Linda Box Taylor's Blog

Wonderful New Listing in Plano, TX - $259,900

Linda Box Taylor -- Your Plano, TX Realtor (Virginia Cook, Realtors) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 23:13:32 -0500

3537 Stroll Rd.

Plano, TX

$259,900

Wonderful 4 bedroom home in North Plano and Frisco ISD. Enjoy quiet nights on this large front porch. Step inside this 3,100 square foot home and enjoy the beautiful wood floors in the entry and dining rooms. Kitchen opens to the living room and features granite countertops, tumbled marble backsplash, large island and walk-in pantry. This home features large rooms perfect for entertaining and relaxing and includes a second living area downstairs located just off the covered back patio and family room. Spacious master bedroom is downstairs and has raised ceiling with crown moulding, ceiling fan and multiple windows for great natural light. The private master suite has separate shower, jetted tub, dual vanities and large walk-in closet. Upstairs features huge gameroom/media room that is wired for surround sound, three large secondary bedrooms and two baths. Don't miss this wonderful home built in 2007!

Co-Listed with Leisa Kiper

Linda Box Taylor Virginia Cook, Realtors www.LindaBoxTaylor.com
5025 Park Blvd. #300 Plano TX 75093 Phone: 972-949-2170

Home for Sale or Lease in McKinney, TX

Linda Box Taylor -- Your Plano, TX Realtor (Virginia Cook, Realtors) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 23:05:28 -0500

2709 Dunbar Dr., McKinney

$179,900 or $1550 per month

Wonderful four-bedroom home in Stonebridge Ranch with fresh neutral paint throughout. This 2,445 square foot home has an open floorplan, laminate wood floors in the dining and family rooms and huge backyard. You will enjoy the cozy kitchen with 42" cabinets and tile floor that opens to breakfast nook and family room. The family room is light and bright featuring a brick fireplace with gas starter. The private master suite is downstairs and showcases a beautifully updated master bath with travertine floors and shower surround, jetted tub, separate vanities and large walk-in closet. Upstairs is the large gameroom with surround sound wiring, vaulted ceilings and three spacious bedrooms. Enjoy all the amenities of Stonebridge Ranch at this home including the beach club, volleyball court, basketball court, tennis courts, playground, golf, hike & bike trails and fishing in one of the 14 lakes. Home attends the exemplary elementary school of Wolford and is conveniently located close to Evans Middle School and the new public library under construction. Don't miss out on this great home!

For additional pictures, visit www.LindaBoxTaylor.com/listings_dunbar.asp

Linda Box Taylor Virginia Cook, Realtors www.LindaBoxTaylor.com
5025 Park Blvd. #300 Plano TX 75093 Phone: 972-949-2170

New Listing in West Frisco

Linda Box Taylor -- Your Plano, TX Realtor (Virginia Cook, Realtors) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 13:16:15 -0500

1090 Colleton Ln.

Frisco, TX

$239,500 or for lease $1750/month

Enjoy this fabulous 2,943 square foot home in Meadow Creek of Frisco. This

1-1/2 story home features four bedrooms with a study and upstairs gameroom.

From the moment you step inside, you will fall in love. The tile entry leads to the private study on your left and the dining room on your right. The light and bright kitchen opens to the family room and cozy breakfast nook. The wonderful kitchen features granite countertops, large island, 42" cabinets, under counter lighting and black appliances with gas cooktop and double oven. Relax in the private master suite featuring vaulted ceiling and master bath with dual vanities, garden tub, separate shower and large walk-in closet.

Upstairs you will find the bonus room over the garage which is perfect for a play area or media room. The oversized garage has room for your tool cabinet and large vehicles. Make yourself at home in this well built Ryland home with arched doorways, neutral colors and vaulted ceilings that was built in 2006 and still feels brand new. Come and see this home today!

For additional pictures & virtual tour, visit: http://www.LindaBoxTaylor.com/listings_colleton.asp

Linda Box Taylor Virginia Cook, Realtors www.LindaBoxTaylor.com
5025 Park Blvd. #300 Plano TX 75093 Phone: 972-949-2170

Junior League of Plano Potential Membership Meetings in April & May

Linda Box Taylor -- Your Plano, TX Realtor (Virginia Cook, Realtors) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 20:39:34 -0500

There are two potential memberships meetings left before applications are due to become a member of the Junior League of Plano(JLP) for the 2009/2010 class.

