DFW Real Estate Trends & Predictions for 2025

So honored to have been named one of the best Realtors in Dallas 2025 by Dallas Nav! Click the link below to see what they wrote! https://dallasnav.com/best-realtors-in-dallas-texas Please give me a call if you are looking to buy or sell your home! Ginger Varga - Texas Urban Living 214.789.7111 | gingerkvarga@gmail.comwww.gingervarga. Business Built On A Foundation Of Trust.

Selling a home in Dallas/Fort Worth?

Veterans have been through the wringer, putting their lives on the line for our country and returning home with high hopes of living in peace and prosperity. Home ownership is one way in which veterans strive for this, but the housing market fluctuates, presenting challenges that can hinder a veteran’s ability to buy and maintain payments on a home. Luckily, there are veteran assumable loans and mortgages to help provide the flexibility that veterans and their loved ones deserve. What Is a Veteran Assumable Loan? Veteran assumable loans are mortgages. They allow a new borrower, such as a spouse, loved one or new homebuyer to assume the responsibility of a home loan if a veteran sells a home that they have purchased with a VA home loan. Essentially, the new borrower takes over payment of a veteran's existing loan. Existing terms and conditions, like repayment schedules, repayment amounts, and interest rates, are the same, but the loan agreement is signed by a new borrower with a new name. The new borrower agrees to assume the remaining balance on the home loan. This process helps in one of two ways. It can either release the veteran from the responsibility of repayment so they can move or return to active duty. Or the veteran assumable loan can help a new borrower take over payments that a veteran cannot afford, allowing the veteran to maintain residence in a home. The Benefits of Veteran Assumable Loans In many cases, veteran assumable loans allow veterans to get out of their mortgage so they can move and live elsewhere. In that scenario, veterans are released from repayment obligations, and the assumable loan could make the property more valuable to potential buyers if the new borrower decides to sell. For new borrowers, veteran assumable loans can be quicker and more straightforward than a new home loan application. The terms have already been set, and conditions have already been met, which means all a new borrower has to do is assume responsibility and make the payment. To apply for a veteran assumable loan , new borrowers must meet a number of lender requirements and conditions. Good credit and income expectations are a must, but there are many more. The lender must then approve the loan, requiring a signed release of liability to ensure the veteran is no longer responsible for the original loan. Things to Consider With Veteran Assumable Loans Veteran assumable loans can be passed from veterans to civilians, but sometimes, a veteran’s entitlement to a home loan can remain tied to the original mortgage. This could be an issue if veterans seek to use their entitlement for future home loans. Some lenders don’t allow veteran assumable loans . Those that do often charge fees and have special requirements for veterans and new borrowers. Sometimes, the new borrower of a veteran assumable loan must pay the difference between a home’s market value and the remaining mortgage balance. It may sometimes take up to 60 to 90 days to close a sale with a veteran assumable loan as the paperwork does take more time. If there is a difference in the final sale price compared to the price put in the application, that difference must be paid in cash, so it’s important to make sure you are close to the final sales price up front or have some cash ready on hand for any price differences. Summing Up Veterans deserve the right to home ownership as much as anyone else, making veteran assumable loans essential in the home-buying marketplace. For the last 15 years, I have been serving veterans in the Dallas / Fort Worth Metroplex and it makes me proud to help veterans and their loved ones live the best life they can. And knowing how complex dealing with veteran assumable loans can be, I’m especially proud of my ability to guide veterans through the maze of paperwork and requirements to help them realize their real estate dreams. So if you want to know more about how veteran assumable loans can help you realize your dreams of home ownership give me a call on (214)789-7111 or click here to send me a message. - Ginger

