Articles Tagged "Carrollton"

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

If you feel like you've done it all, our real estate agents have a new date night suggestion for you: Cooking classes!

Cooking classes are both fun and functional. You'll learn to create wholesome, satisfying meals that can save you plenty of money. At the same time, you'll share a unique experience that might just give you a new favorite thing to do together. Maybe your next date includes cooking the dinner of your dreams!

No matter whether you're looking at Dallas homes for sale or down the road at Fort Worth homes for sale, there are plenty of cooking classes to browse. Virtual or in-person options are both available, so you can choose to have date night in the comfort of your own kitchen if you prefer.

Here's a taste of some of the leading local brands for local cooking classes:

• The Village Culinary Lab – 6130 Greenville Avenue Suite #102, Dallas, TX 75206
  The Village Culinary Lab is one of the first and most beloved places for cooking classes in Dallas. It always has a range of classes for both beginner and intermediate chefs, including seasonal events such as "Holly Jolly Cooking." The roster of classes changes every three months, so there is always something new to try.
  
  
• Dallas Chocolate Classes – 1626 Banbury Lane, Carrollton, TX 75006
  Dallas Chocolate Classes gives you a whole new way to appreciate one of the most popular candy and dessert foods in the world. Private couples classes are available both online and in-person, and you have the opportunity to learn chocolate and dessert-making by exploring classic European recipes. All this and more can be found near Carrollton homes for sale.
  
  
• The Cookery – 710 South Main Street #130, Fort Worth, TX 76104
  Billing itself as "cooking classes meet dinner party," The Cookery features both public classes and private events that can be customized to suit your interests. "Can't-miss" classes include how to host a cocktail party, the secret to perfect homemade pasta, and the "Elegant Dinner Party" evening where students learn a bevy of rich and comforting dishes. Locations in both Houston and Dallas are coming soon!
  
  
• Cooking the Details – 1414 South Broadway Street #3107, Carrollton, TX 75006
  Cooking the Details is headed by chef and NASM Certified Nutrition Coach Dazore, a local success story who took a chance on her dream of a cooking business in May 2019. She believes the difference between good and great food is "all in the details," and you'll learn your favorite foodstuffs inside and out as you opt for one-hour or 2.5-hour themed cooking classes.
  
  
• The Table Market – 120 St. Louis Avenue, Suite 103B, Fort Worth, TX 76104
  The Table Market makes the most of its core values of "Fitness, Farmers, and Fort Worth" by offering cooking classes at all levels and a full commercial kitchen for entrepreneurs to use. There's a monthly cookbook club and a variety of workshops that will make your meals even better, from tablescape to food photography. Classes have an international flair, with offerings like "Dumpling Party" and "Indian Curry Feast" topping the list.

Contact us to learn more about real estate in Dallas-Fort Worth.

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.

After weeks or months of browsing Dallas homes for sale, visiting open houses, negotiating with sellers, and dealing with the exhausting relocation tasks, you're finally in your new home. It's time to make your new place feel like home and settle into your new surroundings. For some people, this could fall into place when your new neighbors see your moving truck, but in most cases, you have to put in work to get acquainted with your new surroundings. All it takes is a positive attitude and willingness to make it work out. Here is our real estate agent's list of 5 top strategies to help you get familiar with your new neighborhood.

1. Introduce Yourself to Your Neighbors
   Getting to know the people who live around you can help you feel settled in your new environment and your new routine. Within the first days of your move, it's a good idea to introduce yourself to the people next door. Tell them you are a newcomer and ask questions about your new neighborhood. You'd be surprised at how friendly your neighbors are. Be polite and keep your first interaction short. If you need recommendations or useful information about your new area, approach your neighbors again, offer some homemade cookies, and start a friendly conversation. 
   
   
2. Take Frequent Walks
   The most straightforward piece of advice is sometimes one of the most effective. If you want to get to know your neighborhood, go see it for yourself. Taking frequent walks is an excellent de-stressor during or after the unpacking process, and it will also give you a chance to observe daily life in the community. Take your children to the nearest playground or go to the nearest gym to meet other parents or fitness enthusiasts. If you have a dog, take them for a walk in the nearest park.
   
