Exceptional Realty Services - Christy's Blog

HUNTERS CREEK - 3 Month Market Report

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 15:10:19 -0500

Home prices in Hunters Creek currently range from $187,000 to $496,600. The following information is based on activity from 7-17-2007 through 10-17-2007:

Active Properties Listed For Sale: 36

Avg. List Price Per Sq/Ft: $94.01

Avg. Days On The Market: 107

Avg. List Price: $331,280

Pending Contracts: 2

Avg. List Price Per Sq/Ft: $95.45

Avg. Days On The Market: 116

Avg. List Price: $359,950

SOLD Properties: 26

Avg. List Price Per Sq/Ft: $91.73

Avg. Days On The Market: 141

Avg. Sold Price: $306,558

For more information on this community or a complimentary CMA of your neighborhood, call 214-770-5660.

--Our goal in maintaining this blog is to provide you with valuable information, tips, and general insight for buyers, sellers and investors in the Dallas Texas real estate market. If you choose to use Exceptional Realty Services, feel free to call us anytime, we'd be honored to help. We can assist you with the process of finding a home, help with getting a loan, information for relocation, listing and selling your home, investment tips and tools, foreclosure assistance, and short sale information.

LAKES ON LEGACY - 3 Month Market Report

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 14:50:57 -0500

Home prices in Lakes on Legacy currently range from $319,900 to $1,299,000. The following information is based on activity from 7-17-2007 through 10-17-2007:

Active Properties Listed For Sale: 27

Avg. List Price Per Sq/Ft: $151.21

Avg. Days On The Market: 137

Avg. List Price: $627,528

Pending Contracts: 3

Avg. List Price Per Sq/Ft: $137.97

Avg. Days On The Market: 97

Avg. List Price: $486,633

SOLD Properties: 4

Avg. List Price Per Sq/Ft: $108.19

Avg. Days On The Market: 88

Avg. Sold Price: $426,475

For more information on this community or a complimentary CMA of your neighborhood, call 214-770-5660.

CHAPEL CREEK - 3 Month Market Report

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 14:36:57 -0500

Home prices in Chapel Creek currently range from $775,000 to $2,850,000. The following information is based on activity from 7-17-2007 through 10-17-2007 and includes both newly completed construction and homes currently under construction:

Active Properties Listed For Sale: 33

Avg. List Price Per Sq/Ft: $241.11

Avg. Days On The Market: 282

Avg. List Price: $1,435,587

Pending Contracts: 1

Avg. List Price Per Sq/Ft: $224.20

Avg. Days On The Market: 175

Avg. List Price: $1,296,990

SOLD Properties: 7

Avg. List Price Per Sq/Ft: $197.92

Avg. Days On The Market: 83

Avg. Sold Price: $1,107,567

For more information on this community or a complimentary CMA of your neighborhood, call 214-770-5660.

GRIFFIN PARC - 3 Month Market Report

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 12:51:52 -0500

Home prices in Griffin Parc currently range from $179,000 to $750,000. The following information is based on activity from 7-17-2007 through 10-17-2007 and includes both newly completed construction and homes currently under construction:

Active Properties Listed For Sale: 32

Avg. List Price Per Sq/Ft: $113.79

Avg. Days On The Market: 112

Avg. List Price: $437,753

Pending Contracts: 3

Avg. List Price Per Sq/Ft: $120.52

Avg. Days On The Market: 307

Avg. List Price: $417.967

SOLD Properties: 10

Avg. List Price Per Sq/Ft: $117.07

Avg. Days On The Market: 149

Avg. Sold Price: $414,540

For more information on this community or a complimentary CMA of your neighborhood, call 214-770-5660.

TWIN CREEKS - 3 Month Market Report

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 12:18:59 -0500

Home prices in Twin Creeks currently range from $200,000 to $999,000. The following information is based on activity from 7-17-2007 through 10-17-2007 and includes both newly completed construction and homes currently under construction:

Active Properties Listed For Sale: 99

Avg. List Price Per Sq/Ft: $128.14

Avg. Days On The Market: 126

Avg. List Price: $503,720

Pending Contracts: 15

Avg. List Price Per Sq/Ft: $113.81

Avg. Days On The Market: 107

Avg. List Price: $398,233

SOLD Properties: 56

Avg. List Price Per Sq/Ft: $109.30

Avg. Days On The Market: 148

Avg. Sold Price: $378,613

For more information on this community or a complimentary CMA of your neighborhood, call 214-770-5660.

