Dallas Real Estate Insider & Short Sale Blog

The Condo and the Misperception: A Cautionary Story

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 23:02:10 -0600

I recently received an uncomfortable phone call from a condo owner. He was contacting me about a special assessment that had been announced by his HOA. The property needed some long overdue repairs and updating and the HOA voted to assess each unit owner to cover those expenses.

The condo owner who called me was in a panic. He had lost his job and luckily found another making less money, but could not afford the assessment. When he had purchased his condo two years ago he had been told by his REALTOR® that if he paid his monthly HOA charges that it would cover "all the upkeep and maintenance on the property". Now here is the HOA charging him thousands of dollars he does not have.

I wish I could say that this is the first time I have heard this story, but it seems to find its way to my phone every so often and unfortunately there is nothing that the homeowner can do about it. The HOA, according to the community documents and charters does have the right to make periodic "special" assessments.

This particular condo owner said he chose the condo over a single family home because it alleviated any need for exterior maintenance beyond his monthly payment. When I asked him if he had checked the HOA's finances before he bought there he told me no. When I asked if he had bothered to read the HOA/Condo documents he said no.

Had he done these two simple things, his situation (and decision) might have been different. I explained to him how condo/HOA finances work. He e-mailed me the financials and looking at them there was no way that there had been enough in their reserve accounts to cover the roof replacement that was now needed. The roof had been, in effect, a ticking time bomb.

The bottom line is that practically all HOA's can and do periodically assess their members for high dollar and unexpected items. If you buy a condo, plan on your own reserve account to cover these possible charges.

Remember, when you live in a Condominium or HOA community, the collective community's interests will always come before that of any one individual owner, and the timing of monetary assessments is just one potential conflict. Also, read the condo documents and request a copy of the HOA's current year budget to review. Your agent can help explain these documents to you and reviewing them may prevent you from making a decision that you might regret later.

Be an informed buyer!

Maxim's Restaurant: A Dim Sum Delight!

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 21:30:53 -0600

When my cousins Abby and Jason lived here in Dallas, our weekend tradition was a Sunday morning visit to Maxim's Restaurant for Dim Sum and conversation. Abby and Jason moved to New Hampshire in 2006, so my visits with them to Maxim's are less frequent, but I can always count on two things... my cousins will find their way back to Texas for the holidays and the Dim Sum at Maxims will always be just as good as the last time we were there together.

For those unfamiliar with Dim Sum, it is a style of Chinese cuisine that features smaller portions of light dishes. Sort of a the Chinese equivalent of Tapas. The dishes are a variety of primarily steamed or fried items along with some meat dishes and sweet desserts.

Dim Sum is typically served with hot tea and unlike a typical restaurant experience, Dim Sum is usually served from small carts wheeled around the restaurant where dining patrons can see the food and choose which items they want by sight.

Being a fan of dumplings, Dim Sum is a personal favorite because there are always several selections of both the steamed and fried varieties. Today we had Shaomai (steamed dumplings with with ground pork and shrimp), steamed and fried shrimp dumplings, shark fin dumplings (a pork dumpling that resembles a shark fin in appearance) griddled fried noodles, BBQ pork buns, roasted duck and two varieties of fried squid. Everything was exceptionally good, as it always is.

Located at 310 Terrace Drive in Richardson, a visit to Maxim's Restaurant for Dim Sum is a genuine treat. On weekends they do get crowded, so if you see people waiting, don't worry... just get in line, it's worth the wait!

Dinner and a Movie: The Price of Dating

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:25:18 -0600

While doing some research on Google this weekend an odd search result caught my eye and my curiosity got the best of me. Being single may have had something to do with it.

Match.com, the online dating site, has compiled a list of the most affordable cities for dating. The cost of a date was calculated as a casual dinner and two movie tickets. I am hoping a casual dinner included a beer or glass of wine at least!

The ranking (from most to least affordable) is:
1. Pittsburgh
2. Detroit
3. Sacramento
4. Phoenix
5. Indianapolis
6. St. Louis
7. Tampa - St. Petersburg
8. Orlando - Daytona Beach
9. Houston
10. Charlotte
11. Atlanta
12. Denver
13. Cleveland
14. Miami
15. Portland, Oregon
16. Minneapolis - St. Paul
17. Seattle
18. Philadelphia
19. Boston
20. Dallas - Fort Worth
21. Washington, D.C.
22. Chicago
23. New York
24. San Francisco
25. Los Angeles

In the press release I found on Google, they did not give costs for all the cities, but they did mention that Pittsburgh was the lowest at $77.80 and that Los Angeles topped out the list at $126.06.

