Charlie Weiblen

Due to the economy, some developers have had to delay their construction on the new, sheik living and social accomodations intended to revive the old downtown Plano. Already-completed townhomes are staying on the market for months, without attracting any potential buyers. Sounds like the true negatives of an economy in turmoil. Careful! Don't judge too quickly, there are some perks...

As with all housing markets, steep cuts have been made, but you can expect to see prices dropping even further and additional incentives will be offered for the 14 available townhomes in Lexington Park @ Rice Field. Getting in early, at an impeccable price, will yield excellent benefits when three significant developments move to town. I'm envisioning property resale values shooting through the roof! $Cha-ching!$

Not ready to buy? What was not an option before, has now become available and these 14 properties are currently available for rent! Perfect opportunity to experience and explore the area prior to committing. Build a good rapport with the landlord and then when you're ready to buy, talk him down!

Are you thinking, ‘what's the point of moving to an area that is yet to be fully developed?' Still kind of a hidden secret are some of the existing hot spots of downtown Plano and it is slowly transitioning into a destination spot. Grab some BBQ, beer, catch a sports game and enjoy live music at Kelly's Eastside. Or head down the street for a dark brew and tasty sliders at Filmore Pub. These joints are becoming more well-known, but at least the overflow patrons are now able to hit up a few new venues next door and across the street. Vickery Park is the latest neighborhood bar, while Urban Crust is Texas' largest brick oven pizzeria - check our their New York-meets-Texas vibe and third floor frozen ice bar. It's cool!

Don't forget about the very green and convenient option of the DART rail that passes right through old downtown. Perfect for downtown commuters!

So, even with the economy on a roller coaster ride of instability, it looks as if the old brick streets of downtown Plano are venturing toward an uphill slope. Ask an Archwood Property agent to show you around the attractions and amenities of this developing community and learn more about gettin' while the gettin's good.

Contact us today: 214.923.0261 or email us: info@archwoodproperties.com

www.archwoodproperties.com

Minimize the headache of buying and selling your real estate property by working with an educated Realtor, who can guide you through the entire process and answer any questions you may have. While there are plenty of experienced and qualified Realtors in your area, only a small percentage of them are EcoBroker-Certified. As an Ecrobroker, not only do we care about our clients, but also about the environment, and want to promote energy-efficient and 'green' features in your home. BENEFITS OF BUYING YOUR HOME THROUGH A REALTOR 1. Your Realtor can help you determine your buying power. Your buying power is your financial reserves plus your borrowing capacity. Giving us a few pieces of key information, such as your available savings, income and current debt, we will be able to refer you to lenders best qualified to help you. We will also be able to assist you in understanding the different financing options available from each lender.

Take it a step further! Ecobrokers have an understanding of energy efficiency and the costs or savings associated with insulation, windows, appliances, heating and cooling systems, and other features of a home that will affect your monthly budget and how much you can afford. 2. Your Realtor has many resources to assist you in your home search. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available, but not advertised in the market. With our tools, we will be able to investigate and provide you with a complete list of available properties.

Take it a step further! As Ecobrokers, we will be able to provide you with a listing of homes with specific, new 'green' features. 3. Your Realtor can assist you in the selection process by providing objective information about each property. We have plenty of access to a variety of informational resources, that are not accessible by the general public. We have the ability to provide you with information utilities, zoning, schools, etc. Two things you'll want to know when searching for the ideal property: Will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? and Will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell? 4. Your Realtor can help you negotiate. There are a myriad of negotiating factors, including but not limited to: price, financing, terms, date of possession and often the inclusion or exclusion of repairs, furnishings and equipment. The purchase agreement should often provide a period of time for you to complete the appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. We will be able to advice you on which investigations and inspections are recommended and required. 5. Your Realtor provides due diligence during the evaluation of the property. Depending on the area and property, this could include inspections for termites, dry rot, asbestos, faulty structure, roof condition, septic tank and well tests, just to name a few. We can assist you in finding qualified responsible professionals to do most of these investigations and provide you with written reports. You will also want to see a preliminary report on the title of the property. Title indicates ownership of the property and can be mired in confusing status of past owners and rights of access. The title to most properties will have some limitations; for example, easements (access rights) for utilities. We can help you resolve any issues that might cause problems at a later date.

