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Kim Daugherty, McKinney REALTOR, TX Broker

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House Hunting in Dallas? Stay at Hotel ZaZa & Make it a Vacation While You're at It!

07-19-09
Kim Daugherty, McKinney REALTOR, TX Broker

This weekend I ventured South on 75, leaving the 'burbs of McKinney behind me for a weekend in the Big D. The occasion? My sister-in-law was turning the Big 3-0 and a girls weekend at swank Hotel ZaZa was JUST the place to go to celebrate. Since McKinney is only a short 30-40 minute drive from the Dallas nightlife it was a no-brainer.

hotel zaza

Hotel ZaZa is a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel that has the feel of New York, LA and Hollywood all rolled up into one FUN Dallas Hotel. Not only do business travelers and locals love ZaZa, but Kid Rock thought it was cool enough to hang at over the 4th of July weekend, and NKOTB had already made an appearance before I checked in! Guess ZaZa has "The Right Stuff", huh? (Sorry, couldn't resist the pun).

While downtown, I couldn't escape my passion for real estate. As we ventured out to dinner at Patrizio in Highland Park I was in heaven admiring the Uptown real estate offerings. The occasions where I have worked in downtown Dallas have always been some of my favorites. It's a nice change of scenery for this McKinney girl.

As I reflected on and pondered the fun that IS house hunting in Dallas, I momentarily put myself in the shoes of a relocation buyer. Relocation buyers are often some of the more STRESSED OUT buyers. Why?

  1. THEY ARE UNDER A SERIOUS TIME CRUNCH! Many times these buyers only have a 3-day weekend to view, re-view and put an offer or offers on their new home.
  2. They also may be worried about SELLING THEIR CURRENT HOME.
  3. Add to this moving to a city that they may have NEVER EVEN STEPPED FOOT IN!

Add 1 + 2 + 3 = recipe for one extra-tall shot of a Stress Cocktail!

What is the solution for this stress? RELAXATION AND PAMPERING, of course!

Hotel ZaZa is the ONLY choice for such an occasion in my book. The four story hotel is surrounded by many fine dining choices, a plethora of upscale shopping (many a girls outlet for stress!) and an unbelievable view of the famous Dallas skyline (**insert Dallas theme song here**) as a backdrop for pondering home choices from your balcony. Maybe you'd rather make your home pros and cons list poolside while working on your tan! OR, perhaps you're a foodie and nothing calms your nerves like fine dining at ZaZa's Dragonfly restaurant. You fitness fanatics won't be dissapointed either - there's a 24 hour fitness facility to accomodate your early morning, pre-house hunting workout.

Zaza pool

But really, the cherry on top? ZaSpa! Hotel ZaZa's own hidden spa can massage away your home finding fears. Sounds like heaven, right? No matter how you slice it, you're COVERED!

Let's not forget the accomodations. Accomodations are plush. Splurge for one of their themed concept suites if that's available to you - the Rockstar, Zen or the Texas theme, of course! However, the guest suites are ALL fantastic.

The only thing you're missing to this stress-free house hunting equation is THE RIGHT REALTOR (R)! Make sure yours is one that knows how to really:

  1. LISTEN to your needs,
  2. KNOW WHAT YOU'LL NEED BEFORE YOU EVEN HAVE TO ASK FOR IT,
  3. and PROVIDE EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE...
  4. oh yeah, and HAVE FUN WHILE FINDING THE HOME OF YOUR DREAMS WHILE REPRESENTING AND WORKING FOR YOU!

It's true...Everything IS bigger in Dallas, but your stress level doesn't need to be!

Oh, wait...you need to FIND the RIGHT REALTOR(R)? Call d + b real estate - McKinney's newest boutique real estate company - that knows NOT ONLY McKinney real estate, but Dallas real estate and Collin County real estate inside and out. 972-838-5394.

Images from Hotel ZaZa Facebook Fan Site

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McKinney, TX Ranked #9 in Forbes' Top 25 Places to Move! Just Call Us a "Reloville"!