I have to admit, I found the ranking interesting because it is not a direct correlation to most lists I have seen that rank housing costs. Certain cities at the costly end of the scale did not surprise me much, but I was a bit surprised that Dallas did not rank higher and some cities like Atlanta and Miami were not further down in the rankings. I want to know where the Dallas folks ate dinner!

Sorry, But No, Not Everyone Should Qualify for a Loan Modification

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:11:11 -0600

I have to wonder what some people are thinking when they call me about a short sale. With increasing regularity the phone conversations are beginning with a story about how their mortgage company after an exhaustive number of calls and requests has flat out denied their request for a loan modification that would prevent them from having to move out of their home.

This doesn't seem so difficult to believe on the surface, but when I move on to my short sale interview with them I am consistently left wondering what ever made them think that a loan modification was a serious possibility? Many people are simply living much too far beyond their means for a loan modification to make enough of a difference.

It's difficult to accept, but some of us simply need to downsize to face the realities of the current economy. If you have lost your six-figure job and have been unemployed for a year with no job prospect on the horizon, a loan modification on a home you owe more than $500K on is like putting a band-aid on a knife wound, that tiny gauze pad may absorb a small amount of blood, but it's just going to keep bleeding until you get to the emergency room and have it stitched up.

I have helped many people with short sales that were necessary due to unemployment... and the careers have ranged from Administrative Assistants to Attorneys. Nobody and no class of profession is immune from the current employment challenges, and each of my short sale clients has told me that when they have found new jobs that their pay was notably less (usually by 25+%). These sellers eventually realized that not getting the loan modification they had been seeking saved them from sinking more money into a house they would have had to sell anyway!

You see, loan modifications work well for people who have suffered a loss of income or whose adjustable interest rate has increased their payments to an unmanageable level, but for whom there is still foreseeable financial stability. If you are lacking that stability go back up two paragraphs and read my band-aid analogy again. Because nobody can tell when the current economic challenges will end and where it will leave people impacted by them, for many homeowners, moving forward and downsizing for the short term makes more sense than postponing what might be inevitable.

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If you are in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, have been turned down for a loan modification and would like to explore the possibility of a Short Sale on your home with an experienced REALTOR®, call me today at (469)449-9840 to schedule a consultation. Or visit my Dallas Real Estate website at HomeSalesRemedy.com. I'd be happy to help you move forward and achieve your objectives.

Friday Night Pizzas - New at Eatzi's!

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:58:46 -0600

In the past I have blogged about how much I enjoy the food (and convenience) of Eatzi's. In my blog from March of this year [My Salad (and other food) Days at Eatzi's] I talked about how great their fresh salads are. Well the folks at Eatzi's are no fools, they know if they tempt you with something sinful before you get to the salad station at the rear of the store they can probably entice me. And that's exactly what they have done.

On Friday evenings only, between 4:00 and 9:00 Eatzi's is now offering 4 Hot prepared Pizzas ready to grab and go, just a few feet inside the front door. Trust me, you will NEVER make it back to the salads!

The Pizzas are the thin crust variety and come in 4 varieties:

Mushroom: Shiitake, Portabella and Button Mushrooms with Goat Cheese, Caramelized Onion, Fresh Rosemary Mozzarella, Asiago and Provolone.

Hot Coppa: Hot Cappicola with Tomato sauce, Fresh Oregano, Crushed Red Pepper, Mozzarella, Asiago, Shaved Reggiano and Provolone.

Multi Cheese: White Style Pizza with Roasted garlic oil, Ricotta, Gorgonzola, Mozzarella, Asiago, Provolone, Fresh basil and Oregano

Margherita: Sun Dried Tomato Puree with Fresh Mozzarella, Basil and Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

The picture shown is the Margherita Pizza.

Each variety is $10.00 including tax and will easily feed 2-3 people.

It's doing nothing for my diet, but these pizzas sure are tasty... if you are in the Oak Lawn / Uptown / Turtle Creek area, check them out any Friday evening. Eatzi's is located at 3500 Oak Lawn Avenue in Dallas.

Holiday in the Park at Six Flags: A North Texas Tradition

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:09:56 -0600

Beginning in less than 2 weeks, Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland as North Texas transitions from Thanksgiving to the Winter Holiday season.

Holiday in the Park will run from November 27, 2009 through January 3, 2010 and, in addition to the parks usual rides and family fun, features special holiday themed shows, carolers, a snow hill for sledding and special holiday decorations featuring over one million holiday lights.

Be sure not to miss what has become, for many families, a holiday season tradition filled with fun and photo album memories. Tickets cost $34.99 at the park, but can be purchased in advance online for just $24.99.

Forbearance... A Forgotten Option?

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:52:04 -0600

In a world where terms like Short Sale, Loan Modification, Workout Solutions and Foreclosure are becoming better known to many American who wish they didn't need to know them, one word seems to avoid many homeowners' radar screens: Forbearance.

