We've recently completed a review of year-over-year sales figures in our general market area, and the results confirm a dynamic we've noted for several months now: inventory is low, which is supporting values of quality properties.

Year over year, each quarter (and month) is showing a steep decline in activity - not necessarily value, as is the case in other cities and states. In Houston and particularly surrounding areas, we see that in our market, there are fewer sales being completed over last year, and that in turn is keeping sellers on the sidelines.

The irony is that sellers with quality properties on the market are getting good prices in general, and that's especially true for properties that have pools. So while there might be fewer buyers in the market overall this year, we think there are far fewer sellers in the market. That doesn't make it a "sellers market" -- but it does mean that sellers with quality desirable properties who are sitting on the sidelines may be undermining their own interests. It's actually a good time to sell well.

And it's a good time to buy well, too.

Shorter Nick: broad opportunity exists right now. The gloom and doom figures don't necessarily apply to Houston or our market area.