Demographics in River Oaks in 2023

February 7, 2024February 7, 2024Cameron Ansari

Twice a year we publish the printed edition of the River Oaks Market Report – the 2024 Outlook edition is in the mail for regular subscribers (others can order their copy here). A favorite of many regular readers are the demographics for real estate sales in River Oaks. Age of buyers...

Nosy Questions for David Bush

February 1, 2024February 1, 2024Teresa Byrne-Dodge

David Bush has been executive director of Preservation Houston since 2015. Founded in 1978, Preservation Houston is the only citywide, public service, historic preservation organization in Houston.* It is best known for a its lush architectural books, walking tours of historic neighborhoods and the annual Good Brick Awards program that honors...

Days On. Confused?

October 15, 2023October 15, 2023Cameron Ansari

Have you noticed an all-too-familiar property popping up on the real estate websites as a “New Listing”? Sometimes the main photo has been switched, so you’re curious if this is truly the same old, tired house, or maybe something fresh on the market. It says 1 day on the market. Hmmm,...

Ask the Agents #29: What’s the Point?

October 15, 2023October 16, 2023Cameron Ansari & Teresa Byrne-Dodge

Question: We’re looking at ads for mortgage rates. So high! What, exactly, are the “points” that some mortgage companies offer? Answer: Points, also called discount points, are a way for the borrower to prepay some of the interest on a loan right away. Mortgage points are essentially a form of prepaid...

High Rollers

September 12, 2023September 12, 2023Cameron Ansari

This month’s River Oaks market update is a follow-through on last month’s critical look at the high end of the speculative new construction market. When we describe inventory levels in River Oaks, we typically provide our readers with a chart like the following: And it’s usually accompanied by laments on our...

Art in the Ozarks

September 11, 2023September 11, 2023Teresa Byrne-Dodge

What did you do over your summer vacation? Cameron and I traveled widely, from Hawaii to Cape Cod. But one of the most rewarding outings was a road trip to Arkansas topped off by a visit at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville. It’s a long day’s drive...

Summer Camp

August 13, 2023August 13, 2023Cameron Ansari

Let’s begin with a pop quiz. How many spec new construction houses have sold in River Oaks priced above $10 million, ever? Zero 1 10 15 Answer: Zero How many spec new construction houses are actively on the market or in the pipeline in River Oaks priced above $10 million? 2...

Ask the Agents #28: Do I need flood insurance?

August 10, 2023August 11, 2023Cameron Ansari & Teresa Byrne-Dodge

Question: Do I need flood insurance even if my house is not in a flood plain? Answer: Our answer is a hard yes. But for a little more nuance, we put your question to Leash Yu, president of Agency Yu, Inc., an insurance agency in West U. Here’s what he wants...

2023 Mid-Year Market Report: Sales Under $2 Million

July 19, 2023July 19, 2023Cameron Ansari

Much of the activity in the low-end “under $2 million” category so far this year has been for lot sales. It’s not so much that speculative builders are buying up all those cute old houses in need of TLC. Rather, private individuals are buying lots for custom home construction. But be...

Nosy Questions for Lynette Hawkins

July 19, 2023July 19, 2023Teresa Byrne-Dodge

Is there anything more deliciously satisfying than a casual neighborhood trattoria and wine bar where the owner is also the chef, and she’s always – always! – on the premises? Lynette Hawkins opened Giacomo’s Cibo e Vino in 2009, and since then she has cooked her way into our hearts with...