Home Buyers

  First-time buyers made up 21% of the market last year—an all-time low—and their average age climbed to a record 40. Historically, first-time buyers account for about 40% of home sales. So, could 2026 offer a brighter outlook and a smoother path to homeownership? Full article here: Could More First-time Buyers Make the Math Work in 2026? (512) 853-0110...

  For the first time in years, the price gap between newly built homes and existing homes is narrower than ever—and in some markets, the typical resale home is actually more expensive than a new build. A mix of builder price cuts, widespread incentives and smaller home sizes has brought new home pricing more in line with resale values, creating a potentially unusual buying window for prospective home...

  Would-be homebuyers aren’t sitting on the sidelines because they don’t want to buy. They’re sitting out because they think they can’t. And sometimes, it’s their credit score that’s holding them back. According to a Bankrate survey, 2 out of every 5 (42%) Americans believe you need excellent credit to qualify for a mortgage.  Full article here: The Credit Score Myth That’s Holding...

  Wondering what to expect from the housing market in 2026? You’re not the only one. For the past few years, affordability has been the biggest barrier standing between most people and their next move. And a lot of buyers and sellers have been holding their breath waiting for things to get better. The good news? It’s finally happening. Full article here: Expert Forecasts Point to Affordability...

  If there is a time when real estate ever goes “on sale,” January may be it. A new study from LendingTree suggests home buyers could save an average of $23,000 by purchasing in January rather than waiting until May on a 1,500-square-foot home. Full article here: Save $23,000 by Buying in January? This Study Says You Can (512) 853-0110 or robert@AustinTxHomeSales.com If you are unable...

Mortgage rates could briefly drop below 6 percent in 2026 according to a new forecast. Lending Tree’s 2026 Housing and Economic Predictions report expects mortgage rates to drop into the 5% range sometime next year, something that has not happened since 2022. Freddie Mac currently has the 30-year fixed-term mortgage rate at 6.1 percent, and the overall rate has not dropped below 6 percent since 2022....

  Momentum is quietly building in the housing market. New data from NerdWallet shows more Americans are starting to think about buying a home again. Last year, 15% of respondents said they planned to buy a home in the next 12 months. This year, that number rose to 17%. Full article here: More Buyers Are Planning To Move in 2026. Here’s How To Get Ready. (512) 853-0110...

The average rate on a 30-year U.S. mortgage fell to its lowest level of 2025 this week (w/e 12/31), an encouraging sign for prospective home buyers. The average long-term mortgage rate dipped to 6.15% from 6.18% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Wednesday. That’s the lowest average long-term rate since October 3, 2024 when it dipped to 6.12% before shooting back up. One year ago, the rate...

  If you’re trying to decide if you’re ready to become a homeowner in the next twelve months, there’s probably a lot on your mind. You’re thinking about your finances, today’s mortgage rates, home prices, the current state of the economy, and more. And, you’re juggling how all of those things will impact the choice you’ll make. It’s a lot. Full article here: Not Sure If You’re Ready...

  The Texas housing market has experienced an unprecedented increase in appraisal values in recent years, particularly during the 2020-22 boom. As a result, homeowners have been feeling the pressure of rising property taxes. In the most recent election, Texas voters passed Proposition 13, which increased the homestead tax exemption for school districts from $100,000 to $140,000 — an increase that was...