Dallas Short Sales, Real Estate & Perspectives from www.HomeSalesRemedy.com

In honor of Independence Day

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 15:43:27 -0500

In honor of Independence Day I salute all of our brave men, young and older who are fighting or who have fought to deliver the freedom and liberty to others that we have and often take for granted here. As it says in the preamble of The Declaration of Independence:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness".

Please take a minute today to reflect on these important words and reflect on how in each of our everyday lives we have lived to support this sentiment that our country's founders held to be so important. And perhaps equally important, let's examine how through our words and deeds we have sought to deny these "unalienable rights" to others in our own society so that we can be more aware should our inclinations to do so in the future lean in that direction.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY! Be proud to be an American and be proud to support what our great country stood for over 232 years ago and what it still stands for today!

Real Estate Fraud… What were you thinking?

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 23:54:45 -0500

In my business dealings as a short sale specialist I hear a lot of interesting stories. I am AMAZED at how many calls each week I get from people who have been victims of real estate and/or mortgage fraud. They really are victims... because these people's lives have been totally turned upside down. The stories are all similar, and most leave me wanting to ask, "What were you thinking when you signed those papers?"

I have had Short Sale clients who bought homes as investments sight unseen. I have had clients who bought homes after being approached by "a friend of a friend" who asked them to "lend them their credit score" to get a lower interest rate. I have had clients who have paid triple what a house was worth based on fraudulent appraisals and I have had clients who are almost a million dollars upside in a home they have owned for less than a year. The common thread... they all had to ask for my assistance in helping them avoid foreclosure.

I have wonderful clients and by the time I am done working with them I usually know them very well. I have asked them time and time again, what they were thinking when they signed the papers that got them into the mess they are in by the time they meet me. They all say things like "I was stupid." Or "I would never do anything like this again." I have even had them say "I wasn't thinking, that was the problem." A few have admitted that greed was a motivator, and the chance to do something that sounded too good to be true just overtook them. But when I ask what they were thinking as they signed the papers it seems they all have amnesia about why the sirens weren't sounding in their heads at that very moment.

As I have told people, and fear I will continue to have to tell people, "There is a reason that these scenarios are called get rich quick schemes and not get rich quick legitimate business opportunities!" Remember, if at any point something sounds too good to be true, run away FAST and don't look back!

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Have you been a victim of fraud in the purchase of your home? Do you need the assistance of an experienced professional in selling your home in a short sale to avoid foreclosure? Visit my website at www.homesalesremedy.com or contact me today for more information and assistance!

KABOOM! It’s nearly Independence Day in the DFW Metroplex

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 14:21:40 -0500

The Dallas area has many great Independence Day celebrations to choose from. My 2 favorites are Kaboom Town in Addison and Dallas' Fair Park Fourth celebration (held at Dallas' Fair Park, site of the Cotton Bowl and Texas State Fair). What's even nicer about these 2 events is that these events are FREE... and you can actually attend BOTH without missing anything since Addison' Kaboom Town takes place on the evening of July 3!

Kaboom Town (http://www.addisontexas.net/events/kaboomtown/) is an all evening celebration featuring live music performances, historic airplane flyovers and a fantastic fireworks display set to music. It begins Thursday July 3 at 5:00pm and runs until Midnight at Addison Circle Park. This is a lot of fun and definitely a "don't miss" event! In fact, USA Today has named this event one of the best of its kind in the country!

On Friday, July 4 in Dallas, Dr Pepper Snapple Group is sponsoring Fair Park Fourth, Dallas' Independence Day celebration. Beginning at 5:00 p.m. everyone can enjoy family style fun at the park including free museum admission from 5 to 8pm and then at 9:30pm make sure to enjoy the top fireworks show in Texas! As always, it promises to be great fun for everyone. Remember, while lawn chairs, blankets and picnics are allowed, NO alcoholic beverages, glass bottles or fireworks will be permitted.

Admission to Dallas' Fair Park and the Fireworks show is free, however parking in the Fair Park lots will cost $8.00. More information on this event as well as Fair Park maps can be found at: www.fairpark.org

Whatever your Independence Day weekend plans are, please be sure to be safe. Do not drink and drive, and if you are planning your own personal fireworks celebration, make sure to exercise caution for your sake and the sake of your loved ones.

