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James Potenza EXCLUSIVE BUYER'S AGENT Pearland-Friendswood-League City-Houston

Pearland Homes For Sale and Houston Real Estate Market Report Jan 2012

MLS Report for January 2012

THE NEW YEAR BEGINS ON A POSITIVE NOTE FOR THE HOUSTON REAL ESTATE MARKET

January marks the eighth consecutive month of increased home sales

HOUSTON – (February 21, 2012) — The Houston housing market held to positive territory as 2012 began, with January marking the eighth consecutive month of increased home sales. The year also opened with a continued decline in active property listings and growth in pending sales—a combination that signals a healthy market with a balanced supply of housing inventory, and that puts Houston on enviable footing compared to many other markets around the U.S. that are slowly recovering from the housing downturn.

January sales of single-family homes climbed 9.2 percent versus one year earlier, according to the latest monthly data prepared by the Houston Association of REALTORS® (HAR). All segments of the housing market grew except the luxury segment—those homes priced from $500,000 and above—whose decline flattened the overall average price.

"The January report shows continued strength in the Houston housing market that we began seeing in the latter part of 2011, and it gives us cause for optimism as we look ahead to the typically active spring and summer buying months," said Wayne A. Stroman, HAR chairman and CEO of Stroman Realty. "We have also seen more jobs being filled locally and you generally don't experience a strong real estate market without healthy employment."

January's single-family home median price—the figure at which half of the homes sold for more and half sold for less—rose 0.9 percent year-over-year to $139,900. The average price of $194,765 was statistically unchanged from January 2011.

Foreclosure property sales reported in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) increased 22.0 percent year-over-year in January. Foreclosures comprised 27.8 percent of all property sales, which is higher than the 2011 average of 21.0 percent. The median price of foreclosures in January was flat at $82,550.

January sales of all property types in Houston totaled 3,632, up 4.8 percent compared to January 2011. Total dollar volume for properties sold during the month rose 5.9 percent to $683 million versus $645 million one year earlier.

January Monthly Market Comparison

The month of January brought Houston's overall housing market positive results when all sales categories are compared to January 2011. Total property sales and total dollar volume rose on a year-over-year basis. The median price rose while the average price was flat.

Month-end pending sales for January totaled 3,164. That is up 6.0 percent from last year and suggests another positive month of sales when the February figures are tallied. The number of available properties, or active listings, at the end of January declined 15.1 percent from January 2011 to 42,067. The inventory of single-family homes dropped to its lowest level since December 2009—5.7 months, compared to 7.2 months one year earlier. That means it would take 5.7 months to sell all the single-family homes on the market based on sales activity over the past year. The figure is significantly better than the national inventory of single-family homes of 7.2 months reported by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). These indicators all continue to reflect a balanced real estate marketplace for Houston.

CATEGORIES JANUARY 2011 JANUARY 2012 PERCENT CHANGE
Total property sales 3,467 3,632 4.8%
Total dollar volume $645,477,929 $683,494,880 5.9%
Total active listings 49,523 42,067 -15.1%
Total pending sales 2,984 3,164 6.0%
Single-family home sales 2,792 3,049 9.2%
Single-family average sales price $195,295 $194,765 -0.3%
Single-family median sales price $138,700 $139,900 0.9%
Months inventory* 7.2 5.7 -21.1%
* Months inventory estimates the number of months it will take to deplete current active inventory based on the prior 12 months sales activity. This figure is representative of the single-family homes market.


Single-Family Homes Update

January sales of single-family homes in Houston totaled 3,049, up 9.2 percent from January 2011. This marks the eighth consecutive monthly increase. <!-- First Image Chart w/Text -->

Single Family Home Sales

Broken out by segment, January sales of homes priced below $80,000 rose 6.4 percent; sales of homes in the $80,000-$150,000 range climbed 12.4 percent; sales of homes between $150,000 and $250,000 were up 17.6 percent; sales of homes ranging from $250,000-$500,000 advanced 4.8 percent; and sales of homes that make up the luxury market—priced from $500,000 and up—declined 2.1 percent.

Single Family Average Home Price

At $194,765, the average price of single-family homes was statistically unchanged from last January, resulting from the lower volume of luxury home sales. At $139,900, the median sales price for single-family homes rose 0.9 percent year-over-year. The national single-family median price reported by NAR is $164,500, illustrating the continued higher value and lower cost of living available to consumers in Houston.

