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How Do I Prepare for a Home Inspection? A home inspection is a crucial step in the home buying process that helps identify potential issues before closing. Preparing well can ensure a thorough, efficient inspection and give you confidence in your investment. Here’s how to get ready for a home inspection in Dallas, TX in 2025. Make Key Areas Accessible Clear clutter and boxes from areas the inspector will need to access, such as the attic, crawl spaces, electrical panels, HVAC units, water heaters, and under sinks. Make sure all doors, closets, and access panels open smoothly. Ensure Utilities Are Turned On For a complete inspection, utilities like electricity, water, and gas should be turned on. This allows the inspector to test appliances, plumbing, heating, and cooling systems fully. Tidy Both Interior and Exterior A clean home makes the inspection process smoother. Inside, clear countertops, remove dishes from sinks, and tidy storage areas. Outside, trim trees near the roof, clean gutters, and ensure yards and fences are easily accessible. Prepare Documentation and Access Have records of past repairs, warranties, or termite treatments ready. Leave keys or remotes for gates, garage doors, and any secured areas the inspector will need to check. Plan to Attend the Inspection Being present gives you the chance to ask questions and see issues firsthand. The process typically takes 2-4 hours depending on the home size and condition. Proper preparation helps your home inspection run efficiently, uncover any hidden issues, and arms you with knowledge to negotiate repairs or adjust your offer accordingly. Selden Tual Rogers Healy and Associates Real Estate 512.944.3121

Dallas: The Next Silicon Valley? Every tech relocation feels like confirmation that we’re the future of innovation—ignore the 110° heat index. Dallas is rapidly transforming into a national tech powerhouse, drawing comparisons to Silicon Valley thanks to explosive growth in AI, corporate relocations, and a thriving startup scene. Key Highlights Major Corporate Moves: Companies like Nasdaq, Oracle, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and AI leader Cognigy have relocated major offices or headquarters to Dallas, citing pro-business policies, robust infrastructure, and a deep talent pool. AI & Data Center Expansion: Dallas now hosts over 141 data centers, making it the U.S.’s second-largest hub for AI infrastructure. Nvidia’s new 1M sq. ft. supercomputer plant anchors the city in the global AI race. Job Market: Over 20,000 new tech jobs were added in 2025, with median salaries around $95,000—higher than the national average. Startup Investment: More than $1.1 billion was invested in Dallas startups last year, fueling innovation and growth Fortune 1000 Presence: Dallas-Fort Worth is now home to 47 Fortune 1000 headquarters, ranking third in the U.S. Why Dallas Attracts Tech Business-Friendly Environment: No state income tax, lower cost of living, and aggressive expansion incentives. Talent Pipeline: Proximity to top universities and a collaborative tech community with frequent meetups and hackathons. Diverse Opportunities: Roles span AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, fintech, and more.   The Dallas Lifestyle: Luxury and Innovation Luxury Real Estate: Dallas-Fort Worth led Texas in luxury home sales, with nearly 5,000 homes sold above $1 million between November 2023 and October 2024, totaling $8.5 billion in volume—a 14% year-over-year increase. Prime Neighborhoods: Highland Park, Victory Park, Preston Hollow, Uptown, Turtle Creek, Southlake, and Westlake are top choices for affluent buyers, offering estates, penthouses, and custom homes with premium amenities. Competitive Advantage: High-end homes in Dallas suburbs offer better value per square foot than coastal luxury markets, with a median home size of 4,212 sq. ft. and an average price per square foot of $3944. Challenges and Considerations Heat Index: Dallas’s climate can be extreme, with summer heat indexes reaching 110°—a trade-off for its economic advantages. Sustainability: The city is grappling with the demands of rapid AI and data center growth, including energy and water usage, prompting new policies and sustainability debates. Conclusion Dallas is cementing its status as a leading center for innovation, tech investment, and luxury living. With a booming job market, major corporate relocations, and a thriving real estate scene, Dallas is well on its way to becoming the “next Silicon Valley”— even if you have to brave the Texas heat. Selden Tual Rogers Healy and Associates Real Estate 512.944.3121

