The year 2007 shaped up to be one of the best on record for property sales in Houston, second only to 2006, according to statistics released by the Houston Association of Realtors® (HAR). That milestone was achieved despite a fourth consecutive decline in sales in December that reflects the effects of the real estate slowdown that has taken a particularly heavy toll on markets outside Texas.
Total property sales for December registered 5,957, representing a 23.5 percent decline compared to December 2006. However, total dollar volume for 2007 reached its highest level ever with year-end sales of 83,432 properties totaling $16.6 billion. The average single-family home price for December rose 5.7 percent from last December to $216,433, while the median home price for a single-family home increased 2.4 percent to $153,630. The full-year median sales price was $152,000, or an increase of 1.6 percent compared to 2006. The full-year average sales price was $206,393, or an increase of 3.9 percent compared to last year.
"Having the second best year on record for property sales and a record dollar volume level is no small achievement, especially in light of what other markets are experiencing," said Michael Levitin, HAR Chairman and principal of HTownRealty.com. "Although the nation faces tough economic times as a result of the subprime mortgage meltdown, Houston has the distinct advantage of a vibrant job market and healthy energy industry base. That, coupled with the continued increase in home pricing, gives us reason to enter 2008 with a sense of cautious optimism about the local marketplace."Average and median single-family home prices continue to rise despite a fourth consecutive decline in sales in December
