During the recession, when real estate agents in cities across the country were bemoaning the sluggish economy, agents in the Houston area were busy showing and selling homes, according to RE/MAX Prestige Realtor Mario Negron, who specializes in Cypress and the surrounding areas.

Today, it’s even busier, with multiple buyers competing for homes that sell quickly – and often as much as $50,000 above the listed price.

“(The local real estate market) has gone from a buyer’s market to a complete seller’s market,” Negron said. “People are fighting over houses, (and) houses are (selling) above list price to the tune of anywhere between $40,000 and $50,000 … in certain areas. I’m receiving multiple offers within 48 hours of the house being on the market.”

The transition from a buyer’s market to a strong seller’s market occurred within the past few months, leaving the appraisals market struggling to catch up. To get the best value on their home, sellers may need to request a time adjustment for the appraisal on their home to more closely match the current going rate.

“Right now, we’re in a very strong market,” Negron said. “Appraisals have not caught up to our market. They do the appraisals on the last six months of sale history, (but) six months ago, we weren’t in this market. We were still in a little bit of a depressed market.”

An experienced and knowledgeable real estate agent can help. For buyers, having an experienced loan officer in their camp will provide an edge over other buyers, as will being ready with their best offer and having funds for the down payment and closing costs in the bank.

Buyers no longer have the luxury of waiting to make an offer if they want to secure their dream home.

Sellers can maintain their current market advantages by making sure their home is in its best condition when it goes on the market.

Details: 713-261-6900 or 281-640-8251, or visit www.supermariohomes.com.