You are invited to a potential member meeting on either Thursday, April 16 or Thursday, May 7 at 7 p.m. at the League Office in Plano at 5805 Coit Rd. in Plano. I have enjoyed my involvement over the last 5 years and I encourage other women that are interested to attend this informational session. If you read my blogs, you know I am always promoting our events.

JLP membership currently has more than 900 women from cities in Collin County, including Plano, Allen, Frisco and McKinney who are committed to improving family life in Collin County. The Junior League of Plano members have raised more than $2.5 million, implemented more than 200 community service projects and worked more than 100,000 volunteer hours in Collin County since the League was started.

As a JLP member, I am proud of what our organization has done to help this community. I enjoy volunteering and meeting some wonderful friends along the way. I have been involved in the Cookbook committee, Public Affairs Chair and Trinkets to Treasures, our spring rummage sale. So, I hope you will attend this meeting and learn more about our group. You don't have to know anyone to become a member, just attend an orientation and learn what we are about.

For more information, feel free to contact me or visit the website at www.JLPlano.org

Live Green Expo in Plano, TX on April 18

Linda Box Taylor -- Your Plano, TX Realtor (Virginia Cook, Realtors) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 20:23:58 -0500

It's that time of year again. The Live Green Expo in Plano will be on Saturday, April 18(my birthday) this year. This is the third year for this successful event at the Plano Centre and I think it is getting bigger and bigger. I have been to the last two expos and I am planning on attending again this year. This is a free event that the entire family can learn from.

Ed Begley, Jr will be the key speaker at this event this year. Ed is the star of his own show on HGTV called "Living with Ed" and an environmental activist. He will be speaking on his experiences of living in a self-sufficient home powered by solar energy and many of his ecological causes, from recycling to forest preservation.

The Live Green Expo is designed around ten core values: Transportation, Energy, Yard and Garden, Indoor Air Quality, Food and Agriculture, Waste Reduction, Lifestyle and Recreation, Water Green Building and Remodeling Education. Various vendors from around the area are at the Expo to help residents with any questions on these topics.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to bring items to recycle, including: Gas Powered Lawn Mowers, Clothing, Shoes, Eyeglasses, Cell Phones, electronics and plastic grocery bags.

Hope to see everyone there! For more information, visit http://www.livegreenexpo.net/Expo_09.html

Collin County Association of Realtors(CCAR) Endorses Local Candidates

Linda Box Taylor -- Your Plano, TX Realtor (Virginia Cook, Realtors) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 10:51:06 -0500

Collin County Association of Realtors(CCAR) has announced its list of endorsed city council candidates in the cities of Plano, Frisco, Allen and McKinney.

Candidates were endorsed based on their responses to questionnaires and interviews that were conducted March 23-25 by the CCAR Government Affairs Committee. As TREPAC Chair, I was involved in all the interviews during this time and it was great to meet so many well qualified candidates. These were not easy decisions. After a few interviews, our committee debated long and hard before we made a choice. I think we have made some great choices for these cities and I encourage you to support these candidates and vote for them on May 9th!

Following is the list of CCAR endorsed candidates:

Plano City Council Candidates
Phil Dyer, Mayor
Lee Dunlap (I), Place 8
Ben Harris, Place 2
Lissa Smith, Place 4

Frisco City Council Candidates
Bob Allen, Place 1
Rhonda Martin, Place 3

Allen City Council Candidates
Joey Herald (I), Place 3 (Realtor)

McKinney City Council Candidates
Don Day, District 1
David Brooks, At Large
Travis Ussery, District 3

Great Home for Sale in North Dallas

Linda Box Taylor -- Your Plano, TX Realtor (Virginia Cook, Realtors) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 22:23:32 -0500

3542 Townsend, Dallas 75229

$209,900

Beautifully updated charmer in Royal Hills with great kitchen remodel and refinished wood floors throughout. The kitchen was completely redone in 2007 with granite countertops, maple cabinets, stainless steel appliances, recessed lighting, travertine backsplash and tile floor. The kitchen opens to the family room featuring brick fireplace with gas logs, gorgeous wood floors and recessed lighting. Step into the living and dining rooms and enjoy the stunning wood floors and large bay window that lets in great natural light. House was freshly painted inside and outside in March 2009 with neutral colors. The spacious master suite has direct access to covered back patio and large backyard. Home is within walking distance to Club Royal Pool and conveniently located close to LBJ for easy highway access. Don't miss this wonderful home!!

