New Home Owners: Apply for Your Homestead Exemption - Save Money on Property Taxes

If you bought a house last year, it's time to make your New Year even better by Saving Money!!! 

That's right, save some money! Between January 1st - April 30th, you can apply for your Homestead Exemption! You might remember hearing about this exemption at your closing. The Homestead Exemption can help you save money on your property taxes by reducing the taxable value of your property! In order to qualify for the Residential Homestead Exemption, you must be occupying the property as your homestead on January 1st of the tax year in which the exemption is granted. 

The process of filing the Homestead Exemption is FREE and very easy - just visit the (see list below) where you can print off a form to fill out. It doesn't take much time at all. Be sure that when you apply for exemptions that the address on your Driver's License or ID Card matches the property on the application or your application/request will be denied.

***Beware ... there are "companies" out there that will solicit you and tell you that they'll file the exemption on your behalf and of course there'll be a charge for it! But remember that YOU can do it for FREE. If you ever have any questions as to the validity of one of these solicitations just give me a call.

In addition to the Homestead Exemption, you might also qualify for: Disabled Individual Exemption, Agricultural Land Exemption, Disabled Veteran Exemption and/or the Over 65 Exemption.

Have a blessed 2019 and don't forget...I'm never too busy for any of your referrals!

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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. 

3 Steps to Get You Ready to Become a Home Owner

Are you a 1st Time Home Buyer and not really sure as to what you should do to prepare yourself to buy your first home? Below are 3 Steps that will help get you ready ... 

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 in Rowlett, Heath, 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.

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. 

2016 Projected Housing Market

Here's a good read from the Washington Post to see what the Real Estate Market is looking like for 2016. 


2016 Projected Housing Market


Let me know if you have any questions or would like more information on Buying or Selling. Please know that I'm never to busy for YOU or YOUR referrals!

Housing Trend eNewsletter - Dec 2015

December 2015 Newsletter Housing Trends eNewsletter

Welcome to the most current Housing Trends eNewsletter. This eNewsletter is specially designed with national and local housing information that you may find useful whether you’re in the market for a home, thinking about selling your home, or just interested in homeowner issues in general.

The Housing Trends eNewsletter contains the latest information from the National Association of REALTORS®, the U.S. Census Bureau and Realtor.org reports, videos, key market indicators and real estate sales statistics, a video message by a nationally recognized economist, maps, mortgage rates and calculators, consumer articles, plus local neighborhood information and more. Please click here to view the December 2015 Newsletter Housing Trends eNewsletter.

If you are interested in determining the value of your home, click the Home Evaluator link for a free evaluation report.

For Sale - A Texas Castle Just for You in Wylie TX, 1209 Braddock Way

Yes, you can literally be the King & Queen of your Castle!!! There's a Texas Castle just for you in Wylie TX that's for Sale! 

This stunning Custom Home in Braddock Place, is nestled in the vibrant town of Wylie. Braddock Place offers the spacious feel of rural living, while still providing the big city conveniences. With unparalleled schools in the Wylie ISD, appealing retail and restaurants (Homegoods, TJMaxx, Target, Lowes, Super Kroger, Home Depot, Chiloso, Starbucks, etc.), great parks and community activities, the Braddock Place Community is a Dream, and 1209 Braddock Way is your DREAM HOME!

Call Heath, TX ... HOME!

Have you been considering HEATH, TX as a place to call home?  Heath is a  fabulous place to call home ... it's a quaint town just North East of Dallas & on the banks of Lake Ray Hubbard. The City of Heath’s tax rate is among the lowest tax rates in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metro-plex & offers Exemplary schools in the Rockwall ISD.

 

Not only is Heath an amazing place to call home, it’s a great time to build the house of your dreams in Heath, TX, like the Dunhill Home pictured below!  Currently, there are existing developments like Stoneleigh and Heathland Crossing, and new developments like  McCrummen Estates (1/2 Acre home sites), The Sanctuary, and Providence (Acre+ home sites) and Heath Golf & Yacht.

Hand in hand with all these great choices, is an active and dynamic community.  The Mayor is in touch through the city newsletter and keeps everyone up to date with the progress and accomplishments of the city.  Such as being named 14^th Best Suburb out of 63 by D Magazine.  It’s no wonder with all the scenic venues, great education and fun family activites such as the Heart of Heath 5k, Bunny Dash for Easter Eggs, Independence Day Parade, and more.  I’m especially excited to see the new Fun & Fit park opening April 4^th.   

 

So if you’re looking for an amazing place to live, with stellar education and custom construction, call me for a tour of Heath, TX!

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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 in Heath, 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.

 

Small Towns North of Dallas Proper are Hidden Gems

Are you looking for a small town feel within an easy commute to Dallas proper?  Let me tell you about some little gems named Rowlett, Wylie, Sachse and Murphy.  These geographically small towns are BIG on atmosphere and family activities. 

