The midterm elections are behind us, and as we head into November, we’re hopeful that buyers who have been sitting on the sidelines will begin returning to the Houston real estate market.

With the holidays approaching, we still have a window of opportunity before year-end. But one thing is clear: today’s buyers are cautious, and they’re not willing to take unnecessary risks.

Mortgage Rates and the Houston Market

Mortgage rates have shown some recent improvement. According to Freddie Mac, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 7.18% as of November 5, 2026, down from 7.24% the previous week.

However, at this time last year, rates averaged just 6.22%. That nearly one-percentage-point difference continues to impact affordability and purchasing power for Houston buyers.

Meanwhile, Greater Houston’s housing inventory has increased, giving buyers more homes to choose from. According to the Houston Association of REALTORS®, September inventory reached 5.5 months of supply, with more than 40,000 active listings.

With higher borrowing costs and more options available, buyers are taking their time, comparing properties carefully, and making sure they’re getting good value before committing.

Buyers Don’t Want to Overpay or Inherit Problems

One of the biggest trends we’re observing at Energy Realty is how risk-averse buyers have become.

Buyers don’t want to overpay. They’re studying comparable sales, questioning asking prices, and passing on homes they believe are priced above market value.

They’re also paying much closer attention to property condition. Significant inspection findings involving roofs, foundations, HVAC systems, or other costly repairs can quickly change a buyer’s confidence.

We’re seeing buyers become more willing to walk away when major issues arise, subject to their contractual rights.

For sellers, this sends an important message: Pricing your home correctly and addressing property condition are critical to getting from an accepted offer to a successful closing.

What to Expect Before the Holidays

Now that the election is over, we’ll be watching to see whether buyer confidence improves and more people resume their home searches.

November may provide opportunities for buyers and sellers who want to make a move before the end of the year, but we don’t expect buyers to suddenly become less selective.

Across Greater Houston, including Memorial, Katy, Cypress, Spring Branch, and the Energy Corridor, each neighborhood and price point has its own market dynamics.

As we move toward the holidays, our message is simple: Homes that are priced realistically, well maintained, and properly presented are better positioned to attract today’s cautious buyers.

At Energy Realty, we’re here to help you understand the market, evaluate your options, and make informed real estate decisions.