07-10-09
Kim Daugherty, McKinney REALTOR, TX Broker

We're Number NINE! We're Number NINE! Goooooooooooo McKinney!

cheerleader

McKinney, TX has made several rankings lately: safest cities in the state and country, fastest growing cities in the country, best places to raise a family. In July 2009, McKinney was named one of the 25 Best Places to Move in the country by Forbes.com. Another cool fact? Four of the 25 cities are in Collin County! GO COLLIN COUNTY REAL ESTATE!

The four cities included Frisco, Flower Mound, Allen and McKinney. Nearby Carrollton made the list as well.

What did it take to qualify as a sought-after "Reloville"?

The number of residents born out of state, residents who relocated to take a job and those who moved from long distances in the last few years, number of professional jobs, population growth, income averages, home price and age and proximity to large companies.

The Skinny: McKinney boasts a population of 108,356 and is located 32 miles North of Dallas. One of the largest airports in the country, Dallas-Fort Worth International is 37 miles SW. Global employers nearby include Raytheon, Orthofix and Blockbuster. Demographics break down into White: 80.5%, Black: 10%, Asian: 2%, Hispanic: 16.5%. 42% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The important "Reloville" stat is that 50% were born in a different state or abroad and 23% came from out of state within five years. The Median family income is $87,193 while the Median home value holds at $180,900.

Are you interested in McKinney Real Estate?

Are you looking for a hometown expert that loves to take care of our newbies?

Contact d + b real estate - McKinney's newest boutique real estate company that focuses on our most important asset: our relationships.

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Collin County (Texas) Real Estate Statistics for June 2009 - Your Market Update

07-09-09
Kim Daugherty, McKinney REALTOR, TX Broker

This summer in McKinney, TX has been H-O-T! But how is real estate in McKinney and surrounding Collin County cities doing? Is it just as scorching hot, or are we experiencing a chill? Low interest rates, the $8000 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit and plenty of homes to choose from are all attracting potential home buyers. Is it enough, though? Let's look at how Collin County real estate market shook out for June 2009:

  • Allen: 533 sales (-23% from prior yr); Avg sales price $233,166 (-7% from prior yr); Avg Days on Market: 79 (-5% from prior yr)
  • Frisco: 1299 sales (-12% from prior yr); Avg sales price $276,424 (-7% from prior yr); Avg Days on Market: 84 (-9% from prior yr)
  • McKinney: 822 sales (-23% from prior yr); Avg sales price $221,005 (-1% from prior yr); Avg Days on Market: 84 (+5% from prior yr)
  • Plano: 1326 sales (-28% from prior yr); Avg sales price $261,472(-5% from prior yr); Avg Days on Market: 65 (-6% from prior yr)

Like last month, what strikes me the most are the number of sales that are down across the board in double digits for each city - down from 12 to 28%! NONE of the cities showed an increase in the average sales price.

What does this mean for home sellers? I'll say it yet again. LISTEN UP: It's CRUCIAL to price your home accordingly!! The first 2 weeks on the market are the most crucial. With fewer sales on the books, and many more homes to choose from coming on the market as the selling season gets going, your home needs to be the cream of the crop! You also need to have a REALTOR with an agressive marketing campaign and dominant internet presence. When interviewing agents be sure to ask about this! Also ask how the new Appraisal law will impact how you price your home. It could also affect whether or not you close the sale of your home ON TIME.

If I may, I'd also like to address my fellow REALTOR's reading this market update (if you are not an agent, feel free to skip this paragraph). When you read that sales are down about a quarter from where they were last year, what does this mean to you? It tells me there are agents FIGHTING to get the same number of deals sold as last year. It tells me that some may even throw in the towel if they are not able to keep up the same production over last year. You don't have to give up! I'd be happy to help you find a way to make more money, while staying in this industry as we go through the tough times. There are options out there that don't involve quitting a career you may love.

With all of this being said, DFW is still doing GREAT when compared to the rest of the nation! If you want more information about the Dallas or McKinney Real Estate market, go to www.TexasRealEstate.com. Each market is different - contact a REALTOR for information about YOUR area!

As always, remember, sellers have control of only TWO things:

  1. Price! Don't overprice - enough said.
  2. Condition! Consult a home stager...it's necessary.

Do you need a Collin County Realtor with an agressive international marketing strategy to get your home SOLD? Contact the Barron-Daugherty Team at d + b real estate today. Summer is here - call us for a NO-PRESSURE home market analysis today. 972-838-5394.

