What You Actually Need to Know About Buying or Selling in Lake Highlands Right Now

75218 • 75231 • 75238 — Let’s go.

Let’s skip the fluff. The Lake Highlands real estate market isn’t what it was a year ago. And whether you're selling your place or trying to buy into the neighborhood, you need to understand how this market actually works right now.

New builds are everywhere. Rates are still weird. Buyers are picky. Sellers are confused. But good homes? They’re still moving—if you know what you're doing.

Here’s how to get it right:

💸 If You’re Selling, Don’t Make These Rookie Mistakes

You don’t need to drop $50K renovating to win—but you do need a strategy.

• Pricing too high? You’re helping your competition sell.

• Skipping prep? Buyers don’t have vision. Make it clean, bright, and uncluttered.

• Skipping staging? Huge mistake. When you list with me, staging is already included—because it works.

• Renovating blindly? Ask me what actually adds value in 75218, 75231, and 75238.

• Ignoring builders? That alley access or 80-ft lot could be builder bait.

• Not getting eyes on the home? Mid-week listings win. Period.

🏡 Buying? Here’s How People Screw It Up (And How You Don’t)

You’ve got options—but you don’t have time to waste.

• Touring homes without a pre-approval? Wasting everyone’s time—including yours. Plus, if you don’t understand your monthly obligations ahead of time, you’re flying blind. Knowing what your payment looks like at different price points helps you strategize and act fast when the right house hits.

• Chasing pretty flips? Ask what’s under the paint. Some of these are lipstick-on-a-pig.

• Know the history of the home. Ask about permits, additions, remodel timelines, and inspections. And go underground—many homes in Lake Highlands were built with cast iron sewer lines. If those haven’t been replaced or inspected, you could be one flush away from a $15K mistake.

• Assuming you're in the good RISD zone? Better check. I’ll confirm school boundaries by street.

• Thinking all of Lake Highlands is priced the same? Not even close. 75218 vs. 75231 vs. 75238? Different world.

• Relying on Redfin alerts? I usually know about listings before they go live. Doesn’t mean off-market hype—just real timing and awareness.

🧠 Bonus Round: 6 Things Most People Miss

1. New builds aren’t always a better investment. Some are high-quality. Others? Overpriced and underbuilt.

2. Just because your neighbor got $850K doesn’t mean you will. Timing, updates, floorplan, and lot all matter.

3. Some homes sell in 2 days. Others sit for 60. That’s not luck—it’s strategy.

4. RISD zoning is tricky—don’t assume. I’ll help you verify by block, not just by map.

5. Having a Lake Highlands agent who actually lives here still matters. I’m not guessing. I know the comps, the builders, the schools, the streets.

6. Inspections matter—even on “updated” or brand new homes. New floors and paint can cover up old pipes, outdated electrical, or foundation issues. And brand new homes? They’re not always built right the first time. Builders miss things—sometimes big things. Always inspect.

🔦 Bottom Line: Know the Streets. Know the Game.

Lake Highlands isn’t one-size-fits-all. A house that makes sense in 75238 might be overpriced in 75231. And a teardown opportunity in 75218 might be a gold mine—or a money pit—depending on who’s advising you.

Whether you’re trying to time your sale, beat the crowds to a new listing, or just want someone who actually knows where the value is—this is where I come in.

I’m Dustin Merritt. I live here. I work here. I sell here. And I keep it real.

📧 [email protected]
📱 214-694-8841
🌐 www.TheDallasRealtor.com