Why "Buy The Branch?"
As a resident of Farmers Branch, you are afforded with unparalleled city services while paying one of the lowest tax rates in the entire Metroplex. That's a winning combination in anyone's book!
So how is this possible?
Well for one thing, approximately 78 percent of all property taxes in Farmers Branch are paid by our business community. Additionally, the City collects an estimated $12.4 million in sales tax on an annual basis. Collectively, these monies are used to fund the city's operations, and fortunately, the combined dollar amount is substantial enough for the City to operate at a consistently low tax rate.
However, all communities are facing difficult economic realities, and Farmers Branch is no exception. And, while the City is committed to keeping the tax rate at a very low level, there is a way you can help - "Buy the Branch" and keep your tax dollars at home, working for you.
Statistically, it is estimated that every dollar spent in a community turns over seven times. Every dollar you spend in Farmers Branch has a multiplier effect that, in turn, helps keep our tax rate low.
So the next time you're looking for a place to eat, consider one of our 90+ establishments. Or, if you're in the market for a couch, remember that Farmers Branch boasts some 80 furniture related businesses.
When you "Buy the Branch," you are helping to preserve the character and spirit of our City.
Thinking of buying a home in Farmers Branch, Addison or Dallas, TX? Then call me to look for your perfect home now.
Interested in learning more about real estate and homes for sale in Farmers Branch, Addison, Dallas, TX area? Interested in learning more about all the services available here, then let me know. There's a lot happening here in Farmers Branch, Addison, and Dallas, TX real estate.
Shoot me an email at joyce@benoitworld.com or just call me for an information package about Farmers Branch, Addison, Dallas, TX real estate or homes for sale. Come for a visit.....stay for a lifetime!
Joyce Benoit, Keller Williams Elite
Dallas, TX Real Estate
214 926-0535
Notice of Tax Revenue Increase
The City of Farmers Branch conducted public hearings on August 25, 2009 and September 1, 2009 on a proposal to increase the total tax revenues of the City of Farmers Branch from properties on the tax roll in the preceding year by 9.3 percent.
The total tax revenue raised last year at last year's tax rate of $0.4945 for each $100 of taxable value was $20,475,557.
The total tax revenue proposed to be raised this year at the proposed tax rate of $0.5195 for each $100 of taxable value, excluding tax revenue to be raised from new property added to the tax roll this year, is $21,758,390.
The City of Farmers Branch is scheduled to vote on the tax rate that will result in that tax increase at a public meeting to be held on September 15, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. at the City of Farmers Branch City Hall located at 13000 William Dodson Parkway, Farmers Branch, Texas 75234.
The 2009-10 Fiscal Year Proposed Budget is available on line at http://www.ci.farmers-branch.tx.us/discover/newsroom/2009/08/12/notice-tax-revenue-increase-listed-budget-available-download.
Thinking of buying a home in Farmers Branch, Addison or Dallas, TX? Then call me to look for your perfect home now.
Interested in learning more about real estate and homes for sale in Farmers Branch, Addison, Dallas, TX area? Interested in learning more about all the services available here, then let me know. There's a lot happening here in Farmers Branch, Addison, and Dallas, TX real estate.
Shoot me an email at joyce@benoitworld.com or just call me for an information package about Farmers Branch, Addison, Dallas, TX real estate or homes for sale. Come for a visit.....stay for a lifetime!
Joyce Benoit, Keller Williams Elite
Dallas, TX Real Estate
214 926-0535
Remodeling Increasing: How to Get the Best Value in Either Farmers Branch, Addison or Dallas, TX
Homeowners who have either decided to stay in their homes or are considering selling may be helping to build momentum in the remodeling market.
According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the organization's Chairman, Greg Miedema, said in a recent media statement that, "With more calls from homeowners and more projects under way, remodelers are seeing better activity in their businesses."
NAHB reports that indicators for current remodeling market conditions have improved in all regions across the country. "A significant portion of the market improvement came from the measure for major additions and alterations (jobs worth $25,000 or more with a leap to 38.2 (from 32.7)," according to NAHB. The association's Remodeling Market Index (RMI) measures ranges from zero (very poor conditions) to 100 (excellent conditions) as rated by the remodelers surveyed.
NAHB says several factors could be contributing to better remodeling conditions. "Remodeling does uptick when there are more new homes being built and sold or existing homes being sold because people tend to remodel when they're moving or when they're selling. ... The other thing that we could be seeing is an increase in consumer sentiment in that people have been reluctant to spend but now are feeling a little bit more confident and more willing to spend. These are things that some of our researchers think might be part of the influencers right now," says Kelly Mack, Communications Manager for NAHB Remodelers.
Remodeling is, however, a big step for many homeowners.
