THE HOME STRETCH

Happy Friday!

This week’s issue of The Home Stretch is a mix of practical advice, personal wanderlust, and one very reliable contractor recommendation. I’m sharing why your pre-approval isn’t your budget, spotlighting one of my most trusted local vendors, and taking a sun-drenched detour through Tuscany.

It's a good one today—let’s get into it.

LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: HERITAGE AIR SERVICES

When it comes to contractors, you want names passed around like a secret family recipe—reliable, time-tested, and known to make life better.

That’s how I feel about Heritage Air Services.

I don’t just recommend them—I use them and refer them in my business constantly.

These guys aren’t just great at what they do; they’re great guys, full stop.

The kind of people you trust with your home, your HVAC, and maybe even your dog (jury’s still out on Kaiser).

In a world full of questionable contractors, Heritage stands out for their integrity, their consistency, and the kind of character that makes you genuinely glad you picked up the phone.

I could not recommend these guys more!

GLOBAL SPOTLIGHT: TUSCAN VILLAS

My father is looking to buy a villa in Tuscany—so naturally, I’ve taken it upon myself to research every sun-drenched stone farmhouse from Florence to Montepulciano.

Here’s what I’ve learned...

Tuscany is charm distilled. Olive groves, cypress-lined drives, terra cotta everything.

And while the homes may be centuries old, the lifestyle somehow sidesteps time—slow mornings, long lunches, and room to breathe.

You’ll find vineyard estates, hilltop villas with weathered shutters, and kitchens that make you want to open a bottle and stay awhile.

It’s more than buying property—it’s buying a pace of life.

SO if you need me, I’ll be “helping my dad” by shortlisting dream homes I plan to make myself extremely welcome in.

REAL ESTATE TIP: THE PRE-APPROVAL

Your pre-approval isn’t a budget—it’s a ceiling!

Just because a lender says you can spend $650K doesn’t mean you should. That number is your maximum, not your starting point. Think of it like the top shelf in a grocery store: technically reachable, but not always the wisest choice.

Aim for what feels comfortable month to month—not just what fits on paper. Buying a home should set you up for stability, not stretch you thin.

If you want to get a crack on due diligence early, I have a brilliant lender who makes the most complicated scenarios feel simple.

Pop me a message and I’ll make the introduction.

Adelaide F. V. White

Engel & Völkers Dallas Fort Worth

1111 E Southlake Blvd Suite 460 I Southlake I TX 76092

adelaide.white@evrealestate.com | adelaidewhite.evrealestate.com | 682-888-9535

0800526