On The Move Texas, Christi Finnell, Realtor

09/24/2026

Why Buyers and Sellers Are Stuck
Lately, the real estate market in Northwest Houston and the Lake Conroe region has felt a bit like a standoff. With higher mortgage rates making monthly payments tougher to manage, many buyers are choosing to wait rather than commit. This hesitation is reflected in the dip in pending sales—fewer buyers are moving from browsing to actually making offers. On the other side, homeowners with low-rate mortgages are understandably reluctant to give up their current deals, which means fewer new listings are making their way to the market. The result is a housing stalemate: buyers are holding out for more affordable payments, and sellers don't want to part with their advantageous loans. As someone dedicated to helping clients navigate both sides of this equation with integrity and professionalism, I’m here to help you make sense of this slower, more complex landscape—whether you’re considering buying or selling.

09/23/2026

More Homes Hit the Market as Demand Cools
We're seeing a shift in the housing market lately: in the four weeks ending August 23, new listings across the US inched up 0.4% week-over-week, and total homes for sale grew by 0.5%, marking the highest inventory levels since early spring. Meanwhile, pending home sales dipped 1.1% to a six-month low, as elevated home prices and mortgage rates near 7% (the highest point in over a year) kept many buyers on the sidelines—even as more choices appeared. The median sale price now stands 1.9% higher than last year, just topping $400,000.

What does this mean for those navigating the Northwest Houston and Lake Conroe markets? Rising inventory and a cooling demand are opening doors for buyers, offering more opportunities to negotiate—especially on homes that have been listed for several weeks. Sellers, on the other hand, are seeing better results by pricing strategically, rather than chasing last year's highs. As always, my focus is on helping you make sense of these shifting dynamics, so you can move forward with confidence and clarity.

09/23/2026

If you’re getting ready to buy a home this fall, I’m here to help you through the process!

Contact me today, and let's work together to find the perfect home for you!

09/22/2026

How much is your Home Worth?
Find out if it's time to sell your home
https://www.roomvu.com/estimates?branded-user=christi-finnell-963598&share=true&c=2026-09-01

09/22/2026

House Price Appreciation by State and Metro Area in the Second Quarter of 2026
Here’s a snapshot of the latest trends in home values across the country: In the second quarter of 2026, U.S. house prices climbed by 2.1% year-over-year, with gains recorded in 47 states. Alaska and Vermont stood out with the highest increases, while New Mexico and Washington saw declines. Looking at metro areas, 75 markets experienced appreciation—Elgin, IL led the way, while Everett, WA recorded a decrease. As someone deeply committed to helping buyers and sellers navigate the dynamic Northwest Houston and Lake Conroe real estate markets, I’m always watching these national and regional shifts. Understanding where prices are rising or falling can help set realistic expectations and ensure your next move is a confident one. My goal is to guide you with integrity and professionalism every step of the way.

09/21/2026

A house is just a structure, but a home is where you feel comfortable, happy, and truly yourself. If you’re looking for a place that gives you that feeling, let’s talk!

09/19/2026

Once you start itching to move, there’s no going back! Reach out and let's get started on moving you into the best home possible.

09/18/2026

US Confidence Hits Seven-Mo Low
As we move through mid-third quarter, I’m noticing a shift in how clients are feeling about the market. While there’s a sense of stability in current conditions—reflected by the present-conditions index jumping about 7 points to 121—overall consumer confidence has softened. The expectations gauge, which dropped roughly 6 points to 68, is now beneath the level often associated with recession risk. Early third quarter data also shows employers cutting 23,000 jobs and unemployment rising to around 4%. That increase, though, stems mainly from fewer people participating in the workforce, rather than a boost in hiring.

Despite the uncertainty, homebuying expectations have only eased slightly and are still on the rise, even as about 61% of people anticipate higher interest rates ahead. With federal policymakers holding rates steady and the markets seeing little short-term relief, buyers can expect elevated borrowing costs through the end of the year.

Helping clients in Northwest Houston and the Lake Conroe area navigate these changes is always my priority. Understanding how shifts in consumer confidence and interest rate expectations affect your real estate journey is just one part of my commitment to guiding you with integrity and professionalism every step of the way.

09/16/2026

More Homes Hit the Market as Demand Cools
We're seeing a notable shift in the real estate landscape across the US, with new listings up 0.4% and total homes for sale increasing by 0.5% in the four weeks ending August 23—the highest inventory levels since early Q2. While more homes are available, buyer activity has softened, with pending sales dipping by 1.1% to a six-month low. High housing costs and mortgage rates hovering around 7% (a 13-month high) are keeping many buyers cautious, even as the median home-sale price has risen 1.9% year-over-year to over $400,000.

For those actively searching, this climate is opening up more negotiation opportunities, especially on properties that have been listed for several weeks. Sellers are finding that realistic pricing is key to success, rather than chasing last year’s highs. My approach is always centered on guiding clients with integrity and a deep understanding of our local market—helping you make sense of these trends whether you’re looking to buy or sell in The Woodlands, Lake Conroe, or anywhere across Northwest Houston.

09/16/2026

These fall staging tips will help your home stand out to potential buyers.

Help your home stand out to potential buyers this autumn with these staging tips.