Marsha Crawford & Company

Home Prices 1969 & 2009

2010-02-10T20:54:00.004-06:00

Dallas Real Estate

1969 Asking Price $27,500 which is $16 per square foot.
(Square Feet 1742)

2009 Asking Price $355,900 which is $204 per square foot.
(Square Feet 1742)

WOW! Unbelievable!!

Valentine's Dinner Drawing

2010-02-01T09:22:00.003-06:00

Happy Monday Morning!

It's that time of year again, it's almost Valentine's Day. Have you even thought about making dinner reservations somewhere? Didn't think so, we haven't either! :) We are going to be doing a drawing for a $100 gift card to Pappas Bros. Steakhouse starting today through February 10th. All you have to do is leave a comment on our blog OR go to our website and click on "Register to Win" and enter your information. We will announce the winner here on the 10th. GOOD LUCK!!

We would love it if you would save our blog as a favorite and check back often as we are posting helpful real estate information all the time! We also do drawings like these from time to time too, so we don't' want you to miss out!

Make it a great day!

Those who wait will pay thousands more this spring...

2010-01-28T11:13:00.002-06:00

Waiting a few extra days or weeks this spring could cost buyers thousands of extra dollars as the office of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) implements several changes for loans guaranteed by the Federal Housing Authority (FHA).

Coming just weeks before the April 30th deadline for the Home Buyer Tax Credit and just days after the March 31st expiration of the Federal Reserve Boards mortgage backed securities purchase program (which has kept home loan rates artificially low for over a year), these FHA changes make it even more important to act now to save big.

Here are a few reasons why:

One April 5th, the cost of required up-front mortgage insurance for loans guaranteed by the FHA will increase from 1.75% to 2.25%. For a borrower purchasing a $200,000. home with $7000. down payment, the up-front mortgage insurance will increase by $965. Up front mortgage insurance is typically financed in the final loan amount so the impact to a monthly payment will be minimal but overall, the increase is still borne by the borrower both upfront and monthly.

Later this spring, the amount of money that a seller can return to the buyer from their sale proceeds will be reduced from 6% to 3%. The reduction in these "seller concessions" can increase the amount of cash a buyer will be required to pay at closing by $6000. for a home purchase of $200,000.

There is only one way to avoid being affected by all of these costly changes that lie ahead-submit all FHA mortgage applications by the last week of March.

FHA Update...

2010-01-21T10:34:00.003-06:00

HUD just announced that effective Feb. 1, 2010, they are suspending the 90 day Anti-Flipping Rule.

With certain exceptions, such as HUD-owned and bank-owned properties, FHA currently prohibits insuring a mortgage on a home owned by the seller for less than 90 days. However, beginning Feb. 1st buyers may use FHA-insured financing to purchase properties resold through private developers and investors, providing access to a broader array of recently foreclosed properties.

Under the temporary waiver, all transactions must be arm's length. In cases in which the sales price of the property is 20 percent or more above the seller's acquisition cost, the waiver will only apply if the lender meets specific conditions.

For more information email us, and we can send you a LONG email explaining in detail.

Expect a rebound in new home construction this spring...

2010-01-20T11:19:00.000-06:00

After three years of declines in home construction, Dallas/Ft. Worth's home building market has picked up. Home starts in the DFW area rose by 10 percent in the fourth quarter, the first increase since 2006.The number of vacant new homes on the market is falling to historic new lows (only about 4,200 houses) it's time for builders to start putting up more. Last year, they built only about 13, 500 single-famly homes. The number of new homes for sale on the market is as low as it's been since the 1970's. The DFW area has only about a three month supply of finished vacant new houses. That's less than half the nationwide average. A housing market is considered balanced with a supply of slightly less than 6 months.

Information from The Dallas Morning News 1/15 Steve Brown

2010 Good Faith Estimate High Lights

2010-01-13T12:49:00.003-06:00

Recent guidelines from Washington have forced a change to the way that loan originators will disclose closing costs for all homebuyers. The purpose of the new Good Faith Estimates (GFE's as we like to call them) is to level the playing field for borrowers comparing loans to be able to make apples to apples comparisons for loan scenarios.

In essence, HUD is working to bring all lenders up to the same standard of excellence in reporting closing costs, estimating realistic fees that a buyer should expect to pay at closing with no last minute surprises.

So, what's important to you...

1. All fees paid to the lender/broker are to be consolidated in one line, including processing fees, origination fees, etc. These charges cannot change from the original estimate without a material change to the loan requested.

2. In the event fees are being charges to obtain a lower rate, these are to be broken out and itemized for the borrowers ease of comparison to other loan programs.

3. Estimates for fees from government recording charges and third party settlement providers they suggest are to be itemized and the lender is held to a tolerance of 10% for their accuracy. In the event the estimated charges exceed the amount listed by the allowable tolerance, the lender will be responsible for making up the difference.

4. Estimates for services that they buyer can shop for and do choose can change at settlement without the lender being held accountable. This can include title charges, homeowner's insurance, and initial deposits for an escrow account.

Let's us know if you have any questions regarding this, we would love to help!

Top 7 Reasons to Buy Your First Home Today...