About TWIN CREEKS

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 12:06:28 -0500

Twin Creeks - Allen, TX

A spectacular Allen community in North Texas, built through the extraordinary vision of its developers.

Just south of Hwy 121 with boundaries of Custer, Ridgeview Drive, Exchange Parkway, Alma and McDermott.

Part innovation. Part inspiration. Everything you imagined life could be. Drive up to a lavishly landscaped lake entrance, and enter to find a stunning selection of custom, estate, traditional patio homes with a golf course setting. The feeling of a residential retreat allows you to escape from the mundane world into one of endless potential. An environment that invites you to kick back and enjoy the best that life has to offer.

The Twin Creeks Golf Course was designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer. It is a championship style 18-hole course that is challenging, but not intimidating to the average golfer. Rated as one of the top ten courses in Texas, it is also considered one of the most peaceful and naturally preserved in the the state.

Amenities Include:

2 Swimming Complexes

6 Lighted Tennis Courts

3 Half-Court Basketball Courts

2 Sand Volleyball Courts

2 Playgrounds

Over 3 miles of Hike and Bike Trails around 3 separate creeks

2 Community Pavilions

2 City of Allen Soccer Fields

2 City of Allen Baseball Diamonds

3 Shaded Picnic Areas

Fishing

Call Christy Singleton at Exceptional Realty Services for more information on this community. 214-770-5660

How to pick the PERFECT PUMPKIN...

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 11:23:01 -0500

Last weekend I held an open house at a gorgeous home for sale in Frisco. On the way, I decided to stop off and get a pumpkin to help greet my potential buyers. It took far longer than I wanted because I was searching for that "Perfect Pumpkin." Whether you're shopping at a pumpkin patch or a neighborhood store, the search criteria should be the same. Here are a few tips to help you find one that is just right for you.

1. Know the design you are going to carve before you go looking for a pumpkin. Think about which shape would best suit your design...tall and narrow or flat and round?

2. Find a smooth, evenly colored pumpkin.

3. Remember to pick pumpkins up from the bottom, not from the stem as they can break off.

4. Make sure the pumpkin is firm, not soft in any way, and be sure to look over the entire pumpkin. Do not choose a pumpkin with any bruises, cuts, scratches or signs of mold. If you'll be using stencils, stay away from those with dents as well.

5. If you are going to use the insides for baking, look for smaller "sugar" pumpkins.

6. Find a pumpkin that has a hollow sound when you knock on it.

7. Make sure to stand the pumpkin upright by itself away from the other pumpkins to see how it will fare on it's own. If it doesn't sit level, you will end up having to prop it up and that could be dangerous if you want to put candles in it.

8. Handle With Care! Be careful not to slam your pumpkin down on the table or let it roll around in the back and get all banged up. Bruises inevitably shorten the life of a pumpkin.

9. Maintain your pumpkins by keeping them in a cool, dry place.

For those who don't know, pumpkins are members of the winter squash family, and can last quite a while in storage. For this reason you may want to draw a face on them for the weeks before Halloween, then carve them the week of, as it is only when they're carved that they begin to deteriorate rapidly.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

Is Your Home HIGH TECH?

Sun, 14 Oct 2007 21:17:58 -0500

If you have the latest technology and entertainment options are important in your new home, make sure to add the following questions to your buyer's checklist. Sellers should take notice and make sure to use the features you have to enhance your marketing efforts...

1. Are there enough jacks in every room for cable TV and high-speed Internet hookups?

2. Are there enough telephone jacks?

3. Is the home prewired for home theater or multi-room audio and video?

4. Does the home have a local area network for linking computers?

5. Does the home already have wiring for DSL or other high-speed Internet connection?

6. Does the home have multi-zoning heating and cooling controls with programmable thermostats?

7. Are there lighting controls, window-covering controls, or other home automation features?

8. Is the home wired with multipurpose in-wall wiring that allows for reconfigurations to update services as technology changes?

