55+ Lifestyles
55+ Lifestyle communities are 55+ age restricted communities that offer resort style amenities and social activities. These may be ownership, rental or land lease communities.

Independent Living
Independent Living Communities are designed to enable independent seniors to enjoy a lifestyle filled with recreational, educational and social activities amongst other seniors.

Assisted Living
Assisted Living provides a special combination of residential housing, personalized supportive services and care.

Nursing Care
Nursing Care, or Skilled Nursing Facilities, are designed for seniors who are in need of 24-hour nursing care.

Continuing Care
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) are residential campuses that provide a continuum of care — from assisted living to skilled nursing care, all in one location.

Home Care
Home Care is a general term to describe services delivered at home to recovering, disabled, or terminally ill persons in need of medical, nursing, social, or therapeutic treatment.

Adult Day Care
Daily structured programs in a community setting with activities and health-related and rehabilitation services to elderly who are physically or emotionally disabled and need a protective environment.

Alzheimer’s Care
Alzheimer’s Care provides specialized care and housing tailored to the special needs of individuals with this disease.

Low Income-Affordable
55+ Lifestyle, Independent Living and Assisted Living communities offering one of several different government assistance programs designed for low income seniors. Income restrictions generally apply and individuals must meet certain criteria to qualify for the assistance. The two most common programs are the Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program and the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program.

Respite Care-Short Term Stay
Temporary relief from duties for caregivers, ranging from several hours to days. May be provided in-home or in a residential care setting such as an assisted living facility or nursing home.

Thank you for viewing this Article…
For prompt, courteous, professional service, call Bruce Lessey:
Office: 1-(713)-623-8899
Direct: 1-(832) 654-5670

Have questions, need advice you can count on or just want to discuss this further? Don’t waste any more time; pick up the phone and call me now! I’m here to help!

I appreciate you as a client and a friend. I appreciate your business, your loyalty, trust and your referrals. It is my goal to provide the very best counsel, advice and service possible for your real estate needs. If I may ever be of assistance to you, a relative, friend or co-worker please don’t hesitate to call me. I look forward to the opportunity to serve you. ™

Sincerely,
Bruce Lessey
“Your Senior Citizen Relocation Expert”

Accreditation: A seal of approval given by a governing body to a housing and/or service provider. To become accredited, the community or provider must meet specific requirements set by the accreditation entity and is then generally required to undergo a thorough review process by a team of evaluators to ensure certain standards of quality. The accrediting organizations are not government agencies or regulatory bodies. Examples of some accreditation bodies for the senior housing and care industry include CCAC (Continuing Care Accreditation Commission), CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) and JCAHO (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations).

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): Everyday activities such as bathing, grooming, eating, toileting, and dressing.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act): Law passed by Congress in 1980, establishing a clear and comprehensive prohibition of discrimination on the basis of disability.

Administrator: Generally, a licensed professional who manages the day-to-day operation of a care facility such as a nursing home or assisted living facility.

Adult Day Care: Daily structured programs in a community setting with activities and health-related and rehabilitation services to elderly who are physically or emotionally disabled and need a protective environment. This care is provided for during the day, the individual returning home for the evening.

Aging in Place: Concept which advocates allowing a resident to choose to remain in his/her living environment despite the physical and or mental decline that may occur with the aging process of aging.

Alzheimer’s: Degenerative age-related disease that impairs an individual’s cognitive ability. Symptoms may include forgetfulness, wandering, and inability to recognize others. The disease is caused by neuron dysfunction and death in specific brain regions responsible for cognitive functions. Both genetic and environmental factors likely play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s. Click here to learn more.

Ambulatory: Describes ability to ambulate, walk around, not bedridden or hospitalized.

