S & P Home Prices - 08/31/11 02:29 PM


Dallas-area home prices dropped 4.3 percent from a year ago in the Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller Home Price Index released Tuesday.
Aa referenced in the reports from Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller Home Price Index released Tuesday, prices of pre-owned homes in the Dallas area dropped 4.3% in June from a year ealier.  And all major U.S. markets in the Case-Shiller survey for June saw home price declines from mid 2010, with Nationwide prices down 4.5% for the same period.
According to David M. Blitzer, Chairman of the Index Committee at S & P Indices “Looking across the cities, eight bottomed in … (4 comments)

Set it and forget it! - 08/31/11 09:33 AM
When it comes to a goal, you can’t just “set it and forget it”!

Goals are important to set both short-term and long-term to keep us balanced and focused (and sane!)  It is so easy to just go through day-to-day and fall into an abyss of despair.  Setting a goal each day, each week, each month and for the year (and beyond) allows us the opportunity to achieve that sense of accomplishment that serves our well-being.  Many times your goal(s) will include helping someone else achieve theirs…this is a win-win!
So start your day with this goal, give yourself the … (5 comments)

Confucius Says.... - 08/28/11 05:38 PM

A portrait of Confucius, by Tang Dynasty artist Wu Daozi (680–740).

Another Sunday is passing by, this quote from Confucius seems apropos for our times:
 
“The wise men of antiquity, when they wished to make the whole world peaceful and happy, fist put their own States into proper order.  Before putting their States into proper order, they regulated their own families.  Before regulating their families, they regulated themselves.  Before regulating themselves, they tried to be sincere in their thoughts.  Before being sincere in their thoughts, they tried to see things exactly as they really were.”
 
I believe … (6 comments)

6 + / - Acres in the heart of highly sought after Duncanville, TX - 08/28/11 05:24 PM
6 + / - Acres in the heart of highly sought after Duncanville, TX

 
Excellent opportunity to purchase this approximately 6 acre total parcel, which comprises 2 lots that includes 805 W. Wheatland Road and 302 S. Venice Drive, connected lots with great corner curb appeal.  This fabulous site offers a variety of viable uses, surrounded by established residential neighborhoods and backs to wonderfully updated shopping, restaurants, small business and Medical facilities.  The site is adjacent to a well established neighorbhood, greenbelt and park.  The site must be purchased, closed and funded together (both parcels, 302 S. Venice and … (4 comments)

Where’s the Money? Part 3 of 3 - 08/28/11 12:11 PM
Where’s the Money?   Part 3 of 3
 

Ready to buy a home and are overwhelmed with the news and mortgage information? 
 
When it comes to paying for your home, you have a wide range of financing options. Your home mortgage will likely come through a financial institution such as bank, or it may come through the seller.
I can direct you to a mortgage expert who can help you sort through the options. But here's a run-down on the basics: (Remember, interest rates quoted here are intended for illustration only. Rates change daily.)

Here are … (4 comments)

Where’s the Money? Part 2 of 3 - 08/28/11 11:35 AM
Where’s the Money?   Part 2 of 3
 

Ready to buy a home and are overwhelmed with the news and mortgage information? 
When it comes to paying for your home, you have a wide range of financing options. Your home mortgage will likely come through a financial institution such as bank, or it may come through the seller.
I can direct you to a mortgage expert who can help you sort through the options. But here's a run-down on the basics: (Remember, interest rates quoted here are intended for illustration only. Rates change daily.)
Here are some more types … (0 comments)

Where's the Money!?! - 08/28/11 11:25 AM
Where’s the Money?   Part 1 of 3
 
 
Ready to buy a home and are overwhelmed with the news and mortgage information? 
When it comes to paying for your home, you have a wide range of financing options. Your home mortgage will likely come through a financial institution such as bank, or it may come through the seller.
I can direct you to a mortgage expert who can help you sort through the options. But here's arun-down on the basics: (Remember, interest rates quoted here are intended for illustration only. Rates change daily.)
Here are some types of home … (0 comments)