How New Home Construction in Dallas-Fort Worth is Changing the Market  The Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) housing market is undergoing a significant transformation in 2025, largely driven by a surge in new home construction. This wave of new housing starts is reshaping the landscape for both buyers and sellers, offering fresh opportunities and new challenges in one of the nation’s hottest real estate markets. Surge in New Construction Home Sales New home sales in the DFW area have reached their highest levels since 2021. In December 2024, new construction home sales rose to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 698,000 nationwide, marking a 6.7% year-over-year increase and a 3.6% rise from the previous month. This national trend is strongly reflected in DFW, where the combination of a robust job market and relative affordability continues to attract buyers and investors alike19. Builders are responding to strong demand by ramping up production, especially in northern suburbs like Frisco and Prosper, which remain hotspots for new developments. These areas benefit from ongoing population growth and economic expansion, making them prime locations for new home buyers67. What This Means for Buyers More Inventory and Choices: The increase in new construction means buyers have more options, reducing competition and bidding wars on resale homes. This expanded inventory gives buyers the flexibility to select homes with modern designs, energy-efficient features, and the latest amenities. Builder Incentives: To attract buyers in a competitive market, many builders are offering incentives such as interest rate buy-downs, closing cost assistance, and upgrade packages. These perks can make purchasing a new home more affordable despite current mortgage rates1. Mortgage Rate Considerations: While mortgage rates remain elevated—hovering in the mid to high 6% range—builders often partner with preferred lenders to provide special financing options. Buyers should still get pre-approved early to lock in favorable terms9. What This Means for Sellers Increased Competition: Sellers of existing homes face more competition as new construction homes flood the market. Buyers may be drawn to brand-new properties with modern features, which can lengthen the time resale homes stay on the market. Pricing Pressure: With more supply available, sellers may need to price homes more competitively and be prepared for negotiations. Homes that are well-maintained, updated, and priced right will stand out. Market Shift Toward Balance: The rise in new construction is contributing to a more balanced market, moving away from the intense seller’s market conditions seen in previous years. This shift benefits buyers but requires sellers to adjust expectations accordingly13. Challenges and Market Dynamics Despite the surge, new construction activity is facing headwinds. Rising construction costs, labor shortages, and financing hurdles have slowed the pace of housing starts compared to previous years. For example, while there was an 11.2% increase in housing starts in February 2025 compared to January, the total starts are still down 2.9% year-over-year, signaling some caution among builders5. Builder confidence has dipped to a seven-month low, largely due to affordability concerns and reduced buyer traffic. Rising interest rates have made homeownership more expensive, potentially limiting demand and slowing the pace of new home sales in certain segments5. Looking Ahead: What to Expect in 2025 Steady but Moderating Growth: New home construction will continue to play a key role in DFW’s housing market, but growth is expected to moderate as builders navigate economic challenges. Focus on Northern Suburbs: Areas like Frisco, Prosper, and Allen-McKinney will remain focal points for new development, driven by strong population growth and job opportunities. Balanced Market Conditions: Increased supply from new construction will help stabilize prices and provide more options, benefiting buyers while encouraging sellers to be strategic. Opportunities for Buyers: Buyers looking for modern homes with the latest features will find attractive options in new developments, often with builder incentives that ease the buying process. Conclusion The surge in new home construction in Dallas-Fort Worth is reshaping the real estate market in 2025. Buyers enjoy more choices and incentives, while sellers face increased competition and pricing pressures. Although challenges like rising costs and interest rates temper growth, new construction remains a vital force supporting the region’s housing needs. Staying informed and working with knowledgeable real estate professionals is essential for anyone looking to buy or sell in this dynamic market. Selden Tual Rogers Healy and Associates Real Estate 512.944.3121  

