North Dallas Real Producers - July 2024

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Photo By: Cruz Acevedo, studioUSA
Prakash & MaryJane Mathew

NORTH DALLAS MEET THE

Cruz Acevedo Photographer
Jessica Espeseth Social Media Director
Vanessa Corral Photographer
Rick Davis Videographer
Scott Peek Photographer
Lance Dunahoe Co-owner
Jordan Espeseth Founder/Co-owner
Julie Altemus Executive Director

This section has been created to give you easier access when searching for a trusted real estate affiliate. Take a minute to familiarize yourself with the businesses sponsoring your magazine. These local businesses are proud to partner with you and make this magazine possible. Please support these businesses and thank them for supporting the REALTOR® community!

ACCOUNTING/ TAX SERVICES

DASG, LLC

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ATTORNEY

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BLINDS & DRAPERIES

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BUILDER

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BUSINESS COACHING

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CLIENT AND REFERRAL GIFTS

Gifts of Graze Eileen Torres (214) 814-1216 giftsofgraze.com

CREDIT REPAIR

MSI Credit Solutions (866) 217-9841 www.msicredit.com

FINANCIAL ADVISOR/ FINANCIAL PROFESSIONAL

New York Life

Elijah Cross (361) 236-8957

FOUNDATION REPAIR

DIGG Foundation Repair (214) 307-4060

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Elite Foundation Repairs (214) 856-9634

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HOME INSPECTION

Element Inspection (214) 535-7971 element inspection.com

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Semper Fi Home Inspections, Inc. (682) 351-2267

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HOME RENOVATION & REPAIR

BOSSCAT

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Renovation Sells (214) 888-4376 RenovationSells.com/ North-Dallas

HOME WARRANTY

Achosa Home Warranty, LLC

Robyn DiPasquale (888) 509-2916 AchosaHW.com

Fidelity National Home Warranty

Gabriel McLane (682) 365-5995 fidelity-usa.com

INSURANCE AGENCY

Paine Insurance Group (972) 387-9217 paineinsurancegroup.com

MORTGAGE LENDING

First Rate Financial (214) 872-4442 iamfirstrate.com

Highlands Residential Mortgage

April Myrick (972) 955-9633 mortgagebymyrick.com

Highlands Residential Mortgage

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Mortgage Matters (469) 807-1300 mortgagematters.us

Movement Mortgage (469) 202-4195 LoanOfficerMark.com

NEXA Mortgage (817) 201-1147 Nouri-mortgage.com

Reliant Team of Premier Mortgage (619) 378-3795 MichaelChiodo.com

The Tuttle Group Cross Country Mortgage (469) 319-0660 thetuttlegroup.com

MOVING SERVICES

All My Sons Moving & Storage (561) 578-3800 allmysons.com

Black Tie Moving Tyler Coleman (512) 605-7328 blacktiemoving.com

Finesse Movers (469) 657-5975 finessemovers.com

OUTDOOR FURNITURE

Built-to-Last (692) 936-4500 built-to-last.com

PAINTING

360 Painting of Dallas (469) 270-1668

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PEST CONTROL

PROCO (817) 975-5948 procoroof.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

