Living In Keller Texas

10/14/2026

Before you sign that builder's contract, find out what happens if things don't go according to plan.

Because when you're buying a home that's still being built, you're not just choosing a house. You're agreeing to terms that will determine what happens if the construction is delayed, the price changes, or the finished home isn't what you expected.

Here are the questions I'd want answered in writing before signing:

1. What happens if the home isn't finished on time?
Ask what completion date the contract provides, whether it's an estimate or a binding deadline, and what rights you have if construction runs behind.

2. Can the final price increase?
Clarify which upgrades, lot premiums, design selections and other charges are included in the quoted price. Ask how any additional costs are approved and documented.

3. What happens to your deposit if you need to walk away?
Don't assume you'll automatically get your money back. Find out which circumstances allow you to terminate the contract, what deadlines apply, and what happens to your deposit under those terms.

4. Can you have the home independently inspected?
Ask when inspections can take place during construction and before closing. Find out how defects are documented and corrected, and don't assume a builder's own quality checks replace an independent inspection.

5. What protection do you have after closing?
Get the warranty terms in writing. Understand what's covered, for how long, what isn't covered, and how you must report a problem.

Here's what I wouldn't do: rely on a verbal promise when the written contract says something different.

Builder contracts aren't all the same, and the wording matters. Before signing, have a qualified Texas real estate attorney review the agreement if you need help understanding your rights and obligations.

That beautiful new home may be exactly what you're looking for. Just make sure you understand the agreement as carefully as you've chosen the house.

Save this before your next builder appointment.

10/13/2026

A brand-new home doesn't mean every detail is included in the price.

That kitchen you loved in the model home? Some of those finishes and upgrades may cost extra. And the price advertised online may not include every expense you'll face before closing.

Before you commit to a new build in North Texas, here's what I'd want you to check:

1. What's actually included? Ask for the standard features list. Compare it with the model home so you know which cabinets, flooring, appliances and finishes come with the base price—and which ones cost extra.

2. Are there lot premiums or other additional charges? A particular lot, elevation or upgrade package can increase the price. Ask for an itemized estimate rather than relying on the starting price advertised online.

3. What are the builder's incentives asking you to agree to? A closing-cost credit or rate buydown can be attractive, but check the eligibility rules, preferred-lender requirements and what happens if you choose another lender. Compare the overall numbers before deciding.

4. What will the home actually cost you each month? Look beyond the mortgage payment. Check the estimated property taxes, homeowners insurance and HOA dues. If the home is in a special taxing district, ask how that affects the bill. Don't assume the current owner's or builder's estimate tells the whole story.

5. What inspections can you arrange before closing? A new home can still have defects. Ask about independent inspections at appropriate construction stages and before closing, and understand how the builder handles items that need correcting.

A new build can be a great choice. The point isn't to be suspicious of every builder; it's to understand the contract, the numbers and the home you're actually buying before you commit.

If you're considering new construction around Keller or anywhere in North Texas, save this and take these questions to your builder appointment.

10/11/2026

THE UNCOMFORTABLE CONVERSATION TO HAVE BEFORE BUYING A HOUSE TOGETHER IS…

How much of our individual income are we willing to commit to this house?

Notice I didn't ask how much house you can afford together.

Because a lender may look at your combined income and determine that you qualify for a mortgage. But that doesn't tell you whether the monthly payment will leave both of you financially comfortable.

And when one partner earns more than the other, this becomes even more important.

Splitting the mortgage equally might look fair on paper. But if one person can make their payment, cover their personal expenses, save for emergencies, and still have money left over, while the other is struggling to do all four, you need to look beyond the 50/50 split.

Here's what I'd want you to work out before you start making offers.

First, calculate what each of you actually takes home after taxes and deductions.

Next, account for your individual financial commitments, including debt payments and existing responsibilities.

Then, look at the full cost of owning the house, not just the mortgage. Property taxes, homeowners insurance, utilities, maintenance, and unexpected repairs all need a place in your budget.

