Area Real Estate News & Market Trends

You’ll find our blog to be a wealth of information, covering everything from local market statistics and home values to community happenings. That’s because we care about the community and want to help you find your place in it. Please reach out if you have any questions at all. We’d love to talk with you!

April 11, 2023

Exploring Dallas-Fort Worth: The Best Neighborhoods to Live In

Exploring Dallas-Fort Worth: The Best Neighborhoods to Live In

 

Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) is a sprawling metropolitan area that is home to over 7 million people. With so many neighborhoods to choose from, it can be challenging to decide where to settle down. However, with some research, you can find the perfect neighborhood to suit your lifestyle and budget. Here are some of the best neighborhoods to live in DFW, each with its own unique character and charm.

Uptown Dallas: Trendy and cosmopolitan, Uptown is a popular neighborhood for young professionals and urbanites. It's known for its high-end restaurants, upscale shopping, and lively nightlife.

Downtown Fort Worth: With a mix of historic buildings and modern developments, Downtown Fort Worth is a vibrant hub for culture and entertainment. It's home to the famous Sundance Square and many museums, galleries, and theaters.

Plano: Located in the northern suburbs of Dallas, Plano is a family-friendly community with top-rated schools, parks, and shopping centers. It's also home to many tech companies and job opportunities.

Frisco: Another northern suburb of Dallas, Frisco is a rapidly growing city that's known for its excellent schools, sports facilities, and shopping. It's also home to several major employers, including Toyota and the Dallas Cowboys.

Grapevine: Located between Dallas and Fort Worth, Grapevine is a charming small town with a rich history and many attractions. It's known for its wineries, festivals, and historic Main Street.

No matter what your preferences are, there's a neighborhood in DFW that's perfect for you. With its diverse range of neighborhoods, great job market, and low cost of living, DFW is a great place to call home.

Posted in DFW Lifestyles
April 5, 2023

5 Compelling Reasons to Consider Relocating to DFW

5 Compelling Reasons to Consider Relocating to DFW


Dallas-Fort Worth, commonly known as DFW, is a rapidly growing metropolitan area located in the north-central region of Texas. It is the fourth-largest metropolitan area in the United States, with a population of over 7.5 million people. The area is home to a diverse mix of cultures and industries, making it an ideal place to relocate for those looking for new opportunities. In this blog, we will discuss some of the top reasons why you should consider relocating to DFW.

Strong Job Market

DFW is home to a diverse range of industries, including healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and technology. Major corporations such as American Airlines, AT&T, and Toyota have headquarters located in the area, providing a wide range of job opportunities. The unemployment rate in DFW is consistently below the national average, making it an attractive place for those seeking employment.

Affordability

DFW is known for its relatively low cost of living compared to other major metropolitan areas in the United States. Housing prices are significantly lower than cities like New York or Los Angeles, and Texas does not have a state income tax. This makes it an attractive option for those looking to stretch their dollar further.

Quality Education

DFW is home to several top-ranked universities, including Southern Methodist University, the University of Texas at Dallas, and Texas Christian University. Additionally, the area is home to several excellent public school districts, making it an excellent place to raise a family.

Sports and Entertainment

DFW is home to several professional sports teams, including the Dallas Cowboys, the Texas Rangers, and the Dallas Mavericks. Additionally, the area has several world-class museums, including the Dallas Museum of Art and the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. The area also hosts several annual events, including the State Fair of Texas, the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, and the Dallas International Film Festival.

Outdoor Activities

 

DFW is home to several beautiful parks, lakes, and trails, making it an excellent place for outdoor enthusiasts. White Rock Lake, Cedar Ridge Preserve, and the Katy Trail are just a few of the many outdoor recreational areas located in the area.

In conclusion, DFW is an attractive option for those looking to relocate due to its strong job market, affordability, quality education, sports and entertainment, and outdoor activities. With its diverse mix of cultures and industries, it is no wonder that DFW is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the United States.