Scott Peek Photography (469) 587-2300 ScottPeekPhotography.com

Vanessa Corral

Photography (214) 687-2196 vanessacorral.com

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

American Real PM (469) 620-0114 americanrealpm.com

RESIDENTIAL/ COMMERCIAL LENDER

Hometown Lending (972) 322-4472 hometownlend.com

ROOFING

Deluxe Roofing & Construction (817) 247-8628 deluxeroofingdfw.com

Hargrove Roofing (214) 838-8778 hargroveroofing.com

PROCO (817) 975-5948 procoroof.com

Town & Country Roofing (972) 377-8188 townandcountryroofingdfw.com

ROOFING / STORM RESTORATION

Cook DFW Roofing and Restoration (214) 236-2832 cookdfw.com

SHORT TERM RENTAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

iTrip Vacations North Dallas (972) 649-0454 northdallas.itrip.co/

TITLE COMPANY

Chicago Title DFW (972) 931-1522 ChicagoTitleDFW.com

Lawyers Title (469) 247-8281 dfw.ltic.com

Republic Title Ken Callahan (214) 793-5979 RepublicTitle.com

VIDEOGRAPHY/ PHOTOGRAPHY

studioUSA (469) 955-5833 studiousa.live

WEBSITE DESIGN & SEO Digilatics (814) 954-6088 digilatics.com

WINDOWS

Town & Country Roofing (972) 377-8188 townandcountryroofingdfw.com

publisher’s note

This Was Written by

ChatGPT

The following article was written by ChatGPT. The only prompt I gave was this: “Write a 300-400 word Publisher’s Note article for Real Producers magazine on how real estate agents should embrace artificial intelligence in their business.”

Here is what came out…

“Title:

Embracing Artificial Intelligence for Real Estate Success

Dear Readers,

Artificial intelligence has made significant strides in recent years, revolutionizing various sectors, and real estate is no exception. The integration of AI tools and platforms offers unparalleled opportunities for agents to enhance their business practices, improve efficiency, and provide exceptional value to their clients.

One of the key advantages of AI in the real estate industry is its ability to analyze vast amounts of data quickly and accurately. With AI-powered algorithms, agents can streamline their property search process, identify relevant listings based on client preferences, and even predict market trends and pricing fluctuations. This empowers agents to offer tailored recommendations, saving valuable time for both themselves and their clients.

Moreover, AI can automate mundane tasks such as paperwork, scheduling appointments, and responding to inquiries, enabling agents to focus on high-value activities requiring expertise and personal touch. This increased efficiency not only boosts productivity but also enhances the overall client experience, leading to higher satisfaction and increased referrals.

AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants are also transforming the way real estate agents interact with their clients. These intel ligent bots can engage in natural language conversations, answer common queries, and provide 24/7 support. By leveraging AI in customer service, agents can ensure prompt responses, efficient lead nurturing,

and improved communication, ultimately leading to stronger client relationships.

Additionally, AI can aid in accurate property valuations by analyzing historical sales data, market trends, and property characteristics. Agents can leverage this information to price properties competitively, negotiate better deals, and provide clients with accurate estimations of their property’s worth. This level of precision not only instills confidence in clients but also positions agents as trusted advisors in the market.

However, embracing AI does not mean replacing the human touch; rather, it enhances it. Real estate agents bring invaluable interpersonal skills, market expertise, and negotiation prowess to the table. AI serves as a powerful tool that empowers agents to elevate their capabilities and provide unparalleled service to clients.

As AI becomes more and more prevalent, we encourage you to explore the latest AI technologies and discover how they can transform your real estate business. Embrace the power of artificial intelligence and unlock new opportunities to thrive in an ever-evolving industry.

Wishing you continued success in your real estate endeavors!”

Not bad, right?

Jordan Espeseth

on being

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PRAKASH & MARYJANE

by:
Photos by: Scott Peek, Scott Peek Photography
team

JUST LIKE FAMILY

As the sun sets over the neighborhoods of North Dallas on a warm Texas evening, two names emerge as being synonymous with trust, dedication, and a deep sense of family—Prakash and MaryJane Mathew. Together, they lead the Mathew Real Estate Team, transforming the landscape of real estate, one client at a time.

Born worlds apart, their stories converged in the heart of Texas. MaryJane, who grew up on a farm in West Texas, moved to Dallas at 15 and never looked back. “And I’ve been here ever since,” she reflects with a warm smile. Prakash’s journey began in India, but he moved to Carrollton, TX, at the tender age of 4. “I grew up in Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD and attended the University of Texas at Arlington,” he recalls. Despite their different origins, their shared passion for helping others laid the foundation for a partnership that would thrive for over three decades.

into real estate was driven by a desire for something more fulfilling. “When I was in corporate America, I felt like I didn’t make a difference in people’s lives,” MaryJane explains. Real estate offered them both the chance to impact people’s lives profoundly, providing guidance and peace during significant life transitions.