Getting the best value for your remodel shouldn't come from guesswork; instead, knowing how to find a remodeling company with a solid reputation for delivering quality work throughout the entire remodeling process requires research. Choosing the best remodeler for your project can often be a tedious process and if you don't take the time to explore all your options it can result in frustration and too much money spent.
Making sure the company that is doing the remodel asks the right questions, does its homework, and offers full-service design and remodeling under one roof. This will help ensure a quality remodel that meets all your needs.
The full-service home-design remodel company offers homeowners one-stop shopping for their remodeling needs. "I develop a written program based on what my clients' needs and goals are for their remodel," says Walton. He adds, "Throughout this I am digging deep and finding out what's important to my clients. A lot of companies don't ask these questions but this is how Marrokal Design and Remodeling starts to develop a preliminary budget for our clients."
While not all remodelers offer full service (from design to construction), this type of company is often popular with homeowners. A full-service company keeps your remodeling project running smoothly by coordinating all of the necessary design, construction developments, and communication with trade companies through one primary source (removing the unnecessary hassle of trying to get numerous trade companies to work together).
Another approach to remodeling that sets quality remodelers apart from the rest is the use of value engineering to design the remodel. "Value engineering" means refining and sometimes redesigning aspects of the remodel to make it more cost-effective which ultimately saves money for the homeowner.
Mack adds that the basic tasks of asking for references, planning your budget, interviewing remodelers, asking about certifications that the remodeler holds, and making sure that all your questions are met will help set your mind at ease before you start the remodeling process.
If you're considering a remodel, understanding some of the most popular remodeling trends can help you decide which projects may have the greatest appeal for comfort and sale-ability.
Mack says high on the list are creating outdoor living space and energy-efficient remodels to help off-set the cost of utility bills. The outdoor living trend has been steadily increasing says Mack. "This is a trend that we think will grow into 2015." Written by Phoebe Chongchua
Thinking of buying a home in Farmers Branch, Addison or Dallas, TX? Then call me to look for your perfect home now.
Interested in learning more about real estate and homes for sale in Farmers Branch, Addison, Dallas, TX area? Interested in learning more about all the services available here, then let me know. There's a lot happening here in Farmers Branch, Addison, and Dallas, TX real estate.
Shoot me an email at joyce@benoitworld.com or just call me for an information package about Farmers Branch, Addison, Dallas, TX real estate or homes for sale. Come for a visit.....stay for a lifetime!
Joyce Benoit, Keller Williams Elite
Dallas, TX Real Estate
214 926-0535
Sellers: Know Your Buyer Market
Before you start a company, the first thing you should do is market research to determine your target market. This important step will help determine how successful you ultimately will be. The same is true when it comes to selling your home. Understanding the buyer market and who might be a good fit for your home will help ensure that you highlight the most vital features.
"Just like the business of television advertising commercials, you need to know who your target audience is," writes Michael Corbet in his book Ready, Set, Sold! Before putting your home on the market, you should take time to search for the best REALTOR® to handle your transaction. Your agent can help you better understand which buyers are most likely going to be interested in your home.
Even though you may have lived in your neighborhood for years, taking the time to drive or walk around it is a good idea. But this time do it with the same viewpoint you had when you were originally considering buying your home. It can really be a very different view. If you're objective, you'll see both the key selling points of the neighborhood as well as the things that may deter buyers. Seeing it all is beneficial because that's exactly what potential buyers will see.
If there is a concern that needs addressing, an eyesore in the neighborhood or a foreclosure that's been sitting boarded up on the block for several months, don't be afraid to talk about it. The potential buyers are going to know it's there (if they do their homework).
Making your home ready for your specific buyer market will help you not waste time marketing it to uninterested buyers. For instance, if your home is a two-story home, you might find that elderly couples or people looking to "age in place" might not be as attracted to it because of the steps to the second story. People seeking aging-in-place homes often want a single story so that the entire home is accessible without the difficulty or exertion of having to travel upstairs. If, your home is located in one of the best school districts, draw attention to this. Many parents will move to a neighborhood almost exclusively because of a school district's glowing reputation. Don't assume that the potential buyers automatically know this school district's reputation-shout it through your marketing materials.
Corbet writes that there are several common types of buyers: single first-time, working couple, family, retirees or empty nesters, and a growing buyer market is women who purchase homes sans spouse/partner. Taking a closer look at these groups can help identify what's important to each. Single first-time buyer: Corbet writes, "Since a huge percentage of renters are women, it's no surprise that they represent a large percentage of first-time buyers.
The hous
e needs to be spotless, have great curb appeal, and evoke a warm and welcoming feeling with a few amenities." However, Corbet is quick to point out that in this economic era the home must also "be basic enough to be affordable." Working couple: many times this buyer market is looking for a well-maintained home that offers privacy, and enough space for the couple to have some place to work and relax apart. Dual sinks in the bathroom are a plus, also extra storage and good closet accommodations.
