After a tumultuous summer for real estate, the housing market is gearing up for a quieter Fall.
Average mortgage rates are sitting above 6%, nearing 7%, and continue to cool record-breaking home prices amid stubbornly low inventory - which means both good and bad news for those in the real estate market.
Big picture, I believe the market will continue to lean toward sellers this season, although it won't be as hot as what we've experienced over the last two years. Mortgage rate hikes are primarily responsible - hitting loan affordability and putting the brakes on home appreciation values, which are expected to be in the single-digit range for 2022.
With fewer homes being snapped up, inventory is still stunted by buyers hoping to wait out high prices and mortgage rates, while sellers are wary of letting go of their low-interest rate properties.
There is the possibility of a considerable home price reduction on the horizon, meaning millennials – responsible for over a third of y ...

If you have smart-home technology that can record video or audio, make sure you don’t run afoul of the law when your home is being viewed by potential buyers. 


Illegally recording is a felony offense in Texas, and anyone who has been recorded in violation of the law can bring a civil suit to recover $10,000 for each occurrence, actual damages in excess of $10,000, punitive damages, attorney’s fees, and court costs. If you are putting your house on the market, here’s how to avoid trouble with your technology. 


THE “ONE-PARTY RULE” WON’T PROTECT YOU
If you think you can get away with eavesdropping on a buyer showing, think again. Although Texas law allows you to record audio of your own conversation without the consent of the person you are speaking to, this “one-party rule” does not apply when you are not present and participating in the conversation. You cannot record audio of a conversation merely because the conversh ...

Selling a property can be just as stressful as buying one. Your home is where your treasured memories—and probably your largest financial investment—reside.
You want every part of the sale to go smoothly. So don’t let incorrect or outdated ideas influence your transaction! 
Avoid these 5 myths when you put your house on the market
MYTH 1 - REMODELING PROJECTS ALWAYS YIELD DIVIDENDS WHEN YOU SELL
Your renovation could pay off when it’s time to sell, but many don’t. Some updates may make your property more attractive to buyers, and others do raise appraisal values and sale prices, but don’t count on getting back dollar-for-dollar what you spent.
MYTH 2 - YOUR HOUSE IS WORTH WHAT YOUR FRIEND’S OR NEIGHBOR’S HOUSE SOLD FOR
Many factors determine your home’s value, including property condition and nearby comparable sales. Appraisals aren’t the same as sale prices, either. Just because your neighbor sold her home for $50,n ...

I WANT YOU TO KNOW:
Fair Housing Is Your Right
Whether you are buying, selling, or renting property, know that there are laws and ordinances in place to protect you from discrimination
The Fair Housing Act prohibits housing providers, lenders, and real estate professionals from discriminating against you based on your race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), national origin, familial status, or disability.
DISCRIMINATION TAKES MANY FORMS
It might not be an offensive comment said to your face. You may not even know it is happening. For example, sellers and landlords cannot set different terms, conditions, or privileges for sales or rentals based on the protected classes. They also cannot impose different sale prices or rental charges. Agents cannot steer you toward or away from a neighborhood based on the protected classes as well. 
You can find a list of many more prohibited actions online by searching HUD examples of fair housing discrin ...

Can you feel it in the air? Fall is here and you know what that means? We've got Autumn
colors, cozy sweater weather, and pumpkin-spiced everything to look forward to!


As your local real estate expert, I'm here to share some great Fall activities you can enjoy with
your family in and around Dallas.


If you are looking for something to do during the harvest season, I've picked four Fall activities that are guaranteed to keep the family busy, active, and smiling from ear to ear. So, mark your calendar because there's a little something for everyone.


1 - The Plano Balloon Festival & Run from September 22 - 25th
I might be a little biased on this one. My brother, Steve Uriegas, did all the marketing for this event. He is a local artist from Plano and will be at the Balloon Festival. While enjoying the balloons and festivities, take a few minutes to check out my brother's artwork.


2 - The Dallas State Fair that runs from September 30 – October 23 in Fair Parkt ...