Gaynel Burch, The Go-to Gal for Real Estate

05/04/2026

Misty Farmer Pearson got a new puppy, Buck, and I'm his appointed babysitter.

03/25/2026

And this doesn't even show the cost of waiting for interest rates to drop....

This is the kind of graphic realtors post to make renting look like you lit your paycheck on fire.

That’s a nice sales tactic.

It’s not a full financial analysis.

The median existing home price in February 2026 was $398,000.

At today’s average 30 year mortgage rate of 6.22%, a buyer putting 5% down is looking at roughly $2,321 per month in principal and interest alone.

That doesn’t include property taxes, homeowners insurance, PMI, HOA fees, repairs, or maintenance.

Then add closing costs. The CFPB says buyers should typically expect 2% to 5% of the purchase price in closing costs, not including the down payment.

On a $398,000 home, that’s about $7,960 to $19,900 before you even get the keys.

And once you own it, the meter doesn’t stop. CFPB says homeowners also need to budget for taxes, insurance, maintenance, repairs, and other ongoing costs.

Fannie Mae says a common rule of thumb is to budget 1% to 4% of the home’s value per year for maintenance and repairs. On a $398,000 house, that’s roughly $3,980 to $15,920 a year.

So no, renting is not automatically “throwing money away.”

Sometimes renting is the smarter move because it protects your cash flow, keeps you out of high interest debt, and stops you from buying a house you can’t actually afford to carry.

The real question isn’t whether a renter “lost” money.

It’s whether buying would’ve improved their net worth after mortgage interest, closing costs, taxes, insurance, and maintenance.

That coffee stained receipt graphic conveniently leaves all of that out.

03/23/2026

03/08/2026

DENTON, TEXAS — (February 11, 2026) — January 2026 housing reports are now available. Greater Denton/Wise County Association of REALTORS® reports increased inventory across North Texas with cities such as Corinth (+100%) and Aubrey (+60%) leading the surge. Most areas saw price declines year-over-year, with notable drops in Montague County (-53.6%) and Bowie (-55.4%). Some areas like Corinth (+18.6%), Gainesville (+10%), and Ponder (+10.5%) experienced price increases.

Across the tri‑county area, inventory levels have shifted back toward balance:

Denton County: 3.3 months of inventory, indicating a still‑competitive environment where well‑priced homes move quickly. Median price holds strong at $425,000.
Wise County: 5.3 months of inventory, signaling more breathing room for buyers, with a median price of $391,628.
Montague County: 9.8 months of inventory, the highest in the region—clearly favoring buyers. Median price: $240,000, making it one of the more affordable markets in North Texas.
The January 2026 housing report reflects a more balanced and sustainable market. Sellers still have the advantage in several Denton County communities, but buyers are regaining leverage across the broader region. Whether you’re planning to buy or sell, today’s market offers opportunities—if you know where to look.

And look to me! If you would like to receive a report on your Denton or Wise County city specifically, just let me know.

07/20/2022

Hearing loss has been a part of my life for a very long time. Don't give in to it folks.

Did you know...

07/13/2022

FOR RENT. Available 9/1/22. 1414 Oakwood Drive, Denton, TX 76205. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths. One-of-a-kind home on heavily treed/shaded lot. Feel like you're on vacation every time you go in the backyard! Contact me to tour this clean home in quiet neighborhood.

06/28/2022

Anyone own property (rentals and/or homestead) in Tarrant County? This could be of interest to you.

Ok yall, it's go-time. I need your help... The Tarrant Appraisal District scheduled an emergency board meeting this Thursday 9am at TAD purely to address their attack on me. They need to know that this is bigger than just one person. It would mean the world to me if you would show up. I prayed for God to use me to fulfill a greater purpose... I believe this is it. If we don't stand up, these people will run over someone else that doesn't have as strong of a voice. But, I am just one person. I need your support. Here's what you can do to help:
1) Show up; 2) Share on FB, in groups, with neighbors 3) Contact the media
Read about the scandal and get media contact info here: https://www.chandlercrouch.com/.../tad-emergency-board.../
When: Thursday 6/30 9am
Where: Tarrant Appraisal District, 2500 Handley Ederville rd, Fort Worth, TX 76118
To speak during public comments: Sign up in person at 8:45am

04/28/2022

You're invited to my open house on this high-end "as-is" home on 2.5 acres in Denton. Open house is being held Sunday, May 1 from 1-4:00. We look forward to seeing you Sunday.
For more info: http://gaynel.link/5049GoldenCircleDenton76208

04/28/2022

You're invited to my open house on this high-end "as-is" home on 2.5 acres in Denton. Open house is being held Sunday, May 1 from 1-4:00. The home is a 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath. We look forward to seeing you Sunday.
For more info: http://gaynel.link/5049GoldenCircleDenton76208