Local real estate and mortgage leaders say inventory growth and competitive rates are creating new opportunities
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Experienced local professionals see shift toward buyers
/wp:heading wp:paragraphHUNTSVILLE, Texas — After several years of tight inventory and rising prices, two longtime Huntsville housing professionals say 2026 is shaping up to offer more opportunity for buyers across Walker County.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphRealtor Terri Coleman, who has more than 30 years of experience in residential and commercial real estate, said the local market is showing signs of balance returning.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraph“We have 274 homes on the market,” Coleman said, noting that inventory spans multiple price ranges. “Homes are becoming more affordable. First-time home buyers are able to actually get that American dream that they’re wanting to.”
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphColeman said she is already seeing renewed movement from first-time buyers who previously felt priced out of the market. With additional subdivisions and new construction activity underway, she believes Huntsville is entering a period of healthy growth.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraph“Walker County is growing so fast,” she said. “This is the best time for investing.”
/wp:paragraph wp:heading {"level":3}Growth in Walker County driving long-term demand
/wp:heading wp:paragraphColeman pointed to continued expansion in the region — including development projects, new neighborhoods and growth connected to Sam Houston State University — as long-term drivers for both homeownership and investment property demand.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraph“Investment in Walker County is a good time right now,” she said, especially for those considering rental properties or long-term holds.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphShe emphasized that inventory improvements give buyers more leverage in negotiations compared to the previous two years, when limited supply often meant bidding wars and reduced options.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraph“We are beginning to see more first-time home buyers,” Coleman said. “Housing properties have stabilized, and we have a little more inventory.”
/wp:paragraph wp:heading {"level":3}Mortgage expert says qualified borrowers seeing competitive rates
/wp:heading wp:paragraphRussell Barnett, broker and CEO of Texan Mortgage in Huntsville, said current conditions are aligning well for prepared borrowers.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraph“Well-qualified borrowers are getting below 6 percent right now,” Barnett said. “It’s a good time to be in the market for purchasing.”
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphBarnett, who has more than 35 years of experience in banking and mortgage lending, said many buyers are surprised to learn they may qualify sooner than expected if they focus on the fundamentals.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphHe outlined three primary factors lenders evaluate:
/wp:paragraph wp:list- Income
- Credit score
- Down payment
“Credit score minimums are generally 620,” Barnett said. “You’re going to get the better rate the higher your credit score.”
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphHe added that borrowers with stronger credit profiles — often 760 and above — typically secure the most favorable terms, but emphasized that programs exist for buyers who do not have 20 percent down.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraph“Sometimes you just need to check yourself and go in a different direction from the direction that you believe that you need to be in,” Barnett said, encouraging potential buyers to seek professional guidance early.
/wp:paragraph wp:heading {"level":3}Lessons from decades in the industry
/wp:heading wp:paragraphBoth Coleman and Barnett have worked through multiple market cycles, including the housing correction of 2008. Barnett said that experience shaped how he approaches lending today.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraph“It was very difficult,” Barnett said of the downturn, noting that tighter regulations and safeguards now in place have strengthened the industry’s foundation.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphReal estate, he said, remains one of the most historically stable long-term investments.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraph“Real estate values — that’s one commodity that’s very finite,” Barnett said. “Historically, real estate properties go up.”
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphHe added that buyers who plan to stay in a home three to five years often position themselves ahead compared to renting, particularly as equity builds.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraph“If you have intentions of being in the area for any length of time, owning a home rather than renting can put you ahead in three to five years,” he said.
/wp:paragraph wp:heading {"level":3}2026 outlook: stability and opportunity
/wp:heading wp:paragraphColeman said she is optimistic about the year ahead.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraph“I’m really looking forward to 2026,” she said. “It’s going to be a great year for mortgage rates, for inventory of homes. Homes are becoming more affordable.”
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphBarnett echoed that confidence.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraph“You have interest rates that are available to help you accomplish those dreams,” he said. “Let’s go.”
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphFor more information:
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphTerri Coleman, Realtor
https://www.har.com/terri-coleman/agent_tcoleman
Russell Barnett, Texan Mortgage
https://www.txnmortgage.com/