker Station Elementary Elementary 10 6200 Homeward Way Blvd William B Travis High School High School 7 11111 Harlem Rd Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 117 Sugar Land Schools Schools Sorted By Type Then Rating The following is a list of Sugar Land area schools, sorted by Type and then by Rating. NOTE These scores are as of March 2015 and may change periodically. 118 School Type Bess Campbell Elementary Elementary 10 1000 Shadow Bend Dr Brazos Bend Elementary Elementary 10 621 Cunningham Creek Blvd Colony Meadows Elementary Elementary 10 4510 Sweetwater Blvd Commonwealth Elementary Elementary 10 4909 Commonwealth Blvd Cornerstone Elementary Elementary 10 1800 Chatham Susanna Dickinson Elementary Elementary 10 7110 Greatwood Pkwy Walker Station Elementary Elementary 10 6200 Homeward Way Blvd Austin Parkway Elementary Elementary 9 4400 Austin Pkwy Colony Bend Elementary Elementary 9 2720 Planters St Highlands Elementary Elementary 9 2022 Colonist Park Oyster Creek Elementary Elementary 9 16425 Mellow Oaks Ln Rita Drabek Elementary Elementary 9 11325 Lake Woodbridge Dr Settlers Way Elementary Elementary 9 3015 Settlers Way Dr Irma Dru Hutchison Elementary Elementary 8 3602 Ransom Rd, Richmond Lexington Creek Elementary Elementary 8 2335 Dulles Ave, Missouri City Oakland Elementary Elementary 8 4455 Waterside Estates Dr Barrington Place Elementary Elementary 7 2100 Squire Dobbins Dr Lakeview Elementary Elementary 7 314 Lakeview Dr Sugar Mill Elementary Elementary 7 13707 Jess Pirtle Blvd Dulles Elementary Elementary 6 630 Dulles Ave Townewest Elementary Elementary 6 13927 Richmond Rd Fort Settlement Middle School Middle School 10 5440 Elkins Rd Sartartia Middle School Middle School 10 8125 Homeward Way First Colony Middle Middle School 9 3225 Austin Pkwy Macario Garcia Middle Middle School 9 18550 Old Richmond Reading Junior High Middle School 9 8101 FM 762 Richmond Billy Baines Middle School Middle School 8 9000 Sienna Ranch Rd, Missouri City Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Score Address Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Sugar Land Schools School Type Score Address Dulles Middle Middle School 8 500 Dulles Ave Sugar Land Middle Middle School 7 321 Seventh St JJ Wessendorff Middle School Middle School 5 5201 Mustang Ave, Rosenberg Clements High School High School 9 4200 Elkins Dr Dulles High School High School 8 550 Dulles Ave George Ranch High School High School 8 8181 FM 762, Richmond Stephen F Austin High School High School 8 3434 Pheasant Creek Dr Kempner High School High School 7 14777 Voss Rd Lawrence E Elkins High School High School 7 7007 Knights Ct, Missouri City William B Travis High School High School 7 11111 Harlem Rd George Bush High School High School 5 6707 Fm 1464, Richmond Lamar Consolidated High School High School 4 4606 Mustang Ave, Rosenberg Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 119 Sugar Land Schools Elementary School Zones To view a larger, up‐to‐date version of elementary schools zones go to: http://www.fortbendisd.com/docs/zoning/elementary‐zone‐map.pdf 120 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Sugar Land Schools Middle School Zones To view a larger version of middle school zones go to: http://www.fortbendisd.com/docs/zoning/middle‐school‐zone‐map.pdf Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 121 Sugar Land Schools High School Zones To view a larger, up‐to‐date version of high school zones go to: http://www.fortbendisd.com/docs/zoning/high‐school‐zone‐map.pdf 122 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Sugar Land Schools Sugar Land Private Schools Even though Sugar Land public schools are fantastic, there are also many choices of Sugar Land private schools to choose from. Whether you are into Montessori‐style learning, Christian‐based teaching, or secular schooling, Sugar Land has what you are looking for. Our Sugar Land private schools include over 25 preschools, 14 elementary schools, 13 middle schools, and 4 high schools. In addition to the private schools, Sugar Land also boasts a strong home schooling community with multiple resources and networks to tap into. Please take a look at the tables on this page, organized by school type, to see your private school options. There are links to each of the schools' websites where you can get more, up‐to‐
date information including contact numbers. NOTE Things change! Check the school's Website for current information on grades served. Sugar Land Private Schools: All in Alphabetical Order
Name Home
School PK Elem Mid High Affiliation Brazos Montessori * 1st Montessori Cambridge Montessori School * 2nd Montessori Christ Church School * Christian Cornerstone Christian Academy * * * Christian Darul Arqam School Southwest * * * Islamic Faith Lutheran School K * * Christian Fellowship Christian Academy * * * Christian First Colony Montessori * Montessori Fort Bend Christian Academy * * * * Christian God’s Rainbow Christian Academy K * * Christian Harmony School of Science * * * Public Charter School Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 123 Sugar Land Schools 124 Name Home
School PK Elem Mid High Affiliation Honor Roll School * * * Honor Roll School II * * * International Preparatory School * * * Islamic Education Institute of Houston * Islamic Lakeview Montessori * Montessori Logos Preparatory Academy * * * * * Christian Montessori Greatwood * Montessori Montessori School of Sugar Land * Montessori Park Point Montessori * 1st Montessori Progressive High School * Public Riverbend Montessori School * * Montessori Schola * * * * Christian Southminster School * * * Christian St Laurence Catholic School * * * Christian: Catholic St Theresa Catholic School * 3rd Christian: Catholic Sugar Creek Baptist Mother's Day Care Center * Christian Sugar Mill Montessori School * 3rd Montessori Technical Education Center * Public Vocational The Walden School * 3rd Trent Internationale School * * * * Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Sugar Land Schools Sugar Land Private Preschools
Home School PK Elem Mid Brazos Montessori * 1st Montessori Cambridge Montessori School * 2nd Montessori Christ Church School * Christian Cornerstone Christian Academy * * * Christian Darul Arqam School Southwest * * * Islamic Fellowship Christian Academy * * * Christian First Colony Montessori * Montessori Fort Bend Christian Academy * * * * Christian Harmony School of Science * * * Public Charter Honor Roll School * * * Honor Roll School II * * * International Preparatory School * * * Islamic Education Institute of Houston * Islamic Lakeview Montessori * Montessori Montessori Greatwood * Montessori Montessori School of Sugar Land * Montessori Park Point Montessori * 1st Montessori Riverbend Montessori School * * Montessori Southminster School * * * Christian St Laurence Catholic School * * * Catholic St Theresa Catholic School * 3rd Catholic Sugar Creek Baptist Mother's Day Care Center * Christian Sugar Mill Montessori School * 3rd Montessori The Walden School * 3rd Trent Internationale School * * * * Name Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com High Affiliation 125 Sugar Land Schools Sugar Land Private Elementary Schools
Home School PK Elem Mid Cornerstone Christian Academy * * * Christian Darul Arqam School Southwest * * * Islamic Faith Lutheran School K * * Christian Fellowship Christian Academy * * * Christian Fort Bend Christian Academy * * * * Christian God’s Rainbow Christian Academy K * * Christian Harmony School of Science * * * Public Charter Honor Roll School * * * Honor Roll School II * * * International Preparatory School * * * Riverbend Montessori School * * Montessori Southminster School * * * Christian St Laurence Catholic School * * * Christian: Catholic Trent Internationale School * * * * Name 126 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. High Affiliation Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Sugar Land Schools Sugar Land Private Middle Schools
Home School PK Elem Mid Cornerstone Christian Academy * * * Christian Darul Arqam School Southwest * * * Islamic Faith Lutheran School K * * Christian Fellowship Christian Academy * * * Christian Fort Bend Christian Academy * * * * Christian God’s Rainbow Christian Academy K * * Christian Harmony School of Science * * * Public Charter School Honor Roll School * * * Honor Roll School II * * * International Preparatory School * * * Southminster School * * * Christian St Laurence Catholic School * * * Christian: Catholic Trent Internationale School * * * * Home School PK Elem Mid Fort Bend Christian Academy * * * * Christian Progressive High School * Public Technical Education Center * Public Vocational Trent Internationale School * * * * Name High Affiliation Sugar Land Private High Schools
