Bye Bye 2011

The sun is setting on 2011, where did this year go? I pulled up my blog today and realized I hadn't blogged since before Thanksgiving! I definitely experienced the end of the year pop! My New Year's resolution is to be consistent writing my blog. If you have real estate questions that you would love to know the answers to, let me know and I will blog about them in 2012. Here's to a wonderful 2012 and continued recovery of the housing market in America!

Thank you!

Just a thank you to all my past, present and future clients. Thank you for your business! I appreciate you entrusting me with your real estate needs. I enjoy working with each and every one of you to achieve your real estate goals. Thank you for referring your friends, family and clients to me! Wishing you all a blessed 2012!

Holiday Home Buying/Selling

With Thanksgiving in just one week, the holidays are about to be in full swing. Is this a good time to be buying or selling real estate??? The answer is YES!

During these busy times with family many potential sellers do not want to have the inconvenience of keeping their homes spic and span and having to decline showings because of the Christmas dinner party they are hosting. This is good because there are LESS homes that your home has to compete with than in the traditional "busy season" (spring and summer). There are also LESS buyers in the market, this is good because quality is better than quantity. The buyers that are taking time out from their holiday festivities to shop for homes are most likely ready, willing and able buyers.

If you are a buyer it's the perfect time because there are not as many buyers in the market, this is great because you aren't competiting in such a fierce market. The homes that come on the market and are in great condition, location and priced according to the market will go quickly. The bottom line is the seller's are motivated to sell, buyers are motivated to buy. Not to mention this season the interest rates are at historical lows, which is a great thing for everyone!

If you are or someone you know is looking to buy or sell in this holiday season, give me a call and I'll be happy to assist you!

New Listing-Woodlands West

We just listed a spec home under construction by Trinity Classic Homes in the Woodlands West in Parker County.

3-2-2 2085 square feet on 1 acre

Hand scraped hardwood floors, stain grade trim, granite countertops, fantastic exterior stone work, open concept, exposed beams, too much to list!

All of this for $210,000

New Listing-Creekside of Aledo

We have a new listing in Creekside of Aledo! It's a gorgeous, barely lived in home with just over 4200 sqft sitting on one acre complete with trees and backyard privacy!

Featuring an Abundance of Detail, Exquisite Architectural Design, & Superior Finishout

From Hand Scraped Hardwoods to a unbelievable trim package, you really must see this 4 bedroom-4 bath- 2 car garage home to appreciate it!

Located in Creekside of Aledo just minutes from Stuard Elementary. $540,000

North Texas Real Estate Stats

Everyone is wondering what is the market like here in the Metroplex??

According to the North Texas Real Estate Information Service (NTREIS) YTD summary thru September 2011 (which includes 50 counties in the North Texas MLS area):

Single family dwelling sales are down 3% over the last year with no change in dollar volume. The average sales price is up 2% to $199,610. Sales for the month of September were up 14%.

Farm/Ranch sales show a 4% increase, dollar volume is down 7% and the average sales price is down 10% to $306,982. Sales for September were up 3%.

Rentals are up 14%, dollar volume is up 19% and the average rental price is up 5% to $1427. Rentals for the month of September are up 19%.

Lots & Acreage sales are up across the board with sales increasing 4%, Dollar Volume Increasing 13% and Average Sales Price increase of 8% to $123,274. September sales remained the same.

Commercial Sales are up in all 3 categories, Sales Volume is up 7%, Dollar Volume increased 9%and an increase in average price to $171,615. September sales are down 2%.

Overall you can see that the market in North Texas is doing very well, especially when compared to the national real estate market. It is still a fantastic time to buy, sell and invest in real estate in North Texas. If you want to know what your current home value is, give me a call and I will be happy to assist you.

Waste Transfer Station in Aledo

Click to read the latest article in the Fort Worth Star Telegram about the proposed Waste Transfer Station in Aledo.

