Local real estate and mortgage leaders say inventory growth and competitive rates are creating new opportunities
Experienced local professionals see shift toward buyers
HUNTSVILLE, 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.
Realtor 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.
“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.”
Coleman 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.
“Walker County is growing so fast,” she said. “This is the best time for investing.”
Growth in Walker County driving long-term demand
Coleman 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.
“Investment in Walker County is a good time right now,” she said, especially for those considering rental properties or long-term holds.
She 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.
“We are beginning to see more first-time home buyers,” Coleman said. “Housing properties have stabilized, and we have a little more inventory.”
Mortgage expert says qualified borrowers seeing competitive rates
Russell Barnett, broker and CEO of Texan Mortgage in Huntsville, said current conditions are aligning well for prepared borrowers.
“Well-qualified borrowers are getting below 6 percent right now,” Barnett said. “It’s a good time to be in the market for purchasing.”
Barnett, 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.
He outlined three primary factors lenders evaluate:
- 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.”
He 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.
“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.
Lessons from decades in the industry
Both 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.
“It was very difficult,” Barnett said of the downturn, noting that tighter regulations and safeguards now in place have strengthened the industry’s foundation.
Real estate, he said, remains one of the most historically stable long-term investments.
“Real estate values — that’s one commodity that’s very finite,” Barnett said. “Historically, real estate properties go up.”
He 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.
“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.
2026 outlook: stability and opportunity
Coleman said she is optimistic about the year ahead.
“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.”
Barnett echoed that confidence.
“You have interest rates that are available to help you accomplish those dreams,” he said. “Let’s go.”
For more information:
Terri Coleman, Realtor
https://www.har.com/terri-coleman/agent_tcoleman
Russell Barnett, Texan Mortgage
https://www.txnmortgage.com/