Articles Tagged "Frisco"

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

Dallas is a city with many different sides. It's a tech hub, a foodie paradise, and a gateway to the Wild West. It's also one of the great cultural cities in Texas, and our real estate agents never cease to be amazed by Dallas' vibrant art scene. 

The Dallas Arts District is at the heart of that scene. Located in Downtown Dallas, it's the largest arts district in the United States. From museums and art galleries to world-class restaurants and live music venues, there's always something fresh waiting to be discovered. Be sure to check out these attractions in the Dallas Arts District!

1. Dallas Museum of Art - 1717 N Harwood St, Dallas, TX 75201
   What better way to begin your exploration of the Dallas Arts District than by paying a visit to the Dallas Museum of Art? The museum houses more than 25,000 works of art that span 5,000 years of human history, making it one of the largest art museums in the nation. In addition to ever-changing exhibitions, the Dallas Art Museum's permanent collection includes artifacts from ancient Greece, a vast collection of Texas art, and works by artists like Claude Monet, Jackson Pollack, and Georgia O'Keeffe. It's also located just minutes from many Dallas homes for sale.
   
   
2. Sammons Park - Historic District, 2403 Flora St, Dallas, TX 75021
   Sammons Park opened to the public in 2009 as part of the newly-built AT&T Performing Arts Center. This beautiful public park serves as a community gathering place and a performance space for local artists, in addition to being an extension of AT&T's venues. In a sense, the landscape of Sammons Park is a work of art. Highlights include beautifully-manicured gardens, reflecting pools, and a network of walkways and promenades.
   
   
3. Winspear Opera House - 2403 Flora St, Dallas, TX 75201
   A 2,200-seat theater built in the traditional horseshoe-shaped configuration, the Winspear Opera House has been called America's finest opera house. The opera house is located footsteps away from Sammons Park, and its instantly-recognizable 60-foot glass facade creates a sense of transparency between the interior of the theater and the world outside. It's a remarkable structure that hosts an ever-changing lineup of events year-round. 
   
   
4. HALL Park Sculpture Walk - 6801 Gaylord Pkwy Ste 100, Frisco, TX 75034
   Appreciating art can be as simple as taking a walk in the park. HALL Park, which spans 126 acres, is a mixed-use area of residential, recreational, and commercial space that includes a world-class art collection. A real highlight of HALL Park is the Texas Sculpture Walk, a unique urban green space where more than 200 works of art have been integrated into the landscape. 
   
   
5. Crow Museum of Asian Art - 2010 Flora St, Dallas, TX 75201
   The Dallas Arts District is home to several fantastic museums, perfect for spending an afternoon. The Crow Museum of Asian Art is free to the public and celebrates art from various eras throughout Asia. Take in the ancient artwork in a serene setting when you stop at this museum.

Contact us today to learn more about living, working, and playing in Dallas, Texas. It's a unique art and cultural hub in the Lone Star State, and our real estate agents are dedicated to helping you find your dream home in Dallas and the surrounding areas. 

The Dallas-Fort Worth area is fun in every season, but during the summer months, the area is filled with summer events and activities to keep your family's calendar full! Our real estate agents love to spend their off-time at these entertaining places.

• Shakespeare in the Park - Samuell-Grand Park, 6200 E. Grand Ave., Dallas, TX 75201
  Celebrate 50 years of incredible theater productions at Shakespeare in the Park, held right down the street from Dallas homes for sale. In 1972, Shakespeare Dallas began with Bob Glenn's one-man production of Hamlet. Today, the organization offers summer camps, a book club and podcast, and seasonal outdoor stagings of Shakespeare's classics. This summer's schedule features A Midsummer Night's Dream and The Tempest, running from mid-June through late July. Visit the website for dates, times, and prices.
  
