Overall, the Houston area fared better in 2012 than it did in 2011 with an increase of 3.01 percent in the number of listings and an increase of 7.36 percent in sales volume.

The most notable improvement occurred in Richmond during February with an increase of 42.64 percent, which coincided with a volume increase of 35.17 percent, while the largest decline occurred in Pearland, with a decrease of 29.05 percent between its two Decembers, which coincided with a volume decrease of 31.83 percent. The best months for listings tended to be between April-June, as expected.

For a better idea on how housing inventory and sales volume has changed, both in and around Houston, see our infographic below: