Holden New Homes | DFW's New Home Brokerage

ATTENTION ALL HOMEBUYERS IN NORTH TEXAS . . .

Holden Real Estate — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 22:06:28 -0800

ATTENTION ALL HOMEBUYERS looking for a home in North Texas!!! Whether you are looking for new Frisco homes or homes in McKinney, here is your chance to own a home in the most sought after community Craig Ranch in the low $200's!!!

Craig Ranch is located in the beautiful city of McKinney and this builder features four new open floor plans created specifically for Craig Ranch starting in the Low $200's! Preliminary plans consist of 1 single-story home and 3 two-story homes offering both rear and front entry plans for the garage. Floor plans range from approximately 1,900 to over 3,000 square feet and offer a bonus room/media room option. Homes are priced from the low-$200's and can be customized to fit your needs!

It gets better; each high performance home allows you to save up to 28% in whole house energy cost with included eSMART features. For even greater energy efficiency, upgrade to eSMART Plus features or eSMART Green features.

All new homes built in Craig Ranch will include the opportunity to a TPC Membership to the Craig Ranch Golf Course along with a Membership to the Cooper Fitness Center.

For the first weekend, a Deluxe Gourmet Kitchen Package Upgrade will be included as Standard, that features double ovens and an upgraded Cook Top!

Call Brad Holden with Holden New Homes at (469) 733-2723 for details.

More Great news! The city of McKinney recently ranked #5 in Money Magazine's annual "Best Places to Live" report based on affordable housing, employment opportunities, city charm, good schools, low crime, and more. Read the entire article to discover why McKinney was honored. The historic town square has many unique shops to explore! The Heard Museum offers glimpses of wildlife and opportunities for hiking! There is a large variety of wonderful restaurants for everyone to enjoy! Come in today to view the beautiful and spacious homes here at Craig Ranch in McKinney Texas!

The builder will be taking appointments starting tomorrow November the 9^th. Call me today if you want to live in the 2,200 Master Planned Community that will allow you to live, work and play all in one location! I am convinced that David Craig has created something that will likely be the the first and last in North Texas and maybe the nation!

Call Brad Holden with Holden New Homes at (469) 733-2723 if you would like to view the location and model and have a tour of Craig Ranch!

Former Model Home in Prosper Texas is on the Market!

Holden Real Estate — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:22:49 -0700

1021 English Ivy Drive is Ready to be the Home of your Dreams for only $227,000!

This Stunning MODEL HOME from Legacy Homes, one of our Preferred Builders, has 5 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths, Family Room, Formal Living, Breakfast Nook, Formal Dining, Game Room.

This home overlooks a beautiful canal and feautres an upgraded stone landscaping in front and back yard, upgraded kitchen cabinets, granite coutertops just installed, upgraded appliances, designer painted walls and rooms and a sprinkler system.

The model home is located in Glenbrooke Estates in Prosper, Texas.

In Glenbrooke Estates single-family homes are tucked away close to major freeways and nearby metropolitan cities in the exclusive new Glenbrooke Estates in Prosper, Texas. Prosper homes are one of the most sought after physical addresses in North Dallas. With quick access to the Dallas North Tollway and minutes away from Stonebriar Mall, you couldn't ask for a better location! The Glenbrooke community is absolutely charming featuring homes overlooking peaceful waterways and canals.

Of all of the Prosper homes for sale, Glenbrooke Estates has a very unique feel. Call Brad Holden at (469) 733-2723 for the available homes ready for move in today!

Plano Texas, A city that is Greatness!

Holden Real Estate — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 01:54:31 -0700

Plano, Texas is located in Collin County in the great state of Texas.

Plano homes began back in the 1850's by the first settlers coming from Kentucky and Tennessee. Plano in spanish means plain and Plano was deemed the name after a couple other options of Fillmore and Foreman.

It wasn't until the 1970's that Plano homes for sale began to spike. After the majority of new development was headed in the Southern direction, Plano real estate was a prime piece of property due to developing out to the border of North Dallas.

My parents atcually purchased a lot and built a home in North Dallas in the late 1970's. They paid around $27,000 for a 1,800 square feet home. The home was located in the Plano isd school district and that is where I gratuated from in 1997.

Today my parents property is worth around $350,000 and over the years this price increase is due to Plano homes for sale. At one time Plano was the fastest growing city in Texas and the Nation.

The schools are exemplary and have great teachers and curriculiums. Plano currently has three High Schools and is well known for their Football Teams and Soccer Teams.

Plano TX homes have had a constant demand due to the cost of living. This significance has brought many Nationally Recognized Employers to relocate to Plano for their employees and to prosper off of Dallas's business sectors. Not to mention Plano foreclosures have also jumped in the past year to record highs.

Big builders such as Drees, KHOV, Toll Brothers and Pulte have all created communities to allow many new home buyers to call Plano home. Developed neighborhoods by large well known builders inticed many to the city for the vision of raising families in beautiful large homes in plano.

Plano homes have seen a huge increase in price due to the amount of land in Plano left to build new homes if you ask any group of plano realtors. Many Plano residents will tell you they never would live anywhere else due to the amentities and location in the DFW metroplex. If you are looking for Plano homes for sale you have made a wonderful deciscion and will be happy with any neighborhood you choose if you find a new plano home!

Allen Homes feature many amenities and things to do in Allen, Texas

Holden Real Estate — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 02:39:02 -0700

Allen, Texas is located in Collin County in the great state of Texas.

