New Braunfels: How Rates and Buydowns Shape Buying Power in October

What does a 7.11% mortgage rate mean for buying power in New Braunfels when the median sale price jumped to $455,000? ALEX Intelligence modeled monthly payments on a typical October close with 20% down to show how buydowns change affordability at current rates. In October 2026, 23 single-family homes closed for a median of $455,000, up 42.9% from the prior month and 12.3% from last year. At a 7.11% rate, principal and interest on an $364,000 loan (80% LTV) is about $2,449 per month. A 3/2/1 buydown can lower that to $1,761 in year one, saving $688 monthly for a total cost of $16,788 over three years. A 2/1 buydown reduces the rate to 5.11% in year one and 6.11% in year two, costing $8,532 total while saving $470 monthly in the first year. These scenarios assume a 20% down payment and principal-and-interest only. The median price per square foot was $197.83 across 23 sales, with homes averaging 2,300 square feet. While prices rose sharply month-over-month, the rate environment means buydowns remain a key lever for monthly cash flow. ALEX Intelligence estimate, not an appraisal. Data source: Unlock MLS closed sales (ABOR-listed only) and Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey. Want to see this home? Call or text George at 713.918.9951 for a private showing. Based on 23 closed sales in the October 2026. 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