Southlake or Plano: Which is the better fit?

Southlake and Plano are two of the most popular suburbs in the Dallas area. Both have their pros and cons, so which one is better for you? Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons of each community to help you decide.

Plano and Southlake are two very different cities when it comes to size and population density. If you're looking for a little more space and a slower pace of life, Southlake may be the place for you. With a population of just 32,000, it's one of the smaller cities in the area. And with a population density of just 1,475 people per square mile, it's also one of the most spacious. In contrast, Plano is a bustling metropolis with a population of 291,000. That works out to a population density of 4,054 people per square mile - almost three times as dense as Southlake. When it comes to homes for sale, you'll find plenty of options in both cities. However, in Southlake almost half of the homes for sale have at least 1/2 an acre of land - something that's much harder to find in densely-populated Plano. So if you're looking for a city with a little more room to breathe, Southlake may be the place for you.

When comparing the cost of living in Plano and Southlake, there are a few factors to consider. According to bestplaces.net, the overall cost of living in Plano is 36% less than Southlake. This is primarily due to the difference in housing costs, as the median sales price for a home in Plano is $574,000, while the median sales price for a home in Southlake is $1.42 million. The average sold price per square foot is also significantly lower in Plano ($231) than Southlake ($375). However, it's important to note that the cost of groceries and transportation are also lower in Plano than Southlake. This is likely due to the fact that Plano has access to the Dallas Area Rapid Transit system, which makes public transportation more accessible and affordable. Overall, the biggest factor influencing the cost of living between these two cities is housing and Plano is definitely the more affordable of the two.

When it comes to jobs and commuting, there are pros and cons to both Plano and Southlake. Plano isn't centrally located, but it is close to Dallas, with a 23-minute commute. Southlake has a great central location, situated 30 minutes from both downtown Dallas and Fort Worth. So there's no real winner or loser here - it just depends on where you need to be. Plano has a lot of highways surrounding and running through the city, including 121 which borders the north of the city, GW Bush which borders the south of the city, and 75 and the tollway which run north-south. Plano also has public transportation options, while Southlake only has highway 114. If you're looking for a place to work and live in the same city, then Plano has the definite advantage, with corporate headquarters for companies like Frito Lay and Toyota. However, if you're looking to commute to both Dallas and Fort Worth, Southlake might be the better option.

So, which city is the better fit for you? Let me know in the comments section. If you’re still not sure, that’s okay! We can help you figure it out. Contact us today and we’ll set up a time for you to come visit both cities and see for yourself what they have to offer. Thanks for reading!

Will Higher Interest Rates Hurt Home Sales in Dallas?

Rising interest rates have some people convinced that home prices will start to drop. Will that happen here in Dallas?

For starters, it's important to remember that interest rates are just one factor that can affect home prices. Other factors include the strength of the economy, population growth, and housing supply and demand.

In Dallas we have a strong economy and the population is growing rapidly. In fact, 300 people move to Dallas every day! That's a lot of new people looking for homes.

There is also the issue of supply.  Right now, there is a lack of housing inventory in Dallas. This is especially true for entry-level and  middle-priced homes. Strong population growth and limited supply is pushing prices upward, even in the face of rising interest rates.

In the luxury market, there are less buyers qualified to purchase a home. As interest rates go up, we begin to see price reductions and motivated sellers who want out of this competitive environment as soon as possible! 

So, what does all this mean for Dallas home prices? Interest rates are just one factor that can affect prices. Our strong economy and population growth will continue to drive demand for housing in Dallas. The lack of inventory will put pressure on prices in the lower price ranges. In the luxury market, we are already seeing price reductions and motivated sellers. If you're thinking of buying a home in Dallas, call us today! We'll help you find the perfect property at the right price.

Living in Dallas, Texas Pros & Cons - Living in Dallas Metro

Dallas Texas is a great place to live. The city has a lot to offer residents in terms of entertainment, job opportunities and amenities. However, there are also some drawbacks to living in Dallas. In this article, we'll take a look at four things that are both a pro and a con of living in Dallas, Texas.

