Derek Taylor

The city of Burleson released it's Comprehensive Plan on the 25th of Feb. It contains two parts. First is a general plan to prepare the city for the growth that is coming to our town. The second is a plan for the State Highway 174 Corridor. I'll address that later.

It has 20 goals for implementation. They are:

Goal 1: Promote diverse land use options

• Great idea and it is important that we make the City flow well from one area to the next

Goal 2: Promote cultural venues in the City

• I'd like to see more cultural events in Burleson. We need to develope venues that will support all aspects of the arts.

Goal 3: Promote parks and open space conservation

• The plan calls for 30% of land area in the City to be parks or open spaces. Would that require some right of way acquisition?

Goal 4: Promote additional shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities by developing focus areas

• In my opinion, this is an absolute must. The Old Town area needs to really pop and become a draw. I would be nice to incorporate some cultural venues in this area. Maybe a community theater? Also, the TOD needs to be a hip, vibrant area to draw in people. I know they are planning mixed use buildings in this area. Right now the Encore apartment complex is the only thing I know they have approved. I'd like to see some buildings with commercial spaces on the bottom and some residential lofts-condos on the top.

Goal 5: Promote a multi‐modal street network that is pleasant and safe for pedestrians and bicyclists

• This will be a challenge in my opinion. We already have enough street issues and the city of not pedestrian friendly right now. It would be nice to be able to

Goal 6: Promote pedestrian friendly street designs and developments

• See my reply to Goal 5

Goal 7: Promote a variety of public transit options

• It would be nice to make sure the train station in the TOD links Cleburne to Granbury and Fort Worth. That would be a great trip.

Goal 8: Promote context sensitive street design concepts

Goal 9: Promote an enhanced physical environment in residential neighborhoods

• Another must have. This will really make Burleson a great place to live. I'd like to see this happen without a cookie cutter look though

Goal 10: Promote social sustainability in residential neighborhoods

• Basically what they are trying to achieve here is that the City is designed to enhance personal relationships between the residents. Its important to keep the "small town feel" as we continue to grow

Goal 11: Promote open space conservation

• This is a nice idea, but it infringes on private property rights. We have some great public areas where the creeks run. I'd like to see these areas maintained and enhanced. We don't live in Colorado or Hawaii, and let's be real, unless you are on a huge ranch in the Hill Country, our area isn't much majestic in any sense of the word. Let's find a way to use those areas for the public park system.

Goal 12: Sustainable built environment

• Another must for us as we grow. Concrete equals heat and in the Texas summers, we need to keep energy usage down and make it possible for plants and grasses to thrive.

Goal 13: Storm water management

• This is going to require great communication between the Public Works department, City Engineers and Transportation departments. A good storm water management system will protect public property and keep the City clean

Goal 14: Reduce air pollution

• Green is good

Goal 15: Promote a strategic economic development program in Burleson

• Another must. We are going to have to pay for all of this somehow and I don't see the City operating any flouishing for profit companies. It's time we market ourselves as a player in the Metroplex.

Goal 16: Promote a diverse and viable economic base through a diverse and aesthetically pleasing built environment

• This is important for first impressions as visitors come here and for companies looking for homes for their offices and employees

Goal 17: Promote a proactive retention and recruitment process

Goal 18: Promote the importance of education/work force training to economic development.

• If you don't know, BISD is having some real problems with their budget. We seem to have the bond money to build as we grow, but we need the operational budget to increase as well. I feel we need to be able to recruit teachers to the district with a strong pay plan and quality administration. Then we can concentrate on secondary education, but now I feel BISD is being neglected.

Goal 19: Promote a built environment that incorporates identification elements to create a unique image and a sense of place

• We need to follow the examples of some other cities in the metroplex like McKinney or Grapevine when it comes to image.

