Modernest Realty Top FAQs – Buyers, Sellers & Investors

1. How do I know if I’m ready to buy a house in Dallas?

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make, so it’s important to make sure you’re ready. In general, you’re financially prepared when you have a stable income, manageable debt, and savings for both a down payment and closing costs. Many buyers in Dallas put down anywhere between 3%–20% depending on their loan program, so having cash reserves is key.

Another sign you’re ready is getting pre-approved for a mortgage. A pre-approval shows sellers that a lender has verified your income, credit, and assets, and gives you a clear picture of what you can afford in today’s Dallas real estate market. If you’re still renting, it’s also worth comparing whether monthly mortgage payments would be similar to or lower than rent in your area — which is often the case in DFW due to its competitive housing options.

At Modernest Realty, we guide first-time buyers through this process step by step, ensuring you’re not just financially ready, but also confident in making such an important investment. Schedule an appointment to get. Learn more about how we support buyers here: Buyer Services

2. How much money do I need for a down payment on a home in DFW?

The amount you’ll need for a down payment depends on your financing. In the Dallas–Fort Worth area, conventional loans typically require 5–20%, while FHA loans allow down payments as low as 3.5%. If you qualify for VA or USDA loans, you may not need a down payment at all.

Beyond the down payment, buyers should also plan for closing costs — usually around 2–5% of the purchase price — which cover lender fees, title insurance, and escrow services. Some sellers are willing to contribute toward closing costs, especially if negotiated strategically by your agent.

Our team at Modernest Realty works with trusted lenders across Dallas-Fort Worth who can walk you through loan options and find the right fit for your budget and goals. Learn more about how we support buyers here: Buyer Services

3. What’s the best time of year to sell my home in Dallas?

The Dallas housing market stays active year-round, but historically, spring and early summer see the most buyer activity. Families often want to move before the next school year begins, which drives demand and sometimes higher offers. That said, inventory also rises during this time, which means there is more competition.

Fall and winter can be just as strong for sellers who want less competition. Serious buyers are always in the market, and in DFW’s fast-growing economy, homes sell in every season. In fact, if you position your property correctly with the right pricing, staging, and marketing, you can attract motivated buyers at any time of year.

At Modernest Realty, we specialize in analyzing local market data by neighborhood so you know the best window to list based on your specific property and goals. Learn more about how we help sellers succeed here: Seller Services

4. How can I sell my home fast in Dallas-Fort Worth?

If your goal is to sell quickly, the strategy is just as important as the price. The first step is accurate pricing — too high and your home will sit, too low and you may leave money on the table, or attract multiple buyers to bid the price up. Our agents use the comparative market analysis (CMA) to find the sweet spot.

Second, presentation is everything. Professional photography, staging, and creating a move-in-ready look can significantly shorten time on the market. Buyers in Dallas respond well to updated kitchens, fresh paint, and curb appeal.

Finally, marketing makes the difference. At Modernest Realty, we use premium digital marketing, targeted social media campaigns, and curated open houses to put your property in front of the right buyers fast. This comprehensive approach has helped us close premium and luxury listings in record time. Learn more about how we help sellers succeed here: Seller Services

5. Is Dallas-Fort Worth a good market for real estate investment?

Yes — the DFW metroplex remains one of the strongest real estate investment markets in the U.S. Population growth, a thriving job market, and strong rental demand make it attractive to both local and out-of-state investors.

Investors have opportunities in single-family rentals, multifamily units, fix-and-flip properties, and probate/estate sales, which can sometimes be acquired below market value. Rental demand stays strong, with DFW consistently ranking among the top U.S. metros for in-migration and job creation.

At Modernest Realty, we help investors evaluate potential properties using key metrics like cash flow, cap rate, and ROI, while also guiding them through local market trends, zoning, and resale opportunities. Whether you’re a first-time investor or growing your portfolio, Dallas offers diverse and profitable real estate options.

6. Do I need a probate real estate agent in Dallas, or can any REALTOR® handle it?

While any licensed REALTOR® can technically list a probate property, probate and inherited property sales require specialized knowledge. From navigating court approvals to handling multiple heirs, probate real estate is not a standard transaction. A misstep could cause delays, legal complications, or even financial loss for the estate.

That’s why choosing an agent who specializes in probate sales in Dallas Fort Worth matters. At Modernest Realty, we specialize in probate and inherited real estate sales. We’ve helped families through the unique challenges of selling inherited homes, from coordinating estate sales and property clean-outs to ensuring the proper paperwork is completed to get the property sold. Because we’ve walked this path ourselves, we know how to make it easier for you. Learn more about how we support families navigating probate sales here: Probate Services

General FAQs

How do I know if I’m ready to buy a house?
You’re financially ready when you have a stable income, manageable debt, and enough savings for a down payment and closing costs. A mortgage pre-approval is also a key step in knowing your buying power.

How much money do I need for a down payment?
Typical down payments range from 3% to 20%, depending on your loan type. Some programs (FHA, VA, Conventional) allow lower down payments or even zero down.

