The Global Empire Group - Market Updates

Houston Rental Market Delivers More Choices, Stable Pricing in August

Houston Housing Market Update – August 2025

HAR Insights

Houston Housing Market Update – August 2025

Houston Housing & Rental Affordability Improves in Q2 2025

HAR President & CEO Insights - August 8, 2025

Cypress Market Update – July 2025

Katy Real Estate Market Update – July 2025

Houston Market Update: What This Week’s Real Estate Data Means for You - July 5, 2025

Houston Rental Market Delivers More Choices, Stable Pricing in August

September 17, 2025 | Houston Association of Realtors

The Houston rental market kept a steady pace in August, offering renters more options than ever while keeping prices stable. With record-high inventory and balanced demand, consumers are finding a more favorable leasing environment across the city.

📊 Key Highlights – August 2025 Rental Market

Single-family leases: 4,602 (+3.1% YoY)

Active listings: 10,000+ (highest on record)

New listings added: 7,415 (+19.8% YoY)

Days on Market: 35 (up from 32 last year)

Average rent: $2,412 (flat YoY, second month in a row)

👉 Takeaway: Renters benefit from record supply and steady prices, while landlords are seeing slightly longer market times.

🏡 Single-Family Rentals: A Market with Breathing Room

In August, 4,602 single-family homes were leased, up 3.1% from last year. Active listings surpassed 10,000 units for the first time, setting a new record.

Homes are taking about 35 days to lease, compared to 32 days last August. While this means renters have more time to decide, landlords may need to price strategically and highlight key features to stand out.

🏘️ Townhome & Condo Rentals: Mixed Trends

Townhome and condominium rentals also showed growth:

Leased units: 738 (+2.8% YoY)

Average lease price: $1,965 (↓0.9% YoY)

New listings: 1,198 (↓6.3% YoY)

Days on Market: 48 (up from 39 last year)

👉 Demand is holding steady, but longer leasing times mean tenants can take advantage of slightly more negotiating power.

💡 What This Means for Renters

✅ Record inventory = more choices than ever

✅ Lease prices have stabilized after years of increases

✅ More time to shop and compare before making a decision

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to secure a rental, August’s numbers show a market that is favorable for tenants.

💡 What This Means for Landlords

✅ High inventory means more competition

✅ Proper pricing and presentation are critical

✅ Offering incentives (flexible lease terms, move-in specials) can help reduce time on market

✨ Final Word

HAR Chair Shae Cottar summed it up: “Houston renters are in a strong position right now with more choices and stable lease prices. As mortgage rates continue to ease, we expect to see more renters exploring their dream of homeownership in the coming months.”

Whether you’re renting, leasing out your property, or thinking about transitioning to homeownership, August’s data shows Houston’s rental market is in a stable and balanced place.

📲 Ready to find your next rental or start planning for homeownership? Let’s connect today and create a strategy that works for you.

Evony Nelson

Houston Housing Market Update – August 2025

September 10, 2025

Source: Houston Association of Realtors®

The Greater Houston housing market continued its momentum in August, marking the fourth straight month of sales growth. Strong buyer demand and steady pricing are driving activity as we move deeper into the second half of the year.

📊 Key Highlights – August 2025

Single-family home sales: 8,138 (+11.9% YoY)

Total property sales: 9,440 (+9.2% YoY)

Average sales price: $422,703 (virtually unchanged YoY)

Median sales price: $335,000 (flat YoY)

Total active listings: 60,525 (+26.1% YoY)

Months of inventory: 5.4 (up from 4.4 last year)

Total dollar volume: $3.8B (+10.9% YoY)

🏡 What This Means for Buyers

Good news: there are more homes to choose from than we’ve seen in years. Active listings are up over 26% compared to last year, which means buyers have options and more negotiating power. With homes sitting longer (5.4 months of inventory), you don’t have to feel rushed.

💡 What This Means for Sellers

The market is more balanced, but homes are still selling well. Prices are holding steady, and demand remains strong with over 8,000 single-family sales in August. Sellers should focus on pricing competitively and making homes stand out with staging and presentation, since buyers now have more to compare.

📈 Big Picture

The Houston market is in one of its healthiest phases in years:

Not overheated like the past few years.