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Are you interested in buying or selling a home in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex? For more information about homes available for sale, and my services for both buyers and sellers please visit my website at www.WeAreSold.com

It’s 2004… again!

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 01:37:20 -0500

I listen to the news, I read the news, I watch the news... and some days it seems no matter how I get the news, the news echoes from media outlet to media outlet. The news item that has been echoing over the past day or so and that has me thinking a lot is actually a side observation from the recent report about national home prices that was released on Tuesday.

Dallas fared very well compared to the national numbers, but overall, the report indicated that home prices nationally have retreated to 2004 levels. 2004... that's 4 years ago! I was thinking about 2004 and what life was like then. 2004 was my rookie year as a real estate agent. In 2004, gas was still under $2.00/gallon! In 2004 I was still in my 30's!

A rollback in home prices though is not a good thing... and the echo of that news is even worse. I know that "good" news doesn't sell newspapers, but as consumer prices rise in many areas of the economy and homeowners are seeing their incomes stretched even tighter, many are fighting the current reality created by perceptions created by the echoes of the media.

So welcome back to 2004! The New England Patriots won the Super Bowl. Lance Armstrong won his 6^th Tour de France. Martha Stewart began serving her prison sentence. Ronald Regan passed away and John Kerry lost the general presidential election. And, oh yeah, on average nationally, your home will be worth today what its value will be in 2008.

Happy Old Year!

Are your Buyers prepared for Condo living?

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 15:03:45 -0500

The diversity of condominium owners makes for very lively "discussions" about associations rules and their enforcement. Prior to purchasing a condominium, every buyer receives a copy of the by-laws and rules governing the community, yet it seems that often condo buyers are unprepared for the "compromises" that community living requires. All the time I hear about condo neighbors throwing very loud parties that go late into the night (or early into the morning) as well as loud stereos, home theater systems with surround sound that makes items hung on shared walls vibrate or fall down, and even misuse of common areas like hallways and elevators when a resident pet decides to use one of these areas as a toilet and the owner feels no obligation to pickup after it ("Isn't that why I pay my monthly HOA fees?). And the rules violators always seem to use the same defense... "I should be able to do whatever I want since I own here, pay my HOA fees and this is my home."

As a condo owner, when I hear these complaints around my building I often wonder if or how the real estate agents who sold these people their units prepared them for the realities of community living. Clearly, you give up certain freedoms to live in a condominium. You must live and be respectful of your neighbors in a way that you need not be in a single family detached home. You must realize that your neighbors' property values are tied to yours and when you (or your pet) destroy the common areas that you affect everyone's property values and that the HOA budget is funded by every owner.

When I represent a buyer wishing to purchase a condo, I always have a "lifestyle" conversation with them before I will write a contract for them. Do you live loudly (stereos, parties, etc.) in a way that will disturb neighbors? Do you realize that if you do live loudly that your neighbors will likely have cause against you per the building rules? Do you realize that even in the nicest of condos there will be a certain amount of noise transference between units? Will living by rules that may change and that you may not necessarily agree with bother you to the point of unhappiness? By asking these questions I can help a prospective condo buyer make sure that they will enjoy their new home, and not regret their choice... and that hopefully their neighbors will be glad to have them as neighbors. I want my buyers to not have any surprises or regrets, or to ever call me for a conversation that begins with "Why didn't you tell me that buying a condo means..."

What (if anything) do you do to prepare condo buyers for the reality of their home choice?

Keeping Your Cool about A/C and Electicity Costs

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:23:08 -0500

If you or someone you know are building a new home or replacing an older central A/C unit, one of the key items you need to look at on the replacement unit is the SEER number.

SEER is Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. Like gas mileage for a car, the higher the SEER number, the better.

Good Morning Texas, a local Dallas morning TV show, reported that 19 SEER A/C units are the most efficient that are available today. The City of Dallas only requires 13 SEER currently, but replacing older units with a 19 SEER unit, proper sizing, checking ducts for leaks, insulating ducts, can reduce the A/C-related PORTION of your electric bill by up to 56%.

A/C usage and associated energy in Texas is a HUGE component in electric cost, pollution and ozone.

Efficient A/C is a good item to add value if selling your house too.

If you buy, check with your accountant or the IRS. They have been offering some tax credits for energy
efficient appliances to offset costs as well.

Dallas' Mockingbird Lane: A game of tit for tat?

