Dallas Texas Real Estate Blog

Fort Worth Real Estate Agents - Fort Worth Apartment Locators

DFW Urban Realty (Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 17:03:56 -0500

DFW Urban Realty is currently hiring Fort Worth real estate agents and Fort Worth apartment locators to handle large volume of leads. If you are looking for a change, contact DFW Urban Realty today. We provide sales/rental leads and training. Work from home with no office time or desk fees. Position will consist of assisting buyers, sellers, renters with purchasing, selling and renting homes, condos, townhomes, lofts, highrises and apartments throughout Fort Worth including all of Tarrant county in Aledo, Azle, Bedford, Burleson, Crowley, Euless, Grapevine, Haltom City, Haslet, Hurst, Keller, Mansfield, Newark, North Richarland Hills, Saginaw, Southlake, Trophy Club, Watauga, Weatherford.

Requirements: Texas Real Estate License
Knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Apartment Locating Databases, Ntreis
Computer, Fax, Printer
Member of MetroTex Association of Realtors, NAR, TAR

If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact Kenneth (214) 764-4124 or email info@dfwurbanrealty.com

For more information please visit: Fort Worth Real Estate Agents & Apartment Locators

Fed Drops Mortgage Rates Below 5% - Dallas Mortgage Rates

DFW Urban Realty (Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:29:18 -0500

Fed Drives Mortgage Rates Below 5% - dallasnews.com

Less than a day after the Federal Reserve said it would double its purchases of mortgage debt, fixed rates on conforming 30-year mortgages dropped as much as half a percentage point to well under 5 percent.

Many analysts doubt that rates will be headed back up anytime soon.

A check of lenders' Web sites Thursday showed rates ranging from 4.625 percent to 4.75 percent, not including points, for the most creditworthy customers.

Except for a day or so in December, rates are at the lowest levels since at least 1965, according to mortgage giant Freddie Mac.

Mortgage rates already were at near-record lows. Nationally, the average conforming 30-year fixed rate for the week ended Thursday was 4.98 percent, according to a Freddie Mac survey taken before the latest interest rate dips.

The rate drop is likely to encourage more borrowers to see whether they can qualify for the lowest rates.

Now is a great time to purchase real estate in Dallas with low interest rates and an idea buyer's market. For more information on purchasing a homes in Dallas visit Dallas Real Estate. Also, check out the complete article on mortgage rate drop at: Mortgage Rates Drop Below 5%

Park Cities New Townhomes - Highland Park Townhomes - University Park Townhomes

DFW Urban Realty (Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 17:51:43 -0600

If you are looking to purchase a home in the Park Cities area, check out these new townhomes in University Park. University Park has many new townhome options offering unbelievable deals to homebuyers. With record low interest rates, now is an excellent time to cash in on special builder incentives and discounts.

These are just a few of the new towhomes in University Park

Stratford Manor - Offering 3 bedroom floorplans in the Stratford Manor 75205 zipcode.

Emerson Place - Featuring luxury 3 bedroom floorplans minutes from Tollway w/easy access to Downtown.

If you are interested in learning more about other University Park townhome options in the Park Cities area, visit University Park New Homes For Sale or University Park Townhomes For Sale.

Hiring Fort Worth Real Estate Agents - Fort Worth Apartment Locators - Leads Provided

DFW Urban Realty (Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:04:10 -0600

Are you looking for a change in 2009? Contact DFW Urban Realty today to learn more about real estate careers in Fort Worth! DFW Urban Realty is currently hiring Sales Agents and Apartment Locators to work leads in Fort Worth throughout Tarrant County. Leads consist of buyers, sellers and renters looking for Homes, Condos, Townhomes, Lofts, Highrises and Apartments in Aledo, Arlington, Azle, Bedford, Burleson, Crowley, Euless, Fort Worth, Grapevine, Haltom City, Haslet, Hurst, Keller, Mansfield, Newark, North Richland Hills, Saginaw, Southlake, Trophy Club, Watauga, Weatherford.

For more information on Fort Worth Real Estate job opportunities available please visit:

http://www.buyandsellfortworth.com/dfw_employment.htm

or contact DFW Urban Realty at (214) 764-4124 or info@dfwurbanrealty.com

Requirements:

Sales/Apartment Locating experience preferred
Knowledge of Microsoft Office, Ntreis, Apartment Locating Databases
Ability to work from home
Member of MetroTex Association of Realtors
Texas Real Estate License

Frisco Real Estate - Frisco New Townhomes For Sale

DFW Urban Realty (Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate) — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 02:25:27 -0600

Frisco, Texas has many housing options available despite the recent downtown in local market conditions. If you are a buyer looking to purchase a home in Frisco, you couldn't have picked a better time. Yesterday mortgage interest rates dropped to an all time low at 4.75% on a 30 year fixed loan. With historical low interest rates and high inventory, home buyers are able to secure excellent deals on preowned properties, new construction, short sales, and foreclosures.

