Debbie Russell Realtor with UTR - Texas Realtors

11/05/2026

When selecting a REALTOR® to list and sell your home, it's crucial to weigh the importance of market knowledge versus local knowledge. In my view, market knowledge should always take precedence. While local knowledge can provide information about proximity to amenities like subdivision swimming pools or shopping malls, it doesn't necessarily translate to a deeper understanding of the real estate market. Every day, new listings appear on platforms like HAR.com, while others are removed due to termination or expiration. A property listing can be active, pending, sold, or off market, often because a "local knowledge" agent failed to grasp the intricacies of the market.

In real estate, the number of days a property spends on the market is a seller's worst enemy. Correctly pricing a property requires market expertise and skill, rendering local knowledge secondary.

When interviewing agents, don't just ask how many listings they've sold. Instead, inquire about how many listings have ended as withdrawn, terminated, or expired. Additionally, ask how frequently they terminate and relist properties. Some agents might claim a property sold in 30 days, but they may have manipulated the MLS system by terminating and relisting the property every 20 to 30 days to reset the days-on-market count.

If an agent presents you with all the homes sold in the past 6 to 12 months, remember that this doesn't provide the complete picture. A competent agent should also consider and discuss with their clients the properties that were withdrawn, expired, or terminated.

The "Months of Inventory" metric calculates the current number of active listings in a specific area and compares it to the number of properties sold in the same area. This calculation helps estimate how many months it will take to sell the current inventory, assuming consistent sales trends. However, this metric does not account for withdrawn, terminated, and expired listings, which can be just as numerous as sold listings in some areas.

This comprehensive understanding is what constitutes true market knowledge.

11/03/2026

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Sold: 910 Knotty Elmwood Trl, Houston, TX 77062 ∙ $325,001 - $370,000 ∙ 0.17 Acres Lot ∙ 2,080 Sqft, 3 beds, 2 full baths, Single-Family ∙ View more.

10/26/2026

Vote this week! Early voting still an option through October 20, 2026. Don’t risk a last minute snafu that could keep you from going on Election Day. There was not one person in line when we arrived at Freeman Library at 7:10 a.m., we were in and out faster than ordering a cheeseburger and fries.

10/11/2026

$25,000 price drop "ONLY" 4 days on market = highly motivated seller! Now priced at $168.26 per SF. All new windows, wood floors in living areas, tile in kitchen/dining/family room/bathrooms, updated seamless glass shower in primary, jetted garden tub, inground pool w/rock waterfall waterwall, recent convection oven & convection microwave, recent kitchen refrigerator included, washer/dryer included. Plantation shutters throughout, updated lighting & ceiling fans, under roof covered front patio, recent custom wall unit with matching fireplace mantel, two-sided fireplace, high ceilings. Best of all "totally spotless, light and bright.

10/06/2026

HUGE price drop down $25,000 to $349,900 - Bay Knoll subdivision in zip code 77062. Click on pictures to see floor plan and other photos, in-ground pool with rock water fall wall.

For Sale: 910 Knotty Elmwood Trl, Houston, TX 77062 ∙ $374,900 ∙ 0.17 Acres Lot ∙ 2,080 Sqft, 3 beds, 2 full baths, Single-Family ∙ View more.

09/28/2026

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910 Knotty Elmwood Trl, Houston, TX 77062 ∙ $389,000 ∙ 0.17 Acres Lot ∙ 2,080 Sqft, 3 beds, 2 full baths, Single-Family ∙ View more.

07/20/2026

Discover the charm of this single-story patio home in University Green, boasting a host of impressive updates. Enjoy the elegance of solid surface countertops and modern kitchen cabinets, complemented by a range/oven that meets all your culinary needs. The home features durable TREK decking, roof in 2022, PEX plumbing, an updated GE electric control panel, and an updated HVAC system, ensuring comfort and peace of mind.

Located just steps away from the highly coveted, tree-lined greenbelt, residents can enjoy leisurely strolls along the paved walking trail. The community’s shaded paths offer the perfect setting for a relaxing walk with your dog. Additionally, the convenience of walking to the nearby pool enhances the lifestyle in this vibrant community.

Debbie Russell has several photos, a virtual tour, and additional information about 16630 Neumann Dr, Houston, Texas 77058

07/13/2026

The shortage of common sense is alive and well!

07/11/2026

07/08/2026

Understanding your credit score and its implications is crucial when considering obtaining a mortgage home loan. It's important to recognize that while many individuals qualify for loans to purchase high-ticket items like cars, boats, or RVs, qualifying for a home mortgage is a different process entirely. The evaluation of income and assets for a home purchase is fundamentally distinct and more rigorous. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of these differences, you can better prepare yourself for the home buying process.

Example: When discussing your annual income with a mortgage loan originator or a REALTOR®️, it's important to consider several key factors. Imagine you earn $150,000 annually, but $50,000 of that comes from bonuses, commissions, or overtime. Lenders typically cannot include these variable income sources in their calculations unless they are "guaranteed in writing by your employer." This is a common reason why many individuals discover, sometimes weeks into the process, that they do not qualify for a mortgage, despite being initially told otherwise. Understanding these nuances can help you avoid unexpected setbacks during your home loan process and home-buying journey.

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Curated by Smartbrief. According to a recent survey by credit scoring company FICO, 59% of Americans say they don't completely understand the steps involved in buying a home, with that figure rising to 64% among first-time homebuyers,