Assisted Living: In general, state-licensed program offered at a residential community with services that include meals, laundry, housekeeping, medication reminders, and assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). The exact definition will vary from state to state, and a few states do not license assisted living facilities. Generally regarded as one to two steps below skilled nursing in level of care. Approximately 90 percent of the country’s assisted living services are paid for with private funds, although some states have adopted Medicaid waiver programs. Might also be referred to as Personal Care, Board and Care, Residential Care, Boarding Home, etc., although some states differentiate between their definition of “Assisted Living” and these other terms (e.g., Washington state recognizes and licenses “Assisted Living” facilities as well as “Boarding Homes”; Although licensed by the State of Washington, a Boarding Home does not meet the higher physical plant and service requirements necessary to be considered an Assisted Living facility) .

Charge Nurse: An RN or LPN who is responsible for the supervision of a unit within a nursing facility. The charge nurse schedules and supervises nursing staff and provides care to facility residents.

Congregate Housing: See Independent Living (may be also referred to as Supportive Housing).

Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC): Housing planned and operated to provide a continuum of accommodations and services for seniors including, but not limited to, independent living, congregate housing, assisted living, and skilled nursing care. A CCRC resident contract often involves either an entry fee or buy-in fee in addition to the monthly service charges, which may change according to the medical services required. Entry fees may be partially or fully refundable. The fee is used primarily as a method of privately financing the development of the project and for payment for future healthcare. CCRCs are typically licensed by the state. See also Life Care Community.

Continuum of Care: Full spectrum of care available at Continuing Care Retirement Communities which may include Independent Living, Assisted Living, Nursing Care, Home Health, Home Care, and Home and Community Based Services.

Convalescent Home: See Nursing Home.

Dementia: Progressive neurological, cognitive, or medical disorder that affects memory, judgment, and cognitive powers.

Developmental Disability (DD): Affliction characterized by chronic physical and mental disabilities, which may include: cerebral palsy, retardation, thyroid problems, seizures, quadriplegia.

Director of Nursing (DON): A DON oversees all nursing staff in a nursing home, and is responsible for formulating nursing policies and monitoring the quality of care delivered, as well as the facility’s compliance with federal and state regulations pertaining to nursing care.

HMO: A Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) is an organized system for providing comprehensive health care in a specific geographic area to a voluntarily enrolled group of members.

Home Health Care: Provision of medical and nursing services in the individual’s home by a licensed provider.

Hospice Care: Care and comfort measures provided to those with a terminal illness and their families- it can include medical, counseling, and social services. Most hospice care is furnished in-home, while specialized hospices or hospitals also provide this service.

Independent Living: Multi-unit senior housing development that may provide supportive services such as meals, housekeeping, social activities, and transportation (Congregate Housing, Supportive Housing, Retirement Community). Independent Living typically encourages socialization by provision of meals in a central dining area and scheduled social programs. May also be used to describe housing with few or no services (Senior Apartment).

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs): Day-to-day tasks such as preparing meals, shopping, managing money, taking medication, and housekeeping.

Kitchenette: Each facility may have its own definition of a kitchenette, but generally one includes a sink, cabinet space, and a mini-refrigerator, maybe a microwave. In contrast, a full kitchen would usually have a burner unit, sink, cabinets, full-size refrigerator, and possibly a microwave or stove.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): LPNs are trained to administer technical nursing procedures as well as provide a range of health care services, such as administration of medication and changing of dressings. One year of post high school education and passage of a state licensing exam is required.

Life Care Community: A Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) which offers an insurance type contract and provides all levels of care. It often includes payment for acute care and physician’s visits. Little or no change is made in the monthly fee, regardless of the level of medical care required by the resident, except for cost of living increases.

Long-Term Care: Provision of services to persons of any age who are afflicted with chronic health impairments.

Long-term Care Insurance: Privately issued insurance policy which covers the cost of nursing home care, assisted living, and home health care. Premiums are based on age, health, length of deductible period, amount paid, and duration of benefits. Currently pays only two percent of national nursing home costs.

Managed Care: There is currently no standard definition of managed care, but it can best be described as a combination of insurance and a health care delivery system. The basic goal of managed care is to coordinate all health care services received to maximize benefits and minimize costs. Managed care plans use their own network of health care providers and a system of prior approval from a primary care doctor in order to achieve this goal. Providers include: specialists, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, therapists, and home health care agencies.

