Great stories like this just have to be shared. There's a very happy man from Happy waking up in a brand new home worth $185,000 that he won in a raffle drawing at the Big Texan Steak Ranch on Sunday night. Farmer and rancher, Dudley McNeill is the new owner of a beautiful 1,775 square foot home in the City of Amarillo, Texas. Mr. McNeill got the news over the phone since he was unable to attend the drawing, but never-the-less it was great news to him. The home was raffled off as part of a fundraiser for the international Myelin Project, which does research for cures of demyelinating diseases along with promoting education about them.
The home is a brand new 1,775 square foot, three-bedroom, two-bathroom dream for many who paid their $50 to get a chance to win. The raffle sold $150,000 worth of tickets, which is $10,000 less than the $185,000 appraisal value. The beautiful home sits at 3600 Springfield Ave. within the City View development near Hollywood Road in the City of Amarillo, Texas.
Although the fundraiser didn't make any money for its cause in the end, many are still optimistic and have future hopes. Over 100 hopeful people turned out at the Big Texan in high hopes of winning the home. And this was a very unusual raffle. Unlike most raffles in which the first name drawn wins, this raffle was complete opposite. The last name to be drawn was the big winner.
It's really great to hear stories like this about the communities in which I serve and to be able to share them with others.
Your Sound Choice In Amarillo Real Estate - Realtor® Tom Kile
Just over three years ago, one of the schools in the Amarillo, Texas area was becoming extremely over crowded and, to keep up their good education image in the community, the Panhandle Independent School District decided to build a new school to help relieve the population of the other and to do renovations on the other school to update it. Now, over 650 students in the Panhandle ISD are using the much needed new school facilities a year ahead of time.
Students will no longer have to walk from their classrooms to the gym or library in the cold because of the new enclosed walkway. And, they won't have to rush through lunch anymore because there are now two cafeterias to accommodate all the students.
All 110+ band students will no longer have to rub shoulders in the band hall. They now have plenty of standing and storage room for themselves and all their instruments.
The new facilities are huge, with a whole lot more room.
Scheduling for the school was due to be finished next year, but has finished ahead of schedule, after just 18 months of development. Only a couple things remain to be completed, including a new high school gym and landscaping, which should be complete within the next month.
The new additions were approved by voters and paid for with $27.5 million in bonds. The bonds also provided modern science labs, larger libraries, computers with high-tech screens, a connection bridge between the junior high and high school and a new 60,000-square-foot elementary school.
The new facilities are already a huge hit with students, parents, teachers and those looking to buy property in Amarillo, Texas. It looks, like in times of need, the community of Amarillo really pulls together and comes through for its students.
Your Sound Choice for Amarillo Real Estate - Realtor® Tom Kile
Housing affordability hovers near highest level in 18 years. It's definitely a combination of low interest rates and low home prices that have made this possible and this is great news for home buyers.
The demand for affordable homes is in the air. Helping to stimulate that demand are young first-time buyers and the $8,000 federal tax credit. However, the federal tax credit will be ending soon; November 30, 2009 is the deadline. But there are hopes that Congress will extend the tax credit for another year and even make it available to all buyers. This would encourage activity in the trade-up market.
Some states saw more home sales than others because of the affordability. Forbes magazine recently listed Indianapolis as the most affordable place in the nation to live. Closely behind were Missouri, Texas, Pennsylvania and Ohio. Forbes magazine compiled their list of most affordable places to live in the nation based on measures of housing affordability, unemployment and cost of living in the 40 most populated areas of the country.
Housing markets that dominate the rankings have key contributing factors. Take Texas for instance: one of the key dominating factors for contributing to its affordability is major opportunity for metro area expansion. Everything in Texas is bigger, after all, and it just seems to be getting even bigger. Texas also has some of the fastest-growing metro areas in the country, even in today's economy. Some areas of Texas have seen growth of 3.8% (1.7 million) or more.
If you're a first-time homebuyer and haven't made the move yet to buy a home, don't let these affordable home prices pass you by. They will begin to rise again just as they did before, so there's no better time to buy than now.
Realtor® Tom Kile ~ Amarillo, Texas Real Estate
Your Sound Choice In Real Estate
When I think of great Texas communities, there are a couple that come to mind, such as Amarillo and Canyon, which are both located in Randall County, Texas. Randall County has so much to offer its residents as it's situated on the very famous Texas Panhandle in south-central Texas. And the county itself is made up of around 933 square miles of beautiful land.