For additional pictures, visit http://www.LindaBoxTaylor.com/listings_townsend.asp

Great Starter Home in Garland, TX

Linda Box Taylor -- Your Plano, TX Realtor (Virginia Cook, Realtors) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 21:24:32 -0500

5414 Wyrick, Garland

$129,000

MLS # 11171652

Charming three bedroom home with multiple updates. Walk into the large living room with three sided wood burning fireplace and fall in love. The spacious and bright dining room with multiple windows has great natural light. This cozy kitchen has a flat cooktop range (2008), laminate flooring (2007), tile backsplash and built-in microwave. Relax on the large covered back patio and enjoy the big backyard. Beautifully landscaped yards with full sprinklers. Additional updates include: HVAC 2006, Carpet 2005, Hot Water Heater 2007 and Fence 2007. Home conventiently located close to the George Bush Turnpike and shopping. This well maintained home has all the amentities you are looking for at a great price!

For additional pictures, visit http://www.LindaBoxTaylor.com/listings_horner.asp

Linda Box Taylor Virginia Cook, Realtors www.LindaBoxTaylor.com
5025 Park Blvd. #300 Plano TX 75093 Phone: 972-949-2170

New Listing in McKinney, TX - Only $168,900

Linda Box Taylor -- Your Plano, TX Realtor (Virginia Cook, Realtors) — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 13:49:24 -0600

2625 Hudson Crossing, McKinney

$168,900

Wonderful four-bedroom home with fresh neutral paint upstairs and new carpet in family room. Sits on a large interior corner lot with huge backyard. Seat into this dining room with designer colors. You will enjoy the cozy kitchen has smooth cooktop and opens to breakfast nook & family room. All four bedrooms are upstairs with large game room. Spacious master bedroom is split from the other bedrooms. Master bath has new flooring, garden tub, separate shower & large walk-in closet. Enjoy all the amenities of Stonebridge Ranch at this home including the beach club, volleyball court, basketball court, tennis courts, playground, golf, hike & bike trails and fishing in one of the 14 lakes. Home attends the exemplary elementary school of Wolford and is within walking distance to Evans Middle School and the new public library under construction. Don't miss out on this great home!

For additional pictures, visit: http://www.lindaboxtaylor.com/listings_angle.asp

Linda Box Taylor Virginia Cook, Realtors www.LindaBoxTaylor.com
5025 Park Blvd. #300 Plano TX 75093 Phone: 972-949-2170

Garland Home for Sale - Duck Creek Area

Linda Box Taylor -- Your Plano, TX Realtor (Virginia Cook, Realtors) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 21:24:25 -0600

5618 Vinewood, Garland

$152,500

Wonderful custom home in peaceful Duck Creek neighborhood with beautifully landscaped front yard. This light and bright 2,010 square foot home with neutral colors is ready for new owners to move-in. Home features 3 spacious bedrooms, 2 large living areas, solar screens on the front, Thermador gas range, gas logs in fireplace, wet bar and extra parking in back with RV hookups. The master bedroom retreat has 2 closets, ceiling fan and the bath features garden tub, skylight and six head shower with marble tile surround. The h andyman in the house will love the garage with separate A/C unit, sink, insulated garage door and all the tools and lawn equipment can be stored in the 12 x 20 storage shed in the backyard. Then head to your backyard, so you can relax on the covered back patio and enjoy the hot tub. Home has easy access to 635 and I-30 plus it is close to Audubon Park with its recreation center, softball complex, swim & surf wave pool, disc golf and within walking distance to the hike and bike trails of Duck Creek.

Don't miss out and make this your home today!

For additonal pictures & virtual tour, visit: http://www.lindaboxtaylor.com/listings_vinewood2.asp

Linda Box Taylor Virginia Cook, Realtors www.LindaBoxTaylor.com
5025 Park Blvd. #300 Plano TX 75093 Phone: 972-949-2170

Frisco Home with Pool for Sale - Only $215,000

Linda Box Taylor -- Your Plano, TX Realtor (Virginia Cook, Realtors) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 21:21:45 -0600

10409 Forrest Dr., Frisco

$215,000

You will enjoy this wonderful home with pool and spa in southern Frisco. Stunning wood floors greet you as you enter and extend into the hallway, dining and living rooms. The cook's kitchen has been updated with granite, under mount sink, stainless steel appliances, island, convection oven and the refrigerator stays with the home. Homes features 18" tile in the Kitchen, Family, 4th bedroom and hallway so you can get from pool to the guest bath on a hard surface. Spacious master suite with private bath featuring dual vanities, jetted tub and separate shower. Step inside the relaxing backyard with heated pool and spa. Home backs to greenbelt for extra privacy. Roof replaced and all carpet replaced in January 2009. Don't miss this light and bright home with multiple updates. This home is move-in ready. For additional photos and virtual tour, visit http://www.LindaBoxTaylor.com/listings_forrest.asp

