Carissa Acker - Your expert in the Denton and DFW area

HEADLINE NEWS: REbD Group is #1!

Carissa Acker (Real Estate by Design with Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:06:53 -0800

EXTRA EXTRA READ ALL ABOUT IT! The Real Estate by Design Group has been working hard for you in Denton County for the past 5 years and we are proud to say we are now, YOUR number one real estate agents in Denton County! In 2011, the REbD group closed over 250 transactions. With over 70 years of combined real estate experience within the group, you can be assured that we can help you in your home buying or selling process.

So what exactly does the Real Estate by Design Group do differently than everyone else? Well, it's all in the name. We work real estate that is designed around YOU! We understand that every home owner is different and that every home has unique needs. With the resources and experience our team can provide, we make every transaction as smooth as possible. Here are just a few of our specialty areas:

Traditional Home Transactions – If you need to buy or sell your home, let us make the job as easy as possible on you!
New Construction – Looking to buy a new home? We have years of experience finding you the fresh start you need!
REO Experts – With the foreclosure market at an all time high, trust us to work with you and meet your needs.
Certified Home Marketing Specialist – Trained and certified agents to help you prepare and market your home to attract the best buyers.
Certified Short Sale Professional – The short sale process can be confusing and frustrating. Let our specialists help you get through the process as quick and easily as possible.

Real Estate by Design is a team of local real estate experts ready to reveal the secrets of how we can help you sell your home. From setting the price to creating marketing campaigns for traditional media and Web, we’ve got a proven plan that will match your home with the right buyers for the right price. We are committed to fast, professional and courteous personal service to help you understand and feel at ease throughout the home selling process. Our trained and certified agents specialize in the Dallas Fort Worth real estate market and are prepared to sell your home to the right buyer for the best price.

Over the next few weeks, we are going to introduce you to our team here at Real Estate by Design Group. We want you to get to know our agents and why they are so passionate about what they do. If you are interested in searching our homes, please visit our website. Also, stay connected with what’s going on in Denton County through our fan page.

Luxury Townhomes in The District of Highland Village!

Carissa Acker (Real Estate by Design with Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:10:50 -0800

If you’re in the market for a townhome in one of the most sought after areas within Highland Village, Lewisville or Flower Mound, look no further than “The District of Highland Village”.

These townhomes for sale in Highland Village offer something for everyone. Located in the heart of Highland Village at Justin Road (FM 407) and Briarhill Boulevard, The District of Highland Village is located in the middle of Lewisville, Flower Mound and Highland Village. With easy access to the highway, you can easily commute to and from work. If you have children, you can enjoy the closeness of both Highland Village Elementary and Briarhill Middle School. Enjoy play time with your children or your pets at Kid’s Kastle at Unity Park located next to the middle school. When the weekend rolls around, enjoy shopping in the Shops at Highland Village, located about ½ mile away. There is also a large variety of restaurants within ten minutes from The District.

Enough about the area, let’s learn all about these townhomes for sale in Highland Village! With six floor plans to choose from, you really will find the right townhome for you. Choose either a two or three bedrooms floor plan with square footage ranging from 1669 – 2548 sq feet. The District also has a one up on most other townhomes by including a two car attached garage with each home. Enjoy the modern day amenities with old world charm. I’m sure you’re wondering how much these luxury townhomes cost. Prices start just in the $200’s. With everything that The District has to offer and your easy access to the surrounding DFW area, you won’t find townhomes for sale in Highland Village better than these!

If you're looking for townhomes for sale in Highland Village, check out the Real Estate by Design Group. They are a wonderful group of people that know a ton about the area. Also, have a look at the Denton County fanpage to stay up-to-date with current events and connect with people in the area.

Cartagena Skyline by Day

Carissa Acker (Real Estate by Design with Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 15:49:05 -0800

A friend of mine is working and traveling in Colombia. He WAS in Thailand. What a life, huh? I thought that it would be good to share some pictures of his travels. I'd love for other people to get to see some of the things he is seeing. I will post everything from everyday life stuff to architecture in hopes to share a bit of Colombia with those that have never been.

This is a picture of the skyline of Cartagena, Colombia. I love the contrast of the beautiful palm trees, the sparkle of the water, and the wonderful, blue sky. Hopefully you enjoy it as much as I did!

Know someone looking for a home in the Dallas/Denton/Fort Worth area? We heart referrals!

The huge Colombian flag atop Castillo San Felipe de Barajas

Carissa Acker (Real Estate by Design with Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 12:58:21 -0800

This is a picture of the absolutely ginormous Colombian flag that proudly flies above the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas. It is visible throughout the city and is just gorgeous. Of course, the castle itself is pretty stunning, itself. I hope that you enjoy this photo!

