Home Buyers

  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...

  Mortgage activity continued to climb in November, posting the largest year-over-year increase in more than five years. Every major category increased on a year-over-year basis as mortgage rates continue to trend lower, led by strong increases in refinancing and adjustable-rate mortgage activity.  Full article here: Mortgage Activity Continued to Climb in November (512) 853-0110...

  Mortgage rates have been moderating in recent weeks, and the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage could dip to 6% in the new year, if real estate predictions hold. That would be a notable decrease from the 7% rates seen at the start of 2025—and it could unleash a group of home buyers who had been sidelined in the market. Full article here: A Mortgage Rate Drop to 6% Would Ring in More Home Buying (512)...

  New home construction today is giving buyers something it feels like they haven't gotten much lately: a real shot at both the home they want and the deal they need. More brand-new options are on the market right now, and builders are rolling out incentives that make these homes more affordable than many people expect. Full article here: This May Be the Best Time To Buy a Brand-New Home (512)...