2010-01-13T12:33:00.002-06:00

1. Free Money. The $8000. tax credit for first time home buyers has been extended until April 30, 2010. This is a special tax credit from the government that you don't have to pay back, as long as you stay in the home for at least 36 months.

2. Affordability. Based on recent property declines and current interest rates, home affordability has not been higher since it was first tracked over 40 years ago. Your grandparents couldn't have received a better interest rate that you can today.

3. Tax Breaks. The IRS allows you to deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, your property taxes, and in many cases for those who qualify, some of the costs to buy your home & mortgage insurance. Owning a home is a great way to lower your tax bill.

4. Build Wealth. Unlike paying rent, with each mortgage payment you make, you build equity and you decrease your income tax liability. Owning a home is still the best long-term investment.

5. Appreciation. As home prices have fallen in today's tough economy, the basis for realizing appreciation in future years is very strong. Historically, even with other periods of declining value, home prices have exceeded consumer inflation. From 1972 through 2005, home prices increased on average 6.5% according to the National Association of Realtors.

6. Stability. Knowing you can establish roots and raise a family in one location, free of the desires or needs of your landlord to sell the property you are living in. This is something no other investment provides. You can't live in a stock, and you can't raise your kids in a bond.

7. Independence. Enjoy the freedom to do what you want to your home. After all, it's yours to do what you wish. And, with any improvements you make, you have the ability to benefit from your investment. Try that with an apartment! :)

Happy New Year!!

2010-01-01T12:32:00.000-06:00

Wishing you and your family a wonderful NEW YEAR!!

FAQ's on the Homebuyer Tax Credit Changes!

2009-11-09T10:17:00.006-06:00

There is quite a bit of confusion on the new rules of the tax credit that passed on Friday. Here are the most frequently asked questions...

Q: Existing homeowner credit: Must the new house cost more than the old house?

A: NO, as long as you meet all the eligibility requirements you can still get the $6500. credit.

Q: I'm an existing homeowner. On October 25, 2009, I signed a contract to purchase a new home. I have lived in my current home more than five years and I'm within the new income limits. I will go to settlement on November 20th. If President Obama has signed the bill by the time I go to settlement, will I qualify for the $6500. credit?

A: Yes, the existing homeowner credit goes into effect for purchases after the date of enactment (when the bill is signed). There is no reference to the date of contract for the new credit. The provision looks solely to the date of purchase, which is generally the date of settlement.

Q: I am a first time homebuyer but was not within the prior income limits at the time I entered the contract on October 20 2009. I will be covered however by the new limits. If the new rules have been signed into law by the time I go to settlement, will I be eligible for the credit?

A: Yes, the new income limitations go into effect as soon as the president signs the bill. The income limit and other eligibility rules will look to your status as of the date of purchase, or settlement date. So if the new rules have been signed when you go into settlement, you should be eligible for the credit (or a portion of the credit if your within the phase-out range).

Q: I am an existing eligible homeowner. I have a fair amount of equity in my home. I have found a home with a non-negotiable price of $825,000. Will I be able to use any of the $6500. tax credit?

A: No, the $800,000 cap on the cost of the purchased home is firm at $800,000. Any amount above $800,000 makes the home ineligible for any purchase of the credit.

Q: I owned my home for 10 years, but sold it two years ago and have been renting since. If I purchase a home will I be eligible for the $6500. credit if I meet all other requirements?

A: Yes, because you lived in the home for more than 5 consecutive years of the previous 8, you will qualify for the $6500. credit. For example, if John and his wife bought a home in 2000 and lived there until 2008 when he got a divorce. Whether John has been renting or bought in the interim, he WOULD INDEED be eligible for the credit because he owned a home and occupied it as his principal residence for 5 consecutive years out of the last 8 years. The key word here is "consecutive" . As long as he lived in that house for 5 years straight what he did the last 3 years does not impact eligibility.

Q: I'm an eligible first time home buyer. I entered into a contract to purchase on November 1, 2009. Do I have to go to closing before December 1, 2009? How does the extension date effect me?

A: You do not have to close before December 1, 2009. Once the legislation has been signed, it will be as if the November 30th date had never existed. Therefore, as long as the contract settles before April 30, 2010, the purchaser would be eligible.

If you have other questions that your not sure about please call us, we would love to help!

Homebuyer Tax Credit Update...

2009-11-06T13:56:00.003-06:00

To much anticipation, the First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit will be extended today! The program scheduled to expire at the end of November will now require buyers to sign a purchase agreement by April 30, 2010 and close by June 30, 2010. It includes....

Buyers who have owned their current homes for at least 5 years would be eligible for up to $6500.

First Time Homebuyers- or anyone who has not owned a home in the last 3 years would still be eligible for the $8000. credit

The credit is available for the purchase of principal homes costing $800K or less - vacation homes are ineligible.

The credit would now be eligible to purchasers up to $125K in a single income or $225K in joint income.

The credit would be extended an additional year, until June 30, 2011 for members of the military serving outside the United States for at least 90 days.

The tax credit program will cost the government about $10.8 billion and the National Association of Realtors has estimated that out of the 1.4 million homebuyers that have already used the tax credit, about 350,000 would not have purchased their home without the tax credit.

