These are the best cities for starter homes, first-time homebuyers in 2026

Homeownership isn’t out of reach – it’s shifting. New data reveals the most affordable U.S. cities where first-time buyers can still break in.

SXSW: Realtor.com discusses their panels
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Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com, talks about the panelists people can expect to hear from at their SXSW events.

SXSW: Building generational wealth through homes
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Realtor.com will discuss the importance of building generational wealth through home buying as the age of first-time home buyers becomes older.

Home values are rising again — Here’s where the market is rebounding

U.S. home values rose in February for the first time in seven months, and existing home sales increased from a year earlier, according to Zillow.

Texas law requires automatic explanations from insurance companies in 2026

A new Texas law effective January 1, 2026, mandates that insurance companies automatically provide written explanations for any declined, canceled, or non-renewed home and auto policies to increase industry transparency.

Mortgage rates fall to lowest level since 2022

Mortgage rates fell this week to their lowest level since September 2022, with the average 30-year fixed rate dropping to 6.01% from 6.09% last week, according to Freddie Mac.

Gov. Abbott targets 'out-of-control' property taxes with new five-point tax relief plan

Governor Abbott is proposing a sweeping overhaul of the Texas property tax system that would cap annual appraisal growth at 3% and create a constitutional pathway for voters to eliminate school district taxes for homeowners.

Texas ranks 9th highest in US property tax rates, according to new study

Texas homeowners pay the ninth-highest property taxes in the U.S., with median bills nearly $900 above the national average despite lower home values.

Post Malone’s childhood home in Texas hits market

The childhood home of musician Post Malone hit the market in Grapevine, Texas, this week.

Homebuyers gain upper hand in 3 major cities as inventories grow

Three of the nation's largest housing markets are seeing a sharp rise in the number of homes for sale, giving buyers more choices even as the overall U.S. housing market shows signs of cooling.

Homeowners in these states may soon stop paying property taxes

Rising property tax bills and strong state revenues are prompting lawmakers in several states to consider cutting or eliminating property taxes.

When to plant vegetables in Texas: 2026 frost dates and zone guide

Maximize your garden’s success with our 2026 Texas planting guide, featuring the best times to start your vegetables based on your local frost dates and hardiness zone.

Most buyer-friendly housing markets in 2026, according to Zillow

Zillow found certain cities in the Midwest and the Sun Belt will be most buyer-friendly in 2026, because of their prices and less competition. Here’s a look at the list.

Texas winter storm: Will insurance cover burst pipes, ice damage?

As a winter storm moves through Texas, homeowners may be wondering what their insurance will cover in the event of damage.

Bilt expands rewards program with new cards for renters, homeowners: What to know

Bilt on Tuesday unveiled Bilt Card 2.0, a revamped lineup of three credit cards that, for the first time, allows homeowners to earn rewards on mortgage payments.

More homes in Texas sold for over $1 million in 2025 than ever before

A record-setting number of Texas homes were sold for $1 million or more from Nov. 2024 to Oct. 2025, according to the 2025 Texas Sales of Million-Dollar Homes Report released by Texas Realtors. 

Travis County property owners reminded to apply for homestead exemptions

The Travis Central Appraisal District is reminding property owners who own and live on a property to save money on their property tax bill by filing for their homestead exemptions.

Map: These are the hottest real estate markets in 2026

Buyers may see a slight upper hand in 2026 as analysts predict a more balanced housing market, but they warn “it’s not off to the races” yet.