Buying a home may feel a little less like a race this year. But for many Texans, finding a home they like is only part of the challenge. The monthly cost still has to fit.
In its 2026 Texas Homebuying Experience Report, Texas REALTORS® found that 69% of surveyed REALTORS® had buyers who did not compete against other offers, up from 57% last year. Nearly a third of agents said their most recent buyer-client who purchased a home did so after making just one offer.
That suggests some buyers may have more time and room to weigh their options. But more choice doesn’t automatically mean a home feels affordable. Among REALTORS® whose clients stopped or paused their search, 34% said the available homes were too expensive. Only 6% cited too few homes to choose from.
Look beyond the asking price
A home’s price is only one piece of the monthly budget. Mortgage interest, property taxes and homeowners insurance can all affect what a buyer can comfortably afford. Buyers should also plan for utilities, maintenance and other costs that come with owning a home.
Before touring, it can help to talk with a lender about a comfortable monthly payment—not just the maximum loan amount—and estimate the full cost of ownership. That gives you a clearer target and can make it easier to compare homes with different prices, tax bills or insurance costs.
More time can make for more thoughtful decisions
If competition is lighter for a particular home, buyers may have more time to ask questions, review details and consider their options. Conditions still vary by property and location, so statewide survey findings don’t tell us exactly what a buyer will encounter in Dripping Springs or elsewhere in the Greater Austin area.
Coffman Real Estate can help you understand the options in the areas you’re considering, prepare an offer that fits your goals and evaluate the costs alongside the features that matter to you.
The market may offer buyers more breathing room. A clear budget can help you make the most of it.
Source: Texas REALTORS® 2026 Texas Homebuying Experience Report. The report reflects REALTORS®’ experiences with buyer-clients from January through August 2026, whether or not a sale was completed. It is a survey of agent experiences, not closed-sale statistics.