Their journey hasn’t been without challenges. For MaryJane, one of the biggest hurdles was “creating the mental toughness to overcome my doubts and negative self-talk and reframing my mindset that anything is possible.” Prakash faced the challenge of learning a new language at a young age, a testament to his resilience and determination.

Despite these obstacles, their dedication to their clients and community has never wavered. “I serve my clients to the highest level and give them an exceptional experience because they become like family to me,” MaryJane emphasizes. This philosophy is echoed by Prakash, who finds the most rewarding part of his business in “turning clients into family.” Their commitment to their clients goes beyond transactions—it’s about building lasting relationships and making a difference in people’s lives.

Their success is not just measured by their impressive career volumes or the numerous awards and recognitions they’ve received, including multiple years as top agents and recipients of the D Magazine and Real Producers accolades. For them, success is defined by the lives they’ve touched and the positive

Success to me is when you have a purpose and are able to fulfill it. - Prakash
Success to me is living a well-rounded, fulfilled life that gives me the financial freedom to do what I want and is also rewarding. - MaryJane

Their careers in real estate began almost simultaneously—MaryJane in 2005 and Prakash in 2006. Before diving into the real estate world, MaryJane was a sales manager at AT&T, while Prakash worked as an insurance adjuster. Their transition

impact they’ve made. “Success to me is living a well-rounded, fulfilled life that gives me the financial freedom to do what I want and is also rewarding,” MaryJane states. Prakash adds, “Success to me is when you have a purpose and are able to fulfill it.”

Their story is also one of resilience and perseverance. MaryJane offers sage advice to aspiring real estate agents: “Every day, you work at trying to get better than before. Never give up on your dreams.” Prakash emphasizes the importance of mentorship: “Find a coach and mentor to help you get to the next level.”

Outside of their thriving careers, MaryJane and Prakash lead rich, fulfilling lives. MaryJane loves fostering dogs, gardening, and spending time with her large family of five children and five grandchildren. A true family business, their daughter, Madison, 24, has been a licensed agent for five years; son, Benjamin, 29, just got his license

six months ago after working as a lender for four years; and son-in-law, Brandon Polley, has been licensed for three years. Prakash shares this love for family, cherishing every moment with his kids and grandkids. They both have a passion for travel and look forward to exploring new destinations.

are not just real estate agents—they are mentors, friends, and trusted advisors.

As they look to the future, their goals remain ambitious yet grounded in their core values. Financial freedom and travel are high on the list, but so is continuing to provide exceptional service to their clients. They

In the heart of North Dallas, Prakash and MaryJane Mathew have built more than a successful real estate business. They’ve created a legacy of trust, dedication, and unwavering support for their clients. Their story is a testament to the power of dreams, the strength of perseverance, and the profound impact of treating clients like family.

As the sun sets on another day, the Mathew Real Estate Team stands ready to welcome new clients into their ever-growing family, continuing their journey of making dreams come true, one home at a time.

KIZNER Diane

WWhen it comes to outdoor furniture, trends come and go, but some things are meant to endure. President of Built To Last, Diane Kinzer embodies this timeless spirit through her commitment to crafting high-quality outdoor furniture. With over 35 years in the manufacturing and retail industry, Diane’s story is a testament to the power of faith, family, and a positive attitude.

“I work for a great company with a great product, and it makes it easy to be so passionate and happy at my job,” Diane shares, her enthusiasm evident. Built To Last, renowned for its robust, 100% recycled plastic outdoor furniture, has carved a niche in the market by delivering products that stand the test of time. Their motto, “Buy the Best----Built To Last,” encapsulates their dedication to quality and customer satisfaction.

Diane’s journey began in Denver, but her path has led her through nine different states, ultimately rooting her in Texas since 1990. “I was transferred to DFW in 1990 and have been a Texan ever since. I went to high school in Roanoke, VA, and college at Virginia Tech. GO HOKIES!” she exclaims, her pride in her alma mater showing. This varied background has shaped her resilient and adaptable nature, which are crucial traits for her role at Built To Last.

The company started in North Carolina in 1999 and recently expanded with a new manufacturing plant in Granbury and a showroom opened in the fall of 2023. Diane’s team, a mix of skilled craftsmen, sales personnel, and an accounting specialist, is the backbone of their operations. “I have a great team here in Texas and North Carolina, and we all share the same commitment to quality and customer service,” Diane notes.