5 Credit Myths

Lenders are constantly changing their requirements and over the past several years many would be buyers have been disqualified because of their credit score. There has never been a more crucial time to take some time out to educate ourselves on credit scores and how they affect our everyday lives. If you're looking to buy, refinance or even rent a home, variances in credit score can stop you from qualifying for the home of your dreams, and can either cost or save you thousands of dollars in interest over the life of your loan.

Let's get right to it with five common credit myths:

Myth #1 Having lots of cash, a great income or tons of equity makes your FICO score less relevant.

Fact: No matter how much cash you have, if you want to qualify for a mortgage, you must meet the lender's FICO score guidelines. Lenders don't look at your credit score on the theory that your other assets diminish your credit riskiness. Lenders want to avoid having to foreclose on a home, it's a costly and lengthy process.

How you've handled your credit in the past is the best predictor of whether you'll default on a loan in the future. Your credit score will determine whether or not you will qualify for a loan and what interest rate you will be charged to borrow, no matter how much money you make.

Myth #2 Having NO debt or NO late payments means you have great credit.

Fact: Being financially responsible and having good credit are two different things. Your FICO score is designed to be a measure of your responsibility when it comes to managing debt. Using credit regularly and responsibly is wise.

Having no credit accounts or debts doesn't give you good credit- it gives you no credit. The term used by the lending industry for consumers with no credit is "Ghost" how is a lender going to prove to an underwriter and investor wanting to purchase the loan if there is no recorded documentation? On the flip side, being maxed out on various credit accounts all the time, submitting lots of credit applications can actually depress your score. The best practice is to have several accounts that you actively and responsibly use on a monthly basis.

Tip: FICO gives a top score to accounts with balances that are 30 percent of the credit limit

Myth #3 Checking your own credit score in advance prevents surprises when you apply for a mortgage.

Fact: Your mortgage originator must pull their own version of your credit report. It may have a very different score, rating scale or even different line items. That is why it is imperative to start working with a mortgage professional as early as possible. This way you can detect any errors or issues and work to get them resolved as soon as possible.

Myth #4 If you've had a foreclosure or short sale, your credit report will be damaged for 7 years.

Fact: Derogatory credit items, ie. late mortgage payments, foreclosures and short sales, appear on your credit report for 7 years. However, your credit score can be rehabilitated enough to buy a home or obtain other credit in less time. The type of loan you will be seeking to purchase your next home with, how much cash you can put down and whether or not there were extenuating circumstances involved in losing your home in the first place; some loans will allow for immediate purchase, others require a waiting period of 2,4,5 or even 7 years of a home.

Your FICO score is also a huge component in a post home loss purchase. The length of time it takes your FICO score to recover actually depends on how high it was beforehand. The higher the score was, the longer it takes for full recovery.

As the foreclosure or short sale ages, its impact on your score will decrease too.

Myth #5 Short sales have much less impact on your credit score than foreclosures.

Fact: Short sales and foreclosures actually have the SAME impact on your credit score, according to the FICO folks themselves. (Exceptions are for short sales or deeds-in-lieu of foreclosure where the property was not upside down)

Also, the number of missed payments you had before your home was lost to foreclosure or short sale might weigh on how gravely injured your FICO score is in the process. On average there are 2 years of missed payments before a home is repossessed by the bank.

If you're looking to buy, sell, refinance or just have some real estate questions. Please feel free to give me a call, I'd be happy to assist you!

New Listing!! 125 Muir Hill Dr

125 Muir Hill Dr Aledo Home for Sale - The Snowden Team - Realty World Professionals Real Estate, Homes for sale, Realtor, Real Estate Agent, Aledo, Willow Park, Weatherford, Brock, Peaster

On Demand Hot Water Heater

The installation of on demand hot water heaters in your new home is likely one of the most cost effective items to include. With just a small increase over the traditional tank water heaters you will have a great return on your investment in short time as well as reap the benefits of its increased efficiency, usability and safety.

The benefits
1. Increased efficiency – on demand heaters heat only when hot water is needed which leads to dramatic energy savings.

