Houston Market Update: Showings Jump and Rates Dip Below 6%

If you are watching Houston real estate, the market is sending early signals that the spring season is waking up.

At the same time, the national mortgage rate picture just shifted, and global headlines are adding volatility.

Here is what matters, and what to do with it.

1) National mortgage rates are back under 6%

Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey shows the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate at 5.98% as of February 26, 2026. You can find the weekly PMMS updates at https://www.freddiemac.com/.

That is meaningful because it is the first sub-6% reading in over three years.

Rates still vary by credit, down payment, loan type, points, and lock timing, but the direction matters because buyer psychology changes quickly when rates start with a 5.

2) Houston activity is climbing

According to the Houston Association of Realtors weekly activity snapshot (HAR), last week’s numbers showed:

• Showings up about 14%

• New listings up about 12%

• Off-market listings up about 17%

• Closings down about 3%

You can follow HAR updates at https://www.har.com/.

Translation: buyers are re-engaging, sellers are adding inventory, and a meaningful number of sellers are also pulling listings off the market (often to regroup, repair, or re-time).

3) The inflation and jobs backdrop is mixed

The bond market is still reacting to inflation and labor data.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported January 2026 Producer Price Index (PPI) up 0.5% month over month, with final demand up 2.9% year over year. You can find the release at https://www.bls.gov/.

Weekly jobless claims also ticked up recently (up 4,000 to 212,000 in one report), which matters because labor cooling can reduce inflation pressure over time. You can follow releases via https://www.dol.gov/.

4) Geopolitics just raised the volatility risk

This week also comes with a wildcard: major Middle East escalation has pushed oil sharply higher. When oil spikes, markets worry about inflation and growth at the same time, and that can create interest rate whiplash.

This does not guarantee higher mortgage rates, but it does increase the odds of bigger daily swings.

What this means if you are buying

If rates are near 6% and showings are rising, the best homes tend to get competitive first.

The buyer playbook in this setup:

• Get fully pre-approved, not just pre-qualified

• Know your monthly payment range before you tour

• Negotiate early and clean: credits, repairs, and timeline

• If prices start firming as spring demand grows, focus on winning the home you want, then evaluate refinancing later if rates improve

What this means if you are selling

Rising showings and lower rates can bring buyers back, but pricing still matters. If your home is priced right and presented well, this is the kind of market where it can capture attention early.

Also watch the off-market trend. If more sellers pull listings and re-list later, that can create short bursts of new inventory and more competition for attention.

Bottom line

Houston is showing early spring energy, and national rates just dipped below 6%.
With inflation data, jobs data, and oil volatility all in play, preparation matters more than prediction.

If you want a personalized plan for buying or selling in Houston, reply to this post and I will send the weekly snapshot plus the next steps checklist.

Sources (general websites):
https://www.freddiemac.com/
https://www.har.com/
https://www.bls.gov/
https://www.dol.gov/
https://apnews.com/
https://www.reuters.com/