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  • HAR: Choices increase for Houston homebuyers as sellers adjust to balancing market – Houston Agent Magazine

    The Houston housing market showed encouraging signs of balance in January including expanded inventory and steady buyer demand, according to the latest monthly Housing Report from the Houston Association of REALTORS®.

    Active listings increased 15.7% year over year, with 54,589 properties on the market during the month. Closings fell 1% year over year, with 4,999 homes sold — the fewest transactions since January 2023.

    However, pending sales increased 8.5%, with 6,813 listings going under contract, indicating strong sales in the coming weeks.

    Days on market increased to 66, up five days from a year prior. That was the highest average since February 2020, when homes spent an average of 68 days on the market.

    Prices fluctuated, with the median decreasing 0.9% to $233,045 and the average increasing 2.8% to $416,722. Luxury home sales — those with a price tag of $1 million or more — increased 15.5% year over year.

    “Right now, buyers have more choices and a bit more time to make decisions, while sellers are adjusting to a market that’s becoming balanced,” said HAR Chair Theresa Hill. “With rates expected to ease a little this year, buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines may start to feel more confident and enter the market. That should help maintain demand and create additional opportunities for sellers throughout the year.”

    Given the rate of sales, Houston had a 4.7-month inventory, up from 4.2 months a year prior.

    Decreased mortgage rates and median prices meant improved affordability for homebuyers last month. Assuming a 20% down payment, the typical Houston homebuyer in January needed to spend $1,561.26 per month, down from $1,722.81 in January 2025. That amounts to about $2,000 less annually.

    January was the 15th of the last 18 months with improved housing affordability.

    Looking only at existing-home sales, closings decreased by just 10 sales annually, with 3,422 homes sold in January. The average sales price increased 3.8% to $428,152, while the median was steady at $320,000.

    Among for-sale townhomes and condominiums, sales dropped 25.9% last month, with 269 units sold. The average price decreased 8.6% to $226,343, while the median fell 11.9% to $185,000. That was the lowest level since February 2021.

    Townhome and condo inventory hit a 7.6-month supply, up from 5.5 months in January 2025.

    Emily Marek

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  • The most-loved communities in greater Houston – Houston Agent Magazine

    Greater Houston homebuyers are falling in love with communities that offer pockets of affordability, according to a ranking from the Houston Association of REALTORS®.

    The association ranked the Houston-area neighborhoods with the greatest annual increase in transactions to determine which neighborhoods grew most in popularity among homebuyers in 2025 and found that seven of the top 10 had average home prices below the area median average of $416,722.

    Transactions increased most in Brookshire, where sales were up 124.6% year over year and had an average sales price of $311,463; followed by Waller, up 113.5% year over year with an average of $317,113; and the Crosby area, up 68.8% year over year with an average of $273,880.

    One outlier on HAR’s list was the New Waverly area, where transactions increased 43.3% year over year. The community had an average sales price of $479,768, making it about $60,000 more expensive than the Houston average.

    The two other communities on the list with above-average prices were Royden Oaks/Afton Oaks, where sales rose 40% year over year with an average sales price of over $1.6 million, and Rosharon, where sales rose 32.4% with an average sales price of $440,435.

    Chart courtesy of HAR.

    Emily Marek

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  • Texas is one of the best states for singles – Houston Agent Magazine

    Texas is the No. 3 state in the country for living, working and dating as a single person, according to a new study from WalletHub.

    Singles can find numerous dating opportunities in the Lone Star State. From the most restaurants per capita (tied with California, New York and Florida) and the most movie theaters per capita (also tied with California), the state ranked fourth for romance and fun.

    Furthermore, singles in Texas are looking to date: Texans are particularly open to relationships, with people in the state searching dating-related terms at higher rates than singles in other states. Texans are also less likely to have intimacy issues or an avoidant attachment style, WalletHub said.

    Plus, thanks to Texas’ high employment rate, healthy job market and relatively low cost of living, singles can actually afford to go on dates.

    “Nearly half of American adults are single, and dating can be especially hard given that the cost of activities and dining out has skyrocketed in recent years,” said WalletHub Analyst Chip Lupo. “The best states for singles are those that have strong economies while also providing a wide range of places to host dates.”

