Recycling Around the Lake Ray Hubbard Area - Cities of Garland, Rowlett, Rockwall, Wylie, Sachse and Murphy

I am a conscientious RECYCLER though I honestly admit that while I do try my best to recycle in my home & take my own bags to stores, I'm only scratching the surface compared to most people who are diehard recyclers. 

I understand the basic ideas behind recycling ... We need less trash in our dumps & we need to do our part to help in the reduction of natural resources.

In researching the recycling programs that are around Lake Ray Hubbard, I'm happy & am thankfull that the Cities of Garland, Rowlett, Rockwall, Wylie, Sachse and Murphy have a recycling programs and understand that having "Curb-Side" pick up for recycling is important to have more of their residents recycle.


The City of Rowlett, City of Rockwall, City of Wylie, and the City of Murphy have recycling pick up ONCE a week & the City of Garland and City of Sachse has it EVERY OTHER week.

• City of Garland http://garlandenvironmentalwaste.com/Home/Departments/Utility+Services/Environmental+Waste+Services/SWD080_Landing.htm

• City of Rowlett http://www.rowlett.com/index.aspx?NID=925

• City of Rockwall http://www.rockwall.com/UtilityBilling/GarbageCollection.asp

• City of Wylie http://www.wylietexas.gov/departments/utility_billing_(water_bill)/recycling.php

• City of Sachse http://www.cityofsachse.com/index.aspx?NID=465

• City of Murphy http://www.murphytx.org/143/Trash-Recycling

If you're in "aGREENment" (as the City of Rockwall says), and want to see cleaner lakes, green trees, & have a less nasty smells from the landfills, click on the following links to find out more about your cities Recycling Program.

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Let me know if I can help you or your family/friends with any Real Estate needs. Please know that I am never too busy for you or your referral & I would honor the chance to earn the business!

If there's a neighborhood that you'd like more information on simply Email me EMAIL me or go to my Website to request a personal Home Search.   If you're thinking about Selling your home and would like to find out how much your home is worth in the current market, simply go to my Website to fill out the form. 

Woodbridge Home Just Listed - 6826 Country Club Dr, Sachse

Have you been considering Sachse, TX as a place to call home? 

Woodbridge Community is one of the best places to live within this amazing city! Woodbridge is a master-planned neighborhood with community Parks & Playgrounds, 5 Swimming Facilities, Ponds, Nature Trails AND the Woodbridge Golf Course. 

If Woodbridge sounds like the place for you, well look no further than this beautiful home that is Move In Ready! This charming 3 bedroom, 2 bath home boasts a bright Open Concept Kitchen and Living Space, a large backyard that gets morning sun & afternoon shade, and is in walking distance to 2 pools! 

In addition to being in the fabulous Woodbridge Community, this home is in Dallas County, so you will have lower property taxes AND it's in the Garland School District which means you get to choose your schools.

Call / Email me to make an appointment to see this amazingly fabulous house!

Let me know if I can help you or your family/friends with any Real Estate needs. If there's a neighborhood that you'd like more information on in Rowlett, Rockwall, Garland, Mesquite, Fate, Royse City, Wylie, Sachse, or Murphy, simply Email me or go to my Website to request a personal Home Search.   If you're thinking about Selling your home and would like to find out how much your home is worth in the current market, simply go to my Website to fill out the form.  Please know that I am never too busy for you or your referral & I would honor the chance to earn the business!

Home Inspections Are a MUST When Buying A Home!

Home Inspections ... should you have one??? YES you should most certainly have one! ~ Should you get a Home Inspections if the Seller already has one??? YES you should most certainly get one! ~ Should you get a Home Inspections if you're buying a New Build Home??? YES you should most certainly have one!

Home Inspections are, in my book, a MUST whether you're buying a New Build House or a Previously Owned House. You wouldn't buy a car without knowing it's history or how it runs! Inspections allow the buyer to receive factual information on the condition of the house. The Big 5 that really need to be examined by the Buyer are:

1. Foundation
2. Heating/Cooling System
3. Roof
4. Plumbing
5. Electrical

... and in Texas, let's add Termites or other Wood Destroying Insects.


Inspectors are extremely thorough with the inspection and will typically be at the home for 3+ hours checking EVERYTHING and then some ... so don't be surprised if your Inspection Report is close to 40 pages! Most will include pictures with special notes & diagrams, which is useful when conveying the items you wish to be repaired by the seller AND you can refer to it at a later date.


