Pending-home sales hit their highest volume in four years in May. (via HAR)

Pending-home sales hit their highest volume in four years in May, according to the latest Housing Market Update from the Houston Association of REALTORS® — indicating continued demand across the area.

Buyers contracted on 9,172 listings during the month, up 5.8% year over year and the highest level of pending-home sales since May 2022.

Closings, however, declined “modestly” during the week, HAR said, as single-family home sales decreased 3.2% year over year.

“The increase in contract activity tells us prospective buyers remain confident in our local housing market,” said HAR Chair Theresa Hill. “People are continuing to make moves for life reasons, and many are finding that today’s market offers more flexibility and more choices than we’ve seen in recent years.”

The luxury segment was strongest in May, with sales jumping 10.1% year over year. That drove greater Houston’s average home price up 2.3% to $447,301, the highest level in nearly a year. The median home price was flat at $340,000.

Given the rate of sales, Houston had a 5.1-month inventory in May, unchanged from a year prior.

Existing-home sales

Among just existing homes — excluding new construction — sales declined 1.8% year over year, with 6,096 closings. The median price was flat, while the average increased 2.7% to $469,629.

Townhomes and condos

Looking at for-sale townhomes and condominiums, sales fell 4.3% year over year, with 464 closings, but the average price rose 6.7% to $283,293 and the median rose 3.6% to $230,000.

The post Houston pending-home sales hit highest level since 2022 appeared first on Houston Agent Magazine.

Where did you grow up?
Houston, close to the Champions area

Growing up, what did you want to be?
A dentist!

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?
I love to bake as well as go for long walks and jogs.

If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?
Walt Disney. His vision, creativity and ability to turn big ideas into lasting experiences continue to inspire me. What fascinates me most is how he built something that has impacted generations of families while never losing sight of innovation, storytelling and the customer experience.

What is Houston’s best kept secret?
Houston’s food scene. People know we’re diverse, but many don’t realize you can experience some of the best cuisines in the world without ever leaving the city. Every neighborhood has a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

What do you love most about the industry?
The people. Real estate is about relationships, helping others achieve their goals and making a meaningful impact during some of the most important moments in their lives. I also enjoy mentoring leaders and agents and watching them succeed.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
The toughest part is knowing you can’t be everywhere at once. I genuinely enjoy helping people, so prioritizing where I can make the biggest impact while still being present and accessible is a constant challenge, but it’s also what keeps the job exciting.

What’s your best advice for generating new leads?
Be consistent and stay in relationship mode. The best lead-generation strategy isn’t a secret script or the latest trend, it’s building genuine relationships and staying top of mind. Focus on adding value, following up and being present in your community. Most opportunities come from trust, and trust is built through consistent actions over time.

What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to?
My 10-year-old heavily influences the agenda! Between Disney, superheroes, family movie nights and leadership podcasts, my binge-watching and listening habits are a fun mix of business, adventure and whatever my son says I need to see next.

What’s your favorite meal in Houston?
Teotihuacan Mexican Cafe. It’s one of those places that never disappoints on great food and great atmosphere — a true Houston favorite, whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Houston?
The Gulf Building (now known as the JPMorgan Chase Tower). When my family moved to Houston, I was a kid and my dad worked there, so it holds a lot of personal memories for me. Beyond the nostalgia, I’ve always admired its presence on the Houston skyline.

What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job?
A giant cat once bolted down a staircase and came straight at me during a showing. Real estate teaches you to expect the unexpected, but that one definitely caught me off guard!

What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
I’m a huge Disney fan. I appreciate the vision, storytelling and attention to customer experience that Walt Disney built into the brand. There are actually a lot of leadership lessons hidden in the Magic Kingdom.

What is your favorite vacation spot and why?
Walt Disney World Resort. I’ve been taking my son there since he was 18 months old, and one of my favorite things is seeing the wonder in his eyes. What’s amazing is that the experience changes every time we visit, and as he grows older each trip creates new memories and a different perspective.

That said, don’t get me wrong, the beaches of Hawaii are right up there as well. If I could combine Disney magic with a Hawaiian sunset, that would be pretty hard to beat.

