Articles Tagged "Richardson TX"

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

Like the rest of you, our real estate agents eagerly anticipate new and exciting culinary trends. Unsurprisingly, the DFW is on point with restaurants featuring Filipino cuisine, popcorn, robot service, and other 2022 trends predicted by The Takeout. 

• Inihaw Avenue - 4835 N. O'Connor Rd., Suite 106, Irving, TX 75062
  Inihaw Avenue takes its name from the Filipino term for grilling and barbecue, which is a cooking method near and dear to the hearts of people around Irving homes for sale. Signature dishes, such as grilled lemongrass chicken and crispy pork belly with shrimp paste, are cooked to order for maximum flavor and freshness. Save room for halo halo, the traditional Filipino dessert with crushed ice, fruit, flan, and ice cream. Hours are 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
  
  
• Kabayan Filipino Store & Cafe - 2305 S. State Hwy. 121, Lewisville, TX 75067
  Perhaps anticipating the interest in Filipino cuisine around Lewisville homes for sale, the Villaneuvas opened Kabayan Filipino Store & Cafe just over five years ago. The popular spot includes a cafeteria-style dining area, along with a market where you can pick up Filipino packaged food, frozen dishes, and meats by the pound to enjoy at home. Weekends feature karaoke and live music. Kabayan is open 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sunday.
  
  
• Doc Popcorn - Dallas Farmers Market, 920 S. Harwood St. #179, Dallas, TX 75201
  Healthy popcorn? Yes, it's possible. Doc Popcorn is made with non-GMO kernels and popped with 100 percent pure corn oil. Everything is natural, with no artificial coloring, flavors, or sweeteners. Choose from sweet or savory flavors such as pizza, caramel apple, and cookies 'n' cream. Can't decide? Go for a combo like the Denver mix, with triple white cheddar and caramel bliss. Hours are 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. daily except Wednesday and Friday when hours are extended to 8 p.m.
  
  
• The Poppin Shop - 900 S. Main St. #335, Keller, TX 76248
  You might think that 30+ flavors of gourmet popcorn would be enough to satisfy anyone's snack craving. But The Poppin Shop, located just minutes from Keller homes for sale, ups the ante with a wide assortment of fudge and candy to indulge your sweet tooth. Popcorn sizes run from the single-serving goodie bag to the 20-gallon bag that holds 100 servings. The shop also offers a variety of colorful tins, from one gallon to 6.5 gallons, for convenient gift-giving. Hours are 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday.
  
  
• Starship Deliveries - University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W. Campbell Rd., Richardson, TX 75080
  If your family has a student at UT Dallas, right down the street from Richardson homes for sale, chances are they've had coffee or sandwiches delivered by a robot. Starship Deliveries has a "staff" of 30 robots that travel 4 MPH and carry up to 20 pounds. Orders are placed through the service's mobile app, which accepts payment by credit or debit cards. Vendors currently participating include Papa John's, Panda Express, and Einstein Bros. Bagels. 

We may like food, but we love Dallas homes for sale even more. Whether you're buying or selling, contact us at RE/MAX DFW Associates to learn more.

Mark your calendars, wing fanatics: July 29th is National Chicken Wing Day! It's the holiday we never knew we needed. If you happen to be in Dallas-Fort Worth for this momentous occasion, be sure to check out these great local wing spots.

• Wing Bucket - 101 S Coit Rd #10, Richardson, TX 75080
  With a name like Wing Bucket, you can be confident that you'll get some pretty awesome wings. This place doesn't disappoint, with juicy jumbo wings cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor. They offer some fun and inventive sauces like bourbon, bacon, and orange ginger, as well as old standbys like mild, medium, and hot buffalo sauce. Wing Bucket is just minutes from these Richardson homes for sale, with additional locations in Downtown Dallas and Deep Ellum. 
  
  
• LB Wings - 3015 Gulden Ln, Dallas, TX 75212
  At LB Wings, you can order wings by the pound. And lest you worry that you're getting quantity over quality, you can rest assured. These wings pack amazing depth of flavor and a wide spectrum of spice levels, with flavors including buffalo, chipotle BBQ, and mango-habanero. LB Wings is a stone's throw from many Dallas homes for sale, and in addition to killer wings, they also offer some really great side dishes, like fried okra, smoked green beans, and bourbon corn. 
  
  
• Gidi Wings - 921 W Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75208
  The folks at Gidi Wings do one thing—make great wings—and they do it very well. This Dallas favorite offers a minimalist menu that includes wings, sides (either fries or veggies), drinks, and that's pretty much it. Choose between traditional bone-in wings or boneless wings, and decide which of their 18 wing sauces and flavors best suits your palate. Choose Volcanic Fire if you have a thing for heat or Carolina Reaper if you have a death wish. 
  
