Title insurance firm based in Plano, with 15 D-FW locations and 402 local workers.
Republic Title of Texas, which has been among the top three midsize companies in our Top Workplaces awards for three years straight, knows the value of continual improvement. In the last year, for instance, the Plano-based, full-service title firm has formed an employee relations committee and launched a monthly employee educational series called Growth Days.
The employee committee consists of workers from Republic’s different offices and divisions who suggest ideas for strengthening the company’s culture. Examples include a companywide steps challenge for health and wellness, and a Coffee with a Co-worker program to acquaint employees with colleagues from other offices and departments. Growth Days, meanwhile, provides a mix of professional and personal development, with speakers on topics ranging from sales tactics to emotional intelligence.
“We concentrate heavily on taking care of our employees,” said Bo Feagin, Republic Title’s president. “Our employees, in turn, take care of us, because they take care of our clients. It’s an easy recipe. But you’ve got to be consistent with it. You’ve got to be sincere with it.”
Republic Title earned the special award for clued-in senior management by scoring highest of all our Top Workplaces on this statement: Senior managers understand what is really happening at this company.
Tis the season to get festive! The beginning of holiday events is approaching so we put together a list of our favorites for you to enjoy! From parades and tree lightings to Christmas markets and holiday lights, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this season.
Mark your calendars to make this holiday season unforgettable! For a full PDF download and more resources like this, visit us on our website at republictitle.com/residential-resources.
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.
Wylie, Texas, is a rapidly growing city located northeast of Dallas, offering a mix of small-town charm and modern amenities. Known for its excellent schools, well-maintained parks, and family-friendly atmosphere, Wylie provides a welcoming environment for residents. The city features a blend of recreational activities, including outdoor events, local shopping, and access to nearby lakes, making it a desirable place to live for those seeking a balanced suburban lifestyle.
POPULATION
61K
AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD INCOME
$111K
MEDIAN AGE
34
HOUSING
74% OWN 26% RENT
AVERAGE SALES PRICE
$488K
AREA ACTIVITIES & FEATURES
• IN-SYNC EXOTICS | WILDLIFE RESCUE • FOUNDERS PARK • BIRMINGHAM FARMS PARK • WOODBRIDGE GOLF CLUB • FRIENDSHIP PARK • WYLIE NATURE PRESERVE • WYLIE OPRY • LANDON WINERY • B&B THEATRES
FAVORITE LOCAL DINING & DRINK SPOTS
• VILLA VINCI • BALLARD STREET CAFÉ AND GRILL • SHOEMAKER AND HARDT • PHO STREET CAFÉ • METEOR HAMBURGERS • NAPOLI’S PIZZA AND RESTAURANT • • COUNTRY CLUB CAFÉ • COWBOY CHICKEN • • JHONNY’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT • CHILOSO • EL FLAMBOYAN PUERTO RICAN CAFÉ • LOCO GRINGO TACO SHACK • FISH N TAILS OYSTER BAR • FRANKIE’S CASA • • CHEESESTEAK HOUSE • LA JOYA MEXICAN COCINA • • THE HARBOR HOUSE • BOLD BBQ PIT • LINKE’S BBQ •
FAVORITE LOCAL SHOPPING
• DEAR SORELLA BOUTIQUE • TRENDZ N TRADITIONS • • BUILD-A-BOX BOUTIQUE • THE BLEND ON BALLARD • • HOPE’S GATE • THE OLE BACK PORCH • GAME NERDZ •
AVERAGE DRIVE TIMES
• DOWNTOWN DALLAS | 40 MINUTES • DALLAS LOVE FIELD AIRPORT | 45 MINUTES • DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT | 40 MINUTES • AT&T STADIUM & GLOBE LIFE FIELD | 52 MINUTES • DOWNTOWN FORT WORTH | 70 MINUTES
Republic Title is pleased to offer a variety of continuing education classes for our customers. Join us in November for classes including:
Definitions & Rules of the Forward 1031 Exchange In this class, you will learn how the general workings of a 1031 Exchange can be very beneficial to agents who work with investors. This class will help you recognize potential situations that may warrant or justify a 1031 Exchange for your client. November 6th 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm Dallas, Texas
Hit the Road with the MLS-Touch App Deals are made on the road. MLS Touch is the most advanced Mobile MLS app for agents! Come to this class to learn how to use this tool like a pro from the first time you log in. Seamless integration with Matrix, OneHome Portal, Realist Tax and more. Set up your own branded app to share with clients and on social media. November 7th 10:00 am – 11:00 am Zoom
Bridge Loans Don’t wait for your client’s current home to sell before you find the new home of their dreams. Try a bridge loan from First Bank. Buy the new home with up to 100% financing AND eliminate the need for contingency offers and take advantage of more time to sell the current home. Close more deals, faster, with First Bank. November 12th 10:00 am – 11:00 am Republic Title Prosper
Traps and Pitfalls for Licensees This class draws attention to the issues most likely to cause problems for licensees in a real estate transaction including real estate fraud, missing effective date in the contract, ‘practicing law’ and more. November 13th 10:00 am – 11:00 am Zoom
