Good Morning, Bellaire, Meyerland & West University!
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Home sales increased, while prices declined in Bellaire, West University in July
According to the National Association of Realtors, peak home-buying season typically occurs between April and June, with activity remaining strong in July, but beginning to gradually slow down in the late summer and early fall months.
The National Association of Realtors reported in July that existing home sales saw a moderate 2% rise across the nation. However, in Houston, existing home sales increased by 9%, with significant gains across most price ranges.
Check it out: In the five ZIP codes covered by Community Impact representing Bellaire, Meyerland and West University Place neighborhoods, home sales also increased. See market-specific data in this story for more details.
Market data is provided by Homeward and includes single-family homes, townhomes and condominiums.
De Noche Jewels to open physical store near Rice Village
A new jewelry showroom is opening next month near Rice Village, the owners of De Noche Jewels confirmed with Community Impact.
The details: De Noche Jewels is a jewelry business founded by Alicia Berrios, a Latina entrepreneur who began her journey in the jewelry industry 10 years after she arrived in the United States from El Salvador, according to De Noche Jewels' website.
With the help of her daughters, Jennifer and Sandra, Alicia has been able to operate a Latina-owned business where each piece of jewelry is carefully selected with high-quality materials and attention to detail.
The jewelry store specialize in fine jewelry, from 10K, 14K and 18K gold, as well as diamond pieces that can be used for engagement rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, pendants and bespoke designs.
Houston controller recommends policy change to sustain city during disaster events
Years of hurricanes and extreme weather events have devastated Houston, and Controller Chris Hollins’ office said if the city wants to provide disaster relief and have the money for it, it needs to make certain policy changes.
In a nutshell: Deputy Controller Will Jones told City Council during a Sept. 2 Budget and Fiscal Affairs Committee meeting said the city is spending more than it brings in, leaving limited space in the budget for disaster preparedness.
Jones said if the city wants to sustain itself after hurricanes, Houston would need to consider making policy changes, such as:
Raising its minimum fund balance
Increasing the size of its budget stabilization fund
Directing year-end surpluses toward the budget stabilization fund
More details: Council member Abbie Kamin proposed an amendment to the city’s financial policies during the meeting that, if passed, would increase the budget stabilization fund from $20 million to $25 million and replenish it within a year.
Leah Barton to head Harris County Public Health as executive director
After serving more than a year as Harris County Public Health’s interim director, Leah Barton was officially appointed to lead the county’s public health department.
Quote of note: “Over the past year, I’ve had the great privilege of leading Harris County Public Health,” Barton said in a Sept. 2 news release. “During that time, we have opened new health hubs, expanded mobile care, strengthened support for families, and responded to public health challenges across our community. These efforts reflect our shared commitment to making health services more accessible, connected, and responsive to the needs of the people we serve.”
Zooming out: Barton was first tapped to serve in the interim role in 2024 after former HCPH Executive Director Barbie Robinson was removed from her position last August.
