Home Trends Weāre Leaving Behind in 2025
Whatās Changing ā and What Buyers Actually Want Now
Design trends come and go, but the homes that sell best are the ones that balance style, function, and livability. As we head into 2025, weāre seeing a clear shift in what todayās buyers value ā and whatās starting to feel dated.
Whether youāre planning to sell, renovate, or simply stay current, here are several home trends weāre seeing fade, along with whatās taking their place.
1. Overly Gray Interiors
For years, gray was the safe choice. Now, buyers are ready for warmth again.
Whatās changing:
All-gray floors, walls, and finishes can feel cold and impersonal, especially when overused.
What buyers prefer instead:
Warm neutrals like soft beiges, taupes, and earthy tones. Natural wood finishes and subtle color variation help homes feel more inviting ā and easier to imagine living in.
2. Stark White Kitchens
White kitchens arenāt disappearing entirely, but the ultra-sterile look is losing momentum.
Whatās changing:
Bright white cabinets paired with white counters and minimal contrast can read flat.
What buyers prefer instead:
Kitchens with depth ā think warmer whites, light wood accents, mixed metals, or subtle color on islands. Buyers want kitchens that feel lived-in, not showroom-only.
3. Open Shelving Overload
Open shelving had its moment ā but practicality is winning out.
Whatās changing:
Too much open shelving creates visual clutter and requires constant styling.
What buyers prefer instead:
A balanced approach. A few open shelves for character, paired with plenty of closed storage to keep everyday life functional and tidy.
4. Barn Doors Everywhere
Once trendy, now increasingly polarizing.
Whatās changing:
Barn doors donāt offer much privacy or sound control, and buyers are noticing.
What buyers prefer instead:
Pocket doors, traditional hinged doors, or modern sliding options that blend better with the architecture of the home.
5. Matching Everything
Uniform finishes from room to room are starting to feel dated.
Whatās changing:
Homes where every light fixture, cabinet pull, and finish matches exactly can feel overly staged.
What buyers prefer instead:
Thoughtful variety. Mixed metals, layered textures, and subtle contrasts add character while still feeling cohesive.
6. Oversized Statement Features
Big, bold features can overwhelm a space.
Whatās changing:
Extreme accent walls, dramatic colors, or overly trendy fixtures can turn buyers off.
What buyers prefer instead:
Timeless design choices with personality ā details that enhance the home rather than dominate it.
What This Means for Sellers
You donāt need a full renovation to stay competitive. Small, strategic updates ā warming up colors, simplifying finishes, and focusing on function ā can go a long way.
The goal isnāt to chase trends. Itās to create a space that feels welcoming, practical, and easy for buyers to picture as their own.
Local Insight Matters
National design trends are helpful, but real estate is always local. What works in one market doesnāt always translate the same way in another.
Thatās where having a knowledgeable local REALTORĀ® matters ā someone who understands not just whatās popular, but what actually sells in our market.
If youāre considering selling, updating, or just want advice on where to focus your efforts, our team is always happy to help.
Nobody Knows Abilene Better.
Abilene Market Update: November 2025

