Here's What You Need to Know About Selling a Home in Sugar Land, Missouri City and Sienna...


Nestled in the vibrant suburbs of Houston, the Sugar Land, Missouri City and Sienna area offers an unparalleled blend of serene suburban living and the convenience of city life.

Seller Course

Module 1: Choosing Your Agent

Module 2: Marketing in Today's World

Module 3: Supercharging Traditional Marketing

Module 4: Compensation Commissions

Module 5: Savvy Negotiations

Module 6: The Importance of Communications

Module 7: Savvy Sellers Goals and Priorities

Module 8: Getting Clarity

Module 9: How to Prepare for a Great Sale

Module 10: Do's and Don'ts When Selling Your Home

Why I'm The Right Choice

Exclusive Market Updates

We know selling a property can be stressful and overwhelming! That’s why we got you covered. With the right team by your side, we will guide and navigate you through the selling process to help you make informative decisions and get the best terms possible on your sale!

Our exclusive market updates will help you stay ahead of the curve with our up to minute market updates. From the latest listings, price trends and days on market, we ensure you will have all the information you need to make informed decisions on your sale.
Sugar Land, Missouri City and Sienna area real estate landscape is dynamic, and with our expert analysis you will always be well informed and in the know.


Preparing for a possible move this summer? Click below to check out our moving checklist to get your whole house ready for the next home!

Want to know what is happening throughout Sienna, Missouri City and Sugar Land Now? Click below for a full live schedule of local events around town!

30 Day Plan to Prepare Your Home for Sale

The Complete Guide to Selling A Home


What Makes Us Different...

Shelley Stone | Realtor

Meet Shelley Stone

Experience the Difference

Buying or selling a home is a life–altering, which is why you do not want just any REALTOR by your side. As a top-ranked real estate team, we have a proven track record of seamless transactions and excellent customer service.

We are a luxury real estate team that specializes in the sale and purchase of residential real estate in Houston and Fort Bend County. Our focus is helping clients find a place to call home while providing up-to-date local market information and professional advice they can trust.

Our real estate approach is different, we provide a more personalized concierge approach for our clients. Our expertise lies in helping our clients get the home they want by handling the big (and small) details thoroughly. For sellers, we devise creative ways to prepare and market the home for sale, and for buyers, we go the extra mile to make the offer stand out. We make a difference in the sale by focusing on the details that matter most in this highly competitive market.

An Unforgettable Experience, Every Time

We are committed to fast, professional, and courteous service to help you understand and feel at ease throughout the home buying and selling process. My clients come first, and I believe that integrity and open communication must exist to achieve a win-win experience for everyone involved.

Our team has the experience and the resources to help clients achieve their ultimate goals. Going through the process of buying or selling can be tricky. I pride myself in making this process as easy and painless as possible. Growing up in the Houston area has given me a lot of insight and knowledge to the area and market. Combined with unparalleled service, and a passion for real estate, I can assist with any of your real estate needs.

Watch Our Virtual Seller Seminar Library

Learn the latest and most up to date marketing and sales tactics

to sell your home for top dollar.

The Pre-Market Quiz

"Will your home pass the test before going to market?"

​Learn how to sell your home for top dollar right now

​You may need to make a few changes before selling

Pre-Market Timelines

"Let's talk about the timelines before listing a home with us."

​What you should expect when getting your home ready to sell

​How to maximize the return on your investment

Timing

"How quickly will my home sell? This is a common question we get."

​Learn about the market climate and absorption rates

​The market climate will determine how quickly your home will sell

Marketing Your Home

"The importance of marketing your home properly."

​Digital marketing exposes your property to the masses

Negotiation will be key in selling you home

Pricing your home is not as easy as checking Zillow

Marketing Your Home

"The importance of marketing your home properly."

​Digital marketing exposes your property to the masses

Negotiation will be key in selling you home

Underpricing and overpricing your home will cause you to lose money

Is Zillow Accurate?

"Should I use Zillow as an accurate evaluation of my home’s value?"

​​Zillow is an algorithm based on public data

​Zillow has never seen the inside of your home and it’s a computer

​Zillow comes up with the value based upon what your neighbors are selling for

What to Disclose?

To disclose or not to disclose

This is vital to ensure that you are safe during and after the sale

Over-disclosure is better than under-disclosure

Receiving Offers

"How do you know if you should accept the offer you just got?"

What if you don't receive the amount of offers you were hoping for?

What happens if we have more than one offer?

How to Get Top Dollar

"There are a few hacks to get maximum exposure and top dollar"

​​If you're stressed out on the selling mistakes, here's what you need to do

What you can do to get higher sale

Negotiations

"How to negotiate like a master to make sure you get the most out of your home?"

