Buyers Are Waking Up After the Holidays

Every year in Texas real estate, we see a familiar pattern.

The holidays wrap up, people catch their breath after January, and then buyers start stepping back into the market. By late February and March, things really begin to move.

And this year? We’re starting to see that shift.

More buyers are attending open houses, scheduling showings, and writing offers. If you’ve been watching the market closely, you can feel the momentum beginning to build as we head toward spring.

Let’s take a look at what the February numbers are telling us across Texas.

Texas Home Prices

The median home price in Texas in February 2026 was $326,000, which is down slightly by 0.6% compared to February 2025.

That’s a very small change and suggests that prices are stabilizing after the wild swings we’ve seen in recent years.

For buyers, this can create opportunities. For sellers, pricing your home correctly from the start is more important than ever.

Inventory Is Increasing

Active listings across Texas increased 10.8%, bringing the total to 135,474 homes on the market.

More inventory means buyers have more choices than they did during the ultra-competitive years.

But it also means sellers need strong marketing, great photos, and a smart pricing strategy to stand out.

Closed Sales

Closed sales dipped slightly 2.6% compared to February 2025, with 22,513 homes sold statewide.

That small dip is not unusual for early in the year. The key indicator right now is buyer activity, and that activity is definitely picking up.

Homes Are Taking a Bit Longer to Sell

The average time on the market was 82 days, with 32 days to close, bringing the total transaction timeline to 114 days.

That’s 8 days longer than February 2025.

This simply reflects a market that has shifted from the lightning-fast pace we saw a few years ago to something more balanced.

Months of Inventory

Texas currently has 4.9 months of inventory, up from 4.4 months last year.

In real estate terms, that’s moving us closer to a balanced market, where neither buyers nor sellers have an overwhelming advantage.

What I’m Seeing on the Ground

Numbers are helpful, but real estate is also about what’s happening in the trenches.

Here’s what I’m seeing lately:

• More buyers attending open houses
• Increased showing activity
• Buyers who are serious and ready to write offers
• Sellers who are pricing homes more strategically

And of course, as we get closer to summer, many families want to move so they can be settled into their new home before the kids start school in the fall.

That seasonal push is already starting.

Remember…Texas Is a BIG State

One thing that’s important to remember when looking at statewide numbers is this:

Texas is huge.

The real estate market can look very different depending on where you are in the state. What’s happening in one city may not reflect what’s happening somewhere else.

For example, the Dallas–Fort Worth market has remained very strong, especially in North Dallas and Collin County. (In fact, I’ll be diving into that more in tomorrow’s blog, so stay tuned.)

Meanwhile, other parts of Texas — particularly smaller towns or more rural areas — may see different trends in pricing, inventory, and buyer demand.

That’s why local data really matters when you’re trying to understand your market.

If you’re curious about a specific Texas town, just comment with the name of the city, and I’ll send you the February market numbers for that area so you can see what’s happening locally.

Real estate is always local… especially in a state as big as Texas.

Updated Closing

Texas real estate is moving toward a healthier, more balanced market, and buyer activity is already starting to build as we head toward the busy spring and summer seasons.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling in Montgomery, Lake Conroe, DFW, or anywhere in Texas, I’d love to help you navigate the market.

For all your real estate needs, get Jacque!
Serving Montgomery, Lake Conroe, DFW & beyond.

🍀

St. Patrick’s Day is one of those holidays that’s just plain fun. You don’t need a big party or complicated recipes—sometimes a few festive treats are all it takes to get everyone smiling.

And if you’re anything like me, you also love a recipe that’s quick, easy, and a little addictive.

One of my favorite St. Patrick’s Day treats is something so simple it almost feels like cheating.

Lucky Little Brownie Bites

You can make brownies from scratch if you want, but honestly? A boxed mix works perfectly. You can even grab brownie bites from the store and dress them up.

Here’s the fun part.

Cut your brownies into small bite-size squares and add a little swirl or drizzle of white icing on top. Then sprinkle on a few green sprinkles for that St. Patrick’s Day flair.