HAR also breaks out the sales performance of existing single-family homes throughout the Houston market. In January 2012, existing home sales totaled 2,594, an 8.1 percent increase from January 2011. The average sales price declined 1.4 percent from last year to $181,310 and the median sales price also declined 1.4 percent to $125,000.

Townhouse/Condominium Update

The number of townhouses and condominiums that sold in January fell 6.2 percent compared to one year earlier. In the greater Houston area, 271 units were sold last month versus 289 properties in January 2011.

The average price dipped 3.1 percent to $137,626 from January 2011 to January 2012. The median price of a townhouse/condominium declined 9.6 percent to $96,050.

Townhouse/Condominium Sales


Lease Property Update

Single-family home rentals rose 15.3 percent compared to one year earlier and year-over-year townhouse/condominium rentals climbed 15.6 percent. This is consistent with increases in the leasing market recorded throughout 2011.

Houston Real Estate Milestones in January
  • Volume of single-family home sales rose for the eighth consecutive month;
  • Single-family home rentals rose 15.3 percent;
  • Townhouse/condominium rentals increased 15.6 percent;
  • 5.7 months inventory of single-family homes is the lowest level since December 2009 and compares favorably to the national average of 7.2 months.

for more information on Pearland Homes For Sale visit our website www.mypearlandmls.com

The computerized Multiple Listing Service of the Houston Association of REALTORS® includes residential properties and new homes listed by REALTORS® throughout Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties, as well as parts of Brazoria, Galveston, Waller and Wharton counties. Residential home sales statistics as well as listing information for more than 50,000 properties may be found on the Internet at http://www.har.com.

The information published and disseminated to the HAR Multiple Listing Services is communicated verbatim, without change by Multiple Listing Services, as filed by MLS participants.

The MLS does not verify the information provided and disclaims any responsibility for its accuracy. All data is preliminary and subject to change. Monthly sales figures reported since November 1998 includes a statistical estimation to account for late entries. Twelve-month totals may vary from actual end-of-year figures. (Single-family detached homes were broken out separately in monthly figures beginning February 1988.)

Founded in 1918, the Houston Association of REALTORS® (HAR) is a member organization of real estate professionals engaged in every aspect of the industry, including residential and commercial sales and leasing, appraisal, property management and counseling. It is the largest individual dues-paying membership trade association in Houston as well as the second largest local association/board of REALTORS® in the United States.

SEDONA LAKES MANVEL/PEARLAND HOME BUILDERS

Considering buying a new home in Sedona Lakes? Don't go it alone !

Use an Exclusive Buyer Agent to help you.

New home builders love Exclusive Buyer Agents. They help facilite the transaction from start to finish and make it easier on the home builder.

Good for the Home BUYER - Exclusive Buyer Agents help negotiate the best deal for their clients. As trained and experienced new home representitaves, they know how to negotiate with home builders.

Construction Process - Exclusive Buyer Agents are also highly trained on the home construction process. They ensure the home is built to their client's specifications and assist with key inspection periods. They also advise on upgrades and options that will be the most beneficial to the market value of the home.

Inspections - There are three very important inspection times during a new home build. Foundation, pre-sheetrock, and final inspection. These inspection are performed by a third party home inspector working for the home buyer. Exclusive Buyer Agents help coordinate the ideal inspection times in order to catch any flaws before the next building stage.

How much does an Exclusive Buyer's Agent cost the buyer ? Nothing. In all new home builds, and even inventory homes, there is a built in commission that is paid by the home builder. It never reflects the cost of the home. In most all cases, the home buyer actually saves money by using an Exclusive Buyer's Agent.

You need a new homes expert on your side looking out for your best interests. Contact an Exclusive Buyer's Agent for your new home buying consultation.

Sedona Lakes is a master planned community in Manvel Texas and is part of the greater Pearland area. Sedona Lakes is located right off hwy 288, right next to Pearland.

Sedona Lakes Pearland TX Coventry Homes

From the $300s to the $390s
2,700 sq. ft. to 3,900 sq. ft.

Sedona Lakes Pearland TX New Darling Homes60' Homesites From the $230s to $390s
2,100 sq. ft. to 3,200 sq. ft.

