Articles Tagged "Grapevine"

With more than 7.6 million residents in total, the DFW area is consistently one of America's fastest-growing and most attractive urban areas. In 2022, it crossed the threshold to become the #3 largest metroplex in the United States, and it continues to entice newcomers from far and wide.

Our real estate agents are always glad to welcome anyone who is considering becoming a part of the unfolding DFW story. There are homes to meet every taste, need, and budget throughout the DFW's many colorful and historic communities. And you're sure to love meeting the many small businesses.

Let's drop in on some of the best places to enjoy a coffee in Dallas-Fort Worth:

• Pax and Beneficia – 3550 Grapevine Mills Boulevard North, Suite 100, Grapevine TX, 76051
  Pax and Beneficia has locations near Grapevine homes for sale and Irving homes for sale to suit your needs no matter where you are. Prizing people and coffee in equal measure, it prides itself on being a place that strengthens the local sense of community. The spirit of hospitality is alive and well alongside artisan coffees from local producers and international fair trade brands alike.
  
  
• Houndstooth Coffee – 1878 Sylvan Avenue E150, Dallas, TX 75208
  With eight locations, including several throughout Austin and Dallas, Houndstooth Coffee has the potential to become one of your favorite places if you choose Dallas homes for sale. It is one of the region's top success stories, getting started right in the area and bouncing back after tough years in 2020 and 2021. This is one place where you can truly become a regular right in Dallas-Fort Worth.
  
  
• Staycation – 201 South Texas Street, Richardson, TX 75081
  Staycation is the place to visit near Richardson homes for sale if you want a fun and memorable way to get your morning coffee fix. Situated in "a little house on the corner of Polk and Texas Street," it's not quite like any other cafe on this list. The simple yet delicious menu is full of flavorful coffees, teas, and pastries baked by local pastry artisans. The coffee is exclusively Tweed brand, a Texas favorite.
  
  
• Peaberry Coffee to Go – 2446 West Kiest Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75233
  Peaberry Coffee to Go bills itself as "The home of Kiestwood Iced Coffee." Its elite Kiestwood Reserve 004, sourced from Kenya, has a distinctive floral aroma with blueberry notes. You'll find all kinds of creative and funky concoctions at Peaberry, including such unusual sights as the breakfast taco, the ceremonial matcha, and the churro latte. Remember: It's pickup and curbside only, no delivery.
  
  
• Crude Coffee Bar – 804 South Main Street Suite #120, Fort Worth, TX 76104
  Looking for a "pick me up" near Fort Worth homes for sale? If so, you're in luck. Crude Coffee Bar has been serving up a unique blend of barista-style craft coffees and handmade, small-batch desserts in a warm and friendly environment since getting its start as a family-side business back in 2008. A range of exciting seasonal selections awaits you any time of the year at this classic cafe.

Contact us to find out more about homes and amenities in Dallas-Fort Worth.

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

No matter whether you prefer Dallas homes for sale or Fort Worth homes for sale, the Dallas-Fort Worth area is full of fun and surprises for the whole family. Local businesses bring lots of character to the DFW, and markets – from swap meets to farmers markets – go on every day of the week.

You'll never have to go far to have an exciting time looking for unique treasures. From the big cities to the small suburbs, communities make plenty of space for local markets. In fact, there are so many options you may not even know where to start.

Let's visit just a few of the DFW's fascinating markets perfect for shopping local:

• Third Friday Market at The Sound – 3111 Olympus Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75019
  Third Friday Market at The Sound takes place monthly on the 1st between April 1 and October 1. With a beautiful lakeside view from The Sound at Cypress Waters, you can browse local vendor stalls or enjoy live music out under the stars. When shopping is done, take a leisurely stroll and explore the six dynamic restaurants, lakeside amphitheater, spacious dog park, and the carefully kept jogging trails.
  
  
• Hop & Sting Art Market – 906 Jean Street, Grapevine, TX 76051
  Sponsored by Hop & Sting Brewery, Hop & Sting Art Market attracts about 50 vendors, including artists, artisans, local food trucks, and many more. Friendly for the whole family, including your four-legged companions, the action takes place between noon and 6 p.m. on August 20. Homemade and vintage items will be available, with vendors receiving 100% of their sales and all fees going to a nonprofit.
  
  
• Dallas Farmers Market – 920 South Harwood, Dallas, TX 75201
  Dallas Farmers Market is lively and energetic – no matter how many times you've been there, there's always something new to discover. That could be live music, demonstrations from leading local chefs, and much more. Two special event venues are on call for you to rent at The Shed and Market. And you can take advantage of happy hour specials from more than a dozen local restaurants that share the space.
  
