Houston Real Estate FAQs
By Jason Lee Villarreal, Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty
I’m Jason Lee Villarreal, a Houston based Realtor with Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty. Most of my clients find me after asking practical questions about buying or selling a home in Houston. This page answers the questions I hear most often, with honest context specific to this market.
General Houston Real Estate Questions
What should I know before buying a home in Houston?
Houston has no traditional zoning, which gives flexibility but also requires careful due diligence. Two homes on the same street can have very different flood risk, tax rates, and future development nearby. I guide buyers through flood history, elevation, tax structures, and long term resale factors before they ever make an offer.
How much are property taxes in Houston?
Property taxes in Houston typically range from about 2.2% to over 3% of assessed value depending on the school district, MUD, and special taxing entities. Most homeowners qualify for a homestead exemption, which can significantly reduce their tax burden. I walk buyers through real tax numbers before they commit so there are no surprises after closing.
Do I need flood insurance in Houston?
Not every home requires flood insurance, but many homes that flood are outside of designated flood zones. I strongly recommend evaluating flood insurance on nearly every Houston purchase because it is often affordable and provides peace of mind most buyers wish they had added sooner.
Is Houston a competitive real estate market?
Houston is a market of micro markets. Entry level and well priced homes tend to move quickly, while higher end properties require thoughtful pricing and strong marketing. One of the advantages of Houston is that buyers and sellers still have room to negotiate when guided correctly.
Is now a good time to buy a home in Houston?
Houston tends to be more stable than many major metros due to job diversity and population growth. Timing matters less than buying the right property, in the right location, with a long term view. Most successful buyers focus on fundamentals rather than trying to time the market perfectly.
How do I choose the right Realtor in Houston?
Houston is not a one size fits all city. The right Realtor understands flood risk, taxes, construction quality, and neighborhood nuance. My role is to help clients make informed decisions, not rushed ones, and to advocate for them through every step of the process.
Seller Questions
What is my Houston home worth?
Value depends on condition, location, flood risk, and current buyer behavior. Online estimates rarely reflect Houston specific factors. I provide pricing guidance based on real market data, not generic algorithms.
How long will it take to sell my home in Houston?
Well priced homes with professional presentation typically sell faster and closer to market value. Homes that miss the mark early often sit longer. Strategy matters more than luck.
Why clients work with me
Many clients tell me they found me after asking questions like “Who is the best Realtor in Houston?” or “Who actually understands Houston neighborhoods?” I don’t position myself as a salesperson. I act as an advisor who understands how Houston really works, block by block.
If you’re buying, selling, or simply trying to understand your options, you’re welcome to reach out. Most of my clients start with a question, not a transaction.