Frequently Asked Questions
Mortgage
How much do I need for a down payment?
Down payments vary, but many buyers put down between 3% and 20% of the purchase price. The exact amount depends on your loan type and financial situation.
How do I get pre-approved for a mortgage in Dallas?
The first step is contacting a local lender or mortgage broker. They’ll review your credit, income, and debt to determine how much you can borrow. Getting pre-approved strengthens your offers when buying in a competitive Dallas market.
Dallas Real Estate
Is Dallas real estate a good investment?
Yes. With a booming job market, steady population growth, and major corporate relocations, Dallas real estate has consistently shown strong appreciation and rental demand, making it an attractive market for both homeowners and investors.
What are popular family neighborhoods in Dallas?
Popular family-friendly neighborhoods include Lakewood, Preston Hollow, M Streets, and parts of North Dallas. Suburbs such as Frisco, Plano, and McKinney are also highly rated for schools, parks, and community amenities.
Ranch & Land
How do mineral rights work when buying land in Texas?
Mineral rights can be separate from surface rights. This means the oil, gas, or mineral ownership may belong to someone else, even if you own the land. Our team’s legal background helps clients understand mineral rights and lease agreements before purchasing.
Are there restrictions on building or developing land near Dallas?
Restrictions vary by city and county. Some rural land is zoned strictly for agricultural use, while other parcels allow for residential or commercial development. We help clients navigate zoning laws, permits, and future development opportunities.
What should I look for when buying land in North Texas?
Key considerations include soil quality, water access, drainage, easements, mineral rights, and zoning regulations. Our specialists evaluate these factors from legal, engineering, and design perspectives to help you make informed decisions.
Can I finance ranch or land purchases in North Texas?
Yes. Many buyers use farm and ranch loans through local banks or agricultural lenders. Financing terms differ from traditional home mortgages, so it’s important to work with a broker experienced in land transactions.
How much land do I need for a ranch property?
It depends on your goals. For hobby farms or small horse properties, 5–20 acres may be sufficient. For working cattle ranches or large recreational properties, buyers typically look for 50+ acres. Our team helps you match your land size to your lifestyle or investment plans.
What are the best areas near Dallas to buy ranch or land?
Popular cities for ranches and acreage near Dallas include Waxahachie, Midlothian, Cedar Hill, and Rockwall. These areas offer a balance of open land, strong growth potential, and convenient access to the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex.
Agents FAQs
What is the difference between a real estate agent and a real estate broker?
Most states require real estate sales professionals to be licensed by the state, so that they can control education and experience requirements and have a central authority to resolve consumer problems.
The terminology used to identify real estate professionals varies a little from state to state. Brokers are generally required to have more education and experience than real estate salespersons or agents.
The person you normally deal with is a real estate agent or salesperson. The salesperson is licensed by the state, but must work for a broker. All listings are placed in the broker’s name, not the salesperson’s.
A broker can deal directly with home buyers and sellers, or can have a staff of salespersons or agents working for him or her.
Why should I use a real estate salesperson?
A real estate salesperson is more than just a “sales person.” They act on your behalf as your agent, providing you with advice and guidance and doing a job – helping you buy or sell a home. While it is true they get paid for what they do, so do other professions that provide advice, guidance, and have a service to sell –such as Certified Public Accountants and Attorneys
The Internet has opened up a world of information that wasn’t previously available to homebuyers and seller. The data on listings available for sale is almost current – but not quite. There are times when you need the most current information about what has sold or is for sale, and the only way to get that is with an agent.
If you’re selling a home, you gain access to the most buyers by being listed in the Multiple Listing Service. Only a licensed real estate agent who is a member of your local MLS can get you listed there – which then gets you automatically listed on some of the major real estate web sites. If you’re buying or selling a home, the MLS is your agent’s best tool.
However, the role of an agent has changed in the last couple of years. In the past, agents were the only way home buyers and sellers could access information. Now agents are evolving. Because today’s home buyers and sellers are so much better informed than in the past, expertise and ability are becoming more important.
The real estate agent is becoming more of a “guide” than a “salesperson” — your personal representative in buying or selling a home.