The 15th annual Pink Party, benefiting The Bridge Breast Network, was held last week and was a huge success! Our Lakewood office deserves a round of applause for their constant dedication to such an incredible cause.
Additionally, we would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the party attendees and generous donors who year after year have made this party what it is! Your unwavering support has helped make a significant difference in the lives of those battling breast cancer. Thank you all for being a part of this amazing cause!
Republic Title was proud to support TREC Dallas FightNight XXXV whose proceeds benefit TREC Community Investors and its neighborhood revitalization work throughout DFW. Congrats on another great event to all involved including our own Jeff Montgomery who served on the 2024 FightNight Committee.
Republic Title is pleased to offer a variety of continuing education classes for our customers. Join us in October for classes including:
Top Ten Contract Addenda APPROVED TREC CONTRACT COURSE. Join us to review 10 of the most commonly utilized TREC contract addenda including Third Party Financing Addendum, Addendum for Backup Contract and more. October 3rd 10:00 am – 11:00 am Republic Title Preston Legacy Office
Death, Divorce & Real Estate Join us to learn important laws surrounding death and divorce such as separation, homestead issues, community property and probate. October 10th 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm 3322 Dorado Beach Drive, Farmers Branch 75234
Appraisal + Underwriting Come hear a panel of appraisal experts discuss appraisal reports. Covering topics like collateral underwriting challenges, successes, and industry technology changes. October 17th 10:00 am – 11:00 am Brookside at Fields Amenity Center
Tips on Hosting an Awesome Open House Holding an open house is a great way to showcase a new listing and attract prospective clients. In this course, agents will learn the maximize their open house opportunity and learn how to promote the property, generate leads and practice good safety while on the job. October 22nd 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Zoom
Know Your Market Data & Trends Successful agents thrive by understanding their local markets inside and out. Whether you’re in a casual meeting, a listing presentation, or engaging on social media, having the ability to produce accurate and insightful market reports is crucial. Join us in this class, “Know Your Market Data and Trends,” where you’ll learn how to generate current and relevant monthly and annual statistics using the various tools available through NTREIS. October 22nd 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm Republic Title North Dallas Office
Maximize Productivity with ChatGPT: A Real Estate Agent’s Guide Teaching real estate agents to use ChatGPT can improve their overall effectiveness and efficiency in serving clients. Come to this class to learn the many ways ChatGPT can help you create better listing descriptions, social media posts, scripts for videos & blogs, ad copy and so much more. October 23rd 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Republic Title Southlake
Sowing Success: Farming with Realist Tax Elevate your local market expertise with our deep dive into Realist® Tax, a powerful tool within your NTREIS Matrix dashboard designed to give you the knowledge and skills needed for effective farming and marketing strategies! October 24th 10:00 am – 11:00 am Zoom
It’s All Foreign to Me This class will cover many areas of a transaction involving a non-US citizen including Foreign Investors Real Property Tax Act (FIRPTA), Foreign Wills, Mexican Matricula Consular and Foreign Acknowledgments. October 29th 10:00 am – 11:00 am Zoom
Death, Divorce & Real Estate Join us to learn important laws surrounding death and divorce such as separation, homestead issues, community property and probate. October 30th 10:00 am – 11:00 am Republic Title Prosper Office
Capture More Clients Agents will be shown the various tools and landing pages available in the NTREIS MLS system that could be used to attract more business and help generate leads from buyers and sellers. October 30th 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Republic Title Frisco Office
Whether you’re a lifelong resident or new to the area, there’s always something new to discover about your neighborhood. With that in mind, we created a Fast Facts sheet for cities and neighborhoods all over the DFW area. Our DFW Area fast facts have detailed real estate insights, things to do, places to shop and some of our favorite restaurants in each area.
The Colony is a vibrant city located on the shores of Lewisville Lake. Known for its waterfront lifestyle and recreational opportunities, The Colony offers residents and visitors a range of activities, including boating, fishing, and lakeside dining. With its diverse neighborhoods, excellent schools, and a growing business community, The Colony provides a balance of suburban living and a leisurely lakeside atmosphere.
