Building Investment Success: Judge Fite's Modern Approach to Changing Real Estate Markets
In the ever-evolving Dallas-Fort Worth real estate market, few companies can claim the deep roots and comprehensive service offerings of Century 21 Judge Fite. With origins dating back to 1937, when Judge B. Fite himself wrote his first land lease, the company has grown into a multi-faceted real estate powerhouse while maintaining its family-oriented approach to business.
Miranda Herring, who oversees property management operations, embodies the company’s commitment to long-term relationships. Her journey into real estate was “semi-accidental,” beginning in accounting before transitioning to property management seventeen years ago. This unconventional path mirrors the current trend she’s most excited about: the rise of the “accidental landlord” in the DFW market.
“What we’ve seen lately is a lot of job transfers,” Herring explains. “Someone that has purchased a house [in DFW] and then needs to move becomes what we would consider an ‘accidental landlord.’ But it’s exciting to walk them through the process.” These homeowners are often surprised by potential rental rates of their former primary residences, and increasingly view these properties as long-term investments. “That’s been a pretty common theme for at least the past year,” she adds. “A lot of them are excited about it and are planning to keep the property as a long-term investment.”
And while corporate relocations to DFW have garnered headlines, Herring notes that most incoming residents are gravitating toward new construction rather than the rental market. Despite rising construction costs in many markets, DFW’s robust supply of new homes spans across their entire service area, providing ample options for newcomers. While properties are currently sitting on the market longer, Herring notes this is typical during an election year and hasn’t significantly impacted rental rates, which remain elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Another significant trend Herring has observed is the increasing impact of HOA regulations on rental properties. “HOAs have implemented new rules, laws, regulations on rental properties,” she notes. “I think HOA in their home meetings with the homeowners are trying to keep rental properties out of the neighborhoods. In my opinion, what they’re going to do is create so many rules and regulations that it makes it impossible to have a rental property [in these communities] and it’s going to drive the sale price down in that overall neighborhood.” This regulatory pressure has led Century 21 Judge Fite to develop specialized compliance tracking systems and provide strategic guidance to investors navigating these restrictions.
Amidst these changes, it’s clear that real estate investors need a trusted partner to navigate the complexities.
The firm’s integrated service model has proven particularly valuable in today’s complex market. Their in-house insurance division, mortgage services, and title work allow for streamlined transactions and coordinated property management solutions. This operational efficiency has helped them maintain a portfolio where approximately 70% of their owners are out-of-state investors, all within the United States, who benefit from their comprehensive property oversight and regular reporting systems.
Additionally, Judge Fite’s property management division has developed a systematic approach to property oversight that sets industry standards. Their three-tiered documentation system includes comprehensive initial property documentation, regular preventive maintenance inspections, and detailed move-out assessments. This approach allows them to effectively track property conditions, differentiate between normal wear and tear versus damage, and provide owners with data-driven recommendations for property improvements and market positioning.
Their commitment to systematic documentation extends to every aspect of operations. Each property interaction, whether with tenants, vendors, or owners, is logged in their property management system, creating an audit trail that protects all parties and enables data-driven decision-making. This attention to detail has proven particularly valuable for their investors dealing with insurance claims, tax considerations, and property performance analysis.
As Dallas-Fort Worth continues to evolve as a major real estate market, Century 21 Judge Fite stands ready to assist both accidental and intentional landlords. Their combination of historical perspective, systematic processes, and forward-thinking solutions positions them uniquely in a market where property management expertise has never been more valuable. With their robust infrastructure and deep market knowledge, they continue to adapt and thrive, maintaining the same level of service that has defined their operations for over 85 years while embracing new technologies and market opportunities.