What sets Built To Last apart is not just the superior quality of their furniture but also their exceptional

customer service. “Our customers are our biggest promoters, and we go the extra mile to make sure they are always happy,” Diane emphasizes. Their products are designed to withstand even the harshest conditions, a significant selling point in regions like Texas. “The exceptional comfort of our products, along with our heavy and sturdy frames that won’t blow away in the Texas wind, sets us apart,” she adds.

Diane’s passion for her work is palpable. “We work hard to always keep our standards high. We build long-lasting relationships with our customers,” she says. This dedication to excellence is mirrored in the company’s extensive range of 85 different styles of outdoor furniture, suitable for various settings, from patios and porches to parks and schools. “Our ideal client is someone who appreciates quality and is interested in buying a product that won’t be replaced,” Diane explains.

Her personal life is as rich and fulfilling as her professional one.

Diane’s family plays a pivotal role in her life. “I come from an amazing and very close family that I try to see as often as possible. I lost my husband and best friend of 23 years just four years ago, but we had an incredible and very special marriage. I have an amazing son who is a Marine,” she shares, her voice tinged with both pride and nostalgia. Golfing, fishing, watersports, and horseback riding are among the activities that the family enjoys together.

Diane’s work-life balance is a constant endeavor, especially given her deep passion for her work.

“That’s hard because I enjoy my work and tend to spend too much time at it. Also, doing a start-up is tough in the beginning,” she admits. Nevertheless, her goals for the year are clear: “My business goal for this year is to see our business

Photos by:
Gann, DayDream Photography

excel in Texas and expand our production here. To continue to work and support local charities and help make a difference where we can. To personally keep myself in good spiritual and physical health.”

Beyond her professional and family life, Diane is also a firm believer in the power of relationships. “I believe everything is built through relationships, and I look forward to getting to know new people and building new relationships for myself and my business,” she asserts.

As Diane continues to lead Built To Last, her vision remains rooted in the values that have driven her success: faith, family, and a positive attitude. “Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference,” she says, quoting her favorite saying. This belief, coupled with her relentless pursuit of excellence, ensures that Built To Last will continue to thrive, creating products that are truly built to endure.

For more information or to connect with Diane, you can reach her at dianek@built-to-last.com.

Les McGehee has presented thousands of events across the U.S. and 15 other countries. He is the President and founder of Rialto Academy, which provides education services to 360,000+ REALTOR®, and produces nearly 3000 real estate business courses per year. Les is the author of the best-selling book Plays Well With Others, and has written for, performed for, or consulted, many of the Fortune 500 and most of the major real estate companies in America.

Thursday, August 8th from 10 AM to 11:30 AM

Timarron Country Club | 1400 Byron Nelson Pkwy, Southlake

JENNIFER

broker spotlight

The Value of Hard Work

Jennifer Cox’s story begins on a farm in Kentucky, where her parents instilled in her the value of hard work. Their leap of faith to move their young family to Texas for better opportunities shaped Jennifer’s life and career. “From an early age, my parents modeled the importance of education and hard work. These traits are something I place a great deal of importance on in my day-to-day life and what my husband and I work to instill in our boys,” Jennifer shares.

Jennifer graduated from McKinney High School and pursued higher education at Texas Tech, where she met her husband. With a degree in finance and political science, she spent

14 years working in banking, gaining experience in lending and credit underwriting. However, a new calling was on the horizon. In 2014, Jennifer transitioned into real estate, ultimately founding her own brokerage, Truepoint Realty, in 2021. Her background in banking has been invaluable, providing her with a critical level of professional knowledge that benefits her clients.

Launching her own brokerage was not without its challenges, but Jennifer’s dedication to integrity set her apart. “It is very important for me to maintain a high level of integrity, specifically in real estate transactions,” she emphasizes. This commitment to ethics

and professionalism has driven Truepoint Realty to expand its scope, serving clients not only in residential transactions but also through property management and vacation home investments in Oklahoma.