Dallas Fall 2025: Why Buyers Have Record Inventory and Unmatched Leverage Dallas buyers, you’re in the driver’s seat. Fall 2025 is shaping up as a rare window for home shoppers, with inventory at its highest in over a decade and negotiating power peaking. Unlike September’s tight market (2,118 properties, down 2.5%), October’s projected surge to 32,000 active listings—up 60% from 2017—marks a historic shift. With prices cooling and sellers motivated, here’s why now’s the time to buy in Dallas. The Numbers Behind the Buyer’s Market Record Inventory: Active listings hit 32,000, the highest since 2011-12, dwarfing September’s 2,118. This week alone, 3,400 new listings landed, compared to just 2,149 pending sales—supply outpaces demand. Price Drops Dominate: Price decreases (5,371) outnumber increases (608) 9 to 1. Two-thirds of homes sell below list price, giving you room to negotiate. Slower Sales: Days on market jumped 30% to 53 days citywide, hitting 73 in counties like Denton. Sellers are offering 5% below ask to close deals. New Construction Surplus: Nine months’ supply for new homes (up from 7.5 last year) means builders are tossing in incentives like rate buydowns or closing cost credits.   Metric                          September 2025            October 2025 (Projected)           Change Active Listings           2,118                                 2,000                                              +1,411% New Listings              824                                   3,400                                               +312% Avg Asking Price       $502K                              $485K                                              -3.4% Days on Market         41                                      53                                                     +30% Why Fall 2025 Is Prime for Buyers September’s tight inventory (2,118, down 2.5%) and 5.8% new listing surge (824) kept sellers in control. October flips the script. The massive jump to 32,000 listings—driven by lingering summer homes and cautious sellers delaying for 2026— creates a buyer’s paradise. Here’s why this season stands out: Unmatched Choice: With 3,400 new listings this week, you can tour multiple homes in areas like Collin or Rockwall without rushing. Negotiation Leverage: Price cuts and longer market times let you request repairs, upgrades, or concessions. Sellers aiming to close before holidays are extra flexible. Cooling Prices: Dallas County prices dropped 3.4% year-over-year, with pockets like Princeton down 12%. October’s $485K average (from September’s $502K) signals affordability. Builder Incentives: New construction’s nine-month supply means deals like free upgrades or rate reductions, especially in Frisco or McKinney. Why Waiting Could Cost You Mortgage rates, now at 6.5%, are expected to dip with Federal Reserve cuts. If rates hit 6%, 5.5 million more households nationwide could afford median-priced homes, sparking competition. September’s 2.2% price growth ($502K) already cooled to a 3.4% drop ($485K) in October projections. Waiting risks bidding wars as buyers flood back, shrinking your leverage and inventory edge. Strategies for Dallas Buyers Shop Smart: Use the 32,000 listings to compare homes in value-rich counties like Denton or Collin. Target homes sitting over 53 days for better deals. Negotiate Boldly: With 5,371 price drops, ask for 5% below list or concessions like closing costs. Insist on inspection contingencies to avoid surprises. Lock in Financing: Pre-approve now at 6.5% to beat potential rate hikes. Explore FHA loans or Texas’s My First Texas Home for down payment help. Consider New Builds: Builders’ incentives (rate buydowns, upgrades) make new homes in suburbs like Prosper appealing. Buyer FAQs for Fall 2025 Q: Are homes selling faster or slower? A: Slower—days on market rose 30% to 53, giving you time to decide without pressure. Q: Are prices still rising? A: No, they’re cooling. Entry and mid-tier homes dropped 3.4% in Dallas County, with steeper declines in areas like Princeton. Q: Should I wait for lower rates? A: Risky. A drop to 6% could bring millions of buyers, slashing inventory and driving prices up. External Resources Zillow: Dallas, TX Housing Market Data Freddie Mac: Latest Mortgage Rates Newsweek: Dallas Market Turns as Inventory Surges Conclusion Fall 2025 is a buyer’s dream in Dallas, with record inventory (32,000 listings), cooling prices ($485K average), and sellers ready to negotiate. From Collin County’s value deals to new construction incentives, you’ve got leverage like never before. Don’t wait for rate drops to spark competition—act now to secure your home. Ready to seize this window? Reach out to me at [email protected] or call 512.944.3121. Dallas Fall 2025: Record Inventory & Unmatched Buyer Leverage Selden Tual Rogers Healy and Associates Real Estate 512.944.3121