Name Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com High Affiliation 127 Sugar Land Schools Sugar Land Private Montessori Schools Home School PK Elem Mid High Affiliation Brazos Montessori * 1st Montessori Cambridge Montessori School * 2nd Montessori First Colony Montessori * Montessori Lakeview Montessori * Montessori Montessori Greatwood * Montessori Montessori School of Sugar Land * Montessori Park Point Montessori * 1st Montessori Riverbend Montessori School * * Montessori Sugar Mill Montessori School * 3rd Montessori Name Sugar Land Private Christian Schools
Home School PK Elem Mid High Affiliation Christ Church School * Christian Cornerstone Christian Academy * * * Christian Faith Lutheran School K * * Christian Fellowship Christian Academy * * * Christian Fort Bend Christian Academy * * * * Christian God’s Rainbow Christian Academy K * * Christian Southminster School * * * Christian St Laurence Catholic School * * * Christian: Catholic St Theresa Catholic School * 3rd Christian: Catholic Sugar Creek Baptist Mother's Day Care Center * Christian Name 128 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Sugar Land Schools Sugar Land Private Islamic Schools
Name Home School PK Elem Mid
High Affiliation Darul Arqam School Southwest * * * Islamic Islamic Education Institute of Houston * Islamic Sugar Land Private Secular Schools
Home School PK Elem Mid High Harmony School of Science * * * Public Charter Honor Roll School * * * Honor Roll School II * * * International Preparatory School * * * Progressive High School * Public Technical Education Center * Public Vocational The Walden School * 3rd Trent Internationale School * * * * Home School PK Elem Mid
High
Affiliation Classical Conversations * * * * * Christian Christian Perspective Classes * * * * Christian Logos Preparatory Academy * * * * * Christian Schola * * * * Christian Name Affiliation Sugar Land Home School Resources
Name Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 129 Sugar Land Schools This page left blank on purpose for double‐sided printing 130 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide About Texas Real Estate 4 About Texas Real Estate About This Chapter This chapter includes the following information: Do I Need a Real Estate Agent? .................................................................................................... 132
Maybe I Can Do This By Myself .......................................................................................... 132
Real Estate Laws Vary From State to State......................................................................... 132
Your Legal Exposure in a Real Estate Transaction Can Be Very High ................................. 133
Real Estate Data Is Not a Matter of Public Record In Texas............................................... 133
Do You Really Want (or Have the Time) To Learn Everything You Need To Know About Real Estate? .............................................................................................. 134
It's Complicated! Are You Qualified to Manage the Entire Transaction? .......................... 134
Do You Know the Area As Well As You Need To? .............................................................. 136
Sometimes You Need An Objective Partner When Choosing the Right Home.................. 136
Summary............................................................................................................................. 137
Does My Real Estate Agent Represent Me or the Seller? ............................................................ 138
Buyer Beware ..................................................................................................................... 138
Texas is Dual Agency State ................................................................................................. 138
Typical Agency .................................................................................................................... 139
Intermediary Agency With Appointments ......................................................................... 139
Intermediary Agency Without Appointments.................................................................... 140
Who Pays the Real Estate Commission in Texas?......................................................................... 141
How Can I Make Sure My Agent is On My Side? .......................................................................... 142
What To Look for In a Texas Real Estate Agent ............................................................................ 144
Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 131 About Texas Real Estate Do I Need a Real Estate Agent? Maybe I Can Do This By Myself
"That's what I used to think! In fact, before I became a licensed real estate agent, I did several FSBO (For Sale By Owner) sales and THOUGHT I knew what I was doing. But if I had known then what I know now...I never would have risked it. Here's what I've learned..." Your home is probably your largest single financial investment. Most homes today cost over $100,000. If you had a $100K legal problem would you try to handle it yourself or would you high a quality attorney to help you? Of course, not all attorneys are equal in skills, knowledge, integrity, experience‐‐and neither are all real estate agents. In fact, most people have had at least one bad experience with a low‐quality real estate agent. I know I have! As in any industry, please consider that it is possible the 80‐20 rule applies to real estate agents...maybe 20 percent are not very highly qualified, but that would leave another 80 percent who are! (Just like in your line of work...do all your peers provide the same quality of expertise?) Always keep in mind that having a bad experience with one agent, doesn't mean that all real estate agents are bad. The trick is finding and hiring the right, high‐quality agent. Here are some things to consider... "According to the 2011 National Association of Realtors study on home buyers, 89 percent of home buyers say they would re‐hire their last real estate agent to buy a new home. That's a pretty high percentage of satisfied clients!" Real Estate Laws Vary From State to State
Not all states have the same real estate laws. In fact, Texas real estate laws and practices are highly unique in comparison to other states. Just because you have bought or sold a home in another state, does not necessarily make you qualified to do so in Texas. (I know, I know...we Texans think everything is bigger and better here!) But the fact is, Texas real estate is so complicated, that agents are required to have many more hours of education to get a license here than any other state...about three times more than average! 132 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide About Texas Real Estate Your Legal Exposure in a Real Estate Transaction Can Be Very High
A very common type of real estate lawsuit involves Deceptive Trade Practices in which a home buyer accuses the home seller for not properly disclosing the actual condition of the property. In these cases, treble damages (three times the actual cost) can be awarded. This can really add up! And the cost for hiring a real estate attorney to defend yourself can cost well over $10,000! It doesn't always matter that you did nothing wrong. Without a licensed real estate agent there to watch out for your interests and to make sure that you comply with all of the Texas real estate code and statutes, you can end up with a real nightmare on your hands. Likewise, home owners can sue home buyers for non‐performance or can keep large amounts of earnest money if a contract doesn't Close. This is when you want a professional agent looking out for your best interest to (hopefully) prevent you from breaching a contract and losing your earnest money. And if a lawsuit is not prevented, isn't it best to have a large, reputable real estate brokerage (and their legal team) behind you when you need it? Real Estate Data Is Not a Matter of Public Record In Texas
Texas is one of 14 non‐disclose or partially‐disclose states in the U.S. That means that real estate sales prices are not a matter of public record in Texas. So Internet‐based companies like Zillow and Trulia do not have the real data to accurately "Zestimate" what a house is worth in our state. Property tax records are what these companies use in order to estimate a home's value. But everyone in Texas knows that tax appraisal values do not usually reflect the actual value of a home...they are typically lower than actual value. (Which helps to keep the costs of our already too‐high property taxes down.) The only people in Texas who have accurate sales records are members of the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) including real estate agents and home appraisers. So if you want an accurate sales price analysis on a home (so that you don't pay too much for it) you will need to hire one of these professionals. Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 133 About Texas Real Estate CAUTION Not all real estate agents are equally good at sales price analysis. Hire an agent who knows how to put together a valid comparative market analysis (CMA). Do You Really Want (or Have the Time) To Learn Everything You Need To Know About Real Estate?