 

Posted in DFW Lifestyles
March 21, 2023

New Construction in DFW: A Look at the Exciting Developments Shaping the Metroplex

DFW is a booming metropolitan area with a growing population, and as a result, new construction projects are constantly popping up throughout the region. From new residential communities to commercial developments, there's no shortage of exciting projects happening in DFW. Here are just a few examples of the new construction projects that are currently underway:

Residential Communities

DFW is experiencing a housing boom, with new residential communities springing up all over the region. One of the most exciting developments is Walsh, a 7,200-acre master-planned community in west Fort Worth. The community is designed to provide residents with everything they need, from shopping and dining to schools and parks. Another notable residential project is the Trinity Falls community in McKinney, which features 1,700 acres of natural beauty, hiking trails, and community events.

Commercial Developments

DFW is also seeing significant growth in commercial developments, particularly in the area of mixed-use developments. One of the most prominent examples is Legacy West in Plano, a $3.2 billion project that includes luxury apartments, retail space, restaurants, and office buildings. Another exciting project is the revitalization of the Dallas Farmers Market, which is being transformed into a mixed-use development featuring restaurants, retail space, and a food hall.

Infrastructure Projects

DFW is investing heavily in infrastructure projects to support the growing population and ensure that the region remains a vibrant and thriving place to live and work. One of the most significant infrastructure projects is the $1.5 billion DFW Connector project, which is widening highways and improving interchanges to ease traffic congestion. The project is expected to be completed in 2024.

Stadiums and Entertainment Venues

DFW is home to some of the most impressive sports stadiums and entertainment venues in the country, and there are always new projects in the works. One of the most exciting developments is the new Globe Life Field in Arlington, which opened in 2020 and is the home of the Texas Rangers baseball team. The stadium features a retractable roof and state-of-the-art technology to provide fans with the ultimate game day experience.

 

In conclusion, DFW is a thriving metropolitan area with a lot of exciting new construction projects happening throughout the region. From residential communities to commercial developments, infrastructure projects, and sports stadiums and entertainment venues, there's no shortage of growth and development in DFW. Whether you're a current resident or considering a move to the area, it's an exciting time to be in DFW.

 

 

Posted in Market News
March 14, 2023

DFW: The Thriving Metropolis You've Been Missing Out On - Discover Why It's the Perfect Place to Call Home!"

Booming Economy

DFW is experiencing a thriving economy that provides a wide range of job opportunities. The region's top industries include technology, healthcare, finance, and energy, with major companies such as American Airlines, ExxonMobil, and AT&T headquartered here. The job market is also strong, with a lower unemployment rate than the national average. Recently, there has been excitement about the proposed building of a new Universal Studios theme park in Frisco, Texas. This project, estimated to cost $10 billion, would create thousands of jobs and generate billions of dollars in economic activity for the region.

 

Affordable Living

Compared to other major metropolitan areas like New York, Los Angeles, or San Francisco, DFW offers a significantly lower cost of living. Housing prices, in particular, are quite affordable, which means you can get more bang for your buck when it comes to finding a place to live. Furthermore, Texas has no state income tax, which means you can keep more of your hard-earned money.

Great Weather

The weather in DFW is pleasant for the most part, with mild winters and warm summers. This makes it an excellent place to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and golfing. The region also receives plenty of sunshine throughout the year, which can improve your mood and overall well-being.

Excellent Education

DFW is home to numerous excellent colleges and universities, including Southern Methodist University, the University of Texas at Dallas, and Texas Christian University. Additionally, the region has a strong public school system that provides high-quality education to students of all ages. If you have children or are considering going back to school, DFW has plenty of options to meet your educational needs.

Rich Cultural Scene

DFW is a melting pot of cultures, with a diverse population that brings together people from all over the world. This makes for a rich and vibrant cultural scene, with plenty of opportunities to experience art, music, food, and other aspects of different cultures. Whether you're into live music, theater, or museums, you'll find plenty of options to explore in DFW.