Allen homes began back in the 1800's by the Comanche and Caddo Indians as Tee-Pees. Fast forward to the 1960's and the population exploded and helped a slow growth of Allen home building to occur.

It wasn't until the late 1970's that you could see all over the city, "Allen homes for sale!" This was a good sign of things to come but the residents, mostly farmers, had no idea what was to come.

Way before the Frisco Homes Rush and after the Plano Homes Rush in the mid-1970's, the closest city for new development was traveling East was Allen. New Home Builders started coming in by the truck loads. Many developers at that time were selling actual developments instead of giving an option of a take-down schedule.

Life was good in Allen Real Estate!

Allen isd is an exemplerary rated school district with some of the most sought after elementary, middle and High schools in the nation. The local Allen realtors use the Allen isd as one of the most important selling points when promoting Allen listings.

Allen High School is known for two things, it's Football Team and The Largest High School Marching Band in the Nation! They cover the whole Football Field!

Many big builders have called Allen home in the past couple years. From Grand Homes to Darling and DR Horton to Drees, Allen homes for sale have been a hot commodity. Building communities like Watters Creek, Twin Creeks and Montgomery Farm, the builders have definately paid attention to detail in the Allen houses.

If you are looking for Allen TX Homes, Allen rentals or even Allen Foreclosures give us a call for more information. We specialize in Collin County and feel that we could be considered Allen realtors due to the amount of time we spend there. Allen foreclosures are also a main focus to our out of state relocation clients as well as a group of investors.

Come see what Allen homes for sale look like in person and you will not be dissappointed!

Call me directly at (469) 733-2723 for more info on Allen or an updated List of Properties directly from the builder.

Brad Holden

Holden New Homes

Landon Homes in Frisco, Texas EXPLODING with New Buyers in Austin Ridge

Holden Real Estate — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 02:47:50 -0700

Who is curious about the newest Frisco Homes to hit the Market in DFW? Not Landon Homes.

The newest builder on the block is absolutely taking the city by storm. The Austin Ridge Community could be the most sought after community in DFW. They are selling homes like crazy and are having to take a waiting list on homes on their smaller lots! What other builder in Frisco has a waiting List?

I have seen many builders in the area and how they build, and have never been as impressed as I am with Landon Homes. They have created an unbelievable bar for other builders in energy efficiency as one of the first major builders in DFW that use 2 x 6's instead of 2 X 4's. This helps with the insulation issue by providing up to 60% more insulation than the new homebuilder standard, and the huge savings being passed on to their customers makes Landon Homes a incredible buy for the price.

John Landon has the experience, beautiful open floorplans that make sense, and has created the ultimate value for the middle of the road buyer, or the buyer that wants oe step below custom!

Call me today at (469) 733-2723 to take advantage of the newest builder on the block in DFW, Landon Homes in Austin Ridge, and I promise you will not be disappointed in these Frisco homes!

Brad Holden

Holden New Homes

http://www.holdennewhomes.com

ATTENTION all Craig Ranch Non-Believers . . .

Holden Real Estate — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 03:00:20 -0700

. . . it's back!!!!!

That's right, Craig Ranch is making the turn and heading for the finish line.

The 2,000 Acre Master Planned Community has trotted at a much slower pace than anyone has expected, but after a couple of the latest transactions that have taken place the prime piece of McKinney Real Estate is back!

In late 2007, the public, the custom builder and even the real estate community would shake their head back and forth when the discussion of Craig Ranch came up and think there is no out. David Craig has always had the vision and made the right plays to come out on top.

In the past 6 Months 2 Nationwide builders have made purchases of lots and another is in Escrow as you are reading this to build new mckinney homes. KHOV was the first to take down the first phase of Villa lots despite many other custom builders attempts at the project which left the community in disarray with a home here and a home there.

Same situation with The Settlement on the East Side of the TPC Golf Course. A surplus of McKinney homes for sale were left non-complete due to financing of a builder that had built in DFW since 2000. Yet again, a nationwide builder Beazer Homes has come in and swiped up 93 lots even in the uncertainty of not only this market, but Craig Ranch as well.

Another developer called Mad Mag development has purchased 24 acres and will begin Tuscorara which will primarily focus on independent living with 165 apartments and 24 villas.

To help further stimulate the economy, Traxxas a hobby-class radio controlled cars, trucks and boats, will relocate its corporate headquarters to McKinney in Craig Ranch. This will add another 150 jobs to the city of McKinney after the move. They plan on having a test facilities and race tracks with public access.

So there you have it, all in one post. The next Frisco with that cities Frisco homes explosion? We will have to wait and see. In 5 years, someone will come across this post and think, "Okay, like everyone didn't know that already about Craig Ranch, of course it is the best new community in DFW."

But I would correct him and say, "the best new community in the entire nation!"

If you are looking for a new home, nows the time! Call me to take advantage of what Craig Ranch has to offer at the bottom of the market, before you cannot afford it.

For more information on Craig Ranch visit my website at this link: Craig Ranch McKinney.

Brad Holden

(469) 733-2723

www.holdennewhomes.com

Frisco Texas and McKinney Texas are Top 2 in Population Growth in the Nation

Holden Real Estate — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 03:16:26 -0700

Leave it up to Frisco to make headlines again.

Frisco was the nation's fastest-growing city last year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data released Tuesday. McKinney wasn't that far behind, ranking third in the Census Bureau's Info.