    Emily Marek

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  • J. Patrick Homes building on small lots at Grange – Houston Agent Magazine

    Pre-sales are underway for J. Patrick Homes’ 40-foot lot offerings at Grange, Johnson Development’s master-planned community in Katy.

    The builder is selling 11 one- and two-story designs, with floor plans ranging from 1,300 to 2,500 square feet with two to four bedrooms, two to four bathrooms and two-car garages. Customization options are available.

    “We’re excited about this new addition to our builder lineup and the opportunities it offers for those looking for a home priced below $400,000,” Jacob Rice, vice president and general manager of Grange, said in a press release. “We’re filling an important niche.”

    Pricing for J. Patrick Homes’ offerings at Grange begin at $370,000. The builder is also offering buyers two complimentary visits to its design center.

    “At J. Patrick Homes, we want to deliver a luxury, semi-custom experience to all of our buyers, no matter what size home they select,” said President Tim Drone. “These new floor plans are more approachable for people buying their first home or who would prefer a smaller home.”

    Highland Homes is also building on 40-foot lots at Grange. Elsewhere in the community, builders include David Weekley Homes, Drees Custom Homes, Newmark Homes, Perry Homes and Westin Homes.

    Grange is zoned to Katy Independent School District.

    Emily Marek

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  • Neda Navab named president of Compass – Houston Agent Magazine

    Neda Navab is now president of Compass Real Estate, Chairman and CEO Robert Reffkin announced in a Feb. 9 LinkedIn post.

    “In this role, Neda will focus exclusively on leading and supporting our Compass real estate professionals nationwide, and helping them achieve their full entrepreneurial potential,” Reffkin wrote. “Please join me in congratulating Neda as she leads Compass into this next chapter.”

    Previously, Navab and Rory Golod were presidents of brokerage operations for the company’s east and west regions, respectively. The change comes as Reffkin takes the role of chairman and CEO of the newly formed Compass International Holdings, created with the finalization of the Anywhere merger. That leaves Navab at the helm of the company’s nationwide residential brokerage.

    Reffkin noted in a press release that he and Navab will continue to work together closely, with her presidency focused on “helping Compass agents thrive.”

    A graduate of Harvard Business School and former Google staff member, Navab has been with Compass since 2018 when she was hired as Reffkin’s chief of staff.

    “Compass real estate professionals are among the most talented and dedicated agents in the industry, and it has been the privilege of my career to build alongside them,” Navab said in a press release. “I have spent years listening to what they want and need from their brokerage, and my commitment to delivering on that has never been stronger.”

    Navab recently ranked No. 60 on the Swanepoel Power 200 and was named to HousingWire’s Women of Influence list for 2025.

    “As president, I will work tirelessly to protect what makes Compass special while continuing to elevate the experience for our real estate professionals and their clients,” Navab added.

    Emily Marek

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  • Home sales are heating up in these greater Houston ZIP codes – Houston Agent Magazine

    Nearly all of the top ZIP Codes for greater Houston home sales are in the suburbs and beyond, according to the Q4 2025 ZIP Watch from the Houston Association of REALTORS®.

    The association tracked the top 10 ZIP codes with the greatest year-over-year increases in home sales and found that 77484 — Waller — was the hottest in the entire Houston metro area, with home sales increasing 102.2% compared to the fourth quarter of 2024. The typical home there had an average sales price of $310,165 and spent 55 days on the market.

    That ZIP was followed by 77532 (Crosby), where sales increased 79.1% year over year with an average sales price of $260,629; 77521 (Baytown), where sales increased 77.5% with an average sales price of $266,675; and 77554 (the west end of Galveston Island), where sales increased 52% with an average sales price of $784,120. That ZIP was one of only three on HAR’s list with an average sales price greater than the Houston metro average, reported by the association as $425,535 for the fourth quarter.

    Also on HAR’s list were 77551 (Galveston), 77065 (northwest Houston/Jersey Village), 77578 (Manvel), 77510 (Santa Fe), 77336 (Huffman) and 77316 (Montgomery).

    The top 10 hottest ZIP codes in greater Houston (Chart courtesy of HAR).