What’s the difference between pre-qualified and pre-approved?
Pre-qualification is an estimate based on self-reported info, while pre-approval is a verified loan amount based on your credit, income, and assets. Sellers take pre-approval more seriously.

Should I buy a home or wait?
This depends on your finances, lifestyle, and the market. Our REALTORS® can analyze current Dallas/Fort Worth trends and help you weigh the cost of renting versus buying.

How long does it take to buy a home?
On average, it takes 30–45 days to close and fund after an accepted offer, though timelines can vary depending on inspections, appraisals, and financing.

What’s the best time of year to sell my home?
Spring and early summer are typically the time of year when the most buyers are looking to move, but with the right pricing and marketing, homes sell year-round in DFW.

How can I sell my home fast?
Proper pricing, professional staging, high-quality photos, and strong marketing are key. At Modernest Realty, we specialize in deploying our strategic marketing and selling campaigns that shorten the time on market.

Do I need to make repairs before selling?
Not always. Some repairs bring strong ROI, while others aren’t worth it. A pre-listing consultation helps prioritize updates that matter most to buyers.

What costs should I expect when selling my home?
Typical costs include agent commissions, closing costs, possible repairs, and staging. These average 6–10% of the sale price.

Is Dallas-Fort Worth a good market for real estate investment?
Yes — DFW remains one of the fastest-growing regions in the U.S., with strong demand for both rental and resale properties.

What types of properties are best for investment in DFW?
Single-family rentals, multifamily units, and fix-and-flip homes are most popular and exhibit strong demand from renters and buyers, alike. Probate and estate sales can also present unique buying opportunities.

How do I calculate ROI on an investment property?
Investors look at metrics like cash-on-cash return, cap rate, and net operating income. A REALTOR® on our team can help analyze potential properties before you buy.

Should I use a REALTOR® for investing, or find deals myself?
Working with a REALTOR® gives you access to MLS data, market insights, and negotiation expertise, helping you avoid costly mistakes.

What are closing costs, and who pays them?
Closing costs include lender fees, title insurance, escrow fees, and taxes. Buyers typically pay most, but sellers often cover certain portions depending on negotiations.

How do I choose the right real estate agent?
Look for experience, local market knowledge, clear communication, and a proven track record of success. At Modernest Realty, we guide buyers, sellers, and investors across Dallas–Fort Worth with a personalized approach that meets each client’s unique needs — whether you’re purchasing your first home, upgrading, downsizing, or expanding your investment portfolio.

Can I buy or sell a house without a REALTOR® ?
Yes, but it’s risky. Real estate agents handle pricing, marketing, contracts, negotiations, and compliance — ensuring a smoother, more profitable transaction.

What’s the difference between contingent and pending in real estate?
“Contingent” means the home is under contract but with conditions (like financing or inspection). “Pending” means all conditions have been met and it’s close to closing.

How is the DFW housing market doing right now?
Market conditions shift often, with trends in inventory, prices, and interest rates. Modernest Realty provides updated insights to help clients time their move strategically.

What are commission fees and why are they charged?
Commission fees are the payment made to your real estate agent for their professional services in helping you navigate the real estate process with your home. They typically cover the real estate agent’s time, professional expertise, administrative assistance, marketing, negotiations, showings, contracts, and transaction management. At Modernest Realty, commission fees ensure you get expert guidance, maximum exposure for your property, and a smooth, stress-free process from listing/touring to closing.

How can I get a free estimate of my home's worth?
You can get a free home value estimate HERE from Modernest Realty. We look at recent sales, local trends, and the unique features of your property to give you a realistic idea of your home’s market value. This service is complimentary and helps you make informed decisions about selling.

What happens if there are multiple heirs who disagree on selling the home?

If heirs cannot agree, the executor (or the court) may step in to make a decision. In some cases, one heir may buy out the others, or the court may order the sale of the property and split the proceeds. Unfortunately, disagreements can cause long delays and strain family relationships. Our probate savvy REALTORS® have seen this many times in Dallas–Fort Worth. Because we’ve been through it, we know how important it is to handle disagreements with both professional expertise and compassion. We provide market data, options for fair buyouts, and estate sale solutions to help families reach agreements faster. Our goal is to reduce conflict and keep the process moving forward.

Can I sell a house before probate is completed in Texas?

In Texas, you can finalize the sale of a house before probate is completed. Probate is the legal process of settling an estate, which includes transferring ownership of real estate.

How long does it take to sell a house in probate in Texas?

The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the estate, but on average, a probate home sale in Texas takes 3–6 months. This includes time for the court to validate the will, approve the executor, and consecrate the property transfer. If heirs are in disagreement or if there are debts tied to the property, the process could take longer.

Do all heirs have to agree to sell an inherited property in Dallas–Fort Worth?

Yes, in most cases all heirs with ownership rights must agree before a property can be sold. This often becomes one of the biggest hurdles in probate sales—especially when siblings or family members have different opinions about keeping or selling the home. If one heir refuses to cooperate, the sale could be delayed or even blocked until the court steps in.