Dripping Springs: How Rates Shape Buying Power in November

What does a 7.18% mortgage rate mean for buyers in Dripping Springs today? With the median close price at $545,000 across 43 closed sales in October, ALEX Intelligence calculated monthly payments and buydown costs to show how financing terms affect affordability. At a loan amount of $436,000 with a note rate of 7.18%, the principal-and-interest payment is $2,954 per month. A 3/2/1 buydown reduces that to $2,127 in year one, saving $827 monthly, but costs $20,172 total over three years (3.7% of the price). A 2/1 buydown brings the first-year payment to $2,389, saving $565 monthly for a total cost of $10,248 (1.88% of the price). These figures are ALEX Intelligence estimates based on median sale price and current rates; they are not appraisals. The market reflects this environment: median days on market fell 25% from September to 42 days, while the close-to-original list ratio improved slightly to 95.5%. Buyers who can secure a buydown may find more negotiating room, but the cost of that discount must be weighed against long-term savings. Mortgage rate data sourced from Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey, 30-year fixed, week of November 5, 2026 (FRED MORTGAGE30US). 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