What's Happening?
Home prices across the United States are beginning to stabilize, yet they remain high, posing affordability challenges for many potential buyers. This situation is exacerbated by near record-high mortgage rates, which significantly increase monthly payments.
As a result, many prospective homeowners are looking beyond expensive urban centers, especially those who have the flexibility to work remotely. In Texarkana, data from Realtor.com's Cross-Market Demand Report reveals where local buyers are focusing their searches. The report, based on page views of active listings during the third quarter of 2025, highlights that Dallas, TX, is the most popular destination, capturing a 16.3% view share. Other notable areas include Hot Springs, AR, and Longview, TX, with view shares of 6.1% and 5.7%, respectively.
Why It's Important?
The trend of expanding home searches beyond urban cores reflects broader shifts in the housing market and work culture. High mortgage rates are a significant barrier to homeownership, pushing buyers to consider more affordable regions. This shift could lead to increased demand and potential price hikes in these areas, impacting local economies and real estate markets. For cities like Dallas and Hot Springs, this influx of interest could stimulate economic growth and development. Conversely, urban centers may experience slower growth or even declines in property values as demand shifts outward.
What's Next?
As remote work continues to be a viable option for many, the trend of searching for homes in less expensive areas is likely to persist. This could lead to further changes in real estate markets, with potential increases in property values in traditionally less sought-after areas. Policymakers and urban planners may need to address infrastructure and service needs in these growing regions. Additionally, the real estate industry might see shifts in marketing strategies to cater to this changing demand.
