In a sign of potential return to normalcy, the number of closed sales in Houston actually fell during the month of September. Housing prices have been on the rise in the area as it becomes an increasingly desirable location to live for professionals and families. Additionally, inventory in the area has decreased in the last two years, creating the perfect storm for high housing prices. 

The number of closed sales for homes in Houston fell by 8.9% in September month-over-month. At the national level, closed transactions fell 7%. Sales this September were still higher than sales last September, however; there was a 1.5% increase in the sales of single-family homes in Houston this September. 

HAR.com posted on Twitter, saying, “Despite low inventory, buyers kept the Houston real estate market humming in September!”

Though sales are down month-to-month, experts still say that the housing market is strong in the area. Typically, home sales slow down in the month of September. This year, the fall season is showing uncharacteristic strength, though. Sales are higher this year than they were last year and although the housing market is not close to being back to normal levels, this could represent the first step in a gradual return to attainable housing prices.