One of the most rewarding aspects of Jennifer’s career has been the establishment of Truepoint Heroes. This program gives back a portion of commissions to community servants like teachers, healthcare professionals, firefighters, and police officers.

Balancing work and family life has been a challenge for Jennifer, but it’s a balance she feels grateful to achieve. “As always, there is the struggle of work-life balance. I do feel lucky that my time is my own, and I get to set my own schedule. It would be nice if there were more hours in the day some weeks,” she admits. Despite the demands of her profession, Jennifer makes it a priority to stay educated on industry trends and developments to better serve her clients.

Photos by: Scott Peek, Scott Peek Photography LLC

Jennifer’s favorite part of being a REALTOR® is the profession’s ability to challenge her mentally while providing a wonderful life for her family. “My favorite part is that I have a profession that I love to do. It gives me the flexibility to have a work-life balance,” she shares. For Jennifer, success is about positively impacting others’ lives and cultivating a career that fits her perfectly.

Jennifer’s personal life is just as fulfilling as her professional one. Married for 17 years to her college sweetheart, they have two boys who are the center of their world. Jennifer enjoys playing pickleball, attending her sons’ sporting events, and vacationing at national parks with her family. She’s also passionate about coaching her sons’ basketball teams, adding another layer of connection and joy to her busy life.

Jennifer’s advice to up-and-coming REALTORS® is to stay true to themselves and their values. “It’s easy to compare yourself to other agents in this industry. Just focus on improving yourself a little bit each day. Watch and learn from more experienced agents that you admire,” she advises. She also highlights the importance of being a professional with every agent you come into contact with and establishing great connections.

Looking ahead, Jennifer is excited about Truepoint Realty’s future. “We are launching a new property management division and are very excited to get that up and running. Recently licensed in Oklahoma, we look forward to expanding into the vacation rental market,” Jennifer shares with enthusiasm.

BE AN ADVOCATE FOR YOUR OWN CAREER.

When asked about the best advice she has ever received, Jennifer recalls a mentor from her banking days who told her to “be an advocate for your own career.” This advice has stayed with her and guided her through her transition from corporate America to real estate.

Jennifer Cox’s story is one of perseverance, a deep commitment to her community, and a down-toearth spirit that puts her clients at ease with each transaction. Her journey from a Kentucky farm to the bustling real estate market of North Dallas is a testament to the power of hard work, education, and the importance of staying true to one’s values. As she continues to grow Truepoint Realty, Jennifer remains dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of her clients and community.

As a seasoned Broker Associate with Coldwell Banker Apex, Lisa Henry-Weaver’s journey is not just about transactions; it’s about weaving compassion into every interaction, a legacy passed down from her parents.

“I grew up in real estate,” Lisa shares, her voice warm with nostalgia. “My parents got their real estate broker’s license in the 1960s.” From an early age, Lisa was immersed in the values of community

to human resources. However, it was her son’s autism diagnosis that led her to seek a career with more flexibility. “Our son was diagnosed with autism, and I needed a more flexible schedule,” she explains, highlighting the pivotal moment that propelled her toward real estate.

Now, as the leader of the Lisa Henry Group, Lisa’s passion lies in helping buyers and sellers navigate the intricate real estate landscape. “I love helping buyers and sellers have a great experience and get the most value,” she says, her dedication evident in her commitment to being available 24/7 for her clients.

HENRY-WEAVER

A LEGACY OF COMPASSION

and service instilled by her mother’s teachings.

“I remember my mom donating a portion of her first check to our church, and she bought me a small bike with training wheels and a basket. She taught me always to give back,” Lisa reflects, a sentiment that would shape her career and define her character.

Before finding her calling in real estate, Lisa embarked on diverse career paths, from accounting

Yet, for Lisa, real success extends beyond closing deals—it’s about giving back to the community that has shaped her. “The most rewarding part of my business is giving back to the community,” she emphasizes. From supporting first responders to aiding military personnel, teachers, and animals, Lisa’s altruism knows no bounds.

