If you have been keeping an eye on the Houston housing market, you’ve likely noticed a shift. For the first time in years, “Sold” signs are taking a little longer to appear, and “For Sale” signs are multiplying. The latest numbers for November 2025 confirm what many of us have felt on the ground: Active inventory is up approximately 20% year-over-year.

But what does this double-digit jump really mean for you, whether you are looking to buy your first home or sell a cherished family property?

The Numbers: A Shift to a Balanced Market

According to recent data from the Houston Association of Realtors (HAR), active listings have surged to over 11,000+ units across the Greater Houston area. This increase is driven by two main factors:

1. Longer Days on Market: Homes are taking an average of 50–60 days to go under contract, allowing inventory to accumulate.

2. New Listings: Sellers who were previously “locked in” by low rates are finally deciding to make their move before 2026.

This influx of homes has officially transitioned Houston from a frenzied seller’s market into a more balanced “buyer’s market” territory.

Katherine Boddeker’s Expert Insight

Navigating a shifting market requires more than just reading headlines; it requires an expert strategy. Katherine Boddeker, a seasoned Broker Associate with decades of experience in the Houston area, emphasizes that this inventory spike is an opportunity, not a crisis—if you know how to handle it.

“In a market with 20% more inventory, average just isn’t good enough anymore,” says Katherine. “Sellers can no longer rely on low supply to drive bidding wars. Your home has to be the best-prepared and best-priced property on the block to win.”

As a designated Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®), Katherine also notes the flip side for purchasers: “For buyers, this is the moment you’ve been waiting for. You finally have the luxury of choice and the leverage to ask for repairs, closing cost concessions, or a better price. The panic buying of recent years is over.”

What This Means for Your Strategy

With her specialized training as a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) and Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist (CPRES), Katherine advises clients to look at the long-term picture.

• For Sellers: Preparation is paramount. You are competing with more neighbors than you were last year. Ensure your home is staged impeccably and priced in line with current November comps, not the prices from six months ago.

• For Buyers: Use the Military Relocation Professional (MRP) mindset—be strategic and efficient. Don’t be afraid to make an aggressive offer on a home that has been sitting for 60+ days. The inventory cushion is your best negotiation tool.

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The Bottom Line

The November 2025 market is healthy, but it is different. The “easy sell” days are gone, replaced by a market that rewards preparation and professional guidance.

Whether you are looking to downsize, relocate, or find your forever home, you need a guide who understands every angle of this changing landscape.

Ready to make your move? Contact Katherine Boddeker, Broker Associate, SRES, CPRES, ABR, MRP, to get a custom strategy for your home today.

External Resources:

• Houston Association of Realtors (HAR) Market Updates

• National Association of Realtors: 2025 Housing Forecast

… Houston Real Estate Market Report | November 2025

This video provides a visual breakdown of the specific statistics mentioned, including the 20% inventory increase and days-on-market trends for November 2025, which reinforces the data discussed in the blog post.