3 Homebuyer Strategies You Didn’t Know Were Possible in Dallas

By Seychelle Van Poole

Seychelle is a specialist in meeting the needs of sellers and buyers, and serves as the Team Director for Van Poole Properties Group. Being named Top 30 Under 30 by the National Association of Realtors for 2011, Seychelle is an expert negotiator, marketing and sales analyst, and is dedicated to making the buying and selling process stress-free and enjoyable.

You’ve probably heard it over and over: interest rates are high and options feel pretty limited. But some of the best deals for buyers are actually out there, right now, hiding in plain sight, especially in Dallas-Fort Worth.

We recently worked with a buyer who was about to put house-hunting on hold because the monthly payment just didn’t work. Then we found a brand-new spec home sitting on the market a little too long.

The builder was eager to move it and offered a rate buydown and extra design upgrades. The result? Lower payment, better finishes, and no bidding war.

I want to pull back the curtain on three of the best buyer deals that most people completely overlook. And honestly, one of these is almost a “secret menu” move you need to know about.

1. Builder spec homes with big incentives. Builders across Dallas-Fort Worth have inventory they need to move, especially spec homes (homes already built or almost done).

Because we work with a lot of these builders and have for over 20 years, we know who’s offering which incentives and where the better deals are hiding. That sometimes means we can get access to pricing and perks that a buyer walking in off the street just wouldn’t see.

Some builders are offering more than just a lower sticker price; they’re helping with interest rate buy-downs, covering some or all of your closing costs, or even offering free design or backyard upgrades.

If you know where to look and how to negotiate, you could walk into a brand new home, with a custom feel, and actually have a lower monthly payment than you’d expect from an existing resale.

2. Outdated homes that need a little love and vision. These homes tend to sit longer on the market, which means sellers get more motivated. The secret is to team up with a designer and add your own style. Repaint the home, update the lighting and some modern touches.

Often, you’ll spend much less than you would on a fully remodeled home, but end up with a space that resonates with who you are.

We help buyers connect with designers and contractors all the time. The best part: you can often get these changes made before you even move in. And because you’re buying at a lower price per square foot than a “turnkey” home, it’s a really smart move.

3. Overlooked neighborhoods with upward potential. Don’t count out neighborhoods that might not be “hot” yet, but have real upside coming.

For example, we know of a Dallas neighborhood where Target is coming in soon. Right now, it’s not on everyone’s radar, but you get better square footage, shorter commutes, and a lot less competition than in the trendiest zip codes.

We’ve helped buyers get into areas with great schools and lower taxes, places that are quietly appreciating while everyone else is chasing the same old neighborhoods.

I know the headlines don’t always tell the full story. If you’re thinking about buying, let’s have a conversation about how to find the deals you’re looking for and how to land the right home in the right area for you.

Feel free to contact us anytime at (214) 267-9222 or SeychelleSells@vanpoole.com. We’re happy to help you start the search, ask better questions, and make a move that really works for you.