Yes, you can read up on real estate and I encourage you to do so. But no amount of book‐learning is going to make up for the actual real‐world experience a high‐quality real estate agent offers. Real estate laws change yearly and vary from state‐to‐state. So most books are out‐of‐date by the time they go to print or are too generic to meet your specific state's requirements. And please don't believe all the real estate advice that you can read on the Internet. I recently read an Internet article about how to sell a home without a real estate agent and most of the advice offered was not accurate according to Texas real estate laws...which could get you into some costly legal trouble. Even the advice from real estate agents on one of my favorite online resources, ActiveRain, is not always accurate for Texas. Besides all this...aren't you busy enough with just deciding on a home, getting your lender all the necessary paperwork, planning the move, changing utilities, registering at new schools, packing, training for the new job, and so forth? It's Complicated! Are You Qualified to Manage the Entire Transaction?
A high‐quality real estate agent wears many hats: local area expert, state real estate rules expert, amateur remodeler, price analyzer and mathematician, home decorator/stager, professional photographer and videographer, marketing expert, chauffer and tour guide, psychologist, marriage counselor, sales negotiator, amateur home inspector, administrative assistant, project/transaction manager, communications expert, and tech writer. Very few professions require skills in so many different areas! I don't think the average person realizes how much they expect their real estate agent to handle. (Read a great article by non‐agent: "How many hats does a Realtor wear?") And then there are the home buyers who think real estate agents just help them find a home to buy and once the contract is accepted, their job is over; but that's just the "end of the beginning" for an agent! Likewise, a great listing agent doesn't just take a few photos, put a sign in the yard, 134 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide About Texas Real Estate and wait for the offers. A great real estate agent is looking out for you every step of the way and keeping their eye on the other agent, the other party (buyer, seller, builder), the lender, the inspector, and the title company. Here are more examples of what a real estate agent does for you: 
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Helping you maneuver the Option Period, including getting the right inspections and, if necessary, repair estimates. Do you know how to "exercise your option" properly if needed? Do you know how to minimize the impact of the OP when marketing a home as a seller? How do you deal with lender‐required repairs? Negotiating necessary repairs with the Seller so you don't get stuck with them after Closing. Can you get repair estimates in a timely manner? Do you know how to effectively overcome common repair objections? Do you have the knowledge needed to accurately estimate a remodeling project? Helping you meet your contractual obligations (such as appraisals, surveys, deed restrictions, HOA compliance certificates, legally required disclosures, title commitments, hazard insurance, and more) in a timely manner so you don't find yourself in breach of contract. How many days do you have to get the survey? If there is an existing survey, what other legal document is required? What do you do if encumbrances are found in the title search? What do you do if your financing falls through after the deadline in your contract? Dealing with home inspectors, appraisers, lenders, and title
companies to get them to do their jobs in a timely manner so you can move when you plan to. There are many moving parts in a real estate transaction! What do you do if the lender doesn't get the paperwork to the title company on time? How do you know if the fees on the HUD1 are accurate? Did you remember to get hazard insurance and order the residential service contract? Did you negotiate a temporary lease so you can move out after Closing? What do you do if the Closing falls through? Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 135 About Texas Real Estate Do You Know the Area As Well As You Need To?
If you are moving to a new area, there is no substitute for getting the opinions and advice of a local real estate expert. Even if you know someone who lives in the area that you are moving to...they only see that area from their individual, and probably limited, perspective. You really need a professional who has the BIG picture and the "inside information" that only a local real estate expert can provide. Someone who will listen to your specific needs and find the right neighborhood and right home for you. And watch out for online companies offering you price reports and other types of statistics based on ZIP Codes. Sugar Land consists of multiple ZIP Codes and let me assure you that a price analysis for a home in Sweetwater in 77479 is not going to accurately reflect the price of a home located in Woodstream which is in the same ZIP Code. Home prices vary not only from neighborhood to neighborhood, but even within the same neighborhood. For example, a home in New Territory that has a water view is going to be valued higher than a home right down the street that does not have a water view. And a 2000‐2600sf home probably has a different average sales price/sf than a 3500‐4100sf home...even on the same street. AND those same values can change from month to month (depending on the actual figures for recently closed home sales). Do you have the real sales data and price analysis expertise to ensure that you don't pay too much for a home or list it at an unrealistic price? Sometimes You Need An Objective Partner When Choosing the Right Home
Let's face it...even the most level‐headed, objective, analytical engineer‐type can get emotional (and become unobjective) about a home. Trust me on this observation! Everyone gets emotional on some level about the house they are going to live‐in for the next several years. And if you have raised four kids, two dogs, and three cats in a home for the past 23 years...forget about it. You may not see the worn‐out carpet and outdated wallpaper for the good memories. Sometimes it is just like "love at first sight" when buying a home. And that emotional response to a home may cause you to do something you will regret later. You need an unattached, neutral, third‐party (such as a dedicated real estate agent) to help keep you focused on the facts and the big picture. I'm not saying all agents do this. I agree that some agents are just out to close the deal no matter what, and don't really care if you are going to end up with a poor investment that you will regret when resale time comes along. 136 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide About Texas Real Estate But I once talked a client out of a $650,000 home because, when I was researching the home and looked at the bird's eye view, I found a hidden dump where you could see railroad cars deteriorating and rusting into the local water supply! You never would have seen this driving around the neighborhood because it was hidden behind fences and shrubbery. But when I showed my clients what they would be living next to, even though they were disappointed because they loved the house, they were thankful that I found the problem and objectively pointed it out to them before they purchased that potentially costly mistake. I ended up selling them a $525K home they loved and we are very good friends to this date because they know I am trustworthy and not just looking out for the highest sales commission I can get. Summary
So let's recap. Since... ...real estate laws vary from state to state and change every year, ...your legal exposure in a real estate transaction can be very high, ...real estate data is not a matter of public record in Texas, so you don't really know what a specific house is really worth, ...you probably don't have the time to learn everything you need to know about real, estate ,...it's complicated and you may not be qualified to manage the entire transaction, ...you may not know the area as well as you need to know it, and ...you probably want an objective partner to help you choose the right home... You should definitely hire a real estate agent to help you with your next real estate transaction! Click to read testimonials Click to read about award Click to read endorsements Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 137 About Texas Real Estate Does My Real Estate Agent Represent Me or the Seller? Buyer Beware When I bought my first house in the mid 1990s, Texas was kind of a "Buyer Beware" state. In fact, a home Buyer could spend weeks looking for a home with a real estate agent, telling her secret information (like how much you were willing to pay for a house), not knowing that everything you told that real estate agent would be told to the Seller because the real estate agent was actually representing the Sellernot you (the Buyer)! Here's what you need to know... Unless you have a written agreement with a real estate agent, all Texas agents are always representing the Sellertypically known as the "subagent." That is how agency works in Texas. This can be confusing for home Buyers, so the Texas Real Estate Commission wants you to know about brokerage services, who represents whom, and intermediary agency, BEFORE you start working with an agent...not only is it the law, it's also for your protection! (Read TREC's Information About Brokerage Services.) NOTE Finding out "your agent" is actually representing the Seller after you've found the house you want to buy is NOT a good thing! If an agent doesn't give you the Information About Brokerage Services form UP FRONT (before showing you houses), then you are dealing with someone who is unprofessional and not following the law. Texas is Dual Agency State Another fact that you need to know is that Texas is a dual‐agency state...meaning that a real estate broker (such as Keller Williams Southwest) can represent both the Buyer (you) and the Seller (them) in a the same transaction. This is called "intermediary agency." These visual aids will help you to understand... 