3308 Belladonna Drive in Plano

2009-11-04T12:59:00.003-06:00

Great location with easy access to the Tollway, Hwy 121, & shopping! Entry & living room have wood floors. Huge kitchen has tile floor & backsplash, black appliances, & bar that opens to family room. Bright breakfast area. Upstairs is a gameroom & 2 bedrooms. Lots of storage! Trendy paint colors! Patio with water feature & gate with greenbelt access. Community pool! HOA takes care of front yard maintenance.

Help Feed Those In Need!

2009-11-03T07:28:00.000-06:00

As part of our response in assisting our local communities during these difficult economic times, RE/MAX DFW Associates is collecting canned food donations November 1st through December 1st at all 6 of our office locations.

Flower Mound Office 3360 Long Prairie Rd. #100 Flower Mound, TX 75022

Coppell/121 Corridor 500 S. Denton Tap Rd. #110 Coppell, TX 75019

Valley Ranch/Las Colinas 1800 Market Place Blvd. #140 Irving, TX 75063

Carrollton/Prestonwood 3032 E. Hebron Pkwy. #102 Carrollton, TX 75010

Plano/Stonebriar 8100 North Dallas Pkwy. #105 Plano, TX 75024

Frisco Market Center 2875 Main Street #100 Frisco, TX 75034

You can also go to http://www.rmdfwfeedtheneed.com/ to participate in our virtual food drive online!

203k FHA Streamline Loan

2009-11-02T07:35:00.000-06:00

You just love the house except for the leaky pipes, or maybe the kitchen is too small, the home needs new siding and paint, leaky roof, carpet needs to be replaced, the list goes on and on. For the house that's almost perfect, we have the perfect solution. The 203k FHA Streamline Loan is a mortgage and home improvement loan all in one! Minimum escrow is $5000. and maximum is $35,000. Call us for more details...

Have you heard?

2009-11-01T07:27:00.002-06:00

Have you all heard the BEST news yet? According to the AP, Senators have agreed to extend the tax credit for first time home buyers AND to offer a reduced credit to repeat buyers. The reduced credit would be up $6500. to buyers who have owned their home for five years. The credits would be for those who sign sales contracts by April 2010 and close by the end of June. This is a preliminary report, details and conditions may change. We will give more details as they become available. Check back here!

Thank you so much to all of you who continue to send referrals our way, we GREATLY appreciate you!

Happy Halloween!!

2009-10-31T07:26:00.001-05:00

We hope all of you have a wonderful and safe Halloween and don't forget to set your clocks back an hour!

Register on our web site!!

2009-10-27T14:16:00.001-05:00

Don't forget to register on our web site monthly at www.marshacrawford.com for your chance to win a $100.00 gift card! Good Luck!

Update on Flower Mound Woods

2009-10-26T14:09:00.000-05:00

There has been a delay in starting "Flower Mound Woods". Originally, the model was to start in October but they have now pushed that to November and they are expecting a Christmas Grand Opening! They should have pricing finalized in a couple of weeks and the sales rep is already meeting perspective buyers to show them the lots, floor plans, options, etc. If you are interested in more information or know of someone who is please let us know and I can email you what we have so far.

Make it a great day!

Market Update!

2009-10-24T11:49:00.000-05:00

The week ended with the terrific news that existing home sales shot up 9.4% in September to a 5.57 million annual rate. This was almost twice the increase the consensus expected and a nice boost coming off the slight drop we saw in August. Best of all, the inventory is now down to a 7.8 month supply, getting us closer and closer to the 6 month level of a normal housing market. The Mortgage Bankers Association reported that for 30 year fixed rate mortgages, the average contract interest rate was 5.07% with 1.13 points (including the origination fee) for 80% loan to value ratio loans to borrowers with good credit. First time home buyers have just 5 weeks to get in on these still great rates AND the $8000.00 credit set to go away at the end of November.

Termites: The Silent Destroyers

2009-10-07T11:14:00.005-05:00

Termites cause an estimated $5 billion in property damage a year in the United States, according to the National Pest Management Foundation, making these pesky insects even more of a threat to wood-based structures than fire, flood, or wind. Yet, many home owners know very little about the danger that termites pose to their property.

"You don't usually notice them until the damage is extensive" says entomologist Ron Harrison, technical director for Orkin Inc. Harrison knows of situations in which home owners have leaned against a wall and suddenly fallen through and toilets have plummeted through chewed-up floorboards. Termites can slip through a crack in the foundation or enter through window vents and roof joints. If termite pretreatments during construction aren't done correctly by the builder, termite swarms can take hold even after five years.

So how can you keep these insects from biting into your investment....

Keep moisture out. Use downspouts and gutters to divert water away from your home's foundation.

Store mulch, firewood, and wood chips away from the home.

Ensure shrubs, vines, and other plants aren't planted too close to the home and aren't covering vents.

Ventilate crawl spaces to reduce humidity.

Eliminate gaps and cracks in areas such as attic vents, window joints, and roof eaves.

Remove old tree stumps and roots near the home.

