Real Expert. Real Neighbor. Real Estate

10/19/2026

What if your first home isn't a house at all?

If you've been struggling to find a traditional single-family home that fits your budget, don't overlook condos.

According to Zillow, the typical starter condo costs under $200k nationally. Part of the reason they can be more affordable than a single-family home is because they’re normally smaller.

Sure, you may trade some square footage or a backyard for shared walls and an HOA fee. But you could also get a lower purchase price, great amenities, and less maintenance to handle yourself.

And if that means getting your own set of keys sooner, it could be an option worth exploring.

Your first home doesn't have to check every box you originally imagined. It just needs to be the right fit for your life and your budget right now.

Let's look at what's available in our area and see if a condo could be your way into homeownership.

10/19/2026

Each brokerage independtly owned and operated.

Dripping faucets. Banging pipes. Squeaky hinges that make you jump. Your home isn't haunted, it just needs a little attention before small issues turn into big repair bills. This October, don't ignore the warning signs. DM me if you'd like my full home maintenance checklist, or if you need a referral to a trusted pro who can chase away the noises for good.

Raul Arriondo, MBA, REALTOR
281.948.3553
arriondogroup | KW Realty
Real Neighbor. Real Expert. Real Estate
Licensed Professional Real Estate Consultants
English | Spanish | Brazilian Portuguese

10/19/2026

Each brokerage independtly owned and operated.

Here's the current inventory for Houston. This metric represents how many homes are on the market right now.

Raul Arriondo, MBA, REALTOR
281.948.3553
arriondogroup | KW Realty
Real Neighbor. Real Expert. Real Estate
Licensed Professional Real Estate Consultants
English | Spanish | Brazilian Portuguese

10/18/2026

Home sales may be slower than last year. But that doesn't mean buyers have disappeared.

At the current pace, almost 4 million homes are expected to sell this year. That's about 11,000 each day, 450 an hour, and nearly 8 every minute.

Why? Because even in this market, there are still buyers out there who have a reason to move.

People get new jobs, families grow, people retire, downsize, and move closer to the people they love. And those changes create buyers and sellers in every kind of market.

In fact, the latest report from NAR shows sales actually ticked up slightly in September, even though they're still below last year's pace.

So, don't let a headline convince you no one is buying. You don't need every buyer. You just need the right one – and a strategy that helps your house get their attention.

If you're thinking about selling, let's talk about how to make yours one of the homes that sells.

10/17/2026

Do You Know How Much Equity You Have?

The low mortgage rate you locked in a few years ago might make moving feel off the table. But your equity could put it back on.Homeowners with a mortgage have an average of $310K in equity right now. That could go toward a bigger down payment, so you borrow less at today's rates. Or, you may be able to buy your next place in cash – without needing a mortgage at all. So, don’t write off a move just yet. Let's find out how much equity you have and what it could do for you.

10/16/2026

Each brokerage independtly owned and operated.

Have you ever attempted to build a treehouse in the backyard?

Raul Arriondo, MBA, REALTOR
281.948.3553
arriondogroup | KW Realty
Real Neighbor. Real Expert. Real Estate
Licensed Professional Real Estate Consultants
English | Spanish | Brazilian Portuguese

10/16/2026

Hoping mortgage rates will come down soon? The latest inflation report just made that outlook a little more complicated.

Inflation climbed to 3.7% in September, higher than economists expected. And while rising gas prices were a big driver, costs increased across several other categories too.

Why does that matter for housing? Because stubborn inflation makes it harder for the Fed to justify lowering their Federal Funds Rate. It could even increase the chances of another hike.

Now, the Fed doesn't directly control mortgage rates. But inflation and Fed expectations influence them, which means there's no guarantee mortgage rates will move lower anytime soon.

If you're planning to buy or sell, don't let a hoped-for rate drop be the only thing driving your timeline.

Let's look at what today's market means for your move and build a plan around the numbers you can actually work with.

10/15/2026

Each brokerage independtly owned and operated.

Does your home currently inspire the best version of you?

Raul Arriondo, MBA, REALTOR
281.948.3553
arriondogroup | KW Realty
Real Neighbor. Real Expert. Real Estate
Licensed Professional Real Estate Consultants
English | Spanish | Brazilian Portuguese

10/14/2026

Why There are More Homes for Sale Right Now (and What It Means for You)

In many places right now, inventory is growing and homes are taking a bit longer to sell. And that’s information that should shape the strategy you use going in.

Whether you're buying or selling, let's look at how long homes are taking to sell in your neighborhood, so your offer, or your price, fits today's market.

Mortgage rates being back above 7% isn't exactly the news most people wanted. But it’s changing the market in ways that matter whether you’re buying or selling.

10/12/2026

Each brokerage independtly owned and operated.

When it comes to finding the right home, most people focus on price, layout, or square footage. But one of the most overlooked factors? The neighborhood. 🏡✨

Your surroundings can impact your daily routine, lifestyle, and even long-term happiness. Think about things like:
✅ Commute times
✅ Nearby parks, shops, and restaurants
✅ Noise levels and traffic flow
✅ Community vibe

Because at the end of the day, you’re not just choosing a house—you’re choosing the lifestyle that comes with it.🌿

Would you rather have your dream home in an average area, or a good home in your dream neighborhood?

Raul Arriondo, MBA, REALTOR
281.948.3553
arriondogroup | KW Realty
Real Neighbor. Real Expert. Real Estate
Licensed Professional Real Estate Consultants
English | Spanish | Brazilian Portuguese