One significant pro to living in Dallas is its thriving economy. 21 new companies moved to Dallas in 2021, including Aecom, which brought 1200 employees with them. Other companies include Uber, AT&T, and JP Morgan Chase. This influx of new businesses has created job opportunities across a variety of industries. This has resulted in plenty of jobs and a low unemployment rate. The housing market is healthy due to the demand from all the people moving to Dallas. However, this also means that the cost of housing is going up. The booming economy is making it less affordable to live in Dallas due to housing shortages. Buyers are frustrated with endless bidding wars and the lack of affordable apartments and homes.  Many people are being priced out of the market and have to move to the suburbs where they can find more affordable options.

Dallas weather is a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand, you don't have to deal with long periods of bitter cold and snow. You can still get out and about, even in the winter months. And, from March to May and again in October to December the weather is generally quite pleasant - with temperatures ranging from the low 60s to the mid 80s. On the other hand, Dallas does have its share of severe weather. Tornadoes, hailstorms and thunderstorms are all fairly common. And if you're not a fan of the heat, then the summer months can be pretty tough to take. Overall, though, the climate is tolerable - and there are plenty of opportunities to spend time outdoors. Dallas has lots of great parks where you can enjoy being in the fresh air. Texans enjoy parks such as White Rock Lake, Arbor Hills Nature Preserve, and Klyde Warren Park.

There are pros and cons to the taxes in Dallas, Texas. One pro is that there is no state income tax. Dallas is one of only seven states that does not have a state income tax. This can be significant because in California, for example, the rates range from 1% to 12.3%. Another pro is that there are no taxes on corporations. The corporate tax rate in California is 8.84%, while in New York it ranges from 6.5% to 7.25%. Texas does have a corporate franchise tax, but there is no minimum franchise tax and a no-tax due threshold of $1,230,000. Additionally, Dallas has an excellent climate for small businesses.  However, there are some drawbacks to the taxes in Dallas as well. One con is the high sales tax of 8.25%. The state sales tax in Texas is 6.25%, so Dallas adds an additional 2% onto purchases. Additionally, property taxes are high in Dallas. Property taxes make up for the lack of state income tax in Texas. Each county has a central appraisal district that sets the rates, which can range from 2% to over 3%. This does not include hoas, municipal utilities or other assessments many homes have. Overall, there are some definite pros and cons to taxes in Dallas, Texas.

Looking at the schools in Dallas, there are a few things to consider. The first is that many of the schools have good ratings. Niche gives Dallas County schools a rating of B, and GreatSchools.org rates 66 of 313 schools as above average or higher. However, it's worth noting that not all of the schools in Dallas are highly rated. In fact, 21% of the schools score below average on GreatSchools.org. Despite this, there are some definite upsides to the schools in Dallas. One of these is the Dallas County Promise program, which is available to all graduating high school seniors in participating high schools. The program offers a last-dollar scholarship to cover any gaps in financial aid and the cost of tuition at a Promise Partner college. With 31 Dallas high schools participating in the program, it's a great opportunity for many students to get a head start on their college education. Overall, Dallas has its pros and cons when it comes to its schools. But with programs like the Dallas County Promise in place, it's clear that the city is committed to giving its students the best chance possible to succeed.

If you're considering a move to Dallas, Texas it's important to weigh the pros and cons of living there. Sometimes one thing can be both a pro and a con and in this article we've looked at five of those! From the weather to the taxes, there are some things you'll love about Dallas and some things you'll definitely want to take into consideration. But overall, Dallas is a great place to live with plenty to offer its residents. So if you're looking for a new place to call home, then be sure to give Dallas a closer look!

Five Pros and Cons of Living in Frisco Texas

If you're considering moving to Frisco, Texas, you'll want to weigh the pros and cons first. This growing city has a lot to offer residents, but it's not perfect for everyone. Here are five things that are both a pro and a con to living in Frisco.

The first pro and con to consider is the schools. When it comes to schools, every community has its own unique set of advantages and disadvantages. For parents in Frisco, Texas, this is certainly the case. On the plus side, Frisco schools boast high test scores and ample opportunities for extracurricular activities. However, the district has strict enrollment limitations, which can make it difficult to get into the school of your choice. Additionally, the district is constantly changing boundaries through redistricting, which can disrupt students' sense of community.

