Need advice for house-hunting/good realtor in DFW area. (Dallas: for sale, real estate)

[mre0609]

Planning a move within a year (after I find a job first). I planned on renting for a few months just to get a feel for the area, but then I will be buying. Seems like there are hundreds of houses to chose from in my price range. Being from the mtns of NC, this is such a difference, b/c there are very few homes here in my price range. I am so excited that I actually get to be a little 'choosy' about the next house I buy. Since there are so many options, I need a good realtor. Can I get a few pm's for realtor suggestions?

Also, houses seem so affordable! Am I just being naïve, thinking that I might can actually afford a nice rancher in the suburbs (I'm not picky)? I was wondering if there is a lot of competition from other buyers, in which I might get into a bidding war, or where the seller underprices their home in hopes of getting multiple above-asking-price offers?

My price range is up to $130k, but it would be awesome to find a home around $100k, since I will have about $20k down-payment. It will be me, my husband, and 3 year old. So as long as the neighborhood is safe, then I'm happy.

[aggieplaya]

Yes, there are a lot of homes that are more 'affordable' here compared to California, Florida, Northeast areas, etc. Having said that, don't expect to get a whole lot in that price range. Some areas in that price range may be less desirable, have more crime, or have other negative factors that you may not like but it is what it is in that price range.

There are indeed a lot of bidding wars happening in the Dallas area, but the market could shift in a year so if you aren't buying now you need to revisit that question later on as it could have cooled by then or may still be active...time will tell.

[TurtleCreek80]

$130k isn't much budget in the DFW area. You will be completely priced out of all areas with excellent public schools.

You will also need to be mindful of where your job locations are as commutes & traffic is a lot worse in a major metro area then what you are probably used to. 20 miles can take well over an hour to drive in rush hour.

If it works for your commutes, Garland is probably one of the better choices for your budget. It's an inner-ring suburb without neighborhood-assigned schools so students can enroll in their preferred school as long as there is room. There are some dodgy pockets so just do your homework by overall it's a solid blue-collar suburb.

Another point to consider -> property taxes are sky high in Texas. $130k houses will have around a $3,000 annual tax bill so be prepared for that expense.

[ChristieP]

Second what TC80 said. $130k won't go far here, and you do need to find a job before you decide where to live. We also usually recommend renting for at least 6 months before buying to make sure the area you think you like really is a good area for your family.

[mre0609]

I know property taxes are high, but there is no state income tax, correct? In NC we have state income tax, and by the time I add my property tax, it equals what I would pay for property tax in TX.

[CREW747]

We have a relative who is thinking of purchasing a house under about $140,000.My sister in law and her husband want to stay in that price range so she can stay home.They are seeking something simple,quaint and affordable (he will be working in Plano off the tollway,she will be staying home,they have a new baby)They looked in these communities just this past weekend.My wife and I went with them....

- Providence Village,TX
- Savannah
- Heartland in Forney,TX
- Mc Kinney,TX

Each community has some very nice amenities for the price.I thought Providence Village was the nicest option.Definitely consider commute when you decide where to buy.

Here are some current listings in Providence Village and Mc Kinney close to $130,000...

http://www.realtor.com/realestateand...6-51353?row=18

http://www.realtor.com/realestateand...3-89665?row=24

http://www.realtor.com/realestateand...5-33040?row=32

http://www.realtor.com/realestateand...78-01923?row=1

http://www.realtor.com/realestateand...0-30607?row=15

Rowlett might also be and idea for around $130,000...

http://m.realtor.com/#details?listin..._id=8906193257

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

Also, there are the tolls to consider. The Dallas North Trolley, 121 aka the Sam Raeburn Tollway, and the Pres George Bush Tollway cost a lot. You can look up the tolls between points on NTTA.org. I spend $9.02 roundtrip every time I go to work and it's not all the way downtown.

[TurtleCreek80]

Originally Posted by CREW747

We have a relative who is thinking of purchasing a house under about $140,000.My sister in law and her husband want to stay in that price range so she can stay home.They are seeking something simple,quaint and affordable (he will be working in Plano off the tollway,she will be staying home,they have a new baby)They looked in these communities just this past weekend.My wife and I went with them....

- Providence Village,TX
- Savannah
- Heartland in Forney,TX
- Mc Kinney

Each community has some very nice amenities for the price.I thought Providence Village was the nicest option.Definitely consider commute when you decide where to buy.

Here are some current listings in Providence Village and Mc Kinney close to $130,000...

9905 Concord Dr, Providence Village, TX 76227 - Home For Sale and Real Estate Listing - realtor.com®

10230 Cedar Lake Dr, Providence Village, TX 76227 - Home For Sale and Real Estate Listing - realtor.com®

10000 Cherry Hill Ln, Providence Village, TX 76227 - Home For Sale and Real Estate Listing - realtor.com®

2315 Brookview Dr, Mckinney, TX 75070 - Home For Sale and Real Estate Listing - realtor.com®

4816 Fox Ridge Ln, Mckinney, TX 75071 - Home For Sale and Real Estate Listing - realtor.com®

Will just say that if someone is considering Providence or Savannah, they need to work no further south than George Bush to keep commute times under 30 minutes. Current drive time from downtown Dallas to Savannah is 1 hr, 40 minutes (on a $10/ round-trip Tollroad). Current drive time from Las Colinas/ Irving is 1 hour, 15 minutes. Current drive time from Richardson/ Telecom cooridor is 53 minutes.

They are cheap, new houses but they only viable options for people who have jobs in the far north portion of the metroplex.

[Aceraceae]

Originally Posted by TurtleCreek80

Will just say that if someone is considering Providence or Savannah, they need to work no further south than George Bush to keep commute times under 30 minutes. Current drive time from downtown Dallas to Savannah is 1 hr, 40 minutes (on a $10/ round-trip Tollroad). Current drive time from Las Colinas/ Irving is 1 hour, 15 minutes. Current drive time from Richardson/ Telecom cooridor is 53 minutes.

They are cheap, new houses but they only viable options for people who have jobs in the far north portion of the metroplex.

Where do people buy basic items out there? Denton?

[TurtleCreek80]

Originally Posted by Aceraceae

Where do people buy basic items out there? Denton?

Dunno. Guess either north Frisco or Denton? It's not a quick drive to either though - 10+ minutes.

Eta:looks like there is a Wal Mart on 380 close to Providence so I guess there? Ick.