AUSTIN, TX — While national headlines continue to focus on interest rates and economic uncertainty, local microdata across Central Texas is telling a more balanced—and increasingly optimistic—story.
A new monthly Microdata Report compiled by Robert Fischer with the RJF Team at Keller Williams Realty highlights forward-looking indicators from lenders, title companies, builders, inspectors, and commercial brokers. The data shows that while there has been a slight pause in momentum in recent weeks, overall activity remains stronger than last year and continues to build heading into the summer market.
Momentum Building Beneath the Surface
Across nearly every sector of the market, professionals are reporting increased activity—particularly in deals moving into contract and toward closing.
“We are most certainly trending upward as we move into our busy season,” said Lisa Beard with Independence Title.
Amanda Molinare-Lopez with Chicago Title also reported improved performance in both orders and closings, reinforcing increased transaction flow.
Carson Vaughn with Guild Mortgage noted that while recent rate fluctuations have slowed activity slightly, demand remains strong.
“It was a flurry of business when rates dropped—we haven’t seen that in a while,” Vaughn said.
Square Cow Movers is also reporting a meaningful increase in activity, offering another forward-looking signal for the Central Texas housing market.
According to Managing Partner Derek Mills, total moves are up approximately 20–30% compared to this time last year, with both leads and booked jobs steadily increasing over the past 90 days.
Looking ahead, their current bookings suggest the next 30 days could be as much as 40% higher year-over-year, indicating strong momentum heading into peak moving season. While most moves remain local within Central Texas, the company has also observed a roughly 25% increase in outbound, out-of-state moves.
Overall, the data suggests consumers are becoming more decisive and are beginning to act on delayed housing decisions, signaling growing confidence despite recent volatility in rates and economic headlines.
A Market Pausing, Not Pulling Back
Several contributors pointed to temporary hesitation driven by interest rates, gas prices, and stock market volatility.
Custom builder Matt Risinger said:
“There’s a lot of pent-up demand—it’s just waiting to unleash.”
New Construction and Development Activity
Kreg Conner with MI Homes reported a 70% increase in model home traffic year-over-year.
Nick Hoch with True North Homes noted steady pipeline growth and increased developer activity.
Brent DeGroot with TimberTown shared that buyers remain price-sensitive, though material availability has stabilized.
Inspection Activity Confirms Buyer Commitment
Joey O’Brien with Inspect It Austin reported:
- Inspection volume up 65.31%
- YoY Revenue up 26.88%
- Cancellations significantly down
“Week 15 has outperformed the same week in each of the last four years,” he said.
Commercial Market Stabilizing
Ryan Owens, CCIM, noted increased activity across commercial sectors.
“The market is not surging, but it is re-engaging.”
Migration and Local Demand Trends
Grant Crawford with Community Impact reports strong millennial migration into both Austin and Round Rock.
Round Rock now ranks among the top places nationally for millennial relocation.
Increased activity is also being seen in Georgetown, Hutto, and Taylor.
Outlook: Positioned for a Strong Summer
With increased contract activity, strong inspection volume, rising builder traffic, and expanding pipelines, the market is building a solid foundation.
If rates stabilize, pent-up demand is expected to drive continued growth into summer and fall.