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Focus on people, not commissions. The rest follows.

What are your social media handles?
Instagram: @kzleadership
LinkedIn: Kenneth Zarella

The post Kenneth Zarella appeared first on Houston Agent Magazine.

The seasonally adjusted annual rate of existing-home sales for all types of residences in May climbed 3.2% on both monthly and annual bases to 4.16 million, while the median sales price of $429,300 represented a new high for the month, the 

The pace of sales topped the consensus estimate of 4.08 million sales per year. 

Sales of single-family homes rose 3.5% and 3.3% month over month and year over year, respectively, to an annual rate of 3.8 million transactions. The pace of condo and co-op sales was flat month over month at an annual rate of 370,000. Year over year, condo sales were up 2.8%. 

“More Americans are on the move, with home sales rising to the highest level since December. This is great news for the housing market and the economy,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “Improving affordability is helping drive this momentum. Even with mortgage rates ticking up compared to earlier in the year, they remain lower than a year ago and are essentially at the long-term historical average. Income gains are also outpacing home-price growth by a small margin in most parts of the country.” 

Regionally, the month-over-month rate of sales increased in the Northeast, Midwest and South and was flat in the West. Year-over-year sales rose in the Midwest, South and West and fell in the Northeast. 

Inventory rose 3.3% month over month and 0.6% year over year to 1.55 million homes, which equals a 4.5-month supply of unsold inventory, unchanged from April and down from 4.6 months a year ago.  

The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage in April was 6.44%, up from 6.33% in April and down from 6.82% a year earlier.  

“The new record-high May home price reflects solid fundamentals for homeowners and ongoing supply constraints,” Yun said. “Increased home sales mean more economic activity — lawn care, furniture purchases, moving services, mortgage originations and other related business activities all get a boost.” 

The post NAR: Existing-home sales top expectations in May with 3.2% gain appeared first on Houston Agent Magazine.

Garza, an agent with Nan and Company Properties, handled 354 transactions last year — nearly double that of the No. 2 agent on NAHREP’s list — with a sales volume of nearly $142.8 million.

Nan and Company Properties also tied with two other brokerages as the top office in the country, with five agents featured in the top 250.

All told, NAHREP’s top 250 agents represent 42 U.S. states and Puerto Rico. The top brand represented in the ranking is eXp Realty, with 35 agents, followed by REMAX with 20, Realty of America with 18, Keller Williams with 16 and Coldwell Banker with 12.

Women make up 57% of the top 250 Latino agents, with men making up 42%. Seventeen percent own their own business, 58% are brokers and 45% have more than 10 years of industry experience (followed by six to 10 years at 33% and two to five years to 21%).

Over half of the top 250 agents are Gen X, followed by Millennials at 37%, baby boomers at 6% and Gen Z at 5%. Ninety-five percent are bilingual.

Houston-area real estate agents are prominently featured throughout NAHREP’s ranking:

No. 1 – Olga Garza, Nan and Company Properties
354 transactions, $142,799,911

No. 9 – Maggie Castillo, Realty of America
141 transactions, $26,251,796

No. 20 – Grecia Berrios, Realty of America
106 transactions, $33,728,863

No. 22 – Nancy Almodovar, Nan and Company Properties
105 transactions, $92,085,145

No. 28 – Thalina Garcia, Nan and Company Properties
100 transactions, $41,670,202

No. 30 – Lisseth Larios, Premier Haus Realty
98 transactions, $31,763,930

No. 63 – Mayra Janet Rodriguez, The Agency Team
73 transactions, $20,147,187

No. 85 – Jose Nieto, Nan and Company Properties
63 transactions, $18,654,541

No. 125 – Waldina Galeano, The Agency Team
54 transactions, $18,258,069

No. 164 – Mario Guzman Jr., REMAX Real Estate Associates
48 transactions, $12,047,913

No. 179 – Ivan Arjona, REMAX One – The Woodlands and Spring
46 transactions, $41,693,786

