Why does it cost more to live in a gated community?

Jill Wente was our realtor when we recently sold our home in Spring, TX. Jill's name was frequently seen... read moreJill Wente was our realtor when we recently sold our home in Spring, TX. Jill's name was frequently seen on for sale signs in our neighborhood and my wife decided that her research said Jill was who we should use.We met with Jill about one month before we were ready to list the property and Jill was very willing to speak with us and go through what she felt were the appropriate things that a home owner should be doing. She also had multiple home sales in the area and told us where she thought we should price our home. In addition Jill went through the entire home and gave us instructions on what needed to be done in order to make our home the most attractive. Before the home was put on the market, with a "coming soon" sign in the front yard, we had showing and offers. After the initial open house, we had 4 offers and selected one. The offers were at asking price or above. Unfortunately, the people who made the original offer we accepted, were not able to get their financing, but this didn't stop Jill. We kept the earnest money and relisted and immediately had 3 new listings, including the original family who opted out. After several discussions, we agreed to offer the home to the original family again, but included at Jill's recommendation very high earnest money requirements which the family accepted. The purchase went through and we set closing, moving out of our home to a new home near Austin, TX. Unfortunately during the move out, a leak developed in the laundry room and Jill found this. She immediately called us and we left everything in her capable hands as we were out of town. She contacted a plumber, had the pipe repaired, contacted a remediation company to dry the house, and another contractor to repaint the damaged areas. Jill also delayed the closing in order to get everything done. Jill was able to take a horrible experience and make everything right. She is the best realtor we have used and we have had at least 8 moves using 15 different realtors in the past. read less