2. Provide a never ending source of hot water.

3. Precise water temperature set with digital thermostat.

4. The tanks can be located near the destination of the water to reduce the run for the water and in turn reducing the wait time for hot water. Visit www.foreverhotwater.com for more information.

Aledo Home Statistics

Aledo is a highly desirable area for families, with it's excellent school system, community feel and proximity to Fort Worth it's no wonder that is a first choice for many families.


Here are some real estate statistics for homes in the Aledo ISD within the last 6 months:

There are currently 210 homes active on the market in Aledo.

The average size is 3000 square feet on 2 acres.

The average list price is $375,446.

There have been 160 sold properties within the last 6 months.

The average size of the sold properties is 2931 on 1.5 acres

Average sold price is $293,8663.

Average days on the market is 137.

Summary. Aledo is not only a great place to live it's a great place to buy and sell real estate. Now is a great time to do so, with interest rates as low as they are the opportunity is there! Let me know if I can answer any additional questions about the school district, current market conditions or assist you with your move. I'd be happy to!

Is your insurance policy up to date?

At least once a year you should revaluate your homeowner's insurance coverage. Here are some items to think about:

1. Can you rebuild all, not just part of, your house?
Make sure that your home owners insurance pays you for the full cost of rebuilding. Just because your home's value has gone down doesn't mean that the cost of materials & labor have gone down as well. In fact, over the last year building costs have gone up. Make sure your home owners insurance pays you for full rebuilding costs in the event of a disaster.

2. Check your flood insurance
Flood insurance is not usually part of a standard home owners policy. Home owners should check the FEMA maps frequently as they are constantly being revised. You can check your property by clicking

3. What's new in your life?
Did you add items to the property in the past year such as add a swimming pool, playground, trampoline. These things may change your liablity needs. Are you recently divorced, and you got the house, make sure your ex-spouse's name is off the policy. Talk to your agent and compare your life status this year with last year's to update your home owners insurance.

4. Maybe your valuables are worth more
Your art, jewelry, antiques, and other collectibles may have appreciated in value over the years. If your home owners insurance policy doesn't have accurate values on these items, your company may not reimburse you for the full value in the event of fire or other home disaster.

5. Tally up any home improvements
Have you made any renovations or additions to the home, such as an expanded garage, new bathroom, or home theater in the basement? Your house may now be worth more and your home owners insurance needs to reflect that. Create a home inventory video and keep it in a safe place outside the home.

6. Give your trees the once-over
Hire an arborist to look at the trees on your property, and check with your home owners insurance agent to see if your policy covers you if one of your trees falls on the neighbor's car. An arborist can tell you if your trees are healthy and advise whether they should be removed or trimmed.

7. Watch the nickels and dimes
Hunt for any special discounts that can reduce your home owners insurance premiums. For example, you may be eligible for a discount if you have an automobile or valuable articles policy with the same company has your home owners insurance policy.

These home features can also give you discounts on your home owners insurance--but only if your insurer knows you have them:

Burglar or fire alarms
Gated community patrol service
Storm shutters
Temperature monitoring system to protect against freezing, connected to a central station alarm
Permanently installed, electrical back-up generator


Referenced article from the National Association of Realtors, House Logic Richard J. Koreto

Welcome

Doesn't this just say "Welcome"

Low, low, low RATES

Are at an all time LOW!! Now is the time to buy the house you've been dreaming of! Currently rates are 4% for a 30 year fixed conventional loan. The 20 year average rate is 6.93% To break it down simply, if you borrow $300,000 from the bank your montly payment including principal and interest only will be:
4% - $1432.25.
5% - $1610.46
6% - $1798.65
6 7/8 - $1970.79
If you buy now and lock in an interest rate of 4% you will save big time bucks over the life of the loan.
4% vs 5%- You save $178.21 each month, $2138.52 each year and $64,155 over the life of the loan!
4% vs 6%- You save $366.40 each month, $4396.80 each year and $131,904 over the life of the loan!
4% vs 6 7/8% (the average interest rate over the last 20 years)-
You save $538.54 each month, $6462.48 each year, and $193,874 over the life of the loan!
There has never been a better time to buy or refinance!