80' Homesites From the $350s to the $430s
3,200 sq. ft. to 4,700 sq. ft.

Sedona Lakes Pearland TX New Highland Homes

From the $220s to the $370s

2,200 sq. ft. to 3,900 sq. ft.

Sedona Lakes Pearland TX J Patrick Homes

From the $370s to the $440s
3,200 sq. ft. to 5,100 sq. ft.

The Villages at Mary's Creek - Pearland Homes For Sale

The Villages at Mary's Creek is a gated community in the heart of Pearland. located right next to the Pearland High School off the Pearland Parkway.

These are the current homes for sale in the Villages at Mary's Creek as of the posted date. To view all of the current Pearland homes for sale in the Villages at Mary's Creek, visit our website or click on the SEARCH FOR HOMES

When buying a Pearland home, use an Exclusive Buyer's Agent to help negotiate the best deal for you and represent your best interests.

Click for more pictures ... Single-Family ML #: 84098487 Status: A LP: $305,000
County: Brazoria KM: 615U Area: 5 - Brazoria County LP/SF: $ 88.15
Addr: 2907 GREEN FOREST LN City: PEARLAND Zip: 77581-8860
Sub: THE VILLAGES AT MARY'S CREEK Year Built: 2004/Appraisal District
Listing Firm: Prudential Gary Greene,
SqFt: 3460/Appraisal District <!-- aec: VI#50527 - added Max Bedrooms. 3/25/2005 --># Bedrooms: 4 / 4 FB/HB: 3/1
Style: Traditional Lot Size: 9600/Appraisal District
Garage: 2/Detached Garage Stories: 2 Tax w/o Exempt/Yr: $9026/2011 Tax Rate: 3.3236010000000004
Dir: Pearland Parkway to left at Entrance of Mary's Creek, First Left Then Right at Boxwood Gate, Left at Green Forest, House on the Right
Remarks: Meritage Legacy with custom pool,landscaping,4 bedrooms,3.5 baths,2 living areas,study,gameroom,media & dining.Oversized island kitchen with breakfast bar,computer niche & butler's pantry.The open plan features 2 story ceilings,wide plank wood floors,tile,custom lighting & cabinetry,dual entry staircase & oak banisters.Large guest rooms with walk-in closets.Gated community.Pearland ISD & City Park in walking distance.Near shopping,dining,Beltway 8 Commute.See photos & docs for more.

Click for more pictures ... Single-Family ML #: 14035958 Status: A LP: $324,000*
County: Brazoria KM: 615U Area: 5 - Brazoria County LP/SF: $ 79.74
Addr: 3313 REDWOOD GROVE ST City: PEARLAND Zip: 77581-5679
Sub: THE VILLAGES AT MARY'S CREEK Year Built: 2007/Appraisal District
Listing Firm: Phyllis Foster Real Estate Ser
SqFt: 4063/Builder <!-- aec: VI#50527 - added Max Bedrooms. 3/25/2005 --># Bedrooms: 4 / FB/HB: 3/1
Style: Traditional Lot Size: 10382/Appraisal District
Garage: 3/Attached Garage Stories: 2 Tax w/o Exempt/Yr: $10308/2010 Tax Rate: 3.3236010000000004
Dir: Take Beltway 8 to Pearland Parkway. Continue on Pearland Parkway until you reach the dead end. Take a left on Mary's Village, left on Auburn Woods and right on Redwood Grove. Property is on right.
Remarks: Beautiful home with a gorgeous entry and iron staircase. Hardwood floors through out living areas and tile in kitchen. Gourmet kitchen with granite countertops and an abundance of cabinet space. Large backyard with a covered patio. Don't miss the media room with a large screen, projector and surround sound. Large master bath with a separate seating area could be used as a workout room or sitting area. This is a must see!