Linda Box Taylor Virginia Cook, Realtors www.LindaBoxTaylor.com
5025 Park Blvd. #300 Plano TX 75093 Phone: 972-949-2170

Great New Listing in McKinney, TX

Linda Box Taylor -- Your Plano, TX Realtor (Virginia Cook, Realtors) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 23:08:25 -0500

3512 Jackson Dr. McKinney, TX $172,000 Don't miss this beautiful home. The first thing you will notice about this home is the extensive landscaping in the front yard with flagstone patio and stone flower beds. As you enter, you will see the stunning wood floors in the entry, dining and family rooms. Custom paint featured throughout this light and bright home will make you feel right at home. This home has an open floorplan with arched doorways, crown molding and vaulted ceilings. The cozy breakfast nook and kitchen features smooth cooktop, tile backsplash and tile floor. Relax in your large master bedroom and bathroom with dual vanities, garden tub and separate shower. Step from the master on the covered back patio which is perfect for a dinner party or just relaxing at night. The oversized garage fits two cars comfortably and has plenty of space for storage and extra freezer. It is rare to find such a large garage in this price range house. Enjoy this wonderfully maintained home. Come and see it today! For additional pictures and virtual tour, visit http://www.lindaboxtaylor.com/listings_jackson.asp

Linda Box Taylor Virginia Cook, Realtors www.LindaBoxTaylor.com
5025 Park Blvd. #300, Plano TX 75093 Phone: 972-949-2170

Beautiful New Listing in West Frisco!

Linda Box Taylor -- Your Plano, TX Realtor (Virginia Cook, Realtors) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:06:18 -0500

1090 Colleton Ln.

Frisco, TX

$252,500

Enjoy this fabulous home in Meadow Creek of Frisco located on a large interior corner lot. This 1-1/2 story home features four bedrooms with a study and upstairs game room. Step inside to the tile entry which leads to the private study on your left and the dining room on your right. The light and bright kitchen opens to the family room and cozy breakfast nook. This wonderful kitchen is a chef's delight with granite countertops, a large island, 42-inch cabinets, under counter lighting and black appliances with gas cooktop and double oven. The master suite at the back of the home is spacious with vaulted ceiling and the master bath offers dual vanities, garden tub, separate shower and walk-in closet. Upstairs, you will find the bonus room over the garage, which is perfect for a play area or media room. The oversized garage has room for your tool cabinet and large vehicles. This well-built Ryland home was built in 2006 and still feels brand new. Don't miss this one!

For additional pictures & virtual tour, visit: http://www.lindaboxtaylor.com/listings_colleton.asp

Linda Box Taylor Virginia Cook, Realtors www.LindaBoxTaylor.com
5025 Park Blvd. #300 Plano TX 75093 Phone: 972-949-2170

State Fair of Texas and its list of crazy new fried food!

Linda Box Taylor -- Your Plano, TX Realtor (Virginia Cook, Realtors) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:25:22 -0500

The State Fair of Texas is coming very very soon with all the fried food you could want. If you have read my blog for very long, you know that I LOVE the State Fair. It is my favorite time of year. I like it better than Christmas. I know that is crazy, my husband reminds me every year.

The State Fair has announced its list of new fried food for 2008.

Fernie’s All-American Fried Grilled Cheese Sandwich. White bread sandwich with American and cheddar cheeses dipped in egg-and-milk batter, coated with bread crumbs, and fried.

Chicken Fried Bacon. Bacon with seasoning, battered, breaded, deep-fried, served with ranch or honey mustard sauce.

Fried Banana Split. Banana and honey peanut butter rolled in balls, battered, and deep-fried, topped with powdered sugar, caramel and chocolate syrups, peanuts, whipped cream, banana split-flavored ice cream bites, and cherry.

Texas Fried Jelly Bellys. Jelly Bellys rolled in funnel cake batter and fried. Deep Fried S’mores. Marshmallow and chocolate chips sandwiched between two graham crackers, dipped in batter, fried, and dusted in powdered sugar.

Fire & Ice. Pineapple ring, battered and deep-fried, topped with banana-flavored whipped cream that’s been frozen in liquid nitrogen so it smokes.

