There are considerable changes being proposed for our industry...   I do have a question I have not been able to solve for.....   It is my understanding that  appraisers will be required to join IVPI to receive orders in '09.  

What does this mean for appraisal companies that have appraisers working for them?    Will everyone be on their own under the new plan?

Your thoughts would be appreciated....

 

-Meg 

 

 

I was browsing the City of Frisco  website this morning and I found an update that I thought I would share with the AR group.   This is certainly exciting ionformation for those in the Frisco real estate community!

 

The City of Frisco's population is 92,100 residents, as of January 1, 2007. The population of Frisco residents within Denton County is 30,581, and within Collin County is 61,519. *

The city of Frisco is estimated to reach its build-out population of approximately 280,000 by the year 2025.

* Information as found at:  http://www.ci.frisco.tx.us/departments/Planning_Development/index.aspx?id=102

 

 

 

 

I want to share a very exciting event for Frisco, the Winter Games of Texas.  The objectives of Texas Amateur Athletic Federation, Incorporated are both charitable and educational.

It is not t too late to register to participate in the 2008 Winter Games of Texas.  This multi-sport event will feature 15 different sports including:  basketball, cheerleading, fencing, figure skating, flag football, gymnastics, ice hockey, judo, rock climbing, soccer, swimming, table tennis, volleyball and wrestling.  Table tennis will be held January 12.  Both table tennis and fencing will be taking place in the new Frisco Athletic Center. For more information, or to register an athlete, please visit the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation (TAAF) website at http://www.taaf.com/ or call 877-GoFrisco.

I read a news report today that early warning sirens will be  be tested weekly beginning November 28 Through January 30.

"The Frisco Fire Department will begin sounding its Outdoor Warning Siren system every Wednesday at noon beginning November 28 through January 30. The weekly, audible tests are necessary to ensure the sirens are working properly and to help prepare for the 2008 severe weather season."

 

-Meg

As the real estate market takes a course correction homeowners are realizing that their home improvement costs are not always reflected in  the value of their home..  Generally speaking,  remodeling a kitchen or bathroom may bring the greatest return on a homeowners investment.  However, some custom improvements can actually detract from the value. These are known as "over-improvements."

What advice can we share with our clients?

• Understanding the profile of new buyers in the neighborhood
• Understanding which improvements have the greatest influence on property value
• Avoid over-improvement by sticking to what's standard in the neighborhood
• Consult a real estate appraiser to predict the cost to value considerations

I am certain that you have had to deal with clients with unreasonable expectations when they understand that their improvement costs were not directly reflected in their listing and/or selling price..

-Meg 

 

 

Just outside of the Starwood neighborhood is the beautfully designed Shops at Starwood.  Please join the Frisco community in the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony to be held on November 23rd at 6:30pm.  It will prove to be a chance to meet local retailers and Frisco neighbors! 

The Shops at Starwood is located at  6959 Lebanon Road, Frisco, TX.

 http://www.theshopsatstarwood.com/

 

-Meg Stewart

Reliable Appraisal

Frisco, Texas

 

Just outside of the Starwood neighborhood in the Shops Of Starwood is the Kotta Sushi lounge.  I had the pleaseure  to dine there twice since their grand opening.  The customer service, atmosphere, and food is remarkable.

Whether business or pleasure it is a great place for a great sushi experience!

http://www.kottasushilounge.com/

 

Meg Stewart

Reliable Appraisal

Frisco, Texas

Have you ever stood in front of two products in a grocery store fretting over features, promises, prices per ounce??  All in all making a 20-30 cent decision and then pop into a Starbucks and spend $4.29 on a White Mocha Frappuccino and not think anything of it?  How can we so easily part with $4.29 and fret over 30 cents?

Studies show that consumers rationalize buying decisions on facts but make actual buying decisions based on emotions.   It is believed that 20% of the decision to make a purchase is logical and 80% is emotional.

Home purchases can easily be the single biggest purchase for a consumer.  As realtor's do you have a litmus test to determine if your prospective client is a rational or emotional buyer? 

If so do you deploy different strategies to:

• Help your prospective client "feel good" about you representing them?
• Deliver emotional value to get them to their final decision on home buying?

Perhaps we can share our thoughts, ideas, and experiences...

 

-Meg

 

 

I learned today that Collin County's Teen Court will open for business in Frisco this month.   This program ia a countywide, peer-based justice program for area teenagers.  The  inaugural session was on Oct. 18, 2007, at Justice of the Peace Mike Yarbrough's Precinct 4 courtroom.

Teen Court is a judicial system with adult supervision that allows teenagers who are charged with Class-C misdemeanors to be prosecuted, defended, and sentenced by kids their own age.

In its first year of operations, more than 300 teenagers went through the program, which boasts an 88-percent success rate for defendants. When a teenager completes Teen Court successfully, their case is dismissed, fines are waived and officials remove charges from their juvenile records.

Teen Court officials estimate that the Frisco Municipal Court could refer as many as 500 cases to the program in the coming year. With community service playing a big part of probation requirements in the program, Teen Court could help generate some 9,000 hours of community service for the city.

In its first year of operations, program coordinator Justin P. Nichols noted that more than 90% of parents whose kids who went through Teen Court approved of the program, and would recommend it to other parents whose children get in minor legal trouble.  This could prove to be very rewarding for Frisco!

For more information on Teen Court, visit the program's web pages on the Collin County website, or email teencourt@collincountytx.gov.

 I learned today that the City of Frisco's 'Late Night Hours' ordinance has been 
suspended until Frisco voters have a chance to decide whether alcohol
should be served until 2 a.m.

On October 16, the Frisco City Council voted 4 to 3 against repealing the
'Late Night Hours' ordinance approved August 22, 2007.

For more information, you can contact City Secretary Nan Parker at 972-292-5010 or
nparker@friscotexas.gov