Click for more pictures ... Single-Family ML #: 99225971 Status: A LP: $349,900
County: Brazoria KM: 615U Area: 5 - Brazoria County LP/SF: $ 89.99
Addr: 3311 SEQUOIA LAKE TRL City: PEARLAND Zip: 77581-5681
Sub: THE VILLAGES AT MARY'S CREEK Year Built: 2006/Appraisal District
Listing Firm: RE/MAX Top Realty
SqFt: 3888/Appraisal District <!-- aec: VI#50527 - added Max Bedrooms. 3/25/2005 --># Bedrooms: 4 / FB/HB: 3/1
Style: Traditional Lot Size: 9871/Appraisal District
Garage: 3/Attached Garage Stories: 2 Tax w/o Exempt/Yr: $10635/2011 Tax Rate: 3.3236010000000004
Dir: 518 to Pearland Parkway. Take Pearland Parkway to Villages at Mary's Creek ( right behind Pearland High School) .
Remarks: Stunning 2 story Wilshire Home in the gated community of Village's At Mary's Creek centrally located in Pearland. Close to High School, Beltway and so much more!! Home has MANY Features .. too many to list them all. Home incl. 4 bedrooms- master down, 3.5 bath, formal living, dining and study downstairs.Gameroom, media room upstairs. Complete room off of the breakfast that is used as bar area, granite in kitchen area, stainless appliances, builts in & more. HUGE Back patio and more!

Tue, Feb 7, 2012 10:57 AM Data Not Verified/Guaranteed by MLS
Obtain signed HAR Broker Notice to Buyer Form
Prepared by: James Potenza

SEDONA LAKES - LOWEST PRICE HOMES FOR SALE

Sedona Lakes - Manvel (Pearland) new and resale homes for sale. These are the lowest priced homes you will find at Sedona Lakes. The listings are current as of the posted date. Check our website for current listings.

When buying a new home in Pearland or Manvel, make sure you have an Exclusive Buyer's Agent with you when you go to the new home sale office. That will ensure you have the proper representation by a new home buying expert ! Your Exclusive Buyer's Agent will be able to help you negotiate the best deal on a new home and ensure the home is built right.

Click for more pictures ... Single-Family ML #: 2926758 Status: A LP: $278,926
County: Brazoria KM: 000A Area: 5 - Brazoria County LP/SF: $ 111.44
Addr: 3115 Currant Drive City: Manvel Zip: 77578-
Sub: Sedona Lakes 60s Year Built: 2012/Builder
Listing Firm: HomesUSA.com
SqFt: 2503/Builder <!-- aec: VI#50527 - added Max Bedrooms. 3/25/2005 --># Bedrooms: 4 / FB/HB: 3/0
Style: Traditional Lot Size: /
Garage: 2/Attached Garage Stories: 1 Tax w/o Exempt/Yr: $/ Tax Rate:
Dir: From South Sam Houston Tollway, exit 288 travel South. Take the Bailey Rd-CR101 Exit (just past FM 518) and turn left. Sedona Lakes will be on your right
Remarks: Built by Highland Homes, LTD - March completion! ~ 1 Story, 4 bedroom, 3 bath, 2 car garage. Home features include: wood floors, study, elegant stone fireplace, upgraded granite countertops, outdoor living area, oil rubbed bronze fixtures, natural stone exterior, upgraded master bath and much more!

Click for more pictures ... Single-Family ML #: 86520411 Status: A LP: $279,995*
County: Brazoria KM: 000A Area: 5 - Brazoria County LP/SF: $ 97.66
Addr: 3007 RABBIT BRUSH LN City: Manvel Zip: 77578-
Sub: SEDONA LAKES Year Built: 2009/Appraisal District
Listing Firm: BHGRE Anderson Properties
SqFt: 2867/Appraisal District <!-- aec: VI#50527 - added Max Bedrooms. 3/25/2005 --># Bedrooms: 4 / FB/HB: 3/0
Style: Traditional Lot Size: 8555/Appraisal District
Garage: 3/Attached Garage Stories: 2 Tax w/o Exempt/Yr: $3898/2010 Tax Rate: 2.2180310000000003
Dir: Take 288 south to CR 101. Exit & take the new bridge to the east. Turn South on Sedona Ln, Turn East on N Sedona Lakes Dr, follow it to Arcacia Ln & go North then go West on Currant to Manzanita turn north then turn West on Rabbit Brush Ln home on Rt
Remarks: This home was built by Award Winning Highland Homes. It's a 2 story, 4 bed, 3 bath, dining with butlrs pantry, gmroom, media, 3 car grge, cvrd patio. FlagstoneStone accents. Step up from gameroom to the media room w prewire for surr sound & proj. 2nd bedroom down with full bath. All baths have upg c-tops. Upg carpet throughout with 5in hardwood floors in the dining/Den/Game. Quiet cul-de-sac location with large back yard and room for a pool. Full sprinkler system and beautiful landscaping incl