​How to get top dollar when selling

Walking away with the most amount of money in your pocket

Inspections?!

"Should you get inspections done prior to listing my home?"

The advantages of having inspections done prior to listing

Saves you time and money

Curb Appeal

"How to make a good first impression"

​​How to get maximum exposure and top dollar

There are simple tricks that can save you money and maximize the return on your investment at the same time

Should I Take the First Offer?

"NO NO NO!"

​The goal is for your home to be seen by the masses

Then, to get the highest and best price and terms for your home

What Are Contingencies?

"When a buyer has made an offer on a home and the seller has accepted it but the final sale is contingent on certain criteria being met."

This criteria, or contingencies, typically fall under four major categories: appraisal, loan approval, inspections and reports & disclosures

Contingency Timeframes

"Now we're in contract prior to contingencies being removed. Now we're in business."

​​The buyer now will secure their loan, have their inspections on the property, and review all of the reports and disclosures

At The Shelley Stone Group, we know that selling your house is a big step. You might feel overwhelmed or burdened by everything involved in selling your house.

You might be wondering what your house is worth or if it’s really the right time to sell. This is where we can help.

Now we're sharing exactly how so you can sell your home too. Inside of the seller seminar you'll get step-by-step videos breaking down everything you need to know BEFORE selling your home - to get the highest price possible, in the quickest time possible.

Community Videos

Fort Bend Neighborhood Aerial Footage

The Real Cost of Living in Fort Bend

July 11, 20256 min read

Moving to Fort Bend County in 2025? Here’s the Real Cost of Living (Inflation-Adjusted!)


Moving to Fort Bend County in 2025? Here’s the Real Cost of Living (Inflation-Adjusted!)

So, you're eyeing Fort Bend County as your next home in 2025? Smart move! This vibrant area just southwest of Houston consistently tops lists for its excellent quality of life, diverse communities, and booming economy. But let's get real: with today's dynamic market, understanding the actual cost of living, adjusted for inflation, is absolutely essential.

You might have seen videos dissecting this very topic – and they hit the nail on the head: the cost of living in Fort Bend County in 2025 is indeed about 5-7% higher than it was in 2023. Inflation, evolving market demands, and ongoing growth all play a role. However, here’s the good news: Fort Bend County still offers significantly more value than many other major Texas metro areas like Austin (Travis County) or Houston (Harris County). It's where you can achieve that sought-after balance of lifestyle and affordability – if you plan carefully! As your expert real estate agent, I’m here to break down what you can expect to spend and why Fort Bend County remains a fantastic choice for families, professionals, and retirees alike.

Fort Bend County's Strong Economic Foundation in 2025

Before we dive into the numbers, it's crucial to acknowledge the robust economic backdrop. Fort Bend County is a powerhouse, ranking 3rd in median household income in Texas, with figures around $113,409 (2023 data, adjusted). This strong income growth (over 3% in the last year) helps offset some of the rising costs. The county boasts a low poverty rate and thriving sectors like healthcare, life sciences, energy, education, and logistics – meaning ample job opportunities to support that Fort Bend lifestyle!

Your 2025 Fort Bend County Cost Breakdown:

Let's dissect where your money will go:

1. Housing: Stable Market with Room to Negotiate

The housing market in Fort Bend County in 2025 is stable, showing resilience. While property values saw an increase (around 4.28% in the last year), recent data shows the median sold home price in May 2025 hovering around $401,216. Interestingly, homes are currently selling slightly below asking price (about 2-4% on average), giving buyers a bit more negotiation power.

* What to Expect: Median listing prices vary by city, from the more accessible areas to luxury enclaves. For example, Richmond is around $430K, Sugar Land $515K, Fulshear $531K, and the truly exclusive Weston Lakes can reach $950K.

* The Big Picture: Inventory is up significantly (over 33% year-over-year in Greater Houston), providing more options for buyers. While the overall market might feel competitive, there's a strong demand across both entry-level ($150K-$249K) and luxury ($1M+) segments.

2. Utilities: Managing Your Monthly Bills

Electricity bills are a notable component of utility costs, especially with Texas summers. In Fort Bend County, you can anticipate monthly electricity costs to be in the range of $170-$220. While this might be slightly higher than the Texas average, it's generally still more favorable than the national average. Smart energy management and exploring competitive energy providers (it's a deregulated market!) can help keep these costs in check.