Sat, 14 Jun 2008 22:37:49 -0500

There is a mini-drama playing out here in North Texas. And before it's over it could get both ugly and costly for drivers.

One of the main thoroughfares in the Dallas area is Mockingbird Lane. Mockingbird Lane (which is named after the state bird of Texas, not after the street that Darrin and Samantha lived on in the TV show Bewitched) is an East-West surface road ranging from 2 to 6 lanes depending on the location.

According to news reports, more than 18,000 drivers a day use Mockingbird Lane to cut from East Dallas, through Highland Park to get out to the West side of Dallas. Well, now Highland Park officials have floated the idea of turning a portion of Mockingbird Lane (the part that runs through their jurisdiction) into a toll road... the first surface street toll road in America.

This issue is further complicated by a long standing rivalry between Dallas residents and Highland Park residents. The reaction of Dallasites has been to take it as a slap in the face that Highland Park wishes to keep them from transiting through their city, and one letter to the editor in the newspaper even suggested that Dallas make all roads exiting the Park Cities (which are surrounded all around by Dallas) into toll roads so that any residents wishing to leave the Park Cities would have to pay a toll.

All-in-all, I have to believe that there has to be a better way to handle this! With gas prices rising, hasn't driving become expensive enough? Can't we just all get along?

Editors note: Please see my comment (#3 below) for a very important correction!

For my Dad: Fathers Day 2008

Sat, 14 Jun 2008 22:03:37 -0500

My dad taught me a lot about life and a lot about Real Estate. He taught me many life lessons... to play fairly, get along with others, treat others as you would wish to be treated, don't ever compromise your ethics or integrity, don't be afraid of hard work, and perhaps most importantly, that life is not always fair.

Many of these lessons apply to my Real Estate career. Dad has been a REALTOR® for 30 years in South Florida, as an agent, a broker, first in Coral Springs and more recently in the Boca Raton and Delray Beach areas. You may not have known it, but I am a 3rd generation REALTOR®. Both of my parents and my grandfather were all at some point in their careers a REALTOR®, but it is my dad for whom it was a primary career.

My dad has a passion for real estate. To this day I still remember his response when I told him I was going to get my Real Estate license. He said "Are you nuts? Didn't you learn anything from growing up and watching me work?" He really was joking, and if you ask him he will grudgingly admit that he likes having a son he can talk business with (since my past careers in Logistics, Management Consulting and Marketing left him always interested but often unable to relate). Through the life lessons that he taught me, as well as by giving his advice (whether or not I ask for it), my dad guides me in my career just as he guided me by running along behind me and holding on when I learned to ride my first bicycle.

I'm fortunate to have him. He teaches me even today and is never out of my mind. Over 10 years ago my dad was diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease. I would say he suffers from it, but that would be inaccurate... he has symptoms, they make his life frightening and difficult at times, but he rallies against it. He has taught me what it means to be brave, what it means to not accept defeat and what it means to be a survivor. And at 70 years old he is still sharp, vital, active and continues to close Real Estate transactions! My dad makes me very proud to be his son and while he will be the first to tell you that I have not always been who he wished me to be or acted as he would have like me to act, as both a child and adult, I know that he is proud of me too!

HAPPY FATHERS DAY... to my Dad and to you and yours!

HAPPY FLAG DAY!

Sat, 14 Jun 2008 12:51:59 -0500

Celebrated in the United States each year on June 14, Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States, which occurred by resolution of the Second Continental Congress on June 14, 1777.

Fly our flag proudly and especially today, please take a moment to remember those who are far from home fighting to protect our right to fly her and those who have given their life for the freedoms we all enjoy daily!

But really... they had good intentions: Re-naming Dallas’ Industrial Boulevard

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 01:52:54 -0500

On May 26 I posted The re-naming of Industrial Boulevard in Dallas. I wrote about the public poll/vote to rename Dallas' Industrial Boulevard as part of the Trinity River redevelopment project. The public opinion poll offered choices of 4 names that featured descriptive aspects of the redevelopment and 2 names in honor of famous Dallasites. Well, the question of the day around Dallas City Hall is "What if they threw an election and the people voted wrong?"