Check out Frisco Real Estate for more information on Frisco Homes For Sale and Frisco Condos For Sale.

If you are looking for a New Townhome in Frisco, check out Bella Casa off Dallas North Tollway and Lebanon. These new townhomes in Frisco offer a prime location close to Lake Lewisville, Stonebriar Mall, Dr. Pepper Ballpark, The Pizza Hut Park and endless shops, restaurants, and entertainment. If you like more information on Bella Casa Townhomes as well as other townhomes for sale in Frisco, click below to instantly search housing options.

Bella Casa Townhomes - New DR Horton townhomes in Frisco off Dallas North Tollway between Stone Brook Parkway and Lebanon. Prime Frisco Real Estate located minutes from restaurants, shops, lakes, exemplary Frisco schools, golf courses.

Preston Hollow Real Estate in Dallas - President Bush brings National Attention

DFW Urban Realty (Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 18:45:28 -0600

The rumors have been confirmed. President George Bush and family are getting ready to move into a $2,000,000 home in the prestigious Prestow Hollow Neighborhood of North Dallas. Cindy Adams, columnist for the New York Post, orginally released claim back in September, which was later confirmed by Press Secretary to Laura Bush in December. Houses in the Preston Hollow area range from approximately $800,000 - $40,000,000. Residents who have lived in Preston Hollow include Mary Kay Ash, Tom Hicks, Mark Cuban, and Ross Perot.

For more information, check out President George Bush Buys Real Estate in Preston Hollow

For more information on Preston Hollow Real Estate available, contact one of our Preston Hollow Realtors. DFW Urban Realty Realtors specialize in buying and selling Preston Hollow Homes. To search Preston Hollow properties instantly, visit Preston Hollow Homes For Sale and Preston Hollow New Homes For Sale

Plano New Townhomes For Sale - Plano New Condos

DFW Urban Realty (Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 01:49:46 -0600

Plano Real Estate is growing rapidly and still experiencing appreciation in specific neighborhoods despite the downtown in most local markets. Plano New Home builders are offering excellent incentives on new homes, townhomes, and condos to move inventory before year end. Right now you can take advantage of amazing discounts and incentives including thousands off sales price, closing cost assistance, free upgrades and more.

Check out some of the newest townhome and condo communities in Plano featuring floorplans to suit all types of lifestyles.

Willow Bend Park - West Plano townhomes in the Willow Bend district next to Gleneagle Country Club. Located in West Plano ISD.

Preston Villages Townhomes - New Pulte Townhomes with two story floorplans starting from $334,000.

Legacy Center Townhomes - Three story townhomes in West Plano in the Shops at Legacy district minutes from curbside dining, shopping, entertainment.

Villages at Prestonwood - New Active Living Senior community condos in West Plano located at 2601 Marsh featuring one story floorplans offering a maintenance free lifestyle.

Oak Point Estates Townhomes - Luxury East Plano Townhomes offering front driveway garages, private fenced yards. Located off Jupiter and Spring Creek next to Oak Point Park.

Lexington Park Rice Field - New Downtown Plano urban eco friendly condos minutes from DART light rail station.

Carrollton Real Estate - Carrollton New Homes For Sale

DFW Urban Realty (Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 02:06:10 -0600

Carrollton is quickly becoming an urbanized region offering many of the same styles of housing as seen in Downtown Dallas including condominiums, tri-level townhomes, and contemporary modern homes. Carrollton has plans to develop a new light rail transit systems along with new commercial and residential urban properties within walking distance to shops, offices, and restaurants. Residents are anticipating The Carrollton Downtown Station and Dart Rail Lines with three station sites to be completed by 2010.

Carrollton, Texas offers many new urban townhome projects with one and two story floorplans ranging from 1,500 to 3,000+ square feet. Below are just a few of the Carrollton new townhome projects you can find in the Far North Dallas and Hebron area.

Shops At Prestonwood - Luxury townhomes in Carrollton starting in the low 300's. Park and pond onsite with easy access to shops, restaurants and offices.

Coves Columbian Club - Two story new construction townhomes in Carrollton front street access garage parking, low hoa dues, fenced yards, community pool and clubhouse

Quail Creek Townhomes - Luxury Carrollton townhomes Community located off Josey and Hebron offering 5 different two story townhome floorplans

For more information and assistance on locating condos and townhomes in Carrollton, Contact one our Carrollton Realtos or visit Carrollton Real Estate.

Lewisville Real Estate - Lewisville New Townhomes For Sale

DFW Urban Realty (Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 14:50:55 -0600

Lewisville has many new exciting townhome and condo developments offering one, two and three bedroom floorplans at affordable prices. Lewisville, Flower Mound, and Lake Dallas have grown rapidly over the past couple years in both residential and commercial markets. Here are just a couple of new homes for sale in Lewisville offering several different floorplans to accomodate both families and individuals.

