Leigh Bates, DFW Real Estate

Don't let the National "Gloom & Doom" scare you away!

Haven't you heard? Dallas is one the the strongest real estate markets in the country? Is is because our economy is one of the strongest, well yes. Is is because housing values have remained stable, well, yes. Is is because of job growth? Yes, and quite frankly Dallas and Fort Worth are great places to call home!

When considering a new home purchase, you should focus on the local real estate market conditions -- not the difficulties being experienced in other parts of the country

So what are the Top 10 Reasons to Buy your new home now?

1. Supply - Whether it is new construction, or a resale, the area has more supply out there than in recent years.
2. Price- The $$$ still goes a long way in DFW vs other markets
3. Interest Rates - Are still low, and FHA has increased its loan limits.
4. Location, Location, Location - Not only is DFW center to the rest of the US, you are certain to find an affordable home close to lakes, golf courses, airports, major corporations, and great schools.
5. Tax deductions, if you are still renting, you are missing some major deduction, including property taxes, interest, and mortgage insurance.
6. Equity - A sure-fire way to save for your future. Your home is your largest investment.
7. Stable Home Prices - Values are continuing to increase
8. Local Economy & Job Growth- Major corporations are relocating to the area, providing a more affordable place for it's employees to live.
9. Quality Construction of Design - DFW builders remain at the forefront of design trends and quality finishes.
10. Energy Efficiency - the price of energy is going up, so purchasing a new home can help fight the cost of rising electric bills.

For more information on the DFW Housing Markets and recent Real Estate Trends, visit DFW Housing Facts. If you are interested in getting on a list for new home inventory with certain builders, or existing homes, email or call me at (972) 824-2088.

Looking for more information on Stone Hill Farms, or just interested in keeping up with recent Real Estate trends?

Stone Hill Farms is a community of 480 homes located East of Morris Rd, between FM 407 and Kirkpatrick.

Homes were constructed beginning in 1998 by DR Horton, Lennar, Diamond and Engle Homes and range in square footage from 2000 to 4800.

1. Currently Active Homes

• 1208 Spring Ridge currently listed at $229,500
• 6104 Cottage Lane currently listed at $238,000
• 1412 Harvest Glen currently listed at $250,000
• 1205 Big Falls Dr currently listed at $289,000
• 5800 Day Flower currently listed at $292,900

2. Pending Sales

• 1416 Lone Oak Way currently listed at $260,000
• 1621 Stone Crest Dr currently listed at $274,900
• 1804 Stone Crest Dr currently listed at $334,900

3. Recent Sales

• 1312 Wildflower Lane sold for $222,000 1/15/2008
• 6009 Park Lane sold for $265,000 1/18/2008
• 1317 Big Falls Drive sold for $286,000 3/31/2008
• 5801 Fawn Run Drive sold for $303,000 3/13/2008
• 401 Bramwell Drive sold for $325,000 1/3/2008

If you would like to receive a personalized market update for Stone Hill Farms, visit www.dfwmarketsnapshot.com and register for automatic updates.

Search for Stone Hill Farms and other Flower Mound Area Homes

Looking for more information on Rustic Timbers, or just interested in keeping up with recent Real Estate trends?

Rustic Timbers is a community of 251 homes located just off of FM 1171 in Flower Mound, directly across from Parker Square.

Homes were constructed beginning in 1995 by Lennar Homes, and range in square footage from 1900 to 3500.

1. Currently Active Homes

• 1505 Maple Grove Rd currently listed at $239,000
• 3617 Lofty Pines currently listed at $297,900
• 3509 Scenic Fir Place currently listed at $309,900
• 1224 Blairwood Dr currently listed at $334,900

2. Under Contract

• 1208 Rosewood Trail currently listed at $269,900

If you would like to receive a personalized market update for Rustic Timbers Estates, visit www.dfwmarketsnapshot.com and register for automatic updates.

Search for Rustic Timbers Estates and other Flower Mound Area Homes

FREE Buyer and Seller Reports

The Town of Flower Mound has a new look!

A new year often yields fresh goals, perspectives, and objectives. In Flower Mound, the transition from 2007 to 2008 also brings with it the unveiling of a redesigned Web site and a new era of communications for the community's residents and stakeholders. The process began in May 2007 to evaluate the current site, identify potential areas of improvement, and study new style developments that will allow the site to better serve Flower Mound residents as well as the various external visitors who utilize the informational service.

What do you get?

