October 2025 Texas Housing Update for Sellers and Buyers

By Linda Welsh

Specialize in representing savvy Buyers and Sellers for residential, second home, vacation properties, lake and hill country properties, new and existing homes, land and lots. Relocation services include area, community and neighborhood expertise and helping the entire family to find the perfect home to meet their needs and wish list.

There’s always a reason to wait, for rates to fall, for prices to rise, for “perfect timing.” But while many Texas homeowners sit on the sidelines, others are quietly getting deals done.

This fall’s market isn’t dramatic, but it’s steady. For sellers who price realistically and prepare well, steady can be a very good thing.

The Texas housing market is in transition. Buyers are cautious, even as interest rates improve. Many are watching to see whether rates fall further or more listings appear. The result is a calmer, more balanced market, not the frenzy of past years and not a slowdown either.

Let’s take a closer look at what’s shaping the market conversations right now.

What’s changed with commissions. After the DOJ lawsuit over real estate commissions, many homeowners were left confused about how agents are paid. In reality, little has changed. In most sales, sellers still cover both the listing and buyer’s agent commissions.

Transparency around these payments has decreased, but it’s still uncommon for buyers to pay their agents directly. Some sellers question why they’re paying someone who represents the buyer, but those funds ultimately come from the buyer’s purchase money at closing. Only in rare cases, such as short sales or foreclosures, do buyers pay their own agent fees.

Motivated sellers and market correction. Sellers putting their homes on the market now usually have a clear reason to move: a job change, family needs, or financial shift. They’re motivated, not just testing the waters. As a result, pricing has become more realistic and competitive.

Austin has seen larger price adjustments than other major Texas cities, mostly because its prices climbed faster during the pandemic. What’s happening now is a normal correction, not a sign of distress.

Buyers today are more selective. With several months of inventory available, they’re taking time to compare homes and look closely at condition and price. They’re negotiating more and being careful about committing. Sellers can expect a higher level of scrutiny during inspections and price discussions.

Why presentation matters more now. In a slower, balanced market, presentation is crucial. Sellers gain from experienced agents who know local trends, pricing, and marketing. High-quality photography, staging, and video make a home stand out. Some use phased marketing, first showing privately to broker networks to test pricing, gather feedback, and avoid early days on market.

Preparing for the next selling season. As the year ends, some homeowners withdraw listings to relaunch in early 2026. In Texas, market activity can start as early as January or February, making fall the perfect time for repairs, updating presentation, and prepping for a strong new-year start.

The Texas market may be slower, but it’s healthy. Cautious yet serious buyers and well-prepared sellers are still closing deals. With realistic pricing, strong presentation, and professional guidance, homeowners can succeed even when the “perfect” time to sell isn’t obvious.

If you’re thinking about selling in early 2026, now’s the time to plan. Call me at (512) 657-4033 or visit www.LindaWelshRealtyGroup.com, and I’ll help you get your home market-ready for a strong start next year.