The Secret To Selling Your House in Today’s Market

May 30, 2025

A few years ago, homes were flying off the shelves and getting multiple offers well over their asking price. It felt like you could name your price and still have buyers lined up at the door.

But today’s housing market is different. Buyers are getting more selective now that inventory has grown. Homes are sitting a little longer. And more sellers are having to cut their prices.

So, how do you still come out on top? It all starts with one thing, pricing your house right from the start. Today, that matters more than ever – and it can make or break your sale.


There’s a Real Price Disconnect Between Buyers and Sellers


A recent survey from Realtor.com shows 81% of home sellers believe they’ll get their asking price or more. But the actual sales data shows there’s a growing gap between what sellers expect and what buyers are actually willing to pay.


In fact, an annual report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows 44% of recently sold homes went for less than the asking price. And 1 in 3 sellers had to cut their price at least once before the home sold. It’s a sign that expectations may be a little out of step with today’s reality.



Check out the graph below. It uses data from Redfin to show that asking prices (blue line) are higher than actual sales prices (green line) by a wider and wider margin:


This tells you something important: not all buyers are willing to pay what many sellers are asking. That doesn’t mean you can’t sell for a great price – but it does mean you need to start with a price that reflects what people are willing to pay in today’s market.


What Happens When You Overprice Your House?

Pricing your house high initially may seem like a smart move, so you have more room to negotiate. But the reality is, an overpriced home can sit on the market and turn buyers away. 

Buyers are smart. And when they see a house that’s been sitting for a while, they start to wonder what’s wrong with it. That can lead to fewer showings, less interest, and eventually, a price cut to re-ignite attention. As Realtor.com explains: 

“By getting the right price early on, you can increase the odds buyers will be interested in the home. In turn, this decreases the chances the home will sit on the market for a lengthier timeline, also reducing the odds you’ll need to lower the listing price.”

The longer a house sits, the harder it can be to sell.



You Still Have a Great Opportunity – If You Price Your House Right 

To avoid making this mistake, it’s important to lean on an agent who knows what’s happening locally when you set your asking price. 

Your agent will look at recent local sales, buyer trends, and inventory levels to find that pricing sweet spot for your neighborhood – because it’s going to be different based on where you live.

And here’s something else to keep in mind, home prices have climbed more than 57% over the past five years. So, even if you price a bit below the number you had your sights set on, you’ll likely still be in a great position profit-wise.

With a local real estate agent’s help, you’ll attract more attention, avoid seeing your house sit on the market too long, and maximize your chances of getting a strong offer.

In today’s market, the right price works. As Mike Simonsen, Founder of Altos Research, explains:

“. . . the best properties, well priced are selling quickly in most of the country.”

Bottom Line

The market has changed, but your opportunity to sell hasn’t. You just need the right pricing plan. Let’s walk through what’s happening with prices in our area and determine what price would help your house sell quickly and for top dollar.


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D-FW real estate roundup: Multimillion-dollar homes take shape in Frisco and more deals

May 30, 2025
North Texas Real Estate Update: Luxury Homes, Major Developments, and Strategic Investments The Dallas-Fort Worth (D-FW) real estate landscape is bustling with activity, from the rise of multimillion-dollar homes in Frisco to significant commercial and residential projects across the region. Here's an overview of the latest developments: The Preserve at Fields: Frisco's New Luxury Enclave Construction is progressing at The Preserve, a gated community within the expansive 2,500-acre Fields development in North Frisco. Spearheaded by developer Fehmi Karahan, the first phase will feature 233 custom homes on lots ranging from 6,800 square feet to over an acre. Amenities include PGA golf courses, over 25 miles of trails, and the exclusive Brookside Club. Home prices start at $3.5 million, with the first residents expected by spring 2026. Dallas Invests in Transit-Oriented Development The Dallas City Council has approved $14.5 million in incentives for the Palladium Buckner Station project, a mixed-income, transit-oriented development in southeast Dallas. Located at 8008 Elam Road, the project will transform an underutilized parking lot into 304 apartments, with approximately 80% designated for households earning at or below 60% of the area's median income. AT&T Expands in Richardson AT&T is relocating and expanding one of its call centers to Richardson, investing $15.8 million in building improvements. The city is collaborating with Provident Realty Advisors on modernization grants and permit fee waivers to facilitate the move. Build-to-Rent Communities on the Rise ONM Living is set to begin construction on two build-to-rent communities: Cottages at Century Farms near Anna and Cottages at Providence Commons in Providence Village. These developments will offer a combined 478 homes, with rentals expected to commence in late 2026. The total investment for these projects is $100 million, with plans to develop an additional 1,000 rental units over the next three years. Frisco Station's Medical Office Building Breaks Ground Cambridge Holdings Inc. has initiated construction on an 85,800-square-foot medical office building within Frisco Station's Health and Wellness District. Anchor tenants include Compass Surgical Partners, Orthopedic Institute of North Texas, and Lam Vascular & Associates, offering a range of specialized medical services. Luxury Apartments Coming to Denton HighPark Capital, in partnership with Phoenix Capital Management, has commenced construction on a 242-unit luxury apartment complex in Denton's Rayzor Ranch development. Amenities will feature a resort-style pool, pickleball courts, fitness center, yoga studio, and outdoor kitchen. The project is slated for completion in early 2027. Sherman Commons Acquired by Dallas Firms Kobalt Investment Company and The Retail Connection have acquired Sherman Commons, a 275,477-square-foot shopping center in Sherman. The center is 98% occupied, with major tenants like Academy Sports + Outdoors, Kohl’s, and PetSmart. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Olivia Clarke Homes Joins Scott Felder Homes Austin-based Scott Felder Homes has acquired Olivia Clarke Homes, a D-FW homebuilder known for properties in Celina, Providence Village, and Lakewood Village. The acquisition, completed on May 13, aims to expand Scott Felder Homes' presence in North Texas. ACIS Relocates Headquarters to Allen ACIS, an HVAC company, is moving its headquarters to Allen's 121 Tech Park, signing a 12-year lease for a 33,000-square-foot space. The new facility will accommodate over 150 employees, with the move expected in the third quarter of 2025. Hugs Inc. and KDC Break Ground in McKinney Real estate developer KDC and Hugs Inc. have begun construction on a $10 million headquarters and training academy in McKinney. The 13,500-square-foot facility will house Hugs Café, training kitchens, administrative offices, and learning areas, supporting adults with disabilities. The project is scheduled to open in summer 2026. ProSource Industries Expands to Grand Prairie ProSource Industries has leased a 104,000-square-foot facility at 602 Fountain Parkway in Grand Prairie. The company specializes in manufacturing wire harnesses, cable assemblies, and electrical control panels for original equipment manufacturers. Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors Seek New Headquarters Dallas-based litigation firm Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors, is exploring options for a new headquarters to accommodate expansion. Potential locations include areas east of downtown Dallas, Knox-Henderson, and South Dallas, with a move anticipated in 2026. West Plano Medical Village Changes Hands Los Angeles-based Stockdale Capital Partners has purchased West Plano Medical Village, a 49,228-square-foot outpatient facility developed in 2022. The fully leased property houses tenants such as Catalyst Physicians Group and Baylor Scott & White. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. These developments underscore the dynamic growth and investment opportunities within the D-FW real estate market. Stay tuned for more updates as the region continues to evolve.

