Thinking about a newer home in Magnolia that still fits your budget? Williams Trace might be the sweet spot you’ve been searching for. You want move-in ready finishes, a manageable payment, and a location that keeps your daily routine simple. In this guide, you’ll see what homes look like here, what the HOA and taxes mean for your monthly costs, how the commute stacks up, and the key steps to shop with confidence. Let’s dive in.
What Williams Trace offers today
Williams Trace is an LGI Homes community in Magnolia known for value-oriented, single-family homes in a convenient spot near FM 1488. Early coverage shows the neighborhood took shape starting in 2018 with a multi-hundred-lot plan, and sections have moved quickly as inventory released. Resale listings continue to appear, which gives you both new and nearly new options to compare. For background on the community’s launch and scale, see this local development overview from Community Impact’s Magnolia coverage (source).
Typical homes and included features
Sizes and layouts you’ll find
You’ll see a mix of one- and two-story floor plans with 3 to 5 bedrooms. Historically, plans have ranged from about 1,100 to 2,600 square feet. That spread covers many first-time buyer needs and also works for move-up buyers who want more bedrooms or a second living area (source).
The CompleteHome package
A key draw of Williams Trace is LGI’s included features. The CompleteHome package typically adds finishes and systems that many builders list as upgrades, such as granite or quartz counters, Whirlpool stainless appliances, double-pane Low-E windows, LED lighting, a programmable thermostat, Kwikset hardware, a finished garage, and front yard landscaping. Select models may offer CompleteHome Plus with elevated finishes. Review current inclusions directly from LGI’s feature overview to see what comes standard today (CompleteHome features).
LGI also advertises a builder warranty that generally includes a one-year workmanship-type coverage and a longer-term structural component. Always request the full warranty packet for the exact home you’re considering, along with the customer care contact and process for service requests (LGI warranty info).
Real-world pricing examples
Recent resale activity in Williams Trace shows completed homes trading in the low-to-mid $200,000s, with some move-in inventory historically in roughly the $250,000 to $305,000 range depending on size and date. For a concrete example, review this representative Williams Trace property on Authors Drive, which reflects the community’s lot footprint and resale presence over time (HAR example). Prices change as new listings hit the market, so use current MLS comps when you’re ready to shop.
Money matters: HOA, taxes, and warranty
HOA: cost and coverage
Listings in Williams Trace show HOA fees often in the ballpark of around $350 to $375 per year, though billing and amounts can vary by section and by year. Expect an HOA here to handle common-area upkeep, amenity maintenance, insurance for shared property, and admin costs. Before you make an offer, ask for the current dues schedule, governing documents, and the most recent budget so you understand what the fee covers and whether reserves look healthy. For your rights and disclosure standards, you can review Texas’ HOA law baseline in Chapter 209 of the Property Code (Texas Property Code 209).
Taxes and MUD status
Many Williams Trace listings note “no MUD tax,” which can reduce your overall tax rate compared with neighborhoods that do have a Municipal Utility District. For example, see this Poets Drive listing note on HAR that cites no MUD tax (HAR Poets Drive example). Always verify MUD status and exact property taxes with the county appraisal district for the specific home you’re considering, since tax structure has a clear impact on your monthly payment.
Warranty recap
A newer home should come with peace of mind. LGI’s standard move-in package and warranty are a plus if you prefer predictable costs in year one. Keep your due diligence tight by collecting the full warranty booklet, the process for submitting claims, and timelines for builder walkthroughs and service visits (LGI warranty info).
Lot, amenities, and everyday living
Lot sizes and outdoor space
Most Williams Trace homes sit on modest suburban lots. MLS examples frequently show about 4,800 to 5,200 square feet, or roughly 0.11 to 0.12 acre. That size is easy to maintain and works well for everyday play and pets. If you plan a larger playset or a future pool, bring a tape measure to confirm lot depth and usable backyard area on the exact property (HAR lot-size example).
Neighborhood amenities
Williams Trace community materials and listing pages highlight family-friendly amenities such as a neighborhood park, children’s playground, splash pad, picnic pavilion, and walking trails. Some references also note a community pond and a pool. Amenities can vary by section and over time, so confirm the current amenity set and hours with the HOA or builder office (Williams Trace overview).
Nearby shopping and recreation
You’ll find growing retail along the FM 1488 corridor, plus easy trips to larger hubs like The Woodlands for shopping and entertainment. Local lifestyle highlights often mentioned in neighborhood copy include the Texas Renaissance Festival grounds, WG Jones State Forest, and area golf courses. LGI’s continued investment in Magnolia signals ongoing growth in services and housing supply nearby (LGI Magnolia development news).