Not stalled, since sales are climbing.

Balanced with enough homes for buyers and steady opportunities for sellers.

✨ Final Word

If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to buy or sell in Houston, this balanced market may be it. Buyers are gaining more leverage, and sellers can still achieve solid results with the right strategy.

📲 Ready to talk about your next move? Let’s connect and build a plan tailored to your goals in today’s market.

Evony Nelson

HAR Insights

August 15, 2025

By Bob Hale, President & CEO, Houston Association of Realtors

As the summer heat lingers, housing affordability remains one of the biggest challenges facing buyers across Houston and the nation. Interest rates, home prices, and industry changes are reshaping how people think about buying, selling, and even searching for homes.

Here are the key takeaways from this week’s housing insights.

💰 Affordability: Why Homes Feel More Expensive

Not long ago, a $400,000 home with 15% down and a 3% mortgage rate cost about $2,000 per month. Today, with rates closer to 7%, that same payment is nearly $2,800.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell points out that the real problem isn’t just interest rates, it’s the long-term housing shortage. Even as sales are hitting record lows, prices keep climbing, showing how supply and demand are still out of balance.

👉 What’s ahead? Congress is considering tax breaks and new policies to boost home construction, but meaningful changes may take time.

🏡 First-Time Buyers Facing “Sticker Shock”

For many Gen Z and millennial buyers, the surprises don’t stop at the closing table. A recent survey showed:

42% of Gen Z homeowners regret buying a home.

Top reasons: underestimating insurance, maintenance, HOA fees, property taxes, and even furniture/appliances.

Some have sold soon after buying, while others say renting feels easier, even if it’s not always cheaper.

👉 Takeaway: If you’re a first-time buyer, budgeting beyond your mortgage payment is critical. Factor in insurance, property taxes, and maintenance before you fall in love with a house.

🌍 Could the U.S. Lose the MLS Advantage?

One unique feature of U.S. real estate is that buyers see nearly all listings in one place through the MLS system. In Europe, buyers hop between sites with partial, outdated, or hidden listings, a frustrating process.

Some U.S. brokerages are experimenting with “exclusive” listings before they hit the MLS, which could create a fragmented market. Experts warn this might make home shopping more complicated, forcing buyers to juggle multiple sites or rely heavily on private databases.

👉 Why it matters: Having all listings in one place makes buying simpler and more transparent. Industry watchers caution against losing that advantage.

📊 National Housing Trends

Mortgage rates: Still near 7%.

Home prices: 55% higher than in early 2020 (Case-Shiller Index).

Median price of an existing home: $435,300 in June (new record).

Sales pace: Slowest in 30 years, but prices keep climbing due to limited supply.

Oxford Economics predicts the U.S. housing market will stay “stuck” until 2026, when rate cuts and new construction could provide relief.

🌎 Rising Insurance Costs & Natural Disasters

Another challenge? Insurance.

Major insurers warn that as global temperatures rise, home insurance could become unaffordable or even unavailable in some regions.

Texas already ranks near the bottom for retirement because of natural disaster risks and rising insurance premiums.

Without insurance, many buyers can’t qualify for mortgages, adding another barrier to affordability.

✨ Final Word

The housing market in 2025 remains challenging: higher monthly costs, limited supply, and shifting industry practices. But opportunities still exist:

Buyers have more negotiating power than in recent years.

Sellers can succeed with realistic pricing and strong presentation.

Staying informed and working with a knowledgeable Realtor is the best way to navigate these changes.

📲 Thinking about buying, selling, or relocating in Houston? Let’s connect and create a plan tailored to your needs in today’s market.

Evony Nelson

Houston Housing Market Update – August 2025

Published August 13, 2025 | Houston Association of Realtors

The Greater Houston housing market saw a summer shift in July, with more homes available, steady buyer demand, and prices stabilizing. This is creating one of the most balanced markets our city has seen in years, good news for both buyers and sellers.

