If you’re keeping an eye on the Houston real estate market, the latest Weekly Activity Snapshot from Houston Association of REALTORS (HAR) offers some valuable insight into how 2026 is shaping up so far.
Covering January 6 through January 12, 2026, this data gives us a real-time look at buyer and seller behavior across single-family homes in the Houston metro area. Here’s what stands out and what it means if you’re thinking about buying or selling this year.
Key Houston Market Stats at a Glance (Week 2, 2026)
New Listings Are Up
- 3,819 new listings
- Up 14.8% year over year
More homeowners are entering the market, which means inventory is building. For buyers, that’s a positive sign. For sellers, it signals the importance of pricing and presentation.
Pending Listings Are Down
- 1,518 pending sales
- Down 13.4% year over year
Fewer homes went under contract compared to this time last year. This suggests buyers are being more selective, likely influenced by interest rates, affordability, and increased choices.
Off-Market Listings Increased
- 2,372 listings removed
- Up 22.8% year over year
Homes are being pulled from the market at a higher rate. This often happens when properties are overpriced, not marketed effectively, or sellers decide to pause and reassess.
Closings Declined Slightly
- 1,053 closings
- Down 8.3% year over year
Closings tend to lag behind pendings, so this dip aligns with the slowdown we’re seeing in contracts from prior weeks.
Showings Are Up Significantly
- 39,706 showings
- Up 10.4% year over year
This is one of the most encouraging stats. Buyers are actively touring homes, even if they’re taking longer to make decisions.
Open Houses Remain Strong
- 8,763 open houses held (in-person and virtual)
Open houses continue to be a key strategy for exposure, especially as buyers want to compare multiple options before committing.
What This Means for Buyers in Houston
- You have more options than last year.
- Increased showings indicate competition still exists for well-priced homes.
- This is a market where strategy, negotiation, and timing matter.
If you’re buying, having a plan and solid financing in place is critical so you can act quickly when the right home comes along.
What This Means for Sellers in Houston
- Buyers are looking, but they’re cautious.
- Homes that are priced correctly and marketed well are the ones getting traction.
- Overpricing is more likely to lead to longer days on market or going off-market altogether.
This is not a “set it and forget it” market. Sellers who lean into professional guidance, strong marketing, and realistic pricing are the ones seeing results.
Houston Real Estate Outlook for Early 2026
The early weeks of 2026 show a market that is active, but more balanced. Buyers are engaged, sellers are testing the waters, and the homes that stand out are the ones aligned with current market expectations.
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just watching the market, understanding these weekly trends helps you make smarter real estate decisions.
If you want to talk about how these numbers apply to your specific neighborhood or price range, I’m always happy to help.
Hitch Your Future to the right real estate strategy.
Source: Houston Association of REALTORS MLS Weekly Activity Snapshot (Single-Family Homes)