Medicaid: A jointly funded medical financial Federal-State health insurance assistance program, offering benefits to individuals with limited financial resources, the disabled, and the elderly. There are income eligibility criteria which must be met to qualify for Medicaid. Medicaid accounts for about 52 percent of the nation’s care costs, and is the source of payment for almost 70 percent of residents in nursing homes. The person must have exhausted nearly all assets and be in a nursing facility that participates in this program. Medicaid can reimburse Nursing Facilities for the long-term care of qualifying seniors, and in some states, Medicaid pays for Assisted Living care through Medicaid waivers.

Medicare: Nationwide medical insurance program administered by the Social Security Administration for individuals 65 and over and certain disabled people, regardless of income. Provides for hospital and nursing facility care (Part A) and physician services, therapies, and home health care (Part B).

Medical Director: A staff medical director assumes overall responsibility for the formulation and implementation of all policies related to medical care. The medical director also coordinates with an individual’s personal physician to ensure that the facility delivers the care that is prescribed. In some instances, the medical director may be a resident’s primary physician.

Medications Management / Medication Administration: Formalized procedure with a written set of rules for the management of self-administered medicine, as in an assisted living setting. A program may include management of the timing and dosage for residents, and could include coordination with a resident’s personal physician. The resident must take the medication him or herself. For instance, the facility can remind the resident that she needs to give herself the medicine injection, but the facility cannot perform the actual injection itself.

Medigap Insurance: Private health insurance policies that supplement Medicare coverage, covering health care costs above those covered by Medicare Part A or Part B. Does not provide benefits for long term care, covering primarily hospital and doctor bills.

Non-Ambulatory: Inability to ambulate, walk around, and usually bedridden or hospitalized.

Not-for-Profit: Status of ownership and/or operation characterized by government by community-based boards of trustees who are all volunteers. Board members donate their time and talents to ensure that a not-for-profit organization’s approach to caring for older people responds to local needs. Not-for-profit homes and services turn any surplus income back into improving or expanding services for their clients or residents. Many not-for-profit organizations are often associated with religious denominations and fraternal groups. Not-for-profits may also interact with Congress and federal agencies to further causes that serve the elderly.

Nurse Assistant: A Nurse Assistant provides the most personal care to residents, including bathing, dressing, and toileting. Must be trained, tested, and certified to provide care in nursing facilities that participate in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Nurse assistants work under the supervision of an Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse.

Nursing Home: Facility licensed by the state that provides 24-hour nursing care, room and board, and activities for convalescent residents and those with chronic and/or long-term care illnesses. One step below hospital acute care. Regular medical supervision and rehabilitation therapy are mandated to be available, and nursing homes are eligible to participate in the Medicaid program. May be referred to as Nursing Facility or Convalescent Home. See also Skilled Nursing Facility. Click here to learn more.

Occupational Therapy: Process to help individuals relearn activities of daily living, generally administered by a licensed therapist.

Physical Therapy: Process that includes individualized programs of exercise to improve physical mobility, often administered following a stroke, fall, or accident. Physical therapists plan and administer prescribed physical therapy treatment programs for residents to help restore their function and strength.

Registered Nurse (RN): Graduate trained nurse who has both passed a state board examination and is licensed by a state agency to practice nursing. The RN plans for resident care by assessing resident needs, developing and monitoring care plans in conjunction with physicians, as well as executing highly technical, skilled nursing treatments. A minimum of two years of college is required in addition to passage of the state exams.

Rehabilitation: Therapeutic care for persons requiring intensive physical, occupational, or speech therapy.

Residential Care: See Assisted Living.

Respite Care: Temporary relief from duties for caregivers, ranging from several hours to days. May be provided in-home or in a residential care setting such as an assisted living facility or nursing home.

Senior Apartment: Age-restricted multiunit housing with self-contained living units for older adults who are able to care for themselves. Usually no additional services such as meals or transportation are provided.