Mayor Bloomberg, You Should Be Ashamed Of Yourself! - 08/27/11 02:06 PM
Yes, Mayor Bloomberg You Should Be Ashamed of Yourself.  And I sincerely hope you change your decision of those not invited to participate in the 9/11 ceremony for the 10th Anniversary of this national tragedy.
Via Jackie Connelly-Fornuff Century 21 AA Lindenhurst NY Real Estate (Lindenhurst Babylon West Babylon N. Babylon West Islip Islip):
Mayor Bloomberg, You Should Be Ashamed Of Yourself!
I am disgusted, appalled, disappointed, and most of all, angry at you Mayor Bloomberg!
Mayor Bloomberg is not inviting the first responder's to the upcoming ceremony on 9/11/2011. Why you ask? Space constraints. The families of the victims will and should … (3 comments)

Mother Nature Gone Wild - 08/27/11 02:03 PM
Well someone had to say it…Mother Nature has gone wild!

 
Here in Texas we just can’t catch a break.  Another upcoming week of triple digit temperatures for the Dallas area, and not a drop of rain in sight.  Follow all of the weather and local news on Fox 4.
 
For the East Coast, they are battening down the hatches awaiting the arrival of Irene with her potentially torrential downpours and damaging winds that could wreak havoc on so many communities.
 
Photo from Fox 4 news with Chief Meteorologist Dan Henry

My thoughts and prayers go out … (5 comments)

WARNING - This will bring you to tears - 08/25/11 03:32 PM
If this story does not bring a tear to your eye, then please go to a cardiologist immediately as your heart must be broken.

As reported by Scott Stump a Today.com contributor and released on MSNBC.com:

Navy SEAL Jon Tumilson lay in a coffin, draped in an American flag, in front of a tearful audience mourning his death in Afghanistan. Soon an old friend appeared, and like a fellow soldier on a battlefield, his loyal dog refused to leave him behind.  Tumilson’s Labrador retriever, Hawkeye, was photographed lying by Tumilson’s casket in a heart-wrenching image taken at the funeral … (4 comments)

NO! - 08/25/11 08:39 AM
Did I get your attention?  Good!

Quote of the day (on) NO:
 
“The super-salesman neither permits his subconscious mind to broadcast negative thoughts nor gives expression to them through words, for the reason that he understands that like attracts like and negative suggestions attracts negative action and negative decisions from prospective buyers.”

 
This great quote is by Napoleon Hill - Napoleon Hill (October 26, 1883 – November 8, 1970) was an American author who was one of the earliest producers of the modern genre of personal-success literature. He is widely considered to be one of the great … (10 comments)

Boundaries can be divisive - 08/22/11 12:43 PM
Boundaries, borders and district lines cause Dallas citizens to make their opinions known. 

Although the redistricting maps are still in proposal stage, and after an initial sixteen proposed redistricting maps were presented, only Plans 3, 5 and 16 remain standing.  These three plans are drawing the majority of attention from the Dallas citizens.  The redistricting maps that, in effect, will determine the political future of Dallas for the next ten years.
As Ashanti Blaze quotes Dallas Mayor, Mike Rawlings in her article for NBC 5:
“This is when government works, well hopefully it will”.  When we listen to each other and … (4 comments)

North Texas Sets Record with Low Temperatures - 08/21/11 08:25 PM

Excuse me, say what?


No, I am not kidding and I am not trying to pull your leg.  According to meteorologist Evan Andrews with Fox 4 News Dallas, North Texas has set a new record for having the most days with a low temperature of at least 80 degrees. 
So, now the Dallas area is setting records for low temperatures!  Doesn’t that make you feel cooler?  Well don’t break out the winter clothing yet…here is what is in store for us this week…



Find all of the information you need regarding Dallas and it surrounding communities … (1 comments)

Ten Tax Tips - 08/17/11 03:29 PM
Ten Tax Tips for Individuals Selling Their Home
Although the tax code can be overwhelming, Uncle Sam has offered the following IRS Summertime Tax Tips (2011-15, August 8, 2011) for individuals who have sold or are about to sell their home.

