I'm a Real Estate Agent: 5 Best Places To Buy a Home This Summer
Some housing markets around the country have transitioned to buyer's markets, while others remain seller's markets.
So what do real estate agents have to say about the best places to buy a home this summer?
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1. Tulsa, Oklahoma
With an average home price of just $217,450, per Zillow (41% lower than the national average of $366,019), Tulsa is certainly affordable.
“Beyond buyers’ strong purchasing power, the city offers relocation incentives for remote workers to move and buy houses here,” said Ben Mizes, licensed agent and president of Clever Real Estate.
Plenty of Americans have noticed too. The city has seen steady population growth of 5.1% over the past five years, according to the Federal Reserve, as the city adds more diverse amenities.
2. Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte ranked third on Zillow's “Best Markets for Homebuyers in 2026” list. While homes do cost slightly more ($397,125) than the national average, they’ve dropped by 1.3% over the past year. The market has cooled to become far more buyer-friendly, even as population growth remains strong.
“Summer is optimal timing in Charlotte, as corporate relocations peak and inventory increases,” explained real estate agent Matt Brown. “Charlotte provides major-city amenities with reasonable cost of living, strong job markets in finance and healthcare, excellent schools and mild climate.”
3. Pittsburgh
Steel City also made Zillow’s list and offers even more big-city amenities. It also remains incredibly affordable, with home prices averaging $237,533.
Mizes explained the market conditions on the ground.
“Buyers have negotiating power because housing inventory is strong, compared to tighter Northeast markets. Plus, Pittsburgh has a solid economy with great healthcare and education, which serve as market anchors stabilizing prices,” he said.
4. Southwest Florida
Yes, Naples is expensive, with homes averaging $551,996. But home prices have fallen sharply over the last two years after going sky-high in the pandemic. In the past year, prices dropped 5.8%, with the market heavily tilting in buyers’ favor.
Zillow reported that listings sit on the market for a median of 64 days, more than double the national median of 31, and 88.8% of listings sell below asking price. Lowball offers often work with desperate sellers in markets like this.
You don’t need to spend Naples-level money, either. Fort Myers offers its own charm just an hour away, with homes averaging $308,876.
“In the summer ‘off-season,’ inventory increases as seasonal residents leave and list their properties,” Brown said. “Southwest Florida offers world-class golf and boating, excellent healthcare, no state income tax and a sophisticated cultural scene.”
5. Austin, Texas
Residents have long pushed to “keep Austin weird,” but they’ve done a worse job of keeping it affordable. Until recently, that is.
Home prices have fallen 5.7% over the past year to $508,530, and it remains a buyer's market. Listings currently sit on the market for a median of 53 days, and 74.1% of them sell under asking price.
That leaves plenty of room for buyers to play hardball with low offers to score a bargain.
Brown added that Austin is a genuinely wonderful place to live.
“Austin offers a thriving tech economy, exceptional food culture and no state income tax,” he said.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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