Why smart money is positioning NOW for the I-35E transformation

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Here’s what separates the players from the spectators in North Texas real estate: while everyone else is chasing yesterday’s opportunities in oversaturated markets, the real wealth is being created in the areas nobody’s paying attention to yet.

I’ve been tracking something that’s about to fundamentally reshape wealth creation in our region, and if you understand what I’m about to share with you, you’ll be positioning yourself ahead of a $1 billion infrastructure transformation that most people won’t recognize until it’s too late.

For information on the phase timing and details of the this project visit:

The Intelligence Other Agents Are Missing

The Setup: While Frisco agents are fighting over scraps in a maxed-out market and Dallas proper prices itself out of reality, TxDOT is quietly orchestrating the most significant transportation investment in Ellis County history.

The Numbers: $709 million for I-35E Phase 2 expansion, plus $297 million for Loop 9 development. That’s over $1 billion in infrastructure investment flowing directly into our backyard. Source: TxDOT Project Documentation

The Opportunity: Ellis County median home prices at $415,000 versus comparable DFW access points trading 30-40% higher. But here’s the kicker, that gap is about to close rapidly.

Why January 2025 Was the Inflection Point

Loop 9 Phase 1 opened in early January, and here’s what happened that most agents completely missed:

Immediate Impact: Commute times from Red Oak to major employment centers dropped by 12-15 minutes. That might not sound like much, but in real estate, accessibility is everything.

The Domino Effect: Properties within a 5-mile radius of the new corridor are already showing 8-12% increases in showing activity. Smart money recognizes infrastructure plays before the masses catch on.

What’s Coming Next: This is just Phase 1. The full Loop 9 vision connects I-35E to I-45 with controlled access highways and major interchanges. Translation: we’re in the early innings of a 20-year transformation.

The Waxahachie Advantage (Why I’m Doubling Down Here)

Let me share some intelligence that’s not making headlines yet:

State Spur 394 Project: Nearly two miles of new highway between I-35E and FM 877, specifically designed to handle future traffic demands into Waxahachie. Source: Ellis County Press

The Strategic Position: Waxahachie sits at the epicenter of this infrastructure boom. Victorian charm, solid fundamentals, AND positioned perfectly for the transportation revolution.

Current Market Reality: Average 56 days on market, many properties selling below asking price. This is a buyer’s market intersecting with an infrastructure boom – a combination that creates generational wealth when you time it right.

The Data That Changes Everything

Here’s what infrastructure research tells us about highway corridor development:

• 12-15% property value increases typically occur within 18 months of major highway improvements in areas with limited alternative routes Source: Center for Infrastructure Policy Texas
• Commercial development follows residential demand – properties near major interchanges become prime locations for mixed-use development
• Early positioning advantage – investors who buy before infrastructure completion often see 25-30% appreciation versus those who wait

The Ellis County Economic Engine

This isn’t just about roads – it’s about economic transformation:

Manufacturing Growth: Ellis County’s manufacturing base benefits from improved goods movement along the I-35 trade corridor
Strategic Location: The I-35 corridor runs from Mexican border through major Texas cities, making it vital for USMCA trade agreement benefits Source: Bricksave Research
Employment Accessibility: Reduced commute times to Dallas, Fort Worth, and major employment centers in Lancaster and Cedar Hill

Communities Positioned for Maximum Benefit

Red Oak: Direct Loop 9 connection creates gateway positioning between I-35E and I-45
Midlothian: Strong school systems plus enhanced highway access = family magnet
Ferris: That 5,200-acre development suddenly makes a lot more sense with improved transportation access
Waxahachie: County seat advantages plus infrastructure improvements = sustained appreciation potential

The Investment Intelligence Framework

If you’re thinking strategically about real estate positioning, here’s what matters:

Timing Window: Current buyer-friendly conditions (1,544 new homes available, favorable inventory levels) won’t last once infrastructure benefits become obvious to mainstream market

Price Point Advantage: Entry points from $249,990 to $500,000+ provide options across investment strategies Source: Zillow Market Data

Infrastructure Phasing: TxDOT’s phased approach means sustained value appreciation over 20-year timeline, not just one-time bump

What This Means for Your Real Estate Strategy

For First-Time Buyers: You’re looking at potentially the last opportunity to buy into a major DFW growth corridor at pre-infrastructure pricing

For Move-Up Buyers: Current equity positions combined with infrastructure timing create wealth multiplication opportunities

For Investors: ROI potential in Ellis County infrastructure plays versus oversaturated markets in established corridors

For Future Planning: Understanding the 20-year vision helps with everything from school district decisions to retirement planning

The Bottom Line Strategic Play

Here’s what separates the professionals from the amateurs: while others are reacting to market conditions, we’re positioning for market creation.

The I-35E corridor transformation isn’t speculation – it’s documented, funded, and already underway. The question isn’t whether Ellis County will benefit from this infrastructure investment. The question is whether you’ll position yourself ahead of the curve or wait until everyone else figures it out.

Current Opportunity: Ellis County offers DFW accessibility at 20-30% discount to comparable markets, with $1 billion in infrastructure improvements already improving that accessibility equation.

Strategic Timing: Buyer-friendly conditions intersecting with infrastructure development create optimal positioning window.

Long-Term Vision: 20-year transportation plan provides sustained appreciation catalyst versus one-time market bumps.

Next Level Intelligence

Want the insider perspective on specific communities, developments, and timing strategies? The infrastructure data tells one story, but the real opportunities come from understanding how these changes affect specific neighborhoods, school districts, and investment potential.

This is exactly the kind of market intelligence that creates wealth when others are still figuring out what happened.

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📊 Your North Texas market intel source
🎯 Text 214-228-0003 for insider updates

Bobby Franklin – REALTOR®
Legacy Realty Group – Leslie Majors Team
Serving Ellis County & DFW