Caldwell County Entry-Level Homes: Can Buyers Afford?

Can buyers afford the median home in Caldwell County today? With the median closing price at $269,490 across 33 closed sales in September and a mortgage rate of 7.24%, monthly payments for entry-level homes require careful budgeting. ALEX Intelligence analyzed the bottom quartile of recent sales to determine affordability for first-time buyers. At this price point with a loan amount of $215,592, the principal and interest on a 30-year fixed loan at 7.24% totals $1,469 per month. Buyers can reduce this burden using buydowns; a standard 3-2-1 buydown costs approximately $9,996 upfront to lower the rate in year one, while a 2-1 buydown costs about $5,076 to reach a lower initial rate. The market shows that 33 homes closed last month, with the median living area at 1,840 square feet. While prices rose 2.3% from August, they remain 12.2% lower than September 2025. This shift suggests that while entry-level inventory is available, the cost of borrowing remains a significant factor for buyers in this price tier. The data reflects a market where affordability hinges on financing strategies and down payment size rather than just listing prices. Want a closer look? Reply or call George at 713.918.9951 and we'll set up a 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