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,

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

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

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

Is It Worth Giving Up a 3% Mortgage Rate to Move Up in North Dallas?

"We need more room. But if we sell, we lose our 3% rate. Why would we trade that for 7.4%?" The short answer: sometimes it's worth it, and sometimes it isn't. The rate is one line of the decision, not the whole decision. Compare your new total monthly payment (principal, interest, taxes, insurance,

Should I Sell My North Dallas House Before or After I Move Out of State?

"We start in Denver in six weeks. Do we list now, or move first and sell from there?" Here's the short answer: if you can't comfortably carry two housing payments, sell before you move. Or at least list while you still live there. If you can carry both, selling after you move can work. But plan for

How Much Cash for Your First Home?

North Dallas Real Estate Market Update: September 2026

Sep 30, 2026 · @Jennifer Kirk Mortgage rates crossed 7% this month. That's the headline for North Dallas buyers and sellers this fall, and it matters more than any price chart. "Should we wait?" is the question I'm hearing most right now. Fair question. It deserves real numbers, not a pep talk. Here