Perspective is a powerful word. As I sit down to reflect on the state of Houston’s real estate market, I turn to the June Housing Report from the Houston Association of Realtors—and what I find may surprise you.

According to HAR, home sales rose 12.5% in June compared to the same time last year.

At first glance, that sounds like great news—and it is. But if you’re a seller or a listing agent who’s felt the sting of fewer showings, slower activity, or homes lingering on the market despite being well-priced, you may be scratching your head at that statistic.

Why the Numbers Are Surprising
June is traditionally one of the busiest months for real estate, yet this year’s activity feels sluggish for many. At Energy Realty, we’ve continued to sell homes, but not without a more strategic, marketing-intensive, and price-sensitive approach.

One major factor? Inventory levels. Compared to last June, inventory has surged by 31.8%, giving us a 5.4-month supply of homes—the highest we’ve seen since 2016. That officially places us in a buyer’s market.

So why are sales up, and prices holding steady, despite all this?

Putting It All in Perspective
Here’s the key: June 2024 was not a typical June. Last year, the housing market slowed dramatically due to a spike in interest rates and the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming presidential election. The abrupt shift caused a wave of price reductions and buyer hesitation, creating unusually low sales volume.

Fast forward to this year, and the uptick in sales feels dramatic only in contrast to that abnormal dip. Yes, more homes are selling—but it’s in the context of a highly competitive market with an abundance of listings and cautious buyers.

What This Means for Sellers
The buyers are out there, and activity is improving—but success isn’t guaranteed. With more choices on the market, buyers are selective and price-sensitive. That means:
• Your home needs to be truly market-ready
• Pricing must be strategic and competitive
• Marketing must be professional, polished, and persistent

Gone are the days of “list it and they will come.” In today’s climate, the homes that stand out—visually, conditionally, and financially—are the ones that sell.

The Bottom Line
Yes, Houston’s real estate market is moving—but in new and nuanced ways. If you’re a seller, don’t let promising headlines lull you into complacency. Partner with an experienced agent who understands the data, the trends, and the strategy needed to succeed in this evolving landscape.

Want a personalized consultation on pricing or prepping your home for sale? We’d love to help.