Real estate blog
Real estate questions, answered for the North Dallas suburbs
Every post answers a real question people ask about buying, selling, building and moving in Sachse, Wylie, Murphy, Lucas, Richardson, Plano, Rowlett, Dallas and nearby cities.
Latest articles
Buyer & Seller GuidesBuyer GuidesFirst-Time BuyersLandlords & InvestorsNew ConstructionRelocationSeller Guides
Buyer Guides
Can't Find a Home in the Neighborhood You Want? What to Do in DFW
No homes for sale where you want to live in the North Dallas suburbs? Proven ways to find one, from coming-soon listings to nearby alternatives.
Read the answer →Buyer Guides
Do I Need a Buyer's Agent in Texas? What They Do and Who Pays
Do you need a buyer's agent to buy a house in Texas? What your agent does, how buyer agreements and compensation work, and when it's worth it.
Read the answer →Buyer Guides
How to Win a Multiple-Offer Situation in the North Dallas Suburbs
Competing for a home in Sachse, Wylie, Plano or Garland? How to make your offer stand out without overpaying, from Tera Rogers.
Read the answer →Seller Guides
Is Now a Good Time to Sell My House in the North Dallas Suburbs?
Thinking of selling in Sachse, Wylie, Murphy, Plano, Garland or Rowlett? How to decide if now is the right time, based on your goals and your market.
Read the answer →Landlords & Investors
Should I Sell or Rent Out My House When I Move? (North Dallas Suburbs)
Sell or rent your house in Sachse, Wylie, Plano or Garland? Compare cash flow, taxes, homestead rules and landlord work before you decide.
Read the answer →Buyer & Seller Guides
5 Texas Real Estate Contract Terms Every Buyer and Seller Should Know
Option period, earnest money, financing addendum, survey and Seller's Disclosure: the Texas contract terms that matter most, explained simply.
Read the answer →Seller Guides
Why Isn't My House Selling in Wylie, Sachse or Murphy?
Home sitting on the market in Wylie, Sachse or Murphy? The real reasons homes don't sell (price, competition, presentation) and how to fix it.
Read the answer →New Construction
Do I Need a Realtor to Buy a New Construction Home in Texas?
The builder's sales rep works for the builder. Here's why your own agent usually costs you nothing and can save you thousands on a new build in DFW.
Read the answer →Buyer & Seller Guides
The Hidden Costs of Buying or Selling a Home in Texas
Beyond the price: option fees, title policies, surveys, tax prorations, MUD taxes and more. What DFW buyers and sellers should budget for.
Read the answer →Buyer & Seller Guides
What Happens If You Cancel a Home Purchase in Texas?
Can you back out of buying a house after signing? How the option period, financing and appraisal contingencies affect your earnest money in a Texas contract.
Read the answer →Seller Guides
Should You Sell Your Home "As Is" in Texas?
What selling as-is really means in Texas, when it makes sense, and why a few targeted repairs often net you more.
Read the answer →Relocation
Moving to Dallas From Out of State: The Complete Checklist
A step-by-step checklist for moving to Dallas–Fort Worth: choosing an area, buying remotely, Texas license and registration, and homestead.
Read the answer →First-Time Buyers
Top First-Time Homebuyer Concerns in North Texas (and How to Beat Them)
Can I afford to buy? Are rates too high? Nothing in my budget? Tera Rogers answers the top concerns first-time buyers have in North Texas.
Read the answer →Buyer Guides
Why Your Credit Score Matters More Than You Think When Buying a Home
Your credit score affects mortgage approval and your rate. Four practical ways to improve your credit before buying a home, from Tera Rogers.
Read the answer →Seller Guides
How to Check Your Home Value, Even If You're Not Selling
Why checking your home value once a year pays off, even if you're not selling, and how to get a free home value report in the North Dallas suburbs.
Read the answer →New Construction
3 Things to Remember When Building Your Dream Home in North Texas
Building a new home? Read the builder contract closely, schedule independent inspections, and plan for delays. Tips from Tera Rogers.
Read the answer →
Frequently asked questions
Who writes The Collaborative Agent blog?
Tera Rogers, a Texas REALTOR® (license #650483) with Call It Closed International Realty, who works with buyers, sellers and investors in the North Dallas suburbs.
Can I suggest a topic?
Yes. If you have a question about buying, selling or moving in the area, send it to Tera. Many posts start as client questions.
How can I get new posts and market updates?
Subscribe to the RSS feed, follow The Collaborative Agent on YouTube, or request a monthly market snapshot for your neighborhood.
Not sure where to start? Ask Tera.
Tell me what you're trying to do and I'll give you a straight answer, no pressure.