Our exclusive Moving Made Easy Senior Relocation System will take the trauma out of moving and you can start to enjoy your Golden Years. We are committed to insuring that your relocation is as stress free as possible.

Moving to a new home and making new friends is a Major Event in anyone’s life. For the senior citizen population it can be traumatic. Bruce Lessey’s expertise makes the process simpler and more supportive, than trying to handle it alone.

Being a golden-ager can be an exciting and challenging time in one’s life. Every public opinion survey of older adults indicates that the vast majority desire to remain in their own home as long as possible, but there is still a time when many homeowners choose to change residences.

Among their reasons are:

• Lifestyle changes
• Different climate
• To be near grandchildren
• New limitations in mobility created by a physical or health related condition

In all cases the Relocation Professionals at Golden Years Relocation are ready to help. We are especially sensitive to the needs and expectations of senior citizens. Golden Years Relocation is dedicated to servicing the needs of the senior citizen populations we always put you first. Our recommendation for independent or assisted housing is based on your unique needs. We never take a fee from the communities we recommend.

We all want our elderly family members to live healthy and independent lives as long as possible but there comes a time when this is no longer possible for a variety of reasons. At some point they find it increasingly difficult to manage a house, their yard and other day-to-day responsibilities of home ownership. Golden Years Relocation service is the first national relocation service dedicated to the needs of the senior citizen population and their loved ones.

Golden Years Relocation service provides simple supportive start-to-finish assistance for those seniors looking to downsize and relocate. We also provide full house closures as well as help with a variety of other services. We are committed to insuring that the relocation of your loved one is as stress free as possible. We are not just involved we are COMMITTED.

The Relocation Professionals at Golden Years Relocation are ready to help you. We have worked with seniors who are changing their residences whether they are moving from or to Houston or anywhere in the United States. We are especially sensitive to the needs and expectations of senior citizens. Our professionals are patient and understanding of your individual needs. Please contact one of our Senior Specialists Today.

Our 3 Part System,
Can help even the busiest of people because it is designed to be simple, supportive, start-to-finish assistance for the senior population and their loved ones who assist them…

Part 1 – Moving and Packing.
We will pack and move one item or a thousand items, across the city or around the world.

Part 2 – Selling Unused Items.
We will help in selling the unused items that you have decided not to take with you to your new home.

Part 3 – Selling your residence.
We will be marketing your home so that it sells at the highest price possible and you get the proceeds quickly. Our Auction Method is quick and simple. You do not have to worry about people tramping through your home or making costly repairs.

Our Services Can Help You Accomplish Your Goals,
Golden Years Relocation service provides simple, supportive, start-to-finish assistance for the senior population and their loved ones.

We Provide . . .

Moving and Packing Services -
Whether you are moving across the city, the nation or around the world, our moving consultant can assist you in finding the most cost effective moving and packing services.

Estate Auctions -
We can assist you in selling the contents of your home. We will provide you with a complete inventory of everything sold. We can hold the sale at your place or ours.

Assistance in Selling Your Home -
With the strength and global power of Coldwell Banker, we will list your home and sell it either by traditional listing methods or the ultra simple and fast Auction Method. We will review the pros and cons of each method with you in the privacy of your home.

Services when and where you need them -
You may choose any part of our services, whichever one fits your unique needs.

visit the Golden Years Relocation website

For prompt, courteous, professional service, call Bruce Lessey:
Office: 1-(713)-623-8899
Direct: 1-(832) 654-5670

Have questions, need advice you can count on or just want to discuss this further? Don’t waste any more time; pick up the phone and call me now! I’m here to help!

I appreciate you as a client and a friend. I appreciate your business, your loyalty, trust and your referrals. It is my goal to provide the very best counsel, advice and service possible for your real estate needs. If I may ever be of assistance to you, a relative, friend or co-worker please don’t hesitate to call me. I look forward to the opportunity to serve you. ™

Sincerely,
Bruce Lessey
“Your Senior Citizen Relocation Expert”

1. HIRING THE WRONG VENDORS
Hiring unqualified contractors can cost both time and money…important to generating wealth from real estate. Many contractors don’t understand investment real estate. Work with those that do.

