Texas Homebuyers Experience Increased Housing Options in Q3 2026

In the third quarter of 2026, Texas saw a notable uptick in housing options for buyers as active listings experienced a 2.8% increase statewide. This trend is highlighted in the recently released Texas Quarterly Housing Report for Q3 2026 by Texas Realtors. Of the 26 metropolitan areas assessed, 18 revealed a rise in available homes compared to the same timeframe a year ago, showcasing a shift in the market dynamics for potential homebuyers.

Median Home Prices and Market Dynamics

While the statewide median sales price for homes saw a slight decline of 0.4% from the previous year, settling at $333,628, most metropolitan areas reported price increases. Specifically, 15 out of 26 metro markets saw their median prices rise, with only 10 experiencing declines and one market remaining unchanged. Notably, the largest increases in home prices were observed in Abilene (22.0%), Texarkana (13.3%), and Beaumont-Port Arthur (10.7%). This reflects a nuanced landscape where, despite an overall dip in median prices, many local markets are thriving and experiencing growth.

Jennifer Wauhob, Chairman of Texas Realtors, emphasized the complexity of interpreting these statistics. "Even though the Texas median went down a little, in most of our metros, prices went up. So, one number isn't the whole story," she stated, likening the situation to a weather report where statewide averages might not accurately reflect local conditions.

Sales and Inventory Trends

Interestingly, closed sales across the state decreased, with 14 metros reporting fewer sales compared to the previous quarter. Conversely, 12 metros saw an uptick in sales. Specifically, the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos and San Antonio-New Braunfels metro areas experienced increased sales, while Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington and Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands recorded declines. The most significant percentage growth in sales occurred in Odessa (26.6%) and Texarkana (7.3%), whereas the steepest drops were noted in Corpus Christi (-12.1%) and Abilene (-12.0%). Overall, statewide closed sales plummeted by 2.4%.

The months of inventory—a critical indicator of supply—remained relatively stable, edging up from 5.4 to 5.5 months year-over-year. This metric gauges how long it would take to sell the homes currently on the market at the existing sales pace; a range between four to five months is generally viewed as a balanced market in real estate. In assessing local conditions, the tightest inventory was seen in Abilene (2.4 months), Amarillo (3.1 months), and Odessa (3.1 months), while Eagle Pass (12.1 months), McAllen-Edinburg-Mission (9.2 months), and Corpus Christi (9.0 months) housed the most significant inventory.

The Buyer-Seller Dynamic

The current market conditions, which offer buyers a wider selection and more time for decision-making, present challenges for sellers, who may need to be patient in a more competitive landscape. Wauhob remarked, "More homes on the market and more time to decide can feel like great news to a buyer but may test a seller's patience. It all depends on where you're standing, and it especially matters which neighborhood you're standing in. Every market has its own rhythm, and your Texas Realtor knows the beat where you live." This insight underscores the importance of localized knowledge in navigating the Texas real estate market.

About the Texas Quarterly Housing Report

The data compiled in the Texas Quarterly Housing Report is sourced from the Data Relevance Project, a collaborative effort between local REALTOR® associations and their multiple listing services (MLSs), along with Texas REALTORS® and the Texas Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University. This comprehensive report presents quarterly real estate sales data across Texas and its 26 metropolitan statistical areas. It is vital to consider that external factors, such as revisions to metropolitan statistical area boundaries by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, can influence the comparability of past reports.

About Texas REALTORS®

With over 145,000 members, Texas REALTORS® is a professional organization representing all facets of real estate within the state. Their mission is to advocate for REALTORS® and the rights of private property owners in Texas.