Take it a step further! As Ecobrokers, we can help you address environmental issues including: indoor air quality, ventilation, use of low VOC paints, quality radon testing and reliable water testing. 6. Your Realtor can guide you through the closing process and make sure everything flows together smoothly. BENEFITS OF SELLING YOUR HOME THROUGH A REALTOR 1. Your Realtor can give you up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace. Key factors of the current marketplace are prices, financing, terms and the condition of competing properties, which will lead to having your property sold at the best price, in a timely manner and with minimum hassle. 2. Your Realtor markets your property to other real estate agents and the public. In many markets across the country, 50% of real estates sales are cooperative sales. Cooperative salesis when another agent then your selling agent brings in the buyer. We, as your selling agent, act as the marketing coordinator; disbursing information about your property to other real estate agents through a Multiple Listing Service (MLS) or other cooperative marketing networks and open houses for other agents. Additionally, we will often recommend repairs or cosmetic work that will significantly enhance the salability of your property.

Take it a step further! As Ecobrokers, we understand energy efficiency and environmental features of homes. Working with us ensures you are working with someone who can highlight energy-efficient and healthy indoor environment features of your home. 3. Your Realtor will know when, where and how to advertise your property. There is a misconception that advertising sells real estate. Studies show that 82% of real estate sales are the result of agent contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, family and personal contacts. When we market your property, we don't necessarily have to bring strangers into your home. We are very familiar with our network, and if we don't know a prospective buyer, will pre-screen and accompany them through your property. 4. Your Realtor can help you objectively evaluate every buyer's proposal without compromising your marketing position. This initial agreement is only the beginning of a process of appraisals, inspections and financing -- a lot of possible pitfalls. We can help you write a legally binding, win-win agreement that will be more likely to make it through the process. 5. Your Realtor can help close the sale of your home. Between the initial sales agreement and closing (or settlement,) questions may arise. For example, unexpected repairs are required to obtain financing or a cloud in the title is discovered. The required paperwork alone is overwhelming for most sellers. We are the best people to objectively help you resolve these issues and move the transaction to closing. Before attempting the tedious task of buying or selling a property on your own, take a moment to discuss the market and other matters with one of our Ecobroker-Certified Real Estate Agents.

It's getting to be that time of your again where colder temperatures equal higher heating bills. Please follow this link from Tree Hugger http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/10/12-ways-to-green-your-house-for-winter.php to help you cool down those heating bills.

You do not need to spend thousands of dollars to make your home more efficient in the winter. Turning down your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit and buying a hot water heater blanket will cause your water heater to use less energy for heating. Less energy means less money coming out of your pocket for your heating bills. Also, setting your thermostat to a lower temperature setting, and sealing leaks around windows and doors will reduce your heating consumption during the cold months.

Now, if you do have some money laying around to spend on heating upgrades. You could always buy a more energy efficient furnace or add more insulation to your attic and walls. If you have any questions please contact Archwood Properties at 214-505-9420 or send an email to info@archwoodproperties.com.

Have you noticed the new developments at the intersection of Stacy and Interstate 75 in Fairview and Allen? Many people are wondering what is going on? Well, a billion dollar project of retail, residential, office, and hotel space is going on. The project known as the Villages of Allen and Fairview, will bring millions of dollars of extra revenue and thousands of new jobs into each city. This is a big plus to local homeowners, because it will allow them to shop, eat, and relax close to home without traveling to surrounding cities. Allen and Fairview are some of the fastest growing cities in Texas, due to their reputable school districts and lower crime rates. As a resident of Allen for over 4 years, I'm happy to see this new transformation. I will be looking forward to the new restuarants and retailers in the area. Also, there will be a mix of green spaces incorporated into the project to make it feel more eco-friendly. The full article can be found on the Dallas Morning News website at

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/industries/commrealestate/stories/DNvillage_22cre.ART.State.Edition1.4e8463d.html.

For more information on the Allen and Fairview areas please contact us at 214-505-9420 or email us at info@archwoodproperties.com.