  
• Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge - 9601 Fossil Ridge Rd., Fort Worth, TX 76135
  Just minutes from Fort Worth homes for sale, experience Texas as it was over a century ago. Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge spans more than 3,500 acres of forests, prairies, and wetlands that remain unchanged. More than 20 miles of trails provide a wonderful opportunity to view the varied landscape, along with birds and wildlife that live on the grounds. The pet-friendly center also has a canoe launch, so you can explore Lake Worth. Admission is $6 for adults, $2 for ages 3-12, and $1 for leashed dogs. Hours are 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily.
  
  
• Trinity River National Water Trail - Moore Park, 1900 E. 8th St., Dallas, TX 75203
  Want an eco-friendly way to tour the DFW metroplex? Despite its 130-mile length, traveling through nine cities and three counties, the Trinity River National Water Trail is considered a hidden natural gem. Canoe, kayak, or paddleboard along waterways. The trail is flanked by hiking/biking trails and offers access to five learning centers and more than 50 parks and nature preserves. With 21 launch sites, it's easy to enter the trail no matter which direction you come from.
  
  
• NRH2O - 9001 Blvd. 26, North Richland Hills, TX 76180
  NRH2O, the first municipal water park in Texas, is still going strong after more than 25 years near North Richland Hills homes for sale. First and foremost among the 23 attractions is the Green Extreme, the country's longest uphill water roller coaster at a thrilling 1,100 feet. Chill out lying on the white sand beach of Beachside Bay or floating along the Endless River. Several food stands throughout the park offer classic summertime fare, from hot dogs and cheeseburgers to funnel cakes and Dippin' Dots. Visit the website for schedule and prices.
  
  
• Frisco RoughRiders - Riders Field, 7300 Roughriders Trl., Frisco, TX 75034
  The Frisco RoughRiders is a Double-A affiliate of MLB's Texas Rangers and is one of the hottest teams in the Texas League, currently leading the South division. In addition to great baseball, RoughRider games feature family-friendly promotions such as Kids Sunday Funday, Texas Baseball Legends Wednesday, and Fireworks Friday. Why not catch a game after a day of viewing Frisco homes for sale? Tickets range from $11-$21. Visit the website for the schedule. 

Fun is in season all year long. For friendly and experienced help buying or selling a home, contact us at RE/MAX DFW Associates.

Catching a baseball game is a fun family summer evening activity, and Frisco just happens to be home to one of the best ballparks in Minor League Baseball.

Head on over to Riders Park where you can watch the Frisco RoughRiders, a double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, compete in the Texas League. Our real estate agents love heading out to the park, grabbing some peanuts, and relaxing on a warm summer night. It's super easy to do because the park is just a short drive from some beautiful Dallas homes for sale.

About Riders Park
Riders Park is a beautiful ballpark equipped with plenty of seating, luxury suites, fun activities, and great food. Concession options include Rojo's, Frisco Smoque BBQ, Frank's Hot Dogs, Coop & Kennel, Fairlane's Hot Dogs, and Ono Pacific Grill where you can grab a delicious cheesesteak. There are also six bars throughout the park where you can enjoy beer, wine, mixed drinks, or frozen margaritas. The park makes for a great community asset that is conveniently located just a short distance from these Fort Worth homes for sale.

The park is surrounded by 5 parking lots, all of which open 2 hours before the game.

Upcoming Games and Promotions
The RoughRiders have several home games between now and September 11, with many taking place throughout the week. Below are some highlights from the upcoming schedule along with some great promotions:

• Saturday, June 18 vs. Midland RockHounds at 6:05 pm
  Sky-Lit Saturday -- watch a spectacular fireworks display after the game, weather permitting. It's also Scout Night and Whataburger Food Bank Night.
  
  
• Sunday, June 19 vs. Midland RockHounds at 6:05 pm
  Celebrate Father's Day at the ballpark with Kids Sunday Funday. The park will host numerous fun activities for the kids.
  
  
• Tuesday, June 28 vs. Corpus Christi Hooks at 7:05 pm
  Silver Slugger Tuesday -- fans 65 years old and up can grab a $10 ticket when showing their ID at the box office.
  
  
• Wednesday, June 29 vs. Corpus Christi Hooks at 7:05 pm
  Texas Rangers baseball legend Mark McLemore, also known as the "Dr of Defense" will be on hand for a meet and greet.
  
