Category: Uncategorized

Houston Real Estate Highlights for December and Full-Year 2024

After two years of decline, the Houston housing market showed signs of recovery in 2024. Homebuyers remained active despite fluctuating mortgage rates and rising home prices, keeping both the resale and rental markets strong. As 2025 begins, steady demand and a growing inventory point to continued market growth.

Houston Real Estate Highlights for December and Full-Year 2024:

  • Following two consecutive years of declines, single-family home sales rebounded in 2024 with 85,163 homes sold, a 1.3 percent increase compared to 84,038 in 2023.
  • Total property sales for 2024 were relatively flat at 101,864 units, while total dollar volume rose by 3.1 percent, reaching $41 billion.
  • December saw a 16.3 percent year-over-year increase in single-family home sales, with 7,162 units sold.
  • Total property sales in December increased 13.6 percent to 8,478 units, while total dollar volume rose 20.5 percent to $3.5 billion.
  • The median price of single-family homes in December edged up 1.3 percent to $334,290, while the average price increased by 5.0 percent to $425,150.
  • Single-family homes saw a rise in months of inventory, expanding to a 4.0-month supply.
  • The townhome/condominium market faced challenges throughout 2024. In December, townhome/condominium sales dropped 5.8 percent, although the average price rose 2.5 percent to $268,152. The median price remained largely unchanged at $234,250.
  • Townhome/condominium inventory improved, rising from a 3.5-month supply to 5.4 months.

According to the Houston Association of Realtors’ (HAR) December/Full-Year 2024 Housing Market Update, the market showed resilience despite challenges. “After two years of declining sales, 2024 brought much-needed stability to the Houston housing market,” said HAR Chair Shae Cottar of LPT Realty. “While higher mortgage rates posed challenges for some buyers, the Houston market weathered these fluctuations better than many other regions across the country. The strong sales and growing inventory we saw in 2024 provide a positive outlook for both buyers and sellers heading into 2025.”

Houston’s rental market also performed well in 2024, with many potential homebuyers choosing to rent while waiting for mortgage rates to stabilize.

Source: https://www.har.com/s/HGyvSAtmbf2

Texas Proposed Bill HB 191 (2025) – purchase of real property by foreign entities

Summary of Texas Proposed Bill HB 191 (2025)

Relating to the purchase or acquisition of title to real property by certain foreign entities.

HB 191 is a proposed bill in Texas that seeks to regulate the purchase or acquisition of real property by certain foreign entities, such as foreign governments, corporations, or individuals. The bill would establish restrictions and requirements for the acquisition of real estate within the state of Texas, particularly targeting foreign influence over the state’s land and property market.

Key Provisions of the Bill:

  1. Restrictions on Foreign Ownership:
    • The bill proposes to restrict or regulate the ability of certain foreign entities to purchase or acquire real property in Texas.
    • Specifically, the bill focuses on foreign governments, foreign corporations, and other entities controlled by foreign interests that may have interests in acquiring property in Texas.
    • The bill likely aims to address national security concerns or issues related to foreign influence, especially from countries that may have conflicting interests with the United States.
  2. Exemptions:
    • The bill may outline exemptions for specific types of foreign entities, such as those engaged in business activities that contribute to the state’s economy, or individuals purchasing property for personal use.
    • Some foreign acquisitions may still be allowed, particularly those that align with business or investmentactivities in Texas, but they would need to meet certain criteria to be eligible.
  3. Government Review and Approval:
    • Foreign entities looking to purchase property may be required to go through a review and approval processby state authorities before the transaction can be completed.
    • This review process may involve checks related to national security, economic impact, and whether the acquisition is in the best interests of Texas residents and the state’s economic security.
  4. Transparency and Reporting:
    • The bill might require foreign entities to disclose their intent to purchase property in Texas, as well as their ownership structure and any affiliations with foreign governments or interests.
    • Transparency provisions would likely ensure that these transactions are publicly reported and open to scrutiny by both state officials and the public.
  5. Land and Property Use Concerns:
    • One of the central concerns driving this bill is the potential for foreign ownership of large tracts of agricultural land, commercial properties, or even land near military bases or critical infrastructure. These concerns focus on issues such as:
      • National security risks related to foreign control over strategic land.
      • Economic dominance by foreign interests, which could undermine local businesses or contribute to rising property prices.
  6. Penalties and Enforcement:
    • The bill would likely set out penalties for foreign entities that violate the restrictions or fail to comply with the registration and approval processes.
    • This could include fines or the reversal of property transactions that were deemed illegal or improperly approved.

