Buyers Gain Leverage in 2026 Wylie TX and DFW Housing Market

If you are looking to buy a home in 2026 and have been waiting for the housing market to feel a little less stacked against you, that moment may finally be here.

According to a recent Redfin report, buyers now have more negotiating power than they have had in over a decade. Sellers currently outnumber buyers by a record margin.

That does not mean the market is suddenly easy for home shoppers. But it does mean you are no longer expected to rush into decisions just to keep up.

Understanding what is changing can help you approach your home search with more clarity and confidence.

Why Buyers Have More Leverage Right Now

The biggest reason buyers are gaining leverage is simple. There are more sellers than buyers.

Across the country, there are about 47 percent more sellers than buyers in today’s housing market. When that happens, sellers have to work harder to stand out and buyers gain more options to choose from.

Compared to the seller heavy markets of recent years, homes are staying on the market longer. Sellers are adjusting expectations and competition has eased in many areas.

While prices and mortgage rates still matter, buyers are no longer facing constant pressure to act immediately or risk missing out.

This shift gives buyers something that has been in short supply for a while. Time to think.

What Leverage Looks Like When You Are Buying a Home

Leverage is not just a statistic. It shows up in the decisions you are able to make throughout the buying process.

As a buyer, you may notice changes like these.

More flexibility in price negotiations
Greater willingness from sellers to help with closing costs or other concessions
Less pressure to waive inspections or important protections
More room to negotiate repairs, timelines, or terms

These conditions do not mean every seller is desperate or every home is discounted. They do mean you are more likely to have a voice in the process and the ability to ask for terms that feel reasonable for your situation.

How This Is Showing Up in Your Local Market

While national trends point to a more buyer friendly environment, real estate is always local.

In your market, you may already be seeing signs like more active listings, longer days on market, or more frequent price adjustments.

Some homes are still competitive, especially those that are priced well or located in high demand areas.

Others are sitting longer, which can create opportunities if you are paying attention.

Knowing where flexibility exists and where it does not can help you focus your energy on the homes that give you the best chance to negotiate.

How You Can Use This Moment to Your Advantage

With more leverage comes the opportunity to be more intentional.

Buyers who tend to do well in this type of market focus less on speed and more on strategy.

That often means taking time to understand local pricing and recent sales, paying attention to homes that have been listed longer, being clear about priorities and budget comfort, and making offers that balance value with reasonable flexibility.

Trying to perfectly time the market rarely works. Making a thoughtful decision that fits your financial goals and lifestyle is far more likely to lead to a result you feel good about.

The Bottom Line for Buyers

You have more leverage today than you have had in years. That shift can make the home buying process feel more balanced and manageable.

No market is perfect. But today’s conditions give you more room to ask questions, negotiate thoughtfully, and move forward at a pace that feels right.

If buying a home is on your radar, this may be a good time to explore what is possible. Even if you are still early in the process, understanding how the market is changing can help you feel more confident about your next steps.