That’s it.

Simple. Festive. And trust me… they are truly addictive.

The bite-size pieces make them perfect for:

• Office treats

• School parties

• Neighborhood get-togethers

• Or just something fun sitting on the kitchen counter

Fair warning though — people will keep walking by the plate saying, “I’ll just grab one more.”

Want to Add a Few More Lucky Treats?

If you want to expand your St. Patrick’s Day snack table, here are a couple easy ideas:

🍀 Mint Chocolate Popcorn
Drizzle melted mint chocolate chips over popcorn and add green sprinkles.

🍀 Lucky Fruit Kabobs
Skewer green grapes, kiwi slices, and pineapple for a fresh treat.

🍀 Shamrock Pretzel Bites
Pretzels, a melted chocolate kiss, and a green M&M on top.

Easy, festive, and perfect for sharing.

A Little St. Patrick’s Day Fun

St. Patrick’s Day has been celebrated for over 1,000 years, and while it started as a religious feast day in Ireland, today it’s mostly about enjoying good food, good friends, and maybe a little bit of luck.

And honestly, a plate of brownie bites covered in sprinkles feels pretty lucky to me.

The Real Estate Tie-In 🍀

In real estate, people sometimes talk about “getting lucky” and finding the perfect home.

But most of the time, it’s not luck at all.

It’s having the right plan, understanding the market, and working with someone who knows how to help you find the home that truly fits your life.

So whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with brownie bites, minty treats, or something green in your glass, I hope your day is full of fun—and maybe a little luck too.

And if buying or selling a home is part of your plans this year, I’d love to help.

For all your real estate needs, get Jacque!
Serving Montgomery, Lake Conroe, DFW & beyond.

Walking through homes can be exciting. You’re picturing furniture placement, backyard barbecues, maybe even where the Christmas tree will go.

But sometimes it’s the little things buyers notice during a showing that tell a bigger story.

Now before we go too far, let me say this:
A red flag doesn’t always mean a deal breaker. Sometimes it’s a simple fix. Other times it just means asking a few more questions.

Over the years, I’ve learned there are a few things buyers should always keep an eye on during showings.

Let’s take a look.

🚩 Foundation Cracks or Doors That Don’t Close Properly

In Texas, foundation movement is something we talk about a lot — especially in older homes.

Signs buyers might notice include:

• Cracks in walls or ceilings
• Doors that stick or won’t close properly
• Uneven floors
• Cracks in exterior brick

Sometimes these are simply signs of normal settling.

But occasionally foundation movement can be connected to something else entirely — like plumbing leaks under the slab, which can affect the soil beneath the home.

That’s why inspections (and sometimes plumbing tests) are so important when buying a home.

🚩 Lights That Don’t Work

You flip the switch… and nothing happens.

Sometimes that’s exactly what you hope it is — just a burned-out light bulb.

But in some cases it could point to something larger like:

• older wiring
• faulty switches
• electrical updates that may be needed

It’s not uncommon in older homes, but it’s definitely something buyers should make note of so their inspector can take a closer look.

🚩 Window AC Units in a Home With Central Air

This one often makes buyers pause.

If a home has central air conditioning but still has window units installed, there may be a few explanations:

• The homeowner likes extra cooling in certain rooms
• One area of the home stays warmer than others
• The central HVAC system may not be cooling evenly

Sometimes it’s simply personal preference.

Other times it might signal the HVAC system isn’t performing as well as it should.

Either way, it’s worth asking about.

🚩 Too Many Plug-In Air Fresheners

We’ve all walked into a home that smells nice.

A candle or two? Totally normal.

But if there are plug-in air fresheners in almost every room, buyers often start wondering what might be getting covered up.

I once hosted an open house where there were more than 15 plug-ins throughout the house — all different scents.

Lavender in one room, vanilla in another, citrus in the hallway.

Every single person who walked in asked me the same question:

"What are they trying to hide?"

Now sometimes people simply love fragrance.

