Notes from North DFW
Straight answers about buying and selling in Denton & Collin Counties.
Every article here is written in plain language, cites its sources, and tells you what still needs to be verified for your own situation.
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Showing 26 articles.
New Construction
New Construction in North DFW: Owner’s Title Policy vs. Lender’s Policy
A brand-new house does not eliminate title risk. Learn how an owner’s title policy differs from the lender’s loan policy and what North DFW new-build buyers should review before closing.
· 8 min read
Veteran Homebuyers
VA Funding Fee in 2026: Who Is Exempt and Who May Receive a Refund?
VA waives the funding fee for several groups, and a later disability award may support a refund only when its effective date reaches back before closing. Here is what North DFW VA buyers should verify first.
· 8 min read
Buy Before You Sell
Sell First, Move Later? How a Texas Seller Leaseback Works
A Texas seller leaseback lets the seller stay as a tenant after closing for up to 90 days under TREC Form 15-7. Here is what move-up sellers and buyers should settle in writing first.
· 9 min read
Buy Before You Sell
Buying Before You Sell in Texas: How a Home-Sale Contingency Works
In a Texas resale transaction, TREC’s Addendum for Sale of Other Property by Buyer can make the new-home purchase contingent on the buyer receiving proceeds from the sale of a specified property by a stated date. If the contingency is not satisfied or waived by that date, the contract terminates automatically and the earnest money is refunded. But if the seller accepts another offer, the seller may require the buyer to waive the contingency within the negotiated notice period—or the contract can terminate.
· 8 min read
Veteran Homebuyers
VA Appraisal Below the Price? What the Escape Clause Protects
When a VA-established reasonable value is below the contract price, the VA escape clause gives the eligible buyer the option to renegotiate, bring funds to cover the difference, request a Reconsideration of Value, or exit for that valuation reason without forfeiting earnest money. It does not cancel the contract for unrelated reasons, and it does not necessarily refund inspection fees, appraisal fees, or builder upgrade deposits.
· 8 min read
New Construction
New-Build Closing Delayed? Protect Your Mortgage Rate Lock
If your North DFW new-build closing is delayed past your mortgage rate-lock expiration, the locked rate may no longer be protected. Your lender may offer an extension, sometimes for a fee, but the policy and cost vary. Before locking, ask for the expiration date, extension options, costs, and who pays if the builder moves closing. Then track the construction timeline with both the builder and lender—because a projected completion date is not the same as a guaranteed closing date.
· 8 min read
Buying 101
Texas Option Period Explained: What Buyers and Sellers Should Know
The option clock matters. Here is how Texas resale-contract payment deadlines, inspections, written extensions and timely termination fit together for North DFW buyers and sellers.
· 6 min read
Veteran Homebuyers
What Is an Assumable Mortgage? (And Why My Sellers Just Said Yes to One)
My Little Elm sellers received an offer built around their existing VA loan. Saying yes to exploring it was the start—not approval. Here are the separate questions buyers and sellers need to answer.
· 6 min read
New Construction
Buying New Construction in North DFW? Budget for the Tax Bill, PID and MUD—Not Just the Mortgage
Two new homes with the same price can have very different monthly costs. Here is how January 1 values, new improvements, PIDs, MUDs and HOA dues fit into the full budget.
· 8 min read
Veteran Homebuyers
Can You Assume a VA Loan in North DFW? The Rate Is Only Part of the Decision
An assumable VA loan can be attractive, but approval, the equity gap and the veteran seller's entitlement all need answers before anyone writes the contract around it.
· 9 min read
Buy Before You Sell
Buying Before You Sell? A Mortgage Recast May Lower the New Payment After Your Old Home Closes
After your current home sells, an approved mortgage recast may lower principal and interest on the new loan. Here is what it changes, what it doesn't, and what to confirm first.
· 9 min read
New Construction
New Construction in DFW: Four Questions to Ask About Inspections and Deposits
Before you sign a builder contract, ask how your deposit can be returned, whether you can shop lenders, whether independent inspections are allowed and how repairs are handled.
