Matt Anderson

A hidden gem in Plano is the neighborhood of Glen-hollow Estates. Built in the early 1990's it is nestled west of the Tollway and north of Parker Road. The homes range in size from just under 3000 to nearly 4000 sf and are found listed from the low 300K's to mid 400K's.

If convenient living with excellent schools is what you are looking for - these Plano homes will fit the bill. Glen-Hollow Estates location is minutes from the North Dallas Tollway which is home to all manner of dining establishments from 4-star to down-home. Less than a mile west of the neighborhood is Arbor Hills Nature Preserve, a 200 acre park offering visitors 2.3 miles of paved pathways and vista points. After a day at the park, Willow bend mall is also just around the corner which houses some of the more upscale department stores and boutiques.

Glen-hollow families are included in the Plano school district which rates with distinction not only in Texas but in the nation. For example, twenty-three Plano ISD schools have captured the prestigious National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence honor, awarded by the U.S. Department of Education. Every year since the award has been presented (1992-2009), Plano ISD has been selected for a "What Parents Want Award" by School Match, the nation's largest school selection and consulting firm. Only 16 percent of the nation's school systems have been designated for this honor. Also, "Expansion Management Magazine" named Plano ISD among 2,800 school districts across the U.S. to earn a "Gold Medal" rating through its 16th Annual Education Quotient ratings. Furthermore, there are two excellent private schools nearby - Prestonwood Christian Academy and Price of Peace Christian School.

While there are many desirable Plano neighborhoods, Glenhollow Estates is certainly one to consider in the Plano Real Estate market.

What will it take for you to sell your home this season? That is the million-dollar question on everyone's mind this spring. The tax incentive is expiring soon which creates that burning, anxious sensation at the bit of your stomach. Will your house be picked for the dance or end up as a wallflower?

It is a lot like the spring formal in fact. You need to pick the right date (realtor), the right attire (staging) and buy that corsage (curb appeal). Getting the right mix is what will make it a perfect night. So where to start -

Realtors

There are lots of us. Everyone claims to know all about Frisco homes for sale, but how to find the right fit for you. Assess your situation - do you need to sell immediately, for a price higher than your neighbor, and pay no commission. Just like the date, decide what characteristics are most important to you and find the match that you believe can deliver. Otherwise you will forever regret your choice.

Staging

There are lots of Plano homes for sale. Roll up your sleeves and make sure you go through the staging list. Paint the walls, consider replacing the carpet, clean out those closets, empty the cabinets, and clean, clean, clean. If you don't have sophisticated, understated earth-tones, then get them. It doesn't matter if that isn't who you are, they aren't buying your house, they are buying their next house and you need to remove the possibility they say - "not my style". If you want a better price, don't make them see past the carpet allowance.

Curb Appeal

First impressions are key. Park your car around front, walk to your front door and take off the rose-colored glasses. So many times people tell me, "let's not even bother going in". Drive the neighborhoods around you as this is where those comps are drawn from. Will they remember your house with the manicured lawn and well designed flower beds. Remember the pre-emergent this year and if you can't then splurge for the professionals. Use the edger, replace the cracked windows, wash the sidewalk, sweep the stoop. If they can't get past the walk those new carpets will be wasted.

The economy needs a bit of a boost and the stimulus package is there to be taken advantage of. Hard work and a bit of luck should get you on to your new place.

Visit Frisco Real Estate for other blog posts.

As I walk down the Katy Trail I see cranes, trucks, and lots of noise. I was down there last week for the White Rock marathon last weekend and noticed off in the distance some new buildings West of Stemmons from the AAC. I did some research and noticed that the Design District has come back and big time.

If you haven't driven down Hi-Line drive recently (why would you?) you will be pleasantly surprised. Three large apartment complexes have recently come in and with over 1,000 new apartments there will be lots of action in this new urban development. All three are currently accepting lease's and they're going fast. With rent rolls averaging $1000-1400 per month, living near downtown seems affordable again.

So, what else is planned...well the details are sketchy, but according to the Dallas Morning News, as many as 3-4 restaurants are planned and even more retail development is coming. However, there is stiff competition from Victory Plaza, The Oaklawn area, Downtown, and the West End. So, what will be the end result to the Dallas Design District? Nobody really knows, but for some that want the Downtown scene with the streetscape and landscaping upgrades in the area. The Dallas Design District could be your next address.