    Emily Marek

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  • Hillwood, David Weekley to gift mortgage-free home to US Navy veteran at Pomona in Manvel – Houston Agent Magazine

    Hillwood Communities and David Weekley Homes are partnering with Building Homes for Heroes to provide a new mortgage-free home for United States Navy veteran Hospital Corpsman Gabriel George. The home is located within Pomona, Hillwood’s master-planned community in Manvel.

    George, who joined the Navy in 2004, was severely injured in a vehicle accident during training for deployment in 2008. After sustaining numerous injuries including to his spinal cord, George spent weeks on a ventilator in an induced coma. His right arm was later amputated because of nerve damage.

    George was honorably and medically discharged from the military in 2009. Today, he’s director of pickleball at Military Adaptive Court Sports and is active in para-archery, even competing on Team U.S. in the 2020 Invictus Games.

    Since its founding in 2006, Building Homes for Heroes has delivered almost 500 mortgage-free homes to wounded veterans. The nonprofit is projected to complete construction on 30 new homes this year alone.

    Emily Marek

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  • Judge denies Compass request for ‘Zillow ban’ injunction – Houston Agent Magazine

    United States District Judge Jeannette Vargas denied Compass’ motion for a preliminary injunction in its federal antitrust lawsuit against Zillow on Feb. 6.

    “Given that consumers use multiple online home search platforms simultaneously at little or no cost, Zillow’s brand recognition and related network effect do not appear to have deterred prospective home buyers from cross-shopping amongst competitors or new entrants,” Vargas wrote in her opinion.

    She elaborated that even if Zillow possessed a 50% share or more of the market, Compass had not provided enough evidence of a monopoly to warrant a preliminary injunction. Such a court order would have prevented Zillow from enforcing its private-listing ban, which was introduced last May.

    A spokesperson from Zillow provided this statement:

    Today’s ruling is a clear victory not just for Zillow, but for consumers, agents, brokerages and the real estate industry at large. Zillow believes everyone deserves equal access to the same real estate information at the same time. Compass does the opposite — hiding listings away in its private vault, harming consumers and small businesses to benefit itself.

    Compass filed this baseless lawsuit in an attempt to force Zillow to participate in that exclusionary scheme — but today, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York rejected their effort to reduce transparency for consumers, ruling that Compass failed to show a likelihood of success on the merits. At a time when Americans are struggling to afford a home amid a major housing shortage, hiding listings in private networks only deepens the crisis. While Compass keeps consumers in the dark, Zillow turns on the lights to help people get home.

    Compass filed its initial suit against Zillow in June, alleging the listing giant’s policies violate antitrust laws. An upcoming trial will decide the merit of Compass’ claim.

    Robert Reffkin, chairman and CEO of Compass International Holdings, maintained that Vargas’ ruling is not a loss for the behemoth brokerage, which recently finalized its acquisition of Anywhere Real Estate Inc. in January.

    “Our lawsuit continues forward,” Reffkin told Agent Publishing. “With agents being our clients, we have an obligation to protect our agents from Zillow, which explicitly stated they are trying to ‘punish the agent.’”

    Reffkin’s allegation refers to an internal Zillow strategy document that referenced a “punishment list” of agents who don’t comply with Zillow’s listing policies.

    That list would presumably be full of Compass agents, seeing as the brokerage’s “private exclusive” listing model delays listing on the broader MLS in favor of its own off-market listing network.

    Zillow did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the assertion that it will take any retribution against noncompliant agents.

    However, Compass reiterated in a statement that the lawsuit “has nothing to do with private exclusives” but with Zillow’s insistence that publicly marketing listings must be publicly available on all listing services — including, of course, Zillow.

    Emily Marek

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  • New listings, property showings rise in Houston while home sales dip – Houston Agent Magazine

    Houston-area Realtors added 3,436 properties to the MLS during the week ending Feb. 2, a 4.3% year-over-year increase, according to the Weekly Activity Snapshot from the Houston Association of REALTORS®.

    At the same time, closed and pending home sales declined annually. Pending sales decreased 16.1% year over year, with 1,732 listings going under contract; closings fell 3.4%, with 1,537 home sales.

