Houston Market Insights: Rising Inventory, Expired Listings & Pricing Strategies

Each month, I tune into industry-leading market updates to stay on top of national and local trends, and June’s Monthly Market Report had some key takeaways that directly impact our Houston real estate market.

The biggest headline? Inventory is on the rise. For the first time since early 2019, there are now more than a million active listings nationwide. This shift toward a more balanced market is being felt here in Houston as well. While we’re not seeing an oversupply, buyers definitely have more options now, which means strategic pricing is more important than ever.

We’re also continuing to feel the ripple effects of a long-term housing deficit. After years of underbuilding following the 2008 crash, we simply haven’t caught up to the demand, especially in growing markets like Houston. Even with more homes coming on the market, Realtor.com estimates it could take 7.5 years to close the national housing gap at current absorption rates.

What does this mean for sellers? More inventory equals more competition. Nearly 40 percent of homes nationwide are now selling for less than asking price, and Texas is among the states seeing the most significant price reductions. One-third of sellers are having to drop their price, often because their initial expectations were set based on outdated market conditions.

We’re also seeing a notable rise in expired listings, which are homes that didn’t sell during their listing period. Expired listings have increased nearly 18 percent this year, with projections pointing toward a 20 percent increase by the end of 2025. Many of these homes do eventually sell, but often only after being relisted with a more competitive price and a refreshed marketing strategy.

As a Houston-based Realtor, I’ve helped many sellers reposition homes that didn’t sell the first time around. If your listing expired or you’re preparing to go to market, this is a time when having an experienced agent makes a huge difference. Knowing how to interpret today’s shifting data and set the right price, based on current conditions rather than past highs, is critical to avoiding costly delays.

The bottom line: this is a professional’s market. Whether you’re buying or selling, the right guidance can help you make smarter decisions in a more complex landscape. If you’re thinking about making a move or want to discuss where your home fits in this new market reality, I’m here to help. Let’s talk.