#2026-housing-outlook

#2026-housing-outlook

Monthly job growth averaged about 15,000 in 2025 and has risen to roughly 70,000 so far in 2026, although the data remains volatile and subject to revision.

"These cities in Texas do great on all metrics: robust job markets, good amenities, and relatively affordable housing," Asad Khan, a senior economist with Redfin, stated.

LeadingRE's network was created to allow independent brokers to refer clients across their markets with complete confidence that those clients would be taken care of by a firm that reflects the same level of service, professionalism, trust and standards.

The February PAPI declined over the month and is nearly 10% lower than a year ago, reflecting both reduced payments and steady income growth, Edward Seiler said. While affordability conditions remain challenging in many markets, these incremental gains felt across more than half of states are an encouraging sign for prospective buyers, particularly those seeking lower-payment options.

Despite challenges like continued margin pressure and housing inventory constraints, the report said that brokerage leaders remain optimistic, adding that the 2026 results mark a shift from the uncertainty recorded in previous years. The 2026 outlook shows confidence has not faded. It has hardened, Minard said. Brokerage leaders now expect growth while staying focused on pricing pressure, margins, and execution.

Economic forecasting has never been easy, and it becomes even more challenging in the face of unprecedented events like COVID-19 lockdowns and extraordinary levels of fiscal and monetary intervention. This was followed by a rapid cycle of interest rate hikes, adding further complexity. Look no further than the fact that for three consecutive years ( 2022, 2023, and 2024) economic forecasts at large significantly underestimated mortgage rates. Recently, however, forecasters have fared better.