POPULATION
45K
AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD INCOME
$110K
MEDIAN AGE
35
HOUSING
60% OWN 40% RENT
AVERAGE SALES PRICE
$533K
AREA ACTIVITIES & FEATURES
• ELECTRIC GAMEBOX • THE COLONY SHORELINE TRAIL • OLD AMERICAN GOLF CLUB • HAWAIIAN FALLS WATER PARK • JURASSIC WORLD EXHIBITION • GRANDSCAPE | SHOPPING & DINING • LAKESIDE COMMUNITY THEATRE • VETERAN’S MEMORIAL PARK
FAVORITE LOCAL DINING & DRINK SPOTS
• GOODFELLA’S PIZZA PASTA VINO • JULIE’S SWEETS BAKERY • LAVA CANTINA • SEVEN DOORS KITCHEN & COCKTAILS • THE COLONY WINE BAR PATIO • THE RICE BAR • THE SHACKS DINING & DOG PARK • TURBO – COFFEE KITCHEN WINE • THE THIRSTY GROWLER • TRUCK YARD • LIBERATION COFFEE CO. • TURBO – COFFEE, KITCHEN & WINE • JULIE’S SWEETS • ICE2SPICE • BARLEY & BOARD
FAVORITE LOCAL SHOPPING
• CIGARS INTERNATIONAL • CRETEATION- JEWELRY & DÉCOR BOUTIQUE • ODIN LEATHER GOODS • THE COLONY WINE BAR & BOTTLE SHOP • THE HOMESTEAD
AVERAGE DRIVE TIMES
• DOWNTOWN DALLAS | 32 MINUTES • DALLAS LOVE FIELD AIRPORT | 30 MINUTES • DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT | 20 MINUTES • AT&T STADIUM & GLOBE LIFE FIELD | 35 MINUTES • DOWNTOWN FORT WORTH | 42 MINUTES
Howdy Folks, it’s time for the legendary 2024 State Fair of Texas and we’ve got all the important details for your visit! From the concerts on the main stage to the prize-winning food, check out everything the State Fair of Texas has to offer!
Visit bigtex.com for more info on attractions and other details!
In 2024, the North Texas real estate market has shown notable changes compared to 2023, with all major counties experiencing increases in new listings and active inventory.
In Collin County, new listings have risen by 11.7%, while the average days on market have increased significantly by 44%. Active listings in this county have surged by 46.5%, indicating a more favorable environment for buyers. Dallas County has seen a very similar trend, with new listings up by 11.8% and the average days on market rising by 46.4%. Tarrant County and Denton County have experienced smaller increases in new listings at 4.8% and 7.8%, respectively. The average days on market in this county have increased by 20.6% in Tarrant County and 12.8% in Denton County. An increase in active listings suggests a more favorable environment for buyers but longer days on market may mean that sellers need to adjust their pricing expectations.
A significant development influencing the market is the recent Federal Reserve rate cut announced on September 18th. This decision may have far-reaching implications for mortgage rates and overall buyer sentiment. As we approach the fourth quarter of this year, it will be interesting to see how this rate cut affects buyer activity and market dynamics in North Texas.
Our stats infographics include a year over year comparison and area highlights for single family homes broken down by county. We encourage you to share these infographics and video with your sphere.
Whether you’re a lifelong resident or new to the area, there’s always something new to discover about your neighborhood. With that in mind, we created a Fast Facts sheet for cities and neighborhoods all over the DFW area. Our DFW Area fast facts have detailed real estate insights, things to do, places to shop and some of our favorite restaurants in each area.
Southlake is an upscale city known for its luxurious homes, exceptional schools, and high-end shopping destinations. With its meticulously manicured neighborhoods and a strong emphasis on quality of life, Southlake offers residents a blend of sophistication and suburban comfort. The city’s thriving community spirit, beautiful parks, and recreational amenities make it a desirable place to live for those seeking an affluent and family-friendly environment.
POPULATION
31K
AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD INCOME
$293K
MEDIAN AGE
42
HOUSING
95% OWN 5% RENT
AVERAGE SALES PRICE
$1.5M
AREA ACTIVITIES & FEATURES
• BICENTENNIAL PARK • BOB JONES NATURE CENTER • LAKE GRAPEVINE • MARSHALL CREEK RANCH • WIDOWMAKER TRAIL RIDES • SOUTHLAKE TOWN SQUARE | SHOPPING & DINING • STUDIO ART HOUSE • LIBERTY PARK AT SHELTONWOOD
When it comes to real estate transactions, few documents are as important as the title commitment. This essential document, provided by the title company, serves as a roadmap for all parties involved, outlining the state of the property’s title and highlighting any potential issues that may need to be addressed before closing. At Republic Title, we understand that the title commitment can seem complex and daunting, but we’re here to simplify the process and ensure that your transaction proceeds smoothly.
In this article, we’ll break down the components of a title commitment, explain their significance, and highlight why choosing Republic Title as your trusted partner can make all the difference in your real estate journey.
What Is a Title Commitment?
A title commitment outlines the conditions under which a title insurance company will issue a title insurance policy. It discloses the current state of the title to the property, listing any liens, defects, or obligations that may affect the property’s ownership. The commitment is a crucial part of the due diligence process, providing transparency and protecting all parties involved in the transaction.
The title commitment is comprised of sections, known as Schedules A, B, C, and D. Each of these schedules serves a specific purpose, offering detailed information that is important to the successful completion of the transaction.
