Gia Marshello at Allie Beth Allman & Associates - Lakewood

09/24/2026

Thinking about giving your home a fresh coat of paint? 🎨 The right paint type and finish can make a big difference in durability, appearance, and maintenance. From walls and ceilings to cabinets, trim, and exterior doors, learn which paint works best for each project in our latest blog post!

What type of paint should I use? You may be asking yourself this question right now. If you’re considering repainting your walls, baseboards,...

09/22/2026

🍂 Welcome fall without spending a lot! From decorating with nature to shopping your attic or garage, simple and creative touches can make your home feel warm, cozy, and ready for the season. Discover these easy low-cost fall décor ideas and give your home an autumn refresh on a budget! 🏡✨

Low cost fall décor can turn your home from summer to autumn very simply. The key here is to lean in to what is already available to you, instead...

09/18/2026

Selling your home? 🏡 Small details can make a big difference in how buyers see your property. From clutter and lighting to odors, curb appeal, and fresh paint, a little preparation can help your home make a great first impression.
Check out our latest blog for 14 things to review before your first showing!

These small details could stop buyers from choosing your home! When you are selling your home, take a close look at every part of your house, top to...

09/15/2026

Think your home's unusual features could make it harder to sell? Think again! 🏡✨ From custom playrooms and beautiful gardens to unique architectural details, distinctive features can help your home stand out and attract the right buyer. Discover which unusual features could become your home's biggest selling point!

Unusual home features that sell your home faster can be simple or complex — it’s all in how these things are presented. Having a unique...

09/03/2026

Is your family growing, or are you considering having multiple generations under one roof? Multi-generational homes offer flexible layouts that give everyone space and privacy while keeping family close. From separate bedroom wings and two-story living spaces to garage apartments and guest houses, there are several options to consider. Read our latest blog to explore multi-generational home layouts and find the right setup for your family.

Multi-generational home layouts are on many home buyers’ wish lists right now. This type of floorplan allows for grandparents or other extended...

09/02/2026

Voted D Best 2026! 🏆

I am so grateful to be recognized once again by D Magazine as one of Dallas's Best Real Estate Agents, named a Top Producer and Best Realtor for 2026.

This recognition belongs to my clients. Every home sold, every family helped into their next chapter, and every referral from someone who trusted me with the people they love made this possible.

D Best agents are chosen through peer nominations and a rigorous vetting process, which makes this honor especially meaningful. Being named among the best in a city full of incredible professionals, again, is humbling.

From Lakewood and East Dallas to Preston Hollow, Uptown, and across Dallas, I am more committed than ever to delivering expert guidance, standout marketing, and results you can count on.

Thank you to my clients, colleagues, family, and friends for your continued support. Here's to 2026 and what comes next! ✨

09/01/2026

🏡 Sometimes the home other buyers overlook could be the perfect opportunity for you!

From unusual floor plans and bold décor to needed repairs or less-popular locations, certain “value killers” can actually help you negotiate a better price—especially if you’re willing to see the potential.

Discover how thinking outside the box could help you find a great home for less. 👀

Take advantage of these value-killers when you’re looking to purchase a home. These types of atypical home situations can actually work to your...

08/28/2026

Thinking about buying in Lakewood or East Dallas? Before you tour a single home, compare three things: architecture, lot size, and school zones. That is how buyers narrow their search faster and compete stronger in this market.

Our newest guide breaks down what Lakewood buyers should evaluate first, why mature trees and lot orientation matter more than you think, which inspections older homes really need, and how Lakewood stacks up against East Dallas, Preston Hollow, Uptown, Downtown, and North Dallas. Plus a step-by-step offer timeline that helps you win when listings draw multiple offers.

Whether you want a 1930s Tudor near White Rock Lake or a fresh rebuild on a quiet interior street, this guide helps you shortlist with confidence.

08/20/2026

🎓 Moving a child into a college dorm or apartment can feel overwhelming—but it doesn't have to be! Start with a simple checklist, pack only the essentials, coordinate shared items with roommates, and let your student help guide the process. A little organization can make the transition more comfortable and stress-free. Read our latest blog for practical tips on organizing your college-bound student! 🏠✨

Organizing a kid for college seems like an overwhelming task, until you break it down into smaller to-do lists. When you are moving a kid out of your home...

08/13/2026

If you're shopping for a luxury home in Dallas, here's the number to know: $832,750. 🏡

That's the 2026 conforming loan limit. Anything above it on a one-unit property becomes a jumbo loan in Dallas County. And no Texas county has a high-cost designation this year, so that threshold applies statewide.

Here's what catches buyers off guard: even a $1 million home with 15% down crosses the line.

Jumbo loans aren't harder, but they are different. Fannie and Freddie can't buy them, so banks hold them directly. That means tighter underwriting. 👇

✅ Credit score above 700 (best rates go to 760+)
✅ Debt-to-income near 43% or lower
✅ 10% to 20% down
✅ Six to twelve months of documented reserves

In Preston Hollow, Lakewood, Uptown, and North Dallas, this comes up constantly. And if you're looking at a Downtown condo or loft, add another layer — lenders review HOA finances, reserves, and owner-occupancy before approving the building.

Sellers, this matters to you too. Not every pre-approval is equal. Full underwriting approval makes a buyer's offer significantly stronger.

I've spent 16+ years helping Dallas clients navigate exactly these transactions, and I've lived in Lakewood long enough to know the blocks by heart. 💙

📖 Full breakdown, including 2026 limits and the documents to gather early:
https://www.giamarshello.com/2026/08/12/dallas-luxury-home-financing-jumbo-loans-for-high-value-homes/