Houston area home sales gained  momentum in October with single-family home sales in all price ranges showing upward movement. Homes priced $250,000 – $499,999 had the greatest increase. Sales of all property types were up 6.0-percent on a year-to-year basis.  Inventory of single-family homes is at a 3.9-months supply, and the average days on the market is up to 57. 

Category	Jan. 2018	Feb. 2018	Mar. 2018	Apr. 2018	May 2018	June 2018	July 2018	Aug. 2018	Sept. 2018	Oct. 2018	Nov. 2018	Dec. 2018
Total Property Sales	5,468	6,375	8,274	8,453	9,721	10,115	9,559	9,978	7,842	8,127	7,400	7,709
Total Active Listings	33,945	33,939	35,004	36,882	39,478	40,198	41,459	41,991	41,560	41,061	40,530	37,554
Single-Family Home Sales	4,104	5,260	6,810	7,070	8,157	8,518	8,108	8,358	6,548	6,716	6,159	6,543
Townhome/Condominium Sales	357	459	603	591	669	696	594	648	492	523	484	505
Single_Family Months of Inventory	3.3	3.2	3.4	3.6	4.0	4.1	4.2	4.1	4.0	3.9	3.9	3.5
Single-Family Pending Sales	6,313	6,912	8,327	8,766	8,991	8,396	8,467	8,084	6,630	7,039	6,052	5,120
Days on Market	67	65	63	56	52	48	48	49	52	57	60	64

Price Range	Jan. 2018	Feb. 2018	Mar. 2018	Apr. 2018	May 2018	June 2018	July 2018	Aug. 2018	Sept. 2018	Oct. 2018	Nov. 2018	Dec. 2018
$1 - $99,999	206	207	223	192	205	180	153	182	134	187	164	155
$100,000 - $149,999	458	514	577	529	586	620	517	563	453	540	410	455
$150,000 - $249,999	1,568	1,836	2,284	2,387	2,791	2,903	2,806	2,960	2,338	2,368	2,247	2,249
$250,000 - $499,999	1,247	1,548	2,091	2,284	2,688	2,780	2,636	2,577	1,920	2,038	1,917	2,168
$500,000 - $749,999	176	238	349	369	462	515	442	424	325	311	290	333
$750,000 and above	110	156	207	250	317	341	292	292	200	222	200	260

If you are in the market for a new home, purchasing prior to December 31st, 2018 can save you money. Buyers that close before the end of the year are qualified to apply for a homestead exemption at the beginning of 2019.  If you do not close by December 31st, you cannot apply until January 2020.

Please remember, Leslie Lerner Properties can also save you money by offering flat fee listings and rebated commissions.  
>>>Learn More

 

PERFORMING ARTS

A Christmas Carol – November 16 – December 30, 2018 – Alley Theatre
A Ghost Story of Christmas returns this year with a re-telling of Charles Dickens’ classic story, which follows Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey with the three ghostly spirits that visit him on Christmas Eve. A Christmas Carol instills a powerful message about redemption and the spirit of the holiday season.

Houston Ballet’s The Nutcracker – November 23 – December 29, 2018  – Wortham Theater
The holiday season reignites with Stanton Welch’s joyous production of The Nutcracker. Celebrate the season with beloved characters from this timeless classic set to Tchaikovsky’s splendid score. in holiday revelry as she journeys from her home on Christmas Eve, through a magical Christmas tree, and into the whimsical Kingdom of Sweets, accompanied by her Nutcracker Prince. 

A Mozart and Brahms Thanksgiving – November 23 – 25, 2018– Jones Hall
How glorious it is to behold pure genius at its prime in Mozart’s late, great Piano Concerto No. 22, written during an astoundingly prolific stretch in which the music poured forth as if fully formed. Celebrated pianist Inon Barnatan—“a true poet of the keyboard” (London Evening Standard)—is your soloist. Then, peer through a dazzling kaleidoscope of color with Brahms’ final symphony, whose radiant melodies ebb and flow like a sun-lit river. It’s a program of musical delights, this Thanksgiving with the Houston Symphony.

