Record $440,600 Home Price Arrives as Sales Slip in June
Existing home sales fell in June. But home prices hit a new all-time peak. The median price reached $440,600 across the U.S. That’s up 1.8% from last year. Sales dropped 2.4% from May. They stayed 2.8% above last June though, according to a new report from the National Association of Realtors. It was the 36th month in a row with year-over-year price gains. First-time buyers made up 33% of purchases. That’s down from 35% in May. The supply of homes stayed tight at 4.6 months. Sellers still have the edge in most markets.
What does all this mean for you? The Houston housing market feels these same forces. Higher mortgage rates cooled some buyer activity. But low supply still pushes prices upward. The good news is that wages are growing faster than home prices now. The Housing Affordability Index rose to 102.3 from 95.5 a year ago. That’s real progress. If you’ve been waiting to make a move, this could be your moment. Using our first-time buyer resources can help you get ready. We offer free consultations to talk about your options and find the right loan for your budget.
Speaking of big changes, a new housing bill could really shake things up nationwide.
New Housing Bill Aims to Cut Costs and Build More Homes
A major housing bill may become law very soon. President Trump said he won’t sign it. But he didn’t veto it either. That means the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act could take effect automatically, according to a HousingWire report. The bill passed the House with a huge 358-32 vote. It bans big investors from buying more homes if they own 350 or more. This could open up more houses for regular buyers. The bill also cuts red tape for new construction. And it removes the old chassis rule for manufactured homes. That change alone could save $5,000 to $10,000 per home.
The bill also starts a new FHA pilot program. It will offer small mortgages under $100,000. For first-time buyers, this could make a big difference. The Houston housing market needs more supply to keep prices in check. This bill aims to deliver exactly that. For more on low-down-payment options, check our FHA loan page.
Now let’s turn to what’s happening right here in Houston.
Houston Ranks Third Nationally for Top Real Estate Professionals
Houston’s real estate scene is thriving. New rankings show the city is a national leader. The 2026 RealTrends Verified City Rankings found Houston had 690 ranked agents and teams. That’s third in the country behind New York and Scottsdale, according to a HousingWire report. Houston agents generated $8.46 billion in individual sales volume. Showing the strength of the Houston housing market, the city also ranked high in transaction sides with nearly 13,000 deals.
What does this tell buyers like you? The Houston housing market is active and competitive. Buyers in Katy and The Woodlands are working with top-tier agents. That means good homes in desirable areas may sell fast. You need to be ready when the right home comes up. Getting pre-approved before you start your search gives you a real edge. Our team at Bayway Mortgage can help you get pre-approved in just a few steps.
While the Houston market stays competitive, new forces are changing values across Texas.
Data Centers Are Shaking Up Texas Real Estate Markets
Data centers are changing how Texas real estate works. These massive facilities can boost land values in some areas. But they can also make selling nearby homes harder. The impact is already clear, according to a HousingWire special report. In Granbury, Texas, home prices fell 8.2% over the past year. More than half of all listings took price cuts. In Abilene, data center construction pushed rents up 33% year over year. That’s a big swing in both directions.
What does this mean for Houston buyers? The Houston housing market could see similar shifts near Richmond and Sugar Land as development spreads. If you’re looking at a home near a proposed data center site, do your research. Ask about noise, water use and future plans. These factors could affect your home’s value down the road. At Bayway Mortgage, we can help you think through these questions. We know the local market well and can guide you on what to watch for.
But there’s plenty to enjoy about living in Houston right now.
Fun Fact: Free Museum Nights in Houston This Summer
Did you know the Houston Museum District offers free admission on select Thursdays? You can explore world-class exhibits without spending a dime. It’s a great way to cool off during our hot summer months. Grab the family and make an evening of it. That’s what makes living in the Houston area so special.