Know someone looking for a home in the Dallas/Denton/Fort Worth area? We heart referrals!

Looking for Homes for Sale in Denton, Southridge is the Place!

Carissa Acker (Real Estate by Design with Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 12:21:11 -0800

Finding the right neighborhood is the first place to start when searching homes for sale in Denton. Below I’ve prepared a short summary of Southridge in Denton.

Southridge is one of the most sought after neighborhoods in Denton. Nestled between I-35 and Teasley, it offers both quick access to the highway and a quiet place to raise a family. It is an older, established neighborhood with friendly neighbors and a great community. You will find many neighbors taking walks through the streets to Joe Skiles Park where dogs and kids enjoy playing. The yards and streets are heavily treed providing a shady hideout from hot summer days. When searching for homes for sale in Denton, it is important to consider schools. Southridge is located directly across from Sam Houston Elementary which is a Recognized Campus by the Texas Education Agency. Right down the street is McMath Middle School, also a TEA Recognized Campus. You can feel safe knowing your children are attending a great school so close to home. As far as dining and entertainment goes, Southridge is located next to Loop 288 which offers dozens of restaurants, fast food, shopping and grocery stores. You really can’t find a more family friendly, convenient neighborhood.

If you're looking for homes for sale in Denton, check out the Real Estate by Design Group. They are a wonderful group of people that know a ton about the area. Also, have a look at the Denton County fanpage to stay up-to-date with current events and connect with people in the area.

A View of Bocagrande from Afar

Carissa Acker (Real Estate by Design with Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 09:28:28 -0800

This is a picture of Bocagrande, the beach area of Cartagena, Colombia. It is taken from afar in the part of Colombia known as Crespo. Pretty much the entire city of Cartagena is lined with huge boulders that break the water at the shoreline. The only place where there are actual swimable beaches is Bocagrande. The Caribbean sure isn't a bad place to be in December!

Know someone looking for a home in the Dallas/Denton/Fort Worth area? We heart referrals!

Downtown Cartagena

Carissa Acker (Real Estate by Design with Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:26:54 -0800

This is a picture of the middle of downtown Cartagena, Colombia. You can see all the taxis that drive along the roads honking and beeping all the time. Also, you can see the wall that was built around the city in the 1600's to protect it from pirates. Behind the wall is the inner city which is sprawling with old buildings that make up residences, restaurants, hotels, and places to shop.

Know someone looking for a home in the Dallas/Denton/Fort Worth area? We heart referrals!

When Looking for a Home, Why Not Live the High Life?

Carissa Acker (Real Estate by Design with Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:24:06 -0800

If you haven't been to or seen Highland Village, you are missing out. If you are looking to move, consider the amazing homes for sale in Highland Village.

Located on the southern edge of Denton County on Lewisville Lake, Highland Village is tucked away off I-35 E, creating a quiet lake community with easy access to both Dallas and Forth Worth. Highland Village began as a gathering of get-a-away houses for business professionals of the Metroplex. After realizing the true greatness of this area, many chose to make this their permanent residence. If one is looking for lake life with a modern twist, Highland Village has it figured out. Highland Village residents have a quick commute to either Dallas or Fort Worth, and as of recently “The Shops at Highland Village” have opened and residents can easily enjoy near-by shopping, dining, and movies. Many homes for sale in Highland Village are located mintues from the lake or shopping. While residents have access to these modern conveniences, they do not have to sacrifice safety, education, or the comfort of a close-knit community. Highland Village proudly boasts its #1 ranking in safety in North Texas, and students attend Lewisville ISD, whose campuses have repeatedly been named as “Exemplary.” The community also has multiple occasions to come together at annual events hosted by the city. These include both the Highland Village Balloon Festival and Highland Village Days, which welcomes the onset of summer. And of course, residents have the lake to enjoy all year round. With all the great homes for sale in Highland Village, it is easy to see why D Magazine ranked Highland Village as #2 on their list of “The 10 Best Dallas Suburbs.”

Being that we, here at the Real Estate by Design Group, are experts in this area, we'd love to help you find your dream home. Visit our website at www.REbDgroup.com to see all available homes for sale in Highland Village.

Shakira Impersonator in Colombia!