For those unfamiliar, Forbearance is great option for many homeowners who have experienced a significant change in income level because Forbearance postpones mortgage payments for a period of time. Homeowners who have lost their jobs can arrange for a Forbearance agreement with their mortgage company which basically allows them, for a fixed period of perhaps three to six months, to either suspend paying their mortgage or pay a reduced amount... this allows a homeowner time to seek new employment or work out the necessary solution to their financial and income related issues. At the end of the set period, the mortgage company and the homeowner set a plan to make up the payments that were missed, either by paying a portion every month over a set period of time, or perhaps adding the missed payments to the end of the mortgage note.

While not a solution for every homeowner, and certainly a solution that is easier to utilize when the employment market is stronger, Forbearance could serve many homeowners well. Not all mortgage lenders offer this solution, and, according to a news report I heard recently, counselors have reported that only 4% of homeowners applying for HUD assistance have been granted Forbearance, but if you or someone you know is temporarily struggling with their mortgage, the possibility of Forbearance is worth investigating.

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If you are in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and are looking for an experienced REALTOR® to offer guidance, support, and make the home buying or selling process easier and more friendly, call me today at (469)449-9840 to schedule a consultation. Or visit my Dallas Real Estate and Short Sale Information website at HomeSalesRemedy.com. I'd be happy to help you move forward and achieve your Real Estate objectives.

Not located in the D/FW area? Contact me anyway... I'd be happy to refer you to a REALTOR® in your area who can help you with the same personal service that I provide to my clients.

Dallas - Where Do You Call When You Don't Know Who to Call?

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 17:46:20 -0600

We all know about calling 9-1-1 for emergency services, and 4-1-1 for directory assistance. Many people also know that dialing 3-1-1 will connect you with city services, but what about 2-1-1? Who answers when you dial that number? The answer is that it is a service of the Texas Health and Human Service Commission and provides free information to Texans on a wide variety of topics including paying their mortgage, rent or utilities, registering for food stamps, locating food pantries, shelter services, or accessing clothing, counseling child care, senior services, disaster relief and other programs.

Like I mentioned in my title, it's where to call in Texas when you don't know where to call for human services. Thankfully, many people did, however, know enough to call 2-1-1 because last year alone, they received over 2 million calls from Texans seeking assistance.

2-1-1 operates 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week. For more information, you can also visit them online at www.211texas.org.

Not So SPEECHLESS SUNDAY: Are You Dense?

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:03:05 -0600

Now, I know there are dense people in the world, but this post is about landscaping. While I know the importance of curb appeal, it seems that with many buyers, clean, tidy and inviting just doesn't cut it anymore.

Based on some recent experience, I am a believer... density grabs attention. It's a tale of two listings. One has very lush and dense landscaping (vine covered walls and dense clusters of seasonal color that just pop). Every comment I get, whether it is from after showing feedback e-mails, sign calls, or calls from consumers who see the property online, mentions how attractive they find the landscaping. The other listing is a very nice home, with trees and well kept hedges and planting beds, but the landscape is more "typical", meaning that is balanced and well spaced.

Now both of these properties are well priced and good buys, but the one with the dense landscape captures the attention of everyone who looks at it. People call me and remember the smallest details of that house (which is less interesting inside than the one with more traditional landscaping), while the other home, while nicer inside is clearly less memorable in buyers' minds.

Could it be that the drive-up and first impression makes the first house with the dense landscaping more memorable? Are buyers captivated by it from the outside so that any interior shortcomings are over looked... sort of a real estate "halo effect"?

I'm not sure what the answer is, but while I am not a fan of dense people, I am definitely seeing the benefit of density in landscaping!

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If you are in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex and are looking for an experienced REALTOR® to offer guidance, support, and make the home buying or selling process easier and more friendly, call me today at (469)449-9840 to schedule a consultation. Or visit my Dallas Real Estate website at EasyTexasRealEstate.com. I'd be happy to help you move forward and achieve your Real Estate objectives. Make your dream of home ownership or selling your home a reality!

Not located in the D/FW area? Contact me anyway... I'd be happy to refer you to a REALTOR® in your area who can help you with the same personal service that I provide to my clients.

This photograph is the exclusive property of Steve Shatsky. It may not be used or reproduced in any manner without expressed written permission from Steve Shatsky. ©Copyright 2009. All Rights Reserved.

Are You Ready for a Short Sale Throwdown?

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:52:27 -0600

I love food... and Sunday nights there is nothing I enjoy more than watching the Iron Chef on the Food Network... but this post is inspired by the show which follows Iron Chef, Throwdown with Bobby Flay.

