Hello Fort Worth Insiders!

Big week.

The biggest story is your tax bill. Texas voters split the Legislature, so the House and the Senate must now agree on any change to property taxes, and prefiling for new bills opens Nov. 9. On top of that, Keller ISD voters said no to all $828 million of bond money, and the largest piece failed with 53.4% against. Another one: the governor-elect wants a pause on new data centers, while Fort Worth already has its own. And a $61 million project on the Historic Southside breaks ground Dec. 12 with at least 180 affordable homes. Two quick ones too: Taylor Sheridan is buying up the Stockyards, and the Frank Kent family is taking on the Lone Star Gas Building downtown. Clive also has a take on rates, now at 7.18%. Hold on to that 53.4%. It tells you how voters feel about big asks right now.

What it all means for your home: if you are buying, rates are slipping, so ask what help a seller or builder will pay for. If you are selling, price it right from day one. If you are staying ahead, watch the tax bills and the rules on data centers.

Here's everything you need to know.

Let's go,
Kirstine

Tuesday's vote did more than pick a governor. The Texas House flipped for the first time since 2003. Democrats now hold at least 80 of 150 seats, with a handful of races still being counted. Three of the flipped seats are ours: House District 93 in north Fort Worth, and the open seats in Arlington and Mansfield. The Senate stays Republican, 19 to 12. That means every bill on property taxes now needs both chambers to agree. Bill prefiling opens Nov. 9.

Why it matters to you: Ideas on the table include a bigger school homestead exemption ($180,000, and $240,000 for age 55 and over) and ending home property taxes over time. Nothing changes on your 2026 bill. Watch what gets filed.

Source: MultiState, Houston Chronicle

All five bond items failed on Tuesday. The big one, $756.3 million for roofs, air conditioning, plumbing, safety and a partial Keller Middle School rebuild, got 46.6% yes and 53.4% no. The smaller items for devices, the pool and sports fields got even less support. Here is the twist: the same voters picked three new school board members who backed the whole package. And the district said all five items could have been paid for without raising the tax rate. Voters still said no. Results are unofficial until counted and signed off.

Why it matters to you: Your school tax rate does not go up because of this vote. The repairs still need paying for, so expect a smaller package to come back. Keller's median sale price was $700,000 in September (NTREIS). If you are selling in Keller ISD, ageing school buildings are now a talking point for buyers.

Source: Yahoo News, Fort Worth Report

Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa wants new data centers paused until lawmakers set rules. She said it again on Thursday, after the win: Texas is still open for business, but it has to be a partnership that helps Texans. Gov. Abbott has already paused state permits, and that review is due in December. She takes office in January. The pause would hit new projects only, not the ones already built or under way. A UT Austin energy expert told NBC 5 a short pause could help, but a long one could push builders to other states. He still expects Texas, with DFW at the center, to become the biggest data center market in the country.

Why it matters to you: Fort Worth is already working on its own 90-day pause, Denton votes on one in early December, and Dallas is writing rules. If you live near a proposed site, January to May is when the state rules get written.

Source: NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas Tribune

After years of false starts, shovels go in on Saturday, Dec. 12. Royal Capital is putting in $61 million, with at least 180 affordable homes and 15,700 square feet of shops, including space for a grocery. The city adds $8.5 million in grants and loans. Site work starts this month. The groundbreaking and block party runs 11 am to 4 pm.

Why it matters to you: A grocery and new homes a few blocks from downtown can change what the area around Evans Ave and E. Rosedale looks like. If you own nearby, watch values over the next three years.

Source: Fort Worth Business Press

The Yellowstone and Landman creator and his partners, under the name SGS, bought the historic Isis Theater at 2403 N. Main St. in December. They already own Cattlemen's Steakhouse, reopened in 2025 with a private club in the basement, and 200 W. Exchange. Partner David Glasser says "a couple of surprises" are coming. The group also plans to grow its SGS Studios soundstage at Alliance from 450,000 to more than 1 million square feet with Hillwood.

Why it matters to you: More film work at Alliance means jobs, and a busier Stockyards keeps demand strong for homes and rentals on the north side.

Source: Fort Worth Business Journal

Twins Will Churchill and Corrie Watson, great-grandchildren of car dealer Frank Kent, are paying $4.3 million for a city-owned block in southeast downtown: the seven-storey Lone Star Gas Building at 908 Monroe St. with its blue flame sign, the building next door, and a 338-space garage. They plan offices in the Lone Star building at an early rent of about $22 a square foot, and shops, offices and high-end homes next door in a building renamed The Winston. The money comes from selling the family's Cadillac dealerships to Robert Bass last year.

Why it matters to you: This block sits between the new City Hall, Texas A&M and the convention center. Local owners restoring old buildings keep downtown's character while adding offices and homes.

Source: Fort Worth Business Journal

Quick one this week. The 30-year fixed rate is 7.18% (Freddie Mac, Nov. 5). That is down from 7.24% last week and up from 6.22% a year ago. Mortgage News Daily had it at 7.17% the same day. Fannie Mae has not changed its call: it still sees rates near 7.4% for the rest of 2026 and 7.5% through 2027, so this slide may not last. Buyers are starting to act. They are asking sellers and builders to pay for the help and locking when the number looks right.

Here's what's actually moving the payment right now in Fort Worth:

One thing to know: Freddie Mac's rate is a weekly average. Mortgage News Daily moves every day. Ask for a quote on the day you plan to lock.

Clive does VA, FHA, Conventional, DSCR, Profession-Based Loans and more. Reply and see what you qualify for at today's numbers.

📍 Reply with APPLY to connect with Clive or Click Here NMLS #2639452 & 2821824

Start with the big one for families: the National Cowgirl Museum reopens today, Saturday, Nov. 7.

The parade is under way now, public doors open at noon, and there is a brand new working carousel inside.

Then head to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden for the Fall Japanese Festival, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 7 and 8, from 9 am to 5 pm.

When the kids are tucked in, make it a night out. Greg Warren brings the laughs to Hyena's Comedy Night Club tonight at 6 pm, from $37. And Ian Munsick takes the stage at Billy Bob's tonight at 10 pm, from $31.

🏡 I'm Kirstine Openshaw, Top 250 Fort Worth Texas Realtor. Clive and I own the Fort Worth Pulse Realty Group. I get you the home. Clive gets you the loan.