The Realtor Roundup

  image by freepik Protect Yourself from Real Estate Fraud: What Everyone Should Know Real estate fraud can happen to anyone — homeowners, renters, investors, or even people just browsing listings online. Scammers are getting more creative every year, using fake listings , identity theft , and even fraudulent property transfers to steal money or ownership rights. The good news? A few simple precautions can help protect you, your identity, and your property. Here’s how to stay one step ahead: 1. Verify Who You’re Dealing With Before you share any personal information or money, confirm that the person or company you’re working with is legitimate. Look them up online, check reviews, and verify licenses. In Texas, you can confirm that a real estate agent, lender, or title company is licensed through the Texas Real Estate Commission . If someone pressures you to act quickly or discourages you from asking questions, that’s a red flag — slow down and verify. 2. Be Extremely Cauti...

Looking to buy a home in Johnson or Tarrant County but need help with the down payment? Check out these Texas programs that offer grants, forgivable loans, and tax credits to make homeownership more affordable. Buying a home is exciting—but let’s be real, that down payment can feel like a mountain. The good news? If you’re looking to buy in Johnson or Tarrant County , there are plenty of programs that can help bridge the gap and get you into your new home faster. Let’s break down a few of the most popular options right here in North Texas   1. Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC) Website: TSAHC.org The TSAHC program is one of the most popular options across the state. It offers: Down payment and closing cost assistance (up to 5% of your loan amount) Available as a grant (you don’t pay it back) or a forgivable second lien Open to first-time buyers, teachers, healthcare workers, firefighters, law enforcement, and veterans They even offer a Mort...

       The Market Divide: Buyers vs. Sellers—What’s Really Happening Right Now Right now, the housing market looks very different depending on where you live. In some states, buyers are starting to gain the upper hand. In others, sellers are still in the driver’s seat. So the big question is—what does it look like where you are? Here’s a quick breakdown:      Inventory Sets the Stage The number of homes on the market has gone up in most places, but not evenly. In states where inventory has grown a lot, buyers have more options and negotiating power. In states where inventory is still tight, sellers can expect faster sales and fewer concessions.      Prices Follow Inventory When there are more homes to choose from, prices tend to level off or even dip slightly. That’s why some states are seeing prices cool down. On the flip side, where homes are harder to come by, prices are still climbing.      Time on Mark...