Potential Impact of the Bill:

Pros:

  • National Security: The bill is designed to protect Texas and the United States from potential foreign influence on critical infrastructure, especially regarding land near military or strategic locations.
  • Economic Protection: By limiting foreign ownership, the bill could help preserve local control over the state’s land market and prevent the concentration of too much land in foreign hands.
  • Transparency: The bill’s focus on transparency would ensure that foreign acquisitions of real estate are subject to review and oversight, making it more difficult for potentially harmful foreign entities to secretly control large amounts of land.

Cons:

  • Impact on Foreign Investment: The bill may discourage legitimate foreign investment in Texas, particularly in sectors that provide economic benefits like agriculture, real estate development, and business operations.
  • Legal Challenges: The bill could face legal challenges on the grounds of property rights or international trade agreements, especially if it is seen as discriminatory against foreign investors or violates constitutional protections on private property.
  • Possible Trade Retaliation: Countries affected by the restrictions may retaliate, which could affect the state’s international relations or lead to trade restrictions.

Context and Rationale:

The bill comes at a time when there is increasing concern in some parts of the U.S. about foreign ownership of land and its potential impact on national security, economic independence, and local communities. This issue has gained attention due to specific instances where foreign entities, particularly from China and other foreign governments, have been purchasing large tracts of land in rural or strategic areas. The bill seeks to balance Texas’ open market system with the need for national security and local control over its resources.

Is Curb Appeal Important? YES!

The truth is that we judge…

We do judge the home and what we can expect inside by the exterior. The exterior of the home is our first impression and will set the mood for the rest of the tour.

I know it’s sometimes easier to offer a buyer credit for paint or landscaping but don’t do it. Most buyers can’t visualize changes and often won’t take a second look at a house if the first look doesn’t appeal to them.

Let’s check out a few houses:

When I look at this home, I assume it’s abandoned. I also would consider putting on my boots just in case I encounter snakes or rodents. My first thought is that the home is unsafe so I will be very careful when walking through the home.



The first home is an extreme but let’s look at this one. The lawn looks great and is freshly cut. The front door and shudders appear to be in great shape. The landscaping is a little over grown. Although the ivy and vine growing on the home is attractive, it’s also very destructive to the home. I’d be concerned that there is a lot of structural damage under the vines.


What about this home? The home appears to me in great shape. I don’t see any peeling paint. The roof is clean and appears to be newish. The hanging plants adds a pop of color. The seating area is inviting. You can imagine yourself sitting on this patio, enjoying an evening. That’s exactly your goal! You want the buyer to see themselves living in the home. 

Clean and Repair

Step 1

Walk around your home and make a list of anything that needs to be repaired or cleaned. If it’s broken and it’s not essential to the home, consider removing it. For example, a broken gutter. Your home doesn’t NEED a gutter. So either repair it or remove it. Things to consider:

  • Power wash mold, mildew and/or dirt on the house, siding, sidewalks, or driveway.
  • Clean out any spider webs or mud daubers nests
  • Look for signs of pest. Treat for ant mounts, spiders or any other pests you might encounter. Look for signed of termites. If you think you might have termites, call a professional. See termite tunnel below.

  • Walk around the home and check out your foundation. Look for cracks and rebar exposure. If you are concerned about your foundation call a professional. Why do we have foundation issues?

Popped corners

Corner pop Repairs

Slab crack

Exposed Rebar

Water should drain away from your foundation and away from your home

Sitting water will cause wood rot and the concrete to sink

  • Cracks in your concrete? Walk the pathways to your door. Are there any tripping hazards? Is the concrete uneven? Cracks?
  • Take a look at your roof. Do you have any shingles that have any missing, lifted and/or broken shingles? Do you see any waves or bulges in the roof? Speak to professional. A new roof is a huge expense and will deter buyers. In our area a roof will typically last 15-20 years, depending on wind/storm exposure.