Reflecting on her journey, Lisa acknowledges the challenges she has faced, from weathering the 2008 market crash to coping with personal losses. “The first was our son being diagnosed with autism,” she shares, her resilience evident in her ability to overcome adversity time and again. “We knew something wasn’t right at an early age, but the only thing the doctors could say is that something was off.” Today, Lisa is an advocate for autism awareness and tries to educate anyone and everyone she can about the disorder.

Photos by: Cruz Acevedo, studioUSA

Despite the hurdles, Lisa’s vibrant personality shines through in every aspect of her work. “I’ve always had an outgoing personality and love talking to people,” she says, highlighting how real estate allows her to connect with others on a profound level.

As part of the Lisa Henry Group, Lisa is supported by a dedicated team, including her husband, Mike Weaver, who is also a REALTOR®, Ashleigh Dulaney, Martye Miller, and Angi West. Together, they embody the values of integrity, honesty, and relentless dedication to client satisfaction.

Away from the world of real estate, Lisa finds joy in her family. “I’ve been married to my husband, Mike, since 1987. Our son, Andrew, was born in 1993 and is now an amazing young man. He works part-time and is pretty self-sufficient, despite his autism.” Lisa’s mom and mentor passed away in 2020, and her father passed just last year. “I took care of my parents when their health declined, and we stayed very close up until the day they passed.”

I RESPOND TO MY MESSAGES AND TEXTS. WHEN I WORK WITH ANY BUYER OR SELLER, I MAKE MYSELF AVAILABLE PRETTY MUCH 24/7 AND ALWAYS TRY TO RESPOND IN A TIMELY MANNER.

Lisa also has many hobbies, from caring for her beloved dogs to supporting charitable causes like Legacy Humane Society and the Christian Care Center. Formerly a barrel racer at the rodeo, Lisa’s love for horses is at the root of her championing the causes of animals.

“We fostered pets for many years... and still help with fundraising and events,” she shares, highlighting her commitment to making a difference beyond the confines of her profession.

For up-and-coming Real Producers, Lisa offers sage advice: “Don’t give up. Find what works for you and run with it.” Her words encapsulate the spirit of resilience and perseverance that has guided her throughout her career.

What sets Lisa apart from other agents is her dedication to honesty and responsiveness. “I respond to my messages and texts. When I work with any buyer or seller, I make myself available pretty much 24/7 and always try to respond in a timely manner. I tell people the truth,” she emphasizes, a quality that has earned her the trust and respect of her peers and clients alike.

In the fabric of Lisa Henry-Weaver’s life, compassion and dedication are woven into every thread. From being a good listener and serving her clients to the best of her ability to giving back to her community, Lisa is a testament to the transformative power of service, and the enduring legacy of love passed down from generation to generation.

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A LOOK BACK AT FIRST QUARTER HOME PRICES ACROSS THE NATION

More than 90% of metro markets (205 out of 221, or 93%) posted home price gains in the first quarter of 2024, as the 30-year fixed mortgage rate ranged from 6.60% to 6.94%, according to the National Association of REALTORS®’ latest quarterly report. Thirty percent of the 221 tracked metro areas experienced double-digit price gains over the same period, up from 15% in the fourth quarter of 2023.[1]

“Astonishingly, greater than 90% of the country’s metro areas experienced home price growth despite facing the highest mortgage rates in two decades,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “In the current market, rising prices are the direct result of insufficient housing supply not meeting the full demand.”

The national median single-family existing-home price climbed 5% to $389,400 compared to one year ago. In the prior quarter, the year-over-year national median price increased 3.4%. Among the major U.S. regions, the South registered the largest share of single-family existing-home sales (46%) in the first quarter, with year-over-year price appreciation of 3.3%. Prices also swelled 11% in the Northeast, 7.4% in the Midwest and 7.3% in the West.[2]

The top 10 metro areas with the largest year-over-year median price increases, which can be influenced by the types of homes sold during the quarter, all registered gains of at least 18.2%. Six of the markets were in Illinois and Wisconsin. Overall, those markets were Fond du Lac,

Wis. (23.7%); Kankakee, Ill. (22.0%); Rockford, Ill. (20.1%); ChampaignUrbana, Ill. (20.0%); Johnson City, Tenn. (19.3%); Racine, Wis. (19.0%); Newark, N.J.-Pa. (18.8%); Bloomington, Ill. (18.5%); New York-Jersey CityWhite Plains, N.Y.-N.J. (18.4%); and Cumberland, Md.-W.Va. (18.2%).

