Fred's Field Guide
Straight answers to the questions people ask before a lifestyle move.
No listing hype. Just the practical thinking Fred walks clients through — written down so you can read it at your own pace.
Downsizing
Downsizing guides
Should I Downsize or Stay in My Current Home?
The honest test isn't square footage. It's how much of your time, money and attention the house is quietly taking.
Read →Should I Buy Before I Sell?
There are really only four ways to sequence a move. Each one trades money for certainty in a different way.
Read →What Happens to Property Taxes When You Downsize in Texas?
Texas offers exemptions that matter a great deal to homeowners over 65 — and some of them can move with you.
Read →Waterfront
Waterfront guides
What to Know Before Buying Waterfront Property in Clear Lake
The house is maybe half the purchase. The other half is water, elevation, bulkhead, dock and insurance.
Read →Clear Lake vs. Lake Conroe for Waterfront Living
Salt or fresh, full-time or weekend, sailing or skiing. The two markets suit different lives.
Read →What Does Flood Insurance Mean for a Waterfront Buyer?
Flood, windstorm and hazard coverage are three different things. Price all three before you commit.
Read →Land & Ranches
Land & Ranches guides
10 Things to Check Before Buying Texas Acreage
Land is bought on paper as much as on foot. Here is the paper.
Read →What to Know Before Buying a Texas Ranch
Define the use before you shop. A hunting ranch and a cattle ranch look nothing alike.
Read →How Much Land Do You Actually Need?
Most families are happiest somewhere between five and fifty acres. Here's why.
Read →Second Homes
Second Homes guides
Buying a Second Home in Texas
The best second home is the one you'll actually drive to on a Friday afternoon.
Read →Should We Buy Our Retirement Home Before We Retire?
There are real advantages to buying while you're still working — and a few cautions.
Read →Best Texas Areas for a Weekend Home
Water, hills, pines or coast — within a comfortable drive of Houston.
Read →Family
Family guides
Have a Question That Isn't Answered Here?
You don't need to know where you're moving yet. That's what the first conversation is for.