TALL GRASS PRIDE - 10/31/10 09:56 PM
Like many other states throughout the United States, Texas is a Prairie State. Three-quarters of the land was once natural prairies, savannahs and tall grass. We must all act now, responsibly to preserve and conserve and restore the remaining tallgrass praire heritage.

… (20 comments)

The Mustangs of Las Colinas - 10/31/10 09:22 PM
Here's the sculpture located in Las Colinas, in Irving, Texas that was created by Robert Glen in 1976. His creation captured the free spirt embodied in the heritage of Texas. The horses look like they are running right through the plaza. You can almost feel the power beneath their feet.

… (12 comments)

Dallas Skyscraper - Urban Towers - 10/31/10 09:10 PM
Here's one of the beautiful Dallas Skyscrapers located in Las Colinas called the Urban Towers. It's located off of 114 about 14 minutes from the Dallas Fort Worth Airport.

… (0 comments)

Here's What Happened When I Went There Today - 10/31/10 08:54 PM
Today, I spent about an hour at the Irving, Texas Veterans Memorial. I thought about their sacrifices and what it means to me, to know they gave up their lives so that I could have this day to sit and reflect by my self and by my own free choice. The weather was warm and sunny and not nearly as hot as what they've been through or where they were at. I was all alone, or so I thought...
As I was walking to my car about 50 butterflies descended from out of the sky and landed on the purple flowers in the … (10 comments)

WHY SHOULD I? - 10/31/10 08:32 PM
Why vote? Because you can... it's the least you can do for your country.
 

… (7 comments)

Halloween Marketing Stories - 10/31/10 10:57 AM
I'm crediting Eileen Burns from Fort Lauderdale, FL for this great blog. Like Eileen who shares her story, I also grew up on many of these traditions. There comes a point in your life when you have to take responsibility and ask yourself, "Is it true?" "Why am I doing this?"
When in doubt, ask the WHO, WHAT, WHEN AND WHY questions and in the silence of your heart, or with the help of a little bit of research or resources, you'll find answers to your questions. For now, I'm glad I read Eileen's post and her title is so apropos, Halloween Marketing Stories because … (3 comments)

Define Your Spaces or Clutter Your Soul - 10/30/10 08:37 PM
My personal thanks to Ana Hitzel from beautiful Corona, CA for this well written subject matter that needs to be taken to heart. I really benefited from Ana's post and I hope you will too.
Via Ana Hitzel Corona, California (AccentPositives - "Putting Your Best Space Forward"):
Sounds a bit extreme?  Not.  We all live in spaces that we take for granted every day.  We get up out of bed, brush the teeth, comb our hair and run down the stairs to start the day in a mad rush.  Our surroundings can blend into the background of everyday living.  What many don't … (2 comments)

Duck Wave from Flower Mound, TX - 10/30/10 02:53 PM

… (6 comments)

Greetings from Three Amigos from Flower Mound Texas - 10/30/10 02:51 PM

… (2 comments)

ON THE TOPIC OF FOOTBALL AND ALFRED HITCHCOCK (1899-1980) - 10/29/10 06:23 PM
On the topic of football, Alfred Hitchcock, one of the greatest suspense thriller movie makers said, "There are several differences between a footballl game and a revolution. For one thing, a football game usually lasts longer and the participants wear uniforms. Also there are more injuries at a football game."
… (3 comments)

We Bought the Wrong Horse!! - Humor - 10/29/10 04:36 PM
This video is compliments of Brigita McKelvie from Lehigh Vally, PA.
I just had to reblog it because it gave me a belly full of laughter!
Hope it makes your day!
Via Brigita McKelvie - Lehigh Valley, PA, Residential, Rural & Horse Properties (Cindy Stys Equestrian and Country Properties, Ltd.):
 
Here is a great video that is just hilarious!  It is actually a commercial for an insurance company. 
 
Check it out and have a good laugh.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Brigita McKelvie, REALTOR
Pennsylvania License #RS297130
Residential, Rural and Horse Properties and Farms

Cindy Stys Equestrian … (4 comments)

HOUSTON, WE HAVE A PROBLEM!!! - 10/29/10 04:07 PM
An error was made for about 2,500 residents of Collin County in Texas. Property Tax Collectors inadvertendly included wrong return envelopes for a County Treasuer in Southeastern New Mexico!
The printing company who sent out the tax bills with return envelopes was from Houston.
So what did the County Tax Assessor and Collector have to say about it? "It's just a human error."
 
