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Spotlight on Lewisville

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.

Lewisville is a thriving city located in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Known for its beautiful lake, Lewisville Lake, the city offers a range of outdoor recreational activities, including boating, fishing, and hiking. With a diverse community, a vibrant arts scene, and a variety of shopping and dining options, Lewisville provides residents with a blend of suburban comfort and urban amenities.

Head to our website now to get all the details you need to stay up-to-date and in-the-know about your local neighborhood. Your community is waiting for you! republictitle.com/dfw-area-city-fast-facts

POPULATION

113K

AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD INCOME

$83K

MEDIAN AGE

33

HOUSING

43% OWN
58% RENT

AVERAGE SALES PRICE

$463K

AREA ACTIVITIES & FEATURES

• HAWAIIAN FALLS WATER PARK
• INTERSKATE ROLLER RINK
• LAKE PARK GOLF CLUB
• LEWISVILLE COMMUNITY THEATRE
• LEWISVILLE LAKE
• LEWISVILLE LAKE ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING AREA
• OLD TOWN LEWISVILLE
• THE LAKES AT CASTLE HILLS | GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
• THE TRIBUTE GOLF CLUB

FAVORITE LOCAL DINING & DRINK SPOTS

• 4THIRTEEN KITCHEN & SPORTS LOUNGE
• 54TH STREET RESTAURANT & DRAFTHOUSE
• 1845 TASTE TEXAS
• BAJA RITA’S
• BENDT DISTILLING CO.
• J2 STEAKHOUSE
• LARUE WINERY
• PARMA PASTA & PIZZA
• STARWOOD DINER
• THE PERC COFFEE HOUSE
• ZION MARKET
• ZOCADOS

FAVORITE LOCAL SHOPPING

• BEASLEY’S FINE JEWLERY
• FLOURISH FLOWERS & GIFTS
• MAIN STREET MERCANTILE
• ODIN LEATHER GOODS
• SPARROW & CO.

AVERAGE DRIVE TIMES

• DOWNTOWN DALLAS | 27 MINUTES
• DALLAS LOVE FIELD AIRPORT | 25 MINUTES
• DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT | 15 MINUTES
• AT&T STADIUM & GLOBE LIFE FIELD | 30 MINUTES
• DOWNTOWN FORT WORTH | 36 MINUTES

**Print Version

Welcome Christine Wunderlich To Our North Dallas Office

We are thrilled to introduce Christine Wunderlich as the newest Escrow Officer at our North Dallas office! With almost 3 years of escrow support experience at Republic Title, Christine is taking her talents to the closing table!
 
Christine works to create a seamless, personalized experience for every customer and agent in an effort to anticipate their needs and wants. Buying a home is a special experience, and she hopes to further their joy by making their Republic Title experience as good as possible. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors with her family, watching movies, and spending time at the tap-dancing studio.
 
Christine’s strong desire to serve others is right in line with our mission at Republic Title to add value to every customer we serve through proven experience, dedicated service and lasting relationships.
 
Please help us welcome Christine!
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2023 DFW Real Estate Year-End Stats at a Glance

Our third annual stats report of the DFW real estate market is here!

We’ve taken our monthly stats-at-a-glance reports from January through December of 2023, totaled, averaged, and compared the data to the numbers from 2022.  The result is an annual report of the DFW real estate market in 2023.  

For more stats information, pdfs and graphics of our stats including detailed information by MLS area and condo stats, visit the Resources section on our website at DFW Area Real Estate Statistics | Republic Title of Texas.

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February Class Calendar

Republic Title is pleased to offer a variety of continuing education classes for our customers. Join us in January for classes including:

RPR Mobile Rapid Rundown
Whether you’re scanning the MLS for the freshest listings, digging up off-market gems, or dishing out rapid-fire answers on property histories, valuations, and neighborhood schooling, RPR® Mobile has your back. This course is your ticket to mastering RPR’s® mobile application in the real-world hustle of property dealing.
February 6th
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Zoom

Maximize Productivity with ChatGPT
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.
February 7th
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Republic Title Southlake Office

Death, Divorce & Real Estate
Join us to learn important laws surrounding death and divorce such as separation, homestead issues, community property and probate.
February 7th
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Republic Title Frisco Office

Home Surveillance – Legal Issues
Join us for this class which focuses on the specifics of home surveillance and potential legal issues that arise from unlawful recordings of video or audio or both when an agent is showing a house or listing a house.
February 13th
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Zoom

Top Ten Contract Addenda
Join us to review 10 of the most commonly utilized TREC contract addenda including Third Party Financing Addendum, Addendum for Backup Contract and more. APPROVED TREC CONTRACT COURSE
February 13th
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Republic Title Preston Legacy Office