138 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide About Texas Real Estate Typical Agency In this case, you are represented by Keller Williams Southwest (KWSW) while buying a house listed by another broker, such as a RE/MAX or a Coldwell Banker. This is not an intermediary agency since KWSW is only representing you. Intermediary Agency With Appointments In this case, KWSW is representing both you and the Seller...because the house that you are buying is listed with KWSW but with a different agent. However, you have an appointed agent (Sheila Cox) and the Seller has an appointed agent (Unknown) and both agents have to maintain their duty of confidentiality. So I am not allowed to share your private information with the other agent. This situation may occur frequently with large brokerages who have lots of listings, such as KWSW. Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 139 About Texas Real Estate Intermediary Agency Without Appointments This situation may only occur if both the Seller and the Buyer agree to it in writing. In this situation, you are buying a house that I have listed for one of my other clients. I would be representing both you and the Seller, so my fiduciary responsibilities would be limited. Frankly, I don't work these types of deals. If you wanted to buy one of my listings, then I would step back and find another real estate agent to be your appointed agent...so you would still have full representation. 140 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide About Texas Real Estate Who Pays the Real Estate Commission in Texas? One of the questions that I'm frequently asked is, "Who pays the sales commission in a real estate transaction?" That's a good question! Here's the answer... Typically, real estate sales commissions are paid at the closing table. The title company disburses two checks out of the seller's proceeds from the sale: one to the listing broker (such as a RE/MAX or Coldwell Banker) and one to the Buyer's broker (in our case, Keller Williams Southwest). Then the Seller's broker splits their sales commission with the Seller's agent (also known as, the Listing Agent). And the Buyer's broker splits their sales commission with the Buyer's agent (Sheila Cox)‐‐
after deducting certain transaction costs, such as "Errors and Omissions Insurance." Please note that practically all real estate agents are independent contractors...not employees of the broker. In fact, real estate agents are usually required to pay certain fees to their broker for the privilege to work at that brokerage. Plus all expenses, including gas and mileage for taking you on home tours, refreshments on tours, paper and ink for contracts, phone fees, computer fees, etc. are paid by the individual agent and are not reimbursed. So how do I earn the sales commission? I have a very detailed "To Do List for Buyer Clients" that has over 100 tasks that I may perform for you...and only one task is "Show properties until one is found." So even if I show you 30 houses, that only represents one of the line items on my To Do list! Trust me when I say that there is a lot more to my job than "just showing houses." I'm looking out for you every step of the way and keeping my eye on the Listing Agent, the Seller, the builder (if applicable), the lender, the inspector, the title company...I'm always watching out for you because I'm your agent. Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 141 About Texas Real Estate How Can I Make Sure My Agent is On My Side? In earlier articles, I explained two very important concepts that you need to understand before you buy real estate in Texas: brokerage services and how an intermediary agency works and how real estate sales commissions are paid. Another thing that is important for you to understand is that a real estate agent in Texas who uses the MLS is always, by default, looking out for the best interest of the Seller unless the Buyer (you) has a written Residential Buyer/Tenant Representation Agreement (Buyer's Rep Agmt.) with the real estate agent. NOTE View a sample of a Buyer's Representation Agreement and please note Paragraph 17 on page 4. With a Buyer's Rep Agrmt., you are considered to be a client. Without a Buyer's Rep Agrmt., you are considered to be a customer. And as a customer, the advice that I can provide to you regarding houses is somewhat limited. This chart shows the difference... For more information about the benefits of having a Buyer's Rep Agmt., please read http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20000622_clientorcustomer.htm. As you can see, it is important that you establish yourself as a client to get full representation by your real estate agent. Having a Buyer's Rep Agrmt. with me benefits you by protecting your confidentiality; allowing me to provide you with professional advice and opinions on prices; allowing me to negotiate based on your best interests; and giving you a partner who is loyal to you. And the Seller stills pays the real estate commission, even when you have a dedicated real estate agent. They agree to do that when they agree to let their home be listed on the MLS. 142 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide About Texas Real Estate This is agreement is for your protection; it is not meant to "tie" you to me. To prove this, and because I'm confident that you will enjoy working with me as your real estate agent, I put a Release Clause in Para. 17 stating that you can cancel the agreement at any time for any reason. NOTE I only work with Buyers with whom I have a Buyer's Representation Agreement. This just simplifies things because then I don't have to worry about whether I'm giving you too much information (or properly representing the Seller). As my client, I can give you my full professional opinion at all times and answer any and all questions that you have. Once you have a Buyer's Rep Agrmt. in place, you should always state that up front to other real estate agents (at open houses) and builder's sales agents (if touring new home models) because, by law, they need to know that you have representation. Remember: My job is not "just" helping you find a house to buy...there are over 100 tasks that I perform for you during the purchasing process! I'm looking out for you every step of the way and keeping my eye on the Listing Agent, the Seller, the builder (if applicable), the lender, the inspector, the title company...with a Buyer's Rep Agrmt. I'm on your side because I'm your agent. Not only do I help you find a house, I help with price analysis and negotiation, legal paperwork, inspections, repair negotiations, home warranties, hazard insurance, surveys, appraisals, title commitment, and so on. Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 143 About Texas Real Estate What To Look for In a Texas Real Estate Agent Here’s a checklist of what you should look for in a real estate agent. Many of these items are specific to Texas agents. ___ Did your agent give you the "Information About Brokerage Services" notice that is legally required by the Texas Real Estate Commission before showing you houses? Can your agent effectively explain it? ___ Did your agent provide all the other necessary disclosures, notices, and the Buyer's Representation Agreement to you before showing you houses? Be careful! You don't want to find out after‐the‐fact that your agent actually represents the Seller. ___ Does your agent provide a detailed 18+ page house report on a home (see my sample), before you make the offer, to ensure that you know what you are buying before you make the purchase? This report should include information on the home's price history, comparable sales numbers, school ratings, flood plain, tax info, environmental hazards (if any), near‐by sex offenders (if any) at a minimum. ___ Can your agent effectively explain the HOA maintenance fees, MUD and LID taxes, compliance certificate requirements, amenities, property tax rates, school performance ratings, and other important information for the neighborhoods you are looking at? ___ Does your agent know how to provide you with an accurate CMA (price analysis) on a home before you make an offer? Is he or she committed to helping you get the right price or does the agent just want you to buy the highest priced home you can afford? ___ Does your agent point out possible defects of homes when you tour them or does your agent always seem to overlook the obvious problems of a home and try to convince you that they don't matter? (Check my client satisfaction ratings) ___ Does your agent actually show you homes or does he or she expect you to drive the neighborhood on your own and then contact the listing agent directly to let you see the house? A dedicated agent wants to be with you every step of the way. ___ Has your agent set up a customized automatic home search for you that is pulled directly form the local MLS? Or are you still trying to find homes on your own using the limited online search Websites available in your area? These programs (such as Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, and Homes.com) can be outdated very quickly showing contract‐pending homes as "active." ___ Does your agent use an online paperwork system where you can e‐sign documents instead of having to fax and scan them (which is sometimes challenging and time‐consuming)? What if your spouse is still back home in another state or country? You need to be able to e‐sign! ___ Does your agent offer at least an 18‐month "peace of mind" guarantee in which he or she will greatly reduce the sales commission if they have to relist your home within 18 months of purchase (due to job transfer, for example)? 