  
• Thursday, June 30 vs. Corpus Christi Hooks at 7:05 pm
  Come on out to the park for Thirsty Thursday and enjoy a variety of drink specials including $2 drafts. It's also Singles Night and Ivan Hall from Season 16 of the Bachelorette will be in attendance for a meet and greet.
  
  
• Friday, July 15 vs. Midland RockHounds at 7:05 pm
  Celebrate Christmas in July at the ballpark and also take home a free Teddy Leg Lamp bobblehead. 
  
  
• Sunday, July 17 vs. Midland RockHounds at 6:05 pm
  Kids Sunday Funday plus Marvel Super Hero Night makes this game a great family event.
  
  
• Sunday, August 7 vs. Sod Poodles at 6:05 pm
  Celebrate back to school night with a lunch box giveaway.

Make sure to buy your tickets in advance for a fun summer evening with the whole family. View the full game schedule here. We love showing our support for our local sports teams, and a trip to Riders Park gives you the opportunity to enjoy America's favorite pastime. Contact us today for more information about local events.

Want to plan some outings that you and your kids can both enjoy? The DFW is full of family-friendly activities that are entertaining and educational. Our real estate agents love spending quality time with their families at these great spots around the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

• Museum of the American Railroad - 8004 N. Dallas Pkwy., Frisco, TX 75034
  Trains, both real and model versions, have long captivated the imagination of "kids" of all ages. In 1962, the Museum of the American Railroad was founded to preserve this important legacy in our country's history. TrainTopia is an incredibly detailed miniature railroad exhibit that includes a real movie playing at the famous Palo Duro drive-in theater. See pieces of the museum's rolling stock collection during guided tours, which are offered at specific times as the museum conducts its move to the new location near Frisco homes for sale. Hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission starts at $10 for adults and $5 for ages 3-12.
  
  
• Yogi Kids - Fit Family, 3051 Churchill Dr., Suite 250, Flower Mound, TX 75022
  Yogi Kids incorporates fun activities such as yoga, Pilates, and dance to help your young ones get active and burn some energy. Fit Family also offers preschool play and after-school programs at schools not far from Flower Mound homes for sale. Mom and Dad can join the fun with yoga classes for adults. Visit the website for information about schedules and prices. 
  
  
• ArtCentre of Plano - 902 E. 16th St., Plano, TX 75074
  In 2021, the ArtCentre of Plano celebrated 40 years of supporting and promoting creativity in the local community. Located in historic Saigling House, just down the street from Plano homes for sale, the ArtCentre hosts exhibitions showcasing the works of a diverse range of artists. Don't miss the stunning Sculpture Garden, which includes a series of mosaic tiles honoring various donors to the ArtCentre. Hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. 
  
  
• The Dallas Firefighters Museum - 3801 Parry Ave., Dallas, TX 75226
  At one time or another, nearly every kid dreams of becoming a firefighter. Learn more about the contributions of these heroic men and women at the Dallas Firefighters Museum. The historic fire station at Fair Park, only minutes from Dallas homes for sale, has served as the site of the museum since 1975. Exhibits include a steam engine dating back to 1884 along with authentic helmets, uniforms, and equipment from past years. The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for children.
  
  
• Cowtown Cattlepen Maze - Fort Worth Stockyards, 145 E. Exchange Ave., Fort Worth, TX 76164
  How well does your family work together? Sharpen your communication and cooperation skills at the Cowtown Cattlepen Maze, near Fort Worth homes for sale. Wooden pathways wind around a span of 5,400 square feet, posing an exciting challenge to everyone's sense of direction and deduction. Scope out the grounds from the spacious second-story observation deck. Hours are 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily and admission is $6.

Contact us RE/MAX DFW Associates for help with any of your real estate needs.

It may not be the horse-drawn sleigh of old, but your car serves as a perfect vehicle for seasonal adventures. Our real estate agents can't wait to take in these holiday light displays that are just minutes from Dallas homes for sale.