Goal 20: Promote an aesthetically pleasing visual appearance in all elements of the City's physical appearance - individual buildings, neighborhoods and streets

All of these ideas will help to enhance the city and keep us viable as we grow. It's really important to you as a homeowner because it will have a direct impact on your property values. If we grow and prosper, your property will continue to increase in value, but if we neglect the tsunami of people we have coming our way and don't adjust to the future, your biggest investment is in trouble. Come to the public hearing on Monday April 5th to voice your opinion on the next 20 years of your city's future. Click here to see the city's website and review the entire Comprehensive plan.

The following article from Diana Golobay discusses sweeping changes to the FHA insurance program.  These will make it even more difficult to qualify for a mortgage.  David Stephens, the FHA commissioner is making these changes to address the underperforming FHA paper and the fact that FHA's capital reserve ratio fell below the congressionally-mandated 2% minimum. 

These changes will effect how much money a client needs to bring to the closing table and makes it more difficult to qualify. 

I understand the need to stop the bleeding somehow.  When a patient enters the ER with "low blood pressure" and other symptoms of profuse bleeding, the DR looks to find where the patient is bleeding and then places pressure on the area to force the blood to coagulate.  If the patient has a large wound in their leg, the Dr. applies pressure to the leg. 

Would it be wise to just apply pressure to the entire body to stop the bleeding?  Of course not.  Squeezing the entire body is counterproductive to direct pressure. 

My point is this.  States like California, Nevada and Florida are the states that allowed this to get so out of hand.  They are still bleeding profusely in those areas.  In fact, a recent congressional report says that 95% of homes in Nevada currently have negative equity.  Texas has been a model state.  Property values have actually increased in sevaral areas, and we are experiencing phenomenal population growth.  Tightening the restrictions on FHA insured loans will only hurt the market.  It will hurt all markets, including Texas which is doing pretty well.  I urge you to write your congressman and ask them to stop these changes from taking effect in the Spring and allow them to apply those changes regionally, where they are needed most.

 

FHA Raising Insurance Fees and Certain Down Payments

by DIANA GOLOBAY

Wednesday, January 20th, 2010, 9:41 am

 

Federal Housing Administration (FHA) commissioner David Stevens on Wednesday unveiled a sweeping set of policy changes designed to address risk and strengthen the financial standing of FHA's insurance program, which guarantees FHA lenders against default-related losses.

"These changes are overdue," Stevens said in a press call, adding the changes should be "significant but not overwhelming" to the lending industry.

The overhaul comes after an actuarial study reflected the FHA's capital reserve ratio fell below the congressionally-mandated 2% minimum. Ahead of the study's results, FHA implemented several policy changes, including measures to streamline refinances and establish appraisal guidelines, as well as a proposal to raise the net worth of FHA lenders to $2.5m.

Among the new changes announced Wednesday, FHA will increase the mortgage insurance premium by 50 bps to 2.25% - from 1.75% - effective in spring through a mortgagee letter.

FHA will also implement a new down payment system where borrowers only qualify for the 3.5% minimum down payment with a FICO score of at least 580. Borrowers with credit scores less than 580 will be required to put down at least 10%. Stevens would not comment on what percentage of FHA borrowers would fall under the latter category.

FHA will also reduce allowable seller concessions from 6% to 3% to make FHA's program consistent with the marketplace and reduce the risk of price inflation at the time of purchase.

Stevens said FHA will seek to increase its enforcement of standards on FHA lenders by first publicly reporting lender performance rankings as of February 1st. This will "hold lenders more accountable" and keep them informed of where behavioral expectations should be within their peer group.

FHA will be pursuing legislative authority to increase enforcement through additional amendment to the National Housing Act that would apply indemnification provisions to all direct-endorsement lenders and would essentially require lenders to assume liability for all loans they underwrite.

Stevens said FHA is also pursuing legislative authority that would permit it to establish separate "areas" for purposes of lender review and termination under the credit watch initiative. This initiative, he said, would let FHA withdraw originating and underwriting approval from a lender nationwide based on the performance of regional branches.

The changes reflect what Stevens stressed are the priorities at the FHA - to get the capital reserve headed back to the minimum requirement, to keep from disrupting the housing finance industry and to support under-served first time homebuyers.