No. 198 – Nelly Perez, Century 21 Western Realty
45 transactions, $15,568,721

No. 203 – Nicole Hohman, Nan and Company Properties
44 transactions, $21,336,253

No. 205 – Yvonne Peña, Keller Williams Houston Central
44 transactions, $14,787,722

No. 209 – Olivia Rodriguez, Lions Gate Realty
44 transactions, $12,514,500

No. 210 – Angela Aguilar, Surge Realty
44 transactions, $12,188,279

No. 232 – Aurelio Valdez, REMAX Prestige
42 transactions, $11,102,804

The post NAHREP: Olga Garza named No. 1 Latino agent in the US appeared first on Houston Agent Magazine.

Realtors helped new sellers add 4,036 properties to the MLS, a 2.1% year-over-year drop. Meanwhile, closed home sales fell 15.3%, with buyers purchasing 2,405 properties, and pending sales decreased 15.4%, with 2,126 listings going under contract.

Sellers held steady, though, as off-market listings declined 7% year over year: Sellers pulled 2,893 properties from the MLS, down from 3,112 during the same week in 2025.

The post Housing market activity dampens in Houston appeared first on Houston Agent Magazine.

Take our survey and let us know!

powered by Advanced iFrame

The post Survey: What brokerage model do you work under? appeared first on Houston Agent Magazine.

In its new Rent vs. Buy analysis, the group compared mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance rates and maintenance and closing costs for homebuyers with monthly rent and renters insurance costs to determine how long it takes for buying a home to be a smarter financial decision than renting.

Assuming a 20% down payment, U.S. homeowners stand to gain about $732,000 in housing wealth over the course of a 30-year mortgage, recouping the upfront costs of homeownership and reaping the benefits of improved housing affordability after just 6 years. During the same time frame, renters will have paid $1.44 million in rent and renters’ insurance. Even when accounting for the extra cash renters have at their disposal, that puts them about $1.14 million behind homeowners after 30 years.

The timeline is similar with a 5% down payment: the typical renter is about $1.3 million behind homeowners, who end a 30-year mortgage with about $555,000 in housing wealth, but break even after 5.75 years.

Buyers can break even faster than the national average in just 15 major U.S. metros. In the most optimal market — Columbus, Ohio — buyers are better off than if they’d rented in just 4.1 years.

Conversely, in several cities, buyers never break even: in New Orleans, San Francisco and San Jose, California, buying a home isn’t a smarter financial decision than renting, at least not over a 30-year period.

“For generations, Americans have been told that buying a home is the smartest financial move they’ll ever make. This analysis finds the truth is more complicated,” said Senior Economist Orphe Divounguy. “This research shows that both renting and buying can be smart decisions, just in different cities. The good news is that for buyers who are ready, conditions today are the most favorable they’ve been in years.”

Divounguy added that ZIP code selection could be the most important financial decision in a person’s life.

Overall, the data suggests that households should buy if they plan to stay more than six years, if their city has a quick break-even timeline or if stability and equity are a priority — but they should rent if they plan on moving in less than 6 years, if they life in an expensive coastal city or if they value flexibility and liquid cash.

“The rent-versus-buy decision in 2026 is as much of a lifestyle decision as a financial one,” said Zillow home trends expert Amanda Pendleton. “Do you want a backyard garden and a menagerie of pets? Or do you want to skip yard work entirely and have the flexibility to move on a whim? These types of lifestyle questions are as important as whether or not the math works in your favor.”

The post It takes 6.3 years to break even on homeownership in Houston appeared first on Houston Agent Magazine.

“Our expansion into Dallas-Fort Worth represents more than geographic growth — it’s the next chapter in our mission to create opportunities for families across Texas,” John Winniford, president of First America Homes, said in a press release. “Backed by The Signorelli Company’s expertise in land development and community creation, we’re bringing out proven approach to homebuilding to one of the nation’s top housing markets while laying the foundation for long-term growth throughout North Texas.”