But occasionally strong scents can be used to mask things like:

• pet odors
• smoke smells
• mildew or moisture

It doesn’t automatically mean something is wrong — but it’s definitely something buyers should notice.

🚩 Fresh Paint in Certain Areas

Fresh paint can absolutely be a good thing.

But when buyers see brand-new paint only in certain spots, they sometimes wonder if it was done to cover things like:

• water stains
• patched drywall
• previous wall damage

A good home inspector can often spot repairs or moisture issues hiding beneath the surface.

🏡 The Bottom Line for Buyers

Here’s the key thing to remember:

A red flag isn’t always a reason to walk away from a home.

It’s simply a signal to:

✔️ ask questions
✔️ look a little closer
✔️ make sure inspections are thorough

Sometimes the fix is simple. Other times it gives buyers an opportunity to negotiate repairs or pricing.

That’s why having someone on your side who knows what to watch for during showings can make a big difference.

 We Want to Hear From You

Have you ever walked into a house and immediately noticed something that made you pause?

Maybe it was a strange smell, an odd repair, or something that just didn’t seem quite right.

What’s the biggest red flag you’ve ever seen during a home showing or open house?

Drop it in the comments — I’d love to hear your stories!

Sometimes the best home-buying lessons come from real experiences.

🤠 Thinking About Buying a Home?

If you’re starting to look at homes around Montgomery, Lake Conroe, Huntsville, or the surrounding areas, I’m always happy to help you navigate the process and know what to watch for.

For all your real estate needs, get Jacque!

Serving Montgomery, Lake Conroe, DFW & beyond.

If you bought or sold a home during the height of the real estate frenzy a few years ago, you probably remember how wild it was.

Homes were getting multiple offers within hours. Buyers were paying more than the home was worth just to win the bid. Appraisals and inspections were often waived. And people were making huge decisions after just a quick walk-through.

It worked at the time because the market demanded it.

But that’s not the market we’re in today.

In 2026, buyers have something they didn’t have for several years — options.

There’s more inventory available, which means buyers can slow down, compare homes, and really think about what works best for them.

And honestly? I think that’s a good thing.

Buyers Are Taking Their Time

When buyers feel rushed, they tend to focus on surface-level things — paint colors, countertops, light fixtures, or whether the kitchen looks like it belongs on HGTV.

But when the pace slows down, buyers start noticing what really matters.

They look at the flow of the home.
They notice room sizes and layout.
They pay attention to maintenance and condition.

And I love when my clients really see a house — the flow, the condition, how the space actually lives — instead of just focusing on finishes.

Because the truth is, finishes can be changed.

But the bones of a house?
Those matter much more.

More Inventory Means Smarter Decisions

With more homes on the market, buyers can compare properties side by side. Instead of feeling pressured to make a split-second decision, they can ask thoughtful questions like:

• Does this layout work for my lifestyle?

• Is the home well maintained?

• Will this still work for me five years from now?

That’s how people end up finding homes that truly fit their lives — not just homes they rushed to secure.

What This Means for Sellers

For sellers, this shift just means preparation matters more than ever.

Homes that are well maintained, priced correctly, and presented well still attract strong interest.

But buyers today are paying attention. They notice details. They’re comparing options.

And that’s why having the right strategy before listing is so important.

The Good News for Everyone

A balanced market allows buyers to make thoughtful decisions and sellers to attract serious, qualified buyers.

It’s not about rushing anymore — it’s about finding the right home.

And honestly, that’s the way it should be.

Because a home isn’t just a transaction.

It’s where life happens.

If you're thinking about buying or selling in Montgomery, Lake Conroe, the Houston area, or DFW, Call me...I can help!

For all your real estate needs, get Jacque!
Serving Montgomery, Lake Conroe, DFW & beyond.

Hey y’all!

I still remember the first time we headed down I-45 toward Huntsville. Out of nowhere — there he was — the larger-than-life statue of Sam Houston standing tall and proud.

And let me tell you… it makes an impression.