📊 Market at a Glance

Single-family home sales: 8,300 sold (+9.2% YoY)

Median price: $339,000 (↓ 3.1% YoY)

Average price: $434,664 (↓ 1.9% YoY)

Active listings: 40,112 (+38.2% YoY, record high)

Months of inventory: 5.5 months (highest since 2012)

Days on market: 50 days (up from 45 last year)

Total property sales: 9,732 units (+9.0% YoY)

Total sales volume: $4 billion (+7.2% YoY)

👉 What this means: Buyers finally have more choices and negotiating power, while sellers can still benefit from strong demand, as long as homes are priced realistically.

🏡 Single-Family Home

Sales were up 9.2% year-over-year, a big jump compared to last July when Hurricane Beryl slowed activity.

Pending sales rose an impressive 32.2%, showing continued buyer confidence.

Median price: $339,000 (↓ 3.1%).

Average price: $434,664 (↓ 1.9%).

Inventory: 40,112 homes, the most on record.

Months of supply: 5.5 (a balanced market is typically 4–6 months).

Price ranges that saw the biggest sales growth:

$100K–$149K → +39.1%

$150K–$249K → +25.5%

$1M+ → +7.5%

🏘️ Townhomes & Condos

Sales were essentially flat year-over-year (468 vs. 466).

Median price: $217,500 (↓ 1.1%).

Average price: $266,501 (↑ 2.6%).

Inventory: 3,514 active listings.

Months of supply: 8.3 (highest since 2011).

👉 What this means: Townhomes and condos are becoming more competitive for buyers, with inventory giving you more room to shop around.

💡 What Buyers Should Know

✅ More inventory means more options, over 40,000 single-family homes are on the market.

✅ With prices easing, your budget goes further than last year.

✅ Pending sales show competition is still out there — so act smart, not rushed.

✅ Sellers are more open to negotiations, including price adjustments or closing cost help.

💡 What Sellers Should Know

✅ Price adjustments are common, the median price dipped 3.1% from last year.

✅ Buyers are shopping carefully, with homes averaging 50 days on the market.

✅ Presentation is everything, staging, curb appeal, and strong marketing help homes stand out.

✅ Even with record inventory, Houston homes that are priced right are still selling strong.

✨ Final Take

The Houston housing market in July 2025 was both active and balanced. Sales activity is climbing, prices are moderating, and inventory is at record highs. For buyers, this is one of the best opportunities in years to find the right home without rushing. For sellers, success comes down to pricing smart and presenting your property well.

📲 Thinking about buying, selling, or relocating to Houston? Let’s talk through your options so you can take advantage of today’s balanced market.

Evony Nelson

Houston Housing & Rental Affordability Improves in Q2 2025

August 12, 2025 | Houston Association of Realtors Report

Good news for Houston-area buyers and renters: affordability showed slight improvement in the second quarter of 2025, thanks to lower mortgage rates and easing lease prices.

🏡 Home Affordability on the Rise

According to HAR’s latest Housing Affordability Report:

39% of Houston households could afford a median-priced home — up from 37% in 2024.

The median home price dipped to $349,400, a 0.6% year-over-year decline.

Mortgage rates averaged 6.79%, down from 7.00% last year.

The typical monthly mortgage payment (including principal, taxes, and insurance) was $2,460, compared to $2,510 last year.

Households needed a minimum annual income of $98,400 to purchase a median-priced home, down 2% from last year.

👉 What this means: For buyers, especially first-timers or those relocating, slightly lower rates and stable prices mean more purchasing power compared to 2024.

🏠 Texas vs. National Trends

Across Texas, 39% of households could afford the median-priced home ($344,660), up from 36% last year.

Nationally, affordability remains tougher: only 34% of households could afford the $429,400 median-priced home.

Home prices increased in 75% of U.S. metro areas, showing that Houston’s slight price dip is part of a broader balancing trend.

📉 Rental Relief for Houston Renters

Renters also got a bit of breathing room in Q2 2025:

The average lease price for a single-family home dropped 4.1% year-over-year to $2,100.

The median rent was affordable for 46% of households, up from 43% last year.

Renters need about $84,000 in annual income to comfortably afford the median lease payment (excluding utilities and deposits).

👉 What this means: Leasing is becoming slightly more affordable, giving families and new arrivals to Houston more flexibility while they weigh buying options.

