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Howdy, Texas adventurers! 🌟

This week, we’re diving into stories that blur the lines between ambition, luxury, and unexpected twists. From Luka Doncic’s emotional farewell to Dallas and his $15M mansion buy days before a Lakers trade, to a Houston estate with a 50-car garage finally finding a buyer after a year-long saga, these headlines are as captivating as they are revealing.

We’ll also explore Texas’ rise as a housing powerhouse, the growing appeal of barndominiums, and Mark Cuban’s surprising retreat into peace and purpose in the Lone Star State.

Buckle up—this isn’t your average newsletter.

📰 Upcoming in this issue

• Luka Doncic Buys $15M Dallas Mansion Days Before Trade to Lakers 🏀

• A Garage Fit for 50: The $10 Million Houston Mansion Finally Sells 🚗

• Tiny Home, Big Dreams: Amazon’s $12,800 Portable Home Is a Game-Changer 🏡 

• Building a Barndominium: A Step-by-Step Guide to Your Dream Home 🛠️

• Texas Takes the Lead in U.S. Home Building Boom 🏠

• Mark Cuban: Finding Peace and Purpose in the Heart of Texas

📈 Trending news

• California Real Estate Firm Makes the Move to Texas

• Barndominiums: The Controversial Trend Redefining Modern Living

• Dallas Housing Market 2025: This Week’s Key Updates for Collin County!

• Texas Real Estate: The 10 Most Expensive New Listings This Week

• Texas Housing Market Predictions 2025: Trends, Prices, and Opportunities

Luka Doncic Buys $15M Dallas Mansion Days Before Trade to Lakers 🏀 read the full 1,195-word article here

Article published: February 3, 2025

Luka Doncic’s surprise trade to the Los Angeles Lakers has fans buzzing—not just for basketball reasons, but also because the NBA star reportedly closed on a $15 million Dallas mansion just a week before the news.

Former NBA player Chandler Parsons claims Doncic was blindsided by the move, allegedly breaking down in tears upon learning he’d leave the Mavericks after seven seasons.

Details about the mansion are scarce, but speculation centers on high-end properties in Dallas’s Preston Hollow, where Doncic already owns a $3.3 million retreat. Whether he’ll keep the newly purchased property or sell it remains unclear.

The shocking trade saw Doncic swapped for Anthony Davis, with both teams gaining additional assets. Luka, however, expressed deep gratitude to Dallas fans, calling the city his “home away from home.”

Key Takeaways:

• 🏠 Major investment: Luka Doncic reportedly purchased a $15M Dallas home just days before his trade to the Lakers.

• 💔 Emotional goodbye: Parsons claims Doncic was “in tears” after learning he was leaving the Mavericks.

• 📍 Preston Hollow favorite: Doncic’s rumored new property adds to his Dallas portfolio, including a $3.3M home in this upscale area.

• 🏀 Surprise trade details: Doncic joins the Lakers, while Anthony Davis heads to Dallas, shaking up the NBA landscape.

A Garage Fit for 50: The $10 Million Houston Mansion Finally Sells 🚗 read the full 993-word article here

Article published: February 7, 2025

After over a year on the market, the $10 million Houston mansion with a 50-car garage has finally sold.

This Tuscan-inspired estate, nestled in the posh Rivercrest neighborhood, hit the market in 2023 for nearly $10 million—roughly $200,000 per parking spot. Despite its jaw-dropping automotive amenities, buyers weren’t biting. Price cuts followed, slashing the tag down to $6.89 million by January 2025.

Its standout feature? A climate-controlled, 9,240-square-foot garage that could double as a luxury car showroom, complete with lifts, nine roller doors, and even a repair shop.

The 11,000-square-foot mansion is just as extravagant, boasting marble-clad interiors, Venetian plaster walls, a helix staircase, and a poolside guesthouse.

In the end, the buyer paid between $5.86 million and $6.76 million, making this one of Houston’s priciest recent sales.

Key Takeaways:

• 🚗 The garage steals the show: A 50-car garage spans 9,240 square feet with lifts, nine roller doors, and a repair shop.

• 🏠 Mansion features are jaw-dropping: The 21-room mansion includes a helix staircase, theater, vintage-style bar, and Juliet balconies.

• 🌳 Sprawling outdoor luxury: Set on 3 wooded acres, the estate includes a guesthouse, cabana, and pool.

• 💸 Price drop paid off: Initially listed at $10M, the property sold for significantly less—between $5.86M and $6.76M.

Tiny Home, Big Dreams: Amazon’s $12,800 Portable Home Is a Game-Changer 🏡 read the full 1,129-word article here

Article published: February 9, 2025

Amazon is revolutionizing home ownership with its Build To Live Prefabricated Tiny Home Kit, priced at just $12,800.