… (6 comments)

Citizen Action - 10/29/10 10:50 AM
Dont forget to vote and to encourage others to do the same. Here's a motivating quote that hopefully will remind you that every vote counts. If you've already voted, thank you!
"I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do. What I can do, I should do. And what I should do, by the grace of God, I will do.- Edward Everett Hale (1822-1909)"
… (6 comments)

Tips for Protesting Fee Appraisals - 10/27/10 03:59 PM
A Tax Appraisal is an unbiased and defensible estimate or opinion of the market value.
If given the opportunity to protest your propert taxes, here are some tips that will help:
Be prepared - Pull comps as close to size in the same neighborhood. Use your best judgment - If there are no comps use your best judgment based on facts. Keep it simple - Is the property in question over valued or under valued? Relevant - Based on the comps, what information is relevant? Stick to facts - Dispute the facts and not the opinions. Realistic - Be realistic and … (6 comments)

To Autumn! To All the Good Changes of the Season! - 10/27/10 10:37 AM
Have a great day everyone and if you're lucky enough to be enjoying pleasant Autumn weather today, savor the smells, have fun taking pictures (or at least making photographic memories), listen to the sounds of the rustling of the leaves and enjoy the beauty of the landscape no matter where you are!
To Autumn! To Good Changes of the Season! :)
… (10 comments)

JFK SECRET SERVICE AGENTS SPEAK OUT! - 10/26/10 05:15 PM
THE KENNEDY DETAIL: JFK's Secret Service Agents Break Their SilenceBy Gerald Blaine with Lisa McCubbinForeword by Clint Hill
In THE KENNEDY DETAIL: JFK'S Secret Service Agents Break Their Silence (Gallery Books; November 2, 2010; $28.00), Jerry Blaine - one of thirty-four Secret Service agents on President Kennedy's detail when he was assassinated - sets history straight on what really happened that afternoon and in the months leading up to and following the tragedy.  Written with award-winning journalist Lisa McCubbin, this insider account includes contributions from many of the Secret Service agents who were serving on the Kennedy Detail, and draws upon … (6 comments)

Small Business Administration-Backed Loans Rebounds in North Texas - 10/26/10 02:10 PM
Small Business Administration-backed loans rebounded in North Texas, and nationally. The SBA's Dallas-Fort Worth district office, which covers 72 counties, guaranteed $657 million in 1,706 loans for the fiscal year that ended September 30, 2010. That was up 31% from $500.8 million in 1,281 loans in the previous fiscal year. Company Bank, with $49.2 million in loans, was the largest SBA lender in North Texas. JPMorgan Chase was scond, with $46.1 million. Wells Fargo was third, with $42.8 million. Small businesses employ ovr 50% of the private sector workforce.
North Texas is a GREAT place to live, work and visit!
… (0 comments)

Showings in Flower Mound, TEXAS from 10/16 - 10/23 2010 - 10/26/10 02:05 PM
From $150,000 - $250,000 there were 258 showings (2.5 avg per listing)
From $250,000 - $350,000 there were 180 showings (2.2 avg per listing)
From $350,000 - $500,000 there were 71 showings (1.7 avg per listing)
 
FLOWER MOUND IS A A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE, WORK AND VISIT!
… (0 comments)

City of Dallas Awarded a $2.25 Million Grant this Week! - 10/26/10 02:02 PM
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded the City of Dallas a $2.25 million grant this week to a aquire land and plan urban neighborhoods near four DART light rail stations. The areas involved are the Lancster Corridor (VA Medical Center Station), Frazier (Hatcher Station, Five Points (Park Lane Station), and Fair Park (J.B. Jackson Station.
Dallas is a GREAT place to live, work, and visit!
 
… (0 comments)

120 New Jobs for Irving, Texas - 10/26/10 01:58 PM
Governor Rick Perry has announced the state is investing $1.2 million through the Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) in Consolidated Electrical Distributors, a company which is relocating its corporate headquarters to Irving, Texas from California. This investment will create 120 jobs and generate an estimated $3.3 million in capital investment in the area. The new positions will hav an average annual salary of $75,000 and the company will generate about $75 million in taxable annual sales.
Flower Mound, Texas is a short drive from Iriving, Texas! Texas is a GREAT place to live, work, and visit!
… (1 comments)

NATURES BEST NOW HIRING IN FLOWER MOUND, TEXAS - 10/26/10 01:53 PM
Nature's Best, a major supplier of organic and natural products plans to open a regional distribution center in Flower Mound, TX. It will hire about 33 employees immediately, with future growth anticipated. Nature's Best is a 40-year-old company headquarter in Brea, California, and is the largest privately held distributor of health food and related products with about $300 million in annual revenue.
Flower Mound, Texas is a GREAT place to live, work and visit!
… (2 comments)

