Monica Grosz

I'm really appalled at what I hear passing for journalism in the media these days. I was listening to the Diane Reem (sp?) Show on NPR yesterday and actually heard one of four so-called experts say, " Not only are banks not lending to banks, banks aren't lending to consumers."

Nothing could be further from the truth. Banks are definitely writing mortgage loans to consumers with good credit and at least 3-5% down payment! And rates remain near historic lows!

The day before an Oppenheimer rep on CNBC reported that " a friend" had tried to get a jumbo loan and was quoted 11%. Well....maybe if he's an investor, or maybe he has bad credit, or no income...!

But no mortgage brokers I checked with here in Dallas are writing 11% jumbo loans except in those situations.

And then, the Dallas Morning News ran an article about an investor from California with a 620 credit score and no down payment who couldn't get a loan for a rental property priced under $100k. Hmmm, maybe there's a good reason, there...

Shocking that comments like that are taken by consumers as the truth and the norm...

It seems most people in Dallas aren't aware of a really exciting arts complex in development: La Reunion Texas. It is an arts residency program to be built on 35 lush acres in Oak Cliff.

La Reunion is named after a utopian community that existed in the Dallas area over 100 years ago (Reunion Tower is named after them!)

Last night, I went to a reception at the new La Reunion headquarters at LRTX Gallery to hear the latest in their plans. My friend and La Reunion Executive Director, Sara Jane Semrad, along with her board, held a juried architecture competition for design ideas for the La Reunion facility. Over 130 architects from 6 continents registered, and 68 submitted plans! It's called "Make Space for Art"

All of the designs are very interesting, as eco-friendly as possible.

This is such an exciting project! La Reunion is raising funds and seeking sponsors at this point, and I can't wait to see this develop!

They have lots of opportunities for communitiy involvement already, check it out at : www.lareuniontx.org

This is great news to share with prospective buyers, especially those who are relocating to Dallas and who might have an interest in the arts!

Given the recent turmoil in the financial markets, I really appreciate the wisdom of those older & wiser than myself.

I've been talking to some of those older and wiser real estate agents and mortgage brokers in the Dallas area who've reminded me of the crises of the past and how they've survived.

While I wasn't in the real estate business at the time, I remember my parents talking about the overbuilt commercial market in Dallas in the 1970's and the oil crisis.

I remember the S & L crisis of the 80's and how many people we knew lost everything what we called the "real estate crash" of the 80's here.

Every 10 yrs or so, there is a crisis of some sort, and fortunately, life continues to go on.

I don't want to minimize the current crisis, and I won't brag that my business is great. But I do believe the system is working.

Mortgage money is still available. People will continue to buy and sell houses.

Most of all, perhaps this is the wake-up call to all of us to pay down debt and save up more...

Ultimately, I believe we will all survive and thrive!

I've just subscribed to a new service that provides real-time market info for the Dallas/Ft Worth, and entire North Texas real estate market! It's called the Powerpage, and clients can go to the homepage on my website, www.monicagrosz.com, click on the Powerpage tab on the left-hand margin, and select a market area to find the latest Dallas area home listings, properties under contract, price changes, etc.

This is particulary helpful for buyer clients looking in one of the really popular Dallas neighborhoods. In some Dallas market areas, we're seeing well-priced properties in good condition going under contract very quickly, and even receiving multiple offers.

The Powerpage offers my clients the ability to view a property the minute it goes into the MLS! The Powerpage updates every hour and a half! Sometimes they see properties before I do!

And for Sellers, it also provides them the ability to see the activity in their neighborhood.

My clients love the Powerpage!

2411 Lower Burma, Graford, Tx 76449 Possum Kingdom Lake (edit/delete)

OPEN SAT MARCH 1, 12- 3 PM, AND SUNDAY MARCH 2, 2- 5 PM

COME HELP CELEBRATE POSSUM KINGDOM'S ANNUAL MARDI GRAS PARADE & SHRIMP BOIL!

Offered for $1,367,000 MLS # 10928339

Unique Waterfront property on the Peninsula at Possum Kingdom Lake! 3300 square foot, 3 BR/ 3BA/ 4 car garage + workshop, Boathouse and Dock on 1.69 acres. 260- degree views, fabulous open floor plan and covered deck and patio for indoor/outdoor entertaining. Spacious contemporary home with tons of storage, huge closets, and Master Retreat upstairs with Spa Bath!

Co-listed: Monica Grosz & Lloyd Ashley/ Keller Williams Dallas City Center/ 214-515-9888/ 214-762-1515. Shown by Appointment only, Listing Agent to meet.

Buyer to verify all information. Information deemed accurate but not guaranteed