Hello Neighbor!
A $10 billion data centre just bought more than 2,000 acres near Weatherford, and the fight over its power and water is only starting, except that's not even the biggest money story, because Fort Worth just got its own economic report card showing $10 billion and 11,000 jobs in only two years, on top of 900 more jobs heading to Alliance.
Another shift: our housing market has finally found its balance, with the median home now $335,000 and buyers getting real breathing room. There's a catch, though - the new Texas tax rules save owners about $484 a year, but the cap follows the person, not the house, so new buyers can inherit a much bigger bill.
Panther Island's trails and canals set to lift nearby values, even as a $142 million I-35W rebuild brings years of cones before the relief.
And downtown has a new boss - former police chief Ed Kraus takes over Sundance Square on 1 September, which could reshape the heart of the city.
What does it all mean for your home? Growth like this pushes values up, so if you're buying I'd watch that tax number closely, and if you're selling I'd price sharp while demand is strong.
Let’s dig in…
Kirstine
New Boss for Sundance Square; Ex-Police Chief Ed Kraus Takes Over Downtown
Summary: Sasha Bass is stepping down as CEO of Sundance Square, the 37-block heart of downtown Fort Worth, with former police chief Ed Kraus taking the reins on 1 September as Bass shifts to the family foundation.
Why it matters: Downtown's landlord sets the tone for the whole core - after some big tenants left, new leadership could shape the shops, events and value of homes and condos near Sundance Square.
Source: Fort Worth Inc. — https://fortworthinc.com/news/leadership-change-at-sundance-square-puts-former-fort-worth-/
$10 Billion Data Center Now Eyeing Parker County - And Weatherford Already Said No
Summary: Fort Worth energy group Black Mountain has bought more than 2,000 acres just outside Weatherford for a possible $10 billion data centre and the state has already approved five gas turbines on the land for backup power.
Why it matters: Data centers pull huge amounts of power and water, and Weatherford voted to keep them banned, so this fight touches land values, water supply and property taxes for everyone in Parker County and North-West Tarrant.
Source: Fort Worth Star-Telegram / AOL — https://www.aol.com/articles/developer-behind-10b-fort-worth-160718000.html
Fort Worth Gets Its Own Economic Report Card = $10B and 11,000 Jobs in Just Two Years
Summary: The Dallas Fed launched a first-ever standalone report tracking Fort Worth on its own, landing as the city's Economic Development Partnership touts $10 billion in new investment and 11,000 jobs added in two years.
Why it matters: Jobs and investment are what push home prices up and keep demand strong — more employers moving in means more buyers competing for homes across the metro.
Source: Fort Worth Inc. — https://fortworthinc.com/commentary/boomtown-fort-worth-economic-development-partnership/
Fort Worth's Housing Market Finds Its Balance = Median Now $335,000
Summary: In the second quarter, Fort Worth's median home price eased 0.6% year over year to $335,000 while months of inventory slipped from 4.1 to 3.8, keeping the market in balanced territory (NTREIS data via the Greater Fort Worth Association of Realtors).
Why it matters: A balanced market means buyers finally get breathing room and choice, while sellers who price right are still seeing closed sales climb 7.6% = timing and pricing matter more than ever.
Source: Greater Fort Worth Association of Realtors — Q2 2026 Housing Report (NTREIS data) — https://gfwar.org/housing-report/
Texas Property Tax Relief Kicks In - But There's a Catch for New Buyers
Summary: The school homestead exemption jumped from $100,000 to $140,000, saving the average homeowner about $484 a year, but the cap follows the owner, not the house, so new buyers can inherit a far higher tax bill.
Why it matters: Long-time owners save money automatically, while buyers need to budget for the real (uncapped) tax number on any home they purchase — a costly surprise if they only look at the seller's old bill.
Source: Ownwell — https://www.ownwell.com/blog/texas-property-tax-relief-2026
The Alliance Jobs Boom: Foxlink Brings 900 Jobs, MTU Cuts Ribbon on $120M
Summary: North Fort Worth's AllianceTexas keeps stacking wins - Taiwan's Foxlink Group is bringing 900 jobs, MTU Maintenance opened a $120 million facility on 8 July, and Hillwood is building a 1.2-million-square-foot industrial hub.
Why it matters: Thousands of new jobs in North Fort Worth drive housing demand in Keller, Roanoke and the 35W corridor = great news for homeowners' values and for investors eyeing rentals.
Source: Community Impact — https://communityimpact.com/keller-roanoke-northeast-fort-worth/development/taiwanese-company-foxlink-group-to-bring-900-jobs-to-north-fort-worth/
Panther Island Starts Taking Shape And Yes, Parks Are Now a Real Estate Story
Summary: Work is set to begin on the 1.5-mile bypass channel with $12.4 million set aside in the 2026 budget for a new canal section, as revamped rules put trails, waterfront access and parks at the heart of the project.
Why it matters: Big riverfront trail-and-park projects lift nearby home values - homeowners near downtown and the Trinity Trails could see the payoff over the next few years.
Source: Downtown Fort Worth Inc. — https://www.dfwi.org/item/fort-worths-panther-island-is-about-to-take-shape-what-to-expect-in-2026
$142M I-35W Rebuild Near Downtown - Relief by 2030, Cones First
Summary: TxDOT is starting a three-year, $142 million overhaul of I-35W near downtown, adding new bridges and frontage roads over the Trinity River to ease one of the city's worst bottlenecks.