Schedule A: Actual Facts
Schedule A is often referred to as the “Who, What, Where, and How Much” section of the title commitment. It contains the key facts about the transaction, including:
The names of the proposed insured (buyer) and the current record owner (seller)
A legal description of the property
The sales price
The name of the lender, if applicable
This section is important because it ensures that all the basic details of the transaction are accurate and align with the terms of the contract. At Republic Title, we recommend that all parties carefully review Schedule A to confirm that the information is correct. If any discrepancies are found, it’s essential to address them promptly with your title company to avoid delays.
Schedule B: Buyer Notification
Schedule B lists the general and specific exceptions to the property that may limit a buyer’s use of the property or give others the right to use all or a portion of the property. The buyer takes the property subject to these exceptions and they are not covered by the title insurance policy. This section may include:
Survey matters
Property taxes
Easements
Building setback lines
Mineral or Oil and Gas reservations or leases
Other restrictions or encumbrances
This section is critical because it informs the buyer of any potential issues or obligations that could affect their ownership of the property. Understanding these exceptions is key to making an informed decision.
Schedule C: Clear In Order To Close
Schedule C outlines any issues that must be resolved before the title can be transferred to the new owner. These issues, known as “clear to close” items, might include:
Existing mortgages that need to be paid off
Liens for home improvements
Unpaid taxes or other obligations that could include Abstracts of Judgement, State or Federal Tax Liens or Child Support Liens among other things.
Probate, Divorce or other legal proceedings
All items listed in Schedule C must be addressed and cleared before closing can proceed. Republic Title is dedicated to helping you resolve these issues efficiently, ensuring that your transaction stays on track and that you can close on your property without unnecessary delays.
Schedule D: Disclosure
Schedule D provides transparency regarding the amount of the title insurance premium as well as ownership of the title company and details all parties who will share in the insurance premium collected to issue the policy. This section typically includes:
Officers of the Underwriter and Title Agent
A title commitment is a vital document that plays a crucial role in the success of any real estate transaction. By understanding its components and working with a trusted title company like Republic Title, you can ensure that your transaction proceeds smoothly and without unexpected surprises. From verifying the accuracy of Schedule A to clearing any issues on Schedule C, Republic Title is here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or a real estate professional, Republic Title is your go-to resource for proven experience and dedicated service. For more information, visit republictitle.com.
July saw an increase in home sales and a sharp rise in building permits. The previous month’s decline was partly due to fewer business days, which led to a spillover of activity in July. New listings fell almost 10 percent, but active listings fell by less than 1 percent, possibly due to the counteracting increase in sales for the month.
Home Sales Take Major Jump in July
Texas bounced back over June’s low sales with a 15.4 percent month-over-month (MOM) increase in seasonally adjusted home sales in July, resulting in 27,049 homes sold (Table 1). Houston experienced the largest increase among the Big Four at 21.7 percent (7,500), followed by Dallas (7,595) and San Antonio (2,807), which increased by 18.1 and 16.2 percent, respectively. Austin had the lowest sales change of the Big Four with a 13.9 percent increase, resulting in 2,378 homes sold in July.
New listings fell by more than 4,000, a 9.8 percent drop from June. Houston, with 9,739 listings representing a 24.7 percent drop, was a major contributor to this decline, followed by Austin with 2,853 listings (18.8 percent drop). San Antonio (4,041) and Dallas (9,774) also experienced similar declines of 14 and 12 percent, respectively. Overall, the Big Four is seeing a downward shift in new listings that had been on the rise until April 2024, when they hit their high for the year so far.
The state’s average days on market (DOM) remained unchanged at 59 days in July. San Antonio had the largest decrease—73 to 71 days, a 2 percent decline. Similarly, Austin dropped from 68 to 67 days. Dallas and Houston, on the other hand, have not shown any major changes.
Texas’ number of active listings went down from 116,335 to 115,865 (0.4 percent). Active listings across the Big Four were mixed in July with Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin increasing by 4.7 percent (26,013), 2.4 percent (13,907), and 2 percent (11,426), respectively, while Houston fell 8.5 percent (27,503).
Statewide pending listings in Texas have been on the decline since earlier this year with 4,292 fewer pending listings in July than in February, when they peaked at 29,274. San Antonio and Houston had the highest declines—8.4 percent (to a current 2,515) and 7 percent (6,686), respectively. Dallas had a smaller decline of 2.9 percent (6,837) while Austin (2,355) hasn’t had any major changes.
Interest Rates Dip Slightly
Treasury and mortgage rates both declined in July but as a slower rate than the month before. The average ten-year U.S. Treasury Bond yield fell 6 basis points to 4.25 percent. The Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation’s 30-year fixed-rate fell by 7 basis points to 6.85 percent.