Lakeridge Townhomes offer several two and three bedroom floorplans with private yards. These luxury townhomes in Lewisville are minutes from DFW Airport and Lake Lewisiville with easy access to highways.

Waters Edge Condominiums offer luxury lakeside living in Lake Dallas. These lakeside condos are within walking distance to Willow Grove and Westlake Park.

Continental Square feature a gated entrance, private yards, low home owner dues. These lewisville townhomes offer two story floorplans with top of the line finish outs including granite counters, granite backsplash, maple cabinets, ceramic tile, GE Appliance packages.

Rockbrook Place - Ashton Woods townhomes offering several two and three bedroom floorplans. Featuring English Style townhomes with cedar garage and fenced yards. If you're looking for a top rated Lewisville townhome builder, these might be the perfect match.

For more information on housing options available in Lewisville, Texas check out Lewisville Real Estate. Our Lewisville realtors specializing in buying, selling and renting homes, condos, townhomes. We also have Lewisville apartment locators offering up to $500.00 cash rebate for referring our free rental locating service.

Davenport Meadows New Townhomes - North Dallas Real Estate

DFW Urban Realty (Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 02:05:41 -0600

If you're looking for a townhome in North Dallas, be sure and check out Davenport Meadows. These new luxury townhomes offer 42 units with 5 floorplans in five buildings. Choose from two or three bedroom floorplans with the option of one or two stories. HOA dues are $115/month and cover blanket insurance, exterior maintenance, management fees, security, and reserve funds. Davenport meadows townhomes are located in Plano ISD off Preston and Frankford. For more information, including pictures, floorplans, pricing and availability, visit Davenport Meadows - North Dallas Townhomes

Davenport Meadow Townhomes Features and Amenities:

Conveniently located in North Dallas close to shopping, banking, city parks and library
Nestled in a urban townhome setting among residential, retail and office uses
Each home clustered with five other townhomes to create intimate "neighborhoods"
Located in the Plano Independent School District
Professionally landscaped, sodded common areas
Development-wide security system with 24-hour camera monitoring
Each North Dallas townhome has two off-street parking spaces (in addition to 2-car Garage)
Guest parking provided for each neighborhood
Private Backyards
9' ceilings in two story townhomes, 10' ceilings in one-story townhomes
13" and 20" ceramic/porcelain tile flooring throughout most of the first floors, and all wet areas (kitchen, baths, utility) (smooth/hand-scraped hardwood and 18" porcelain tile upgrades available)
14 SEER air-conditioning system, natural gas furnace (2-story plans separately zoned)
R-38 blown attic insulation, with radiant-barrier decking on the roof and walls (Foam insulation option also available)
Living rooms pre-wired for surround sound (additional wiring options available)
Upgraded light fixture package throughout, in Brushed Nickel or Oil-rubbed Bronze
Ethernet wiring package available
Brushed Chrome door hardware, Moen-brand Polished Chrome plumbing fixtures
Choice of paint colors for walls/ceilings (two different colors or same)
2-car garage with garage door openers
Upgraded designer carpet and pad throughout (Berber, Friezé and plush available as standard choices)
One-story, downstairs and upstairs master suite plans available
Elevator options available for two-story designs
Minimum 85% masonry exterior
Granite countertops, choice of 12 colors and 3 edge styles
42" cabinets, in your choice of oak or birch cabinets, with 3 stain color choices
Whirlpool-brand appliances, white or black (stainless steel appliance option available - $500)
Electric smooth top range/oven, microwave and dishwasher (gas range option available - $300)
Cultured marble countertops w/integrated sinks in Baths
Designer plumbing faucets (Moen brand - Eva series) in Baths

Visit North Dallas Real Estate to learn more about the housing options available in North Dallas including Homes, Townhomes, Condos, Lofts, and Apartments. Our North Dallas Realtors specialize in commercial and residential real estate. DFW Urban Realty also offers up to $500 cash rebate on select North Dallas Apartments For Rent.

Las Colinas Apartments - Lofts at Las Colinas - Monterra Midrise Condo Apartments

DFW Urban Realty (Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 16:26:31 -0600

If you are looking to rent in Las Colinas, there are many options available. One of the most popular rental properties in Las Colinas is La Villita. This community has many apartment rentals offered by Amli and Lincoln properties with over 1,375 apartment units. The Landings at La Villita, formerly Lincoln at La Villita and Mission at La Villita offer one, two and three bedroom floorplans.

