Dallas Real Estate Now: Insights from Realtor Susan Baldwin

The Dallas real estate market can feel complex, but opportunity remains strong for those who understand today’s trends. Recognized by RealTrends as Dallas’s No. 1 individual producer, Susan Baldwin — who closed over $139 million in 2024 sales — shares candid insights and answers the questions clients ask most.

Q. What truly sells a home?

A. There are many factors, but in general, buyers want to know that the home is in a great neighborhood, that it has been properly maintained, and that they are not overpaying.

Q. What do buyers want most?

A. Buyers don’t want to do much work after they’ve bought a house. They feel they are in the driver’s seat, want to check all of the boxes, especially getting a good value, and without a lot of trade-offs.

Q. Are California buyers still driving demand?

A. We are still seeing many new residents from California, but they are not driving up demand. We are now seeing a lot of local buyers coming onto the market. It’s becoming a healthy market or even more of a buyer’s market, even though prices are still high in some instances, but there are buyers for many of these homes, especially when there are price reductions.

Q. What’s your best advice for sellers?

A. Price and patience. It can be a frustrating time for sellers right now because the market is a little frustrating and confusing, but I tell sellers that they have to remain optimistic, be up to date on pricing and be receptive to buyer feedback. The buyers are setting the market pricing.

Q. Is Dallas shifting to a buyer’s market?

A. In a sense, yes. Prices are fluctuating or even decreasing, but there isn’t as much buyer urgency as you would have in a typical buyer’s market. This can be frustrating for sellers, but great for buyers who can afford to weigh all their options. And homes are selling so I like to focus on that!

Q. Where to do you see opportunity?

A. Sellers are ready to sell. I tell buyers they are doing sellers a favor by making an offer, even if it may seem low, to get the conversation started. Sellers need to understand that we are not at the peak of the market, but when priced correctly there is a great opportunity to sell their home.

Q. What sets Dallas apart nationally?

A. Dallas has diverse economy, positive job growth, lower prices, great quality of life, excellent transportation, especially with two of the best airports in the country, and inherent population growth that will elevate Dallas to the third-largest metro in the country in the next decade.

Q. Is the luxury market strong in key neighborhoods?

A. Highland Park is having its best market in years. There is so much new construction, and prices are very high for the ultra-luxury market. Preston Hollow is doing very well, and University Park is doing great, too, but it is more value-driven. Parts of the East Dallas luxury market also are very strong.