Check your Dallas Home Insurance Policy

Did you know that the longer you stay with the same insurance company, the more likely it is that you are being overcharged?

I was surprised to learn that most homeowners today can save money on their insurance by switching policies. And if you've been with the same company more than 10 years, the percentage you save may likely be in the double digits!

That's because insurance companies offer an initial low rate when you first enroll with them and then raise your rates as time goes by. Insurance companies know that they have a very high retention rate. About 60% of existing policy holders just don't shop around for a better rate.

Our state's Office of Public Insurance Counsel (OPIC) conducted a recent study that revealed that shopping your existing insurance policy can saving you money. OPIC is an unbiased, consumer focused agency that offers great advice to homeowners regarding their insurance options. Visit their web site at www.opic.texas.gov for information about insurance companies.

I'm calling an insurance broker this week to get price quotes. Insurance broker ( Clay Hart ) has a routine of shopping policies for his clients on a regular basis. That's the kind of service we all want.
[where: 75230]

4 Winning Factors to Strategic Home Pricing

In this seller's market, strategic pricing is still the key to selling your home. We all want to sell our homes at the highest price in an acceptable amount of time.
But the wrong price can have your property sitting on the market for months and all you'll do is help sell competing homes.

Most potential sellers consider a Comparative Market Analysis from a Realtor. The CMA that I share with my sellers analyzes 4 main market factors that help determine current value.

My professional price opinion is similar to an independent appraiser. I scrutinize statistics that cover the past 6 months and properties that are comparable to your home's size, age, condition and especially location. These are the comparables that banks and financial institutions consider in an appraisal.

These factors include:

1. Evaluate the Sold properties in your neighborhood. This would include homes comparable to yours in size, age, condition, etc.
2. Consider Pending Sales of comparable properties. Though they have not yet closed, homes under contract are a good indicator of value and demand in the current market. 
3. Gauge the Competition. It's important to determine how you compare with competing properties for sale. Buyers will be viewing and comparing these properties with yours. 
4. Consider expired, canceled and other properties that failed to sell. These are the heartbreakers that will show you what potential buyers will not pay. 

If you'd like to know what your home is worth in Dallas' spring 2015 market, contact me. [where: 75230]

Dallas Real Estate is making History!

It's the best housing market in Dallas history. And the worst housing market in Dallas history. It all depends on whether you're buying or selling.

The combination of people moving to Dallas coupled with the lack of home inventory for sale has driven demand - and prices - up, up, up. The housing shortage in Dallas is the worst we've seen since the end of World War II - and most of us don't remember that.

During the recession, 1/2 of our Dallas area home builders went away. And most of them haven't returned to the business. With fewer builders and scarcer land available, new home construction can't keep up with the influx of folks moving to North Texas. As a Realtor, I could sell 1/3 more homes today if we had them to sell.

Earlier this week, Dallas Morning News Real Estate Editor Steve Brown likened the flood of folks immigrating to the area in just one year as the equivalent to everyone in Topeka, Kansas getting in their cars and moving here.

If you're thinking of selling a property anywhere in the Dallas area, great news. This is the time to take advantage of the huge demand. I can help you find another home. If you're looking to buy, hurry up. The bandwagon of bargain Dallas real estate is already passing by. Don't wait for the mortgage rates to rise too.
[where: 75230]

Preston Royal Community Garage Sale this Saturday

Have stuff to sell but don't want to host your own garage sale?

Why not do a little spring cleaning and make a little money for yourself?

This Saturday is your chance. For $25, you'll get a 6 foot table and 2 chairs for the garage sale at 5923 Royal Lane. You get to keep your profits. The property is located on the north side of Royal, just east of Preston.

This community garage sale is this Saturday, Apr 25 from 8:00 until 3:00. Contact Jane at 214-789-9787 to reserve a table or for more details.
[where: 75230]

How Quickly are homes selling in Texas?

The Texas real estate market is booming! The Dallas Fort Worth area is one of the fastest-growing markets in the country! Our average house sells in 30-45 days. In some price ranges and neighborhoods, they're going even faster.

 [where: 75230]

Wait a Year to buy a Home?

What could be the impact of waiting until April 2016 to buy your dream home?

The financial effect to your mortgage payment is significant. Consider:

The most recent Home Price Expectation Survey predicts that home prices will appreciate by 4.4% by the second quarter of 2016.

The latest Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey shows the current 30-year fixed rate at 3.7%. Their projection for this time next year is that the rate will be 4.7%. (a full percentage point higher).

Contact me if you'd like to discuss your options before the experts' predictions become reality.
[where: 75230]

North Dallas Home Sales Update

Here is my analysis of home sales in North Dallas this year as compared to previous years. The bright blue line represents 2015.

You may notice the drop in sales in March this year. We had 95 sales in March 2015 compared to 100 sales in March 2014 and 114 sales in March 2013. This is a direct reflection of the lack of available properties for sale. 

These statistics are for single family homes (not condos or townhomes) from Downtown Dallas to LBJ Freeway.