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    Where to Buy

    Houston named one of the best real estate markets for first-time homebuyers — again

    Arden Ward
    May 11, 2018 | 9:03 am
    1 On the Market 5226 Mulford St. March 2015
    This is the time to buy in Houston.
    Photo courtesy of © TK Images

    Looks like Houstonians in the market for their first home have chosen the right time to buy. Not only are home values rising (while list prices remain relatively flat), but the city has again been named one of the best for first-timers.

    A new report from SmartAsset ranks Houston fourth among the 10 best cities for first-time homebuyers in 2018. The finance company looked at seven factors to determine where first-time homebuyers should put down roots: number of HUD-approved lenders, loan funding ratio, average price per square foot, affordability ratio, stability score, price variance, and number of negative quarters from 2012-2017.

    Perhaps the biggest distinction for the Houston market is that "first-time homebuyers have no shortage of options when it comes to banks," says SmartAsset. "According to our data, there are 227 HUD-approved mortgage lenders in the city. For that metric, Houston ranks first."

    Houston also boasts a price per square foot of only $87.50 and a loan approval rate of 71 percent. Plus, Houston has seen zero year-over-year quarters of negative growth in home prices. (Earlier this year, Zillow named Houston the No. 3 market for first-timers using a different set of metrics, including price cuts and inventory.)

    Texas is home to three of SmartAsset's 10 best markets for first-time buyers, with San Antonio at No. 7 and Dallas at No. 10. The Alamo City is celebrated for its affordability, while Big D is deemed a safe housing market in which to invest.

    Five other Texas cities appear on the finance site's full list of 25: Fort Worth (11), Arlington (14), Corpus Christi (16), El Paso (20), and Austin (24).

    bestsreports
    news/real-estate

    HAUTE PROPERTIES

    675-acre Hill Country ranch where George Strait rehearsed lists for $19.5M

    Jef Rouner
    Feb 25, 2026 | 9:15 am
    George Strait
    Photo by Michelle Watson CultureMapSnap
    George Strait developed his early sound at Lone Woman Ranch.

    Lone Woman Ranch, the Hill Country estate where country stars like George Strait, George Jones, and Ace in the Hole Band rehearsed, is up for sale for $19.5 million.

    Located 65 miles from San Antonio in Hays County on 675 acres, the secluded ranch once served as an artistic getaway for emerging Texas artists. The property, listed by Olmos Park firm Republic Ranches. is named after the nearby Lone Woman Mountain, and its elevation gives an incredible view of the county. On a clear day, you can see downtown Austin.

    The land comes with two residences, both built near the entrance gate. The primary stone house has original hardwood floors, a recently remodeled kitchen and bathrooms, as well as a new HVAC system. The secondary residence was used as a rehearsal space. Both have had long-term residents who made improvements, and both have their own septic systems, wells, and electric meters.

    The real appeal of Lone Woman Ranch, however, is the extensive woods, creeks, and natural setting. It is next to 6,000 acres of conservation land, including Storm Ranch. The entire mountain is also included in the property, making it a veritable mini-kingdom for the owner with unobstructed privacy on three sides.

    Two ponds are on the site — a 4-acre and a 1-acre — both fully stocked. Runoff from the larger pond creates picturesque seasonal limestone waterfalls.The surrounding woods are full of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, turkeys, doves, and more. The property is under wildlife exemption.

    It's little wonder the ranch was a muse to so many country musicians. A network of ranch roads provides access throughout the property, including most of the way up Lone Woman, giving views around every corner. Only Strait can tell you whether his 1996 hit "King of the Mountain" was inspired by the ranch.

    George Strait
    Photo by Michelle Watson CultureMapSnap

    George Strait developed his early sound at Lone Woman Ranch.

    rancheshill countryhays countycelebritiesgeorge straitgeorge joneslistings
    news/real-estate
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