Since 1994, this 67-foot Texas legend has been welcoming visitors near Sam Houston State University — and honestly, it’s the perfect symbol for Huntsville itself.

Big presence. Strong roots. And quietly becoming a town more buyers are starting to notice.

If Huntsville hasn’t been on your radar yet… it just might deserve a weekend visit.

📍 Where Is Huntsville, TX?

Huntsville sits right along the I-45 corridor:

• About 40 minutes north of Conroe

• Roughly 70 miles north of Houston

• Easy access to Lake Conroe and East Texas forests

It’s one of those sweet-spot locations that gives you breathing room without feeling completely off the map.

🌟 What Makes Huntsville Feel Like Home

🏛️ Don’t Skip Downtown Huntsville

One of the things that surprises people most is Huntsville’s historic downtown square.

This isn’t a big flashy tourist district — and honestly, that’s part of the charm.

You’ll find:

• Locally owned restaurants

• Antique and specialty shops

• Historic courthouse views

• Seasonal events and community gatherings

It has that classic small-town Texas feel where you can actually stroll, browse, and maybe run into the same friendly faces twice.

For buyers tired of cookie-cutter suburbs, this kind of authenticity is a big draw.

🎓 College Town Energy (With Stability)

With Sam Houston State University right in town, Huntsville benefits from year-round activity and economic stability.

The university helps support:

• Local restaurants and shops

• Rental demand

• Cultural and sporting events

• Steady employment

College towns often have a built-in resilience that both homeowners and investors appreciate.

🌲 East Texas Nature Right at Your Doorstep

If your happy place involves trees, trails, or water — Huntsville delivers in a big way.

Nearby outdoor perks include:

• Sam Houston National Forest

• The Lone Star Hiking Trail

• Easy drives to Lake Livingston

• Quick access to Lake Conroe

This is a huge lifestyle win for buyers wanting space, greenery, and outdoor weekends without a long road trip.

💼 Job Market & Local Economy

Let’s talk real life for a second — because charm is great, but jobs matter.

Huntsville’s economy is anchored by several major employers, including:

• Sam Houston State University

• The Texas Department of Criminal Justice

• Healthcare and education sectors

What this means:

✅ Stable employment base
✅ Consistent rental demand
✅ Less volatility than some small towns

It’s not Houston-level corporate growth — but for a city its size, Huntsville has solid economic footing.

💰 Affordability & Real Estate Snapshot (2026)

Now here’s where many buyers really start paying attention.

Recent market ranges:

• Typical home values: about $250K–$255K

• Median listing prices: generally upper $200s

• Average days on market: around 50–60 days

• Market feel: more balanced than the frenzy years

👉 In plain English: buyers often get more breathing room here than in many larger Texas metros.

For sellers, it means strategy and pricing still matter (you knew I was going to say that 😉).

🚨 Things Smart Buyers Should Consider

Because no town is one-size-fits-all.

Before making a move, buyers should think about:

• Commute needs to Houston or Conroe

• Property taxes and insurance

• Neighborhood differences

• Long-term growth plans

That’s where having a local game plan really pays off.

💬 Final Thoughts: Should Huntsville Be on Your Radar?

In my opinion? Huntsville is one of those Texas towns quietly sitting in a very interesting sweet spot.

You’ve got:

✅ Genuine small-town charm
✅ Historic downtown character
✅ University energy
✅ Outdoor lifestyle appeal
✅ More attainable price points
✅ Solid employment anchors

Is it flashy? No.

Is it worth a serious look in 2026? Absolutely — especially for the right buyer.

Sometimes the perfect home with a story is sitting in a town you haven’t fully explored yet.

🤠 Curious About Huntsville or the Lake Conroe Area?

Whether you’re just starting to look or getting serious about a move, having the right local insight makes all the difference.

If you’d like:

• Huntsville home value updates

• Neighborhood guidance

• Investment insight

• Or help finding the perfect home with a story

📲 I’m always happy to help.

For all your real estate needs, get Jacque! Serving Montgomery, Lake Conroe, DFW & beyond.