 

 

These Cities just East of the newly completed George Bush Toll Way, host annual Christmas in the Park festivals, with marshmallow roasting, craft market, free photos with Santa and live reindeer!  As well as 5k Runs, Parades, Family movie days at the library or parks are held throughout the year & different holiday events!

 

If you’re looking for a community that thrives on family, let me show you around these great towns.

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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 in Rowlett, Heath, 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.

Family Fall Activities Around Lake Ray Hubbard (City of Rowlett, Rockwall & Wylie)

It’s that time again.  Fall is in the air, pumpkin fields are popping up everywhere and cities around Lake Ray Hubbard are revving up their outdoor activities. 

 

 

November and December will be featuring all kinds of parades, art festivals, Santa photos, and special events for the kiddos. City of Rowlett Library is hosting the last of the Friday night movies on the lawn.  City of Rockwall is having their Halloween Extravaganza at the Harbor on the 25^th.  City of Wylie is hosting the ever fun Boo on Ballard, with zip lining, foam pit and the works. 

 

It’s a great time to be house hunting in the Lake Ray Hubbard area! 

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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 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.

Rockwall County Named 1 of Healthiest in Texas

Did you know Rockwall County is one of the Healthiest counties in Texas?!?  Recently rated #6 in Health Outcomes from among 232 counties throughout the state of Texas that were rated. 

 

 

 

 

 

The ratings were based on vital health factors, including such things as the quality of air and water, access to healthy foods, levels of obesity, rates of smoking, and education and economic factors. 

 

If you’d like to see homes in this vibrant area, please contact me.  I’d love to show you around and help you pick the perfect neighborhood. 

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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 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.

Lakeside Living in Rowlett, TX - Lake Ray Hubbard

Are you looking for a home on the LAKE? Are you looking for a home that you can build your own personal BOAT DOCK? Well look no further, Lennar Homes has just what you're looking for right here on Lake Ray Hubbard in Rowlett, TX!

 

 

Lennar is already underway in building their new development "Waters Edge".  All homes will either be Lake Front or have a Lake View.   

 

 

There are a variety of exceptional floor plans to choose from and many standard included features, like a 3 Car Garage.  The community also offers a pool, walking trails, and spacious outdoor lounge with fireplace and grills. 

 

 

Already the Lake Front sites are selling fast in this Luxe Gated Community but there's still a few left in their Phase 2.

If you'd like to learn more, email/call me & I'll fill you in on all the fabulous details as well as arrange a private showing of this community!

 

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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 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.

Beautifully Remodeled 5 Bd Home in Sage Creek, Wylie TX

Are you looking for a fabulous home in a community that has resort style amenities? If so then look no further than 3003 Marigold Dr in the Sage Creek community of Wylie TX! 

3003 Marigold Wylie, TX 75098 Beautifully Remodeled 5 Bd Home in Sage Creek

Price : $224,900.00 Bedrooms : 5 Bathrooms : 2.50 Square Foot : 2,421 Lot Size : 6,970 sq.ft. Property Type : Single Family Year Built : 2003 MLS Number : 12164818 click for more information and pictures Property Description Living is easy in this spacious home that boasts an open floor plan & a stylish gourmet kitchen that's complete with a 5 burner gas stove, new stainless appliances, stone backsplash & granite counters. Master suite is down w 4bds up. 5th rm can be a Media~Game room or a 5th bedroom! Bkyd is large & playscape is negotiable to stay. Enjoy the resort style amenities ~ Pool, Parks, Trails, Catch&Release Ponds, Basketball, Sand Vball & Tennis Courts! Features List • Granite Countertops • Stainless Appliances • Gas Range • Laminat Wood Floorin • Jetted Tub • Dual Sinks • Walk In Closets • Open Floor Plan

Equal Housing Opportunity.

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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 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.

Sage Creek in Wylie TX - Master Planned Community

Are you looking for a Home Community that has tons of Resort Style Amenities, Large Home Sites/Lots, Centrally Located to living conveniences & a Friendly Family atmosphere? If so, then look no further than Sage Creek in Wylie Texas!

                                                             

Sage Creek is one of the master planned home communities in Wylie TX. It's located northeast of Dallas and has around 1,000 homes inside the community. Enjoy a country town feel while only minutes away from Firewheel Town Center, everyday Shopping including Target/Khol's/Home Depot and more, Plano, George Bush Tollway, and the Richardson telecom corridor. 

In Sage Creek Wylie, nothing was left unthought-of when designing this Master Planned community! The numerous community amenities at Sage Creek Wylie include Pool with a Splash Zone, 2 community playgrounds for children, Basketball Court, Tennis Courts, Sand Volleyball, Covered Pavilion with Picnic Tables, Catch & Release Ponds, and Hike & Bike Trails.