Abileneās Market Is Telling a Clear StoryāIf You Know How to Read It
If youāve been hearing mixed messages about the housing market, youāre not alone. National headlines can feel contradictory, and even locally, the market can seem confusing at first glance. But when you slow down and look at the numbersāand more importantly, how buyers are actually behavingāa clear picture starts to emerge.
The November 2025 Abilene MSA Housing Report confirms what weāve been seeing on the ground for months: this is not one marketāitās several happening at the same time.
What the Numbers Are Telling Us
Here are a few highlights from the latest data:
-
Median home price: $249,950 (up slightly year-over-year)
-
Active listings: Down 35.2% compared to last November
-
Closed sales: Up 22.2%
-
Months of inventory: 2.4, down from 4.5 last year
-
Total days on market: 101 (3 days faster than last year)
In plain English: inventory is tight, homes are selling faster, and demand has picked upāespecially where pricing aligns with what buyers can actually afford.
That last part matters more than ever.
A Sellerās Market⦠In the Right Price Ranges
Homes in Abileneās high-demand price rangesāparticularly entry-level and mid-range propertiesāare firmly in a sellerās market. Well-priced homes in these brackets are moving quickly, often with multiple showings early and strong buyer interest.
At the same time, most luxury segments are operating in a buyerās market.
That doesnāt mean luxury homes canāt sell. It means buyers in that space are more selective, more analytical, and far less willing to āstretchā just because a property is available. Theyāre comparing options, negotiating harder, and factoring in long-term costs with more scrutiny than ever before.
This split market is one of the biggest mistakes sellers make right nowāassuming that whatās true at one price point applies to all.
It doesnāt.
Buyers Are More Educatedāand More Cautious
National data backs this up. According to recent insights from the National Association of REALTORSĀ®, buyers are slowly re-entering the market as interest rates stabilizeābut theyāre doing so with more preparation and discipline.
Todayās buyers:
-
Research extensively before touring
-
Understand risk and total cost of ownership
-
Are less emotional and more numbers-driven
-
Expect homes to justify their price, not the other way around
This shift rewards sellers who price realistically and penalizes those who chase aspirational numbers.
Why Strategy Matters More Than Ever
In this environment, success isnāt about luck or timingāitās about strategy from day one.
That includes:
-
Accurate pricing rooted in current buyer behavior
-
Marketing that creates urgency early, not months later
-
Honest guidance instead of inflated expectations
-
Understanding which market segment your property is actually competing in
Weāve been very open about this lately because the results are hard to ignore. Over the past several weeks, our office has seen a high percentage of listings go under contract quicklyāmany in well under the area average days on market.
That doesnāt happen by accident.
How Weāre Seeing It Play Out at Senter
Our philosophy has always been straightforward: price near the top of the real market and let demand do its job. Not the hopeful market. Not last yearās market. The current one.
Every listing we take receives a full marketing rollout designed to reach todayās educated buyers where they actually are. And we donāt charge extra for that. No add-on fees. No surprise āmarketing packages.ā Just consistent execution and honest advice.
That approach matters even more in a split market like this oneāwhere the difference between selling quickly and sitting for months often comes down to clarity and discipline early on.
The Bottom Line
Abileneās market is healthy, active, and movingābut itās also smarter and more selective than itās been in years.
-
Sellers in high-demand price ranges who price correctly are in a strong position
-
Luxury sellers need precision, not optimism
-
Buyers are back, but theyāre informed and intentional
-
The margin for error is smaller than it used to be
Whether youāre buying, selling, or just watching the market, understanding which market youāre in makes all the difference.
And thatās where experienced, local guidance still matters.
Nobody Knows Abilene Real Estate Better.

Abilene Market Update: September 2025

Abilene Housing Insights: September 2025
The Abilene housing market showed a strong rebound in September, though the big percentage swings tell a story of recovery more than runaway growth. After two consecutive years of slower sales, 2025 is showing renewed momentumāespecially in that ever-popular $200,000ā$300,000 price range.
Sales Surge from a Soft Baseline
Closed sales jumped 41.8% compared to September 2024, with 258 homes sold. While that headline number looks dramatic, itās important to remember that 2023 and 2024 were unusually quiet months. The market is now returning closer to pre-slowdown activity levels rather than entering a new boom cycle.
At the same time, active listings fell 20.8%, leaving buyers with fewer choices and helping move some stagnant inventory from the summer months.
Pricing Levels Hold Steady
The median price landed at $242,500, a modest 1.8% decrease year-over-year. Thatās not a sign of weaknessājust balance. After several years of steady price increases, this small adjustment reflects both stabilization and the concentration of sales in mid-range price points.
More than 40% of all sales were in the $200Kā$300K range, continuing a multi-year trend where smaller new construction homes and updated existing properties dominate buyer demand.
Rates, Uncertainty, and Buyer Behavior
A brief pullback in mortgage rates early in the month helped spark initial buyer interest. However, economic uncertainty surrounding the potential government shutdown tempered momentum in the back half of September. Many buyers are choosing to pause until thereās more clarityāthough well-priced homes are still moving quickly.
Average days on market dropped slightly to 57, with total contract-to-close times of 95 days, showing that motivated buyers and realistic sellers are still getting deals done efficiently.
What It Means for Abilene
Overall, September 2025 reflects a market in transitionāmoving out of the post-pandemic slowdown and settling into a more sustainable pace. Inventory remains tighter than last year, prices are stable, and activity in the core $200Kā$300K bracket continues to anchor the market.
For both buyers and sellers, itās a time when strategy and preparation matter more than ever. Those who understand the marketās balance between opportunity and caution will find success heading into the final quarter of the year.
š Nobody Knows Homes Better.
For a deeper look at your neighborhood or a custom market analysis, contact one of our experienced agents at senterrealtors.com

