Q: What is the outlook for first-time homebuyers in Houston for this year?

A: I believe first-time homebuyers might benefit from a slight cool down in prices throughout the city, and less competition from other buyers as experienced heavily during the previous 24 months, leading to frequent multiple-offer situations and over-asking price contracts in order to secure the deal.

Buying a home for the first time is already a big undertaking for many, and being able to buy without the added pressures of an ultra hot market will make for a more enjoyable and less strenuous process for the buyers.

Houston is still a very strong and enviable market to be involved in, and first time homebuyers should always remember that their purchase is not just for the current time frame, but should be their residence for at least four to seven years – making for a solid investment.

— Joy Finnegan, Sudhoff Properties, 281-652-5588