Search homes for sale in the Collin County real estate market.

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The Truth on Foreclosure "Steals and Deals" in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area

07-07-09
Kim Daugherty, McKinney REALTOR, TX Broker

Foreclosures and Short Sales in the Dallas/Fort Worth and McKinney areas are no strange or foreign sighting. They're everywhere. Maybe there is one (or a few) on your street or neighborhood.

If you're in the market for a new house then you might even be thinking about purchasing a foreclosure for yourself. After all, your brother's girlfriend's mom's sister who is friends with this guy who knows this girl got an AWESOME DEAL ON A FORECLOSURE! They got a $480,000 house for only $104,000! "There are great deals like this everywhere", you think.

money house

Think I'm kidding?

If so, do this simple test. When I say the word "Foreclosure" what word or words instantly pop into your head? For many buyers it's: Steal, Good deal, Bargain, Fire Sale, Deal of the Century, MUST GO! And so on...

Well, in some cases this is true. It's different for EVERY market though! I can't emphasize this enough. Some markets are experiencing massive price declines. Others, like DFW and McKinney (Collin County) are holding steady. Not increasing, but remaining relatively flat.

If you're thinking of making an offer on a Foreclosure, and you have the idea in your head to low-ball your offer, you may want to consider these statistics when coming up with your negotiating strategy:

-226 Foreclosed homes have sold in McKinney since Jan.1, 2009 (as of 7/7/2009 according to NTREIS MLS).

-The average days on market for these 226 homes was 94 days.

-Prices ranged from $15,000 for an old tear-down up to $799,900 for a beautiful estate.

-The list price to sales price percentage was between 75% all the way up to 110%. Yes, 110%. OVER ASKING PRICE.

-However, on average the list price to sales price ratio was 98%. NINETY EIGHT PERCENT! What does this tell you? The banks are recieving 98% of what they are asking for on average.

Some other words of advice:

-Many times the Foreclosed home is already priced attractively below the market value. This reflects the sometimes poor condition of these homes.

-Most times these homes are sold AS-IS, WHERE-IS. No repairs will be made. Keep this in mind as you may need to budget for new appliances, flooring or more serious issues.

-When deciding if this is a "good deal" or not, consult with your REALTOR (R)!! Oh, not working with one? GET ONE! Let them research the comparable properties in the neighborhood to see how good your "deal" really is. When you factor in the time and cost it will take to bring the neglected home up to market condition, you might be finding out that your deal was really a money pit. Let them help you navigate the special bank forms they require that you use. Do you understand all the legal jargon you are signing? Get the help of a professional. You don't pay the Buyer's Agent fee - the bank does - so you've got nothing to lose!

call a realtor

What ever you do, don't waste your time lowballing a lot of offers (unless you are an investor with a lot of time on your hands). It will only increase your frustration and waste precious time that you could be moving your family into your new home. By offering a fair price, after consulting with and according to current MLS data, make an offer that YOU feel comfortable with. Many attractively priced foreclosures will go quickly, often in bidding wars where the listing agent will call for everyone's "Highest and Best" offer. So give them your best from the beginning to stand out!

If you're interested in looking at Foreclosures in McKinney or Allen, Plano, Frisco or surrounding Collin and Dallas county, then give me a call, send me a text, shoot me an email, fax me, tweet me or message me on Facebook. Not enough ways to get in touch? You can always drive down to the Historic Square in McKinney and say Hello in person!

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Restaurant Specials in Collin County - Kid's Meal Deals Help You $AVE!

07-01-09
Kim Daugherty, McKinney REALTOR, TX Broker

Times are tough for EVERYONE right now. Especially on growing families with kids. Thanks to a very organized, thrifty and almost OCD friend, I am sharing her list of kid's meal deals in Collin County - including: McKinney, Allen, Plano, Frisco and Richardson. Before you head out to grab some dinner, check this list. Chances are you can find at least ONE deal for each day of the week!

