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Top Home Features Buyers are Looking for in Dallas
Top Home Features Buyers are Looking for in Dallas
By Steven | Refind Realty
Introduction
Buying a home in Dallas is about more than just finding a place to live—it's about choosing a space that fits your lifestyle. With the real estate market evolving, today's buyers are prioritizing features that offer both comfort and long-term value. Whether you're thinking of purchasing a new build or upgrading your current space, here's what Dallas buyers are looking for right now.
Neighborhood Spotlights
Dallas has no shortage of great communities, but some neighborhoods are leading the way when it comes to offering the features buyers want most:
Uptown Dallas – Walkable areas with modern condos and smart-home integrations.
Frisco – Family-friendly communities with open-concept homes and large outdoor spaces.
Plano – Established neighborhoods offering energy-efficient homes with dedicated home offices.
Prosper – Master-planned communities with amenities like community pools, parks, and fitness centers.
Explore more Dallas-Fort Worth New Construction Homes to see what each area has to offer.
Local Market Trends
The Dallas market continues to attract buyers looking for convenience, security, and sustainable living. The demand for smart technology and energy-efficient features is growing, while flexible spaces like home offices and outdoor entertainment areas remain highly sought after.
With rising construction costs, builders are focusing on floor plans and amenities that maximize value without sacrificing style. If you're wondering how these trends can impact your buying decisions, my New Construction Home Guide breaks it all down.
Top Features Buyers Want in Dallas Homes
1. Energy Efficiency
With Texas heat being what it is, energy-efficient homes are a top priority. Buyers are looking for features like:
Energy Star appliances
Solar panels
High-efficiency HVAC systems
Insulated windows and smart thermostats
2. Smart Home Technology
Convenience and security are key. Smart home systems allow you to control everything from lighting to climate:
Smart security systems with doorbell cameras
Automated lighting and blinds
Integrated home entertainment systems
Voice-controlled assistants
3. Functional Home Offices
Remote work is here to stay for many buyers. Homes with dedicated office spaces or flex rooms are in high demand. Properties with built-in desks or dual-purpose guest rooms are especially attractive.
4. Open-Concept Living Spaces
Dallas buyers still value spacious living areas where families can gather comfortably. Large kitchen islands, seamless flow between living and dining areas, and tall ceilings all add to a sense of openness.
5. Outdoor Living Areas
Outdoor spaces are an extension of everyday living:
Covered patios or decks
Built-in outdoor kitchens
Fire pits and lounging areas
Room for pets or gardening
Check out my New Construction Webinar to learn more about creating your ideal indoor-outdoor lifestyle.
6. Luxury Kitchens and Bathrooms
Updated kitchens with high-end finishes, walk-in pantries, and ample storage are major selling points. Buyers are also prioritizing spa-like bathrooms with freestanding tubs, double vanities, and walk-in showers.
7. Community Amenities
Neighborhood amenities can enhance daily living:
Community pools and fitness centers
Parks, dog parks, and walking trails
Clubhouses and coworking spaces
If you’re looking for incentives from builders offering these features, visit the Refind Realty Rebate Program to learn how you can save when purchasing your next Dallas home.
Builder & Community Insights
Top builders in Dallas are embracing the trend towards eco-friendly and tech-savvy homes. Builders like Highland Homes, Perry Homes, and David Weekley Homes are focusing on:
Sustainable building practices
Smart home packages as standard
Flexible floor plans to accommodate growing families and remote workers
For more details on current neighborhoods offering these features, reach out to me or explore the latest Home Selling Options.
Financing & Incentives
New construction homes often come with builder incentives that can help with closing costs or upgrades. If you're considering financing options, getting pre-approved is a great first step. Learn more at Get Pre-Approved.
Many Dallas builders offer:
Rate buy-downs
Design center credits
Appliance packages
Don’t miss out on these opportunities—contact me to explore your options.
FAQs
What are the most popular home features in Dallas right now?
Energy efficiency, smart home technology, and functional outdoor spaces rank at the top of buyers’ wish lists.
Are smart homes worth the investment?
Smart home technology improves convenience and security while potentially lowering utility costs, making it a popular and valuable addition.
How can I find homes with builder incentives?
I can connect you with builders offering current incentives and explain how programs like Refind Realty Rebate Program can save you money.
What neighborhoods in Dallas have the best amenities?
Communities like Frisco, Plano, and Prosper are known for great amenities like pools, parks, and walkable areas.
How do I get pre-approved for a new home?
Visit Get Pre-Approved to begin the process and explore financing options suited to your needs.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Buying a home in Dallas is about more than square footage—it's about finding a space that truly fits your lifestyle. Whether you’re searching for a smart home, energy efficiency, or the perfect outdoor spot to relax, I can help you discover your next home in Dallas.
Download the Lone Star App here: https://lonestarliving.hsidx.com/@sthomas
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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!! :-)
Gayle Mason
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
Email: [email protected]
Site: www.stevenjthomas.com
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