Buying your first home is a huge step — and if you’re looking in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, you’ve got options. The good news? You don’t have to sacrifice style, space, or location to stay within budget. Here are my top 5 DFW neighborhoods perfect for first-time buyers, based on March 2025 NTREIS market data: 1. Watauga Median Home Price (Mar 2025): ~$280,000Commute: 25–30 mins to downtown Fort WorthBest for: Young families and budget-conscious buyers Watauga offers affordable homes, great schools, and a cozy “small town in a big city” feel. It’s perfect for first-time buyers who want convenience and value without being too far from the action. 2. Aubrey Median Home Price (Mar 2025): ~$375,000Commute: 30–45 mins to Frisco/PlanoBest for: Buyers who want more house and yard for their money Aubrey is growing fast and still offers great value. It’s a bit further out, but that distance gives you more home, more space, and a quieter lifestyle — all within reach of North Dallas hotspots. 3. Grand Prairie Median Home Price (Mar 2025): ~$360,000Commute: 20–30 mins to Dallas or Fort WorthBest for: Buyers who need access to both cities Centrally located between Dallas and Fort Worth, Grand Prairie gives you access to both sides of the Metroplex. It's booming with new development and has a lot to offer for the price. 4. Mesquite Median Home Price (Mar 2025): ~$290,000Commute: 20–25 mins to downtown DallasBest for: Buyers wanting proximity + affordability Mesquite is a solid choice if you're looking to stay close to Dallas without the Dallas price tag. You'll find older homes with charm and newer developments all within budget. 5. Saginaw Median Home Price (Mar 2025): ~$310,000Commute: 20 mins to Fort WorthBest for: Buyers who want space, community, and solid schools Just north of Fort Worth, Saginaw is known for its family-friendly vibe, good schools, and affordable homes. It’s growing fast, which means buying here now could really pay off long-term. Final Thoughts Every first-time buyer’s journey is different — your lifestyle, commute needs, and future plans matter. These five neighborhoods offer a solid starting point, but if you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t stress. I help first-time buyers all across DFW find the right home without the pressure or fluff. Want to chat about your options? Text or call me anytime: 214.680.4997Email: Mya@RealtyByMya.comSearch Homes: homesforsaleindfw.com

  The U.S. housing market is in full reset mode. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), builder confidence rose slightly to 33 in July but still hovers well below the "healthy" mark of 50. Facing high mortgage rates (~7%) and tightened affordability, 62% of builders are now offering steep incentives: rate buydowns, closing-cost help, upgrade credits while 38% have slashed prices. What This Means for DFW Buyers 1. More negotiating powerBuilders are adjusting to slower demand and are more open to negotiation, especially on new construction. 2. Real savingsRate buydowns into the 4s and 5s can cut hundreds off your monthly payment. 3. Timing advantageWith new construction starts expected to slow through 2025, builders are motivated to sell now. Why DFW Buyers Shouldn’t Wait First-time buyers can benefit the most: Many of these incentives are designed for buyers who qualify for builder financing. Unbeatable rates: With most resale rates sitting in the mid to high 6s, locking in a rate in the 4s or 5s through a builder’s lender can mean serious monthly savings. Incentives won’t last forever: If interest rates start to drop, builders won’t need to offer as much and these deals could dry up fast. How to Take Advantage Ask about rate buydowns, closing cost help, and free upgrades Get pre-approved to show builders you're ready to act Work with an agent who knows how to spot and negotiate these builder incentives Ready to Explore What’s Out There? I'm keeping tabs on new construction deals all across Dallas–Fort Worth, including those not publicly listed. If you want to: Pay less monthly Lock in thousands in perks And actually feel good about the numbers Then let’s talk. I’ll walk you through your options and help you negotiate the best deal. Call/text me at 214.680.4997 or shoot me an email at Mya@RealtyByMya.com Or just fill out the contact form and I’ll follow up!   Sources: This post was inspired by recent coverage in MarketWatch. I wanted to break down what it means for us here in DFW—and how buyers can actually benefit right now.