The Bradford Team - Keller Williams Realty

The Bradford Team - Keller Williams Realty Dallas | Fort Worth | Houston

03/28/2026

Your town, my town… Cowtown.

01/10/2026

Come on y’all: Get those cookies for real. They’re only here for a limited time!

🌟 5 ABSOLUTE BEST REASONS TO LIVE IN TEXAS 🌟�(Warning: You may fall in love 🤠)1️⃣ The People Are Friendlier Than Sweet T...
11/21/2025

🌟 5 ABSOLUTE BEST REASONS TO LIVE IN TEXAS 🌟�(Warning: You may fall in love 🤠)

1️⃣ The People Are Friendlier Than Sweet Tea�Wave at a stranger here… they wave back! Texas hospitality is real, y’all.

2️⃣ No State Income Tax 🙌�More money stays in your pocket. Need we say more?

3️⃣ Sunsets That Look Photoshopped�If your camera roll doesn’t explode with pink-orange skies, are you even in Texas?

4️⃣ BBQ That Could Start Religious Debates�Brisket so good it brings families together… and occasionally starts passionate arguments.

5️⃣ Space to Dream BIG�Wide-open spaces, booming cities, booming jobs, and plenty of room for your goals to grow.

💬 Thinking about making Texas home?�The Bradford Team is here to help you find the perfect spot under that big, beautiful Texas sky. Call us TODAY at (800) 210-4045.
�Let’s find your Texas dream! 🤠🌅🏡

🏠 What Are My Monthly Housing Costs Beyond The Mortgage?🏡 What Should I Expect To Pay For Beyond My Mortgage Payment?Her...
11/18/2025

🏠 What Are My Monthly Housing Costs Beyond The Mortgage?

🏡 What Should I Expect To Pay For Beyond My Mortgage Payment?

Here’s a clear, simple breakdown of all the monthly expenses you should expect beyond your mortgage as a first-time homebuyer in Fort Worth, Texas.

This is one of the MOST important things new buyers overlook — and it can change your budget by hundreds of dollars a month.

💵 Monthly Costs Beyond the Mortgage

Below is a full list of what typically shows up in your monthly or annual budget.

🏡 1. Property Taxes

Fort Worth property taxes are higher than the national average.

Typical Range:

2.2% – 2.8% of the home’s value per year
Monthly equivalent on a $350,000 home: $640–$815 per month
This is usually collected inside your mortgage payment through escrow.

🔥 2. Homeowners Insurance

Required by your lender and based on the age, size, and location of the home.

Typical Range (Fort Worth):

$150–$300 per month
Homes in hail-prone areas or with older roofs may be higher.

Have wind/hail deductibles? They’re higher in Texas than many states — something first-time buyers often miss.

🌊 3. Flood Insurance (Only if required or optional by area)

Not all homes need this, but Fort Worth has pockets near the Trinity River that still require FEMA coverage.

Typical Range:

Required zones: $40–$120 per month
Optional zones: usually cheaper or unnecessary
🏘 4. HOA Fees

Only applies if the home is inside an HOA neighborhood (common in new builds and suburbs).

Typical Range in Fort Worth:

$25–$125/month for basic communities
$150–$350/month for gated or amenity-rich neighborhoods (pools, trails, gym)
Townhomes/condos may be much higher since they often include exterior maintenance.

🛠 5. Maintenance & Repairs

This is one cost new buyers NEVER plan for, but Texas homes need consistent care — especially with foundation, HVAC, roofing, and soil movement.

Rule of Thumb:

1% of home price per year
On a $350,000 home: $290/month set aside
For older 1960s–1980s homes: budget a bit more
⚡ 6. Utilities

Electricity is deregulated in Texas — so shop around.

Typical Monthly Costs:

Electricity: $120–$250
Water/Trash: $60–$120
Natural Gas: $30–$80
Internet: $60–$100
Larger homes or older HVAC systems will cost more.

🏦 7. Mortgage Insurance (PMI)

Only if you put less than 20% down.

Typical Range:

$75–$250 per month
Goes away once you reach 20% equity (and request removal).
🏠 8. Home Warranty (Optional)

Some first-time buyers buy these for peace of mind.