Over 20,000 votes were cast in the public poll which ran for a week. Of the votes cast, more than 52% voted to rename Industrial Blvd in honor of Cesar Chavez. The City Council seemed to think that certainly people would do the "right" thing and vote to re-name the road with a name that described the desired feel after the billion dollar Trinity River Corridor project. Surely the public would realize that naming it this way would facilitate marketing the project... right? Well, no. And now, to add insult to injury the Dallas City Council has postponed a vote so that a compromise can be reached to rename Industrial Boulevard as Riverfront Boulevard and rename another road in honor of Cesar Chavez. The Hispanic community is less than pleased with these developments and I can't say that I blame them. The poll was certainly not a formal or binding vote, but this well intended exercise (which obviously cost tax dollars to execute) has become unnecessarily divisive.

Maybe the City Council will learn that if they don't want to know the answer to the question, that in the future perhaps they shouldn't ask!

Transit Oriented Developments: A way of life for North Texas and our changing times

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 01:23:30 -0500

I'm a big believer in "The Ripple Effect" and I see it all around me.

In fact, my AR blog post was about the Ripple Effect of Foreclosure. Later, I wrote on the Ripple Effect of declining property tax appraisal growth. I have also written posts on the effects of light rail mass transit and Transit Oriented Developments (TOD's) in the Dallas area including Word-a-palooza - Part Deux: A TOD Update and Dallas and Garland - Those TODdling Towns! I see the growing popularity of TOD's as sort of a Ripple Effect of rising gas prices and the more general trend toward a more urban style of living.

In an article last week, the Dallas Morning News reported on how 2 more Dallas area suburbs, Carrollton and Farmer Branch are already preparing for 2010 when the DART Rail Green line extend to those cities.

And what do you think these cities are planning? TOD's! The City Manager for Farmers Branch was quoted in the article and commented on how until now they really did not have a downtown area and so the city lacked any urban living and shopping options. The opening of a Farmers Branch stop on DART's Green Line 2 years from now will bring that style of living and shopping to Farmers Branch for the first time. The city has specified a 20 acre area of developments for this purpose.

Carrollton will actually have 3 DART Rail stations and in the DMN article the city's manager of TOD's was quoted... the fact that a city position with that title exists should give us all a good idea how importantly TOD's factor into Carrollton's future plans.

Clearly the way that North Texas residents are responding to TOD's and mass transit are changing. And as gas prices continue to rise, the desire for many people to reduce their commutes, save gasoline (and money) and their willingness to use mass transit as a tool in those efforts will also continue to change.

Every article I have read indicates that this shift is not confined to the Dallas area. Are you seeing more of this type of real estate being developed in your part of the country? Let me know...

Short Sale Opportunity - 921 Richards Dr., Cedar Hill, TX

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 21:03:00 -0500

Steve Shatsky | Keller Williams Realty - Dallas City Center | (469)449-9840

921 Richards Drive, Cedar Hill, TX

Short Sale Opportunity in Cedar Hill

3BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $76,000

Year Built	1986
Sq Footage	1,220
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	0.126 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

SHORT SALE opportunity in Stonewood Heights area of Cedar Hill. This 2-story traditional home features a very functional floor plan & vaulted ceilings. Other features include a central kitchen and living area with fireplace. The Master Bedroom also features a romantic fireplace, tall ceilings and a jetted tub in the bath. There is nice backyard with a large tree. This home is offered AS-IS & all offers are subject to lienholder approval.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

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

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Steve Shatsky

Keller Williams Realty - Dallas City Center

(469)449-9840

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jun 10, 2008, 4:47pm PDT

Short Sale Opportunity - 2113 Laughlin Road, Fort Worth

Sun, 08 Jun 2008 11:30:08 -0500

Steve Shatsky | Keller Williams Realty - Dallas City Center | (469)449-9840

2113 Laughlin Road, Fort Worth, TX

SHORT SALE! Opportunity knocks in Presidio Village.

3BR/2.5BA Single Family House

offered at $142,900

Year Built	2005
Sq Footage	2,990
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 1 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	0.126 acres
HOA/Maint	$25 per month

DESCRIPTION

SHORT SALE opportunity in Presidio Village. This 2-story traditional home features a spacious open floor plan and is move in condition. Other features include a huge eat-in kitchen and 3 large living areas, 2-zone AC, family room with fireplace and a nice backyard with beautiful stone wall. This home is offered AS-IS and all offers are subject to lienholder approval.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
Walk-in closet	Family room	Living room
Bonus/Rec room	Dining room	Breakfast nook
Dishwasher	Stove/Oven	Microwave
Laundry area - inside

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Steve Shatsky

Keller Williams Realty - Dallas City Center

(469)449-9840

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jun 8, 2008, 7:12am PDT

Dallas and Garland – Those TODdling Towns!

