Posts

Showing posts from June, 2025

Inventory Surge — Buyers’ Market (Just for Now) in Houston

Image
By Quiana Toliver, Realtor® | HEAT Realty After years of a seller’s market that felt more like a bidding war championship, Houston is finally giving buyers a bit of breathing room. As of mid-2025, active listings have surged by about 35 percent compared to last year. That means there are roughly 37,455 homes on the market, the highest level Houston has seen since 2007. If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines hoping for a market shift, your moment might be here—just don’t wait too long. Why the sudden surge in inventory? Several factors are at play. Rising mortgage rates earlier slowed some buyers out of the market, giving sellers more time to prepare their homes. New construction in suburban hotspots like Katy, Pearland, and The Woodlands is also picking up, adding more options for buyers hungry for space and modern features. Plus, some homeowners who bought during the pandemic boom are deciding to move on, feeling they’ve built enough equity to upgrade or downsize. What does this...

Celebrate National Foodie Day by Finding Your Dream Kitchen: The Heart of Your New Home!

Image
By Quiana Toliver , Realtor® | HEAT Realty 📞 (346) 254-4816 | 📧 quianatoliver@gmail.com | 🌐 homesbyquiana.com June 28 is National Foodie Day — a celebration dedicated to those who live and breathe food, from discovering the hottest new restaurants to experimenting with recipes at home. As a proud foodie myself, I know that one of the best parts of buying a home is imagining the meals you’ll create and share in your kitchen — the true heart of every home. Why Foodies Should Care About Their Next Home For food lovers, the kitchen isn’t just a room; it’s a creative space, a gathering place, and a stage for culinary adventures. Whether you’re a gourmet chef, an enthusiastic home cook, or someone who simply loves entertaining friends and family, having the right kitchen setup can elevate your food experience to the next level. What to Look for in a Foodie-Friendly Home When shopping for your next home, consider these kitchen features that will make cooking and entertaining a joy: ...

⛳ Blackhorse Ranch: Timeless Living on the Golf Course

Image
By  Quiana Toliver  | HEAT Realty | Cypress, Texas Blackhorse Ranch is a Cypress gem for those seeking golf course living, large homesites, and mature trees. It’s elegant, established, and incredibly well-connected. ⚖️ Work-Life Balance: Located near Highway 290 and Fry Road, Blackhorse Ranch offers quick access to major Houston work centers. Its quiet setting and beautiful golf course create the perfect environment for rest, recreation, and recharge. 🌳 Scenery & Nature: This neighborhood is known for its greenbelts, ponds, and scenic views of Blackhorse Golf Club. It’s not just about golf—it’s about living in a beautifully maintained and peaceful environment. 📈 Economic Development: With new retail and commercial spaces growing nearby, residents enjoy the benefits of increased local investment. The area also sees strong home value retention thanks to its desirability and well-kept surroundings. If you’re interested in taking a look and buying a home in Blackhorse ...

Top 5 Neighborhoods in Cypress, TX

Image
By  Quiana Toliver  | HEAT Realty | Cypress, Texas Cypress, Texas is more than just a suburb of Houston; it's a thriving community with beautiful homes, top-rated schools, and an unbeatable mix of suburban charm and modern amenities. Whether you’re buying your first home, relocating, or upgrading, here are five of the best neighborhoods in Cypress —handpicked by me, Quiana Toliver with HEAT Realty . 1. Bridgeland Master-planned excellence with a nature-first lifestyle Bridgeland is one of the most popular communities in Cypress. It offers an unmatched blend of natural beauty, modern design, and thoughtful planning. With lakes, trails, parks, and exceptional schools, it’s ideal for families and anyone who loves an active lifestyle. ✔️ 3,000+ acres of green space ✔️ Award-winning schools ✔️ Resort-style amenities ✔️ A mix of new builds and resale homes 2. Towne Lake Waterfront luxury with walkable lifestyle perks Towne Lake is built around a 300-acre private lake, creat...

