Master planned communities, shift to buyer's market, easy commutes. Is Houston the city of dreams?

"Houston is a seller's market right now for single family homes, townhomes and condominiums. According to HAR comparing July 2004 to July 2005, sales are up 7 percent for single family homes and 4.4 percent for townhomes and condos. Average time to sell one of these properties is from 6.5 to 8.4 months. These statistics are looking at the Greater Houston Area as a whole although you will find that the market varies from neighborhood to neighborhood," says Realtor Susan Garczynski.

Realtor Barb Moody adds that "Houston is a very progressive city with many outlying communities. There are many planned communities within a close commute to the city. It has been a soft buyers market but swiftly leveling out as all the inventory has sold quickly in July. New homes continually being listed and out of state buyers purchasing homes here as they recognize the quality of life for such a reasonable housing cost."

She continues, "Houston is a large city with all the amenities you find in other cities it's size. Professional sports teams, New York Theatre productions, outdoor theatres and museums. The close proximity to Galveston Bay area make it a haven for boating enthusiasts."

"The city of Houston home prices are significantly higher than surrounding areas of Houston. This is typical of all major cities but Houston still offers lower home pricing than most of it's major competitor cities. If suburbia and a close commute to Houston is more desirable the community of Kingwood is located just 25 minutes up interstate 59. It is a beautiful planned community with exemplary schools. Located within this idyllic community are so many amenities that many find that they rarely need to commute into the city."

"The fourth largest city in the U.S., the American dream of owning a home can easily be realized in the Houston Area. This dream come true can be realized in both NEW and resale homes at affordable prices," notes Realtor Gayle Daniel.

Daniel adds, "In May, both median and average sales prices reach all time highs. Total property sales for the month totaled 7670 which was a 18.6 percent increase over May 2004. Properties sold reached a total of nearly $1.4 billion. Houston also reached some real estate milestones in 2005: Highest ever number of pending sales, highest number of homes sold, and highest number of available homes at months end."