Fried Chocolate Truffles. Dark chocolate truffle rolled in cocoa powder, battered, deep-fried, dusted in cinnamon, sugar, and cocoa powder.

Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Waffle Balls. Strawberries in chocolate shell, dipped in waffle batter, deep-fried, custed with powdered sugar, served on a stick.

I think I'll give the Fire & Ice and Strawberry Waffle Balls a try this year. I really just want a Corny Dog and a chocolate and banana crepe to make me happy.

So, what do you think? Would you eat any of this food?

List of food provided by Pegasusnews.com

What is Rotary?

Linda Box Taylor -- Your Plano, TX Realtor (Virginia Cook, Realtors) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:13:55 -0500

So, have you ever wondered what Rotary is? As a member of Plano West Rotary, let me try and explain. I've only been a member for 4 years. I'm still a "newbie" in the club compared to some of our club members have been involved for 20, 30, 40 and even 50 years!! Amazing.

Rotary is the world's first service club organization with 33,000 clubs in over 200 countries. Members form a global network of service oriented leaders who volunteer their time and money to serve their local communities and worldwide. Our motto is, Service above Self.

Each club meets weekly and attendence is mandatory. If you miss a meeting, you are encouraged to make-up at another club or you can go online. As Program Chair for 2007-2008, it was my responsibility to find the speaker for each meeting. This was a challenge but a great job that allowed me to meet a variety of individuals throughout the Dallas area. The club is the cornerstone to Rotary and have 4 key responsibilites: 1) sustain or increase membership 2) participate in service projects that benefit our community and those in other countries 3) support the Rotary Foundation financially and through participation 4) develop leaders capable of serving in Rotary and beyond.

My club is very involved in the Plano Balloon Festival where we sell Funnell Cakes. It is a crowd favorite and we have lines up to 20-30 people. And all the money we raise go back into the community. The Plano Balloon Festival is next month and I can't wait. We also sell Texas Pecans each holiday season. The pecans are excellent and they pretty much sell themselves! Worldwide Rotary has been key is helping to eradicate polio. Now, Rotary has taken up the challenge of providing clean drinking water around the world. There are so many more projects and I've just begun to scratch the surface.

If Rotary sounds interesting to you, I encourage you to get involved. Our club would love to have you visit. Just contact me and I can get you started on a great journey.

Plano, TX is the center of the Gymnastics World - Congrats Nastia Liukin!

Linda Box Taylor -- Your Plano, TX Realtor (Virginia Cook, Realtors) — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:17:29 -0500

Congratulations Nastia Liukin on the GOLD medal for the Women's All-Round in Gymnastics. I loved it!! America first and second - the first time in history that this has happened. NBC mentioned twice tonight that Natsia's gym in is my hometown of Plano, TX. Our city can't pay for better advertising than that!!

The 2004 All-Round Olympic Champion, Carly Patterson, also worked at the same gym in Plano. So, I think this means if you want to win gold, you need to move to Plano, TX.

AMAZING - Men's Olympic Swimming Relay

Linda Box Taylor -- Your Plano, TX Realtor (Virginia Cook, Realtors) — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 23:51:06 -0500

I hope everyone was able to see the Men's Olympic 4 x 100m Swimming Relay. It was AMAZING. The commentators were saying it was the best relay race they had ever seen. It was incredible - I was jumping off the sofa, like an idiot. It is amazing what the Olympics will do to you.

The French were the favorites to win the race and had been talking smack that they were going to "crush the Americans". Well, that didn't happen. The Americans beat the French and crushed the world record by 4 seconds with a new World record time of 3:08.24.

Superstar, Michael Phelps, lead off the relay. Garrett Weber-Gale was second and Cullen Jones swam the 3rd leg. Lezak swam the final leg in 46.06 seconds - the fastest relay split in history! Lezak made up almost a body length to win.

They worked together well and all Americans should be proud of what they accomplished. It was great to see them on the podium to receive those gold medals.

GO USA!!!

Why I love Plano, TX

Linda Box Taylor -- Your Plano, TX Realtor (Virginia Cook, Realtors) — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 17:44:13 -0500

I wanted to share with everyone why I love Plano and think it is a great place to live. I have really enjoyed living in Plano,TX for the past 8 years and can't imagine living in any other city locally.

1. Location - Plano is close to Dallas without having to deal directly with big city Dallas problems and politics. Plano is the southernmost city in Collin County so we get to enjoy the best of both worlds. To the south, I'm 25 minutes from downtown Dallas and to the north only 20 minutes to the county seat of Collin County in McKinney.