One thing that did surprise me was a couple of other North Dallas Cities in the top 25. Lewisville , Fort Worth, Carrollton and Denton were also included.

Frisco claimed the top spot among cities with more than 100,000 people this is by a 6.2 percent population increase during a 12-month period starting in July 2008. McKinney, scored a 5.5 percent jump since July 2008.

I am happy to say thata big focus in my real estate business is focusing on these two cities. Frisco homes are selling very quickly over the past couple months and most new home builders have no available homes. As for McKinney it is in the same boat. For instance, Craig Ranch in Mckinney, Texas has added three new builders (KHOV, Beazer Homes and a National Builder soon to be announced) in the past 3 months after years of stagnant home growth and many builders leaving the development alltogether. Frisco and McKinney remain as the two cities that over the past decade had the country's biggest population growth, numero 1 and 2. Where u at Uptown or M Streets?

A total of 102,000 residents were in Frisco in 2009 according to the data, compared with fewer than 34,000 in 2000. Pull out your calculators and you will find a 204% Jump! Wow!

In 2009, McKinney's population was nearly 128,000, up from about 54,000 in 2000 - that would be a 135% increase. not too shabby.

This has only helped the whole metroplex of DF-Dub. The area added more residents than any other metropolitan area in the country, both in the last year and the past decade, according to census data released in March 2010.

Credit the population growth to cost of living and a steady and stable increase in home prices in comparison to the rest of the nation.

So in conclusion, there is a lot of things happening in Collin County, Texas. If you are looking for a new home in Frisco or a new home in McKinney, give Brad Holden a call at (469) 733-2723 or visit my website at homes for sale Frisco.

Announcing Eldorado West in Little Elm, Texas by Bloomfield Homes

Holden Real Estate — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 11:15:00 -0700

Eldorado West is a New Home Community built by Bloomfield Homes in Little Elm, Texas. Located off of Eldorado and 423, Eldorado West has amenities that most communities never have.

Located 10 Minutes from Lake Lewisville, many Lake enthusiasts have chosen the community as their new home. Right down the street all of the conveniences such as Walmart, Lowes, Burger King, McDonalds, Shopping and much more is waiting for you.

The Homebuilder Bloomfield Home is gaining ground as one of the largest and best quality builders in DFW and the Nation. Ranked at number 100 in the nation is a big accomplishment beginning in only 2005. Previously, the builders owners worked for a Large National Builder and were the management over DFW. It shows in their homes by the quality and customizations that you can choose.

Starting in the $180's, Bloomfield really gives you a lot for your money. The square footage ranges from 1,840 up to a 6 Bedroom 3,700 Square Foot Monster!

With standard features including Granite countertops, 42 Inch cabinets, Recessed Can Lighting, LOW E Windows, Sprinkler and Garden Tub, most buyers fall in love the first time they visit.

Call Brad Holden directly for a list of available properties in Eldorado West at (469) 733-2723.

BREAKING NEWS . . . The North Texas Real Estate Market is Turning!

Holden Real Estate — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 23:08:18 -0700

Beazer Homes has announced that they have purchased 93 Lots in Craig Ranch and plan on building Mid $250's to Low $300's Product. This could be one of the biggest sign of a turn in the Real Estate Market here in North Texas. Since 2008, Craig Ranch has been a community that held it's price and when things turned ugly in the markets, builders in Craig Ranch couldn't make it work. Practically every custom builder had to pull out because of the supply and demand at the time.

Now is a different story. After hitting the lowest point in Real Estate Prices in around 10 years and a silence in the hammers in every community in McKinney, Plano, Frisco, and Allen, There are signs especially in Craig Ranch that everything is turning. Are Beazer's homes going to be less expensive than the other properties already built in Craig Ranch? Probably. Is this a bad thing for anyone involved? Absolutely not!

KHOV, Beazer and another Nationally Recognized Builder that is now in escrow to purchase part of Craig Ranch will be one of those opportunities that you will say, "Man . . . I wish I would have bought a property in July of 2010!" The reason why is this. You will see Beazer come in and consistently sell 8 to 10 homes a month. KHOV and the other builder, 3 to 4 a month. In 6 months the supply of lots in North Dallas will be so scarce that where else can people go but Craig Ranch. This will bring in the Custom Builders to pick up some of the Estate Lots and BAM! Prices up, Community developing at record speeds, and one of the greatest times in North Texas Real Estate ever!

Believe me, when I was in High School at Plano senior High in 1997, I drove out to my friends parents house in Stonebridge. Driving on the two lane road of Custer by the corn fields, I felt like I was already in Oklahoma. Now take the same drive, Quicktrips, Restaurants, Banks, Townhomes.

Now is the time. If you are looking for a new home in Collin County, Plano, McKinney, Frisco, Prosper, Allen or North Dallas, give it a chance. Contact me directly at (469) 733-2723. Let me, your Craig Ranch New Home Specialist give you a tour, take you to the clubhouse, cooper fitness center, show you what I am talking about and I think you will understand when you see it.

As for Beazer Homes, I will have all the information here as it comes available.

Look forward meeting you and welcoming you to your new community and home in the years to come.

You won't be disappointed!

Beazer Homes to Build in Settlement in Craig Ranch

Holden Real Estate — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 01:12:50 -0700

Beazer Homes, one of the well known new home builders here in North Dallas Texas, has announced that they have acquired 93 lots at the Settlement in Craig Ranch.

