Hello Fort Worth Insiders!
Big week.
The data centres are landing fast - one Fort Worth company just bought 2,000 acres in Parker County and wants a 980-megawatt substation in southeast Fort Worth, and now Wise County leaders are asking the state to slow it all down before it pulls too much of our power and water. On top of that, nearly $1 billion in new investment and over 1,700 jobs are heading to AllianceTexas, which means more people, more rooftops and more pressure on the homes we already have. Another big one: the I-35W rebuild near downtown starts in August and runs all the way to 2030 on a road that carries 165,000 cars a day, so your drive is about to change.
There's good news too - the homestead exemption just jumped to $140,000, seniors got a much bigger break, home prices cooled about 2.5% to a $385,000 median, and yes, even your weekend matters, because new restaurants and family spots are now part of where people want to live. What it all means for your home is simple: more growth, more leverage for buyers right now, and a few new rules worth knowing before you make a move. If you're buying, selling or just keeping an eye on your biggest asset, this is the week to pay attention. Here's everything you need to know.
Here's everything you need to know.
Let's go,
Kirstine
The Data Centre Land Rush Is Here and It's Pulling Power and Water From Tarrant, Parker and Wise
Summary: Fort Worth oil-and-gas firm Black Mountain has bought 2,000 acres in northeast Parker County and is planning a data centre in southeast Fort Worth backed by a proposed 980-megawatt substation, while a separate Wise County project adds a gas-fired power plant - prompting Wise County commissioners to ask the state to rein it all in.
Why it matters: These projects compete with homeowners for two things every household needs - electricity and water - and they can reshape land values, tax bases and traffic in the exact growth corridors buyers are shopping. Owners near these sites should watch substation and water-well permits closely.
Source: Cardinal News Also see: Wise County Messenger
Nearly $1 Billion in New Investment and 1,700+ Jobs Headed to Fort Worth
Summary: Toronto-based Celestica confirmed an AllianceTexas expansion worth up to about $876 million and roughly 1,700 jobs as AI infrastructure demand surges, part of a broader wave that includes Marand's defence-manufacturing plan and a Danone production expansion.
Why it matters: Big employers mean payroll, relocations and rooftops. Every thousand new $75k-plus jobs tightens housing demand along the Alliance corridor - good news for sellers and a heads-up for buyers to move before the next wave lands.
Source: Fort Worth Inc. Also see: NBC DFW
$142M I-35W Overhaul Starts in August - Expect Years of Downtown Detours
Summary: TxDOT begins a multi-year rebuild of I-35W near downtown in August, a corridor carrying more than 165,000 vehicles a day, with work - including a replacement Sylvania Avenue bridge - running through September 2030.
Why it matters: Traffic is the number-one daily gripe for Fort Worth commuters, and a four-year construction zone changes commute times, drive-time value and which neighbourhoods feel 'close in.' Buyers should test the drive at rush hour before they sign.
Source: Construction Owners
Bigger Tax Breaks and New Buyer Rules Just Changed the Game for 2026
Summary: The homestead exemption jumps to $140,000 for the 2026 tax year, the over-65/disabled exemption rises from $10,000 to $60,000, and new Texas rules now require a signed written agreement before an agent shows a buyer any home - plus a new FinCEN rule covering all-cash entity purchases that took effect 1 March.
Why it matters: This is real money off property-tax bills for homeowners and seniors, and the new written-agreement rule changes how every buyer starts their search. It's the kind of 'what this means for your wallet' story readers act on immediately.
Walsh Ranch Expands as H-E-B and UTA West Reshape the Aledo/Alliance Corridor
Summary: Republic Property Group is opening new home sites at the 7,200-acre Walsh community west of Fort Worth, with a new H-E-B due to finish by December 2026, UTA West coming in 2028, and added I-20 frontage-road access - keeping North/West Fort Worth among DFW's fastest-growing new-construction markets.
Why it matters: New rooftops, A-rated Aledo schools and a grocery anchor are exactly what relocating families search for. More supply also gives today's buyers rare negotiating room on builder incentives.
Source: Fort Worth Inc. Also see: Community Impact
DFW Home Prices Cool Slightly as the Region Leads the Nation in Growth
Summary: NTREIS data shows a DFW median sold price near $385,000 - down about 2.5% year over year - even as closed sales rose 4.8% and the metroplex added more residents than any other U.S. metro in 2025; Fort Worth's typical value sits around $308,000.
Why it matters: Softer prices plus more inventory mean buyers finally have leverage, while strong in-migration protects long-term value for owners. It's the balanced-market story readers keep asking about.
Source: M&D Real Estate (NTREIS data)
Food & Lifestyle: New Tastes Coming to Fort Worth
Summary: Turkish favourite Beren has opened a full restaurant at the PS1200 complex on 6th Ave, the city's oldest Tex-Mex spot, The Original, is returning to Camp Bowie with a drive-thru this summer, and the Fort Worth Public Market is bringing a trio of new concepts led by Chef Jenna Kinard.
Why it matters: Walkable food and 'third places' increasingly drive where buyers want to live - neighbourhood flavour is now a real estate story.
Source: The Fort Worth Guide
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Clive's Take: The Rate Isn't the Whole Story
Quick one this week. The 30-year fixed sits at 6.48%, down from 6.53% last week and well below 6.85% a year ago. The forecast says we stay in the mid-6s for now - no big drop, no spike, just a slow drift the right way. That's not a hype headline, it's the real trend. And buyers are noticing: more are locking now and planning to refinance later instead of waiting for a number that may not come.
Here's what's actually moving the payment right now in Fort Worth:
Seller concessions are back. With more homes to pick from, sellers are paying closing costs again - often 2–3% of the price. On a $385,000 home that's up to $11,550 toward your costs.
The 2-1 buydown is the smart play. A seller-paid 2-1 buydown drops your rate 2% the first year and 1% the second. On a $350,000 loan that can cut your payment by hundreds a month early on, when money's tight.
Prices gave you room. The DFW median sold price is about $385,000 per NTREIS - down roughly 2.5% from last year. Lower price plus a concession beats chasing a lower rate.
Lock vs. float? In a flat, drifting market, lock it. You're not gaining much by floating, and you protect the payment you already qualified for.
One thing to know: the new written buyer-agreement rule means we line up your financing and your agent before you tour homes - get pre-approved first and you shop with real numbers, not guesses.
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
Source: Freddie Mac / HousingWire / HousingWire / Mortgage News Daily
Want a lower mortgage payment but not sure when to refinance?
Save time and money with Real Amplify. Share basic details about your home and current mortgage. One Real Mortgage will monitor mortgage rates and reach out when it's a good time to refinance.
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🏡 I'm Kirstine Openshaw, Top 250 Fort Worth Texas Realtor. Clive and I own the Openshaw 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 my 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 and a One Real 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.
Kirstine & Clive Openshaw
Founders of Fort Worth Pulse
Openshaw Realty & Home Loans @ REAL Broker
NMLS 2639452 & 2821824
📞 682-442-3441
✉️ [email protected]
🌐 www.OpenshawRealty.com
Social Platforms: @FortWorthPulse
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