    Property showings and open houses increased, however. Realtors assisted clients with 43,206 showings, up from 37,205 during the same week in 2025. Open houses, meanwhile, increased 12% year over year to 9,395, up from 8,407 a year prior.

    Emily Marek

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  • Affordability improves in Houston as 44% of households can afford homeownership – Houston Agent Magazine

    Improved mortgage rates and softening home prices meant that close to half of Houston-area households could afford a median-priced home at the end of 2025, according to the quarterly Housing and Rental Affordability Report from the Houston Association of REALTORS®.

    As mortgage rates fell to 6.23%, the median home price decreased 0.9% year over year to $337,200 during the fourth quarter. Given those numbers, the typical monthly homeownership cost — including mortgage payment, principal, taxes and insurance — was $2,280, down from $2,490 a year prior.

    Houston households needed an annual salary of $91,200 to afford those monthly costs, down 3.4% year over year. That meant that 44% of households could afford homeownership, up from 40% in Q4 2024.

    “After a challenging few years for buyers, we’re starting to see affordability move in the right direction,” said HAR Chair Theresa Hill. “If these trends continue, we could see even more opportunities open up for buyers as we move through 2026.”

    Emily Marek

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  • Anywhere CEO Ryan Schneider departs as part of Compass merger – Houston Agent Magazine

    Ryan Schneider, former CEO of Anywhere Real Estate, has left the company following its acquisition by Compass, a representative from Anywhere confirmed. 

    “In accordance with the terms of the merger agreement, Ryan exited the company upon closing last month,” said Dan Ivers, senior director, business communications at Anywhere. 

    Schneider departed as part of Compass and Anywhere’s all-stock merger, which closed on Jan. 9, forming Compass International Holdings. The transaction followed stockholder approval on Jan. 7 when shareholders of both companies voted in favor of the merger at special meetings. 

    Compass International Holdings is led by chairman and CEO Robert Reffkin, who said in a Jan. 9 open letter that the combination marks the beginning of an “exciting new chapter” for the industry. Reffkin described the merged company as one built by and for real estate professionals, with a focus on supporting agents and affiliate broker-owners through technology, tools and services designed to help them grow their businesses. 

    Under the terms of the merger, each brand within the combined organization will continue to operate independently while leveraging a shared technology platform known as the Agent Operating System. 

     

     

    Jacqui Mueller

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  • Fein starts pre-leasing for Echo Lake multifamily community at City Place – Houston Agent Magazine

    Pre-leasing is underway at Echo Lake, a 326-unit multifamily community at City Place in north Houston. The building’s developer, Fein, anticipates first deliveries in February and move-ins in March.

    Offerings include studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and one- two- and three-bedroom townhomes with attached garages. Certain units also have private yards.

    The project is set to earn Silver certification from the National Green Building Standard. Wellness amenities and features include a 1.25-acre lake and trail system, open green spaces and property-wide Wi-Fi.

    Echo Lake is located at 2022 Spring Stuebner Road within the City Place commercial development (formerly Springwoods Village). Fein’s other developments in the community include The Mark, The Canopy and the Belvedere.

    “Echo Lake represents an important evolution of our City Place portfolio,” Rebecca Luks, vice president of development for Martin Fein Interests, said in a press release. “We’ve thoughtfully designed this community to deliver a variety of housing options, enhanced technology offerings and strong value for residents seeking walkable, nature-oriented lifestyle moments from major employers, shopping, dining and entertainment.”

    Emily Marek

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  • Home sales begin at Wildtree in Magnolia – Houston Agent Magazine

    Five builders began new-home sales at Wildtree, a master-planned community from Shea Homes in Magnolia. Eight model homes are now open for viewings, with a football-themed grand opening planned for Feb. 7.

    Shea Homes, Coventry Homes, Newmark Homes, Perry Homes and Toll Brothers are selling in this first phase, offering homes ranging from 1,500 to 4,610 square feet.

    Shea Homes will build on all lot sizes, with 39 floor plans to choose from. Prices range from $320,000 to $590,000.