  
• North Richland Hills Farmers Market – 7700 Davis Boulevard, North Richland Hills, TX 76180
  For an authentic farmers market experience not far from North Richland homes for sale, you can't go wrong with North Richland Hills Farmers Market. Here, the customer comes first. Visitors and vendors alike work together to celebrate the fresh, bountiful produce directly from the surroundings of North Richland Hills. Purchasing local helps support businesses and families from right in the area.
  
  
• Grand Prairie Farmers Market – 120 West Main Street, Grand Prairie, TX 75050
  Grand Prairie Farmers Market has a little bit of everything for fresh produce aficionados, farm store fans, and the whole family. Just down the street from some of the most desirable Grand Prairie homes for sale, you will find an active and growing farmers market. The GPFM is lauded for having new events almost every week, such as the delicious annual Ice Cream Challenge for Charity.

Our real estate agents know there are plenty of places in the area for local shopping. It's one of the many perks of living in the area! 

Contact us to find out more about Dallas-Fort Worth today.

It may not be the horse-drawn sleigh of old, but your car serves as a perfect vehicle for seasonal adventures. Our real estate agents can't wait to take in these holiday light displays that are just minutes from Dallas homes for sale.

• Candy Cane Lane - American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Ave., Dallas, TX 75219
  What "kid" of any age could resist a magical place called Candy Cane Lane? The multi-level display includes lights, lantern characters, and other holiday surprises. Don't forget to get a family photo with Santa Claus. Candy Cane Lane runs through December 26. Visit the website for times. Admission is $35-$50 per vehicle.
  
  
• Dallas Zoo Lights - Dallas Zoo, 650 S.R.L. Thornton Fwy., Dallas, TX 75203
  A beloved holiday tradition takes on a new form at Dallas Zoo Lights. Enjoy the one million lights, 3-D sculptures, and video projection vignettes along the one-mile course from the comfort of your car. Dallas Zoo Lights will be shining through January 2. Visit the website for the full schedule. Admission is $65 per car, $50 for Zoo members, and must be purchased in advance.
  
  
• Radiance! - Riders Field, 7300 Roughriders Trail, Frisco, TX 75034
  Theme parks aren't just for summer. This year's version of Radiance!, a popular holiday attraction down the street from Frisco homes for sale, includes "Frozen in Frisco," a winter carnival with tubing, ice skating, snowball fights, and even a Ferris wheel. Sit back on the Holly Jolly Trolley for a show featuring three million glittering, dancing lights. Tickets range from $19.99-$39.99 per person. Radiance! is open through January 1. Visit the website for dates and times.
  
  
• Interlochen Christmas Lights - Westwood Dr., Arlington, TX 76012
  For more than 40 years, Lake Interlochen has provided the backdrop for a cherished holiday tradition. Interlochen Christmas Lights was the brainchild of community developer Bob Findlay, and today upwards of 200 neighbors deck their homes with spectacular lights and decorations. View the impressive display near Arlington homes for sale from 7 p.m. - 11 p.m. nightly. 
  
  
• Historic Grapevine Christmas Spectacular - Town Square Gazebo, 325 Main St., Grapevine, TX 76051
  Find something old and something new at this year's Historic Grapevine Christmas Spectacular. It's only fitting that the "Christmas Capital of Texas" would offer a stunning display full of lights, life-sized Christmas cards, and an animated snowman. 2021 marks the debut of the outsized Main Street Toyland. Stop by after a day of viewing Grapevine homes for sale. Hours are 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily through January 10, and admission is free.
  
  
• Santa House - 3373 Spruce Ln., Grapevine, TX 76051
  Share in the giving spirit of the holidays when you visit Santa House. The Murillo family fills their yard with more than 1,000 brilliantly lit retro Santa figures to create a whimsical display of any child's dreams. Their ultimate goal is raising awareness of and funds for the Christmas Cottage, an organization providing holiday gifts for kids in need. Hours are 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. every day through December 25.
  
  
• Lights on the Farm - Heritage Farmstead Museum, 1900 W. 15th St., Plano, TX 75075
  Experience the charm of an old-fashioned holiday that runs through Lights on the Farm, not far from Plano homes for sale. Walk the quarter-mile trail through trees and displays covered with more than one million lights. Visit Santa's Workshop, where kids can write letters and get their pictures. Lights on the Farm is open beginning at 6 p.m. weekends through December 26. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for kids.

Have your own festive light display in your new DFW home. Contact us at RE/MAX DFW Associates to learn more.

