ABOR Region Entry-Level Homes: Affordability Check for October

What does it take to buy an entry-level home in the ABOR / Unlock MLS Region right now? The bottom quartile of sales in October closed at a median price of $284,999. This figure represents the most affordable tier of homes sold in the region during the month. ALEX Intelligence calculated affordability using the current market rate of 7.24% from the Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey for the week ending October 29, 2026. At this rate with a standard 20% down payment, the principal and interest on a loan for an entry-level home would be approximately $1,584 per month. This scenario assumes a median sale price of $284,999 and does not include taxes or insurance. The data shows that while prices in this tier remain accessible, the cost of borrowing has shifted the landscape compared to previous years. The median entry-level price is down 6.3% from the same month last year, yet the monthly payment burden remains significant due to current interest rates. Buyers looking at this segment should note that activity in this price range indicates steady demand despite the higher financing costs. This analysis focuses strictly on the financial mechanics of purchasing a home in the lowest price quartile. It does not predict future price movements or suggest specific neighborhoods as investments. The figures reflect actual closed sales and current mortgage rates available to qualified buyers. Want to see this home? Call or text George at 713.918.9951 for a private showing. Data from Unlock MLS. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Model outputs are ALEX Intelligence estimates, not appraisals. Read more Central Texas market data on the ALEX blog: https://alex-companies.com/blog