Abilene Market Update: August 2025

Abilene Housing Insights: August 2025
The Abilene housing market showed strong momentum in August, but context is key. Last yearās numbers were unusually soft, so this yearās big percentage jumps donāt tell the whole story. Even so, the data reveals important trends shaping todayās market.
Median Price Hits a New High
The median home price climbed to $265,000, up 11.3% from last August. Thatās the highest median weāve seen in Abilene. While rising prices reflect demand and inflationary pressure, itās important to note where much of the activity is happening:
-
Nearly 40% of all sales were in the $200,000ā$299,999 range.
-
Many of these are smaller new-build homes in the upper $200s, helping meet supply needs in a popular price bracket.
So while the median is high, the bulk of our market remains in that mid-range where affordability and demand intersect.
Inventory Tightens
Active listings fell 12.9% year-over-year, down to 740 homes. With just 3.7 months of inventory, the market is slightly more balanced and favors buyers in all higher price ranges. Compared to the 4.8 months available last August, buyers now face less choice and stronger competition – especially in the more affordable price ranges.
Sales Surge, But Perspective Matters
Closed sales rose 33.3% from last year, totaling 252 transactions. That looks dramatic, but remember: August 2024 was slow. Much of this yearās growth is catching up from a weak baseline rather than signaling a sudden market boom.
Mortgage Rates Driving Behavior
Rates continue to shape buyer and seller decisions. Activity spikes when rates ease, then slows again as they climb. This push-pull is a defining feature of todayās market, and likely will remain so heading into 2026.
What It Means for You
-
Buyers: Be ready to act quickly, especially in the $200Kā$300K range. New builds are fueling supply here, but competition remains.
-
Sellers: Rising median prices and tighter inventory make this a strong moment to list, but smart pricing remains critical to attract serious buyers.
Abileneās housing market is adjusting to higher rates, tighter inventory, and steady demand. The headline numbers are big, but the real story is balance: affordability still drives much of our activity, even as the median price reaches record levels.
Abilene Market Update: June/July 2025
Abilene Housing Market Update ā June & July 2025
Sorry for the late update! Iāve been traveling, and a run-in with a dumpster-loving bear in Colorado left me with a broken hand and surgery recovery. Thankfully, Iām on the mend ā just with a little more character added to my story! š»ā
Now, letās get into the marketā¦
Market Overview
Overall, prices remain steady, with the usual summer surge as families settle in before the school year. This pattern is typical for June and July, but there are a few key takeaways worth noting:
-
The sweet spot: Homes in the $240,000ā$280,000 range, especially those with nice updates, continue to fly off the market with multiple offers. This price point is where demand is strongest.
-
Higher-end slowdown: Luxury and higher-end homes are seeing softer pricing and longer days on market. This is giving buyers more negotiating power than weāve seen in a while.
The Interest Rate Effect
Interest rates remain the biggest headwind, keeping some buyers cautious. However, recent economic news has been positive, and Iām very interested to see what the September stats reveal. My next update should be right on time and could bring important shifts in the story the numbers are telling.
Why It Matters
Whether youāre buying or selling, understanding which price segments are hot and which are cooling is key to making smart moves. For sellers, pricing strategy matters more than ever. For buyers, opportunities are opening up at the higher end while competition stays tight in the median range.
Local Expertise You Can Count On
Curious about your homeās value or buying opportunities in todayās market? Reach out to any of our Roadrunner Agents. With decades of experience and trusted local expertise, weāre here to help you make confident decisions.
š Check out the housing summaries below for both June and July 2025 for a quick snapshot of where the Abilene market stands.


