The U.S. Housing Boom Is Coming to an End, Starting in Dallas

The U.S. Housing Boom Is Coming to an End, Starting in Dallas

Homes are taking longer to sell, bidding wars are rarer and price cuts are more common as buyers absorb the impact of higher rates.

City of Wylie presents Wylie Arts Festival

City of Wylie presents Wylie Arts Festival

Photo courtesy of City of Wylie & Public Arts Advisory Board

At the Wylie Arts Festival, visitors can shop for fine art and handmade crafts at over 140 vendors, listen to sounds of the season, and enjoy festive fair foods

Dallas Area Residential Sales Report for October - Wylie TX

Dallas Area Residential Sales Report for October - Wylie TX

Sales in Wylie remained strong in October up 28% as compared to last October. Pending sales were not so good and were flat. Will have to wait and see what November brings. .The average sales price rose 2%. The median sales price climbed 4%. New listings fell 6% and the active listings were 22% higher than last year. The months of inventory increased to 2.4 months. this is well short of the 6 months considered a balanced market.

Sales: 123

Average Sales Price: $306,273

Median Sales Price: $299,000

Pending Sales: 121

New Listings: 132

Active Listings: 281

Months of Inventory: 2.4

Information provided by The Real Estate Center

Reliant Lights Your Holidays

Reliant Lights Your Holidays

Photo by Brandon Wade/Associated Press

Reliant Lights Your Holidays will feature the illumination of hundreds of thousands of dazzling LED lights placed on the Center’s iconic venues and trees, live performances and a fireworks display in Elaine D. and Charles A. Sammons Park.

Klyde Warren Park presents Holiday Show & Tree Lighting

Klyde Warren Park presents Holiday Show and Tree Lighting

Klyde Warren Park’s Holiday Show and Tree Lighting will feature free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday kids’ crafts, food trucks, activities and demonstrations from our Dallas arts and cultural friends and neighbors, holiday music entertainment and a holiday show culminating with the lighting of the Klyde Warren Park Christmas tree. Then head over to the Arts District for a fireworks show!

Deck the Plaza: City Hall Lights

Deck the Plaza: City Hall Lights

Photo courtesy of Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau

The festive, family-friendly event will include interfaith speakers and a special arrival from the big man himself… Santa Claus! Musical entertainment will be provided by Dallas Winds and the Castro band, headlined by locals Jason and Michael Castro of "American Idol" fame. Attendees can enjoy holiday treats including hot chocolate, apple cider and cookies.

Dallas Holiday Parade

Dallas Holiday Parade

Children's Medical Center/Facebook

Dallas Holiday Parade will march through Downtown Dallas to kick-off the holiday season with marching bands, festive floats, and fun family activities to carry into the new year.

10th Annual Jingle Bell Run - Garland, TX

10th Annual Jingle Bell Run - Garland, TX

Photo courtesy of Naaman Forest Class of 2019

The Jingle Bell supports the Garland Pet Adoption Center. 

The Worst Mortgage Advice Experts Have Ever Heard

The Worst Mortgage Advice Experts Have Ever Heard

Financial and real estate experts share some of the worst mortgage advice they hear, as well as tips on what to do instead:

U.S. Existing Home Sales Rebound More Than Expected In October

U.S. Existing Home Sales Rebound More Than Expected In October

After reporting six straight months of decreases, the National Association of Realtors released a report on Wednesday showing existing home sales in the U.S. rebounded by more than anticipated in the month October.

The Arthritis Foundation presents Jingle Bell Run - Plano TX

The Arthritis Foundation presents Jingle Bell Run - Plano TX

Photo courtesy of The Arthritis Foundation

Come for the run, stay for Santa, holiday treats, festive vendor booths, entertainment by the Emerald City’s Party Machine Band, games, food and activities for the entire family.

Inflated Appraisals May Force FHA to Raise Borrowing Costs

Inflated Appraisals May Force FHA to Raise Borrowing Costs

The issue of inflated appraisals first surfaced in the reverse mortgage market. 

