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Buying
Blogs in buying a home in Tomball and Northwest Houston of Texas.


50-Year Mortgage Texas: Pros, Cons & What to Know
Home prices have climbed, interest rates have seesawed, and for many Texans — especially families trying to buy in fast-growing areas like Tomball, Cypress, Magnolia, and The Woodlands — homeownership feels like it’s running a little farther out of reach every year.
So when talk of a “50-year mortgage” started making headlines, it grabbed attention fast. Could this be the key to unlocking affordability… or just another long game that costs more in the end?
Let’s break it do

Gene Johnson
Nov 164 min read


Growing Family? Why Now May Be the Right Time to Move Up in Tomball or Magnolia
For many families across Northwest Houston — from Tomball and Magnolia to Montgomery, Cypress, and The Woodlands — home is where the heart is. But sometimes, that heart starts to feel a little crowded.
What once felt cozy can suddenly feel cramped: toys overflowing into the living room, teenagers needing privacy, or a spouse taking work calls from the kitchen table. As families grow and routines change, the walls can start to close in.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not al

Gene Johnson
Nov 23 min read


Top 6 Mistakes Growing Families Make When Buying Their First Home (and How to Avoid Them)
You’ve outgrown your rental. The kids need their own rooms, the toys have taken over the living room, and every rent hike stings a little more each year. You’re ready for a place that’s yours — where you can finally paint the walls, plant a garden, and decorate for Christmas without asking permission.

Gene Johnson
Oct 263 min read


Your Free Relocation Guide to Moving to Tomball, Magnolia, Cypress, Montgomery & The Woodlands
If you’ve been dreaming of wide-open spaces, strong community ties, and easy access to Houston’s job corridors, it’s no wonder Northwest Houston is catching your attention. From the pine-lined streets of Magnolia to the lakeside serenity of Montgomery and the energy of Cypress and The Woodlands, this pocket of Greater Houston blends modern convenience with small-town warmth.

Gene Johnson
Oct 53 min read


Did the Fed Cut Just Make Mortgages Cheaper in Northwest Houston?
The Federal Reserve cut its benchmark rate by a quarter point in mid-September, the first cut since 2024. For buyers and homeowners in Northwest Houston, the big question is simple: does this mean mortgage rates are headed lower?
The answer: not necessarily. Here’s what’s really happening, why mortgage rates sometimes move the opposite direction of the Fed, and what this means for buyers and sellers across Tomball, Magnolia, Montgomery, Cypress, and The Woodlands.

Gene Johnson
Sep 213 min read


From Tomball to The Woodlands: First-Time Buyer Assistance Programs in Northwest Houston
Buying your first home is one of life’s biggest milestones, but for many, the biggest hurdle isn’t finding the right house—it’s finding the funds for the down payment and closing costs. The good news? If you’re looking in Northwest Houston—Tomball, Magnolia, Montgomery, Cypress, or The Woodlands—there are multiple first-time homebuyer programs that can make the path to homeownership smoother and more affordable.

Gene Johnson
Sep 143 min read


Tomball, Cypress, Magnolia, Montgomery & The Woodlands: What Buyers & Sellers Need to Know
The August 2025 market in Northwest Houston paints a clear picture: demand is strong across all five cities, but conditions vary depending on location. Tomball and Cypress are seeing steady growth, Magnolia and Montgomery offer more inventory (and negotiation opportunities), while The Woodlands remains competitive despite a slight price dip.

Gene Johnson
Sep 76 min read


Why Cypress Is the Hottest ZIP Code in America (And What It Means for Northwest Houston Real Estate)
Did you know? Cypress ZIP code 77433 was just named the hottest inbound ZIP code in the United States, with more than 3,600 households moving in between January and May 2025—more than any other ZIP in the nation. That kind of national recognition doesn’t just put Cypress on the map—it impacts the entire Northwest Houston housing market.

Gene Johnson
Aug 312 min read


Homes from the $130s: Why Castle’s Edge in Willis Is Turning Heads?
Finding an affordable new home near Houston has become increasingly rare, but a new community in Willis is bringing that option back within reach. Castle’s Edge, developed by Ellison Development and D.R. Horton, is offering homes starting in the mid-$130,000s — a price point that feels almost unheard of in today’s market. For first-time buyers, downsizers, or families searching for a budget-friendly home with modern features, Castle’s Edge is one to watch.

