Kelly Rumney, Realtor

09/01/2026

September already?! Happy September y’all!

08/31/2026

🏡 Homes can sell fast and STILL not be a strong seller’s market.

July’s numbers in Murphy and Sachse are a perfect example.

📍 Murphy: 40% of homes went under contract within two weeks.
📍 Sachse: 39% did.

Pretty similar, right?

But here’s where it gets interesting. 👀

In Sachse, 36% of sellers closed at or ABOVE their original asking price.

In Murphy? Only 7%.

That’s a BIG difference.

It’s also why I don’t judge our local market by one headline or one statistic.

Sachse, Wylie, Murphy and Lavon are right next to each other—but July’s numbers show buyers and sellers are experiencing very different markets depending on the city.

Thinking about buying or selling in North Texas? Your ZIP code matters—and so does your strategy.

I broke down what happened in all four markets here 👇

👉 https://martenteam.com/blog/fast-doesnt-mean-strong-what-july-2026-looked-like-in-sachse-wylie-murphy-and-lavon

08/27/2026

Happy National Dog Day!! Meet Beau, Beatrice and Bennett the Boxer.

08/24/2026

🏡 Is the North Texas housing market crashing?

No—but it is changing.

DFW home prices softened slightly in July, homes are taking longer to sell, and buyers have more room to negotiate than they did a few years ago.

Here’s what that means:

🔑 Buyers may be able to negotiate repairs, closing costs or even a mortgage-rate buydown.

🏠 Sellers can still get strong results, but pricing and presentation matter more than ever.

📍 In fast-growing communities like Wylie, McKinney, Anna, Melissa, Princeton and Lavon, resale homes are also competing with new construction and builder incentives.

The market hasn’t stopped—it simply requires a better strategy.

Thinking about buying or selling in North Texas? I’d be happy to help you understand what’s happening in your specific neighborhood.

Kelly Rumney, REALTOR®
Serving Wylie and surrounding North Texas communities

08/23/2026

🏡 Would you buy a home near a data center?

That’s a question more North Texas homeowners and buyers may find themselves asking as new data center projects continue to be proposed in our area.

And the answer isn’t as simple as some headlines make it sound.

There is currently no peer-reviewed research proving that living near a data center automatically lowers your home’s value. One recent working paper found homes within about half a mile of data centers in Northern Virginia sold at roughly a 2.8% discount, while broader ZIP-code research found no measurable impact.

So what does that mean for us here in North Texas?

I think the details matter.

📍 How close is the facility to the neighborhood?
🔊 What will the noise levels be?
🏘️ What setbacks and buffers are required?
💧 How much water will it use?
⚡ What are the electricity demands?
❄️ What type of cooling system will it have?
📋 What zoning protections are in place?
💰 And ultimately—could it affect resale when you’re ready to move?

These are especially important questions as data center projects are discussed around Lavon, Wylie, Princeton, Sachse, Murphy, Rockwall and other growing North Texas communities.

We took a deeper look at the research, what we actually know, what we don’t know yet, and what homeowners should be paying attention to.

👉 Read the full article

https://martenteam.com/blog/data-centers-in-north-texas-the-honest-version

And one piece of advice: if you hear that a data center is being proposed near your neighborhood, don’t make decisions based on Facebook rumors or neighborhood chatter. Find the actual case file, site plan, setbacks and approval requirements first.

Those details can tell you a lot more than a headline can.

So I’m curious—would living near a data center affect your decision to buy a home?

Would you buy a home near a data center?

It’s becoming a much more relevant question in North Texas—and the research is not nearly as settled as some headlines suggest.

There is currently no peer-reviewed study proving that proximity to a data center lowers home values.

One recent working paper found about a 2.8% discount for homes within half a mile of data centers in Northern Virginia. Broader ZIP-code research has found no measurable effect.

Both could be true.

What happens across an entire ZIP code doesn't necessarily tell us what happens to the homes directly across the street.

For North Texas homeowners, the bigger questions may be distance, noise, setbacks, cooling systems, water and electricity use, zoning protections, and what happens when it’s eventually time to sell.

We took a detailed look at what’s known, what isn't, and what’s happening in communities including Lavon, Wylie, Princeton, Sachse, Murphy and Rockwall.