· 6 min read
Veteran Homebuyers
VA Buyers in North DFW: The Appraisal Is Not a Home Inspection
The VA appraisal and a home inspection do different jobs. Here's what each one does and why VA strongly recommends getting an inspection too.
· 5 min read
Buy Before You Sell
Buying Before You Sell: How a Bridge Loan Can Affect Mortgage Qualification
A bridge loan can solve timing, but lenders generally count its payment as debt. Here's how that affects qualification and overlap costs.
· 6 min read
City Guides
Carnicería Nuñez Is Coming to Denton: What We Know So Far
A new butcher shop is planned for East McKinney Street in Denton. Here is what is confirmed so far and what is still subject to permitting and construction.
· 5 min read
Buying 101
Mortgage Rates Above 7%: What North DFW Buyers Should Do Next
A national rate headline is not your personal quote. Here is a practical way to compare financing, monthly costs and new-construction offers in North DFW.
· 7 min read
Market Updates
DFW Housing Market: 34,191 Homes for Sale and a $389K Median Price
August's Metroplex numbers show fewer sales and listings, a modestly higher median price and 4.4 months of inventory. Here is how I would put those headlines in context.
· 7 min read
City Guides
McKinney Oktoberfest 2026: Weekend Guide for North DFW
Dates, hours and practical planning notes for a local weekend at McKinney Oktoberfest in Historic Downtown McKinney.
· 6 min read
Market Updates
Dallas Has 108% More Sellers Than Buyers: What It Means for DFW
Dallas entered August with one of the nation’s largest estimated gaps between sellers and buyers. Here is how buyers and sellers can respond without treating a metro headline as a guarantee.
· 8 min read
New Construction
Texas New-Home Sales Fell in August—But DFW Buyers Still Need a Plan
August brought slower Texas new-home sales, more DFW inventory and a higher average DFW price—a mixed picture that rewards property-level comparison.
· 8 min read
New Construction
North DFW New Construction: What Buyers Should Know About Builder Incentives in Fall 2026
Compare builder incentives, rate buydowns, closing-cost assistance and quick move-in homes across Denton and Collin counties this fall.
· 9 min read
Veteran Homebuyers
VA Home Loans in North DFW: What Veterans Should Know Before Starting Their Home Search
A practical guide to structuring a VA-financed North DFW home search before you tour resale, quick move-in or new-construction homes.
· 10 min read
Buy Before You Sell
Buying Before You Sell in North DFW: What Your Home Equity Can—and Can’t—Do
Equity solves a timing problem. It does not automatically solve a qualifying problem. Here is how the two pieces fit together before you tour your next home.
· 9 min read
New Construction
DFW Builder Incentives: Is That Low Rate Really a Good Deal?
A builder's advertised rate can be a real advantage or an expensive distraction. Here is how to compare the complete offer before you sign anything.
· 8 min read
Veteran Homebuyers
Disabled Veteran Property-Tax Exemptions in Texas
Property-tax exemptions can change what a monthly payment looks like. Here is how the Texas rules are structured and why they belong in the conversation before you choose a house.
· 9 min read
Buy Before You Sell
Sell First or Buy First? 4 Ways DFW Families Can Move Up
Buying before you sell may be possible depending on your equity, financing and circumstances. Here are four sequencing options and the numbers that decide which one fits.
· 9 min read
Topic hubs
New Construction
Builder conversations, incentives, contracts and representation in North DFW.
Veteran Homebuyers
Education for veterans and military families buying in Denton and Collin Counties.
Buy Before You Sell
Equity, financing and sequencing options for homeowners planning their next home.
Market Updates
Sourced, dated notes on what is happening across the North DFW market.
City Guides
Neighborhood and lifestyle orientation for the communities Clarissa serves.
Buying 101
Plain-language fundamentals for first-time and returning buyers.
Selling 101
Preparation, pricing and process for North DFW home sellers.
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