Starwood - 3 Month Market Report

Wed, 10 Oct 2007 13:23:32 -0500

Home prices in Starwood currently range from $400,000 to $3,999,000. The following information is based on activity from 7-10-2007 through 10-10-2007 and includes both newly completed construction and homes currently under construction:

Active Properties Listed For Sale: 75

Avg. List Price Per Sq/Ft: $216.30

Avg. Days On The Market: 113

Avg. List Price: $1,169,954

Pending Contracts: 4

Avg. List Price Per Sq/Ft: $163.32

Avg. Days On The Market: 107

Avg. List Price: $862,473

SOLD Properties: 44

Avg. List Price Per Sq/Ft: $161.21

Avg. Days On The Market: 61

Avg. Sold Price: $724,174

For more information on this community or a complimentary CMA of your neighborhood, call 214-770-5660.

Hillcrest Meadows - 6 Month Market Report

Wed, 10 Oct 2007 13:01:29 -0500

The following information is based on activity from 4-10-2007 through 10-10-2007 for the homes in Hillcrest Meadows:

Active Properties Listed For Sale: 1

Avg. List Price Per Sq/Ft: $86.86

Avg. Days On The Market: 62

Avg. List Price: $230,000

Pending Contracts: 1

Avg. List Price Per Sq/Ft: $85.76

Avg. Days On The Market: 20

Avg. List Price: $203,000

SOLD Properties: 6

Avg. List Price Per Sq/Ft: $89.50

Avg. Days On The Market: 23

Avg. Sold Price: $214,183

For more information on this community or a complimentary CMA of your neighborhood, call 214-770-5660.

Ways to Make a Small Room Appear LARGER...

Tue, 09 Oct 2007 00:03:21 -0500

Everyone has at least one room in their home that is too small for their liking. Here are 10 ways to make any room look bigger.

1. Use soft, light colors, as opposed to bright or dark colors. It will undoubtedly make a room feel larger. Your best bet is to work with pastels, neutrals, and/or whites.

2. Choose a monochromatic color scheme: colors with the same hue but different intensities. (A paint swatch card would provide an example of different tones of the same color). Use two or more of these monochromatic colors on furniture, rugs, and/or walls to create a stylish, pleasant look.

3. Use lighting to open up space. Recessed spot lighting is attractive and practical. A torchiere light allows light to bounce from the ceiling back down to the room. Not as practical but very affective - skylights and solar tubes add natural light.

4. Cut down on accessories and decorations. Additional clutter will only make the room feel smaller.

5. Choose a light-colored carpet or light oak to make the room appear brighter, and keep the ceiling white or at least a light color to open up the space.

6. Hang wall mirrors. They will reflect images, light and colors to make the room appear larger. Mirror tiles on an entire wall can make the room feel double the size.

7. Limit the size of your furniture in small places. Try downsizing a full-size sofa to a love seat.

8. Put up paintings or prints to add depth. Larger paintings work better than a group of small paintings.

9. Keep the room visually balanced. For example, a large and bright element could overwhelm a small room and make the room feel small.

10. Try using a glass table for your dining, coffee, or end table. They will helpt to give the room a more open feeling.

Shaddock Creek Estates - 3 Month Market Report

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 23:02:50 -0500

Home prices in Shaddock Creek currently range from $399,000 to $1,665,000. The following information is based on activity from 7-1-2007 through 10-1-2007 and includes both newly completed construction and homes currently under construction:

Active Properties Listed For Sale: 78

Avg. List Price Per Sq/Ft: $142.12

Avg. Days On The Market: 165

Avg. List Price: $666,669

Pending Contracts: 7

Avg. List Price Per Sq/Ft: $142.84

Avg. Days On The Market: 229

Avg. List Price: $672,200

SOLD Properties: 17

Avg. List Price Per Sq/Ft: $121.37

Avg. Days On The Market: 176

Avg. Sold Price: $578,817

For more information on this community or a complimentary CMA of your neighborhood, call 214-770-5660.

Plantation Resort - 3 Month Market Report

Sun, 07 Oct 2007 22:03:34 -0500

The following information is based on activity from 7-1-2007 through 10-1-2007 for the homes in Plantation Resort:

Active Properties Listed For Sale: 37

Avg. List Price Per Sq/Ft: $87.27

Avg. Days On The Market: 75

Avg. List Price: $220,101

Pending Contracts: 5

Avg. List Price Per Sq/Ft: $82.51

Avg. Days On The Market: 101

Avg. List Price: $190.110

SOLD Properties: 40

Avg. List Price Per Sq/Ft: $89.02

Avg. Days On The Market: 98

Avg. Sold Price: $214,619

For more information on this community or a complimentary CMA of your neighborhood, call 214-770-5660.