2. Great Schools - I don't have children but I appreciate an area that has good schools because it keeps my property values up. And when I do have children then I want to be in an area that I'm comfortable sending my kids to public school.

3. Superb City Services - This might sound silly but I love the services that Plano provides to its citizens. Plano picks up my recycling waste bi-weekly and we have big trash containers to hold all my paper and plastics. It makes it so easy to be "GREEN". I've been recycling for the last 8 years before being "green" was the thing to do. And they pick up yard clipping and landscape materials weekly to be recycled. When I call the city with questions about a bill or another issue, the phone is answered quickly by a live person and my problem is handled professionally.

4. Transportation - It is so easy to get around Plano. Most major interior roads running north/south and west/east in Plano are 6 lanes divided roads. No 2 lane FM roads like our neighbors to the north. And 4 major highways, George Bush Turnpike, Dallas Tollway, Central(75) and SH 121, all have access into Plano. Also, we are the only city in Collin County that is serviced by the DART bus lines and DART Light Rail.

5. Shopping - Grocery stores are on almost every corner. I'm spoiled to live less than 2 miles from Central Market! All the retail, restaurant and fast food you can think of is in Plano. We have 2 major malls to serve its residents. I don't have to leave the city to get everything I need. And with current gas prices this is a major plus!

6. Mature Trees - Because Plano started to be developed in the 70's, several neighborhoods have large mature trees. I love a neighborhood that has good shade trees.

7. Downtown Plano - The city of Plano has been trying to revitalize our downtown for a long time but I think in the last 2 years there has been real progress. The establishment of the DART rail stop in Plano has been invaluable. And more retail and restaurants are opening and staying open.

8. Great Parks & Recreation - You can enjoy 3,600 acres of park land in Plano with 30 miles of recreation trails including six recreation centers, three golf courses, 81 public tennis courts, 5 public swimming pools, 93 soccer/football fields and 61 baseball/softball fields.

9. Great House Market - Price values are very stable because of all the reasons I've listed above. It is a great city to be a real estate agent!

If you are interested in learning more about Plano as your next city, give me a call today at 214-532-3823.

Great Garland Home with Backyard Paradise!

Linda Box Taylor -- Your Plano, TX Realtor (Virginia Cook, Realtors) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 11:22:41 -0500

5622 Vinewood Dr., Garland

$169,900

Enjoy this charming four bedroom home in the La Prada neighborhood of Garland. The original owners have updated and kept this 1,935 square foot home well maintained over the years. Step inside to the family room with tile floor, built-in bookcase and a fireplace with gas logs. The updated kitchen features granite countertops, custom backsplash, tile floor, smooth cooktop and convection oven. The spacious master retreat has a large master bath with dual vanities, garden tub and separate shower. And for easy access to your relaxing backyard, the master has a door leading you straight outside onto the covered slate back patio.You won't want to leave this backyard paradise with play pool, tropical landscaping and cabana that were added in 2004. This play pool features a waterfall waterjets and saltwater chlorine generation system. The cabana provides an extra 450 square feet of living space not included in the square footage of this home. The cabana would be perfect for a gameroom or a separate office space. Even with all this, there is still a grassy yard and a storage building on this extra large lot. Home has easy access to 635 and I-30 plus it is close to Audubon Park with its recreation center, softball complex, swim & surf wave pool and disc golf. Make this your home today!

Click here for additional pictures: http://www.lindaboxtaylor.com/listings_vinewood.asp

Not all buyer's agents are the same!

Linda Box Taylor -- Your Plano, TX Realtor (Virginia Cook, Realtors) — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 21:02:19 -0500

As an agent, I can only become your buyer's agent by entering into a written agreement to represent you. It is important to work with one person that you feel comfortable with and you believe is working in your best interests.

As your buyer's agent, I will pledge to provide with the following services:

1. Property Previews - Based on your own search criteria and needs, I will run an MLS report and preview properties to help in the evaluation process. I will review property online and in person to help you make a decision in the quickest way possible.

2. Automatic Search - I’ll set-up an automatic MLS search that notifies me immediately when new properties are listed that match your criteria. This way you won’t miss any new properties on that come on the market.

3. Home Showings - I belong to the multiple listing service (MLS) which means that I can show you almost any house with a real estate sign in front.

4. Timely Response - Return your calls and emails within 2 hours and provide you with weekly updates on your property search.

