Houston Chronicle Sunday

Houston highlights range of affordable condominiu­m options

- By Valerie Sweeten CORRESPOND­ENT How to Evaluate or Price Condo

If you’re looking to live in a condominiu­m but don’t think it’s in your budget, there’s a condo in Houston for you.

Great values, beautiful properties and excellent locations are all a possibilit­y. The trick is finding what works for you.

Whether you’re a person looking to be immersed in urban-style living with proximity to all Houston has to offer or just someone looking to simplify their life with a lock-and-leave lifestyle complete with all the amenities, you can find something in this market.

So, what is the determinin­g factor for pricing when it comes to highrise properties? According to PropertySh­ark.com’s article,

numerous items determine price including the view, building amenities, and fees.

In addition, walkabilit­y and location can also affect pricing for residents.

The best news is that Houston has plenty of high-rise options.

Donald R. Dowling, principal and designated broker, CondoSmart Realty LLC, said The Oaks on Caroline and The Valencia Condominiu­ms, both within nearly five minutes from the Texas Medical Center, have been perfect choices for the best value in condominiu­ms. Both communitie­s offer undergroun­d controlled access parking as well.

Dowling said that The Oaks on Caroline is a new 28-unit condominiu­m community of one and two-bedroom condominiu­ms. Sizes range from just more than 1,000 square feet to just under 1,500 square feet.

“Recent sales have closed from the mid$300,000s to low to mid$400,000s, which equates to an average of around $285-$305 per square feet, which is a great value in the Medical Center area,” said Dowling.

The Valencia Condominiu­ms built in 2005 is a 210-unit community and is located right on Old Spanish Trail at Greenbriar at the Light Rail “Smith Lands” station. Prices at The Valencia are also generally below $300/square foot.

“The Valencia has been a favorite among Medical Center residents,” Dowling said. “They love its location and full amenities of two beautiful courtyards; magnificen­t pool and summer kitchen area; a state-of-the-art fitness center; and club room with computers, printers and popcorn.”

Affordable urban living is found throughout Houston.

Highland Towers offers condominiu­ms for under $400,000 with spacious balconies, hardwood floors, a large kitchen complete with Carrara marble counters, wine chiller and Bosch appliances. It also has multiple amenities such as an award-winning pool, outdoor fireplaces, grill/ dining, and gym.

Also in the Medical Center is The Spires, where buyers can find a range of homes between the upper $400,000s to mid-$600,000s. This is also full-service building that offers views of downtown and a highly coveted high-end kitchen complete with Sub-Zero, Wolf and Bosch appliances, and Woodmode/ Brookhaven cabinets.

 ?? Courtesy of The Oaks on Caroline ?? The Oaks on Caroline’s home sizes range from just more than 1,000 square feet to just under 1,500.
Courtesy of The Oaks on Caroline The Oaks on Caroline’s home sizes range from just more than 1,000 square feet to just under 1,500.
 ?? Courtesy of The Valencia Condominiu­ms ?? Prices at The Valencia are generally below $300/square foot.
Courtesy of The Valencia Condominiu­ms Prices at The Valencia are generally below $300/square foot.
 ?? Courtesy of The Valencia Condominiu­ms ?? The Valencia Condominiu­ms, built in 2005, is a 210-unit community and is on Old Spanish Trail at Greenbriar at the Light Rail “Smith Lands” station.
Courtesy of The Valencia Condominiu­ms The Valencia Condominiu­ms, built in 2005, is a 210-unit community and is on Old Spanish Trail at Greenbriar at the Light Rail “Smith Lands” station.
 ?? Courtesy of The Oaks on Caroline ?? The Oaks on Caroline is a new 28-unit condominiu­m community of one- and two-bedroom condominiu­ms.
Courtesy of The Oaks on Caroline The Oaks on Caroline is a new 28-unit condominiu­m community of one- and two-bedroom condominiu­ms.

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