All About Texas Real Estate

By Dorie Dillard Austin TX, NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones
(Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899)
We all faced the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a temporary pause in our NW Coldwell Banker office's American Cancer Society Fundraiser. However, we're thrilled to announce the event has now made a comeback! Since its inception on July 1, 2005, our NW office has raised an incredible $92,200 for this honorable cause and our goal this year was to bring that total to $100,000+.We firmly believe that, together, we can create a substantial impact in the battle against cancer. To ensure the success of our silent auction, we reached out to our vendors for support in the form of donations, and the response has been truly remarkable!On Thursday, September 21, we came together for a potluck luncheon, with everyone contributing a dish to share and making a minimum dona...
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By Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP, Selling Homes Changing Lives
(DFW FINE PROPERTIES)
It was a hot 98 degrees when the sun set as I left the Robson Ranch Clubhouse in Denton last night. Beyond the field with the setting sun were roadways before getting on I-35W that were lined with sunflowers. As a student at Olli University of North Texas, I attended "Witnesses to History: A Panel" discussion. The planned event was scheduled to feature three individuals who experienced JFK's assassination and its aftermath, firsthand. As it turned out, only one showed up; the other two were sick and very old. I was able to listen to Norman Grant, Jr., MD, who was a senior medical student at Methodist Hospital in Dallas at the time of the assassination. He participated in the retrieval of a bullet from the body of Officer J.D. Tippit while other doctors he knew treated both President Ken...
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By Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP, Selling Homes Changing Lives
(DFW FINE PROPERTIES)
Enrolling at the University of Dallas and graduating with a Master's Degree in Human Resources Management in December 2002, was just the beginning of my gratitude for its Staff, Faculty, and curriculums at this leading Catholic University's widely recognized school of higher education and excellence.  During the past several years, I have been invited to enjoy a private performance to experience an evening of creative fusion at the Spring and Fall Concert Series by The Crowley Chamber Trio of the University of Dallas. Monday's performance on September 25th, 2023, was an evening filled with musical creativity beyond imagination.  At the Museum of Biblical Art in Dallas, Texas, I had a front row seat to immerse my eyes, ears, heart and soul while I joyfully listened to the extraordinary t...
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By Rosie Crow, Exceeding Expectations. Delivering Results
(Serving Sugar Land, Richmond, Rosenberg, Missouri City)
Today, I want to discuss something that’s probably on the minds of a lot of folks looking to buy a home: those pesky high mortgage interest rates that just won’t quit.I mean, seriously, they’ve shot up to around 7 percent! Ouch, right? It can feel pretty daunting for many homebuyers out there. But here’s the deal: while it might seem like a tough nut to crack, it’s important to remember that this challenge isn’t insurmountable.There are several things you can do to navigate around the high interest rates so you can achieve home ownership and increase your chances of securing a favorable interest rate.First step: Improve your FICO score!  Your credit score plays a pivotal role in determining the interest rate lenders offer you. A higher credit score generally translates to a lower intere...
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By Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP, Selling Homes Changing Lives
(DFW FINE PROPERTIES)
As an MBA Graduate Student at the University of Dallas, I read many books. Most of them I sold back to the University's Book Store. But after graduation in December 2002, some books were keepers that I could not part with. One book was "Creative Destruction," Why Companies That Are Built to Last Underperform the Market - and How to Successfully Transform Them, by Richard Foster and Sarah Kaplan, published and copyrighted in 2001. Periodically, I hear about a company; then look them up in my Creative Destruction book. The premise for the book was about survival of the fittest of some of the most famous and richest companies in America. The result of analytic work, lasted over a decade long research project, to understand long-term company performance, by colleagues at McKinsey & Company....
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By Danny Frank, The Pearland Real Estate Expert
(JLA Realty)
Advancing Education: Friendswood ISD's Forward-Thinking Initiatives for 2023-24Friendswood Independent School District (FISD) is taking a leap into the future with the introduction of several innovative initiatives aimed at advancing the quality of education and fostering a more personalized learning environment for its students.Focus on Community Engagement: Introducing the "Focus Team"In an effort to foster community engagement and gain valuable insights, FISD officials have inaugurated the “Friendswood ISD Focus Team”. This initiative invites 25 community members to participate in discussions revolving around various aspects of education and learning. The team, consisting of a diverse group selected through a lottery system, will attend sessions throughout the school year, providing ...
