Jo Riopel Homes

Safety should always be your priority at home! 🏠🔒 Here's a must-have list of safety measures to ensure your home is a safe haven:

1️⃣ Smoke Alarms: These are vital on every floor and inside each bedroom. Regular checks and battery replacements are key!

2️⃣ Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Crucial in homes with fuel-burning appliances or an attached garage. Install them on each level, especially close to sleeping areas.

3️⃣ Fire Extinguisher: Keep a ready-to-use one in the kitchen and other areas prone to fire. Ensure everyone knows how to use it.

4️⃣ First-Aid Kit: Maintain a kit with necessary items like bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, and any needed prescription medicines.

5️⃣ Important Contacts: Make a list of emergency numbers (local emergency services, poison control, trusted family contacts) and keep it handy.

6️⃣ Security System: From comprehensive systems to simple security cameras, additional security measures can offer invaluable peace of mind.

7️⃣ Outdoor Lighting: Proper exterior lighting can ward off potential intruders. Motion-sensor lights around driveways and paths can be especially effective.

Maintaining a safe home is an ongoing commitment. If you have any questions about home safety, feel free to contact me!



Talk Soon,
Jo Riopel
On Demand Realty
Client First Philosophy!

🏡💼 Have you ever wondered what your monthly costs will be as a homeowner? Let's break it down and shed some light on what to expect! 🌞💡

1️⃣ Mortgage Payments: This is likely your biggest monthly expense as a homeowner, including both the principal and the interest. 📑💰

2️⃣ Homeowner's Insurance: This protects your home against damage and theft. It's usually required by mortgage lenders and its cost depends on your property and area. 🏡🛡️

3️⃣ Property Taxes: These are typically paid semi-annually or annually, but it's smart to factor them into your monthly budget. The exact amount depends on your property's assessed value and local tax rate. 🏠💵

4️⃣ Utilities: Don't forget about water, electricity, gas, internet, and garbage services. These can add up! 💡🔌💧

5️⃣ Maintenance and Repairs: As a homeowner, you're responsible for all upkeep and repairs. While these costs can vary greatly, a common rule of thumb is to budget 1-2% of your home's value for maintenance each year. 🔧🪚

6️⃣ HOA Fees: If you're buying a property within a homeowners association, you'll need to budget for HOA fees. These funds typically cover shared amenities and services. 🌳🏊‍♀️

Planning is key to successful homeownership! A thorough understanding of these costs will help ensure you're financially prepared for this exciting step.



Talk Soon,
Jo Riopel
On Demand Realty
Client First Philosophy!

Ensuring your home is safe and secure is a top priority. 🏠🔐 Here are some effective measures you can take to keep your home protected from break-ins:

1️⃣ Strengthen Your Locks: Invest in high-quality locks for your doors and windows. Deadbolts can provide an added layer of security.

2️⃣ Home Security System: Consider installing a reliable home security system. There are many options available, from professional monitoring services to simpler DIY solutions.

3️⃣ Light Up the Exterior: Well-lit exteriors can deter potential burglars. Motion-sensor lights around pathways and driveways can be particularly effective.

4️⃣ Lock Down the AC Unit: If your air conditioning unit is accessible from the ground, secure it with a safety cage or bracket to prevent burglars from removing it to gain access.

5️⃣ Maintain Your Landscape: Keep your shrubs and trees well-trimmed, especially near windows and entry points, to eliminate possible hiding places.

6️⃣ Embrace Smart Technology: Devices such as video doorbells and security cameras not only let you keep an eye on your home from afar, but also act as powerful deterrents.

Investing in your home's security can bring peace of mind. If you've got further questions about safeguarding your home, feel free to contact me!



Talk Soon,
Jo Riopel
On Demand Realty
Client First Philosophy!

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8424 Wembley The Colony TX 75056
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Jo’s DFW real estate brief — October 5, 2026

**Mortgage rates are the consequential change since last week.** Freddie Mac’s national average **30-year fixed rate reached 7.28% on October 1**, up from **7.03% on September 24**; the 15-year fixed rate rose from 6.42% to 6.60%. On a $320,000 loan, the quarter-point rise adds about **$54 a month** in principal and interest. A buyer’s actual rate and payment will depend on their loan terms, so refresh lender estimates before discussing offers. [Freddie Mac](https://www.freddiemac.com/pmms?mf_ct_campaign=graytv-syndication&utm_source=chatgpt.com)

**September DFW listing data is now available.** Realtor.com counted **29,364 active listings**, down 2.3% from September 2025, and a **$422,495 median asking price**, down 0.6%. New listings fell 2.4% year over year. **27.5% of active listings had a price reduction**, the same share reported for August. That gives buyers a reason to examine listings with cuts, but fewer fresh listings can still create competition for a well-priced home. These are *asking and active-listing* measures, not closed-sale prices. [realtor.com](https://www.realtor.com/research/september-2026-data?utm_source=chatgpt.com) [realtor.com®](https://www.realtor.com/news/local/dallas-tx/real-estate-market-dallas-tx-september-2026/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

**For The Colony, Frisco, and Princeton, the comparable closed-sale baseline remains August.** The latest detailed NTREIS city report shows single-family median sale prices of **$465,000 in The Colony** (48 closings), **$675,000 in Frisco** (191), and **$303,750 in Princeton** (32). The Colony had 3.0 months of inventory, versus 5.0 in Frisco and 6.1 in Princeton. September city closings are not yet in that report; the smaller Colony and Princeton samples warrant extra care when advising on an individual home. NTREIS also excludes sales outside its reporting system, including some builder transactions. [www.mymetrotex.com](https://www.mymetrotex.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/NTREIS-Monthly-MLS-Summary-Report-202608.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com) [www.mymetrotex.com](https://www.mymetrotex.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/NTREIS-Monthly-MLS-Summary-Report-202608.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com) [www.mymetrotex.com](https://www.mymetrotex.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/NTREIS-Monthly-MLS-Summary-Report-202608.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com) [www.mymetrotex.com](https://www.mymetrotex.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/NTREIS-Monthly-MLS-Summary-Report-202608.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com)