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        <title>On Your BLVD</title>
        <link>https://www.yourblvd.com/blog/</link>
        <description></description>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.yourblvd.com/blog/market-insights-may-2025/</guid>
    <link>https://www.yourblvd.com/blog/market-insights-may-2025/</link>
        <author>office@yourblvd.com (Boulevard Realty)</author>
        <title>Market Insights | May 2025</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



MARKET INSIGHTS - MAY 2026


Houston Home Sales


This Spring homebuying season rose as there was more inventory and moderating prices. We’re experiencing this shift that’s creating a more balanced marketplace than Houston has experienced in recent years. This is very encouraging for prospective Buyers.





HAR.COM


Giant Mergers


The major brokerage firms continue to merge, utilizing their collective resources to enhance technology and create stronger brand identities. While this trend fosters a sense of uniformity within the industry, smaller companies have the chance to set themselves apart and make a mark in the marketplace. By leveraging local expertise, they can build trust with their clients.


Summer Listings


As summer draws near, the question arises: should you list now or hold off until the fall selling season? The answer depends on various factors. Consider what works best for your clients. Is the home in prime condition, or does it need some repairs? It’s all about strategy and communication.





945 Harvard St.


Digital Era in Real Estate


There is so much information online, that many clients are very well informed before we even talk to them. The quick adoption of AI is also changing how we do business. Many consumers now come with their information and assumptions. It is the Real Estate experts to help guide our clients through the facts and still provide a seamless experience so that their goals can be achieved.


Uncertainty is the New Norm


The real estate industry is evolving. We see periods of uncertainty and more uncertainty follows and we're not seeing much stability. As real estate experts, it is our job to inform our clients of our professional opinions backed by data, and clearly communicate what is going on so they can make confident decisions. Uncertainty is the new norm and we must provide guidance in this time and keep moving forward.



Hurricane Season is approaching. Do you know your flood risk? This is a good time to get informed. Secure flood insurance now, before you need it-Bill



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    <pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2026 10:06:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.yourblvd.com/blog/market-insights--february-2026/</guid>
    <link>https://www.yourblvd.com/blog/market-insights--february-2026/</link>
        <author>office@yourblvd.com (Boulevard Realty)</author>
        <title>Market Insights | February 2026</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



MARKET INSIGHTS - Feb. 2026


Beat the Spring Rush


When it comes to selling a home, timing is part of the strategy. Listing your property now, instead of waiting for the Spring can offer distinct advantages that many sellers overlook. From reduced competition to more motivated buyers, getting ahead of the market can put you in a stronger negotiating position and help you achieve the best possible result.



Buyer’s Market


All signs point to a shift toward a buyer’s market. With more inventory available, buyers now have more options and more negotiating power. Many buyers have been sidelined by high home prices and mortgage rates, but those who are able to move forward are benefiting from increased choice and stronger leverage.



Contracts Falling Out at the Highest Rate on Record


High housing costs and rising inventory have made homebuyers more selective. In a Buyer’s Market, buyers have options and may negotiate or walk away if they believe they can find a better or more affordable home. In December 2025, 17.3 pending sales fell out of contract in Houston, TX.


New FEMA Flood Maps are out


After years of delays, FEMA has finally posted a draft of new flood maps created to predict where flooding is most likely to happen during major storms. These maps show the new 100-year floodplain expanding significantly in Harris County. This is only the first step of a lengthy process. Expect many homes to require to have flood insurance. New maps may also affect building codes and future development.


FEMA releases draft flood maps for Harris County after years of delays. Here’s what happens next.


Private Per Seller vs. Exclusive Listing


In today’s real estate conversation, the word private listing or exclusive listing is being used loosely, and sometimes conveniently. It’s important to separate two very different ideas: seller-directed privacy withing HAR MLS and “in-company only” listing strategies promoted by certain national brokerages. These approaches are not the same. And the difference matters, especially to sellers who care about value, fairness, and certainty.