   
3. Join a Local Club or Community Organization
   One of the best ways to settle into your new neighborhood is to immerse yourself in the community. You can join local clubs, charities, and other community organizations, depending on your values, interests, and skills. This is a great way to meet like-minded people from the neighborhood and make friends. A polite introduction is all that's needed. Volunteering is also a great way to take an active part in bettering the neighborhood and learn about some of the issues that shape the community.
   
   
4. Find the Locals' Favorites Spots
   Dining and entertainment hangouts can be a key to the true neighborhood vibe. Thanks to online resources such as Google and Yelp, it's easier than ever to find the best restaurants, bars, local attractions, museums, recreation centers, entertainment venues, and more. This will help you meet people from the neighborhood and feel like one of them.
   
   
5. Shop Locally
   You can definitely find a box store in the area or buy your things online, but that little corner shop is something you'll find right in the neighborhood. So, whether you need to make a quick trip to the local café for a much-needed caffeine hit or a visit to the hardware for a few nails, you'll need to know where all the stores are. Shopping locally helps you engage with your new neighborhood while bolstering it at the same time.

As stressful as moving can be, getting to know your new neighborhood is an amazing opportunity to welcome new friends, find new passions, and explore the world with a fresh set of eyes. Still looking at Fort Worth homes for sale and aren't sure if you've found your dream spot? Our team can help. Contact us today for more information.

Avid golfers have multiple places throughout the DFW area perfect for working on your golf game. Our real estate agents can't wait to get in the swing of spring at these great driving ranges around DFW. 

1. Marsh Lane Golf Center - 2308 Marsh Ln., Carrollton, TX 75006
   Just a chip shot away from Carrollton homes for sale sits Marsh Lane Golf Center, which proudly boasts "the best balls, grass, and prices in town." Get some swing time in on your lunch break between 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. weekdays, when 50 balls are only $6 and 100 balls are $10. Purchase a discount card and receive 12 jumbo buckets of balls for $10 each, which is $7 off each bucket. Instructors are available. Marsh Lane is open daily from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., with extended summer hours from 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.
   
   
2. Tenison Park Golf Course - 3501 Samuell Blvd., Dallas, TX 75223
   Tenison Park Golf Course holds the honor of being the site of the first municipally owned golf course around Dallas homes for sale. Their high standards carry through to the adjacent state-of-the-art driving range, which includes 41 practice stations and seven target greens in a fairway setting. Debit cards, sold in amounts ranging from $50 to $200, offer a generous discount of 30-50 percent off the price of range balls. Hours vary, so call ahead to check the schedule.
   
   
3. Stevens Park Golf Course - 1005 N. Montclair Ave., Dallas, TX 75208
   Success at golf requires both strength and precision. Refine your putting skills in the short game area located at Stevens Park Golf Course. The section includes a 90-yard landing area, two practice greens, and a practice bunker so you can get experience with a variety of scenarios. Stevens Park also features an impressive indoor practice facility equipped with slow-motion video and staffed with PGA professionals who lead group and private lessons. Hours are 7 a.m. - sundown, seven days a week.
   
   
4. The Golf Ranch - 3570 Waterview, Richardson, TX, 75080
   Grade-A golfers are bred at The Golf Ranch, a first-class practice facility just minutes from Richardson homes for sale. Their all-turf range and covered hitting bays are lighted so you can keep swinging even after the sun goes down. With a recently added putting green, both parts of your game get a good workout. Test your improved skills at their new nine-hole practice course, with no tee times required. Follow The Golf Ranch on Facebook for information about specials, such as 50 percent off greens fees or buckets of driving range balls. Hours are 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. daily.
   
   
5. Waterview Golf Club - 9509 Waterview Pkwy., Rowlett, TX 75089
   With lush grounds dotted by 15 acres of lakes and 1,500 trees, Waterview Golf Club is like a beautiful vacation resort. You'll hardly believe you're just down the street from Rowlett homes for sale. Sharpen your golf game from start to finish with their 30-stall driving range, putting and chipping greens, and three-hole practice course. Private and group programs are available for all levels of experience. Waterview Golf Club is open daily from 6:45 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Whether you're buying or selling a home in DFW, you'll score an ace every time with the help of our dedicated real estate agents. Contact us at RE/MAX DFW Associates to get started.