  
• Tail Feathers Wing Wagon - 2800 Bledsoe St #150a, Fort Worth, TX 76107
  With a reputation as the best local wing spot in Fort Worth, Tail Feathers Wing Wagon has really got that perfect crispy-yet juicy wing thing locked down. The wings are slathered in sauce ranging from mild to inferno and served with homemade thick-cut potato chips. The only problem with Tail Feathers is that it can be hard to find. It's actually inside another business called the Whiskey Garden, just down the road from these Forth Worth homes for sale.
  
  
• Pluckers Wing Bar - 190 E Stacy Rd Ste 1800, Allen, TX 75002
  A local branch of the beloved Austin-based wing establishment, Pluckers Wing Bar is a classic hot-wings-and-cold-beer joint with a fun, welcoming atmosphere. With a location convenient to many Allen homes for sale, Pluckers is especially well-known for their incredible variety of wing sauces (more than 25 flavors to choose from) and the ability to order a whopping 100 wings. 
  
  
• Smoky Rose- 8602 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218
  Smoky Rose is known for making some delicious smoked meats in Dallas, from brisket and pulled pork to ribs and sausage. They offer wings too, but they do them a little differently here. The wings are slowly smoked before being flash-fried and dunked in sauce, and the result is a whole other level of flavor. They also serve up some amazing craft cocktails in their charming rustic-chic space.

Ready to learn more about life in the DFW? Our real estate agents are here to help you find your dream home in Dallas, Fort Worth, and the surrounding areas, and you can contact us any time—even on National Chicken Wing Day. 

Love to cook? If so, you may be looking for a dream kitchen among Fort Worth homes for sale. You probably have some good ideas about what you want in a kitchen, but our real estate agents have some insightful advice that might make you reconsider what you're looking for. For instance, many homeowners think large when it comes to kitchen space, but experts say it's more important for your kitchen to be organized than to be expansive.

Make the most of your kitchen with these upgrades.

1. Create a Good Workflow
   Gathering guests in the kitchen while you cook is a definite trend, but you want to arrange things so your guests can enjoy visiting and not be in the way. Place them nearby where they can enjoy a drink or some snacks, but not where you have to work around them. Plan for your cooktop to be out of the flow of traffic; take that a step further and locate the trash or the bar away from the cooking flow so you don't have to dance around obstructions. By the same token, you want essentials nearby, such as the refrigerator, pots and pans, most favored utensils, and cooking ingredients.
   
   
2. Invest in Good Counters
   You want good quality counters, but that doesn't mean you need to invest in the most expensive materials. For instance, granite is popular, but it requires considerable upkeep and can scratch easily. Another popular material is soapstone, which is soft and can be scratched, but it's not delicate. It also ages nicely and can stand high heat. Compressed recycled quartz is a popular choice that stands up to wear and comes in several choices.
   
   
3. Go for Quality Cookware
   Forget those 20-piece cookware sets. Rather, buy piece by piece and only buy what you need. For instance, you're likely going to use a frying pan or skillet more than, say, a saucier, so do invest in one that's of good quality. But investing in an inexpensive non-stick skillet for daily egg cooking isn't a bad idea. You can save the quality piece for the gourmet dishes, and just let the non-stick go when it wears out.  
   
   A cast-iron skillet is one way to acquire a quality piece that doesn't cost much. These last forever. You might also want to invest in a fully clad pot, which means it's composed of three layers of bonded metal. These pots are known for even transmittal of heat, which translates to nice browning instead of hot spots.
   
   
4. Think Bold
   While white kitchens with a bold pop of color or two have prevailed over recent years, the trend may be shifting to more adventurous colors. For instance, bright blue cabinetry might call to you, as might a green marble countertop or a backsplash that makes an eye-catching statement. If you know you're staying in your current home, choose the colors that appeal most to you.
   
   
5. Consider Sustainability 
   The throw-away syndrome is something we all need to lose, and no better place to start than in your kitchen upgrade. As you look to redo your kitchen, shop for quality, artisanal, sustainably made items that will last a lifetime. For example, consider adding quality food storage solutions to get rid of plastic wrap usage.

Still looking for a home complete with the perfect kitchen for all your culinary adventures? Our agents can help. Contact us today.

Bubble tea—also known as boba tea—has taken America by storm in the last 10 years. This sweet tea-based drink with chewy tapioca balls originated in Taiwan back in the 1980s, but these days it's everywhere. 

Case in point: we have some truly great bubble tea joints here in the DFW. Whether you're looking for a new place to get your boba fix, or you're just getting ready to try it for the first time, our real estate agents recommend these awesome bubble tea shops in Dallas, Fort Worth, and the surrounding areas! 