First America’s offerings at Leonard Trails will range from 1,700 to 3,200 square feet, with single- and two-story plans available. Features include chef kitchens, private bedroom suites, spa-style bathrooms, covered patios, game rooms, studies, mudrooms and home offices. The builder’s plans for 30-foot sites feature volume ceilings and open spaces, while plans for 40-foot sites feature larger garages with extra storage.

Pricing starts in the $300,000s, with sales projected to begin this July.

Leonard Trails is zoned to Anna Independent School District. Community amenities include a pool, playground, sports field and dog park.

The post First America Homes expands into DFW market appeared first on Houston Agent Magazine.

The milestone coincides with the beginning of model home construction by builders Highland Homes, J. Patrick Homes, Empire Homes, Newmark Homes and David Weekley Homes.

“There’s incredible momentum building at The George,” Derek Goff, vice president and general manager of the community, said in a press release. “With presales underway and model homes taking shape, future residents can finally begin to experience the vision we’ve worked so hard to bring to life — a community designed to honor the land’s legacy while creating an exceptional place for families to grow.”

Highland Homes will offer homes for 60-foots lots — the largest in the MPC — with pricing starting in the low $600,000s. J. Patrick Homes will also build on 60-foot lots, with pricing starting in the $590,000s.

David Weekley Homes will build on 50-foot lots, with pricing starting in the $400,000s; Empire Homes will build on 45-foot lots, with pricing starting in the $400,000s; and Newmark Homes will build on 40-foot lots, with pricing starting in the $360,000s.

Two additional builders will begin sales later this summer: Perry Homes, building on 45-foot lots, and Chesmar Homes, building on 40-foot lots.

Westin Homes will also build at The George, with offerings and pricing yet to be determined.

All told, plans for The George’s first phase of development include over 300 homesites, an amenity center. Future plans include a Lamar Consolidated Independent School District elementary school.

The post Sales begin at The George as builders break ground on model homes appeared first on Houston Agent Magazine.

The median listing price fell for the seventh-straight month, according to the May Monthly Housing Trends Report from Realtor.com.

That median list price equated to a median price per square foot of $228, down 2.5% from May 2025 — a record annual decline.

Meanwhile, new listings hit a four-year high of 474,976 and pending sales increased for the sixth month straight.

Amid what Realtor.com called the most active spring market in years, Chief Economist Danielle Hale said the market is finding a new equilibrium.

“Higher rates and geopolitical uncertainty could have sidelined both buyers and sellers this spring,” said Hale. “Instead, we’ve seen six months of sellers adjusting their expectations and buyers rewarding them for it. List prices are down at a record pace, but price reductions are also down. That combination tells you sellers are doing their homework before listing, not after.”

The share of active listings with a prior price reduction decreased 1.6 percentage points to 17.5%.

“In a crashing market, sellers list optimistically and get forced to cut. What we’re seeing is different in a key way,” said Senior Economist Jake Krimmel. “Sellers are using current market conditions as price discovery from the start, pricing for current conditions rather than selling under distress. That combination tells you sellers have internalized the more buyer-friendly conditions and are adjusting price expectations before listing rather than after. This is a meaningful behavioral shift, and it’s precisely why buyers are still showing up despite rates above 6.5%.”

Regional price changes and listing activity

The median list price decreased annually in all four major United States regions in May: 4% in the West, 2.5% in the South, 1.8% in the Northeast and 1.2% in the Midwest.

Price per square foot declined most in Austin, Texas (down 8.3%), Memphis, Tennessee (down 5.9%), and Buffalo, New York (down 5.8%), but increased most in Providence, Rhode Island (up 9.1%), Indianapolis (up 5%), and Cleveland (up 3.1%).

Amid price decreases, new listings increased 8.6% in the Northeast, 4.7% in the Midwest and 0.6% in the South, but declined 1.4% in the West.

In the Houston metro area, sellers pulled back, with new listings declining 13.3%. The median list price decreased 3.4% year over year to $360,000.

At the same time, the price-reduced share decreased 1.5 percentage points to 18.4%.

The post Realtor.com: Buyers ‘rewarding’ sellers for adjusted listing price expectations appeared first on Houston Agent Magazine.