Houston-based Boulevard Realty is redefining the game of real estate. We caught up with owner Bill Baldwin to learn more.
Boulevard Realty broker/owner Bill Baldwin is passionate about mortgage fraud, permitting, emerging markets, density, flood risk, private mortgage insurance and new flood maps.
For Bill Baldwin, broker/owner of Boulevard Realty, selling a home is about more than just matching buyers with the perfect property—it’s about preparing them for the realities of homeownership in an ever-changing landscape. Over the last year, Baldwin has been a near-constant presence in media interviews locally and nationally, providing insight not just on the market but on the evolving challenges that come with it. In February, he participated in another in-depth conversation; the focus isn’t just on real estate—it’s on what buyers and sellers need to know about insurance, natural disasters, and the financial hurdles that can make or break a deal.
Homeownership in Houston isn’t just about location anymore; it’s about preparation. Rising insurance costs are no longer just a line item in the closing process—they’re a dealbreaker for many. As the broker/owner, Baldwin has seen homes go under contract only to have the sale fall through at the last minute due to skyrocketing insurance premiums.
“The market has changed,” Baldwin explains. “You can have a fully qualified buyer ready to close, and then, at the last moment, the cost of insuring the home pushes them out of the deal entirely. It’s changing the way we have to approach the transaction from the beginning.”
Boulevard Realty is one of Houston’s premier Heights real estate firms
Natural disasters like Houston’s two major wind events in 2024 (June’s sudden derecho storm and July’s Hurricane Beryl) have intensified the scrutiny on homes. Now, insurers are taking a closer look at everything, from roof age to the number of trees on a property. While trees provide critical shade, lowering cooling costs and adding curb appeal, they’re also flagged as potential hazards.
Baldwin is adamant that the real estate industry must help buyers and sellers navigate these challenges with a realistic, informed approach. “We can’t ignore the risks, but we also have to push back on the idea that solutions should come at the cost of sustainability,” he says. “Houston needs its tree canopy. It’s not just about a look— it’s about conserving energy, lowering bills and helping mitigate flooding, something Houston and cities like it desperately need.”
Baldwin is constantly evolving the conversation, speaking on several media outlets, including Fox 26, ABC 13, New York Times, Morning Brew and more.
For Baldwin, the role of a real estate leader isn’t just about transactions—it’s about advocacy, education and helping clients prepare for what’s ahead. His continued presence in these conversations, locally and nationally, is shaping how Houston thinks about real estate—not just as a business but as a responsibility.
“We can’t ignore the risks, but we also have to push back on the idea that solutions should come at the cost of sustainability.”–BILL BALDWIN, BROKER/OWNER OF BOULEVARD REALTY
As Baldwin’s expertise continues to be spotlighted by major news outlets, one thing is clear: his influence extends far beyond the closing table. It’s in the policies shaping the industry, the guidance he provides his clients and how he’s redefining what it means to be a leader in Houston real estate.
Photography by: ALL PHOTOS BY THOMAS WHEATON
