Most of the lakes in Texas are man-made, but Lake Ray Hubbard couldn't be more natural in its beauty and generous in its size. On the southern shores is the city of Rowlett and the city of Rockwall hugs the northern side.

The heaviest Dallas growth is centering west toward Fort Worth and the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. If you head east instead, you can have the easygoing country life, and a larger home for a little less money than more crowded Far North Dallas suburban areas - all just 20 minutes northeast of downtown Dallas.

Lake Ray Hubbard's main attraction is that the shoreline is so large and broad and the lake is not so wide that you can't see the opposite shoreline in many places. There are numerous properties on the lake or with lake views of some kind. Many residents are happy driving over the scenic water from Rockwall as they head into Dallas or welcomes them on the way home.

But hurry. Dallas' best kept lakeside secret is out, and prices are starting to rise.

" The first quarter of this year has still been strong for real estate in our area," says Realtor Harold Pyles. "Reports are that the short recession that we had did not effect the real estate market, since it is still strong and home sales are still strong and inventory seems to move at a very fast rate in all areas."

Continues Pyles, "With the current interest rates, homes are beginning to move again since about Oct 1. With rates around 6.5%-7.5%, people are thinking about moving up for close to the same money they are currently paying.

For example, says Pyles, if you are paying 8.5 percent on a $100k home, at 6.5% you can buy a $125,000 home for close to the same payment.

"It's a great time to either move up or even refinance if your rate is above 8.5 percent," says Pyles. "If you bought your home at least 4 years ago, you will usually be pleasantly surprised at what your current market value is. The building market is also going strong in our area, with lots of new homes going up and they are selling fast."

Further north, homes are moving only slightly less quickly.

"Home sales are still healthy in the Rockwall, Heath, Rowlett and the Lake Ray Hubbard areas," says Realtor Judy Harris. "The Dallas Metroplex is one of the strongest growth areas in the nation due to it being one of the most diversified cities. It continues to have a positive market outlook for the future.

"There will never be a better time to buy a home," advises Harris. "Rates are holding about 6.80 percent and home prices are good. Projections indicate that this time next year, interest rates will be higher as well as the prices of homes. It really is the right time to buy."

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Published: May 15, 2002

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