Jennifer Kirk October 15, 2026

FROM OUR BLOG

feature image of What’s the Difference Between Earnest Money and an Option Fee in Texas?

What’s the Difference Between Earnest Money and an Option Fee in Texas?

"I don't want to lose thousands of dollars if the inspection comes back bad." Almost every first-time buyer in North Dallas tells me some version of that. Here's the short answer. In Texas, the option fee is a small payment that buys you the unrestricted right to walk away during the option period,

feature image of What Credit Score Do You Need to Buy a House in North Dallas?

What Credit Score Do You Need to Buy a House in North Dallas?

"My credit isn't good enough to buy a house." The floor may be lower than you think. FHA (Federal Housing Administration) loans allow a minimum score of 580 for maximum financing, or 500–579 with at least 10% down (HUD Mortgagee Letter 2026-11, October 8, 2026). VA (U.S. Department of Veterans Affai

feature image of How Long Does It Take to Sell a House in North Dallas Right Now?

How Long Does It Take to Sell a House in North Dallas Right Now?

"We'll list it now and be moved by Thanksgiving, right?" Short answer: plan on roughly three to four months from the day you list to the day you close. In September 2026, the median listing spent about 65 days on the market in Collin County and 63 days in Denton County (Realtor.com data via FRED, th

feature image of Why Are Property Taxes So High in Texas? What You'll Actually Pay in North Dallas

Why Are Property Taxes So High in Texas? What You'll Actually Pay in North Dallas

"Everyone keeps warning us about Texas property taxes. How bad is it, really?" Short answer: Texas has no state income tax and no state property tax, so cities, counties and school districts fund themselves largely through local property tax. In Frisco, the combined 2026 rate is approx. 1.68% of tax

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