By Melissa Avara, Texas Real Estate Broker, Melissa Avara Realty Group | November 2026
For a lot of buyers, yes. In McKinney and the rest of Collin County, fall brings fewer competing buyers, homes that sit longer, and sellers who are more willing to negotiate. The trade-off is fewer homes to choose from and mortgage rates that are higher than a year ago. Here is what the latest numbers show and how to use them.
What is the McKinney housing market like in fall 2026?
Buyers have room to negotiate. In September 2026, the most recent month reported, Collin County homes sold for a median of $447,000, about 1% less than a year earlier. Homes took 65 days on average to sell and closed at about 93% of list price. There were about 4.4 months of inventory.
In McKinney itself, 224 homes sold in September at a median of about $499,200, and homes averaged 80 days on the market, according to Community Impact.
Collin County, single-family | September 2026 | September 2025 |
|---|---|---|
Homes sold | 1,280 | 1,403 |
Median sale price | $447,000 | $453,000 |
Days on market | 65 | 64 |
Sold price vs. list price | 93.2% | 93.0% |
Months of inventory | 4.4 | 4.5 |
Activity is slowing heading into winter. Across North Texas, pending sales fell 19% from a year earlier in September, a sign that fewer buyers are going under contract.
Why can November be a good time to buy?
Because you are competing with fewer buyers, and the sellers who are still on the market usually want to sell.
- Homes sit longer. Last December, Collin County homes took 73 days on average to sell and closed at about 92% of list price, both softer than spring.
- Sellers are offering help. Redfin found that 53% of Dallas-area home sales in the three months ending August 2026 included a seller concession, such as money toward closing costs, repairs or a rate buydown.
- Builders want to close the year strong. Nationally, 65% of builders offered sales incentives in October 2026 and 43% cut prices, the highest level the National Association of Home Builders has reported since 2020. North McKinney, Celina and Prosper have plenty of new construction to compare.
- Sellers in November are often motivated. People who list or stay listed through the holidays usually have a reason to move, like a job change, a new home or a deadline.
What are the downsides of buying in November?
The biggest one is selection. Collin County had about 4,950 homes for sale in September 2026. Last year, the count fell from about 4,980 in September to about 3,760 in December and 3,310 in January, according to Realtor.com. If you need a specific school zone, lot or floor plan, you may have fewer options until spring.
Timing is the other. Lenders, inspectors, title companies and movers run on holiday schedules around Thanksgiving and the last two weeks of December. Build a few extra days into your contract dates.
How do mortgage rates affect a November purchase?
Rates are higher than a year ago. Freddie Mac's 30-year fixed rate averaged 7.24% the week of October 29, 2026, compared with 6.17% a year earlier. On a $400,000 loan, that is about $2,726 a month in principal and interest, about $284 more than at last year's rate.
That is why seller and builder credits matter right now. A seller-paid rate buydown or closing cost credit can lower your payment or cash to close more than a small price cut. Ask your lender to compare both before you write an offer.
What should you negotiate on a November offer?
Everything, but pick what helps you most:
- Price, especially on homes that have been listed more than 60 days.
- Closing costs or a rate buydown paid by the seller or builder.
- Repairs found during your option period inspection.
- Closing date, including a short leaseback if the seller needs time.
- Builder upgrades, like blinds, appliances or a refrigerator, on new construction.
How do you shop for a home in McKinney in November?
- Get pre-approved now. A strong pre-approval lets you move fast on the few new listings that hit the market.
- Watch homes that have been sitting. A listing that has been on the market two months or more is often where the best terms are.
- Compare new construction. Look at north McKinney communities like Trinity Falls and Painted Tree, and ask each builder what incentive they will put toward your rate or closing costs before December 31.
- Check the total payment. McKinney property taxes, MUD or PID taxes and HOA dues can change your payment by hundreds of dollars a month. See how property taxes compare by city.
- Plan around the holidays. Schedule inspections early and confirm your closing date with your lender and title company.
How does Melissa help November buyers?
Melissa Avara is a McKinney-based Texas real estate broker, licensed since 2016, who helps buyers across McKinney, Frisco, Prosper, Celina and Plano. She pulls the days on market and price history for every home you like, finds the listings where sellers are ready to negotiate, and writes offers that ask for the credits that lower your payment.
Thinking about buying before the new year? Call or text Melissa at (214) 280-4317 or send her a message. Related: How to buy a home in McKinney, McKinney real estate guide, Buying and selling in North DFW.
Sources: NTREIS Monthly MLS Summary Reports for September 2025, December 2025 and September 2026 (MetroTex); MetroTex September 2026 North Texas housing report; Community Impact McKinney real estate data, October 2026; Realtor.com active listings for Collin County via FRED; Redfin seller concessions report, September 2026; NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index, October 2026; Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey, October 29, 2026. Payment example is principal and interest only. Checked November 4, 2026.
