Ask a couple people how the housing market is doing and you’ll probably get a couple different answers. That’s because right now, the market runs on 2 very different tracks, split by price point.

Knowing which track your house is on changes everything about your sale, from your asking price to how long you can expect to wait before an offer comes in. Here’s what you need to know.

Home Sales Are Picking Up Speed at the Top of the Market

Rates and buyer competition are shaping this market differently depending on price point. Look at recent sales data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the pattern jumps right out. 

Homes priced under $250,000 saw sales drop 2-3% compared to last year, while homes priced above $750,000 saw sales climb by double digits (see graph below):

What’s behind the divide? Due to higher rates and the last few years of home price appreciation, fewer buyers can comfortably afford homes at the entry-level price point right now – especially first-time buyers. So, demand in that segment has slowed down. 

On the flip side, buyers looking for higher-priced homes have less sensitivity to high-rate environments and more room in their budgets, thanks in part to a strong stock market and their equity in their current home. 

That’s the real differentiator. Lower-priced homes are still selling, just not as quickly since today’s rates have shrunk the pool of buyers who can afford to buy their first place right now.

This is exactly why pricing strategy and presentation carry more weight than they used to, especially if you’re selling in that range. Price it right from the start instead of testing a high number, make sure it shows well online and in person, and lean on an agent who can get your listing in front of every buyer shopping in your range. That’s the best way to make sure you catch the attention of one of the buyers who are still looking – and it’s how you prove your home is worth it’s price.

Why Some Homes Sit While Others Get Snapped Up

How fast a home sells is shifting by price point too, and the split is just as sharp. For years, luxury homes sat on the market a lot longer than starter homes. That gap has nearly closed, according to Redfin (see chart below):

Buyers with deep pockets are moving fast when a well-priced home in their range comes up. As Zillow puts it:

“The U.S. housing market is splitting in two. Luxury homes are selling at a faster pace than a year ago, with shrinking supply and growing bidding wars.”

If you’re in that range, your house may sell faster than you’d expect. You may even get multiple offers. That kind of competition changes how a listing should be marketed and priced from day 1. 

And no matter which side you’re on, that’s information you’re going to want up front if you want to have the smoothest sale possible.

What This Means for Your Sale

If you’re thinking about selling an entry-level home, don't panic. Homes at your price point are still selling, just at a slower pace than last year. That slower pace means pricing and presentation matter even more right now. 

If you're selling a move-up or luxury house, you’re in a good spot right now. Buyers looking in your price point usually aren’t as affected by today’s rates, so they’re more active, and good listings are drawing real competition.

Either way, your price point is the biggest factor in how fast your house sells and what it sells for.

Bottom Line

Your home's price point is the real story right now, more than anything you're hearing in national headlines. Let's map out exactly where your house fits in this split market and build a pricing strategy that gets you the speed and price you're after.

Charley Wasson is a full-time real estate professional specializing in the Boerne, Texas and Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas markets — helping buyers and sellers navigate Hill Country properties with the depth of knowledge that only comes from living and working in the community.

Named to the Platinum Top 50 of San Antonio Realtors, and a 4 time award winner, Charley brings nearly a decade of dedicated real estate experience and a track record that speaks for itself: over 300 documented MLS sales and more than $121 million in property sold across the Boerne, Fair Oaks Ranch, and greater Hill Country area. That volume of closed transactions isn't just a number — it means Charley Wasson has navigated virtually every scenario a Hill Country buyer or seller is likely to face.

If you've been holding off on listing because the headlines make the market sound slow, here's the more useful version of the story: homes are still selling — sometimes fast — but it takes the right price and the right prep to be one of them. I put together a full breakdown of what's actually happening in the market right now, and where sellers still have real leverage. Here's a preview.

More Inventory Means Buyers Are Choosier

Active listings are back near their highest point in five years. That's good news if you're also buying your next home, but it means your listing will have real competition. Buyers are quick to skip over anything that feels overpriced — and once you miss that first wave of attention, a later price cut rarely brings back the same momentum.

57 Days Isn't Slow — It's Normal

Homes are taking about 57 days to sell from list to close right now. That sounds slower than the pandemic-era frenzy, but it's actually right in line with 2018–2019, the last truly normal years in the market. Well-priced, well-presented homes are still going under contract in as little as a week.

Your Equity Might Be Bigger Than You Think

If you've owned your home for more than a few years, price appreciation and years of mortgage payments have likely built up more equity than you'd expect — for some homeowners, enough to cover a serious down payment or even buy the next home in cash.

Pricing Is Still the #1 Regret

The most common regret among sellers who skip working with an agent isn't the paperwork — it's the price. Homes sold with an agent have sold for meaningfully more than homes sold without one. Getting the number right from day one is what protects your bottom line.

Get the Full Guide

The full guide covers all of this in detail, plus a complete pre-listing checklist, how home equity could change your next move, and the biggest reasons sellers benefit from working with an agent in today's market. It's a quick read, and it'll leave you a lot more prepared than the headlines will.