The Lofts at Las Colinas offer many luxury amenties including gated community, covered parking garage, minutes to Las Colinas Urban Center, resort style pool, outdoor fireplace, fitness club, coffee/tea bar, business center, Wi-Fi Internet Cafe, Pet Friendly, Game Room with billiard table and shuffleboard, panoramic lake views, lap pool with fire pit, direct access to Mandalay Canal, hike/bike trails, pet park

The new Monterra at Las Colinas is an upscale midrise condo apartment community offering the best in Las Colinas living. Monterra features 4 levels with one and two bedroom floorplans. Amenities include a community pool located alongside Lake Carolyn, E-lounge, Wi-Fi access, and a sytlish mediterranean architecture.

For more information on condos, townhomes, lofts and homes availabile for rent or sale in Las Colinas, contact one of our Las Colinas Realtors today. We also offer instant access to search Las Colinas Homes, Las Colinas Townhomes, Las Colinas Condos.

Addison Apartments - 15777 Quorum - Addison Urban Condos

DFW Urban Realty (Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:46:10 -0600

Are you looking for a trendy apartment, condo, or townhome in Addison? Check out one of the newest luxury urban rental communities in Addison Circle. 15777 Quorum in Addison Circle is one of the newest contemporary urban apartments to come to North Dallas. Conveniently located in the heart of Addison with easy access to Downtown Dallas and surrounding areas. Units feature GE Stainless Steel Appliances, Granite Countertops, Garden Tubs. Amenities include 2 pools, Athletic Center, Business Center w/FREE Wi-Fi access.

For More info on Floorplans, Pricing, Availability visit: 15777 Quorum Floorplans Pricing Availability

Our Addison Realtors specialize in all types of urban homes, condos, townhomes, and lofts. To search properties currently available, visit Addison Homes For Sale, Addison Townhomes For Sale, Addison Condos For Sale.

Looking for a New Home in Dallas? Now is the Time to Buy

DFW Urban Realty (Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:04:15 -0600

If you're looking for a new home in Dallas, you couldn't have picked a better time to purchase. Builders are offering excellent incentives and discounts to move inventory and clear the books for year end. Buyer's are receiving anywhere from $5,000 to $100,000 discount depending on the sale price of the home. Builders are offering other special incentives and discount on new home, condo, townhome, and lofts in Dallas including free pools, upgrades, paid home owner dues, rebates, gift certificates, closing cost assistance, free media rooms, free appliance packages, up to $20,000 in builder upgrades and more. If you are serious about purchase a new home in Dallas, contact one of our Dallas New Home Specialists today. You need an agent that is familiar with new home construction negotiations and able to get you the absolute bottom line!

To view information on Dallas New Homes and search new home listings in Dallas, visit:

Dallas New Homes For Sale

Dallas New Condos For Sale

Dallas New Townhomes For Sale

Dallas New Lofts For Sale

Dallas New Highrises For Sale

Anna Real Estate - Anna Homes - Slayter Creek Park

DFW Urban Realty (Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 12:25:42 -0600

Anna is a great place to live and work with plenty of open land for both commercial and residential development. Residents enjoy easy access to Lake Lavon and Lake Texoma as well as Anna's Hurricane Creek Country Club which features an 18 hole golf course.

Anna recently launched phase I of Slayter Creek Park which will feature 32 acres of recreation including baseball/softball complex, soccer field, playground, shuffleboard, horeshoe pits, exercise trail with stations and a bridge, basketball court, picnic tables, pavilion, two tennis courts, skateboard park, restroom facilities, concession stands. Slayter Park is scheduled fro completion in October.

If you are interested in learning more about Anna Real Estate, please contact one of our Anna Realtors today. Our Anna Real Estate agents specialize in buying and selling Anna Homes and locating Anna Apartments For Rent.

Richardson Real Estate - Lake Park Estates Townhomes

DFW Urban Realty (Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 13:00:28 -0500

Are you looking for a townhome in Richardson, Texas? Check out the luxury Richardson Lake Park Estate Townhomes located off Campbell between Coit and Waterview with convenient access to George Bush Freeway, Dallas North Tollway, I75, and Downtown Dallas. Lake Park Estates was designed and developed by one of America's permeir design architects, Mark Humphreys.

Lake Park Estates offer the following community features and amenities:

Community Features

Gated community
Water Feature
Swimming Pool
Barbeque grills at pool area
Walking/ Jogging Path
Park-like surroundings
Fully landscaped front yards
Shopping/ dining within walking distance

Interior Features

9'-1" ceilings
Designer carpeting
Six panel Doors
Brushed Chrome Interior Hardware
Standard Lighting Included, per plan
Utility rooms with W/D hook ups
Two car attached garage
Large walk in closets
Category 5 wiring for cable & internet
High efficiency energy saving HVAC systems
Fireplaces per plan
Entertainment style kitchen w/ island
Balconies

Kitchen

Merillat cabinets
Double bowl stainless steel under mount sinks
Ceramic tile on floors
Brushed chrome sink fixture
Stainless steel appliances
- 30" Four burner cook top
- 30" Wall oven
- 24" Dishwasher
- Disposal
- Microwave

Master Bathroom

Cultured marble counter top
Double sink vanity with white drop in sinks
Soaking tub
Stand alone shower
Brushed chrome sink & tub fixtures

For More information on Richardson Real Estate and other Townhomes For Sale in Richardson and the North Dallas area, contact DFW Urban Realty. your urban real estate specialists!

