Melissa Elliott, Realtor

06/03/2026

It’s always interesting watching things come full circle.

For those of us who’ve been in real estate for a decade or more and have sat through our fair share of economic development and forecasting meetings, this kind of growth isn’t a surprise. The groundwork was laid 10+ years ago when big box retailers and commercial developers quietly secured land and played the long game.

And now… here we are.

Celina being the largest city by land mass in Collin County, this kind of growth was inevitable and it is on track to become the largest city overall as well.

It’s exciting to see these plans finally coming to life and to watch our communities grow, expand, and thrive. Growth like this brings opportunity, convenience, and long term value, not just for homeowners, but for the entire area.

The best part? We’re just getting started.

This is the fastest-growing city in America, where bulldozers outnumber cattle and sprawling new neighborhoods are rising almost overnight.

06/03/2026

Tucked beneath a canopy of mature trees, this beautiful .33-acre homesite offers the perfect setting for a full-time residence or weekend retreat in a private gated community near Lake Cypress Springs. Imagine starting your mornings with a cup of coffee on the porch, listening to birdsong and leaves rustling in the breeze, surrounded by the peace and beauty of nature. Whether you're looking to build your dream home or a relaxing getaway, this wooded lot provides privacy, tranquility, and access to one of East Texas' most desirable lake communities.

06/02/2026

Check out this storybook website on my listing and let me know what you think!

Warm hardwood floors and a striking fireplace create an inviting focal point in the main living area of this Prosper home. The open-concept design seamlessly connects the living room and kitchen, where a spacious breakfast bar offers the perfect s...

05/27/2026

Investment opportunities like this in Plano are getting harder to find… especially ones that are already operational and positioned correctly for short term rental use.

2901 Regal Rd. has been completely renovated top to bottom, including the pool, and has already proven itself as a profitable income-producing property. There’s currently a mid-term renter in place through July, creating immediate income continuity for the next owner.

What makes this property stand out even more is that Plano is no longer allowing new short term rentals. This property has already been through the approval process and can continue operating as an STR, making it a rare opportunity.

This is the kind of investment where the hard work has already been done.

Reach out for all the details, 214-450-5473

05/21/2026

Another day, another continuing education class 📚✨

And let me tell you… there have been A LOT of changes lately. All seven standard contracts have been updated, three addenda revised, the Seller’s Disclosure got a refresh, AND there are two brand new notices.

That’s a lot to take in…and it matters.

I’m actually taking two separate classes on these changes to get different perspectives and make sure I fully understand how they impact my clients and how to best protect them every step of the way.

Real estate is always evolving, and staying ahead of these changes is part of the job I take seriously. Because when you work with me, you’re working with someone who’s committed to being informed, prepared, and looking out for YOU.

Always learning. Always protecting my clients. Always leveling up. 💪

05/20/2026

Can a Seller back out of an executed contract in Texas? 🤔

Short answer: yes and no.

Watch this video to get the real breakdown…and if you’re thinking about buying or selling, let’s chat so you don’t learn this the hard way.

05/14/2026

🤠 Texas isn’t just growing… it’s absolutely booming.

8 of the 15 fastest-growing cities in the entire U.S. are right here in Texas, and several are in the DFW area. Celina took the top spot with a staggering 24.6% growth rate. That’s not growth… that’s “blink and there’s a new neighborhood” growth.

Cities like Celina, Princeton, Melissa, Anna, and Forney continue to attract people looking for more space, newer homes, strong communities, and opportunity. People are leaving crowded, high-cost areas and planting roots in Texas at record speed.

What does this mean for real estate?
📈 Increased demand
🏡 Continued development
💰 Long-term investment potential
🚧 Expanding infrastructure, schools, retail, and amenities

Growth brings opportunity, but it also changes markets quickly. Whether you’re thinking about buying, selling, investing, or just trying to keep up with how fast Texas is changing, understanding these trends matters.

And honestly… if you’ve driven through Celina lately, you already know this chart didn’t need statistics to back it up. One traffic light turns into six overnight. 😂

If you have questions about the North or East Texas market, I’m always happy to help break things down and talk strategy.

05/11/2026

🏡 Ever walk into a house and immediately start mentally moving your furniture in?

That’s this house.

You know the feeling…
“This is where I’d drink my coffee in the mornings.”
“This is where we’d host Christmas.”
“This is the kitchen everyone ends up standing in.”