All communities within Randall County can easily be accessed by Interstates 27 & 40 and several main highways. As a matter of fact, there are 750 miles of roads within the county.
If you're looking for great schools to relocate your children to, there are five school districts within Randall County: Amarillo Independent School District, Canyon Independent School District, Bushland Independent School District, Wildorado Independent School District and Happy Independent School District. When combined, these school districts oversee a total of 17 elementary schools, two intermediate schools, three middle schools, two junior high schools, five high schools and one youth center. There are also several private schools within the county for parents to choose from as an alternative to public schooling.
As for schools of higher education, West Texas A&M University is also located within Randall County. It is considered one of the most prestigious universities in the country.
When it comes to recreation and activities, Randall County has a lot to offer its residents. Several parks can be found scattered throughout the county providing playgrounds, pavilions, picnic areas, ball parks, ball courts, walking trails, golf courses, theaters, museums, shopping areas and plenty of restaurants to choose from.
Every city within Randall County, in my opinion, is a wonderful community to live. But you will have to come see for yourself just how great it really is.
Recently, I have discovered that many areas in Amarillo have dedicated themselves to enhancing their attractions so their visitors can get the best experience possible. And now, these major additions and new touches have really increased value all over Amarillo. Therefore, I have taken time to compile a list of these wonderful enhancements to Amarillo in my blog.
The Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum has come out with three fun new programs to help their visitors find their way across the state's largest history museum. Visitors can play PPHM Bingo at 10:30 a.m. each weekday. Family members actually compete 
with one another in a game of discovery and speed. They can play Chat with a Curator at 3:30 p.m. each week day, where visitors will get to meet a different curator everyday and learn about the artifacts and their job. They can also play Staff Favorites all day long. This game can be played and seen throughout the museum as each staff member describes their own personal connection to a particular artifact with a Staff Favorite label.
The Amarillo Zoo has many new programs and a new exhibit this summer. Combine that with free admission and it will top anyone's list as being a "must see". The zoo is opening the Herpetarium, which will include 60 animals from 30 species of exotic and native amphibians and reptiles.
Now, visitors can unlock zoo education with ZooKeys for the additional cost of $2.50. And, Zoo Fari carts can be driven around the zoo, giving the guests a chance to interact with and touch things like skulls, furs, snakes and feathers.
The Wonderland Amusement Park has opened up three new rides for this summer. Those rides include: The Hornet, a small but fast roller coaster with a sting, the Fiesta Swing and the Drop of Fear, a 200-foot tall tower of terror. All visitors can enjoy the park for $15.95 for adults and kids are $12.95; however, weekend prices are higher.
For anyone that loves horses, the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame will now be open with longer hours during the summer. From 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., you can take the extra time to enjoy the exhibit of the Quarter Horse Journal, a 60 year celebration, chronicling the entire Quarter Horse industry. The Hall of Fame & Museum is located at 2601 E. Quarter Horse Dr.
These all sound like awesome enhancements and additions to many of Amarillo's top attractions. I hope you get to take advantage of them before the summer is over.
Realtor® Tom Kile ~ Amarillo Texas Real Estate
When you are making your largest investment, you deserve a full time professional that specializes in Residential and country homes in Amarillo, Canyon and Bushland, Potter and Randall Counties Texas
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"By listening closely to people's needs, I can help them by finding the right opportunities for them to succeed. More importantly, I can make a positive difference in their lives."
Tom Kile has been helping families throughout Amarillo make sound decisions for their futures for over 27 years. He knows that sound decisions come when he listens to his clients needs-really hears, what their goals are. That way, Tom can set out to help them achieve their dreams. The thanks and praise he receives from clients and friends for his diligent help and careful guidance, well, that's simply music to his ears.
If you ask local businessman Tom Kile where he believes his success comes from, you might be surprised that he'll point to his ear. "Listening makes all the difference," he says. And if you ask Tom's clients what they think abut that, they'll agree it makes all the difference in the world.