Check out the new Harris County flood maps. Your home may now be on the new 100-yr or 500-yr flood plains.-Bill



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    <pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 14:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.yourblvd.com/blog/redesign-blog-declutter-and-feel-better/</guid>
    <link>https://www.yourblvd.com/blog/redesign-blog-declutter-and-feel-better/</link>
        <author>office@yourblvd.com (Boulevard Realty)</author>
        <title>RE|Design - Declutter and Feel Better</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



Add 'Declutter Home' to your New Year Resolutions A clean mind, body, and soul are great, but what about your home? A decluttered home is the fresh start we all need. As Realtors, when we list your home we say, 'Make your home look like a showroom' Whether you're staying or moving, you've got to clean. Let us help you get started


If you need assistance, your Boulevard Realtor can provide staging advice or referrals to home organizers and movers.






1114 W Cottage Street, Listed by Jim Ford


Start with a basic cleaning spree before tackling furniture. Pull everything out of closets, pantries, and drawers. Go room by room, emptying closets and making piles. Ask if each item excites you, fits, or has been worn in the last year. If the answer is 'no,' toss it Keepers go back in the closet. Reward yourself with those fancy hangers you've been eyeing.






401 W 21 St, Private per Seller by Tiffany Fusilier (call for information)


Time to banish clutter from your shelves and countertops Clear everything off and only keep what screams 'designer home' or 'showroom'. Essentials first: bathroom gets hand soap, candle or plant; kitchen gets hand soap, stylish utensils, a fruit bowl, and a small plant. The rest goes into your now clean drawers, closets, and pantries. Yes, that includes your mixer bowl and toaster






2835 W Wildwind Circle, Listed by Bill Baldwin


I know your resolution had you at the gym the first week of January, so let's put those muscles to use moving some furniture Don't stress about making piles. Just take a step back and look at the room. Do you really like that side table? Does anything block foot traffic? Does everything flow nicely? If you need a hand, your Boulevard Realtor is just a phone call away. We help clients stage their homes every day






2115 Troon St, Private Per Seller, Listed by Frank Muniz


Are you a bold maximalist or a secret hoarder? Maximalism is fun and purposeful, while hoarding is just clutter chaos. We know it's tough to let go of sentimental furniture, but it's time to say goodbye to the unused pieces. After all, how do you think antique stores got so successful? Let someone else adore your old treasures
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    <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 11:10:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.yourblvd.com/blog/improving-market-sees-high-demand-for-newremodeled-homes/</guid>
    <link>https://www.yourblvd.com/blog/improving-market-sees-high-demand-for-newremodeled-homes/</link>
        <author>office@yourblvd.com (Boulevard Realty)</author>
        <title>Improving Market Sees High Demand for New/Remodeled Homes</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



- For Summer 2023 -


Improving Market Sees High Demand for New/Remodeled Homes






After a late 2022 pause sparked by higher interest rates, our market is improving again








May single-family home sales were down 10.4 year-over-year—the lowest rate of decline since June 2022






Compared to pre-pandemic 2019, May sales were down just 1.3






Compared to 5 years ago (2018), May sales were up 6.4








Inventory increased in May to 2.8 months supply—still well below a balanced market






New homes are preferred and made up 25 of May sales






Median price is up almost 40 compared to pre-pandemic 2019: $340,095 vs. $249,993






Sellers: Great time to sell new/remodeled homes &amp; now’s the time to update older homes to get them ready for the fall selling season






Buyers: Interest rates likely won’t improve much soon so better to buy now &amp; refinance later









Rising interest rates caused a bit of a downturn in the Houston housing market starting in the fall of 2022, but the market is now improving again, even if the headlines may not reflect that improvement just yet. Expect to see positive headlines in the fall, when year-over-year sales will be compared to sales during that aforementioned downturn. That will help contribute to a strong market during the fall selling season. Buyers should consider buying now, ahead of the anticipated fall frenzy. We don’t expect interest rates to drop significantly anytime soon so buyers don’t stand to benefit from waiting for lower rates. Better to buy now and refinance later.





While improving, when compared to a normal year, our inventory is still historically low. For reference, we had 20,097 active listings this May (2023) vs. 28,925 active listings in pre-pandemic May (2019). Because many homeowners are wary of trading their low interest rate for a higher one, inventory will continue to remain low. With demand for new/remodeled homes greater than ever, it’s a fantastic time for owners of those homes to sell. Owners of older homes who are interested in selling should consider certain renovations before putting their homes on the market.



