The dawn of a new year brings fresh possibilities — an ideal time to make a move, whether you’re buying your first home, upsizing, downsizing, or selling and stepping into a new chapter. For those of you in the Cross Timbers region (Erath, Hamilton, Bosque, Palo Pinto, Comanche, Eastland, and beyond), this is how the local real estate climate is shaping up — and what you’ll want to act on.

Buying a Home in the New Year

If you’re gearing up to buy, here’s what’s working in your favor:

• In Erath County, the average home value recently was about $320,551, showing a modest rise (~3.7%) over the past year. Zillow+2Orchard+2

• But in Stephenville, the median sale price is around $280,000, down about 8.2% year-over-year in September 2025. Redfin

• Inventory is increasing — listings are up in many local areas, giving buyers more options and room to negotiate. letsmovetotx.com+1

• According to the statewide forecast from the Texas Real Estate Research Center, Texas employment and incomes are expected to keep creeping upward through 2025, but mortgage rates look likely in the 5.6%–6% range for a 30-year fixed. Texas Real Estate Research Center+1

What it means for you:
Start your homework now. Get pre-approved for your loan. Explore neighborhoods across Erath and the neighboring counties you serve. With more choices on the table and fewer bidding wars than peak frenzy years, you’ve got leverage. Lock in a rate when you find one you’re comfortable with — waiting too long might push you into a higher-rate cycle.

Selling Your Home in the New Year

If you’re preparing to list your home, here are the trends to watch:

• Stephenville shows homes now taking ~57 days to sell — up from ~39 days last year. Redfin

• In Erath County, a recent report shows median days on market around 30, recently, up significantly from the previous year. Orchard+1

• The median listing price in Erath County is hovering near $379K, but that’s down ~12.9% compared to a year ago. Realtor

• Sellers are more willing to negotiate than in the overheated past. Preferred Properties of Texas

What that means:
Don’t assume your home will fly off the market. Expect a longer marketing period and price more strategically. A few smart updates — fresh paint, staging, great photography — still matter and often pay off. In a market with more inventory and cautious buyers, telling your home’s story clearly and authentically will be your edge.

Local Insight: Why Cross Timbers, Why Now

In a region like the Cross Timbers (from Stephenville out to the service counties you cover), you’ve got a blend of small-town charm, acreage appeal, and surprisingly competitive real-estate dynamics. Thanks to more listings and more responsive sellers, the current climate swings toward buyers, but there’s an opportunity for sellers who position correctly. At Preferred Properties of Texas, with 30+ years working this terrain, you’re positioned to guide clients through both sides of the table.

Actionable Steps

If you’re buying:

• Get financially ready: pre-approval, down-payment plan, clear criteria.

• Consider county-wide options (Erath, Hamilton, Bosque, etc) for added flexibility.

• Be ready to act when something fits — inventory is higher, so timing is still relevant.

• Don’t just chase the lowest price — think value, neighborhood, long-term potential.

If you’re selling:

• Price it realistically for the current market, not the peak of the frenzied years.

• Invest in presentation: clean, approachable, well-lit, well-photographed.

• Be open to negotiation on terms — with more inventory, buyers have choices.

• Use your agent to highlight distinctive features (acreage, views, small-town proximity) that matter in this region.

The real estate stage in 2025 around Stephenville and the Cross Timbers is different than the rapid-rise years. Slower appreciation, more inventory, and longer marketing times are the new normal. That’s not a bad thing — it means decisions can be more deliberate, less reactive. For buyers, it’s a moment of strength. For sellers, it’s a moment of clarity: update intelligently, price smartly, partner with experience.

If you’re ready to act, whether buying or selling, our team at Preferred Properties of Texas is ready to walk that path with you — from Stephenville to the surrounding counties, we’ve got your back. Call us at 254-965-7775 today and let’s map your move together.