Discover Aliana: A Premier Master-Planned Community in Richmond, Texas

Image
By Quiana Toliver, Realtor® | HEAT Realty 📞 (346) 254-4816 | 📧 quianatoliver@gmail.com | 🌐 homesbyquiana.com If you're seeking a blend of luxury, convenience, and community in the Houston area, look no further than Aliana:  a master-planned community nestled in Richmond, Texas. Spanning over 2,000 acres, Aliana offers a lifestyle that seamlessly integrates modern amenities with natural beauty. Community Overview Aliana is a thoughtfully designed neighborhood that began development in 2008. With plans to encompass approximately 6,000 homes upon completion, it features 13 distinct subdivisions, each offering a unique living experience. The community boasts a range of architectural styles, predominantly traditional two-story homes with spacious layouts, catering to diverse preferences and needs. Amenities & Lifestyle Living in Aliana means embracing a lifestyle rich in amenities and community engagement: The Club at Aliana : A resort-style facility featuring a waterp...

Top 5 Neighborhoods in Richmond, Texas (And Why You’ll Love Living There!)

Image
By Quiana Toliver , Realtor® | HEAT Realty  (346) 254-4816 |  quianatoliver@gmail.com    homesbyquiana.com Richmond, Texas is one of the fastest-growing and most charming communities in Fort Bend County. Just southwest of Houston, Richmond blends history, convenience, and vibrant new development — making it an incredible place to put down roots. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, growing your family, or looking for a peaceful place to upgrade your lifestyle, Richmond has a neighborhood that fits your vision. Let’s explore five of the top neighborhoods in Richmond and why people love living in them. 1. Harvest Green This eco-friendly, master-planned community is redefining suburban living with its blend of sustainability, lifestyle amenities, and beautiful modern homes. Why people love it: On-site working farm and farmers market Resort-style pool, fitness center, and community events Zoned to highly rated Fort Bend ISD schools Gorgeous homes with...

Top 5 Neighborhoods in Tomball, Texas — And Why You'll Love Living There

Image
By Quiana Toliver , Realtor® | HEAT Realty 📞 (346) 254-4816 | 📧 quianatoliver@gmail.com | 🌐 homesbyquiana.com Tomball, Texas is one of the Houston area's hidden gems — a perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city access. Whether you're craving a peaceful place to raise a family, looking for a luxurious retreat, or just want to be part of a growing, welcoming community, Tomball offers something for everyone. Thinking about calling Tomball home? Here are five of the top neighborhoods in Tomball and why they should be on your radar. 1. The Woodlands - Creekside Park If you're looking for a beautifully planned community with a resort-style vibe, Creekside Park is a standout. Technically part of The Woodlands but extending into Tomball, this area offers upscale homes, top-rated schools, and amazing community amenities. Why people love it: Miles of walking trails and green space Award-winning Tomball ISD schools Easy access to shopping, dining, and entert...

Three Smart Moves to Make NOW If You Want to Buy a Home in 6 Months

Image
By Quiana Toliver , Realtor® | HEAT Realty (346) 254-4816 | 🌐 homesbyquiana.com Buying your first home is exciting , but let’s be real — it can feel overwhelming, too. If you’re dreaming of becoming a homeowner in the next six months, the time to start preparing is right now . Whether you're aiming for a cozy starter home or that perfect backyard BBQ spot, getting your ducks in a row early is key. Here are the top three things you should start doing today to make your home-buying journey smooth and successful: 1. Check (and Strengthen) Your Credit Your credit score is one of the biggest factors lenders use to decide if you're mortgage-ready — and what interest rate you’ll get. The better the score, the better the loan terms. What to do now: Request a free copy of your credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com . Dispute any errors. Start paying down credit card balances. Avoid opening new lines of credit. Even a 20-30 point boost in your score can save you t...