Be honest… how many of us have gone digging through the freezer looking for something quick, easy, and maybe even a little healthy — only to find an aluminum foil mystery package lurking in the back?

You know the one.

No label.
No date.
No clue what’s inside.
And honestly… a little suspicious. 😅

Friend, that is NOT what we’re talking about today.

Today’s Foodie Friday is all about intentional freezer wins — meals you prep ahead of time so future-you is doing a happy dance instead of playing freezer roulette.

🥣 My Go-To Freezer Habit

Since it’s just the two of us at home, I almost always make too much when I cook soups, homemade sauces, or stews.

(And I know I’m not the only one!)

So now I have a simple system:

✅ Before we even sit down for dinner
✅ I portion out at least 2 extra servings
✅ Into clear containers I can see into
✅ Labeled with the NAME and the DATE

No surprises. No guessing games. No mystery meat moments.

Then on those nights when we don’t feel like cooking — or definitely don’t feel like going out — we can pop one of those meals into the microwave or oven and enjoy homemade goodness in minutes.

Future Jacque is always very thankful. 😉

🥕 Easy Meals That Freeze Beautifully

If you’re looking to build your own “freezer win” stash, here are some great options:

• Hearty soups (chicken vegetable, taco soup, chili)

• Spaghetti sauce or meat sauce

• Stews

• Cooked shredded chicken

• Breakfast burritos

• Lasagna (portion it first!)

Pro tip: Flat freezer bags save space, but clear containers make it easier to see what you’ve got.

⚠️ Quick Kitchen Safety Tip

Learn from many of us who have learned the hard way…

👉 Never put a cold glass container into a preheated oven.

It will not turn out well — for you OR the container.

If you’re reheating from frozen:

• Thaw in the fridge first, or

• Use microwave/oven-safe containers designed for temperature changes

A little patience saves a lot of shattered glass. Trust me on this one.

🏡 Real Estate Wrap-Up

Just like a well-organized freezer makes weeknights smoother, having a smart plan in real estate makes buying or selling so much easier.

A little prep on the front end = a lot less stress later.

For all your real estate needs, get Jacque! Serving Montgomery, Lake Conroe, DFW & beyond.

If it feels like the real estate market is starting to wake up… you’re not imagining things.

As we move into spring 2026, buyer activity is beginning to pick up across both North Texas and the Greater Houston area. After a softer stretch in parts of 2024 and 2025 — especially around Houston — we’re starting to see more movement, more showings, and more serious conversations.

So what does that actually mean if you’re thinking about buying or selling this year?

Let’s talk about it.

📈 What We’re Seeing in Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex

The Dallas–Fort Worth market has stayed relatively resilient over the past couple of years, and early 2026 activity is showing encouraging signs.

Across many DFW neighborhoods, we’re noticing:

• Increased showing activity

• More online home searches

• Buyers re-entering the market after sitting on the sidelines

• Well-priced homes getting attention quickly

DFW continues to benefit from:

✅ Strong population growth
✅ Job expansion
✅ Ongoing relocation activity

While we’re not back in the frenzy days of 2021 (and honestly, that’s not a bad thing), the market is definitely showing healthy spring energy.

🌆 What’s Happening in Houston metropolitan area

Houston experienced a somewhat softer buyer market last year compared to some parts of North Texas. Higher inventory levels in certain areas gave buyers a bit more breathing room.

But as we head into spring 2026, we’re beginning to see momentum build here too.

Locally around Lake Conroe and the broader Houston region, early signs include:

• More buyer inquiries

• Increased showing requests

• Improved confidence from move-up buyers

• Steady relocation interest

In other words… Houston isn’t standing still.

🧭 Why Buyer Activity Is Picking Up

Several factors appear to be nudging buyers back into the market:

1. Buyers are adjusting to current interest rates
Many who paused in 2024–2025 are realizing waiting indefinitely isn’t always the best strategy.