The Greens of Gleneagles - 6 Month Market Report

Fri, 05 Oct 2007 03:49:05 -0500

The following information is based on activity from 4-1-2007 through 10-1-2007 for the 80+ homes in The Greens of Gleneagles:

Active Properties Listed For Sale: 5

Avg. List Price Per Sq/Ft: $184.16

Avg. Days On The Market: 92

Avg. List Price: $643,652

SOLD Properties: 3

Avg. List Price Per Sq/Ft: $183.88

Avg. Days On The Market: 94

Avg. Sold Price: $577,000

For more information on this community or a complimentary CMA of your neighborhood, call 214-770-5660.

The Villages of Stonebriar Park - 6 Month Market Report

Fri, 05 Oct 2007 03:32:46 -0500

The following information is based on activity from 4-1-2007 through 10-1-2007 for the 200+ homes in The Villages of Stonebriar Park:

Active Properties Listed For Sale: 26

Avg. List Price Per Sq/Ft: $240.30

Avg. Days On The Market: 154

Avg. List Price: $1,281,508

SOLD Properties: 6

Avg. List Price Per Sq/Ft: $196.39

Avg. Days On The Market: 195

Avg. Sold Price: $995,125

For more information on this community or a complimentary CMA of your neighborhood, call 214-770-5660.

The Villages of Stonebriar Park - Frisco, TX

Fri, 05 Oct 2007 03:04:57 -0500

Mirimar Village - $600,000

A gorgeous Hawkins-Welwood custom zero-lotline home. Magnificent wood floors are in abundance, as are arches and deep mouldings. The gourmet kitchen has granite, tumbled marble, antique glazed cabinets, two pantries, and a sub-zero. Informal eating area overlooks trees and a courtyard. Cozy family room has fireplace and built-in shelving. A great price for an absolutely exquisite home! *** ALSO FOR LEASE!

Bed/Bath: 3 / 3 1/2

Sq Feet: 3546

School District: Frisco ISD

County: Collin

Call Christy Singleton at Exceptional Realty Services for more information. 214-770-5660

The Villages of Stonebriar Park - Frisco, TX

Fri, 05 Oct 2007 02:51:11 -0500

Seneca Village - $850,000

Classic styling of this Hawkins Welwood home will provide you with years of enjoyment. You will love the drive-up appeal, the European ambiance of the Villages of Stonebriar Park and the security of a prestigious gated community. This great home sits on a cul-de-sac lot and the large backyard provides you with a private resort-like setting: pool, gazebo with eating area, play area, trees and array of flowers. The home is spacious with its large rooms, open floor plan, high ceilings and stylish arches. The use of gorgeous hardwood floors exemplifies superb quality. The gourmet kitchen is extra-large and has the features you desire: slab granite countertops, large island with storage for working and eating, gas cook top, subzero, and abundant work space. The family room is huge and has its cast stone fireplace that provides those feelings of home. The Master Suite is spacious and views of your gorgeous backyard abound. You'll love your extra-large closet. There is an over-sized shower and a large jetted tub, too. Upstairs there are three bedrooms, each with their own bathrooms. There is a game room or media room which is pre-wired for the ultimate in relaxation. Another room is used for an office. Don't miss this great property! Can you believe it is priced under a million!!!

Bed/Bath: 4 / 3 1/2

Sq Feet: 4420

School District: Frisco ISD

County: Collin

Call Christy Singleton at Exceptional Realty Services for more information. 214-770-5660

About THE VILLAGES OF STONEBRIAR PARK

Fri, 05 Oct 2007 02:30:06 -0500

The Villages of Stonebriar Park

French country estate living in six picturesque villages, set among the lush rolling meadows of Frisco. The Villages of Stonebriar Park's 17th Century French architecture reflects elegance and comfort, featuring the areas most renowned and respected custom home builders.

With spacious homes ranging from the $550,000's to $3 million plus, this gated community offers creek and lakefront properties, open spaces and membership in the heralded Frisco school district.