FHA vs Conventional Loans

The lending industry is continually changing, I thought it would be helpful to give a snapshot of FHA & Conventional loans and their requirements. Thanks to Eric Schroeder, my lender friend at Primelending for putting this together for me.

FHA
3.5% down with monthly mortgage insurance, typically a good way to go being a first time homebuyer. Has an excellent and typically easier to close when compared to a conventional loan that is needing mortgage insurance. FHA will allow properties with agriculture exemption and acreage. The 3.5% and closing cost can be in the form of a gift and the seller can pay up to 6% in closing cost. The mortgage lender can also help pay for some of the closing cost, this is called premium pricing. Minimal credit score of 600 with additional underwriting requirements, otherwise, a 640 is required.

Conventional
5% down with monthly mortgage insurance, conventional will allow a monthly payment without mortgage insurance as long as the borrower puts down 20%. The seller will have to come up with the down payment out of their own funds and the seller can pay up to 3% in closing cost assistance. A minimal score of 620 is required on a conventional loan.

If you have additional questions or want to see about getting pre-qualified for a loan feel free to give Eric a call at 817-596-7878 or visit Primelending's website by clicking here

114 Oakwood Creek Lane

Wow, this house is a complete knockout! It literally looks like something straight out of a Pottery Barn magazine inside & out. It's immaculate and has it all! 4 bedroom 3 full baths, 2 half baths, formal dining, study, media room, bonus room, Hardwood Floors and attention to detail throughout.

Awesome Kitchen with a water purification system (which is anywhere from $3-5k it completely purifies the water). Jenn Air Range, Oven & Warming Drawer, As well as an additional oven. Beautiful Unique Granite & Custom Cabinetry.

The patio is the perfect place for entertaining and enjoying the backyard oasis. One acre of fully sprinkled yard & lush landscaping.

Love this house! It's in Oakwood Creek Subdivision just off Mineral Wells Hwy & Bankhead. You've got to love Parker County Real Estate.....All this for $350,000

302 Billo Ct.

Perfect 4-3-3 on just over 1/2 Acre in Established Weatherford Neighborhood. Great location convenient to schools, shopping & Fort Worth!

Great Open Flowing Floorplan, Plenty of Space for the Growing Family.

Kitchen with Granite, Island, Breakfast Bar, Walk-In Pantry & Custom Cabinetry. Back Patio is Perfect for Entertaining & Surround Sound is Already Installed. Backyard is Perfect for Pool & Play! 2890 sqft. $265,000

Foundation

Foundation problems can be a huge expense for Texas homeowner's, especially in North Texas because our soil contains a lot of clay which expands when wet and shrinks when dry. The variation in moisture levels take a toll on a foundation. Taking the time to consistently maintain and protect your home can save you thousands in repairs later.

What can you do to maintain foundation & prevent problems?
-When watering, or when it rains make sure that the drainage flows away from the foundation. Water should never "pool" around your foundation. Too much water is just as damaging as not enough. Also the soil level should not extend above the bricks.

-Make sure that gutters and downspouts direct rain water away from the foundation.

-Large trees or shrubs can consume tremendous amounts of water and should not be planted next to foundation. Do not allow the roots of large trees to extend under foundations.

-Water your foundation. Water should be applied in a systematic manner using automatic sprinkler system or a soaker hose. During the summer this should be done a couple of times a week. Don't forget to keep it moist in the winter, too.

What are some common signs of foundation problems?
-Cracks above doors and windows
-Doors and windows that are harder to open
-Obvious slopes in floors
-Cracks in bricks that follow a stair step pattern (this is usually a sure sign of foundation issues)
-Washed out spots under foundation that leave foundation exposed

If you notice any of the above in your home, call a foundation company to come out and take a look. They will tell you if any work is needed and give you property specific instructions on how to maintain your slab.

I reccomend MBR Foundation, they have been around for over 35 years and are honest, trustworthy and guarantee their work.

Parker County Sunset

Beautiful!

