Maria Peinado

If you’re thinking about buying, the first thing I’ll say is don’t just jump because you feel pressure. Buying a home is a big move, and it should always be based on your lifestyle, finances, and long-term goals. Start by getting pre-approved so you know your numbers before you start touring. This not only gives you clarity on your budget but also shows sellers you’re serious. Remember, just because you qualify for a certain amount doesn’t mean you should spend it all. I always remind my clients to consider their current living expenses and comfort level, not just what the bank says. Also, think beyond the house itself. Pay attention to the school district, commute, community, and resale value, because a good home in a good location holds its value even when the market slows. Be ready to act when the right home comes up, but don’t ever settle for something that doesn’t feel right. And most importantly, work with a Realtor you trust, someone who will negotiate for you, explain the contract clearly, and point out any red flags along the way.

If you’re planning to sell your home, don’t underestimate the details. The way your home looks, feels, and is priced makes all the difference in how quickly it sells and for how much. Start by pricing it right from the beginning. Overpricing will push buyers away and cause your home to sit on the market, which weakens your leverage. A competitive price brings in more interest and stronger offers. First impressions matter, so focus on curb appeal with a clean lawn, trimmed shrubs, and a welcoming entryway. Inside, declutter and keep it neutral so buyers can picture themselves living there. Take care of small repairs like leaky faucets, chipped paint, or loose handles, because those details add up and can raise doubts about maintenance. Marketing is key, and professional photos, video tours, and strong online exposure are non-negotiable in today’s market. And most importantly, work with a Realtor who knows the market, negotiates effectively, and guides you through inspections and appraisals so you don’t leave money on the table.

I’ve had the privilege of working with a wide variety of clients. First-time homebuyers are a big part of my business, and I love guiding them step by step so they feel confident in such a big decision. I also work with families who are relocating to North Texas, often with school districts and commutes as top priorities. Investors make up another group of my clients, from those looking to flip homes to others focused on long-term rentals. I’ve also helped sellers who are ready to move on from their current property, whether it’s downsizing, upgrading, or cashing out on their investment. No matter the situation, my focus is always on making sure my clients are informed, protected, and positioned to meet their goals.

One transaction that really stands out to me was helping a family relocate from Houston to the Dallas area for work. Their biggest priority was finding the right school district for their kids, so we focused on communities that balanced good schools with a reasonable commute. Along the way, we even made a fun stop at Buc-ee’s, which turned what could have been a stressful search into a memorable experience. The process involved a contingency sale on their home in Houston, which required patience and coordination, but everything lined up smoothly. There were no competing offers on the property they chose, which allowed us to move forward without added pressure. What I loved most about this transaction was seeing how relieved and happy they were on closing day, knowing their kids were set up for success and they had a place that truly felt like home.

Like almost every Realtor, I had seen the home makeover shows on TV, but what stood out to me was that real estate was more than just the fun side of making houses pretty. I saw it as a true path to building generational wealth. I got started in real estate after working in property management and with investors who specialized in buying and reselling homes. Before becoming a Realtor, I managed repairs for investment properties and worked closely with owners and vendors, which gave me firsthand experience in protecting and growing real estate investments. From there, I partnered with an investor who focused on buying “ugly houses” to resell, and that’s where I learned project management, property improvements, and transaction coordination. That experience motivated me to step out on my own and become a full-time real estate agent with the goal of helping families and individuals build wealth and stability through homeownership.