Broker Responsibility Course The purpose of this course is to address the regulatory aspects of the management, operation and supervision of a real estate brokerage firm in Texas. The course provides an understanding and working knowledge of the law of agency, planning and organization of business entities, requirements for written policies and procedures, records retention and control, advertising, recruitment and training of agents, and the anatomy of a complaint filed with Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). November 14th 9:30 am – 4:30 pm Republic Title Corporate
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. November 19th 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. November 20th 10:00 am – 11:00 am Zoom
Instagram for Real Estate Instagram Reels offers agents a unique way to connect with potential clients, showcasing properties and their personal brand in a short, engaging format that appeals to modern audiences. This course will equip agents with a solid understanding of Reels and its role in marketing strategy, from creating engaging content that attracts followers to best practices for reaching a wider audience. November 20th 11:30 am – 12:30 pm Republic Title Prosper
At Republic Title, we’ve seen our share of mysterious deeds, ghostly liens, and hidden traps lurking in property transactions. With Halloween just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to share some spine-chilling real estate stories that might make you think twice before signing on the dotted line. But fear not! With Republic Title on your side for title insurance, you can rest assured that with the right support, even the scariest title issues can be managed.
The Curse of the Rollback Taxes
Taxes can be terrifying, especially when they appear out of nowhere—like a ghostly apparition. In one chilling story, an out-of-state investor bought a multi-million-dollar property in Texas without fully understanding rollback taxes. This special tax liability is triggered when agricultural or homestead exemptions are removed. Unfortunately, the buyer’s counsel didn’t account for the potential rollback taxes until just before closing, well past the due diligence period. When they finally calculated the liability, they found themselves facing a hefty $1 million bill. With no other option, they forfeited their earnest money deposit rather than absorb the crushing tax burden.
Lesson learned: Always analyze tax certificates early in the process and estimate rollback taxes before making any big decisions. Don’t let a lack of knowledge become your financial nightmare!
Grave Mistakes: The Haunting of Development Projects
Sometimes, it’s not what lies above ground that causes issues, but what’s beneath it. One such story involved a developer who discovered a mysterious gravesite on a survey, right on their future project site. The gravestone was so old that the inscription had worn away, and neither the seller nor the city had any record of it. But until they determined who—or what—was buried there, no permits could be issued.
The seller and buyer hired an investigator, who uncovered that it might belong to a local railroad employee’s dog from decades ago. After a lengthy delay and a permit to move the remains, it turned out that the body beneath was, indeed, a loyal dog. Development could finally proceed, but the months of delay haunted the project’s timeline.
Lesson learned: Thorough surveys and historical research can prevent unexpected delays. It’s not just about square footage—it’s about what might be resting six feet under.
When Survey Pins Disappear in the Night: The Tale of the Boundary Dispute
In a small town, a property buyer thought they had everything squared away after getting a survey. But when they sent their contractor to begin work, an angry neighbor showed up, claiming the land was his. The contractor went back the next day with surveyors, only to find that someone had removed the survey pins overnight, leaving just the empty holes as evidence.
As it turns out, the previous property owner and the neighbor had been feuding over the property line for years—a secret the seller failed to disclose. The dispute escalated into a legal battle that cost thousands in legal fees, all because a ghostly boundary issue resurfaced.
Lesson learned: Always dig deeper—sometimes literally—when it comes to survey details, and ask sellers about any known disputes.
Wire Fraud: The Real-Life Boogeyman
Wire fraud might sound like a far-off problem, but it can quickly turn into a real-life nightmare. Imagine a buyer who received new wire instructions through what seemed like a legitimate email from their title company, only to find out that their life savings had vanished into a scammer’s account. Though law enforcement and the bank managed to freeze the funds in this case, many aren’t so lucky. Wire fraud in real estate is a rising threat, with the FBI reporting that losses exceeded $350 million in 2021.