I like to consider myself the Bobby Flay of Dallas Short Sales. I still can remember almost 6 years ago when I listed my first Short Sale how hard it was to find anyone in my market who had ever heard of a Short Sale, let alone had worked a Short Sale deal themselves. Even today, Short Sales seem to be less common than they are in many other parts of the country, so finding a Dallas Short Sale Specialist who actually has significant experience can be difficult for consumers.

Often when my phone rings, the home seller on the other end of the line will tell me that they were just about to list with another agent but they found me on Google or Yahoo or Bing and decided to call me to see if I could offer something more or different than the other agent they are speaking with.

It's like on Throwdown, some chef is just doing their thing, feeling confident, and then Bobby Flay shows up unexpectedly to challenge them to a Throwdown, making his take on their signature dish. I love the excitement of sharing my knowledge and experience with consumers and I am always amazed at how many people are moments away from listing their homes as a short sale with agents who have no experience in this specialized type of transaction.

Now don't get me wrong, I have taught classes on Short Sale transactions and have personally mentored other agents in this area (at no cost to them). I am a huge believer, as I know Bobby Flay is about cooking, that more people doing what we do well only means better things for everyone. I have always believed ours is an industry of friendly competition and will continue to promote that spirit in my community. But like Bobby, I also enjoy competing against my colleagues... the competition always seems to raise the bar and no matter who gets the business, the winner is (and should be) the consumer.

Knowing my markets, knowing the different short sale lenders and their policies and procedures, my nearly 6 years of experience and knowing the implications and "ins and outs" of Short Sales gives me a lot to draw on in a Throwdown. If you want to do the best job, you need to be prepared and hone your craft. And even if you are prepared and lose the listing, you will inevitably learn something which helps prepare you to win the next time.

So, as they ask at the end of each episode of Throwdown... To all you Short Sale Specialists out there... Keep doing what you do, but ask yourself this: Are you ready for a Throwdown?

When is a Short Sale NOT a Short Sale?

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:52:28 -0600

Ah... the ultimate Real Estate riddle... well perhaps not, but it's still an interesting question to ponder!

The answer is, in a nutshell, when someone wants a house badly enough that they are willing to pay a purchase price above what is being asked on a Short Sale listing so that the seller is no longer "shorting" their mortgage.

I never would have believed it in this competitive market, but this recently happened to me. An agent contacted me on one of my listings, had a client who wanted the house, didn't want to go through the process of a short sale to save themselves a few dollars and asked me how much did they need to offer to change this from a short sale to a FAST sale?

Now, clearly, this would be a cost prohibitive option in the case of many Short Sales, but in a situation where the buyer has some cash, and difference between what is owed and what the property is worth is not a hugely significant amount, and where the property is desirable and in great shape, well this really is a solution that makes EVERYBODY (Buyer, Seller and Both Agents) happy. And that this happened to me and will close in less than 30 days was enough to make me do a little dance of joy (considering I was anticipating a 3-4 month close knowing this short sale lender)!

The downside? Hmmm... well I guess I will have one less Short Sale negotiator to send a holiday card to this year. Yeah, I can live with that!

The Trains at Northpark: All Aboard A Dallas Holiday Tradition

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:46:23 -0600

I was just in Northpark Center this week and it occurred to me that it is nearly time for an annual Dallas Event... The Trains at NorthPark.

For 22 years, children and adults have taken a break from their holiday shopping at NorthPark to enjoy the over 35 "O" Gauge trains and the amazingly realistic scenery created for the display. What many people do not realize is that the Trains display is a fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas. The model trains in the exhibit will travel across America from the Golden Gate Bridge to New York's Times Square, passing Mount Rushmore and our nation's capital too. It's a wonderful holiday event and benefits an outstanding cause.

The Ronald McDonald House serves as a home to parents and family members bringing critically ill children to Dallas hospitals for treatment. According to the Ronald McDonald House website, the train exhibit has become so popular that it now generates half of their annual budget! With this year's economic conditions, I am certain that public support of this event is more crucial than ever!

Be sure to check out what I consider to be one of the premier train displays I have ever seen... it will bring out the kid in anyone!

Dates: Saturday, November 21, 2009 - Sunday, January 3, 2010

Hours of Operation:
Monday-Saturday: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Sunday: Noon - 6 p.m.
(Early closings on days before holidays and on New Year's Day)

Location:
Inside the NorthPark Center mall.

Cost:
$6.00 for adults, $3.00 for children & seniors (65 and older). Children under 2 are free.

Not So Speechless Sunday: Sometimes You're the Windshield and Sometimes You're the Bug!

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:13:07 -0600

Have you ever looked up from what you were doing to be startled by what's in front of you? Sometimes it's a person who has sideled up to you while you were distracted. Sometimes it a bug on the window directly in front of you... you get the idea, right?