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    <pubDate>Wed, 14 Jun 2023 16:24:00 -0500</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.yourblvd.com/blog/rates-recession-rebound-the-3-rs-of-the-housing-housing-market/</guid>
    <link>https://www.yourblvd.com/blog/rates-recession-rebound-the-3-rs-of-the-housing-housing-market/</link>
        <author>office@yourblvd.com (Boulevard Realty)</author>
        <title>Rates, Recession &amp; Rebound — The 3 Rs this Spring Selling Season</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



- For Spring 2023 -


Rates, Recession &amp; Rebound — The 3 Rs of the Houston Housing Market




Rising mortgage rates have tapped the brakes on the market


Inflation &amp; fear of recession have caused a bit of a pause for buyers &amp; sellers


Prices continue to rise, but at a modest rate &amp; we should expect some decline


Homeowners with low interest rates are staying put so there are fewer homes available


More homes expected to come on the market for spring selling season


Sellers: Low inventory &amp; pent up demand mean it’s a great time to sell


Buyers: Easing home prices continue to be good news for buyers not wanting to compete in multiple offer situations







Year-over-year home sales have fallen each month since April of 2022 as our market has come back down to earth from the unprecedented (and unsustainable) market of 2021 and the beginning of 2022. While the headlines have been negative, compared to pre-pandemic years, the Houston real estate market has actually held its own.As mortgage rates have risen close to 6.75, some homeowners with low interest rates have been staying put because they know they won’t get as good of a rate if they move. Higher interest rates have also driven many buyers from the market. In fact, the high rates have caused mortgage applications to drop to their lowest levels in 28 years, and half of those applications were from refinances.


As we enter the spring selling season, we do expect to see a shift in our market. This typically busy season should result in a significant increase in inventory and more buyers re-entering the market as well.



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    <pubDate>Wed, 08 Mar 2023 10:26:00 -0600</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.yourblvd.com/blog/balancing-market-remains-strong-despite-low-inventory/</guid>
    <link>https://www.yourblvd.com/blog/balancing-market-remains-strong-despite-low-inventory/</link>
        <author>office@yourblvd.com (Boulevard Realty)</author>
        <title>Balancing Market Remains Strong Despite Low Inventory</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



- For Late September 2022 -


Balancing Market Remains Strong Despite Low Inventory




Sales are lower than in 2021, but when compared to a normal year (2019), they’re still up


Prices are steadily increasing as inventory remains historically low


Interest rates have risen to 6.75 and we don’t expect them to drop anytime soon


Those with low interest rates are staying put so there are fewer homes available


Sellers: Less inventory than in normal times, so still a great time to sell


Buyers: It’s a better time to buy as the market continues to balance







As we enter the fall selling season, our market continues to balance. While headlines may be focused on how single-family home sales are down compared to the unprecedented sales numbers of 2021, it’s important to recognize that sales are still up significantly when compared to a normal year (2019). Impressively, this is happening even with much lower inventory levels: 29,740 (August 2019) vs. 22,096 (August 2022).It’s a better time to buy than it has been in recent years as there are fewer bidding wars and you’re less likely to have to pay over list price. Sellers are more realistic now too, so buyers have a better ability to negotiate repairs and are dealing with more sensible close dates and leaseback terms. Although sellers need to have a more realistic approach to pricing their home, conditions, and repairs, it’s still a great time to sell as there’s less inventory than in normal times.


Rising interest rates have scared off some potential buyers, although they should remember to “date the rate, and marry the house.” Since we expect home prices to continue to rise too, you won’t gain anything by waiting for interest rates to drop. It’s better to buy the home you want now and refinance your interest rate later.



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    <pubDate>Tue, 27 Sep 2022 15:42:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.yourblvd.com/blog/mortgage-rates-see-largest-single-week-drop-since-2008/</guid>
    <link>https://www.yourblvd.com/blog/mortgage-rates-see-largest-single-week-drop-since-2008/</link>
        <author>office@yourblvd.com (Boulevard Realty)</author>
        <title>Mortgage Rates See Largest Single Week Drop Since 2008</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



- For Early July 2022 -


Mortgage Rates See Largest Single Week Drop Since 2008




Mortgage rates dropped from 5.7 to 5.3 for the week of July 7


The gap between list price and sales price is narrowing


Historically low inventory has been a factor in single-family home sales being down