This move by Beazer, along with two other Nationally Recognized Builders have seen the opportunity to acquire lots in Craig Ranch despite the downturn in the economy. Most people in North Dallas and Collin County have been sitting back and wondering what is going to happen with Craig Ranch due to custom builders leaving homes halfway constructed and the majority pulling out in the last year or so, well here is your answer.

David Craig, the developer, has made the right moves from the beginning of this community. To have three well known builders in DFW all acquire their lots in a 6 month period, shows that the market is about to start picking up and there will soon be a demand for lots in the coming months.

I have an updated list daily regarding the new home opportunities from the Builders, Bank owned REO's and MLS for anyone that would like to take advantage of these prices right now before the big boys come in and start creating an appreciation in home values that many thought would never happen in their lifetime again.

If you are looking for a New Home in Craig Ranch, call me directly at (469) 733-2723 for a list of properties or visit my website where I have an overview of all of the residential opportunities at Holden New Homes.

Brad Holden

Broker - President

Holden New Homes is a Texas Licensed Real Estate Brokerage.

The Most Unique Property in Dallas, Texas

Holden Real Estate — Sat, 22 May 2010 01:22:56 -0700

Imagine living in the most unique property that Dallas, Texas has to offer. "The Dallas Estate" currently owned by one of the well known businessmen in Dallas has decided to make someones dream come true, "First time in 30 Years!". The Estate sits in the heart of the most sought after community Lakewood, this 5,800+ square foot Oasis on 85,813 Square Feet of Land has the privacy everyone has dreamed.

The Main Estate is surrounded by a creek with 360 degree views of water. Behind the property a private lake that glistens with access from only 12 other properties creating a lake community. To the north of the estate there is a seperate servants quarters for outside help. It goes on and on and on.

Call (469) 733-2723 for showing. Appointment Only.

Also there is a Development Opportunity.

Please Click th Conceptual Below for more info.

Holden New Homes Creates Buzz in DFW Real Estate Market

Holden Real Estate — Fri, 21 May 2010 02:38:20 -0700

When Holden New Homes announced in May of 2010 that their new target market was to list properties in DFW, it sparked a rash of marketing responses from other local brokers around Dallas Fort-Worth. Although Holden New Homes goal is to be "THE" new home Brokerage in Collin County, the ever-changing real estate market has led them in a new direction.

Indeed, Holden New Homes business model is based on their special relationships and knowledge of new home builders in Plano, McKinney, Frisco and Allen; they will take a step back and make changes when they are needed. As such, Holden New Homes has never had more than a 10% focus on listings which would leave the marketing dollars to new homes only. With the new age of the internet, which has drastically changed the real estate world on the Realtors side, that according to the 2009 National Association of REALTORS® Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, 90% of all homebuyers used the Internet as an information source. (Source: 2009 National Association of REALTORS® Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers.)

While the larger Real Estate Power Brokers often tout the importance of their advertising in creating Brand Recognition, Holden New Homes has decided to use those marketing dollars to sell homes. "We look at the larger brokers and have always wondered why they put their names on balloons, acquire other brokerages and take such a large 70/30 commission split from their realtors," says Brad Holden, Broker and Owner of Holden New Homes. "We want to know our clients dogs names, and we want them to know ours." This personal approach has proven to be a success for Holden New Homes to make a name for themselves in the North Texas marketplace. According to a NAR (National Association of Realtors) study, the majority of sellers (67 %), as well as the majority of buyers (67%), only meet with one agent before choosing whom to work with. Brad states that he has never had a potential seller turn Holden New Homes down as the listing broker.

Since 2003 marketing has been solely based for the company attracting new home buyers as clients and taking them to builders that build great product with a steep discount for the price. Now, market syndication is key. "With over 700 new listings a day in North Texas, it is something we need to focus on for growth. Creating value is our market syndication that allows us to be listed in the top 30 real estate online companies with a click. We feel that partnering with Google, Yahoo, Trulia and many others really will help our homes sell much faster than your everyday realtor that works for the larger brokers," Holden states.

Along with the market syndication, there will be a big push on Open Houses. The latest National Association of Realtors Buyer Profile helps support the cause of Open Houses as well. Around 48% of all Home Buyers go to Open Houses in their findings. Many other agents find them as a waste of time and would recommend that no Open Houses should be held since the internet has been the place that buyers find pictures and virtual tours anyway. Brad Holden thinks differently. "Online searchers will definitely find pictures and other information that will be great for their minds to situate what they do and do not like. There is one thing that other agents are forgetting. The online searchers are more likely to come across Open Houses and will be more likely to go because it is like a free pass for them. See a house with no pressure." Brad might be right on this one. Again from the NAR study, around 48% of home buyers do attend open houses. Also, most buyers that have been surveyed have either found there home from a relative or neighbor. Neighbor being the key word there. People love to be nosey and love to talk, and what better time and place after walking through a house down the street.

Holden New Homes would like to extend to anyone thinking of selling or curious if the time is right to sell in the next couple months to visit them at www.holdennewhomes.com or call directly at (469) 733-2723 with any questions regarding to any of their real estate needs.

My Visit Today to Craig Ranch with KHOV Salesperson Terry Waits

Holden Real Estate — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 20:41:32 -0800

This morning I recieved an unknown number phone call on my cell phone that I couldn't get to. A couple minutes later i noticed the message symbol on my phone. I dialed my voicemail and it was a lady with so much excitement you wouldn't believe it.

