The Housing Market Is Turning a Corner in Dallas-Fort Worth Going into 2026

After a stretch of high mortgage rates, quiet listings, and buyers waiting on the sidelines, the housing market in Dallas-Fort Worth is finally showing momentum again. Sellers are stepping forward. Buyers are re-evaluating what’s possible. And for the first time in a long while, the market isn’t stuck, it’s shifting.

We’re not talking about a fast, dramatic surge. But we are seeing the early steps of a meaningful comeback that could build stronger momentum in 2026.

So, what’s behind the change? Here are three big trends quietly reshaping the market right now.

1. Mortgage Rates Are Trending Down

Rates fluctuate constantly, that’s normal. But zoom out, and the broader trend tells a clear story: mortgage rates have taken a noticeable dip over the year. Recently, the market has even seen some of the best rates of 2025.

Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist, Sam Khater, explains how this impacts buyers:

“On a median-priced home, this could allow a homebuyer to save thousands annually compared to earlier this year, showing that affordability is slowly improving.”

For buyers in Dallas-Fort Worth, this means:

• More purchasing power
  
  

• A more manageable monthly payment
  
  

• Access to homes that may have felt out of reach just months ago
  
  

Redfin reports that a buyer with a $3,000 monthly budget can now afford about $25,000 more home than they could a year earlier. Small market shifts can create major financial advantages.

2. More Homeowners Are Finally Listing Their Homes

For years, many homeowners stayed put due to the “lock-in effect”, the hesitancy to give up a low mortgage rate. But as rates ease and life circumstances evolve, more people are deciding it’s time to move.

That shift is adding much-needed inventory to the market, giving Dallas-Fort Worth buyers more options than they’ve had in years.

Realtor.com shows inventory levels climbing toward highs we haven’t seen in nearly six years.

More inventory creates:

• Healthier buyer–seller balance
  
  

• More negotiation opportunities
  
  

• Less frenzy and competition
  
  

Whether it’s relocations, growing families, empty-nesters downsizing, or lifestyle upgrades, people moving for the right reasons strengthen the entire market.

3. Buyers Are Re-Entering the Market

It’s not just sellers returning, buyers are stepping back in as affordability improves and listing options grow.

The Mortgage Bankers Association reports an increase in purchase applications compared to last year, highlighting renewed buyer demand.

Economists at Fannie Mae, MBA, and the National Association of Realtors all forecast steady, sustainable growth in home sales heading into 2026.

This isn’t a sudden rebound. It’s a slow but meaningful transition to a more active and balanced real estate market, exactly what many hopeful buyers and sellers have been waiting for.

Bottom Line

After several quieter years, the housing market in Dallas-Fort Worth is gaining momentum again. Lower mortgage rates, increasing inventory, and a stronger buyer pool are paving the way for real movement going into 2026.

If you want to understand how these shifts impact your next move in Dallas-Fort Worth, a conversation with The Templeton Real Estate Group can help you navigate wisely, whether you’re planning to buy, sell, upgrade, downsize, or simply explore what’s possible.

The market is turning a corner. When you’re ready, The Templeton Real Estate Group can help you turn the right way with it.