Single-Family Permits Bounce Back, but Starts Fall
Texas’ monthly building permits bounced back in July, increasing 26.3 percent MOM after dropping 19 percent in June. All Big Four metros had growth except for San Antonio, which fell by 12.3 percent. Austin and Dallas grew the most at 28.3 percent and 71 percent, respectively. Both almost reached the April high point. Houston, however, failed to grow at the same rate as the others, rising only 6 percent.
Single-family construction starts have been on the decline since March 2024. Seasonally adjusted statewide single-family starts decreased by 4.3 percent MOM to 12,542 units. The Big Four have been in decline with Houston leading at 12 percent, San Antonio at 6 percent, and Dallas at 1.8 percent. Austin has been relatively steady with only a 1 percent fall.
The state’s total value of single-family starts climbed from $17.39 billion in July 2023 to $22.91 billion in July 2024. Houston accounted for 35.7 percent of the state’s total starts value followed by Dallas with 27.1 percent.
Home Price Increase Slightly
Texas’ median home price rose 1.4 percent MOM in July from $332,866 to $337,382. Houston rose by 1.5 percent at $341,283 while San Antonio rose by 1 percent at $311,140. Austin rose by 0.3 percent. Dallas was the only one among the Big Four that had a slight decline of 0.3 percent.
The Texas Repeat Sales Home Price Index (Jan 2005=100), which is a more accurate reflection of home price changes, fell 0.3 percent MOM in July but increased 1.4 percent year over year (YOY). Austin’s annual appreciation remains below the state’s average and fell by 3.2 percent YOY in July.
Republic Title is pleased to offer a variety of continuing education classes for our customers. Join us in September for classes including:
Incredible Canva Tips and Tricks Boost your listings and properties easily and efficiently using Canva’s beautiful real estate templates. Join us to learn new tips and tricks to make designing even easier and make marketing one of your new favorite tasks! September 3rd 10:00 am – 11:00 am Zoom
Dodging Contract Danger Zones APPROVED TREC CONTRACT COURSE This class focuses on specific sections within the TREC 1-4 Family Contract and other related contract forms that licensees should have a clear understanding of in order to steer clear of potential challenges. September 11th 10:00 am – 11:00 am Zoom
Selling Out of an Estate Join us to learn the requirements for selling real estate if title is held by an estate or there has been a death of a seller. September 12th 10:00 am – 11:00 am Republic Title Preston Legacy
Free Tools to Supercharge your Marketing Check out our curated list of the real estate marketing resources you can start using today to supercharge all your marketing efforts, without emptying your bank account. September 17th 10:00 am – 11:00 am Zoom
Economic Update Join Republic Title and Prime Lending for an Economic Forecast where we will discuss how mortgage rates are set and where they are going, how the Fed’s actions affect mortgage rates, the National/Texas/Dallas County Real Estate Market and Economic Trends. September 17th 10:00 am – 11:00 am Republic Title Park Cities
Lease Purchase, Just Say No! This class provides a detailed overview of issues surrounding Lease Purchase Options such as required disclosures, obligations, contracts, financing and enforceability. Being aware of potential complications can prepare a licensee to thwart potential lawsuits. September 18th 10:00 am – 11:00 am Zoom
Know Your Market Data & Trends Successful agents thrive by understanding their local markets inside and out. Whether you’re in a casual meeting, a listing presentation, or engaging on social media, having the ability to produce accurate and insightful market reports is crucial. Join us in this class, “Know Your Market Data and Trends,” where you’ll learn how to generate current and relevant monthly and annual statistics using the various tools available through NTREIS. September 18th 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Republic Title Frisco
Sowing Success: Farming with Realist Tax Elevate your local market expertise with our deep dive into Realist® Tax, a powerful tool within your NTREIS Matrix dashboard designed to give you the knowledge and skills needed for effective farming and marketing strategies! September 19th 10:00 am – 11:00 am Republic Title Preston Legacy
Statutory Tax Districts and Disclosures APPROVED TREC CONTRACT COURSE Throughout this course, participants will acquire a comprehensive understanding of the significance of disclosing information related to statutory tax districts and public improvement districts. They will be instructed in the most effective methods for identifying whether a property falls within such districts and will become familiar with the appropriate disclosure forms to utilize. September 24th 10:00 am – 11:00 am Zoom
Step Up Your Instagram Game In today’s real estate market, Instagram marketing is essential to showcasing who you are and connecting with your sphere. Are you ready to take your Instagram to the next level? Join us in this class for a complete guide to Instagram including ways to enhance your bio, tools for creating great content, how to target and attract buyers and sellers, and much more! September 25th 11:30 am – 12:30 pm Republic Title Prosper