Your very BEST defense is to schedule regular inspections with a termite specialist. To find a list of certified professionals go to http://www.pestworld.org/ or contact us for some local names that we use.

1630 Meadows ~ $238,500.

2009-10-06T10:54:00.000-05:00

Gorgeous home with trendy paint colors and loaded with upgrades. Extended ceramic tile floor through entry, kitchen, breakfast, & family room. Huge kitchen has corian countertops and opens to the family room. Formal dining off entry has wood floors and could be used as a study. Pool size backyard with oversized patio that is great for entertaining. Wonderful community of Lantana that offers pool, parks, tennis, fitness, etc.

1427 Swallow Circle ~ $198,500.

2009-10-05T10:44:00.000-05:00

Hard to find one story on a heavily treed manicured lot within minutes of Lake Lewisville. Large living room opens to dining. Study with double doors and built-ins. Kitchen has breakfast area and bar. Casual living off the kitchen could be used as a large dining room. Double sided fireplace in between living room and casual living. Wonderful sunroom across the back of the home. Oversized flagstone patio. Professionally decorated with trendy paint colors and updated fixtures.

Home price index suggests Dallas-Fort Worth has already hit bottom.

2009-10-02T10:19:00.002-05:00

Dallas-Ft. Worth home prices fell by the smallest percentage in almost two years in the latest housing market snapshot. DFW prices were down only 1.6 percent in July from a year earlier in the closely watched S&P/Case-Shiller home price index. Local home prices were up from June to July, the fifth consecutive month of increases. The July figure is also the highest point in the home price index since last September. This just released data is more proof that home price declines bottomed in North Texas in early 2009. The rate of annual decline in home price values continues to decelerate, and we now seem to be witnessing some sustained monthly increases across many markets. These figures continue to support an indication of stabilization in national real estate values.

Analysts are keeping an eye on how the housing market reacts later this year when a popular federal home buying tax credit expires. Nationwide home prices in July were still 13.3 percent below where they were a year earlier. But the index has been higher for three consecutive months, a strong indication that home prices have bottomed out. U.S. home prices are still almost 30 percent below their peak in mid-2006.

So far in 2009 the median home sales prices have dropped only about 2 percent in the residential sales industry's MLS. The Case-Shiller decline estimate is even less. "That's really saying prices are flat" said David Brown, who heads housing analyst Metrostudy Inc.'s Dallas office. "That's a very small number".

Case Shiller tracks the prices of typical single family homes in each metropolitan area. The index does not include condos, town homes, or new construction ONLY pre-owned homes.

** This was published in the Dallas Morning News by Steve Brown 9-30-09**

1309 Overlook Drive in Lewisville

2009-08-31T12:26:00.005-05:00

What a doll house! Great Floor plan,3 brs, 2 baths, 2 car garage. Large family room offers spacious wall for big screen or entertainment center. Vaulted ceilings, brick fireplace, decorative paint. Brand new tile in kitchen, breakfast, dining, & family room. Stainless Steel appliances. New roof 2008! Master bath has separate shower, garden tub, & dual sinks. . Close to schools, I-35, & shopping! HURRY!

Vilamoura

2009-08-31T12:16:00.002-05:00

There is a new subdivision in Flower Mound that Planning and Zoning just approved. It's called Vilamoura and will be located at 2500 Simmons Road. The nine acre gated development is expected to include 32 lots, 28 of which will be residential. Check back soon for more updates!

July- Home Sales Largest Increase Nationally in 10 Years!

2009-08-24T09:50:00.000-05:00

Texas Expected to Lead Nation in Recovery
Texas Posted 37,900 Net Job Growth in July – First Gain in Almost One Year
AP
updated 7:14 p.m. ET, Fri., Aug 21, 2009

WASHINGTON - The U.S. housing market is rebounding faster than expected.
The question is, can it last?
Home resales in July posted the largest monthly increase in at least 10 years as first-time buyers rushed to take advantage of a tax credit that expires Nov. 30. Sales jumped 7.2 percent and beat expectations, the National Association of Realtors said Friday.
"We've got tens of thousands of homes perfect for the first-time homebuyer and we've taken advantage of that," said George Hackett, president of Coldwell Banker Real Estate in Pittsburgh.
Sales hit a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.24 million in July, from a pace of 4.89 million in June. It was the fourth-straight monthly increase and the strongest month since August 2007. Sales had been expected to rise to an annual pace of 5 million, according to economists surveyed by Thomson Reuters.
The risks to that healthy pace, however, are job cuts, mortgage rates and the looming end to the homebuyer tax credit. And the last one could be a doozy because first-time buyers are snapping up one out of every three homes.
First-time buyers get a credit of 10 percent of the purchase price of a home, up to $8,000. The credit phases out for singles earning more than $75,000 and couples earning more than $150,000. The real estate industry is lobbying to have the credit extended but its unclear if Congress will be swayed.
"I would not be at all surprised to see a dip at the end of the year once the tax credit expires," said Robert Dye, senior economist with PNC Financial Services Group.
The home sales report was another sign that the U.S. economy is on the verge of a long-awaited recovery after enduring a brutal recession and the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression.
Economic activity in both the U.S. and around the world appears to be leveling out and "the prospects for a return to growth in the near term appear good," Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said Friday.
But fallout from the recession will linger for some time. Unemployment rose in July in 26 states and fell in 17, the Labor Department said Friday. That is driving up foreclosures, which are not expected to level off until sometime next year.
Sales of foreclosures and other distressed properties made up about a third of all transactions last month, down from nearly half earlier this year. In places like San Diego and Orlando, buyers are snapping up foreclosed properties at deep discounts, and inventories are low.
Those sales helped drag down the national median sales price by 15 percent to $178,400.