THE WORLD SERIES ARLINGTON TEXAS!!! - 10/26/10 01:49 PM
For It's One, Two, Three Strikes Your Out at the Old Ball Game!
The WORLD SERIES is estimated to bring in about $70 million to Arlington, TX and the DFW Metroplex. When combined with the Super Bowl in February 2011, that's an estimated $300 million in cash flowing through the area within a four month time period! What this means is local bands hired, increased waitresses and hostessing and security staffs, parking tickets and cars towed, restaurant, t-shirts, hotels and rental cars. The two sellout league championship games played at the Ballpark in Arlington generated $15,000 in sales tax revenue alone.
… (0 comments)

Fall Photo Contest for New England Photographers - 10/25/10 04:54 PM
Yankee is having a Fall Foilage Photo Contest. The contest is between September 1 through November 15th for pictures of New England. Here's their website.
 http://www.yankeefoliage.com/fcontest/fallphoto
… (0 comments)

WHAT'S IN THE NAME FOR FLOWER MOUND? - 10/25/10 02:18 PM
The city of Flower Mound is located in Denton and Tarrant counties north of the DFW (Dallas Fort Worth)Airport. There's approximately 62,000 people who live in Flower Mound. The town was named for its mound of wildflowers which legend says was a sacred cermonial ground occupied by the Wichita Indians in the early 19th Century. A Mound Foundation and its volunteers protects the mound and tends to it's continuous growth of wildflowers.

… (2 comments)

LIFT SOMEONE'S SPIRIT DAY - 10/25/10 09:44 AM
Today you can lift someones spirits - it's simple, it's easy!
Send someone a smile, it hardly takes any effort at all. See what happens.
Send someone a kind note and put it in the mailbox. How often do you think people get note cards that they can actually touch and hold that comes out of their mail box.
Bake some cookies. Drop them off at an Assisted Living Center and let them know you care.
Do a random act of kindness without expecting to get something back. How will it make you feel?
Give a stranger a compliment. See how … (8 comments)

Fix It Yourself or Call A Handyman? - 10/24/10 03:49 PM
When things break around my house I think I can save money by fixing it myself. But the reality is, I'm not a handyman! I was created to break things so that a handyman, who has the intelligence to fix things can make a living.
My job is being a REALTOR. So by the same token, if FYSBO's aren't REALTORS, why should they go it alone?
… (5 comments)

Native Plants - 10/24/10 03:21 PM
Fall is a great time to think about gardening and landscape designs.  They are critical to your yard, your community, and the planet. How you plant and what you design can impact the natural resources and ecosystems of  where you live. Get informed choices from your local nursery and public libraries. You will yield big results in terms of water conservation, beauty, biodiversity and ultimately the survivability of your landscapes.
Making a vital difference to this planet from the comfort of your own backyard is worth your time and money. Everyone benefits!
When you plant, think Native! 
… (11 comments)

Top Rated Flower Mound Schools - 10/24/10 03:11 PM
Top Rated schools in the LISD, Flower Mound School District include:
Bridlewood Elementary
Clayton Downing Middle School
Flower Mound High School
Forest Vista Elementary
Forestwood Middle School 
… (0 comments)

TX Health Presbyterian Hospital - Flower Mound, TX - 10/24/10 02:58 PM
The brand new Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital opened it's doors to the public in May 2010. They are located at 4400 Long Prairie Road in Flower Mound, TX 75028. The hospital is dedicated to serving the community with the Best Medical Care in Texas!
Parental Childbirth Classes are being offered on November 9, 23, December 14, and 16. 2010. A Grandparents Class is being offered on December 20.
… (0 comments)

New Economic Development in Flower Mound, Texas - 10/24/10 02:46 PM
Flower Mound has several new businesses to boast about. Among some you may recognize include: Einstein Bagels, Mooya Burger & Fries, Learning Express Toy Store, Auto MedX, and Chipotle Mexican Grill.
More excitedly, I'm very happy to announce that North Central Texas College has a new campus in Parkers Square in Flower Mound. It's a 32,000 square foot campus that will offer a full range of exciting courses including  associate's degrees in arts and science, once full accreditation is received. The school is scheduled to officially begin holding classes next spring with an estimated 1,000 students and staff members.
Flower Mound also had … (0 comments)

Autumn - 10/24/10 02:18 PM
Autumn is the time I can listen to the rustling of the leaves and as the colors change so can I.
Here's a great quote by Henry Ward Beecher:
"No matter what looms ahead, if you can eat today, enjoy the sunlight today, mix good cheer with friends today, enjoy it and bless God for it. Do not look back on happiness - or dream of it in the future. You are only sure of today; do not let yourself be cheated out of it."
Have a great Autumn Sunday! Make it memorable!
Cheers!
 