Once the Buyer and Seller agree on the repairs, it's important that those repairs are done by Licensed Professionals. Be sure to get the receipt from the Seller so you know who to contact if the issue occurs again and if a warranty was given, it can switched to your name.


Now, not only do you get to find out the condition of the property but you also get a chance to learn some great tips on how to fix the issues as well as tips on how to prevent issues. I personally learn something new every time I'm with a buyer for an Inspection! Here's a few that I have learned and often hear ...

• For people, an Apple a day may keep the Doctor away but for a House, watering the soil around your house keeps the Foundation Company away!

• Satellite Dishes screwed onto the roof often times aren't sealed properly or the seal wears away w time & allows rain to sweep through the screw holes. Easy Fix ... purchase Black Roof Tar from Lowe's/Home Depot & apply around the screws.

• All Outlets have a "master" & the others in circuit are "slaves" ... meaning that if 1 of the slave outlets isn't working simply Reset the Master outlet & wallah

• Acrobat Ants, which are not 1 of the 16 Wood Destroying Insects, can do as much damage as Carpenter Ants & it's important to have your house treated for them as well.

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Let me know if I can help you or your family/friends with any Real Estate needs. Please know that I am never too busy for you or your referral & I would honor the chance to earn the business!

If there's a neighborhood that you'd like more information on simply Email me EMAIL me or go to my Website to request a personal Home Search.   If you're thinking about Selling your home and would like to find out how much your home is worth in the current market, simply go to my Website to fill out the form. 

Staging Your Home to Sell - Home Staging Tips

So you are planning to SELL your HOME and have already taken care of the "5 Easy Ways to Get Your Home Ready to Sell". Now the last step before putting your home on the market is to STAGE your HOME! 

STAGING YOUR HOME TO SELL is a marketing tool that is becoming more & more essential in the the Lake Ray Hubbard Real Estate Market. As your Realtor, one of my main responsibilities is to make sure YOUR HOME SELLS in as little time as possible and for as much money as possible! STAGING is a big part of this and needs to be done prior to taking pictures to post online! Remember, you get one 1st Impression and the bottom line is that an attractive listing will be shown more often, which means more market exposure, which is obviously needed for a quick & profitable SALE. 

What is Staging??? Simply put, staging is where you arrange your home and it's decor to highlight the best features of your house AND maximize the appearance of the square feet. Here are some tips to do just that ... 

• Remove Big Furniture & and Table “leafs” to show off the square footage

• Remove the "chachkies" ... if there's lots of little things, the eye doesn’t know where to focus. 

• Remove family pictures & memorabilia from refrigerator, walls, ect ... remember, your Home Is NOT your Home Anymore … it’s an Item for Sale

• Put Rooms back to their Purpose … make sure Dining Room is set up for Eating & not as an Office space

• Clear Fire Place Mantle & Coffee Tables … Less is More

• Clear off Kitchen Counter Tops ... place plug in appliances in cabinets, under counters

• Patios & Backyard add a Sitting Areas and Potted Flowers or Plants to really brighten up the area

• For rooms without Natural Light, use GE Reveal Bulbs

• Add Simple Accessories & fresh Flowers throughout the house 

As your Lake Ray Hubbard area Realtor, I will work with you from Beginning to End making sure that we do all that we can to get your Home SOLD! Contact me to set up an appointment to discuss in more detail about marketing and selling your Lake Ray Hubbard area home.

   

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Let me know if I can help you or your family/friends with any Real Estate needs. Please know that I am never too busy for you or your referral & I would honor the chance to earn the business!

If there's a neighborhood that you'd like more information on, simply EMAIL Me or go to my Website to request a personal Home Search.   If you're thinking about Selling your home and would like to find out how much your home is worth in the current market, simply go to my Website to fill out the form. 

Rowlett Summer Concert Series - 2017

I honestly can't say it enough ... I LOVE living in the Lake Ray Hubbard area! 

The City of Rowlett is hosting the 2nd Annual Summer Concert Series at Pecan Grove Park, 5300 Main St, the open grass area behind the Community Center & Kids Kingdom Park. 

Every Friday in August, starting at 7:00pm, the city of Rowlett will have open air concerts free of charge.  It’s a family friendly time to spread a blanket, listen to live music, sip a beverage (non alcoholic) and enjoy the fresh air and enjoy some great Food Truck eats from some of the DFW Metroplex's best FOOD TRUCKS! 