144 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide About Texas Real Estate ___ Does your agent work to negotiate a residential service contract (aka, home warranty) in the deal or provide one for you to protect you from too many future home repairs? ___ Does your agent have at least a 4.5 star client satisfaction rating with the local board of area Realtors? Has he or she been awarded the Five‐Star Real Estate Agent award by a third‐party company who surveys local real estate agents and chooses the top 7 percent (or less) based on client satisfaction? What's your agent's YELP rating, Homes.com endorsements, Angie's List reviews, and so on? ___ Does your agent have 20 years experience? (Trick question.) IT DOESN'T NECESSARILY MATTER! I have worked with terrible agents with 20+ years of experience who even have a broker's license. And I have also worked with outstanding agents with only a couple of years experience. Time does not equal quality in this business. Time cannot guarantee attitude, dedication, integrity, intelligence, or commitment to customer service. Check their satisfaction rating...this is a free service for all members of the Houston Association of Realtors (HAR). If your agent hasn't signed up, maybe they have something to hide. Dated March 2015 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 145 About Texas Real Estate This page left blank on purpose for double‐sided printing 146 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Buying and Selling Tips 5 Buying and Selling Tips About This Chapter This chapter includes the following information: How To Buy a Home in Sugar Land, TX ......................................................................................... 147
Secure the Best Buyer Representation............................................................................... 148
Find Homes With The Best Customized Search Available.................................................. 149
Tour the Neighborhood With a Local Expert...................................................................... 149
Keep Track of Legal Paperwork Online............................................................................... 149
Get Help With Home Inspections & Repairs ...................................................................... 150
Get a Home Warranty To Minimize Future Repairs ........................................................... 150
Earning That Commission... ................................................................................................ 150
Checklist for Buying a Home ......................................................................................................... 151
How To Sell Your Sugar Land Home.............................................................................................. 153
Hire the Best Agent Possible .............................................................................................. 155
Be Ready for Surprises........................................................................................................ 155
Price Your Home To Sell ..................................................................................................... 156
Stage Your Home to Show It At Its Best ............................................................................. 157
Maximize Your Curb Appeal With Great Photos ................................................................ 158
Let Them Walk Your Home Virtually .................................................................................. 160
Marketing to the Max......................................................................................................... 161
Dealing with Contracts and Signatures Online................................................................... 162
Receiving Frequent Updates and Communication............................................................. 162
Obtaining Help with Home Inspections & Repairs ............................................................. 162
Getting Other Helpful Selling Tools .................................................................................... 163
Dated June 2014 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 147 Buying and Selling Tips How To Buy a Home in Sugar Land, TX Secure the Best Buyer Representation Did you know that a real estate agent in Texas who uses the MLS is always, by default, looking out for the best interest of the Seller unless the Buyer has a written Residential Buyer/Tenant Representation Agreement with the real estate agent?! Having a Buyer's Rep Agreement benefits you by protecting your confidentiality; allowing your agent to provide you with professional advice and opinions on prices; allowing your agent to negotiate based on your best interests; and giving you a partner who is loyal to you. And the Seller stills pays your agent's real estate commission...they agree to do that when they agree to let their home be listed on the MLS. NOTE View a sample of a Buyer's Representation Agreement and please note Paragraph 17 on page 4. Click to read testimonials Click to read about award Click to read endorsements 148 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Buying and Selling Tips Find Homes With The Best Customized Search Available Never miss out on a great house again. Your agent should set up a customized home search for you that will check all MLS listings daily and inform you when a house that meets your criteria hits the market. This is the most accurate and up‐to‐date house search available! And it's great for out‐of‐town buyers who need to search for homes online. Plus, only your real estate agent can search by specific schools (such as Clements H.S. homes only) and weed‐out undesirable homes that don’t meet your criteria. Tour the Neighborhood With a Local Expert When you are ready to take a look at houses, then let your agent know and she will set up the appointments with the sellers, create a map, print out the brochures, and drive you around to see those homes. As you go from house to house, your agent will point out special points of interest in Sugar Land to get you familiar with the area. It's very helpful to have a local expert show you around the area...especially if you are new to Sugar Land or Fort Bend County. But what if you or your spouse are located out of reach of a local tour? Some agents are able to video tape a walk‐through of homes when need be...let me know you need this service ahead of time. See a sample video home tour. Keep Track of Legal Paperwork Online Let's face it...there is a lot of paperwork involved in buying a home in Texas! Why hassle with fax machines and scanners? My office, Keller Williams Southwest, has the most innovative online paperwork solution available. So you can eSign your paperwork easily online...and so can your seller! This is especially useful for all those buyers who live out of the area and are relocating here. Or, if you have a spouse that hasn't moved here yet, this is the perfect way to make it easy for him or her to sign the necessary documents. Dated June 2014 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 149 Buying and Selling Tips Get Help With Home Inspections & Repairs A home inspection is one of the most important parts of buying a home. But it can be overwhelming trying to find a reputable inspector who you can trust. Your agent should provide you with a list of licensed home inspectors in the area to make this process easier for you. Plus, your agent will negotiate necessary repairs for you with the selling agent...before you close on the home. Get a Home Warranty To Minimize Future Repairs Protect yourself from too many future repairs. You need a residential service contract (a.k.a. home warranty) on your new home to help off‐set future repair costs. Your agent should negotiate for the Seller to pay for this the first year. Earning That Commission... Some people think that real estate agents just show houses or just help you find a house to buy. While that is one of the services we provide, there are at least 100 more action items per transaction! Finding the home is just the beginning of all the things a good real estate agent does for home buyers including: the research on the house, price analysis, legal paperwork, price negotiations, inspections, repair negotiations, survey work, appraisal orders, title commitment reviews, help with home warranty, help with hazard insurance, and so on. 150 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Buying and Selling Tips Checklist for Buying a Home This checklist shows the major steps that are required to by a home in Texas. There are MANY steps that your real estate agent does that is not on this list. Action Item Deadline Unless you have cash to buy a home, contact three or four lenders to determine how much house you can afford and get rate quotes. Determine how much money you will need to purchase a new home. Do you have enough? If not, create a budget and start saving now. Get approved for a loan. Don't forget the approval letter! We will need to submit it with an offer to buy a house...Sugar Land sellers will not typically accept an offer without a strong approval letter from a reputable (preferably a local lender). Hire a Sugar Land real estate expert to help you with your purchase. You need a professional looking out for your best interest! Do you need to sell your current home? Your Sugar Land real estate expert can help you with that too (and may offer a discount if you both buy and sell). View homes that meet your specific needs. Choose the right home for your needs. Sign the legal paperwork and make an offer to buy the house that you chose. Be prepared to write two checks (which will be cashed): 1% earnest money to Title Company and $200‐
