October in Houston wasn’t just filled with ghosts and goblins—it brought a few haunting surprises to the real estate market as well. What felt like a typical fall season quickly turned unpredictable, with the market behaving as if we were in the middle of a Presidential election year. Buyer activity slowed, listings trickled in at a much slower pace than we’ve seen in past years, and overall momentum seemed to vanish into the autumn fog.

🔎 Where Did the Buyers Go?

On paper, October should have been an active month. Mortgage rates dipped close to 6%, the lowest we’ve seen in over a year. Traditionally, that kind of drop sparks renewed interest from buyers who have been sitting on the sidelines. I’ll admit—even I predicted that the fall market would “kick into full gear” once rates fell near 6%. But the reality didn’t quite match expectations.

🤔 What’s Behind the Slowdown?

The culprit seems to be a mix of economic and political uncertainty. The government shutdown at the end of September cast a shadow of instability, while layoffs from major oil and gas companies shook confidence in Houston’s job market. These factors combined to create an atmosphere of hesitation—buyers who might have otherwise been ready to make a move decided to wait and see what happens next.

Like ghosts haunting the marketplace, uncertainty can chill even the most promising conditions.

🌇 Looking Ahead: Reasons for Optimism

There’s light at the end of the tunnel. With the midterm elections now behind us and talk that the government will reopen soon, confidence could return as we head into the final two months of 2025. Historically, Houston’s real estate market shows remarkable resilience, and once stability returns, activity often rebounds quickly.

💰 Advice for Sellers: Price Wisely!

For sellers hoping to make a move before the end of the year, pricing strategy is everything. This is not the time to overprice your home if you want to sell within the next 90 days. Remember, even the best realtors can only interpret market data and make informed recommendations—we don’t control the market itself.The key is to hire a professional realtor who understands the nuances of today’s market and can guide you through an effective pricing and marketing plan. With the right preparation, presentation, and strategy, your home can still attract serious buyers—even in a spooky market.

— Sherry Campbell | Broker/Owner of Energy Realty