Elaine Harper

Have you ever lost your keys? Do you know the feeling of panic when you are ready to walk out the door and can't remember where you put your keys? Did you know that you could lose the keys to your DREAM HOME before closing?

Back in the Spring of 2007, Michael and Christine Brewer set out to buy their first home. And they had a plan. Their lease would be up in 3 months, and they had budgeted and saved up 5% for their down payment. They knew exactly what they wanted and they were pre-approved with their lender.

Now all they needed was a real estate agent. Easy, right? Christine's co-worker, Mindy (a non-homeowner), suggested that they use her cousin's girlfriend, Suzanne, as their real estate agent. Mindy gave Suzanne Michael and Christine's information to make that connection.

Suzanne made the call. She introduced herself to the Brewer's and assured them that buying a new home was as easy and 1-2-3. Michael and Suzanne were ecstatic. They were about to buy their 1st home! Their DREAM HOME!!!!

Now, one thing that you may have missed is that Suzanne was the first real estate agent that the Brewer's spoke with. The first and only real estate agent that they spoke with to be frank. In fact, Suzanne, didn't even interview them, she simply ask what they were looking for in their new home. Suzanne also failed to mention that she wasn't a home owner herself, nor did she specialize in 1st time home buyers, or even in Collin County real estate, which is where the Brewer's were looking.

Suzanne actually had no speciality. She sold wherever, whenever, to whomever. Condo's, townhomes, single family homes, etc. She lived in Irving, and had sold just over 10 homes during her 4 year real estate career. She also failed to mention to Michael and Christine that she also sold Mary Kay and Gourmet Chef products. Suzanne was spread a little thin.

So she took their information, and set them up on an email drip, just like she was taught to do. And she let the house hunting do the work for her. In the meantime, Christine and Michael got the emails with the all the homes listed once a week. And they faithfully went through each and every listing, discarded the ones they disliked and requesting showings on the ones they loved.

They even took to driving around neighborhoods they loved and visiting with builders and stopping in at open houses that they happened by. Each time they "fell in love" with a home, they would wait until Saturday or Sunday and meet with Suzanne to view the home. Many times the home would already be in option by the time they were going to look at it.

Many offers were placed, just as many were rejected. Or outbid. On many occasions, the Brewer's were uninformed and attempted to low ball seller's in their offers. Suzanne, their agent went right along with her clients, as uninformed as they were.

After becoming less and less excited, and thinking that their DREAM HOME was evading them, they changed their minds about what they wanted and started looking in other areas that they hadn't previously looked, and were starting to settle for just about anything. And even then they still hadn't found a home. They were completely discouraged.

Eighteen months later, the Brewers had extended their lease not once, but twice. And had changed their search focus at least 6 times. And all the while, they continued to be led by the blind, Suzanne.

Remember when the Brewer's had a plan? One part of their plan that was missing was finding the right Realtor. They failed to interview, and they failed to seek a Realtor that specialized in what they were, 1st time home buyers. And they failed to work with a Realtor that worked the area they wanted to buy in as a niche.

Home buyers lose the keys to their Dream Homes every single day simply by choosing the wrong Realtor. If your keys have been misplaced, or given to another family too many times, you may reconsider your approach to buying a home.

Representation is Key... Literally!!!

Elaine Harper - Realtor at Large

Who knew that McKinney would attract so many young families, professionals and newlyweds with such force? As McKinney continues to grow at such a rapid speed, more and more twenty and thirty-something homebuyers are flocking to the tree lined streets of our "boutique community."

It's actually very exciting, being a thirty-something, myself, living in this small town that actually has a night life. And a cultural bearing as well.

McKinney businesses are learning that this isn't the tiny little town that it used to be. And they are keeping up with what it takes to attract the young professionals and newcomers to our area. The Historic Downtown McKinney square boasts boutique shopping, fine dining, art galleries, tapas bars, pubs and coffee spots for the old and young alike.

Fashion is on front street in McKinney as well. With Urban Allye, Arrabella's, LuLu's and Bling, our suburban divas and soccer moms don't have to drive far to get the latest fashion trends. Boutique shopping at it's best!

And if wining and dining is your thing, we have that, too. From Rick's Chop House to Poppy's patio to Amato's and Good Hue's fine dining is right in the heart of our charming little town. Landon Winery, Zin Zen Wine Bristo and Lone Star Wine Cellars each offer a unique assortment of local and imported wines for the connoisseurs. There is even a Cigar Room if that's your fancy!

Our quaint bistros and tapas bars are just the icing on the cake, because with so many master planned communities that build quality, yet affordable homes our newcomers can not only live in their big dream homes, they can actually afford to spend a little time on McKinney's scene.

Craig Ranch is one of the most attractive communities for the young at heart because of the fun, friendly and family oriented feel of the neighborhood. On any given sunny weekend you can drive through the kid filled streets of Craig Ranch and see block parties and residents bbqing and socializing in the common areas. With the ultra exclusive Cooper Spa & Clinic just minutes away and easy access to 121, the 75 and Dallas North Tollway, Craig Ranch is situated in a premier location for all types of home owners. Don't consider this booming neighborhood if you are a recluse.

Of course, I can't speak on McKinney without touching on Stonebridge Ranch. And yes, there is still plenty of affordable homes in the heart of Stonebridge Ranch, new and pre-existing alike. With the acclaimed Stonebridge Ranch, tennis, golf and swim facilities, McKinney has EVERYTHING but an amusement park.

The schools are Top-Rated, the residents are warm and welcoming and the atmosphere is full of charm. McKinney really does have it all. What are you waiting for? Your dream home in your dream town is waiting on you!!!!