Gene Johnson
Aug 243 min read


What’s Really Happening in the Northwest Houston Housing Market?
The Northwest Houston housing market has been shifting this summer. With more homes available, buyers finally have breathing room after years of tight inventory. At the same time, sellers are noticing that pricing strategy and presentation matter more than ever if they want to stand out.

Gene Johnson
Aug 176 min read


Why Kresston Might Be the Best-Kept Secret in Magnolia Real Estate?
Tucked just west of FM 149 and north of SH 249, Kresston is a new master-planned community launching in the rapidly growing Magnolia region. Spanning over 1,400 acres, Kresston isn’t just a subdivision — it’s a full-scale vision of community living that blends small-town charm with modern, family-friendly amenities. Developed by Johnson Development Services, it’s set to include over 3,000 homes, miles of trails, future on-site schools, and mixed-use commercial space.

Gene Johnson
Jul 275 min read


Colton, TX: A Quick Look at Magnolia’s $9.9B Master-Planned Community
Imagine a place where your mornings begin with sunlight filtering through pine trees, where your kids bike safely to school, and where community feels more like family. That’s the vision behind Colton, the newest master-planned community in Northwest Houston—and it’s already making waves.
Located between Magnolia and Todd Mission, Colton is no ordinary development. With over 4,700 acres of thoughtfully designed homes, parks, trails, and future mixed-use spaces, it’s poised t

Gene Johnson
Jul 134 min read


More Homes, Slower Sales: A Clear Look at June’s Market in Northwest Houston
The June 2025 data tells a story of transition. Some areas are cooling faster than others, while others are holding strong despite more homes hitting the market. And while buyers may be getting pickier, well-priced homes are still getting snapped up—especially in areas like Cypress and Tomball.

Gene Johnson
Jul 65 min read


What Homebuyers Want Now: Features Worth Paying More For in 2025
Your home has never meant more than it does today.
Whether you're buying for the first time or thinking about upgrading, the value you place on where you live goes well beyond square footage. New research from Fannie Mae shows that for nearly half of Americans, home isn’t just where they live—it’s where they work, unwind, grow, and invest in their future.
So, if you’re navigating the market right now, here’s what other buyers (and renters) are looking for—and what they’re w

Gene Johnson
Jun 153 min read


Feeling Stuck on Whether to Buy a Home? You’re Not Alone — But Here’s What to Know
If you’ve been thinking about buying a home but keep finding reasons to wait — you’re not the only one.
According to Bank of America’s latest Homebuyer Insights Report, 60% of buyers and homeowners say they’re unsure whether now is the right time to buy a home. That’s the highest level of uncertainty in three years.
So if you’re hesitating, it doesn’t mean you’re falling behind. It just means you’re navigating a complex market — and trying to make the smartest decision poss

Gene Johnson
Jun 83 min read


HOA Fees: What Every Homebuyer Should Know Before Making an Offer
When you’re buying a home, your focus is probably on the big-ticket items — price, interest rate, down payment, closing costs. But there’s one detail many buyers overlook until they’re well into the process: HOA fees.

Gene Johnson
May 253 min read


Thinking About Downsizing? Here's What Retirees Should Know
Retirement is about more than leaving a job. It’s about entering a new chapter of life — one that’s full of possibility, freedom, and the chance to finally prioritise what matters most to you.
But with this new chapter often comes an important question:
Does your current home still fit your retirement goals?
For many, the answer isn’t clear right away. You may love your home, but things change — from your lifestyle to your financial priorities to your physical needs.

Gene Johnson
May 183 min read


Should You Buy or Sell in the 2025 Market? Here's What the Experts Predict
If you've been holding your breath waiting for the housing market to stabilise, you're not alone. Many buyers and sellers have paused their plans this year, unsure what the next few months will bring.
The good news? Industry experts are starting to agree on a few key forecasts that could bring more balance to the market—and potentially more opportunity for you.

Gene Johnson
May 113 min read


Is It a Buyer’s or Seller’s Market? Here's How To Tell (And What It Means for You)
Stop me if this sounds familiar: you’ve seen one article saying buyers are finally gaining ground, but then another headline tells you...

Gene Johnson
May 43 min read


Top 3 Best Suburbs in Northwest Houston (And How to Choose Between Them)
Choosing the right suburb isn’t just about finding a place to live. It’s about finding a place that feels like home, where you can...

Gene Johnson
Apr 274 min read
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