New Braunfels Entry-Level Homes: Affordability Check

What does it take to buy an entry-level home in New Braunfels today? With the median closing price for the bottom quartile of sales at $455,000 and current mortgage rates at 7.11%, monthly payments have shifted significantly compared to last year. ALEX Intelligence analyzed the bottom price quartile of 23 closed sales in October 2026 to assess affordability. The median home size for this segment was 2,300 square feet, up 9.2% from the prior period and 17.4% higher than a year ago. While prices rose 12.3% compared to October 2025, the number of sales dropped 30.3%, indicating tighter inventory for buyers at this price point. Using a standard scenario with a 20% down payment on a $455,000 home at 7.11%, the principal and interest payment is approximately $2,449 per month. A 3-2-1 buydown could lower that initial rate for the first year, saving roughly $688 monthly, though it would cost about $16,788 upfront. Conversely, a 2-1 buydown offers a one-year reduction for a cost of $8,532. The data shows that while homes are selling faster than in the prior period with median days on market dropping 46.2%, the higher price point and interest rates remain key factors for entry-level buyers. The share of homes selling below original list price fell to 73.9%, suggesting a competitive environment even at the lower end of the market. ALEX Intelligence estimate, not an appraisal. Want a closer look? Reply or call George at 713.918.9951 and we'll set up a showing. Coverage: most home sales in New Braunfels are listed in another MLS, which ALEX does not receive yet. The figures in this post count only sales listed in Unlock MLS (ABOR), so they describe part of the local market, not all of it. 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