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 23:39:15 -0500

I recently made several posts referencing Transit Oriented Developments (a/k/a TOD's). A TOD is a development project (usually mixed use or residential that is adjacent or in very close proximity to mass transit (usually rail, such as DART Rail).

Perhaps Dallas has never had a lot of TOD oriented projects until recently because the Metroplex's historical method of mass transit has been the less than glamorous bus. But as DART Rail ridership continues to grow, the network expands and gas prices rise to historically high levels, so have the number of TOD's in Dallas (developments such The West Village, the Mockingbird Station complex and the upcoming Lake Highlands Town Center).

And now the trend spreads even further out from Dallas. Construction has begun on 5^th Street Crossing at Garland Station. Due to Open in August of next year, the mixed use development will have 189 residential units, ground floor retail establishments and a 400 space parking garage.

As gas prices continue to rise and commuting becomes more and more expensive I predict the DFW Area will see more and more of these developments, featuring rental apartments, condominiums and perhaps eventually single family homes focused on transit stations in walking distance.

And this is not a bad way to save gas, reduce pollution and cut the costs of commuting or just getting to venues in the downtown or Victory Park areas.

Looking to make a move and purchase a new home closer in to downtown in order to save gas, reduce your commute or be closer to the excitement of Dallas? Contact me today and let me help you explore your home buying options!

Appraisal Growth… The next Ripple in the Ripple Effect.

Sat, 31 May 2008 23:54:35 -0500

When I began writing about all things real estate, I mentioned that there are ripple effects. Home and property values can have far reaching effects and clearly the next ripple is about to become a big tidal wave... Property Tax Appraisal Growth.

I was reading the newspaper a week or two ago and a made a few mental notes that I wanted to write about here. The news story was about how the slowdown in real estate price appreciation is this year affecting the growth of property tax revenues at a time when the cost for delivery of existing services is rising and there is public demand for increased services.

This year's growth rate (largely due to commercial property increases) is expected to be a mere 5% once objection challenges to the proposed property values are completed. This is of high concern in states like Texas where there is no state or local income taxes. This leaves property taxes as the primary source for revenue to provide services... when property tax growth does not allow adequate growth to support the services necessary there are 2 options... service/program reductions or raising the property tax rates to a level that will fund services.

This development comes at a horrible time. With costs rising for such basic services as gasoline to fuel police cars, fire trucks, school buses and trash collection vehicles, more money will be needed for these basic level budget items, making expansion of services and funding for new programs seemingly unlikely. Then add in electricity costs, maintenance of facilities, etc. and you can see where the need for greater tax revenues to merely maintain what we already receive (which by many people is considered inadequate) will be requirement in order to avoid service and program reductions.

I gearing up for a tax rate increase... hold on tight and sound the warning sirens! I doubt this will be the last ripple that becomes a potential tidal wave!

The re-naming of Industrial Boulevard in Dallas

Mon, 26 May 2008 14:51:09 -0500

In conjunction with the Trinity River Project in Dallas comes a move by the city council's Trinity River committee to upgrade the image of the area involved by renaming its main thoroughfare from the accurately descriptive Industrial Boulevard to something a bit more reflective or aspirational in nature... and YOU get to vote.

The 6 finalist names are:

•· Eddie Bernice Johnson Parkway

•· César Chávez Boulevard

•· Riverfront Boulevard

•· Trinity Lakes Boulevard

•· Trinityview Boulevard

•· Waterfront Boulevard

Industrial Boulevard by whichever name is chosen will continue to be a main route in the revitalized Trinity River area of Dallas and since the city is hoping to attract developers to create more upscale residential and commercial projects to this sector renaming this street is a great start.

Voting will run today through 5:00 P.M. on Friday. You may vote for your choice online at www.trinityrivercorridor.org or you can vote by phone at (214)671-9592.

I'm curious... Which one would/did you vote for and why?

Green Gasoline Habits - They do not just involve your car and they affect all near and far!