300 option fee to the Seller. After the purchase offer is accepted, hire home and termite inspectors to check the home. This will cost $300 to $500. Negotiate repairs to home as needed. NOTE: If you are using an FHA loan, have all "conducive" termite conditions resolved to prevent loan problems. Decide whether or not to exercise your Option. If you decide to continue with the purchase, the go to next step. Otherwise, return to viewing homes that meet your needs. Tell lender to order the appraisal. Be prepared to pay an appraisal fee (approximately $400)...or it may be rolled into Closing costs. Turn‐in items for your loan application (W2s, tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, etc) to lender as quickly as possible. Be prepared for a hassle! The lending process is very stringent these days. Check your Title Commitment when you receive it...especially Schedule C. You typically have 5 days to "object in writing." Will both buyers be at the Closing? If not, order a Power of Attorney with your lender...it has to be approved by lender and title company ahead of time. Obtain home owner's hazard insurance. Make sure you get at least three quotes because rates can vary drastically. They will want the age of roof, your birthdates, current address, and more. Make sure the survey is ordered in a timely manner, unless it is provided by the Seller. Dated June 2014 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 151 Buying and Selling Tips Action Item Deadline Make sure the HOA compliance inspection and resale certificate are ordered in a timely manner (if applicable). Select your residential service contract (“home warranty”). Make sure all negotiated repairs are made in a timely manner. Plan your move and order your utilities to be turned on the day you Close. Make sure your Closing is scheduled with the Title Company. Do your final walk‐through the day before/of Closing. Go to the settlement Closing. Each person signing (husband and wife) will need a photo ID and a cashier’s check or wiring instructions. Move into your new home and enjoy! Check out these tips for decorating, remodeling, and updating your new home. Make sure you receive a copy of your Deed (from the Title company) within a couple of weeks after Closing. Apply for your Homestead exemption in January of the following year. NOTE Here is a must read for Texas home buyers: Buyer's Guide to Slab‐On‐Ground Foundations by R. Michael Gray, P.E. and Matthew T. Gray, EIT. 152 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Buying and Selling Tips How To Sell Your Sugar Land Home Selling a home is not as easy as it looks! You need a professional real estate agent (not your best friend’s brother‐in‐law) who knows how to price, stage, market, and sell your home in a timely manner while getting you the highest price the market will bear. To sell your home, hire an agent (like me!) who will: Do this… Not this… Price your home correctly based on current market conditions and the condition of the home. Over price the home so that it never sells or under price the home so that you don’t get every dollar that you deserve. Help you stage your home so it outshines your competition. Ignore the basics of real estate and tell you that it’s okay to let your house smell like a vet clinic. Take and post as many large, high‐quality photos of your beautiful home as possible. Post only a few low‐quality photos of your home that are too small to see. Write descriptions of the rooms presented in each photo pointing out all the special features the home has to offer. Leave photo descriptions blank…so what if the buyer can’t figure out whether a bedroom is upstairs or down or has hardwood floors or carpet. Create a real video tour of the home so that potential buyers can “walk” the home ahead of time and get an idea of the floor plan and layout before setting an appointment. Skip the videos…who cares if the Seller has to waste time and leave the house for appointments with buyers who will not ever buy the home because the floor plan doesn’t work. Bonus: Out‐of‐town spouses can view video tours even when they are not available to view the home in person. (This is common in Sugar Land where we have a high number of relocations.) Advertise your home throughout his/her social network including Google+, FaceBook, Twitter, YouTube, etc.–and help you do the same. Post your home only on the MLS and ignore all other forms of Internet advertising (where over 90% buyers look). But does have a newspaper ad that only other agents will see. Enable you to sign contracts and documents for the transaction online and in the privacy of your home–at midnight and in your pajamas if you so choose. Ask you to sign, scan, and email pages and pages of documents over and over again when your scanner only does one page at a time. Set you up for automatic feedback after every showing, Ignore you for weeks at a time and only contacts you to weekly Internet reports (to know how many people ask you to reduce the home’s price. viewed your listing), and frequent emails and phone calls so you always know what’s going on with your home’s market activity. Helps you negotiate the inevitable home inspection and repair requests…setting you up with a Seller’s Home Warranty Policy ahead of time to cover you as much as possible. Dated June 2014 Tells not to worry about obvious repairs and lets your deal fall through due to unreasonable denial of small repair requests. www.SugarLandTxHome.com 153 Buying and Selling Tips Do this… Not this… Ensures that you meet all your contractual, legal obligations (survey, disclosures, resale certificate, etc.) in a timely manner. Expects you to keep up with your own legal obligations and forgets to order things like surveys and resale certificates. Has the strength of a large legal team “back home” at Works at a small mom‐and‐pop real estate “boutique” the Brokerage’s corporate office…just in case the buyer shop who doesn’t even carry Errors & Omissions insurance. decides to become difficult after the sale. » See Texas Deceptive Trade Practices ADVICE: Before you hire a Realtor, check as many of his or her past and current listings online to see how well he or she photographs, describes, and markets the home. » See more about Sheila Cox Click to read testimonials Click to read about award Click to read endorsements
154 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Buying and Selling Tips Hire the Best Agent Possible You will have a difficult time selling your home without the proper expertise. Get a Sugar Land real estate expert to take care of you every step of the way. Texas is a seriously litigious state, and selling your home is no exception. You need a professional, backed by a large broker’s legal team, to protect your investment. A very common type of real estate lawsuit involves Deceptive Trade Practices in which a home buyer accuses the home seller for not properly disclosing the actual condition of the property. In these cases, treble damages (three times the actual cost) can be awarded. This can really add up! And the cost for hiring a real estate attorney to defend yourself can cost well over $10,000! It doesn't always matter that you did nothing wrong. Without a licensed real estate agent there to watch out for your interests and to make sure that you comply with all of the Texas real estate code and statutes, you can end up with a real nightmare on your hands. Be Ready for Surprises No house is perfect. Even the most well‐cared for house may have hidden maintenance or repairs issues that will be uncovered during the home inspection process. To minimize those costs as much as possible, it is important to have a residential service contract (aka, home warranty) in place. Your agent should help you sign up for such a service if you don't already have one. Not only will this help cover future repair costs, it is a great selling feature for prospective buyers...since you will transfer it to the new owner upon Closing. Dated June 2014 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 155 Buying and Selling Tips Price Your Home To Sell Make sure that you price your home effectively so it doesn't languish on the market...and make Buyers wonder "What's wrong with it?" Statistics prove that your best chance for getting top‐
