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Aerial view of a master-planned community in DeSoto TX with labeled amenities

Living in a Master-Planned Community in DeSoto, TX: What You Need to Know

July 09, 20254 min read

Living in a Master-Planned Community in DeSoto, TX: What You Need to Know

by Steve

Aerial view of a master-planned community in DeSoto TX with labeled amenities

Introduction: Why More Buyers Are Choosing Master-Planned Living in DeSoto

If you're considering a move to DeSoto, TX, you're not alone—and you're probably hearing a lot about “master-planned communities.” These aren’t just subdivisions with a fancy name. They’re built with purpose. Thoughtful layouts, resort-style amenities, and long-term investment value make them a top choice for buyers across Dallas County.

In DeSoto, these communities offer something unique: proximity to Dallas with a quieter, more neighborhood-centered vibe. Whether you're a first-time buyer or upgrading, master-planned living could make your daily life easier—and your investment smarter.

Neighborhood Spotlights: DeSoto’s Top Master-Planned Communities

1. Mantle Ridge

A newer development offering large homes, greenbelt views, and access to top-rated schools. The community includes walking trails and small parks tucked between lots for built-in tranquility.

2. Stillwater Canyon

Built with families in mind, Stillwater Canyon includes community pools, basketball courts, and proximity to DeSoto High School. The HOA is active but reasonable, and resale homes here tend to move fast.

3. Homestead at Daniel Farm

This high-demand neighborhood features upscale homes and curated green spaces. It's a short drive to Cedar Hill State Park and offers larger lot sizes compared to surrounding areas.

Most of these communities offer new construction homes—be sure to check the New Construction Guide for how the process works in Texas.

Local Market Trends: What’s Happening in DeSoto Real Estate (2024–2025)

According to Zillow and Redfin data:

  • Median home price in DeSoto (Q2 2025): $372,500

  • Price per square foot: ~$171

  • Average days on market: 26

  • Percentage of homes in HOA-governed subdivisions: 68%

Expert insight:

“Buyers today aren’t just shopping for a home. They’re shopping for a lifestyle—and DeSoto’s master-planned communities are built to deliver just that.”
Marissa James, REALTOR®, Dallas-Fort Worth

Homes in these communities tend to sell faster and appreciate more steadily due to high buyer demand and long-term infrastructure investment (like fiber internet and public space maintenance).

Cost Breakdown: What You’ll Pay to Live in a Master-Planned Community

Here's what affects your total cost when buying into one of these neighborhoods:

Expense Typical Range Home Price $330,000 – $500,000+ HOA Fees $400 – $1,200/year Property Taxes (2.1% avg.) $6,930 – $10,500/year Utility Costs $200 – $350/month Amenity Access Included w/ HOA

Tip: Some builders offer rebate incentives if you go through a partner agent. Always ask.

Builder & Community Insights: Who’s Behind These Neighborhoods?

Top builders shaping DeSoto’s master-planned landscape:

Bloomfield Homes

Known for their flexible floorplans and mid-range pricing. They frequently build in Stillwater Canyon and surrounding developments.

First Texas Homes

Offers large square footage and upgraded finishes standard. Many of their builds in DeSoto have three-car garages and media rooms as default options.

M/I Homes

Focused on energy-efficient builds and smart-home integration. Their newer lots often include front-yard maintenance under the HOA.

Each builder typically partners with a developer who lays out amenities like:

  • Parks & playgrounds

  • Community centers

  • Walking/biking trails

  • Pools, splash pads, and dog parks

  • On-site elementary schools (in select communities)

Explore available homes here: Dallas-Fort Worth New Construction Homes

Financing & Incentives: Getting the Most from Your Move

If you're financing a new home in DeSoto, make sure you:

  • Get Pre-Approved before touring: Apply here

  • Ask if the builder is offering:

    • Interest rate buydowns

    • Closing cost assistance

    • Free upgrades (like flooring or appliance packages)

Use the New Construction Webinar to get a full breakdown of today’s lending options.

Conclusion: Should You Move to a Master-Planned Community in DeSoto?

If you value walkable neighborhoods, reliable infrastructure, and long-term value, then yes—master-planned communities in DeSoto are worth your attention.