Eight of the top 10 most expensive markets in the U.S. were in California. Overall, those markets were San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, Calif. ($1,840,000; 13.7%); Anaheim-Santa Ana-Irvine, Calif. ($1,365,000; 14.2%); San Francisco-OaklandHayward, Calif. ($1,300,000; 14%); Urban Honolulu, Hawaii ($1,085,800; 5.5%); San Diego-Carlsbad, Calif. ($981,000; 11.5%); San Luis ObispoPaso Robles, Calif. ($909,300; 7%);

Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, Calif. ($908,700; 7.6%); Salinas, Calif. ($899,200; 4.1%); NaplesImmokalee-Marco Island, Fla. ($850,000; 9.4%); and Los AngelesLong Beach-Glendale, Calif. ($823,000; 10.2%).

“The expensive markets in the West, where home prices declined last year, are roaring back,” Yun said. “Price dips in that region were viewed as second-chance opportunities by many buyers.”

Seven percent of markets (15 of 221) experienced home price declines in the first quarter, down from 14% in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Housing affordability improved in the first quarter as mortgage rates declined. The monthly mortgage payment on a typical existing single-family home with a 20% down payment was $2,037, down 5.7% from the fourth quarter of 2023 ($2,161) but up 9.3% – or $173 – from one year ago. Families typically spent 24.2% of their income

on mortgage payments, down from 26.1% in the prior quarter but up from 23.3% one year ago.

Once again, first-time buyers faced limited inventory and elevated home prices in the first quarter, though affordability conditions bettered from the previous quarter. For a typical starter home valued at $331,000 with a 10% down payment loan, the monthly mortgage payment fell slightly to $1,998, down 5.7% from the previous quarter ($2,118). However, that was an increase of $168, or 9.2%, from one year ago ($1,830). First-time buyers typically spent 36.5% of their family income on mortgage payments, down from 39.3% in the prior quarter.

A family needed a qualifying income of at least $100,000 to afford a 10% down payment mortgage in 40.7% of markets, down from 47.1% in the previous quarter. Yet, a family needed a qualifying income of less than $50,000 to afford a home in 4.5% of markets, up from 2.3% in the prior quarter.

[1] Data tables for MSA home prices (single-family and condo) are posted at https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/ housing-statistics/metropolitan-median-area-prices-andaffordability. If insufficient data is reported for an MSA in a particular quarter, it is listed as N/A. For areas not covered in the tables, please contact the local association of REALTORS®.

[2] Areas are generally metropolitan statistical areas as defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget. NAR adheres to the OMB definitions, although in some areas an exact match is not possible from the available data. A list of counties included in MSA definitions is available at: https://www.census.gov/geographies/ reference-files/time-series/demo/metro-micro/delineation-files.html

Colby Long

Greg Esquilino and his wife wanted to bring DFW a roofing company that would push communication and high values over all else. He noticed that lack in the industry since he first started in roofing

Brendan Thomas, a lifelong friend of Greg's, shared this vision and ultimately joined Greg. He and Greg are expanding their services across DFW and East Texas, creating long lasting relationships.

celebrating leaders

JENNIFER

Finding Her Purpose

Jennifer Young’s story is about the power of faith, dedication, and finding her purpose. As the sales leader at Ebby Halliday’s Little White House and North Dallas offices, Jennifer’s journey from a small town in Arkansas to the bustling real estate market of North Dallas is both inspiring and heartwarming.

Jennifer’s early years were spent in Southwest Arkansas, a small town where everyone knew each other’s names. “I’m a small-town girl at heart,” Jennifer fondly recalls. “I grew up in a town of 5,000 in Arkansas, and I love it when ‘everybody knows your name.’” Her small-town upbringing instilled in her a sense of community and strong values, which she carried with her when she moved to Baton Rouge for college.

