Featuring Insights from Katherine Boddeker, HAR Realtor

As we move into the fall season, the Houston real estate market continues to show resilience, balance, and opportunity. This update is based on August data and local trends, and includes expert commentary from Katherine Boddeker, an HAR-affiliated realtor who knows Houston inside and out.

Market Overview: Growth, Stability, and Opportunity

• August marked the fourth consecutive month of sales growth in Greater Houston, with 8,138 single-family homes sold—a gain of 11.9% over August 2024 (7,270 homes). TL Global Inc

• Pending sales rose 10.1%, signaling that the momentum is not slowing down. TL Global Inc

• Price-wise, the market held steady:
  • Average price: $422,703 (flat year-over-year) TL Global Inc
  • Median price: $335,000 (virtually unchanged) TL Global Inc
  • Price per square foot: $177 (only $1 increase) TL Global Inc

• One standout feature: Inventory has surged. Active listings reached 39,374, up 30.4% year-over-year. TL Global Inc

• Months of inventory climbed to 5.4 months (from 4.4), and average days on market increased from 47 to 52. TL Global Inc+1

• In terms of demand by price segment, the lower and middle tiers saw the strongest growth:
    • $1–$99,999: +20.7% TL Global Inc
    • $100,000–$149,999: +12.7% TL Global Inc
    • $150,000–$249,999: +21.2% TL Global Inc
    • $250,000–$499,999: +6.4% TL Global Inc

All this points to a market that’s more balanced than it’s been in years: sellers can still get good value, but buyers now have more choices and negotiating leverage.

Katherine Boddeker’s Take: Local Insights & Strategic Moves

As a top-performing HAR Realtor with decades of experience in Houston, Katherine Boddeker brings a grounded, neighborhood-level lens to this broader story. (You can view her HAR profile here.) HAR.com

Here’s what she’s seeing and advising her clients:

• Neighborhood strength varies more than ever. Katherine notes that ZIP codes near good schools, transit access, and amenities are still holding their value (e.g. West University, Bellaire, Meyerland).

• Renovation mattering more: In parts of the city where inventory is swelling, buyers are more selective. Homes that are move-in ready are commanding noticeably stronger offers, while those needing repairs or updates are staying longer on the market.

• Smart staging & pricing are key. With more inventory, overpricing or lackluster presentation can hurt a listing. Katherine often recommends small upgrades (landscaping, fresh paint, decluttering) to stand out.

• Targeting buyer pools traditionally overlooked. Given that the lower-to-middle tier segments are driving much of the growth, Katherine is especially focused on buyers who might not qualify for conventional financing (e.g. self-employed, fluctuating income).

She sees agents who adopt flexible financing options and hyperlocal marketing gaining an edge in this shifting landscape.

How Buyers Can Win (Especially Those with Credit or Income Challenges)

• Be prepared. Having pre-approval or a clear plan for financing gives you greater credibility.

• Work with agents who understand alternative financing. Katherine supports methods like owner financing or creative terms (where legally & ethically viable).

• Look beyond surface metrics. Even though average prices seem stable, there can be substantial variation by neighborhood, age of home, and lot size.

• Be patient and strategic. In neighborhoods with rising inventory, timing your offer and including compelling terms (not just price) can make a difference.

How Sellers Should Position Their Homes

• Price it right from Day 1. The expanding inventory means that homes priced too high risk going stale.

• Invest in staging and presentation. Even modest enhancements can yield outsized returns now.

• Lean on local expertise. Having a realtor like Katherine Boddeker with deep HAR resources and neighborhood intelligence helps in positioning, outreach, and deal negotiation.

• Be responsive to feedback. If showings aren’t converting, adjust your strategy quickly.

Outlook: What to Watch in Late 2025

• Will continued demand sustain into fall, or will seasonal cooling begin to show?

• Will rates shift meaningfully? Even small changes may affect buyer confidence.

• Will more off-market or “hidden inventory” come in (expired, withdrawn, or newly listed homes)?

• How will repair/renovation homes fare compared to turnkey listings?

For now, the Houston market appears to be entering a more balanced phase. Buyers have room to negotiate; sellers who adapt smartly can still capture value.

Thinking of buying or selling in Houston? Reach out to Katherine Boddeker, HAR Realtor, to get tailored advice for your ZIP code or property. With her hyperlocal expertise and in-depth market knowledge, she’s well-positioned to help you navigate these evolving trends.