Abilene Market Update: May 2025

Abilene Housing Market Update: May 2025
May brought a noticeable boost in local real estate activity ā but whatās really driving the numbers?
š Sales Volume Is Up ā But Keep It in Perspective
Closed sales jumped 13.3% year-over-year, largely due to a sluggish May in 2024. Buyer activity is stronger in part because sellers are getting more aggressive with pricing and concessions, especially in the mid-to-lower price ranges. With 806 active listings (up 2.7%), buyers have more inventory to choose from ā and theyāre using that leverage.
š Median Sales Price Rises, Butā¦
At $265,000, the median price is up 5.2% compared to last year. However, many sellers are seeing price-per-square-foot values slightly down compared to what homes were getting 6ā12 months ago. List-to-sale expectations must adjust accordingly.
š” BHGRE Senter Performance Shines
Across the Abilene MLS, the average listing is taking 61 days to go under contract. At BHGRE Senter, weāre proud to report a median of just 23 days. Thatās less than half the time ā a direct result of precise pricing strategies and strong marketing execution.
š Economic Factors in Play
According to the National Association of REALTORSĀ® 2025 Economic Trends report, economic growth has slowed to a forecasted 1.7% for the year, while inflation remains sticky at 2.7%. Mortgage rates continue to hover above 6%, in part due to tariff-related inflationary pressure and global uncertainty. These headwinds are keeping some buyers cautious, but price flexibility and value-driven listings are helping drive deals locally.
š What This Means for Buyers & Sellers
Sellers: Pricing right from day one is critical ā the days of overpricing and waiting are over.
Buyers: Youāre in a more favorable position than you were last year, but mortgage affordability still matters. Working with an experienced agent can help you navigate the balance between value and opportunity.
š Thinking of buying or selling? Letās talk.
At BHGRE Senter, REALTORSĀ®, weāve been guiding Abilene real estate since 1957. Nobody knows homes better.

2025 Buyer Trends: Updated, Not Outdated
š” What Buyers Want in 2025: Why Move-In Ready Matters More Than Ever
When it comes to buying a home in todayās market, one thing is crystal clear: buyers are prioritizing updated, move-in ready homes over properties that need work. Whether theyāre first-time buyers or seasoned homeowners, people want homes that feel fresh, functional, and aligned with todayās design standardsānot another project on their to-do list.
And itās not just a passing trend. These preferences are being shaped by broader lifestyle shifts, economic considerations, and evolving design standards. Letās take a look at whatās behind this movementāand how it impacts sellers in the Abilene market and beyond.
š” The Design Shift: From āFixer-Upperā to āFinished and Fabulousā
Social media is overflowing with content that showcases picture-perfect homes and dreamy renovations. With a scroll through your feed, itās easy to question if your home feels out of style. But according to design experts like NeKeia McSwain, itās not necessarily what you have, but how you use it that counts.
Flexibility, quality, and personal touches are what truly set a home apart today:
-
Adaptable layouts that reflect how you live, not just whatās trendy.
-
Timeless updates like new flooring, modern lighting, and fresh paint.
-
Personal style and cultural influence over mass-produced, neutral minimalism.
This is great news for sellersāsmall, thoughtful improvements can make a big impact.
āØĀ Flooring Trends: Say Goodbye to Glossy and Gray
Flooring is one of the first things buyers notice, and 2025 is all about warmer, natural tones and sustainable materials. Experts predict a continued move away from:
-
Shiny, polished surfaces
-
Gray-washed wood or carpet
-
Cookie-cutter, builder-grade options
Instead, buyers are leaning into:
-
Matte finishes and brushed hardwoods
-
Patterned flooring like herringbone or wide planks
-
Eco-friendly materials like reclaimed wood and low-VOC finishes
These choices reflect a shift toward intentional designāhomes that feel inviting, grounded, and built to last.
š What It Means for Sellers
In todayās market, buyers arenāt just looking for square footageāthey want style, comfort, and confidence. If your home is up-to-date, well-maintained, and move-in ready, youāre far more likely to:
-
Stand out in online listings
-
Attract stronger offers
-
Sell faster and with less negotiation
Even simple updates like replacing worn flooring, painting in warm neutrals, or staging with modern pieces can dramatically elevate your home’s appeal.
š Selling in Abilene? Weāre Here to Help.
At BHGRE Senter, REALTORSĀ®, weāve been helping Abilene area homeowners make smart moves for nearly 70 years. Our experienced agents understand what local buyers wantāand we know how to help sellers make the right updates without overdoing it.
Let us guide you through a smooth, strategic selling process that gets results.
š Call us today or visit senterrealtors.com to connect with a local expert who understands the market and how to position your home to shine.
Need help deciding what updates will make the biggest impact?
Ask us about a personalized home prep consultationāno pressure, just honest guidance.
š Nobody knows homes better.ā¢
Abilene Market Update: April 2025