Allen Parks and Recreation Department presents Holly Jolly Celebration

Allen Parks and Recreation Department presents Holly Jolly Celebration

Photo courtesy of City of Allen

The event will feature surprises, live entertainment, a visit from Santa and his elves, and new festivities. 

Selling a House? Here Is What the Market Looks Like In the USA

Selling a House? Here Is What the Market Looks Like In the USA

Real estate experts believe that the market will stay on the seller’s side for yet another year.

Dallas Area Residential Sales Report for October - Allen, TX

Dallas Area Residential Sales Report for October - Allen, TX

Sales in the Allen Area were off by 11% in October as compared to last October. Pending sales declined by 8% The average sales price increases by 16% while the median sales price rose 18%. Prices really didn't rise that much. We just had an abnormal distribution that was tilted to the higher price ranges. New listings fell 19%. Active listings were 25% higher than last year at this time. The months of inventory is at 3.1 months. We are about half way to a balanced market.

Sales: 107

Average Sales Price: $387,957

Median Sales Price: $345,900

Pending Sales: 119

New Listings: 113

Active Listings: 322

Months of Inventory: 3.1

Information provided by the Real Estate Center

Dallas Area Residential Sales Report for October North Dallas

Dallas Area Residential Sales Report for October North Dallas

The weak pending sales numbers from September foretasted the 40% fall in October sales. Pending sales were also weak coming in with a decline of 19%. The average sales price jumped 25% while the median sales price fell 3%. It looks like there was come distortion form normal in the make up of the sales that caused the large increase in the average sales rice. I would go with the median sales price to more accurately reflect the market. New listings increased 15% . Active listings rose 1%. Months of inventory rose to 6.1 months making North Dallas a balanced market.

Sales: 35

Average Sales Price: $1,252,039

Median Sales Price: $840,000

Pending Sales: 51

New Listings: 117

Active Listings: 353

Months of Inventory: 6.1

Information provided by The Real Estate Center 

Here’s How Much People Spend on Kitchen Renovations

7 DEADLY SINS OF A BATHROOM RENOVATION

You can turn their new bathroom into a disaster.

Here’s How Much People Spend on Kitchen Renovations

Here’s How Much People Spend on Kitchen Renovations

According to home remodeling and design site Houzz, it’s not cheap.

U.S. Housing Turns Into Buyer's Market

U.S. Housing Turns Into Buyer's Market

The Fed has been hiking its policy rates, and mortgage rates have been rising for a while and now average over 5% for a 30-year fixed-rate conforming mortgage.

Mortgage Rates Are Pushing U.S. Homes Out of Reach

Mortgage Rates Are Pushing U.S. Homes Out of Reach

In many ways, we’re so used to things moving so fast that we forget that housing markets are supposed to be stable

Neighborhood vibe often counts more than the home itself

Neighborhood vibe often counts more than the home itself

A neighborhood’s vibe is a significant factor in almost every home buyers’ decision making process, with almost 9 in 10 consumers rating it as a “top consideration”.

13 Once-Popular Kitchen Trends That Are on the Way Out

13 Once-Popular Kitchen Trends That Are on the Way Out

If you’re thinking about a kitchen remodel in 2018, the last thing you want is a design that is outdated or overdone. 

Buyers Say Garages, Updated Kitchens Aren’t as Important as This

Buyers Say Garages, Updated Kitchens Aren’t as Important as This

Most buyers understand that they may not be able to find a home that covers every single item on their wish list,

Christmas in the Branch

Christmas in the Branch

Discover an all-new interactive holiday experience in Farmers Branch!

Regulators propose ending appraisal requirement on some home sales of $400,000 and below INVESTMENTSLENDINGREAL ESTATEVALUATIONS Regulators propose ending appraisal requirement on some home sales of $400,000 and below

Regulators propose ending appraisal requirement on some home sales of $400,000 and below I

This is a really bad idea!

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving

We get so busy cleaning the house, cooking, and hosting Thanksgiving that we forget what this holiday is about. Take a couple of minutes out of the day and think about what you are thankful for!

