Hello February!
Hello and Happy February! We made it through the Monday-est month of the year, congratulations! February may be a short month, but it's packed with exciting events (and I'm not talking about another "hard freeze").
Real Estate News
Credit: Sonya Bertolino- 5527 Briar Drive. Currently listed by David Houston, New Leaf Real Estate.
According to Houston Agent Magazine, in 2025, homes stayed on the market for an average of 64 days, up from 59 days in 2024.
Houston home sales increased 1.2% year over year in December (8,707 closings)
Pending sales increased 12% year over year (6,043 listings under contract)
Total dollar volume rose 2.1% to $3.6 billion
Median sales price: $425,535 (+0.8%)
Average sales price: $335,000 (+0.3%)
Inventory: 4.5-month supply (up from four months)
A quick note on "Houston home sales": Houston proper alone spans 640 square miles, and when you include surrounding suburbs, the metro area reaches nearly 10,000 square miles - larger than the State of New Jersey (by about 2,000 square miles).
Different publications pull data from different sources, so statistics can vary widely. That's why I always encourage clients to ask an agent what we're actually seeing on the ground.
My brokerage meets bi-weekly to discuss real-world market activity, and I'm always happy to run comparables and share insights specific to your neighborhood. Give me a call anytime.
February in Houston: Around Town
Candlelight Series
Has anyone else been to any of those candlelit tribute concerts by FeverUp? These concerts take place in beautiful venues around Houston (think old churches and the Lone Star Flight Museum) and feature music performed by piano or string ensembles and cover artists. The lineup for February is lit (see what I did there?). These shows feature: Adele, Imagine Dragons, Coldplay (my favorite!), 90s Hip Hop & R&B, The Beatles, Metallica and more. A perfect date for you and your Valentine! Highly recommend. I won't even take credit for the suggestion.
Jared Freid
The House of Blues welcomes comedian, writer, podcaster and "nice Jewish boy" Jared Freid for his "Table for One" tour on Saturday, February 7th.
His stand-up special "37 and Single" debuted on Netflix in 2023 (hilarious by the way) and there are still a few tickets available. I have seen him live twice and he is absolutely hysterical! His tales of being single and traveling to Europe alone are the theme for his current tour, but you can also find him on the J Train Podcast and the U Up? Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. You can also find his videos, get tickets and other information here.
World's Championship Bar-B-Que Cookoff
February in Houston is largely spent buying and selling tickets to the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo concerts (they start March 2). Ladies are planning their rodeo outfits (very serious business), and everyone is excited about the World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest presented by Cotton Holdings, where over 250 teams compete to be crowned the Champion from February 26 - 28. Admission to individual team/sponsored tents are invitation-only, but General Admission tickets are $30 for ages 13 and up, $10 for kids ages 3-12 and free for little ones 2 and under.
GA Cookoff tickets are available here.
If you haven't seen the performer lineup for the HLSR yet, you can find it here.
PS - If anyone has tickets to Tim McGraw, please hook me up!
Speaking of BBQ...
Pinkerton's Barbecue Upper Kirby location is now open!
As a native Houstonian, I grew up on Luther's, Old Hickory Inn and Goode Co. among others, so you COULD say, I know my BBQ. I have heard amazing things about Pinkerton's and with their new location less than a mile from my house, I had to try it immediately. It is beautifully designed with a full bar, wood paneled walls and ceiling, a working jukebox, retro fixtures, tons of seating in wood booths and tables and a even window to view the four huge meat smokers. Very cool spot and always happy to support local businesses. Where should I try next?
Pinkerton's Barbecue 3801 Farnham, Houston, TX 77098
*Closed on Mondays
Final Note
I've got some fun updates and helpful home ideas coming in my next newsletter, so keep an eye on your inbox next month. Wishing you all a happy and love-filled Valentines Day! Thank you for being here, and especially if you've made it all the way to the end.
Have a wonderful February - catch you in March!