Lower Utility Bills Top 10

It's summer time in Texas and that means one thing.....it's HOT! I thought a post about the top 10 ways to lower your utility rates. When doing research it made me realize a couple things that I can be doing as well.

Set Your Air Conditioner For 78 Degrees or Higher
If you are someone who loves the house at 70 degrees, you may want to rethink that idea during the summer months. Since an air conditioner cools at the same rate no matter the setting, think about how much more energy you’re using to cool it down to 70 degrees especially when it is reaching the upper 90’s outside. With that being said, the “industry recommended” minimum temperature is 78 degrees during the summer months. By sticking to these guidelines, you’ll stay cool (enough) and will help maximize your energy savings.

Programmable Thermostat
According to the Energystar.gov website, you can save about $180 annually by using a programmable thermostat (Note: this figure only applies if using the thermostat correctly). Programming temperature changes throughout the day will allow you to maximize the usage of an air conditioner to coincide with the outside conditions (night vs. day). It will also help you by automatically adjusting the temperature up when you are away at work or school (no sense in cooling an empty house for 8+ hours a day). If you are forgetful like me, this tool is an easy way to automate your savings. Just don’t forget to change the programming for each season!

Air Conditioner Maintenance/Filters
Proper maintenance of your air conditioning can ensure that your system will operate at its optimal efficiency level. The more efficiently it runs the less energy/money you waste. The best time to maintain your system is in the winter or spring, before the heavy usage of the summer. You might even get a better deal this time of year since the a/c repair guys aren’t as busy. Proper maintenance can also prevent many small problems from becoming big, expensive ones later. In addition, change your air filters monthly. A dirty air filter can cost you money because it blocks the air flow, causing your unit to work harder to push cool air through your home. A clean air filter will save you money on energy costs and prolong the life of your air conditioner.

Start Grilling
With your a/c working overtime to cool the house down just from the heat outside, why add even more heat in the kitchen? There are two easy suggestions. First, use a crockpot or toaster oven instead of the oven or stove. They use less energy and they don’t pump as much heat into the kitchen. Second, since it’s a little cooler in the evenings get outside and grill. In addition to energy savings, grilling is also a healthier and quicker way to eat – it’s a win-win!

Ceiling Fans
Fans are an efficient way to make a room comfortable without having to lower the temperature. The air circulation they provide evaporates moisture on your skin, causing you to feel cooler. The combination of fan use and prudent management of your a/c settings will result in overall energy savings. If you do not have ceiling fans, they can be easily installed in any room with an overhead light. You can pick them out at your local Home Depot or Lowes for less than $100 (or more if you want a fancy one).

Use Shades/Blinds
One way to cool your house is by not letting the heat in. Shades and/or blinds provide a great barrier to the outside heat, and not require any electricity usage. If you currently have shades in your home then during the day, remember to keep them closed, especially when the sun is beating down in the afternoon. If you do not have shades or blinds in your home, they can get pretty expensive, so at least try to cover the windows that get the most sun exposure. Another option is solar screens, which block out 90% of the UV rays while still allowing you to see out your windows.

Plant Shrubs/Shrubs
Another way to save on energy costs is to create shade around your home by planting trees or shrubs. It is best to plant them near windows and on the sunnier side of your home. Just be sure to plant them at least one foot away from your home’s wall and from any full grown plants. In addition to planting them around your home, you can also save money by planting them around your air conditioning units. A shaded unit can actually improve its efficiency by as much as 10% compared to a unit in direct sun. Just be sure not to plant too close to where they can block the unit’s airflow.

Seal Up Your Home
Your home could be losing electricity through air leaks in doors or windows and through bad insulation. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save as much as 30% of energy usage through proper insulation and air sealing. That could be a nice savings off your bill, especially during the hot summer months! In order to see if your home is losing electricity, you should conduct a home energy audit. This is something you can do yourself or you can hire someone to do this for you. If you choose to do the audit yourself, then you may want to check out Do It Yourself Home Energy Assessments. There is information that can help guide you through your own energy assessment.

