If you’re planning to sell in Houston in 2026, the good news….it’s still a very winnable market. The catch? The old playbook of list high and wait is dead. Sellers who win in 2026 will price with discipline, prepare intentionally, and time their listing launch carefully.
The Seller Reality Check from Late 2025
To understand 2026, you have to look in the seller side mirror. By the end of 2025, the market clearly shifted toward balance. According to the Houston Association of Realtors® in its November 2025 Housing Market Update:
- Active single-family listings reached 36,620, up 21 percent year over year.
- Months of inventory rose to 5.0, compared to 4.3 the year before (5.0 months is the textbook definition of a balanced market).
- Average days on market increased to 60, up from 53 in 2024.
- Median single-family price held at $325,000, a modest 1.5 percent decline year over year.
Buyers now have more choices and more patience. That means 2026 won’t reward optimism; it will reward execution. Sellers who lead with precision avoid chasing the market later with reductions.
The 2026 Setup: Rates Ease, Buyers Stay Selective
Most major forecasts point to a calmer, more predictable year ahead. Mortgage rates are expected to average around 6.3 percent in 2026, with some projections nearing 5.9 percent by year-end. As rates soften, many sidelined buyers are likely to re-enter the market, especially during a stronger spring season.
At the same time, inventory is expected to continue growing, potentially close to 9 percent year over year. That keeps buyers focused on condition, presentation, and overall value. Homes that feel turnkey will stand out, while homes that don’t will sit.
Pricing Power Depends on Your Neighborhood
Houston isn’t one market. It’s a collection of micro markets, and pricing power in 2026 will vary widely.
Tier 1: Inner Loop and Premium Pockets
The Heights, Garden Oaks, and Oak Forest continue to show durable demand. In Oak Forest and Garden Oaks, prices were up 14.3% in November 2025, even with average days on market near 50.
- Strategy: Precision pricing is non-negotiable. Buyers here expect strong presentations and thoughtful updates. A well-executed listing launch often produces the cleanest offers before buyer fatigue sets in.
Tier 2: Middle Market Houston
With roughly five months of inventory, this tier defines balance.
- Strategy: Pricing power must be earned. Listing high just to test the market usually leads to silence. If the home needs work, pricing must reflect that reality upfront.
Tier 3: Suburbs and High Supply Areas
Parts of Katy, Cypress, and similar areas face direct competition from new construction.
- Strategy: You need a clear reason why your home wins. Energy efficiency, outdoor upgrades, and functional layouts matter. Strategic concessions, such as closing cost credits, can protect your net while keeping deals moving.
Final Takeaway
2026 is a return to fundamentals. Sellers who price with discipline, remove buyer objections before listing, and launch with a high-impact marketing plan can absolutely succeed. Those who rely on hope or past market conditions will struggle. At The Moore Real Estate Group, this is the exact playbook we use to help sellers win in a balanced market.
Ready to Talk Strategy?
If you’re considering a 2026 sale and want clarity on pricing range, timing, and net strategy for your specific neighborhood, schedule a seller consultation. You’ll walk away with a clear plan, not guesswork.