Quiana Toliver, HEAT Realty-Houston, Texas

By Quiana Toliver, HEAT Realty When people think of Houston, they often picture booming industries, sprawling suburbs, and unbeatable food. But there is another side to the city that often surprises newcomers: its thriving arts and culture scene, anchored by some of the best museums in the country. As a real estate professional who helps professionals and families relocate to or within Houston, I always highlight the city's rich cultural amenities. Few cities blend career opportunity, affordability, and family-friendly living as well as Houston does. Our world-class museums are a perfect example of that balance. Whether you are a parent seeking enriching weekend activities, a young professional interested in art and science, or someone who simply wants more from where they live, Houston delivers. Houston Museum of Natural Science Located in the Museum District, the Houston Museum of Natural Science is one of the most visited museums in the United States. Its extensive collecti...

By Quiana Toliver, Realtor® | HEAT Realty In 2025, homebuyers aren’t just asking about square footage or bedrooms, they want smart, sustainable, and energy-efficient homes that help them save money and stay connected. In Houston and the surrounding suburbs, this trend is shaping the market faster than you can say “voice-activated thermostat.” Houston’s hot, humid climate means utility bills can spike if your home isn’t up to date. Buyers today are all in for homes equipped with solar panels, smart thermostats, energy-efficient windows, and LED lighting . These features not only reduce monthly costs but also add serious value when it’s time to sell. Suburban neighborhoods like Sugar Land, Brookshire, and Cypress are leading the charge. Homeowners there are installing solar arrays and upgrading HVAC systems to ultra-efficient models, because nothing says “future-proof” like a home that’s good for the planet and your wallet. And let’s be honest, being able to say your house is solar-po...

  By Quiana Toliver , Realtor® | HEAT Realty It’s 2025, and Houston homebuyers aren’t just house hunting—they’re lifestyle shopping. If you're a seller wondering where to focus your prep and renovation dollars this year, let me save you some guesswork: it’s all about big kitchens and outdoor living spaces . And no, this isn’t just HGTV hype—it’s a full-blown shift in buyer priorities. We’re seeing a massive surge in demand for spacious, modern kitchens. Think oversized islands, dedicated pantry rooms (yes, entire rooms), double ovens, and yes—even that fancy drawer microwave everyone swore they’d never want. Buyers in places like The Heights, Missouri City, and Pearland want room to cook, entertain, and meal prep like they’ve got their own YouTube channel. But it’s not just about what’s inside. With Houston’s warm climate, outdoor space is no longer just a bonus—it’s a must-have. Covered patios, outdoor kitchens, and even plunge pools are flying off the market. Suburban buyers...

By Quiana Toliver, Realtor® | HEAT Realty Each year on July 4th, Americans gather with friends, family, and neighbors to celebrate Independence Day, a historic moment when the United States declared its freedom from British rule in 1776. It’s a day filled with parades, cookouts, and fireworks, and more than anything, it’s a celebration of freedom, self-determination, and new beginnings. Sound familiar? If you’ve been dreaming about breaking free from rent, upgrading your lifestyle, or claiming your own piece of Texas, now is the time to declare your independence from your current living situation and take the exciting leap into homeownership. Whether you're tired of rent increases, feeling cramped in your current space, or simply ready to settle into a place you can truly call your own, buying a home is a powerful step forward. It’s more than a transaction. It’s a statement about who you are, where you're going, and what kind of life you want to build. Houston offers a div...

By Quiana Toliver , Realtor® | HEAT Realty July 3rd is National Eat Your Beans Day — a quirky, health-forward holiday celebrating one of the most versatile, nutritious, and downright historic foods on the planet: beans! From tiny lentils to giant lima beans, there are around 40,000 varieties worldwide, fueling people with protein, fiber, folate, iron, and complex carbs for thousands of years. So, what do beans have to do with buying a home in Houston? More than you might think. Beans are all about variety and choice — just like your next home. Whether you prefer the bustle of Houston’s urban core or the leafy calm of suburban Cypress or Katy, there’s a perfect “bean” out there for you. Just like how beans come in countless shapes, sizes, and flavors, homes come in all different styles and features to fit your unique lifestyle. From cozy bungalows with perfect kitchen nooks to sprawling backyards ready for a weekend bean boil cookout, the right home nourishes your daily life — jus...

By Quiana Toliver , Realtor® | HEAT Realty If you’ve been watching Houston’s housing market lately, you might have noticed something interesting. The city’s suburbs are booming in ways that even the downtown high-rises can’t keep up with. From Katy to Pearland to The Woodlands, families and remote workers alike are racing to these areas for a slice of suburban paradise—and here’s why. First off, remote work isn’t going anywhere . While some offices are calling people back, many Houstonians have realized they don’t want to spend three hours a day in traffic if they don’t have to. The suburbs offer the perfect blend of space, affordability, and quality of life that inner-city neighborhoods sometimes struggle to match. Take Katy for example. It’s got top-rated schools , sprawling neighborhoods with big yards, and plenty of new developments that cater to families. The commute to downtown Houston might be a bit longer, but for many, that trade-off is worth it for that backyard BBQ or e...