Write to Diana Golobay.

 

http://www.blogrankings.com/real-estate/">

Located in Venus, Texas, Patriot Estates is a new community with old Texas roots. Venus has 120 years of history it shares with it's residents. There is a strong sense of community that makes this developement different from many others in the Metroplex.

As the name suggests, Patriot Estates is themed around colonial-era architecture. This timeless style provides it's owners a warm, inviting place to live. The homes are priced from the $90 thousand range to the $140 thousand range. History Maker homes promises "More home for less money".

This master-planned community includes cozy parks, winding trails, a soccer field area and a junior Olympic size pool. The community is just around 200 homes with plans to be over two thousand homes.

Patriot Estates is served by the Venus ISD and the Midlothian ISD. The Venus ISD just added a wonderful new superintendent and is destined for great things. The Midlothian ISD is has received a Gold Performance Acknowledgment from the Texas Education Agency.

I spoke with Mike Roah, the sales councelor for HistoryMaker homes today and is excited about the direction the developement is headed in. He had recently met with the new superindendent for Venus ISD. After leaving his office, Mike was excited about the direction the district is headed in.

The developement is located near Highway 67 and offers easy access to both downtown Dallas and Fort Worth. There is also a planned shopping area near the developement.

I was working with a client today who is really excited about shopping for a new home in Burleson, TX, and who can blame him? He has been looking on the Internet, driving around and searching magazines, newspapers etc. He did lots of research, downloaded apps to his iphone and even bought a book. I can tell from talking with him the last few weeks that he was nervous about the step he was going to make, and not sure how everything would fall into place for him.

For him there was a piece missing, and I asked him why he is so nervous. He told me he has spoken to many other Realtors in the area about the houses they had listed and even went to see a few of them. I also asked him if he had chosen one of them to represent him in the purchase of his home. For him, just like many people, this was the last item on his list. He wanted to find the right home and then choose a Realtor to help him buy it.

After selling my first home, I understood the value of a good Realtor. That is why I became one. In today's self sufficient, information overloaded, fast paced society, a Realtor's role has changed. Sure, you can surf the Internet to look for houses, mortgage brokers, title companies and other real estate businesses. You can buy foreclosure lists and books and watch real estate TV shows. It's a do it yourself world. Who needs a Realtor?

That is a good question. For my client today, he realized he needed a professional to help him when he finally made the decision to buy something. Once you commit yourself to buying a new home to meet your growing family's needs, reality slaps you in the face. It did me. He realized he needed someone to represent him, and assist him to get the most money for his current home. He needed help negotiating the pitfalls to buying a new one in today's market. Once we talked, I explained all of the services I provide. I showed him how it can be a pleasant process. He is moving forward with his life. He has earned the ability to purchase a bigger house with more land. It's his time to shine.

So now, I am hired to be his realtor and I am grateful. I pull out my Buyer's Representative agreement and start going over it with him. None of the other realtors in Burleson, Tx had asked him to sign one of those and why should I? Don't I trust him?

I explained that a Buyer's Rep Agreement is an employment contract. He was hiring me to do a job and expected me to do it well. I showed him where the broker's responsibilities were clearly described. I asked him how he would feel if I didn't perform these tasks for him. What would happen if I abandoned him in the middle of the process to help a client that would offer me a bigger commission? You see, It's not about trust. It's about business and the client is the boss. He is Jerry Jones and I am Tony Romo. Jerry would not hire Tony without a contract and Tony would not work for Jerry without one.

I think that the most important effect of the Buyer's Rep agreement is the official status change from customer to client. Once the agreement is signed, our relationship is defined as an agency relationship. I have more responsibility and I am more free to give advice to a client than I am to a customer. I am duty bound to represent the best interest of my clients over any other interests I might have. I provide representation, not just services.

I am glad to say, I went home with a new buyer client AND a new listing client as well. Now one of you please buy it! I'll have the Buyer's Rep Agreement ready for you.