Sound Working Environment
Tom draws a lot of parallels from his hobby as a sound engineer to his role as one of Amarillo's leading real estate professionals. To most, the two endeavors may seem worlds apart, but Tom will be the first to admit they really go hand in hand. "Both require intent listening to ensure everything goes as planned," he explains. Behind the scenes, Tom is intent on getting results. Personally and professionally, he realizes it's his ability to listen and focus that has given those he works with success.
Tom started volunteering as a sound engineer for his church, running audio and technical operations for small church performances. But like just abut everything he delves into, Tom was quick to perfect his "hobby" and even began working sound for major performances and events throughout the Amarillo area. From a Garth Brooks appearance to the annual church Christmas pageant at the Civic Center, Tom's passion affords him a unique, behind-the-scenes perspective he wouldn't trade for the world.
Sound Values
A true family man, listening has always been an integral part of Tom's life. His four children now grown, he enjoys every opportunity to spend time with his wife and best friend, Sue, and their 10 grandchildren. "Growing up here myself," he says, "I'm proud that some of my grandchildren will have the same opportunities I did growing up in this community." For Tom, there's no place he would rather call home.
Sound Futures
Tom's ability to listen closely and his results-oriented approach are skills that are helpful in every aspect of his life: as an involved member of the community, as a dedicated family man and especially as one of Amarillo's leading real estate professionals. In fact, it's Tom's focus on results which enables his clients to make sound decisions for their futures.
Sound Choices
From beginning to end, Tom strives to understand your specific needs and address your every concern-sometimes before you even know they exist. It's his uncanny ability to read between the lines and anticipate direction that make him the sound choice when you're on the move. Tom's first priority is to make sure your transition is as hassle free as possible.
Whether you're buying your first home or selling your family's longtime residence, trust the Realtor who listens to your needs to help you reach your goals with ease. Call Tom today - Your Sound Choice in Real Estate. You'll be glad you did.
Knowledge is power and that is what you get when you work with Tom. He Teaches part time at Amarillo College and is Director of carrier development at Keller Williams Amarillo office. As a full time professional REALTOR, Tom has worked to reach the highest level of knowledge about buying and selling homes. Tom is a member of the Council of Residential Specialist (CRS), Graduate of Realtor Institute, (GRI), Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES), Member of the Real Estate Cyber Society (RECS) and a Texas Broker.
He was there when we need him and went the extra mile to help!
Mark & Cynthia Waters
Listened to what we needed in a home; was readily available. Clone him. ☺
Shane & Mikki Hart
Tom is friendly without being pushy or overselling like so many agents. His business is a perfect 10.
Tom Hubble & Randy Ham
He did everything well. Don't change anything in your business.
Jarrod & Stephanie Bentley
He helped keep us focused and helped us realistically compare the houses he showed us. He always asked the right questions to help us reflect on things about each house. Tom doesn't need to change anything in his business. He went above and beyond what we expected.
Danny & Peggy Mize
He did everything right. I can't think of anything in his business that needs changing.
Jonathan & Rebecca Pate
The best thing he did was communicate!
Robert & Ruthie Graham
Tom, You did everything well. You were a real pleasure to do business with and always went above and beyond. Keeping us informed on the building progress was really important. You were our eyes and ears in our absence. You were always available to us and we both appreciated that. Also, you always know the market and what is happening in the city. Your knowledge of the business can't be surpassed.
Dennis & Glenna Doose
He did a wonderful job steering me into a nice area of town and kept me out of the wrong areas. I was very happy working with him and I look forward to working with Tom again.
Russell Kollaja
Through talking with us, Tom had an idea of what we wanted and would not settle for less and would not get us in over our heads.
Abel & Laura Johnson
We will use him again and will recommend him to others.
Terry, Deana, Terryn & Terra Moon
He excels at listening and providing requested information.
Paul Dees
Tom listened and showed us everything available that fit our wants and needs
Alan & Jane Duncan
"He listened to me. This was my first house and when I had questions he would explain and answer them. Thank you! I wouldn't change anything about his business."
Dustin Breland
"He listened to me. I will use him again and recommend him to others."
Patricia Peacock
"Tom was extremely helpful and a great listener. He showed us multiple houses in our price range with the specifications we asked for. He was always available to show us anything and answer our questions.
Jhony & Dahlia Lopez
Very pleasant, answered any questions, returned calls.
Joni Bomar
Justin and I just wanted to let you know that we appreciate all you have done for us in selling our home!
Justin & Susan Bentley
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