2. Life moves are still happening
Job changes, downsizing, growing families — real life doesn’t wait for perfect rates.

3. Inventory has improved in many areas
More choices are giving buyers confidence to jump back in.

4. Spring seasonality is real
Every year, spring naturally brings more activity, and 2026 is following that familiar pattern.

🏡 What This Means for Sellers Right Now

If you’ve been on the fence about selling, rising buyer traffic is an encouraging sign.

More active buyers can mean:

✅ More showings
✅ More competition for well-priced homes
✅ Stronger negotiating positions than we saw during slower periods

That said — and this is important — we are still in a price-sensitive market.

Today’s buyers are:

• Comparing carefully

• Watching days on market

• Sensitive to overpricing

The homes that shine right now are the ones that are:

✨ Well prepared
✨ Well marketed
✨ Well priced from day one

(Notice the pattern there. 😉)

🔑 What This Means for Buyers in 2026

For buyers, the window of opportunity is still open — but the market is showing signs of warming up.

If you’re planning to buy this year:

👉 You likely still have more negotiating room than in peak frenzy years
👉 Inventory in many areas is improved
👉 But competition may gradually increase as we move deeper into spring

Preparation is your best advantage.

Buyers who are winning right now tend to:

• Get fully pre-approved

• Watch the market closely

• Move decisively when the right home appears

💛 Final Thoughts

Both Dallas–Fort Worth and the Houston area are showing encouraging signs as we head into the spring 2026 market.

We’re not in wild frenzy territory — but we are seeing the market gain healthy momentum.

If you’ve been watching and wondering whether this might be your year to make a move, now is a great time to start the conversation and build your plan.

For all your real estate needs, get Jacque! Serving Montgomery, Lake Conroe, DFW & beyond.

(And How to Avoid It in 2026)

Spring is right around the corner, and if you’ve been even thinking about selling your home this year, you are definitely not alone.

This time of year, I start getting more calls from homeowners who are watching the market and wondering:

👉 “Should I wait until spring?”
👉 “Is my home ready yet?”
👉 “When is the best time to list?”

And while every situation is a little different, there is one mistake I see sellers make over and over right before the spring market heats up…

🚩 The #1 Mistake: Waiting Too Long to Start Preparing

Many homeowners think the plan is simple:

“We’ll just get the house ready in April and list in May.”

But here’s what often happens behind the scenes…

• Small repairs take longer than expected

• Decluttering becomes overwhelming

• Contractors get booked out

• Photos get delayed

• And suddenly… the prime listing window is here

…and the home still isn’t ready.

Spring doesn’t sneak up — it rushes in.

🕒 Why Timing Matters More Than You Think

The early spring market is powerful because:

• Buyer demand is rising

• Families are planning summer moves

• Inventory is still building

• Serious buyers are already watching

But sellers who start too late often feel rushed — and rushed homes rarely show their best.

A little breathing room makes a big difference in both:

✅ Presentation
✅ Pricing strategy
✅ Marketing impact

🧹 What Smart Sellers Are Doing Right Now

The homeowners who tend to have the smoothest (and most profitable) spring sales usually start earlier than they think they need to.

Right now, they are:

• Tackling decluttering one room at a time

• Handling small repairs

• Talking with an agent about pricing strategy

• Planning professional photos

• Getting a realistic home value review

Notice… none of this requires panic mode. 😉

🔍 One Smart Move Many Sellers Skip

One of the best things you can do before listing is invite your agent to walk through your home before you go on the market.

Why?

Because what we notice as professionals is often very different from what homeowners see every day.

During a pre-listing walk-through, we can help you:

✅ Identify the updates that actually matter
✅ Avoid spending money where you don’t need to
✅ Spot easy wins that improve buyer appeal
✅ Talk through pricing strategy early

👀 Look at Your Competition Before You List

Here’s a step that many sellers find incredibly eye-opening…

Before you list, it’s smart to see what buyers will be comparing your home to.