At LSU (Louisiana State University), Jennifer met her husband, Chris, who hailed from the Dallas-Fort Worth area. After their time in Baton Rouge, the couple relocated to North Dallas in 2013. It was during their move that a chance encounter with REALTOR® Mike Harvey changed the course of Jennifer’s career.

“We called Mike from a sign in a yard,” Jennifer remembers. “He convinced me to get my license and come work on his team. He is a good salesman!”

Before diving into real estate, Jennifer worked as a registered nurse and then spent ten years as a stay-at-home mom, raising four young children who are very close in age. Life was hectic but fulfilling. “We had four kids in five years, and life was busy!” she laughs. During this period, she also volunteered extensively, particularly in her children’s schools, honing skills that would later prove invaluable in her real estate career.

Jennifer officially began her real estate journey in 2014, transitioning from nurturing her own children to guiding clients through one of the most significant purchases of their lives. “As a REALTOR®, I really loved walking people through what was usually the biggest purchase of their life and securing a special place to call home,” she explains.

Faith has always been a cornerstone of Jennifer’s life and career. “My faith is very important to me. I truly feel like God creates us with unique gifts and abilities. I’m so thankful for the opportunities that He has given me,” she shares. This deep-seated belief has been a guiding force in her approach to real estate, emphasizing the importance of serving others and using her talents to make a difference.

Photos by: Scott Peek, Scott Peek Photography LLCtt

Now, as a sales leader, Jennifer’s focus has shifted to helping her agents achieve their dreams and goals. “I am passionate about helping agents in my offices fulfill their dreams and goals,” she says. “I love coaching agents and helping them be strategic about reaching their goals. I feel like a cheerleader, counselor, and mentor most of the time.” Her role allows her to combine her love for real estate with her desire to lift others up, creating a supportive environment where her agents can thrive.

One of the most rewarding aspects of Jennifer’s job is celebrating her agents’ successes. “My favorite text is: ‘I got that listing,’ or ‘We won the multiple offers,’ or ‘I got a new client today!’” she beams. These moments of triumph are a testament to her effective mentorship and the collaborative spirit she fosters in her offices.

However, the journey has not been without its challenges. For Jennifer, balancing the ups and downs of the real estate market has been a significant hurdle. “When I was a REALTOR®, my biggest challenge was the roller coaster income,” she acknowledges. To address this, she works diligently with her agents to ensure they have a steady pipeline, providing a more consistent income stream.

Jennifer’s personal life is equally fulfilling. Her husband, Chris, is the president and CEO of a regional engineering firm, and they are each other’s biggest cheerleaders. Their four children have followed diverse paths, from banking and economics to law and real estate. “My biggest challenge in life has also been the most rewarding thing in my life as well,” Jennifer says of parenting. “Balancing the agents that I have, helping them grow their business, keeping them motivated, and guiding them through challenging transactions is not easy but very rewarding.”

professionals is straightforward: “Find what you’re made to do and go at it with all you have. Find a brokerage with a culture that matches your purpose.”

Jennifer Young’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact of faith, passion, and dedication. In her own words, “Success is living for something greater than yourself.” Through her leadership and unwavering support, Jennifer is helping her agents and community achieve their own versions of success, one transaction at a time.

Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys a variety of hobbies, from snow skiing and hiking to fly fishing and working out. She also loves exploring new restaurants with her husband and spending quality time with friends.

As she looks to the future, Jennifer is committed to increasing the success of her agents through initiatives like her Successibility groups, which keep agents motivated and accountable. Her advice to aspiring real estate

Jennifer with her family
Photo courtesy of: Julia Stroud

North Dallas Real Producers

2024 TOAST TO THE TOP 500

event recap

in production sold by the agents in the room. Not too shabby!

This event was held at The Clubs of Prestonwood - The Creek and would not have been possible without Black Tie Moving, who was our evening’s Host Sponsor!

Thanks to all the agents and RP Vetted Businesses for making Real Producers the most elite real estate community in DFW.

See you at the next event!

Photos by: Scott Peek Photography LLC

REAL PRODUCER S Real Partners For

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