There’s so much to love about condo living. You get all the benefits of homeownership, with none of the hassles — no lawn maintenance and no exterior upkeep. Plus, chances are good that you have access to community amenities you might not have with a single-family home, like a swimming pool, fitness center, or communal park. However, if this is your first time purchasing a condo in Dallas/Fort Worth , you’ll want to know a few things. What First-time Condo Buyers Must Know Before Buying Condos come in all shapes and sizes and condo properties can be barebones or luxurious. Knowing what’s available, plus your own needs and preferences will help ensure a smooth, easy process. So there are a few questions you should ask yourself to clarify for yourself which condo is best for you. New or Resale? First, do you want to buy a new unit? Would you prefer a resale unit? Both have their pros and cons. New units are just what they sound like, condos that have never been lived in before. And there’s nothing better than moving into your brand spanking new condo with all the glitz and glamour. Often, you can customize finishes and materials to some degree. However, they can be more expensive than resale units. Resale units are the condo equivalent of buying a single-family home that’s already been lived in. So while they’re often more affordable, you can expect that it may be outdated and need some maintenance and improvements, so you might want to do allow a budget to do some upgrades or renovations. Got Your Checklist? Shopping for a condo in Dallas/Fort Worth can leave you overwhelmed due to all the choices and different inclusions and different specifications. So it’s important for you to have a checklist of all the key criteria that are important to you to help you make a decision. You need to consider each property and compare what it offers to the other condos on offer. First step is to start with your needs. Create your own checklist of key criteria and order them in order of importance. Do you need to be close to work or would you rather be closer to shopping, dining, nightlife or medical facilities? Do you have a pet and need to make sure it’s pet friendly? Do you want parks nearby? Do you want recreation options like a swimming pool and a gym on the property? So make your checklist and give each condo a score out of 10 for all the items. This will help you make a decision based on what really matters to you. What Are the Costs? It’s important to remember that having more amenities usually equates to not just a higher initial price tag, but also higher ongoing costs. Condominium properties are usually managed by a homeowners’ association that charges dues/fees for maintenance and upkeep. Some HOAs (Home Owners Associations) may also charge special assessment fees. These extra are fees that are charged under certain conditions like emergencies or to fix unexpected major repairs. These usually fall outside the HOA’s yearly budget so you need to pay it on top of the normal annual fees. So when you’re comparing condos, make sure you find out what the annual costs are and if there are any special assessment fees so you can make sure they are within your budget. Any Other Conditions? It’s also important to be aware of other special conditions that may affect you. For example, there are conditions around occupancy rates which many people aren't aware of. If you have the intention of buying the condo to rent it out at a later time, many condos require a certain occupancy rate. So if that is fulfilled than you can't rent your unit out. And if you are a veteran or an FHA buyer you must buy a condo in a complex that is VA or FHA approved. This makes purchasing with a VA or FHA loan very difficult and limited so you are better off buying the condo as a conventional or cash buyer because you will have more options. However, you have to think about resale because if it's not FHA or VA approved then only a cash or conventional buyer can purchase it. Also, if a condo complex is ever under a lawsuit then you can not purchase it with any financing – cash must be used. Picked Your Location? As you may have heard, in real estate, the most important 3 factors are location, location, location. So you need to consider the area well, which means assessing a wide range of factors. For instance, condos located more centrally or closer to specific amenities or popular areas command higher prices, while buying farther out of town will offer more affordable living but may mean driving farther for work or shopping. So be clear on what are the important amenities or benefits you want to have close to where you live and which ones you’re prepared to drive a bit farther for. Safety is also an important concern, so it’s important to check the safety of different areas. A great resource for this is Crimegrade which gives you safety statistics in different areas, so you can make your decision based on real facts and figures. The Expert Help You Need to Find the Perfect Condo in Dallas/Fort Worth If you’re looking to buy a condo in Dallas/Fort Worth , the you'll surely feel a lot more confident in your journey when you have a helping hand. I’ve lived and worked as a real estate agent in the area for over 15 years and I’m here to help you navigate this often-confusing process. So reach out today and schedule a consultation — I’d love the chance to help you find your dream condo! Just click here to end me a message or give me a call on (214)789-7111 and let's have a chat. - Ginger Varga