Curious about the possibility of excluding all or part of the gain (if any) from your income?  Here are ten tips to keep in mind when selling your home:

In general, you are eligible to exclude the gain from income if you have owned and used your home as your main home for two years out of the five … (13 comments)

Find the Home that fits Your Lifestyle - Part 3 - 08/17/11 11:32 AM
Buying a Home that Fits your Lifestyle Part 3 When We’ve Identified a Neighborhood   ·         Drive around. Value is enhanced by other well-maintained properties. Conversely, be cautious of areas with unkempt yards and homes, and businesses mixed in with residences.  ·         Ask about the property tax assessment, including any special assessments or pending bond issues. ·         Pay attention to zoning. Good residential communities are zoned to keep out commercial and industrial users. Ask about other regulations, such as on-street parking. Find out if the area is governed by any covenants.  ·        Get an idea of the neighborhood’s character by talking with … (0 comments)

Find the Home that fits Your Lifestyle - Part 2 - 08/17/11 08:43 AM
Buying a Home that Fits your Lifestyle Part 2

Targeting your Perfect Home  ·         Tell me about the style you like, whether it’s a two-story, contemporary, ranch or something else.  ·         List your priorities in home features, such as a two- or three-car garage; gourmet kitchen; etc.          ·         Think about your lifestyle. Do you entertain a lot? Is yours the home where all the neighborhood kids gather? Do you hate yard work?     These all important points will allow me to customize the search parameters to find you the perfect home.
Visit LisaSellsTexas.com … (0 comments)

Find the Home that fits Your Lifestyle - 08/16/11 09:28 AM
Buying a Home that Fits your Lifestyle
Part 1

You would think the easiest thing in the world would be deciding what house to buy. After all, who knows you better than you? You know exactly what you want, right? Well, sometimes. The truth is that most people only have an idea of what they want – the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, size of the kitchen and garage, and maybe the yard. Things tend to get a little murkier when you mix in neighborhoods and schools, commutes to work and distance to ball fields and retail shops.    Fortunately, … (0 comments)

Argyle, TX Estate Home For Sale - 08/15/11 04:39 PM
Absolutely incredible Estate available in highly sought after Argyle, TX:
 

 
For all of the information you need on the Argyle Independent School District, click here.

 
For information on the Argyle, TX community and Denton County go to LisaSellsTexas.com


 
… (5 comments)

Who's Who in the Dallas Independent School District - 08/15/11 08:38 AM


Who’s Who in the Dallas Independent School District?  The current Board of Trustees includes:
Edwin Flores, Ph.D., J.D. – District 1
Mike Morath – District 2
Bruce Parrott – District 3
Nancy Bingham – District 4
Lew Blackburn, Ph.D. – District 5
Carla Ranger – District 6
Eric Cowan – District 7
Adam Medrano – District 8
Bernadette Nutall – District 9
  
Board Policy Nine trustees of the Dallas Independent School District are elected by residents under a single-member district plan. After each census is taken, the Board of Trustees apportions the school district into nine areas of similar … (2 comments)

DISD School Information You Need Now! - 08/15/11 08:15 AM


Hard to believe that the summer break is almost over, and it is time for school to begin next week.
DISD School Calendar
To help plan the upcoming months, click here for the DISD calendar.

DISD School Superintendent
The search for a new superintendent continues, the Interim School Superintendent is Mr. Alan King.
Dallas Independent School District Interim Superintendent, Alan King, who is a CPA, has 33 years of experience in school business management, and served most recently in Lewisville ISD. Recently, he has presented various budget scenarios to the Dallas ISD board and administration, persuading trustees to … (0 comments)

Back to school in Dallas, TX - 08/15/11 08:15 AM

 
It’s almost time…Back to School in Dallas, TX!