It was Terry Waits the New Sales Consultant at K Hovnanian's Villas at Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas. I had earlier requested information about the new villas and was also excited about the neighborhood. Craig Ranch is one of the greatest concepts in Texas if not the Nation.

Where can you live, work and play in any neighborhood? I can't even name one. That is David Craig's vision. He has always said that this will be a self sustaining community that will bring the definition of Family back to its roots.

I decided to visit Terry and get more details on the community. I arrived at the guard gate and met Terry at the door. We spoke about the community, type of home choices, floorplans, location and the buyers that these homes will appeal to. "I am just so excited to be here at Craig Ranch," exclaimed Terry. "The type of homes are very unique and we will have our model up very soon."

The homes will be from the Low $300's to the mid-$500's. Buyers will be able to choose from Spanish, French or Traditional. Each home also comes with a TPC Membership that allows you to not only play TPC Craig Ranch, but any TPC golf course in the nation!

If you have any additional questions regarding Craig Ranch call Terry Waits at the model or me Brad Holden directly on my cell phone at (469) 733-2723.

"Come Live the Dream at Craig Ranch!

KHOV to build Villas at Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas

Holden Real Estate — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 14:35:43 -0800

K. Hovnanian Homes will be building Single Story Floor plans in Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas! K. Hovnanian Homes at The Villas of Craig Ranch is located in the beautiful city of McKinney and will feature seven new floor plans created specifically for Craig Ranch.

Five of the plans are single story homes and will offer three elevations including Spanish, French, and Traditional. Floor plans range from 2600 to 3200 square feet with most plans offering an optional bonus room. "The location itself is unbelievable," explains Missy Holden of Plano. "This community will be one of a kind!"

Homes will be priced from the mid-300's to mid-400's. Final pricing and plans will be released at the end of the month. All homes in The Villas of Craig Ranch will include a TPC Membership to the Craig Ranch Golf Course along with a 2 Year Membership to the Cooper Fitness Center.

Where can you find a better place to live than in Craig Ranch. Call me directly for a tour ofthe community or to recieve more information about the homes.

Contact Brad Holden with Holden New Homes at 469-733-2723 for more information or a tour of the community.

Attention all DFW Realtors . . . I need your listing!

Holden Real Estate — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:22:39 -0700

I have been selected as the exclusive Dallas Concierge and always strive to do everything to the best of my ability. So I need your listings that are definate deals or very unique properties.

I would greatly appreciate it, and you to will benefit from the free exposure.

See the PR below regarding the site.

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/08/prweb2798454.htm

Please contact me directly at blitzproperties@gmail.com or call to discuss at (469) 733-2723.

Take care and make it happen!

Attention all DFW Real Estate Brokers and Agents

Holden Real Estate — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 16:11:12 -0700

I'm excited to announce my recent affiliation as the Dallas Concierge with www.TopTenRealEstateDeals.com, a new independent website offering exciting and unique Top 10 lists of today's best real estate deals. The focus is on Luxury Homes and Downtown Condos.

Finding the best deals for buyers is nothing new for me, but searching through over 100,000 listings currently for sale in the DFW Metro area will never happen. I'm glad I'll be able to feature the new ‘Ten Best Real Estate Deals' every month because there is definately A LOT of real estate deals in the Dallas area!

The Dallas list features the 10 best deals on Dallas New Homes and Condos. Specifically, the Phoenix Top Ten list market coverage includes Dallas, Hickory Creek, Prosper, Plano, McKinney, Highland Park and Addison.

I want YOUR listings!! If you have a listing that is an awesome deal, let me know and I'll include it on the list each month.

When I say "deal", I mean an actual deal, not just a nice listing you have. I want listings that are priced well and ready to sell. Maybe it's priced below comps, priced below tax value, pre-foreclosure, or just priced to sell, and sell fast! The focus is on New Homes and Condos

I'm looking for new, preowned, houses, condo, completely updated, or ready to be gutted. Anything that you think is a great "deal" and I'll try to include it.

Who doesn't want extra exposure for their listings??

If you read this and you're not from the area, but you know some agents who might be interested, please pass this along. Otherwise, I'll be pulling up listings in the MLS each month, and who knows who will get the extra exposure!

Call me direct at (469) 733-2723 if you have any additional questions or view my site at Holden New Homes.

Top 10 Secrets for Buying Real Estate

Holden Real Estate — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:15:09 -0700

Buying Real Estate can be your dream come true or your biggest nightmare. I have compiled a top ten list of the most important considerations when it's time to buy.

Buying Dallas Real Estate Tip #10: Big Purchases should not even be considered
Huge purchases and moving money from account to account will send up red flags in every underwriters mind. The golden rule is to budget for no large purchases for the first three to six months before buying any real estate, period. This will help scrutinizing of your credit profile. Lenders need to see that you're consistent and capable of making payments to get the lowest possible rate. It will be close to impossible for underwriters to give you a loan if you open a credit card with high limits or accumulate debt in another way. My advice . . . if you want a house or condo, make sure your credit is where it needs to be to ACQUIRE your new house or condo!