This 800-square-foot, portable home installs in just 10 minutes thanks to a foldable, double-wing design. Buyers can fully customize the layout, choosing up to three bedrooms and even an optional second floor.

Built with a durable steel frame, this eco-friendly home includes thermal and acoustic insulation, fire resistance, and the ability to withstand 8-level winds. Its fully-equipped kitchen and bathroom, sliding glass doors, and natural light-filled design make it perfect for sustainable living.

With wheels for easy transport and a life expectancy of 30+ years, this prefabricated marvel is the ultimate blend of affordability, mobility, and style.

Key Takeaways:

• 🏗️ Quick setup: The foldable design allows for installation in just 10 minutes, making homeownership faster than ever.

• 🌱 Eco-friendly durability: Steel frame, fire-resistant panels, and thermal insulation ensure durability and sustainability for over 30 years.

• 🏠 Customizable design: Choose up to three bedrooms, a second story, and enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and sliding glass doors.

• 🚚 Portable living: Comes with wheels, allowing you to take your home wherever you want to go.

Building a Barndominium: A Step-by-Step Guide to Your Dream Home 🛠️ watch the full 18-min video here

Video published: February 3, 2025

If you've ever dreamed of building a barndominium, this video by Texas Best Barndominium walks you through every step, from buying land to final touches.

Set in Burleson, Texas, this two-bedroom, two-bath build features 1,600 square feet of shop space, an open porch, and a hybrid steel-and-wood frame. The host breaks down critical pre-construction steps, like picking flat, buildable land with good drainage and access to utilities, and budgeting using tools like their Barndo Cost Calculator.

The video also showcases post-tension concrete foundations, custom framing, airtight sealing techniques, and interior finishes like foam insulation and stained concrete. Each stage is meticulously planned and executed, proving that building a barndominium is as much about preparation as construction.

Key Takeaways:

• 📍 Land matters: Prioritize flat land with drainage and utility access; avoid steep slopes to reduce building complexity and costs (00:01:05).

• 💰 Budget smartly: Use tools like the Barndo Cost Calculator to adjust square footage, building style, and finishes (00:03:53).

• 🏗️ Hybrid steel frame: Combines free-span steel roofing with wood-framed walls for efficiency and durability (00:05:31).

• 🛠️ Post-tension foundation: A specialized method for strength on clay-heavy soils, ensuring long-term durability (00:14:18).

Texas Takes the Lead in U.S. Home Building Boom 🏠 read the full 911-word article here

Article published: February 6, 2025

Texas is officially the top U.S. state for new home construction, accounting for 15% of all housing permits in the country last year.

Fueled by a booming population—thanks to migration from California and international relocations—the Lone Star State is racing to meet demand. In response, Texas builders are creating more homes at smaller sizes, with the median new home shrinking by 5.3% since 2020 to 2,073 square feet.

With a median listing price of $360,000, Texas homes remain relatively affordable, sitting $40,000 below the national median. Nearly half of the state’s housing inventory is priced at $350,000 or less, making it a hotspot for buyers seeking value.

Economic growth in tech, education, and manufacturing has turned Texas into a relocation magnet—and its builders are stepping up to the challenge.

Key Takeaways:

• 📈 Housing surge: Texas leads the U.S. with 15% of new home permits, driven by migration and economic growth.

• 🏘️ Smaller homes, better prices: Median home size dropped 5.3% to 2,073 sq. ft., while median prices stayed below the national average.

• 🚀 Economic driver: Growth in tech, construction, and education industries is fueling demand for housing statewide.

• 🏡 Affordable inventory: Nearly 50% of Texas homes for sale are priced at $350,000 or less, ideal for budget-conscious buyers.

Mark Cuban: Finding Peace and Purpose in the Heart of Texas

When you think of Mark Cuban, you probably picture the billionaire tech mogul, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, and one of the stars of Shark Tank. He's a man who thrives on big-city energy, innovation, and a never-ending drive for success. But did you know that Cuban, despite his bustling business empire and high-profile lifestyle, has found a place of peace and solace in the very state that helped shape his career? That's right - Texas, the Lone Star State, is where Cuban has built a deep-rooted connection to both the land and its people.

Texas: More Than Just a Business Hub

Mark Cuban’s ties to Texas run deep. While many may associate him with the fast-paced world of Silicon Valley or the financial corridors of New York, Cuban’s journey truly began in Pittsburgh. However, it was when he moved to Texas in the early 1980s that he truly made his mark. After attending Indiana University, Cuban settled in Dallas, where he eventually launched a software company called MicroSolutions. His rise to fame and fortune was rooted in the Texan entrepreneurial spirit - innovative, bold, and always ready to take risks. The sale of MicroSolutions for $6 million in 1990 was just the beginning, and it was in Dallas where Cuban went on to make even bigger moves, including purchasing the Mavericks in 2000.