dollar happens within the first month of a new listing. Instead of throwing darts at a board or playing "wadda ya take for it"...your agent should analyze the current market conditions in your neighborhood and create a detailed Competitive Market Analysis (CMA) based on actual sales data and market performance. This will help you price your home to sell...not just sit on the market. 156 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Buying and Selling Tips Stage Your Home to Show It At Its Best If it doesn't look good, you may not get top‐dollar for your home. However, a little elbow‐grease and some effective furniture arrangement and staging will go a long way to get your home in top show condition. I am an expert in getting your home in show‐worthy condition and will help you with a detailed staging plan. BEFORE AFTER Dated June 2014 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 157 Buying and Selling Tips Maximize Your Curb Appeal With Great Photos Studies show that 87 percent of home buyers search the Internet for a home. That means they are looking at photos and videos first. So the new "curb appeal" of a home is the collection of photos and videos posted online with your home listing. If your agent isn't able and willing to post awesome photos and videos of your home, detailing all of the home's best features, then you will not attract buyers to tour the home. If buyers don't tour the home, then you can't sell it for a good price. The more people you can attract to tour the home, the more likely you are to receive an excellent offer to purchase. But how many times have you, in your own home search, seen photos... Like this: Instead of this: Are they selling the furniture? Or are the selling the room? Or how many times do you click to enlarge a picture and it doesn't get bigger? I spend a great deal of effort photographing your home to show off its best features. I also take the time necessary to write detailed descriptions of each photo so that potential buyers know what they are looking out and notice all the best features of your home. I try to “sell” your home before a buyer even walks through the door! Here is an example… 158 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Buying and Selling Tips When they click one of the small gallery photos (above) they see a large, detailed photo (below). Dated June 2014 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 159 Buying and Selling Tips Let Them Walk Your Home Virtually I also videotape a real, walk‐through video of your home (not just a slideshow of photos) and post it on YouTube. This means that even people in other areas can tour your home! In the Sugar Land area, there are many people who are relocating from another state (or country) and there is often a spouse still “back home” who can’t actually tour the home. A video makes that possible. It also minimizes the inconvenience of unnecessary showings. If your home’s floor plan or layout is not going to work for a buyer, why not let them know ahead of time instead of wasting your time with a showing appointment? Leaving your home for showings is a hassle…video tours can minimize this waste of time. View Video Sample 160 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Buying and Selling Tips Marketing to the Max It’s a SmartPhone world that we live in! To take advantage of that, I provide a free texting service to selling clients. So when a prospective home buyer drives by your house, they can immediately send a coded text message to my service and receive all the detailed info, photos, and videos on your home…right there on their phone! No need to write down a phone number and call…and we never run out of paper flyers. Potential buyers can get all the info they want at the exact time they are driving by. Not only is it a SmartPhone world that we now live in…it is also a social marketing world. With that in mind, I will spread the word and advertise your home for sale on social media sites like Google+, FaceBook, Twitter, and YouTube. I will encourage you to do so as well. Plus, once I post your listing on the Houston MLS, it will automatically go out to other national real estate sites automatically. Within a week of posting your home on the MLS, you will be able to “google” your address and see it on 1000s of pages. This is important for two reasons: First, over 90 percent of home buyers search the Internet for a home, so it needs to be listed all over the Internet to be found. Second, the Sugar Land area is a hot area for people who are relocating to Houston. They may not know about HAR.com yet, so they need to see your home on one of the national home Websites. Dated June 2014 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 161 Buying and Selling Tips Dealing with Contracts and Signatures Online Let’s face it…there is a lot of paperwork involved in selling a home in Texas! Why hassle with fax machines and scanners? Our office has the most innovative online paperwork solution available. So you can eSign your paperwork easily online…and so can your buyer! This is especially useful for all those sellers who have already moved out of town. But even if you are still nearby, it’s nice to know you can sign your contracts from the comfort and privacy of your own home any time you want…wearing your pajamas if you want! Receiving Frequent Updates and Communication One of the things that makes a real estate transaction more stressful than it has to be is lack of communication. I set up my showing service to provide you with instant buyer feedback as soon as we receive it after a showing. In addition, I provide weekly Internet reports to let you know how many people have viewed your listing on HAR.com. Plus, I will email and call you at least once a week to keep you posted on what’s been going on with your home. You will not be left wondering, “What happened to Sheila?” after you hire me to sell your home! Obtaining Help with Home Inspections & Repairs No house is perfect. Even the most well‐cared for house may have hidden maintenance or repairs issues that will be uncovered during the home inspection process. To minimize those costs as much as possible, it is important to have a residential service contract (aka, home warranty) in place. I will help you sign up for such a service if you don’t already have one. Not only will this help cover future repair costs, it is a great selling feature for prospective buyers…since you will transfer it to the new owner upon Closing. 162 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Buying and Selling Tips Getting Other Helpful Selling Tools There are other helpful selling tools that I provide my selling clients: 
Home Seller’s Checklist to keep you on track in the process. 
A 35+ page Home Sellers Marketing Kit with helpful checklists and tips for selling your home quickly. 
A custom Market Watch Website that will keep you posted on the real estate activity in your neighborhood…so you can see how your competition is doing when your home is on the market. 
Access to the Centralized Showing Service to make it easy to set showing appointments. This service provides weekly showing reports, as well as feedback received from showing agents, and an electronic record of agents who have showed your home. Dated June 2014 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 163 Buying and Selling Tips This page left blank on purpose for double‐sided printing 164 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Moving Tips 6 Moving Tips About This Chapter This chapter includes the following information: Planning the Move ........................................................................................................................ 166
Packing Tips................................................................................................................................... 167
Helping Children Cope With the Move ......................................................................................... 168
Moving Checklists ......................................................................................................................... 169
Two Months Before Moving............................................................................................... 169
One Month Before Moving................................................................................................. 169
Two Weeks Before Moving................................................................................................. 170
One Week Before Moving .................................................................................................. 170
The Day Before Moving ...................................................................................................... 171
Moving Day......................................................................................................................... 171
Arrival Day .......................................................................................................................... 172