Buying Dallas Real Estate Tip #9: Before you look at one property, get pre-approved
There's a big difference between a buyer being pre-qualified and a buyer who has a pre-approved mortgage. Anybody can get pre-qualified for a loan. Getting pre-approved means a lender has looked at all of your financial information (i.e. pay stubs, credit report, and bank statements) and they've let you know how much you can afford per month and how much they will lend you according to your down payment. Being pre-approved will save you a lot of time and energy so you are not blindly looking around looking at houses you can't afford. It also gives you the opportunity to shop around for the best deal and the best interest rates. Many times you can find a lower rate and the company you are already pre-approved with will match it. Make sure there are no hidden fees or additional points that the lender charges you for that low rate.

Buying Dallas Real Estate Tip #8: Be border control
Buying a house or condo will take a lot of brain power. There are just some things you would never think of. It's absolutely essential to get a survey done on your property so you know exactly what you're buying. This is because knowing precisely where your property lines are may save you from a potential dispute with your not-so-friendly neighbors in a couple months. Also, your property tax is likely based on how much property you own, so it is best to have an accurate map drawn up if not provided with one.

Buying Dallas Real Estate Tip # 7: The Housing Market has a mind of its own
Trying to time the market and figure out when is the best time to buy is a bad mistake for 85% of buyers. Buying at the right time in the housing market is practically impossible. The greatest time to buy is when you find your perfect residence and you can have the funds for it. Real estate is recurring, it goes up and it goes down and it goes back up again and you have guessed it . . down. So when you can't sleep the night you view a home, call them in the morning!

Buying Dallas Real Estate Tip # 6: Bigger isn't always better
Who doesn't love the biggest, most beautiful house on the block? Me, even though I, myself, got sucked into a floor plan that is the largest in the community. Larger is usually not better when it comes to homes and Condos. There's an old motto in real estate that says don't buy the biggest, most stunning house on the block. The largest house only appeals to a very minute audience and you never want to limit prospective buyers when you go to sell in the future. Your home is only going to go up in value as much as the other houses around you. At times it is best to buy the worst house on the block, because the worst house per square foot always trades for more than the biggest house.

Buying Dallas Real Estate Tip #5: Heads up on costs associated with a home or condo
Nearly all people just focus on their mortgage expense, but they also need to be aware of the other costs such as property taxes, utilities and homeowner-association dues. New homeowners and condo owners also need to be ready to pay for repairs, maintenance and potential property-tax increases. Make sure you budget for costs so you'll be covered and won't risk losing your residence.

Buying Dallas Real Estate Tip #4: Remember that you are buying real estate, not marrying it
If there is one thing I have learned in my Real Estate career it is this. Buying a property based on emotions is just going to break your heart somehow, someway. If you fall in love with something, you might end up making some pretty terrible financial decisions for yourself. There's a big difference between your emotions and your intuition. Going with your intuition means that you recognize that you're getting a great house for a good value. Going with your emotions is being obsessed with the paint color or the location. It's an investment, so stay calm and be wise when signing that contract.

Buying Dallas Real Estate Tip #3: Do some homework on the past
Would you buy a car without checking under the hood? I sure hope not. Call an inspector. It'll cost about $175, depending on location in the country, but could end up saving you a large headache. A home inspector's sole responsibility is to present you with information so that you can make a decision as to whether or not to buy. It's really the only way to get an unbiased third-party opinion. It's better to spend the cash up front on an inspector than to find out later you have to spend a fortune.

Buying Dallas Real Estate Tip #2: The details in your offer
Sellers respect an offer that is an oddball number and are more likely to take it more seriously. A nice round number sounds like every other bid out there. When you get more specific the sellers will think you've given the offer careful thought.

Buying Dallas Real Estate Tip #1: Use a Real Estate Broker that is a New Home or Condo Specialist
Before you buy new, do your research on which 3^rd party broker or agent has experience with the builder, developer and the community or building. Many buyers have come to the conclusion that if they use a realtor that they will not get as good of a deal than dealing direct with a builder or developer. Is this thought correct . . . absolutely! Builders have margins and the real estate commission is included in those margins. Now you are probably asking, "Well Brad, that makes no sense to use a realtor if that is the case?" The answer is if you do not use a realtor, you might cut the costs by commissions, but you will most likely lose out on upgrades, buy-downs and other incentives that only a realtor would know because of their relationship and dealings in the past. This in my mind is where the builder takes advantage of the buyers uneducated thought process when dealing with the builder or developer. It is up to you though. I would rather let the pro do the work rather than worry about if you left anything on the table.

Good Luck in the Future.

Brad Holden is broker of Holden New Homes specializing in residential real estate in Dallas, Texas. Contact him directly at (469) 733-2723 if you have any questions about Dallas Real Estate.

Introducing CB Jeni Homes in The Enclaves of Willow Crest

Holden Real Estate — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 20:38:27 -0700

The City of Plano, Texas has earned a national reputation as one of the best places in the country for employers to do business and for families to live and work.

Located just 20 minutes north of downtown Dallas, Plano is in the northeast portion of the metropolitan area and in the central time zone.

Plano, Texas is a superior community with an exceptional educational system, safe family-oriented neighborhoods, abundant recreational facilities, and world-class business parks. With one of the lowest property tax rates in the state of Texas, companies locating in Plano boost their bottom line while offering a high quality of life for employees.

Plano offers a variety of new and existing neighborhoods with homes to suit every lifestyle. From historic Victorians to comfortable single-family homes, and custom executive properties to luxurious estates, home buyers will find an array of choices in property, location and home communities.