City of Rowlett Facebook Page

City of Rowlett Facebook Page

In addition to the kiddos being able to play at Kids Kingdom, there will be bounce houses and a few other fun activities for them to do. But don't let that keep you from bringing your bottle of Bubbles, Hula Hoops and other fun "picnic" games! Summer memories don’t get any better and this is a great way to end Summer ... till next year!

The schedule for this August runs as follows and music is from ~7:30-9:00

• August 4th: Escape (Journey Tribute)

• August 11th: Time Train (variety)

• August 18th: Me and My Monkey (The Beatles Tribute)

• August 25th:  Memphis Soul (variety)

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Let me know if I can help you or your family/friends with any Real Estate needs. If there's a neighborhood that you'd like more information on in Rowlett, Rockwall, Garland, Mesquite, Fate, Royse City, Wylie, Sachse, or Murphy; simply Email me or go to my Website to request a personal Home Search.   If you're thinking about Selling your home and would like to find out how much your home is worth in the current market, simply go to my Website to fill out the form.  Please know that I am never too busy for you or your referral & I would honor the chance to earn the business!

5 Easy Ways to Get Your Home Ready to Sell

Are you thinking about or planning to SELL your Home? If so, here's a quick list of FIVE things you should do to get your home ready to hit the market AND for Home Buyers to fall in love with your home! 

This list of FIVE things you should do to get your home ready to SELL are the comments that I most often hear from Home Buyers:

• Declutter ... This is a difficult thing to tackle but one that is very beneficial and won't cost any money to do! The key focus on Decluttering is to open up spaces so Home Buyers can see themselves living in your home and can picture their stuff in all the rooms. By removing all or most personal pictures and mementos will help Home Buyers visualize their belongings in your house. In addition, remove bulky and excessive furniture ... go with the mantra, "Less is More". When going through this process, you'll essentially be starting your Packing, which is a positive sign to Home Buyers that you are serious about selling. It is ok to move the extra furniture and packed boxes into the garage, just keep it all organized and to one side of the garage.  

• Flooring ... Carpet has been a big turn off for many buyers in the past 5 years. If your home has Carpet in the living areas (living room, sitting room/den, dining room, study) you might want to consider installing Hardwood Floors. For the bedrooms, Carpet is still desired. For the rooms with carpet, I recommend having the carpet "pulled" to take out any lumps, replace the padding to provide nice cushion if carpet is more than 10 years old, and definitely get it Professionally Cleaned. Remember, you want your home to put it's best foot forward. 

• Paint Walls ... It's a good idea and a very inexpensive one at that, to give your Interior Walls a fresh coat of paint. Neutral walls painted Beige, Light Grays, and Whites will attract Home Buyers. If you don't feel like doing the whole house, do the walls that are in high traffic areas or had lots of things hanging on them or furniture up against them. Please Please Please ... if you have any loud walls, paint them - this is a huge turn off for Home Buyers! *Be sure that if you paint, to not just do touch ups, do the whole wall so it doesn't look, well ... touched up.

• Curb Appeal ... This is very important since it's the 1st thing Home Buyers see when they get to your house. Simple things to do would be to remove all the weeds and dead plants/shurbs, add fresh mulch to your flower and tree beds, trim all bushes, plants seasonal flowers or have potted flowers and if needed, pressure wash the driveway and front walkway.

•  Garage ... Through the years, the garage typically becomes a place for stuff that you're not using and to be honest, stuff you will unlikely use ever again. It's a good idea to get a good binge cleaning done in there (as well as closets throughout your house) and then neatly organize it. Remember, the goal is to get your house Market Ready and you want Home Buyers to see ALL the SPACE your house has for their stuff!

Once you have finished these FIVE things to get your Home Ready to SELL, how about inviting your friends over as pretend Home Buyers.  Have them anonymously write down things that they like and things that might turn them off as a buyer. Remember, your goal is to get your home ready for Buyers to fall in love with it so take their comments with a grain of salt ... on your Margarita (LOL). Then from that list, you know where to focus your attention and money! Also, talk with your Realtor over which additional items would be a good Return of Investment to do.

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Let me know if I can help you or your family/friends with any Real Estate needs. Please know that I am never too busy for you or your referral & I would honor the chance to earn the business!

If there's a neighborhood that you'd like more information on simply Email me EMAIL me or go to my Website to request a personal Home Search.   If you're thinking about Selling your home and would like to find out how much your home is worth in the current market, simply go to my Website to fill out the form. 