3. Groceries: The Inflationary Impact

Like everywhere, grocery prices have felt the pinch of inflation. Recent comparisons show a significant jump since 2019, with a typical grocery run seeing over a $100 increase. For a single adult, budgeting $350-$450 per month for groceries is a reasonable starting point. For families, especially those with multiple children, expect to budget $1,000-$1,200+ monthly, depending on dietary needs and preferences. Savvy shopping, meal planning, and utilizing local farmers' markets can help stretch your food budget further.

4. Transportation: Commuting Smart

Fort Bend County is sprawling, and commuting is a reality for many. This means transportation costs can add up. The estimated annual transportation cost for a single adult is around $11,193 (approx. $932/month), and for a two-adult household, it can be higher. Fuel costs, vehicle maintenance, and insurance are factors.

* Tolls: Be mindful of the extensive toll road network, including the Grand Parkway, Fort Bend Parkway, and Westpark Tollway. These offer convenience but add to your daily or weekly expenses (e.g., a 2-axle vehicle on Grand Parkway can pay $0.45-$0.70 per transaction).

* Public Transit: Fort Bend Transit offers commuter services to Downtown Houston and the University of Houston, with one-way fares around $4.00, providing an alternative for some.

5. Healthcare: A Growing Expense

Healthcare costs are on the rise nationwide, and Fort Bend County is not immune. Local institutions, like Fort Bend ISD, are reporting significant budget shortfalls due to increasing medical inflation (e.g., 14.9% increase in medical inflation, affecting inpatient hospital stays and a 12.7% surge in pharmacy claims).

* Medicare: For those on Medicare, average monthly premiums for Medicare Advantage plans in 2025 are around $42.55, with an average in-network out-of-pocket spending limit of over $6,300.

* Planning is Key: It’s vital to factor in health insurance premiums, deductibles, co-pays, and potential out-of-pocket maximums when budgeting.

6. Childcare: A Significant Investment

For families with young children, childcare remains one of the largest monthly expenses. In Fort Bend County in 2025:

* Center-based infant care can average around $918-$950 per month.

* Center-based care for a 4-year-old is roughly $825-$850 per month.

* School-age care averages about $550 per month.

* Fort Bend ISD also offers tuition-based Pre-K4 programs at approximately $661.50 per month for the 2025-26 school year.

High demand, labor shortages, and regulatory requirements continue to drive these costs. It's crucial for families to research local options and potential assistance programs.

The Fort Bend County Advantage: Value Beyond the Numbers

Despite the inflationary pressures, Fort Bend County truly offers immense value. You’re investing in:

* Top-Rated Schools: Fort Bend ISD is highly regarded, with numerous excellent schools

* Family-Friendly Amenities: Parks, recreational facilities, community events, and diverse entertainment options abound.

* Job Market Strength: A robust and growing economy means stability and opportunities.

* Diverse Communities: From bustling urban centers like Sugar Land to more suburban and rural settings, there’s a neighborhood to fit every lifestyle.

Ready to Make Your Move?

Understanding the actual cost of living in Fort Bend County in 2025, with inflation in mind, empowers you to make informed decisions. While it requires careful budgeting, the unparalleled lifestyle, strong job market, and community spirit make it a destination worth considering.

Thinking about making the leap? Reach out to a local real estate expert who can provide tailored insights into current housing trends, neighborhood-specific costs, and help you navigate the market to find your perfect Fort Bend County home.

blog author image

Shelley Stone | Realtor

The Shelley Stone Group is an independent luxury real estate team led by Shelley Stone and operating under eXp Realty, specializing in listings, relocation, and move-up buyers in Sugar Land and Sienna, Texas.

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Real Buyers. Real Results.

"We thoroughly enjoyed working with Shelley and she made the selling process as easy as it could be."

"She was always available for us and usually a few steps ahead with following-up with potential clients and proactively communicating with us. We would highly recommend Shelley to anyone looking for a high-qualified and professional realtor."

- Jose B

"Shelley was a second to none realtor and a great person to work with."

"Our sale was a difficult situation for a number of factors and Shelley made the process as painless as possible. After a number of more difficult realtor situations, we finally found the right fit and are very satisfied with our experience."

- Chris G.

"This group was outstanding."

"The entire process went very smoothly. We worked directly with Shelley Stone who is just excellent – a great listener, smart, does her homework, is creative, very good communicator and timely in her contacts with us every step of the way. She was so enjoyable to work with. In summary we would recommend the group and Shelley to anyone selling their home. Within 72 hours of the listing, we had 3 offers on our home."

- George C.

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Copyright © 2025. All rights reserved. The Shelley Stone Group

Phone: 713.252.2100

Email: [email protected]

Location: One Riverway, STE 1700, Houston, TX 77056

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