Located at Ohio and McDermott, CB Jeni Homes at The Enclaves at Willow Crest offers a classic, old-world neighborhood feel. Buyers can choose from five unique two-story town home floor plans, ranging from 1633 to more than 2300 square feet in size!

Each of their homes boasts a dazzling array of included features such as low E windows; six-panel entry doors; ceramic tile in the entry; seamless gutters and downspouts; security systems; designer lighting fixtures; GE appliances and much, much more!

For a tour and more information please call Brad Holden at (469)733-2723 with Holden New Homes.

The community's proximity to Stonebriar Centre, The Shops at Legacy, The Shops at Willow Bend, restaurants, grocery stores and retail centers are an added plus. The Dallas North Tollway, Central Expressway and State Highway 121 are also nearby.

Welcome to Plano!

Introducing CB Jeni Homes in The Estates of Willow Crest

Holden Real Estate — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 14:17:44 -0700

CB Jeni showcases The Estates of Willow Crest, a convenient West Plano community with architecturally enhanced homes and a low-maintenance lifestyle.

The Estates of Willow Crest features Old World-style charm and a broad mix of floor plans and distinctive designs.

Buyers may choose from seven floor plans that include 2,086 to more than 4,000 square feet of living space and are priced from the $245s to the $420s. There are three exteriors per plan.

All homes feature three or four bedrooms, two to three baths, two dining rooms, up to three living rooms and two-car garages. Select floor plans also include large studies.

Currently five homes are available for immediate occupancy at the community. One of these featured plans is the Renoir.

This Renoir is a four-bedroom, 4 ½ -bath home offering a two-story foyer that opens to a large dining area. Adjoining the foyer is a study. The large kitchen features a center work island and a butler's pantry. The family room, which showcases a corner stone fireplace, features a vaulted ceiling and large picture windows that offer views of the backyard. The expansive master suite includes a high ceiling, a walk-in closet and a deluxe bath with a corner garden tub and a separate shower. A large game room wired for surround sound and three additional bedrooms and two baths complete the upstairs area.

Priced at $427,000, this Renoir offers numerous design upgrades such as a stone-and-brick exterior, slate flooring, a double oven, wrought-iron balusters, archways, art niches and custom lighting.

For a limited time, CB Jeni is offering buyer incentives for those who use the builder's preferred lender, making this an ideal time to buy. Also, take into consideration the $8,000 Tax Credit which could be used as a downpayment!

All homes at The Estates of Willow Crest offer numerous features, including solid-surface kitchen countertops, full sod and sprinkler systems, seamless gutters and downspouts.

Homeowners will also enjoy access to community amenities, such as a pool, cabana and park with a play area.

To learn about this floor plan and incentives appointments are available 7 days a week. To set an appointment please call me, Brad Holden with Holden New Homes, directly at (469)733-2723.

To visit The Estates of Willow Crest from Highway 121, go south on Ohio Drive and turn left on McDermott. The community is on the left.

Welcome to Plano!

9920 Thomas Jefferson in McKinney, Texas is on the market!

Holden Real Estate — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 21:48:49 -0700

CHARMING CAPE COD HOME DR HORTON SINGLE STORY! SPACIOUS 4 BEDROOM WITH LARGE FAMILY ROOM AND FIREPLACE OPENS TO KITCHEN. KITCHEN FEATURES WHITE APPLIANCES, FREE STANDING ELECTRIC RANGE, BUILT IN MICROWAVE AND NOOK. FORMAL DINING ROOMAT FOYER! LARGE MASTER SUITE HAS GARDEN TUB, WALK IN CLOSET AND SEPERATE SHOWER. COVERED PORCH, BIG FENCED BACKYARD, GREAT COMMUNITY WITH POOL AND CLUBHOUSE, FRISCO ISD AND MUCH MORE!

Only $154,990! Must see this 1,950 square foot house ready for move-in.

Call me today (469) 733-2723.

Brad Holden

Completion of Times Square at Craig Ranch

Holden Real Estate — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 21:42:09 -0700

TPC Craig Ranch Times Square:

Alpine Roofing Construction has completed construction on the $80 million residential and retail facility of Times Square at TPC Craig Ranch. This 800,000 square feet, five story building features 77,500 square feet of Span standing seam roof and 60,000 square feet of Firestone modified Bitumen. This is the first vertical residential construction in the 2,500 acre master planned community of Craig Ranch located in McKinney, Texas.

Craig Ranch to host Nationwide Tournament in November, Prices to Jump

Holden Real Estate — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 22:55:53 -0700

The DFW area has not had a major in almost 50 years, but it remains a major player in tournament golf, having staged virtually every kind of event known to man.

Another chapter will be added to the area's vast tournament history with the Nationwide Tour Championship. The season-ending event is Nov. 6-9 at the TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney. In my mind and research, real estate prices have a great chance to increase.

The Nationwide Tour's final tournament will consist of 60 players make one last push for promotion to the PGA Tour. The top 25 on the final money list earn PGA Tour cards for 2009. Luckily, it will be here locally in McKinney. My guess is Mr. Craig will show that CR can handle this then shoot for a larger scale tournament.

A $1 million purse will on the table, with the winner pocketing $180,000. The Golf Channel will broadcast all four rounds, which is huge for the real estate prices here in general.

So the Dallas-Fort Worth area will have three PGA Tour-sanctioned events. The EDS Byron Nelson Championship runs April 24-27 in Irving, followed by the May 22-25 Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial in Fort Worth.

