What big real estate changes are coming in 2026 that could affect how I buy or sell in Collin County?

by Christina Money

This is the one most people are not paying attention to, and it matters.

The biggest change for Texas buyers in 2026: written buyer agreements before showings

Texas has a new law (SB 1968) that takes effect January 1, 2026, and it requires a signed buyer representation agreement before an agent can show residential property. HousingWire+1

So if you’re buying a home in Collin County in 2026, here’s what you’ll notice:

you will sign paperwork earlier
the agent relationship becomes clearer upfront
compensation and services are part of the conversation sooner

This lines up with broader industry changes that began rolling out nationally in 2024, where written buyer agreements became a standard requirement for many MLS participants before touring homes. National Association of REALTORS®+1

What that means for Collin County buyers

Honestly, I think this can be a good thing when done the right way. A written agreement should make crystal clear:

what your agent is doing for you
how you’re protected
how compensation is handled (and what options exist)

It also reduces the “random showings with no strategy” behavior, which is how buyers get burned in a market like Frisco or Plano.

What that means for Collin County sellers

Sellers will still have choices. The big shift is transparency and how negotiations are handled. The market is already more negotiable than it was, with data showing homes selling under list and longer days on market in late 2025. Zillow+1

In 2026, I expect sellers and listing agents to be more intentional about:

concession strategies
what is offered and how it is communicated
making sure buyers can actually perform at the price point

One more 2026 change worth knowing

NAR also continues to update policy and standards into 2026, and the industry is still adapting to the post-settlement landscape. National Association of REALTORS®+1

Translation: your 2026 transaction may feel more “documented” and more explicit about roles and compensation than it did a few years ago. That is not a bad thing. It just means you want an agent who can explain it clearly without making it weird.