Carissa Acker (Real Estate by Design with Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:24:16 -0800

The story behind this gentleman is pretty hilarious. Basically, he travels the old city (the part of the city inside the old, Spanish walls) of Cartagena and blares Shakira songs and does crazy dances to them. He's absolutely great! There were a couple of good pictures of him, but I think this one shows off his stomach the best. He does the strangest belly roll and is full of charisma and enthusiasm. I wish I had his energy! I hope you get as much of a kick out of a picture of him as I did!

Know someone looking for a home in the Dallas/Denton/Fort Worth area? We heart referrals!

The Plazas of Cartagena

Carissa Acker (Real Estate by Design with Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:34:25 -0800

I figured I'd share a picture of the best beer in Colombia. This one was taken at one of the many public squares that are located throughout the city of Cartagena. There are tons of little, open plazas that people sit at during the night time and talk, drink, play games, and so much more. It's really a great scene. There are at least four generations of Colombians hanging out together. It's fun to see their all-age-encompassing culture thrive.

Know someone looking for a home in the Dallas/Denton/Fort Worth area? We heart referrals!

If You Want to Grow, Flower Mound is the Place to Go!

Carissa Acker (Real Estate by Design with Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:41:04 -0800

If you're looking for a house for sale in Flower Mound, you won't be disappointed. There is so much to see and do in this city you will never be bored!

Flower Mound is conveniently located on the I-35 E corridor between Denton and Dallas. In addition to this, residents enjoy a 20 and 25-mile proximity to both Dallas and Fort Worth respectively. This not only puts the entertainment of Dallas and Forth Worth at the fingertips of the citizens of Flower Mound, but also the world, as the DFW International Airport is only three miles away. Flower Mound does not solely rely on the bigger cities for their success and growth. This can best be seen through the multiple awards the city has been honored: in 2009 Forbes named Flower Mound the number one city in Texas in their annual “America’s 25 Best Places to Move,” the Dallas Business Journal named two Flower Mound businesses in their list of the 100 fastest growing private businesses in North Texas, and D Magazine has repeatedly named Flower Mound in their annual list of “Top 10 Suburbs to live in Dallas-Fort Worth.” The majority of students living in Flower Mound attend nearby Lewisville ISD schools. While the city of Flower Mound recognizes the importance of economic growth and education, there are still plenty of options for play and relaxation. The city proudly maintains over 30 miles of bike trails, 684 acres of park land, and is home to two golf courses: Bridlewood and Tour 18. Grapevine Lake and Lewisville Lake are also nearby, where families can enjoy water sports, camping, fishing, biking, and hiking. The city strives to maintain a feeling of community by hosting annual events such as: Dorothy’s Dash for MS, Independence Day Fireworks, and a Christmas parade. Flower Mound citizens also have easy access to the arts and culture through the Flower Mound Performing Arts Hall, The Actor’s Conservatory Theatre, and the Flower Mound Chamber Orchestra, all of which are located within the city. The city of Flower Mound, officially a suburb, has grown independently into a balanced community that ranked #8 in D Magazine’s “The 10 Best Dallas Suburbs.”

Finding the perfect house for sale in Flower Mound can be a daunting task. Before setting out on your house hunting journey, you should know what you really want to find. Take some time to list all the features that are most important to you and your family. Here are a few ideas to consider in looking for a Flower Mound home to purchase:

· Location – Flower Mound has a good number of wonderful areas to choose from. Also think about your proximity to quality schools, medical facilities, and shopping markets.

· Size – Do you need a certain number of bedrooms or bathrooms? Don’t forget about closet space

· Parking – Is a covered garage important to you?

· Style – 2-story house or ranch style home? New or older home?

· Air Conditioning & Heating – central heating and/or air conditioning can be a savior in Flower Mound.

As you search for your home, keep these ideas in mind. Your list may change over time as you do more looking. You may want to add or remove features, or perhaps you'll become willing to make compromises to find the Flower Mound home that is the best fit for your family. With hundreds of beautiful Flower Mound homes to choose from, you’ll surely find the one for you.

Horse-Drawn Carriages in Cartagena

Carissa Acker (Real Estate by Design with Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 13:59:01 -0800

This is a picture of one of the many horse drawn carriages that roam the streets of Cartagena at night. For roughly the equivilent of $25 USD, you can tour the city riding in one these wonderful carriages and hear all about the different historical sites (in Spanish, of course). The whole tour lasts for about an hour and will leave you feeling wonderful. If you ever find yourself in Cartagena, Colombia, give it a try!

Know someone looking for a home in the Dallas/Denton/Fort Worth area? We heart referrals!

Castillo San Felipe de Barajas at Night

Carissa Acker (Real Estate by Design with Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:38:35 -0800

This is a picture of the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas at night. It is located in the city of Cartagena, Colombia and it is an ancient fortress built to help guard the city from pirates. Construction started in the 1680's and the project spanned the life of two different architects!

