Texas Homebuyer Competition Drops as Market Shifts to Buyer-Friendly…

Event summary

69% of Texas Realtors reported clients who did not compete against other offers in 2026, up from 57% in 2025.
71% of buyers felt they had either plenty of time or a reasonable amount of time to conduct their home searches.
34% of paused searches were due to homes being too expensive, while only 6% cited lack of available homes.
45% of buyers paid about their target price, with many adjusting expectations due to property taxes, insurance, and mortgage rates.

The big picture

The Texas real estate market is experiencing a notable shift toward buyer-friendly conditions, with reduced competition and more time for decision-making. This trend reflects broader market dynamics where affordability challenges, driven by higher property taxes and mortgage rates, are reshaping buyer behavior. The strategic implication is a potential slowdown in rapid sales cycles, with buyers taking more time to evaluate options and adjust budgets. This shift could impact real estate agents' strategies and the overall pace of the Texas housing market.

What we're watching

Affordability Pressures: How rising property taxes, insurance, and mortgage rates will affect buyer affordability and market activity.
Market Dynamics: Whether the shift to a buyer-friendly market will sustain or revert to competitive conditions.
Buyer Behavior: The pace at which buyers adjust their expectations and priorities in response to changing market conditions.