… (4 comments)

EIGHT CLUES TO HAPPINESS - 10/24/10 02:09 PM
Maya Garg from Mississuga, ON has wonderful "Pearls of Wisdom," to share.
Happiness is a journey and some moments are like spontaneous bursts of laughter and joy while others require quiet times.
Eight Clues to Happiness provided by Maya help us to realize that tapping into happiness is easily within our grasp.
Via maya garg (Royal Lepage Kingsbury):
All of us try to have happiness in our lives and we would go to any extent to have the peace of mind.  I thought this might give you insight into what real Happiness in the modern world means to some.
This is one of … (4 comments)

MOON PREDICTIONS - 10/24/10 12:21 AM
Clear Moon, frost soon.
When clouds appear like towers, the Earth is refreshed by frequent showers
Rainbow in the morning gives you fair warning.
Ring around the moon? Rain real soon.
Rain foretold, long last. Short notice, soon will pass.
Red sky at night, sailors delight. Red sky in morning, sailors take warning.
SOURCE: FARMERS ALMANAC
… (5 comments)

FULL MOON - 10/23/10 10:53 PM
It's a beautiful full moon out tonight! The air is fresh and crisp here after the rain this afternoon in Flower Mound, Texas.
Have a great night and if you have to drive, do it safely!
… (15 comments)

"Friday is Loving and Giving" - 10/22/10 09:04 AM
"Monday's child is fair in face, Tuesday's child is full of grace, Wednesday's child is full  of woe, Thursday's child has far to go, Friday's child is loving and giving."
HAPPY FRIDAY! May you be loving and giving in all you do!  :)
… (2 comments)

Payin' it Forward in the Tenderloin - 10/19/10 10:51 PM
Cece Blase of San Francisco, CA - I applaud you! What a wonderful thing you did for so many women. Your thoughtfulness touched my heart!
Via Cece Blase (Paragon Real Estate Group):
My "Pay it Forward" pledge this week was to pass out lingerie to women in San Francisco's Tenderloin District. So yesterday I walked the blocks around my old haunt, Glide Memorial and passed out some nice new teddies, bras, underpants and socks to the girls lined up at the homeless shelter and walking in and out of the SRO's. Here are some tips on how to make a project like this go smoothly in the event … (7 comments)

VOTE - 10/19/10 06:51 PM
Great Orators   "One man with courage makes a majority." -  Andrew Jackson   "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." -    Franklin D. Roosevelt    "The buck stops here." -  Harry S. Truman   "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country." -   John F. Kennedy   
… (0 comments)

Brain Tip and Fun Facts - 10/19/10 06:35 PM
Scientific studies say your brain uses about 12 watts of electrical power - less than your refrigerator light bulb....
WATT?
Did you use your brain today?
… (3 comments)

Homeowners Association Fees - 10/19/10 11:16 AM
Sincere thanks to Shannon Registar from Spring, TX for this very informative and educational video on HOA fees.
Last week I was looking for rental property in Frisco, TX. After my buyers decided they wanted to lease a home, I found out that the property was temporarily off the market because the HOA slapped a lien on the home owner for non-payment of HOA fees.  
Via Shannon Register (RE/MAX Integrity):
http://tinyurl.com/2c4c2be HOA, HOA Dues, HOA Fees, homeowner association fees, Houston, Spring, texas, the woodlandsBlogOctober 18, 2010 0 comments
Bookmark & Share … (0 comments)

HONOR A SOLDIER; LIGHT A CANDLE - 10/19/10 09:01 AM
HONOR A SOLDIER; LIGHT A CANDLE
Pfc. Dylan T Ried, 24 died in Iraq. Reid was a new and proud father. He graduated from Desert Technology High School in 2005 in AZ.
Details have not been released other to say it was not combat related.
Please keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers. I did not know him or his family; but he is a soldier, he is my brother. Honor him; light a candle.
… (0 comments)

Thinking About Coming to Texas? - 10/18/10 04:29 PM
The largest state in the United States, it's equally diverse. Whether you choose West Texas, East Texas, High Plains, Dallas/Fort Worth, Hill Country or South Texas there's lots to see, plenty of things to do, and if you like to eat, this is the place! Interesting thing you may not know:
HEART OF TEXAS - Dallas/Fort Worth - Billy Bob's is a legendary place in good old Fort Worth! Texas A&M plays an important role in the TX agricultural industry. Here, Scientists develop a variety of crops, including fruits and vegetables. One of the most successful ventures was the 1015 Supersweet onion, … (5 comments)