Enter through the replicated 17th century french gatehouse. Notice the meandering creek, native trees, park-like common areas with lakes and fountains - you'll know immediately that this is where you you must live!

Located in the heart of west Frisco, it provides direct access to the North Dallas Tollway, S.H. 121 and Preston Road. Convenient to both DFW International Airport and Love Field, as well as to Dallas itself. Just minutes from Legacy Business Park, home to many prominent corporations.

Come and experience the Old World Charm that is The Villages of Stonebriar Park!

For more information on this fabulous community call 214-770-5660

An update FOR BUYERS...

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 00:54:47 -0500

According to the Washington Post Writers Group and Realtor Magazine Online, currently, for most buyers, the mortgage market is "healthy".

"The widespread notion that the entire mortgage market is in crisis is just plain wrong", is what lenders in various parts of the country are saying.

I keep reading more and more how the majority of mortgage products have been unaffected by troubles in the subprime segment.

"Interest rates for 30-year, fixed-rated loans remain in the low 6% range for people with reasonably good, though not necessarily perfect, credit records," says Kenneth R. Harney, managing director of the National Real Estate Development Center and syndicated columnist.

While they say there is plenty of money to lend, all of you buyers out there still need to be aware that underwriting standards are much more strict now than they were just a year ago.

Similarly, FICO credit-score standards are generally higher than a year ago, stated-income mortgages with no verifications are harder to find and lenders are especially wary of combining low down payments with marginal credit scores and high debt-to-income ratios in markets where prices are trending lower.

To all of my BRETT FAVRE FANS...

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 00:22:09 -0500

I know this has nothing to do with Real Estate, but those who know me will tell you it's a subject I'm EQUALLY as passionate about!

We have to take a moment for a quick "Green Bay Blog" to praise my all time favorite quarterback BRETT FAVRE!!! For those of you who live under a rock and haven't heard the news (just kidding of course, but it HAS been all over the news!) Brett Favre broke Dan Marino's record for career touchdown passes yesterday, zipping No. 421 to Greg Jennings in the first quarter of Green Bay's 23-16 victory over the Minnesota Vikings! Wow! What an accomplishment, and he's so humble about it - good for him- you just gotta love the guy!

The Packers are now 4-0 and in 1st place in the NFC North. This is the best start for them since 1998!

I can't WAIT for them to come to Dallas for their game against the Cowboys in November, and YES I already have tickets!

All I can say is GO PACK GO!

Do I qualify for a HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION?

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 23:45:05 -0500

I have a customer who is moving here from out of state that asked me today what a Homestead Exemption was, and how she could qualify for one. Here is a brief overview of what I shared and thought others might like to know...

What is a Residential Homestead Exemption?

A residential exemption removes part of the value of your property from taxation and lowers your taxes.

What are the qualifications?

•-You must own the property on January 1

•-The property must be your primary residence on January 1

•-You may not have claimed a residence homestead exemption on any other property

Please contact the appropriate appraisal district to notify taxing authorities of a change in ownership. We have provided the websites for you below.

They can also provide you with; more information on the Homestead Exemption, as well as other exemptions for which you may qualify and the application to take advantage of these tax savings, to be returned between January 1^st and April 30^th.

Dallas County Central Appraisal District ----- http://www.dallascad.org/

Denton County Central Appraisal District ----- http://www.dentoncad.com/

Collin County Central Appraisal District ----- http://www.collincad.org/

Tarrant County Appraisal District ----- http://www.tad.org/

DO YOU HAVE ALOT TO BE THANKFUL FOR?

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 22:41:03 -0500

Whether or not we have had a fruitful year of real estate blessings, or have prospered in other phases of this industry, I believe it would be safe to say we are all very blessed in many ways. If you have alot to be thankful for and have not had a chance to give a little back this year, I have a great opportunity for you to do your good deed for the day!

It's an amazing campaign called "Miles for Smiles", that works in conjunction with the Make A Wish Foundation.

It is an effort to help raise airline miles for travel wishes to be granted to children with life threatening illnesses. Every year, more than 67% of the children's wishes are to travel, and thus the Make A Wish Foundation needs to raise over 2.5 billion miles in order to grant these wishes to the children and their immediate families.