    Coventry is offering nine floor plans for 50-foot lots, with pricing starting at $350,000; Newmark will build on 70-foot lots, offering 10 floor plans with pricing starting at $650,000; Perry Homes will build on 40-foot lots, offering 13 designs priced from $330,000; and Toll Brothers will build on 60-foot lots, with six designs priced from the mid-$500,000s.

    “Prospective homebuyers will find plenty of selection in Wildtree,” Keith Luechtefeld, Houston division president for Shea Homes, said in a press release. “Beyond beautiful homes, residents will enjoy meandering trails, wooded areas and generous planned amenities designed to complement their natural surroundings.”

    Wildtree is zoned to Magnolia Independent School District.

    Emily Marek

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  • Keller Williams settles Batton class action for $20M  – Houston Agent Magazine

    Keller Williams Realty agreed to pay $20 million to settle the Batton home-buyer commission lawsuit, which alleges Keller Williams, RE/MAX, Anywhere Real Estate and the National Association of REALTORS® conspired to fix agent commissions and inflate home prices. 

    Keller Williams is the first defendant in the class-action lawsuit to settle. The preliminary, “ice-breaker” settlement, disclosed in federal court in Chicago on Monday, must be approved by a judge. 

    Keller Williams spokesperson Darryl Frost said, “Keller Williams is pleased to reach a nationwide settlement releasing the company — and all of our franchisees and affiliated agents and teams — from antitrust litigation brought by home buyers who purchased residential real estate that was listed on a MLS during the relevant time period.” 

    The plaintiffs argue that buyer agent commissions were inflated by a rule requiring the home seller to pay the buyer-broker commission in a transaction. That rule was dropped as part of the Sitzer Burnett class-action lawsuit settlement in 2024. In that suit, NAR agreed to pay $418 million over four years and amend its rules. The most salient part of that settlement was the removal of commission promises from MLS listings and requiring buyers to sign broker agreements with their agents before any home showings. 

    In response to the Keller William settlement, NAR said it would continue to pursue all legal options in pursuit of an “outcome that best serves members, the industry and consumers.” 

    “We respect Keller Williams’ right to settle these claims and anticipated the possibility they would do so,” NAR said. “NAR remains actively engaged in the Batton joint defense group, and we continue to defend our rules where questioned. Given recent history and the dynamics of this case, NAR continues to pursue all potential resolutions, both non-litigation and litigation, to reach a result that is in the best interest of our members, the industry and consumers.” 

    In an email sent to Keller Williams market leaders, President and CEO Chris Czarnecki said the brokerage decided to settle the lawsuit to eliminate uncertainty for its agents. 

    “We came to the decision to settle with careful consideration for the immediate and long-term well-being of our franchisees and agents and the business model they depend on,” Czarnecki said. “It was a decision to bring certainty and allow everyone at KW to focus on our mission without distractions. It allows us all to turn our attention back to what we do best: delivering unparalleled value in an ever-evolving real estate market.” 

    John Yellig

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  • Advocus National Title Insurance Co. expands leadership team to scale underwriting platform nationwide – Houston Agent Magazine

    Advocus National Title Insurance Company, a Rate-acquired company, has appointed Kelli Fogarty as executive vice president, business development and Stan Czaja as executive vice president and general manager as part of a strategic effort to scale its underwriting platform nationwide. 

    In his role, Czaja will focus on expanding Advocus’ national footprint, strengthening underwriting discipline, improving turn times and supporting both attorney-agents and traditional title agents with scalable systems and responsive underwriting support. 

    Fogarty is a real estate attorney and longtime advocate for attorneys and consumers. She will serve as a key attorney champion for the national platform. Fogarty serves on the board of directors of the Illinois Real Estate Lawyers Association and is the founder and former president of the Chicagoland Association of Real Estate Attorneys. 

    Czaja and Fogarty will report to Jill Cadwell, Advocus president, and work alongside company leaders Peter Birnbaum and Henry Shulruff. 

    “These appointments are about adding strength, scale and perspective to a leadership team that has already built something special,” said Cadwell. “Peter and Hank remain deeply engaged in the company’s strategy and operations, and Kelli and Stan bring complementary experience that allows us to grow thoughtfully — supporting attorneys and traditional title agents alike — without losing what makes Advocus unique.” 