957 Lea Meadow Lewisville, TX 75067

2009-08-21T12:19:00.000-05:00

Desirable location with easy access to I-35. Decorative arched windows. Kitchen has island & opens to family room. Family room offers vaulted ceiling fireplace, & spacious wall for big screen. Master has large walk in. Upstairs is a gameroom, 2 bedrooms & Jack n Jill bath. Extensive wood laminate & tile flooring*No wallpaper*textured walls with trendy paint colors*new roof*iron fence opens to greenbelt & walking trail behind. HURRY!

2009-08-13T12:09:00.002-05:00

The new school ratings just came out, please visit this web site and search for your child's school.

http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/perfreport/account/2009/index.html

Helpful Design Tips!

2009-08-11T11:47:00.000-05:00

A mirror hung on a wall opposite of a picture window will reflect light and add depth to a room.
- Tanya Griffin

Every room must have pops of color. Play off of the color in a favorite piece of artwork to accessorize.
- Karen Reynolds

Decorating is like putting on makeup - you start with a base and add the finishing touches.
- JL Hill

When purchasing furnishings for your space only buy things you truly love. Don’t just buy something because it "works".
- Anthea Click

Bring the outside in with fresh flowers from the market or your own back yard! It's time to spruce up your glass pitcher, your old tea pot, or that dusty vase you have tucked away in your cabinet.
- Kim Neidel

Don't be afraid to use color in cozy spaces, either on an accent wall or in the entire room.
- Lisa Stanley

Clock is Ticking on Free Money

2009-08-05T09:00:00.002-05:00

If you, or someone you know, is planning on purchasing a home this year, be aware that you must take possession before 12/01/2009 to be eligible for a tax credit of up to $8,000. In a survey conducted in March by Move.com, nearly 50% of home buyers are currently unaware that this free money exists in the marketplace. And since over 50% of all buyers are first-timers in today's market, this could impact a lot of people who aren't in the know.

Please spread the word if you know of someone that might want to take advantage of this great opportunity!

Forbes Best Cities to Live...

2009-08-04T13:22:00.001-05:00

Did you know that the Dallas Metroplex dominates the Forbes Best Cities List?

Google: Forbes: America’s 25 Best Places to Move
Then scroll down to
In Depth: America’s 25 Best Places to Move
Then read in depth on each of the 25 Cities.)

The Metroplex dominates the Forbes Best Cities:
#6 – Flower Mound
#7 – Frisco
#9 - McKinney
#12 - Carrollton
#19 – Allen
#25 – Plano
Other notable mention:
Coppell and Corinth

The Forbes List is one of the most respected annual reports in the nation.

2009-08-03T13:04:00.002-05:00

Last Monday we heard the good news that New Home Sales blasted UP 11% in June, their largest one-month gain in almost nine years! The annual rate of 384,000 came in higher than any of the 63 economists making a forecast predicted. After bottoming in January, new home sales are UP 17%, while existing home sales are UP 9%. New home inventory figures were even better, down to 8.8 months from their 12.4 month high in January. Experts now say some growth in home construction should begin later this year. And remember, new home sales are still well below their long-term trend of around 950,000 per year, so they should continue to move up for the next few years.

If you know of anyone looking for a new home, please let us know! We would love the opportunity to help!

4011 Windy Meadow in Corinth

2009-08-01T09:00:00.000-05:00

Soaring ceilings, rounded corners, arches, & loaded with custom features! Split formal LV & dining. Huge kitchen has 42" cabinets, butlers pantry, HUGE walkin pantry, & island opens to family room. Family room has corner stone FP, wood floor, & builtin entertainment center. Master & guest BRS downstairs. Upstairs is a gameroom, media, & 2 BRS. Huge rooms, walkin closets, attic storage!

2009-07-31T14:27:00.002-05:00

Looks like rates have still continued to improve from the last couple of weeks. For more information please call Julie Howell at 972-713-3278 or visit her web site at www.juliemccormick.com

Have a great weekend!

2009-07-30T11:46:00.006-05:00

We just listed this beautiful home FOR LEASE at $2500.00 per month. It's located at 115 Lakehill Ct. in Hickory Creek. Loaded with all the bells and whistles! Private study off entry. Huge kitchen with granite slab countertops, opens to family room. Master down. 2 bedrooms upstairs with gameroom and media room. GORGEOUS lagoon style pool with water feature. Outdoor kitchen & lots of yard to play! Located in a quite cul-de-sac with easy access to I-35.

Beautiful Home in Flower Mound!!