Change Laundry Habits
First, wash clothes in cold water. It will save on the energy required to create more hot water. Another idea is to dry your clothes at night. When drying your clothes during the day, the dryer exhaust heats up the house, which in turn causes your air-conditioner to run more. By operating your dryer at night, the house won’t heat up as much and you save on your cooling bill.

Switch to a Lower Electric Rate
The easiest way to lower your electric bill is by switching to a lower electric rates. Since the Texas electricity market has become deregulated, many companies are able to offer competitive pricing for consumers. When you’re shopping for a lower electric rate, decide if you want to power your home with a fixed or month-to-month energy plan. A fixed plan will enable customers to lock down a low rate for a fixed term while a month-to-month plan gives customers the ability to take advantage of energy rates as they drop.

Villages of Aledo

Are you looking for an investment property in Aledo? Or maybe a starter house? I've got the perfect place for you! Close to schools in the heart of Aledo. This 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage offers an open floor plan, gleaming hardwoods, formal dining, study, kitchen with tons of cabinets & an island.

Enjoy HOT Texas nights on your covered back patio overlooking a decent sized yard. $155,000

If you're looking for a rental, Aledo has a great rental market. The schools are great and the summer time is the perfect time to get a tenant. This home would probably rent for around $1500-1600 a month. If you're thinking about buying, it's a great time, interest rates are low and buying is cheaper than renting!

Sweet Sink

I showed this house today, new construction in Stone Creek Farms in Aledo. I love
the rod iron sink, it is the perfect touch to this half bathroom!

Parker County Mama

If you're new to Parker County and you want to get connected to the community, Parker County Mama is a new website/blog/facebook page to designed to keep current & new moms in the area up to date on all of the wonderful things to do in Parker County, coupons, deals and great information! This week I was fortunate enough to be a guest blogger on the Parker County Mama blog.

If you are a Parker County Mama, it's the perfect way to stay connected!

Pool or No Pool?

Summer is here and a question on many homeowner's minds is should we dive in and build a pool? Before you take the plunge here are some things to think about.

1. How long are we planning on living in this home? Plans change all the time, before you invest several thousand dollars in to building that dream pool you should make sure that you will be there long enough to enjoy it. The last thing you want to do is build a pool this summer, only to move the next.

2. Where does my house fall in my neighborhood? Are you the biggest, nicest home in your neighborhood? If so you might want to reconsider investing more money into it. If you are the average sized home in a neighborhood and you plan on living there for five or more years, it's probably a great investment!

3. Don't expect to get your money back when you sell. Build a pool so you can enjoy it, but don't build one expecting to increase the price of your home.

4. The value a pool brings depends on the buyer. Pools in Texas are usually a great selling point, some buyer's specifically look for a property that already has a pool. However, some buyer's will not purchase a home simply because it has a pool, while others are willing to pay more for a home with a pool.

All in all, summer memories playing in the pool are priceless and putting in a pool is a great decision for many families. Pools provide great entertainment during these hot Texas summers. Just make sure that before you jump in you have realistic expectations of your investment.

If you are thinking about putting in a pool and you want to know where your house falls in the neighborhood, give me a call I'll do some research and give you the facts.

Top 10.....

I've been showing a lot of property lately, which has inspired me to write this top ten things to do BEFORE you show your house. I should note that these are all actual things that I witnessed or exprienced in the past couple days.

10. Put up your ash trey's and make sure your house doesn't smell like one.

9. Make sure the potential buyers don't get tangled up in your landscaping

8. If you don't own a vacuum, buy one!

7. Send your yappy dog to the doggy babysitter for the day, Buyer's don't want to have a headache when they leave your house.

6. If you're into gaudy over the top decor, green carpet and opera music, that's cool but realize that 99.9% of the people who look at your house are not, tone it down.

5. If you have teenage boys consider buying some febreeze and making sure they flush the toilet.

4. Make sure that you open the blinds, and turn on the lights.....buyer's don't want to feel that they are going into a cave.

3. It's great that you have adorable kids, love the aggies and chipmunks but remember that you want the buyers to invision themselves living in your home not get so wrapped in the things in you home.