Lesson learned: Always confirm wire instructions with a phone call directly to your title company, and never rely solely on email for sensitive financial transactions. It could save you from a financial horror story of your own.
The Phantom Easement: When Access Vanishes
Access to a property is critical, but what happens when that access suddenly disappears? In one story, a property owner owned two adjacent tracts of land. One had access to a public road, but the other tract was land locked. The property owner wanted to take out a loan secured only by the landlocked tract. As a condition for the loan the lender required an easement over the adjacent tract of land to the public road. The easement was created, but it was created in favor of the lender and their assigns. When the property owner sold the landlocked tract of land the lender released their lien and the easement went along with it because it was only in favor of the lender and their assigns. Suddenly, the property was landlocked again, and the title company had to negotiate a new easement, delaying the project and incurring extra costs.
Lesson learned: Review easement agreements thoroughly, and make sure that they’re not tied to specific parties that might change in the future. Otherwise, your access might vanish faster than a shadow at dusk.
Real estate doesn’t have to be a horror story. With Republic Title, you have a partner that’s dedicated to ensuring your property transactions are as smooth and secure as possible. We shine a light on the hidden risks, protecting you from title issues that could turn your investment into a nightmare. Choose Republic Title for peace of mind, and enjoy a Halloween season free from real estate scares. Happy Halloween from all of us at Republic Title!
Republic Title was named the #2 Best Place to Work in North Texas in the Large Company category by the Dallas Business Journal on October 20th as part of their Best Places to Work program. Thank you to all of our amazing employees and their commitment to our values —One Team, Service First, Act with Integrity, and Lead from Where You Are.
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.
Uptown Dallas is a trendy and vibrant neighborhood known for its bustling atmosphere and urban lifestyle. Featuring a mix of upscale apartments, boutique shops, and a diverse array of dining options, Uptown attracts residents and visitors seeking a lively social scene. The area is also renowned for its scenic parks and walkable streets, making it an ideal destination for outdoor activities and community events while offering easy access to the cultural and entertainment attractions of downtown Dallas.
POPULATION
13K
AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD INCOME
$159K
MEDIAN AGE
32
HOUSING
20% OWN 80% RENT
AVERAGE SALES PRICE
$1.7M
AREA ACTIVITIES & FEATURES
• KATY TRAIL • AMERICAN AIRLINES CENTER • PEROT MUSEUM • KLYDE WARREN PARK • HOUSE OF BLUES • DALLAS MUSEUM OF ART • DALLAS WORLD AQUARIUM • NASHER SCULPTURE CENTER • WINSPEAR OPERA HOUSE • REUNION TOWER • MUSEUM OF ILLUSIONS
FAVORITE LOCAL DINING & DRINK SPOTS
• S&D OYSTER COMPANY • BISOUS BISOUS PATISSERIE • • WHITE RHINO COFFEE • VILLAGE BURGER BAR • NOBU • • MOXIES • SIXTY VINES • HAYWIRE • THE CONSERVATORY • • LAS PALMAS TEX-MEX • KATY TRAIL ICEHOUSE • THE STANDARD POUR • THE HENRY • HAPPIEST HOUR • DOLCE RIVIERA • HARWOOD ARMS • MAGNOLIAS SOUS LE PONT • • THE RUSTIC • DOC B’S • MALAI KITCHEN • AVANTI • UCHI • • STATE & ALLEN • SI TAPAS • DOCK LOCAL • SAINT ANN RESTAURANT & BAR • NICK & SAM’S • CRUSHCRAFT THAI EATS • STK DALLAS • VILLAGE BURGER BAR • KISS • NAMO •
FAVORITE LOCAL SHOPPING
• WEST VILLAGE • NORTHPARK • STANLEY KORSHAK • Y&I CLOTHING • NICOLE KWON • PITAYA • MKT – STORES • • KITTENISH • APOTHECARY SOCIAL • NICKEL & SUEDE • • RANDOM BOBBITT PROVISIONS • ESTHER PENN • FAVOR THE KIND • DOLLY PYTHON • TRAFFIC LOS ANGELES •
AVERAGE DRIVE TIMES
• DOWNTOWN DALLAS | 8 MINUTES • DALLAS LOVE FIELD AIRPORT | 15 MINUTES • DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT | 25 MINUTES • AT&T STADIUM & GLOBE LIFE FIELD | 35 MINUTES • DOWNTOWN FORT WORTH | 45 MINUTES
When navigating the complexities of real estate transactions, particularly in Texas, one of the critical decisions involves choosing the title company. A title company plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the transfer of property ownership is smooth, legal, and secure. But who exactly has the authority to pick the title company in Texas? Understanding this process is essential for buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals alike.
