The Big Picture: National Home Values vs. Bryan County

Hello all!

Greetings from Washington D.C.! I am out here this week for the 2026 REALTORS® Legislative Meetings. It has been a busy but amazing trip. I am proud to be here representing our great community as the 2026 President of the Texoma Board of Realtors.

Walking around the nation's capital makes you realize how important it is to protect property rights. When real estate professionals speak up for homeownership, everyone wins. That is why I love staying involved in housing advocacy. It keeps our local market strong!

While attending the meetings, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) dropped some big housing updates. Let's break down what is happening across the country versus what we are seeing right at home in Bryan County.

The Big Picture: National Home Values vs. Bryan County

Is our local market matching the rest of the United States? Yes and no!

According to NAR Chief Economist Dr. Lawrence Yun, national home prices are still climbing. In fact, the national median home price sits at about $430,000. Dr. Yun even predicts that national home prices will hit $1 million in about 25 years!

Now, let's look at Bryan County. According to market records from ShowingTime and local MLS data, our local median home value is much more affordable, sitting around $230,000.

The Compare: Both markets are growing! Dr. Yun projects that national home sales will improve in the second half of 2026 as more houses go on sale. Locally, we are seeing steady demand too. The typical American homeowner will gain about $16,000 in housing wealth this year. Adjusting that to Bryan County, you can expect a typical homeowner to gain $8,000-$9,000 in value in 2026. 

The Contrast: Price is the huge differentiator. Your dollar goes much further in Bryan County than it does in the average U.S. city. We offer an amazing cost of living while still giving homeowners a great return on their investment.

What's Up With Interest Rates?

We can't talk about home values without talking about the cost of borrowing. According to the latest data from Freddie Mac (shared by the St. Louis Fed's FRED tool), the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is hovering right around 6.5%.

While that is higher than the super-low rates from a few years ago, Dr. Yun expects rates to average out at this 6.5% mark for the rest of 2026. The market is adjusting to this "new normal," and buyers who are tired of renting are jumping back in.

Why the Right Partner Matters

With rates always moving around and prices differing so much from national trends, the real estate market can feel a little wild. That is why you shouldn't go at it alone!

It is incredibly important for consumers to partner with well-equipped, highly professional real estate experts. At Peña Properties Group, we don't just wait around to see what happens next. We actively invest our time and resources into advanced education and local advocacy. By staying on top of national rules, economic shifts, and local statistics, we make sure we are the absolute best at what we do for you.

Whether you are looking to buy your first home or sell a property you've owned for decades, we have the tools and training to guide you smoothly through the process.

Enjoy the rest of your week, Durant! I'll see you when I get back from D.C.!

Sources Cited:

• National Association of REALTORS® Newsroom (Dr. Lawrence Yun & Dr. Jessica Lautz, June 16, 2026 Economic Forum)

• ShowingTime / MLS Technology Inc. (Bryan County Housing Market Trends)

• Freddie Mac via FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (30-Year Fixed Rate Mortgage Average)