Winter 2026

This outlook for the 12 months ending December 2026 marks the third year of the Texas Real Estate Research Center’s real estate forecast.

The most significant sectors—by employment as well as output—in the Deep East Texas economy are probably education, healthcare, and manufacturing, but retail trade also contributes substantially to economic activity.

Although domestically oriented business investment remains strong in El Paso, uncertainty surrounding near-shoring and the pending United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement renewal is expected to dampen internationally oriented investment on both sides of the Borderplex in 2026.

Compared with other areas of Texas, the Panhandle has more available land and lower energy costs.

The Coastal Bend’s economy will continue to be shaped by a highly concentrated yet relatively stable industrial structure anchored in energy, manufacturing, port activity, and construction.

Evolving consumer habits have forced malls to find ways to reinvent themselves or slowly fade away.

A new proposal could turn housing into a tax-free investment vehicle with negligible impact on housing affordability.

Modern manufactured homes are shedding old stereotypes and gaining ground in the housing market.

What buyers and sellers need to know about the “as-is” clause.