The Role of the Title Company
Before delving into who selects the title company, it’s important to understand what a title company does. A title company is responsible for verifying the legal ownership of a property, ensuring there are no liens or encumbrances, and facilitating the transfer of ownership from seller to buyer. In addition, the title company provides title insurance, which protects the buyer and lender against potential liens or disputes over ownership that may arise after the sale is completed.
Title insurance is vital in real estate transactions as it ensures that the buyer receives a clear and marketable title, free from any legal claims that could jeopardize their ownership. Given the importance of this role, selecting a reputable title company is crucial.
Who Chooses the Title Company?
In Texas, the selection of the title company is not set by law, but rather it is often determined by negotiation between the buyer and seller. This decision is typically outlined in the real estate contract during the negotiation process. Here’s how it usually breaks down:
Seller’s Preference: In many cases, especially in a seller’s market, the seller may prefer to choose the title company. Sellers often have a title company they’ve worked with before or one that is familiar with the property often making the process smoother and more efficient.
Buyer’s Input: In a buyer’s market or in situations where the buyer has specific preferences, the buyer may negotiate to select the title company. Some buyers may prefer a title company they’ve worked with in the past or one that is highly recommended by their real estate agent or lender.
Mutual Agreement: Often, the buyer and seller come to a mutual agreement on which title company to use. This agreement is usually based on recommendations from real estate agents, past experiences, or the reputation of the title company.
Lender’s Role: In some cases, the lender may have a preferred title company, particularly if the lender is providing financing for the purchase. While the lender cannot force the buyer or seller to use a specific title company, they may recommend one, and their input can influence the decision.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Title Company
Whether you’re a buyer, seller, or real estate professional, selecting the right title company is a significant decision. Here are some factors to consider:
Financial Strength: One critical aspect often overlooked when choosing a title company is its financial strength. A financially robust title company is better positioned to pay out claims should an issue arise after the sale is completed. Title insurance is only as reliable as the company backing it; therefore, choosing a title company with a strong financial standing ensures that they can fulfill their obligations, offering peace of mind to all parties involved.
Reputation: The reputation of the title company is paramount. A company with a strong track record, positive reviews, and a history of successful transactions is likely to provide a smoother experience.
Experience: The complexity of real estate transactions requires a title company with extensive experience. Look for a company that has been in business for several years and has handled a variety of transactions.
Customer Service: Exceptional customer service is crucial in real estate transactions, which can be stressful and time-sensitive. A title company that is responsive, communicative, and willing to go the extra mile can make a significant difference.
Local Knowledge: A title company with deep knowledge of the local real estate market and laws can provide invaluable insight and guidance throughout the transaction process.
Why Republic Title Is the Preferred Partner in North Texas
When it comes to choosing a title company in Texas, Republic Title stands out as the preferred partner for many buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals. As a full-service title insurance company, Republic Title handles the transfer of title for real estate transactions with the utmost care, professionalism, and integrity. Their mission is to provide value to every customer through proven experience, dedicated service, and lasting relationships.
Republic Title’s commitment to exceptional, responsive customer service is unsurpassed. With a track record of success and a reputation built on trust, Republic Title ensures that every real estate transaction is handled with the highest level of expertise. Moreover, Republic Title’s strong financial foundation guarantees their ability to pay claims, providing additional security to their customers. Their deep understanding of the North Texas market, combined with their extensive experience in handling both residential and commercial transactions, makes them the go-to choice for title services in the region.
The real estate market across Collin, Dallas, Denton, Rockwall, and Tarrant counties showed varied trends in September.
Collin County experienced a significant increase in both new listings (up 21.7%) and active listings (up 49%) from the prior year, though the average sales price dropped by 3%, with closed sales seeing a notable rise of 7.8%.
In Dallas County, new listings were up by 11% and active listings by 39%, while the average sales price increased 3.4%, but closed sales fell by 2.1%.
Denton County also saw gains in new listings (up 13.5%) and active listings (up 33.2%), though closed sales dropped sharply by 11.9%, with a modest increase in average sales price of 1.1%.
