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Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Tips for a First-time Home Buyer Part 2

Tips for a First-time Home Buyer Part 2

How Long Should It Take to Buy Your First Home?
In seller's markets, it can take as little as one or two homes.  A motivated buyer will find a home within two weeks. Most of my buyers find a home within two days.
A good real estate agent will listen to your wants and needs and arrange to show only those homes that fit your particular parameters. Your agent should preview homes before showing them to you as well. With the advanced search software we have at our finger tips these days we can narrow down the number of homes that match your search criteria very quickly thus eliminating the time spent looking at homes that do not fit your needs.
How Many Homes Will a Home Buyer See?
Studies show that your memory dramatically improves after consumption of carbs and slows upon consuming sugar. So, lay off the soft drinks and have a hearty meal of carbs before venturing out to tour homes. The average number of homes that I show to a buyer in one day is five. Any more than that, and the brain is on overload. Therefore, don't expect to see 20 or 30 homes; although it's physically possible to do so, you probably will not remember specific details about any of them.
The "Red Shoes" Experience for a Home Buyer
Women will relate to this. Say, you need a new pair of red shoes. You go to the mall. At the first shoe store, you find a fabulous pair of red shoes. You try them on. They fit perfectly. They are glamorous. Priced right, too. Do you buy them? Of course not! You go to every other store in the mall trying on red shoes until you are ready to drop from exhaustion. Then you return to the first store and buy those red shoes. Do not shop for a home this way. When you find the perfect home, buy it.
How a First-Time Home Buyer Can Rate Inventory
Bring a digital camera and begin each series of photos with a close-up of the house number to identify where each group of home photos start and end. Take copious notes of unusual features, colors and design elements. Pay attention to the home's surroundings. What is next door? Do 2-story homes tower over your single story?
Do you like the location? Is it near a park or a power plant? Immediately after leaving, rate each home on a scale of 1 to 10.
View Top Choices a Second Time Before Buying That First Home
After touring homes for a few days, you will probably instinctively know which one or two homes you would like to buy. Ask to see them again. You will see them with different eyes and notice elements that were overlooked the first go-around.
At this point, your agent should call the listing agents to find out more about the sellers' motivation and to double-check that an offer hasn't come in, making sure these homes are still available to purchase.
Making the Selection To Buy a Home
As a Realtor® I generally know which home a buyer is going to choose, But I make it a practice not to steer buyers, and I insist that buyers choose the home without interference from me. It's not my choice to make. Real estate agents are required, however, to point out defects and should help buyers feel confident that the home selected meets the buyer's search parameters.

This blog post is provided to you by Your Frisco Realtor® of NickWaltonRealtor.com
Providing Real Estate services for the cites of Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Allen, Little Elm, Prospre, Celina & North Dallas.


Nick Walton, REALTOR®, GRI, e-PRO
Mi Casa Es Su Casa International Properties
Global Reach - Local Knowledge
Cell / TXT 469-556-2393
Broker: JP & Associates REALTORS®
6136 Frisco Square Blvd suite 400,
Frisco, TX 75034
www.NickWaltonRealtor.com


Join the Your Frisco Realtor® & Nick Walton Realtors Group Facebook Fan pages
I'm glad that you have found my blog and taken the time to read it. If you find the information useful or informative please "Subscribe" to my blog.

I enjoy building new business relationships across the country and would love to find a way to work together on a transaction or a referral.