I think that there are many home buyers and sellers out there who are experiencing the startling effect of market changes relative to their real estate transactions. Homeowners who have been in their home for years and, while they are aware of the economy and what's been reported on the news, are not paying close attention until they are ready to sell. Then, when they speak to a REALTOR® about selling their home, the market realities catch them off guard.

The same thing goes for many home buyers. Whether they are first time home buyers or buyers looking to move up or downsize, the realities of purchasing a home and getting a mortgage have changed drastically in the past couple of years, and buyers who haven't been paying close attention may be very surprised. I recently had a buyer who has bought and sold many homes over the years remark to me that he could not believe how much had changed since his last home purchase.

Want to avoid the surprise that accompanies change? Read your REALTORS® Blog or Newsletter. Or better yet, touch base with your REALTOR® periodically. Even if you are not currently looking to buy or sell your property, make it a point to visit with your REALTOR® either by phone, or maybe face-to-face over a cup of coffee. Maintaining that relationship will help you to remain informed of market trends and changes, so when you are ready to make a move, you'll know what to expect and have a trusted advisor to turn to for help. Staying informed means being prepared... and besides, remember how much you enjoyed working with your REALTOR®? Is it time to renew that relationship?

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If you are in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex and are looking for an experienced REALTOR® to offer guidance, support, and make the home buying or selling process easier and more friendly, call me today at (469)449-9840 to schedule a consultation. Or visit my Dallas Real Estate website at EasyTexasRealEstate.com. I'd be happy to help you move forward and achieve your Real Estate objectives. There is still time to make your 2009 dream of home ownership or selling your home a reality!

Not located in the D/FW area? Contact me anyway... I'd be happy to refer you to a REALTOR® in your area who can help you with the same personal service that I provide to my clients.

Gentle Creek Estates, Prosper, TX - Short Sale Opportunity, 1541 Winding Creek Road, Prosper 75078

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:15:07 -0600

Steve Shatsky | Prudential Texas Properties | (469)449-9840

1541 Winding Creek Rd., Prosper, TX

Short Sale Opportunity in Prosper's Gentle Creek Estates

4BR/3.5BA Single Family House

offered at $350,000

Year Built	1998
Sq Footage	3,560
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	3 full, 1 partial
Floors	2
Parking	3 Car garage
Lot Size	1.36 acres
HOA/Maint	$50 per month

DESCRIPTION

Gorgeous Luxury Home on 1.36 acres with panoramic views. The sweeping circular staircase that greets you as you enter is just the start. Huge kitchen features walk-in pantry, stainless steel appliances including dual ovens, gas cooktop and lots of cabinet space. 3 Living areas (one with fireplace and a dry bar). Master is downstairs, 3 bedrooms and a game room are up. 3 car garage with space for storage.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Fireplace
- High/Vaulted ceiling	- Walk-in closet	- Tile floor
- Family room	- Living room	- Bonus/Rec room
- Office/Den	- Dining room	- Breakfast nook
- Dishwasher	- Stove/Oven	- Microwave
- Stainless steel appliances	- Laundry area - inside	- Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front	Kitchen
Family Room	Foyer
Back of house	View out of Front

Contact info:

Steve Shatsky

Prudential Texas Properties

(469)449-9840

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Nov 7, 2009, 4:31pm PST

Rowlett Short Sale Opportunity: 2605 Brookside Drive, Rowlett 75088

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:51:14 -0600

Steve Shatsky | Prudential Texas Properties | (469)449-9840

2605 Brookside Drive, Rowlett, TX

Short Sale Opportunity in Rowlett's Ridgecrest Neighborhood!

3BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $125,000

Year Built	1985
Sq Footage	1,824
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Uncovered spaces
Lot Size	0.162 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Great Opportunity to own in Rowlett's highly desirable Ridgecrest neighborhood. This home features spacious living areas, with a nicely done garage conversion creating a second large living space with an almost endless number of possibilities. Great kitchen-dining-living area flow. Mature trees and a fenced backyard give this home a relaxed and friendly feeling!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Fireplace
- High/Vaulted ceiling	- Walk-in closet	- Tile floor
- Living room	- Bonus/Rec room	- Dining room
- Dishwasher	- Stove/Oven	- Laundry area - inside
- Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front	Kitchen
Living Room	Dining Room
Master Bedroom	Master Bathroom

Contact info:

Steve Shatsky

Prudential Texas Properties

(469)449-9840

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Nov 3, 2009, 6:33pm PST

Dallas' Katy Trail: The Road to a Healthier and More Active Dallas

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:59:32 -0600

Dallas's Katy Trail is the starting point in Dallas' plan to develop a network of urban trails to connect the city for pedestrians, bicyclists, and lovers of the outdoors. The history of the Katy Trail began in 1997, when community members and city leaders jointly came together in order to repurpose the land along which the former Missouri-Kansas-Texas (MKT or "Katy") Railroad traveled through Dallas.