Know someone looking for a home in the Dallas/Denton/Fort Worth area? We heart referrals!

Townhomes for Sale in Frisco, Find Your Fit!

Carissa Acker (Real Estate by Design with Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 11:48:38 -0800

Whether you are looking for your first home or simply a change of pace, you should consider all the townhomes for sale in Frisco. Below is a brief summary of all the things Frisco has to offer.

Located at the Dallas North Tollway and Highway 121, Frisco is a suburb of Dallas that is quickly building a name for itself. There is no need for residents to commute into Dallas to enjoy excellent shopping, dining, or even sports events. Frisco is home to Stonebriar Mall, which has over 1,600,000 square feet of retail space, a 24-screen theatre, and an NHL size ice rink. Shopping at Stonebriar is complimented by the popular Swedish home-furnishing store IKEA, which is located directly across the street. Frisco is one of only three IKEA locations in Texas. There is a lot going on it this town! There are many townhomes for sale in Frisco that are centrally located to all these activities. Frisco is also home to the Dr. Pepper Ballpark, where the Frisco Roughriders play, and the Pizza Hut Park, where the FC Dallas soccer team plays. In addition to hosting games, these stadiums hold other events such as concerts and community events for the enjoyment of the public. Frisco provides a family oriented atmosphere and backs this up with an excellent school district. All Frisco ISD campuses received “Exemplary” or “Recognized” ratings for the 2010 year. One aspect that sets Frisco apart from other growing cities is that even through the rapid growth, the city is diligent about maintaining outdoor spaces for its residents. Many of the townhomes for sale in Frisco are located next to parks and recreation. Frisco proudly maintains 43 parks, which includes over 1,300 acres of public space with play areas and trails. Every year since 2003, Frisco has been honored with the title “Tree City, USA” by the National Arbor Day Foundation and has also received the “Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Parks and Recreation Management” in 2007 and 2010. Frisco residents enjoy a community that provides excellent entertainment, education, and green initiative; these are just a few of the contributing factors that landed Frisco in the #7 spot on Forbes 2009 list of “America’s 25 Best Places to Move.” Being that we, here at the Real Estate by Design Group, are experts in the area, we'd love to help you find your dream home. Visit our website at www.REbDgroup.com to see all available townhomes for sale in Frisco.

So if you are in the market for a place to live within the DFW area, you should really consider all the townhomes for sale in Frisco.

The Skyline of Cartagena, Colombia

Carissa Acker (Real Estate by Design with Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 19:21:02 -0800

This is a picture of the skyline of Bocagrande, the rich part of Cartagena, Colombia. It was taken atop the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, an ancient fortress built in Cartagena to help guard the city from pirates. Construction started in the 1600's! It's a beautiful picture, isn't it?

Know someone looking for a home in the Dallas/Denton/Fort Worth area? We heart referrals!

With All the Houses for Sale in Denton, it's Wise to Know the Area

Carissa Acker (Real Estate by Design with Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 14:16:40 -0800

In this market, there are a lot of houses for sale in Denton, so I've prepared a short summary of the area with some links that might help people know more about the area.

Located at the point in which I-35 E and I-35 W meet, Denton enjoys a unique spot in the Metroplex. Denton is approximately 40 miles from both Dallas and Fort Worth, completing the top of the “Golden Triangle” and connecting residents to all the museums, nightlife, and sports the bigger cities provide. Denton is very entertaining in its own right and regularly receives visitors from surrounding cities and towns. Although Denton continues to grow, the city strives to incorporate an active and outdoor lifestyle for its residents. This is very evident in all the houses for sale in Denton at the moment. Many of them have lots of trees and great outdoor areas. A popular destination for both residents and visitors is the downtown square, which has been developed around the beautiful, historic Denton County Courthouse. The square truly has something for every age. The large lawn surrounding the courthouse is great for reading a book or throwing a Frisbee. The surrounding shops include local: restaurants, boutiques, wine bars, coffee shops, and live music. It even features Recycled Books Records CDs, a long-time local favorite. If you are a history buff and looking at the houses for sale in Denton, you should look at the historic streets of Oak and Hickory that run off of the square. This area features some of the oldest houses in all of the area. Denton maintains multiple parks, trails, a water park, and even a disc-golf course. The city is bike and pedestrian friendly, with many streets providing bike lanes and sidewalks. Residents enjoy 12 annual festivals, most of which are free, and the largest being the Arts & Jazz Festival held in the spring. Of all of the houses for sale in Denton County, the heart of the City of Denton might be just what you're looking for. Denton residents also enjoy a wide range of eating options from more familiar chains such as Chili’s and Olive Garden, to many restaurants and cafes unique to Denton. Another perk residents benefit from are the two universities located within the city. Denton is home to both the University of North Texas and Texas Women’s University. A lot of people looking at houses for sale in Denton do so to rent to college students; it can make for a very wise investment. TWU offers a great nursing program, and UNT has an exceptional music program, which filters out into the city and is part of the reason a great show can be seen any night of the week and earned the city “Best Music Scene” in America in 2008 by Paste Magazine. Residents have the convenience of residing in the Denton County Seat, and can easily handle legal matters, as all main county offices are located in the city. There are also tons of houses for sale in Denton near some of the best schools in the North Texas area! Students attend schools in the Denton ISD which is a “TEA Recognized School District,” and is home to very competitive high-school football teams. Denton has grown into a well-balanced city that encompasses comfortable living, business, the arts, education, and fun. If you're looking for houses for sale in Denton, check out the Real Estate by Design Group. They are a wonderful group of people that know a ton about the area. Also, have a look at the Denton County fanpage to stay up-to-date with current events and connect with people in the area.