     

     

     

    Jacqui Mueller

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  • Super Bowl LX: The ‘Big Game’ could mean big home-value boosts for Boston and Seattle – Houston Agent Magazine

    It’s no secret that championship rings can spur huge economic boosts for winning cities. Boston and Seattle, the respective homes of Super Bowl LX contenders, stand to benefit from such upswings after the game on Feb. 8.

    But are home values a part of that economic phenomenon? According to Zillow, yes: The site’s Home Value Index shows that in 13 of the past 20 years, home values in the metro area of the Super Bowl champion grew faster than the national average, increasing by an average of $4,437 more than typical United States houses in the year following a championship win.

    Both Seattle and Boston have benefitted from this trend in the past: When the Seahawks won the Super Bowl in 2014, Seattle home values increased by $13,667 more than the national average in 2015; when the Patriots won the very next year, Boston home values increased by $14,832 more than the national average the following year.

    The city with the biggest boost was Tampa, though: When the Buccaneers won in 2021, average home values increased by $25,262 more than the national average in 2022.

    However, Zillow analysts say homeowners in Seattle and Boston shouldn’t expect too much of a value boost if their city hoists the trophy on Sunday.

    “While this is a fun trend, it’s highly unlikely that a championship football team is the driving force causing home values to grow,” Senior Economist Kara Ng said in a press release. “Regardless of the outcome, the good news is that we are trending toward a healthier market nationwide, with more homes for sale and buyers better able to afford them.”

    Emily Marek

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  • René Galvan succeeds Bob Hale as president, CEO of HAR – Houston Agent Magazine

    René Galvan was appointed president and CEO of the Houston Association of REALTORS®, replacing longtime leader Bob Hale.

    Hale retired on Jan. 31 after 37 years as president and CEO. He first joined HAR leadership in 1996 and was a founder of HAR.com alongside Galvan, who has served as executive vice president of the organization since 1998.

    Galvan is a certified public accountant with a degree from the University of Texas at Austin. He was named on the Swanepoel 200 Watchlist and serves on boards including the American Society of Association Executives, the Finance Committee of the National Association of REALTORS® and the Public Policy Committee of Texas REALTORS®.

    “As president and CEO, my priority is to continue strengthening our services, tools and support that our 50,000 members rely on in this rapidly changing real estate environment,” Galvan said in a press release.

    Hale was named CEO Emeritus, an honorary title that recognizes exceptional service for former officers.

    “This organization has been my life’s work,” Hale said. “I am proud of what we’ve built together and confident that HAR is in excellent hands with René Galvan as president and CEO.”

    Emily Marek

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  • Why Houston’s housing story is different – Houston Agent Magazine

    If you’ve seen the national headlines lately, you might be confused about what’s actually happening in the housing market. Just in the last week, I’ve seen headlines that say sales are sluggish and there’s a shortage of inventory, while others suggest big changes are coming. 

    Here’s the good news: Houston is doing just fine.

    As a Realtor and chair of the Houston Association of REALTORS®, I spend a lot of time looking at the data — but I also spend a lot of time talking with buyers, sellers, renters, fellow agents and industry leaders. And what I’m seeing as 2026 gets underway is a Houston housing market that’s active, resilient and settling into a much healthier rhythm.

    While some parts of the country are still lagging, Houston has returned to pre-pandemic housing conditions. In fact, more homes were sold last year than in 2019 — the last truly “normal” year before everything changed. Economists expect that steady growth to continue this year.

    So when you hear talk of a sluggish market nationwide, just remember: real estate is local. We are in a good spot, especially as the market finally feels balanced.

    Yes, buyers have more leverage than they’ve had in more than a decade. Inventory reached record levels in 2025 and remains robust, giving buyers more choices (and a little more breathing room) than we’ve seen in years. Home prices have largely leveled off and mortgage rates have eased compared to their recent peaks. All of that adds up to more purchasing power.

    At the same time, sellers aren’t being left behind. More buyers are re-entering the market as rates come down, and demand remains solid. Some sellers are making modest price adjustments, but many homes are still receiving strong offers. This isn’t a market where one side “wins” and the other loses — it’s one where both buyers and sellers can succeed with the right strategy.

