As we look back on 2006 national headlines have debated the possibility of a future recession, this has been pointed to primarily because of a faltering housing market.  Here in Houston a different story is being told.  Our real estate market has continued to have steady growth; which is good news for both buyers and sellers.  The full year end figures are just being tabulated now but if November sales were any indicator, Houston real estate will continue to bound ahead into 2007.  In what may have seemed like a repeat month after month Houston housing sales continued to show strength in the face of reports of sagging sales elsewhere in the country.

 I have talked to many friends and family members scattered throughout the rest of the country and they have talked about a difficult market in the last year with home sale prices depreciating and homes staying on the market for long periods of time.  I have to say that several years ago talking to those same friends and family members their market was booming with incredible growth while our market was just showing moderate growth.  Having lived in some of those states that showed incredible growth living here the last 10 years I have felt a little bit of envy because our growth has always been moderate; maybe 3% to 6% per year.  To me it brings to mind the story of the tortoise and the hare.  The Houston market has plodded along year after year showing moderate gains.  I have to say I no longer feel that envy I am glad to be living in Houston and plodding along like a tortoise.