2009-07-30T11:28:00.002-05:00

Looking for space? This home has it! Split formal LV & dining areas. Huge kitchen offers island, lots of counter & cabinet space, 42" cabinets, ceramic tile floor, & breakfast bar that opens to family room. Private study w/fireplace. Extensive wood floors, neutral paint colors, & iron fixtures. Entertain on the oversized slate patio. Exemplary schools! Recreation center right down the street.

2429 Stanford in Flower Mound

2009-07-29T12:02:00.000-05:00

Available for immediate occupancy! Huge study off entry has wall of builtins. Formal living has room for piano or other lg furniture. Kitchen has ss appliances, granite countertops, & custom cabinets & opens to casual dining & family room. Family room offers stone FP & builtins. Huge MST BR has sitting area. Extensive wood & tile floors, new roof, vinyl siding, neutral colors, & MORE!

2009-07-27T13:20:00.002-05:00

First impressions are lasting. If you are preparing to sell your home, you want it to appear well maintained and showroom ready. Using these simple tips will ensure that your home shouts, "I'm ready to sell".

"Tip 1. Improve the kitchen and bathroom.Nothing adds value like improvements to these well-traveled areas. Check your cabinets and fixtures for hanging knobs or large scratches. Spend time making minor repairs and painting or staining cabinets. Get the bathroom ready by putting up a new shower curtain or replacing that old toilet seat.

Tip 2. Minimize the 'personal' touch.Begin to remove excess pictures, school art, certificates or anything else that may hide walls. A shrine to your kids is cute, but it may also give the impression that you aren't ready to leave yet. Once again, buyers should be able to visualize themselves living in your home.

Tip 3. De-clutter and clean.Since homebuyers are generally a nosy bunch,
you'll want to make sure that even the hidden areas of your home are clean and organized. If a prospective buyer looks into a closet or opens a drawer, the last thing you want is Junior's wash pile falling out for the world to see. Take this opportunity to have a garage sale or place excess stuff into storage.

Tip 4. Fresh is always best.Smell is one of our most powerful senses. Someone not used to your home may pick up scents that are not pleasing to their nose. Get rid of any unpleasant odor by shampooing the carpets, emptying the garbage and cleaning the refrigerator. You may want to light scented candles, have a light potpourri on the stove or use a plug-in to create a pleasant scent.

Tip 5. Have "curb appeal."A well-kept lawn is an absolute 'must-have' when preparing to sell your home. People love to see the lines of a freshly mowed lawn in front of their house. Look at the front door and make it attractive with a new paint or stain job. Sweep around the door and place a new welcome mat down. It may seem like extra work now, but by putting a little extra effort into the details, you'll help us sell your home!!

Never Been Lived In...

2009-04-22T13:17:00.002-05:00

Open & bright floor plan. Beautiful teak wood floors in entry, study, FR, & dining. Huge kitchen offers granite counters, island, 42” custom maple cabinets, 18x18 tile, stone backsplash. Upstairs is a flex-space that could be a used as a guest suite or gameroom with full bath. Built w/ energy saving radiant barrier deck. Neutral colors. Lantana offers pools, golf, tennis, & gyms!

Dallas-area home prices gained nearly 2%

2009-04-13T11:20:00.001-05:00

This article was published in the Dallas Morning News by Steve Brown...

Most Texas home markets continued to eke out tiny increases in home prices in early 2009, according to a new report by First American CoreLogic.
Texas home prices were up by just less than 2 percent in the California-based housing analyst’s latest survey released Monday.
While Texas prices rose, nationwide home prices in January fell by 11.6 percent compared to a year ago to the lowest level in almost five years.
First American CoreLogic’s recent reports on the Dallas-Fort Worth home market have been in contrast to most other industry measures, which show residential values have fallen slightly here.
The latest report says that home prices in the Dallas area were up 1.54 percent from a year earlier in January.
However, local statistics from home sales indicate median prices were down 6 percent during the same period.
The Dallas area had the third best home price performance in CoreLogic’s new report, behind Austin and Houston. It is one of only four U.S. housing markets showing a price increase!

2009-04-07T14:21:00.002-05:00

It is a wonderful time to buy a new home especially with the $8000.00 tax credit that is given to first time home buyers and also others that have not owned a home in 3 years. Click on the link below and check out this short video! Call or email us with any questions you might have!

http://ceifileman.com/pc/09/taxcreditcommercial/

Over 1 acre with huge trees, creek, & guest/pool house!

2009-04-02T11:35:00.002-05:00

This custom home has been updated to perfection! Impressive foyer has curved staircase with iron spindles. Library off entry has fireplace w/double stacked mantle, custom built-ins, & wood floor. Spacious formal dining located off kitchen has wood floor & ample wall space for furniture. Family room boasts 2 story ceiling, gorgeous stone fireplace, built-ins, wood floors, & a wall of windows that overlooks the backyard paradise. Huge kitchen with island has granite slab countertops, custom cabinets, wrap breakfast bar, under counter & above cabinet lighting, & stainless appliances. Dreamy master suite has sitting area, & window seat that overlooks pool. Guest suite also downstairs. Upstairs are 2 BRS, Jack n Jill bath, & a cozy media room with a balcony. Extensive molding & trim throughout both homes. Guest house has stone exterior & concrete floors, & 4 sets of French doors that open to pool & patios. Sparkling swimming pool w/spa. Lush manicured landscaping. Oversized 3 car garage with additional RV parking. Conveniently located close to exemplary schools, shopping, & easy access to major roads.

