What Homebuyers Want in 2026: A Seller's Guide to Shifting Housing Markets in the South

Housing markets in Atlanta, Tampa, and Dallas have shifted—and buyers now have more options, more leverage, and higher expectations than they've had in years. To help sellers understand what today's empowered buyers actually want, Mark Spain Real Estate surveyed 900 prospective homebuyers (300 in each metro) who plan to purchase a home within the next 12 months. The results reveal what drives purchase decisions, what turns buyers off, and what sellers can do to stand out in a more balanced market.

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Key Findings

• Across all three markets, the data paints a clear picture: buyers are selective, but they'll still compete for the right home.
• 58% of buyers cite price and affordability as a top-three factor in their home search. Across all three metros, affordability outranks location, home size, and move-in readiness—with Tampa buyers the most price-sensitive at 61%.
• 58% of buyers would pay above asking price—for the right property. A balanced market doesn't mean buyers won't compete. It means they're choosier about what they compete for. Dallas leads at 64%, followed by Atlanta (61%) and Tampa (50%).
• 66–70% of buyers say odors and dirty homes are deal-breakers—while only 35% are put off by dated kitchens. A deep clean delivers more ROI than a kitchen refresh, at a fraction of the cost.
• 89% of buyers would purchase a home sold as-is if the price reflects its condition. Sellers with dated or worn properties have more options than they think. The issue isn't condition—it's pricing.
• 48% of buyers rank a fenced yard as their top outdoor priority—outranking pools, patios, and large lots. Across all three metros, it's the single most sought-after outdoor feature.
• 90% of buyers say detailed seller disclosures increase their confidence in a home. Transparency isn't just nice to have—it's a competitive advantage. Buyers want dates of repairs, documentation, and warranties.
• 73% of buyers express interest in a hypothetical 50-year mortgage. With affordability challenges persisting across generations, buyers are signaling willingness to explore unconventional paths to homeownership.

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The full report includes market-by-market breakdowns for Atlanta, Tampa, and Dallas—with data on buyer priorities, deal-breakers, concession preferences, and seller strategies tailored to each metro. Download the report to see exactly what buyers in your market want.

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About This Report

Mark Spain Real Estate surveyed 900 prospective homebuyers in January 2026—300 each in Atlanta, Tampa, and Dallas—all planning to purchase a home within the next 12 months. The report examines buyer preferences on pricing, home condition, outdoor features, seller concessions, agent usage, and more to give sellers actionable insights for today's market.

Questions about selling your home?

Contact Mark Spain Real Estate to explore your options—including our Guaranteed Offer program that lets you compare cash offers before deciding how to sell.