Click for more pictures ... Single-Family ML #: 12708196 Status: A LP: $298,239
County: Brazoria KM: 000A Area: 5 - Brazoria County LP/SF: $ 94.53
Addr: 3114 Currant Drive City: Manvel Zip: 77578-
Sub: Sedona Lakes 60s Year Built: 2012/Builder
Listing Firm: HomesUSA.com
SqFt: 3155/Builder <!-- aec: VI#50527 - added Max Bedrooms. 3/25/2005 --># Bedrooms: 4 / FB/HB: 3/0
Style: Traditional Lot Size: /
Garage: 2/Attached Garage Stories: 2 Tax w/o Exempt/Yr: $/ Tax Rate:
Dir: From South Sam Houston Tollway, exit 288 travel South. Take the Bailey Rd-CR101 Exit (just past FM 518) and turn left. Sedona Lakes will be on your right.
Remarks: Built by Highland Homes, LTD - March completion! ~ 2 Story, 4 Bedroom, 3 Full Bath, 2 car garage. Lovely brick and stone exterior, extended master bedroom, media room, game room and study. Master bedroom and guest suite down. Features in the home include: granite counter tops, upgraded carpet, stainless steel appliances, iron staircase spindles, extended outdoor living, upgraded master bath, full gutters, sprinkler system, and much more!

Tue, Feb 7, 2012 10:24 AM Data Not Verified/Guaranteed by MLS
Obtain signed HAR Broker Notice to Buyer Form
Prepared by: James Potenza

Click for more pictures ... Single-Family ML #: 9821446 Status: A LP: $299,309
County: Brazoria KM: 000A Area: 5 - Brazoria County LP/SF: $ 90.02
Addr: 3026 Currant City: Manvel Zip: 77578-
Sub: Sedona Lakes 60s Year Built: 2011/Builder
Listing Firm: HomesUSA.com
SqFt: 3325/Builder <!-- aec: VI#50527 - added Max Bedrooms. 3/25/2005 --># Bedrooms: 4 / FB/HB: 3/1
Style: Traditional Lot Size: /
Garage: 2/Attached Garage Stories: 2 Tax w/o Exempt/Yr: $/ Tax Rate:
Dir: From South Sam Houston Tollway, exit 288 travel South. Take the Bailey Rd-CR101 Exit (just past FM 518) and turn left. Sedona Lakes will be on your right
Remarks: Built by Highland Homes, LTD - March completion! ~ 2 Story, 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath, formal dining, game room, covered patio, 2 car garage. This home is located on a premium home site with no backyard neighbors! Features include, upgraded tile flooring, upgraded granite kitchen counter tops, maple cabinets in kitchen and all baths, upgraded carpet, iron staircase spindles, stainless steel appliances, full sprinkler system and much more!

Click for more pictures ... Single-Family ML #: 59490852 Status: A LP: $302,990*
County: Brazoria KM: 653A Area: 5 - Brazoria County LP/SF: $ 102.78
Addr: 3014 Currant Drive City: Manvel Zip: 77578-
Sub: SEDONA LAKES SEC 1 Year Built: 2011/Appraisal District
Listing Firm: Darling Homes
SqFt: 2948/Appraisal District <!-- aec: VI#50527 - added Max Bedrooms. 3/25/2005 --># Bedrooms: 3 / 3 FB/HB: 3/1
Style: Other Style Lot Size: 7903/Appraisal District
Garage: 3/Attached Garage Stories: 1.5 Tax w/o Exempt/Yr: $525/2010 Tax Rate: 3.4
Dir: Exit CR 101 from TX-288. Take CR 101 to first right on Senora Lane into the Sedona Lakes community. For 60 model turn left on Sedona Lakes Dr. to Desert Rose Ct. For 80 model turn right on Sedona Lakes Dr. to Indigo Ct.
Remarks: Study, Formal Dining, Gourmet Kitchen is open to Breakfast and Family room with Corner Fireplace. Covered Patio, 3 Car Tandem Garag, Upstairs Game room and Media Room

Tue, Feb 7, 2012 10:24 AM Data Not Verified/Guaranteed by MLS
Obtain signed HAR Broker Notice to Buyer Form
Prepared by: James Potenza