Download the Free Fall 2026 Seller's Guide

Wondering what your home could sell for in today's market? Reach out — I'm happy to walk through the numbers with you.

Charley Wasson is a full-time REALTOR® with Sunflower Real Estate specializing in Boerne, Fair Oaks Ranch, and the greater Texas Hill Country — with over 300 documented MLS transactions and more than $121 million in closed sales, a four-time Platinum Top 50 San Antonio REALTOR® honor, and a career 98% customer satisfaction score.

Get Your Copy of the Guide

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If you've been sitting on the sidelines waiting for mortgage rates to crash, I want to save you some time: that's probably not what's coming. But that doesn't mean this fall is a bad time to buy — it might actually be one of the better situations buyers have seen in years, just not for the reason most people expect.

I put together a full breakdown of what's happening in the market right now — rates, prices, inventory, and where buyers actually have leverage — and I'd rather you have the real numbers than the headlines. Here's a preview of what's inside.

Rates Are Holding Steady, Not Falling

Most forecasts have 30-year rates parked in the mid-6% range through at least mid-2027. That's not the dramatic drop a lot of buyers are hoping for, but it's also not a reason to keep waiting — especially with options like rate buydowns and assumable mortgages on the table.

Inventory Is the Real Story

Active listings have been climbing steadily since the ultra-low pandemic years, and more homes on the market means more room to negotiate. That shift is showing up directly in seller behavior — concessions and price cuts are near record highs for this time of year, and builders are right there with them, offering incentives on roughly 2 out of every 3 new homes.

The Listings Everyone Scrolls Past Might Be Your Best Opportunity

Homes that have been sitting on the market for a while aren't automatically flawed — sometimes it's just pricing, photos, or timing. Those are often exactly the listings where sellers are most motivated to make a deal.

Get the Full Guide

The full guide walks through all of this in detail, plus the two mistakes costing buyers the most right now, what to avoid once you've applied for a mortgage, and how to decide between an existing home and new construction. It's a quick read, and it'll leave you a lot more prepared than the headlines will.

Download the Free Fall 2026 Buyer's Guide

Have questions about what any of this means for your specific search in Boerne, Fair Oaks Ranch, or the greater Hill Country? Reach out — I'm happy to walk through it with you.

Charley Wasson is a full-time REALTOR® with Sunflower Real Estate specializing in Boerne, Fair Oaks Ranch, and the greater Texas Hill Country — with over 300 documented MLS transactions and more than $121 million in closed sales, a four-time Platinum Top 50 San Antonio REALTOR® honor, and a career 98% customer satisfaction score.

Get Your Copy of the Guide

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You're scrolling through listings in Boerne or Fair Oaks Ranch Texas on your phone and everything looks good until you see the price (or the estimated monthly payment). Then you close the app. 

Because even if you love the house, the numbers feel impossible. But here's the thing.

Nationally, there are more homes sitting on the market than there are people out there looking. And when sellers need buyers more than buyers need sellers, that shows up in the price.

Lower asking prices. More price cuts. And homes priced for what buyers can actually afford – not what sellers hope someone might pay.

And it may be enough to make buying more doable than you’d think. 

4 Out of 10 Sellers Are Cutting Their Price 

One of the clearest signs sellers are adjusting? Price cuts. HousingWire Data shows more than 40% of sellers are dropping this price.

That’s just slightly behind the volume we saw last year (see graph below):

That’s more than 4 out of every 10 homes listed. Think about what that means. That's thousands of sellers deciding they'd rather lower their asking price than keep waiting for someone willing to stretch their budget. 

They know that to sell, they have to be willing to do some give and take. And when no buyers are biting, they’re pulling their biggest lever to draw buyers back in – their price. As Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, explains:

"This is a market where people are adjusting and showing up rather than giving up. Sellers are meeting the market with more realistic asking prices, which is helping deals get done."

This July Saw the Lowest Median List Price for Any July in Five Years

What about the other 6 in 10 sellers? A lot of them started with a lower asking price to begin with rather than test the higher price and get crickets from buyers.

That may be why July 2026 had the lowest median list price of any July in the past five years, according to Realtor.com (see the white line in the graph below):

Now, that doesn't mean home values in Boerne or Fair Oaks Ranch are falling or that everything's suddenly a steal. Prices are still above where they were before the pandemic. But what it does mean is this.

Sellers no longer banking on bidding wars or expecting buyers to pay whatever they ask. Instead, many are listing at prices that better reflect today's market from the very beginning. 

And honestly, whether they're pricing competitively from day one or adjusting after a few weeks on the market, the message for you is the same:

Sellers in Boerne are more willing to meet you where you’re at.

Because in many markets throughout the country, you're not fighting over a house anymore. Sellers are fighting over you. And that’s information you can use to get a better deal.

Yes, affordability can be a real challenge. And the monthly payment you take on definitely does matter. But if you've been assuming everything is out of budget, there may be more wiggle room than you think.

Bottom Line

Right now, sellers in Fair Oaks Ranch and Boerne are flexible on the price in ways they weren't before. Let’s take advantage of that flexibility.