What to Expect from a Home Inspection
1. What an inspector does and does not inspect
2. Common defects or safety issues found in the home
3. How to prepare your clients for the home inspection
4. Limitations for a home inspection
5. Optional services that are offered
February 14th
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Republic Title Uptown Office

The Prospecting Game
If we are not prospecting we are dying and having a traceable, systematic approach to it will help organize and elevate your business. In this class, Shaun Neidigh, VP/Business Development will discuss an 8-week, step by step program and best practices that will surely elevate you to new heights in your business.
February 15th
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Republic Title Prosper Office

Backup, Contingent & Multiple Offers
APPROVED TREC CONTRACT COURSE
This class will prepare licensees to handle the unique aspects of backup, contingent and multiple offer transactions by reviewing pertinent TREC addenda along with critical dates and deadlines.
February 20th
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Zoom

Instagram Reels for Real Estate Agents
If you’re looking to connect with more buyers and sellers while growing your brand, then Instagram Reels could be for you. Reels is a powerful way to cast a larger net to grow your followers and to showcase your listings to a wider audience. In this course you will learn the quick and easy steps to create a reel and given examples of content ideas so you can get started today.
February 21st
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Republic Title Frisco Office

Free Tools to Supercharge Your Marketing
Check out our curated list of the real estate marketing resources you can start using today to supercharge all your marketing efforts, without emptying your bank account.
February 22nd
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Zoom

8 Ways to Elevate Your Business with Video
Video is changing the game in the world of real estate and if you are not careful you will be left behind. Having a simple yet effective video campaign to engage your sphere and reach new targets allows you as a realtor to concentrate on more revenue-producing activity. In this class with Shaun Neidigh, VP/Business Development we will explore 8 ways/topics that will add value to you and your business for the coming year.
February 22nd
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Republic Title Prosper

Maximize Productivity with ChatGPT
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.
February 27th
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Republic Title Preston Legacy Office

Escape Hatches for Buyers
APPROVED TREC CONTRACT COURSE
In this class licensees will become familiar with specific conditions & contingencies within the contract and related addenda that, if not adhered to, could result in a Buyer’s valid termination of the contract.
February 28th
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Republic Title Preston Uptown Office

Romantic-Restaurants

Romantic Restaurants in DFW

Looking for a romantic spot to celebrate Valentine’s Day in DFW? We’ve got you covered! Check out our list of charming restaurants perfect for a memorable evening. Whether you forgot to book or just need some fresh ideas, this guide will help you find the perfect place to wine and dine your special someone.

III Forks Prime Steakhouse
Chophouse & Seafood
Frisco

Bob’s Steak and Chop House
Chop & Steakhouse
Plano – Dallas – Grapevine – Fort Worth- Grapevine- McKinney

Boulevardier
Upscale French Bistro Fare
Dallas

Bugatti Ristorante
Italian Old- World Eatery
Dallas
bugattis.net                     

Dakota’s Steakhouse
Subterranean Seafood & Steakhouse
Frisco-Dallas
dakotasrestaraunt.com

Dee Lincoln Prime
Steakhouse & Sushi Bar
Frisco
deelincolnprime.com      

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle
Chophouse & Seafood
Plano- Frisco- Dallas- Irving-Fort Worth
Delfriscos.com                   

DragonFly
New American with Asian Influences
Dallas
Hotelzaza.com                   

Eddie’s Napolis
Homespun Italian & Pizza
Frisco- Garland- Prosper
Eddiesnapolisitalianrestaurant.com  

Fearing’s Restaurant
Elevated American with No Borders
Dallas
Fearingsrestaraunt.com              

Gemma
Cali- Inspired New American
Dallas
Gemmadallas.com                            

Harvest **ONLY OPEN FOR BRUNCH
Locally Sourced Seasonal American
Dallas
Harvesttx.com                                   

Jasper’s
Seasonal American Comfort Food
Richardson
Jaspersrichardson.com                  

Kai
Pan-Asian Dining
Plano
Kailegacywest.com                          

Lavendou Bistro
French Bistro with Provencal Fare
Dallas
Lavendou.com                                   

Lucia
Innovative Italian Fare
Dallas
Luciadallas.com                                 

Maguire’s Bistro and Bar
Steakhouse & Seafood
Dallas
Maguiresbistro.com 

Mercat Bistro
French Favorites & Parisian Style
Dallas
Mercatbistro.com 

Mio Nonno Trattoria
Updated Italian and Wood Fire Pizza
Allen- Flower Mound
Miononno.com 