Now ask yourselves: after contributing to the house, will both of you still have enough room to save, handle emergencies, and live your lives?

If the answer is no for one person, don't automatically conclude that you need a cheaper house. First, discuss whether your contributions should be structured differently.

The goal isn't necessarily to contribute the same amount. It's to agree on a contribution that both of you can sustain without one person becoming financially stretched.

And have that conversation before you fall in love with a house. It's much easier to agree on your financial boundaries before a beautiful kitchen and a great backyard make you want to stretch your budget.

If you're planning to buy a home with your partner, here's the question worth answering first:

After we pay for this house, will we both still be able to afford the lives we want to live?

10/05/2026

❤️ Love seeing our Keller community come together to support and thank our First Responders! So grateful for all they do to keep our community safe. 🇺🇸

Who’s planning to join the celebration tomorrow night on Bates Street? 🙋‍♀️❤️

Come celebrate National Night Out on Bates Street Tuesday October 6th.

Let us gather together and share gratitude for our First Responders.

To our First Responders that keep our community safe:

Thank you for running toward the danger when everyone else is running away.

Day after day, you put your own safety on the line to protect our community, comfort the broken, and save lives.

We see your courage, your sacrifices, and the heavy weight you carry—and we are endlessly grateful.

Please stay safe, and know that you are deeply appreciated.

We also thank your families, who share you with the world and carry the quiet burden of worry so that you can serve others.

10/02/2026

This is something people can discover too late when they buy a home with someone else.

You can transfer your ownership interest in a property without automatically being released from the mortgage.

Why?

Because the deed and the mortgage do two different jobs.

The deed deals with ownership.

The mortgage deals with the debt you agreed to repay.

So imagine two people buy a house together.

Later, one wants out.

They transfer their ownership interest to the other person. It sounds like they're completely out.

But if their name is still on the mortgage, they may still be responsible for that debt.

Giving up ownership doesn't automatically cancel the mortgage.

That's why these conversations need to happen before you buy together:

What happens if one person wants out?

Can one person afford the mortgage alone?

How would the other person be released from the loan?

Would refinancing be necessary?

What happens if the home is worth less than the mortgage balance?

These aren't the fun conversations you have when you're excited about buying your first home together.

But they're much easier to have before closing than after life changes.

And if you're ever in this situation, don't assume signing a deed automatically releases you from the mortgage.

Talk to your lender and the appropriate real estate or legal professional about what actually releases you from the debt.

Because owning the house and owing the money for it are not the same thing.

And once you've figured out the financial side, there's another question:

What kind of home and lifestyle are you actually building together?

That's part of what makes Greenway Park in Keller interesting.

Roughly 2/3-acre homesites, wooded surroundings, a private pond and fishing pier, walking trails, and more than 4 acres of shared open space.

If you're looking for a custom-home community where the setting matters too, DM me “GREENWAY” and I'll send you the details.

Save this. You may not need it today, but you'll want to understand it before you ever need it.

10/02/2026

Hi Keller Residents!
Save this information as we have much needed rain a-coming’.

We heard there’s some rain a-comin’. So, we’re getting ready.

Since Monday, our crews have been clearing debris from stormwater inlets, pond overflows, weirs and other areas where obstructions could affect drainage. Barricades have been pre-positioned at priority locations, including US 377, Bear Creek near the park and Chisholm Trail near the Sports Park, so they’re ready to go if needed.

We’ve also outfitted our Grade-All with a grapple attachment in preparation for potential tree removal and other storm-related needs.

Starting at 10 p.m. tonight, crews will be on standby through the storm and ready to respond as conditions warrant.

If you need assistance with a storm-related issue, call 817-743-4200. That number goes directly to our 24-hour SCADA dispatch center, where requests can be coordinated with the appropriate crews.

For emergencies, always call 911.

We’ll be keeping a close eye on things. Stay safe, Keller.

09/30/2026

Well, there is no excuses now...looks like I am destined to learn line dancing!

Who wants to join me?
Thursdays at 7 PM
Stephen Etzel?