Dallas, TX

Local Market Monitor, a premier real estate forecasting company, has released its latest Home Price Forecast. Dallas-Plano-Irving and Fort Worth-Arlington areas are both in the top 10 housing markets for best expected performance.

The forecast surveys 300 U.S. housing markets and predicts market behavior over the next 12 months. It identifies markets where home prices will continue to drop as well as stable markets with opportunities for growth.

According to the forecast, among the largest US markets-identified as those with populations greater than 600,000-the 10 markets with the best expected performance in home price are:

Baton Rouge, LA
Buffalo-Niagara Falls, NY
Dallas-Plano-Irving, TX
Fort Worth-Arlington, TX
Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, TX
Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR
McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX
Oklahoma City, OK
Rochester, NY
San Antonio, TX
Syracuse, NY
Tulsa, OK
Wichita, KS

These top housing markets did not experience the housing booms seen in California, Nevada and Florida a few years ago. Home prices in these areas are generally below the US average and reflect where the recession has so far had a relatively mild impact. Steady economic growth and price appreciation have helped these markets remain stable.

While the Dallas News is reporting Dallas-Fort Worth home prices have fallen to 1990 levels, the latest report from the Brookings Institution reports the Dallas-Fort Worth area is one of the top three housing markets in the country.

Dallas-Fort Worth ranked third among metro areas that have been least affected by falling home prices.

The Brookings report is based on the Federal Housing Finance Agency's quarterly House Price Index, which tracks values of homes mortgaged by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and is part of a comprehensive nationwide study on the economic health of metropolitan areas nationwide.

According to the price index, Dallas-Fort Worth home prices increased slightly in the first quarter of 2009 compared with those in the first quarter of 2008.

According to Brookings, 38 of the top 100 metro areas avoided home price declines over the last year, while prices nationwide dipped 6 percent.

Best U.S. Housing Markets:

1. Houston, TX

2. Buffalo, NY

3. Dallas Fort Worth, TX

4. Wichita, KS

5. Greenville, SC

Worst U.S. Housing Markets:

1. Stockton, CA

2. Las Vegas, NV

3. Modesto, CA

4. Riverside, CA

5. Cape Coral, FL

A million questions arise when you consider buying a Dallas home. Many buyers don't want to have to talk with a Realtor in the beginning stages and look for answers online. You've got questions and we've got answers. TexasHomeCentral.com is the most comprehensive website for Dallas home buyers!!

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I am always available to answer your questions, but visit TexasHomeCentral.com as often as you like. When you are ready, I am here to help you buy the Dallas home of your dreams.

In a year when many municipalities are being forced to cancel their fireworks celebrations for budgetary reasons, it's wonderful that Dallas' celebration will be better than ever! Join us on Saturday, July 4, in Dallas, as Dr Pepper Snapple Group once again sponsors Fair Park Fourth, Dallas' Independence Day celebration.

Beginning at 4:30 P.M. everyone can enjoy family style fun at the park including riding the Skyway Ride ($5/person) or the Swan Boats ($10/boat) and Free admission to many of Fair Park’s museums from 4:30 to 7:30 P.M. At 7:00 P.M., start making your way to the recently renovated Cotton Bowl to enjoy a patriotic performance by the Dallas Wind Symphony Orchestra at 8:30 P.M., followed by one of the top fireworks shows in Texas!

This year’s fireworks show is produced by Fireworks by Grucci, one of the nation’s premiere fireworks pyrotechnics firms and “America’s First Family of Fireworks”. The high caliber of their shows is clear, as they have produced shows for Olympic Games, Statue of Liberty Centennial, New Year’s Eve Celebrations in New York City and six consecutive Presidential Inaugurations. The fireworks will be synchronized to music being broadcast live by WRR 101.1 FM.

As always, Fair Park Fourth promises to be great fun for everyone, but don’t be caught off guard… Remember that while lawn chairs, blankets and picnics are allowed, NO alcoholic beverages, glass bottles or fireworks will be permitted. There will also be many food and beverage vendors at the park.

Admission to Dallas' Fair Park and the Fireworks show is Free, however parking in the Fair Park lots will cost $8.00.

Whatever your Independence Day weekend plans are, please be sure to be safe. Do not drink and drive, and if you are planning your own personal fireworks celebration, make sure to exercise caution for your sake and the sake of your loved ones.

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Our local Real Estate market is as HOT as the Texas summer! Are you interested in buying or selling a home? For more information about homes available for sale, and my services for both Homebuyers and Sellers please visit my website at www.WeAreDallasRealEstate.com

If you are looking for a soft contemporary designed new construction condo in Downtown Dallas, you've got to check out Clifton Place located off 4311 Hartford in Downtown Dallas. Clifton place was designed by Margaret McCurry and were recently featured in the Architectural Digest. 4311 Hartford offers four 2 bedroom floorplans with private fenced yards and premium finish outs. Harvery McLean & Associates are known for developing some of the most unique condo/townhome floorplans in Downtown Dallas.

For more information on these luxury condos in Downtown Dallas visit:

Clifton Place - 4311 Hartford

If you are interested in viewing other housing options in the Downtown Dallas area, please check out
Downtown Dallas Condos, Downtown Dallas Townhomes, or Downtown Dallas Lofts or visit our Downtown Dallas Real Estate homepage.