2. SEARCHING FOR DEALS BY YOURSELF
Novice investors burn up hours of time and gallons of gasoline looking for deals. The best deals find their way to wholesalers and real estate agents that specialize in investment properties. Build a team of agents that know you and what you’re looking for.

3. HIRING PROPERTY MANAGERS
The cost of outside property management can improve cash flow and lets you do what you do best.

4. OVEREMPHASIZING CASH FLOW
Make money by acquiring equity, asset appreciation and cash flow. Don’t miss out on large equity and appreciation gains by looking only at cash flow. The secret to real estate wealth is acquiring appreciating assets.

5. MINIMAL CASH RESERVES
Keeping less than a 3 month cash reserve for each property owned creates a problem for investors who can’t weather a vacancy or a delay in section 8 payments. Keep a little more cash on hand for emergencies.

6. WAITING TO TRANSFER UTILITIES
This is a simple mistake that gets investors every time! They wait until closing to transfer the utilities into their name. They find extra reconnection fees and days of delays when they need contractors in their house!

7. RUSHING TOO FAST
Don’t fall for the quick buck schemes. Wealth comes from a solid plan and property appreciation over time. Don’t count on finding a “steal”, taking advantage of vulnerable sellers at closing or any of the other schemes you read about.

8. ACQUISITION WITHOUT DILIGENCE
Make money when you buy the right property. Buying the wrong house can cost an investor dearly. Take the time to do your homework on each property. Make sure you’re buying the right type of property in the right area for the right price. A little extra diligence up front can save you thousands of dollars and help you reach your goals faster.

9. SPENDING TOO MUCH CASH UP FRONT
The key to building wealth is acquiring multiple properties. The less cash you put up front, the more properties you can purchase. We have access to special financing to minimize their cash out of pocket and allow them to buy more houses and increase their profits.

10. PROCRASTINATION
Too many good investors drag their feet too long and allow their fears to keep them from making money. In real estate, there is only one thing for sure. If you don’t buy a property, you won’t make any money. Take the first step.

Thank you for viewing this Article…
For prompt, courteous, professional service, call Bruce Lessey:
Office: 1-(713)-623-8899
Direct: 1-(832) 654-5670

Have questions, need advice you can count on or just want to discuss this further? Don’t waste any more time; pick up the phone and call me now! I’m here to help!

I appreciate you as a client and a friend. I appreciate your business, your loyalty, trust and your referrals. It is my goal to provide the very best counsel, advice and service possible for your real estate needs. If I may ever be of assistance to you, a relative, friend or co-worker please don’t hesitate to call me. I look forward to the opportunity to serve you. ™

Sincerely,
Bruce Lessey
“Your Houston Associate Broker”

Purchasing a rental property may be for you – especially in today’s real estate market – if you are looking for a way to increase your personal wealth.  Of course, we can’t expect sky-high appreciation rates all the time and one thing about real estate, particularly land, they’re not making it any more! With the continued increase in population and area growth demand, values will continue to increase. And how many times have you heard someone say, I wish I had bought property back when prices were low?  Today we must look at a residential market in which a well-chosen, well-managed rental property of one to four units can be the “shining star” in any investor’s portfolio.  The key to success is doing your homework and making sure that the numbers work in your favor.  If you bought your own home, you already have realized the financial advantages of real estate ownership.  Here is a brief overview of the many ways you can profit from owning rental real estate today.

1. Investment properties can lower your taxes.

Investors tax incentives can be substantial.  Some investors can use deductions from rental property assets to offset some of their wage income.  Other investors, while not eligible for the offset, can avoid owing taxes on their rental income by showing adequate expenses and deductions.  Even if rental payments do not cover the investor’s expenses, tax breaks may actually make up the difference or more.  As an investor, you can claim deductions for actual costs you incur for financing, managing, and operating the rental property.  That means mortgage interest payments, real estate taxes, insurance, maintenance, repairs, property management fees, travel, advertising, and utilities if not paid for by the tenant, can all be deductions.  All can be subtracted from your adjusted gross income when figuring your personal income taxes up to  the amount of real  estate  income you receive.   Also, don’t forget about depreciation.  The tax code assumes buildings and improvements wear out over time.  These losses are deductible from income, regardless of the property’s actual market value.