They are tying to reach their airline miles goal before the end of the year, and as you can see they are going to need all the help they can get. There is no cost for you to donate miles, yet the benefits are immense. With our help and contributions, we can make a tremendous difference in the lives of these children.

Take a moment to read the campaign memo below, it explains the Miles for Smiles program and provides you with a donation form.

It's fast and easy to donate (all the directions are listed on the form), and if we could all pass along the information, the possibilities for donations are endless!

The holidays are upon us and this forum has over 50,000 kind, caring, giving souls as members. If everyone donated just 50 miles, we could provide 2,500,000 miles for an amazing cause! And just think, it won't take you any longer than it did for you to read this blog...

Miles for Smiles Campaign ‘07

Miles for Smiles, is a campaign that works in conjunction with the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® , and is aimed at raising airline miles to help grant travel wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. There are many children with life-threatening medical conditions that have wishes and dreams that they would love to have realized during their lifetimes. Due to the high cost of medical care that many of the families of these children have to endure, it may be difficult for these families to grant their children their wishes, especially if it involves travel. If contributions aren't made, their wishes may not be fulfilled during their lifetime.

Since 1980, the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® has enriched the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions through its wish-granting work. The Foundation's mission reflects the life-changing impact that a Make-A-Wish^® experience has on children, families, referral sources, donors, sponsors and entire communities. A wish experience is frequently a source of inspiration for children undergoing difficult medical treatments and a positive force that helps them overcome their obstacles. A wish experience is often more than a dream come true: It's the catalyst that rekindles their belief in themselves and the promise of their future.

Make-A-Wish^â volunteers and professionals are often asked the same question: "How can you afford to send so many children and families around the world?" The answer is elegantly simple. It is because of the generosity of our airline partners and their members. Each of the following airline partners offers programs for members to donate miles to the Make-A-Wish Foundation:

AirTran Airways: A+ Rewards^â American Airlines: AAdvantage^â

British Airways: Executive Club USA^â Continental Airlines: OnePass^â

Delta Air Lines: SkyMiles^â Northwest Airlines: WorldPerks^â

United Airlines: Mileage Plus^âUS Airways: Dividend Miles^â

Make-A-Wish Foundation estimates that to fulfill each travel wish, and include each wish child's immediate family in the wish experience, they will need more than 2.5 billion frequent flier miles this year.

"I wish to sleep on a hammock between two palm trees on the beach in Hawaii." "I wish to go to Antarctica." "I wish to go see gymnastics at the Olympics." These are but a few of the gems, children with life-threatening medical conditions selected when provided an opportunity to create a wish experience with the Make-A-Wish Foundation^â. This past year, more than 67 percent of wish children chose to travel.

You can see here why donating airline miles are so important. By donating our airline miles through Miles for Smiles, benefiting Make-A-Wish Foundation^®, we have the opportunity to show our care, generosity, inspiration, and support to these children and their families. We have the opportunity to make a difference in a child's life as well as our own.

If you choose to donate, please fill out the Miles for Smiles Campaign donation form completely, and follow the instructions to have your donation completed. The Miles for Smiles goal this year is to raise over 2.5 billion airline miles through this campaign by December 31, 2007.

Let's all come together and exceed our goal.

Make-A-Wish Foundation^®thanks you, Miles for Smiles thanks you, and the children thank you. You have truly made a difference.

America West Airlines: 5,000-mile increments

American Airlines: 250-mile minimum

British Airways: 1,000-mile minimum

Continental Airlines: Any amount; must include PIN number on form

Delta Air Lines: 5,000-mile minimum

Northwest Airlines: Donations only accepted at (800) 327-2881, charity code 11; 5,000-mile minimum in 1,000 mile increments
Southwest Airlines: Unused tickets or Rapid Rewards Tickets only
United Airlines: 1,000-mile minimum
US Airways: 5,000-mile minimum/1,000-mile increments
*Note: To donate your WoldPerks mileage, please contact Northwest Airlines directly via phone at 800-327-2881 or online at http://www.nwa.com/, then please contact Amber Hill to let her know exactly how many you donated so she can keep a record of it being donated through Miles For Smiles.
Please complete this form and return by email or fax it (ATTN: AMBER HILL) directly to:
Make-A-Wish Foundation^®
1875 Century Park East, Suite 950
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Fax: (310) 785-9474
Email: ahill@wishla.org

_____________________________   _________   ___________________________________________
First Name                                 M.I.           Last Name

_____________________________________________________________________________________
Street Address

__________________________________________________         ___________     ___________________
City                                                                               State               Zip Code

_____________________________________   __________________________________________
Work Phone                                            Home Phone

Name of Airline ____________________________________

Number of miles/points donated _____________________

Account number _______________________________   PIN number _______________________
                                                                       (For Continental Donations Only)

Please arrange for my donation of frequent flier miles/loyalty points.