Budget-Friendly Home Updates: Designer-Approved Dupes for a Stylish Makeover

May 30, 2025
How to Update Your Home on a Budget: Designer-Approved Dupes That Deliver Style Giving your home a fresh look doesn’t have to mean emptying your savings. Interior designers Kim Armstrong and Liz Dauwe, both based in Dallas, believe you can achieve a high-end feel with smart, budget-conscious choices. Here are some of their favorite decor "dupes" — affordable pieces that look like luxury. Upholstered Beds: High-End Look, Lower Price Splurge: A custom, French-style upholstered bed that can cost around $8,000 Save: A similarly styled upholstered bed for around $3,000 Kim Armstrong loves the elegance of custom pieces but often chooses a well-crafted alternative and customizes it with new fabric and paint. The result? The same designer impact for much less. Burl Wood Nightstands: Timeless Texture, Affordable Option Splurge: Designer burl wood nightstands available only to the trade Save: Classic burl wood nightstands that retail around $400 Burl wood brings warmth and sophistication to any space. Liz Dauwe recommends styling a budget-friendly version with a chic lamp, books, and a decorative box for a layered, polished look. Bold Fabrics: Statement Prints Without the Price Tag Splurge: A vibrant designer fabric at over $270 per yard Save: Comparable fabric patterns for around $15 per yard Armstrong loves eye-catching textiles and finds Spoonflower a great source for designer-inspired prints. She suggests ordering them in Belgian linen or cotton-linen canvas for a similar texture and finish. Wallpaper: Botanical Prints on a Budget Splurge: High-end wallpaper with detailed botanical patterns Save: Affordable digitally printed wallpaper with similar aesthetics In one of her projects, Armstrong swapped an expensive wallpaper for a more budget-friendly botanical print that delivered the same fresh, colorful vibe — perfect for a powder room or accent wall. Statement Mirrors: Designer Reflection for Less Splurge: Large designer round mirror priced near $2,000 Save: Oversized round mirrors under $1,000 Dauwe loves using large mirrors as focal points, especially in entryways or living rooms. A well-selected dupe offers scale and elegance at a fraction of the cost. Sculptural Decor: Modern Accents That Won’t Break the Bank Splurge: Designer link sculptures in premium materials Save: Stone or ceramic link sculptures for under $100 Decorative links add a sculptural touch to any coffee table or shelf. Dauwe recommends using them with stacked books or trays to add depth and interest to your styling. Pendant Lights: Sleek Fixtures, Smaller Price Splurge: Designer pendant lighting with sleek finishes Save: Stylish pendants with similar shapes available at hardware stores For modern pendant lighting, Dauwe loves affordable finds that mimic the look of high-end brands. Use globe or tubular bulbs to give them that designer edge. Updating your home doesn’t mean sacrificing style. With the right choices and a designer’s eye for detail, you can create a space that looks elevated—without the luxury price tag. Looking for more interior design tips and renovation ideas? Stay tuned for inspiration, insights, and budget-friendly updates for every room in your home.
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