Dickens in Downtown Plano 2018

Dickens in Downtown Plano 2018

Our elves are gearing up for a fantastic night at Dickens in Downtown Plano Arts District!

U.S. Homebuilder Sentiment Drops by Most Since '14 as Rates Rise

U.S. Homebuilder Sentiment Drops by Most Since '14 as Rates Rise

A housing slowdown may have implications for how far the central bank will extend its run of eight interest-rate hikes since late 2015. 

Dallas Area Residential Sales Report for October - Lake Highlands/NE Dallas

Dallas Area Residential Sales Report for October - Lake Highlands/NE Dallas

Well, things just kind of fell off a cliff when it comes to sales in the Lake Highlands area of North East Dallas in October. Sales fell 16% and pending sales dropped 29%. I think we can safly say that November sales will not be positive. The average sales price was flat while the median sales price was up 1%. New listings declined 5% but the active listings were up 12% as compared to last October. The months of inventory rose to 2.8 months. We are still well short of the 6 months considered a balanced market.

Sales: 47

Average Sales Price: $411,091

Median Sales Price: $415,00

Pending Sales: 52

New Listings: 86

Active Listings: 167

Months of Inventory: 2.8

Information provided by The Real Estate Center

Castle HIlls presents Holiday in the Plaza and Tree Lighting

Castle HIlls presents Holiday in the Plaza and Tree Lighting

Photo courtesy of Castle Hills Village Shops

The event will feature an afternoon full of holiday activities including photo ops with Santa 

Real Estate Markets Cooling Across The Country, And It's Not Just The Winter Effect

Real Estate Markets Cooling Across The Country, And It's Not Just The Winter Effect

A new normal, one that’s neither ice cold nor fiery red, does appear to be taking shape.

D-FW homeowners won't see much home price growth next year

D-FW homeowners won't see much home price growth next year

After several years of double-digit percentage home appreciation in North Texas, the latest price forecasts may seem dismal. But a slowdown in home price gains is just what the D-FW area needs at this point in the cycle.

Vitruvian Lights: A Magical Night of Lights

Vitruvian Lights: A Magical Night of Lights

Photo by Stevan Koye

Vitruvian Park transforms into a magical holiday wonderland during Vitruvian Lights, running through January 1.

September 2018 Housing Affordability Index

September 2018 Housing Affordability Index

At the national level, housing affordability is up from last month but down from a year ago. 

Mortgage rates hold steady as housing market stresses mount.

Mortgage rates hold steady as housing market stresses mount.

Rates for home loans took a breather after churning to the highest in nearly eight years,

Dallas Area Residential Sales Report for October - Richardson TX

Dallas Area Residential Sales Report for October - Richardson TX

Sales were flat in Richardson compared to last year. Pending sales told a different story down 13%. November is not looking good. The average sales price rose 4% while the median sales price jumped 9%. Had some higher than normal sales in the upper price ranges that pulled the median price up. The number of new listings increased 3%. Active listings climbed 29% as compared to last October. The months of  now stands at 2 months. That's not much supply when you consider that 6 months is a balanced market.

Sales: 92

Average Sales Price: $315,074

Median Sales Price: $305,000

Pending Sales: 90

New Listings: 107

Active Listings: 189

Months of Inventory: 2

Information Provided by The Real Estate Center 

Dallas Area Residential Sales Report for October

Dallas Area Residential Sales Report for October

Sales fell for the third straight month in October. Down by 7% with the northern suburbs taking large downturns. Pending sales were just a little better only down 6%. The average sales price increased 6% while the pending sales number came in up 4%. New listings declined 3%. The active listings rose 16%. Months of inventory now stands at 2.9 months. Technically we are still in a sellers market but buyers have become very picky and pricing is critical. 

Sales in the $100,000 to $199,999 range are down by double digits due to the shortage of properties in this price point. Sales remain positive in the most desired range of $200,000 to $399,999. This range represents 53% of all sales.  Million plus homes are up 10% for the year.