In Rockwall County, new listings rose by 12.5%, and active listings by 35.5%, while average sales prices increased by 1.4%, but closed sales were down 4.3%.
Tarrant County was the only area to see a slight decline in new listings (down 1.7%), though active listings rose 26.3%, and while average sales prices were up by 2.9%, closed sales decreased by 7%.
The Fall market of this year should be an interesting time. Remember Republic Title is here to help!
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.
All measurements are calculated using seasonally adjusted data, and percentage changes are calculated month-over-month, unless stated otherwise.
August saw a fall in home sales and a continued rise in building permits. New listings increased almost 14 percent, driven largely by the Houston metro recovering after Hurricane Beryl. The storm did not have the same degree of impact on sales. Home prices fell slightly to $335,494.
Sales Dip, New Listings Bounce Back
After bouncing back in July, statewide seasonally adjusted home sales dropped 6.2 percent month-over-month (MOM), resulting in 24,948 homes sold (Table 1). Dallas had the largest decrease among the Big Four at 10.4 percent (6,858), followed by Houston at 4.4 percent (6,628) and San Antonio at 4 percent (2,622). Austin was the only one among the Big Four to have an increase in August (2.7 percent), resulting in 2,267 homes sold.
The number of new listings increased by over 5,500, marking a 13.8 percent rise from July, in large part due to Hurricane Beryl. New listings plummeted the week of Hurricane Beryl with the following weeks making up for the decline. This increase spilled over into August, when new listings normally are in decline following the peak months of June and July. Houston saw a substantial increase of 44.9 percent (14,098), followed by Austin at 27 percent (3,543) and Dallas at 12.5 percent (11,349). San Antonio had the smallest addition among the Big Four, with a 5.8 percent increase (4,060).
The state’s average days on market (DOM) increased by one day to 61 days. Dallas had the largest increase—from 52 to 55 days, a 7 percent increase. Similarly, Austin increased from 68 to 70 days. Houston and San Antonio both rose by one day and are currently at 52 and 74 days on market, respectively.
Texas’ number of active listings increased from 116,294 to 120,129 (3.3 percent). Active listings across the Big Four rose in August with Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston increasing by 4.3 percent (26,835), 1.5 percent (14,093), and 3.5 percent (28,456), respectively, while Austin rose by 0.1 percent (11,519).
Statewide pending listings have begun increasing with 1,368 additional pending listings in August. The pending listings across the Big Four have been mixed with Houston (7,294) and Austin (2,616) increasing by 18.6 and 15 percent, respectively. Meanwhile, San Antonio (2,235) and Dallas (6,170) declined by 20 percent and 14.7 percent, respectively.
Interest Rates on the Decline
Treasury and mortgage rates both declined in August but at a much faster rate than the month before. The average ten-year U.S. Treasury Bond yield fell 38 basis points to 3.87 percent. The Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation’s 30-year fixed-rate fell by 35 basis points to 6.5 percent.
Single-Family Permits Grow at a Slower Pace
Statewide, building permits increased at a lower rate in August, up 1.59 percent MOM after a 29 percent increase in July. Houston grew by 7.3 percent and Dallas by 2.2 percent. Austin and San Antonio, on the other hand, fell by 8.1 and 7.3 percent, respectively.
Single-family construction starts grew after monthly declines since March 2024. Seasonally adjusted statewide single-family starts increased by 8 percent MOM to 13,564 units. Houston and Austin rose by 20 and 17 percent, respectively, while San Antonio increased by comparatively less (2.5 percent). Meanwhile, Dallas decreased by 0.6 percent.
The state’s total value of single-family starts climbed from $20.28 billion in August 2023 to $26.13 billion in August 2024. Houston accounted for 35.7 percent of the state’s total starts value followed by Dallas with 27.1 percent.
Home Price Dip Slightly
Texas’ median home price fell 0.2 percent MOM in August from $336,109 to $335,494 (Table 2). Houston fell by 2.7 percent to $331,510 while Dallas rose by 2.2 percent to $396,654. Austin fell the most among the Big Four, by 2.8 percent to $435,915. San Antonio fell by 1.3 percent to $306,698.
The Texas Repeat Sales Home Price Index (Jan 2005=100), which is a more accurate reflection of home price changes, fell 0.5 percent MOM in August but increased 1.1 percent year over year (YOY). Austin’s annual appreciation remains below the state’s average and fell by 3.9 percent YOY in August.