_______________________________________________________________
Signature

Share the Power of a Wish^â
*The IRS recognizes award points and miles as a gift or an award from the corporation to the individual; therefore, points and miles donated to charity are not considered tax-deductible.

CHEAP TICKETS FOR THE STATE FAIR OF TEXAS...

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 21:48:37 -0500

If you are in the process of buying or selling real estate, we know it can be somewhat overwhelming at times. So why not take a break and enjoy some quality time with your family and loved ones. Yes, it's that time again!

Enjoy The State Fair of Texas September 28th - October 21st!

Here are a few ways for you to save money on tickets!

2007 State Fair of Texas Promotions:

Participating North Texas KROGER stores have advanced purchase General Admission tickets for $12.50. A Season Pass is $29.95. They may be purchased at the checkout counter or at the service desk.

Opening Day - September 28th, bring a full 20 oz. Coca-Cola product to donate to the North Texas Food Bank at the fair admission gates, and get $4's per donation per person.

$3 Tuesdays - Every Tuesday, bring an empty Dr Pepper can and enter for $3. Most rides (excluding the Thrillway and the Texas Star) are five coupons.

"Three for $1" - Every Wednesday, admission is $1 for each visitor bringing three cans of food for area food banks.

$4 Thursdays - Bring an empty 20 oz. bottle of a Coca-Cola product and enter the Fair with a $4 admission.

FREE Thursdays for Senior Citizens 60 years and older!

FREE Thursdays - General admission with a Cinemark Theater ticket stub.

Any Day - McDonald's offers $3's off General Admission with one of their State Fair coupons any day of the Fair. Each $3-off-General Admission ticket also allows you to bring in one child for free too!

All offers may not be combined with any other offer...

STUCCO vs. EIFS...What you might not know

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 00:34:12 -0500

Here is some information I found on EIFS, there are pros and cons to this type of siding. This information is only intended to inform and does not reflect my personal opinion.

Stucco / EIFS Testing & Moisture Analysis

EIFS is a siding system used for exterior walls in both residential and commercial construction. One type of system which has been widely used on residential homes is called "Barrier" EIFS. Barrier EIFS typically is designed to resist water penetration at the outer surface but not water that gets behind it. There are some newer drainable EIFS systems on the market which are designed to allow the escape of such water.

As a homeowner with EIFS on the exterior of your home, you should perform frequent visual inspections to include:

Thorough checking of windows, flashing and sealant/caulk.
Damaged flashing should be repaired or replaced immediately.
Cracks or deteriorated sealants should be repaired or removed and replaced.
Periodic moisture testing would be prudent, especially for houses that were diagnosed with elevated moisture levels.

EIFS FACTS

Many of the major relocation companies are refusing to "buy out" an employees house clad with EIFS without a complete invasive moisture survey.
Some insurance companies are refusing to insure an EIFS clad house without a moisture test.
An invasive moisture test and survey of EIFS is not part of a visual home inspection and many of the water intrusion problems would go undetected by a normal home inspection.
An EIFS inspections requires sophisticated meters and equipment costing several thousand dollars.
The industry estimates that 80%-90% of all stucco homeowners will experience some degree of moisture problems with their home, including not only those with synthetic stucco installed over foam, but many hardcoat stucco applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is water entering behind EIFS?
Interfaces between EIFS and dissimilar materials are a common source of water intrusion, not the EIFS lamina (base coat and finish coat). The most frequent source of water intrusion is windows. Water frequently enters the EIFS at window locations in two ways: either through the joint around the perimeter of the window or through seams and joints in the window construction itself. Large quantities of water resulting in some of the most severe damage have frequently been discovered entering behind where a roof meets and terminates at the lower edge of a wall. Other potential sources of water intrusion are chimneys, decks and any other penetration of the EIFS lamina.