Why Selling Your Home with a Realtor® Is Your Best Move — Even If You’re Considering FSBO

Image
By Quiana Toliver, Realtor® | HEAT Realty 📞 (346) 254-4816 | 📧 quianatoliver@gmail.com | 🌐 homesbyquiana.com Thinking about selling your home on your own? You’re not alone. Many homeowners consider going the For Sale By Owner (FSBO) route to save on commissions and have more control. But before you put up that “For Sale” sign, here’s why partnering with a professional real estate agent like me can save you time, money, and stress — and help you get the best price for your home. 1. Pricing Your Home Right Is Key — And It’s Tricky Pricing a home isn’t just about picking a number based on what you want or what a quick online search tells you. It requires deep knowledge of the local market, current trends, and recent comparable sales (comps). As a local expert, I provide an accurate, competitive market analysis that helps price your home to attract qualified buyers quickly — avoiding costly overpricing or underpricing that can leave money on the table. 2. Marketing That Gets ...

Buying a Home with a 580–600 Credit Score? These Texas Programs Can Help You Get There

Image
By Quiana Toliver , Realtor® | HEAT Realty| (346) 254-4816 |   homesbyquiana.com Thinking about buying your first home but worried your credit score isn’t high enough? If your score falls between 580 and 600 , don’t panic — you may still qualify for a home loan and get help with your down payment. The key is knowing your options and working with someone who understands how to guide you through the process. That’s where I come in. Here are three homebuyer programs in Texas that could help make homeownership possible for you — even if your credit isn’t perfect yet. Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC) – Homes for Texas Heroes & Home Sweet Texas TSAHC is a great option for first-time buyers with less-than-perfect credit. They work with approved lenders who may offer options starting at 600 credit scores — and sometimes even lower depending on the loan type. Who qualifies: First-time buyers or those who haven’t owned in the past 3 years Minimum credit scor...

Coles Crossing: A Woodland Retreat with Community Spirit

Image
  By   Quiana Toliver  | HEAT Realty | Cypress, Texas Work-Life Balance: Coles Crossing offers a peaceful environment with easy access to major roads like Highway 290 and the Grand Parkway, facilitating commutes to Houston's business centers. The community's amenities encourage outdoor activities and social engagement, promoting a healthy work-life balance. Scenery & Nature: Nestled into 1,500 acres of forested land, Coles Crossing features over 175 acres of recreational facilities, including wooded preserves, fishing ponds, and greenbelt trails. The 56-acre natural area along Cypress Creek provides a serene setting for residents to connect with nature . Economic Development: The community's proximity to commercial centers like The Boardwalk at Towne Lake and Houston Premium Outlets offers residents convenient shopping and dining options. This accessibility supports local businesses and contributes to the area's economic vitality. If you’re interested in taking...

Bridgeland where nature meets modern living in Cypress

Image
By  Quiana Toliver  | HEAT Realty | Cypress, Texas Bridgeland is one of the most desirable communities in Cypress, TX and for good reason. This award-winning master-planned neighborhood offers an exceptional quality of life through its thoughtful blend of nature, modern conveniences, and community-focused living. 🌿 Work-Life Balance: With quick access to U.S. 290 and Grand Parkway (99), Bridgeland makes it easy for professionals to commute to major employment hubs like the Energy Corridor and Downtown Houston. The community also offers co-working spaces, walking trails, and recreation centers to help residents unplug after hours. 🌳 Scenery & Nature: This neighborhood sits on more than 11,500 acres and features over 3,000 acres of preserved nature, lakes, and green space. Residents enjoy kayaking on Josey Lake, exploring shaded trails, and spending weekends in the butterfly garden or fishing piers. 📈 Economic Development: Bridgeland Central, an upcoming commercial dis...

Houston Housing Market Outlook – June 2025

Image
  By Quiana Toliver | HEAT Realty | Houston, Texas Hello, Houston! As we step into the summer of 2025, the local housing market is showing signs of balance and opportunity. Whether you're buying, selling, or investing, here's what you need to know about the current landscape. Market Snapshot: Stability with a Shift Toward Buyers According to the Houston Association of Realtors (HAR), the median home price in Houston reached $325,000 in January 2025, marking a modest increase from the previous year. This price point indicates a balanced market—offering buyers strong value while maintaining equity for homeowners. Single-family home sales in Greater Houston rose 1.2% in January 2025 compared to January 2024, with 5,064 homes sold. This marks the fifth consecutive month of sales growth—something not seen since early 2021—highlighting sustained momentum in the market. Inventory on the Rise: More Options for Buyers Houston is experiencing an increase in housing supply, with inv...