Plano Real Estate Ranks #4 For Fastest 10 Selling Markets in U.S.

DFW Urban Realty (Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 14:43:37 -0500

Plano, Texas was recently ranked #4 out of the top 10 fastest selling market in the U.S. Check out the recent statistics below. On average, homes selling in the 75075 zipcode are taking 75 days to sell. The median home price is around $185,589.

If you are interested in learning more about the Plano Texas Real Estate Market, contact DFW Urban Realty today! We have Plano Realtors specializing in both commercial and residential real estate.

The 10 Fastest-Selling Housing Markets in the U.S.

1. Sunnyvale, Calif. 94087
Days on the Market (DOM): 66 days
Median Price: $1.031 million
Annual Asking Price Change: -0.4%
Annual DOM Change: 46.6%

2. Austin, Tex. 78749
Days on the Market (DOM): 68 days
Median Price: $250,693
Annual Asking Price Change: -0.9%
Annual DOM Change: 19.0%

3. San Diego, Calif. 92131
Days on the Market (DOM): 70 days
Median Price: $771,025
Annual Asking Price Change: -9.7%
Annual DOM Change: 14.7%

4. Plano, Tex. 75075
Days on the Market (DOM): 75 days
Median Price: $185,589
Annual Asking Price Change: -2.8%
Annual DOM Change: 9.9%

5. Portland, Ore. 97202
Days on the Market (DOM): 77 days
Median Price: $395,877
Annual Asking Price Change: -1.1%
Annual DOM Change: 27.7%

6. Houston, Tex. 77094
Days on the Market (DOM): 77 days
Median Price: $351,803
Annual Asking Price Change: 6.7%
Annual DOM Change: 13.7%

7. Wakefield, Mass. 01880
Days on the Market (DOM): 79 days
Median Price: $429,485
Annual Asking Price Change: -7.3%
Annual DOM Change: 3.7%

8. Seattle, Wash. 98117
Days on the Market (DOM): 86 days
Median Price: $535,020
Annual Asking Price Change: -0.9%
Annual DOM Change: 34.2%

9. Littleton, Colo. 80130
Days on the Market (DOM): 90 days
Median Price: $378,420
Annual Asking Price Change: 6.6%
Annual DOM Change: 79.9%

10. Atlanta, Ga. 30340
Days on the Market (DOM): 91 days
Median Price: $217,285
Annual Asking Price Change: 5.5%
Annual DOM Change: 21.9%

For More information on this report, please visit wikimedia.org

For more information on housing options in Plano, please contact one of our Plano Realtors. Our Plano Real Estate Agents specialize in buying and selling Plano Homes, Plano Condos, Plano Townhomes.

Government Bail Out - Fannie Mae Freddie Mac - Should we have seen this coming?

DFW Urban Realty (Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:52:29 -0500

Everyone will agree that American is now facing some of the most difficult times since the great depression. Republicans and Democrats alike are pointing fingers in hopes of steering the vote and gaining public support. Recently Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac lost control and as a result the government had to step in and initiate yet another bail out. Many are asking, "How did we get to this point?" "Why is our economy on the brink of failing and sending us into another recession?

Steven Holmes, a writer for the New York Times, may have been right on the money with his article entitled, "Fannie Mae Eases Credit to Aid Mortgage Lending" written on Sept 30th, 1999.

Where do you place the blame for the current economic crisis and need for a $700 billion dollar government bail out program? Are you for a government bailout or against? Will the $700 billion dollar bailout create another catostrophic crisis down the road? These are just a few questions many Americans are asking as uncertainty increases and consumer confindence continues to fall.

_____

Fannie Mae Eases Credit To Aid Mortgage Lending

By STEVEN A. HOLMES

Published: September 30, 1999

In a move that could help increase home ownership rates among minorities and low-income consumers, the Fannie Mae Corporation is easing the credit requirements on loans that it will purchase from banks and other lenders.

The action, which will begin as a pilot program involving 24 banks in 15 markets -- including the New York metropolitan region -- will encourage those banks to extend home mortgages to individuals whose credit is generally not good enough to qualify for conventional loans. Fannie Mae officials say they hope to make it a nationwide program by next spring.

Fannie Mae, the nation's biggest underwriter of home mortgages, has been under increasing pressure from the Clinton Administration to expand mortgage loans among low and moderate income people and felt pressure from stock holders to maintain its phenomenal growth in profits.

