Author: Janine Brissie, REALTOR

  • New Listings Rise as Summer Comes to a Close

    New Listings Rise as Summer Comes to a Close

    As we say goodbye to summer, I’m seeing an uptick in new home listings—up 1.2%, reaching a three-month high. Yet at the same time, pending sales have dipped by 1.3%, marking their lowest level since March. The median asking price has nudged down 0.1%, even though the median sale price is still 1.8% higher than this time last year. These numbers reflect the balancing act between higher mortgage rates and the uncertainty many feel about the economy right now.

    With 13 years as a REALTOR in Garland, I’ve learned how much a shifting market can impact every buyer and seller, whether it’s your first home or your next investment. My background in education and counseling means I’m always focused on making sure you understand the landscape and feel truly supported in your decisions. No matter where you are in your real estate journey, thoughtful guidance and creative solutions can make all the difference—especially when the market keeps us on our toes.

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  • Texas Housing Supply, Looking Ahead

    As someone who has guided hundreds of clients through finding homes in Garland and across the DFW area, I’ve seen firsthand how quickly the Texas housing landscape is changing. Between 2020 and 2025, Texas saw its housing units rise by about 11%—jumping from around 11.6 million to nearly 12.8 million. That’s an increase of roughly 1.26 million units, the largest numeric gain of any state. What sets Texas apart isn’t just the size of this growth, but the pace: our state’s housing supply expanded almost twice as fast as the national average, and we ranked third nationwide in percentage growth. These numbers reflect the steady influx of new residents and the rapid development happening all around us.

    For buyers and sellers alike, this surge brings both opportunities and new questions—about infrastructure, affordability, and the services our neighborhoods need to keep up. My background as a teacher and counselor comes in handy as I help clients navigate what this means for their next move, whether you’re a first-time buyer, a growing family, or an investor keeping an eye on the big picture.

  • Garland Lands in Texas First-Home Top Three

    As someone who’s helped hundreds of folks find their footing in Garland and the greater DFW area, I’m not surprised to see Garland recognized as one of Texas’ top three most desirable spots for first-time homebuyers. Garland consistently stands out for practical reasons: it offers a true entry point into the North Texas market, connects you with the Dallas-Fort Worth economy, and boasts neighborhoods with real character and convenient transit options. For those weighing their options—especially first-timers—the city strikes a balance between affordability and access to major job centers. That said, competition here is real: well-priced homes move quickly, and with many properties a bit older, setting aside a budget for updates is smart. I see many buyers navigating tradeoffs right now—like home size, commute, and possible renovations—and Garland’s popularity really speaks to those priorities. After 13 years guiding clients through these decisions, I can say: preparation and perspective make all the difference.

  • Wylie – Most Expensive Homes of August 2026

    Curious about the top-tier homes making waves in Wylie this August? Here’s a look at the most expensive properties currently on the market, with prices ranging from $890,000 all the way up to $1,370,000. Whether you’re an investor tracking high-value opportunities or a family imagining life in one of these stunning spaces, knowing what’s out there can help you make sense of your next step. With over a decade spent guiding clients through the DFW market—and a background in education that helps me break down even the most complex decisions—I believe that understanding these local trends is key to feeling confident in your real estate journey. If you have questions about how these listings might shape your own plans, I’m always here to help you navigate the details.

  • Garland – Most Expensive Homes of August 2026

    Every month, I keep a close eye on Garland’s most notable home listings—and August 2026 brings a fascinating range at the top end of the market. From $3.6 million estates to beautifully finished homes in the $700,000s, this month’s 15 most expensive properties showcase the incredible variety our city offers. I’ve found that each of these listings tells a different story—whether it’s a sprawling custom build perfect for a growing family, or a sleek modern home ready for an investor’s next move. If you’re curious about what sets these properties apart, or simply want to understand where your own home fits into Garland’s real estate landscape, I’m always happy to help break down the numbers and what they mean for your next step. With 13 years guiding buyers, sellers, and investors in Garland, I know how to turn complex market data into clear choices that fit real lives.

  • Garland – Most Affordable Homes of August 2026

    Every August, I love sharing a snapshot of Garland’s most affordable homes—because finding a place that truly fits your life shouldn’t feel impossible. Here’s a look at 15 listings for August 2026, all sorted by price, starting at $102,500 and topping out at $185,000. Whether you’re a first-time buyer taking those first brave steps, a family searching for the right neighborhood, or considering a new chapter, these options reflect the range our community offers. Over 13 years in the Garland and DFW real estate market, I’ve helped people from all walks of life navigate choices just like these—breaking down the details and helping each client feel confident in their decisions. If you’re curious about any of these listings or how to approach a purchase in this price range, let’s make sense of it together.

  • Wylie – Most Affordable Homes of August 2026

    Every month, I get questions from clients who want to know where the most affordable homes are—and August 2026 in Wylie is offering some solid options. For those looking to make a move without overstretching, here’s a snapshot of the top 15 listings, all under $300,000:

    1. Listing 21368523 — $210,000
    2. Listing 21349337 — $218,000
    3. Listing 21353131 — $245,000
    4. Listing 21310239 — $260,000
    5. Listing 21350696 — $262,000
    6. Listing 21310762 — $265,000
    7. Listing 21341730 — $265,000
    8. Listing 21352317 — $267,000
    9. Listing 21261054 — $277,500
    10. Listing 21357142 — $286,000
    11. Listing 21373354 — $297,000
    12. Listing 21359399 — $299,000
    13. Listing 21259022 — $299,999
    14. Listing 21343599 — $299,999
    15. Listing 21361783 — $299,999

    After 13 years guiding buyers through the Garland and DFW markets, I’ve seen how the right information can turn anxiety into confidence—especially when affordability is key. Whether you’re buying your first place, downsizing, or adding to your portfolio, having up-to-date, honest numbers makes all the difference. If you have questions about how these homes might fit your life, I’m always happy to talk through the options and make the process feel a little less overwhelming.

  • Texas survey identifies top cities for first homes

    Texas survey identifies top cities for first homes

    If you’re thinking about where to buy your first home in Texas, a recent survey highlights New Braunfels, Temple, and Garland as standout options. Each city brings something unique to the table. New Braunfels, set between Austin and San Antonio, comes with a higher price tag but plenty of appeal. Temple is known for its quiet streets and affordability—a great combination for buyers watching their budgets. And then there’s Garland: right here in the DFW area, it offers competitive prices and easy access to everything Dallas-Fort Worth has to offer. I’ve spent over a decade guiding buyers through Garland’s neighborhoods, helping them weigh what matters most—budget, location, and community feel. Whether you’re just starting out or simply curious about your options, knowing how each city stacks up can make the process feel less overwhelming.

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  • First-Time Buyer Tips: Buy Smarter in Garland

    First-Time Buyer Tips: Buy Smarter in Garland

    One of the first conversations I have with first-time buyers in Garland always centers on setting a realistic budget. It’s not just about what the bank says you qualify for—it’s about reviewing your income, debts, savings, and monthly expenses so you land on a price range that truly fits your life. With 13 years of guiding buyers through these decisions, I’ve seen how a thoughtful approach here can make the rest of your home search so much smoother. It’s all about making sure your next step feels both smart and comfortable.

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  • Collin County Market Update

    Here’s a quick update on Collin County’s real estate market. Homes are taking a bit longer to sell, and the number of available houses remains similar to last year. Fewer homes are changing hands overall.