2.LEAVE, we don't need a guided tour of your property or someone to follow us around the house. Buyers want to be able to comfortably look at a home they may want to purchase.

1. While the summer is a great time to sell a house with a pool, if you're pool is literally overtaken by thousands of tadpoles and a dead squirrel you should probably drain it!

Farm Sink

A new trend we are seeing in kitchen's is the return of the Farmhouse Sink. These sinks can add just the right touch to your kitchen. It's made with functionality in mind. The "apron" front that drops down in front of the sink is it's signature trait. It's ornate design adds elegance & rustic charm.

Benbrook Home

Just took a great new listing in Benbrook, 144 Amory Dr. It's 4 bedroom 2 bath 2 car garage, Formal Dining Room/Study, Huge Living Area with Vaulted Ceilings, Exposed Beams, Woodburning Fireplace, Brand New Frieze Carpet & Accees to the Backyard
The backyard is amazing! Just over 1/4 of an acre, St. Augustine Grass, Trees & Tons of room for play!

The house is just down the street from Benbrook's Exemplary Elementary, Westpark and just a hop, skip & jump from Lake Benbrook, Parks, YMCA & Shopping.

All of this for $135,000!! If you would like more information please contact Alicia Brunson 817-680-7786

Home Sales Rise in 2011

According to the cheif economist of the National Association of Realtors home sales are on the rise and here are 7 reasons why:
1. More jobs
2. Rising stock market wealth
3. Rising apartment rents
4. Continuing high affordability conditions
5. Home values at historically justifiable levels
6. Investors looking to hedge against inflation
7. Foreigners buying U.S. homes on the cheap

New Listing in Willow Park Village

Great new listing in Willow Park Village at 104 Olympic Drive.

3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, Study & Formal Dining

Tons of upgrades from Travertine & Wood Floors to Granite & Stainless Steel Appliances and so much more!

Outdoor Space is perfect for entertaining!

This property is definitely a must see! Willow Park Village is a great little subdivision in a convenient location with easy access to the freeway and Aledo schools.

20 Years of Interest Rates

This chart shows the average interest rate on a 30 year fixed mortgage for each year of the past 20. As you can see there has never been a better time to get a loan! If you think that interest rates don't make that much of a difference.

Here is a great example of how much impact they have:

If you purchase a $250,000 your payment for principal and interest

at 6% = $1498.88 and at 4.5% $1266.71.

That is $232.17 per month and $83,581 over the life of the loan!!!!

121 Star Point Lane

I just took a new listing out in Northstar Crossing off of Star Point Lane. The house is as cute as it can be on 1 acre, great subdivision with a clubhouse, playground & pond. It's been beautifully maintained and is ready for new owners. It's also in the exemplary Peaster ISD Click HERE to see a virtual tour

2394 sqft, 3-2-2, split bedrooms, open floorplan, WBFP, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, covered porch with hot tub!

Enjoy the Parker County stars from this great back porch! From Weatherford Courthouse North on 51, left on 920, to Northstar Crossing.

Notice of Appraised Value

Many homeowner's have opened their mailboxes this week to find a nice little note from the county appraisal district. They have just sent out their 2011 Notice of Appraised Value. The higher your appraised value on your property= the more property taxes you pay. The appraisal district is hoping that you will fall into the category of the 95% of homeowners that just accept whatever value is put on their property. If you feel that your property is overvalued or just want to double check it feel free to call or e-mail me, give me your address and I'll check it out.

The protest process is pretty simple, however most homeowner's just don't take the time to do it. Never, ever, EVER pay one of those companies to do it for you!

If you purchased your home within the last year and your appraised amount exceeds what you paid for the property lowering your tax bill can be as easy as sending the appraisal district your HUD closing statement.

Let me know if I can help you out, I'd be happy to do so!

Bathroom

This bathroom is so inviting.....definitely the kind that you can see yourself coming home to after a long day. These homeowner's chose to give it an elegant touch by adding a chandelier over the tub. This coupled with the tile accents give it great character.