2009-04-01T13:13:00.007-05:00

The next three posts are going to be regarding "Spring Makeover"!

It's easy to give your home a spring makeover with some of these simple decorating ideas, and you don't need to spend a lot of money to achieve a wonderful new look for your home.

Your Outdoor Spaces

Brighten up your outdoor entertainment area with pots of flowers and brightly colored cushions. If your outdoor area does not have a roof, invest in a patio umbrella. An umbrella will provide shade on warm spring days and add a touch of color to your outdoor setting.

Create a Stunning New Bedroom

Choose a new bedspread or quilt cover decorated in soft pastel shades or large flowery prints to brighten your bedroom. Hang a matching flower print on your bedroom wall or frame an enlarged photograph of spring flowers to enhance your bedroom's appearance.
An alternative for spring is to decorate your bedroom with vibrant colors. Striped bedspreads or quilt covers with plain, matching cushions provide a lovely, fresh look. You can complement this look with framed pictures on your walls, which have been painted by your children.

Myth: Base your price on potential profit

2009-03-09T11:09:00.003-05:00

The price of your home needs to be based on fair market value, otherwise you will never see an offer. You might need the profits from the sale to finance the purchase of a new home, or to pay off debt. Still, you can never raise your asking price to satisfy your own needs. Buyers will comparison shop. They will compare your house to other homes in your neighborhood, and if every feature but the price is equal, you will lose a sale. Remember that an asking price is not static. Considering market conditions, you may have to reduce your price to see that offer.

Myth: An open house is the best way to sell a home

2009-03-07T08:03:00.002-06:00

Only 5 percent of homes sell through an open house. The Internet, particularly the Multiple Listing Service, has become the fastest and most convenient way to view homes. Potential buyers see all the properties for sale in their area and compare the features of each, all without leaving their own home. Buyers can view hundreds of properties in a day using MLS, but only a handful of homes through open houses. Instead of holding an open house each weekend, try extensive advertising on the Internet and in local newspapers. And if a potential buyer wants a private viewing at an inconvenient hour, allow it. People at your open house might be curious, but someone who has requested a private viewing is interested in buying your home.

Myth: The selling price of your house increases with every upgrade

2009-03-06T11:44:00.002-06:00

While some upgrades can increase the selling price of your home, improving your home too much can price you out of the market. To set your renovation budget, research homes in your neighborhood
to find out their final sale prices. Your original purchase price and renovation budget together cannot exceed the sale prices of other homes. If you decide to overspend to create a customized dream home, you may never see a return on that investment. But adding square footage to your home, through an addition or a finished basement, may pay off. Book an appointment with your real estate agent before starting any major construction to ensure that you are not overspending.

Myth: People are buying your house, not your furniture

2009-03-04T13:53:00.001-06:00

You might be selling only four walls and a roof, but most people looking at your house see beyond the basic structure. They are buying a lifestyle. Potential buyers will be looking at the square footage and the solidness of the structure, but they will also notice the battered sofa, the wrinkled bed sheets, and the imposing dining room set. A house might be in pristine condition, but if the furniture is threadbare and tired it will make the entire house seem run-down. Improve your furniture, and improve your chances of selling your house.

Maximize Your Remodeling Dollars . . .

2009-02-27T11:09:00.001-06:00

Looking to maximize your remodeling dollars? According to Remodeling Magazine the projects listed below were the remodeling projects that added the greatest amount of resale value to a home last year.

Project Job Cost Expected Return Average Payback
Bathroom Remodel Midrange $12,918 $10,970 $84.9%
Bathroom Remodel Upscale $38,165 $29,529 $74.4%
Minor Kitchen Remodel Midrange $17,928 $15,278 $85.2%
Major Kitchen Remodel Midrange $54,241 $43,603 $80.4%
Major Kitchen Remodel Upscale $107,973 $81,896 $75.9%
Siding Replacement: Midrange $9,134 $7,963 $87.2%
Siding Replacement Upscale $13,149 $11,573 $88.0%
Attic Bedroom Remodel $44,073 $35,228 $79.9%

