Sarah Hampton - DFW Realtor

08/25/2026

🚨 DFW REAL ESTATE IS SHIFTING AND THE DATA IS STARTING TO GET INTERESTING.

If you’re waiting for someone to tell you whether Dallas–Fort Worth is a buyer’s market or a seller’s market…

That’s the wrong question.

Because right now, we’re seeing both sides of the market change at the same time.

Here’s what the newest DFW housing data shows:

📉 Active listings are DOWN 6.5% from a year ago.

📉 New listings are also down 4.2%.

🏡 The median asking price is basically flat at around $439,000.

✂️ But 28% of homes for sale have had a price reduction.

⏳ And homes are taking around 54 days to sell.

So what does that actually mean?

BUYERS:

You still have negotiating power.

There are sellers making price reductions.
Homes are taking longer to move.
And on the right property, there may be opportunities to negotiate price, repairs, closing costs or other concessions.

But here’s what I’m watching closely:

DFW inventory is now shrinking compared with last year.

If that continues especially if mortgage rates eventually improve buyer competition could increase.

So waiting for the “perfect” market may come with a tradeoff:

A better rate later could also mean more buyers competing against you.

SELLERS:

Lower inventory is encouraging.

But this is NOT permission to overprice your house.

Nearly 3 out of every 10 DFW listings have needed a price reduction.

Today’s buyers know the market.

The homes that are priced and positioned correctly can move.

The ones trying to force yesterday’s price are sitting.

And Fort Worth is showing signs of price stabilization, not a runaway rebound.

That’s the real DFW story right now:

👉 Inventory is tightening.
👉 Prices overall are relatively stable.
👉 Buyers still have negotiating opportunities.
👉 Sellers still have to get the price right.

This isn’t 2021.

And it isn’t a housing crash.

It’s a market in transition.

And in a market like this, your ZIP code, price range and neighborhood matter a lot more than the national headline.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling anywhere in DFW, comment “DFW” or DM me your area.

I’ll tell you what the market is actually doing where YOU live.

08/18/2026

Cheers to another month of doing what I love. 🥂🏡

Another month of opening doors, building relationships, celebrating new beginnings, and helping people find the place that feels like HOME.

I’ll never take for granted that my clients trust me to be part of such an important chapter in their lives.

Here’s to new keys, new memories, new chapters, and helping even more people find their way home. 🤍

08/18/2026

POV: You found a home you’re excited to see… and your Realtor tells you there’s an agreement that needs to be signed first. 🏡🤍

I understand why that can feel like a big step, especially when we’ve only just met.

Here’s what I want buyers to know: this isn’t about pressuring you into working with me. There are now requirements surrounding written buyer agreements before private showings, and as Realtors, we’re navigating these changes right alongside our clients.

My goal is to make the process feel clear, comfortable, and personal… not transactional.

Before you sign anything, I want to explain the agreement, what it means for you, how I’ll represent you, and what you can expect from me. Ask me every question you have. I want you to understand what you’re signing and feel confident before moving forward.

And if we haven’t met yet? Let me buy you a cup of coffee. ☕️ Or we can schedule a Zoom call.

I want to hear about you, your goals, your timeline, what “home” looks like to you, and what you need from the person representing you. And I want you to know me, too: how I work, what I bring to the table, and the passion I have for helping my clients find the place where their next chapter begins.

Because I’m not here just to unlock a door.

I’m here to advocate for you, educate you, protect your interests, negotiate for you, and walk beside you from that first showing all the way to the closing table.

Yes, the rules have changed, and we’re navigating them together. But the heart of what I do hasn’t changed at all.

It’s about relationships.
It’s about trust.
And it’s about helping you find HOME. 🏡🤍

08/06/2026

Two happy sellers are starting exciting new chapters! 🥂

This past week, I had the privilege of helping two wonderful clients close one chapter and begin another.

One traded a traditional home for a downtown “lock-and-leave” condo, choosing a lifestyle with less maintenance and more freedom to travel and enjoy this next season of life.