Today, the Katy Trail is a 3.5 mile long urban trail extending from the American Airlines Center northward to Airline Drive not far from SMU. The plans are that, when completed, the trail will extend to the Mockingbird Station DART Rail stop in the north and to Downtown Dallas' West End entertainment district in the south. The trail features hard surface biking and skating trails along with softer surface running, jogging and walking paths.

The dense foliage and elevation of the trail makes much of it very peaceful and not urban feeling, much like New York's Central park. There are also scenic overlooks from sites of the former train bridges overlooking main thoroughfares and a scenic overlook of Lee Park and Turtle Creek scheduled to open next month.

For more information on hours, access points, location, etc. please visit www.katytraildallas.org

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If you are in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex and are looking for an experienced REALTOR® to offer guidance, support, and make the home selling or Short Sale process easier and more friendly... like it used to be when service was more than a word, it was personal and valued, call me today at (469)449-9840 to schedule a consultation. Or visit my Dallas Real Estate website at EasyTexasRealEstate.com. I'd be happy to help you move forward and achieve your Real Estate objectives.

Not located in the D/FW area? Contact me anyway... I'd be happy to refer you to a REALTOR® in your area who can help you with the same personal service that I provide to my clients.

All photographs are the exclusive property of Steve Shatsky. They may not be used or reproduced in any manner without expressed written permission from Steve Shatsky. ©Copyright 2009. All Rights Reserved.

Not so SPEECHLESS SUNDAY: College Football and The Diversity of Dallas

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:14:07 -0600

One of my favorite things about Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex is the diversity of our city. There are all sorts of dichotomies that exist here... there is casual Dallas (Deep Ellum) and dress-up Dallas (Highland Park). There is Billy Bob's Texas (The World's Biggest Honky Tonk) and Dallas's new AT&T Performing Arts Center. There is Arlington with attractions like Six Flags Over Texas, as well as the Ranger's Ballpark and the new Cowboy's Stadium contrasting with attractions like Dallas' Nasher Sculpture Center and Fort Worth's Kimbell Art Museum.

After the recent Red River Rivalry between the University of Texas and Oklahoma, the reality that the diversity of college football fans extends beyond our corner of the world sometimes gets lost. A walk on Dallas' Katy Trail though, can remind us that while we love Dallas and all it offers, some Texans were not born here but got here as soon as they could!

When I saw this, I wondered if one of my favorite bloggers, Missy Caulk, might be inside cheering for Michigan along with the residents.

Not So SPEECHLESS SUNDAY: It Takes a Bit Longer to get to Texas!

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:02:03 -0600

Autumn, that is.

Each year around mid-September I get jealous as all the Bloggers and ActiveRainer members in the northern states and Canada post their pictures of beautiful autumn foliage. We do get a bit of it here in Texas, albeit not as vibrant or plentiful as in places like Vermont or New Hampshire, and living in a more urban setting, the signs of it for me are a bit more sparse. It's here though, it just beings to show up a bit later... like around now.

By the end of this month we can even have an occasional dusting of flurries or, as recently as 2005, a full-fledged ice storm.

Even as the weather turns cold, though, the Dallas Real Estate market remains HOT! Buyers are still looking to close on a new home in time for Santa to deliver their presents down their new chimney... and I and my team are happy to help them make that year-end Holiday wish a reality!

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If you are in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex and are looking for an experienced REALTOR® to offer guidance, support, and make the home selling or Short Sale process easier and more friendly... and to help make your Thanksgiving and Year-End Holiday Season one to remember, call me today at (469)449-9840 to schedule a consultation. Or visit my Dallas Real Estate website at EasyTexasRealEstate.com. I'd be happy to help you move forward and achieve your Real Estate objectives. There is still time to make your 2009 dream of home ownership or selling your home a reality!

Not located in the D/FW area? Contact me anyway... I'd be happy to refer you to a REALTOR® in your area who can help you with the same personal service that I provide to my clients.

Short Sale Opportunity in Hickory Creek Ranch - 2500 Acorn Bend, Denton 76210

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 23:05:29 -0500

Steve Shatsky | Prudential Texas Properties | (469)449-9840

2500 Acorn Bend, Denton, TX

Short Sale Opportunity in Hickory Creek Ranch!

4BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $139,000

Year Built	2000
Sq Footage	2,191
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	0.162 acres
HOA/Maint	$17 per month

DESCRIPTION

Great Opportunity to Own is the desirable Hickory Creek Ranch subdivision. Great curb appeal is just the beginning. Gourmet kitchen with adjacent breakfast area and large family room with fireplace and vaulted ceilings. Spacious Master suite includes a bathroom with separate shower and jetted tub. This home features a split bedroom floor plan with the Master at the rear of the home.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Fireplace
- High/Vaulted ceiling	- Walk-in closet	- Family room
- Living room	- Dining room	- Breakfast nook
- Dishwasher	- Refrigerator	- Stove/Oven
- Microwave	- Laundry area - inside	- Balcony, Deck, or Patio
- Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front

Contact info:

Steve Shatsky

Prudential Texas Properties

(469)449-9840

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Oct 31, 2009, 7:46pm PDT

Dallas Real Estate - Dallas Home For Sale: 4206 Hockaday Drive, Dallas 75229

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:00:32 -0500

Steve Shatsky | Prudential Texas Properties | (469)449-9840

4206 Hockaday Dr., Dallas, TX

Great Opportunity to Own in North Highlands Estates!

3BR/3BA Single Family House

offered at $379,000

Year Built	1966
Sq Footage	3,140
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	3 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	0.388 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Great opportunity to own in the highly desirable North Highlands Estates neighborhood. Bring your decorating ideas. Great home for formal or informal entertaining, features spacious rooms, a large game room perfect for a pool table or informal entertaining, fireplace and built-ins in the family room adjacent to the eat-in kitchen with granite countertops & a center island with cooktop. Formal living & dining rooms. Large backyard. Mature trees.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Fireplace
- High/Vaulted ceiling	- Walk-in closet	- Hardwood floor
- Tile floor	- Family room	- Living room
- Bonus/Rec room	- Office/Den	- Dining room
- Breakfast nook	- Dishwasher	- Stove/Oven
- Granite countertop	- Stainless steel appliances	- Laundry area - inside
- Balcony, Deck, or Patio	- Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front	Kitchen
Family Room w/ Fireplace	Bonus or Game Room
Dining Room	Backyard

Contact info:

Steve Shatsky

Prudential Texas Properties

(469)449-9840

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Oct 29, 2009, 1:45pm PDT

WORDY WEDNESDAY: The Style and Flair of Days Gone By

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:54:30 -0500

Progress brings with it many great advancements, especially in the area of technology. I remember in my first job after college that it was a HUGE deal when my department got its first fax machine and a real PC that was not a mainframe terminal.

Somehow, though, progress does not always mean advancement. One example is the originality of design that seems to have been lost as we found more standardized signage and mass production of design. I see old neon signs for businesses of yesteryear and am thankful that they have been preserved to tell a historical story.

I am just old enough to remember when this sort of signage was commonplace. There were no cellular phones, Blackberry's, iPhones, GPS devices, cars didn't have airbags. Less advanced, but definitely with more style and personality!

Service offered more style too... Do you remember when you called a company and a live person answered. You didn't "key-in" your account information because the phone had no keys. Service may have taken longer without all the technology, but I don't think people minded as much because it was personal.

It's hard to find companies who still hold the value of that kind of service close to their core business philosophy. And the best ones find a way to utilize technology in a way that enhances their service, not replaces it.

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If you are in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex and are looking for an experienced REALTOR® to offer guidance, support, and make the home selling or Short Sale process easier and more friendly... like it used to be when service was more than a word, it was personal and valued, call me today at (469)449-9840 to schedule a consultation. Or visit my Dallas Real Estate website at EasyTexasRealEstate.com. I'd be happy to help you move forward and achieve your Real Estate objectives. Don't let the sun set on your 2009 Real Estate dreams!

Not located in the D/FW area? Contact me anyway... I'd be happy to refer you to a REALTOR® in your area who can help you with the same personal service that I provide to my clients.

An Overvalued Short Sale Appraisal... Now What?

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 22:45:30 -0500

In a market where getting properties to appraise for sale price is a common challenge faced by agents, I found myself on the other end of the spectrum this week.

I have been working a Short Sale on a condo in a highrise building and this week the Short Sale lender came back with an appraisal that was over $40,000 more than the offer that was submitted. This caught me entirely off guard since both the buyer's agent and I thought we were "on target" in the contract price.

I make it a policy not to call out individual lenders in my posts since many of them share similar bad practices, but the lender in this case was exceptionally unwilling to consider that the appraisal could possibly be wrong. Until confronted with evidence they couldn't ignore.

A bit of research on my part showed several bad choices made by the appraiser. First, the comps chosen were not the "best" nor "closest" comps available. There were an adequate number of comps in the same building as the sale unit, yet the appraiser chose comps from other properties that were not comparable in terms of amenities, location or age. Also, the appraiser ignored recent REO sales in the building which were sold by the same bank that was making the decisions on my short sale property.