2. Have a positive cash flow.

Positive cash flow results when the rent you receive exceeds the total you pay for the mortgage, taxes, insurance, maintenance, and other costs.  That’s not at all as hard as it sounds.  First, decide whether you need a positive cash flow before or after taxes.  A pre-tax positive cash flow translates into current income, a goal of many retired investors and others with current expenses.  Properties yielding a pre-tax positive cash flow are harder, but certainly not impossible, to find.  Be aware that not all properties will yield rental income which is high enough to cover your expenses.  Make sure you know how much rent to expect by researching rents for similar units nearby, the property’s current rental fee, and that of the last increase.

A positive after-tax cash flow can come from a negative pre-tax cash flow.  Generally, the depreciation deduction makes up the difference.  If you meet the eligibility test, you’ll be able to use the depreciation to shelter some of your taxable income and reduce your tax bill.  Second, you’ll want to ensure your tenants make timely rent payments and take care of the property.  Of course, a positive cash flow is impossible without income.  A thorough credit, employment and landlord check of any potential tenants is a must and will help you track down the best renters.

3. Use leverage.

As an investor, you magnify the returns on your investment by borrowing a large part of the purchase price using the bank’s money! That is, by limiting the amount of cash you invest, you make your cash go farther.  Leverage means using borrowed money to increase equity.  And equity – the difference between what the property is worth and the balance owed on the mortgage – is what’s important when figuring out whether your dollars are wisely invested.

4. Benefit from growing equity.

Even at a modest rate of appreciation, real estate will yield a higher return on the cash investment than most other financial investments, such as bonds or long-term CD’s.  Each mortgage principal payment you make is a payment to yourself.  You build equity as your mortgage principal is paid down, even if your investment property doesn’t increase in value.  Although homes in different parts of town may appreciate at entirely different rates, the key is to have a knowledgeable professional carefully guiding you through the steps.  Know how much equity you have and learn to use it to leverage into other properties; then watch your real estate portfolio and your personal wealth grow!

Choose your agent wisely. Working with a full-time professional real estate agent is a must.  Choose your agent by asking questions of him or her.  Find out how knowledgeable they are about houses currently for sale in your price range and also of houses that have recently sold.  Does your agent work with a good lender that has the reputation of excellent service and low rates to assist you in obtaining financing?  Does your agent ask questions of you in order to have a full understanding of what you are looking for and to help you to find the best property for you?

For prompt, courteous, professional service, call Bruce Lessey:
Office: 1-(713)-623-8899
Direct: 1-(832) 654-5670

Have questions, need advice you can count on or just want to discuss this further? Don’t waste any more time; pick up the phone and call me now! I’m here to help!

I appreciate you as a client and a friend. I appreciate your business, your loyalty, trust and your referrals. It is my goal to provide the very best counsel, advice and service possible for your real estate needs. If I may ever be of assistance to you, a relative, friend or co-worker please don’t hesitate to call me. I look forward to the opportunity to serve you. ™

Sincerely,
Bruce Lessey
“Your Houston Associate Broker”

This world-class city offers excellent housing choices in every price range, in both urban neighborhoods and outlying communities.

Relocating to Houston could be the best move you’ve ever made. Moving to a new city is exciting, but nerve-racking at the same time. Houston’s plentiful neighborhoods, superior medical care and quality educational opportunities make adjusting to new surroundings painless.

As real estate moguls developed SpaceCity, the number of appealing neighborhoods became expansive. Houston’s broad selection of builders makes for a competitive market, with some of the country’s largest builders based here. Houston boasts one of the most diverse populations among major U.S. cities.