Housing is another important factor to consider. On the one hand, Frisco's real estate market is booming, and there are plenty of new construction homes to choose from. On the other hand, housing can be quite expensive, and many of the city's residents live in apartments or townhomes rather than single-family homes.

Most new construction communities in Frisco are master-planned subdivisions with plenty of amenities like pools, parks, and playgrounds. Unfortunately, the yards in master-planned communities are typically small and there's little privacy. If you're looking for space and privacy, you'll have to search hard and be prepared to pay a premium.

If you enjoy being outdoors, Frisco is certainly the place for you. The city has over 100 miles of hiking and biking trails, and there are plenty of parks to explore. Since many of Frisco's neighborhoods are master-planned communities there are often paved trails within the subdivision that connect to the larger trail system. These paved trails and urban subdivisions come with a cost, however. Most individual backyards are small, and there's little tree cover to provide shade and privacy.

The population of Frisco has exploded in recent years, and the city is still growing. This rapid growth has both its pros and cons. On the plus side, there are plenty of new restaurants, shopping centers, and entertainment options to choose from. The downside to all this growth is that traffic can be a real nightmare, especially during rush hour. The roads are often congested, and it can be difficult to find a parking spot. Frisco only has one main highway - the Dallas North Tollway - so if you're trying to avoid tolls, you'll need to plan your route carefully. This also contributes to the traffic problem, as there are only a few ways to get in and out of the city.

Finally, Frisco is a great place to live if you're looking for entertainment options. The city has a minor league baseball team - the Frisco RoughRiders - and a hockey team - the Texas Legends. There's also a soccer team - FC Dallas - that plays its home games in Frisco. If you're into live music, there are several concert venues in the city, and Frisco is also home to the largest outdoor musical festival in North Texas - the Edgefest. Of course, all these entertainment options come at a price. Tickets for sporting events and concerts can be expensive, and parking can be difficult to find.

So, there you have it - five things that are both a pro and a con to living in Frisco. The decision of whether or not to move to Frisco ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you're looking for great schools, plenty of housing options, and plenty of things to do, Frisco might be the right place for you. However, if you're looking for space, privacy, and low traffic, you might want to look elsewhere.

What do you think? Is Frisco the right place for you? Let us know in the comments! Thanks for reading!

Will Rising Interest Rates Lead to Lower Home Prices in Dallas?

Rising interest rates have some people convinced that home prices will start to drop. Will that happen here in Dallas?

For starters, it's important to remember that interest rates are just one factor that can affect home prices. Other factors include the strength of the economy, population growth, and housing supply and demand.

In Dallas we have a strong economy with businesses constantly relocating their headquarters to Dallas because of the talent pool, low cost of living, and lack of a state income tax. The population is also growing rapidly. According to the latest census data, Dallas is the third fastest-growing city in the United States. In fact, 300 people move to Dallas every day! That's a lot of new people looking for homes. And, as we all know, demand drives prices.

There is also the issue of supply. Right now, there is a lack of housing inventory in Dallas. The number of available homes for sale is way down compared to last year. This is especially true for entry-level and middle-priced homes. The combination of strong population growth and limited supply is pushing prices upward, even in the face of rising interest rates.

Now what about higher priced homes? The higher the price of a home the less people there will be who are qualified to purchase it. So, if interest rates go up, we may see prices start to level off or even dip a bit in the luxury home market.

But, to sum it up, rising interest rates are not likely to cause a decrease in home prices across the board in Dallas. The entry level and middle priced homes will continue to see prices go up due to population growth and limited supply. Higher priced homes on the other hand, may see a leveling off or slight decrease in price.

This presents an amazing opportunity for the seller-buyer. He can sell his home in a strong seller's market with massive demand. Then he can take that equity into the luxury home market where he will have a strong negotiating edge with less buyers. Selling in a seller's market and buying in a buyer's market. It definitely sounds like a win-win!

Is now a good time to buy? Well, demand for entry level and middle-priced homes will continue to drive prices up and buyers can have a real edge in the luxury home market. That sounds like a good time to buy to me!

P.S. If you're thinking of buying or selling a home in Dallas, we'd love to help you out. Just shoot us an email or give us a call!