1230 Amistad Dr in Prosper has that kind of energy.

It feels comfortable without sacrificing style. Spacious without feeling cold. The kind of home that works whether you’re hosting friends for game night, chasing kids and dogs through the house, or finally getting the home office you promised yourself three years ago. 😅

And let’s be honest… finding a home in Prosper that actually feels warm and livable instead of just “pretty” is harder than HGTV makes it look.

So if you’ve been scrolling listings wondering why nothing feels right yet… come see this one in person.

📍 OPEN HOUSE
1230 Amistad Dr, Prosper
🗓 Sunday, May 17
⏰ 2–4 PM

No pressure. No awkward sales pitch. Just come take a look and see if this one feels like home. ✨

05/09/2026

🏡 “Should I Wait for Interest Rates to Drop Before Buying a Home?”

This is probably one of the biggest questions I hear right now across North & East Texas.

And honestly? It’s a fair question.

Nobody wants to feel like they bought at the “wrong” time.

But here’s the reality most people aren’t talking about…

Waiting for rates to drop doesn’t automatically mean you’ll save money.

In fact, for many buyers, waiting can actually make things MORE expensive.

Let’s talk about it. 👇

Right now, a lot of buyers are sitting on the sidelines hoping rates will magically fall back into the 2–3% range we saw a few years ago.

The hard truth?

That market was not normal.

Those ultra-low rates were tied to a very unusual time in history, and experts don’t expect us to return to that anytime soon.

Could rates come down some? Sure.
Will they fluctuate? Absolutely.
But trying to perfectly “time” the market is a little like trying to catch a fish barehanded in Lake Fork… possible, but probably not your best strategy. 🎣

Here’s what many buyers forget:

➡️ When rates drop…
MORE buyers jump back into the market.

And when more buyers flood the market:
• Competition increases
• Multiple offers return
• Home prices often rise
• Buyers lose negotiating power

Right now, many buyers actually have advantages they didn’t have during the crazy market years:
✔️ More negotiating room
✔️ Less competition
✔️ Seller concessions
✔️ Possible closing cost assistance
✔️ More time to think before making decisions

A couple years ago, buyers were waiving inspections, offering way over asking price, and practically writing love letters to sellers hoping to win a house.

Today?
Many buyers can negotiate repairs, ask for concessions, and actually breathe during the process.

That matters.

A LOT.

Now let’s talk numbers for a second.

If interest rates drop later, you can often refinance.

You can change your rate later.

But if home prices continue rising while you wait, you pay that higher price forever.

That’s the part many people overlook.

And here’s another important piece people don’t always consider…

Life doesn’t always wait for perfect rates.

Sometimes people need:
• More space for their family
• A shorter commute
• Land for animals
• A home office
• Better schools
• A fresh start after divorce
• To downsize after kids move out
• To relocate to East Texas for a slower pace of life

Real estate decisions are often lifestyle decisions first.

Not just math equations.

Now does that mean everyone should rush out and buy a house tomorrow?

Absolutely not.

Buying only makes sense if:
✔️ Your finances are stable
✔️ The payment is comfortable
✔️ You plan to stay long enough for it to make sense
✔️ It fits your long-term goals

The goal isn’t to “buy at the perfect time.”
The goal is to buy at the RIGHT time for YOU.

And sometimes the best strategy is:
👉 Buy the right house now
👉 Negotiate the best deal possible
👉 Refinance later if rates improve

That strategy has worked for a lot of homeowners over the years.

At the end of the day, nobody has a crystal ball.
Not Realtors.
Not lenders.
Not economists.
Not the guy in the Facebook comments who suddenly became a mortgage expert during lunch break. 😂

But what I CAN tell you is this:

The buyers who tend to do best long-term are usually the ones who make smart, informed decisions based on their personal goals… not fear.

If you’ve been wondering whether waiting makes sense for your situation, I’m always happy to talk through the numbers, different scenarios, and what the market actually looks like here in North & East Texas.

No pressure.
No sales pitch.
Just real information so you can make the best decision for your family. 🏡

05/08/2026

🎬⚾️ Movie Night is TOMORROW!

We’ll be watching The Sandlot and you won’t want to miss it! Grab your blankets, chairs, and your favorite people and come enjoy a fun night with neighbors under the stars.

🗓️ Saturday, May 9
⏰ Movie starts at 8:30 PM
🍿 Snacks & drinks available for just $1 each
🎟️ Free event

Bring your friends, family, and come hang out with us for a great night!