Spa-style amenities, customizable lighting options, integrated technology, storage solutions — and ample space for these features — all surfaced as top trends.

By region, sales rose in the Midwest, Northeast and South but fell in the West. 

Bold, geometric designs like chevrons, sunbursts, zigzags and stepped shapes are making a huge comeback as of late — and Houzz said that will continue into 2026.

The typical asking rent for an average rental unit reached $1,646. Though that’s a 0.2% increase from last year, the median household income outpaced this acceleration, growing 3.9% during the same time frame.

Agents from Compass RE Texas had a hand in nine transaction sides for October’s ranking of the 10 most expensive homes sold in greater Houston. That includes Laura Sweeney, who worked as the buyer’s agent on the priciest sale of the month.

The chief economist for the National Association of REALTORS® also predicts home prices will climb 4% compared to 2025. 

At the same time, the average age of the first-time buyer hit an all-time high of 40, according to the 2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers. 

At the top of the list? WaterSense fixtures — the plumbing solution, which claims to reduce water use by more than 20%, increased in popularity by 289.6%.

Houston households need a minimum of $2,510 to afford their monthly housing costs, including principal, taxes and insurance. That’s down from $2,550 during the third quarter of 2024.

Nationwide, the median price for a single-family home increased 1.7% year over year to $426,800. Prices increased by the same annual rate during the second quarter.

The city boasts the lowest travel costs in the country with relatively low hassle involved — plus ranked No. 6 for local attractions and No. 7 for warm-weather activities.

Waller’s average home price of $335,255 was down 13% annually and was well below the area average of $421,655, HAR said.

Given the rate of sales, the nation had a 4.6-month housing supply, up from 4.2 months a year prior.

Nationally, home sales in the 52 metro areas surveyed by RE/MAX increased 8.5% year over year for the fourth time in 2025, but declined 4.6% month over month.

Tapping into Realtor intel, Zillow analyzed its listing database for keywords that are increasing most in popularity heading into the new year.

Agent Publishing Founder and Publisher Anne Hartnett discusses Brokerage Culture with Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty’s Val Burmester, Rachel Schindler and Dean Jones.