PEARLAND HOMES FOR SALE - HOUSTON REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORT DECEMBER 2011

MLS Report for December and Full-Year 2011

2011 ENDS ON A HEALTHY NOTE FOR THE HOUSTON REAL ESTATE MARKET

December marks the seventh consecutive month of increased home sales; 2011 bests 2010 in sales volume and pricing

HOUSTON — (January 17, 2012) — After several months in which home sales figures were skewed by the effects of the 2010 homebuyer tax credit, the Houston real estate market concluded 2011 solidly in the black. December marked the seventh straight month of increased home sales and the month contained a host of indicators suggesting a healthy start to the new year. Prices of single-family homes across Greater Houston for full-year 2011 were up slightly from 2010. The median price reached an all-time high for a December in Houston and months inventory hit its lowest level in two years.

According to the latest monthly data compiled by the Houston Association of REALTORS® (HAR), December sales of single-family homes throughout the Houston market climbed 7.2 percent when compared to December 2010. Positive sales activity was recorded in every segment of the housing market except the luxury segment—those homes priced from $500,000 and above—which was unchanged year-over-year.

The average price of a single-family home was statistically flat at $219,791 compared to December 2010 while the December single-family home median price—the figure at which half of the homes sold for more and half sold for less—rose 1.9 percent from one year earlier to $160,000.

Foreclosure property sales reported in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) increased 6.1 percent in December compared to December 2010. Foreclosures comprised 20.5 percent of all property sales, remaining consistent with the levels they maintained for much of 2011. December's median price of foreclosures held steady on a year-over-year basis at $82,550.

December sales of all property types in Houston totaled 5,460, up 6.6 percent compared to December 2010. Total dollar volume for properties sold during the month increased 7.5 percent year-over-year to $1.16 billion. On an annualized basis, sales of all property types were up 4.3 percent compared to 2010 levels while total dollar volume rose 5.2 percent to $13 billion.

"2011 ended on a very promising note," said Wayne A. Stroman, HAR chairman and President/CEO of Stroman Realty.""We spent a good part of the year struggling to accurately gauge the market because we were comparing to accelerated sales in 2010 that resulted from the homebuyer tax credit. Once we distanced ourselves from that period, we saw clear indications of a healthy market with a balanced supply of housing inventory and strong pricing—conditions that put Houston in an enviable position compared to many housing markets around the country. The key to sustaining that positive momentum in 2012 will be continued improvement in Houston's employment numbers."

2011 Annual Market Comparison

The Houston housing market concluded calendar year 2011 with noteworthy gains in sales volume along with strong pricing. Single-family home sales rose 4.0 percent for the year while sales of all property types increased 4.3 percent. On a year-to-date basis, the average price rose 0.9 percent to $213,723 while the median price ticked up 0.7 percent to $155,000. Total dollar volume for full-year 2011 climbed 5.2 percent to $13 billion compared to full-year 2010.

CATEGORIES FULL-YEAR 2010 FULL-YEAR 2011 PERCENT CHANGE
Single-Family Home Sales 51,556 53,606 4.0%
Total Property Sales 61,005 63,610 4.3%
Total Dollar Volume $12,364,327,660 $13,012,903,352 5.2%
Single-Family Average Sales Price $211,765 $213,723 0.9%
Single-Family Median Sales Price $153,990 $155,000 0.7%


December Monthly Market Comparison

The month of December brought Houston's overall housing market positive results when all listing categories are compared to December 2010. Sales of single-family homes as well as all property types rose along with total dollar volume. The median single-family price increased to its highest level for a December in Houston while the average price remained unchanged.

Month-end pending sales for December totaled 2,907, up 3.0 percent from last year and a signal that a further increase in demand is likely when the January figures are tallied. The number of available properties, or active listings, at the end of December fell 14.1 percent compared to December 2010. This absorption of housing inventory accounted for a 20.2 percent decline in months inventory to the lowest level since December 2009—5.8 months versus 7.2 months in December 2010. That means it would take 5.8 months to sell all the single-family homes on the market based on sales activity over the past year. The figure is significantly better than the national inventory of single-family homes of 7.0 months reported by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). These indicators all continue to reflect a well-balanced real estate marketplace for Houston.