Are you interested in deals in the Dallas/Fort Worth condominium market today? It’s in an exciting place with several trends to be aware of. Broad trends across the United States apply but you also need to be aware of what is happening in the region. Below, you can learn more about the trends you need as a homebuyer or homeowner in the DFW condominium market. Growing Demand The demand for condos in Dallas/Fort Worth has skyrocketed in recent months. In the 12 months up to the third quarter of 2023, condo demand was weak and supply was strong, with 25,386 new condo units developed but only 8,742 of those absorbed into the market. But things sure changed in the first quarter of 2024. In just 3 months, over 5,000 condos were filled ! And in this second quarter, which is only halfway done, 4,000 condos have already been filled by renters . Demand is really picking up in 2024. So if you’re looking at buying, better get in quick before prices really start shooting up and if you’re a condo owner, you may want to get an idea of what your condo may sell for to be ready to sell at the right time. Larger Inventory Developers in the DFW area are responding to the increased demand over the last few years by creating a larger inventory of condos, which has caused a lot of supply, leading to a larger inventory. The good news is that this means that a lot of developers are offering great incentives and lots of choices. As of April 2024, condos range in price from $200,000 to $5,000,000 , creating a diverse pool of options for buyers. This includes several mid-range and more affordable options which are appreciated by downsizers, young professionals, and first-time homebuyers. Trends in Pricing Between March 2023 and March 2024, the average home sales price in Fort Worth has dropped by 0.3% to $334,000. Despite the small decrease, the area has seen strong price growth and sales metrics across all property categories. Prices have been up and down in the DFW condo market over the last few years depending on the location. Prices have climbed in areas of limited supply and high demand, such as downtown Fort Worth and Dallas. On the other hand, in areas where developers are going more buildings, such as Plano and Frisco, the prices of condos are much more affordable . So if you’re in the market for a condo, it’s important to do your research to know which areas will give you the best value for your money and the highest potential growth moving forward. Desire for Urban Living Urban living has also become more popular in the DFW area, which has an impact on condo prices and inventory. Many people are choosing city condos instead of homes in more suburban locations. Why is this occurring? Most people want to be near employers, entertainment, and cultural locations which are largely in bigger cities. Young professionals and millennials are two groups centered on this trend. And this trend is not something that will decrease, but with the lifestyle trends we’re seeing these days, it’s expected to increase year after year. Tech Advancements Another reason people choose condos is because many are filled with useful technology. Smart home devices, energy-efficient appliances, and high-speed Internet are things people want that are often located in these homes. Having innovative technology improves the quality of life for residents and it also makes condos easier to market since more and more people want these features. Market Outlook The DFW condo market is in a positive place. As economic growth continues , more people will be on the lookout for condominiums, but this also means more developers will be building them. Buyers and investors have to be smart and watch for challenges moving forward, because picking the right condo in the right location will be critical to how much your investment will grow – or shrink – in the future. So make sure you do your research and get the right advice from experienced professionals that know the Dallas – Fort Worth condo market like the back of their hand. Let Me Help You Find the Perfect Condo in DFW! Luckily, I’m an experienced real estate agent with knowledge of the Dallas/Fort Worth area! And I’m here to help you navigate finding the condominium of your dreams. I can help you find the right place based on your needs, desires and budget. Simply reach out today and learn more about the value I can bring and help you find the right condo for you! Click here to send me a message or give me a call on 214-789-7111. Happy condo hunting! - Ginger Varga

