Diana Laughlin Real Estate

05/15/2026

What home keeps your life financially comfortable?

Current Houston and Surrounding areas Home Affordability & the 28% Rule:

The 28% rule says your total monthly housing payment (PITI: principal, interest, taxes, insurance) should stay around 28% of your gross monthly income.

Using Texas estimates:

7% interest rate
2% property tax
homeowners insurance
20% down payment

💰 $4️⃣0️⃣0️⃣K Home

* Estimated payment: ~$3,100/mo
* Recommended income: ~$133K/year

💰 $6️⃣0️⃣0️⃣K Home

* Estimated payment: ~$4,700/mo
* Recommended income: ~$200K/year

💰 $1️⃣M Home

* Estimated payment: ~$7,900/mo
* Recommended income: ~$338K/year

A lot of buyers focus only on home price… but in Texas:

1️⃣Property taxes can add $600–$1,500+ monthly
2️⃣Insurance has increased significantly
3️⃣Interest rates dramatically affect affordability

That’s why two buyers purchasing the same
priced home can have very different
comfort levels financially.

Disclaimer: I am a real estate specialist, not a financial advisor. Always consult with a licensed mortgage or Financial professional regarding your specific situation.

05/10/2026

Did you know that 1 in 4 people in Houston was born outside of the United States? That speaks volumes about the beautiful melting pot we are. Regardless of where you come from, if Houston is your home, you are a Houstonian.

This week I had the privilege of attending a room filled with successful nonprofit founders that contribute extensively to our community as we celebrated the heart of Houston. As a real estate professional and in representation of Building with the Laughlin as founder of GHF Foundation, it was truly an honor to be part of this event.

The greatest flex in the room was about who was adding the most value and making the greatest impact in people’s lives.

Since moving from California 17 years ago, I often get asked how I adjusted to becoming a Houstonian. Honestly, Houston carries community and diversity with such pride that it made the transition easy. As someone from a mixed cultural background, I felt welcomed from the very beginning, and Texas quickly became home.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve people through real estate and through GHF Foundation — a nonprofit / Charity organization committed to moving and serving beyond walls, regardless of color, religion, or political views. Our mission is simple: drive positive impact, share God’s principles to restore marriage, and continue adding value to families in our community.

Thank you, Tina Pei, for your constant and unwavering support.

Diana Laughlin

05/09/2026

The wait is over… May 30th 11 am - 6 pm is the grand opening of Main Street in a whole new way!

Texas Ave & Main St. Downtown Houston 🏙️

05/06/2026

Top 3 ways homeowners lose their home after buying and 5 ways to stay ahead:

1. Falling behind on payments (and staying behind)

2. Buying or living beyond your means

3. Ignoring problems early (financial or physical)

Most foreclosures aren’t because people didn’t care. They’re because:

they waited too long,
didn’t ask for help, or
didn’t have a plan.

And in order to stay ahead priorities have to get tighter before money does:

1. Lock in your “must-cover” expenses first

2. Create margin (even if it’s small)

3. Don’t ignore early warning signs

4. Avoid new debt to “keep up”

5. Increase income intentionally (side work, over time, grow your skill, etc)

05/01/2026

Thinking about buying or selling? Let’s talk strategy.

Another SOLD has hit the market!

04/16/2026

Diana Laughlin Real Estate, brokered by eXp Realty, is a real estate business with over a decade of experience, has always prioritized people over property.

Throughout our journey, we’ve had the privilege of serving our community, investing in missions, crusades, and supporting causes that truly make a difference. By collaborating with non-profits, we’ve been able to make a meaningful impact.

Our biggest partnership is with GHFF, a charity foundation dedicated to helping families overcome challenges. Whether it’s providing emotional support, financial literacy, or educational resources, we’re committed to empowering families to build stronger lives and families.

The video below ⬇️ is one of our favorite moments: a 21-year-old purchasing his first acreage home, so honored to guide a young man’s and his beautiful family who worked diligently and maintained discipline to help him achieve this milestone.

Thank you for choosing us!

04/09/2026

DID YOU KNOW? 💰

🚦 Houston is planning for:
• Smarter roadways and reduced congestion
• Expanded public transit and mobility options
• Better connections between downtown, suburbs, and job centers
• Improved walkability and bike-friendly infrastructure
• Technology upgrades like smart traffic systems and EV support

This project is called the 2050 Mobility Plan

🏗️ Another major highlight:

There is an estimated $180 MILLION in development focused around the Toyota Center and surrounding downtown areas, bringing:
• New residential opportunities
• Hotels, retail, restaurants, and entertainment growth
• Revitalized urban spaces designed for modern living
• Increased long-term value for nearby communities

This plan is called the “Toyota Center Reimagined”

💡As a real estate professional, this is exciting because it signals continued investment in Houston’s future. For homeowners, this can mean stronger community growth and rising opportunity. For those considering moving here, Houston is positioning itself as a city built for both lifestyle and long-term value.

Houston is not slowing down—it is evolving, expanding, and creating space for the next generation of residents to thrive.

What part of Houston’s growth excites you most?

04/06/2026

S O L D 🔑

Huge thank you to Cesar Higuera for walking our clients through every step and making this a smooth journey!

03/23/2026

Not every successful day looks glamorous 😅
Today progress was made and goals moved forward.

From appointments to behind-the-scenes work. I love everything I get to do by His Grace.

That’s a win in my book

03/23/2026

Protest Your Tax Appraised Value

Every year you have the option to protest your home’s tax appraisal, and honestly a lot of people don’t realize they can do this. It can make a difference in what you end up paying in property taxes.

Many people have the false belief that protesting affects their resale value, but that’s a completely different number and process.

If you’d like a consultant company recommendation… I can share one with you as well!

Property tax season is here and that means Houston-area homeowners will start receiving appraisal notices in the mail soon. Some of Houston’s surrounding suburbs have the highest burdens in the U.S.

Homeowners are encouraged to file a protest if they think their property’s been unfairly appraised, but most people don’t exercise this right to protest. And firms that do it on behalf of a homeowner will charge a fee of up to 50% of their savings.

The TX Tax guided tool, powered by the Houston Chronicle, helps you build your case step by step – without having to pay a consultant a percentage of your savings.