Melissa Avara Realty Group

Home
United States
McKinney, TX
Melissa Avara Realty Group

Call Directions Website Contact the business

Melissa's Mission

To truly give real service, one must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, & that is sincerity & integrity.
(1)

Real estate can be confusing and stressful. When you work with Melissa you get someone who provides experience, expertise, and goes the extra mile to take that stress out of your hands. Building relationships, providing value, and helping you achieve your real estate goals is my passion.

10/15/2026

What does a $2,600 rent really leave you after costs? Here's a worked example using Collin County numbers.

August's average lease in Collin County was about $2,600 a month, and the average new construction home sold for about $425,000 (NTREIS via Scribner). Put those together and the yearly math might look like this:
• Rent for the year: $31,200
• Property tax at an example rate of 2.0%: $8,500
• Insurance: $2,400
• HOA: $600
• Repairs and vacancy at 10%: $3,120
• Management at 8%: $2,496
That leaves about $14,100 a year before the mortgage.

These are example inputs, not a quote. Tax rates change by city, school district and any MUD or PID, and insurance can vary a lot by address. The takeaway: run the full numbers on each property before you buy, and read the HOA's leasing rules early.

If you'd like a quick numbers review on a property or an area, I'd be glad to walk through it with you.

melissamovesdfw.com/contact (link in bio)

What's the first number you check on a rental?

10/14/2026

Price cut or rate buydown? If a seller or builder offers to help, how you use that money can change your monthly payment more than you might expect.

Here's a simple example (principal and interest only):
• $500,000 home, 10% down, 30 year fixed at 7.40% (Freddie Mac weekly average, Oct 8): about $3,116 a month
• Option A, a $10,000 price cut: about $62 less a month, for the life of the loan
• Option B, about $10,700 toward a two year temporary buydown: about $589 less a month in year one and $301 less in year two, then back to $3,116

Neither one is always better. A price cut keeps helping as long as you keep the loan. A buydown gives you breathing room in the first two years. The right choice depends on how long you plan to keep the loan, your budget over the next two years, and whether you'd consider refinancing later.

This is general information, not a loan quote. Your lender can run both options for your situation, and I can help you ask for the one that fits.

My goal is to help you make the best decision for you.

melissamovesdfw.com/home-search/listings (link in bio)

Which would you choose, A or B?

10/13/2026

Moving to North DFW from another duty station? A little planning can make buying from out of state feel a lot calmer.

Here's a simple timeline many military and veteran buyers follow:

60 to 90 days out: request your VA Certificate of Eligibility (through VA.gov or your lender) and get preapproved. Narrow your search to 2 or 3 cities based on commute and travel needs.

30 to 60 days out: tour homes by video first, then plan a focused 2 or 3 day house hunting trip to McKinney, Frisco, Prosper, Celina or Plano.

Before you make an offer: ask about MUD or PID taxes and HOA rules. Once you're under contract, schedule inspections early so there are fewer surprises before closing.

Next month, around Veterans Day, I'll share more on VA loans and Texas property tax exemptions for veterans.

I've got you every step of the way, even from a few states away.

melissamovesdfw.com/neighborhoods (link in bio)

Where are you moving from?

10/12/2026

If you're selling a resale home in Collin County this fall, one of your biggest competitors may be a brand new house a few miles away.

In August, buyers in Collin County could choose from 4,696 resale homes and 2,095 new construction homes (NTREIS via Scribner). Builders often offer closing cost help or rate buydowns, and the average new construction sold price was down 6.8% from a year earlier. Resale held up better, with an average sold price of $590.2K, up 2.4%.

What that can mean for you as a seller:
• Price with both in mind. Many buyers tour new builds and resale homes in the same weekend.
• Lean into what a new build can't offer yet: mature trees, finished landscaping, fences and window coverings already in place.
• Consider concessions. In many cases, help with closing costs or a rate buydown means more to a buyer than a small price cut, especially with rates around 7.40% (Freddie Mac, Oct 8).

Every street is different, so your plan should be too. I'd be happy to help you think through your next step.

melissamovesdfw.com/home-valuation (link in bio)

What's one thing you'd fix before listing your home?

10/10/2026

Hi, I'm Melissa. I wanted to take a minute to say hello and share how I work.

I help people buy and sell homes across McKinney, Frisco, Prosper, Celina and Plano. Some are relocating from another state, for a new job or for a military move. Some are investors building a rental portfolio. Some are ready to leave the family home for something simpler. And plenty are local buyers and sellers taking their next step.

Every one of those moves looks different, and that's the point. My job is to learn what matters to you, explain your options clearly, and advocate for your goals without pressure.

Whether you're a year out or ready now, I've got you every step of the way.