  • Great amenities

  • Strong resale potential

  • Newer homes with smart tech

Just make sure you’ve got a plan:
Download the Lone Star Living App now
Grab the New Construction Guide
Check out the Rebate Program

You're Always Home With Refind Realty!

FAQs About Living in a Master-Planned Community in DeSoto

1. What exactly is a master-planned community?

It’s a large-scale neighborhood with pre-designed infrastructure, amenities, and long-term development goals—think pools, schools, and parks built into the plan.

2. Are HOA fees worth it?

Yes—if the community is well-managed. You’re paying for clean common areas, landscaping, and shared amenities. Ask for a copy of the HOA’s annual report.

3. How do these communities impact resale value?

Homes in master-planned neighborhoods often sell faster and hold value better than nearby homes without amenities or consistent upkeep.

4. Are there restrictions on customizations?

Yes. Most HOAs regulate exterior paint, fencing, landscaping, and even parking. Always review deed restrictions before buying.

5. Can I use a buyer rebate program here?

Yes—if your agent offers one. You can apply for the rebate program before signing with the builder’s rep.

6. How long does new construction take?

In DeSoto, the average build time is 6–8 months, but weather and materials can extend timelines.

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Steven J Thomas
Dallas realtor


Owned and Operated by Thomas & Thomas Financial Group, LLC

Steven J. Thomas

Steven J. Thomas has been in the financial services industry for the past 19 years and started my career as a Financial Planner for American Express Financial Advisors. I entered into banking with JP Morgan Chase as personal banker in 2003 and was promoted several times up to Small Business Specialist. I earned multiple Million Dollar Club awards and was ranked in the top 5 Small Business Specialist before I branched out in 2005 to start my own Financial Management Company. I ran a successful company before family circumstances lead me to Wachovia Bank in 2008 where I worked as a Senior Financial Specialist. As a Sr. Financial Specialist; I was responsible for the P & L and revenue growth of my banking center. The elimination of my role thru a bank merger lead me to BBVA Compass. I have held various leadership roles at BBVA Compass including Personal Relationship Manager, Branch Retail Executive, Workplace Solutions VP, and his current role as a Retail Manager. As the Regional Workplace Solutions VP, I was responsible for the strategic, tactical, and execution of Partnership Banking relationships, promotion and activity with corporate and non-profit companies in my footprint. I was responsible for the acquisition production for three districts, which includes 51 banking centers and over 300 employees. In May of 2014, I joined the team at Refind Realty and became one of the managing partners in mid-2015.

  • 50+ 5 Star Reviews

  • Over $60,000,000 in Total Real Estate Sales

  • 167 Properties Sold

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I used this realtor and it was a great experience. He was patient and very helpful with our journey. He also helped us find a great lender with little hassle on the process, also got us approved for well above the market of our original home so we were able to get more house with a lower mortgage rate. So to anyone who is interested in buying a home take my advice give Steven a call. It’s worth it 😁

Bryant Loring

Steve was absolutely amazing! Everything was easy! Very professional in all aspects. Punctual, responsive, and diligent. He goes above and beyond to ensure you get to see as many homes as you’d like no matter the location. Not only was he knowledgeable about home buying, he also has a resourceful network for new home owner needs. I recommend Refind Realty to everyone!

Nicholas Bishop

I definitely recommend Steven to assist with your home buying needs. As a first time home buyer the process can be overwhelming, but as my realtor he was knowledgeable & patient while addressing my concerns and assisting me with my new home purchase. Thanks again Steven!! :-)

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Ask Us Anything

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do you need a Realtor?

When buying or selling a home, there are so many options…which can also present a lot of obstacles. Laws change, forms change, and practices change all the time in the real estate industry. Because it’s our job to stay on top of those things, hiring a realtor reduces risk, and can also save you a lot of money in the long run.

When you work with me as your Realtor, you’re getting an expert who knows the area; knows how to skillfully guide your experience as a seller or buyer; can easily spot the difference between a good deal and a great deal. My job is to translate your dream into a real estate reality, and I work hard to earn and keep my business. This also means earning your trust: When you work with me, you’ll be working with a realtor who looks out for your best interests and is invested in your goals.

Which loan should you choose?

