You're Always At Home With Refind Realty.
Serving Your DFW Real Estate Needs Since 2005.
We Help You Buy and Sell in The Greater Dallas-Fort Worth Area.
Check Out Our Social Media Channels!
Buying in DFW
Buying your first or next home should be a rewarding and exciting time in your life, and one that you look back on with fond memories.
Thinking Of selling?
The market has changed a lot and I'd love to show you the exact strategy I use to get sellers in DFW top dollar for their property.
Get Pre-Approved
Let me walk you through the entire pre-approval process so you know exactly how much home you can afford.
Sign Up For my
Email List
My emails are a great way to stay up-to-date with local news and real estate market trends, even if you're not currently in the market. So, come on and join me to stay in the loop!
affordability Calculator
Get pre-approved to know exactly how much house you can afford. Use this calculator to get a quick estimate. Contact me for assistance!
DFW New Construction
Discover the latest new home constructions in DFW and take advantage of the builder incentives that are available now.
Newest Listings
Call Me Today At (713) 505-2280
Refind Realty Blog:
Tips for Selling a Home With Kids or Pets
Tips for Selling a Home With Kids or Pets
By Steve
Introduction: Real Life, Real Challenges
Selling your home with kids or pets isn’t impossible—but let’s be honest, it adds a few layers of chaos. From surprise showings to pet odors to scattered toys, it takes a clear plan and a bit of flexibility. You want your home to show well, stay safe, and minimize stress on your family (fur babies included). Let’s break down how to make it happen.
Neighborhood Spotlights: Where Families Thrive in Dallas
If you're selling in Dallas, know this: buyers with families or pets are likely your future buyer too. Highlighting your location can be a big win.
Frisco: Known for top-rated schools and miles of parks. Great for buyers who want a family-first neighborhood.
McKinney: Historic charm, pet-friendly trails, and a strong sense of community.
Prosper: Quiet streets, large yards, and plenty of new construction homes appealing to growing families.
Plano: A favorite for working parents, with strong schools and proximity to major employers.
Tip: In your listing description, emphasize family- and pet-friendly features like fenced yards, mudrooms, nearby dog parks, or play areas.
Local Market Trends (Dallas-Fort Worth, 2024-2025)
As of mid-2025, homes in the Dallas-Fort Worth area are sitting on the market for an average of 34 days, down from 49 days in early 2024. Buyers remain active, especially in family-focused suburbs like Allen, Frisco, and Mansfield.
Average home price in DFW: $428,000 (Zillow, June 2025)
Top buyer segment: Millennial families with dual incomes and kids
Most searched features: home office, fenced yard, open floor plans
With inventory still tight, homes that show well—even with pets or kids—can sell quickly. But preparation is key.
Cost Breakdown: Prepping With Kids or Pets Adds a Few Extras
Here's what you might expect to spend:
Temporary Storage (Pods/U-Haul): $200-$400/month
Professional Cleaners: $150-$300 per visit
Odor Neutralizing Treatment: $100-$200
Pet Boarding During Showings: $25-$50/day per pet
Handyman Touch-Ups: $250-$500
These aren’t just nice-to-haves—they’re investments that help your home stand out from similar listings.
Builder & Community Insights
If you're moving into a new build, some builders in DFW cater directly to families with children and pets.
Highland Homes and Perry Homes often include mudrooms, built-in storage, and covered patios.
Communities like Windsong Ranch or Union Park include dog parks, splash pads, and event programming for all ages.
Planning to buy a new construction home? Tap into these resources:
Financing & Incentives
Selling and buying at the same time? Here’s what to keep in mind:
Bridge Loans: Help you buy before you sell
Buy Before You Sell Programs: Some agents and lenders offer programs for families needing space now
Builder Incentives: Many DFW builders still offer rate buydowns or closing cost credits through preferred lenders
Before listing, check your buying power:
Tips for Showing a Home With Kids or Pets
You won’t hear sugarcoating here. It’s tough—but doable. Here’s how:
1. Create a "Go Bag"
Keep a ready-to-go bag with snacks, toys, wipes, and essentials. When you get a showing request, you can leave quickly.
2. Store Excess Toys and Pet Supplies
Buyers don’t want to see chew toys and overflowing bins. Rent a small storage unit or tuck items into labeled bins.
3. Use Scent Strategically
Avoid air fresheners that scream "I'm hiding something." Opt for light, neutral scents or odor-neutralizing sprays designed for pet homes.
4. Set Up a Showing Schedule
Try to avoid last-minute chaos by blocking off windows of time each day. Your agent can set this up with a showing service.
5. Remove Pets During Showings
This one’s non-negotiable. Not everyone loves pets, and some have allergies. Use daycare, friends, or short walks to keep pets out of the house.
6. Declutter Like a Minimalist
Showings aren’t about showing off your lifestyle—they’re about helping the buyer see their life in your home. Keep it simple and distraction-free.
7. Deep Clean Regularly
Hire a cleaner weekly while on the market. Focus on carpets, pet areas, and high-touch kid zones.
Conclusion: Sell Smarter With a Plan
Selling a home with kids or pets can feel like juggling with one hand tied behind your back. But with a smart plan and the right resources, you can make it work—and even get top dollar.
Ready to list your home and start fresh?
Use these tools to help:
Or just take the first step and Download the Lone Star Living App now
You're Always Home With Refind Realty!
FAQs (Sourced from AlsoAsked & AnswerSocrates)
1. How do I prepare my home for sale with young kids?
Start by decluttering toys, using storage bins, and creating a daily cleaning routine. Set realistic showing expectations.
2. Should I remove pet items during showings?
Yes. Hide food bowls, crates, and litter boxes. Use odor neutralizers.
3. Can I stay in my home during showings?
It’s best to leave. If that’s not possible, step outside with the kids or pets to give buyers space.
4. Are buyers turned off by pets?
Sometimes. Especially if there's visible damage, odors, or allergy concerns. It’s best to remove pets during showings.
5. Should I repaint rooms with bright kid colors?
Neutral is better. Soft grays or whites help buyers picture their own style.
6. How can I stage a child’s bedroom?
Minimize decorations, remove names from walls, and make the space tidy and inviting.
7. How do I manage showings with a busy family schedule?
Use a showing window system and talk with your agent about blackout times that won’t disrupt nap schedules or meals.
Stay Informed With My Downloadable
Buyer and Seller guides
6 Smart Ways to Build Home Equity
7 Insider Secrets To Selling Your Home w/o a Lot of Time or Money
DFW Home Seller Negotiation Secrets
Home Appraisals Guide
Avoiding Pitfalls That Can Derail Your Home's Sale
Ultimate Guide To Buying a Home
A First Time Homebuyers Guide In DFW
Are You Ready To Buy?
25 Insider Secrets To Buying A Home
How to Improve Your Credit
Download All My Guides For Free
(I'll send you all 10)
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
Wondering What Your DFW Home Could Be Worth in April 2024?
Get a Professional Home Valuation From A Local Market Expert
Unlock insights into potential selling prices.
Get a personalized analysis sent directly to your inbox.
Stay ahead with updates on property value fluctuations.
Benchmark your property against neighborhood listings.
Get a FREE Home Valuation And Potential Net Sheet:
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
Facebook
Instagram
X
LinkedIn
Youtube
TikTok