More homebuyers are feeling optimistic about their housing search this year than last, according to a survey by the National Association of Home Builders. 

Of prospective buyers surveyed, 22% said they expected their search to get easier in the months ahead—compared to just 16% who had the same expectation last year. There also was a year-over-year drop in the share of prospective buyers who thought their search was going to get harder, from 73% to 67%. 

The spring and summer homebuying season traditionally brings with it the feeling of competition as more buyers end up pitted against one another over limited housing inventory. In the first quarter of 2019, the numbers of buyers who saw more homes they liked and could afford than in the previous three months rose slightly to 30% compared to 26% in the same quarter last year.

These slight changes in buyer sentiments may represent a trend, but whether or not this year’s homebuying season does result in a better environment for buyers, working with a Texas REALTOR® can make all the difference when it comes to finding the right property and making a transaction go smoothly.