Sales: 8,260

Average Sales Price: $304,331

Median sales Price: $251,000

Pending Sales: 8,347

New Listings: 10,485 

Active Listings: 25,895

Months of Inventory: 2.9

Information provided by The Real Estate Center

Cheap House Improvements Under $500 That Will Increase the Value

Cheap House Improvements Under $500 That Will Increase the Value

Whether you intend to sell your home in the near future or stay put for the long haul, house improvements can increase the value of your property. 

Calling It: These Will Be the Hottest Kitchen Trends in 2019

Calling It: These Will Be the Hottest Kitchen Trends in 2019

What will a modern kitchen look like in 2019? 

What Buyers Should Ask After a Home Inspection

What Buyers Should Ask After a Home Inspection

After an inspector has finished a home report, buyers may feel overwhelmed by any flaws that might have been found. That’s why it’s important they take the opportunity to learn more so that they can move forward confidently in the transaction.

Waiting longer to buy a house could hurt millennials in retirement

Waiting longer to buy a house could hurt millennials in retirement

As a result of purchasing property later in life,  millennials may enter old age with less financial security

Homebuyer interest is cooling off, Realtors' top economist says

Homebuyer interest is cooling off, Realtors' top economist says

The days of double-digit price gains for the housing market are over.

Cedars Neighborhood Association presents Cedars Open Studios Tour

Cedars Neighborhood Association presents Cedars Open Studios Tour

Photo courtesy of Cedars Open Studios Organization

At Cedars Open Studios Tour, visitors can explore the homes, studios, and workspaces of over 100 Cedars artists from 10 am-6 pm, followed by a closing party at Four Corners Brewing Co.

Ronald McDonald House of Dallas presents The Trains at NorthPark

Ronald McDonald House of Dallas presents The Trains at NorthPark

Photo courtesy of Bank of Texas

Each year, the beloved holiday experience welcomes more than 70,000, and has helped raise more than $13 million for RMHD since its original run in 1987.

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden presents Holiday at the Arboretum

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden presents Holiday at the Arboretum

Photo courtesy of Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

Stroll through the garden and see the Victorian-style gazebos come to life, featuring each scene from the traditional carol, The 12 Days of Christmas. Each gazebo features movement to depict the different beloved characters, such as the Three French Hens, Twelve Drummers Drumming, and Seven Swans a Swimming, to name a few.

Dallas Area Residential Sales Report for October - Far North Dallas

Dallas Area Residential Sales Report for October - Far North Dallas

Far North Dallas managed to eke out a 1% increase in sales in October as compared to last October. Pending sales however were down 4%. That's better that a lot of other areas. The average sales price increased 13% while the median sales price rose 9%. Looks like we had some hi dollar sales occur that pulled up these averages. The number of new listings fell 24% but the active listings are 23% higher than last October. The months of inventory moved up to 3.6 months.

Sales: 76

Average Sales Price: $546,382

Median Sales Price: $445,000

Pending Sales: 81

New Listings: 109

Active Listings: 308

Months of Inventory: 3.6

Information provided by The Real Estate Center

Crow Museum of Asian Art presents "After Dark: Kites at Night"

Crow Museum of Asian Art presents "After Dark: Kites at Night"

Photo by Turk Studio

Throughout the evening, guests can enjoy Japanese kite making, meditations in the clouds, and printmaking and demonstrations.

Nasher Sculpture Center presents 'til Midnight

Nasher Sculpture Center presents 'til Midnight

Photo courtesy of Nasher Sculpture Center

til Midnight at the Nasher presents live outdoor concerts featuring a variety of national and regional musical talent paired with film screenings in the Nasher Garden. 

Decks in the Park

Decks in the Park/

Photo by DTX Street

At Decks in the Park, top local and national DJ talents spin a variety of music genres from electronic, House, Drum and Base, Soul, Classics on vinyl, Funk, Hip Hop, Pop, and more.

Home prices continue to cool, in a sign the housing market is slowing down

Home prices continue to cool, in a sign the housing market is slowing down

Home prices continued to slow their rate of growth in August, dipping below the 6 percent mark for the first time in a year.