Dallas, Fort Worth, and the many wonderful smaller cities in North Texas are home to some of the state's best, most acclaimed wineries. In addition to producing award-winning wines, these wineries often host special events where you can enjoy great food, camaraderie, live entertainment, and unique, behind-the-scenes tours. Many of the area's most popular wineries work together to create wine trails, with coordinated events that make it easy to explore all that various local wineries have to offer. Our real estate agents have the delicious details on 4 North Texas wine trails that you will love to explore this summer.

Dallas Town and Country Wine Trail

The Dallas Town and Country Wine Trail is the perfect option for anyone who wants to visit some amazing wineries close to Dallas homes for sale. There are six great wineries to visit on this trail, including Carmela Winery, Eden Hill Winery and Vineyard, Caudalie Crest, Lone Star Wine Cellars, Landon Winery, and Grayson Hill Winery. Many of these wineries are located in quaint, historic town squares in smaller communities just outside of Dallas. Taste some award-winning local wines, enjoy scenic countryside drives between each winery, and learn more from the experts about how some of the best wines around Dallas are produced.

North Texas Wine Country Trail

Looking for a single wine trail that can keep you busy with new places to explore all summer long? The North Texas Wine Country Trail includes wineries in 22 counties, starting with the DFW region and spreading out through a diverse selection of North Texas communities. There's a winery for every taste on this trail, from urban wineries in DFW to sprawling, countryside vineyards located far from the hustle and bustle of the big cities. There's a ton to explore throughout the summer, and the fun continues well into the fall. Keep an eye out for big events like the Downtown Wine Walks of North Texas Wine Country and the Windsong Wine & Music Festival.

Grapevine Wine Trail

Located just a short drive from the big cities, the Grapevine Wine Trail showcases five of the best wineries in downtown Grapevine. Most of the wineries on this trail are within walking distance so that you can enjoy a leisurely walk through Grapevine's historic downtown between each stop. During coordinated events on the Grapevine Wine Trail, one ticket will give you access to three tastings with food pairings at each winery on the trail, along with a commemorative wine glass from each winery that you visit. Check the website regularly for scheduled events, and plan ahead for transportation if you'd rather not walk between wineries.

Vine & Wine Tours of North Texas

While most wine trails are self-guided, Vine & Wine Tours of North Texas offers a guided, all-inclusive tour of three of the most popular wineries located near Fort Worth homes for sale. These tours will take you to some of the oldest wineries in DFW, with the opportunity to tour production facilities, ask questions to expert winemakers, stroll through the vineyards, and of course, taste some incredible wines. During your five-plus-hour tour, you will be guided by a former winery owner who is happy to tell you more about the industry and the history of wine in North Texas.

Fine wine and great times are never far from your front door when you live in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and our team is here to help you find your next home in your favorite city. Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout the DFW region.

Our real estate agents love having an excuse to enjoy a sweet treat. March 14th is affectionately known as "Pi Day" -- and we think that's close enough!

There are so many great bakeries in the DFW area, you might want to start visiting them now, so you're prepared when the big day rolls around. Here are a few of our favorites. 

1. Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop: 1707 North Collins Street, Ste. 115, Arlington, TX 76011
   Any time we're in the area showing Arlington homes for sale, we love stopping by Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop to check out their selection of goodies. Every day, they have nine different pie flavors in three different sizes, making it easy to find something you'll love each time you visit. Some of our favorite flavors are Peanut Butter Cream, Chewy Chocolate Chip, and Nanny's Pecan.
   
   
2. Emporium Pies: 107 S. Tennessee St., McKinney, TX 75069
   Specialty shop Emporium Pies is known for fine pies that are handmade with quality ingredients. Their offerings change with the seasons, so you can visit again and again and never get bored. We love the "Drunken Nut," a bourbon pecan pie with a shortbread crust, and the "Smooth Operator," a French silk chocolate pie with a pretzel crust. They also make homemade vanilla ice cream, which is the ideal complement to their delicious desserts. Whether you live in the area or you're looking at McKinney homes for sale, chances are you'll want to return to this great bakery again and again. 
   
   
3. JudyPie: 520 S. Main St., #200, Grapevine, TX 76051
   Affectionately known as "The cutest vintage pie shop in Texas," JudyPie makes fresh pies from scratch every day in their on-site kitchen. We love this shop, in part because they'll happily make a smaller six-inch version of any of their standard 10-inch pies. This makes it easy to enjoy a few different flavors each time we visit! If you're in the area exploring Grapevine homes for sale, we recommend stopping here. From classics like Salted Caramel Apple Pie to decadent creations like the "Memphis Mafia" (a combination of peanut butter truffle and banana pudding pies), you're always guaranteed to find something the whole family will love! 
   
