Houston’s top ten most expensive home sales recently made headlines in The Real Deal, linked here, and I had the privilege of representing both buyers and sellers in two of those transactions. Beyond the price points and rankings, these sales reminded me that luxury is not defined by the numbers but by how a client experiences the process from start to finish.

To me, luxury is guaranteed, it is not a last-minute addition. The price tag on a home does not define luxury, but rather the level of care, preparation, and service provided to buyers and sellers throughout the entire process.

From my very first meeting with a seller, planning is a priority. We plan for all possible outcomes. That means asking thoughtful, sometimes unexpected questions early on. For example, I ask clients how valuable and fragile items, such as artwork, will be moved if the home sells quickly. We also discuss what adjustments are realistic if market conditions require a change in pricing. Some might say these conversations are premature, but laying everything out from the beginning ensures that everyone understands the path forward and that success is built in from the outset.

Communication continues to play a critical role throughout the transaction. Buying or selling a home can be an emotional experience, and my role is to guide clients through the process with care and consistency. This means keeping clients informed and checking in regularly. With consistent communication, clients tend to feel more relaxed because they know their transaction is being actively
managed rather than being overlooked on a lengthy to-do list.

It is also important to remember that closing doesn’t mean the relationship also ends. Staying in touch, providing helpful details about the home (sharing vendor contacts, paint colors, and other important information), and continuing to be a resource are all part of the service. Every client should feel like they are the most important one. This philosophy is fundamental when working with high-end homes.

One of the homes featured in the article was 2307 River Oaks Boulevard, built in 1952. This 11,200 square-foot estate includes six bedrooms and ten bathrooms in one of Houston’s most sought-after neighborhoods. The property was listed at $16 million, which is approximately $1,400 per square foot. I represented the seller in this transaction. At this level, success is defined not only by the outcome but by how carefully the process is handled, especially since the buyer pool is naturally smaller and timelines can be longer.

Luxury has continued to evolve, and 11264 Memorial Drive is a strong example of how today’s buyers and sellers define modern luxury. In 2024, Levant Luxury Homes completed this 12,000-square-foot, six-bedroom, nine-bathroom home. The property was listed at $10 million, which approximately translates to $815 per square foot. Nasseim Saad and I represented the listing, and I also represented the buyers. From observing the home’s earliest bones to helping the perfect buyer bring it to life, new construction listings present their own unique considerations.

While these two homes differ in age, design, and price, they share something important: both require the same level of attention, advocacy, and care. That is what luxury truly is—it is not reserved for a specific price point or neighborhood. Luxury is the experience of feeling supported, informed, and confident throughout a process that can be both exciting and emotional. No matter who I am representing, my role remains the same—to serve each client with consistency and intention. Houston’s luxury market continues to grow, but the principles that drive meaningful success remain unchanged. Luxury is a mindset, one that I bring to every transaction.

Until next time,
Dee Dee Guggenheim Howes

Source: https://therealdeal.com/texas/houston/2026/01/03/these-were-the-top-10-luxury-sales-in-houston-in-2025/