Articles Tagged "Southlake"

The North Texas housing market is downshifting quickly, with Dallas-Fort Worth being the only U.S. market to see a decrease in home sale prices last month, according to a report released today.  DFW home prices are down 1.9% year over year in July, according to the latest Re/Max National Housing Report.

And what a difference a month makes.  Last month, DFW led the U.S. for home price increases, with June prices up 29.3% over the previous year.   In hard numbers, home sales prices in DFW fell to $413,900 in July from $422,000 in July 2021.   Homes in DFW spend an average of 23 days on the market before selling.

Higher interest rates and inflation, as well as record home prices, triggered a sharp drop in demand for housing, said Todd Luong, a realtor with Re/Max DFW Associates:  "Here at our Re/Max office in Dallas-Fort Worth, our listings are currently getting on average 2.7 showings per week," Luong said. "Last year, at this same time, our listings were earning on average 5.9 showings per week. That is a huge drop in buyer demand compared to the previous year. Record home prices and higher mortgage rates have forced many potential buyers out of the market, especially first-time homebuyers."

While the latest trends may disappoint some sellers, buyers now have more choices and better opportunities for good deals, Luong said.   Luong said that the DFW housing market has been challenged with low inventory for years and reached an all-time low earlier this year, with only a two-week supply. Now, however, inventory is increasing.  "Although buyers have more choices now, it is still not a balanced market as we only have about a two-month housing supply," Luong said. "In a normal market, you have about a five to six-month supply of housing."

A new report from Zillow also found falling home values, although the numbers didn't match Re/Max's precisely because of different study methods and different geographic definitions of DFW as a metro area, among other reasons.  According to Zillow's findings, the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area's typical home value is $396,904, down 1.1% since June, the first month of decline. Values are up 55.4% since July 2019.

Zillow also reported that the mortgage payment on a typical home in DFW is $2,633 a month, including taxes and insurance. That's up 77.4% compared to July 2019.

According to Zillow, inventory in DFW has risen 10.2% since June, and the share of listings with a price cut in July was 22%, compared to 15.6% in June.  Nationwide, after two years of unprecedented growth, home values fell for the first time since 2012 as competition for houses eased, according to Zillow's July market report.

The slowdown is being driven by decreased competition among buyers. Zillow's analysis says that affordability pressures have pushed many to the sidelines, and buyers are waiting in the wings to resume their search if and when prices relax a bit.  Skylar Olsen, Zillow's chief economist, called the flattening of home values "a badly needed rebalancing.  This slowdown is about discouraged buyers pulling back after the affordability shock from higher rates," Olsen said. "As prices soften, many will renew their interest, and we will continue our progress back to 'normal.'"

Luong said he sees positive signs in the market.  The interest rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage dropped below 5% after peaking in June. More than 290,000 new jobs were added in Dallas-Fort Worth last year, so North Texas has one of the strongest labor markets in the country.   "Reasonably priced homes that are in good condition and move-in ready are still selling very fast," he said. "However, the bidding wars have subsided considerably across the board."

• Dallas Business Journal, August 19, 2022

DFW might be a thriving urban metropolis, but the area retains a number of places where nature takes center stage. Our real estate agents refresh body, mind, and spirit with visits to these beautiful nature centers throughout the area. 

• Cedar Ridge Preserve - 7171 Mountain Creek Pkwy., Dallas, TX 75249
  Perched at an elevation of 755 feet, Cedar Ridge Preserve is considered a "little slice of hill country" overlooking the city. The Preserve is maintained by Audubon Dallas, the local chapter of the National Audubon Society, the iconic organization dedicated to promoting conservation. Enchanting names like Cattail Pond, Little Bluestem, and Red Oak identify the Preserve's 13 trails. Hours are 6:30 a.m. - dusk Tuesday through Sunday and a minimum donation of $3 is requested for admission.
  
  
• Twelve Hills Nature Center - 817 Mary Cliff Rd., Dallas, TX 75208
  Despite its bucolic sound, the name of Twelve Hills Nature Center is a reference to the apartment buildings that once stood on its grounds. In 2005, volunteers began this unique project to reclaim the land as a prairie oasis in the midst of Dallas homes for sale. A butterfly garden greets visitors at the entrance while dog-friendly trails wind through flowering plants and shrubs along the five-acre property. Twelve Hills is open daily from dawn to dusk, and admission is free, though donations are welcome.
  