What Are the Pros and Cons of Buying a New Build? Buying a new build home offers many appealing benefits but also comes with some considerations. Here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons for homebuyers in 2025. Pros of Buying a New Build Modern Design and Technology: New homes use the latest building materials, energy-efficient systems, and modern layouts, often featuring open floor plans and smart home technology. Customization Options: Buyers frequently have the opportunity to personalize finishes, fixtures, and floor plans to their tastes. Builder Warranties: New builds come with warranties covering structural elements, appliances, and major systems, providing peace of mind. Low Maintenance: With new plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and roofing, buyers generally face fewer repairs and maintenance in the early years. Master-Planned Communities: Many new developments offer community amenities like pools, parks, trails, and even schools within walking distance. Cons of Buying a New Build Cons of Buying a New Build Higher Initial Cost: New homes typically cost 6-20% more than comparable pre-owned homes, factoring in upgrades and builder premiums. Location: New construction neighborhoods may be further from city centers or established urban areas, affecting commute and convenience. Potential Construction Delays: Building a new home can involve wait times and unexpected delays. Smaller Lots: Many new builds come with smaller yards compared to older, established neighborhoods. Limited Architectural Variety: New developments often have similar home designs, lacking the unique charm of older homes. Deciding whether to buy a new construction home in Dallas depends on your lifestyle preferences, budget, and long-term goals. New builds offer modern convenience and warranties, while resale homes may provide better locations and character. Working with an experienced local realtor will help you weigh these factors for a confident purchase in 2025. Would you like this blog formatted for your website CMS or distilled into social media snippets? Here is a blog post titled "What Are the Pros and Cons of Buying a New Build ?" using your preferred template style: meta_title: Pros and Cons of Buying a New Build | 2025 Homebuyer Guide meta_description: Explore the advantages and disadvantages of buying a new construction home in 2025. Make an informed decision with expert insights. permalink: /posts/pros-cons-buying-new-build-dallas-2025 What Are the Pros and Cons of Buying a New Build? Buying a new build home offers many appealing benefits but also comes with some considerations. Here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons for homebuyers in 2025. Pros of Buying a New Build Modern Design and Technology: New homes use the latest building materials, energy-efficient systems, and modern layouts, often featuring open floor plans and smart home technology. Customization Options: Buyers frequently have the opportunity to personalize finishes, fixtures, and floor plans to their tastes. Builder Warranties: New builds come with warranties covering structural elements, appliances, and major systems, providing peace of mind. Low Maintenance: With new plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and roofing, buyers generally face fewer repairs and maintenance in the early years. Master-Planned Communities: Many new developments offer community amenities like pools, parks, trails, and even schools within walking distance. Cons of Buying a New Build Higher Initial Cost: New homes typically cost 6-20% more than comparable pre-owned homes, factoring in upgrades and builder premiums. Location: New construction neighborhoods may be further from city centers or established urban areas, affecting commute and convenience. Potential Construction Delays: Building a new home can involve wait times and unexpected delays. Smaller Lots: Many new builds come with smaller yards compared to older, established neighborhoods. Limited Architectural Variety: New developments often have similar home designs, lacking the unique charm of older homes.   Deciding whether to buy a new construction home in Dallas depends on your lifestyle preferences, budget, and long-term goals. New builds offer modern convenience and warranties, while resale homes may provide better locations and character. Work with me to help you weigh these factors for a confident purchase. Selden Tual Rogers Healy and Associates Real Estate 512.944.3121