CATEGORIES DECEMBER 2010 DECEMBER 2011 PERCENT CHANGE
Total property sales 5,122 5,460 6.6%
Total dollar volume $1,079,022,599 $1,159,956,192 7.5%
Total active listings 49,005 42,083 -14.1%
Total pending sales 2,821 2,907 3.0%
Single-family home sales 4,295 4,604 7.2%
Single-family average sales price $220,479 $219,791 -0.3%
Single-family median sales price $157,000 $160,000 1.9%
Months inventory* 7.2 5.8 -20.2%
* Months inventory estimates the number of months it will take to deplete current active inventory based on the prior 12 months sales activity. This figure is representative of the single-family homes market.


Single-Family Homes Update

December sales of single-family homes in Houston totaled 4,604, up 7.2 percent from December 2010. This marked the seventh consecutive increase of 2011. Broken out by segment, December sales of homes priced below $80,000 rose 10.2 percent; sales of homes in the $80,000-$150,000 range were up 3.1 percent; sales of homes between $150,000 and $250,000 climbed 7.3 percent; sales of homes ranging from $250,000-$500,000 advanced 12.8 percent; and sales of homes that make up the luxury market—priced from $500,000 and up—were unchanged. <!-- First Image Chart w/Text -->

Single Family Home Sales

At $219,791, the average price of single-family homes was statistically flat compared to last December. At $160,000, the median sales price for single-family homes reached a December high for Houston, rising 1.9 percent year-over-year. That compares to the national single-family median price of $164,100 reported by NAR.

Single Family Average Home Price

HAR also breaks out the sales performance of existing single-family homes throughout the Houston market. In December 2011, existing home sales totaled 3,755, a 7.7 percent increase from December 2010. The average sales price edged up 0.9 percent from last year to $203,253 and the median sales price was flat at $145,000.

Townhouse/Condominium Update

December sales of townhouses and condominiums rose 3.2 percent compared to one year earlier. In the greater Houston area, 388 units were sold last month versus 376 properties in December 2010.

The average price climbed 2.5 percent to $173,675 from December 2010 to December 2011. The median price of a townhouse/condominium declined 4.9 percent to $131,750. <!-- Third Image Chart -->

Townhouse/Condominium Sales


Lease Property Update

The demand for Houston lease properties that prevailed throughout 2011 continued in December, though at a slower pace. Single-family home rentals rose 12.3 percent compared to one year earlier and year-over-year townhouse/condominium rentals ticked up 0.7 percent.

As HAR reported throughout year, this demand was largely perceived as the result of hiring gains that have drawn consumers to Houston from around the U.S. These consumers may not be prepared or capable of purchasing a home for various reasons, among them tighter mortgage lending criteria. According to the Greater Houston Partnership, as of November 2011, the Houston metropolitan area gained 170,700 net new jobs, recovering 112 percent of the 152,800 jobs lost during the recession.

Houston Real Estate Milestones in December
  • Volume of single-family home sales rose for a seventh consecutive month;
  • At $160,000, the median sales price for single-family homes reached the highest level for a December in Houston;
  • Single-family home rentals rose 12.3 percent;
  • Townhouse/condominium rentals increased 0.7 percent;
  • 5.8 months inventory of single-family homes is the lowest level since December 2009 and compares favorably to the national average of 7.0 months.


The computerized Multiple Listing Service of the Houston Association of REALTORS® includes residential properties and new homes listed by REALTORS® throughout Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties, as well as parts of Brazoria, Galveston, Waller and Wharton counties. Residential home sales statistics as well as listing information for more than 50,000 properties may be found on the Internet at http://www.har.com.

The information published and disseminated to the HAR Multiple Listing Services is communicated verbatim, without change by Multiple Listing Services, as filed by MLS participants.

The MLS does not verify the information provided and disclaims any responsibility for its accuracy. All data is preliminary and subject to change. Monthly sales figures reported since November 1998 includes a statistical estimation to account for late entries. Twelve-month totals may vary from actual end-of-year figures. (Single-family detached homes were broken out separately in monthly figures beginning February 1988.)

Founded in 1918, the Houston Association of REALTORS® (HAR) is a member organization of real estate professionals engaged in every aspect of the industry, including residential and commercial sales and leasing, appraisal, property management and counseling. It is the largest individual dues-paying membership trade association in Houston as well as the second largest local association/board of REALTORS® in the United States.