Willie Nelson and Family – November 25, 2018 – Smart Financial Centre
With a six-decade career and 200 plus albums, this iconic Texan is the creative genius behind the historic recordings of “Crazy”, “Red Headed Stranger”, and “Stardust”.

Pentatonix The Christmas is Here! Tour – November 26, 2018 – Smart Financial Centre
The acapella group, also known as PTX, tour coincides with the release of the group’s new album, Christmas Is Here! Pentatonix has become a staple of the holiday season, with popular Christmas songs such as “White Winter Hymnal,” “That’s Christmas to Me,” and “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.”

Rock of Ages Tenth Anniversary Tour – November 30 – December 2, 2018 – Smart Financial Centre
Broadway’s Best Party is turning up the volume to ten! The ROCK OF AGES Tenth Anniversary Tour is blazing across North America! Nominated for five Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, ROCK OF AGES captures the iconic era that was the big bad 1980s Hollywood. Featuring the music of hit bands such as Styx, Poison, Twisted Sister, and Whitesnake among many others, this Tenth Anniversary production features a dynamic new cast revisiting the larger than life characters and exhilarating story that turned ROCK OF AGES into a global phenomenon.

Houston’s Urban Nutcracker – December 1 – 2, 2018 – Hobby Center
A modern twist on a holiday classic. Lab Performing Arts Initiative presents Houston’s Urban Nutcracker. Join Clare as she travels with the Nutcracker through the Bayou City.

Very Merry Pops – December 7 – 9, 2018 – Jones Hall
Sleigh bells ring and jingle bells chime as the Houston Symphony’s beloved holiday spectacular returns! Gather with family and friends in a cozy winter wonderland for a sparkling celebration filled to the brim with traditional carols, festive favorites and heartwarming cheer. The fabulous Ali Ewoldt, who currently stars as Christine in Broadway’s The Phantom of the Opera, joins in the fun, performing unforgettable renditions of your favorite holiday classics.

A Polar Express Christmas – December 8, 2018 – Jones Hall
All aboard! Find your compartment and get ready for a magical journey to the North Pole on The Polar Express. Featuring the original storybook images projected on the big screen, this timeless tale of a boy who believes will have your young ones waiting for the sound of Santa’s sleigh! Plus, enjoy festive favorites like “Frosty the Snowman” and “Let it Snow” and lift your voices in a holiday sing-along.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast – December 8 – 23, 2018 – Hobby Center
Based on the classic fairy tale, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast tells the story of an arrogant prince who is transformed into a hideous beast. Placed under this spell by an enchantress, he must find a way to get the beautiful, bright, Belle to love him before it is too late and he is doomed to stay a beast forever. Featuring an enchanting score by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, and book by Linda Woolverton.

Potted Potter – December 11 – 30, 2018 – Hobby Center
The Unauthorized Harry Experience – A Parody by Dan and Jeff takes on the ultimate challenge of condensing all seven Harry Potter books (and a real life game of Quidditch) into seventy hilarious minutes. This fantastically funny show features all your favorite characters, a special appearance from a fire-breathing dragon, endless costumes, brilliant songs, ridiculous props, and a generous helping of Hogwarts magic!”

Home Alone – Film with Live Orchestra – December 14, 2018 – Jones Hall
A true holiday favorite, this beloved comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams’ charming and delightful score performed live to picture by the Houston Symphony. Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who’s accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation, and who must defend his home against two bungling thieves. Hilarious and heart-warming, Home Alone is holiday fun for the entire family!

Handel’s Messiah – December 21 – 23 2018 – Jones Hall
Celebrate Christmas with Houston’s premier performances of Handel’s Messiah. This timeless classic is brought to life through brilliant Baroque arias and rousing choruses.

RUN / WALKS

2018 Houston Turkey Trot – November 22, 2018 – Galleria Area
The Houston Turkey Trot is BakerRipley’s largest event, and for 26 years, thousands of families have made it a Thanksgiving tradition. Every year, there are more than 15,000 participants committed to supporting BakerRipley’s mission to improve lives in this region. The theme of Houston Turkey Trot 2018 is #HOUareStronger, a celebration of our community’s endurance following Hurricane Harvey and our determination to maintain our city as a place of opportunity, driving us all to become stronger, healthier, and happier. There will be a 10K, 5K and a Kids Run.

