February 26, 2026 market brief. This U.S. real estate update tracks Houston through the lens of verified supply, pricing, financing, and delivery signals.

U.S. affordability remains sensitive to mortgage rates, local inventory, insurance, taxes, and the gap between asking prices and household income.

• Compare monthly payment, taxes, insurance, HOA dues, and maintenance before relying on list price alone.
• Rate movement can change purchasing power even when the headline property price is unchanged.
• Diaspora buyers should verify lender terms for non-resident or self-employed income.

Buyer note: Confirm title documents, delivery timelines, service-charge assumptions, and payment milestones before making any deposit. Diaspora buyers should use documented escrow and independent legal review.

Source note: This brief is based on market monitoring and primary reference material from Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey.