Buy a Home in North DFW
Hi, I’m Sherien Joyner, a REALTOR® and GRI with Fathom Realty. I help people buy homes across North Dallas and North DFW, whether you already live here or you’re moving in from another state.
I’ve lived in Carrollton since 2012, and in Irving for years before that, so these cities are home to me. My job is to make buying here clear and calm. You’ll know what’s next, what it costs and what your options are at each step.
Call or text me at (214) 244-2421, or send a note below.
- Sherien Joyner Realtor, GRI
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What stood out most was her exceptional ability to find the right property for me. She truly listened to my needs, preferences, and long-term goals rather than just pushing listings. She proactively sourced options that matched what I was looking for, including properties that weren’t even widely marketed yet. Her market knowledge and attention to detail helped me secure a home that perfectly fits my lifestyle.
Beyond finding the property, she excelled at navigating every step of the transaction. She handled communications and negotiations with the selling realtor masterfully, advocating strongly on my behalf while keeping things professional and productive. She coordinated seamlessly with the mortgage company and title team, anticipating issues before they became problems and ensuring all documentation was accurate and submitted on time. This level of proactive management took so much weight off my shoulders.
Additionally, since this was a property with an HOA/building management, the paperwork and approval process could have been a nightmare. Sherien worked directly with the building management team to organize and submit everything required, following up diligently until everything was approved. Her experience and relationships in the local market were invaluable here.
Throughout the entire process, she was responsive, transparent, and genuinely invested in a successful outcome for me. She explained each step clearly, answered all my questions (even the small ones), and provided expert guidance that helped me make informed decisions with confidence.
If you're looking for a realtor who is knowledgeable, tenacious, organized, and truly client-focused, look no further. Sherien is the real deal. I’m incredibly grateful for her help and would use her services again without hesitation. Thank you for everything!
She has sold two of our houses in just days!!!!!!!
Thanks Sherien!!!!
Local or Relocating, We Start Where You Are
If you already live in DFW, we’ll start with your budget, the cities and home styles you like, and a tour plan that fits around work. You probably know the roads already, so we can move quickly when the right house comes up.
If you’re relocating, we’ll narrow it down to a few cities first, based on your commute, the kind of home you want and your price range. I can walk homes with you on a live video tour, send honest notes on condition and surroundings, and line up a trip so you see the best options in a few focused days instead of 40 houses in a weekend.
View Homes For Sale In Amazing North DFW Cities
How Buying a Home in Texas Works
1 Set your budget and get pre-approved
Talk with a lender before we tour. A pre-approval tells you what you can comfortably spend and makes your offer stronger. Plan for your down payment, closing costs, the option fee and earnest money. I’m happy to share lenders my clients have liked. See my financing options page and my post on credit scores.
2 Pick your cities and your must-haves
We’ll make a short list: bedrooms, layout, yard, garage, commute, home age, HOA or no HOA. Then we’ll set up a search that sends you new listings as soon as they hit the market.
3 Sign our agreement and tour homes
In Texas, we sign a written buyer representation agreement before touring. It spells out what I’ll do for you and my commission, so there are no surprises. Then we tour in person or by video. I’ll point out things like the roof’s age, signs of foundation movement, HVAC age, drainage and road noise.
4 Write a strong offer and negotiate
I’ll pull recent nearby sales so we can price the offer with confidence. Then we’ll set the terms that matter, like the option period, earnest money, closing date and any seller-paid costs. I handle the back-and-forth with the listing agent and keep you updated.
5 Use your option period wisely
Once the contract is signed, you pay a small option fee. That buys you a set number of days to end the contract for any reason. This is when you get a professional inspection, review the seller’s disclosure, get repair bids and, if needed, negotiate repairs or credits.
6 Appraisal and final loan approval
Your lender orders the appraisal and finishes underwriting. If the appraisal comes in low, we’ll go over your options under the contract. Meanwhile, the title company checks the title, and we review the survey and HOA documents if there are any. The survey also shows any easements on the property, like a utility line along the back fence.
7 Final walk-through and closing
We’ll do a final walk-through to confirm agreed repairs are done and the home is in the expected condition. You’ll sign at the title company, the loan funds, and you get your keys. I’m still here after closing for anything you need, from protesting your property taxes to finding a good plumber.
Download My Buyer's Guide
I have put together a comprehensive home buyer’s guide just for you.
As a Realtor, GRI, I am here to help you navigate the complex world of financing options for your dream home. Let’s make sure you have the necessary resources to secure the best financing option tailored to your needs. Together, we’ll make your home buying journey as smooth as possible.
Choosing Among North DFW Cities
Each city has its own mix of home styles, roads and things to do. Here’s a quick start. Each link goes to my full write-up.
- Carrollton: Established neighborhoods and newer townhomes, with DART light rail, the A-train and quick access to I-35E and the George Bush Turnpike.
- Coppell: Mostly single-family homes, close to the north entrance of DFW Airport and SH-121.
- Lewisville: A wide range of home ages and prices near Lewisville Lake, I-35E and Old Town.
- The Colony: Homes near the Lewisville Lake shoreline and Grandscape’s shopping and entertainment.
- Irving: Condos, townhomes and houses, with Las Colinas, DART rail and DFW Airport close by.
- Grapevine: Historic Main Street, Grapevine Lake and easy airport access.
- Flower Mound: Single-family homes, some on larger lots, between Grapevine Lake and Lewisville Lake.
- Plano: Everything from older ranch homes to newer townhomes, near the Legacy business area, US-75 and the Dallas North Tollway.
- Frisco: Lots of newer homes and new construction along the Tollway and SH-121, plus sports and entertainment venues.
- McKinney: Older homes near the historic downtown square, plus newer communities farther out.
- Allen: Single-family homes along US-75, near Watters Creek shopping and dining.
Downtown Carrollton, home base since 2012.
Need to Sell Your Current Home to Buy Another?
Many of my buyers already own a home, and the hardest part is timing. You don’t want to sell too early and have nowhere to go, or buy first and carry two mortgages. Depending on the market, options include an offer that depends on your home selling, a home equity line (HELOC), a buy-before-you-sell program, or qualifying for both homes. Whether your current home is here or in another state, contact me early, and we’ll build a plan that fits your timeline. If you’re selling here, see how I sell homes.
Buyer FAQ
Do I need a pre-approval before we tour?
It’s best to have one. It keeps us looking in the right price range, and many listing agents ask for it with an offer.
Can I buy in North DFW while I still live out of state?
Yes. We can do video tours, sign most documents electronically, and plan one focused trip. Ask your lender and title company early whether any part of closing can be done remotely or by mail.
How do you get paid?
I work for you, and I’m paid a commission when your purchase closes. We put the amount in writing before we tour. In many sales, the seller or builder pays some or all of it, and we can ask for that in your offer. I’ll walk you through it up front.
Can you help with new construction?
Yes. Bring me (or list me) on your first builder visit, because many builders won’t add an agent later. I’ll help you compare builders, upgrades, incentives and contract terms.
How long does it take to buy a home?
The search can take days or months. Once you’re under contract, the closing date is set in the contract and is usually driven by the lender’s timeline. Cash purchases can close sooner.
Let's Find Your Next Home
Tell me where you’re headed and what matters to you, and I’ll put together a simple plan. Call or text (214) 244-2421, or send me a message.