Ocean Prime
Classic Steak & Seafood
Dallas
Ocean-prime.com 

Perry’s Steakhouse
Seafood & Chop House
Dallas- Frisco- Grapevine 

Rick’s Chophouse
Classic Steakhouse
McKinney
Rickschophouse.com

Rise No 1
French Classics & Souffles
Dallas
Risesouffle.com 

SER
Steakhouse with Prime Cuts & Seafood
Dallas
Sersteak.com 

Sixty Vines
New American Kitchen
Dallas
Sixtyvines.com 

Souk
Moraccan Street Eats
Dallas
Soukdallas.com 

The French Room
Fine French Dining
Dallas
Adolphus.com 

The Mansion Restaurant
New American Cuisine with Regional Flare
Dallas
Rosewoodhotels.com 

The Oceanaire Seafood Room
Seafood & Steakhouse
Dallas
Theoceanaire.com 

Terilli’s
Vibrant Italian Eatery
Dallas
Terillis.com 

Toulouse
French Bistro Classics
Dallas
Toulousecafeandbar.com 

Truluck’s
Seafood & Steakhouse
Dallas- Southlake
Trulucks.com 

Uchi
Modern Japanese Cuisine
Dallas
Uchi.uchirestaurants.com 

Yao Fuzi
Creative Chinese Cooking
Plano
Yaofuzi.com 

Zin Zen Wine Bistro
New American Bites
McKinney
Zinzenwine.com 

Il Calabrese
Italian Tuscan Cuisine
Southlake
Calabresetx.com 

Chez Fabien
French Cuisine
Grapevine
Chezfabienbistro.com 

Barley & Board
American Bar & Charcuterie
Denton- The Colony
Barleyandboard.com 

Texas American Steakhouse
Richardson
Thesonoftexas.com 

The Gin
American
Prosper
Theginprospertx.com 

Slide1

December 2023 DFW Real Estate Stats

In December 2023, real estate statistics across various counties showed mixed trends. In Collin County, new listings increased by 15%, active listings rose by 13.8%, and the average sales price went up by 3.5% to $569,839. However, there was a 2.1% increase in days on market, reaching 49 days. Price per square foot also saw a 5.8% uptick at $220, while closed sales experienced a slight decrease of 0.1%, totaling 1083.

Dallas County witnessed a 14.6% increase in new listings, with active listings up by 16.8%. The average sales price soared by 15.8% to $518,225, and the price per square foot rose by 7.1% to $225. Days on market increased significantly by 10.8%, reaching 42 days, while closed sales declined by 8.9%, totaling 1345.

Denton County reported a more modest increase in new listings at 2.9%, with active listings up by 2.5%. The average sales price grew by 4.7% to $549,571, and the price per square foot increased by 2.4%. Days on market experienced a 1.9% rise, averaging 54 days. However, closed sales saw a substantial decline of 16.2%, totaling 912.

Rockwall County saw a 7.7% increase in new listings, but total actives were down by 6.4%. The average sales price rose by 4.1% to $479,202, and the price per square foot increased by 1.1%. Days on market surged by 25.9%, averaging 73 days, while closed sales declined by 10.4%, totaling 164.

In Tarrant County, new listings decreased by 2.3%, but total active listings went up by 7.8%. The average sales price, price per square foot, and days on market increased by 1.1%, 1.1%, and 4.3%, respectively. Closed sales, however, experienced a notable decline of 10.2%, totaling 1534.

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.

For more stats information, pdfs and graphics of our stats including detailed information by county, visit the Resources section on our website at DFW Area Real Estate Statistics | Republic Title of Texas.

For the full report from the Texas A&M Real Estate Research Center, click here. For NTREIS County reports click here.

Katherine Montgomery Joins The North Dallas Office

Please help us welcome Katherine Montgomery, Senior Vice President/Branch Manager, to the Republic Title North Dallas office! 🌟
 
With over 25 years of dedicated experience in the title insurance industry, Katherine brings a wealth of knowledge, a commitment to excellence, and an unwavering dedication to customer service that has earned her a stellar reputation. We want to express our appreciation to North Dallas Branch Manager Denise Sherwood, who will continue to be a valuable presence in the office, working alongside Katherine during this transition period.
 
Welcome to the team Katherine!
uzfev5te

Tips From Republic Title for Understanding and Preventing Wire Fraud

Real estate transactions are significant financial undertakings, making them attractive targets for fraudsters. That’s why the Title Underwriting and Legal team at Republic Title is looking to protect its customers with these tips and consumer information.

Among the various types of fraud, wire fraud has become increasingly common in real estate transactions in recent years. While exact statistics can be hard to come by due to underreporting, the FBI reported in 2020 that victims lost over $200 million to real estate wire fraud alone. This significant sum underscores the scale of the problem.

How Wire Fraud Occurs

Wire fraud in real estate transactions often involves criminals attempting to manipulate the financial aspects of the transaction. Here’s how it typically happens:

1. Impersonation: Fraudsters may impersonate legitimate parties involved in the transaction, such as real estate agents, title company representatives, or even the buyers and sellers themselves. They send convincing emails or text messages that appear to be from these trusted sources.