You may be surprised by what's available – and how willing today's sellers are to work with buyers.

Lately, headlines have floated an eye-catching idea about tapping into your 401(k) to cover a down payment on a home in Boerne or Fair Oaks Ranch. Maybe you've caught the buzz and wondered whether that money could get you into a home faster, especially with affordability as tough as it is. 

Here’s what you need to remember. Pulling from your retirement savings is a big decision, so take time to weigh all your options first and be sure to talk with a financial expert before you do anything.

Why Dipping into a 401(k) Can Be Tempting

Data from Empower shows many Americans have built up considerable retirement savings. The median 401(k) amount for anyone in their 40s-60s is six figures (see graph below):

And when you've got a good chunk saved and your dream home is right there, reaching for it can feel like an easy call.

But dipping into your retirement savings to buy a Boerne home could cost you a penalty and set back your finances later on. That's why it's a good idea to explore other options for your down payment first. As Redfin says: 

"If you’re struggling to save enough for a down payment, you may be wondering if tapping into your 401(k) is the right option. While it’s possible, doing so comes with significant risks, like early withdrawal penalties and lost investment growth."

Before you decide, have a financial advisor help you compare the upsides to the risks. Bankrate points to a few of each (see visual):

Other Options Worth Exploring First

Your 401(k) isn’t the only way to finance a home purchase. Redfin outlines a few other options to look into before you decide what to do:

• Low and No-Down Payment Loans: FHA loans, for example, allow qualified buyers to put down as little as 3.5% of the home's price, depending on their credit scores.

• Down Payment Assistance Programs: Many national and local programs can help reduce what you pay toward your down payment or closing costs.

Make a Plan Before You Make a Move

No matter which route you take, talk with a financial expert first. The buyers who come out ahead build a solid plan with the right professionals before starting their journey to homeownership in Boerne or Fair Oaks Ranch Texas. As NerdWallet puts it:

"Even if you’re convinced a 401(k) loan is the way to go, it’s important to understand the risks at the outset."

Bottom Line

Affordability is definitely a challenge, but that doesn’t mean tapping your 401(k) is your only way in if you want to buy.

If you're considering using your 401(k) savings for a down payment, weigh all your options and talk with a trusted financial advisor before you make any decisions. They’ll help you make a plan to fit your goals and your budget. 

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That spare room on the main floor. The finished basement with a kitchenette and its own entrance. The bonus room you've been using for storage.

To you, it's extra space. But to a growing pool of buyers, it's the reason they'd pick your house. Here’s why. Multi-generational homebuying is on the rise.

Millions of Families Are Living Multi-Generationally

The number of multi-generational households is climbing. That’s when 3 or more generations live under one roof. And data shows those households grew from 3.2 million to almost 4 million between 2014 and 2024, according to Realtor.com.

And each year, more people are shopping for a larger home that fits their combined needs.

While the appetite for this type of house is rising across the board, data from USAFacts shows multi-generational living is more common in some states than others. The darker the state in the map below, the more common it is in that area (see map below):

Where does your state fall? Depending on where you are, the pool of buyers looking for a house like yours could be even bigger than you’d think. But the overall bottom line is this.

There’s a real market out there for larger homes with room for multiple generations under one roof, especially since affordability is still so tight. And if you own a house like that, it’s in demand.

Multi-Generational Houses Sell at a Premium

And that extra room carries real value with the right buyer. According to Realtor.com, in 2025 the median asking price for a multi-generational house was $709,000 – roughly 65% higher than the $429,900 median for a standard house.

Some of that is simply size. But compare multi-generational homes to regular homes with the same amount of square footage, and they still come out on top – $262 per square foot versus $215.

That’s a 22% premium you could command for special features like in-law suites, second kitchens, and separate entries (see graph below):

When you sell, this could help you walk away with more money in your pocket, especially when your agent highlights your home’s multi-generational-friendly features in your listing.

SEE HOMES IN THE BOERNE AREA THAT MAY OFFER MULTI-GEN OPPORTUNITIES AT THIS LINK.

And Buyers Aren’t Getting Sticker Shock

And even with slightly higher price tags, buyers aren't flinching. Multi-generational houses drew 13.5% more online views than standard ones, and they still sold just as fast – in about 59 days – per the same Realtor.com report.

Hannah Jones, Senior Economic Research Analyst at Realtor.com, explains:

"The strong demand and steep premiums we are seeing in inventory-constrained markets point to a real mismatch between what buyers are looking for and what is actually available. For sellers in these markets, this type of home can be a significant asset."

Basically, when buyers want something that's very specific, the house that checks the box tends to stand out.

SEE HOMES IN THE BOERNE AREA THAT MAY OFFER MULTI-GEN OPPORTUNITIES AT THIS LINK.

Bottom Line

Your multi-generational-friendly, or simply larger-than-average, house might meet criteria a lot of buyers can't find in a standard one. That's what gets attention. And offers. So, let’s chat about what it could get you in our market right now.