Danielle Watkins, Realtor with Century 21 Judge Fite

09/21/2026

09/19/2026

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has added a $2 million lakeside estate in Heath, Texas, to his growing real estate portfolio. Tucked inside the exclusive Ridge Lakes community outside of Dallas, the 6-bed, 6-bath home spans over 5,100 square feet and blends contemporary Mediterranean architecture with resort-style touches. Standout features include a saltwater pool with tanning ledge and waterfall, a 500-square-foot casita, spa-style baths, and white oak floors throughout. More photos in comments.

09/18/2026

Fate, Texas - PLANET FITNESS PREPPING $1.2 MILLION GYM FACILITY ON I-30

Planet Fitness, the popular fitness franchise known for its "Judgement Free Zone," affordable memberships, and extensive lineup of cardio and strength training equipment, is preparing to expand its footprint in Rockwall County with a new location in Fate.

State filings reveal plans for an estimated $1.2 million commercial renovation project located at 4900 East Interstate 30. The 21,846-square-foot project involves a comprehensive remodel and interior build-out of an existing commercial shell.

Construction on the new Fate facility is
scheduled to begin this fall on November 1, 2026, targeting a quick completion early next year by February 1, 2027.

📍 4900 E I-30, Fate, TX 75189

09/18/2026

More Texans may now qualify for homeownership assistance!

TSAHC has increased the income limits for both the Home Sweet Texas Home Loan Program and Homes for Texas Heroes Home Loan Program, making it possible for more Texas home buyers to access our homeownership programs.

New 2026 income limits:
• Home Sweet Texas: Up to 150% of Area Median Family Income (AMFI)
• Homes for Texas Heroes: Up to 170% of AMFI

The income limits shown above apply to major metro areas across Texas. If your household income does not exceed the applicable limit, you may qualify!

This exciting change helps TSAHC continue its mission to facilitate, preserve, and expand housing opportunities for Texans.

Not sure which program may be right for you? Take our Path Finder Quiz to explore your options and see which TSAHC program you may qualify for. Then, connect with a TSAHC-approved lender to take the next step toward homeownership!
👉 Take the quiz: https://www.tsahc.org/resource/path-finder-quiz/

09/18/2026

🏗️ Texas homebuilding is beginning to slow, and two of our major metros are leading the pullback.

According to new Zillow research, residential permitting declined nationwide over the 12 months ending in May 2026. Here in Texas, the shift was even more significant:

📉 San Antonio permits fell 31%
📉 Austin permits fell 27.5%

These were the two largest declines among the nation’s 50 biggest metro areas.

While DFW was not listed among the markets with the steepest declines, the broader trend still matters locally. Builders have been a major source of competition for resale sellers across North Texas, often offering below-market interest rates, closing-cost assistance and price reductions that can be difficult for individual homeowners to beat.

While this slowdown might benefit sellers of preowned homes by reducing competition from builders and their aggressive incentives, it could also mean fewer choices and less negotiating power for buyers in the future.

For buyers considering new construction, this may be a window of opportunity while builders are still motivated and incentives remain available. For resale sellers, reduced future construction could help level the playing field.

Real estate is always local, but what happens with Texas builders can directly affect inventory, pricing and negotiating power throughout DFW.

Read the full Zillow Research report here:
https://www.zillow.com/research/state-of-new-construction-2026/?utm_source=www.texasrealestate.news&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=fed-hikes-interest-rates-for-the-first-time-since-2023&_bhlid=a81d33b56f21b3d5bc085aa7d989514b852de2fe

Completions fell for the third straight year in 2025, and permits are running nearly 20% below their pre-pandemic trajectory

09/15/2026

🏡Buyers have more leverage — and DFW is one of the strongest buyer’s markets in the country.

According to new Redfin data, the U.S. housing market has officially reached the strongest buyer’s market on record, with nearly 58% more sellers than buyers nationwide.

But the numbers here in Texas are even more striking:

📍 Dallas: 108% more sellers than buyers
📍 Fort Worth: 87% more sellers than buyers
📍 Austin: 115% more sellers than buyers
📍 San Antonio: 116% more sellers than buyers
📍 Houston: 131% more sellers than buyers

What does that mean if you're buying in DFW?

More homes to choose from, less pressure to make rushed decisions, and potentially more room to negotiate on price, repairs, closing costs and other terms.

For sellers, this market requires a different strategy. With buyers having so many options, pricing correctly from the beginning and making your home stand out matters more than ever.

A buyer’s market doesn’t mean every home is a bargain or that every seller will negotiate, but the balance of power has clearly shifted.

If you've been sitting on the sidelines waiting for a better opportunity to buy, it may be worth taking another look at what your options are today.

Thinking about buying or selling in DFW? Let’s talk about what these numbers actually mean for your specific situation.

Source: Redfin, August 2026 Housing Market Data

Nashville, Miami and Houston are the strongest buyer’s markets, with more than double the number of sellers as buyers.

09/14/2026

📈 More positive economic news for Texas.

Texas closed out Fiscal Year 2026 with stronger-than-expected tax revenue, bringing in billions more than the previous year.

Why does that matter for real estate?

A strong state economy can mean continued investment in infrastructure, schools and growing communities — all things that help support long-term housing demand. Even more interesting for homeowners: Texas Comptroller Don Huffines has pointed to growing sales-tax revenues as an opportunity for local governments to provide **property tax relief**.

Of course, strong state revenue doesn’t automatically mean lower property taxes, but it’s certainly a conversation worth watching — especially as housing affordability remains a major issue for Texas buyers and homeowners.

Texas continues to grow, and the economic picture behind that growth remains strong. 🏡🌟

Texas Comptroller Don Huffines says the state ended the fiscal year with billions more in revenue than it did in the previous year.

09/13/2026

Dallas residents can now register to receive one free 5-gallon tree through the city’s annual Branch Out Dallas program 🌳

Registration is open through September 30 or while supplies last. Residents must live within Dallas city limits, provide a Dallas Water Utilities account number and pick up their tree on November 7

09/11/2026

Electric air taxis are officially being tested across North Texas this week.

The FAA-backed program features Joby Aviation, BETA Technologies and Wisk, while Joby is scheduled to fly routes involving Alliance Airport, DFW Airport, Arlington, the Fort Worth Stockyards area and Plano through Monday.

The flights will test noise levels, safety and how the aircraft operate in busy airspace.