About Rich Martin

Houston Heights Realtor – Rich Martin

 

I help people find their ideal unique home in Houston’s older close-in neighborhoods.

I do this by being passionate and  knowledgeable about the styles, history, and peculiarities of each distinct neighborhood.

I came to be a Houston Heights Realtor by a different route than most. I lived in the suburbs and stumbled across the Heights in the 80′s.  My brother and I saw the potential of the area  & bought an old, nasty bungalow to renovate for “fun & profit”. This house was in mostly original condition except for having the porch boxed in with plywood. We lovingly restored this home, unfortunately treating it like the love of our life and spending too much money. Well, we were ahead of our time. We had “fun”, but not much “profit.”

However, I fell in love with the area and bought another house for myself; a 1909 bungalow in Woodland Heights. It had a big lot, a wonderful wrap-around porch and a leaning, falling-down house attached. I had to have that porch and big yard!

My kids and I moved into it and remodeled it. Ahhh, the joy of going to bed at night with sheet-rock dust on your feet. Anyway, I still live in that house.

I started selling these old homes part time, and then switched careers entirely. My degree in chemistry and my career in chemical plant Quality Assurance have actually served me well. You don’t bullshit people in chemical plants. You solve their problems. You also don’t “sell” homes to people. You help and guide them.

Anyway, here I am – a Houston Heights Realtor. I know building, remodeling. I know these homes inside and out. I know the “good, bad and ugly” parts of these old neighborhoods. I also know most of the Houston Heights builders.

I can’t get rid of my analytical mind though, so I’m full of stats, prices, trends, etc. Maybe we can work together and put all this to good use.

I am currently a broker associate with Suzanne Anderson Properties in the Heights.

Rich – your Houston Heights Realtor

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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }

Lilly May 26, 2011 at 11:59 am

Do you ever just consult with people who own one of these diamonds in the rough, and just don’t know how to make it profitable as investors? My husband and I have one in EADO and know it has great potential but we are not certain what to do with it.

Rich May 26, 2011 at 9:58 pm

A total re-do is always scary. You don’t want to over spend for a particular neighborhood. I’ve known investors who did a real simple update, then rented it. The plan was to hold for 5 years+ with the intention of doing a grander re-do later (granite, etc) as the area improved.
Anyway, give me some basic info (address, SF, # BR’s, # Baths, etc.) include photos and we can go from there. I could give an idea of before & after values.
Eado is a tough area. We opened an office there knowing it won’t be profitable for a while, but it will eventually be very strong. So…send more info and we’ll figure it out together….Rich

Dan Rifenburgh August 7, 2011 at 11:43 pm

I own a 1/4 acre lot and in Shady Acres and need to sell. Let me know if you have any interest or ideas. I think it’s worth $230K.

Rich August 10, 2011 at 2:28 pm

Dan, I drove by your house.& looked up info on HCAD. I think you are one of the very few people who have a good sense of market value. I would agree on the price of ~$230K for the 10,000+ SF lot. It’s in the floodplain, but just about everything in Shady Acres is, so no problem with that.
I sent you a separate email with comps, etc. Cal to talk about market conditions, etc., or to set up a meeting.
Thanks…Rich

Emmanuel August 16, 2011 at 4:06 pm

Got some lots in Sunset Heights, Im looking to sell them. But i haven’t had any luck moving them. Perhaps you could assist me. Property is on east 29th. They are next to new construction. The measurements are 75X120 with alley access from back.

thanks

emmanuel

Rich August 16, 2011 at 7:12 pm

Emmanuel, i would love to look at these lots for you. Land sales have been horrible the last 2 years, but maybe things are changing. I closed on a lot on Marie St a couple weeks ago (near Quitman/I-45) that I had listed for quite a while. I also sold 3 lots on Lawson St (I-45 near Telephone Rd) to City Homes…just closed yesterday. I also heard that Prosperity Bank and Amegy are starting to make loans to builders, so that helps too.
I will drive by tomorrow and see what is being built in the area, look up prices etc.
I am overwhelmed this week….I like being busy, but i wish it were spread out some. I will give you my opinion by email ASAP, then we can talk. Thanks for contacting me. Feel free to call anytime too….Rich

Melissa January 18, 2012 at 11:25 am

The Conoco and The Old “Cigar Shop & Bar” behind it on Studemont and White Oak are for sale. Do you have information on this?

Rich January 19, 2012 at 4:07 pm

I don’t know how I missed this, i drive past it every day. Will let you know what I find out….Rich

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