Pre 4th of July Events for Garland and Sachse - 2017

Are you wanted to get your 4th of July celebration on a bit early? If so, the City of Garland & the City of Sachse have you covered with their annual events today! Don't forget to bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and bug spray as you enjoy some good old-fashioned family fun celebrating our amazing Country!

The City of Garland & Firewheel Town Center are hosting their annual "Star-Spangled Spectacular" Fireworks at the Park in Firewheel Town Center (245 Cedar Sage Dr, Garland), Monday, July 3rd. Beginning at 4p, there will be Family Fun Activities, Face Painting, Bounce Houses, Entertainment, Food Trucks and more.

*Live Music will be from 7-9p at the main stage by Houlihans
*Fireworks will be synchronized to music at dusk (~9:15p).

The City of Sachse is hosting their annual Red, White & Blue Blast on Monday, July 3rd, at Heritage Park (4408 Hudson Dr., Sachse, TX). There will be Family Fun Activities, Live Entertainment, Food & Craft Vendors, Bounce Houses, Contests,  & Face Painting. 

*Fireworks will be start a bit after dusk (~9:15p).

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Let me know if I can help you or your family/friends with any Real Estate needs. If there's a neighborhood that you'd like more information on in Rowlett, Rockwall, Garland, Mesquite, Fate, Royse City, Wylie, Sachse, or Murphy, simply Email me or go to my Website to request a personal Home Search.   If you're thinking about Selling your home and would like to find out how much your home is worth in the current market, simply go to my Website to fill out the form.  Please know that I am never too busy for you or your referral & I would honor the chance to earn the business!

4th of July Events for Rockwall and Rowlett - 2017

Here's what's going on for the 4th of July around our wonderful Lake Ray Hubbard area this year ... and ... Don't forget to bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and bug spray as you enjoy some good old-fashioned family fun celebrating our amazing Country!

Rockwall July 4th Fireworks & Music ... Harry Myers Park 

Celebrate an old fashioned Independence Day with live music and fireworks display! Entry is Free!

*Parade from 11-12 and Free Hotdogs from 12-2p
*Live music kicks off at 7:45-9:15pm at Harry Myers Park (near the big pond) and the fireworks will be synchronized to music at dusk (~9:15p).

*The best viewing areas are Harry Myers Park, Dobbs Elementary, Tuttle Athletic Complex, and the RISD Education Center.

Rowlett July 4th Fireworks & Music ... Pecan Grove Park (5300 Main St - behind Wet Zone Waterpark) ... Beginning at 6:00 pm

Celebrate Freedom with live music, children's activities and the largest fireworks display in Rowlett! There is no admission charge for entry to this hometown celebration. Vendors will also be on site for festival-style foods and crafts. (ATM will be nearby)

*Live Music with "Grand Theft Audio" kicking it off at 6:00 p.m. and "The Bellamy Brothers" from 8:00-9:30 p.m. 

* Kid's area will have Bounce Houses, Face Painting, Game Truck and more! The Children's Area will close at 9:00 p.m. to prepare for Fireworks.

*Fireworks Display will start between 9:30 - 9:45 p.m.

*Parking & Free Shuttles will be available at Rowlett High School, Herfurth Park, Coyle Middle School and the DART station. 


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Let me know if I can help you or your family/friends with any Real Estate needs. If there's a neighborhood that you'd like more information on in Rowlett, Rockwall, Garland, Mesquite, Fate, Royse City, Wylie, Sachse, or Murphy, simply Email me or go to my Website to request a personal Home Search.   If you're thinking about Selling your home and would like to find out how much your home is worth in the current market, simply go to my Website to fill out the form.  Please know that I am never too busy for you or your referral & I would honor the chance to earn the business!

Lake Ray Hubbard Housing Market - May 2017

If you're wondering how the Housing Market is doing, you're not alone ... it's actually a question I get a lot! Ladies and Gentlemen, the summer Housing Market is in full swing and no matter where you live in the Dallas-Ft Worth Metroplex, the market is already better than last year!  

So what do I mean by that? Prices are steadily increasing and Houses are going to Contract quicker! This is likely due to the increase of business moving their headquarters here, thus bringing more Buyers. If you're contemplating SELLING your home, now really is a great time! As a BUYER, the Mortgage Rates are still relatively low and requirements are loosening up a bit.

Below are the Numbers of how the Housing Market was May for cities in the Lake Ray Hubbard and surrounding area.