Typical Range:

$40–$60 per month
📊 Example: Total Monthly Costs on a $350,000 Home

Assuming no HOA and 5% down:

Cost

Estimated Monthly

Property taxes

$725

Insurance

$225

PMI

$150

Maintenance savings

$290

Utilities

$250

Total beyond mortgage

$1,640/month

Add HOA: +$100–$300/month
Add flood insurance: +$40–$120/month

🎯 Summary

Your monthly costs beyond the mortgage will usually be between:

➡️ $1,200 to $2,100 per month

(depending on HOA, utilities, age of home, taxes, and PMI)

Whether you're looking to Buy, Sell or Invest... The Bradford Team will work tirelessly to earn your trust. They're looking to be your trusted advisor in all things real estate. Call today at (800) 210-4045.
Read the original article here:

https://www.thebradfordteam.com/blog/what-are-my-monthly-housing-costs-beyond-the-mortgage/

🏡 Do I Need Title Insurance On My Texas Home?In a word… YES! Title insurance protects against financial loss from past i...
11/16/2025

🏡 Do I Need Title Insurance On My Texas Home?
In a word… YES! Title insurance protects against financial loss from past issues with your home’s title, like liens, fraud, or errors in public records, and covers legal fees for claims against your ownership. You need lender’s title insurance if you have a mortgage, as it’s almost always required to protect the lender’s investment. You should also consider getting an owner’s policy to protect your own equity, as it’s a one-time fee that protects you and your heirs for as long as you own the property.

What title insurance is:
* It is a one-time purchase that protects against financial loss due to title defects. �
* It covers a variety of past issues that were not discovered during the initial title search, such as: �
* Errors in public records �
* Forgeries or fraud �
* Undisclosed or missing heirs �
* Unpaid taxes, liens, or mortgages from previous owners �
* Mistakes in legal documents or their recording �
* It pays for legal fees to defend your title in court and may pay to resolve the claim itself. �
Why you need it:
* Lender’s policy (mandatory for most mortgages): This policy protects the lender’s financial interest in the property up to the amount they are owed, but it does not protect your equity. It is required by nearly all mortgage lenders and ends when your loan is paid off. ��
* Owner’s policy (optional but highly recommended): This policy protects your equity in the home. It is a one-time fee that lasts for as long as you, or your heirs, own the property. Without it, you would be personally responsible for any future claims against your title, which could include paying back taxes or even losing a portion of your home.

🏡 Can I Buy A Home With Several Friends?Yes, you can buy a home with several friends; It is an increasingly popular way ...
11/11/2025

🏡 Can I Buy A Home With Several Friends?
Yes, you can buy a home with several friends; It is an increasingly popular way to enter the housing market by combining resources. The process involves careful planning, a clear legal structure, and an honest discussion about finances and future expectations to avoid potential conflicts.

Key Considerations Before Buying:

Trust: This is a major financial and personal commitment. Ensure you deeply trust your friends to meet their financial and household responsibilities.

Open Communication: Discuss long-term goals, lifestyle expectations, and how decisions will be made. Misunderstandings about everything from finances to household chores can strain the friendship.

Finances: Be transparent about each person's income, debt, and credit score. Lenders will consider all applicants' financial profiles, often using the lowest credit score to determine the mortgage rate.

Exit Strategy: Plan for unexpected life events like a new job in another city, a new partner, or financial hardship. A written agreement should outline what happens if one person wants to sell their share or move out.

Legal & Financial Structures:

You and your friends will likely be co-borrowers on the mortgage and will need to decide on the legal ownership structure:

Action Steps:
Draft a Co-Ownership Agreement: This is a non-negotiable step. Hire a real estate attorney to draft a formal, legally binding document. It should cover:
Percentage of ownership for each person.
Division of the down payment, mortgage payments, utilities, maintenance, and property taxes.
A process for decision-making (e.g., major renovations, selling the property).
A clear exit strategy for how a co-owner can sell their share, including potential buyout clauses or the right of first refusal for the remaining owners.
Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage: As a group, get pre-approved for a home loan. Be aware that most conventional lenders cap the number of co-borrowers at four or five, though some manually underwritten loans may allow more.
Open a Joint Account: Set up a separate joint bank account solely for house-related expenses (mortgage, bills, repairs) and have each person contribute their agreed-upon share monthly.
Manage the Property.
After moving in, hold regular meetings to discuss any issues and divide household responsibilities clearly.
By planning thoroughly and putting everything in writing, you and your friends can successfully navigate co-ownership and enjoy the benefits of buying a home together.
Working with a licensed Realtor® team like The Bradford Team at Keller Williams Realty dramatically lowers your risk and increases your odds of success! Contact us today to get started!