That might include:

• Touring active listings in your price range

• Reviewing recent neighborhood sales

• Looking at online photos buyers are scrolling through

When you see the competition through a buyer’s eyes, it becomes much clearer:

👉 How your home stacks up
👉 What buyers will notice first
👉 Where small improvements can make a big impact

This one step can help sellers avoid surprises once they hit the market.

💡 A Simple Game Plan to Start This Month

If selling in 2026 is even a maybe for you, here’s a low-stress way to begin:

Week 1: Walk your home like a buyer would
Week 2: Start a donation box and remove excess items
Week 3: Make a short repair list
Week 4: Have a quick conversation about your home’s current value

Small steps now prevent big stress later.

🏡 Real Talk From Your Local Agent

Here’s the honest truth…

You do NOT have to have a perfect house before you reach out to an agent.

In fact, the best time to start the conversation is before you think you’re ready. That gives us time to:

• Prioritize what actually matters

• Avoid over-improving

• Price strategically

• Hit the market at the right moment

And that can make a noticeable difference in your results.

💛 Final Thoughts

Spring will be here before we know it, and the sellers who win in this market are usually the ones who prepared just a little earlier than everyone else.

If a move has been on your mind — even quietly — this is a great time to start putting your plan together.

For all your real estate needs, get Jacque! Serving Montgomery, Lake Conroe, DFW & beyond.

Dallas–Fort Worth Tops Nation for Investors — What It Means for 2026 Buyers and Sellers

If you’ve been wondering whether people are still investing in real estate, the answer is a big Texas-sized YES.

A recent report from property analytics firm Cotality named Dallas–Fort Worth the #1 market in the country for home investors in 2025 — and honestly… that doesn’t surprise me one bit.

The latest available data from 2025 is giving us a very clear picture of where the 2026 market is headed — and there are some important takeaways for both buyers and sellers.

Working with clients across DFW and now here near Lake Conroe, I see firsthand how much interest our Texas markets continue to attract.

Let’s break down what’s really driving this trend — and what it means for you.

📈 Population Growth Is Fueling Demand

One of the biggest reasons investors are targeting the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex is simple: people keep moving here.

More people = more housing needed
More housing needed = stronger rental demand

North Texas has been a magnet for relocations, job growth, and new residents for years — and investors are definitely paying attention.

Bottom line: Growth drives opportunity.

🏘️ The Numbers Tell the Story

According to the report:

• Nearly 46,000 investor purchases in Dallas in 2025

• About 86,000 traditional (non-investor) purchases

• Dallas outpaced major markets like Houston, Atlanta, Phoenix, and New York

That’s a lot of activity — and strong proof that our market continues to stay on investors’ radar.

💰 Why Investors Are Still Jumping In

You may remember the wild appreciation we saw in 2021 and 2022. Back then, many investors were chasing rapid price growth.

Today’s opportunity looks a little different.

Experts say investors are now focused more on:

• Strong rental demand

• Long-term population growth

• Steady income potential

With affordability still a challenge for some buyers, the rental market remains active — and investors are stepping in to help meet that demand.

👀 It’s Not Just Big Companies

Here’s something many people don’t realize…

Not all investors are huge national corporations.

Research from the Texas Real Estate Research Center shows many investors are actually local buyers purchasing homes in their own communities to rent out.

So when buyers feel competition, it could be coming from:

• Large institutional investors

• Small local investors

• Everyday homebuyers

It’s definitely a mixed bag in today’s market.

🏡 What This Means for Homebuyers in 2026

If you’re trying to buy a home in DFW or around Lake Conroe, you might be wondering if investors are making it impossible.

Here’s my honest take…

👉 Investors are part of the market — but they are NOT buying everything.
👉 There are still great opportunities for primary homebuyers.
👉 Preparation and strategy matter more than ever in 2026.

The buyers who tend to win right now are the ones who:

• Get pre-approved early

• Move quickly when the right home hits

• Work with an agent who knows the local market

(And yes… having someone in your corner matters. 😉)

🏠 What This Means for Sellers Right Now

If you’ve been thinking about selling, this level of investor activity can actually be good news.