• Candy Cane Lane - American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Ave., Dallas, TX 75219
  What "kid" of any age could resist a magical place called Candy Cane Lane? The multi-level display includes lights, lantern characters, and other holiday surprises. Don't forget to get a family photo with Santa Claus. Candy Cane Lane runs through December 26. Visit the website for times. Admission is $35-$50 per vehicle.
  
  
• Dallas Zoo Lights - Dallas Zoo, 650 S.R.L. Thornton Fwy., Dallas, TX 75203
  A beloved holiday tradition takes on a new form at Dallas Zoo Lights. Enjoy the one million lights, 3-D sculptures, and video projection vignettes along the one-mile course from the comfort of your car. Dallas Zoo Lights will be shining through January 2. Visit the website for the full schedule. Admission is $65 per car, $50 for Zoo members, and must be purchased in advance.
  
  
• Radiance! - Riders Field, 7300 Roughriders Trail, Frisco, TX 75034
  Theme parks aren't just for summer. This year's version of Radiance!, a popular holiday attraction down the street from Frisco homes for sale, includes "Frozen in Frisco," a winter carnival with tubing, ice skating, snowball fights, and even a Ferris wheel. Sit back on the Holly Jolly Trolley for a show featuring three million glittering, dancing lights. Tickets range from $19.99-$39.99 per person. Radiance! is open through January 1. Visit the website for dates and times.
  
  
• Interlochen Christmas Lights - Westwood Dr., Arlington, TX 76012
  For more than 40 years, Lake Interlochen has provided the backdrop for a cherished holiday tradition. Interlochen Christmas Lights was the brainchild of community developer Bob Findlay, and today upwards of 200 neighbors deck their homes with spectacular lights and decorations. View the impressive display near Arlington homes for sale from 7 p.m. - 11 p.m. nightly. 
  
  
• Historic Grapevine Christmas Spectacular - Town Square Gazebo, 325 Main St., Grapevine, TX 76051
  Find something old and something new at this year's Historic Grapevine Christmas Spectacular. It's only fitting that the "Christmas Capital of Texas" would offer a stunning display full of lights, life-sized Christmas cards, and an animated snowman. 2021 marks the debut of the outsized Main Street Toyland. Stop by after a day of viewing Grapevine homes for sale. Hours are 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily through January 10, and admission is free.
  
  
• Santa House - 3373 Spruce Ln., Grapevine, TX 76051
  Share in the giving spirit of the holidays when you visit Santa House. The Murillo family fills their yard with more than 1,000 brilliantly lit retro Santa figures to create a whimsical display of any child's dreams. Their ultimate goal is raising awareness of and funds for the Christmas Cottage, an organization providing holiday gifts for kids in need. Hours are 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. every day through December 25.
  
  
• Lights on the Farm - Heritage Farmstead Museum, 1900 W. 15th St., Plano, TX 75075
  Experience the charm of an old-fashioned holiday that runs through Lights on the Farm, not far from Plano homes for sale. Walk the quarter-mile trail through trees and displays covered with more than one million lights. Visit Santa's Workshop, where kids can write letters and get their pictures. Lights on the Farm is open beginning at 6 p.m. weekends through December 26. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for kids.

Have your own festive light display in your new DFW home. Contact us at RE/MAX DFW Associates to learn more.

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.

Our real estate agents love having an excuse to enjoy a sweet treat. March 14th is affectionately known as "Pi Day" -- and we think that's close enough!

There are so many great bakeries in the DFW area, you might want to start visiting them now, so you're prepared when the big day rolls around. Here are a few of our favorites. 

1. Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop: 1707 North Collins Street, Ste. 115, Arlington, TX 76011
   Any time we're in the area showing Arlington homes for sale, we love stopping by Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop to check out their selection of goodies. Every day, they have nine different pie flavors in three different sizes, making it easy to find something you'll love each time you visit. Some of our favorite flavors are Peanut Butter Cream, Chewy Chocolate Chip, and Nanny's Pecan.
   
