Want to Buy a House in Tyler? What You Need to Know

Michael Conti

If you want to buy a house in Tyler, TX, the city delivers plenty of great reasons why it’s a good place to call home. Among them, the Rose City is a growing economic hub offering median home costs below the state average and well below larger cities such as Dallas and Fort Worth. 

That’s good news for residents and prospective newcomers. The Tyler housing market is easy on the wallet while promising proximity to high-quality educational facilities, expansive green spaces and welcoming neighbors. 

Real estate professional Jamey Whitley of Shilling Real Estate Co. discusses the ins and outs of buying a home in the region. 

What is the median home value in the area and average amount of time on the market? 
For the month of December 2023, Texas REALTORS showed Smith County having a median sold price of $303,900 with an average of 55 days on market. 

What piece of advice would you give newcomers navigating the housing market? 
Don’t wait – there is equity to be made. Tyler is growing daily, and inventory is still low. The more buyers we have outpacing inventory, the more prices will go up. Rates have started to come down already, and as they get lower and lower, more buyers will be looking to purchase. This will only raise prices as there will be more bidding wars to purchase. 

It’s also a great idea to save as much as you can. There are many loan programs that will offer 0% to 5% down. In addition, it’s a good idea to plan for closing costs you’ll need, along with your down payment. 

What neighborhoods would you recommend for young professionals or growing families? 
There are so many great neighborhoods in Tyler. Ultimately, though, I recommend people find a house that works for their budget and they feel safe with. Personally, I love the Azalea District. The charm of the older houses that were built in the early 1900s is so interesting to me and are filled with so much history. 

Are there any new residential developments that are popping up? 
I’m a big fan of what they are doing in downtown Tyler. There are several buildings that have been vacant for years that are being developed into residential housing. The more housing we can get downtown, the more attractive downtown will be for entertainment, restaurants and hospitality. 

Where are you seeing people moving from? 
I’ve worked with buyers moving here from California, Austin, Dallas, Colorado, Michigan and Georgia. In my opinion the more the merrier. Let’s grow Tyler!