5. Home Evaluation - Discuss positive and negative features of a property that may affect its value.

6. Scientific Market Analysis – Once you find a home that you are serious about making an offer on, I will run a scientific market analysis for that property. This report will show comparable homes that have sold in the neighborhood within the last 6 months so we can make a competitive offer.

7. Contract Guidance - Including review of written seller's disclosures and explanation of all contracts and addendums to be used on your purchase.

8. Transaction Assistance - I will help you with your negotiation strategy, offer presentation, home inspection remedies and monitor your sale to closing.

It is my goal to help you find the right home for you to purchase and to make the home buying process as smooth as possible. Call me today at 214-532-3823 to start looking for your new home today!

Independence Day with 2 American Heros

Linda Box Taylor -- Your Plano, TX Realtor (Virginia Cook, Realtors) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 21:26:18 -0500

I'm a little late posting this but I just got the picture. The Collin County Association of Realtors in Plano, TX had a Freedom Breakfast at their office on July 1 for all their members. The idea was to celebrate our country and recognize our members who have or are currently serving our great country.

The guest speaker was U.S. Congressman and former POW, Sam Johnson. Scott O'Grady was also in attendence and gave the invocation. You should remember this national story in 1995 when air force pilot, Scott O'Grady was was shot down behind enemy lines in Bosnia and survived for six days until the US could rescue him. His story was the inspiration for the movie, Behind Enemy Lines. Since I'm the Gov't Affairs Chair for the Association, I was lucky enought to sit next to Scott during the breakfast and he is a quiet and gentle man.

Sam Johnson shared some of his story regarding the 7 years in captivity he spent during the Vietnam War. Sam Johnson was an air force pilot shot down in 1966 in North Vietnam. He shared with us some of the inhumane and cruel treatment that the prisoners received which no individual should have to endure. He thought he was going to die several times during his inprisionment. He said that he survived because of his faith in God, his fellow POW comrades and his hope to return home. He was in the same POW camp as current presidential hopeful, John McCain. The prisoners had nothing to do to keep their minds busy so to pass the time they became "experts" at killing flies. He spoke for 20 minutes and he just scratched the surface on his story but he has written a book, called Captive Warrior, which I intend to read now.

At the end of the meeting, Scott and Sam brought their autographed books to sell as a TREPAC fundraiser. The books were gone in 60 seconds. We had to take orders for an additional 50 books! It was a wonderful morning and I felt so proud to be an American. I was honored that our association was able to get these two great individuals to attend our meeting.

My Aggie Profile

Linda Box Taylor -- Your Plano, TX Realtor (Virginia Cook, Realtors) — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 22:11:08 -0500

I'm excited that the Aggie Activerain Group now has 35 members. We are growing and I encourage members to invite any Aggies or Aggie fans they may know. I recently went through the ActiveRain profiles and invited people who mentioned A&M in their profile.

One of our newest members, Michael Fitzgerald, wrote a blog telling the group a little about himself and his company and that got me thinking. Since we are getting to be a larger group, I wanted to learn a little bit about everyone. When did you graduate, where do you work and live now? I guess a "meme" for Aggies. This is a great group to network with Aggies across the country and further our Aggie connection.

So, here are some questions to get everyone started. I hope to see everyones blog posts soon!

What year did you graduate? Class of 1997 (Whoop!) I graduated Cum Laude with a BBA in Marketing.

Why did you attend A&M? This is easy, it is the best university in the country! My brother played football for the Aggies from 1980 - 1984 so I went to A&M every weekend for 5 years from the age of 6-10. So, in my mind there was no other college.

What is your best memory from college? Attending Bonfire each year is my favorite memory from college. My friends and I went to the site one night around 2am and just watched them work. It was such a cool experience. It makes me sad to think that current students don't get to experience Bonfire the same way anymore. It was just a unifying and bonding experience for the student body.

What do you do now and where do you work? I currently live and work as a Realtor in Plano (suburb north of Dallas). I grew up in Dallas but moved to Plano 8 years ago when I got married(to an Aggie). I work for the 2nd largest independent real estate broker in the Dallas area called Virginia Cook, Realtors. I got my real estate license at the beginning of 2004 and have been enjoying it ever since. Since I've lived in the metroplex my whole life, I'm comfortable helping clients throughout the area. But I mainly focus on North Dallas, Richardson, Plano, Frisco, Allen, McKinney, Farmers Branch, Carrollton, Murphy and Little Elm.

Are there any other interesting facts you want to share with the group? I love the Aggies(obviously) and the Dallas Cowboys. I don't get down to A&M during football season like I want to because I seem to always be working on the weekends but I watch them on TV. My family has Cowboy season tickets and I don't miss any of those games! We have already gotten our tickets for the new stadium.

