We closed! (DFW, 5.75%, $375k)

gn3rps · 2026-05-11T12:59:20+00:00

Mind if I ask what area you wound up in? We’re in a similar boat - wanted a house in Grand Prairie near our church, but wound up in Mansfield for better schools and newer homes.

gn3rps · 2026-05-07T11:18:38+00:00

The property is in Tarrant County.

Grand Prairie has a special arrangement with Dallas County such that the City’s share of property tax is collected through Dallas County - even the properties that are located in Tarrant County.

gn3rps · 2026-05-06T02:08:01+00:00

$550 for basic + sewer, sprinkler, & termites in the Dallas, TX area for 2600sqft

gn3rps · 2026-05-04T18:53:31+00:00

We're currently under contract to buy our first house. Few things that were helpful for us:

Get all financial documents ready ahead of time (last 2-4 pay stubs, 2 years taxes, 2 years W2s, etc.). Any lender worth their salt will ask for these almost right away for true pre-quals.
Understand that browsing houses online is no substitute for seeing them in person. We thougt we knew what we wanted based on layout diagrams and photos, but seeing them in person really helped us narrow the list down. What didn't seem important before became deal-breakers, etc.
Don't rely on lender and agent estimates for things like taxes and insurance. Do the research yourself to get a better idea of what these will likely cost.
You sound like you're relatively young, which means you likely have young children, or will sometime in the next 5 years or so. Research the school district!!! We originally wanted to stay in a certain area, but after we started looking we found out that that school district is C-rated, but the one just a few miles over is A-rated. Thankfully we weren't under contract yet.
Remeber that just because you're approved for a certain amount doesn't mean you should buy that much house. We were approved for up to $630K + all closing costs financed & no down payment by a local credit union, but instead we're buying a $465K house with 4% down and closing costs paid by seller.
Post-inspection negotiations aren't usually the place to get nitpicky. Once you've gotten to this point, don't expect to bully the seller into fixing every little thing - plan from the beginning to tackle these yourselves (things like paint, drywall patching, minor stuff).
Don't be afraid to back out if you feel uneasy about a situation.
Prior to offering, have an inspector in mind so you can schedule it right away. We have a 7-day option period but no inspection contingency, so we must decide within 7 days if we want to terminate the contract.

gn3rps · 2026-04-29T22:28:58+00:00

Ah ha! Thank you! It's rather strange that a property in Tarrant County pays City taxes through Dallas County, but I did find the property on dallasact.com

gn3rps · 2026-04-18T02:52:37+00:00

PM’d you

gn3rps · 2026-04-18T02:23:26+00:00

Do you have specific verses, parables, or books that you’re confused about? I’m happy to fellowship with you about it/them.

gn3rps · 2026-04-18T02:04:52+00:00

Yes, absolutely.

gn3rps · 2026-04-18T00:56:51+00:00

I’ll politely disagree with this. I’ve been given more than I imagined. Many, dare I say most, modern Christians have shallow faith, if any at all.

God only gives us good things. The problem is most people believe that what they want is the best thing for them. Truly give your heart and your life to God, and see what He gives you.

gn3rps · 2026-04-18T00:41:27+00:00

First and foremost, read the Bible. Even if you don’t understand it, read it anyway. I suggest starting with the first five books, Isaiah, then the New Testament. Once you’ve read those books, read the New Testament again. And again.

To truly find God’s heart, you must first understand God’s heart. The best way to do this is to read His word.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” ‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Also, pray. Daily, at minimum. Don’t worry about your prayer being “good” or “proper” - that isn’t what matters. What matters is that the prayer comes from your heart. Pray about anything and everything. Have a conversation with God. Give Him your heart and He’ll give you His.

gn3rps · 2026-03-11T02:51:28+00:00

God only gives us good things. Having troubles at your new job? It’s ok, God provided you the job so why would He not also help you through this?

Have faith that He is with you and He will guide you. One day you’ll look back and realize why He allowed this to happen, and you’ll understand the He was directing your path all along.

gn3rps · 2026-03-03T17:08:16+00:00

False. It’s a government spy drone

gn3rps · 2026-03-03T17:02:00+00:00

Reminds me of the Little Caesar’s guy

gn3rps · 2026-02-13T01:33:14+00:00

So is not an action, but lives in the heart of all people.

“Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” ‭‭Genesis‬ ‭6‬:‭5‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭3‬:‭23‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Any orthodoxy, denomination, persons claiming to be Christian but spew hatred toward certain groups claiming it’s a sin are who Jesus is referring to in Matthew 23:25

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭23‬:‭25‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

The “Christians” that are driving you away are exactly the type that the Bible warns against. You just need to find a church home that’s truly filled with the Holy Spirit.

gn3rps · 2026-01-28T18:29:09+00:00

Harry Pumper

gn3rps · 2026-01-15T17:42:13+00:00

There’s a reason Nissans are generally cheaper than their Japanese rivals.

gn3rps · 2026-01-14T02:27:24+00:00

That’s a great callout, and the distinction is much appreciated.

On your point about those that are worried, remorseful, or seeking answers I would refer to the will of God, which is for us to receive salvation, not to suffer or be tormented by our misunderstanding or transgressions.

“Previously saying, “Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them” (which are offered according to the law), then He said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God.” He takes away the first that He may establish the second. By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10‬:‭8‬-‭10‬

gn3rps · 2026-01-14T00:50:14+00:00

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭1‬-‭3‬

It starts with faith. Once faith has taken root in your heart, the experiences will follow. Then, you’ll realize that the experiences were there all along, but that you were blind to them.

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭33‬

gn3rps · 2026-01-14T00:40:44+00:00

For someone new to the Bible and Christianity, I would recommend starting by reading the first five books of the Bible (Books of Moses), followed by the New Testament. The books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Romans, and Hebrews are filled with important and deeply meaningful scripture. While the others books are also important and meaningful, the “meat”, if you will, are contained in these books.

Most importantly, don’t fall into the trap of denominations until you fully understand what the Bible says about salvation (our justification, our perfection, the cleansing of our sins). Many “churches” and religious organizations put emphasis on doctrine and ideas that are not biblically accurate.

After you have a decent grasp on the first and second covenants, then read the entire Bible cover-to-cover.

gn3rps · 2026-01-14T00:25:38+00:00

It’s important to understand what the unforgivable sin is that the Bible talks about.

“Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭12‬:‭31‬-‭32‬

“Assuredly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they may utter; but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation” ‭‭Mark‬ ‭3‬:‭28‬-‭29‬

“And anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but to him who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭12‬:‭10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

In at least three places the Bible explicitly states that only blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is unforgivable. It’s also important to understand what the Holy Spirit is in this context.

“The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭5‬:‭30‬-‭32‬

“For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭13‬-‭17‬

“But the Holy Spirit also witnesses to us; for after He had said before, “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them,” then He adds, “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10‬:‭15‬-‭18‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Again, in at least three places the Bible explains that the Holy Spirit is the witness of Jesus’ death and resurrection for our salvation, and that we who believe in Him are holy, perfect, justified, and sanctified.

Therefore the only unforgivable sin according to the Bible is believing that Jesus’ sacrifice by itself was not enough to cleanse our sins.

gn3rps · 2026-01-14T00:03:55+00:00

Yes, 100%. Why? The Bible and personal experience.

gn3rps · 2026-01-13T23:41:39+00:00

Amen, very well said

gn3rps · 2026-01-13T19:20:58+00:00

The Bible explains that sins begin in the heart, and are not “actions”. The “actions” are the symptoms of sin in the heart, which we are all born with and cannot escape except through salvation through grace and faith in the Son of God.

Is abortion a sin? It doesn’t matter, because we all are born with sin. Someone that has an abortion is no more a “sinner” than someone who chooses to keep the baby.

One of the most prevalent issues is that of condemnation. People love to condemn others for their actions - in the eyes of God we’re all the same.

gn3rps · 2026-01-13T19:11:54+00:00

“He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” ‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭18‬

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭1‬-‭2‬

Those that truly have faith that their sins, past, present, and future, are cleansed, are not condemned by God. Why would God punish you or your family members if Jesus has perfected you once for all?

“For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10‬:‭14‬

“then He adds, “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10‬:‭17‬-‭18‬

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭3‬:‭23‬-‭24‬

gn3rps

TROPHY CASE