        
           
                               

In addition to these amazing resort like amenities, Sage Creek Wylie also has Greenbelt and Green Spaces throughout the community, community center and community events like the Fall Festival & Holiday Party! The Homeowner’s Association dues are approximately $348 a year. Homes in Sage Creek Wylie typically have larger sized lots than most neighborhood and range between 0.140 to 0.230 acres.

School-aged children at Chapel Creek attend Wylie ISD

• Elementary School children (Kindergarten – 4th Grade) attend Groves ... this school is actually inside the Sage Creek community!
• Intermediate School children (5th – 6th Grade) attend Draper 
• Junior High School children (7th - 8th Grade) attend Cooper
• High School students (9th – 12th Grade) attend Wylie High

Come out and visit Sage Creek Wylie to see why so many families call it 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 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.

Maxwell Creek Community in Murphy TX is Resort Living

Are you looking for a Community that has amazing Resort Style Amenities, Large Home Sites/Lots, Centrally Located to living conveniences & a Friendly Family atmosphere? If so, then look no further than Maxwell Creek in Murphy TX! Yes, Murphy TX, the same town that was voted in the Top 10 of the "Best Dallas Suburbs 2012" by D Magazine!

Maxwell Creek in Murphy TX is a well thought out Master Planned Community that is just minutes from I-30 & the George Bush Tollway, your daily shopping needs, grocery stores, Firewheel Towne Center, & of course, the beautiful Lake Lavon. Maxwell Creek in Murphy TX offers a huge Community Pool area that has 2 Water Slides, a 5.4 mile Hiking Trail, Playgrounds, & Ball Fields!


In addition to all that, there is also an Elementary School, Tibbles, inside the community! Tibbles Elementary is part of the Wylie ISD which is a forward thinking district and has outstanding academics and focus on character development of all students from K-12.

Are you ready to see why Maxwell Creek in Murphy TX is such a sought after community? If so, contact me for more information and to see homes that are currently on the 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 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.

Wylie Real Estate Market Report / Feb-April 2014

Wow, is it summer already?!

 

Well as we all know, summer time in Real Estate really heats up and judging off how it's been already, summer is going to be sizzling! Below is a recap of how Wylie, TX Homes for Sale has been doing from February through the end of April.

 

There was slow start to Homes being Sold In Wylie, TX, but the average Sales Price has increase from last year, and the big change has been with the Fewer Days they are on the 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 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.

Rockwall Real Estate Market Report / Feb-April 2014

Wow, I really can't believe it's summer already?!

 

Well as we all know, summer time in Real Estate really heats up and judging off how it's been already, summer is going to be sizzling! Below is a recap of how Rockwall, TX Homes for Sale has been doing through the end of April.

 

There was slow start to Homes being Sold In Rockwall, but the Sales Price is a huge increase from last year, and all with Fewer Days on the 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 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.

Texas Heroes & Home Sweet Home Loan Assistance Programs

Calling all Texas Heroes ~ Calling all Texas Heroes!

 

Who's a "Texas Hero" you ask? Anyone who is a Teacher/Aide, Fire Fighter, Peace Officer, Nurse & Allied Health Facility, EMS Personnel, or a Veteran. Oh and if you're a homebuyer with Low to Moderate Income, these are for you too! What "is for you", you ask??? Silly me, the Homes for Texas Heroes and the Home Sweet Home LOAN Programs!
                       

The Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation has these 2 Texas Loan Programs available to those I mentioned above to assist them in becoming Home Owners! The Texas Heroes and the Home Sweet Home Loan Programs provide the following benefits to FHA, VA or USDA mortgage loans ...

• Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance of up to 5% of the loan amount that is considered a Gift & never needs to be repaid
• 30 year Low Fixed Rated Mortgage Loan

And best of all,

• You do not need to be a first-time homebuyer
• You do not need to live in the home for any set period of time

 
*To get a full list & definition of whom the Texas Legislature defines as a "Texas Hero", click here.
*To find out more about these Texas Loan Programs by the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation, click here.

 

I'm so excited that the Texas Legislature is willing to offer such valuable programs for the people in our community who put their lives on the line (yes, that includes you too teachers!) on a daily basis to make our neighborhoods safe and sound!!!
If you are interested in a home in the Lake Ray Hubbard area (Rowlett, Rockwall, Garland, Mesquite, Fate, Royse City, Wylie, Sachse, or Murphy), as an extra way to THANK YOU for your service, I also want to offer you a Hometown Heroes Rebate on top of these incredible Loan Programs through the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation.

Call, email or text me for the details and then let's see how I can help put you in the Home of Your Dreams!

 

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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 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.