Transportation Students who live two or more miles from their school are eligible for school bus transportation. Other students may also be eligible because of attendance at a magnet school. Students also are bused for reasons such as field trips.

Visit the Student Transportation Department of the Dallas Independent School District’s website for all of the information that you need to make the first day of school (and the entire school year) stress free!  Their mission:
 "The mission of the district's transportation department is to ensure that Dallas County … (2 comments)

It's Super Rain! - 08/13/11 09:05 AM

 
Look! Up in the sky!" "It's a bird!" "It's a plane!" "It's Super Rain!"...
 
Yes, you’ve got me…I had to borrow the tag line from Superman.  Great information about the series is available here.
  
Really, I am not kidding around – it’s RAINING in Dallas, TX!


Rain started in the wee hours of the morning with some lightning and a little thunder.  What a glorious sound!  Our parched soil is singing, and soaking up every precious drop of liquid as it falls from the sky. 
Now this is a great start to a wonderful weekend! 
… (15 comments)

And the Health Care Debate continues - 08/12/11 04:10 PM
Appeals court strikes health insurance requirement 
Breaking news just posted on MSNBC.com  msnbc.com
And reported by Greg Bluestein of the Associated Press (AP)
 

WASHINGTON — A federal appeals court panel on Friday struck down the requirement in President Barack Obama's health care overhaul package that virtually all Americans must carry health insurance or face penalties.
The divided three-judge panel of the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals struck down the so-called individual mandate, siding with 26 states that had sued to block the law. But the panel didn't go as far as a lower court that had invalidated the entire … (5 comments)

THIS IS HOW YOU FIX CONGRESS - 08/12/11 02:32 PM
Now, I hope this will start a lively discussion…!
I received the following mass email, author unknown.  It has a lot of points that I have been hearing from many people (and seeing in blogs).
What do you think?
 
 
The Congress is over-privileged and needs to live by the same rules that the rest of the country does - their biggest concern is getting re-elected and keeping their privileged benefits - instead of serving the people of the country.  
 
The 26th amendment (granting the right to vote for 18 year-olds) took only 3 months & 8 days … (5 comments)

Democracy then and now - 08/12/11 10:55 AM
Democracy then and now….
All of the current political upheaval has accomplished an important milestone…more people are paying attention to Washington and participating in the future of this country than has occurred for many years.
This quote from John Buchan (Lord Tweedsmuir) shows how little has changed in what democracy is and how easily it can be lost:

 
“The democratic testament derives from Hamilton as well as from Jefferson.  It has two main characteristics.  The first is that the ordinary man believes in himself and in his ability, along with his fellows, to govern his country.  It is when … (1 comments)

The streak is over - 08/12/11 10:20 AM
The streak has been broken…
Hot temperatures continue for the Dallas, TX area Metroplex but as we did not reach 100 degrees yesterday, the streak to break the last record is over.   Some areas were even fortunate to have a little rain(!) 
Although we are still above average in regards to the heat, the coming week offers temperatures that are more tolerable, as provided by Fox 4 News Dallas:


 
  
Here is to a great Friday , and a wonderful weekend to all!
 
 
Need more information on the Dallas area?  Click the link!


… (3 comments)

Shampoo causes fat(?) - 08/11/11 11:37 AM
Here is a funny one for you to share on this lovely Thursday:
 
HEY - WHY DID NO ONE TELL ME THIS EARLIER!!!
  I should have figured it out sooner.   It's the shampoo I use in the shower. When I wash my hair, the shampoo runs down my whole body. Printed very clearly on the shampoo label it reads, "FOR EXTRA VOLUME AND BODY."   I have gotten rid of the shampoo and I am going to start using Dawn dish detergent. Its label reads, "DISSOLVES FAT THAT IS OTHERWISE DIFFICULT TO REMOVE." Problem solved! Geeze!   It … (3 comments)