   
2. Emporium Pies: 107 S. Tennessee St., McKinney, TX 75069
   Specialty shop Emporium Pies is known for fine pies that are handmade with quality ingredients. Their offerings change with the seasons, so you can visit again and again and never get bored. We love the "Drunken Nut," a bourbon pecan pie with a shortbread crust, and the "Smooth Operator," a French silk chocolate pie with a pretzel crust. They also make homemade vanilla ice cream, which is the ideal complement to their delicious desserts. Whether you live in the area or you're looking at McKinney homes for sale, chances are you'll want to return to this great bakery again and again. 
   
   
3. JudyPie: 520 S. Main St., #200, Grapevine, TX 76051
   Affectionately known as "The cutest vintage pie shop in Texas," JudyPie makes fresh pies from scratch every day in their on-site kitchen. We love this shop, in part because they'll happily make a smaller six-inch version of any of their standard 10-inch pies. This makes it easy to enjoy a few different flavors each time we visit! If you're in the area exploring Grapevine homes for sale, we recommend stopping here. From classics like Salted Caramel Apple Pie to decadent creations like the "Memphis Mafia" (a combination of peanut butter truffle and banana pudding pies), you're always guaranteed to find something the whole family will love! 
   
   
4. Batch Bakery: 5355 Dallas Pkwy., Ste 610 Frisco, TX 75034
   Batch Bakery is one of the area's most popular pie shops. They offer nine-inch and four-inch pies and "Batch Bites," a selection of a dozen mini-pies in assorted flavors. This is a great way to enjoy a variety of their creations in one sitting! They have all the classics, like Apple, Key Lime, Coconut Cream, and Peanut Butter. You might also want to try our favorite, Chocolate Chess. It's a gooey fudge brownie baked in a shortbread crust! After you pick up your pie, we recommend taking a short drive around. Some of the best Frisco homes for sale are located nearby.  
   
   
5. Miz. G's House of Pies: 2315 Sutter St., Dallas, TX 75216
   If you've been looking at Dallas homes for sale, you can expect to pay plenty of visits to Miz. G's House of Pies. They've been pleasing customers since 2010 with delicious family recipes baked from scratch. We love that they'll happily make pies that are gluten-free, sugar-free, and dairy-free so that everyone can enjoy them! Some of our favorite flavors are the German Chocolate, Old Fashion Apple, and their signature Sweet Potato Pie made with Texas-grown sweet potatoes.

Are you looking for a "sweet" deal on a new home? Our agents would love to show you some of the area's best neighborhoods! Contact us today to discuss your goals and get started.

Have you thought about jumping on the bandwagon and making your home smarter in 2021? If not, maybe you should. There are so many ways smart features increase your home's comfort, security, and efficiency that a smart system bears looking at. What's more, if you're listing your home among Dallas homes for sale or Plano homes for sale, you might include the smart system and appliances as a selling point.

In case you're not familiar with all the features you could have with a smart system, let's look at a rundown.

1. Smart Home Assistant
   The smart home assistant is the foundation for any smart system. There are two that dominate the market: Amazon Echo with Alexa and Google Home with smart speakers. Similar to the way they work, these devices control all the other smart devices in your home, from lights and doorbells to security alarms and cameras.
   
   
2. Smart Hub
   If you go with a smart speaker without a built-in hub, you'll need a smart hub for automating all the smart devices in your home through only one app. A couple of the best are the Smart Things Hub and the Hubitat Elevation Home Automation Hub.
   
   
3. Lighting
   No need to get up. Add smart bulbs and control the lights through your phone, either by voice or touch. Still at the office? Turn on some light for the dog remotely. Change the mood by changing the color of the light if you opt for RGB lighting.

4. HVAC Thermostat
   Manage your home's environment from near or far with a smart thermostat. Use an app on your smartphone or tablet to control the temperature; depending on if you have an in-house humidifier, you might even be able to raise or lower humidity. Some systems can sense your approach and raise or lower the temperature for your comfort. Need an analysis of your energy usage? A smart thermostat can do that as well.

5. Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors
   Smart smoke detectors not only detect smoke but send a message to your phone that there's a problem.
   
   
6. Garage Door Opener
   Let workers in your garage when you're away with an app on your phone. Did you forget to close the garage door? No problem. You can close it remotely as long as you can access Wi-fi.
   
   
7. Smart Security Features
   A complete smart security system should include indoor and outdoor cameras, door locks, lighting, and even the doorbell. Here's how these features play into your overall security strategy:

• • Indoor camera -- There are many reasons to monitor what's going on inside your home, from watching a babysitter or cleaning employee to monitoring your pets' activities to recording a break-in.
  • Outdoor camera -- Again, you want to be able to record who comes up to your front door and what they do. The Nest outdoor security camera comes with night vision and has a built-in microphone and speaker; plus, you can use the app for the Nest to view live footage on your smartphone.
  • Door lock -- These devices do away with the need for keys; you can unlock them via your smartphone or with a fingerprint or a pin.
  • Doorbell -- These come with a camera that lets you see who's ringing the bell and communicate with them through your phone. Some devices have the ability to recognize your visitors.

Our real estate agents can help you upgrade your home and appliances to create a more convenient, efficient, and secure smart system. Contact us today. 

Whatever else is going on in our lives, Thanksgiving is a constant, providing us with a comforting sense of gratitude. Celebrate in style with a fine-dining feast from one of these upscale restaurants around DFW recommended by our real estate agents. 

• Mignon - 4005 Preston Rd., Suite 518, Plano, TX 75093
  With its intimate booths, Mondrian-style abstract artwork and elegant wood surfaces, dining at Mignon, just minutes from Plano homes for sale, feels like being in a scene from a 1960s French film. The three-course, $54 prix-fixe Thanksgiving menu begins with soup or salad, followed by turkey breast with stuffing, sweet potatoes, green beans, and cranberry relish. For dessert, choose between apple pie and pumpkin cheesecake. Substitute filet mignon or Chilean sea bass for an additional charge. Two private dining rooms for each seating time allow safe social distancing. Hours are 8:45 a.m. - 5 p.m. with a two-hour limit.
  
  
• Fearing's Restaurant - 2121 McKinney Ave., Dallas, TX 75201
  Located in the iconic Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Fearing's Restaurant was recently named #1 among the "Top Dallas Restaurants for Celebrating Special Occasions." The elegant Thanksgiving menu is in keeping with the restaurant's high standards and sense of style. Start with a choice of four appetizers before moving on to the main course of turkey, halibut, beef tenderloin, or lamb osso buco, finishing with one of three different desserts. Price is $125 per person. Hours are 10:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
  
  
• Hotel Crescent Court - 400 Crescent Court, Dallas, TX 75201
  Turn your home into the most exclusive dining room around Dallas homes for sale. Thanksgiving To-Go from Hotel Crescent Court does all the work while you get all the credit. The holiday feast includes a whole turkey, salad, bread and dinner rolls, and assortment of classic side dishes along with a pumpkin pie and apple pie, enough to feed 8-10 people. Price is $275 plus tax and a 10 percent service charge. Visit the website to order by 2:30 p.m. on Monday, November 23. Orders may be picked up Wednesday, November 25 between 5 - 7 p.m. and Thursday, November 26 between 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. 
  
  
• Perry's Steakhouse & Grill - 2440 Parkwood Blvd., Frisco, TX 75034
  Whether you prefer dining out or enjoying Thanksgiving in the comfort of your own home, Perry's Steakhouse & Grill has got you covered. Dine-in guests at the popular restaurant near Frisco homes for sale may order from the special Thanksgiving Day $45 prix-fixe menu or the regular dinner menu. For your convenience, the holiday meal can be ordered for curbside pickup at the same price plus a 15 percent handling fee. Kids' meals for ages 12 and under are available for $15, both dine-in and carryout. Hours are 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
  
  
• Bacchus Kitchen + Bar - 215 E. Dallas Rd., Grapevine, TX 76051
  Named after the Roman god of wine, Bacchus Kitchen + Bar, not far from Grapevine homes for sale, is all about that ancient civilization's tradition of celebratory feasts. The daily menu highlights contemporary cuisine made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, and the same holds true for the special Thanksgiving Day menu. Enjoy a family-style meal featuring cider-brined turkey or bourbon maple-glazed ham accompanied by gourmet sides, including jalapeño corn bread stuffing and roasted garlic and crème fraiche whipped potatoes. Price is $75 for adults and $30 for kids over age 5. Hours are 6:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.