In addition, banks, thrift institutions and mortgage companies have been pressing Fannie Mae to help them make more loans to so-called subprime borrowers. These borrowers whose incomes, credit ratings and savings are not good enough to qualify for conventional loans, can only get loans from finance companies that charge much higher interest rates -- anywhere from three to four percentage points higher than conventional loans.

''Fannie Mae has expanded home ownership for millions of families in the 1990's by reducing down payment requirements,'' said Franklin D. Raines, Fannie Mae's chairman and chief executive officer. ''Yet there remain too many borrowers whose credit is just a notch below what our underwriting has required who have been relegated to paying significantly higher mortgage rates in the so-called subprime market.''
Demographic information on these borrowers is sketchy. But at least one study indicates that 18 percent of the loans in the subprime market went to black borrowers, compared to 5 per cent of loans in the conventional loan market.

In moving, even tentatively, into this new area of lending, Fannie Mae is taking on significantly more risk, which may not pose any difficulties during flush economic times. But the government-subsidized corporation may run into trouble in an economic downturn, prompting a government rescue similar to that of the savings and loan industry in the 1980's.

Read Full Article Here: New York Times Article - Fannie Mae Eases Credit to Aid Mortgage Lending

FHA Downpayment Assistance Programs - Terminate or Compromise?

DFW Urban Realty (Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:28:10 -0500

Many are questioning whether the October 1st ban on FHA down payment assistance programs is good for business. Seller funded gifts have allowed many families with little or no money in the bank an opportunity to enjoy the benefits of homeownership. Many claim that these types of DPA programs inflate home prices and have contributed to our currrent foreclosure epidemic. Congress is now considering alternative options for FHA down-payment assistance programs that might provide a better solution than terminating the program altogether.

One of the proposals is to allow borrowers with credit scores of 680 or above to use seller-funded down-payment assistance on FHA backed loans. Credit Scores between 620-680 would be subject to higher insurance premium fees and borrowers with scores below 620 would be excluded from participation.

One thing is certain, if these types of programs are abandoned, home sales and lending options will decrease for first time home buyers.

For more details on FHA Downpayment Assistance Programs and new government proposals, please visit:

Dallas Home Buyer Assistance Programs

FHA Down Payment Assistant Program Proposals

Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate
Fort Worth Real Estate
Dallas Real Estate

1st Time Home Buyer Tax Credit - Take Advantage Now Before Time is Up

DFW Urban Realty (Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 18:19:06 -0500

Housing sales and pricing continue to fall raising many questions on how soon we can expect to recover. The government is slowing enacting legislatiion to bail the housing market out and restore balance to local real estate economies.

Recently, President Bush signed The Housing and Eonomic Recovery Act of 2008 which includes a new temporary tax credit to provide an incentive to purchase for first time home buyers.

Only 1st time home buyers are elgible for the $7,500 tax incentive and depending on income may only qualify for half or possible even no tax credit. Here is a basic guidline for determining elegibility. Offer expires on July 1st, 2009.

Single or Head of Household

Income < $75,000 = $7,500 tax credit
Income $75,000 -$95,000 = partial tax credit
Income over $95,000 = no tax credit

Married Filing Jointly

Income < $150,000 = $7,500 tax credit
Income $150,000 - $170,000 = partial tax credit
Income over $170,000 = not tax credit

For details on qualifying, please vist Dallas Fort Worth 1st Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

Car or Suv? Which is the better option?

DFW Urban Realty (Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 20:11:07 -0500

Rising gas pricing have definitely raised the question on what is the best solution for my automobile needs. Everyone seems to think the best option these days is to trade in the gas guzzling SUV for a more economical car, but is this really the best option?

Rising Gas Expenses have also placed automobile dealers in a predicament that might actually work to the consumer's advantage. Just today, GM's stock fell to the lowest dollar/share seen since 1955. In an effort to increase sales, profit margins and bail itself out of the bottomless oil pit, GM has taken the offensive and is now enacting special incentive programs to encourage consumers in the market to purchase an automobile to take action. For example, GM is now offering 0% financing for 72 months on select SUVs and Trucks. This is just one tactic to lure auto buyers into their dealerships and move inventory.

Dealers across the board are offering discounts and incentives to move the gas guzzlers off the lot and into the buyer's garage. Of course if you visit the lot and pass by the wandering salesman, you'll still get the ever so clever one liner, "We can't keep the trucks and suvs on the lot". One thing for sure, we all know now is not a good time to be selling a truck or SUV, with low consumer confidence, high gas prices, and low gas mileage, you just can't win.