In conclusion, DFW offers a lot of benefits to those considering a move. With a strong economy, affordable living, great weather, excellent education, and a rich cultural scene, it's no wonder that more and more people are choosing to call this region home. The proposed building of a new Universal Studios theme park in Frisco, Texas, is just one example of the exciting developments that are driving economic growth in the region. If you're looking for a great place to live and work, DFW may be just what you're looking for.

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in Market News
March 7, 2023

One Major Benefit of Investing in a Home

One Major Benefit of Investing in a Home

One Major Benefit of Investing in a Home | MyKCM

One of the many reasons to buy a home is that it’s a major way to build wealth and gain financial stability. According to Freddie Mac:

“Building equity through your monthly principal payments and appreciation is a critical part of homeownership that can help you create financial stability.”

With spring approaching, now’s a great time to consider if buying a home makes sense for you. The best way to figure that out is to talk with a trusted real estate professional.

The Largest Part of Most Homeowners’ Net Worth Is Their Equity

You may be surprised to learn just how much of a homeowner’s net worth actually comes from owning their home. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) shares:

Homeownership is the largest source of wealth among families, with the median value of a primary residence worth about ten times the median value of financial assets held by families. Housing wealth (home equity or net worth) gains are built up through price appreciation and by paying off the mortgage.”

In other words, home equity does more to build the average household’s wealth than anything else. And according to data from First American, this holds true across different income levels (see graph below):

Bottom Line

One of the biggest benefits of owning a home, regardless of your income level, is that it provides financial stability and an avenue to build wealth. Let’s connect today so you can start investing in homeownership.

Posted in Buying Tips
Feb. 28, 2023

Wondering What’s Going on with Home Prices?

Wondering What’s Going on with Home Prices?

Wondering What’s Going on with Home Prices? | MyKCM

The recent changes in home prices are top of mind for many as the housing market begins gearing up for spring. It can be hard to navigate misleading headlines and confusing data, so here’s what you should know about today’s home prices.

Local price trends still vary by market. But looking at national data, Nataliya Polkovnichenko, Ph.D., Supervisory Economist at the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), explains:

U.S. house prices were largely unchanged in the last four months and remained near the peak levels reached over the summer of 2022. While higher mortgage rates have suppressed demand, low inventories of homes for sale have helped maintain relatively flat house prices.”

Month-over-month home price changes can be seen in the chart below. The data also shows that price depreciation peaked around August. Since then, any depreciation has been even milder. In other words, today’s home prices aren’t in a freefall.

What Does This Mean for You?

If you currently own your house, you may be concerned about even the smallest decline in prices. But keep in mind how much home values grew over the last few years. Compared to that growth, any declines we’re seeing nationally are likely to be minimal. Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at CoreLogicshares:

“. . . while prices continued to fall from November, the rate of decline was lower than that seen in the summer and still adds up to only a 3% cumulative drop in prices since last spring’s peak.”

It’s also important to remember that every local market is different. That’s why it’s essential to lean on an expert for the latest information on the home prices in your area if you’re planning to make a move this spring.

Bottom Line

To understand what’s going on with home prices in our market and how they could impact your goals, let’s connect today.

Posted in Market News
Feb. 22, 2023

The Two Big Issues the Housing Market’s Facing Right Now

The Two Big Issues the Housing Market’s Facing Right Now

The Two Big Issues the Housing Market’s Facing Right Now | MyKCM

The biggest challenge the housing market’s facing is how few homes there are for sale. Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, explains the root causes of today’s low supply:

“Two dynamics are keeping existing-home inventory historically low – rate-locked existing homeowners and the fear of not finding something to buy.”

Let’s break down these two big issues in today’s housing market.

Rate-Locked Homeowners

According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), the average interest rate for current homeowners with mortgages is less than 4% (see graph below):

But today, the typical mortgage rate offered to buyers is over 6%. As a result, many homeowners are opting to stay put instead of moving to another home with a higher borrowing cost. This is a situation known as being rate locked.

When so many homeowners are rate locked and reluctant to sell, it’s a challenge for a housing market that needs more inventory. However, experts project mortgage rates will gradually fall this year, and that could mean more people will be willing to move as that happens.