Abilene Housing Market Update ā April 2025
Local Stats, National Trends & What They Mean for You
As we head deeper into Q2, the Abilene housing market is showing signs of healthy momentum. April brought an encouraging mix of increased sales activity, more inventory for buyers to choose from, and a shift in pricing that could present new opportunities for both buyers and sellers.
š Abilene Market Snapshot ā April 2025
-
Median Sales Price: $222,000 (ā 5.5% YoY)
-
Closed Sales: 229 (ā 9.1% YoY)
-
Active Listings: 802 (ā 4.6% YoY)
-
Days on Market: 68 (17 days longer than April 2024)
-
Months of Inventory: 4.3
-
Median Price Per Sq. Ft.: $148.50 (ā 0.4%)
-
Median Year Built: 1983
-
Close-to-Original List Price: 95.1%
What this means:
We’re seeing more homes on the market and stronger buyer activity compared to last year. While the median price has ticked down slightly, this doesn’t signal weaknessārather, it’s a sign that the market is normalizing after years of rapid appreciation. The uptick in inventory provides breathing room for buyers, while sellers can still benefit from steady demand and healthy list-to-sale ratios.
š” Pricing Breakdown
A look at Aprilās price distribution shows that affordability remains a driving force:
-
38% of sales fell in the $200Kā$299K range
-
30% were between $100Kā$199K
-
Less than 1% of homes sold above $750K
This aligns with national data from the NAR Housing Affordability Report, which notes that households earning $75,000 annually can afford fewer than 25% of for-sale homes nationwide. In Abilene, however, entry-level and mid-range homes remain within reachāmaking our market a bright spot in an otherwise affordability-challenged housing landscape.
š Economic Context: Rates, Inflation & Buyer Behavior
National inflation data from April showed signs of cooling, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) easing in key housing categories. As a result, mortgage rates have held relatively steady after months of volatility. According to NARās May 1 update, rates are expected to remain between 6.5%ā7% through mid-year, depending on inflation and Federal Reserve actions.
What this means for Abilene:
Steadier interest rates and growing inventory should help balance our local market. Buyers have more time and choice, while sellers who price strategically will still find motivated purchasers.
⨠The Power of Home Staging
The 2024 Profile of Home Staging from NAR reminds us why presentation matters. Key takeaways:
-
81% of buyersā agents said staging made it easier for clients to visualize the property as their future home.
-
Staged homes sell faster and often for moreāparticularly in the living room, kitchen, and primary bedroom.
-
Sellersā agents reported a 1ā5% increase in offer prices on staged homes.
Local tip: With homes in Abilene spending 68 days on market, a well-staged property could help speed up the process and improve final sale price. If youāre planning to sell, our team can connect you with experienced staging professionals to give your listing a competitive edge.
š¬ Final Thoughts
The April 2025 numbers paint a picture of a market in transitionānot overheated, not stagnant, but active and balanced. Buyers are gaining confidence as inventory grows, while sellers who adapt to pricing trends and presentation are seeing strong results.
Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or simply make sense of whatās happening in todayās market, weāre here to help. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Senter, REALTORSĀ® has proudly served the Abilene area for nearly 70 yearsāand nobody knows this market better.
š² Reach out to one of our local experts today or explore available listings here: https://senterrealtors.com/listings/our-active-listings