The Real Estate Commission vs. Sitzer/Burnett Lawsuit has caused commotion in the real estate industry. If you’re one of those who released a long, pent-up breath when the verdict was given in the class action Sitzer/Burnett lawsuit , you’re not alone. It’s not the end of the story, but it’s a good indication of where things are going. What does that mean for the real estate industry? And what does it mean for veterans trying to buy or sell a home? There’s a lot of negative hype out there, and I’d like to help you cut through it to the underlying reality and give you some answers to some of the burning questions you may have, so you understand how it may affect you. 1. Will veterans be unable to get funding through a VA real estate loan ? No, this will not affect a veteran’s ability to obtain a VA home loan . It just means that the Buyers Agent fee can no longer be advertised in the multiple listing service (MLS) by the listing agent. Commissions have always been negotiable and the industry norm has been that the Seller would pay 6% of the home’s sell price to their listing broker which is then split with the buyer’s agent at closing. This model helped Sellers to bring qualified buyers for their home and benefited Buyers as well because it allowed buyers to have representation by a licensed Realtor without having to pay for that expense out of pocket. In the past, Buyers have also at some point always signed a representation agreement with their Realtor agreeing to pay up to 3% commission. However, the Buyer never really had to pay those fees because most of the time that fee was already paid for by the Seller and even if the Buyers agent received less than 3% from the pre-negotiated amount in many cases the Realtor would not actually enforce the representation agreement to make their Buyer pay any additional fees out of pocket. This ruling changes this model in a way that it could leave both parties (Seller and Buyer) responsible for paying their own fees charged by their agent and will require a Buyers agent to enforce the representation agreement if the Seller chooses not to offer a commission because a Buyers agent will not be able to work for free and must get compensated for their work somehow. What does this mean for veterans? It is already challenging for a VA Buyer to compete with cash or conventional offers on a home because it is a government funded loan and has many rules that can make it a less attractive deal to a Seller. This is also why it is even more important for a Veteran to have good representation from an experienced VA Realtor who knows the ins and outs of the process. Now with this change, if a veteran does not have the funds available to pay the buyer’s agent’s fee in the event a Seller is not offering a commission on that home then it will put the Veteran at a bigger disadvantage because they won’t be able to be competitive enough or won’t be able to afford to buy that particular home. Currently, VA does not allow a Veteran to roll in commission costs into the loan so that could essentially leave a veteran without representation when this is a group that needs it the most. In many cases, Sellers will still be offering compensation to a Buyers Agent but again this just will not be advertised upfront. We are still waiting and hoping that the VA will be able to step in to make some changes to their regulations to ensure veterans are given the support they need and deserve. But for now, the best solution is to find a veteran-specialist real estate agent who understands your situation and can work with you to create solutions to get you into your dream home while covering their fees in compliance with the new regulations. 2. Will this make VA home loans too expensive for veterans to obtain? There’s a great deal of talk about how forcing veterans to pay their real estate agent fees will dramatically increase the cost of a mortgage. That’s unlikely to happen in most cases. What you’ll likely see is that real estate agents will agree their rates with buyers on a service-by-service basis. This will, however, make it more important to work with a real estate agent who specializes in working with veterans to make sure you are properly represented by someone who knows all the intricacies of dealing with the VA and the ins and outs of the new system. This will greatly improve your chances of getting the maximum amount of financial assistance – which could be the difference between owning the home of your dreams or not! 3. Is everything said and done? Not by a long shot. Yes, a verdict was handed down that has shaken the real estate industry to its core, but there are many more cases yet to be decided. We’re also waiting on government agencies, like the VA, to offer guidance or to implement new ground rules for VA real estate loans and how they’ll work with agent fees. Sellers are still paying commissions; they’re just not advertised. If there is no commission attached to the sale, there must be a representation agreement and possibly a compensation plan in place to pay the real estate agent, but these cannot be rolled into VA home loans . That complicates matters for VA borrowers. So everyone’s waiting to hear more from the VA in the coming weeks to see how they will react to give our veterans the support they deserve to get into the home they’ve always dreamed of. 4. Do I still need a buyer’s agent? Obtaining VA loans is already not straightforward and it’s incredibly challenging to meet all the requirements without a great deal of experience and expertise. So having a carefully selected buyer’s agent by your side who has worked with veterans and active-duty service members will be highly beneficial to you. They will walk you through the ins and outs of the process, help you deal with the hurdles that must be overcome, and ensure that you’re not taken advantage of during the process. Now, more than ever, having a veteran specialized buyer’s agent can really make or break your chances of owning your dream home. The (not so) Final Word Ultimately, don’t believe the hype. Yes, the ruling changes things, but not necessarily for the worse in many ways it is still the same as it has been as long as Sellers are still offering commissions. Many veteran homebuyers and sellers may see better outcomes. And remember that the process is far from done. We are expecting further news from the VA about this topic, so check in again soon to get the latest news. In the meantime, it’s important that you work with a trusted and experienced buyer’s agent who specializes in veteran home loans , who can guide you through the ups and downs. Luckily, I’m one of them! I’ve helped veterans and active service men and women buy and sell homes for over 12 years and have over 200 happy customers. Don’t take my word for it, though. Check out my testimonials to see how my experience helps my clients get the VA loan they need to secure their dream homes. Worried about what the class action lawsuit means for VA home loans and how much it might complicate the process? The best thing to do is to get in touch so I can help you set your mind at ease. Or simply give me a call at 214-789-7111. - Ginger Varga