  
• Bob Jones Nature Center & Preserve - 355 E. Bob Jones Rd., Southlake, TX 76092
  Bob Jones Nature Center & Preserve is rich in both natural resources and historical relevance to the area around Southlake homes for sale. The land where the nature center sits once belonged to Bob Jones, a former slave who went on to become a successful rancher and farmer. With more than 20 miles of hiking trails that span 700 acres, the Preserve offers a fascinating look at the Cross Timbers ecosystem along with frequent glimpses of birds and wildlife. Hours are 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. daily, with closing time at 5 p.m. during winter. Admission is free.
  
  
• Elm Fork Nature Preserve - 2335 Sandy Lake Rd., Carrollton, TX 75006
  The origins of Elm Fork Nature Preserve date back to 1861 when the Bramblitt family purchased the property as a wood right, not far from where Carrollton homes for sale now stand. But no clear-cutting ever took place, and in 1986, 40 acres were donated to the city of Carrollton to remain a self-contained ecosystem. While walking the trails, which pass through woodlands and past a pond, visitors are often treated to the sight of armadillos, eastern cottontails, great horned owls, snowy egrets, and many other birds and animals. Hours are dawn to dusk, and admission is free.
  
  
• Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge - 9601 Fossil Ridge Rd., Fort Worth, TX 76135
  Take a step back in time just minutes from Fort Worth homes for sale at Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge. The 3,621 acres are filled with dog-friendly trails winding through forests, prairies, and wetlands that retain the look of the local landscape back in the early 20th century. As one of the largest city-owned nature centers in the country, it was deemed a National Natural Landmark in 1980. Open daily from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., with early entry at 7 a.m. May through August. Admission is $6 for adults and $2 for ages 3-12.

Ready to learn more about what life in Texas has to offer? Contact us at RE/MAX DFW Associates to learn more.

It's a well-known fact that curb appeal makes a huge difference in Dallas homes for sale. Whether you're planning on listing your home soon or not for a little while yet, here are a few outdoor walkway ideas our real estate agents recommend for a quick way to boost curb appeal.

• Stepping Stones 
  Stepping stones are an inexpensive way to put walking paths anywhere you want, plus they blend in nicely with a well-landscaped yard. You can find stepping stones in a variety of colors, sizes, and styles, so head over to the home improvement or garden store and spend some time browsing and comparing prices before you decide what you want.
  
  
• Gravel
  Another inexpensive, easy to work with, and good DIY choice is gravel. Gravel can be used to surround stepping stones or large pavers, as a border along a concrete or brick path, or as a path itself. You will need to provide some kind of a border to keep the gravel in and remember that gravel can also travel and requires some maintenance to continue looking nice.
  
  
• Brick
  Brick is a great option with a lot of opportunities for variety. If you choose someone experienced to do the job for you, they'll not just level the path to making sure you don't end up with any bricks sticking up, they can also lay the bricks in intricate and pleasing designs. Brick tends to look both traditional and upscale in Fort Worth homes for sale.
  
  
• Pavers
  Pavers are a more expensive alternative to brick, stepping stones, or flagstone, but they come in a wider variety of sizes and colors and textures and can be used to create many pleasing patterns. You could also consider laying the pavers with a narrow space in between where moss or ground cover could grow, tying your walkway into your landscaping.
  
  
• Wood
  Wooden walkways can lend an interesting rustic or beachy vibe, depending on the look you're going for. You could lay circular slices of trunk-like they were pavers or stepping stones, for instance, or build a walkway like an extension of your deck. For zero-footprint ideas, consider using reclaimed wood, such as the wood from a broken-down pallet.
  
  
• Texture or Stenciling
  Is your original walkway still perfectly serviceable, but you're looking for a way to update it? Fortunately, there are many affordable ways to do so. You can have a concrete walkway sprayed and textured with a roller, or you can paint existing pavers using stencils. Upgrading your existing walkway provides immediate curb appeal without breaking the bank.
  
  
• Landscaping
  Don't forget that the walkway is only a small part of your curb appeal, so take some time to make sure the landscaping around it is up to par, too. Consider a nice border of shrubbery or flowers or with the installation of little path lights.

Whether it's for your own enjoyment or you're ready to sell your house, you'll be amazed at the difference a newly designed outdoor walkway will make in your home's curb appeal. For more tips on boosting curb appeal or to chat with an agent about selling your home, contact us today.

