Buyer's market

Houston declared among 10 best markets for buyers by real estate experts

Houston is hot for homebuyers.

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Houston homebuyers are in luck this home shopping season, as Houston has been named one of the friendliest markets for buyers by real estate database titan Zillow.

Zillow analyzed housing markets in the 35 largest metros in the country and ranked them on a spectrum from most buyer-friendly to most seller-friendly. The index "shows how hot a region's housing market is compared to others by analyzing sale-to-list-price ratios, percentage of listings with a price cut, and how long homes stay on the market," the company says in a release.

Houston ranks as the ninth most buyer-friendly housing market out of the 35 largest metros in the U.S., with a median home value of $205,500 and homes staying on the market for an average of 89 days.

The report drilled down further to name Bellaire, where 20.7 percent of homes saw price cuts last year, the most buyer-friendly location in the area. Dickinson, which had a sale-to-list-price ratio of 98 percent, was named the most seller-friendly spot in the Houston area. According to Zillow, the suburbs of Cypress, Sugar Land, and Atascocita all landed in the middle of the buyer-seller index, meaning they are not as buyer- or seller-friendly as other cities on the spectrum in the area.

Houston is the only Texas metro to appear in the buyer-friendly top 10 list. San Antonio barely missed that group as the 11th most buyer-friendly area; Austin landed in the middle of the index at No. 18; and Dallas-Fort Worth ranked No. 24, making it more of a seller-friendly market.

Nationwide, Zillow says buyers in Florida and the New York metro area will have "more favorable conditions than those in most other major markets."

a luxury escape

80 acre Houston-area estate with two ponds listed for $11.5 million

S Lazy S Ranch house exterior at 8502 Stansberry Road

Photo by Sky Crafted Imaging for Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

S Lazy S Ranch in Wallis is for sale for $11.5 million.

Imagine acres of green vistas, tree-lined paths and the privacy that comes with a personal oasis. That’s S Lazy S Ranch, set on 80 acres at 8502 Stansberry Road in Wallis. It’s for sale for $11.5 million, listed by Rachel Hrncir with Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty.

Gated and fenced, this is a remarkable property meant for living, working, and entertaining, with exceptional indoor and outdoor spaces.

Designed in tandem by the seller and Houston architect Robert McKinney, a decorated amateur golfer who’s considered one of the top golf clubhouse designers in the United States, the home unfolds over more than 5,000 square feet and features a distinctive floor plan that maximizes its pond views and is flooded with natural light. From the rugged facade of San Saba stone to a host of contemporary conveniences, this is a space that offers elegant rustic living.

Photo by Sky Crafted Imaging for Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

S Lazy S Ranch in Wallis is for sale for $11.5 million.

The interior’s spacious gathering areas provide opportunities for family relaxation and entertaining a crowd. The chef's kitchen has Viking appliances and is anchored by a large island with seating for five. An open plan provides seamless access to the dining room and living room, with vaulted wood ceilings and a huge stone fireplace.

A luxurious primary suite is a true retreat, with double glass doors opening to a covered patio, two walk-in closets, and a spa-like bath that boasts a jetted soaking tub set against huge windows offering beautiful views. The secondary bedrooms are designed as private suites, and a flexible bonus space can be a game room or other additional gathering spot.

Outdoors, find covered patios, an infinity-edge spa, outdoor kitchen, fire feature, two stocked ponds, and abundant wildlife.The barn includes four horse stalls, workshop, guest apartment, and equipment storage.

With a location south of I-10 and less than an hour from Houston, S Lazy S Ranch is a space that feels deep in the heart of Texas, yet is so close to modern living.