So when comparing advantages and disadvantages of purchasing a car or suv/truck, be sure and consider the following points:

Weigh benefit, cost, value and expense in monthly, annualized, and life terms
If you are self employed, such as a Fort Worth Real Estate Agent or Dallas Realtor, consider the tax write off you may claim with additional gas expense, could help place you in a lower tax bracket and end up saving you thousands in the long run
Compare annual gas expenses with upfront initial savings
Always take a closer look at Warranties, a 100,000 mile warranty on a truck or SUV might save you thousands in expenses down the road compared to a 50,000 mile warranty on the gas efficient car you have in mind.
Ask yourself this question, Are car sales managers going to negotiate more on a Truck or SUV that are difficult to give away in the current market or a gas efficient car that everyone is beating down the doors to buy?
What is your ultimate financial goal? To save money in the Short run? Save Money in the Long Run? Or secure comfortable monthly payments?
Always compare apples to oranges with emphasis on interest rates, trade in value down the road, monthly and annual expenses including gas and repairs (remember these may be minimized with extended warranties

So, in conclusion, I ask everyone the million dollar question, Car or SUV? Welcoming your comments, feedback, suggestions, and insight into the Automobile Industry....

For More Information on this article, please contact our Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate Brokerage.

DFW Urban Realty Launches New Fort Worth Real Estate Site

DFW Urban Realty (Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 01:25:42 -0500

DFW Urban Realty launches new Fort Worth Real Estate site to better serve the Residential and Commercial Market throughout the Fort Worth Metroplex. With over 700,000 residents, Fort Worth has a growing demand for agents who specialize in urban property sales. DFW Urban Realty expanded into the Fort Worth market to meet these demands by providing assistance buying, selling, renting and investing in all types of Fort Worth properties including, Homes, New Home, Townhome, Condos, Lofts, Highrises, Aparments, Lots, Acreage, Warehouses, Farm & Ranch, Retail, Industrial and Office Building and Complexes. After successfully integrating www.buyandselldallas.com into DFW Urban Realty's profile, DFW Broker Kenneth Cox new it was time to take another step and create a site devoted to Tarrant County Real Estate.

If you are looking for a Fort Worth Realtor who specializes in your area, contact DFW Urban Realty today and let us assist you with your next real estate transaction in Fort Worth. DFW Urban Realty has Fort Worth Sales and Rental Agents ready to assist around the clock with all your Fort Worth Real Estate needs.

Our Fort Worth Apartment Locators know the Fort Worth renal market and are able to find you special incentives and discounts that may not be listed online. We even offer up to $500 cash rebate for referring our free rental locating service.

Check out the quick reference guide below to assist with navigating through the new Fort Worth Real Estate site. Please call or email if you have any questions over Fort Worth Real Estate or have a comment or suggestion on the new site.

Flower Mound Real Estate - Flower Mound Homes, Condos, Townhomes

DFW Urban Realty (Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 03:33:17 -0500

Flower Mound Real Estate has become a popular place for relocation offering many different housing options including New Homes, Townhomes, Condo, and Lakefront Living. Many residents have moved to Flower Mounds central location because they enjoy easy access to Downtown Dallas, North Dallas, Fort Worth, DFW Airport, University of North Texas Denton. Flower Mound offer suburban living close to urban living, fine dining, shops, entertainment, interstates, and lakes. Residents have access to state of the art Golf Courses, Lake Lewisville, Lake Grapevine and other entertainment venues.

Economic Development has steadily increased in both commercial and residential markets in Flower Mound over the past several years. Many new Retail, Restaurants, and other local businesses are taking advantage of the significant increase in population which is allowing them to capitalize on a large pool of customers. Locals to the Flower Mound area are happy to be living in what they call the new generation suburban lifestyle which encompasses Flower Mound, Double Oak, Lewisville, and Lantana. These areas offer a happy medium between sub and urban combining characteristics of both lifestyles.

If you are interested in learning more about Flower Mound and the different housing options , contact DFW Urban Realty and let one of our expert Flower Mound Realtors assist you. Our Flower Mound agents assit with buying and selling Flower Mound Homes, Flower Mound Townhomes, and Flower Mound Condos.

Don't forget to check out the Flower Mound Summer Concert Series which will feature The Texas Connection in Parker Square. For More Details, check out information below.

Town of Flower Mound Concerts in the Park featuring The Texas Connection

The Town of Flower Mound will be holding a community concert in the park from 7:30pm - 9pm. The event will feature music by The Texas Connection. Concert Flyer - Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and join us for a great evening of music and family fun. If you would like to be a sponsor of this great event or need more information, please contact Wendy at 972-874-9700.

North Dallas Real Estate - Remains Stable in the Midst of National Foreclosure Crisis

DFW Urban Realty (Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate) — Wed, 14 May 2008 14:42:21 -0500

In the midst of a national foreclosure crisis, North Dallas Real Estate continues to appreciate in most areas and show signs of growth. New Construction and Pre Owned North Dallas Homes For sale have been receiving a significant amount of traffic coming into the summer season. Owners have been able to secure a reasonable sales price on their current investment which has allowed a smoother transition into their new home. If you are able to make a move, now is an excellent time with the current buyer's market offering historically low interest rates and a large pool of housing inventory to choose from.