VOTE NOVEMBER 2 - 10/18/10 03:26 PM
"The price of apathy towards public affairs is to be ruled by evil men." ---Plato
VOTING IS A PRIVILEGE AND A PASSAGE TO FREEDOM. IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE, PLEASE VOTE!
… (3 comments)

NEW LAW FOR ALL GUN OWNERS FOR 2010 TAX RETURNS - 10/18/10 12:12 AM
More Freedom taken away and adding a NEW TAX.. Gun owners... look what's on the 2010 tax return .     VERIFIED - TRUE by snopes.com http://www.snopes.com/politics/guns/blairholt.asp     As if we didn't have enough to get upset about! If you have a gun, I hope it isn't registered!     It begins... more Freedom gone... the right to protect yourself and your family gone! Now ALL GUNS must be listed on your next (2010) tax return!     Senate Bill SB-2099 will require us to put on our 2009 1040 federal tax form all guns that you have or own. It will require fingerprints and a tax of … (9 comments)

NEW LAW FOR ALL BUT 3 STATES - DON'T MAKE THE MISTAKE - 10/17/10 11:47 PM
Everyone may already be aware of this but you may know someone who is not.
BETTER PAY ATTENTION TO THIS ONE. AT $754.00 ALMOST LIKE A D.U.I.
New Law: If a patrol car is pulled over to the side of the road, you have to change to the next lane (away from the stopped vehicle) or slow down to at least 20 mph under the posted speed limit. Every state except Hawaii and Maryland and the D.C. has this law.
In California, the Move-over law became operative on January 1, 2010. http://www.moveoveramerica.com/
A friend's son got a ticket for this recently. … (8 comments)

CHANGE CHANGE CHANGE - 10/17/10 06:44 PM
Here are some famous wise men quotes about change that highlight the attributes of change itself:
"Change is inevitable." - Benjamin Disraeli "Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future." - John F. Kennedy "All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another." - Anatole France "Change always comes bearing gifts." - Price Pritchett "Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine." - … (13 comments)

"The Bullying and Harassment Has To Stop" - Joel Burns - 10/17/10 11:18 AM
With a humble heart, I want to thank Stewart Penn of Los Angeles, CA for this post. City Councilman Joel Burns delivered this speech on 10/12/2010 at the City Council of Fort Worth, TX. In my opinion, Councilman Joel Burns should be applauded for his courage. Please watch this unbelievable and very touching human interest story on You Tube until the very end. Be sure to share it with everyone you know. You just might save a child's life!
Via Stewart Penn - Los Angeles Condo Specialist (Penn Properties):
Up until today I'd never heard of Joel Burns.
But I received an email from a fellow ActiveRainer who wanted to share this … (8 comments)

SMOKE DETECTORS SAVE LIVES - I'M PROOF! - 10/16/10 11:39 AM
SMOKE DETECTORS DO SAVE LIVES!
On October 16, 1976 I was at a wedding celebrating my best friend's wedding. That night I spent the night with my belated spouse at a hotel. He awoke the next morning to a strange and piercing sound; I did not.... not immediately. The hotel was on fire and it had a fire alarm. Smoke was already in our room. I reached for the door knob, he pushed my hand away, he said the metal knob would have burnt my hand. We managed to escape through the window, which he shot with his gun until rescue people could save us.
CHECK … (12 comments)

Michael Burgess, M.D., U.S. Congressman (TX - 26th) - 10/14/10 03:30 PM
Here's a message from U.S. Congressman Michael Burgess, M.D. (TX-26th)
As a fiscal conservative, I want to direct your attention to an effort by House Republicans to cut wasteful spending on road signs that announce stimulus projects. The cost of these signs could potentially amount to $192 million once they are all complete, and I do not feel that this is a wise use of your taxpayer dollars.
 