Why it matters: Growth has outrun the roads - buyers weighing a downtown or east-side commute should factor in years of construction now, and better drive times later.
Source: Construction Owners - https://www.constructionowners.com/news/142m-i-35w-construction-project-to-transform-downtown-fort-worth-connectivity
My Observations This Week
You guys want old Sundance Square Back!
Nostalgia proved STRONG this week. My recent story sharing the updated Leadership at Sundance Square brought a wave of stories, emotions & insights as to what you want to see come back to Downtown Fort Worth!
My Thoughts? Keep sharing your opinions! I’ve been noticing the comments are being watched and noted upon. The calls I’m receiving proves it is worth sharing your thoughts as the attention is growing - this is a powerful way to share what and how you’d like to reshape, or return, the Future Fort Worth to becoming.
The Growth from Sundance Square to Parker County. From Downtown all the way out to Hill County we are seeing how much the growth in DFW is creating waves throughout the City and rippling into the surrounding Counties. From the recent Hill County Lawsuit resulting in a bill of $100,000. To 2,000 Acres of Parker County potentially becoming a large Data Center and hundreds more homes coming to Morningstar Ranch in Aledo - the growth is hard to miss.
How’s it making you feel?
What’s something you think warrants more coverage, more exposure and eyes on it? What’s a change you are seeing that you don’t think about people know about? Reply back and tell me, or drop a comment on a post so I can dig into it and share what I find!
🔗 Source: Boots on the ground in Fort Worth
This Week's Events
Start with the family stuff.
On Saturday, the Clearfork Farmers Market at The Trailhead runs all morning - fresh food, local makers and an easy outing the kids will love.
The Stockyards Championship Rodeo saddles up at 7:30pm in the historic Cowtown Coliseum - bull riding, barrel racing and mutton scrambles that make it a perfect first taste of Cowtown for new neighbours. Now for the grown-ups.
On Saturday night, Josh Weathers takes the stage at Billy Bob's Texas, the world's largest honky-tonk and a proper date-night classic.
And if you fancy something slower, Ellerbe Fine Foods hosts a wine tasting on Thursday evening - a relaxed, tasty way to end the week with someone you like.
Sources:
💰 FOUNDATION TO FUNDING WITH CLIVE IN MORTGAGES
He built the homes. Now he funds them. #FoundationToFunding
Clive's Take:
Quick one this week. The 30-year fixed is sitting near 6.58%, and both Fannie Mae and the MBA see rates holding around 6.4%–6.5% for the rest of 2026.
In plain terms: don't wait for a big drop - it's not in the forecast. Smart buyers are stopping the waiting game and locking a home while they have real choice.
Here's what's actually moving the payment right now in Fort Worth:
Seller concessions are back. A balanced market means real room to negotiate. With Fort Worth's median at $335,000 (NTREIS) and 3.8 months of supply, more sellers are helping with closing costs to get the deal done.
The 2-1 buydown beats waiting. Instead of a price cut, use a seller credit to buy your rate down. A 2-1 buydown can drop your rate about 2% in year one - real money off your payment while you settle in.
Lock, don't float. Prices eased just 0.6% year over year, so this isn't a crash - it's balance. Lock your rate; float only if you truly can't close for 45-plus days.
One thing to know:
With inventory tight (active listings down 6.9%) but sellers flexible, a local lender who can close fast is your edge - speed wins the negotiation.
I do VA, FHA, Conventional, DSCR, Profession-Based Loans and more. Let's find out what you qualify for at today's numbers.
NMLS #2639452 & 2821824
Kirstine’s Featured Homes
Check out our latest Featured Homes below
Have Questions?
Simply Reply to this email, or Call Kirstine: 682-442-3441
7,169 sqft
5 Bed, 6 Bath, 5 Garage
Pool
Grapevine Lake
2 Acres
No HOA
4,727 sqft
5 Bed, 5 Bath, 3 Garage
Eagle Mountain Lake
Golfing Community
24/7 Gated Security
Your Suggestions Matter To Us👇
What should we cover next? Who should we interview? What do you want researched? Reply and tell us - your ideas shape what comes next.
Gifts For You, a thank you for supporting & sharing
Fort Worth has the heart. We track the pulse. So you never miss a beat.
🏡 I'm Kirstine Openshaw, Top 250 Fort Worth Texas Realtor. Clive and I own the Fort Worth Pulse Realty Group, your insider guide to Living in Fort Worth. I get you the home. Clive gets you the loan. Fort Worth's been in our blood since 2006. I believe when you know more, you win more. That's why I track the pulse, so you always have the edge. Let's get you home. 🏡 🔑 NMLS #2639452 & 2821824
Clive is my husband, a custom home builder and a Mortgage Loan Originator.
📍 Want to discuss how any of our Featured Stories affects your real estate moves this year? Simply reply back here or call/text 682-442-3441.
www.FortWorthPulse.com
Kirstine & Clive Openshaw
Founders of Fort Worth Pulse
Founding Fort Worth Texas Team
at SERHANT Texas LLC
NMLS 2639452 & 2821824
📞 682-442-3441
✉️ [email protected]
🌐 www.FortWorthPulse.com
Social Platforms: @FortWorthPulse
Agents - Want to work directly with Kirstine in her Mentorship program?