Sat, 24 May 2008 14:10:46 -0500

First, I apologize to Doctor Seuss (and all of you) for my play on a "Green Eggs and Ham" rhyme in my title. All I can say is that I couldn't resist!

We are all moaning about high gasoline prices and how they are affecting us. A quick scan of Active Rain turns up blog posts on topics ranging from which small car to buy when trading in a gas guzzler (Meyer Leibovitch's "A Car Guy's Dilema") to how have the high gasoline prices affected how we view and conduct our business (Kim Daugherty's "Are Rising Gas Prices Affecting YOUR Business?"). We have gasoline nostalgia posts like Loreena Yeo's I remembered when gas was .... We even have AR community groups dealing with environmental and "green" topics such as ECO-All-Stars~ GREEN Resources, Trends & Friends and Healthy Lifestyle - Green Lifestyle and I guess my point is that as gasoline prices continue to rise these concerns and issues will become even greater.

In my 5 minutes of daily spare time I have come across a few items that have been in the news recently that I think are worth sharing and passing on as we focus on our driving in both our daily jobs and for the summer travel season. I have even included a suggestion regarding non-automobile gasoline use reduction.

When do you fill-up?

Fill up early in the morning or after sundown. Filling up mid-day, in the heat of the late morning or afternoon/evening will give you the least amount of gas for your dollar due to expansion of gas under heat. Plus more vapors will escape to hurt our air during the heat of the day too.

GO RIGHT! (...even if you are a liberal)

I thought that this was really interesting. UPS has determined that their fleet saves millions of dollars a year in fuel by making as few left turns as possible. Given that REALTORS® spend lots of time navigating around their areas behind the wheel it seems that we are a logical group that could benefit from better route planning. See if you can route your trips this way and you may not save millions of dollars like UPS, but collectively we probably would have a huge impact on gas usage and air pollution. As a group we can have a HUGE impact!

Lush Lawns

As REALTORS® we know all about the importance of curb appeal (and if we don't, we should). But could you survive if you asked your lawn service to come every other week instead of every week? Would an extra week make that much of a difference in exchange for a 50% reduction in lawn equipment related gasoline use and air pollution? And if you must have a weekly lawn mowing, does your landscape company offer a "green" service where they will cut your grass using manual or non-gasoline driven equipment? Lawn equipment is one of the biggest contributors to pollution.

OK folks, I am off my soapbox (painted green with no VOC paint). Enjoy and GO GREEN!

DFW (and Texas) Home Prices are Up… and so are my spirits!

Fri, 23 May 2008 21:43:05 -0500

It's often difficult, here in Dallas, to be a REALTOR® and also be happy about the local Real Estate news reporting. We suffer, along with many other cities, from a media that is all too anxious to report the doom and gloom of the real estate market. Ironically, when you compare the Dallas real estate market to the national market (and most other similar sized cities) we compare quite favorably... in fact, our market is quite healthy....

...but I don't believe you would get that impression from reading the newspaper. And the problem that causes is that as a REALTOR® when I tell my clients that it's a healthy market they refuse to believe me. They don't come right out and call me liar, but they say things like "Well that's not what I read in the newspaper!" or "My family in Florida said I should be able to buy a foreclosure or short sale here for 50 cents on the dollar."

So imagine my glee to open the Dallas Morning News this morning to find an article on the front of the business section titled "New study finds higher home prices". The article goes on to point out that while prices nationally declined an average of 3.1% for the 1^st quarter of 2008 (compared with the 1^st quarter of 2007), Dallas home price comparing the same periods ROSE by 3.76%! And inventory is down slightly too! Other noteworthy statistics in the article included that Fort Worth home prices rose 2.59% and prices across The Lone Star State were up 4.7%

I have been wearing a smile all day that you could not get off of my face if you tried! Hmmm... I think I may feel a few "I told you so" phone calls coming on. Nah... I wouldn't do that! ;)

Driving may still be a vacation trip bargain...

Fri, 23 May 2008 20:42:51 -0500

...well at least compared to flying! (and unless you are going to Hawaii or Europe, etc.)

A client of mine who always seems to have his finger on the pulse of all things interesting and internet told me today about a AAA website that tells you how much it will cost to drive from one city to another. It takes into account what kind of car you drive and the current average price of fuel by region.

Check it out at http://www.fuelcostcalculator.com/ because a.) it's practical info for planning a trip and b.) it's kind of fun to see how much it would cost to drive from Dallas to Key West... don't laugh, it could come up in conversation at a cocktail party or as a question on "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?"