I am seeking the investigative help of Americans who do not wish to see taxpayer-funded signs used to promote the "so-called" stimulus, which has not fulfilled its job-creation promises. Have you seen … (0 comments)

Ten tips on how to be a good neighbor - and avoid lawsuits - 10/13/10 11:47 PM
This is great information Rob. I appreciate the opportunity to repost your BLOG  and for inspiring me to become a better REALTOR by including the information to my buyers after they close.
Via Rob Dandrea, (Future Home Realty):
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL
(ARA) - Treating your neighbor as you would like to be treated is wisdom that is thousands of years old. And it may be more important than ever in today's litigious society where a growing number of Americans - nearly 80 percent - live side-by-side in urban and suburban areas, in many cases separated only by a wall. Between sharing … (3 comments)

Wells Fargo: No More Short Sale Extensions - 10/13/10 08:09 PM
Thanks Jarad Dalto from Seawinds Realty for this up-to-date newsflash concerning short sales. The  people from Florida need a break.
In the words of Calvin Coolidge, "Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan, "Press on" has solved and always will solve the the problems of the human race." 
Patricia
Via Jared Dalto (Seawinds Realty, Inc.):
Wells Fargo & Co has decided to stop … (0 comments)

Texas Foreclosure Crisis Explained - 10/13/10 09:47 AM
Shannon,
Thank you for this very timely and informative video. We all need to stay abreast of current information as it enfolds. As the news develops, we need to stay calm, stay tuned, and stay informed. Great job!
Via Shannon Register (RE/MAX Integrity):
   
http://tinyurl.com/23fbjfg foreclosure crisis, Jerry Strickland, mortgage moritorium, Nancy Pelosi, Old Republic Nation, Paul D. Carmona, shannon register, texas, texas constitution, Texas Debt Collection Act, Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, Texas Government Code, Texas Penal Code, Texas Property CodeBlog, Shannon RegisterOctober 10, 2010 0 comments

Since the Texas Attorney General called for a foreclosure freeze I have been … (3 comments)

Autumn - 10/11/10 08:55 AM
As Autumn progresses there is an explosion of yellow, orange, and red leaves that cling to the branches across the nation.
Enjoy the kaleidescope of Fall colors!
… (2 comments)

CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME. LET'S DO WHAT WE CAN, WHEN WE CAN, WHERE WE CAN - 10/10/10 11:54 AM
Great post! Thank you Tish Lloyd of Writsville Beach, N.C. You make a great point and thoughts to ponder. I wish you and your community a healthy recovery. What I enjoy doing is welcoming the troops at DFW Airport in Dallas, TX. I think about my younger years and how different it is today than when I was a child. I am thankful for the soldiers who made a commitment to serve and protect our country, particularly for future generations. Whenever I pass a soldier at an airport or on the streets, I thank them. I honor them for the sacrifices they have made. I talk … (3 comments)

Only Once In Our Lifetime - 10/10/10 10:55 AM
Thanks to Steve Hoffacker from beautiful West Palm Bend, FL, here's a great inspirational thought that can only be claimed today - at least for Baby Boomers such as myself!
Steve, wishing you a memorable day and a lifetime of good health, continued success and much happiness.
Via Steve Hoffacker - Real Estate Sales & Marketing Consulting and Strategies (Hoffacker Associates LLC):
Today is special, it's remarkable, it's unique. It only happens once in a lifetime - if that often.
I'm talking about today's dtae - 10-10-10! Quite special. The last time this happened was 1910. It will happen again in 2110. Let's … (3 comments)

Servant Leadership - 10/09/10 03:25 PM
What the world needs now more than ever is True Servant Leadership. The deepening economic worries and woes threaten the people of the United States of America. How can working class people survive when jobs are scarce? What good is a college education when a student is faced with student loans and no jobs? Everyone knows that jobs will stimulate the economy and where we need jobs is here in the U.S.A. How will the elderly survive without retirement, medicare, pensions, social security, health care?
How can families stay together when their children, fathers and mothers are marching off to war and coming home … (7 comments)

God Bless Our Military - 10/09/10 09:32 AM
It's the Soldier, not the reporter
Who has given us the freedom of the press
It's the Soldier, not the poet,
Who has give us the freedom of speech.
It's the Soldier, not the politicians
That ensures our right to
Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness
 
We live in the land of the Free
Because of the Brave
GOD BLESS OUR MILITARY
Author Unknown
PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO VOTE ON NOVEMBER 2
 
… (2 comments)

"The Ascent of Money" - As Presented by PBS - 10/08/10 09:36 PM
Thank you Myrl Jeffcoat from CA for the opportunity to view and post. This is an amazing documentary and it's frightening too. I've always heard money is the root of all evil - I didn't want to believe it. Money is a necessity but this documentary will really make you think. I used to be naive enough to think sharks lived in water - HA! They live on the earth and they wear expensive suits. I graduated with an MBA in 2002. Everything I learned about leadership and how it applies to Wall Street is a lie!
Via Myrl Jeffcoat (Real Living … (3 comments)

