Tiffany McDonald- Broker, Focus on Homes Realty

09/02/2026

You probably think as a general rule of thumb, brand new homes costs more than existing homes. But right now, that's backwards. This shows just how much.

A newly built home costs about $40k less than an existing one right now. That's because builders are cutting prices and piling on incentives to keep their inventory moving.

And that opens up a window for you to get brand new everything for less than you may expect.

DM me if you want a list of nearby new home communities offering deals like this right now to see if a new build may be in your budget after all.

As always, if you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!

Tiffany McDonald, Broker
Focus on Homes Realty
817-223-5982 (call or text)

09/01/2026

Do you realize how much pull you have right now as a buyer?

There are more sellers than buyers on the market right now. That means a lot of sellers know they’ll have to compromise a bit to get their house sold, which leaves you room to negotiate on price and terms.

Of course, exactly how much room you have depends on where you’re looking. But more and more markets are trending in favor of buyers, so let’s chat about what’s going on in our area.

Send a DM, and we’ll turn your negotiating power into a set of keys.

As always, if you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!

Tiffany McDonald, Broker
Focus on Homes Realty
817-223-5982 (call or text)

08/31/2026

Have you seen the headlines about using your 401(k) to cover a down payment?

Tapping it can feel like an easy call, especially if you’ve got a good chunk saved up. But pulling from retirement early can trigger penalties and set back the savings you'll want later on.

But you don’t necessarily have to raid your retirement to buy a home. You’ve got other options, like FHA loans, which let qualified buyers put down as little as 3.5%. And down payment assistance programs can help, too.

So, before you touch your 401(k), talk with a trusted financial advisor. They can help you find the option that fits your goals and your budget.

As always, if you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!

Tiffany McDonald, Broker
Focus on Homes Realty
817-223-5982 (call or text)

08/30/2026

Think every home on the market is out of reach? Not necessarily.

More than 40% of sellers are dropping their asking price right now. And the median list price this July was the lowest for any July in 5 years.

That means sellers aren’t banking on bidding wars or expecting buyers to pay whatever they ask. They’re more willing to meet you where you’re at.

And that could work in your favor. Want to find out how much wiggle room you have on price in our market? DM me.

As always, if you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!

Tiffany McDonald, Broker
Focus on Homes Realty
817-223-5982 (call or text)

08/29/2026

Thinking about selling, but worried your deal could fall apart before closing? Here's some perspective.

Most home sales still make it to the finish. And when one doesn't, the top reason is almost always inspection or repair issues. They play a part in more than 70% of deals that fall through.

But, luckily for you, inspection/repair issues are what you have the most power to prevent ahead of time. A pre-listing inspection lets you find and handle problems before a buyer's inspector ever does.

Ready to list? Let's talk about whether getting a pre-listing inspection makes sense for your house in our market.

As always, if you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!

Tiffany McDonald, Broker
Focus on Homes Realty
817-223-5982 (call or text)

08/28/2026

A lot of people are hoping for the same thing. Lower mortgage rates. Lower home prices.

The problem? Forecasts show that’s probably not what’s in the cards. At least, not right now.

Mortgage rates aren’t expected to fall dramatically. And at the same time, home prices should keep rising at about the same pace they have been.

Now, that’s not what you wanted to hear, but it doesn’t mean you’re out of options.

Sometimes the best move isn't waiting for the market to change. It's exploring what's still possible right now.

Other people are still making it happen even with rates and prices where they are. Maybe you can too.

Let's talk if you want help thinking it over.

As always, if you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!

Tiffany McDonald, Broker
Focus on Homes Realty
817-223-5982 (call or text)

08/27/2026

Sellers Are Cutting Prices To Meet Buyers Where They're At

Right now, sellers are flexible on the price in ways they weren't before. Let’s take advantage of that flexibility.

You may be surprised by what's available – and how willing today's sellers are to work with buyers.

As always, if you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!

Tiffany McDonald, Broker
Focus on Homes Realty
817-223-5982 (call or text)

You're scrolling through listings on your phone and everything looks good until you see the price (or the estimated monthly payment). Then you close the app.

08/24/2026

Most Home Sales Close – Here’s How To Keep Yours on Track

Most home sales still close, and the biggest thing that could get in the way of yours is the one thing you can actually do something about.

With the right prep, your sale has every reason to make it to the finish. So, let’s connect and get your house sold.

As always, if you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!

Tiffany McDonald, Broker
Focus on Homes Realty
817-223-5982 (call or text)

Few things are as rattling as the thought of your home sale falling through at the last minute, right before closing. All that waiting, all that progress, out the window.

08/23/2026

The latest home price data just made one thing clear.

More markets are seeing prices rise. And fewer are seeing them fall.

Just one quarter ago, home prices were rising in 71% of markets. Today, it's 80%. That’s a pretty big shift in just 3 months.

Now, that doesn't mean prices are climbing everywhere. But it does mean there’s no widespread crash happening. If anything, prices may have turned a corner.

Thinking about making a move? Send me a DM, and let's look at what's happening in our market before you decide what to do.

And don’t buy into every headline you see about prices falling. The data clearly tells a different story.

As always, if you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!

Tiffany McDonald, Broker
Focus on Homes Realty
817-223-5982 (call or text)

08/22/2026

When's the last time someone told you what your house is worth?

Not what some online estimate says. Not what your neighbor's place sold for. What your house is actually worth today.

If you're like most people, it's been years. And that number is worth a second look, especially now because it also tells you how much equity you have.

Data shows homeowners have an average of about $311k of equity today. That’s six figures. Once you sell, you can use that to put more money down or even buy your next house in cash.

So, today’s rates and prices may not be holding you back as much as you think.

If you're even thinking about what's next, let's talk. I’d be happy to do a free equity assessment and show you exactly what you're working with.

The number might just change what you thought was possible.

As always, if you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!

Tiffany McDonald, Broker
Focus on Homes Realty
817-223-5982 (call or text)