If you have questions about buying, selling or moving in North DFW, I'm here to help.

melissamovesdfw.com/about (link in bio)

10/09/2026

City spotlight: McKinney

McKinney is home base for me, and fall is one of the best times to see why people love it here.

• The historic downtown square is the heart of the city, with local shops, restaurants and seasonal events throughout the year.
• Neighborhoods range from established master-planned communities like Stonebridge Ranch and Craig Ranch to newer builds on the north side of town.
• SH 121 and US 75 make it practical to commute toward Plano, Frisco, Allen and Dallas.

What buyers often notice is the range. You can find a home with character near the square, a European-inspired village like Adriatica (pictured), or something brand new with a builder warranty, all in the same city.

If McKinney is on your list, I'd be happy to share what different parts of town feel like and what homes are going for right now.

melissamovesdfw.com/neighborhoods (link in bio)

10/08/2026

Rental demand in Collin County held steady through the summer.

Here's what August showed (NTREIS, Collin County):
• Average lease: about $2,600 a month
• About 2.0 months of rental supply
• Active rental listings down 21.6% from a year ago

For investors, fewer available rentals can support occupancy. It doesn't guarantee returns, though, so it's worth running the full picture before you buy:

• Property taxes, which often land around 2% of value or more in many Collin County areas
• HOA dues and any leasing restrictions
• Insurance, which has risen across Texas in recent years
• Maintenance, vacancy and management costs

Builders are also carrying inventory toward year end, and some incentives can change the math on new construction.

If you're building or growing a rental portfolio in North DFW, send me an address or area you're considering. I'd be happy to walk through a quick rent and cost snapshot with you.

melissamovesdfw.com/contact (link in bio)

10/07/2026

If you're 65 or older and thinking about a smaller or simpler home, Texas property taxes are one of the first things worth understanding.

A few things many homeowners don't realize:

• Your exemptions grew. For school taxes, the homestead exemption is now $140,000, plus an additional $60,000 for homeowners 65 and older.

• Your tax ceiling can move with you. When you buy another home in Texas, your school tax ceiling transfers as the same percentage of taxes, not the same dollar amount. A higher-priced home can still mean a higher bill, so the exact number depends on the new home and its taxing district.

• The order of your move matters. Selling first can give you clear numbers to work with. Buying first can help you avoid a double move. The right choice depends on your equity and your comfort level.

This is general information, so it's worth confirming the details for your situation with the Collin Central Appraisal District or your tax professional.

My goal is to help you make the best decision for you. If you're curious what your home might sell for today, you can start here:

melissamovesdfw.com/home-valuation (link in bio)

10/06/2026

Moving to North DFW for work? The first big question is usually where to live.

With Samsung Electronics America moving its U.S. headquarters to Plano's Legacy area, and more companies choosing North Texas, a lot of people are about to make this exact decision. Here's how I help relocating clients think it through:

1. Start with the commute. Plano and Frisco sit closest to the Legacy corridor. McKinney, Prosper and Celina can mean a longer drive, often with more new construction to choose from.

2. Compare total monthly cost, not just price. Texas has no state income tax, but property taxes run higher than in many states, and some newer neighborhoods add MUD or PID assessments.

3. Decide on new build or resale. Builders are carrying more inventory toward year end, which can open the door to incentives. Resale homes often come with mature trees and finished neighborhoods.

4. Plan your visit. Many relocating buyers tour virtually first, then come in for two or three focused days.

If you're relocating to McKinney, Frisco, Prosper, Celina or Plano, I'd be happy to put together a short list of neighborhoods that fit your commute and budget.

melissamovesdfw.com/neighborhoods (link in bio)

10/05/2026

Fall in Collin County is shaping up to be a more balanced market than many people expect.

Here's what the August numbers show (NTREIS, Collin County):

• Resale homes had about 5.4 months of supply. That's a lot more choice than buyers had a few years ago.
• Resale homes averaged 49 days on market. New construction averaged 74.
• Builders are carrying inventory toward year end, which can open the door to conversations about price, closing costs or rate buydowns.

Mortgage rates were right around 7% in late September, according to Freddie Mac. That matters, but it's only one part of the picture. For many buyers, less competition and more time to decide can make this season worth a careful look.

For sellers, pricing and preparation matter more than they did a few years ago. Homes that show well and are priced right from day one still tend to move.

Every neighborhood tells its own story. If you're thinking about a move in McKinney, Frisco, Prosper, Celina or Plano, I'd be happy to walk you through what these numbers mean for your street.

Reach out anytime if you'd like to talk through your options.

melissamovesdfw.com (link in bio)

Address

McKinney, TX

Telephone

(214) 280-4317

Website

http://melissamovesdfw.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Melissa Avara Realty Group posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Melissa Avara Realty Group:

Want your business to be the top-listed finance company in McKinney?