Ever wondered, "What’s it really like to shop for a home in Mercer Crossing?" This article gives a hands-on, no-nonsense look at the types of homes you’ll find there, how the process pans out, and what to expect—straight from the trenches. I’ll share my own experience walking model homes, talk through why floorplans matter (and how I got tripped up by them), and even pull in some expert insights about how developments like this are regulated. By the end, you’ll know exactly what home styles are out there, with a few surprises along the way.
When I first started poking around Mercer Crossing—a master-planned community in Farmers Branch, Texas—I figured it’d be the usual suburban sprawl: cookie-cutter houses, maybe a few townhomes, some green space, done. But after my third weekend of open houses, I realized there’s a lot more variety than I expected. If you’re coming in from Dallas proper or even further afield, you’ll find a mix of home types that’s a little unusual for North Texas suburbs.
So, what’s the real spread? Mercer Crossing offers single-family homes (ranch, two-story, and even some modern farmhouse styles), luxury townhomes, and a few upscale apartment options. I’ve seen firsthand how this range attracts everyone from young professionals to retirees. The builders—like Darling Homes, David Weekley, and Toll Brothers—each bring their own flavor. Not only do you get a variety of home sizes, but you also see a surprising range of architectural details.
Let me set the scene: I walked into a model home by Toll Brothers expecting beige walls and boring layouts. Instead, there was this open-concept kitchen with a double island, a sun-drenched living room, and—okay, a staircase that I almost tripped over because I was too busy gawking at the ceiling beams. The sales agent told me, “We try to blend classic Texas stonework with modern touches, so you’re not boxed into one style.”
On the same street, I toured a David Weekley home that felt like a modern farmhouse—white exteriors, black windows, but still cozy. Down the block, Darling Homes had a two-story plan with an office that overlooked a little pond. The main point: Mercer Crossing isn’t just one kind of suburb. The actual mix of homes is, in my experience, a selling point—and sometimes a challenge, because deciding between a townhome and a detached home isn’t always straightforward.
Here’s how I broke down my home search, and how you might approach it too.
Mercer Crossing is split into a few micro-neighborhoods—like Mercer Crossing West, Mercer Crossing Estates, and the Villas at Mercer Crossing. Each area leans into a different vibe. For example, the Villas have mostly townhomes and smaller lots, while the Estates offer larger, more traditional single-family homes.
I started by driving around the Estates. Lots of brick, big front lawns, and a few homes with three-car garages. Then I wandered over to the Villas, where the homes are tighter together but have these neat, low-maintenance yards—ideal if you hate mowing, which I do.
If you’re like me and want a low-maintenance lifestyle but can’t give up a backyard, the townhomes are a strong contender. But if you’re looking for space for a big family, the detached homes in the Estates are where you’ll want to focus.
This is where I nearly lost my mind. Every builder pitches their own set of floorplans, and the customization options can be overwhelming. For example, David Weekley offered a kitchen upgrade package that included a double oven and smart appliances—perfect if you cook a lot (I don’t, but my partner does). Toll Brothers had a sunroom add-on that I almost said yes to, until I learned it would push closing back by two months.
Be aware: Some neighborhoods have strict HOA guidelines on paint colors, landscaping, and even holiday decorations. I saw one forum post from a resident who got dinged for putting up solar lights. The HOA documents are public record—if you want to see for yourself, check the Texas Association of Realtors for templates and tips.
You might wonder—who makes sure these homes are up to code? In Texas, new construction is governed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and local city ordinances. Builders in Mercer Crossing have to comply with International Residential Code (IRC) standards, which means regular inspections for safety, plumbing, electrical, and energy efficiency.
For a cross-country perspective (in case you’re moving from another state), Texas generally offers more flexibility on customization than, say, California, which has stricter energy efficiency mandates. You can see a state-by-state comparison at the U.S. Department of Energy.
| Country/Region | Standard Name | Legal Basis | Enforcement Agency |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Certified Trade Professional (CTP) | USTR regulations, per USTR.gov | USTR, CBP |
| European Union | Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) | Council Regulation (EEC) No 2913/92 | European Commission, Taxation and Customs Union |
| China | China Customs Advanced Certified Enterprise (ACAE) | General Administration of Customs Decree No. 236 | General Administration of Customs |
For residential construction, these trade standards don’t map one-to-one, but if you’re importing building materials or fixtures (many luxury homes do), certification can affect what’s allowed. I once had a friend whose imported Italian tile was held up by U.S. Customs for weeks because of missing documentation—so don’t assume every fancy fixture is “plug and play.”
Let’s say you’re buying a home in Mercer Crossing but want to use imported German windows for energy efficiency. The builder says yes, but the local code inspector says the certifications don’t match Texas or U.S. standards. I actually shadowed a neighbor going through this—she had to get her windows re-certified by a third-party inspector, which delayed her move-in by a month. It’s a good reminder that what counts as “verified” or “certified” in one country isn’t always accepted in another.
I called up a local real estate agent, Bethany F., who’s worked Mercer Crossing since it broke ground. She told me, “There’s a bigger focus now on mixed-use communities. People want choices—some want the privacy of a detached home, others want the convenience of a townhome or even a luxury apartment while they build equity. The days of one-size-fits-all suburbs are over.” That matched what I saw in the field—different buyers, different needs, all in one place.
If you’re serious about Mercer Crossing, my advice is: don’t just look at the builder’s online floorplans or glossy marketing photos. Get out there, walk the neighborhoods, and ask current residents what they like (or hate!). Read the HOA docs carefully—especially if you have strong opinions about landscaping or holiday inflatables.
My own takeaway? Mercer Crossing surprised me with its mix of home types, styles, and options. But some of those choices bring trade-offs—bigger homes mean bigger maintenance, while townhomes might have stricter rules about exterior changes. If you’re considering upgrades or imported materials, double-check local and national regulations. And don’t be afraid to call up your city inspector or builder for clarity. Anyone can get lost in the floorplan rabbit hole—just remember, you’re shopping for a home, not just a house.
For more on Texas real estate regulations, check the Texas Real Estate Commission. For builder standards, refer to the International Code Council.