How Big of a Mortgage Can I Afford? - 10/08/10 07:34 PM
Not only does owning a home give you a haven for yourself and your family, it also makes great financial sense because of the tax benefits - which you can't take advantage of when paying rent.
The following calculation assumes a 28 percent income tax bracket. If your bracket is higher, your savings will be too. Based on your current rent, use this calculation to figure out how much mortgage you can afford.
Rent: _________________
Multiplier:  x 1.32
Mortgage payment ________________
Because of tax deductions, you can make a mortgage payment -- including taxes and insurance -- that is approximately one-third … (0 comments)

Tax Benefits of Homeownership - 10/08/10 07:29 PM
The tax deductions you're eligible to take for mortgage interst and property taxes greatly increase the financial benefits of homeownership. Here's how it works:
Assume:
$9,877 = Mortgage interst paid (a loan of $150,000 for 30 years, at 7 percent, using year five interest)
$2,700 = Property taxes (at 1.5 percent on $180,000 assessed value)
_______
$12,577 Totla deduction
Then, multiply your total deduction by your tax rate.
For example, at a 28 percent tax rate: 12.577 x 0.28 = $3,521.56
$3,521.56 = Amount you have lowered your federal income tax (at 28 percent tax rate)
Note: Mortgage interest may not … (0 comments)

Important Travel Alert to Anyone Planning to Travel to Dallas before 2014 - 10/07/10 07:43 PM
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and NorthGate Constructors are working in collaboration to develop, design and reconstruct over $1 billion worth of improvements as part of the DFW Connector.
This project has begun and is expected to be comleted by 2014. During construction they are making every effort to keep motorist moving. If you are planning to fly into the DFW Airport or have plans to travel within the Metroplex, be sure to check the Web Site  at www.dfwconnector.com. The Toll Free number is 877-411-4212. The roads are open but it pays to know in advance what you can expect … (2 comments)

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month - 10/07/10 01:53 PM
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. PLEASE educate yourself on risks and responsibilities. Breast Cancer affects both men and women and early detection can be the key.
To my knowledge, my mother only went to the hospital five times in her lifetime and that was to deliver five babies. I'm not aware of her going for any annual check-ups and she was GREAT at taking care of my father and her children, plus all of her grandchildren.
You can't imagine how devasted I was to find out she died of Breast Cancer.
… (0 comments)

MLS BLOOPERS - WORDS FROM THE HORSE'S PETUTE - 10/05/10 08:02 PM
Gwen from LA - this too funny! Thanks for the GREAT BLOG! I couldn't stop laughing!
I know that as Realtors, we should be impeccable with our words. Who is checking? As authors of our own advertising and listings, we have to be extra careful.
These bloopers would be fun to see on the rest room wall at my Brokers Office!
Via Gwen Banta (Sotheby's International Realty):
Yippy-tay-aye-ay! I rounded up a few beauties this week, friends. These bloopers are excellent reminders that if you don't think before your fingers hit the keyboard, you'll come off like a horse's petute. This week's fertile field of … (4 comments)

Phoenix File: Hot building and Design Trends - 10/05/10 06:52 PM
WOW! Mary Maxie of Phoenix, AZ has some great information to share about design trends and innovation!
Way to go Mary!
By the way, did you read the news today that Barak Obama is getting Solar Panels installed in the White House??? I'm all for being GREEN but I am also very much in favor of preservation of historical landmarks! What's your thoughts? I just can't see how solar panels in the White House will pay off in the future? It just wouldn't feel like the home shared by our past Presidents to me.... I'm very curious to hear what others … (0 comments)

Divorce and your REALTOR®: It's all about informed decisions. - 10/05/10 06:36 PM
Lori Fishkind, I commend you on obtaining your designation and thank for having the guts to write this BLOG! I've never been divorced, but I was close... I ended up becoming a widow instead and when I learned that my spouse was dying and only had 24 hours to live, I was told by his physician to get his affairs in order because he didn't have much longer to live. I was in a state of shock. We immediately went to the Attorney's Office and drew up his will. When we were through, the Attorney said, "how about you?" I took one … (0 comments)

Social Networking - Is It What It Is, Or Is It More? - 10/05/10 05:11 PM
When you're in sales, it's so easy to get caught up in all the Social Media, collect contact information, and build relationships - but are you really building relationships or are you a phony?
Here are some guidelines that I've put together to remind myself why I'm in the business and to test myself as to whether or not my Social Networking Skills are truly genuine.
Take time to get to know someone. Short, informal chats frequently goes a lot further than trying to get to know someone too quickly. When I leave a person, do I walk away knowing more about … (4 comments)

10 Reasons for Buying a Home in Today’s Market - 10/05/10 04:36 PM
GREAT PEARLS OF WISDOM!
John Mulkey of Waleska, GA, I do believe your bullet points hit the nails on the head! Thanks for the Great Information!
Via John Mulkey, Housing Guru (TheHousingGuru.com):
I will begin by stating that I’m not a real estate agent and derive no income from real estate sales. The information provided is to help potential home buyers make the most prudent choices regarding the purchase of a home.
 