In 2021, will you be giving thanks for a new home in Dallas or Fort Worth? Contact us at RE/MAX DFW Associates for help with all your real estate questions. 

North Texas home sales dropped in September by the largest percentage in more than seven years. Preowned home sales in the area fell by 7 percent from September 2017. That was the biggest year-over-year sales decline since early 2011, according to data from the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University and North Texas Real Estate Information Systems.  Home sales by real estate agents have been down in three of the last four months. Higher mortgage costs and years of rising home prices have caused some buyers to pull back from the market.  Mortgage rates on average are currently about 4.7 percent — the highest level in seven years — and are expected to go higher in 2019.  With September's sales decline, preowned home sales by real estate agents in North Texas are now flat with the same period of 2017. A record of more than 106,000 homes sold in the area last year.  "We think things are going to be flat," said Dr James Gaines, chief economist for the Real Estate Center. The Dallas-Fort Worth housing market has cooled significantly since early in the year when sales were still up by double-digit percentage rates from 2017 levels.

Home price growth has also slowed.  Median home sales prices rose by 4 percent in September from a year earlier to $251,000.  For the first nine months of 2018, prices are up 5 percent from the sale period in 2017. With sales declining, the number of houses on the market in North Texas has growth to 25,895 preowned single-family homes listed with real estate agents at the end of last month. That's 16 percent more homes for sale in the area than a year ago.  On average it took 44 days to sell the houses that trade in September — up 5 percent from a year earlier. Currently there is about a 3-month supply of homes available for purchase in the more than two dozen North Texas counties included in the survey.

• Dallas Morning News, October 9, 2018

Is the housing boom running out of gas?  During the last few years, the home market has been on a tear in North Texas and in other parts of the country, with prices soaring and buyers lining up as soon as a sign hits the front yard.  But there are growing signs that the fast-paced housing market is shifting gears, with a decline in sales in many markets and smaller price increases.  In July, U.S. preowned home sales fell from a year ago for the fifth month in a row. And nationwide new home sales were down almost 2 percent in July, causing analysts at IHS Markit to question if the bull home market has turned bearish.  "The economy is strong. Labor markets are solid. Yet, new home sales and single-family housing starts and permits have stalled. How can this be?" said Patrick Newport, executive director of the U.S. economics team at IHS.

Newport said rising home prices and higher mortgage rates have cooled the ardor for home buying.  "This has choked off demand," he said. A slowdown in immigration and household formation could also be factors, Newport theorizes.  In North Texas, year-over-year preowned home sales have fallen in many neighborhoods, and for the entire region, year-to-date sales were up a measly 2 percent as of July.  At the same time, the double-digit percentage home price gains of the last few years have faded in Dallas-Fort Worth. Through the first seven months of 2018, median home sales prices were up only 6 percent from the same period last year, according to sales data from real estate agents.

Property agents say that some first-time buyers have given up after losing out to other buyers or all-cash investors who snapped up affordable homes.  At midyear, the number of prospective U.S. homebuyers who said they planned to make a purchase in the next 12 months fell to just 14 percent — down from 24 percent in fourth quarter of 2017, according to the National Association of Home Builders. That's still another sign that the home market — while not in a traditional bubble — may be headed for slower sales in the year ahead.  "It's clear that the winds that have boosted sellers over the past few years are ever-so-slightly starting to shift," said Zillow senior economist Aaron Terrazas.

• Dallas Morning News, August 27, 2018