I faxed a copy of the comps to the bank along with an explanation of why the appraisal was flawed and how their failure to consider this evidence would result in a lost short sale for this unit, a lower REO sale price (based on their own recent REO sales in the building) and lower return for the investor.

The end result? Within 48 hours the appraised value of the condo I had listed was lowered by $35,000, the short sale offer was revised and approved and we are moving toward a closing in the next couple of weeks.

So even when it appears hopeless, just dig deeper... sometimes the info that lies beneath the surface can be enough to pull a deal killed by a bad appraisal from the fire!

There's Still Plenty of Room on the ActiveRain Blogging Train!

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:37:16 -0500

I attended a great training class this week. I was selected to be a member of the Texas Association of REALTORS® 2010 Professional Standards Committee and as a requirement to serve on the committee, all members are required to take Professional Standards training.

There were so many great "Aha" moments in this class that I may have to write another post about them, but one of the biggest "Aha's" for me was when I realized how many REALTORS® are unfamiliar with blogging as a marketing, education and networking tool for real estate.

I guess since I am in a routine and habit of blogging, regularly seeing how 162,962 other Real Estate professionals have joined the ActiveRain community, I assumed everyone would know about ActiveRain and blogging. So when, as part of a case study in the Professional Standards class, the Code of Ethics violation scenario included a blogging component, I was caught by surprise when many of the agents in the class were not familiar with the responsibilities and scope of blogging.

Thanks to my experience as an ActiveRain blogger, I was well educated about these responsibilities. I had the opportunity to share my knowledge with my colleagues, the instructor even allowed me to talk about ActiveRain for a few moments and afterwards, several classmates asked me for my card in case they had questions as the explored AR on their own.

And as an added bonus, the instructor even pulled me aside during the lunch break and asked me if I would be interested in joining the Education Committee at our local board... they have been discussing blogging and social media more frequently and she felt that I had a perspective that they were lacking. I will be attending that meeting next week to see what I can offer.

When I see the number of new and veteran faces here on ActiveRain, it's easy to forget how many agents still haven't gotten onboard the blogging train. So if you haven't joined yet, c'mon... jump on the Rain Train... there's still plenty of room and it will be a trip you'll be glad that you made!

Dallas Real Estate / Home For Sale: 6941 Desco Drive, Dallas 75225

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 16:36:50 -0500

Steve Shatsky | Prudential Texas Properties | (469)449-9840

6941 Desco Drive, Dallas, TX

Buyers Opportunity in Park Lane North!

4BR/3.5BA Single Family House

offered at $479,000

Year Built	1965
Sq Footage	3,462
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	3 full, 1 partial
Floors	1
Parking	3 Car garage
Lot Size	0.426 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Great opportunity in highly desirable Park Lane North neighborhood! Recent updates include kitchen, bathrooms & floors. Lots of space & storage. Beautiful kitchen with wood cabinets, granite countertops & stainless steel appliances also features both a center island & breakfast bar. Hardwood floors throughout . Spacious room sizes, 2 living areas (1 has wet bar and the other has WBFP) plus an office. Enormous 3 car garage & huge backyard.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Fireplace
- High/Vaulted ceiling	- Walk-in closet	- Hardwood floor
- Tile floor	- Family room	- Living room
- Office/Den	- Dining room	- Breakfast nook
- Dishwasher	- Stove/Oven	- Microwave
- Granite countertop	- Stainless steel appliances	- Laundry area - garage
- Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front	Kitchen
Dining Room	Large Living Room w/ WBFP
Family Room w/ Wet Bar	Backyard

Contact info:

Steve Shatsky

Prudential Texas Properties

(469)449-9840

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Oct 25, 2009, 1:20pm PDT

Not so SPEECHLESS SUNDAY: When the Days Grow Shorter

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 14:15:22 -0500

We are once again approaching the time of year when the days are growing shorter and daylight savings time will soon be ending. I have a couple of lights in my home which run on timers and I can always tell the change of seasons by when I need to adjust them to the new time of the sunset.

Last week, as I sat in my office around 7:00 P.M., a time that just a month ago would have still been light outside, I looked up and realized that I may not be the only person who needs to adjust the timers on his (or her) lights... but what a beautiful image backlit by the final minutes of the setting sun!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

If you are in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex and are looking for an experienced REALTOR® to offer guidance, support, and make the home selling or Short Sale process easier and more friendly... like it used to be when service was more than a word, it was a core value, call me today at (469)449-9840 to schedule a consultation. Or visit my Dallas Real Estate website at EasyTexasRealEstate.com. I'd be happy to help you move forward and achieve your Real Estate objectives. Don't let the sun set on your 2008 Real Estate dreams!

Not located in the D/FW area? Contact me anyway... I'd be happy to refer you to a REALTOR® in your area who can help you.