The other, after years of owning multiple properties, decided it was time to simplify and settle near the beach in the states, creating the flexibility to spend more time at their home in Brazil. 🌴

Real estate is about so much more than buying and selling homes. Helping my clients maximize their investments while also helping them find the lifestyle that fits their next chapter is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do. Congratulations to both of these wonderful sellers on their exciting new adventures! 🎉

07/28/2026

I’ve been asked this question a lot lately:

“With rates so high, how does that translate into being able to come in with an offer far under asking price?”

Here’s the answer:

Higher interest rates have reduced the pool of qualified buyers, which means many homes are staying on the market longer. When a property has been listed for an extended period, has had price reductions, or comparable sales support a lower value, sellers are often more open to negotiating.

That said, higher rates don’t automatically mean sellers are willing to accept a lowball offer. Every home and every seller is different.

I’ve also seen inventory increase in many parts of the DFW market, giving buyers more options and, in many cases, more negotiating leverage.

One thing many buyers overlook is that the best negotiation isn’t always just the purchase price. We can negotiate seller-paid closing costs and/or a rate buydown that will often have a much bigger impact on your monthly payment than simply getting a few thousand dollars off the sales price. (The amount a seller can contribute depends on the loan program and purchase price.)

At the end of the day, the best strategy depends on your goals, the property’s market position, condition, comparable sales, and the seller’s motivation. That’s where having an experienced agent who knows how to negotiate can make all the difference.

If you’re wondering what kind of leverage you have in today’s DFW market, let’s talk. Every situation is different, and having the right strategy matters. 🔑

07/08/2026

🚨 Texas Stock Exchange Officially Launches in Dallas! 📈

The Texas Stock Exchange (TXSE) has officially opened in Dallas, marking a significant step in Texas’ efforts to build a stronger financial presence and compete with established markets like the NYSE and Nasdaq.

It’s beginning with a phased rollout: test trades and initial operations are underway, with broader trading, corporate listings, and future IPO/ETF opportunities expected in the coming months. Backed by major investors, TXSE is headquartered in Dallas as a fully electronic national securities exchange.

Supporters believe this will boost Texas’ economy by attracting businesses, creating jobs, and positioning the state as a key financial hub. It remains to be seen how much it will challenge Wall Street long-term, but it’s a notable development for economic growth in the Lone Star State.

What are your thoughts on this for Texas’ future? (“Y’all Street”)

06/24/2026

One of the biggest mistakes buyers make is shopping by price instead of payment.

That's why getting pre-approved is always my recommended first step.

A home's purchase price is only one piece of the puzzle. Your monthly payment is made up of principal, interest, taxes, insurance, HOA dues (if applicable), and your interest rate can dramatically impact what feels comfortable month to month.

Just because a lender approves you for a certain amount doesn't mean that's what you should spend.

My job isn't to sell my clients the most expensive house they can qualify for. My job is to help them find a home that fits their life, their goals, and a monthly payment they can comfortably live with.

Before we start touring homes, I want to know:
✔️ What payment feels comfortable?
✔️ What lifestyle do you want to maintain?
✔️ What financial goals do you have beyond buying a house?

When we start with the payment, the right price point usually finds itself.

06/24/2026

Looking for a last-minute lake getaway this summer? ☀️🌊

You don't have to leave Texas to find waterfront views, boating, fishing, and the perfect place to unplug for a few days. From Cedar Creek Lake and Lake Texoma to Possum Kingdom and Richland-Chambers, some of the state's best lake destinations are just a short drive from DFW. Many even have restaurants, golf courses, marinas, and vacation rentals that make for an easy weekend escape.

Whether you're dreaming of a relaxing retreat or wondering what lake life could look like full-time, this guide from D Magazine is worth a read!

When you can work from home, why not have a home with a boat dock? Lake houses are becoming full-time residences, as more city dwellers realize they might as well work by the water. Here are some of your options.