January

Dear Neighbor,

When you’re thinking about selling to simplify life and capitalize on the equity you’ve built, you know it’s a big decision. There is a lot at stake when selling your longtime home, so of course you deserve expert guidance while preparing to sell what is likely one of your largest assets.

You’ve worked hard to build equity in your home, and you want to fully understand the value of your assets in today’s real estate market. Here are the top three things you need to know about our current real estate market in Katy, Texas:

Interest Rates Stayed Elevated

Interest rates stayed elevated through the end of the year, and most are expecting them to continue this trend. What does this mean for you as a homeowner thinking of selling? A strategic plan for positioning your home to be “best in class” will always be the winning strategy. We anticipate buyer competition to continue to go up as buyers who were sitting on the fence jump back into the market. Weighing the pros and cons of carrying costs for your current home, values of your new property, and your own life timeline are exactly why having a strategic guide is so important so you can get the best possible terms for

The Number of Homes for Sale is Approaching a Balanced Market

Katy now has 3.4 months of inventory, up from 2.7 in December 2023, reaching a more balanced market. Rising price points have kept sales from the breakneck pace we’d typically assume from the high demand for our market, which makes preparing, pricing and positioning your home to be “best in class” even more important. Done correctly, you want to be negotiating on offers for the best possible terms, instead of overpricing and needing to face multiple price reductions, often leaving buyers wondering what’s wrong. Strategic planning is always a good idea—especially so in our current market.

Median Sale Price Slight Decrease

In December, the median sale price was $373,490, down 2.1% from $365,500 last December. Even with the number of homes listed for sale going up, median price is relatively steady, which speaks to the volume of demand. As interest rates fluctuate and buyer competition continues to rise, having a strategic plan for positioning your home as best as possible and working with an expert negotiator can make navigating the market chaos and transaction curveballs much smoother.

As a homeowner, what does this mean for you?

If you’re thinking about selling in the next 12 months, now is the time to start preparing for market.

When you work with me, I make it a point to ensure that you feel comfortable and confident throughout your entire home sale. You want to feel certain that you have an agent who can calmly and proactively address any concerns that can show up during your home sale. To make sure we maximize your results, I will determine how best to prepare your home to increase its value to buyers and competitively price and position it on the market.

My commitment to excellence, creative problem-solving, and strategic negotiations are just a few reasons why my clients have trusted me with over $25 million sold in the Katy area. My process works, and I make it a seamless, simple experience for you.

If you are thinking about selling your home in the next 12 months, call me today for your Strategic Marketing Consultation → 225-368-5816

We will cover your goals and my unique approach to getting you the highest possible price in the fewest days on market.

Call Today → 225-368-5816

Cameron Balkom REALTOR
License # 0722810
Coldwell Banker Realty
cameronbalkom.sites.cbmoxi.com/
Cameron.balkom@cbrealty.com
225-368-5816

Katy Market Highlights

Single-Family Home Stats	December 2023 vs. December 2024	Analysis
Median Sale Price	↓ Down 2.1%	Median sale price is now at $365,500 down 2.1% from $373,490 in December 2023. When you price correctly from day one, you can maximize offers and ultimately sell for the highest possible price as quickly as possible.
Median Days on Market	↑ 3 days	Median days on market is up but still low, at 29 in December—the current high demand and low supply market are still holding strong for those who price strategically.
Sale-to-List Price Ratio	↓ Down 0.3%	From 96.7% in December 2023 to 96.4% in December 2024, we are seeing a slight decrease likely due to some aggressive overpricing the market couldn’t sustain, resulting in price reductions and more time on the market. That’s exactly why having a strategic plan is so important.
Price per Square Foot	↑ Up 5.3%	Demand in Katy is on the rise, and price per square foot is now at $176/sq. ft. as of the end of December this year, as compared to $167/sq. ft. in 2023. This number has continued to inch up even with the pressures from inventory and demand, making it even more important to strike a balance when listing.
Months of Inventory	↑ Up 0.7 months	We were at 2.7 in December 2023, compared to 3.4 at the end of December 2024—as inventory levels rise to a more balanced market, we will likely see days on market increase, making a strategic plan even more valuable for homeowners who want a more predictable path forward when selling.

Source: Houston Association of Realtors.

Looking Ahead

Here’s what we’ll be watching over the coming months:

1. Interest rates dropping or rising?

While mortgage rates are expected to remain elevated for the foreseeable future, home prices are projected to rise at a more moderate pace in 2025. This means buyers in Katy might have a bit more breathing room with fewer bidding wars, but competition will still be present. Whether rates dip or not, demand for homes in Katy remains strong, and inventory is gradually improving. Sellers should note that the market is stabilizing, so pricing your home correctly is key, as home values continue to appreciate—but not at the rapid rates seen in the past few years.

2. Pricing and Positioning to Sell Successfully (Even in a Changing Market)

The market is shifting. Rates are elevated, prices are inching upward, and inventory is slowly improving. In this unpredictable environment, it’s essential to have a strategy in place that positions your home for success. With the right pricing and positioning, your home can stand out among the competition. As your trusted agent, my goal is to help you navigate the complexities of the market and create a plan that showcases your home in its best light—maximizing your potential return.

3. What to Expect When Selling Your Home

The real estate market is always shifting, but with the right preparation, you can sell with confidence. A solid marketing strategy, keen pricing insight, and expert negotiation skills are essential to ensure you get the best terms possible. Selling your home is one of the largest financial decisions you’ll make, and having an experienced guide by your side is critical to achieving success—no matter what the market is doing.

If you are thinking about selling your home in the next 12 months, call me today for your Strategic Marketing Consultation → 225-368-5816