Shawn Russell

Have you seen the building that's going on in the so called "Manhatten" of Houston. That narrow strip of land west of downtown, south of I-10, and north of 59.

Wow, these developers are pouring 500-600 million into these mixed-use projects. If you have driven down Kirby and Westheimer you have undoubtedly seen West Ave rising as if it's in competition with 2727 High Rise. You can expect 4,000 new residential units added to the inner loop.

Prices are expected to be between $300-$450 a sqft ... attracting young professionals and empty nesters who like the lock and leave aspect.

I wish that at least one of these projects would address the fact that people who might otherwise purchase one of their properties might have need to let their dogs run around in a park of some sort and now they are left with little to no alternative.

It seems to me that pet-friendly projects would be more successful given that they cater to an ever-increasing population of pet owners.

Houston has the 3 Amigos to thank!

When I got started selling real estate in 2000 I never would have imagined dealing with a major storm like Allison however, by working with investors, builders, buyers and sellers ... we were able to take an otherwise sour situation and turn it into a mini boom for the city.

Now the national news tells us that real estate is in deep trouble however, Houston has what I call the 3 amigos providing us with plentiful jobs. The Port of Houston, the Medical Center, and Energy Industry are attracting brilliant folks from all over the country.

Sure, we have our fair share of foreclosure and mortgage fraud however property values have increased at a steady and realistic rate over the past years still making Houston one of the most affordable places to live in the US.

We are able to witness Houston's growth in front of our very eye's. Take a look at Kirby and Westheimer and you will notice one out of 6 major mixed-use projects coming to Houston. Smart money is betting on Houston with investors pouring into this city because of increasing property values.

Agents that I talk to are busy helping their clients sell and buy homes all over the city.

It's never been a better time to buy or sell in Houston.