🏠 How Do I Avoid Getting Scammed When Selling My Fort Worth Home?When selling your home, scams can come from fake buyers...
11/09/2025

🏠 How Do I Avoid Getting Scammed When Selling My Fort Worth Home?

When selling your home, scams can come from fake buyers, shady investors, or even impostor “agents.” Here’s how to protect yourself step-by-step:

🔍 1. Verify Everyone Involved
Confirm licensing for any real estate agent, title company, or attorney via your state’s real estate commission - for Texas, use TREC.
Beware of “investors” or “cash buyers” who pressure you to sign quickly without inspections or proper documentation.

💰 2. Use a Trusted Title Company or Real Estate Attorney
Always close through a legitimate title company—never directly transfer the deed or funds to an individual.
Make sure all funds are wired through the title company, not through personal accounts or apps like Zelle or Venmo.
🧾 3. Watch for Red Flags in Offers
Offers way above market value or with no inspection contingencies can indicate a scam.
Scammers might send fake cashier’s checks for earnest money—these can bounce days later.
Avoid anyone asking you to sign a quitclaim deed or transfer ownership before closing.

📞 4. Protect Your Information
Never share your bank details, SSN, or wiring info via email or text.
(Use verified phone numbers or secure portals.)
Confirm wire instructions in person or by phone with your title officer before sending money.

🔒 5. Trust Your Instincts
If something feels off—pressure to act fast, refusal to meet in person, or confusing paperwork—stop and verify.
Call your real estate agent or title company directly (not through a number provided by the buyer).

🧠 Pro Tip for Sellers
Working with a licensed Realtor® team like The Bradford Team at Keller Williams Realty dramatically lowers your risk—agents are required to verify buyer identity, vet offers, and ensure all documents pass through secure channels.

🏡 Can I Really Buy A Fort Worth Home With Zero Down?It is possible to buy a home with zero down payment primarily throug...
11/09/2025

🏡 Can I Really Buy A Fort Worth Home With Zero Down?

It is possible to buy a home with zero down payment primarily through specific
government-backed loan programs and certain down payment assistance programs.

The two main federal government-backed options are:

VA Loans (Department of Veterans Affairs)
VA loans are a significant benefit for eligible military service members, veterans, and certain surviving spouses.

Zero Down Payment: The primary benefit is that the VA does not require a down payment, allowing for 100% financing of the home's purchase price.
No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI): VA loans do not require monthly PMI, which saves money on monthly payments. Instead, they have an upfront funding fee, which can often be rolled into the loan amount, though veterans receiving VA disability compensation may be exempt.
Eligibility: You must meet specific service history requirements and obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA.
Property Requirements: The home must be a primary residence and meet minimum property requirements to ensure it is safe, sanitary, and sound.
USDA Loans (U.S. Department of Agriculture)
USDA loans are designed to encourage homeownership in designated rural and some suburban areas.

Zero Down Payment: These loans offer 100% financing, making them a true zero-down option for eligible borrowers.
Eligibility: Borrowers must meet specific income limits (generally not exceeding 115% of the area median income). The property itself must also be in a USDA-designated eligible rural area.
Mortgage Insurance: While there's no PMI, USDA loans require both an upfront guarantee fee and an annual fee that serves as mortgage insurance.
Credit Score: Most lenders look for a minimum credit score of 640 for a USDA loan.
Other Options

Down Payment Assistance (DPA) Programs: Many states, counties, and cities offer DPA programs that provide funds (as grants or second "silent" mortgages) to cover the down payment and/or closing costs. These can sometimes be combined with low down payment loans (like FHA loans which require a minimum 3.5% down payment) to achieve zero money down from your own pocket.
Lender-Specific Programs: Some credit unions and specific lenders may offer their own zero-down or low-down-payment programs, but these are less common than the government-backed options.
Important Considerations:

Even with a zero-down loan, you are generally still responsible for closing costs, which can range from 2% to 6% of the home's purchase price. You can potentially cover these costs by negotiating seller credits, using gift funds, or, in some cases, rolling them into the loan amount if the home appraises for more than the purchase price.