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By Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP, Selling Homes Changing Lives
(DFW FINE PROPERTIES)
Now that you achieved homeownership, what do you do to increase market value? Be good to your property and it will be good to you. Schedule annual HVAC Service Technicians & change Air Filters Fix leaks immediately - Mold is a serious problem. Repair everything that is broken. Keep your property (inside and out) clean. Have your roof inspected after severe hail and windstorms. Clean your windows. Have a professional inspect your masonry and grout as needed. Unclog weep holes in brick buildings. Clean your gutters. Have your fireplace inspected and cleaned. Paint interior and exterior wood soffits, fascia, eaves, and trim. Replace or repair window screens. Inspect glass windows; repair as needed. Follow manufacturer's instructions for Water Heaters & Appliances. Maintain floors to preven...
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By Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP, Selling Homes Changing Lives
(DFW FINE PROPERTIES)
Oh captain! Oh captain! In a real estate transaction, how do you navigate to get to your goal? The same or similar as a captain on a ship.Agents need to be like the captain of their ship. Stay calm. Be prepared for any storm. Know how to navigate safely and avoid rough waters that pose liability, hazards, and risk. Stress leads to mess - Avoid both.Come rain or high water, read the contract. Know your deadlines. Understand people. When under contract, encourage backups. Clearly, timely, and effectively communicate, communicate, communicate. One of the most widely misunderstood words appears in the contract. In Texas, Real estate forms were written and approved by the Texas Real Estate Commission Broker and Lawyer Committee. Follow the process. Read the contract.  The Listing Agreement i...
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By Dorie Dillard Austin TX, NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones
(Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899)
  Don't forget to mark your calendar for a must-attend event - an Open House scheduled for Sunday, September 24, 2023, from 1 pm to 3 pm. Melissa Stout will be hosting the open house and we extend a heartfelt invitation to you to discover this captivating residence! If you can't make it please call Melissa for a private preview: 512-554-6656 Embrace the chance to discover your dream home nestled within the coveted Canyon Creek community. Here, you'll find the perfect blend of location, convenience, and lifestyle, creating the ultimate living experience.  Located near Trail Head Park, the community pool, activity center, and tennis courts, and conveniently linked by a crosswalk to the esteemed Canyon Creek Elementary, this home enjoys an ideal location. Carefully tended to by its dedica...
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By Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP, Selling Homes Changing Lives
(DFW FINE PROPERTIES)
It was the evening after closing. A beautiful sunset was forming but there were still some dark clouds hovering from above. The closing went well but the day before closing things seemed cloudy.Emotions are like weather forecast predictors, such as, you may get warnings from the weather channel, or maybe the Town Mayor issues an all-out severe weather warning, take shelter, but nothing happens other than the sun comes up, dark clouds go away, and blue sky with white puffy clouds emerge out of the darkness of cloudy weather. Perhaps it has nothing to do with the weather, but in the real estate world, agents have to always be prepared for the unexpected. For example, some well-meaning acquaintance or news reporter casts doubt on the buyer or seller's mind and things get cloudy.  The truth...
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By Dorie Dillard Austin TX, NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones
(Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899)
El Arroyo is an iconic local spot in Austin. They make the best hand-squeezed margaritas and serve Black Angus beef tacos (along with many other Tex- Mex offerings) and have since 1975!A quirky marquee is out front on the corner of West 5th and Campbell. Every day they change their bill board with a new pun (everything imaginable).  They encourage you to submit your pun on their website and of course have permission to post them. It’s one of those “Keep Austin Weird” things that we all in Austin love!They post them on Instagram because everyone loves them. Our own Myrl Jeffcoat follows them as well as Kathy Streib and chef Endre Barath, Jr.! I also see Debe Maxwell, CRS has been following them. We all need some laughter or a chuckle each day! It's fun checking out the new pun each day. ...
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By Dorie Dillard Austin TX, NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones
(Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899)
Explore our exclusive Coldwell Banker Move Meter Matchups! You can catch us in action during select games throughout the 17-week NFL football schedule. This week's exciting matchup features San Francisco vs. New York City.Now, the question is, which city are you considering for your next move? If you're ready to make a winning move, be sure to visit the Coldwell Banker Move Meter today and give me a call!  
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By Leslie Don Wilson, REALTOR ABR ALHS CIPS CRS GREEN GRI MCNE SFR SRES
(281-804-2291)
Don't Expect A Tidlewave Of ForeclosuresThe cost of things like food and gas is going up, and some people are worried that they won't be able to afford their mortgage payments. This could lead to a lot of foreclosures, which is when the bank takes a house away from the homeowner.However, experts say that a flood of foreclosures is unlikely. One reason is that lending standards have tightened, so people who are buying homes are more likely to be able to afford them.Another reason is that the number of homeowners who are seriously behind on their mortgage payments is declining. This means that most people are making their mortgage payments on time, so there is not a large number of people who are at risk of foreclosure.So, if you're worried about a potential flood of foreclosures, there's...
