Monday December 15, 2025
Dallas-Fort Worth isn’t just growing—it’s transforming. With booming neighborhoods, diverse communities, and rising homeowner expectations, boards face challenges that go far beyond traditional management. To understand what’s changing and how boards can stay ahead, we spoke with Jennifer Huerta, President of FirstService Residential in DFW.Jennifer’s career spans more than two decades in property management.
"I grew up in Southern California, moved to Nevada in 2016, and joined FirstService there. In July 2024, I relocated to Dallas, and I couldn’t be more excited to lead in this dynamic market."
Jennifer Huerta, President of FirstService Residential in DFW
2026 Dallas-Fort Worth community management trends and insights: An interview with Jennifer Huerta
Why DFW is unlike anywhere else
"DFW is booming. From Frisco and Southlake to Plano, McKinney, Celina, Argyle, and Fort Worth, we manage everything from luxury high-rises to sprawling master-planned neighborhoods. Each community has its own personality, but boards share one priority: confidence that their communities are supported for the long term."Learn more about Dallas property management on our local page here.
Learn more about Fort Worth property management on our local page here.
The new reality for boards
"Community management today is complex. “It’s not just about collecting dues. Boards are navigating rising insurance costs, reserve planning, and technology demands."The numbers tell the story: Texas has over 22,000 HOAs, and nearly 21% of homes belong to an association representing more than 6 million residents. That scale requires partners who deliver efficiency and expertise.
Visit our Texas HOA board members page to learn more about how we can provide support to boards throughout the state of Texas.
What sets FirstService Residential apart
"Our size and culture make the difference. As North America’s largest residential property management company, we leverage economies of scale for insurance and investments. Locally, our team combines that depth with personalized service."Culture matters, too:
"We are proud of the culture we've built and truly believe happy associates deliver better service to our clients. This translates to consistent, high-quality experiences for boards and residents."Jennifer continued,
"Many companies tout their culture, but sustaining it requires real investment in people. We consistently ask for feedback from associates and prioritize initiatives that matter most—whether that’s personal development opportunities, work-life balance, or technology designed to make our teams more effective for your community."Our results speak for themselves: Last year, FirstService Residential earned a spot on the Fortune Best Workplaces in Real Estate™ list, highlighting our commitment to creating an exceptional work environment. We also rank #1 in Employee Net Promoter Score (NPS), which is a widely recognized measure of employee engagement and loyalty based on how likely associates are to recommend their company as a great place to work. A high NPS reflects a workforce that feels valued, supported, and motivated, which ultimately translates into better service for our clients.
Want to learn more about what sets us apart? Click here to visit our Texas property management services page for more information.
Questions every board should ask
Jennifer recommends boards dig deeper when evaluating management partners:- How many similar communities do you manage in DFW?
- What’s your experience with reserve studies and insurance optimization?
- Do you guarantee response times and offer multiple support channels?
- Is there a digital portal for financials, ARC forms, and work orders?
- Can you benchmark our community against others in the market?
- How do you manage vendor contracts and communicate savings back to the association?
"These questions reveal whether a company is truly equipped to support your community for the long haul."
Common pain points, and how we solve them
"Slow response and poor communication top the list. Boards tell us previous providers didn’t return calls or emails promptly. Others struggled with outdated portals, hidden fees, and high staff turnover."We solve that with technology, transparency, and a service-first approach.
Our state-of-the-art platforms, HODA (Homeowner Digital Assistant) and FirstService Residential Connect™, give boards and residents real-time access to financials, ARC forms, work orders, and community updates. These tools simplify everyday tasks and ensure transparency at every step.
And because technology works best with human support, our 24/7 Customer Care team and Resident Support Services (RSS) team provide live assistance whenever it’s needed. Together, these resources deliver the responsiveness and reliability boards expect.
Read our article 'How FirstService Residential stands out as the #1 Texas property management company: A conversation with Katie Ward' to learn more.
Market trends boards can’t ignore
The DFW housing market is shifting. Inventory surged 53% in 2025, and 66% of homes sold below list price, according to M&D Real Estate. While luxury homes remain resilient, mid-tier communities face tighter budgets."Boards are under pressure to manage costs without sacrificing service."That’s where our BENCHMARK reports and financial tools help boards plan confidently.
BENCHMARK reports provide boards with data-driven insights into how their community compares to similar associations in the region. These reports highlight key metrics such as operating costs, reserve funding levels, insurance premiums, and staffing ratios—giving boards a clear picture of where they stand and where improvements can be made. This transparency empowers boards to make informed decisions and identify opportunities for cost optimization without compromising service quality.
- Download our master-planned community BENCHMARK report here.
- Download our high-rise BENCHMARK report here.
Together, BENCHMARK insights and FFI resources give boards the tools to navigate market volatility, manage budgets effectively, and plan for the future with confidence.
Why local expertise still matters
"Frisco and Plano have different needs than Fort Worth or Celina. Our managers live here, know the neighborhoods, and understand what matters to residents. Combine that with enterprise resources, and you have a winning formula."Read our article 'Why local expertise matters: How FirstService Residential delivers Texas HOA management' to learn more.
Voices from the community
"Great experience overall. The team is responsive and professional, and they make managing our HOA stress-free."
A.B., Dallas
"Excellent service and communication. The portal is easy to use, and issues are handled quickly."
R.T., Fort Worth
Looking Ahead: Technology and transparency
The future of community management in DFW is about creating partnerships that empower boards and enrich resident experiences. As neighborhoods evolve and expectations rise, FirstService is committed to delivering solutions that anticipate tomorrow’s challenges while strengthening today’s connections.Jennifer sums it up:
"Our goal is simple—help communities thrive. With the right tools, dedicated support, and a culture built on care, we’re ready to make the next chapter the best one yet."