Nathan Scott

If you are familiar with Craig Ranch, located off of Hwy 121 and Custer Road, you have noticed that thought and precision have gone into the neighborhood that connects the cities of McKinney, Allen, Plano and Frisco.

Craig Ranch takes the phrase, "Master Planned Community" to the next level and then adds a little more. At first glance the most noticeable section of Craig Ranch is the huge sports complex that occupies 75 acres dedicated to softball, baseball and soccer fields. Once you have turned north off of 121 you will cannot miss the rest of the exciting development.

The anchors of Craig Ranch that incorporate the style and synergy of the entire complex are the Cooper Aerobics Center and the TPC Craig Ranch Golf Course. Here is a closer look at both:

Whatever your age or fitness level, join us at the award-winning Cooper Fitness Center for exercise and diverse activities.

Jog on a winding one-mile outdoor trail... Swim in a master level program... Play tennis... Workout on state-of-the-art equipment... Reduce stress by attending a Tai Chi or Pilates class... Bring your staff for a team building day. A wide array of fitness and health amenities awaits you at our 30-acre campus.

Hope you enjoy and take the time to check out Craig Ranch in McKinney and all that it offers - see you around!!!

Thank you!!!

Mortgage Insurance providers have announced that all loans that require above 97% LTV will not be given mortgage insurance - effectively killing the Flex 100 Program.

I have a program for certain areas (see my earlier blog topics) that will overcome this further tightening by the Mortgage Insurance providers and offers very competitive rates with 115% of the HUD Median Income Limits! Contact me for details!

Interest rates were steady today despite the Dow plunging as the 10 yr bond made stand.

Here is the calendar of Economic Events for March 28, 2008:

Lock advisory:

If you are closing within the next 7 days.

CAUTIONARY TALE:

A friend of mine called today and asked about 30 year mortgage rates. He had already been working with another lender regarding some financing on a new home but wanted to 'give me a shot' also - how nice of him to think of me after I have given him free advise all these years, hmfph.

Well, the other lender was quoting .50% origination with 6.375% - which I guess doesnt seem bad to someone with a 8.50% rate from two years ago. After running scenarios and asking about down payment (10%) I asked him why he had contact the other lender before me...well, the listing agent gave me a contact name and number as I was not prequalified yet.

I retraced his steps up to talking to me and turns out that the agent had also referred my friend over to an agent in their same office. How nice, right? They too encouraged my friend to use the lender and assured him that they use him for the best rates and closing costs around...

My client has decided to buy the home but not use the mortgage person referred - why? 5.75% on a 30 year fixed with 10% down with no origination since my client has near perfect (720+) credit...

I'm glad that my friends know what I do and that I take pride in representing them in a professional and efficient manner.

By the way, you could be my next friend, client and success story - it would be my pleasure to make your home buying experience smooth and stress free!

How often do you visit the town you grew up in? Me, only twice in the last 4 years or so have I been back to the place I grew up. This past weekend I traveled with wife and son so 'grandma' could get to know her grandson.

West Texas and I dont really get along: I dont like wind, dust, cows (unless in steak form) or being more than 20 miles from a variety of shopping choices (ok, my wife's opinion, really)!!!

But visiting my old town that I grew up in really "brought home" to me some important things:

1) No matter where you end up you cannot change where you came from - your beginning should not be negative or positive, it is just where you got started.

2) Your parent's advise will keep getting more accurate to the point of being annoying at times, whether you like it or notice it.

3) Home is always home - no matter how far away.

I left West Texas and didnt really look back - now that I have visited again I can say that the area is slow to growth but still holding steady. When you eat your next steak - think of Amarillo and surrounding area - more cows per square mile than people! When you feel the wind blowing there is a high likelyhood that it started in the Panhandle...

and most of all, when you are ready to be treated like family and wave at everybody you pass on Main Street - go to Friona, TX - one of the friendliest, most down to earth and kind towns in Texas.

Wylie, TX - My Home

I moved to Wylie fourteen months ago and felt as if I had returned home. Growing up, I have lived in mainly smaller communities with the exception of Lubbock, TX so the prospect of moving to a suburban community appealed to me. I really had no idea that I would fall in love immediately with the general population and folks that comprise Wylie.

Real Estate

The Real Estate market in Wylie is still strong and there is value from Wylie ISD to the convenience of outdoors activities. As a resident you have quick access to Lake Lavon, Lake Ray Hubbard as well as many other parks and recreation areas that are our little secrets.

From Seis Lagos to Birmingham Farms, there is a host of subdivisions that will meet every type of home buyer's tastes and price range. It is hard not to find exactly what you are looking for in a home in Wylie - the variety of builders has made Wylie a great place to call home!

I have come to realize that our tax rates are lower than other equitable communities and the Mayor has stated that he wants a decrease to be considered in the near future (source: Wylie News @ www.wylienews.com - 2/26/08). The value of the school systems, convenience of bus service and quality of teachers all played a part in my decision to move to Wylie.

Future Development

Upcoming projects include a New Library (40,000+ sq ft), Recreation Center (40,000+ sq ft) and a New City Hall with final planning still in the works by the City Council. The picture below was taken from www.WylieTexas.gov (with permission, great site for complete and up to date information on All Things Wylie!!!) which shows a picture of Downtown during the early years.

A full record of the City History can be found on www.WylieTexas.gov along with other great links for New Residents, City Events and Chamber Members.

I am so excited to see Wylie, a once sleepy little town, blossom into a flower of Collin County and look forward to taking part in the success of one of the fastest growing communities in the DFW Metroplex.