Now that the annual property tax protest time is over, like most folks, we'll forget about it until the next increase.
So why should you care? Because if you protest your taxes in the future and you win a reduction in your property taxes, they are still entitled to a percentage of that savings.Contact your tax appraisal district if you want the company removed as your representative. It's quick and easy (unlike actually protesting your taxes). [where: 75230]
If you're a baseball fan, you can appreciate this news.
We're on vacation in the northeast (to Maine via Boston). Last night my son Cole caught a foul ball (bare-handed!) in Fenway Park at the Red Sox vs. Yankees game. For a 14-year-old boy, it doesn't get much better than that!
I'm trying to figure out why you would want to highlight this window with the cheap, crooked blinds and the teeny light fixture..
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A house with flooring. Now that's impressive. .
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.Nice view of the pool from the roof - where your teens are sure to attempt a jump. This photo says "Increase you liability insurance".
Lovely home - decorated in the Early Bachelor style.
.. The housing market isn't still falling - but this house could be.
The American flag was flying upside down today in front of the post office at Preston Royal. Most people are aware that the flag should only be flown upside down as a sign of distress (according to the United States Flag Code). 
I pointed this out to the employees in the post office who weren't concerned. I also asked an employee in the Summer Musical's box office to contact the shopping center management to let them know. When I passed by late in the afternoon, it was still upside down.
I'm sending out magnetic Dallas Cowboy football schedules. If you don't have one, just let me know and we'll get one in the mail to you. With the last name Player, I feel like I should use it somehow in my marketing. Here is the best I can come up with:
You need the Most Valuable Player
on your team, because there is no
Pre-Season in Real Estate.
Not quite as good as:
"Football isn't a contact sport,it's a collision sport.Dancing is a contact sport."Duffy Daugherty
Click on the chart to print out a larger version.
Now I can stop guessing at the sprinkler system settings.
[where: 75230]I'm replacing this week's ugly real estate photos because these chairs are too awful to pass up. Don't worry there are plenty of bad real estate photos still out there - and I know where to find them.
They certainly are different.
These chairs are made by the Campana Brothers, who "design through eyes that are fiercely regional, political, and socioeconomic. Their irreverence is tempered by a humility and an appreciation of the artfully poetic ... Their work is infused with personal commentary on issues of waste, resourcefulness, poverty, and perfection."
I think they're just stuffed animals stuck together.
Prices are available on request. Which means they are too embarrassed to put it in print. [where: 75230]
Overheard while waiting in line at Doughtery's Pharmacy today:
Guy talking to the stranger next to him (loudly enough to be heard 8 feet away) about nothing special. Then he happens to mention the irritating electronic ankle bracelet he is wearing due to his DUI arrest. Apparently it detects alcohol intake. He also has a device in his car that monitors him. The electronic devices communicate with each other to prevent him from driving when he has consumed alcohol. Bummer for him. Good for the rest of us.
My faith in the system has been lifted.[where: 75230]
These are just a few of the big group of Realtors who spent the day touring The Bridges - a stunning new development in Gunter, Texas. Located an hour north of Dallas (and south of Sherman), it is probably the best new development in North Texas.
This doesn't help the real estate market.
Analysts are expecting more writedowns from Citi and Merrill on the heals of the IndyMac failure.
CNNMoney.com gives a good explanation of the problems at mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. What the average American doesn't realize is that Fannie and Freddie are not government run entities. They are mortgage companies.
Thankfully, I know some great mortgage bankers and brokers who are helping my clients still get fantastic terms on the harder-to-get mortgages. [where: 75230]
Cathy Schlegel, a Mortgage Specialist with Fort Worth Financial recently shared this insight about the appraisal process (and she is right on the money):
"The appraisal process often baffles consumers. They may feel that their home is worth a higher dollar amount, and so the appraised value doesn't always make sense to them. It is important to know that the appraiser is completely independent from lenders, buyers, sellers, and Real Estate Agents, and that the guidelines to which they adhere are dictated by the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice and Fannie Mae."
"... these important guidelines help appraisers put a fair market value on homes based on comparable sales in the same area, and the home must be bracketed in size and value. For example, there is no set dollar figure associated with a great view, pool, spa, bathroom upgrades, etc. If a homeowner installs a custom pool that cost them $30,000, but the local marketplace supports the value of a pool at $15,000, then that item will be bracketed as [$15,000] on the appraisal.
Upgrades can usually be expressed at a higher percentage of their value in newer homes because the only way to obtain those upgrades was to put more money into the cost of building the home. On the other hand, the upgrading or remodeling of an older home is rarely reflected in full in the final appraisal. This is because typically 25-40% of the project involves demolition and the fixing of issues that aren't uncovered until the project has already begun, such as plumbing or wiring that may need updating. Ultimately, the value of the upgrades must be supported by comparable examples within the same marketplace. These comparisons must be drawn from current market activity within the last six months. This is a safeguard to prevent appraisers from attaching too high a value to the home in question, and opening up the appraisal for review. This guideline further states that appraisers can only base their opinion on the value of homes that have actually closed escrow."
Because appraisals must be based in homes in the immediate area, you'll always hear agents stress the importance of location, location, location. Typically 'the immediate area' is within blocks of your home, not miles. [where: 75230]
Get this house some sunscreen!
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. How many feature photos do we need of the porcelain throne? The lack of a toilet paper holder doesn't help this terrible photo.
Does this practice bug anyone else?
Just got back from a trek to San Marcos and Austin for the long holiday weekend and I finally got to visit the Domino Factory just south of Waco. I've been trying to visit this factory store for about 15 years, but they're only open weekdays from 9 to 5 and I've never been able to make the stop during those hours - until this past week!
In the past, I've ordered several sets of personalized dominoes from this factory because they make great gifts. What a treat to finally visit the last domino factory in the United States. That's right. This company used to be the largest domino manufacturer in the world, but now most dominoes are made in places like China to take advantage of cheaper labor.
If you drop by when they aren't real busy, they can personalize a set for you while you wait. They also sell other family games and custom domino boxes. Of course, I had to get a custom set made for our upcoming family vacation in Maine. What a great way to enjoy a relaxing time with the family.
This week's terrible photos of homes for sale in the Dallas area:
The most interesting thing in the room shouldn't be whats on TV. Turn it off please..
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Help us, Dr. Phil!
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.This house could be the set of a soap opera - just like the one on TV.
.What's on TV? Kissing ducks. Fortunately, you hardly notice the ugly wallpaper.
. Shh! This is the cat's favorite show. . .
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..We're fishing for an offer.
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Want to sell? First, find the right agent who can make it happen for you. Then, you have 2 routes to choose from. You need a buyer to fall in love with 1) the house or 2) the price. You must either make your home beautiful in the buyer's eyes or price it low enough to attract the buyer.