Feeling Sad? Discouraged? Low on Mojo? Try this... - 08/10/11 03:45 PM
I came across this article that offers excellent advice on staying upbeat, it was printed in the monthly Old Republic Home Protection newsletter.  Enjoy:
Feeling Sad? Discouraged? Low on Mojo? Try this...By Jennifer Allan-HagedornHere is a simple trick I discovered that does some serious stress mitigation, takes almost no effort, and doesn't include red wine or little white pills. Thought I'd share it with you in case you might need some help in that area right about now.Instead of sighing...I smile. When I'm under stress, I find that I sigh a lot. When I get out of bed in the morning, … (2 comments)

Corporate Relocation - Know Your Costs - 08/10/11 03:35 PM
Corporate Relocation - Know Your Costs Typically in a corporate relocation, the company will cover most or all of the moving costs. But because it may not cover everything you spend during the process, you will want to be sure and get answers to the following questions as you make your plans to move: 
Will the company pay for an orientation and house hunting trip to the new city? What actual moving costs are paid? Packing household goods? Moving your car, boat, or other vehicles? Who pays closing costs? Will the company help sell your old home? Compensate you if it … (1 comments)

Let's buy Made in America! - 08/09/11 09:13 AM
I received an email that I found interesting, I do not know who wrote it and originally posted this, but wanted to pass it along for everyone to make their own decision on the subject.
Buy Made in America - 
AUGUST 1st to Sept. 1st



Well over 50 yrs ago I knew a lady who would not buy Christmas gifts if they were made in China . Her daughter will recognize her in the following. Did y'all see Diane Sawyer's special report?They removed ALL items from a typical, middle class family's home that were not made in the … (8 comments)

Mortgage Interest Deduction - 08/08/11 06:57 PM
Mortgage Interest Deduction is a hot topic and one being closely watched by everyone in the Real Estate Industry – and this includes homeowners!
A recent article presented by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) provided the following:

Any changes to the mortgage interest deduction now or in the future could threaten recent progress toward stabilizing the housing market, critically erode home prices and values, destroy middle-class wealth accumulation and hurt economic growth.
That was the message delivered by National Association of Realtors® NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun during today’s Rethinking the Mortgage Interest Deduction forum, where he joined a … (0 comments)

The Heat is on (Part 2) - 08/06/11 02:56 PM
As promised....Part 2
 
In regards to politics, both sides of the aisles are playing the blame game with finger pointing at the other side for what the majority of these politicians have failed to do – their jobs.  Now, a new call for transparency by Nancy Pelosi (as reported by MSNBC)
“House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., cited S&P's call for transparency in the work of a 12-member joint committee created to produce more than $1 trillion in additional savings over the next decade.
"Without regard or respect for the recent S&P comment on our nation's credit rating, it is … (1 comments)

The heat is on! - 08/06/11 02:48 PM
The heat is on.... 
I know what you are thinking…ok, where is she going with this???  Will this be about the hot seat of politics and the current Washington debacle or simply about the Dallas, TX weather?
Well, just so I don’t disappoint – it’s about  BOTH!  (Yes, this is a two part story)

Part One - The weather:
Big surprise another upcoming week of 100+ days in our forecast.  The Dallas landscape is dreary and brown with plants wilting and dying at an incredible rate.  According to the local weather (courtesy of WFAA), here’s what we are looking at:
… (3 comments)

Courage - 08/06/11 09:18 AM
Quote of the day on Courage
Today, many are questioning S & P's (Standard & Poor’s) downgrade to the credit rating for America.  This is the first time in our history that we have not held a triple A (AAA) rating, but now (again, S & P) have been lowered to a double A (AA+). 
Does America deserve a AAA rating with the current status of our economy, amount of debt, and on-going borrowing ratio?  Would an individual in America be given a 800 credit score if their personal finances reflected what our Nation’s does?  
This quote by Robert J. … (2 comments)

Heart - 08/03/11 01:02 PM
HEART
Maybe all that is missing from the American Spirit today (Washington, are you listening!?!) is a little heart.
I came across this quote from Owen D. Young:
“What I am concerned about in this fast-moving world in a time of crisis, both in foreign and domestic affairs, is not so much a program as a spirit of approach, not so much a mind as a heart.  A program lives today and dies tomorrow.  A mind, it if be open, may change with each new day, but the spirit and the heart are as unchanging as the tides.”