Commute and access
Williams Trace sits near FM 1488 with routes toward SH 249 (Tomball Expressway/Aggie Expressway) and the Grand Parkway (TX 99). That gives you multiple ways to reach employment centers in Tomball, The Woodlands, and the broader north Houston area. Travel times vary with traffic and destination, so test your commute during the hours you’d actually drive (community access summary).
Schools: verify by address
Many listings show Williams Trace homes zoned to Magnolia ISD, but assignments can change with new construction and attendance boundary updates. Before you write an offer, verify the assigned campuses for your specific address directly through Magnolia ISD’s enrollment resources or school locator (Magnolia ISD enrollment).
Quick facts you can use
- Builder: LGI Homes with move-in-ready inventory and included feature packages.
- Floor plans: One- and two-story, typically 3 to 5 bedrooms, about 1,100 to 2,600 square feet.
- Lots: Many around 4,800 to 5,200 square feet; confirm lot dimensions for outdoor needs.
- Amenities: Playground, splash pad, pavilion, trails, plus references to a pond and pool.
- HOA: Often about $350 to $375 per year in example listings; confirm the current fee with management.
- Market position: Typically a lower price point than many larger-lot or custom Magnolia neighborhoods, with newer finishes included.
Buyer checklist for Williams Trace
Use this step-by-step list to keep your search on track:
- Get preapproved and set your target payment. Ask your lender to model scenarios with and without MUD taxes so you can see the impact on monthly costs.
- Pull fresh comps. Compare new-build and recent resales in Williams Trace and nearby communities to gauge value.
- Confirm HOA items. Request current dues, CC&Rs, bylaws, rules, budget, and reserve information. Review any restrictions that matter to you, such as exterior modifications or parking. See your baseline rights in Texas Property Code Chapter 209 (Texas HOA law).
- Verify MUD and taxes. Ask your agent to confirm the property’s MUD status and obtain the most recent tax bill from the county appraisal district.
- Review the builder warranty. Get the full warranty booklet, coverage periods, and the process for service requests from LGI (warranty info).
- Measure the lot. If a large yard is a must, check the plat and measure backyard depth in person.
- Check flood considerations. Review FEMA flood maps and talk with your insurance agent about coverage options and costs for the specific address.
- Test the commute. Drive your route during peak hours to confirm timing.
- Verify school assignment by address. Use Magnolia ISD’s enrollment resources to confirm the correct campuses (Magnolia ISD enrollment).
Is Williams Trace a fit for you?
If you want a newer or nearly new single-family home with many upgrades included, modest lot maintenance, and a commuter-friendly location, Williams Trace deserves a close look. Market portals often place Magnolia’s citywide median price in the mid-$300,000s to high-$300,000s depending on timing, and Williams Trace has historically offered homes at a lower entry point. That combination can make it attractive for first-time buyers and for move-up buyers who prioritize newer construction over lot size.
As with any neighborhood, the right fit comes down to your budget, layout needs, outdoor priorities, and daily routine. The best next step is to compare current Williams Trace listings and nearby comps side-by-side with a clear view of HOA, taxes, and warranty.
Ready to tour or build your short list? Reach out to schedule a consult and get up-to-the-minute inventory, fresh comps, and a tailored game plan. When you’re ready, connect with Erica Stietenroth - The Realty Chick for local guidance and a smooth path from search to closing.
FAQs
What kinds of homes are in Williams Trace?
- You’ll find one- and two-story single-family homes, typically 3 to 5 bedrooms and about 1,100 to 2,600 square feet, with value-forward finishes included (community overview and CompleteHome features).
What amenities does Williams Trace offer residents?
- Marketing materials and listings highlight a park, playground, splash pad, picnic pavilion, and walking trails, with some references to a pond and pool; confirm current amenities with the HOA (Williams Trace summary).
How much are HOA fees in Williams Trace?
- Example listings show fees around $350 to $375 per year, but amounts and billing can vary by section and year; verify the current schedule with the management company and review CC&Rs and budget details (Texas HOA law baseline).
Does Williams Trace have a MUD tax?
- Many listings note no MUD tax in Williams Trace, which can help lower overall property tax rates; always confirm MUD status and exact taxes for the specific address (HAR example).
What is the commute like from Williams Trace?
- The community’s location near FM 1488 gives access toward SH 249 and the Grand Parkway, creating several routes to Tomball, The Woodlands, and north Houston job centers; actual drive times depend on time of day (access summary).
How do I verify schools for a Williams Trace address?
- Check Magnolia ISD’s enrollment resources or school locator with the specific property address to confirm the assigned campuses, since attendance zones can change (Magnolia ISD enrollment).