Dated June 2014 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 165 Moving Tips Planning the Move The next few pages contain tips and checklists so that your move is as organized and effortless as possible. Think about your move as a series of small projects that you can begin while your home is under contract. Your move will progress as your contract and closing progress. That way, when the day comes to physically move your belongings, most of the details will be taken care of. NOTE Keep detailed records – some moving expenses are tax deductible! Keep detailed records of all moving expenses if your move is job related. Many expenses, including house‐hunting trips, are tax deductible. If your move is 35 miles or more from your home, you can deduct your family’s travel expenses, including meals and lodging; the cost of transporting furniture, other household goods and personal belongings; food and hotel bills for up to 30 days in the new city if you have to wait to move into your new home; and the costs associated with selling your old home or leasing your new home. NOTE There is a ceiling on deductions which is outlined in detail in the IRS’s Publication 521, “Tax Information on Moving Expenses,” available free from the IRS offices. 166 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Moving Tips Packing Tips  Gather boxes in all sizes from friends, neighbors, and stores.  Collect cushioning material such as bubble wrap, Styrofoam pellets, furniture pads, old blankets, plastic bags, tissue paper, newspapers, and small towels to use as padding inside boxes.  Create a “portable packing kit” with marking pens, a tape measure, packing tape, twine, and scissors. Carry it with you as you pack up items around your home.  Reinforce the bottom of boxes with extra tape for added strength.  Label each box with the name of the room in your home where it should be placed.  Number the boxes and keep a list of which boxes go in which room in your new home.  Label boxes containing fragile items with large red lettering.  Place china in plastic bags and stack plates upright on their sides, not flat.  Pack your TV, stereo, and computer in their original boxes whenever possible.  Keep boxes to 50 pounds or less.  Pack heavy items into their own smaller boxes and place lighter items together into larger boxes. (Don’t pack all your books into one box!)  Don’t move flammable, combustible, corrosive, or explosive items such as paint, gasoline, and ammunition.  Pack a bag of personal items you’ll need during the move (change of clothes, toiletries, medicine, maps, food, and drinks). Keep it in an easy‐to‐find place when you pack.    Dated June 2014 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 167 Moving Tips Helping Children Cope With the Move 1. Show the children the new home and their new room prior to moving. If this is not possible, pictures or videos will help them visualize where they are going. 2. Assure children that you won’t forget their friends. 3. Make a scrapbook of the old home and neighborhood. 4. Throw a good‐bye party. At the party, have their friends sign a t‐shirt. 5. Have your children write good‐bye letters and enclose their new address. You may wish to call the other children’s parents so that they will encourage return letters. 6. When packing, give your children their own boxes and let them decorate them. 7. Start a scrapbook for your new home. 8. Visit your children’s new school, park, church, etc… Take a camera. 9. Help your children invite new friends over to your new home. 10. Let your children choose a new favorite restaurant. This will help them feel in control of their new environment. 11. Encourage your children to send letters about their new home to their friends. 12. Involve your children in groups, sports, and activities like the ones they used to participate in. 13. Remember, even if you only lived in a home for a few years, to a young child it is nearly their entire lifetime. 168 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Moving Tips Moving Checklists Two Months Before Moving  Sort through your belongings to reduce the number of things to move.  Have a garage sale or donate items you no longer need.  Decide whether to move yourself or hire professionals. Make reservations with a moving company or truck rental company. Tip: Call three companies for estimates to compare.  Gather packing supplies: boxes, packing material, tape, felt markers, and scissors.  If you’re moving a long distance, make travel arrangements with the airline, hotel, and rental car agency. If you’re driving to your new home, get maps and plan your travel route.  Save all moving receipts. Some moving expenses are tax deductible. Check the current tax code for requirements.  Place your legal, medical, financial, and insurance records in a safe and accessible place.  Purchase insurance coverage for valuables to be moved.    One Month Before Moving  Start packing items that aren’t regularly used such as off‐season clothes and decorations and items in storage areas (garage, attic, and closets).  Make travel arrangements for your pets.  If you’re driving, have your car tuned up.  Get medical records from your doctors, dentist, optometrist, and veterinarian.  Send items (rugs, drapes, clothing, quilts, bedding) to the cleaners.  Back up important computer files to floppy disk.   Dated June 2014 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 169 Moving Tips Two Weeks Before Moving  Contact your utility companies and notify them of your move.  Sign up for services at your new address.  Contact your long distance phone company and notify them of your move.  Call friends and family and recruit help for the moving day.  Confirm your travel reservations.  Arrange to close or transfer your bank account, if appropriate. Pick up items in your safety deposit box.   One Week Before Moving  Pick up items from the cleaners, repair shops, or friends.  Pack a survival kit of clothes, medicines, special foods, etc. to carry you through the day while you unpack.  Finish packing all boxes except what you’ll need in the final week.  Inform the post office of your upcoming move. Send change‐of‐address cards with your new address and phone number to:  Friends and family  Banks, insurance companies, credit card companies, and other financial institutions  Magazines and newspapers  Doctors, lawyers, accountants, agents, and other service providers  State and federal tax authorities and any other government agencies as needed  Workplace, schools, and alma maters 170 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Moving Tips The Day Before Moving  Set aside moving materials, such as tape measure, pocketknife, and rope.  Pad corners and stairways of house.  Lay down old sheets in the entry and hallways to protect floor coverings.  Remove hanging fixtures.  If you are moving yourself, pick up the rental truck and a dolly to move heavy boxes.  If you are driving, check oil, tire pressure, and gas in your car.  If you are flying, make sure you have tickets, charge cards and other essentials.   Moving Day Carry with you:  The keys to your new home.  A map of your new town and directions to your home.  The telephone number of the moving company.  Cash or traveler’s checks.  Documentation related to the sale of your home.  Your insurance policies and agent’s phone number.  Your current address book or personal planner.  Prescription and non‐prescription medicines.  Enough clothing to get by if the movers are late.  The telephone number of the moving company.  Cash or traveler’s checks.  Any items of great personal value to you that are virtually irreplaceable.  Back‐up copies of important computer files.  Sheets, towels and personal hygiene items for the first night in your new home. Dated June 2014 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 171 Moving Tips Arrival Day  Show movers where to place furniture and boxes.  Check inventory to ensure that everything was delivered before signing delivery papers. Note any damages on the inventory sheet.  Unpack any valuable items, such as silver, art, and jewelry, upon arrival.   172 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide Moving Tips If you think this guide was helpful… Wait ‘till you work with me face‐to‐face! Call or text: 832‐779‐2890 Sheila Cox is an award‐winning Sugar Land real estate agent who has lived in the Sugar Land area (Fort Bend County) for over 10 years. She is the professional, enthusiastic, service‐oriented, caring Realtor that you have always wanted...serving you before, during, and after the sale. She is the Sugar Land real estate agent who will fight to get you the best deal possible and to make sure your goals are achieved while protecting your interests to the best of her ability. Not only that, she provides extensive information (view a sample house report) to you so that you can make the best decisions. Click to read testimonials Click to read about award Click to read endorsements Testimonials
"Sheila was the best realtor we could have ever asked for. We could always depend on her to get the job done and she was always looking out for our best interests. I was going through the tragic loss of my mother during the sale and purchase of our home, and Sheila went above and beyond in ensuring that all was being taken care of and everything was moving along smoothly on BOTH ends. Where the other realtor failed during the process, Sheila jumped in to pick up the pieces and kept things moving along. She is dependable and trustworthy, and has great knowledge of the market and lenders. Her superb advice and expertise made the whole process, which could have been very stressful given the circumstances, move along as smoothly and possible. People like Sheila are few and far between, and we are so grateful that we had the opportunity to work with her." —Talley Dated June 2014 www.SugarLandTxHome.com 173 Moving Tips "Sheila is simply an outstanding realtor. She helped my wife and I sell our fourth and purchase our fifth house. Out of all the realtors, she is honestly the best! She treats the transaction as her own, provides you timely updates as changes occur. Her advice also saved us from costly pitfalls that could have ruined the sell and purchase of our new house. My advice: 1) Use Sheila as your realtor 2) Listen to her recommendations! She is an expert and provides outstanding advice. Sheila thank you for all of your hard work. You did an outstanding job!" —Worley "Sheila is a wonderful agent with great passion for ‘Doing the right thing’ for her clients. Moving to Houston was a big move for me and not knowing where to start my search was a concern to me. Shelia’s genuine approach to understanding what I was looking for made my final choose very simple. She never let me settle for anything less than what I was looking for. I would recommend her services to anyone looking for a new home, Sheila is awesome and my agent for life." —Carrion Click to socialize with me...
Most of these sites include even more photos, videos, and info on Sugar Land! 174 Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sugar Land TX Relocation Guide