休斯顿KATY地区出租市场供大于求了？

Not busy at work today, just wonder to exchange some obervations with part time landlords in Houston Kay area.

Have been watching maket in west Houston for a year now. In Katy area, seen people (chinese) buying houses at 220K, 230K, sometimes cash, sometimes newly built, then asking $1900 - $2000 for rent. Not sure why, rentals don't go fast as last year or the year before, even though now should be the season. Cap rate in these cases is barely 8%. Last year, still can get cap rate of 10%.

It is said that Two Harber (TWO) and Silver Bay (SBY), two single family REIT also bought in Texas area. Their average rental price is about $1200. Not sure where exactly their properties are. But it seems much easier just to own their stocks with high dividends.

Two friends who are buying primary home in Katy for the school have to bid up offer prices by about 5%. And those houses are in 260K-300K range and still lost to cash buyers from mainland china. One did get an offer accepted, but appraisal came out 5% lower.

Just wonder part time little landlords in Houston, what your thoughts are in this kind of market --- follow the trend to buy more or stop and look else where?


Have a good weekend.