I am not an agent but would like to share my experience with you. My husband and I moved to Texas (from Atlanta) 2 1/2 years ago. We were looking in the Forney area simply because my husband works in Canton and I work in Dallas. Forney was the only decent town in between. (clean, low crime, ext)

The house we found was listed at 143,000 and we settled at 133,000. (previous owner had gotten married and wanted to sell quickly) When we moved to this community, the subdivision had been nicely maintained, everyone was taken care of their houses- it seemed like a nice clean area.

Soon after moving in, our new neighbors were explaining to us that they could not afford staying in Forney any longer and would be moving to Mesquite. They stated how every year that they had lived here (4 years) the property tax continued to go up every year. Well, this is our second year here and they were correct.

In two years, the neighboorhood continues to look like Terrell everyday but with the higher price tag. Our property tax continues to rise while our house value continue to decline (no matter what the agents say). Our HOA is the same but the grass is as high as the house in front of us. (I was told the builders filed bankrupsty last year)

Yes, Forney is growing. But, how long will it take for Forney to become a nice area again or become another Terrell?

If we had known what we knew now, we would have not moved to Forney. But, for us not to loose our 22,000 cash down payment and hopefully break even someday- we are stuck here. Stuck in a area whose kids ride their bicylcles and walk in the middle of the road while you have to completely stop and wait for them to move (if they move). Stuck in an area where there are empty houses and vacant lots. Stuck in an area where crappy people move in while your house value declines and your property taxes steadily go up. =) You get my point.

My suggestion is to move to Rockwall, Heath or Sunneyvale. No matter how much Forney grows- its the quality of life and the people who make a city prosper or decline!

Good Luck to You!

I guess i really didnt answer the price per sq ft question. Mainly because it is going to vary by the location and the finish out of the property. There is as low as $40 a sq ft in areas like windmill farms and of course you can almost go as high as you want. If you would like to contact me I can get get a better idea of what your looking for and help you find the right price per sq ft for that particular home. Also I offer help with your closing costs out of my commission. I am a smaller brokered agent so I do not give up a large amount of my commission to the broker thus being able to help out motivated buyers.

I have lived in Forney all of my life and have been an agent here for about a year. I think Forney definitely has the room to grow however you may wanna look around at some of the new constructions that are just sitting. they are going at very good prices. Also give me a call about property management. We can work out a better deal than that.

RJ Avery
214-682-0598

Ram,
We manage properties in Forney at Travis Ranch and Windmill Farms. I am very familiar with the area. Feel free to give me a call when you can. I will be able to tell you which floorplans are the highest in demand among renters.

Naima

214-289-8555
naima@sumner-realty.com

If the builder is selling to investors that is great. Just make sure your Realtor asks the builder. 80 -100% of the first month rent is about right. The Realtor splits this with the other leasing agent. If I come across a manager I will let you know.
If you have other questions please ask.
Jeff,
jkagent@gmail.com

RAM, if you are an investor, then purchasing new construction is likely not the best way to go. Make sure you have a realtor represent you in the transaction. Buy closer to the city center and buy a foreclosure or short sale. So many opportunities better than new construction. Look at Las Vegas, Phoenix and McKinney at the investors who bought new and see what shape they are in now.

These are very typical fees for the best property mangers....1month rent to lease and 10%/month. One way to save money is to pay a realtor to lease it, but manage it yourself.

You need a buyers agent represent you purchasing our home. However 100% of 1st month rent is correct and 10% is going rate. Rental market have been on the rise in area. Have you consider purchasing a home below market value with equity
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