Sheila Ochsner at Keller Williams Premier Realty

06/15/2026

🏠 Why are buyers passing on homes with roofs over 10 years old?

It may not be because there's anything wrong with the roof.

One of the biggest changes I've seen in today's market is how much roof age impacts buyer decisions. Many insurance companies charge higher premiums for older roofs, require additional inspections, or limit coverage options once a roof reaches a certain age.

As a result, buyers are looking at more than just whether a roof leaks. They're also considering the cost of insurance and the possibility of replacing the roof in the near future.

The same goes for HVAC systems and water heaters. Even when they're working perfectly, buyers are thinking about future expenses.

If you're planning to sell your home, it's important to understand how buyers are evaluating properties today. Sometimes a home's biggest challenge isn't its condition... it's the cost buyers expect to face after closing.

06/12/2026

Greater Houston housing update 🏡

Check out the May 2026 Houston Real Estate Market Update. To see ...

06/11/2026

I've lived in Katy for more than 30 years, and if there's one thing I've learned, it's that no place is perfect.

There are so many things I love about living here: the community, the parks, the restaurants, the housing options, and the friendships built over the years.

There are also a few things that can catch people off guard, especially if they're relocating from another area.

In my newest video, I'm sharing the honest truth about living in Katy after 30+ years... the good, the bad, and everything in between.

If you've lived in Katy for a while, I'd love to hear from you.

What's your favorite thing about living here? ❤️🏡

What's it really like living in Katy, Texas?I've called Katy home...

06/09/2026

Construction has begun on a new park in Katy! 🌳 🤸

Legacy Park at Katy Court will feature a nature-based playground, floating boardwalk, and trails connecting the community to nearby schools and parks. The 56-acre space is designed to echo the native Katy prairie landscape while serving as a stormwater management solution.

Find all the details on this project through the link in the comments. 🔗

06/08/2026

One of the biggest misconceptions I hear from buyers and sellers is, "The house is being sold as-is."

Most people think that means:
❌ No inspections.
❌ No negotiations.
❌ You have to take the house exactly the way it is.

But that's actually not how most Texas real estate contracts work.

In fact, the standard Texas contract already says the buyer is purchasing the property in its present condition. Buyers can still have inspections and, during the option period, they can ask for repairs or negotiate based on what they find.

There's also a difference between an "as-is" sale and an "as-is, where-is" sale, and understanding that difference can save you a lot of confusion (and potentially a lot of money).

I put together a quick article explaining what these terms really mean and how they work here in Texas.

📖 Read it below.

Have you ever heard someone say, "Don't buy an as-is house!"? I'd love to know what you've heard. 👇

🏡 Sheila Ochsner, REALTOR®
Serving Katy & Greater Houston
📞 281-995-0434

Many buyers and sellers assume that an "as-is" sale means no inspections and no negotiations, but that's not how most Texas real estate contracts work. In fact, the standard Texas contract already states that the buyer is purchasing the property in its present condition. This article explains what.....

06/04/2026

One of the biggest surprises for people moving to Texas?

Property taxes.

I've had buyers look at two homes that are almost identical and ask me why one payment is hundreds of dollars more each month.

The answer usually isn't the house.

It's the taxes.

And if you're looking at new construction, there's something even more important you need to know. Sometimes the estimated payment is based on the value of the lot before the house is built. When the county reassesses the completed home, that monthly payment can jump significantly.

It's one of the reasons I always encourage buyers to look beyond the list price and understand the full monthly cost before making an offer.

In my newest video, I talk about:
🏡 Why Katy property taxes vary so much
🏡 What a MUD tax actually is
🏡 The new construction tax mistake many buyers don't know about
🏡 Questions you should ask before buying a home in Texas

Whether you're relocating to Katy or you've lived here for years, understanding how property taxes work can save you from some expensive surprises.

Did anything about buying a home in Texas catch you off guard?

Thinking about moving to Katy, TX or buying a home in the Greater H...

06/01/2026

💰 One of the biggest myths in real estate is that you need a 20% down payment to buy a home.

The truth? Many buyers purchase homes with much less.

If you're thinking about buying a home in Katy, Fulshear, Richmond, Cypress, or the Houston area, it's important to understand the four main costs involved:

🏡 Down Payment
📝 Earnest Money
🔑 Option Fee
📋 Closing Costs

Understanding these expenses can help you create a realistic plan and avoid surprises along the way.

For example, on a $350,000 home, the amount of cash needed can vary significantly depending on your loan program, down payment amount, and whether seller concessions are available.

The good news is that many buyers are closer to homeownership than they think.

If you've been wondering how much money you really need to buy a house in Texas, I just published a new article that breaks it all down in simple terms. You can read it here: https://sheilaochsner.kw.com/blog/how-much-money-do-you-really-need-to-buy-a-house-in-texas-a-2026-guide-for-katy-and-houston-buyers

Have questions about buying a home in Katy or the Greater Houston area? Send me a message. I'm always happy to help.

📞 281-995-0434
📧 [email protected]
🌐 SheilaOchsner.com

05/28/2026

If you’ve lived in Katy for years, you may still learn something new in this video 👀

Did you know Katy was once known as the Rice Capital? Or that much of what people call “Katy” technically isn’t inside the actual city limits?

I’m sharing fun facts, hidden history, and local stories about Katy, Texas, including:
• The history behind Katy’s name
• Rice farming roots 🌾
• The 1900 hurricane that nearly wiped the town out
• Santa Anna’s connection to the area
• Why Katy Freeway is famous worldwide
• Why longtime residents still love living here ❤️

After living in Katy for over 30 years, I’ve watched this area grow tremendously, but there are still so many things that make it feel special and connected to its roots.

Whether you’re local, new to the area, or just curious about Katy history, I’d love to know:
What surprised you most in the video… and what other Katy fun facts do you know? 👇

What makes Katy, Texas so special? In this video, I’m sharing fun facts, surprising history, hidden gems, and stories about Katy that even many locals don’t ...

05/25/2026

Remembering those who gave their lives so we can live free. ♥️🤍💙

05/24/2026

Katy is getting a new park 🛝🌳🌸

A new 56-acre park is taking shape near Katy Hockley Road — and it's designed to do double duty as both a neighborhood gem and flood-mitigation infrastructure.