2018 Jingle Bell Run – Sugar Land – December 1, 2018 – Sugar Land Memorial Park
2018 Jingle Bell Run – The Woodlands – December 8, 2018 – Rob Fleming Aquatic Center
The Arthritis Foundation’s original Jingle Bell Run is a fun way to get decked out and be festive, while racing to raise funds and awareness to cure America’s #1 cause of disability. Put on your favorite holiday costume. Tie jingle bells to your shoelaces. ’Tis the season to live it up and be jolly for a reason! Bring a team of friends, family and co-workers to run or walk, spread smiles and good cheer … and be a Champion of Yes! 100 percent of your registration fee and fundraising efforts go to this great cause.

Santa Hustle – December 16, 2018 – Moody Gardens
If you are a Christmas lover, enjoy overplayed holiday music, devouring candy and cookies, and joining in on an epic after party then grab your favorite friends and family and register for the 2018 Santa Hustle® Galveston 5k & Half Marathon! Proceeds benefit the Galveston County Food Bank.

HOLIDAY FESTIVALS, EXHIBITIONS, EVENTS & FAMILIY ACTIVITIES

Nutcracker Market – November 8 – 11, 2018 – NRG Center
Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market has become the signature holiday fundraising shopping event in Texas that kicks off all the holiday shopping frenzy! It is a one-stop giant pop-up shop featuring over 280 merchants, offering unique items for everyone, including home décor, food, clothing, toys, toiletries, novelties, ornaments, pottery, pewter, accessories and more…just in time for your holiday shopping!

Galleria Ice Spectacular and Tree Lighting – November 10, 2018 – The Galleria
For more than 37 years, the Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market has been a holiday shopping staple in Houston. What began as a local church bazaar raising thousands of dollars for Houston Ballet, its Academy and scholarship programs, developed into a giant pop-up shop raising millions of dollars for the Ballet while hosting hundreds of merchants and thousands of shoppers from all across the country. Angelica Hale, 11 year-old runner-up from Season 12 of America’s Got Talent is the featured performer at the FREE public event.

Festival of Lights – November 17, 2018 – January 6, 2019 – Moody Gardens
Brighten up the holidays with a tradition for families and groups alike. A mile-long trail with more than one million lights and lighted scenes take you around the Moody Gardens property with spectacular views Galveston Bay. Enjoy the area’s only outdoor skating rink, concession areas with hot chocolate and festive food, holiday buffets, live entertainment and more.

Ice Land: Pole to Pole – November 17, 2018 – January 6, 2019 – Moody Gardens
A skilled team of master ice carvers has taken 2 million pounds of ice to create your festive journey from the North to South Pole. See polar bears, penguins, humpback whales, snowy owls, walrus and of course reindeer! Glide down the giant glacier slide and enjoy a festive drink inside our Shivers Ice Bar that has been transformed into a Northwest Trading Post!

Zoo Lights – November 17, 2018 – January 13, 2019 – Houston Zoo
The Houston Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland, filled with brilliant displays of colorful lights and festive holiday music.

Frostival – November 16, 2018 – The ICE at Discovery Green
Frostival is a one-night extravaganza that marks the opening of the ICE, our 7,716 sq. ft. skating rink, all our wonderful winter programs and events, and the debut of new public art installation that help make the season in Houston so special.

The ICE at Discovery Green – November 16, 2018 – January 27, 2019 – Discovery Green
The ICE at Discovery Green® powered by Green Mountain Energy uses recycled water from Kinder Lake to create a 7,716 square-foot ice skating surface, making it the largest outdoor skating rink in the Southwest.

69^th Annual HEB Thanksgiving Day Parade – November 22, 2018 – Downtown Houston
The Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade began in 1949, when Santa arrived at Union Station and rode his sleigh to the downtown Foley’s.  Since then, the Thanksgiving Day parade has gone through a few changes but today, it remains a 69-year-old holiday tradition showcasing the Houston community and entertaining parade-goers lining the streets on Thanksgiving morning.

Uptown Holiday Lighting – Postponed until 2019
Due to the construction of Post Oak Boulevard, the Uptown Houston Holiday Lighting event, annually held on Thanksgiving evening, is being postponed until 2019.