Kids Meal Deals in Collin County

Applebee’s – McKinney, 1820 W. University Drive (972-562-8016) applebees.com

Tuesday: open to close, kids eat free for each adult entree purchased

Baskin Robbins – McKinney, 3001 Hardin Blvd. Suite 116 (972-562-6338) baskinrobbins.com

Allen, 1512 Exchange Pkwy (972-649-6969)

Tuesday: 5-10 PM, kids’ scoops $1 and regular scoops $1.50

Wednesday: buy one and get one free (all ages)

Black-Eyed Pea – Plano, 605 W. 15th Street (972-423-5565) theblackeyedpea.com

Plano, 1905 Preston Rd. (972-248-6096)

Tuesday: after 5 PM, one free kid’s meal per paying adult

Boston's – McKinney, 6800 State Highway 121 (214-585-0900) bostonsgourmet.com

Wednesday: one free kid’s meal per paying adult

Café Brazil – McKinney, 3190 S. Central Expressway Suite 530 (972-984-1259) cafebrazil.com

Sunday through Thursday: 5 PM to close, kids eat free

Chick-fil-a – McKinney, 2011 W. University Dr. (972-569-8884) chick-fil-a.com

McKinney, 8700 State Hwy. 121 (972-396-0100)

Tuesday: evenings, 1 free 4-piece kid’s meal with each combo meal purchased

Tuesday Family Night: 6-8 PM; free ice cream for kids, plus activities

CiCi’s Pizza – McKinney, 320 N. Central Expressway (972-540-2442) cicispizza.com

Allen, 204 N. Greenville (972-727-2424)

Every day: kids 4-10 eat for $2.99; 3 and under eat free; kid’s drink is 99 cents

Denny’s –Plano, 1830 N. Central Expressway (972-423-8005) dennys.com or 1-800-733-6697

Plano, 1305 Preston Road (972-713-6618)

Tuesday and Saturday: 4-10 PM, kids age 10 and under eat free

Dickey’s Barbecue – Allen, 405 Central Expressway, McDermott @ I-75 (214-495-8877) dickeys.com

(only these locations) Plano, 4032 Preston Road, North of Parker (972-398-3030)

McKinney, 8628 Hwy 121 @ Custer (972-727-1300)

Every day: one free kid’s meal (12 and younger) per paying adult

Sunday: (any location) kids eat free all day with one adult meal purchase

El Chico – McKinney, 1222 N. Central Expressway (972-548-7526) www.elchico.com

Thursday: open to close, kid’s meal is 99 cents for every adult entree purchased

Hooters Restaurant – McKinney, 1775 N. Central Expressway (214-544-8003) hooters.com

Tuesday: kids 12 and under eat free

Humperdink’s – Richardson, 1601 N. Central Expressway (972-690-4867) humperdinks.com

Saturday and Sunday: kids under 12 eat half-price, for every adult entree purchased

Joe’s Crab Shack – Plano, 3320 N. Central Expressway (972-423-2800) joescrabshack.com

Tuesdays: each kid’s meal is $2.00 with a choice of a side

Luby’s – Plano, 5040 W. Park Blvd. (972-732-8472) lubys.com

Wednesday: after 4:30 PM, $2.00 kid's meal, dine-in only, kids age 10 and younger, with adult meal

Souper Salad – Allen, 204 Central Expressway Suite 59 (214-495-9455) soupersalad.com

Sunday: kids 4-10 eat for $2.49; age 3 and under eat free every day

Spaghetti Warehouse – Plano, 1517 N. Central Expressway (972-516-8903) meatballs.com

Mondays: kids 10 and under eat for 99 cents

Steak & Shake – McKinney, 1820 W. Eldorado Pkwy. (972-547-4662) steaknshake.com

Saturday and Sunday: kids eat free from open to close

Texadelphia – Richardson, Coit at Campbell (972-664-9998) texadelphia.com

Every day: after 5 PM, kids eat free

Texas Land and Cattle Steak House – Frisco, 3191 Preston Road (972-668-2832) www.txlc.com

Saturday: 11-4, one free kid’s meal per paying adult

Texas Roadhouse – McKinney, 3101 S. Central Expressway (972-547-6688) www.texasroadhouse.com

Tuesday: evenings, free build-your-own sundae for kids

TGI Friday’s – McKinney, 1615 N. Central Expressway (214-544-0577) tgifridays.com

Kid’s club: card punch for each kid’s meal purchased, and 6th one is free

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