1. Fat Straws Bubble Tea - 1251 W Campbell Rd, Richardson, TX 75080
   Fat Straws is a local bubble tea chain that has exploded in popularity since it got started in 2002. They've grown to include locations all over the DFW area, but you should really check out their largest shop in Richardson. Not only is it convenient to these Richardson homes for sale, but it's the only Fat Straws Bubble Tea location that makes their signature matcha donuts. They're incredibly tasty and are the perfect accompaniment to any of Fat Straws' tasty bubble tea drinks.
   
   
2. Bobadiction - 3014 Main St, Dallas, TX 75226
   Family-owned and operated since 2012, Bobadiction is one of the best places in Dallas to grab a bubble tea or smoothie while you're on the go. Not only are their drinks delicious, but they're made using only real cane sugar—never high fructose corn syrup. Their original flagship location is in Deep Ellum, the oldest neighborhood in Dallas is just minutes from many Dallas homes for sale. They also have a second location in North Richland Hills, and you never know where the Bobadiction food truck might turn up!
   
   
3. Boba Tea & Treats - 4135 Belt Line Rd, Addison, TX 75001
   Offering a seemingly infinite drink menu and a fun, funky atmosphere, Boba Tea & Treats is a great place to visit if you've never tried bubble tea before. The combinations of flavors and toppings are almost endless, but the folks at Boba Tea & Treats also have a well-curated menu of signature favorites that practically beg to be sampled. They're also just a short drive from these Addison homes for sale.
   
   
4. Fruitealicious - 3043 Greene Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76109
   You'll find an incredible variety of boba teas, smoothies, and other treats at Fruitealicious, along with iced coffee, lemonade, and tea. Each of their drinks comes with numerous options to make it your own, including the ability to choose your preferred sweetness level. That's great news for anyone who likes bubble tea but can sometimes find it too sweet. Fruitealicious has a handful of locations in and around the DFW area, but we're partial to the Fort Worth spot. It's just around the corner from Fort Worth homes for sale.
   
   
5. Craft Boba Tea - 6105 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75206
   There's a lot to love about Craft Boba Tea. This Dallas bubble tea mainstay has two locations, both with a charming mom-and-pop-store vibe, but each offering something a little different. The Greenville Avenue location, which is operated in conjunction with an awesome Thai eatery, offers tasty smoothies and fresh-pressed juices as part of their menu. The Bishop Avenue location, on the other hand, has unique boba tea-flavored frozen yogurt. Which is better? Who's to say. We highly recommend checking out both. 

Contact us today to learn more about life in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. 

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.

Renovating or updating your home is an exciting prospect. Whether you plan on living there a while longer or are fixing it up to sell soon, doing much-needed updates can be satisfying. Before you get too carried away, though, here are a few words of caution from our real estate agents.

1. Choose your contractor carefully.
   Remember that a lot rides on your choice of contractor. This person will oversee your project, so it needs to be someone who is on board with your vision. It also should be someone who is good at what they do, so check online reviews. It's a good rule of thumb to interview several contractors and look for someone who will be a good fit for your project, understands your budget, and will be able to deliver as promised and on time.
   
   
2. Expect the unexpected.
   That being said, always expect the unexpected, and build a little wiggle room into your budget and your timeline. You don't know what your contractor and his crew will find once they start work. The original plan may need to be changed or some issue could require attention before the work can continue. If you build a little extra into your overall plan, changes in cost or time frame won't hurt as much.
   
   
3. Do the kitchen first.
   There are several reasons why you should do the kitchen first. First of all, it's likely to inconvenience you the most, since you won't have a kitchen to cook in. You can set up a temporary kitchen station in another room, where you can do simple food prep. But more importantly, kitchen updates have the biggest impact on your home's value. Dallas homes for sale that feature clean, modern kitchens show and sell the best. Plus, those updates feature the most functionality, so you'll likely enjoy them the most during whatever time you have left in the house.
   
   
4. Be honest with yourself before DIYing.
   It can be tempting to save yourself the money and do the work yourself, but be honest with yourself as to whether you have the required knowledge, experience, and skill to DIY it. If you overestimate your ability to DIY your upgrades, you'll detract from your home's appeal and leave the buyer to clean up the mess. Be honest with yourself, and if you don't know enough to make the job look professional, then leave it to the professionals.
   
   
5. Know whether you're selling or staying. 
   If you're designing updates to enjoy while you live in the home, your goals are going to be different than if you're updating a home in order to join the list of Fort Worth homes for sale. Renovations for yourself will of course be targeted to your personal preferences, whereas renovations prior to selling need to be more neutral so that they'll appeal to a wide range of potential buyers.

If you're looking to sell your home soon, home improvement projects are a great way to boost its appeal to buyers. For more information about what upgrades sell the best, or to speak to an agent, contact us today.