Why Now Is a Great Time to Buy in Stephenville & the Cross Timbers
Lower Rates. More Homes. Real Opportunity.

With sub-7% financing back on the table, first-time and move-up buyers can act with confidence. From Stephenville outward across the Cross Timbers — including Erath, Parker, Palo Pinto, Eastland, Comanche, Brownwood (Brown County), Hamilton, Hood/Somervell counties, as well as the surrounding small towns — Preferred Properties of Texas is witnessing a significant shift that enables everyday Texans to purchase the homes they need.

Rates: lower than last year’s peak (and holding steady)

As of October 16, 2025, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is around 6.27%, and the 15-year rate is near 5.52%, according to Freddie Mac’s weekly survey. That’s close to 2025’s lows and notably below last year’s 7.7%-plus spike. (Freddie Mac)

Why this matters locally: on the same price and loan amount, rates in the low-6s can put hundreds of dollars back into a typical buyer’s monthly budget — especially powerful for first-time buyers in Stephenville, Dublin, Hico, Granbury, Glen Rose (your “Fossil Kingdom”), Weatherford, Eastland, Comanche, Brownwood, and beyond.

A quick real-world payment check

If you financed $300,000 over 30 years:

• At 7.79% (the Oct. 26, 2023, high), principal & interest run about $2,158/mo. (Freddie Mac)
• At 6.27% (this week’s average), it’s about $1,851/mo — ~$300 less every month. (Illustrative only; credit, down payment, taxes/insurance change results.) (Freddie Mac)

Inventory in Texas is more balanced — and that helps buyers negotiate

Texas inventory has climbed. The Texas Real Estate Research Center (TRERC) reports month-end active supply at ~5.7 months with average days on market near 89 for active listings — conditions that tilt toward more buyer options and room for concessions. (Texas Real Estate Research Center)

National listing data confirm the direction: active listings up ~21% year over year in August, signaling broader choice for shoppers across the state. (Realtor)

Why this combo is good news for typical Texans

1. Payments are friendlier than in 2023. The same home can pencil out better today because financing costs are lower. (Freddie Mac)
2. More homes to choose from. Extra supply gives you leverage for closing-cost credits or rate buydowns that reduce your monthly cost further. (Texas Real Estate Research Center)
3. Refi optionality later. If rates drift within the mid-6s range this year (as they are now), you can buy the right home and consider a refinance if we see more easing ahead. (Freddie Mac)

Texas tools that stretch your budget

• Down-payment help & fixed-rate loans (statewide):
  • TSAHC provides 30-year fixed loans, down-payment assistance, and Mortgage Credit Certificates (MCCs) for a federal income-tax credit. (tsahc.org)
  • TDHCA “My First Texas Home/My Choice Texas Home” offers 2%–5% assistance options and can be paired with an MCC. (The Texas Homebuyers Program)
• USDA (rural-area) options: Many Cross Timbers communities and outskirts may qualify for 0% down USDA mortgages if the property location and household income meet guidelines. Check eligibility by address. (eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov)

Tactics we’re using for buyers in the Cross Timbers

• Ask for a permanent rate buydown or a seller credit instead of a tiny price cut — the monthly impact is often bigger. Freddie Mac’s research shows many buyers use discount points/credits to manage payments when rates are elevated. (Freddie Mac)
• Shop lenders the right way. Compare APR (not just rate), points vs. credits, and lock terms against the Freddie Mac PMMS as a reality check. (Freddie Mac)
• Be ready. In towns with Tarleton traffic or tight starter-home stock (Stephenville, Granbury, Weatherford), a strong pre-approval plus a concessions strategy wins.

What this means for our neighbors

Whether you’re eyeing a starter in Stephenville, a move-up in Parker/Palo Pinto, acreage in Comanche, Hamilton, Eastland, or an in-town Brownwood bungalow — the current mix of sub-7% rates and healthier Texas inventory is the best backdrop we’ve had since the 2023 peak. If you thought a home was out of reach, it may be squarely back in play. (Freddie Mac)

Call on us at Preferred Properties of Texas Real Estate Agency
“The Preferred Way to Buy and Sell Real Estate.”
📞 254-965-7775 | ✉️ pptxinfo@PreferredPropertiesTX.com

Sources: Freddie Mac PMMS weekly survey (Oct. 16, 2025); TRERC Texas Housing Insight | July 2025; Realtor.com August 2025 trends; TSAHC & TDHCA program pages; Freddie Mac research on discount points. (Freddie Mac)