2009-02-19T14:17:00.000-06:00

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- There's a nice windfall for some homebuyers in the economic stimulus bill awaiting President Obama's signature on Tuesday. First-time buyers can claim a credit worth $8,000 - or 10% of the home's value, whichever is less - on their 2008 or 2009 taxes.
A big plus is that the credit is refundable, meaning tax filers see a refund of the full $8,000 even if their total tax bill - the amount of witholding they paid during the year plus anything extra they had to pony up when they filed their returns - was less than that amount. But there has been a lot of confusion over this provision. Adam Billings of Knoxville, Tenn. wrote to CNNMoney.com asking:
"I will qualify as a first-time home buyer, and I am currently set to get a small tax refund for 2008. Does that mean if I purchased now that I would get an extra $8,000 added on top of my current refund?"
The short answer? Yes, Billings would get back the $8,000 plus what he'd overpaid. The long answer? It depends. Here are three scenarios:
Scenario 1: Your final tax liability is normally $6,000. You've had taxes withheld from every paycheck and at the end of the year you've paid Uncle Sam $6,000. Since you've already paid him all you owe, you get the entire $8,000 tax credit as a refund check.
Scenario 2: Your final tax liability is $6,000, but you've overpaid by $1,000 through your payroll witholding. Normally you would get a $1,000 refund check. In this scenario, you get $9,000, the $8,000 credit plus the $1,000 you overpaid.
Scenario 3: Your final tax liability is $6,000, but you've underpaid through your payroll witholding by $1,000. Normally, you would have to write the IRS a $1,000 check. This time, the first $1,000 of the tax credit pays your bill, and you get the remaining $7,000 as a refund.
To qualify for the credit, the purchase must be made between Jan. 1, 2009 and Nov. 30, 2009. Buyers may not have owned a home for the past three years to qualify as "first time" buyer. They must also live in the house for at least three years, or they will be obligated to pay back the credit.
Additionally, there are income restrictions: To qualify, buyers must make less than $75,000 for singles or $150,000 for couples. (Higher-income buyers may receive a partial credit.)
Applying for the credit will be easy - or at least as easy as doing your income taxes. Just claim it on your return. No other forms or papers have to be filed. Taxpayers who have already completed their returns can file amended returns for 2008 to claim the credit.
Lukewarm reception
The housing industry is somewhat pleased with the result because the stimulus plan improves on the current $7,500 tax credit, which was passed in July and was more of a low-interest loan than an actual credit. But the industry was also disappointed that Congress did not go even further and adopt the Senate's proposal of a $15,000 non-refundable credit for all homebuyers.
"[The Senate version] would have done a lot more to turn around the housing market," said Bernard Markstein, an economist and director of forecasting for the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB). "We have a lot of reports of people who would be coming off the fence because of it."
Even so, the $8,000 credit will bring an additional 300,000 new homebuyers into the market, according to estimates by Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors.
The credit could also create a domino effect, he said, because each first-time homebuyer sale will lead to two more trade-up transactions down the line. "I think there are many homeowners who would be trading-up but they have had no buyers for their own homes," Yun said.
Who won't benefit, according to Mark Goldman, a real estate lecturer at San Diego State University, are those first-time homebuyers struggling to come up with down payments. The credit does not help get them over that hurdle - they still have to close the sale before claiming the bonus.
One state, Missouri, is trying to get around that problem by creating a short-term loan on the tax credit of up to $6,750. The state would loan borrowers the money so they could use it at closing as part of the downpayment. Then, when the buyers receive their tax credit from the IRS, they pay back the state. Other states may follow with similar programs, according to NAHB's Dietz.
Many may look at the tax credit as a discount on the home price, according to Yun. A $100,000 purchase effectively becomes a $92,000 one. That can reassure buyers apprehensive about purchasing and then watching prices continue falling, he added.
And it provides a nice nest egg for the often-difficult early years of homeownership, when unexpected repairs and expenses often crop up. Recipients could also use the money to buy new stuff for their home - a lawnmower, a rug, a sofa - and, in that way, help stimulate the economy.
CORRECTED: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated how much taxpayers who were owed a refund would receive under the credit.

Home Maintenance ~ Water Heater

2009-02-18T14:04:00.001-06:00

Most people never give their water heater a second thought? until it stops working. One thing you can do to extend the life of hour water heater is to drain the tank annually to remove any sediment that may have built up inside it. Here are the steps that could help prevent you from experiencing the unpleasant surprise of an ice-cold shower.
If you have an electric water heater, turn off the power at the breaker-box. If yours is a gas heater, turn the thermostat to the "pilot" setting.
Connect a hose to the drain valve located close to the thermostat, but don't open the valve just yet.
Turn off the cold-water supply that feeds the water-heater.
Inside your house, open up one of the hot-water faucets in one of your sinks or tubs. This will prevent a vacuum from forming in the lines.
Go back to the water-heater, and open the drain valve to drain the hot water out of the tank. Make sure the far end of the hose is draining somewhere that won't be harmed by hot water. An outside driveway is ideal.
Once the water stops flowing out of the far end of the hose, turn the water supply back on. This will flush out any remaining sediment left behind in the heater.
Alert: The heating element could possibly blow if there is no water in the tank. Some tanks may need to be completely full in order to prevent damage. When in doubt, always read the warnings and instructions on the tank label carefully because each tank may vary!
Once the water runs clear from the end of the hose, close the DRAIN valve.
Don't forget to turn the hot-water faucet inside your house back off.
Turn the power-supply to the water heater back on at the breaker box (or the thermostat), after the tank has filled with water. Once the water temperature has been brought back up, test the pressure-relief valve according to the manufacturer's instructions. This safety device is designed to prevent excess pressure build-up or overheating inside the tank. If it's faulty, you may need to have it replaced by a licensed plumber.
Recap:
Drain your water heater once or twice a year to remove sediment.
Drain the water into a place that can get hot and wet.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions to check the pressure release valve for proper operation