Into the Holiday Stretch: Deals Are Closing, and Buyers Still Have Leverage

Hi, friends —

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and the Central Texas market is heading into the holidays with a clear story. More homes are moving toward the closing table than we've seen in months, buyers still have real room to negotiate, and many sellers are already planning for 2027. Our friends at Texas National Title just shared the November 2–9 Market Watch, so let's look at where we are, what the last 30 days tell us, and what it all means for you as the year wraps up.

This Week's Snapshot

Percentages reflect the change from the Monday three weeks prior.

What stands out:

• Pending sales are up in every county. Williamson is up 57%, Travis 34%, and Hays 26% from three weeks ago. These are homes with signed contracts working their way to closing.
• Price reductions picked back up. Across the three counties, there were 1,653 price cuts this week, up from 1,190 last week. That works out to about three and a half price cuts for every home sold.
• More sellers are stepping back for the holidays. Withdrawals rose in all three counties, led by Hays (+50%) and Williamson (+43%). Travis County's 158 withdrawals are among the highest we've tracked this year.
• Hays County new listings fell to 76, the lowest weekly number in the reports we've tracked this year. Fewer new homes are coming to market there as the holidays approach.

The Last 30 Days: What the Trend Tells Us

One week only tells part of the story, so here's how the last month has played out across Travis, Hays, and Williamson counties.

The pipeline is building

Pending sales across our three counties have risen three weeks in a row: 287, then 342, then 374, and now 404. That's the highest level in the reports we've tracked since spring. When this many homes are under signed contracts, closings typically stay steady over the following weeks. Expect a solid run of closings through Thanksgiving and into early December.

New contracts are slowing down

At the same time, the number of homes newly going under contract has drifted lower, from 318 in mid-October to 294 this week. That's normal for this time of year. Fewer new deals now usually means a quieter late December and January.

Sellers are still adjusting on price

Since mid-October, there have been roughly three to three and a half price cuts for every home sold. Back in April, it was closer to two. The month-end week of October 26 looked better at first glance, but that was mostly a burst of closings at the end of the month. This week shows sellers are still meeting buyers where they are.

Each county is moving a little differently

• Travis County is steady. Closings held at 230, pending sales rose to 163, and new listings ticked up to 384. Price cuts rose to 719, so buyers have room to negotiate on homes that have been sitting.
• Hays County is improving. Over the last three weeks, price cuts are down 18% and withdrawals are down 24% compared with the three weeks before. After being our most pressured market in October, Hays is finding its balance.
• Williamson County is softening a bit. Pending sales are strong, but closings and new contracts both dipped this week, and Williamson had about four price cuts for every sale. Right now, it's the most negotiable of our three counties.

What This Means If You're Buying

• The holidays are a buyer's window. Fewer people are shopping between now and New Year's, and the sellers still on the market tend to be motivated. That gives you room to negotiate on price, repairs, or closing costs.
• Look closely at Williamson County. With the highest ratio of price cuts to sales this week, it's where you're most likely to find a flexible seller.
• Don't assume spring will be easier. Many sellers are holding their homes for a spring relaunch. More homes will come on the market then, but so will more buyers. Today's leverage may not last.
• Get your financing set before Thanksgiving. Lenders, appraisers, and title companies all slow down in late November and December. A pre-approval in hand lets you move quickly when the right home appears.

What This Means If You're Selling

I'll always give it to you straight, because that's what 28 years in this market has taught me: the holiday season rewards prepared sellers.

• The buyers out there right now are serious. Nobody tours homes the week of Thanksgiving for fun. Holiday buyers are relocating, have deadlines, or want to be settled before the new year.
• Less competition works in your favor. With more sellers withdrawing and fewer new listings in Hays, a well-priced home stands out more now than it will in March.
• Price to today's market. Price cuts are still common, so starting at the right number is the fastest path to a sale. The first two weeks on the market are your best shot at the strongest offer.
• Planning for spring? Start now. Spring will bring a wave of relaunched listings. Using the winter to handle repairs, updates, and a pricing plan puts you ahead of that competition.

The Bottom Line Heading Into the Holidays

The last stretch of 2026 is shaping up to be steady and practical. A strong pipeline should keep closings moving through early December, buyers continue to have room to negotiate, and many sellers are lining up for a busy spring. If you're thinking about making a move, whether before the year ends or once the new year begins, now is the perfect time to put a plan together. I'd love to help you build one that fits your goals and your corner of Central Texas.

Wishing you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving.

A special thank you to our partners at Texas National Title for providing the weekly Market Watch data behind this update, and for their continued support of our Central Texas community. We couldn't do this without them.

Warmly,
Christi Davidson
Broker Associate | Christi Davidson Real Estate Group | eXp Realty
512-426-7399 | Christi@davidsonregroup.com | www.callchristi.com
Your Trusted Real Estate Advisor for Life

Market Watch data courtesy of Texas National Title, sourced from the Austin Board of REALTORS®. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Market data is subject to change.