Read the full article: https://martenteam.com/blog/data-centers-in-north-texas-the-honest-version

And if a project is proposed near your neighborhood, don’t rely on rumors. Get the actual case file, site plan and approval requirements first.

08/23/2026

08/20/2026

🏡 Thinking about buying a home but have NO idea where to start?

You’re definitely not alone! Buying a home can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be.

I’ve broken the process down into 10 simple steps so you know what to expect from “Maybe I’m ready…” all the way to “Where do I get my keys? 🔑”

And you don’t have to figure it out alone. I’ll be right there to help you through every step.

📲 Thinking about buying in Wylie or the surrounding North Texas area? Send me a message—even if you’re just curious about what you could qualify for. Let’s start with a conversation.

08/13/2026

Tucked into the heart of Plano, this beautiful home was designed for both everyday living and effortless entertaining. From the moment you walk in, rich hardwood floors and an abundance of natural light create a warm, welcoming feel.

At the center of the home is a spacious kitchen featuring an oversized island, granite countertops, custom cabinetry, and plenty of room to gather. The open layout flows easily into the living area, making it perfect for everything from busy weekday mornings to hosting family and friends. A wall of windows fills the space with natural light while offering beautiful views of the backyard.

And the backyard is where this home really stands out. The extended covered patio feels like your own private retreat, complete with a full outdoor kitchen, stone fireplace, vaulted wood ceiling, and multiple areas for relaxing and entertaining. Just beyond the patio, a sparkling pool and spa set the scene for summer afternoons, quiet evenings, and weekends spent at home.

The primary suite provides a peaceful place to unwind with a spa-like bathroom featuring a soaking tub, separate shower, and dual vanities. A dedicated study makes working from home easy, while the upstairs living area offers even more flexible space for movie nights, games, hobbies, or guests.

With thoughtful details throughout and convenient access to parks, shopping, dining, and schools, this home offers the space and flexibility to fit the way you live.

Beautiful inside, incredible outside, and ready to be enjoyed—this is one you’ll want to see in person.

08/13/2026

Tucked into the heart of Plano, this beautiful home was designed for both everyday living and effortless entertaining. From the moment you walk in, rich hardwood floors and an abundance of natural light create a warm, welcoming feel.

At the center of the home is a spacious kitchen featuring an oversized island, granite countertops, custom cabinetry, and plenty of room to gather. The open layout flows easily into the living area, making it perfect for everything from busy weekday mornings to hosting family and friends. A wall of windows fills the space with natural light while offering beautiful views of the backyard.

And the backyard is where this home really stands out. The extended covered patio feels like your own private retreat, complete with a full outdoor kitchen, stone fireplace, vaulted wood ceiling, and multiple areas for relaxing and entertaining. Just beyond the patio, a sparkling pool and spa set the scene for summer afternoons, quiet evenings, and weekends spent at home.

The primary suite provides a peaceful place to unwind with a spa-like bathroom featuring a soaking tub, separate shower, and dual vanities. A dedicated study makes working from home easy, while the upstairs living area offers even more flexible space for movie nights, games, hobbies, or guests.

With thoughtful details throughout and convenient access to parks, shopping, dining, and schools, this home offers the space and flexibility to fit the way you live.

Beautiful inside, incredible outside, and ready to be enjoyed—this is one you’ll want to see in person.

PlanoTX

08/12/2026

🍎 To all my teacher friends heading back to school…

I remember this time of year so well.

The freshly decorated classrooms. ✏️
The endless to-do lists.
The excitement of meeting a new group of students.
And that little voice wondering, “Am I actually ready for this?” ❤️

As a former teacher, I know how much happens behind the scenes before that first student ever walks through the door. The planning, organizing, worrying, late nights—and usually spending way too much of your own money making your classroom special.

So as another school year begins, I just want to say:

I see you. I appreciate you. And I’m cheering you on. 🍎📚

You’re about to become a very important part of someone’s story this year—even if you don’t realize it yet.

Here’s to a wonderful school year, lots of coffee ☕, supportive parents, working copiers 😂, and students who remember to bring a pencil!

Happy Back-to-School, teachers! You’ve got this. ❤️

— Kelly
Former Teacher • Realtor® • Forever cheering on educators