Georgetown tops America's newest boomtowns

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1. Compass, MRED CEOs summoned by Congress

A House Judiciary antitrust subcommittee has summoned Compass CEO Robert Reffkin and MRED CEO Rebecca Jensen to brief lawmakers on their private listings partnership, which the committee says could limit consumer choice, reduce market transparency, and create a closed system for certain home listings.

Lawmakers also flagged concerns that private listing networks could push more dual-agency deals by steering buyers to listing agents, limiting independent representation and competition. The executives have been asked to meet with the subcommittee by Aug. 5.

The inquiry follows broader scrutiny of Compass' strategy. Consumer advocacy groups have urged federal regulators to investigate similar MLS partnerships, warning they could fragment inventory and raise antitrust concerns across the housing market.

2. Home prices rose 0.3% in June

Home prices rose 0.3% in June, matching May for the fastest monthly gain of 2026, according to Redfin's Home Price Index.

Annual growth accelerated to 3% — the fastest pace in 10 months — as tight supply of affordable, move-in-ready homes kept prices elevated despite high mortgage rates.

Texas markets stayed mixed. Austin posted a 0.7% monthly gain but was down 1.7% year over year, while Dallas (-1.6%), Houston (-1.1%), Fort Worth (-0.5%), and San Antonio (-2.7%) also logged annual declines amid softer demand and rising inventory.

3. Catch up quick

📈 These 10 large cities saw the largest home price gains over the past decade. (Quartz)

📊 Texas new home sales eased in June as inventory continued to rise. (HomesUSA)

💸 Housing costs top the list of concerns for young voters ahead of the 2026 midterms. (CNBC)

🚀 NAR details Q2 strategic plan progress. (NAR)

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4. Texas leads nation in June jobs

Texas led the nation in job growth in June, adding 43,400 nonfarm jobs and pushing total employment to a record 14.47 million. The state added 177,900 jobs over the past year, the largest annual increase of any state, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Construction remained a key driver, adding 24,800 jobs over the past year, including 5,200 in June alone. Texas posted the nation's strongest annual construction growth, even as the housing market continues to cool.

The state's unemployment rate rose to 4.4% in June, up from 4.1% a year earlier and above the national rate of 4.2%. Gov. Greg Abbott credited the gains to Texas' skilled workforce and business-friendly climate.

5. Georgetown tops America's newest boomtowns

A SmartAsset study named Georgetown the nation's top boomtown, with New Braunfels close behind at No. 2. Texas placed 18 cities on the list — second only to Florida- and claimed eight of the top 20 fastest-growing markets.

• Georgetown took the top spot with 34% growth in both housing units and labor force over the past five years, plus 7.7% annual GDP growth in Williamson County.

• New Braunfels followed with 40% housing growth, 32% labor force growth, and 6.8% annual GDP growth.

• Leander ranked fourth, and Lewisville, McKinney, Conroe, Frisco, and Denton rounded out the top 11.

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