Houston Chronicle Sunday

Ballas helps buyers see value of indoor/outdoor connection

- By Rebecca Maitland

Sharon Ballas, a Realtor with Greenwood King Properties, has been serving the residentia­l luxury market for the past 24 years, and has seen many trends in the market.

“Over the years Houstonian­s have paid a tremendous amount of time and interest to the interiors of their homes, and now they are beginning to look outward, to their backyards and patios,” Ballas said.

Also, homeowners are beginning to value the connection between indoors and outdoors — such as being inside and looking out over a lush green, landscaped yard. It is relaxing and creates a positive atmosphere both inside and out.

“Any size yard or patio can be beautiful, with different textures, different shades of green, roses or other flowers. Fruit trees, gravel pathway and climbing vines all can add to any outdoor space,” Ballas said.

Outdoor kitchens are still popular but are no longer the focal feature. It is the greater, lush green space that helps everything feel much cooler, temperatur­e wise.

“Also, in new constructi­on, we are seeing game rooms being on the first floor, instead of upstairs. Therefore, the whole family can be together. These game rooms have walls of glass and big doors to be able to step outside on a carpet of grass. This creates a warmer feel inside the game room as well as a family place outside, too,” Ballas said.

Ballas’ main focus area is Memorial Villages, close-in Memorial, Tanglewood, River Oaks and West University.

“This area is an amazing blend of old and new homes, country lanes, and tree-lined streets. Plus, builders are busy and soon there will be new constructi­on on the market,” Ballas said.

Also, many of those selling homes in these areas have completed renovation­s, and the homes are like walking through a magazine.

“The homes in these areas are in good condition, homes to be renovated, those that have been renovated and new constructi­on,” Ballas said.

Ballas is known as an experience­d and successful agent in Houston, and is a top producer in Houston’s luxury market. She represents longtime clients and some of Houston’s finest builders as well as first-time buyers and sellers. She lives in her focus area, so her clients — buyers and sellers — look to her for neighborho­od informatio­n and sound advice. They also appreciate her skillful negotiatio­ns.

Ballas’ passion for as- sisting families drives her success.

Whether it is young families or repeat clientele, she enjoys every moment of what she does and strives to deliver the best service and satisfacti­on.

Ballas is the No. 1 agent for Greenwood King company-wide and is consistent­ly one of the top agents in Memorial Villages.

“Real estate is all about people. Working with people on something as private as the home they will live in, does bond you to your clients. I have made so many long-term friendship­s, and I genuinely care for my clients,” Ballas said.

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Sharon Ballas

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