From the Netherlands to Fort Worth – What Should I Know About the DFW Market?

Question

Hi everyone,

I’m Mark from the Netherlands. I’ve worked in construction for around 30 years and my family and I are currently preparing for a move to the Fort Worth area.

Coming from Europe, I’m very interested in learning more about the DFW real estate and construction market, especially from investors who are active in renovations, flips and redevelopment.

For those investing in DFW: what have been your biggest challenges when it comes to construction and renovation projects?

Looking forward to learning from everyone here!

Aaron Breckenridge · Answer

Welcome to Texas, @Mark Rademakers!

• Property taxes are somewhat higher than other places to offset no state income tax. Rental properties pay the full tax rate.
• Soil here is heavy clay and moves a lot. Iron plumbing built in the 60s/70s is failing. We can't do basements here, so this makes a lot of homes teardowns or major repairs unless it's older pier-and-beam construction.
• I see a lot of bad flips come on the market and never sell. Flips that used the cheapest materials, have bad design, etc. DFW is a huge market and buyers have a lot of choice.

Property taxes are somewhat higher than other places to offset no state income tax. Rental properties pay the full tax rate.

Soil here is heavy clay and moves a lot. Iron plumbing built in the 60s/70s is failing. We can't do basements here, so this makes a lot of homes teardowns or major repairs unless it's older pier-and-beam construction.

I see a lot of bad flips come on the market and never sell. Flips that used the cheapest materials, have bad design, etc. DFW is a huge market and buyers have a lot of choice.

Come to local meetups!

Mark Rademakers · Answer

Thank you! This is very helpful, especially coming from someone who also moved from Europe to DFW.

The differences in construction methods are something I’m very interested in learning more about. I have around 30 years of construction experience in the Netherlands, but I realize that building methods, regulations and even the climate are very different in Texas.

I would actually love to hear more about your own experience moving from the UK to DFW. How did you find the transition, and was it difficult to build a local network when you first arrived?

Our main interest is new residential construction and connecting with investors and developers who own or acquire land and need a contractor to build their projects.

Thanks again for offering to help. I may definitely reach out with some more questions!

John Leland · Answer

It's a much bigger place than it looks. You'll need to focus on one part of teh metroplex just to get used to it, then you can spread out.

Diana Khan · Answer

@Mark Rademakers, you already have the construction experience, so I think one of the bigger adjustments will be learning how investors and developers in your new market structure their projects and working relationships. From my side of real estate, I’d pay just as much attention to the agreements as the construction itself, especially the scope of work, payment terms, responsibilities, and how changes during a project are handled.

I’ve worked with real estate clients where the actual work was not the problem. The issue came from people having different expectations about what was included, who was responsible for something, or how a change would be handled. Having those details clear from the beginning can make the relationship much easier for everyone involved.

I enjoyed reading your perspective, @Mark Rademakers, especially your focus on bringing quality workmanship from your experience in Europe. I’m a real estate attorney and investor, so I see the other side of many of these projects. Happy to stay connected as you build your network in DFW.

Janice Lemuel · Answer

Welcome to the DFW area Mark! I have witnessed some rapid growth throughout the metroplex. I would encourage you to get connected and get familiar with DFW and your construction,experience will serve you well.

I am new to investing, but I have owned several TX properties over the years and proper maintenancecare is vital in this Texas climate.

I have a great property in Collin County area that may be of interest to an investor. I'm looking to find a local meet up group to connect.

Mark Rademakers · Answer

Thank you for the warm welcome and for sharing your experience!

It’s great to hear from someone who has owned properties in Texas and is also looking to connect more with the local investment community.

We are currently looking for local meetups as well, especially groups where investors, developers, landowners and construction professionals can connect.

Your property in Collin County sounds interesting. What type of property is it, and what kind of opportunity are you looking for with an investor?

If you find a good local meetup group, I would definitely be interested in hearing about it. Likewise, I’m happy to share any useful DFW groups or events I come across.

Thanks again, and it would be great to stay connected!

Ashley Rigsbee · Answer

Welcome, Mark! With 30 years of construction experience, I’m sure you’ll have a lot to bring to the DFW community. Wishing you and your family a smooth move, and looking forward to seeing your insights as you get familiar with the market!

Mark Rademakers · Answer

Thank you very much for the warm welcome! I really appreciate it.

After 30 years in construction in Europe, I’m excited to learn how things are done in Texas and hopefully bring some of our European experience and craftsmanship to the DFW market as well.

I’m looking forward to connecting with local investors, developers and other professionals and learning from their experience.

Thanks again!

Brad Seid · Answer

@Mark Rademakers Welcome, Mark! With 30 years in construction, you already bring a ton of valuable experience to the DFW market.

As you get familiar with the area, I’d be happy to connect and be a resource on the lending side. If you’re looking at flips, renovations, or redevelopment projects, feel free to reach out and we can explore financing options for your next deal.

Diego Alvarado · Answer

Hi @Mark Rademakers

Welcome to BP!!!

I moved from UK to DFW and these are certainly something that I found out.

• Property taxes are crazy in Texas. This not only surprise relocating from outside the US but also from other states. We don't have income taxes so property taxes are high.
• Construction is a bit different in Texas mainly when coming from the Netherlands, properties are build over an slab or pier and bean structure, there is no underground foundation.
• Depending on the age of the house you have to look for different things in the house, the major items that you have to evaluate are plumbing, electrical, foundation, roof, HVAC. I would also consider as a second level Windows.

Property taxes are crazy in Texas. This not only surprise relocating from outside the US but also from other states. We don't have income taxes so property taxes are high.

Construction is a bit different in Texas mainly when coming from the Netherlands, properties are build over an slab or pier and bean structure, there is no underground foundation.

Depending on the age of the house you have to look for different things in the house, the major items that you have to evaluate are plumbing, electrical, foundation, roof, HVAC. I would also consider as a second level Windows.

I hope your transition is smooth, weather is completely different so you have to adapt to it.

Reach out if you have my more specific questions.

From the Netherlands to Fort Worth – What Should I Know About the DFW Market?

From the Netherlands to Fort Worth – What Should I Know About the DFW Market?

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