2. False Wire Instructions: Once they’ve gained trust, the criminals send false wire instructions, either requesting a change in account details or directing the victim to wire funds to a fraudulent account. These instructions often contain convincing details about the transaction.

3. Urgency and Pressure: Scammers often use tactics that create a sense of urgency and pressure victims to act quickly, leaving them with little time to question the authenticity of the requests.

4. Lack of Verification: Victims may not independently verify the instructions due to the perception that they are dealing with trusted parties, relying solely on email or other electronic communication for confirmation.

Preventing Wire Fraud

Preventing wire fraud in real estate transactions requires vigilance and adherence to best practices:

1. Independent Verification: Always verify wire transfer instructions independently, ideally through a phone call using a previously provided phone number. Avoid relying solely on email communication or text messages, as it can be compromised. 

2. Secure Communication: Use secure and encrypted communication channels when sharing sensitive financial information. This ensures that your conversations remain confidential and protected from eavesdropping.

3. Education and Awareness: Stay informed about common wire fraud tactics and red flags. Look out for unusual or unexpected changes in wire instructions and urgent requests for funds. Encourage all parties involved in the transaction to do the same.

What to do if You Are The Victim

If you discover that funds have been transferred to a fraudulent account, contact your bank or the money transfer company immediately. Ask the bank or money transfer company to attempt a wire recall. Contact your local FBI, State Attorney General’s office, and the FTC to report the fraud. File a complaint, regardless of the dollar amount, with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov. Part of the mission of ic3 is to provide the public with a reliable and convenient reporting mechanism to submit information to the FBI concerning suspected criminal activity. Information is analyzed and used for investigative and intelligence law enforcement purposes and for public awareness. 

Wire fraud is a significant threat in real estate transactions due to the potential for substantial financial losses. Understanding how it occurs and implementing preventive measures is crucial to safeguarding your investments. By adopting independent verification, secure communication, education, and confirmation of contacts, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to wire fraud. Additionally, the Republic Title Underwriting and Legal team is available to answer your questions and be a resource for you in working towards a smooth closing. Republic Title’s team includes Matt Visinsky, Wade Bogdon, Jay Turner, Steve Holley, Scott Rooker, and Sarah Mann. 

Source: Candysdirt.com – Tips From Republic Title for Understanding and Preventing Wire Fraud – CandysDirt.com

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Social Media Content Planning

Have you been interested in upping your social media game but the prospect of planning your content seems overwhelming? Are you ready to have a more intentional marketing plan to reach your followers? Whatever your reason, we have put together a content calendar template to help you crush your social media goals this new year. Our content calendar has 30 days of great content ideas you can use as well as a longer list of items to help you brainstorm. Or use the second blank page to start building our your own custom content.

Click here to download the Content Calendar Worksheet

Important-Tax-Information-for-New-Homeowners

Tax Information for 2023 Home Buyers

It’s that time of year again! Please click the link below for a PDF that you can provide to your clients with important websites, phone numbers and instructions on how to file their exemptions.

Our goal at Republic Title is to provide you with helpful information that saves you time and assists you in building your real estate business.

Important Tax Exemption Information

1. Exemptions are a form of tax relief that can reduce the taxable value of your property.

Types of exemptions include:
     • Homestead
     • Disabled veteran
     • Over 65 years of age
     • Agricultural
     • Disabled individual

2. If you own and occupy your new home, it is your homestead and you likely qualify for a homestead exemption. This is the most common type of tax exemption.

3. When submitting an application for exemptions, you must submit a copy of your driver’s license. The address on your license must match the property address of the property you are filing the exemption for.

4. To apply for an exemption, the homeowner, in most cases, must be occupying the property as their homestead on January 1st of the tax year in which the exemption is granted. It may be possible to apply for an exemption sooner. Please reach out to your county appraisal district to confirm the date that you may apply.

5. It is free to file exemptions. The forms can be downloaded on the Central Appraisal District’s website for the county in which the property is located. Central Appraisal District contact information is listed below.

Collin County Central Appraisal District – 469.742.9200
Dallas County Central Appraisal District – 214.631.0520
Denton County Central Appraisal District – 940.349.3800
Ellis County Central Appraisal District – 972.937.3552
Grayson County Central Appraisal District – 903.893.9673
Hunt County Central Appraisal District – 903.454.3510
Johnson County Central Appraisal District – 817.648.3000
Kaufman County Central Appraisal District – 972.932.6081
Parker County Central Appraisal District – 817.596.0077
Rockwall County Central Appraisal District – 972.771.2034
Tarrant County Central Appraisal District – 817.284.0024