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By Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP, Selling Homes Changing Lives
(DFW FINE PROPERTIES)
Today is Closing Day at 1320 Dulverton DR in Frisco. To the Seller and the Buyers, I wish peace, happiness, good health, and prosperity. Finding the right style one-story home that is architecturally pleasing with good curb appeal has to pass the first test. Location is always a high priority. When the price is right and everyone comes to an agreement, a new phase of life is already beginning for all parties to the contract. Marketing, advertising, and internet research has made information about what is for sale particularly valuable to prospective home buyer observers. One never really knows how long they will stay. For that reason, it is important to maintain the property's value. A good HOA helps the neighborhood. Buyers know schools may be desirable, but finding the right fit for y...
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By Debbie Gill, GRI, ABR, CDPE, SRES, NHS, SFR
(Keller Williams Luxury Homes )
Why you should move to Coppell, TexasAre you considering making Coppell, Texas, your new home? This charming suburb, located in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, offers an array of compelling reasons to pack your bags and move in. From excellent schools and revamped parks to convenient access to major cities, here are the top ten reasons to move to Coppell, Texas1. Top-Rated Coppell Schools:People move to Coppell, Texas for its exceptional school system. Coppell Independent School District (Coppell ISD) consistently ranks among the best in the state. With highly-rated schools, you can be confident that your children will receive a quality education."Open Enrollment for Coppell ISD"  Parts of Coppell are covered by other school districts but Coppell ISD offers open enrollment2. Renovated ...
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By Tracy Lee Parker, Buy*Sell*Rent
(RE/MAX DFW Associates)
3501 Point East Drive Mesquite, TX 75150 is for sale! $291,000ONE OWNER MOVE IN READY home! This darling 3 bedroom, 2 full bath & 2 car rear entry garage can be yours! Within walking distance to Mckenzie Elementary, plus the home is conveniently located by a grocery store, parks, shopping & Eastifield College! The covered front porch is nice & has a mounted mailbox, just reach out the front door & grab your mail! Beautiful solid front door & tiled entryway leads you into the large living room with a floor to ceiling bricked woodburning fireplace.The kitchen has lots of cabinets, dishwasher, disposal, microwave, pantry & double ovens. The dining area has a cute chandelier with dimmer lights & is large enough for a big table & chairs. The split master is large enough for your king sized f...
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By Tracy Lee Parker, Buy*Sell*Rent
(RE/MAX DFW Associates)
Homebuyer consider these final steps to purchasing your home!Homebuying is a process but home ownership is possible if you do your homework along the way!Once  you decide to ditch the landlord, date the rate & marry the house here are some important steps to follow:  Find a Realtor-You can check online or the best way to find a realtor is through family & friends who have recently bought or sold a home. They will have real life experiences with a realtor and be able to tell you if they felt the realtor helped them with the home buying process.  Get Pre-Qualified- Your Realtor will have some great lender referrals that can get you started on your finances. They will check your credit score, obtain proof of your employment, your financial history, your monthly income, your cash on hand & ...
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By Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP, Selling Homes Changing Lives
(DFW FINE PROPERTIES)
There is an old saying that begs the question if walls could talk? This thought came to me when I enrolled in the JFK Revisited: Through the Looking Glass educational registration process through Olie at UNT. We went to the historic Oak Cliff Theater where Oswald was arrested for being under suspicion after Officer J.D. Tippet was shot and killed after Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963. If you missed that blog post and want to read more and see additional photos inside the theater, feel free to click here. Today is what I dubbed Wednesday is for Wonder Mongering Day. Feel free to join the group on ActiveRain and share information that can be educational and interesting. Today, I want to share the purpose for this blog post on September 20, 2023.After being inside the Theater...
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By Dorie Dillard Austin TX, NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones
(Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899)
August proved to be an exceptional month for us! Our NW Coldwell Banker branch excelled as 25 of our agents qualified for the prestigious August Million Dollar Club by either listing, writing business, closing sales worth 1 million dollars or more! Who would have thought that the real estate industry could be this dynamic? We've successfully adjusted to the changing market dynamics, which include properties staying on the market longer, lower listing prices, and an increase in available inventory in certain communities in Austin. Witnessing the fruits of everyone's diligent efforts in providing top-notch service to our clients is truly exhilarating.u  We took 51 listings for $42,802,111 with an average list price of $839,257 and took 8 leases.u  We wrote 81 contracts for $47,753,690 wit...
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By Dorie Dillard Austin TX, NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones
(Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899)
Looking to maximize your home sale's value? Overwhelmed by the selling process? Allow me to streamline it for you!        Partner with me and step into the future of property marketing in Austin Texas. Recognizing that buyers and sellers are now online, let's engage with them where they spend their time. Reach out to begin your home-selling journey today! Call Dorie Dillard at 512-750-6899.....Visit My Website  #RealEstateExcellence #PropertyMarketing #Coldwellbankeragent #listwithme
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