HOMES

Dallas-Fort Worth home prices rise a little in latest survey

The Dallas-Fort Worth area continued to eke out slight home price gains in the fourth quarter, while nationwide prices were down 5.8 percent – the biggest quarterly drop on record – the National Association of Realtors said.
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A front door that draws you in

Buyers are dressing up their front doors to boost the curb appeal and the functionality of new homes.

Some Dallas townhouses attract buyers but other projects die

A surplus of unsold townhouses in some close-in Dallas neighborhoods has caused developers to pull the plug on a few deals. But some projects are moving ahead and still attracting buyers.

Residential care homes provide more intimate setting for frail seniors

A growing number of people looking at senior living communities are deciding that bigger isn’t necessarily better and are choosing smaller homes such as Lexington Place in North Dallas.

Countrywide expanding program to help subprime borrowers

Countrywide Financial Corp., under pressure to help stem growing home loan defaults, says it will expand programs to help borrowers manage their mortgage payments regardless of the type of subprime loan they have or whether they have already fallen behind on payments.

Formal living rooms are dying off

Formal living rooms are on the wane, as North Texas buyers focus on expanding the informal spaces of their homes for work or play. The formal living room has traditionally been at the front of a home, a showpiece to entertain visitors, said Karen Marti Hale, of Virginia Cook Realtors in Dallas. But many buyers are moving beyond "untouched" formal rooms and using the space as a game room, playroom, study or secondary bedroom.

Outdoor fireplaces bring warmth to open-air rooms

With outdoor fireplaces as their centerpieces, alfresco rooms are the big thing in back yards.
Budget alternative: Firepits for your patio.

Celina prepares for huge growth

Changes are coming to Celina. While growth has slowed a little, many residents believe that the situation is temporary, as the economy adjusts, and that the town's location positions it for a bright future. Like nearby Prosper, Celina sits close to the planned extension of the Dallas North Tollway. An east-west tollway is also being considered. In addition, the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad runs the north-south length of the city's area for development.