If you’re still wondering about how you can buy a Fort Worth home for Zero down shoot us a message or give us a call. The Bradford Team at Keller Williams Realty has over 20 years of volume real estate experience in Texas. We'll break it down for you and show how easy it really is to to find your Fort Worth "forever" home.

💸 How much money do we need to buy a home in DFW?Think you need 20% down to buy a home in Dallas–Fort Worth? Think again...
11/07/2025

💸 How much money do we need to buy a home in DFW?

Think you need 20% down to buy a home in Dallas–Fort Worth? Think again! Most buyers today put down far less — in fact, there are programs that let you buy with as little as 3% down, or even zero if you qualify for certain Texas grants. What really matters is your credit, your income stability, and choosing the right lender.

To buy a home in the DFW area, you'll need a down payment (which can range from 0% to 20% or more) and funds for closing costs, which are typically 2% to 5% of the home's price. For example, buying a median-priced home requires a significantly higher income than the area's average; one report indicates you'd need an income of about $121,000 to comfortably afford a home in Dallas, while another suggests a Dallas-Fort Worth homebuyer may need $115,913 per year, while a Fort Worth buyer may need $98,185.

Down payment:
Conventional loans: Often require 3% to 20% down. A 20% down payment can help you avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI).

FHA loans: Typically require a minimum down payment of 3.5%.

VA and USDA loans: These government-backed loans may allow for 0% down payment for eligible borrowers, such as veterans.

Down payment assistance: Programs like the Dallas Homebuyer Assistance Program (DHAP) offer grants of up to $60,000 for eligible buyers to help with down payment and closing costs.

Other costs:

Closing costs: These are fees for services like loan origination, title insurance, and appraisals. They typically range from 2% to 5% of the home's purchase price.

Property taxes: In DFW, property taxes can range from 1.8% to 2.5% of the home's value each year, depending on the location.

Income:

Minimum income: To afford a median-priced home in DFW, the required income can be significantly higher than the average salary.

Dallas: A recent report indicates a need for about $115,913 per year to afford a median-priced home of $425,000.

Fort Worth: The same report suggests a buyer needs about $98,185 annually for a median-priced home of $360,000.
Comfortable affordability: One analysis suggests a buyer needs to make around $121,398 annually to comfortably afford a home in the Dallas area, based on a 10% down payment and the total monthly payment (including mortgage, insurance, taxes, and maintenance).

Ultimately, if you’re wondering what’s realistic for you, shoot us a message or give us a call. The Bradford Team at Keller Williams Realty has over 20 years of volume real estate experience in Texas. We'll break it down for you and show how easy it really is to slide into your "forever" home.

🎃 “When the market gets spooky, you need a fearless team!” 🏡👻October is the month of ghosts, goblins, and… complicated c...
10/21/2025

🎃 “When the market gets spooky, you need a fearless team!” 🏡👻
October is the month of ghosts, goblins, and… complicated contracts. 😱
That’s why having a strong real estate team isn’t just nice — it’s necessary!
While others are running scared from inspection reports, our team is out here:
🕵️‍♂️ Hunting for hidden listings (no séance required)
💪 Negotiating like monster slayers
📄 Turning haunted paperwork into happy closings
💀 Burying buyer’s remorse before it rises again
So if you want your real estate experience to be more treat than trick, work with a team that’s got your back — even when things go bump in the night!

10/02/2025

🎈Happy 11th Birthday to the “bestest” dog in Texas! Really ❤️ this girl!

Address

18333 Preston Road
Dallas, TX
75252

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 8pm
Tuesday 8am - 8pm
Wednesday 8am - 8pm
Thursday 8am - 8pm
Friday 8am - 8pm
Saturday 8am - 8pm

Telephone

+18002104045

Website

,

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Bradford Team - Keller Williams Realty posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to The Bradford Team - Keller Williams Realty:

Shortcuts

Featured

Share

Category