If you’re thinking about selling your home in Kyle, Buda, Dripping Springs, Driftwood, or San Marcos, the most important question you’ll face is, “How do I price my home?” The right price can mean the difference between a quick, profitable sale and months of frustration.

I see this dilemma often. Price your home too high, and you risk sitting on the market. Price your home too low, and you leave money on the table. The goal is to find that “Goldilocks” price—not too high, not too low, but just right.
According to HomeLight’s research, the best way to set a price is by examining comparable sales, or “comps,” in your area, evaluating your home’s condition, and taking into consideration current market trends.
National data backs up what we’re seeing locally. A new report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) predicts existing‑home sales will jump by 14% in 2026, thanks to dropping mortgage rates and improved market stability. At the same time, home prices are projected to rise another 4% nationwide, with demand staying strong and supply still tight.
NAR’s Chief Economist Lawrence Yun put it plainly: “Home prices nationwide are in no danger of declining.” Mortgage rates are expected to ease to around 6% on average in 2026, which will improve affordability and bring more buyers back into the market.
For sellers in Central Texas, this means pricing your home correctly is even more critical. Buyers will be active, but they’ll also be comparing homes closely across Kyle, Buda, San Marcos, and the Hill Country.
Here’s how I guide clients in our area:
- Analyze Local Comps: Look at recent sales in your neighborhood. A 3‑bedroom in Kyle may sell differently than a similar home in Dripping Springs due to differences in school districts, amenities, and lot sizes.
- Factor in Market Conditions: Right now, we’re still in a seller’s market. Demand is strong, but buyers are cautious about the affordability of properties.
- Evaluate Your Home’s Condition: Upgrades like a remodeled kitchen or outdoor living space in Driftwood can justify a higher price. Deferred maintenance, on the other hand, may require pricing more competitively.
- Professional Appraisal or CMA: A comparative market analysis (CMA) from a local agent provides data‑driven insight. This is especially useful in unique markets like San Marcos, where student housing demand can significantly impact property values.
- Buyer Psychology: Inman notes that while “price is king,” marketing still plays a crucial role, influencing buyers’ decisions. Even the “right-priced” home needs strong photos, staging, and exposure to attract offers.
Of course, pricing isn’t “one size fits all.” Every community in Central Texas has its own unique dynamics that influence what buyers are willing to pay. A home in Kyle may attract families desiring affordability and proximity to Austin, while a property in Dripping Springs or Driftwood might command a premium for Hill Country views. San Marcos, with its university presence, adds yet another layer of demand. To show how these differences play out, let’s look at a few regional examples.
- Kyle & Buda: Families are drawn to affordability and proximity to Austin. Pricing competitively here means balancing against rising utility costs and property taxes.
- Dripping Springs & Driftwood: Larger lots and Hill Country views command premiums, but buyers expect quality finishes.
- San Marcos: University demand creates unique pricing dynamics. Homes near campus or downtown may sell faster, but condition and rental potential are also key factors in the sales process.
Pricing your home is part art, part science. With mortgage rates easing and demand projected to rise in 2026, sellers in Kyle, Buda, Dripping Springs, Driftwood, and San Marcos are in a strong position — but only if they set the right price.
As your local agent, my role is to combine national trends, local comps, and buyer psychology to help you hit that sweet spot. Price it right, market it well, and you’ll maximize both speed and profit in the sale.
Sources:
- HomeLight – Real Estate FAQ: Top 10 Questions Home Sellers and Buyers Ask
- Andy Medici, The Business Journals (Nov. 17, 2025) – NAR housing market forecast
- Inman – If Price Is King, Why Do We Even Market New Listings? (Nov. 25, 2025)