📊 Highlights from the Report

39% of Houston households could afford a median-priced home (up from 37% in 2024).

Median home price: $349,400 (↓ 0.6% YoY).

Monthly mortgage payment: $2,460 (↓ $50 YoY).

Minimum income to purchase: $98,400 (↓ 2% YoY).

Average lease price: $2,100 (↓ 4.1% YoY).

✨ Final Thoughts

HAR Chair Shae Cottar put it best: “While affordability challenges remain for many people, the Houston market is showing encouraging signs of balance.”

Mortgage rates have recently hit their lowest point since April, which could motivate more buyers to step off the sidelines. At the same time, renters are catching a break with lease prices edging down.

📲 If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or renting in Houston, now may be the right time to explore your options. Let’s connect and create a strategy that works for your budget and long-term goals.

Evony Nelson

HAR President & CEO Insights - August 8, 2025

As summer heats up in Texas, the housing market is actually cooling down, both nationally and here in Houston. In this week’s message from HAR President and CEO Bob Hale, there are key updates every buyer, seller, and Realtor should know.

🌡️ Housing Market Cooling Off

Even though the Fed has kept interest rates steady, many buyers and sellers are waiting things out.

Mortgage activity dipped in July.

Prices are softening in several big metros, including Houston.

Pending sales suggest we’re heading into a quieter season through the rest of 2025.

Takeaway: It’s shaping up to be a “wait-and-see” market, with more eyes now turning toward 2026 for stability.

💼 Realtors Holding Strong

Despite challenges, NAR’s newest report shows Realtors are adapting and thriving:

Incomes are up 4% (especially for experienced agents).

Realtors are leaning into referrals, technology, and slimming expenses to stay competitive.

On average, agents closed 10 transactions worth $2.5M in 2024.

Takeaway: Even with a softer market, there’s opportunity for professionals who stay connected and creative.

🚀 Brokerages: Old vs. New

The industry is seeing a major shift in who’s growing fastest:

Compass, eXp, Real, and Side, tech-driven newcomers, grew over $383B in sales volume since 2018.

Traditional giants like Anywhere and HomeServices grew by only $10B in the same period.

Brokerages with modern, cloud-based models are closing the gap fast.

Takeaway: The brokerage landscape is changing, but the role of the Realtor remains strong.

🏖️ Texas Ranked Low for Retirement

Bankrate’s new study placed Texas 49th out of 50 states for retirement, second-worst in the nation. Why?

High natural disaster risk

Rising insurance costs

Low healthcare rankings

Affordability challenges

Takeaway: These factors matter not just for retirees, but for anyone considering long-term housing affordability in Texas.

💰 Capital Gains Tax Talk

The White House is considering changes to capital gains taxes on home sales.

Current limits: $250K (single) / $500K (married) in profit before taxes.

Those thresholds haven’t been adjusted since 1997, even though home prices have surged nearly 190%.

Sellers are getting caught in tax bills more often, adjustments could be on the horizon.

Takeaway: Policy changes here could significantly impact homeowners who’ve seen big appreciation.

🏠 National Housing Numbers

Median existing home price in June: $435,300 (new record, up 2% YoY).

Homes for sale: 1.53M (up 15.9% YoY).

Luxury market: $1M+ home sales rose 14%.

Takeaway: While supply is rising, affordability remains a challenge, especially at the higher end.

📱 Zillow’s “Super App” Push

Zillow continues expanding beyond listings into mortgages and rentals:

Rental listings: 2.4M active (No. 1 traffic in the country).

Mortgage revenue: up 41% YoY.

Q2 Revenue: $655M (15% annual increase).

Takeaway: Zillow is positioning itself as a one-stop shop for real estate consumers, and agents.

✨ Final Word

2025 has been a “stuck” year for housing, with both buyers and sellers waiting for better conditions. But opportunities still exist:

Buyers have more options and negotiating power.

Sellers can still capture strong demand if priced realistically.

Realtors who adapt with tech, referrals, and smart strategy are thriving.

📲 If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or relocating in Houston or beyond, let’s talk through how today’s market shifts can work for you.

Evony Nelson

Cypress Market Update – July 2025

By Keller Williams Signature

Thinking about buying your first home or making a move to Cypress? Here’s what you need to know about the market in July 2025.

