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April 2026

The Barker Beat

Niky Barker

Apr 9, 2026

As blooms fill the wildflower trails of Elyson and events return to Historic Town Square, the Greater Houston housing market is stepping into spring with genuine stability. Sales are climbing, buyer activity is surging, and affordability has quietly improved for the 17th time in 20 months. Whether you're thinking of buying, selling, or simply staying informed — this month's report has everything you need.

Spring has arrived in Katy — and so has market momentum.


As blooms fill the wildflower trails of Elyson and events return to Historic Town Square, the Greater Houston housing market is stepping into spring with genuine stability. Sales are climbing, buyer activity is surging, and affordability has quietly improved for the 17th time in 20 months. Whether you're thinking of buying, selling, or simply staying informed — this month's report has everything you need.


MARCH 2026 DATA · GREATER HOUSTON

Market Snapshot

MEDIAN SALE PRICE

$330,000

▼ 1.5% year-over-year

AVERAGE SALE PRICE

$420,510

▼ 1.2% year-over-year

HOMES SOLD

7,644

▲ 3.7% year-over-year

DAYS ON MARKET

67 Days

▲ from 62 days last year

ACTIVE LISTINGS

34,898

▲ 8.7% year-over-year

MONTHS OF INVENTORY

4.7 Mo.

▲ from 4.5 months last year

PENDING SALES

9,474

▲ 12.8% year-over-year

TOTAL SALES VOLUME

$3.6B

▲ 1.9% year-over-year

SHOWINGS

199,235

▲ 3.8% year-over-year


💡 Affordability Insight: Despite slightly higher rates, the typical mortgage payment on the median-priced home is nearly $106 less per month than a year ago. Affordability has improved in 17 of the last 20 months — that’s meaningful progress for buyers.


🏡  FOR SELLERS

🔑  FOR BUYERS

Spring is your prime window. Pending sales are surging 12.8% — buyer demand is real. Strategic pricing remains key as days on market have ticked up slightly. A well-presented home priced right will move.

More inventory means more choices — and improved affordability means your dollar goes further than a year ago. With 4.7 months of supply, you have negotiating power you haven’t seen in years.


Source: Houston Association of REALTORS® (HAR) — March 2026 Housing Market Update

NOW AVAILABLE

Featured Listing



ELYSON  ·  KATY, TX

23939 Oriole Valley Trail

Katy, Texas 77493

$352,800

Beds

3

Baths

2

Style

2-Story

Builder

Chesmar


Highlights

  • Chesmar-built home in the master-planned Elyson community

  • Covered front porch, covered back porch & 2nd-story balcony

  • Overlooks Elyson's beautiful wildflower walking trails

  • Bright kitchen and family room filled with natural light

  • Spacious primary suite with Texas-sized shower & walk-in closet

  • Easy access to TX-99, 529 & I-10 — minutes to Target, Kroger & Katy Asian Town


View Full Listing →  har.com

KATY & CYPRESS

Community News & Events


MARCH HIGHLIGHTS


MAR

14

Katy Vendor Market — Historic Town Square

Local artisans and vendors filled Historic Town Square for a vibrant evening market — a great reminder of why our charming downtown keeps drawing crowds.


MAR

21

Cypress Home & Garden Expo — Berry Center

The annual spring expo drew crowds with 100+ exhibitors, expert landscaping demos, a plant sale, children’s market, and food trucks — a true spring tradition.


MAR

27

Elyson Party in the Park

Residents celebrated spring at Elyson Commons with live music, food trucks, arts & crafts, and inflatables — a wonderful evening for families and neighbors.


COMING UP IN APRIL


APR

12

40th Annual Folk Life Festival — Katy ISD (FREE)

Step back into 1800s Texas at the Welch Outdoor Learning Center. Hands-on historical demos, heritage activities, and family fun celebrating Katy’s rich roots.


APR

17

Cy-Hope Crawfish & Cornhole Fundraiser — The Cypress Alamo

Enjoy delicious crawfish, friendly cornhole competition, and community energy — all while supporting local children and families through Cy-Hope.


APR

18

Katy Car Showdown — Historic Town Square (10 AM – 4 PM, FREE)

Classic cars, live music, food trucks, and family activities. Awards include Best in Show, People’s Choice, and Mayor’s Choice.


APR

23

Katy Community Night at Constellation Field (7:05 PM)

Join your Katy neighbors for baseball with discounted community tickets — a great night out for the whole family.


APR

24

Katy Sip N Stroll — The ARK by Norris Event Center (6–9 PM)

Now in its 29th edition, this beloved wine event pairs local vintages, gourmet bites, and live entertainment — benefitting Christ Clinic.


🌷 All Month (through Apr 26): Dewberry Farm Spring Fest — Meet the Easter Bunny, enjoy daily egg hunts, seasonal food specials, and springtime photo ops. A beloved Katy-area tradition!


HOMEOWNER TIPS

Spring Maintenance Checklist

Texas springs are beautiful — but they also bring storms, humidity, and intense heat just around the corner. Now’s the perfect time to protect your investment and get your home summer-ready.

🌿  Service Your HVAC

Schedule a tune-up before summer heat arrives. Replace filters, clean coils, and check refrigerant levels to keep energy bills low all season long.

🏠  Inspect Your Roof & Gutters

Clear gutters of winter debris and check for any loose or damaged shingles. Spring storms can quickly turn minor issues into costly repairs.

🚰  Check Your Sprinkler System

Turn on your irrigation for the season. Check for broken heads, leaks, and proper coverage before summer heat sets in and water restrictions begin.


🔒  Seal Windows & Doors

Check weatherstripping and caulking around windows and exterior doors. Proper sealing keeps cool air in and lowers your summer energy costs significantly.


🔋  Test Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Replace batteries and test all detectors. It takes two minutes and could save your family’s life. If detectors are over 10 years old, replace them entirely.


💬 Wondering how these upgrades might affect your home’s value? I’d love to give you a complimentary market opinion — just reach out!

SUPPORTING LOCAL

Business Spotlight

🥐  Harvest Kitchen & Bakery

Katy, Texas · Local Favorite

One of Katy’s most beloved local spots, Harvest Kitchen & Bakery has become a true community staple. Known for fresh, scratch-made breakfast and brunch, their menu features comforting favorites — protein crepes, fruit bowls, hearty egg dishes, and freshly baked goods that keep regulars coming back week after week.

Whether you’re grabbing a quick coffee and pastry before your morning commute or settling in for a leisurely weekend brunch, Harvest delivers the kind of warm, neighborhood-kitchen feel that Katy is all about. It’s the kind of place that makes you proud to support local.


Know a local business that deserves a spotlight? Reply to this newsletter — I’d love to feature them next month!

THINKING ABOUT YOUR NEXT MOVE?

I’m here to help you navigate every step of the journey.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious about what your home is worth today — let’s have a conversation. No pressure, just honest local expertise.

✉️  niky@barkergrp.com     |     📞  917-399-7099



Niky Barker

REALTOR®  ·  Keller Williams Signature

📍  920 S Fry Rd, Katy, TX

📞  917-399-7099

✉️  niky@barkergrp.com


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