For most of the last decade, buying a home in San Antonio meant bidding wars, waived inspections and offers over asking. That era is over. The 2026 market has settled into something healthier — and for buyers, that is good news.
Katie Griffin-Ross, chair of the regional LERA MLS, put it simply to Texas Public Radio: the market was “running down I-35 at 85 miles an hour for a decade” and has now cooled to a normal pace. Prices have held steady, but buyers have more homes to choose from and more room to negotiate.
What has changed for buyers
- More inventory. You can tour several homes and compare before deciding, instead of making an offer the same day.
- Room to negotiate. Buyers are again asking for seller-paid closing costs, repairs or price reductions — and getting some of them.
- Resale homes are competing with new builds. Many existing-home sellers can offer concessions that builders have scaled back.
What it means if you’re buying now
Get pre-approved first. A strong pre-approval still makes your offer stand out, even in a calmer market. Our mortgage calculator is a good place to test payments.
Ask for concessions. Closing-cost credits or a rate buydown can cut thousands from your upfront cost or monthly payment.
Don’t wait for a perfect rate. If rates drop, more buyers will rush back in — and competition returns. Buying while it is calm, then refinancing later, is a strategy many buyers are using.
Think starter home, then dream home. As Griffin-Ross notes, many first-time buyers expect the home their parents ended up in, not the one they started in. Building equity first is often the faster route to your dream home.
Where to look
Our current featured listings in San Antonio’s 78253 and 78258 ZIP codes show the range available, while buyers wanting Hill Country space are looking north to Boerne, Fair Oaks Ranch and Spring Branch.
Ready to make your move?
Dream Homes Texas Realty Group helps buyers across San Antonio and the Hill Country negotiate with confidence. Search homes for sale or contact Cyndi Alvarez to start your search.
Source: Texas Public Radio, Jan 5, 2026