The April 2026 Waco MSA housing numbers are in, and they show a market that is more active, more competitive, and more balanced than what we have seen over the last few years.

The short version: buyers have more options, sellers have more competition, and the homes that are priced well are still moving.

That is probably the most important takeaway from this month’s report. The Waco market is not frozen. It is not crashing. But it is also not the wild seller’s market we saw a few years ago. This is a more selective market, and strategy matters again.

Nationally, Buyers Are Seeing More Inventory

The Waco market is not operating in a vacuum. Across the country, inventory has been improving, but affordability is still keeping many buyers cautious.

According to Realtor.com’s April 2026 housing report, active listings were up 4.6% nationally compared to last year, while the national median list price was down 1.4% year over year. Realtor.com also reported that the national median list price was $425,000 in April.

Mortgage rates are still a major part of the story. Freddie Mac reported that the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.30% as of April 30, 2026. That was up slightly from the previous week, but lower than 6.76% one year earlier.

That combination matters. More homes on the market gives buyers more options, but mortgage rates in the 6% range still have a big impact on monthly payment and affordability.

Waco MSA April 2026 Housing Highlights

According to the latest Waco MSA Housing Report from the Waco Association of REALTORS®, April showed several important shifts compared to April 2025.

The median price was $287,980, up 1.1% from last year.

Active listings increased to 1,388, up 23.4% from April 2025.

Closed sales rose to 294, up 9.3% from last year.

Months of inventory increased to 5.4 months, compared to 4.5 months in April 2025.

Total time from days on market to closing was 121 days, which is 9 days longer than last year.

The two numbers that stand out most are active listings and closed sales. Inventory is up sharply, but closed sales are also up. That tells us buyers have more choices, but they are still buying when the price, condition, and location make sense.

What This Means for Buyers

For buyers, the increase in inventory is good news.

More homes on the market can mean more choices, less pressure, and a little more room to compare options before making a decision. In some cases, buyers may also have more opportunity to negotiate on price, repairs, closing costs, or timing.

But this is where buyers need to be realistic.

More inventory does not mean every seller is desperate. Well-priced homes in desirable areas can still move quickly. Buyers who assume they can throw out low offers on every property may lose good opportunities.

The better approach is to know the market, understand the property, and be ready to act when the right home comes along.

What This Means for Sellers

For sellers, this market is still workable, but it requires more discipline.

The median price in the Waco MSA was still up slightly compared to last year, which is encouraging. But with active listings up more than 23%, sellers have more competition than they did last spring.

That means pricing matters. Presentation matters. Marketing matters.

The weak strategy is to price high and assume buyers will eventually show up. That worked better when inventory was extremely tight. It is much riskier now.

Today’s buyers are comparing more homes, watching payments closely, and paying attention to condition. Homes that are clean, well-presented, and priced correctly are still getting attention. Homes that are overpriced or need too much work are more likely to sit.

A More Balanced Waco Market

The April numbers point to a healthier and more balanced Waco housing market.

Buyers have more options than they did a year ago. Sellers still have opportunity, but they need to be more thoughtful. The market is active, but it is also more selective.

For buyers, that can create opportunity.

For sellers, it means preparation and pricing are more important than ever.

If you are thinking about buying or selling in the Waco area this year, we would be happy to help you look at the numbers, talk through your timing, and build a strategy that makes sense for your situation.

 

Brian & Ashley Bundy, REALTORS®
Bundy Realty Group at Bentwood Realty
254-855-2374
bundyrealtygroup.com