Interested in what's going on in the Dallas Design District or maybe you're interested in another Dallas Commercial Real Estate project. If you have a particular question send us an email and let us know how we can help. Dallas Commercial Real Estate is VIP Realty DFW!

Are you thinking about buying a house, but can't convince yourself to actually sign the contract with all the economic uncertainty? Many buyers are spending days looking at houses and nights worrying whether they should wait. If this is you don't despair, you are in good company.

While the National news still shows a slow road to recovery, Texas has increased jobs the last two consecutive months. Texas' recession started later and was shallower than in the rest of the country. It is not far-fetched to envision a sooner recovery in this area. Recent home sales in Dallas, Collin and Denton counties show an increase year over year for the first time in well over a year. Collin County homes inventory has dipped below 5 months worth for the first time since 2006. That is good news for Plano real estate and McKinney homes for sale.

What does all this mean for the buyers out there that are on the fence? There are a number of factors to consider:

1. Assess your financial situation. What does your cash flow look like today and why would you expect it to change? Be realistic. Do you need to reserve some of what you would have used for a down payment? Do you need to reassess what you can afford? Unless you think that suddenly your situation is going to change, either better or worse, then you need to consider today's new reality as the basis for how much you can want to spend.
2. Consider your variable versus fixed expenses. Rent is not fixed and if moving back in with Mom is not an option for you, then you need to accept that you have to pay for the roof over your head. There is some comfort in knowing your monthly payments won't change. Consider a fixed payment for an extended period. While these rates may not be as attractive as the variable ARMs, if you are concerned with your income stability then you have to consider how much risk you can accept.
3. Take advantage of the low interest rates. Now may not be the time to get into that dream house unless you are sure of your future finances, but with the low interest rates you are still able to get a lot of house. There are some very good houses out there, if you can recognize the right fit for both your pocketbook and your dreams.

The clock started ticking nearly 10 months ago on the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit. OK, so when I read about the incentive I read it and thought that this will benefit some, however with the recent credit crisis and job loss reports, I really didn't feel this would be that great of a stimulus for the housing industry. However, 8K of free money is 8K of free money, so what is everyone waiting for?

Living in the Dallas Real Estate market there are a lot of First Time Home Buyers. Being a licensed Realtor I get calls daily from people wanting to know more about the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit. I usually shoot them over the following email address listed below, which spells out very effectively the Tax Credit and who qualifies.

So, I will break it down real quick in plain English.

When does it expire? You must close, let's say that again, You must close (not write a contract) before December 1st, 2009.

Who qualifies for this Tax Credit? First time home buyers or anyone that has not owned a property in the past 3 years.

Is there income levels? Yes, single $75,000 and married couples $150,000. You make more than that and the amount is reduced until a single person earning $95,000 and married couples making $170,000 get "Nothing". Remember I am not an accountant, so please seek specific advice for any tax issue's you might have.

What kind of home can I buy? Most Single Family homes, Condominiums, Town homes, Manufactured Homes, and Houseboats. However, remember some government foreclosures have not be cleared for this Tax Credit.

There is much more information for very specific situations, like will everyone get 8K or can I buy the home for my children or parents, etc... For additional information please read this LINK.

Now to the original point of this article. Why is everyone procrastinating about free money. As I stated earlier I have been hit hard in the past by people about the 8K Tax credit and the first thing I do is sent them to a couple of qualified loan officers. 80% of the time these great potential clients are coming back with bad credit. So, is this program really helping everyone it could. Well that is a question you will have to ask you local congressmen.

So, what about the 20% that are taking advantage of these loans? My brokerage has been tracking the number of buyers that are looking for homes and 60% of them that have been looking for several months will be taking advantage of the 8K Tax Credit. If my brokerage is running into this problem, might I say everyone is having this problem as well?

I hate to say this, but everyone that has not taken advantage of this 8K Tax Credit will be calling a Realtor shortly. This is called "procrastination". Yes, this will be one busy fall.

To all my buyers or potential buyers looking in the Frisco Real Estate, Plano Real Estate, McKinney Real Estate, or Allen Real Estate markets...please call me now and let's get this process going. You don't want to be just starting to look in a month and not have the time for the mortgage company to process you loan.

VIP Realty DFW assists both buyers and sellers in the Commercial and Residential Real Estate markets. VIP Realty DFW is located in Frisco, Texas, however with Frisco's great location to Dallas, Plano, and the whole DFW area, VIP Realty DFW has assisted Real Estate clients throughout the Dallas - Fort Worth area.