Monday, October 31, 2011

Tips for a First-time Home Buyer Part 1

Tips for a First-time Home Buyer Part 1


So you've made one of the biggest decisions of you life, you want to purchase you first home, but are you finances in order? Even if you are not planning to make your first home purchase for 3-6 monyhs there are still a number of improvements that you can make now before taking on a mortgage.
What can you realistically afford? 
One simple was to do this is to use one of the many online calculators, this will give you a basic idea of what you can expect your monthly house payment, Property taxes and insurance payment to be. Also on your first meeting with your Real Estate Agent they will most likely ask you if you have been pre-approved for a mortgage and if not will be able to recommend a few mortgage professionals that they have worked with in the past.
Getting your financial house in order.
One thing a mortgage professional may suggest is months before you buy a home, begin putting the amount of money that you will have to use for a house payment into a separate bank account. Save that money rather than spending it for those months, and see how you do at managing your other bills with only the money that is left."
Don't forget to take taxes into account also. Also hold the down payment (3.5% minimum) plus closing costs in a savings account for more than two months and provide bank statements to demonstrate that it was earned and not gifted. 
If you have any old negative information that should have rolled off contact the credit agency to get it removed, also pay off any lingering old bills that you've forgotten about. If you're behind on any payments, get caught up.
Next, check your credit score, which you'll want to nudge up to as high a number as possible. This is where paying down your debt comes in, aiming for an amount that doesn't equal more than 30% of your line of credit.
One tried method to having a good credit score is to make sure that you have at least three open and active lines of credit. You need this for the credit score to have enough data to crunch. The model also likes for you to have a good mix of credit. For instance, an open-ended account (general purpose card), a closed-end account (car payment) and a personal loan. This demonstrates that you can handle multiple types of credit responsibly.
Defining Search Parameters for a First-Time Home Buyer
Almost 80% of all home searches today begin on the Internet. With just a few clicks of the mouse, home buyers can search through hundreds of online listings, view virtual tours, and sort through dozens of photographs and aerial shots of neighborhoods and homes. You've probably defined your goals and have a pretty good idea of the type of home and neighborhood you want. By the time you reach your real estate agent's.

This blog post is provided to you by Your Frisco Realtor® of NickWaltonRealtor.com
Providing Real Estate services for the cites of Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Allen, Little Elm, Prospre, Celina & North Dallas.


Nick Walton, REALTOR®, GRI, e-PRO
Mi Casa Es Su Casa International Properties
Global Reach - Local Knowledge
Cell / TXT 469-556-2393
Broker: JP & Associates REALTORS®
6136 Frisco Square Blvd suite 400,
Frisco, TX 75034
www.NickWaltonRealtor.com


Join the Your Frisco Realtor® & Nick Walton Realtors Group Facebook Fan pages
I'm glad that you have found my blog and taken the time to read it. If you find the information useful or informative please "Subscribe" to my blog.

I enjoy building new business relationships across the country and would love to find a way to work together on a transaction or a referral.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Gary Burns Frisco Fun Run At Frisco Square

Gary Burns Frisco Fun Run  At Frisco Square


The Gary Burns Frisco Fun Run is a 5K run/walk and 1 mile walk through Frisco Square.  Proceeds from the Frisco Fun Run go to the Frisco Education Foundation to build scholarship opportunities for our Frisco ISD students, including the Gary Burns Memorial Scholarship Fund.


Route Map
Subject to Change
5K Fun Run
Due to volume of participants and serious runners the Frisco Education Foundation is asking all Walkers, Strollers, and non-serious runners start the race at the back of race line for both the 5K and the Fun Run. For the safety of all of our runners, please do not stop in the middle of the race. If you need to stop, please move to the right. Thank you!

Race Day
Volunteer and Student Drop-Off Map
Road Closures 2011
Race Day Registration: 7:00am-8:00am
1-mile Fun Run/Walk: 8:00am
5K Run/Walk: 8:30am
Early Registration by October 16th
Adult: $20
Child/Student: $10
Late Registration (October 17th - 28th)
Adult: $25
Child/Student: $10
Race Day Registration             
Adult: $30
Child/Student: $15
Please make checks payable to FEF (sorry no refunds). Mail entries and checks to:
Frisco Education Foundation
PO Box 567
Frisco, TX 75034

Directions
Frisco Square is located in Frisco, Texas in far north Dallas. Road closures will begin promptly at 7:00am the day of the race.