I don't have any kids, just 2 big dogs, Champ & Zoe. These are my babies!

I am very involved in my community and my local Realtor group. I'm the current Government Affairs Chair for the the Collin County Association of Realtors. I am a member of the Junior League of Plano and I head their Public Affairs committee. Also, I am a member of the Plano West Rotary. So, as you can tell I am very busy with my job and all my volunteer organizations but I wouldn't have it any other way!

Collin County - One of the Best Places to Live in the U.S.

Linda Box Taylor -- Your Plano, TX Realtor (Virginia Cook, Realtors) — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 21:04:13 -0500

Forbes Magazine ranked Collin County as the 14th best place in the United States to raise a family.

Here is Forbes analysis of Collin County: "Home to the burgeoning northern suburbs of Dallas, Collin County is a great value play for families. An affordable median house price of $191,000 means access to a school system that boasts a 1,103 average SAT score and a graduation rate of 93%. One caveat: a sub-par crime rate of 34.7 index crimes per 1,000 people."

Collin County is one of the fastest growing counties in the United States which includes the cities of Plano(the largest), Frisco, McKinney, Allen, Wylie, Prosper and Celina and several more smaller growing cities. I'm not sure about their statistic on crime because I know Plano was recently ranked the safest city in North Texas and the 3th safest city in Texas. I feel very safe in Plano and all the surrounding cities in Collin County.

Collin County does have a lot to offer its residents including affordable housing, great schools and wonderful family activities.

Plano is the headquarters for dozens of large corporations so you can work and live close. And when you aren't working you can enjoy the 3,600 acres of park land in Plano including six recreation centers and three golf courses.

Frisco offers great family activities including the minor league baseball team, Frisco Roughriders and soccer club, FC Dallas at Pizza Hut Park.

Allen is one of the smallest city of the Big 4 but it has great newer neighborhoods including a 27-hole public golf course, a large fitness and aquatic center, a recreation center and extreme sports park.

McKinney, one of the fastest growing city in the US, is the county seat of Collin County where you can enjoy their historic downtown square.McKinney has great family activies including the Ballfields at Craig Ranch, a 14-field, 75-acre baseball, softball and physical-training complex. The McKinney Soccer Complex at Craig Ranch is located next to the Ballfields and features 13 tournament-ready soccer fields.

Congratulations Collin County! It is great to work and live here. If you are interested in buying or selling this wonderful county, please contact me at 214-532-3823.

Junior League of Plano - Potential Member Meeting

Linda Box Taylor -- Your Plano, TX Realtor (Virginia Cook, Realtors) — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 18:00:47 -0500

Here is your last chance to become a member of the Junior League of Plano(JLP) for 2008.

You are invited to a potential member meeting on July 17, at 7 p.m. at the League Office in Plano at 5805 Coit Rd. in Plano. I have enjoyed my involvement over the last 4 years and I encourage other women that are interested to attend this informational session. If you read my blogs, you know I am always promoting our events.

As a JLP member, I am proud of what our organization has done to help this community. I enjoy volunteering and meeting some wonderful friends along the way. So, I hope you will attend this meeting and learn more about our group. You don't have to know anyone to become a member, just attend an orientation and learn what we are about.

For more information, feel free to contact me or visit the website at www.JLPlano.org

Plano....#1 Again

Linda Box Taylor -- Your Plano, TX Realtor (Virginia Cook, Realtors) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 11:47:59 -0500

Salary.com has ranked Plano, TX as the #1 city in the United States to build personal wealth. As a resident and Realtor in Plano, I can wholeheartedly agree with this ranking.

Salary.com looked at the following factors: "Local salaries, cost of living, and unemployment relative to the national average. This year's list also factored in qualitative measures including diversity of industry, education level of the cities' population, proximity to post secondary institutions, percent of population below poverty level, and median travel time to work."

Plano has a highly educated work force - 60% of residents have a college degree or higher and 97.3% of our population has a high school degree. We have headquarters or regional office for many Fortune 500 companies including: EDS, JCPenney, Dr. Pepper, Countrywide, Perot Systems, Frito-Lay and hundreds more so you can work and live in Plano. Our city has a wonderful public school system and access to local colleges in the area like University of Texas - Dallas, SMU and University of North Texas.

Call me today if you have ever thought of making Plano, TX your home. It's #1 for many reasons!

Click here for the full article from Salary.com