The Fear of Not Finding Something To Buy

The other factor holding back potential sellers is the fear of not finding another home to buy if they move. Worrying about where they’ll go has left many on the sidelines as they wait for more homes to come to the market. That’s why, if you’re on the fence about selling, it’s important to consider all your options. That includes newly built homes, especially right now when builders are offering concessions like mortgage rate buydowns.

What Does This Mean for You?

These two issues are keeping the supply of homes for sale lower than pre-pandemic levels. But if you want to sell your house, today’s market is a sweet spot that can work to your advantage.

Be sure to work with a local real estate professional to explore the options you have right now, which could include leveraging your current home equity. According to ATTOM:

“. . . 48 percent of mortgaged residential properties in the United States were considered equity-rich in the fourth quarter, meaning that the combined estimated amount of loan balances secured by those properties was no more than 50 percent of their estimated market values.”

This could make a major difference when you move. Work with a local real estate expert to learn how putting your equity to work can keep the cost of your next home down.

Bottom Line

Rate-locked homeowners and the fear of not finding something to buy are keeping housing inventory low across the country. But as mortgage rates start to come down this year and homeowners explore all their options, we should expect more homes to come to the market.

Posted in Market News
Feb. 7, 2023

Lower Mortgage Rates Are Bringing Buyers Back to the Market

Lower Mortgage Rates Are Bringing Buyers Back to the Market

Lower Mortgage Rates Are Bringing Buyers Back to the Market | MyKCM

As mortgage rates rose last year, activity in the housing market slowed down. And as a result, homes started seeing fewer offers and stayed on the market longer. That meant some homeowners decided to press pause on selling.

Now, however, rates are beginning to come down—and buyers are starting to reenter the market. In fact, the latest data from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) shows mortgage applications increased last week by 7% compared to the week before.

So, if you’ve been planning to sell your house but you’re unsure if there will be anyone to buy it, this shift in the market could be your chance. Here’s what experts are saying about buyers returning to the market as we approach spring.

Mike Fratantoni, SVP and Chief Economist, MBA:

Mortgage rates are now at their lowest level since September 2022, and about a percentage point below the peak mortgage rate last fall. As we enter the beginning of the spring buying season, lower mortgage rates and more homes on the market will help affordability for first-time homebuyers.”

Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist, National Association of Realtors (NAR):

The upcoming months should see a return of buyers, as mortgage rates appear to have already peaked and have been coming down since mid-November.”

Thomas LaSalvia, Senior Economist, Moody’s Analytics:

"We expect the labor market to remain robust, wages to continue to rise—maybe not at the pace that they did during the pandemic, but that will open up some opportunity for folks to enter homeownership as interest rates stabilize a bit."

Sam Khater, Chief Economist, Freddie Mac:

“Homebuyers are waiting for rates to decrease more significantly, and when they do, a strong job market and a large demographic tailwind of Millennial renters will provide support to the purchase market.”

Bottom Line

If you’ve been thinking about making a move, now’s the time to get your house ready to sell. Let’s connect so you can learn about buyer demand in our area the best time to put your house on the market.

 

Posted in Market Updates
Jan. 31, 2023

The 3 Factors That Affect Home Affordability

The 3 Factors That Affect Home Affordability

The 3 Factors That Affect Home Affordability | MyKCM

If you’ve been following the housing market over the last couple of years, you’ve likely heard about growing affordability challenges. But according to experts, the key factors that determine housing affordability are projected to improve this year. Selma Hepp, Executive, Deputy Chief Economist at CoreLogicshares:

“. . . with slowly improving affordability and a more optimistic economic outlook than previously believed, the housing market could show resilience in 2023.”

The three measures used to establish home affordability are home prices, mortgage rates, and wages. Here’s a closer look at each one.

1. Mortgage Rates

Mortgage rates shot up to over 7% last year, causing many buyers to put their plans on hold. But things are looking different today as rates are starting to come down. George Ratiu, Senior Economist at realtor.comexplains:

“Let’s celebrate some good news. . . . mortgage rates are down. With inflation showing a tangible slowdown, I do expect mortgage rates to follow suit in the months ahead.”