   
4. Batch Bakery: 5355 Dallas Pkwy., Ste 610 Frisco, TX 75034
   Batch Bakery is one of the area's most popular pie shops. They offer nine-inch and four-inch pies and "Batch Bites," a selection of a dozen mini-pies in assorted flavors. This is a great way to enjoy a variety of their creations in one sitting! They have all the classics, like Apple, Key Lime, Coconut Cream, and Peanut Butter. You might also want to try our favorite, Chocolate Chess. It's a gooey fudge brownie baked in a shortbread crust! After you pick up your pie, we recommend taking a short drive around. Some of the best Frisco homes for sale are located nearby.  
   
   
5. Miz. G's House of Pies: 2315 Sutter St., Dallas, TX 75216
   If you've been looking at Dallas homes for sale, you can expect to pay plenty of visits to Miz. G's House of Pies. They've been pleasing customers since 2010 with delicious family recipes baked from scratch. We love that they'll happily make pies that are gluten-free, sugar-free, and dairy-free so that everyone can enjoy them! Some of our favorite flavors are the German Chocolate, Old Fashion Apple, and their signature Sweet Potato Pie made with Texas-grown sweet potatoes.

Are you looking for a "sweet" deal on a new home? Our agents would love to show you some of the area's best neighborhoods! Contact us today to discuss your goals and get started.

Whatever else is going on in our lives, Thanksgiving is a constant, providing us with a comforting sense of gratitude. Celebrate in style with a fine-dining feast from one of these upscale restaurants around DFW recommended by our real estate agents. 

• Mignon - 4005 Preston Rd., Suite 518, Plano, TX 75093
  With its intimate booths, Mondrian-style abstract artwork and elegant wood surfaces, dining at Mignon, just minutes from Plano homes for sale, feels like being in a scene from a 1960s French film. The three-course, $54 prix-fixe Thanksgiving menu begins with soup or salad, followed by turkey breast with stuffing, sweet potatoes, green beans, and cranberry relish. For dessert, choose between apple pie and pumpkin cheesecake. Substitute filet mignon or Chilean sea bass for an additional charge. Two private dining rooms for each seating time allow safe social distancing. Hours are 8:45 a.m. - 5 p.m. with a two-hour limit.
  
  
• Fearing's Restaurant - 2121 McKinney Ave., Dallas, TX 75201
  Located in the iconic Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Fearing's Restaurant was recently named #1 among the "Top Dallas Restaurants for Celebrating Special Occasions." The elegant Thanksgiving menu is in keeping with the restaurant's high standards and sense of style. Start with a choice of four appetizers before moving on to the main course of turkey, halibut, beef tenderloin, or lamb osso buco, finishing with one of three different desserts. Price is $125 per person. Hours are 10:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
  
  
• Hotel Crescent Court - 400 Crescent Court, Dallas, TX 75201
  Turn your home into the most exclusive dining room around Dallas homes for sale. Thanksgiving To-Go from Hotel Crescent Court does all the work while you get all the credit. The holiday feast includes a whole turkey, salad, bread and dinner rolls, and assortment of classic side dishes along with a pumpkin pie and apple pie, enough to feed 8-10 people. Price is $275 plus tax and a 10 percent service charge. Visit the website to order by 2:30 p.m. on Monday, November 23. Orders may be picked up Wednesday, November 25 between 5 - 7 p.m. and Thursday, November 26 between 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. 
  
  
• Perry's Steakhouse & Grill - 2440 Parkwood Blvd., Frisco, TX 75034
  Whether you prefer dining out or enjoying Thanksgiving in the comfort of your own home, Perry's Steakhouse & Grill has got you covered. Dine-in guests at the popular restaurant near Frisco homes for sale may order from the special Thanksgiving Day $45 prix-fixe menu or the regular dinner menu. For your convenience, the holiday meal can be ordered for curbside pickup at the same price plus a 15 percent handling fee. Kids' meals for ages 12 and under are available for $15, both dine-in and carryout. Hours are 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
  
  
• Bacchus Kitchen + Bar - 215 E. Dallas Rd., Grapevine, TX 76051
  Named after the Roman god of wine, Bacchus Kitchen + Bar, not far from Grapevine homes for sale, is all about that ancient civilization's tradition of celebratory feasts. The daily menu highlights contemporary cuisine made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, and the same holds true for the special Thanksgiving Day menu. Enjoy a family-style meal featuring cider-brined turkey or bourbon maple-glazed ham accompanied by gourmet sides, including jalapeño corn bread stuffing and roasted garlic and crème fraiche whipped potatoes. Price is $75 for adults and $30 for kids over age 5. Hours are 6:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.

In 2021, will you be giving thanks for a new home in Dallas or Fort Worth? Contact us at RE/MAX DFW Associates for help with all your real estate questions. 

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

SOURCE: Estimates from Texas Education Agency

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