Mow Down Air Pollution in Dallas

Fri, 23 May 2008 18:28:56 -0500

The City of Dallas has announced a program for people with small lawns to trade in their gas powered lawn mowers for discounted electric lawn mowers. This is a great opportunity to do something for yourself and for the environment!

The details can be found online at: http://www.greendallas.net/pdfs/mown_down_air_pollution.pdf

YOU MUST CALL OR EMAIL AND GET A RESERVATION TO PARTICIPATE

Who: City of Dallas Residents ( Must show proof of residency)

What: Trade in working gas powered lawn mowers for a 50% off Electric Lawn Mower.

When: Saturday June 21, 2008

Time: 9am-3pm or as long as supplies last. Only 400 mowers available

Where: Dallas City Hall. Horseshoe Parking Area, 1500 Marilla St., Dallas, TX 75201

Why: According to Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the engines in gas powered lawn equipment pollutes more than car engines. ONE HOUR OF LAWN MOWING WITH A GAS MOWER POLLUTES AS MUCH AS FOUR HOURS OF DRIVING YOUR CAR.

For a Reservation: Call Nicole Cooper with the City of Dallas at 214-670-6646 or email her at nicole.cooper@dallascityhall.com

With a reservation, you will bring your gas mower (emptied of gas & oil...see note below) to city hall
and trade it in. You can buy an electric Neutron 5.2 Battery-Powered mower for a total of $198.61 plus
$16.39 tax.

Recent studies show that electric plant pollution to recharge this is less than gasoline pollution, and
costs less (despite higher electric rates).

All mowers must be in working order and emptied of gas & oil to receive the disount. NOTE: To properly
dispose of Gas & Oil take it to Home Chemical Collection Center, 11234 Plano Road (North of 635
LBJ), Dallas TX 75243 call 214-553-1765

Short Sale Opportunity - 2802 Lindbergh Dr., Dallas - $82,500

Thu, 22 May 2008 18:03:53 -0500

Steve Shatsky | Keller Williams Realty-Dallas City Center | (469)449-9840

2802 Lindbergh Dr., Dallas, TX

SHORT SALE! Opportunity knocks!

3BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $82,500

Year Built	1976
Sq Footage	1,376
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

SHORT SALE opportunity. Nice open floor plan. Beautiful brick fireplace in living area. Large Living Area, Kitchen and Master Bedroom make this home feel more spacious than the square footage would make you believe. This home is offered AS-IS and all offers are subject to lienholder approval.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
Walk-in closet	Tile floor	Living room
Dishwasher	Refrigerator	Stove/Oven
Laundry area - inside

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Steve Shatsky

Keller Williams Realty-Dallas City Center

(469)449-9840

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: May 22, 2008, 1:51pm PDT

The Turtle Creek Lifestyle - 1 BR 1 BA Renaissance Condo - $184,900

Wed, 14 May 2008 12:28:54 -0500

Steve Shatsky | Keller Williams Realty - Dallas City Center | (469)449-9840

3225 Turtle Creek Bl. #428, Dallas, TX

Ahhhh! The Turtle Creek Lifestyle!

1BR/1BA Condo

offered at $184,900

Year Built	1998
Sq Footage	832
Bedrooms	1
Bathrooms	1 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	1 Car garage
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$333 per month

DESCRIPTION

Enjoy the Turtle Creek highrise lifestyle without breaking the bank! This beautiful condo offers upgrades galore including granite countertops in the kitchen & a glass shower enclosure in the bathroom. Wood floors in the living area with a tree-top view from the large balcony plus the pool, fitness & service amenities of The Renaissance complete the living experience of this dream condo. Unit includes extra storage room across hall.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	High/Vaulted ceiling
Walk-in closet	Hardwood floor	Tile floor
Living room	Dining room	Dishwasher
Stove/Oven	Microwave	Granite countertop
Laundry area - inside	Balcony, Deck, or Patio

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Garage parking	Guest parking	Business center
Clubhouse	Storage space(s)	Fitness center
Swimming pool(s)	Sauna/Spa	Secured entry
Elevator

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Steve Shatsky

Keller Williams Realty - Dallas City Center

(469)449-9840

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: May 14, 2008, 8:11am PDT