Hello Fort Worth Insiders!
When Rex Glendenning - the man North Texas calls the "King of Dirt" - closes on 815 acres along I-35, people pay attention. And that's just the opening act this week. From billion-dollar data center tax breaks sparking a fight between state and local government, to a narrow window that could net sellers $24K more on their listing, this week's Pulse is packed. Here's what you need to know.
815-Acre Land Deal on I-35 by Jerry Jones’ Former Dealmaker
Summary: Rex Glendenning closed on the 815-acre Pace Ranch along I-35 in Gainesville, signaling a potential multi-billion-dollar development corridor north of Fort Worth.
Why it matters: This massive land play on I-35 points to continued northward growth pressure from DFW. For investors and agents, it signals where the next wave of master-planned communities is headed.
Best Week to Sell a Home in DFW Is NOW - April 12–18
Summary: Homes listed during the week of April 12 are expected to get 23.5% more views, sell 9 days faster, and list for $24,000 more than at the start of the year.
Why it matters: Urgent, timely call-to-action for homeowners on the fence about selling. For agents, it’s the hook to activate listing leads this weekend.
Source: CultureMap Fort Worth
$2.3 Billion Southeast Connector - What It Means for Home Values
Summary: TxDOT’s massive infrastructure project on I-20, I-820, and US 287 is reshaping southeast Fort Worth with billions in road construction impacting home values.
Why it matters: Homeowners along the I-20/I-820 corridor need to understand how construction and improved access will affect their property values. Buyers can find value plays in temporarily disrupted areas.
Source: KERA News
New Texas Buyer Representation Rules Now in Effect (SB 1968)
Summary: Senate Bill 1968 requires agents to secure a written agreement before showing property, eliminates subagency, and mandates compensation transparency.
Why it matters: Every buyer and seller in Texas is affected. Buyers must sign an agreement before touring homes. Sellers should know that buyer-agent compensation is now fully negotiable.
Source: TREC
Texas Projected to Hit 96 Million People by 2100 - Fort Worth Impact
Summary: Population projections show Texas growing from 22.5 million to 96 million by 2100, with the Texas Triangle absorbing the bulk of growth. Fort Worth sits at the center.
Why it matters: Long-term population growth is the fundamental driver of real estate demand. Helps homeowners understand why Fort Worth real estate remains a strong investment.
Texas Data Centers Getting $1B+ in Annual Tax Breaks - Local Pushback
Summary: While the state continues aggressive tax incentives for data centers, local pushback is emerging, including a 430-acre data center project approved in south Fort Worth.
Why it matters: Data centers bring jobs but strain infrastructure. For homeowners near proposed sites, this affects property values and quality of life.
Source: Fort Worth Report
Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival Returns This Weekend (April 9–12)
Summary: The FW Food + Wine Festival features four signature events including the debut “Taste of Texas Row” bringing together chefs from Dallas, Austin, Houston, and Fort Worth.
Why it matters: Lifestyle content showcasing Fort Worth’s culinary scene helps position the city as desirable. Shareable community content that builds local pride.
Source: CultureMap Fort Worth
D.R. Horton Sues Rockwall County Over Infrastructure Fees for 6,000-Home Development
Summary: D.R. Horton is suing Rockwall County over infrastructure fees for the River Rock development. The case could set precedent for how development costs are shared across DFW.
Why it matters: The outcome could reshape how builders and counties negotiate infrastructure costs, potentially affecting home prices and the pace of new construction across North Texas.
Source: Rockwall County Court Records
Fort Worth Posts Record $6.7B Investment, But DFW Job Growth Hits Slowest Pace Since 2021
Summary: Fort Worth’s Economic Development Partnership delivered $6.7B in capital investment and 6,900+ jobs, but broader DFW employment growth slowed to just 0.3%.
Why it matters: Mixed signals for real estate: strong local investment supports values, but slowing job growth could temper demand. Buyers may find more negotiating leverage.
Source: Fort Worth Inc.
Walsh Expansion: UTA West Campus, Bank HQ Tower, and 225 New Homes
Summary: Walsh adds UT Arlington’s 51-acre campus (up to 12,000 students), Worthington Bank’s 8-story HQ, and 339 new homes in expanding neighborhood phases.
Why it matters: A university campus and corporate HQ signal long-term infrastructure commitment that supports sustained property value growth for west-side buyers.
Source: WFAA
New Federal Cash Purchase Reporting Rule (FinCEN) - Effective March 2026
Summary: FinCEN now requires disclosure of beneficial owners for all-cash residential purchases made through LLCs, trusts, partnerships, or corporations.
Why it matters: Directly affects real estate investors who use LLCs for purchases. Investors need to plan for compliance; agents should be aware when advising entity-based buyers.
Source: Walter Law TX
Mortgage Rates Climbing Back Toward 6.5% - Spring Buying Window Narrowing
Summary: After dipping below 6% in late February, 30-year mortgage rates have climbed to 6.46%. Combined with rising inventory, the DFW market is now balanced to buyer-favorable.
Why it matters: Rising rates compress buyer budgets but reduce competition. The window of elevated inventory + sub-7% rates is still open but narrowing.
Source: CultureMap Dallas
💰 FOUNDATION TO FUNDING WITH CLIVE
He built the homes. Now he funds them. #FoundationToFunding
MORTGAGE RATE OUTLOOK 2026: A SLOW BUT STEADY PATH TOWARD 5.9%
Rates are hovering near 6% - the lowest since late 2022 - and most forecasters see gradual improvement through the second half of the year.
💡 Clive's Take Rates near 6% plus a 23-year high in inventory? That's a combination buyers haven't seen in a long time. You don't have to wait for perfect. If you can afford the payment today, the opportunity in front of you right now is real. Let's run your numbers and see what's possible.
Clive works with buyers on VA, FHA, Conventional, DSCR, Profession Based Loans and more. Want to know exactly what you qualify for right now? He is the person to talk to.
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🏡 I'm Kirstine Openshaw - Top 250 Fort Worth Texas Realtor, Home Loans team with my husband Clive & your insider guide to Living in Fort Worth. I've called this city home since 2006. I believe when you know more, you win more & you deserve to win more. So glad you're here - let's get you in the right place for your Life 🏡
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🏡 We’re Kirstine & Clive Openshaw - Top 250 Fort Worth Texas Realtor, Home Loans team & your insider guide to Living in Fort Worth. I've called this city home since 2006. I believe when you know more, you win more & you deserve to win more.
So glad you're here - let's get you in the right place for your Life 🏡 🔑 NMLS # 2639452 & 2821824
📍 Want to discuss how any of our Featured Stories affects for your Real estate moves this year? Simply Reply back here or Call/Text 682-442-3441
Kirstine & Clive Openshaw
Founders of Fort Worth Pulse,
Openshaw Realty & Home Loans NMLS 2639452