👀 Quick Snapshot

Typical Home Price: $414,465 (about $20K less than last year)

Average Price: $479,687

Time on Market: 52 days (16 days longer than last year)

Homes for Sale: 2,125 (that’s 23% more choices than last year!)

Homes Sold: 375 (demand is still strong!)

🏡 What This Means If You’re Buying

✅ More homes are on the market → you’ve got more options.

✅ Homes are sitting a little longer → you don’t have to rush.

✅ Prices dipped slightly → your money goes further than it did in 2024.

👉 If you’re relocating, Cypress offers more breathing room than Houston with great schools, family-friendly neighborhoods, and still easy commutes.

💡 What This Means If You’re Selling

✅ Be realistic with pricing, buyers have more choices now.

✅ Expect 45–60 days on the market instead of the 30-day sales from a couple years ago.

✅ Make your home stand out with curb appeal, staging, or small updates.

✨ Bottom Line for Cypress

The market is leveling out, it’s not crashing. Buyers finally have time and choice, and sellers can still win if they price smart.

Thinking about buying your first place or moving into Cypress? Let’s talk through your goals so you can make the most of today’s market.

Evony Nelson

Katy Real Estate Market Update – July 2025

By Keller Williams Signature

If you’re considering Katy for your first home or relocation, July 2025 brought some big shifts that could work in your favor.

👀 Quick Snapshot

Typical Home Price: $342,820 (about $47K less than last year)

Average Price: $417,698

Time on Market: 34 days (a little faster than last year!)

Homes for Sale: 3,699 (almost 50% more than last year!)

Market Balance: 4.1 months of supply (more balanced than it’s been in years)

🏡 What This Means If You’re Buying

✅ Homes are more affordable, that $400K budget stretches further now.

✅ More homes on the market means you don’t have to settle.

✅ Homes are still moving in just over a month → so act smart, not rushed.

👉 For relocators: Katy has top-rated schools, master-planned communities, and easy access to Houston, a big draw for families.

💡 What This Means If You’re Selling

✅ Overpricing will backfire, today’s buyers are savvy and selective.

✅ Homes priced right are still selling in about a month.

✅ Competition is high (3,699 homes on the market!) → staging and presentation matter.

✨ Bottom Line for Katy

Katy’s market has corrected, not collapsed. Buyers are gaining negotiating power, and sellers who price smart still get solid offers.

If you’re relocating to Katy or ready to buy your first home here, this summer could be your window of opportunity.

📲 For both Cypress and Katy: I can help you break down what these numbers mean for you personally. Every buyer and seller’s situation is different, so let’s connect and build your game plan.

Evony Nelson

Houston Market Update: What This Week’s Real Estate Data Means for You - July 5, 2025

This week’s Houston housing market snapshot gives us insight into what’s happening behind the scenes and how both buyers and sellers can stay ahead of the curve.

According to HAR.com:

New Listings: ↑ 6.8%
Closings: ↓ 14.7%
Pending Listings: ↓ 10.7%
Listing Views: ↓ 50.7% (mostly due to bot security updates)
Off-market listings: ↓ for the first time in 2025

💡 What It Means for Buyers:
More listings = more options. You’re not competing with as many buyers as before, which gives you room to negotiate. Now is the time to get pre-approved and explore down payment assistance or creative financing options.

💼 What It Means for Sellers:
The market is active, but more competitive. If your property isn’t priced right, it could sit. The good news? Strategic marketing, including professional photos, open houses, and strong financing partners, can still drive results.

🧠 Final Thought:
Whether you're buying, selling, or investing, data drives decisions. Let this weekly insight help guide your next move.

Evony Nelson

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Houston Rental Market Delivers More Choices, Stable Pricing in August

Houston Housing Market Update – August 2025

HAR Insights

Houston Housing Market Update – August 2025

Houston Housing & Rental Affordability Improves in Q2 2025

HAR President & CEO Insights - August 8, 2025

Cypress Market Update – July 2025

Katy Real Estate Market Update – July 2025

Houston Market Update: What This Week’s Real Estate Data Means for You - July 5, 2025

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