Over the past decade, Rockwall County has experienced a remarkable transformation in its real estate market. From 2013 to 2018, home prices saw a steady increase of nearly 19%, but from 2018 to 2024, values surged by an astonishing 44%. Those who purchased early reaped the benefits of both lower home prices and historically low interest rates. However, as we move through 2025, the landscape appears to be shifting.
The Market in 2025: A Cooling Trend?
Recent data suggests that while home values continue to rise, the pace of appreciation has slowed. The median home price in Rockwall County increased by just 3.7% from January 2024 to January 2025—a stark contrast to the double-digit increases of previous years. Homes are also spending more time on the market, with inventory levels rising by about 4.1% year-over-year.
Higher mortgage rates have played a role in this shift. After years of ultra-low borrowing costs, interest rates now hover around 6-7%, making affordability a growing concern for buyers. Yet, with more inventory available and fewer bidding wars, buyers may find themselves in a stronger negotiating position.
Should Buyers Enter the Market Now?
The big question for prospective homebuyers: Is now the right time to buy? The answer depends on individual circumstances.
Reasons to Buy Now:
- More available inventory gives buyers better selection and less pressure.
- Stabilizing prices reduce the fear of being priced out of the market.
- Locking in a mortgage rate now could be wise if rates increase later in 2025.
- Homeownership remains a long-term investment with potential for appreciation.
Reasons to Wait:
- If mortgage rates decrease later in the year, buyers could secure better financing options.
- With more homes on the market, prices may continue to soften, creating additional leverage for buyers.
- Those who need time to save for a larger down payment may benefit from waiting.
Expert Insights and Local Perspectives
To gain further insight, The Rockwall Times reached out to three local real estate professionals: Sarah Naylor, Alexandra Parnes, and Jerry Welch, to gather their expert opinions on whether now is a smart time to buy, sell, or hold.
Sarah Naylor, a Rockwall-based real estate professional, shared her perspective on the current market dynamics:
“The market has been truly unpredictable since 2020. There’s a rumbling undercurrent by buyers again, and they’re out kicking the tires. They’re not making decisions quickly because they have choices and more power than they’ve had in years. Smart buyers are respecting their position and purchasing now. If the interest rates drop more than half a percent, I anticipate the market shifting significantly into a seller’s market again and all the power going back to the seller. If a buyer can buy now, they should. Marry the house, date the rate. You will be able to get a good deal on the house price now and can always refinance the loan if rates lower. If you wait for rates to lower (and there’s no guarantee they will), home prices will go up. If rates stay steady, you will already be producing equity due to purchasing sooner. If rates go up, you bought with great power as a buyer and locked in a good interest rate.”
Jerry Welch, another seasoned Rockwall real estate expert, emphasized the long-term trends and evolving inventory situation:
“If you bought a home in Rockwall County in 2020, you would have found the median price to be $360,000. That price today is an astonishing $500,000—over a 38% increase in five years. However, we are unlikely to see another surge of that magnitude. Real estate experts predict that 2025 will bring a more stable market with slowly increasing inventory, meaning neither buyers nor sellers will have overwhelming power. Interest rates may ease slightly, but buyers should normalize expectations around 6-7% rates. Many buyers are now entering the market after being stuck in homes that no longer fit their needs, contributing to increased inventory. Since the start of the year, the number of homes available in Rockwall County has risen by 41, with new builds driving much of the growth. Builders are offering rate buydowns as incentives, and buyers may find the best deals in completed new builds, where builders are motivated to sell and often cover closing costs to clear inventory.”
Alexandra Parnes, a local market expert, highlighted the recent market statistics and potential economic factors influencing future trends:
“As of December 2024, the median listing home price in Rockwall County was $480,000, reflecting a slight year-over-year decrease of 1.4%, while the median final sales price stood at $404,400. The median listing price per square foot was $196, and the average home value in Rockwall County was $419,096, experiencing a 0.9% decline over the past year. However, in Rockwall city itself, the average house price in December 2024 was $565,000, marking a 6.6% increase from the previous year. Properties in Rockwall County averaged 83 days on the market, and homes sold for approximately 98.79% of the listing price, indicating a slight negotiation margin for buyers. Recent data for January 2025 suggests a 2.3% increase in median prices and a 6.9% growth in available inventory compared to December 2024. Looking forward, policy changes—such as strict immigration regulations—could impact construction labor shortages, potentially limiting new housing supply and affecting pricing trends in Rockwall County.”
The Bottom Line
Rockwall County’s real estate market is transitioning from a rapid-growth phase to a more balanced environment. While the days of extraordinary price increases may be behind us, opportunities still exist for buyers who take a strategic approach. Whether purchasing now or waiting for further stabilization, the key is to stay informed and work with trusted local professionals to make the best decision.
For more updates on Rockwall’s real estate market and expert insights, stay tuned to The Rockwall Times.