Master-Planned Communities

Anyone shopping for a home in or around Houston will often hear the phrase “master-planned community.” Developers launched this concept in the late 1960s and it has been extremely successful. Homes in these communities have strict regulations and deed restrictions. They feature amenities such as plentiful trees and greenbelts, community centers, educational facilities and recreation areas such as pools, ballparks and golf courses. These communities are found in the areas surrounding Houston and include Conroe, Copperfield, Fort Bend County, Friendswood, Jersey Village, Katy, Kingwood, League City, Pearland and The Woodlands, among others. Masterplanned communities offer a mix of lush scenery and modern conveniences, with locations near wooded acreage and bodies of water enhanced by abundant schools, shopping centers and restaurants.

Wooded Neighborhoods

Houston is an astonishingly green city. As Houston’s population and physical size grew, the city itself took in regions that were established as rural areas and suburbs.The result is a vast city of business districts mingled with friendly neighborhoods. The City of Houston includes incorporated communities such as West University Place, named because of its proximity to Rice University.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence in residential development inside Loop 610, the freeway that encircles central Houston. Other close-in areas include Meyerland, Houston Heights, South Main, MacGregor-Riverside, Third Ward, Acres Homes, Denver Harbor and Idylwood. These areas feature historical homes and neighborhoods brimming with character.

No description of Houston’s neighborhoods would be complete without mentioning River Oaks. This upscale area is home to big names, big oaks and big homes. New construction is less available, but the high quality of existing homes makes renovation worthwhile.

Urban Living

The Downtown Houston area offers a vibrant neighborhood for city dwellers. In addition to being the city’s central business district, downtown is home to exciting performances in the Theater District, Major League Baseball at Minute Maid Park and both NBA and WNBA, plus professional hockey and major concerts at the Toyota Center. Downtown restaurants abound, many with award-winning cuisine. The social scene boasts everything from sports bars and beer emporiums to chic dance clubs and music venues.

Downtown Houston and nearby Midtown offer a multitude of residential options. New high-rise apartment buildings offer amenities such as a loft floor and intown convenience. Similarly, many historical buildings have been converted into lofts with plenty of history and character, along with modern conveniences.

Just south of Downtown Houston, Midtown is an up-and-coming neighborhood. Numerous mid-rise (two to three story) apartment developments as well as high-rise lofts provide convenient and stylish living options. Some lofts feature restaurants and retail shops on the ground floor with apartments above. Also in this area, townhomes offer a more private residential option, similar to stand-alone, single-family homes.

The METRORail light rail service provides transportation throughout both Downtown and Midtown. The rail line’s service spans from the University of Houston-Downtown, on the northern border of downtown, all the way to Reliant Park, home of Reliant Stadium and the Houston Texans. The rail line includes stops in the Museum District, Texas Medical Center and Rice University.

Schools and Higher Education

The quality of educational programs plays a major role in your relocation decision. Houston I.S.D. is the largest independent school system in Texas and the seventh-largest in the nation. However, Houston I.S.D. is just one of the 31 independent school districts in Harris County and its surrounding areas. Many of these school districts have received awards of excellence from the State of Texas. Approximately 400 private and parochial schools also serve the area.

To carry Houston’s youth into the professional world, the area has 25 institutions of higher learning. Junior colleges, universities, law schools, medical schools and a wealth of professional and technical training schools provide endless educational opportunities for adults.

The highest compliment I can receive is a referral of your friends, family and business associates. Thank you for viewing this Article…

For prompt, courteous, professional service, call Bruce Lessey:
Office: 1-(713)-623-8899
Direct: 1-(832) 654-5670

Have questions, need advice you can count on or just want to discuss this further? Don’t waste any more time; pick up the phone and call me now! I’m here to help!

I appreciate you as a client and a friend. I appreciate your business, your loyalty, trust and your referrals. It is my goal to provide
the very best counsel, advice and service possible for your real estate needs. If I may ever be of assistance to you, a relative, friend or co-worker please don’t hesitate to call me. I look forward to the opportunity to serve you. ™

Sincerely,
Bruce Lessey
“Your Houston Relocation Expert”