Developing Houston: Living the dream – Pulte offers affordable, single-family homes with Briarmont

by Melanie Kalmar

August 06, 2018

Answering the call for affordable housing within minutes of Houston’s employment, entertainment and shopping centers is Briarmont by Pulte.

In this new gated community of two- and three-story single-family homes, residents can take advantage of front and rear deck options, covered patios, backyard space to spare and several other amenities. Briarmont also has a resort-style pool, shaded by palm trees and an outdoor kitchen for entertaining guests.

Buyers can purchase a home built on spec or customize it to suit their individual needs. “In an area known for high-end housing, we’re delivering new homes for the same price as those that have been here for 60 years,” says Lindy Oliva, division president of Pulte. “The location speaks to a variety of people at different stages in their lives: Young professionals without kids, families and empty nesters.”

“The location speaks to a variety of people at different stages in their lives: Young professionals without kids, families and empty nesters.” — Lindy Oliva

Build a home to suit your needs

Visualize living in this private community of 112 single-family homes by visiting the fully furnished model at 3123 Briarwood Point Place in Houston. According to Meagan Butler, general sales manager for Pulte, buyers can choose from several different floor plans. Homes start at $319,900 and range in size from 1,490 square feet to 2,600 square feet. The homes’ exteriors are a “Hill Country-style elevation” with earth-tone colored siding, no bright colors, Butler says.

Pulte offers flexibility in floor plans (from two bedrooms with two-and-a-half bathrooms on up to four bedrooms with three-and-a-half bathrooms with first floor or second floor entertaining spaces, multi-generation suites, and game room options), yard sizes, covered outdoor living spaces and smart home capabilities. Buyers averse to yard work will be pleased to know that the homeowners’ association maintains front lawns and the pool area.

Before the model was even built, Butler sold a home. Once the model was fully furnished, she immediately closed two more transactions. She says buyers like the location – many of whom work in the city – functionality of the floor plans and amenities. “A lot of in-town developers don’t provide three-story homes and community pools,” she says. Presently, buyers are selecting lots that are located across from the pool, with covered patios overlooking the resort-like atmosphere.

Live, work and play in Houston

Centrally located, Briarmont offers quick access to major thoroughfares the 610 Loop, Beltway 8 and Interstate 69/Highway 59. The community is located within five miles of the Energy Corridor, Greenway Plaza, and the Westchase District, major employment hubs. It’s just as close to upscale shopping centers: The Galleria, Uptown Park, Memorial City Mall, Town & Country Village and Highland Village.

Briarmont is also near the Westpark Tollway, which provides convenient access to the bustling Medical Center and downtown areas. Children can attend the award-winning public schools of Houston Independent School District or any one of the many private educational institutions nearby.

Residents won’t have to travel far for dinner and a movie: There is a cinema across the street and an abundance of fine dining options available about a mile away on Westheimer Road.

Step inside

Enter the model through the front door and you’ll see a large game room downstairs with a half-bath. Buyers can use the space in a variety of ways, as a media room, office or multi-generational suite, equipped with a bedroom, living room and kitchenette, to give an elderly relative, teenager or roommate a space of their own, Butler says. Its first floor living, a rarity in Houston, and popular with buyers right now, particularly empty-nesters.

The open-concept floorplan places the kitchen, dining and living room areas on the second floor. Filled with natural sunlight, the kitchen boasts a large island, walk-in pantry and Timberlake cabinetry. Buyers can also add outdoor spaces, a covered front deck off the kitchen and a back deck off the living room. Many residents are opting for white or gray cabinets and countertops in the opposite color made of granite or Silestone, Butler says. They can also choose from black or stainless steel appliances. Throughout the home are Kichler lighting fixtures and flooring options that include tile, carpet or hardwood.

In the model, the master bedroom is on the third floor. It has an en suite with a double-headed spa shower and large, walk-in closet. Buyers can opt for a porch outside the master bedroom to view the city’s skyline at night or relax with a cup of coffee in the morning. The laundry room and additional bedrooms are on the same level, making it possible for homeowners to do laundry without having to go up or down stairs.

Tech forward

All homes are wired for smart home capabilities. If homeowners choose to take advantage of Pulte’s smart home package, they will be treated to white glove service: a technician will set up the system for them, with the service provider of their choice, and teach them how to use it. Smart home options give residents the ability to open or close the front door, as well as the garage door, and adjust the thermostat from their wireless device when they’re away from home.

“We’ll educate you on what it takes to maintain your home and we’ll be there to back it up if you have an issue caused by anything we did wrong,” Oliva says. She believes the quality of the homes built by Pulte, and its passion for providing customers with a good experience, have led to its success; Pulte has been building homes for more than 65 years, which is why Pulte is also the only builder delivering a five-year water intrusion warranty.

“We design our homes around the feedback people provide us and pick the places they want to live,” she says. “All along the way, we’ve kept in mind affordability and quality.”

“We design our homes around the feedback people provide us and pick the places they want to live.” — Lindy Oliva

Reflecting on the future of development in Houston, Oliva paused to consider the market fundamentals. “We’re back to job growth, a tremendous amount of in-migration in the Houston area, a lot of new communities in the city and suburbs, the stabilization of the oil and gas industries, and companies moving to Houston, all positive economic indicators,” she says. “For us, the outlook is as good as it has been in some time.”