Missing shingles

Lifted shingles

Bulging or wavy roof

  • Pick up any items you might have laying in the yard
  • Clean all windows and gutters. While you are cleaning the window look for cracked caulking and wood damage. Repair as needed.
  • Remove any peeling paint and touch up any areas that need to be painted. This should include trim, front door, shutters and/or walls. This is especially important if the home was built before 78 because of potential lead paint.
  • Edge sidewalks and remove vegetation growing between concrete or bricks.
  • Mow the lawn and get rid of weeds. If you have patches of dead grass, consider adding sod or grass seed.
  • Rake and dispose of leaves.
  • Trim tree limbs near or touching the home’s roof. Trim all overgrown vegetation. Especially if it covers the home.
  • Clean out the flower beds. Removed weeds and old mulch. Add a thick layer of new mulch.
  • Don’t forget the backyard. Backyards are important in our area. Make sure you clean off your patio (declutter) and out door furniture.
  • Make repairs as needed to any wood decks. Treat the wood if needed.
  • Make sure the home number is visible. Trim any plants that might be covering the number. Touch up the paint if needed if the numbers have faded.
  • Check out all your exterior hardware. Has the paint faded? Spray paint them. Make sure to clean the glass and remove any dead bugs.
  • Does your doorbell work? If not, repair it.
  • If your home has gutters, check for sagging or leaking gutters. You an either repair, replace or remove them.
  • Check your fence. Consider power washing the fence if needed. Repair any loose or rotten boards

Set the Mood

Step 2

Staging

  • Add a new welcome mat or clean the one you might have
  • Add pops of color to your flower beds
  • Do you have a porch? Set up a nice seating area with colorful pillows and a nice plant. Let the buyers imagine themselves enjoying an evening on your covered porch.
  • Good flow. Make sure you are able to walk to the property without any obstacles.
  • Do you have a patio in your backyard? Consider setting up a nice seating area with a few plants.

Evening Curb Appeal

Buyer will drive by your home during the day, at night, during the weekday and the weekends. You are constantly in the spotlight. Make your home appealing at night as well.

  • Add some solar lights to your flower beds
  • Leave the lights next to the garage and porch on at night

Check out these pictures for inspiration

What is a Make-Ready Cleaning?

A Make Ready Cleaning is also known as a Move-In/Move Out cleaning. Normally this is completed when someone is selling a home and moving in or out of a home. Basically you are making the home ready for the next owner (or to market the home). The make-ready cleaning will usually include cleaning and sanitizing the following items:

  • Bathroom (toilets, tub, shower/glass enclosure, sink, counters, and faucet)
  • Kitchen (sink, counters, back splash, faucet and all appliances) 
  • All cabinets and drawers (only for move out or move in cleanings)
  • Ceiling fans
  • Shelves/bookcases
  • Dust all services
  • Baseboards
  • Windowsills
  • Doors, knobs and casings
  • Light fixtures
  • Light switches
  • Air vent covers
  • Mirrors
  • Blinds
  • Flooring (normally an extra fee to include shampooing carpet or grout cleaning)
  • Windows (normally an extra fee)

For a move in/out cleaning all furniture, debris, clutter and other trash must be removed prior to cleaning. This is a clean-only service, not a trash-out service. The house must be vacant and the utilities (water and electricity) must be turned on.

Services that are typically not covered:

  • Remove rust stains
  • Remove Paint or Stains from Flooring
  • Remove Grout from Tile or Walls
  • Wipe Down Walls
  • Remove Mold from the Silicon Caulk Around the Tub
  • Carpet shampooing
  • Removal of pet stains
  • Grout cleaning or steaming
  • Window cleaning
  • Home exterior cleaning/power washing
  • Curtain cleaning
  • Laundry

The cost for this type of service will vary based on the home’s condition and size.