Sales are typically slow in July so we should not be comparing to early 2022 sales


Sellers: Still a fantastic time to sell your home


Buyers: Better time to buy as the market slowly starts to normalize







Mortgage rates have dropped by half a percent over the past two weeks (from 5.8 to 5.3). While this is a good sign for buyers, we shouldn’t overreact as we expect mortgage rates to fluctuate heavily in the coming months. In the big picture, after more than two years in a truly unprecedented seller's market, the Houston housing market has finally started balancing.Because of our historically low housing inventory, it will take some time (think beyond 2023) before our housing stock is able to catch up to the point that we find ourselves in a legitimately balanced market. So while the market has begun to cool slightly, it is still exceptionally strong.



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    <pubDate>Tue, 12 Jul 2022 13:28:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.yourblvd.com/blog/houston-housing-update-for-february-2022/</guid>
    <link>https://www.yourblvd.com/blog/houston-housing-update-for-february-2022/</link>
        <author>office@yourblvd.com (Boulevard Realty)</author>
        <title>Houston Housing Update for February 2022</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



- For February 2022 -


The Houston real estate market continued to soar in February with year-over-year sales up in every major category, from single-family homes to country homes to townhouses. Prices also continued to rise by significant amounts in February and inventory remained historically low.





Year-over-year single-family home statistics saw huge increases across the board: sales (23 percent), average price (13 percent), and median price (19 percent). As one major indicator of the strength of the market, February single-family sales increased by at least 33 percent for every price segment of $250,000 or higher.This strong market is widespread too, with nearly every MLS area seeing a year-over-year increase in single-family home sales and prices. Much of this has to do with our low inventory levels. February saw months inventory drop to a shockingly low 1.3-months supply For reference, 6.0-months supply is considered a healthy market.





It’s been an unprecedented first two months of the year for our market, and things only figure to pick up as we enter the always busy spring selling season. It remains a great time to be a seller and buyers need to be prepared for an extremely competitive market. The good news for buyers is that we should see inventory slowly begin to rise in the coming months. 2022 will continue to be a seller’s market, but we expect things to balance out just a bit by year’s end.



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    <pubDate>Tue, 08 Mar 2022 10:44:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.yourblvd.com/blog/houston-housing-update-for-january-2022/</guid>
    <link>https://www.yourblvd.com/blog/houston-housing-update-for-january-2022/</link>
        <author>office@yourblvd.com (Boulevard Realty)</author>
        <title>Houston Housing Update for January 2022</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



- For January 2022 -


Simply put, we are in unprecedented times here in the Houston real estate market. We’ve been in an accelerating market since about 2013, but due to increased demand and historically low inventory, our market has really reached an entirely new level. Every major January statistic (sales, median price, average price, etc.) in every major category (single-family, townhouse, country homes, etc.) was up significantly over last year, which was the single best year we’ve ever had in the history of Houston real estate





This boom in sales numbers and pricing is not confined to a few “hot” areas either. It really extends to all parts of the Greater Houston area, from central Inner Loop neighborhoods to far outside the loop, and even to rural properties.A snapshot of a few different relatively central MLS areas (9, 16, 17 &amp; 22) shows that, for the most part, sales and prices continue to increase, despite the fact that inventory continues to freefall—often by more than half





For sellers, it’s a phenomenal time to list your home. And while buyers need to be prepared to pay more right now, waiting is not necessarily to your advantage. Price/sq. ft. for new and remodeled homes will only continue to rise because costs (materials, labor, etc.) have increased. Interest rates are going up too. Instead of trying to wait out the market, buyers would be better served by looking in different neighborhoods than they may have originally set their sights on, where they can find more value for their money.



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    <pubDate>Tue, 08 Feb 2022 11:48:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.yourblvd.com/blog/read-beyond-the-headline/</guid>
    <link>https://www.yourblvd.com/blog/read-beyond-the-headline/</link>
        <author>office@yourblvd.com (Boulevard Realty)</author>
        <title>Read Beyond the Headline</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Houston's home sales numbers for October were released on Wednesday and you may have already seen quite a few headlines about how home sales are slowing. We encourage you to read beyond these headlines though because they aren't telling the real story.





 
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    <pubDate>Thu, 11 Nov 2021 18:24:00 -0600</pubDate>
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