More buyers in the marketplace can mean:

✅ More showing activity
✅ More potential offers
✅ Continued demand support

That said — pricing still matters. A lot.

Today’s buyers (especially investors) are very numbers-focused, so having a smart pricing strategy from day one is key to getting strong results.

💛 Final Thoughts

The data may be from 2025, but the message for 2026 is clear: North Texas remains one of the most attractive real estate markets in the country.

If buying, selling, or investing has been on your mind this year, this is a great time to start building your plan.

For all your real estate needs, get Jacque! Serving Montgomery, Lake Conroe, DFW & beyond.

(From someone who doesn’t eat crawfish… but married to someone who happily does!)

Y’all… full disclosure…

I do not eat crawfish. 😄

But I am married to an awesome guy who will try just about anything — and crawfish season is basically his Super Bowl. So this year, I let the expert in our house help pick our Top 3 Crawfish Spots in Montgomery County.

And let me tell you… I have learned a few things along the way.

😬 The Bucket Incident (a.k.a. I Thought I Had a Poker Face…)

Last year we went out and he ordered the BIG bucket — you know the one — piled high with crawfish, corn, and potatoes.

I really thought I was doing an excellent job controlling my facial expressions during dinner…

Turns out… I was not. Not even a little bit. 🤦‍♀️

Meanwhile, I was over here living my best life with steak, dirty rice, and grilled veggies — which were absolutely amazing, by the way.

Also? Eating crawfish like that is WORK. My hat is off to all of you seasoned crawfish pros.

🥇 Monty's Lighthouse — Our Go-To Favorite

📍 Address: 19380 TX-105, Montgomery, TX 77356

We were back at Monty’s just last week, sitting out on the deck (yes… in February… because Texas 😎). It was about 75° and absolutely beautiful.

I got my usual…

And the husband ordered the Crawfish Étouffée.

Y’all.

He did everything but lick the plate.

His official review:
👉 “This is AWESOME.”

Even I have to admit… it smelled pretty darn good.

What we personally recommend at Monty’s:

• Crawfish Étouffée (husband approved ✔️)

• Shrimp

• Red beans and rice

• And yes… my steak has never let me down

If you want a relaxed waterfront vibe, Monty’s on 105 is always a solid choice.

🥈 Voodoo Grille — Flavor With a Little Cajun Kick

📍 Address: 21023 Farm to Market Rd 1488, Magnolia, TX 77355

If you’re looking for bold Cajun flavor, Voodoo Grille in Magnolia is a local favorite that crawfish lovers talk about every season.

Why it made the list:

• Well-seasoned, spicy boils

• Generous portions

• Casual, come-as-you-are atmosphere

• Great reviews from serious crawfish fans

This is the spot for folks who like their crawfish with a little personality. 🔥

🥉 Neaux La Crawfish — The Hole-in-the-Wall Gem

📍 Typical Location: Often found around Conroe/Montgomery area (check their social pages for current spot)

Every good Top 3 list needs that hidden gem, and Neaux La Crawfish delivers.

This is more of a no-frills, hole-in-the-wall (well… food truck!) experience — but don’t let that fool you. Around here, that usually means the food is the real deal.

Why locals love it:

• Authentic Louisiana-style boils

• Big flavor

• Casual grab-and-go vibe

• Often sells out during peak season (always a good sign!)

If your crawfish lover likes the “messy hands, paper towels everywhere” experience… this one’s for them.

🏡 From the Girl Who Orders the Steak…

Here’s what I’ve learned from my crawfish-loving household:

✔️ It’s messy
✔️ It’s a lot of work
✔️ People who love crawfish are VERY serious about it
✔️ And apparently… Crawfish Étouffée can be plate-licking good

So whether you’re a seasoned crawfish pro or just married to one like I am, these three spots are a great place to start this season.

✨ Know another great crawfish spot in Montgomery County? Drop it in the comments — we’re always up for adding to the list!

And remember…

For all your real estate needs, get Jacque!
Serving Montgomery, Lake Conroe, DFW & beyond.