Abilene Market Update: March 2025

A Balanced Market Brings Stability & Opportunity
As spring breathes new life into West Texas, the real estate market in Abilene is picking up right on cue. March 2025 delivered a solid boost in activity, reflecting a continued trend of healthy, balanced conditions that offer promising opportunities for both buyers and sellers.
š Strong Seasonal Start
March showed a 4.1% increase in closed sales year-over-year and came in nearly 18% higher than the average of January and February this year. Itās a strong start to the spring selling season, and all indicators point toward steady activity in the months ahead.
š Inventory Holds Steady
Weāve now had a full 12 consecutive months with 4+ months of inventory, a signal that the local market has officially rebalanced. This shift gives both buyers and sellers a fair playing fieldāgone are the extreme swings we saw during peak pandemic years. Current inventory sits at 4.2 months, up slightly from 3.9 in March 2024.
š° Price Stability Reinforced
The median home price in March 2025 was $246,250, up 5.8% from a year ago, continuing a remarkably stable stretch. In fact, for the last 15 months, the median sales price in Abilene has hovered between $230,000 and $250,000. That consistency is great news for appraisals, financing, and long-term homeowner confidence.
š Insight from the Experts
We know the national headlines can feel uncertain. With continued changes in interest rates and evolving economic policy, itās critical to stay informed. We recommend checking out these recent expert insights from NARās economists:
š” What This Means for Buyers & Sellers
-
Buyers: Inventory levels are more favorable, and with stable prices and upcoming rate adjustments expected, thereās a strong case for acting sooner rather than later.
-
Sellers: Activity remains strong. If you’ve owned your home for a few years, you’re likely sitting on a significant amount of equity. Well-prepared homes are still commanding strong attention and competitive offers. Reach out to us for a free market evaluation and equity check-in!
šāāļø Roadrunners in Action
A quick shoutout to our BHGRE Senter, REALTORSĀ® team of Roadrunnersāwe walk the walk. In the past month and a half, the Abilene market has averaged two homes per day coming back on the market after contract fallout. Our team? Just four contracts fallen through this entire year so far. Thatās the power of quality over quantity.
We ask the right questions. We vet every deal. And we make sure the contract you sign is one that closes.
If you’re looking to buy, sell, or just get clarity on your next real estate decisionāreach out.
š (325) 695-8000
š www.SenterRealtors.com
š Abilene owned. Legacy built.
Because Nobody Knows Homes Better.

BHGRE Senter: Q1 2025 Highlights

A Record-Setting Start to the Year
As Q1 wraps up, weāre thrilled to share one of the strongest opening quarters in our companyās long-standing history. The numbers donāt just reflect activityāthey tell the story of a highly skilled, locally committed team delivering exceptional results for clients in Abilene and beyond.
š Company Performance Snapshot ā Q1 2025:
-
$18.1M in Total Closed Volume
-
48 Closed Sides
-
$377,083 Average Sales Price
-
1.13M Per Agent Volume ā outperforming the local average of $411,114
-
3 Closings Per Agent ā more than 7x the local average of 0.41
-
ā 5.0 Average Client Rating ā the highest client satisfaction we could hope for!
This is what happens when you prioritize quality over quantity. At BHGRE Senter, REALTORSĀ®, every agent is empowered with the support, resources, and reputation to focus on exceptional serviceāand it shows in the numbers.
š Celebrating Our Top Producers
Behind every transaction is a dedicated professional who makes it happen. Weāre incredibly proud of the agents who achieved outstanding milestones this quarter:
š¼ $1 Million+ Closed Volume
-
Shay Senter ā $2,146,023
-
Scott Senter ā $1,341,648
-
Robert Burkhart ā $1,270,990
š¼ $3 Million+ Closed Volume
-
Pam Yungblut ā $3,021,520
-
Patty Knight ā $3,355,000
š¼ $4 Million+ Closed Volume
-
Peggy Manning ā $4,659,750
Their dedication, experience, and client-first approach exemplify the BHGRE Senter standard. Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, youāre in expert hands with our Roadrunner team.
š Looking Ahead
The year is just getting started, and weāre energized for whatās ahead. With personalized service, deep local roots, and the backing of the Better Homes and GardensĀ® Real Estate brand, weāre committed to raising the bar for what real estate service looks like in Abilene.
Thinking of making a move? Letās talk.
š (325) 695-8000 | š senterrealtors.com