There are two different types of loans conventional loans and government-backed loans. The main difference is who insures these loans:

1 - Government-backed loans (FHA, VA and USDA):

(a) - Are, unsurprisingly, backed by the government.

(b) - Include FHA loans, VA loans, and USDA loans.

(c) - Make up less than 40 percent of the home loans generated in the U.S. each year.

2 - Conventional loans

(a) - Are not backed by the government.

(b) - Include conforming and non-conforming loans (such as jumbo loans).

(c) - Make up more than 60 percent of the loans generated in the U.S. each year.

What is the difference between FHA, VA and USDA loans?

1 - FHA LOANS:

FHA loans, which are insured by the Federal Housing Administration, are typically designed to meet the needs of first-time homebuyers with low or moderate incomes. FHA loans can be approved with a down payment of as little as 3.5 percent and a credit score as low as 580.

FHA loans are often called “helper loans,” because they give a leg up to potential borrowers who may not be able to secure one otherwise. For this reason, FHA loans have maximum lending limits, which are determined based on housing values for the county where the for-sale home is located.

Because the agency is taking on more risk by insuring FHA loans, the borrower is expected to pay mortgage insurance both at the time of closing and on a monthly basis, and the property must be owner-occupied.

2 - VA LOANS:

VA loans are backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs and they are guaranteed to qualified veterans and active-duty personnel and their spouses. VA loans can be approved with 100 percent financing, meaning VA borrowers are not required to make a down payment.

Unlike FHA loans, borrowers do not have to pay mortgage insurance on VA loans.

3 - USDA LOANS:

You may also hear about USDA loans, which are backed by the United States Department of Agriculture mortgage program. USDA loans are intended to support homeowners who purchase homes in rural and some suburban areas. USDA loans do not require a down payment and may offer lower interest rates; borrowers may have to pay a small mortgage insurance premium in order to offset the lender’s risk.

What’s a conventional loan? Understanding what it means to be conforming and non-conforming

Buyers who have a more established credit history and a larger down payment may prefer to apply for a conventional loan. These loans may offer a lower interest rate and only require the home buyer to purchase monthly mortgage insurance while the loan-to-value ratio is above a certain percentage, so a conventional loan borrower can typically save money in the long run.

Conventional loans are divided into two types: Conforming loans and non-conforming loans.

1 - CONFORMING LOANS:

Conforming loans are those that meet (or conform to) predetermined standards set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac — two government-sponsored institutions that buy and sell mortgages on the secondary market. By selling the loans to "Fannie and Freddie," lenders can free up their capital and return to issue more mortgages than if they had to personally back every loan that they approve.

The main standard for conforming loans is that the amount borrowed must be under a certain amount; in Alaska, a single-family home loan must be under $647,200 in order to be considered conforming.

Properties with more than one unit have higher limits.

2 - NON-CONFORMING (JUMBO) LOANS:

But what happens if a borrower wants to borrow more than the Freddie- and Fannie-approved loan amount? In this case, they would have to apply for a “jumbo loan,” which is the most common type of non-conforming loan.

Because the lender cannot resell the jumbo loan (or any non-conforming loan) to Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae, jumbo loans are considered to be riskier than a conforming loan. To protect against this risk, the bank will typically require a higher down payment; the interest rate on a jumbo loan may also be higher than if the same borrower applied for a conforming loan.

What kind of rate should you choose?

Rate types: Fixed-rate vs. adjustable-rate mortgages.

In addition to the loan type you choose, you’ll also have to determine if you want a fixed-rate mortgage or an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). A fixed-rate mortgage has an interest rate that does not change for the life of the loan, so it provides predictable monthly payments of principal and interest.

An adjustable-rate mortgage typically offers an initial introductory period with a low-interest rate. Once this period is over, the interest rate adjusts periodically, based on the market index. The initial interest rate on an ARM can sometimes be locked in for different periods, such as one, three, five, seven, or 10 years. Once the introductory period is over, the interest rate typically readjusts annually.

Office 1229 E. Pleasant Run Ste 224, DeSoto TX 75115

Call :(713) 505-2280

Site: www.stevenjthomas.com

Owned and Operated by Thomas & Thomas Financial Group, LLC