Have you thought about jumping on the bandwagon and making your home smarter in 2021? If not, maybe you should. There are so many ways smart features increase your home's comfort, security, and efficiency that a smart system bears looking at. What's more, if you're listing your home among Dallas homes for sale or Plano homes for sale, you might include the smart system and appliances as a selling point.

In case you're not familiar with all the features you could have with a smart system, let's look at a rundown.

1. Smart Home Assistant
   The smart home assistant is the foundation for any smart system. There are two that dominate the market: Amazon Echo with Alexa and Google Home with smart speakers. Similar to the way they work, these devices control all the other smart devices in your home, from lights and doorbells to security alarms and cameras.
   
   
2. Smart Hub
   If you go with a smart speaker without a built-in hub, you'll need a smart hub for automating all the smart devices in your home through only one app. A couple of the best are the Smart Things Hub and the Hubitat Elevation Home Automation Hub.
   
   
3. Lighting
   No need to get up. Add smart bulbs and control the lights through your phone, either by voice or touch. Still at the office? Turn on some light for the dog remotely. Change the mood by changing the color of the light if you opt for RGB lighting.

4. HVAC Thermostat
   Manage your home's environment from near or far with a smart thermostat. Use an app on your smartphone or tablet to control the temperature; depending on if you have an in-house humidifier, you might even be able to raise or lower humidity. Some systems can sense your approach and raise or lower the temperature for your comfort. Need an analysis of your energy usage? A smart thermostat can do that as well.

5. Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors
   Smart smoke detectors not only detect smoke but send a message to your phone that there's a problem.
   
   
6. Garage Door Opener
   Let workers in your garage when you're away with an app on your phone. Did you forget to close the garage door? No problem. You can close it remotely as long as you can access Wi-fi.
   
   
7. Smart Security Features
   A complete smart security system should include indoor and outdoor cameras, door locks, lighting, and even the doorbell. Here's how these features play into your overall security strategy:

• • Indoor camera -- There are many reasons to monitor what's going on inside your home, from watching a babysitter or cleaning employee to monitoring your pets' activities to recording a break-in.
  • Outdoor camera -- Again, you want to be able to record who comes up to your front door and what they do. The Nest outdoor security camera comes with night vision and has a built-in microphone and speaker; plus, you can use the app for the Nest to view live footage on your smartphone.
  • Door lock -- These devices do away with the need for keys; you can unlock them via your smartphone or with a fingerprint or a pin.
  • Doorbell -- These come with a camera that lets you see who's ringing the bell and communicate with them through your phone. Some devices have the ability to recognize your visitors.

Our real estate agents can help you upgrade your home and appliances to create a more convenient, efficient, and secure smart system. Contact us today. 

Whether you're trying to find the ideal gift for someone who already has everything or a small, thoughtful stocking stuffer for someone with a sweet tooth, the gift of a sweet treat never goes out of style. Lucky for you, the DFW area is filled with candy shops that offer something to satisfy every taste! From traditional candy made from decades-old family recipes to zany, new candy creations, you can find it all close to home in DFW. Our real estate agents have all the delicious details on 6 great candy shops where you can find your stocking stuffers this year.

1. Blooms Candy & Soda Pop Shop – 1106 W Main St., Carrollton, TX 75006

   Starting as a small flower shop before blossoming into one of the area's best retro candy shops, Blooms Candy & Soda Pop Shop prides itself on serving up candy varieties that you don't see every day. There are more than 800 types of candy available in the store, with unique treats that are a delight for kids young and old.

2. Fort Worth Fudge and Toffee – 324 N Jim Wright Fwy, Fort Worth, TX 76108

   You won't have to travel far from Fort Worth homes for sale to find sweet stocking stuffers, thanks to legendary local candy shops like Fort Worth Fudge and Toffee. Naturally, the fudge is the main attraction, and there are more than 15 types of fudge available to satisfy any sweet tooth. While the shop is not currently open for regular hours, you can still call ahead, make an appointment to visit, and shop to your heart's content.