Today, Cuban is not just an influential figure in Dallas; he’s become synonymous with the city's sports culture. As the owner of the Mavericks, Cuban has worked tirelessly to build a team that isn’t just competitive on the court, but also engaged with the community. Whether it's his high-profile support of the team or his commitment to fostering a sense of unity in the city, Cuban has solidified his place as an iconic Texan sports figure. In 2011, the Mavericks’ first NBA championship victory under Cuban’s leadership was a defining moment in his legacy—one that also cemented his bond with Texas fans.

Giving Back to the Community

While Cuban’s fortune has afforded him a lifestyle most can only dream of, his commitment to philanthropy shows just how deeply he cares about giving back to the community. Cuban has contributed millions to causes ranging from healthcare to education to poverty alleviation, often focusing on initiatives that provide tangible support to underserved communities in Texas.

One example of his philanthropy is the Mark Cuban Foundation, which funds a wide range of charitable endeavors. Cuban has also made a point to donate to causes directly related to Dallas and the broader Texas region. He was involved in the response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Harvey in 2017, helping raise funds and resources to aid the victims of the storm. Cuban’s philanthropic efforts are rooted in a sense of responsibility - a desire to make a lasting impact on the place that has given him so much.

The Texas Retreat: A Break from the Fast Lane

Despite his nonstop hustle in the world of business, sports, and media, Cuban is well-aware of the need for balance. He may live a life most would consider busy, demanding, and high stakes, but Cuban has always valued downtime, too. Enter his Texas retreat—a sprawling piece of real estate that serves as his getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. Located on a large, private property in the Texan countryside, this retreat allows Cuban to disconnect from the whirlwind of his daily routine and reconnect with nature.

In a world that’s constantly moving, where deadlines, meetings, and the pressure to perform can be overwhelming, Cuban’s retreat is a place of stillness. The Texas countryside, with its vast open spaces, rolling hills, and scenic landscapes, provides the perfect environment for relaxation and reflection. For someone who thrives on high-energy ventures, the opportunity to escape to the tranquility of nature is a refreshing and essential balance. Whether it’s spending time outdoors, hiking, or simply enjoying a quiet evening on his property, Cuban embraces the slower pace of life that Texas offers.

This appreciation for the natural beauty of Texas is something that many of its residents can relate to, regardless of their wealth or status. For Cuban, it’s a reminder of his roots—how even a man with such ambition can still find peace and clarity in the simple pleasures of life. The wide-open skies, the endless horizon, and the sense of freedom that comes with being immersed in nature provide him with a sense of groundedness, something that can be rare in his high-octane world.

Business Ventures That Shape Texas

While Cuban’s lifestyle is often centered around enjoying the natural beauty of Texas, he’s also been instrumental in shaping the business landscape of the state. Texas, a state known for its robust economy and business-friendly environment, has played a crucial role in Cuban’s entrepreneurial journey. Over the years, he has invested in numerous startups, including those based in the Texas area. He’s also been outspoken about how the state’s policies have fostered innovation, particularly in the tech and energy sectors.

His connection to Texas extends beyond his personal investments—he’s a vocal advocate for creating more opportunities in the state for entrepreneurs. Cuban has championed local initiatives that help Texans build wealth through technology, education, and small business. Whether it’s his investments in Dallas-based tech startups or his advocacy for the state’s business environment, Cuban’s influence has helped ensure that Texas remains a powerful player on the national and global economic stage.

A Texan Through and Through

Mark Cuban’s story is a testament to the power of ambition, hard work, and the willingness to embrace new opportunities. But just as importantly, it’s a story of how the state of Texas has shaped him—both professionally and personally. Whether he’s cheering on the Mavericks from the sidelines, mentoring the next generation of business leaders, or retreating to his piece of Texas paradise to recharge, Cuban embodies the spirit of the state: bold, hardworking, and grounded in the values of community and resilience.

So, when you think of Mark Cuban, remember that behind the boardrooms and media appearances, he’s also a man who finds comfort in the quiet beauty of the Texas landscape. It’s here, in the wide-open spaces and deep-rooted culture, that he’s been able to find a sense of balance - something that, no matter how successful you are, we could all use a little more of.

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Why It Matters

These stories are more than news—they reflect the choices and trends shaping the way we live and dream. Luka’s move reminds us of the unpredictable turns in life, while Texas’ housing boom and the rise of tiny homes show how real estate innovation is reshaping our future.

Even Mark Cuban’s retreat into the Texas countryside offers a lesson: no matter how big we dream, finding balance and grounding is key.

These are more than stories—they’re reflections of the world we’re building.

Hannah Collinsworth
Editor-in-Chief
Houston, Texas
Texas Property Round Up

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