Area Home Sales Cool Down in July As Homebuyer Tax Credit Expires Houston

Sales of single family homes in Houston fell sharply in July after an artificial boost due to the federal tax credit came to a close.

Following four consecutive months of comparable sales gains, the Houston market sold 25 percent less single family homes in July 2010 than July 2009, according to the Multiple Listing Service Market Update released by the Houston Association of Realtors (HAR).

The same trend occurred in two areas of northeast Houston. Single family home sales in HAR Area #1 (Atascocita/Humble) and Area #32 (Kingwood) were down 27 percent and 31 percent, respectively, in July.