Galveston Holiday Lighting Celebration – November 23, 2018 – Hotel Galvez
Hotel Galvez invites guests and the community to celebrate the start of the holidays with the Official City of Galveston Holiday Lighting Celebration. Festivities begin at 6 p.m. and include a special appearance by Santa Claus, live holiday entertainment by local entertainment including the Galveston Ballet and the lighting of the hotel’s 35-foot Christmas Tree on the front lawn. During the event, the hotel collects donations for the Salvation Army of Galveston County.

Holly Jolly Jingle – November 29, 2018 – Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Guests can visit with Santa, Frosty and other holiday characters, make arts and crafts, play in the snow, listen to carolers sing and much more.

Mayor’s Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting – November 30, 2018 – Hermann Square at City Hall
Ring in the season with the 99th Annual Mayor’s Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting Presented by Reliant, an NRG Company, in the heart of downtown Houston. The spectacular event is a holiday tradition of music, Santa, fireworks and family fun. A towering Holiday Tree, glowing with energy efficient LED lights, shimmering ornaments and a stunning star topper will light up the streets of downtown Houston this holiday season. The event takes place in Hermann Square at City Hall from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

2018 Houston Heights Holiday Home Tour – November 30 – December 1, 2018 – Houston Heights
Five pristinely decorated homes in the Houston Heights will come to life on Friday, Nov. 30 and Sat., Dec. 1 for the annual Houston Heights Association Holiday Home Tour. From the oldest home built in 1903 to the newest built in 2005, each home has a unique take on the holiday spirit and incorporates the historic nature of the neighborhood. This year’s theme “When all through the House” is sure to bring back the nostalgia of holidays past.

Dickens On the Strand – November 30 – December 2, 2018 – Galveston
The annual holiday street festival, based on 19th-century Victorian London, features parades, non-stop entertainment on six stages, strolling carolers, roving musicians, bagpipers, jugglers and a host of other entertainers. Costumed vendors peddle their wares from street stalls and rolling carts laden with holiday food and drink, Victorian-inspired crafts, clothing, jewelry, holiday decorations and gift items.

Christmas in the Park – December 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29, 2018 – George Ranch
Travel through Christmas pasts and explore the customs and decorations of 100 years of Texas history.

Lights in the Heights – December 8, 2018 – Woodland Heights
Stroll down select streets of the Woodland Heights neighborhood, admiring the elaborately decorated homes while musicians perform in front of select homes.

Heritage Society 53rd Annual Candlelight Tour – December 8, 2018 – Sam Houston Park
After a one-year hiatus due to Hurricane Harvey, this Houston holiday tradition returns for one night only to take you and your loved ones back in time. Escape the busy holiday preparations and instead stroll through our cozy historic homes and celebrate the season over a warm hearth. The glow of our modern downtown city provides the unique backdrop for a tranquil holiday experience in a historic park. As you tour historic buildings adorned with traditional holiday decorations, you’ll marvel as our expert guides tell the stories of life in 19th century Houston.

Campfire Christmas – December 8 & 15, 2018 – George Ranch
Journey back into time to Christmases past with this one-of-a-kind immersive holiday experience! Start your evening with a merry greeting at the Visitor Center and hot chocolate and coffee to warm your soul. Then, enjoy a classic holiday meal featuring scrumptious recipes from Christmases gone by. After dinner, take a turn on the dance floor to the music of the ever-popular Pat Gavin and the Buckaroo Band. Finally, hop on our time-traveling tram for a journey through time.

Christmas Village at Bayou Bend – December 14, 2018–January 5, 2019 – Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
Discover an immersive Christmas experience at beautiful Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens. A dazzling bridge brings you into a winter wonderland featuring thousands of lights and activities for all ages throughout the 14-acre estate. Fun, holiday-themed tours of Ima Hogg’s historic mansion feature live actors, theatrical effects, and Christmas decorations. You’ll find lots more to see and do.

Cirque Joyeux Noel – December 21, 2018 – January 4, 2018 – Moody Gardens
Enjoy a spectacular, exhilarating and joyous celebration of the holiday season with an enchanting mix of fantastic food, circus and music.