The Salesmanship Club of Dallas, which operates the Nelson with its army of volunteers, will handle the Nationwide Tour Championship at Craig Ranch.

Although most Nationwide Tour events are played in medium markets, the Tour was looking to add some large-market venues for exposure and sponsorship opportunities. DFW is not a bad choice in my mind. We have many of the Fortune 500 companies and also have a tremendous amount of corporate relos due to the cost of living.

Plans call for a rotation among Dallas, Houston and San Diego. Houston will host the 2009 Nationwide Tour Championship, followed by San Diego and then Dallas again in 2011.

The Salesmanship Club's Youth and Family Centers will benefit from the Tour Championship. And Salesmanship Club officials plan to create a big-time feel for the tournament, hoping to build relationships with future PGA Tour stars, is what they have stated, but we all know that Tiger and other big golfers already own a portion of Craig Ranch golf course.

The TPC Craig Ranch was built to stage tournaments with its challenging course and Tour-quality practice range, and believe me, it is very difficult! Major junior events and PGA Tour Qualifying stages have been held at Craig Ranch, which will be the first Tournament Players Club to host a Nationwide Tour event.

The opportunity to get into Craig Ranch with these prices is phoenominal. Come to Texas and own a piece of the most promising community known in the state.

McKinney, Texas ranks # 14 in CNN Money's Top 100 places to Live

Holden Real Estate — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 09:22:03 -0700

I tell people over and over how great McKinney is and they never believe me.

With one of the oldest authentic downtowns in Texas, McKinney is unlike most of Dallas newly developed suburbs. But with new facilities and businesses finding their way to the city (established in 1848), McKinney and its residents are managing fantastic growth.

The once-abandoned Historic Collin-County Courthouse was recently transformed into the McKinney Performing Arts Center, and Olympic gold medalist Michael Johnson established Texass first athletic training and sports science center here.

McKinney also offers excellent schools and plenty of green space, including a 289-acre outdoor preserve and nature museum and PGA Tour - owned and - operated golf course in Craig ranch.

So come to McKinney and see what everyone is talking about.

Today's Texas Real Estate tops Hot on Homes for #1 Spot in DFW

Holden Real Estate — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 21:27:23 -0700

August 7th, 2008

Today's Texas Real Estate(TTRE) tops Hot on Homes for #1 Spot in the DFW Metroplex on only their 2nd episode.

Neilsen Ratings for last Sunday show that as an average, TTRE rated .05 when Hot on Homes came in behind at a rate of .03.

The negative media about the housing market has placed a bad taste in buyers mouths all over the nation. Eventhough our market here in DFW is steady, the national media seems to daily find something wrong.

HotonHomes.com goal is to highlight the communities of new home builders for buyers to have many purchase options within the states of Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. On the main page of the web site there is a big map where you can search for homes in Dallas and Fort Worth, Austin, Houston, San Antonio, Baton Rouge, and Oklahoma City. Within this latter there are builder specials, community videos, library, realtors, markets, and othe info relating to real estate in each market. At the markets section there are links for Baton Rouge, Houston, Orlando and Daytona Beach, and San Antonio, among others. Each segment highlights the communities and what a property can have or be added to a property for an additional cost.

Today's Texas Real Estate is a 30 minute show highlighting each individual property with accurate details and a, "what you see is what you get" mentality. It allows not only builders, but individual realtors like myself, to highlight our actual listings and on top of that, have many leads from each show that is aired.
I strongly am asking all realtors that are looking for that advantage to watch one show and see how the concept makes sense for Builders, Buyers, Sellers, and Realtors.

The show airs on Channel 21 in the DFW Metroplex. For Time Warner Cable channel is KTXA 12 and dish is channel 21.
I will be showcasing the beautiful "Bellavista" in King's Lake in McKinney, Texas on the August 10th show.
http://www.todaystexasrealestate.com/

The Community of Savannah in Savannah, Texas

Holden Real Estate — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 22:46:28 -0700

Welcome to Savannah is located in Aubrey, Texas and is one of the most friendly family communities that I have ever been to. The community has two builders, Vision and D.R. Horton. Both build a cape cod style home and do it well. It is where you can live every moment in the style you've always wanted when it comes to your family. Savannah celebrates a return to elegant living with the style of homes and nurtures true family values with many recreational features and a beautiful location. This master-planned community is infinitely more than just a new home that you are thrilled with. In Savannah you'll live - and play - in a friendly small-town atmosphere with others. Enjoy the Disney-like Club Savannah, and recreational features more extensive than the many resorts worldwide. A private water park, many playgrounds, lakes in the community, neighborhood parks and trails, planned town center and a future Denton ISD neighborhood elementary school which is nearly complete. In fact, even the new home designs were created exclusively for Savannah by the Huffines Group. It's everything you've aspired to - and so much more in a community. Savannah was designed by the developers to make the most of your life and your family's time together.

Directions: Take the Dallas North Tollway north to Highway 380. Make a left heading west onto Highway 380 for approximately 5 miles. Look to your right on the north side of Highway 380, turn when you see the palm trees! Take I35E north to Denton, exit Loop 288 (exit 463) and take a right heading east on Loop 288. Follow Loop 288 to Highway 380, and take a right heading east onto Highway 380. Follow Highway 380 east for approximately 11 miles. Look to the left on the north side of Highway 380, turn when you see the palm trees!