Oak Valley Estates Burleson, TX

Oak Valley Estates is an upscale subdivision in Burleson Texas. It is close downtown Burleson, Spinks Airport, Haliburton, and I35W access to Downtown Fort Worth. The neighborhood is one of the most beautiful in the area, with many custom homes. The schools are excellent and it is located near Burleson Centennial High School. The houses are served by Burleson City water and sewer as well as several cable and high speed internet utilities.

Recent Sales

RES

MLS No.

St

Media

Area

Address

Sq.Ft.

Map

BR

Bth

Gar/CP/TCP

Acre

Pl

Price

1

11201361

SLD

10 / 2 / 0

38 / 2

1117 Blackbird Court

1,548

FW / 119A / H

3

2 / 0

2 / 0 / 2

0.3959

Y

$ 138,000

2

11177698

SLD

10 / 1 / 0

38 / 2

917 Oak Valley Road

1,672

FW / 119A / M

3

2 / 1

2 / 0 / 2

0.2053

N

$ 142,500

3

11108362

SLD

10 / 0 / 0

38 / 2

1033 Glen Oak Drive

1,798

FW / 119A / M

3

2 / 0

2 / 0 / 2

0

N

$ 143,000

4

11152037

SLD

10 / 1 / 0

38 / 2

505 Amanda Court

1,798

FW / 119A / H

3

2 / 0

2 / 0 / 2

0.2266

N

$ 154,500

5

11187684

SLD

9 / 0 / 0

38 / 2

412 Springhill Court

2,176

FW / 119A / H

3

2 / 0

2 / 0 / 2

N

$ 125,000

6

11225436

SLD

8 / 0 / 0

38 / 2

952 Hollow Creek Road

2,389

FW / 119A / H

4

2 / 1

2 / 0 / 2

0.3688

N

$ 153,000

7

11270443

SLD

10 / 0 / 0

38 / 2

657 Cardinal Ridge Road

1,805

FW / 119A / M

4

2 / 0

2 / 0 / 2

0.1961

Y

$ 165,400

8

11142189

SLD

9 / 0 / 0

38 / 2

1050 E Springhill Drive

1,936

FW / 119A / H

3

2 / 0

2 / 0 / 2

Y

$ 180,000

9

11172073

SLD

10 / 1 / 0

38 / 2

901 Dylan Court

2,188

FW / 119A / M

3

2 / 0

2 / 0 / 2

0.6112

N

$ 179,000

10

11192054

SLD

10 / 1 / 0

38 / 2

1100 Starling Court

1,924

FW / 119A / H

3

2 / 0

2 / 0 / 2

0.5827

Y

$ 180,500

11

11245913

SLD

10 / 0 / 0

38 / 2

821 Evandale Road

2,085

FW / 119A / M

4

2 / 0

2 / 0 / 2

Y

$ 192,500

12

11194618

SLD

10 / 1 / 0

38 / 2

827 HUEBNER Way

2,350

FW / 119A / M

4

2 / 1

2 / 0 / 2

0.3071

N

$ 189,900

13

11032893

SLD

10 / 2 / 0

38 / 2

1017 Garden Ridge Drive

3,100

FW / 119A / R

4

3 / 1

2 / 0 / 2

0.28

Y

$ 180,412

14

11188608

SLD

5 / 0 / 0

38 / 2

920 Bluebird Court

2,207

FW / 119A / M

3

2 / 1

2 / 0 / 2

0.4437

Y

$ 209,000

15

11200341

SLD

10 / 0 / 0

38 / 2

828 Evandale Road

2,990

FW / 119A / M

3

2 / 1

3 / 0 / 3

0.2136

N

$ 126,000

16

11103688

SLD

10 / 1 / 0

38 / 2

949 Royal Oak Lane

2,922

FW / 119A / M

4

3 / 0

2 / 0 / 2

0

N

$ 240,000

To view current homes for sale in Oak Valley Estates in Burleson, TX click here or call me at 817-637-2249.

Here is a link to the Oak Valley Estates Homeowners Association http://oakvalleyestateshoa.org/