3. Kate Weiser Chocolate – 3011 Gulden Ln., Suite 115, Dallas, TX 75212

   Searching for sweet, satisfying chocolate near Dallas homes for sale? Make the trip to Kate Weiser Chocolate, where gourmet, hand-crafted treats are always on the menu. If you believe chocolate is an art form, this is a great place to shop. Each piece has been designed to look just as great as it tastes, with expert guidance from lead chocolatier Kate Weiser. No detail is too small for this team, and the results are delicious.

4. Natalie's Candy Jar – DFW International Airport, Terminal B, DFW Airport, TX 75261

   Will your journeys be taking you to the DFW International Airport at any point during the holiday shopping season? Then be sure to check out Natalie's Candy Jar, which has multiple locations throughout the airport where you can shop for sweet gifts. Natalie's Candy Jar is a gourmet, self-serve candy shop with more than 400 varieties available.

5. Dylan's Candy Bar – 2400 Aviation Dr., Terminal D, DFW Airport, TX 75261

   Also located at DFW International Airport, you will find Dylan's Candy Bar, a fun, colorful candy shop that's perfect for finding all of the stocking stuffers you need for the younger members of your holiday shopping list. If you're looking for a larger gift, Dylan's Candy Bar also offers a diverse selection of holiday gift baskets and packages.

6. CocoAndre Chocolatier – 508 W 7th St., Dallas, TX 75208

   Operated by Andrea Pedraza, who has more than 30 years of experience creating world-class candy, chocolate, and truffles, CocoAndre Chocolatier features high-end candy that will look great in any stocking. Go with a classic chocolate or truffle, but don't forget to try unique, delicious treats like the pistachio bark.

Searching for the perfect home where you can share holiday memories with your favorite people for years to come? We can help. Contact us today.

East-West Line thru Plano, Richardson, North Dallas, Addison, Carrollton, Coppell, Cypress Waters, DFW Airport

Completion Date – December 22, 2022

Trains every 20 minutes

The final approved DART Cotton Belt Line from Plano to DFW Airport

The Dallas Area Rapid Transit board on Tuesday approved $872 million to build its first east-west commuter rail line — the Cotton Belt — even though it doesn't have the actual cash quite yet.  DART leaders met with the Build America Bureau in Washington, D.C., last week to confirm that the federal loan that will finance a 26-mile route connecting Plano, Richardson, Addison, North Dallas and DFW International Airport is expected to close Dec. 20.  Within the next few weeks, DART expects to be issued a notice to move forward on the project with its design-build partner, Archer Western Herzog 4.0, which was unanimously awarded an $815 million contract Tuesday night, contingent on the federal loan. The contract will run through Dec. 28, 2022, the anticipated completion date.

It also kept the door open for the board to decide next month whether to spend an additional $90 million to $120 million to add a second track along the line, something the board listed as a preference.  "We've discussed the double-track subject for a couple of years," board member Paul Wageman said. "We're going to have significant savings over what we thought the finance costs were on this."  Cotton Belt was budgeted as a $1.1 billion project.

About half of the project, including the nine rail stations, is double-tracked as currently bid. Though plans are for Cotton Belt to debut as an every-30-minute service, the contract also calls for three more miles to be double-tracked. That would enable enough two-way passing opportunities to allow runs every 20 minutes.  If it doesn't fully double-track the line, the board also has the option to spend $27 million to add a second track to a three-mile area of Far North Dallas, where grade levels and four bridge crossings pose a challenge.

The contract already includes $32 million in "betterments" for neighborhoods lining the route, providing for sound walls, rubber chips to minimize track vibration and other amenities.  The first six to eight months, according to staff presentations, will focus on design of the project. The first signs of progress on the ground will be utility relocation and foundation work for bridges.

The Cotton Belt will also connect to DART's existing light rail system at stops in Carrollton, Plano and Richardson. But it will be a commuter rail line, similar to the Trinity River Express, which DART co-owns with Fort Worth's Trinity Metro and connects downtown Dallas and Fort Worth.

• Dallas Morning News, December 12, 2018

SOURCE: Estimates from Texas Education Agency

• Dallas Morning News, July 4, 2018 (excerpts)