Everything's bigger in Texas, but it looks smaller when seen from the treetops. Ziplining is just one of the outdoor activities that make the Dallas-Fort Worth area such a great place to live. Our real estate agents recommend getting your adrenaline pumping at these exciting parks around the DFW.

1. Trinity Forest Adventure Park - 1820 Dowdy Ferry Rd., Dallas, TX 75217
   How high can you go? At Trinity Forest Adventure Park, not far from Dallas homes for sale, three different levels of elevation take you as far as 50 feet off the ground. Each course, ranked by a ski slope-style color-coded system, features obstacles such as wobble bridges, ladders, and free falls. The staff-led school lets you practice on the ground, then proceed at your own pace. Admission for a three-hour session ranges from $44.95-$54.95, with a minimum age of 6. Receive a $5 discount when you reserve online. Trinity Forest is open on weekends from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
   
   
2. Go Ape Adventure Park - Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve, 5901 Los Rios Blvd., Plano, TX 75074
   The signature jungle call is optional, but you'll certainly feel like Tarzan swinging through the trees at Go Ape Adventure Park. Located in the largest park near Plano homes for sale, Go Ape offers more than eight miles of trails and ziplines. Enjoy a thrilling two- to three-hour trip, passing over Rowlett Creek and above the trees and greenery of the surrounding area. Admission is $54.95 for ages 10-15 and $64.95 for ages 16 and up. Visit the website to view the schedule.
   
   
3. Urban Air Adventure Park - 9157 Harmon Rd., Fort Worth, TX 76177
   What goes up must come down at Urban Air Adventure Park. Soar above it all on Sky Rider, then take the plunge with Indoor Skydiving. With heart-pumping adventures such as climbing walls, rope courses, performance trampolines, and a flying trapeze, it's no surprise Urban Air was named "Best Gym in America for Kids" by Shape magazine. Keep your energy up with a tasty snack and refreshing beverage at the onsite cafe. All this fun is just minutes from Fort Worth homes for sale. Combo packages are available at prices ranging from $19.99-$34.99. Hours are 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday.
   
   
4. DFW Adventure Park - 13055 Cleveland Gibbs Rd., Northlake, TX 76262
   Put that controller down and take part in some real-world gaming action at DFW Adventure Park. Join family and friends for a lively game of paintball that challenges your body and mind. Low impact, with a .50 caliber paintball for reduced impact, is perfect for beginners. The park also offers Splat Master, a variation for younger players. All-day play is $25, or $20 if you bring your own equipment. Hours are 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday.
   
   
5. Widowmaker Trail Rides - 904 Quail Creek Ct., Southlake, TX 76092
   Get a taste of the old cowboy days right down the street from Southlake homes for sale with Widowmaker Trail Rides. Enjoy a two-hour ride around scenic Lake Grapevine, accompanied by an experienced guide who will help you get the most out of your experience. Rides are $100 per person and are scheduled by appointment only. 

After a day outdoors, there's nothing better than heading back to your own DFW home. Contact us at RE/MAX DFW Associates for friendly and experienced real estate help.

North Texas home sales dropped in September by the largest percentage in more than seven years. Preowned home sales in the area fell by 7 percent from September 2017. That was the biggest year-over-year sales decline since early 2011, according to data from the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University and North Texas Real Estate Information Systems.  Home sales by real estate agents have been down in three of the last four months. Higher mortgage costs and years of rising home prices have caused some buyers to pull back from the market.  Mortgage rates on average are currently about 4.7 percent — the highest level in seven years — and are expected to go higher in 2019.  With September's sales decline, preowned home sales by real estate agents in North Texas are now flat with the same period of 2017. A record of more than 106,000 homes sold in the area last year.  "We think things are going to be flat," said Dr James Gaines, chief economist for the Real Estate Center. The Dallas-Fort Worth housing market has cooled significantly since early in the year when sales were still up by double-digit percentage rates from 2017 levels.

Home price growth has also slowed.  Median home sales prices rose by 4 percent in September from a year earlier to $251,000.  For the first nine months of 2018, prices are up 5 percent from the sale period in 2017. With sales declining, the number of houses on the market in North Texas has growth to 25,895 preowned single-family homes listed with real estate agents at the end of last month. That's 16 percent more homes for sale in the area than a year ago.  On average it took 44 days to sell the houses that trade in September — up 5 percent from a year earlier. Currently there is about a 3-month supply of homes available for purchase in the more than two dozen North Texas counties included in the survey.

• Dallas Morning News, October 9, 2018