Buying a home is more challenging today than at any point in the past few decades. Not only are interest rates on the rise, but inventory levels are low across the nation, and lenders are pickier than ever before. These factors can combine to make it nearly impossible for veterans to find a place to call home. The good news is that working with a veteran specialized realtor can be the key to taming home-buying chaos and uncertainty. Why work with a real estate agent who specializes in veterans' home mortgage options? Let’s explore the benefits. About VA Loans While the home-buying process is always complicated, veterans and certain family members have access to something that other homebuyers do not: a VA home loan. Insured by the Department of Veterans Affairs, a VA loan comes with some pretty important benefits, including the following: • No down payment necessary • No need for mortgage insurance (PMI) • Access to lower interest rates than with conventional loans • Discounted closing costs • Flexible borrower qualifications So, if veterans have access to these loans, how does a veteran specialized realtor fit into the picture? Helping You Navigate the Process Obtaining a VA loan isn’t always a simple process. A veteran specialized realtor understands the ins and outs involved with the process, from helping you qualify for a VA loan to the special documentation necessary during the application process. Another reason to consider working with veteran specialized realtors is that they can guide you to the right lender. The VA doesn’t issue loans; it backs them. The loans originate from conventional lenders. The problem is that while many lenders claim to offer VA loans, most of them don’t understand the processes and requirements. That lack of experience can cause many problems during the process, from delays to outright denials. This also applies to housing other than traditional single-family homes and mobile homes. For instance, a condo or townhome community’s HOA bylaws, occupancy numbers, and other factors must be approved by the VA. You’ll also find that a veteran specialized realtor is ready for the unique timeline that usually accompanies a VA loan. This is particularly true with active-duty military service members, but it can also apply to veterans who may still be active in the Reserves but who are not active-duty military members any longer. There’s also the fact that a veteran specialized realtor understands the VA’s unique appraisal requirements. Buyers often must make repairs or renovations to a home after purchasing it, but the VA requires that all properties meet the organization’s minimum property requirements, which may exclude some homes from your list of options. A Helping Hand to Find the Home of Your Dreams The good news is, I’m a veteran specialized realtor serving the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. With over 12 years expertise in helping veterans and active-duty military members navigate the VA loan process, I have helped over 200 happy homeowners find their perfect home. And I can help you find the perfect place for you. Ready to get started? Click the link below and I’ll prepare a customized list of homes for you to check out. And if you are wondering what your current home is worth, I’d be happy to come out and do a home valuation for you as my gift to you. Just click here and let’s get you into your dream home! Your veteran specialized realtor, Ginger Varga

There is Positive Outlook in Today's Real Estate Market!

In today’s market, you must get pre-approved first before try getting your dream home, otherwise you might miss out on getting the perfect home under contract if you have not spoken with the lender and are not prepared properly with your finances yet (unless you plan to pay all cash). Most lenders can pre-qualify you over the phone and/or through a quick on-line application. They will ask general questions about your income, debt, credit history and assets. With this information, lenders can estimate the maximum loan amount you could qualify for. Being pre-qualified and pre-approved are two separate things. A pre-qualification letter does not look as strong to a Seller as a full pre-approval specially during any multiple offer situation when you are competing with other buyers who have been fully pre-approved. This is because the information provided to the lender was just general information and has not yet been fully verified. Pre-approved means that you have applied for a mortgage; filled out the mortgage application with your lender, they have received your credit report and verified your employment & assets. With a full pre-approval, you have more credibility as an interested buyer because you know exactly how much you can afford and the Seller can be more confident in your financing that you will qualify for the loan to purchase their home and it will not fall through during the process due to financing. In addition to being pre-approved, it is also just as important to be approved with an experienced lender with a great reputation that is legitimate, organized and accessible so they can provide you with important information throughout the process.