Homebuyers hold the negotiating power in 38 major metros

Plus: Report: First suspect arrested in Texas real estate fraud scheme

April 21, 2026

👋 Welcome back. Today is San Jacinto Day, celebrating Texas' victory over the Mexican Army in 1836 that laid the foundation for independence.

Today’s newsletter is 649 words—a 2½-minute read.

1. Texas economy hits record $2.9 trillion

Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced Friday that the state’s economy reached $2.9 trillion in 2025, according to estimates from the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

Abbott also noted that Texas outpaced overall U.S. economic growth in 2025, expanding at a 2.5% rate when adjusted for inflation.

The latest data also shows Texas remains the world’s eighth-largest economy when compared with entire nations, based on estimates from the International Monetary Fund.

“With the Best Business Climate in America and unmatched pro-growth policies, Texas is the premier destination for job creators from across the country and world. We will keep attracting world-class investment, create jobs, and expand opportunity for Texans for generations to come,” said Governor Abbott.

2. Sellers outnumber buyers by 43%

According to a new Redfin report, there were an estimated 43.1% more home sellers than buyers in March (about 600,168 more sellers). That’s up from 28% (or 432,532 more sellers) a year earlier.

In March, 38 of the most populous metro areas were buyers’ markets, up from 29 a year ago. Just five remained sellers’ markets, down from nine in 2025.

Austin and San Antonio ranked among the strongest buyers’ markets, with an estimated 112% and 109% more sellers, respectively.

Source: Redfin

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3. Catch up quick

🚨 First suspect arrested in Texas real estate fraud scheme. (WRENews)

💸 Renting remains more affordable than buying. (Realtor.com)

₿ Dallas homebuilder Megatel launches crypto program for buyers. (DallasNews)

🤝 Miami and RWorld Realtors merge to create the largest local association. (Miami)

❗ Report: Trump’s big housing market solution is dead on arrival. (Fortune)

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4. Foreclosure filings rise 26% in Q1 2026

According to ATTOM’s latest foreclosure report, 118,727 properties recorded a foreclosure filing in Q1 2026, up 6% from Q4 2025 and 26% year over year.

In March alone, 45,921 properties recorded filings, an 18% increase from February and 28% higher than March 2025.

Foreclosure starts, an early warning indicator, rose to 82,631 properties in Q1 2026, up 7% from the previous quarter and 20% from a year earlier.

Texas recorded the highest number of foreclosure starts in Q1 2026, with 10,617 filings. Houston and Dallas were among the top metros, posting 3,614 and 2,427 starts, respectively.

5. Homeowners are remodeling instead of relocating

According to a survey by Refin, more than two in five Americans (43%) renovated their home in the past year, while another 33% plan to do so in the next year.

For many homeowners, renovating is a deliberate alternative to moving. Roughly two-thirds (65%) of recent renovators chose to upgrade their current home instead of relocating. Among those planning renovations in the next year, 71% say they prefer remodeling over buying a new home.

Gen Z and millennials are more likely than older generations to renovate instead of move, with 77% in each group saying they made home improvements rather than relocating in the past year.

Source: Redfin

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