Packet Pick-Up
October 26th from 3pm-8pm and October 27th 1pm-8pm
6235 Frisco Square Blvd.
In the Residents of Frisco Square Apartment Building, East of City Hall. Follow the yellow signs
and
RunOn Logo
October 25-26-27• 10am-7pm
5180 Eldorado Parkway • McKinney

Awards
ShoeCHIP TIMED EVENT
5K will be timed using Chronotrack D-Tags. To be included in the results and eligible for an award, you must wear the D-Tag properly on your shoe. Your D-Tag will be attached to your bib when you pick it up with your packet. Remove it and follow the instructions printed on the tag itself. It's important that you only bend the D-Tag in the proper place. Bending it across the chip will disable it, and it won't be read when you start or finish.
Here are additional instructions with pictures.
Shoe5K AWARDS
Runners are required to wear a chip, included
in this year’s bib (see above), to be eligible for awards in
the following 5K categories:

ShoeTROPHIES:
• Top Male and Female: (3 categories)
Overall, Masters (40-59) and Seniors (60+)
• Top 3 Civic, Corporate and ISD Teams
• 1st Place Participation Award
Civic, Corporate and ISD Team Categories
• Spirit Awards

ShoeMEDALS:
• Top 3 finishers in the following age categories:
5-7 • 8-10 • 11-13 • 14-18 • 19-24
25-29 • 30-34 • 35-39 • 40-44 • 45-49
50-54 • 55-59 • 60-64 • 65-69 • 70+

Parking
Subject to Change
Gary Burns Parking Map


This blog post is provided to you by Your Frisco Realtor® of NickWaltonRealtor.com
Providing Real Estate services for the cites of Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Allen, Little Elm, Prospre, Celina & North Dallas.


Nick Walton, REALTOR®, GRI, e-PRO
Mi Casa Es Su Casa International Properties
Global Reach - Local Knowledge
Cell / TXT 469-556-2393
Broker: JP & Associates REALTORS®
6136 Frisco Square Blvd suite 400,
Frisco, TX 75034
www.NickWaltonRealtor.com


Join the Your Frisco Realtor® & Nick Walton Realtors Group Facebook Fan pages
I'm glad that you have found my blog and taken the time to read it. If you find the information useful or informative please "Subscribe" to my blog.

I enjoy building new business relationships across the country and would love to find a way to work together on a transaction or a referral.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Christie Ranch, Frisco, Texas Halloween Block Party

Christie Ranch, Frisco, Texas Halloween Block Party
Christie Ranch Entrance

Halloween Block Party, Friday, October 28th, 5:30-7:00 p.m.
The 2nd annual Halloween Block Party located in the parking lot of the Christie Ranch Amenity Center. Bring a pumpkin to decorate (not carve) and come dressed up in your Halloween best. They will have a face painting/tattoo station set up, a fun & simple necklace craft and goody bags for all the kids. The firefighters from station #6 will be stopping by to talk with the kids and allow them to climb in the fire truck - this was a big hit last year. Pizza and drinks will be served so bring the whole family out and enjoy a spooktacular night with friends and neighbors.
Friday, October 28th from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Christie Ranch is less than two miles from the Dallas North Tollway & about 15 miles North of Dallas. This family friendly neighborhood features a swimming pool along with hike & bike trails.
Christie Ranch is located in the highly acclaimed Frisco Independent School District and within walking distance to the elementary school.
Christie Ranch - Frisco, TX 75033
Homes between $175,000-$600,000
Custom Home Builders, Grand Homes
Neighborhood with Community Pool

Schools: Frisco ISD
Elementary: Boals
Middle: Stafford
High: Lone Star

This blog post is provided to you by Your Frisco Realtor® of NickWaltonRealtor.com
Providing Real Estate services for the cites of Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Allen, Little Elm, Prospre, Celina & North Dallas.


Nick Walton, REALTOR®, GRI, e-PRO
Mi Casa Es Su Casa International Properties
Global Reach - Local Knowledge
Cell / TXT 469-556-2393
Broker: JP & Associates REALTORS®
6136 Frisco Square Blvd suite 400,
Frisco, TX 75034
www.NickWaltonRealtor.com


Join the Your Frisco Realtor® & Nick Walton Realtors Group Facebook Fan pages
I'm glad that you have found my blog and taken the time to read it. If you find the information useful or informative please "Subscribe" to my blog.