Family: these buyers typically go wild over open floor plans, kitchens that flow into great rooms, lots of storage, backyard space, homes that are set-back off the street, cul-de-sacs, Jack and Jill bathrooms (the bathroom is attached to and between two bedrooms), and good-size laundry area.
Empty nesters: think ease, comfort, and lifestyle. This group has "been there, done that"! They're looking for comfortable living with a simpler lifestyle. Corbet writes, "They also look for smaller, more manageable backyards and low-maintenance landscaping." Security systems are a plus for this group too. Knowing your buyer market gives you an advantage-you can highlight the features of your home that are most likely exactly what those buyers want. Written by Phoebe Chongchua
Thinking of buying a home in Farmers Branch, Addison or Dallas, TX? Then call me to look for your perfect home now.
Interested in learning more about real estate and homes for sale in Farmers Branch, Addison, Dallas, TX area? Interested in learning more about all the services available here, then let me know. There's a lot happening here in Farmers Branch, Addison, and Dallas, TX real estate.
Shoot me an email at joyce@benoitworld.com or just call me for an information package about Farmers Branch, Addison, Dallas, TX real estate or homes for sale. Come for a visit.....stay for a lifetime!
Joyce Benoit, Keller Williams Elite
Dallas, TX Real Estate
214 926-0535
National Night Out in Texas is different from the rest of the nation. Why? It's HOT in Texas in August. So far this week it's been in the upper 90's and only cooled off to the lower 80's overnight.
For the second year, communities in Farmers Branch, Texas will celebrate National Night Out two months and one week later than the rest of the nation, but the reason is a good one, many think - it's just too hot. October 13th will be cooler this year.
Last year, the National Association of Town Watch, the group that keeps National Night Out running, allowed Texas to hold its night out later, because of numerous complaints they received about the August heat.
Last year about 37 million people across the nation, including Texas, showed their support. It serves several purposes.
First, it helps residents become better acquainted with neighbors. Second, it allows the Farmers Branch Police Department to inform residents about the crime prevention programs it offers. Also, with high turnout numbers across the nation, that should let criminals know that people in the community are watching and are not going to tolerate crime. It heightens crime- and drug-prevention program awareness and draws support for current programs; it strengthens neighborhood spirit and also the police-community partnership.
Thinking of buying a home in Farmers Branch, Addison or Dallas, TX? Then call me to look for your perfect home now.
Interested in learning more about real estate and homes for sale in Farmers Branch, Addison, Dallas, TX area? Interested in learning more about all the services available here, then let me know. There's a lot happening here in Farmers Branch, Addison, and Dallas, TX real estate.
Shoot me an email at joyce@benoitworld.com or just call me for an information package about Farmers Branch, Addison, Dallas, TX real estate or homes for sale. Come for a visit.....stay for a lifetime!
Joyce Benoit, Keller Williams Elite
Dallas, TX Real Estate
214 926-0535
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Providing a Higher Degree of Service! Founding Associate of Keller Williams Elite serving North Dallas and the cities of Addison, Farmers Branch, Carrollton and Plano
Dr Joyce Benoit did an absolutely remarkable job orchestrating the sale of our home and our purchase of our new home. Her efforts were extremely professional and untiring throughout the process. She very skillfully guided us through the preparation of our home, getting it ready for the market and led appropriate buyer prospects to us.
She got the first firm contract on our home two weeks from the day she listed it. One week later, she secured a second, or "back-up" contract.
The property was sold in record time, while she obtained the price we expected.
While maneuvering through getting our home sold and in her "get the job done style", she busily located a significantly broad range of properties for our review and evaluation. She helped us narrow the field down to the new home we selected, which is perfect for us. She was helpful and patient with us during this effort.
Within six weeks from listing our home - we closed on the sale of our then existing home and on the purchase of our new home - the same day!
All this was accomplished without complication, due to her expertise. Securing the services of Dr Benoit, for our Real Estate transactions, proved to be a sound investment for us. We highly recommend her.
Bob & Karen Morgan
Howard and I would like to thank you for helping us find the perfect home. I often felt like we were too picky but you just continued to show us everything available until the right home came on the market. Most agents would have given up on us. When the perfect home came available the other agent was difficult to work with but your persistence got us our home. We have had to relocate 3 times in the last 10 years and you are without a doubt the hardest working real estate agent that we have ever worked with. You made us feel like you cared about us and our needs. Howard and I both think you are wonderful! and a pleasure to work with as well as having made a valued friend. 
We will recommend you to any of our friends! We love our new home thanks to you!
Howard & Sharon Weatherly Farmers Branch, Texas
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