• Announcements
• FMTV Video Clips
• Online Services
• Apply for a Job
• Town Calendar

For Demographics, news, lifestyle and Business District Information, visit the Economic Development page.

American Legend Homes -From the upper $200s- NEW MODEL

Garden Homes model NOW OPEN at 2509 Sir Alexander Lane across from the Castle Hills Golf Club entrance!

2613 Lady Viviane Lane, 2471 s.f. $347,605 Ready Now This charming one story garden home features a beautiful stone front elevation. Spacious and very open gourmet kitchen with granite, Moen stainless hardware, 42" cabinets, Whirlpool appliances and garbage disposal. Large master suite with garden tub, marble countertops and shower and walk in closet. Second bedroom also includes walk in closet. In addition, bonus room with bath and walk in closets perfect for entertaining or office! Enjoy entertaining on the fabulous covered terrace. 2 car garage.

2517 Case Castle Court, 2471 s.f. $348,305 April 1.5 story, master down, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, formal dining room, bonus room with bath option, 8 foot doors, maple cabinets, rounded corners, groin vault ceiling in entry, stainless steel appliances, hand-scraped floors, covered terrace, 2-car garage, stone elevation.

2621 Sir Alexander Lane, 3272 s.f. $410,750 January Model floor plan. Stunning front stone elevation. This open floor plan has it all. A two story home, this home includes a first floor master suite with oversized bathroom, walk in closet and view of covered terrace. Master also features marble counters and shower, garden tub plus his and her sinks. The center of the spacious first floor is a gourmet kitchen with breakfast nook and breakfast bar. Perfect for entertaining, the open kitchen includes granite counters, a center island, Whirlpool appliances, garbage disposal and large windows. First floor also includes front living space ideal for a home office, formal dining, large family room, powder room, covered terrace off kitchen and living area plus butler area and walk in pantry with great storage! Homeowners will love the second level balcony which exudes space and creates an open feel. Upstairs includes 2 bedrooms with very large walk in closets, 2 additional bathrooms, media room and gameroom. 2 car garage.

2516 Case Castle Court, 3272 s.f. $418,900 April 2 story, master down, 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 2 dining rooms, study option, game room, covered patio, media room, stainless steel appliances, hand-scraped hardwoods, maple cabinets, 2-car garage, stone elevation and much more.

2733 Hundred Knights Drive, 3085 s.f. $423,640 April 2 story, master down, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2 dining rooms, game room, media room, bedroom 4 with bath, hand-scraped floors, stainless steel appliances, covered patio with fireplace, stone elevation, 2-car garage.

2620 Lady Viviane Lane, 3303 s.f. $429,990 Ready Now Two story home with attractive stone elevation and many front windows. 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 2 dining areas and 2 car garage. This home features first level master suite with walk in closet, his and her sinks, marble counters and shower, garden tub and much more. Gourmet kitchen has Whirlpool appliances, garbage disposal, 42 inch cabinets, walk in pantry and spacious breakfast nook. Covered terrace off of oversized living room. Second level includes two bedrooms, one bath with Jack and Jill sinks, gameroom and media room.

2634 Hundred Knights Drive, 2590 s.f. $434,990 February 1.5 story, master down, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, formal dining room, covered terrace, game room and bedroom 4 with bath option, 2-car garage, stone elevation. Hand-scraped hardwoods, rounded corners, stainless steel appliances, and much more.

2524 Hundred Knights Drive, 3396 s.f. $436,880 April 2 story, master down, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2 dining rooms, game room, media room, bedroom 4 with bath option, balcony off game room, hand-scraped floors, maple cabinets, stone elevation, atrium, 2-car garage, plus many upgrades.

2625 Sir Alexander Drive, 3515 s.f. $466,250 April 2 story, master up, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2 dining rooms, formal living, game room, solarium, extended covered patio, 2-car garage, stone elevation. Media room bedroom 5 with bath, balcony off master, hand-scraped floors. Large corner lot with a great view and much more.

2600 Sir Alexander Drive, 2910 s.f. $459,500 February Beautiful 1.5 story home, master down, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, formal dining room, game room, media room, hand-scraped floors, stainless steel appliances, plus upgrades, balcony, covered terrace, extended patio. Beautiful view of Golf Course!

508 Adventurous Shield Drive, 3407 s.f. $535,020 April 2 story, master down, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2 dining rooms, game room, media room, bedroom 4 with balcony, extended covered patio and balcony extension, 2-car garage, stone elevation. 8 foot doors, rounded corners, maple cabinets, hand-scraped floors, plus many upgrades.