Of course, no market is immune to the foreclosure epidemic which has spread throughout the nation. If you are an investor looking for a bargain, Carrollton Real Estate, Plano Real Estate, Addison Real Estate and Richardson Real Estate offer excellent opportunities to build your investment portfolio. Although these areas on average have held strong through the mortgage crisis, there are many VA, FHA and Bank Foreclosures that could potentially be your diamond in the rough. Many investors are buying up foreclosures in these areas and converting into rental income hoping to ride the market into appreciation down the road. With rental occupancy rates on the rise, this seems to be a very good strategy. North Dallas Apartments and Homes being leased by individual owners are in high demand which allows a unique opportunity to capitalize on rental investment properties.

For More Information on the North Dallas Real Estate Market and to search available properties, visit North Dallas Real Estate or just click below to search North Dallas Condos/Townhomes, North Dallas Homes, or North Dallas Apartments

Frisco Real Estate - Frisco Texas Reaches 100,000 Population Milestone

DFW Urban Realty (Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate) — Thu, 08 May 2008 17:27:47 -0500

Frisco Real Estate has become one of North Texas's hottest commodities sttracting home buyers from around the globe. Frisco Real Estate continues to grow at an astounding rate, recently reaching the 100,000 population milestone. Frisco has evolved from a small town with an estimated population of approximately 34,000 in 2000, to a robust urbanized city. In 2007 Forbes named Frisco as one of the fastest gowing cities in the United States.

Frisco offers master planned communities, state of the art sports facilities, top rated public school systems, convenient access to Dallas Fort Worth Airport and Downtown Dallas, and an endless supply of hot spots for fine dining, shopping and entertainment. Many home owners are relocating to Frisco and taking advantage of a wide array of housing options including Homes, New Homes, Condos, Townhomes, and Urban Lofts. Frisco is home to many corporate headquarters and major employers including Ge Capital, The Dallas Stars, IKEA, T-Mobile, and Fujitsu. Frisco offers excellent opportunities for small businesses and large corporations with plently of available land and low cost of living.

Here are just a few of the main attractions in Frisco City Residential Life:

Dr Pepper StarCenter
Pizza Hut Park
Frisco Sports Complex
Dr Pepper Ballpark
18 hole Golf Courses
Superdome
Warren Sports Complex
Frisco Square
Sierra Frisco
Stonebriar Commons on Legacy
The Shops at Starwood
The Shops at Preston Ridge

If you are interested in relocating to Frisco or learning more about the housing options available, please contact DFW Urban Realty. We have Frisco Realtors specialzing in both commercial and residential real estate. For a quick glimpse of housing options including Frisco Homes For Sale, Frisco New Homes For Sale, Frisco Condos For Sale, Frisco Townhomes For Sale.

Turtle Creek Real Estate - Home Tour featuring Turtle Creek Highrises

DFW Urban Realty (Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 18:32:53 -0500

Turtle Creek Real Estate Tour

Experience the luxury of Turtle Creek. The Turtle Creek Association is hosting its 8th Annual Turtle Creek Hour Tour on May 4th from 1:00-5:00p.m. The tour will highlight four Luxury Turtle Creek Highrises and one townhome located in the Turtle Creek area. The public is invited to check out the ritzy and luxurious ambiance offered by the Turtle Creek Lifestyle. Funds raised by the tour will be applied toward the Master Plan Vision developed by TCA and to preserve and protect area parks, creeks, landscaping and infrastructure. Refreshments will be provided at 3000 Turtle Creek Blvd, a 200 million dollar development by Hyatt. The property will feature 273 residences, four resaurants, cocktail lounge, indoor heated pool, exercise room, beauty salon, library, art gallery, and a spa all located on a acre site. Turtle Creek Real Estate offers beautiful landscaping, eclectic design, and architecturally significant homes.

Turtle Creek Real Estate Featured in Home Tour: (click to view properties for sale)

The Plaza at Turtle Creek I - 3535 Gillespie

The Goldcrest - 3601 Turtle Creek

3525 Turtle Creek

The Vendome - 3505 Turtle Creek

Place Des Vosges - The Place des Vosges is a 16 residence community in Dallas located off Turtle Creek Boulevard. The residential community was named after the Place des Vosges in Paris, which was originally constructed by King Henry IV in the 17th Century. The structure is an early example of urban community design with a symmetrical square surrounded by buildings with red brick and white stone. Other features include slate roofs and dorm windows. The Place des Vosges features a park within an interior common area surrounded by a wall with 24 hour onsite security. For more information, visit Place Des Vosges Dallas

For More Information on this Tour, please contact DFW Urban Realty