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Here's where Houston ranks as a top U.S. housing market in 2021, according to experts

Real-estate experts say Austin will be the top housing market in the U.S. in 2021.

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In news that is likely to surprise no one, experts say Houston will be one of the nation's hottest housing markets.

According to the Q4 2020 Zillow Home Price Expectations Survey, real-estate experts, economists, and investment strategists say Houston will outperform the national housing market. The report, which was conducted by independent research company Pulsenomics, includes predictions about home-value growth in the largest 20 U.S. markets in 2021.

Houston ranked 12th overall, with 32 percent of experts saying the Bayou City will outperform the national average.

Also hardly surprising, Austin topped the survey as the No. 1 destination in 2021. Experts had previously predicted Austin’s housing market would be the hottest in 2020. By mid-December, when the median list price for homes in the Austin metro area had risen year-over-year by more than 23 percent — the biggest increase among the 50 largest U.S. markets — it was clear the Capital City would outpace all other large markets in 2020, according to the report.

Driving the housing growth in Austin are a number of factors, among them the seemingly immense exodus of tech companies and workers from the West Coast to Central Texas. This presumption is supported by the Zillow report, which notes San Francisco and Los Angeles land at the bottom of the 20-city list in terms of predicted housing growth this year, alongside New York City.

Even the New York Times recently noted the massive influx of techie San Franciscans moving to Central Texas, claiming Austin is their No. 1 relocation spot, with the paper saying it is the Texas city closest in spirit to the Bay Area and calling out recent news of growth in the local tech industry from such big-name players as Apple, Amazon, and Tesla.

The Zillow report notes another reason Austin’s housing market is the hottest is because, well, it’s hot here. In fact, it is mostly Sun Belt cities, including Austin, Phoenix, Tampa, and Nashville, that are expected to outperform the nation’s housing growth in 2021.

“These Sun Belt destinations are migration magnets thanks to relatively affordable, family-sized homes, booming economies, and sunny weather,” Jeff Tucker, a Zillow senior economist, said in a release. “Record-low mortgage rates and the increased demand for living space, coupled with a surge of millennials buying their first homes, will keep the pressure on home prices there for the foreseeable future.”

Meanwhile, Dallas-Fort Worth claimed the No. 6 spot, with 54 percent of real-estate experts saying the area will outperform the national home-value-growth average.

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spacious sandalwood retreat

England-inspired lakeside Houston mansion hits market for $7.75 million

Photo by Aria Media for Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty

This secluded, wooded estate is for sale for $7.75 million.

On the shores of Sandalwood’s largest lake is a stunning wooded estate. 50 Patti Lynn Lane, tucked between Briar Forest Drive and Memorial Drive, offers luxury living in tranquil seclusion. It’s on the market for $7.75 million and listed by Inga Laughlin Smith with Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty.

A rare find, this 9,000-square-foot home offers five bedrooms, five full and four partial bathrooms, exquisite details, and striking craftsmanship. Designed by Rice Residential Design, with interiors by Scene One Interiors and built by Corbel Custom Homes, this home is a remarkable example of how modern living blends with the natural setting.

Echoing an English manor, this home unfolds in its wooded surroundings. Come through the French chateau front doors into a sweeping grand foyer with hardwood floors and a wrought-iron staircase. A study features custom millwork, soaring views, and a club-like feel. The bar’s detailing lends an air of sophistication to this easy gathering space. The climate-controlled wine room has storage for 1,500 bottles. A lovely grand gallery links the wine room and dining room.

The kitchen is at the crossroads of the home, anchored by an oversized island, perfect for casual conversation and quick meals. Professional-grade appliances make it a home cook’s dream, while custom cabinetry and elegant architectural details demonstrate its blend of form and function.

On the main level is the primary suite, with a spa bathroom and a dressing room that mirrors a luxury boutique. Upstairs, a secondary suite has a window seat, custom built-ins, and an en-suite bath. Additional bedrooms are spacious retreats, and the game room has plenty of space to relax and enjoy treetop views. Currently, a secondary bedroom serves as an in-home fitness studio.

The resort-style grounds feature an infinity pool and spa. The back patio has a stone fireplace, outdoor kitchen, dining area, and lounging spot, making it a retreat all of its own. Steps lead down to gorgeously manicured grounds with mature trees and meandering paths to the lake.

This home should prove irresistible to a wealthy family seeking an exceptional blend of modern living with the feel of a private oasis.

Photo by Aria Media for Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty

This secluded, wooded estate is for sale for $7.75 million.

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