Garland Housing Market stats: 

• 257 Homes Listed for Sale in May and 192 SOLD during May!
• The Median (mid-point) Sales Price for 

  Garland

  ,TX Homes for Sale was $186,750! 
• Average of 22 Days on market!
• Compared to 2016 that had a $170,000 Median Sales Price and 30 Days on market!

Rowlett & Sachse Housing Market stats:

• 171 Homes Listed for Sale in May and 121 SOLD during May!
• The Median (mid-point) Sales Price for Rowlett & Sachse,TX Homes for Sale was $239,000!  
• Average of 19 Days on market!
• Compared to 2016 that had a $224,250 Median Sales Price and 23 Days on market!

Rockwall Housing Market stats:   

• 322 Homes Listed for Sale in May and 203 SOLD during May!
• The Median (mid-point) Sales Price for Rockwall,TX Homes for Sale was $282,000! 
• Average of 39 Days on market!
• Compared to 2016 that had a $264,500 Median Sales Price and 33 Days on market!

Wylie Housing Market stats:   

• 172 Homes Listed for Sale in May and 129 SOLD during May!
• The Median (mid-point) Sales Price for Wylie,TX Homes for Sale was $273,200!  
• Average of 41 Days on market!
• Compared to 2016 that had a $265,000 Median Sales Price and 43 Days on market!

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Let me know if I can help you or your family/friends with any Real Estate needs. Please know that I am never too busy for you or your referral & I would honor the chance to earn the business!

If there's a neighborhood that you'd like more information on simply Email me or go to my Website to request a personal Home Search.   If you're thinking about Selling your home and would like to find out how much your home is worth in the current market, simply go to my Website to fill out the form. 

Rockwall Farmers Market

Rockwall Farmers Market Facebook page

The Rockwall Farmers Market has been a summer staple since 2008! It's open every Saturday morning from 8-12p from May 6th to the end of September, at the newly renovated Historic Downtown Rockwall Square (101 Rusk St).

If you haven't been yet, you owe it to yourself to stop by and see what over 30 vendors have to offer. You can find anything from local honey & fresh baked breads (my favs which i picked up!) to fresh produce and meats from

Rockwall Farmers Market Facebook page

local growers and ranchers! You can also find fresh farm eggs and a plethora of jams as well as other canned/pickled delights! In addition to the various food vendors, you'll also find booths dedicated to hand made items and crafts and get to enjoy entertainment from local musicians! While you're there, be sure to visit the shops on the Square - there's so many unique items!

The Rockwall Farmers Market is pet friendly and often times have pets available for adoption from Rockwall Pets.

For parking info and map and more, visit RockwallFarmersMarket.org

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Let me know if I can help you or your family/friends with any Real Estate needs. If there's a neighborhood that you'd like more information on in Rowlett, Rockwall, Garland, Mesquite, Fate, Royse City, Wylie, Sachse, or Murphy; simply Email me or go to my Website to request a personal Home Search.   If you're thinking about Selling your home and would like to find out how much your home is worth in the current market, simply go to my Website to fill out the form.  Please know that I am never too busy for you or your referral & I would honor the chance to earn the business!

Concert by the Lake at the Rockwall Harbor - 2017

One of the greatest things about living in the Lake Ray Hubbard area is the Summer Fun!

Every Thursday night from May through July, people gather on the Rockwall Harbor Amphitheater lawn that over looks Lake Ray Hubbard for the Concerts by the lake, 2074 Summer Lee Drive, Rockwall, TX 75032. 

This Summer Fun is provided by the City of Rockwall and is free of charge to the public!  It’s a family friendly time to spread a blanket, listen to live music, sip a beverage, enjoy eats from nearby restaurants or a packed picnic and enjoy the fresh air and scenic views. People meet new best friends, kids play, random people dance, and every now and then, you might just see a proposal and participate in the general cheering.  Summer memories don’t get any better!

The schedule for the rest of 2017 summer runs as follows:

• June 22nd ... Local Yoakam
• June 29th ... Limelight
• July 6th ... Blaze of Glory
• July 13th ... Incognito
• July 20th ... Def Legend
• July 27th ... Escape

 

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Let me know if I can help you or your family/friends with any Real Estate needs. If there's a neighborhood that you'd like more information on in Rowlett, Rockwall, Garland, Mesquite, Fate, Royse City, Wylie, Sachse, or Murphy; simply Email me or go to my Website to request a personal Home Search.   If you're thinking about Selling your home and would like to find out how much your home is worth in the current market, simply go to my Website to fill out the form.  Please know that I am never too busy for you or your referral & I would honor the chance to earn the business!