10 Best Cities for Real Estate Agents in Texas

Texas is renowned not just for its size but also for the vast opportunities it offers real estate agents. The state's diverse and robust property markets make it an appealing location for professionals looking to carve out successful careers in real estate. With over a thousand cities dotting its landscape, Texas offers a multitude of choices for real estate agents; but selecting the right city can be crucial to your success.

The Texas Real Estate Market Dynamics

The Texas real estate market in 2023 has shown signs of moving toward a more balanced state between buyers and sellers, despite various regional variations. Here's a concise update on the market trends:

Market Overview

The Texas real estate market experienced a slight increase in the median home price by 0.6% in the first quarter of 2023, reaching $326,800. However, by the third quarter, the median sales price saw a slight decrease to $340,000 from $345,000 the previous year. This indicates a slight cooling down of the market​ (Texas Real Estate)​​.

Sales Volume and Inventory

 There was a significant decrease in the number of homes sold in the first quarter, dropping by 17% compared to the previous year. By the third quarter, the trends show a more balanced market with a slight increase in the months of inventory, which stood at 3.7 months, up from 2.7 months the year before. This shift indicates that while the market is cooling, there is still healthy activity, allowing buyers more choices and time to make decisions​ (Texas Real Estate)​​.

Regional Differences 

Different Texas metro areas are showing varied responses to the broader market conditions. For example, in Dallas/Fort Worth, the median sales price slightly declined, and there was an increase in the number of days on the market and the months of inventory, suggesting a shift toward a buyer's market. Houston's market remained relatively stable with flat year-over-year home prices, while San Antonio saw a minor decline in median sales prices and an increase in active listings​ (ListingSpark)​.

Market Outlook 

The general trend toward a more balanced market is expected to continue, with slight variations depending on local dynamics. This balance is beneficial for both buyers, who may find more options and less competition, and sellers, who still see sustained interest in their properties despite the increased inventory​ (ListingSpark)​​ (Texas Real Estate)​.

Understanding Market Types: Buyer's vs. Seller's Market

The Texas market in 2023 is trending toward a more balanced state. While some regions like Dallas/Fort Worth and San Antonio are transitioning to a buyer's market, Houston maintains a stable environment with consistent home prices​ (ListingSpark)​​ (Texas Real Estate)​.

Real Estate Agent Income in Texas

The average annual base pay for Texas real estate agents is $85,230, with variability depending on location and market conditions. Real estate agents' earnings typically combine fixed wages and commissions, reflecting the direct success of their transactions​ (ListingSpark)​.

Top Texas Cities for Real Estate Agent Earnings

Haslet, TX

Agents in Haslet average $101,388 annually, benefiting from the rapid growth of this Fort Worth suburb. The area is known for its family-friendly community and expanding residential developments, along with low crime, making it an attractive spot for real estate investments.

Dallas, TX

In Dallas, real estate agents can expect to earn an average of $98,392. The city offers a bustling market with relatively low competition and serves as a commercial and cultural hub, attracting a diverse population which fuels a dynamic real estate market. It’s also known for warm and kind people, year-round sunshine and mild winters, and a robust job market.  

Austin, TX

Austin agents earn about $94,275 annually, enjoying opportunities in a city known for its vibrant economy. Austin's appeal to tech companies and young professionals continually drives demand in both residential and commercial real estate sectors. Austin is known for its friendly locals, a great food scene, nightlife, cultural activities, outdoor recreation, and reasonable housing prices. Add the constant sunshine (averaging 228 days of sunshine annually, Austin is known for being one of the sunniest cities in America) and incredible music scene, and Austin is certainly a standout.

San Antonio, TX

Real estate agents in San Antonio earn an average of $89,545. Known for its affordability and safe neighborhoods, the city's historical sites and growing job market make it an appealing location for new residents and real estate investments. Even though San Antonio is one of the most populous cities in America, as of January of 2024,  the cost of living in San Antonio is 8% lower than the national average. That includes everything from groceries, utilities, healthcare, personal care, transportation, and eating out. Moreover, when compared to similarly-sized cities such as San Diego and Philadelphia, the cost of living becomes even more impressive. Living in San Antonio is 13% cheaper than living in Philadelphia and 78.5% cheaper than living in San Diego.

Can we say “Riverwalk”? The beautiful 15-mile San Antonio Riverwalk serves as the vibrant cultural hub of the city. Welcoming more than 14 million people per year, this is the top attraction in the city. A family outing or a date night both work for this festive and beautiful relaxing adventure.

Rent a boat or grab drinks at the water’s edge to see why this area is so beloved by visitors and locals alike. You’ll find ample bars, hotels, restaurants lining the canal with picturesque footbridges connecting both sides.

Southlake, TX

In Southlake, agents earn around $85,641 annually. The city is ideal for families, offering excellent schools, low crime, and robust job opportunities. Southlake is celebrated for its high quality of life and upscale residential areas. 

One of the best things about Southlake is its location. It's centrally located in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, which means that it has a short commute to either city. This makes it a great place to live for those who work in either metro area. Additionally, Southlake has a small-town feel, with a slower pace of life and friendly residents, while still having all of the amenities and conveniences of a larger city. This makes it the perfect suburb for families.

Houston, TX

Houston agents have an average earnings of about $84,141. The city's diverse culture and affordable housing options create a large market with a wide range of property types and price points, allowing agents to specialize in various sectors. Plus, the city is home to one of the best hospitals in the country, Houston Methodist Hospital.

Houston Methodist Hospital is a well-established leader in heart and vascular treatment, but is best known for spearheading life-changing breakthroughs in cancer treatments, neurology and organ transplantation.

Amarillo, TX

Amarillo offers a less competitive market with agents earning approximately $73,199 annually. The city combines rural and urban living, appealing to those seeking a quieter lifestyle but still desiring city amenities, thus presenting significant growth potential for real estate professionals.

Choosing Your Ideal City

Deciding on the best city goes beyond analyzing market data and income potential; it's about finding a place you love. It's important to explore various cities and understand the lifestyle each offers to truly find your fit.

Impact of Location on Career Opportunities

Your choice of location can significantly affect your income potential and career growth. While high-growth areas offer more opportunities, they often come with higher living costs. Conversely, more affordable areas might offer fewer opportunities but lower living expenses.

Final Thoughts

Texas remains a vibrant state for real estate professionals, with its diverse regions offering various opportunities and no state tax. Understanding the nuances of the 2024 market is key to maximizing your potential as a real estate agent in Texas.

For those aspiring to enter the real estate industry, now is a good time to get educated and licensed. The current market provides a unique opportunity to learn the ropes in a less pressured environment. Consider enrolling in accredited online courses that can prepare you for the Texas real estate exam and offer insights into the specific dynamics of the local markets.

‍