Sunny-Side Up or Scrambled? How Your Home Buying Journey Shouldn’t Be an Egg-splosion

Image
By Quiana Toliver | HEAT Realty | Houston, Texas Happy National Egg Day! It is the perfect time to celebrate one of the most versatile and nutrient-packed foods around. Whether you like your eggs scrambled, poached, or sunny-side up, eggs always manage to crack us up and fill us up! But did you know that buying a home is a lot like handling eggs? Both require a little care and a good plan to avoid a messy situation. Just like an egg needs a strong shell to keep everything inside safe and sound, your future home needs a solid foundation—both literally and figuratively. You want a home that’s built to last and protects your investment (and your sanity). I’ve seen some “eggshell-thin” walls in houses before, and trust me, nobody wants their neighbors’ conversations served sunny-side up! When it comes to house hunting, don’t put all your eggs in one basket by rushing into the first property that catches your eye. That charming bungalow might look perfect on the outside, but make sure i...

The Top 5 Neighborhoods You’ve Got to Know in Spring, Texas!

Image
By Quiana Toliver | HEAT Realty | Cypress, TX Thinking about making a move to Spring, Texas? You’re about to discover why this buzzing community just north of Houston is stealing the spotlight! Whether you want family-friendly vibes, great schools, or awesome amenities, Spring has neighborhoods that check all the boxes. Ready to find your dream spot? Here are my top five neighborhoods in Spring that are absolutely crushing it right now! 1. Harmony – Where Community Comes Alive! If you love a neighborhood packed with pools, parks, and fun activities, Harmony’s got you covered. This master-planned gem is perfect for families and anyone wanting that tight-knit neighborhood feel. Why it rocks: Splash pads and sparkling pools Tons of trails for walking, biking, or stroller rides Top-notch Conroe ISD schools Easy peasy access to Grand Parkway and I-45 Harmony brings that perfect blend of comfort and convenience! 2. Auburn Lakes – Upscale Living Meets Nature Want big, ...

Cypress Creek Lakes – Modern, Serene, and Family-Focused

Image
By  Quiana Toliver  | HEAT Realty | Cypress, Texas Cypress Creek Lakes is a quiet yet modern neighborhood that blends natural scenery with new construction comfort. It’s ideal for buyers looking for peace and practical luxury. ⚖️ Work-Life Balance: Conveniently located near Fry Road and Grand Parkway, Cypress Creek Lakes offers residents a stress-free commute to Houston while maintaining a suburban feel. The neighborhood's community center, splash pad, and parks promote an active, healthy lifestyle. 🌅 Scenery & Nature: This community lives up to its name with tranquil lakes, tree-lined paths, and picturesque streets. Residents enjoy morning walks, biking with kids, and even fishing in catch-and-release lakes. 💼 Economic Development: Cypress Creek Lakes is just minutes away from top-rated CFISD schools, hospitals, and Cypress's growing commercial corridor, including major shopping centers like Houston Premium Outlets. I f you’re interested in taking a look and buyi...

Why Your Next Home Should Make You Smile!

Image
By Quiana Toliver | HEAT Realty | Houston, Texas It’s  National Smile Day! Today, we’re celebrating all things happy, joyful, and downright smile-worthy. Now, I can’t promise to tell you the first recorded smile in history (though wouldn’t that be a fun trivia fact!), but I can guarantee that buying or selling a home with me will put a big, bright smile on your face. Why Smiles and Real Estate Go Hand in Hand Smiles happen when we’re excited, comfortable, or simply loving the moment — and isn’t that exactly how you want to feel in your home? Whether you’re walking through your dream house for the first time, hosting family dinners, or just kicking back in your cozy space, your home should be a source of happiness. For sellers, the smile comes with the thrill of a successful sale: turning the page to new adventures and knowing you made a smart move. The Fun Side of Finding Your Perfect Home Homebuying doesn’t have to be stressful. Imagine the joy of unlocking the front doo...