Why does water intrusion occur behind EIFS, and why is it important to discover it?
Water intrusion occurs through and/or around building components such as windows, doors, gable vents, penetrations, and a variety of flashing and construction details. Water intrusion also occurs when maintenance is ignored for these components and other critical areas, such as caulk joints. It is important to discover the occurrence of water intrusion, because water can enter behind the cladding and wet unprotected sheathing, and in some cases, the wood structural members. Depending upon climate and the overall make-up of the wall assembly, the wall may not readily dry out. As water intrusion continues to occur undetected in a particular area, it can accrue to levels substantial enough to cause damage. Early detection of water intrusion is the key to minimizing and preventing such damage.

Is the location of water entry visible, and is the damage visible?
The location of water entry is often difficult to see, and the damage to the substrate and structural members behind the exterior wall cladding frequently cannot be detected by a visual inspection.

How serious are the problems if water intrusion occurs in EIFS-clad houses?
Damage can be significant if moisture intrusion goes undetected. Damage can become more serious if allowed to continue over time.

Should I have my EIFS home periodically checked for elevated moisture levels?
Testing should be done at least annually. A combination of two moisture meters should be used: (1) a non-invasive meter that scans through the wall without penetrating the EIFS lamina, and (2) a probe-type meter that penetrates the EIFS lamina and gives moisture readings of materials in contact with the probes. Only a professional experienced in EIFS water intrusion inspections should perform these tests.

What are the repair objectives?
The primary objective of repair is to eliminate water intrusion. Repairs should be made where elevated moisture is detected or structural integrity of the material is impaired. Where structural damage has occurred, those areas require replacement of decayed wood products in addition to eliminating the source of water intrusion. It has been discovered that wet but undamaged substrate can dry out over time once the source of the water intrusion has been eliminated. Repair methods should address leaks associated with but not limited to:

· Roofs - Install effective kick-out flashing at roof-to-wall intersections, diverter flashing around trapped valleys, and rake flashing.

· Caulk Joints - Install effective caulk joints.

· Windows and Doors - Caulk window jamb to sill joint and joints in any molding surrounding the window or door. Specially designed sill flashing is needed below most types of windows and most windows that are mulled together.

· Decks - Install effective flashing.

· Chimneys - Install effective cap flashing, cricket flashing at trapped valley, and effective kick-out flashing for roof-rake wall intersections.

· Other Penetrations - Install effective caulk joint and/or flashing.

· Cracks and Damaged EIFS Lamina - Repair according to manufacturer's specifications.

Should the repair be monitored?
You should hire a professional experienced in EIFS water intrusion inspection to perform follow-up inspections within six months after the repair. Then once every year, the effectiveness of the repair should be monitored as part of the whole house moisture survey. If the repair is not successful, elevated moisture levels will be detected, and the repair method should be evaluated for the reason for failure. After making additional repairs, follow up with another inspection until such time that the moisture level becomes acceptable.

Understanding HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE...

Mon, 24 Sep 2007 19:55:40 -0500

5 Things to Make Sure You Understand about Your Homeowners Insurance

1. Look for exclusions to coverage. For example, most insurance policies do not cover flood or earthquake damage as a standard item. These coverages must be bought separately. If you are in an area where you would need special coverage, don't wait for a disaster to happen to find out you don't have it!

2. Look for dollar limitations on claims. Even if you are covered for a risk, there may be a limit on how much the insurer will pay. For example, many policies limit the amount paid for stolen jewelry unless items are insured separately.

3. Understand replacement cost. If your home is destroyed you'll receive money to replace it only to the maximum of your coverage, so be sure your insurance is sufficient. This means that if your home is insured for $150,000 and it costs $180,000 to replace it, you'll only receive $150,000.

4. Understand actual cash value. If you chose not to replace your home when it's destroyed, you'll receive replacement cost, less depreciation. This is called actual cash value.

5. Understand liability. Generally your homeowners insurance covers you for accidents that happen to other people on your property, including medical care, court costs, and awards by the court. However, there is usually an upper limit to the amount of coverage provided. Be sure that it's sufficient if you have significant assets.