Even a small change in rates can impact your purchasing power. Nadia Evangelou, Director of Forecasting for the National Association of Realtors (NAR), gives this context:

“With a 6% rate instead of 7%, buyers pay about $2,700 less every year on their mortgage. As a result, owning a home becomes affordable to about 1.4 million more renters and 4.3 million more homeowners.”

If 7% rates paused your homebuying plans last year, this could be the opportunity you need to get back in the game. Be sure to work with a team of experts who know the latest on mortgage rates and can give you the best advice for the current market.

2. Home Prices

The second factor at play is home prices. Home prices have made headlines over the past few years because they skyrocketed during the pandemic. When discussing home prices in 2023, Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at NAR, says:

“After a big boom over the past two years, there will essentially be no change nationally . . . Half of the country may experience small price gains, while the other half may see slight price declines.”

So, while prices will likely be flat this year in some markets, others could see small gains or slight declines. It all depends on your local area. For insight into what’s happening in your market and how prices are impacting affordability, reach out to a trusted real estate professional.

3. Wages

The final component in the affordability equation is wages. The graph below uses data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to show how wages have increased over time:

The 3 Factors That Affect Home Affordability | MyKCM

When you think about affordability, remember the full picture includes more than just mortgage rates and prices. Wages need to be factored in as well. Because wages have been rising, many buyers have renewed opportunity in the market.

While affordability hurdles are not completely going away this year, based on current trends and projections, 2023 should bring some sense of relief to homebuyers who have faced growing challenges. As Mike Fratantoni, Chief Economist at the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), says:

“Rates are expected to move lower for the year, and home price growth is expected to cool, both of which will help affordability challenges.”

Bottom Line

If you have questions, let’s connect. You’ll also want to make sure you have a trusted lender so you can explore your financing options. You may be closer to owning a home than you think.

 

 

Posted in Market Updates
Jan. 24, 2023

Think Twice Before Waiting for 3% Mortgage Rates

Think Twice Before Waiting for 3% Mortgage Rates

Think Twice Before Waiting for 3% Mortgage Rates | MyKCM

Last year, the Federal Reserve took action to try to bring down inflation. In response to those efforts, mortgage rates jumped up rapidly from the record lows we saw in 2021, peaking at just over 7% last October. Hopeful buyers experienced a hit to their purchasing power as a result, and some decided to press pause on their plans.

Today, the rate of inflation is starting to drop. And as a result, mortgage rates have dipped below last year’s peak. Sam Khater, Chief Economist at Freddie Macshares:

“While mortgage market activity has significantly shrunk over the last year, inflationary pressures are easing and should lead to lower mortgage rates in 2023.”

That’s potentially great news if you’re a buyer aiming to jump back into the housing market. Any drop in mortgage rates helps boost your purchasing power by bringing down your expected monthly mortgage payment. This means the lower mortgage rates experts forecast this year could be just what you need to reignite your homebuying goals.

While this opens up a window of opportunity for you, remember: you shouldn’t expect rates to drop back down to record lows like we saw in 2021. Experts agree that’s not the range buyers should bank on. Greg McBride, Chief Financial Analyst at Bankrateexplains:

“I think we could be surprised at how much mortgage rates pull back this year. But we’re not going back to 3 percent anytime soon, because inflation is not going back to 2 percent anytime soon.

It’s important to have a realistic vision for what you can expect this year, and that’s where the advice of expert real estate advisors is critical. You may be surprised by the impact even a mild drop in mortgage rates has on your budget. If you’re ready to buy a home now, today’s market presents the opportunity to get a more affordable mortgage rate, find your dream home, and face less competition from other buyers.

Bottom Line

The recent pullback in mortgage rates is great news – but if you’re ready to buy now, holding out for 3% is a mistake. Work with a local lender to learn how today’s rates impact your goals, and let’s connect to explore your options in our area.

 

Posted in Market Updates