How Is the Central Texas Real Estate Market Right Now?

By Jean Shine

Jean Shine is the driving force behind Shine Team Realtors, an award-winning, multi-million dollar producing real estate team that is consistently ranked the top team with Coldwell Banker.

Are you feeling confused about the Central Texas housing market this year? Maybe you’re wondering whether it’s the right time to buy, sell, refinance, or just stay put.

I recently met a couple in Temple who were facing that exact dilemma. They had been watching the news, but every article seemed to say something different.

So, before you make any big decisions, here are the four important things I’ve noticed across Central Texas that could affect your choices in 2026.

1. Interest rates are easing. Rates are trending down slowly, but enough to improve affordability. Realtor.com forecasts mortgage rates averaging around 6.3% in 2026, which is slightly better than last year’s numbers.

With the Fed’s rate drop back in December, we’re expecting to see:

• More buyers are re-entering the Killeen and Copperas Cove market.
• Homeowners, particularly in Temple and Harker Heights, are finally considering refinancing.
• Some areas, like Georgetown, are seeing slight relief.

We’re not going back to 3% rates, but the pressure is easing.

2. Inventory is growing. Realtor.com expects for-sale inventory to rise nearly 9% in 2026, which means more choices for buyers and a more predictable landscape for sellers.

However, Central Texas is not one-size-fits-all. While places like Georgetown and Temple are seeing more listings, areas like South Killeen and Copperas Cove remain tight. Local conditions matter far more than national trends this year.

If you want to understand what’s really possible, the best approach is to focus on your neighborhood, not just the headlines.

3. Move-in-ready homes are the most competitive. One thing is clear: buyers in Central Texas want updated, turnkey homes. Many homeowners are choosing to remodel instead of move, which limits move-in-ready inventory and drives demand.

If you’re thinking about selling in Harker Heights or Temple, even small updates can make a big difference. Homes that are clean, modern, and well-maintained are getting the most attention. On the other hand, fixer-uppers are taking longer to sell, even in popular zip codes like those in Copperas Cove.

4. AI is changing real estate. AI tools are everywhere in 2026. They help agents analyze trends, set strategic pricing, and match buyers with homes more efficiently.

But as powerful as AI is, it cannot replace local knowledge. AI doesn’t know that your home in Georgetown backs up to a park or that new developments are changing buyer demand in Temple and Harker Heights. That is why I combine smart technology with boots-on-the-ground experience to make sure your strategy reflects the real market.

After years of uncertainty, the Central Texas housing market is finally stabilizing. Rates are easing, inventory is improving, and buyers and sellers now have a clearer picture of what to expect.

If you want a personalized breakdown of how these trends apply to your neighborhood, I’m here to help. Whether you’re buying, selling, refinancing, or planning ahead, we can walk through your options so you feel confident about your next move.

Feel free to call, text, or email us to schedule a free consultation. We’ll look at your numbers, your timing, and your local market so you feel confident about the road ahead.