Homebuyers across Greater Houston had more options in July than ever before, with inventory reaching a record high. Yet despite the abundance of choices, buyers remained active and the market continued to move at a healthy pace.
According to the Houston Association of REALTORS® July 2026 Housing Market Update, single-family home sales increased 1.6% year over year, although sales were down 5.44% from June. Active listings reached a record 40,750 homes, up 3.4% from July 2025 and 3.55% from June.
Sales of all property types were flat compared with last year but declined approximately 5% month over month.
For buyers, the increased inventory means more selection and potentially more negotiating power. Homes are also taking a little longer to sell, with the average Days on Market (DOM) for single-family homes at 53 days.
The takeaway: Houston’s housing market continues to rebalance. Buyers have more choices, while sellers need to price strategically and be prepared for a longer marketing period.
Per HAR / MLS:
| Category | Jan. 2026 | Feb. 2026 | Mar. 2026 | Apr. 2026 | May 2026 | June 2026 | July 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Property Sales | 6,045 | 7,024 | 9,001 | 9.568 | 10,888 | 10,181 | 9,669 |
| Total Active Listings | 54,589 | 55,710 | 55,611 | 57,436 | 57,592 | 59,970 | 62,100 |
| Single-Family Home Sales | 4,999 | 5,918 | 7,644 | 8.196 | 8,631 | 8,820 | 8,340 |
| Townhome/Condominium Sales | 265 | 295 | 396 | 451 | 458 | 438 | 430 |
| Single-Family Months of Inventory | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4.9 | 5.1 | 5.2 | 5.5 |
| Single-Family Pending Sales | 6,813 | 7,894 | 9,474 | 9,476 | 9,172 | 8,804 | 8,215 |
| Days on Market | 66 | 69 | 67 | 60 | 54 | 52 | 53 |
| Price Range | Jan. 2026 | Feb. 2026 | Mar. 2026 | Apr. 2026 | May. 2026 | June 2026 | July 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1 - $99,999 | 36 | 39 | 47 | 44 | 41 | 72 | 32 |
| $100,000 - $149,999 | 67 | 117 | 113 | 165 | 128 | 113 | 86 |
| $150,000 - $249,999 | 854 | 1,015 | 1,135 | 1,213 | 1,212 | 1,152 | 1,160 |
| $250,000 - $499,999 | 3,103 | 2,575 | 3,451 | 3,745 | 3,834 | 3,922 | 3,857 |
| $500,000 - $749,999 | 845 | 599 | 776 | 843 | 944 | 1,001 | 1,009 |
| $750,000 and above | 331 | 413 | 545 | 648 | 773 | 831 | 669 |
Most home sellers are familiar with listing their property on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), where it is broadly available to real estate professionals and, through various websites, to the public. However, another option has gained attention in recent years, the private listing.
A private listing (sometimes called an off-market or pocket listing) is a property that is marketed to a limited group of potential buyers rather than being immediately exposed to the broader marketplace. The seller determines how widely the property will be marketed.
There are legitimate reasons a seller may choose this approach. Some homeowners value privacy and prefer not to have photos of their home publicly displayed online. Others may want to limit showings, maintain confidentiality during a divorce or estate sale, or test buyer interest before committing to a public listing. In some situations, a seller may simply want greater control over the marketing process.
Private listings also have potential drawbacks. Because the property is exposed to fewer buyers, there may be fewer showings and fewer competing offers. A smaller buyer pool can reduce competition, which may affect the final sales price or the amount of time it takes to sell. Limited exposure can also make it more difficult for buyers to discover available homes in a market where inventory is already limited.
The use of private listings has become the subject of an industry-wide discussion. Supporters believe they provide sellers with additional choices and greater flexibility. Others argue that broad market exposure promotes transparency, gives buyers equal access to available homes, and helps establish more complete market data for pricing and appraisals. Some researchers have also suggested that when a significant number of homes are marketed privately, it may reduce the quality of market data used by appraisers and automated valuation models.
Like many real estate decisions, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Whether a private listing or a traditional public listing is the better choice depends on the seller’s goals, priorities, and individual circumstances. Homeowners should discuss both options with their real estate professional and carefully weigh the benefits and potential trade-offs before deciding on a marketing strategy.