I enjoy building new business relationships across the country and would love to find a way to work together on a transaction or a referral.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

How To Select Your Perfect Neighborhood In Frisco Texas

How To Select Your Perfect Neighborhood In Frisco Texas

So you have decided on the city you want to live in and the features of the home you want to buy, so now all you have left is to decide which subdivision / neighborhood you want to live in.
Frisco Neighborhood

Selecting the right neighborhood that matches your family’s lifestyle is an important part of the home-buying process and there are a number of considerations to think about when it comes to selecting the right neighborhood for you and your family.

Below are a few important factors for you to consider when selecting your neighborhood.

  • School ratings - You want to be looking for homes that have nearby schools with Exemplary school ratings. Even if you yourself do not have children, good schools increase property prices as these neighborhood are in higher demand.

  • Crime statistics - Safety of our families and property is always a concern. There is a wealth of information on the internet concerning Crime stats and it is also good to check with area residents, as well as a your real estate professional.

  • Commute times - How far is your work, entertainment, local stores etc from you neighborhood.

  • Amenities - Does your neighborhood have a local park, jogging trails and swimming pools. Also is it part of a mandatory homeowners association. If you do have these amenities in your neighborhood and H.O.A is most likely.

Choosing a neighborhood is a personal thing however I just wanted to highlight some of the common considerations so that you have a basic list from which to build upon as you look for the neighborhood that has the perfect fit for you and your family.

This blog post is provided to you by Your Frisco Realtor® of NickWaltonRealtor.com
Providing Real Estate services for the cites of Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Allen, Little Elm, Prospre, Celina & North Dallas.


Nick Walton, REALTOR®, GRI, e-PRO
Mi Casa Es Su Casa International Properties
Global Reach - Local Knowledge
Cell / TXT 469-556-2393
Broker: JP & Associates REALTORS®
6136 Frisco Square Blvd suite 400,
Frisco, TX 75034
www.NickWaltonRealtor.com


Join the Your Frisco Realtor® & Nick Walton Realtors Group Facebook Fan pages
I'm glad that you have found my blog and taken the time to read it. If you find the information useful or informative please "Subscribe" to my blog.

I enjoy building new business relationships across the country and would love to find a way to work together on a transaction or a referral.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

What Is The Best Day Of The Week To List My Home For Sale?

What Is The Best Day Of The Week To List My Home For Sale?
Lets assume that you have done everything that your realtor has advised you to do firstly so you home is ready to be listed. Since you only get one change to make a first impression we decided to find out whether it makes a big difference on which day you decide to put your home on the market. 
  • Homes listed on Sunday get marginally more online views.
  • Homes listed on Friday are toured 19% more.
  • Homes listed on Friday or Thursday sell for slightly closer to original list price.
  • Homes listed on Friday are 12% more likely to sell in 90 days.
Our guess as too why Friday should be a good day to put your home on the market is that home buyers tend to tour homes on the weekends so if your home is listed on a Friday it would be one of the newest listings when they are making their list of homes to view over the weekend.

This blog post is provided to you by Your Frisco Realtor® of NickWaltonRealtor.com
Providing Real Estate services for the cites of Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Allen, Little Elm, Prospre, Celina & North Dallas.

Nick Walton, REALTOR®, GRI, e-PRO
Mi Casa Es Su Casa International Properties
Global Reach - Local Knowledge
Cell / TXT 469-556-2393
Broker: JP & Associates REALTORS®
6136 Frisco Square Blvd suite 400,
Frisco, TX 75034
www.NickWaltonRealtor.com


Join the Your Frisco Realtor® & Nick Walton Realtors Group Facebook Fan pages
I'm glad that you have found my blog and taken the time to read it. If you find the information useful or informative please "Subscribe" to my blog.

I enjoy building new business relationships across the country and would love to find a way to work together on a transaction or a referral.