    The data backs this up. According to the latest HAR housing report:

    • Home sales increased 3.8% in 2025, with 88,634 homes sold.
    • Days on market for single-family homes edged up slightly, from 59 to 64 days.
    • The median single-family home price held steady year-over-year at $335,000, a welcome pause after years of rapid growth.
    • The average price rose just 0.8%, to $425,535.
    • Months of inventory expanded to 4.5 months, up from 4.0 months in December 2024.

    What all of this tells us is that the market is cooling in the best possible way — not slowing down, but smoothing out.

    Affordability remains one of the biggest challenges nationwide as well as here in Houston. According to HAR, 39% of Houston-area households can afford to buy a home, which is slightly better than last year but still below the level we reached five years ago. That said, Houston continues to outperform the national average. Nationwide, only 34% of households could afford to buy a home in 2025, compared to 55% five years ago.

    But there’s an important point many buyers don’t realize: Help is available. Nearly 90% of homes listed on HAR.com qualify for some form of down payment assistance. Buyers can easily see what programs they may be eligible for at har.com/downpayment, and that alone can be a game changer.

    One of the most interesting trends we’re seeing is where people are buying. Some of the hottest areas for home sales continue to be in the suburbs, like Waller, Brookshire and Hockley, where homes are more affordable and new construction is readily available.

    Communities that offer a combination of new homes at attainable price points are really standing out, especially for first-time buyers. For many, new construction in these areas has become the most cost-effective path to homeownership.

    While I wish I had a crystal ball to show me the direction of the market, I feel optimistic about where Houston is headed. This is a market that has adjusted, adapted and emerged stronger. As always, my best advice is to stay informed, ask questions and always practice real estate with real respect.

    Theresa Hill is 2026 chair of the Houston Association of REALTORS®.

    Theresa Hill

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  • Toll Brothers debuts new homes at Elyson in Katy – Houston Agent Magazine

    Toll Brothers began sales at its new-home community within the Elyson master-planned development in Katy.

    Offerings include one- and two-story floor plans up to 4,375 square feet in size. Designs feature up to six bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms and three-car garages. Pricing starts in the mid-$400,000s.

    “Home shoppers will find the perfect combination of style, functionality and personalization options in this stunning new community,” Houston Division President Brian Murray said in a press release.

    Amenities at Elyson include pools, fitness centers, playgrounds, parks and nature trails. The MPC is zoned to Katy Independent School District.

    Toll Brothers’ Elyson sales center is located at 7318 Sunflower Valley Drive.

    Emily Marek

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  • Home sales leap 198% in Houston’s hottest community – Houston Agent Magazine

    Home sales increased by 198% year over year in Brookshire during the fourth quarter of 2025 — making it the hottest community in the Houston area, according to the quarterly report from the Houston Association of REALTORS®.

    Homebuyers purchased 227 Brookshire homes during the last three months of 2025, with new construction making up nearly half of those transactions. The Waller County community had an average home price of $304,980, down 11.5% year over year and about $120,000 cheaper than the average Houston home price of $425,535 (as well as $30,000 cheaper than the Houston median of $335,000).

    The second-hottest community was Waller, which had previously been the hottest Houston community for three quarters in a row. Home sales increased 103% year over year and had an average sales price of $310,102. The third-hottest was the Crosby area, where sales increased 81.7% year over year and had an average price of $254,458.

    Eight of the top 10 hottest communities in the Houston area had home prices below the Houston average, with six offering prices below the median, including No. 5 Baytown/Harris County ($253,783), No. 6 1960/Cypress ($316,590) and No. 10 West of the Brazos ($268,963).

    The only communities on the list that were more expensive than average were No. 4 West End, which had an average sales price of $769,938, and No. 8 Friendswood, which had an average sales price of $537,081. Transactions increased annually by 50% and 37.1%, respectively.

    “Buyers across all corners of the Houston area are responding to opportunity,” said HAR Chair Theresa Hill. “As mortgage rates edge down, communities offering new construction, buyer incentives and more affordable pricing are well positioned to continue attracting prospective homebuyers.”

    Courtesy of HAR

     

    Emily Marek

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