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Texas homebuyers have mixed perspectives on real estate market, according to new polling | Houston Public Media

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, October 8th 2025 at 14:16 GMT by Houston Public Media
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Texas Homebuyers Hold Diverging Views on the Real‑Estate Market, Poll Reveals

A newly released poll conducted by the Texas Homebuyers Association (THBA) and reported by Houston Public Media shows that Texas buyers are split on the state of the housing market. While some respondents feel optimistic about their buying prospects, a sizable portion remain cautious, citing rising mortgage rates, limited inventory, and rising home prices as primary concerns. The survey—administered to 2,000 potential buyers across the state—offers a nuanced snapshot of homeowner sentiment as the market heads into the 2025‑2026 season.

How the Poll Was Conducted

The THBA leveraged a random‑digit‑dial methodology and online questionnaire to reach buyers in major Texas regions: Houston, Dallas‑Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, and the Rio Grande Valley. Respondents were asked a series of questions covering:

• Current mortgage rate perceptions
• Inventory availability in their local market
• Price trends over the past year
• Personal plans for homeownership in the next 12‑24 months

According to the poll’s methodology section, 55 % of respondents had actively looked for a home in the last 12 months, while 30 % said they were in the process of making an offer. The remainder indicated they were considering buying but had not yet begun the search.

Mixed Opinions on Mortgage Rates

Mortgage rates have been a hot topic for Texas buyers. While national rates have stabilized at around 6.5 %—a slight uptick from last year’s 5.8 %—the poll reveals a divided sentiment:

• 41 % of respondents say they feel confident that current rates will remain manageable if they buy within the next 12 months.
• 38 % express concerns that rates could rise further, potentially jeopardizing affordability.
• 21 % are neutral, citing uncertainty in the economic outlook.

A THBA spokesperson noted that the neutral group often cites the Federal Reserve’s plans for tightening as a factor. “Homebuyers are watching the Fed’s minutes closely,” said spokesperson Maya Patel. “Even a modest rate hike can have a ripple effect on monthly mortgage payments.”

Inventory Shortages Persist

The survey also tackled the perennial inventory issue. Over 60 % of respondents reported difficulty finding suitable listings:

• 48 % have found no suitable homes in their preferred neighborhoods.
• 27 % find listings but note that “the price is too high or the condition is below expectations.”
• 15 % say they’ve found a home but fear it’s too far from their desired price range.

The Houston‑based segment of the poll was particularly hard‑pressed: 71 % of Houston respondents indicated they’ve seen limited listings for the type of property they want. “We’re still seeing a tight market, especially for single‑family homes,” explained THBA research analyst Kevin Ramirez.

Price Trends: A Tale of Two Markets

While Texas overall has seen an average price increase of 7.3 % over the past year, the poll highlights stark regional differences:

• Austin has experienced the highest price growth at 12.1 %.
• San Antonio and Dallas‑Fort Worth followed closely with 9.2 % and 8.5 % increases, respectively.
• Houston saw a modest 5.7 % rise, yet still faces supply constraints.
• The Rio Grande Valley remained the most stable, with only a 2.8 % increase.

Respondents from Austin were the most likely to feel price‑pressure, with 56 % saying they believe the market is “hot” and they may be forced to pay above their budget. Meanwhile, San Antonio buyers were split, with 33 % citing affordability and 27 % confident that price moderation could occur.

Buyer Plans: Timing Is Everything

The poll also looked at when respondents plan to enter the market:

• 24 % intend to buy within the next 6 months.
• 39 % plan to purchase in 6–12 months.
• 19 % aim for 12–18 months.
• 18 % have no concrete timeline and are “just watching the market.”

Interestingly, those who plan to buy soon are more optimistic about rates and inventory than those with a longer horizon. “I’m ready to act now because I think rates might climb,” said respondent Lily Gomez from Dallas‑Fort Worth, who plans to purchase a home within the next 8 months.

Expert Take: What the Numbers Mean for the Market

According to the Texas Association of Realtors (TAR), the 2025 housing market is poised to continue its mixed trajectory. “The data from THBA suggests that while there is confidence among a segment of buyers, a large contingent remains hesitant,” said TAR President, Dr. James Lee. “This indicates a market that is likely to stay somewhat stagnant until either rates stabilize or inventory improves.”

Lee also highlighted that seller incentives—such as down‑payment assistance or closing‑cost credits—could be key to tipping the balance. “We’ve seen a 4‑year low in seller concessions during the pandemic; if sellers start offering more incentives, we may see a renewed surge in buyer activity.”

How Homebuyers Can Navigate the Uncertain Landscape

The article offers practical advice for buyers facing the mixed signals:

1. Get pre‑approved early: This can provide a clearer picture of what rates and monthly budgets will look like.
2. Target up‑and‑coming neighborhoods: Areas that have seen modest price increases but are still developing inventory may offer better deals.
3. Consider flexible offers: Including seller concessions or contingency waivers can make an offer more attractive without drastically inflating the purchase price.
4. Monitor rate changes: Keeping a close eye on the Federal Reserve’s policy moves will help gauge when to lock in a rate.

The poll’s data is also useful for real‑estate professionals. By understanding which segments of buyers feel most uncertain, agents can tailor their marketing strategies and client education accordingly.

Conclusion

Texas homebuyers are divided, with roughly equal portions of buyers feeling confident versus cautious about the market’s direction. Mortgage rates, inventory, and price trends drive this split, and the regional disparities underscore the need for localized strategies. Whether the market will tip towards optimism or caution hinges on several factors—most notably the trajectory of interest rates and the rate at which new listings appear on the market. As the state navigates this complex landscape, the latest poll serves as a critical barometer for both buyers and industry stakeholders alike.

Source: “Texas homebuyers have mixed perspectives on real‑estate market, according to new polling” (Houston Public Media, 8 Oct 2025). Further insights drawn from the Texas Homebuyers Association and the Texas Association of Realtors.