There’s a phrase we haven’t been able to say in a while:
Home affordability is the best it’s been in four years.

According to recent data from Intercontinental Exchange, improving affordability is being driven by three key factors:

• 📉 Lower mortgage rates
• 🏡 Slower home price growth
• 💼 Rising wages

Now, let’s be clear. The affordability challenge hasn’t magically disappeared. But for many buyers, the numbers are finally starting to feel more manageable than they did over the past few years.

And if buying didn’t make sense for you last year?
It might be time to take another look.

---

Why Affordability Is Improving

Over the past couple of years, buyers were hit with a double punch: rapidly rising home prices and higher interest rates. That combination pushed monthly payments up quickly, and understandably caused many people to pause.

Today, the environment looks different.

Mortgage rates have eased from their recent highs. Home price growth has slowed, which means we’re not seeing the same steep year-over-year increases. And wages have continued to rise in many industries, helping buyers regain some purchasing power.

When those three factors move in the right direction at the same time, affordability improves — even if home prices themselves haven’t dropped dramatically.

---

What This Means for Buyers in West Houston

If you’re looking in areas like Katy, Memorial, the Energy Corridor, Spring Branch, or Cinco Ranch, here’s what we’re seeing locally:

• Inventory has improved compared to the tight conditions of 2021–2022.
• Buyers have more options and more negotiating room.
• Homes that are priced well are still moving — but the frenzy has cooled.

In other words, this is a more balanced market.

That balance creates opportunity. You’re less likely to face bidding wars on every home. You have more time to think through decisions. And with rates trending lower, your monthly payment may look more comfortable than it did even 12 months ago.

---

Should You Re-Run the Math?

If you looked at buying last year and decided to wait, ask yourself:

• Have you recalculated your buying power with today’s rates?
• Have you looked at how price growth has slowed?
• Have you reviewed your income and savings compared to where they were a year ago?

Sometimes buyers assume “nothing has changed” — when in reality, the math may look very different today.

Even a small drop in interest rates can significantly affect monthly payments. Combine that with steadier pricing and better inventory, and the equation may work in your favor.

---

A More Realistic Market Isn’t a Bad Thing

We’re not in a “too good to be true” market.
And that’s actually a good thing.

We’re in a market where:

• Buyers can be thoughtful.
• Sellers have to be strategic.
• Professionals matter more than hype.

For anyone considering a move in West Houston or the surrounding areas, this could be a window of opportunity — especially before competition potentially increases again.

---

Affordability isn’t perfect. But it’s improved.

And if buying didn’t make sense for you last year, it’s worth taking another look.

Have you re-run the math on your move yet?

If you’re curious what today’s numbers look like for your specific situation or neighborhood, we’re happy to walk through it with you — clearly, calmly, and without pressure.

Because every smart move starts with understanding your options.