Remember, after you've decided on an area of Denton that you want to live in, the people at Real Estate by Design let you look at all the houses in the area for free by clicking on this link.

A Nursery in Thailand

Carissa Acker (Real Estate by Design with Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 11:27:27 -0700

A friend of mine is working and traveling in Thailand. I thought that it would be good to share some pictures of his travels. I'd love for other people to get to see some of the things he is seeing. I will post everything from everyday life stuff to architecture in hopes to share a bit of Thailand with those that have never been. My husband and I went a couple of years back and absolutely loved it! I highly suggest it. There literally is something for everyone to do.

This is a picture of an ordinary nursery in Thailand. Some of the things that grow so easily there are just mind blowing. For example, you can get a bunch of orchids (at least 5-6 plants), all in a pot and ready to take home for the equivalent of about $3. Crazy, huh!

Know someone looking for a home in the Dallas/Denton/Fort Worth area? We heart referrals!

Teacher's Day in Thailand!

Carissa Acker (Real Estate by Design with Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 10:30:59 -0700

In Thailand, they have what they call "Teacher's Day." It is a day when students present teachers with big egg-like things that the class gets together and makes. It is decorated with flowers and candles. It is a VERY big deal and all of the kids cry as they present the eggs to the teachers. Teachers are VERY highly respected in Thailand. Here is a picture of a group of students making one of the eggs:

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A Bright Red Dragonfly!

Carissa Acker (Real Estate by Design with Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 10:25:20 -0700

This shot was just too lovely not to share! In Thailand, there are tons of beautiful creatures to take pictures of. I thought this one was just too cool!

Know someone looking for a home in the Dallas/Denton/Fort Worth area? We heart referrals!

A Chinese Temple in Thailand

Carissa Acker (Real Estate by Design with Keller Williams Realty) — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 08:13:14 -0700

This is a picture of a lovely Chinese temple in Thailand. I'm not sure the religion, but the temple is under construction and absolutely vivid and extremely ornate. It is an absolutely beautiful place!

Know someone looking for a home in the Dallas/Denton/Fort Worth area? We heart referrals!

A Fruit Stand Motorcycle

Carissa Acker (Real Estate by Design with Keller Williams Realty) — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 11:38:00 -0700

In Thailand, things are just a bit different. For example, a lot of stores, especially fruit stands and food stalls, are mobile! I just love how they pull on up and set up shop.

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A Hard Day's Work in Thailand

Carissa Acker (Real Estate by Design with Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 14:31:43 -0700

Life in Thailand is hard! This is a local fisherman quite enjoying his job.

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A Food Stall at a Bus Station in Thailand

Carissa Acker (Real Estate by Design with Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 10:53:04 -0700

Just a bit of food for sell at the bus station in Ubon Ratchathani. Those seedpod looking things that are green with the long stem attached are actually the seedpod of a lotus flower!

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A Bus Ride in Thailand

Carissa Acker (Real Estate by Design with Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 11:32:47 -0700

This picture represents a typical bus ride in Thailand.

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Cute Kids on the Thailand-Cambodia Border

Carissa Acker (Real Estate by Design with Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 12:05:26 -0700

This picture is taken at the border of Thailand and Cambodia. In his words, "they were pretty happy to see foreigners. I don't think they get a lot of them in this area." What cute kids!

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