The master closet continues the theme of the master suite with tons of space, chest of drawers and multi levels for hanging clothes.

Help Firefighters

The whole metroplex has been watching the news and seeing the devistation and loss of homes and one fireman the wildfires in Palo Pinto & Stephens Counties have brought. Many hundreds of fireman are working around the clock to try to contain the fire that has burned over 150,000 acres.
The firefighters need supplies. If you are able to donate any of the following items the Fidelity National Title in Willow Park 5129 I-20 Service Rd. 817-441-5423 is a drop off station.
Dust masks
Lip balm (Carmex or Chapstick-style)
Eye drops
Anti-histamines or allergy medicines
Ibuprofin or Naproxin
Gatorade (powdered and bottled)
Water
Nutritious snacks
High-protein nutrition bars
Fruit
Sunscreen, especially 50+ SPF
Wet wipes & hand sanitizer
Garbage bags
Ice/coolers
Thank you!

Looking for an Investment?

There are so many people in the market today who want to be buyers but can't qualify for a loan due to the tightened regulations in the lending industry. Translation= Rentals are in high demand. If you are financially capable now is a great time to purchase rental property and lease it out. The market is in such demand that you can set high tenant standards and tenants are forced to pay a higher price for rent than what they would actually be paying if they had a mortgage. Since the home prices & interest rates are so low investing in real estate is truly the perfect investment! If you want more information about buying investment properties, the lease process or any other questions. Please feel free to e-mail or call me 817-680-7786.

Cove at Grand Peninsula

Click here to check out the MLS listing!

Picky Buyers Welcome! Barely Lived in Well Maintained & Immaculate Home in Fantastic Neighborhood. Great Floorplan, Open Concept with Neutral Colors. Spacious Kitchen with Breakfast Bar, Island, Corian Countertops & Tons of Cabinets, 2nd Living Area could also be used Formal Dining, Manicured Landscaped Yard, Covered Patio & No Back Door Neighbors! Mansfield ISD, Put this one on your list!

Neighborhood Info: http://www.grandpeninsula.com/

$175,000

Parker County Clean Up

This Saturday April 9 from 8am-3pm is the annual Parker County Clean Up. If you have anything you need to haul off to the dump Saturday is your chance to take it and dump it for FREE! Locations are: Precinct 1- 3000 Veal Station Rd Precinct 2-3033 FM 1885 Precinct 3- FM 1189 Precinct 4- Airport Rd. in Aledo

First Impressions

First impressions make all of the difference in the world! Last week I had a couple down here from NY to find there next home purchase. Before they got here I sent them a list of homes that matched their criteria and there were literally hundreds of them to chose from. So they sifted thru the pictures and read the property descriptions to see which ones made the cut. A home that was cluttered with personal items, not properly staged and neutralized could have easily gotten the ax. Even though, beneath all of that it could have been the perfect house for the buyers. The purpose of home staging is to present your home in the best possible light. Just like an on-line dating profile your MLS listing needs to focus on your homes positive attributes and really make it shine. This is a mutual responsibility of the homeowner and realtor. The two have to work together in order to do this. The product and presentation are key! If you are thinking about putting your home on the market but aren't really sure how to begin to get ready to do so, I'd be happy to set up a time to come over and walk thru your home with you and give you some homework. Or if you are like some of my clients who refuse to let me thru the doors without the home being in pristine condition, that's fine too. E-mail me and I'll send you a checklist of to-do's. I'd love to have the opportunity to make your home's first impression a lasting one!

Military Tax Credit

Did you know that the Homebuyer tax credit was extended for qualifying members of the military? If you qualify you have one more month to have an executed contract on a house. For more information visit the IRS website

If you know anyone that might qualify, have them give me a call. I'd be happy to help!

Welcome

Your front door is such an important part of your home, it is the welcoming centerpiece for your guests, and it also says a lot about your taste. Here are a few front doors of the homes that I love......one of them is mine!

How does your door greet your guests? If you are in the market to sell make sure your door greets potential buyers with a smile :)