 
In … (4 comments)

Dallas offers Good News on Real Estate - 08/03/11 12:42 PM
More good news on mortgage news for the Dallas Real Estate Market.
 
As reported by Steve Brown of the Dallas Morning News:
Fewer Dallas-area homeowners late on loans      Dallas-area late mortgage rates are continuing to decline.
In May, 4.8 percent of local residents with a loan on their home were 90 days or more behind in their payments.
That’s down from 5.51 percent a year earlier and 6.08 percent in early 2010, researchers at CoreLogic Inc. said Wednesday.
The Dallas-area late loan level is slightly higher than the Texas average of 4.47 percent but significantly less than the … (3 comments)

Fabulous Estate Just Sold in DeSoto, TX - 08/02/11 09:27 AM
 
This fabulous estate property in DeSoto, TX just sold…but we have more available!
 
Located at 1009 Clifton Lane in Eagle Point Estates, the highly sought after newest gated community in DeSoto:



 
Whether you are looking to buy, sell, or build, if you are looking in the Dallas, TX Metroplex my team offers the expertise that you need!
Contact me today to discuss the real estate market and how I can make it work for you!
 
 

 
Interested in a career in Real Estate?  Let us answer your questions on becoming a Texas Licensed Real … (1 comments)

Dallas to reach 109 degrees? - 08/01/11 07:30 AM
Dallas to reach 109 degrees?
 
 Oh my goodness, I wanted to wish everyone a great start to a wonderful month (and I do)…hard to believe it is August!  Then, the national weather gal had to go and tell me that Dallas is predicted to hit 109 today - now, the local weather guru is only saying 106…three degrees less may not sound like much of a difference to anyone not currently experiencing this heat wave – but trust me, it is!
Here is our forecasted week according to Fox 4 news Dallas:

Needless to say, we are under an … (3 comments)

 
Ljv%20photo%20600x600%20active%20rain Rainmaker_large

Lisa Von Domek - Broker/Associate/Realtor

Dallas, TX

More about me…

Lisa Von Domek & Associates / Real Living Real Estate Group

Address: Dallas, TX, 75205

Office Phone: (972) 849-1300

Cell Phone: (972) 849-1300

Email Me



Listings
8621%20normandy%20way%20eleva%20front%203%2031%2012%20crop
$899,900
6 br, 6½ ba, 7,212 sqft
SOLD! Incredible doesn't begin to describe this 6 (or 7) bedroom, 6.5 bath lu...
818%20belclaire%20eleva%20wout%20cypress%20r
$424,900
4 br, 3½ ba, 3,931 sqft
Shenandoah Estates Gorgeous custom home with resort style pool in highly sou...
Hs%20eleva%20main
$899,900
5 br, 4 ba, 5,215 sqft
Exquisite English Manor offers all of the amenities that you are looking for....
Hs%20elevation
$260,000
4 br, 2 ba, 2,403 sqft
Located in Lucas, but with an Allen mailing address – this lovely 1-story hom...
807%20rock%20canyon%20dr%20web%20ar%20list%20fnl
$194,500
4 br, 3.1 ba, 3,436 sqft
Price reduced on this wonderful custom home nestled on a heavily treed creek ...
334%20brookwood%20dr%20eleva%20wo%20sign%20cropped%20curb%20show
$138,900
4 br, 2 ba, 2,214 sqft
Curb appeal plus at this beautifully maintained and updated pretty two-story ...

Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog

Find TX real estate agents and Dallas real estate on ActiveRain.