Fort Bend & Beyond | January 2026

norbertrivera
Jan 15
4 min read

The Official Newsletter of Rivera Real Estate Group

Welcome to our monthly newsletter, Fort Bend & Beyond! Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, seasoned investor, or curious about the latest market trends, you've come to the right place. In each edition, we'll provide valuable insights, tips, and updates to help you navigate the dynamic world of real estate with confidence. From neighborhood spotlights to expert advice on buying and selling, our goal is to empower you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions.

Happy New Year, Fort Bend! 2026 is here, and with it comes fresh opportunities in our local real estate market. January has always been one of my favorite times in real estate—there's less competition, motivated buyers and sellers, and a sense of clarity that comes with a new year. If you've been thinking about making a move, now is the time to start planning.

SPECIAL EVENT ALERT: I'm hosting an exclusive FREE tour of Austin Point, Richmond's newest luxury community, on Saturday, January 24th from 9:30-11:00 AM. Tour model homes from William David Homes and Drees, enjoy complimentary coffee and pastries, and get your questions answered. Space is filling fast—click here to register now! (More details in the Featured Homes section below.)

Let's make 2026 your best year yet. Here's to new beginnings, smart decisions, and finding home in Fort Bend County!

Tax Season is Here: What Fort Bend Homeowners Need to Know

If you bought or sold a home in 2025, this tax season is going to look a little different—and potentially a lot more beneficial. As a homeowner, you're now eligible for several valuable tax deductions that can put real money back in your pocket. From mortgage interest and property tax deductions to capital gains exclusions on home sales, understanding what you can claim is crucial before you meet with your tax preparer.

The good news? You don't have to figure it all out alone. USA Today just published an excellent guide specifically for homeowners who bought or sold property in 2025. It breaks down the key deductions, what documents you'll need, and common mistakes to avoid. Whether this is your first tax season as a Fort Bend homeowner or you're a seasoned pro, this article is worth your time.

Read the full guide: Tax tips if you bought or sold a home in 2025 →

And as always, I recommend consulting with a qualified tax professional to maximize your deductions and ensure you're taking full advantage of everything available to you. Your home is an investment—make sure you're reaping all the tax benefits that come with it.

Fort Bend County Market Update: December 2025

As we close out 2025 and look ahead to the new year, Fort Bend County's real estate market is showing interesting dynamics that both buyers and sellers should understand. Here's what the latest data tells us about where we stand.

The Big Picture

Fort Bend County's average home value currently sits at $376,101 according to Zillow, reflecting a modest 2% decline over the past year. This stabilization after years of rapid appreciation is actually healthy—it means we're returning to sustainable, predictable growth rather than the volatile swings we've seen in recent years. Homes are going pending in approximately 60 days, giving buyers reasonable time to make informed decisions.

Tale of Two Markets

Interestingly, Fort Bend County is experiencing two distinct market conditions depending on location. Fort Bend County North/Richmond remains a seller's market with just 3.9 months of inventory and a median sold price of $469,015. Homes here are moving in 50 days on average, with inventory up only 0.3% year-over-year—meaning quality listings still command attention and competitive offers.

Meanwhile, Fort Bend County South/Richmond has evolved into a balanced market with 4.9 months of inventory and a median sold price of $366,250. With inventory up nearly 50% year-over-year and homes taking 57 days to sell, this area offers buyers more negotiating power and breathing room.

What This Means for You

If you're buying: This is one of the most balanced markets we've seen in years. You have time to be selective, negotiate inspections and repairs, and avoid the pressure of bidding wars. Northern Fort Bend still moves quickly, but even there, you're not competing with 10 other offers like in 2021-2022.

If you're selling: Pricing and presentation matter more than ever. In the North, you still have pricing power—but overpricing will cost you market time. In the South, competitive pricing from day one is critical. Well-staged homes priced right are still selling within 50-60 days, but the "list high and wait" strategy won't work in 2026.

Looking Ahead

Fort Bend's fundamentals remain strong: top-rated schools, diverse employment, proximity to Houston, and steady population growth. While we're not seeing the double-digit appreciation of recent years, this stability creates opportunity for strategic buyers and realistic sellers. The key is understanding your specific neighborhood's dynamics—which is exactly why we break down individual communities in the next section.

Sources: Houston Association of Realtors (HAR) Fort Bend County North Market Update | HAR Fort Bend County South Market Update | Zillow Fort Bend County Home Values

mortgagenewsdaily.com

Featured Homes

This month, I'm spotlighting stunning model homes from Austin Point, Fort Bend's hottest new master-planned community. Featuring designs by premier builders William David Homes and Drees Homes, Austin Point offers the perfect blend of luxury, space, and Fort Bend's top-rated schools—all in the heart of Richmond.

Drees Custom Homes – 35'

10802 Pioneer Point, Richmond, TX 77469

2,457 Square Feet

2 Stories

3 Beds

3 Baths

2 Garage

Drees Custom Homes – 70'

10731 Foundation Way, Richmond, TX 77469

3,873 Square Feet

2 Stories

4 Beds

4 Baths 1 Half Baths

3 Garage

William David Homes – 70'

10727 Foundation Way, Richmond, TX 7469

3,776 Square Feet

2 Stories

4 Beds

4.5 Baths

3 Garage

Want to see these homes in person? Join me for an exclusive community tour on Saturday, January 24th from 9:30-11:00 AM! I'll guide you through the community, showcase model homes from both builders, and answer all your questions. Plus, enjoy complimentary coffee and pastries on me.