As a former home builder, I have built and sold hundreds of homes and have experienced both good and bad markets. Each day I read news about housing and the … (0 comments)

Smoke Alarm Protection - 10/05/10 04:17 PM
Great reminder Rob & Jeannie Steward from Germantown, MD. To add to your story, if a fire doesn't kill you, it will surely inconvenience you and make you think! Nobody wants to do that or be caught in a fire. I have many fire tales to tell, but for now, I'll only share two.
On October 16, 1976 I was in a hotel when a fire broke out. I was six months pregnant and thankfully, my husband had a gun. The only way out was for him to fire at the glass proof window to get us both out of there. … (0 comments)

Columbus Led The Way For Explorers, Are You Setting Sail or Shipwrecked? - 10/05/10 03:30 PM
Here's a Great BLOG by Eileen Burns from Fort Lauderdale, FL. If you have clients looking to buy in Fort Lauderdale, be sure to think of her. Here's a lady that knows her history and Real Estate!
Via Eileen Burns (Become a Pro LLC):
Christopher Columbus was born in Genoa, Italy. He was the oldest of five children in his family. He wanted to find a short way to get to the Indies by ship in order to trade spice.He was a Christian and wanted to tell the story of Christ to the people he would find in the far-away lands. He also wanted … (0 comments)

Lien Theory Versus Title Theory - 10/05/10 02:51 PM
"Although the United States inherited the whole of England's mortgage law, it began to be modified following independence. In 1791 in South Carolina, lawmakers asked the question: "Should a mortgage actually convey title to the lender subject only to the borrower's default? Or does the mortgage, despite its wording, simply create a lien with a right to acquire title only after proper foreclosure?" Their decision was that a mortgage is a lien rather than a conveyance, and South Carolina became the first lien theory state in regard to mortgages. Today, 33 states, including Texas have adopted this viewpoint.
Fifteen jurisdictions adhere … (0 comments)

TX Attorney General Calls for Suspension of Foreclosures - 10/05/10 02:21 PM
Texas Attorney General Calls for Suspension of ForeclosuresTexas Attorney General Greg Abbott demanded yesterday that Texas loan servicing companies suspend all foreclosure activities due to concerns about the accuracy of documents.
In a letter sent to 27 companies that maintain mortgage loans in Texas, his office called for the immediate suspension of home foreclosures, of the sale of foreclosed properties and of the eviction of people living in those properties.
The letter asks that companies obey the moratorium at least through Oct. 15, the deadline Abbott established for companies to identify workers who may have participated in unlawful practices and assure … (0 comments)

The Magic of Being a Homeowner - 10/03/10 11:52 PM
One of the nicest things about being a Realtor is seeing the world through the eyes of another human being. Whether a homeowner wants to update, renovate, or have a turn key home, it's interesting to hear what motivates them. Each home reflects the personality of its potential owner. Some are traditional or modern, another may be bright and colorful, while others may have a vision and they see things I never thought could be possible. But the one thing in common they all have is an individual taste and style that sets them apart and when the possibility presents itself, they … (2 comments)

The Great Pumpkin Festival - 9/18 through 11/7/2010 - 10/02/10 06:24 PM
AUTUMN AT THE ARBORETUM
THE GREAT PUMPKIN FESTIVAL
NOW thru NOV 7, 2010
Features the Storybook Pumpkin Village with four walk-through houses stacked with pumpkins! Great decorating ideas and a wonderful place to take family photographs! Located at the Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland Road in Dallas, TX.
 
… (0 comments)

Upcoming Events at the Fort Worth Zoo October 2010 - 10/02/10 06:05 PM
BOO AT THE ZOO - October 22-24 and 29-30 from noon to 5 p.m.
SPOOKY SLEEPOVER - October 30-31
KIDS SATURDAY CLASSES - October and November
… (0 comments)

Fun Things to Do on 10/2, 10/3 in Dallas, Fort Worth - 10/02/10 05:59 PM
Here are some fun things to do in the Dallas, Fort Worth area on October 2 and October 3, 2010.
State Fair of TX. The winner for "Best Taste," in the Big TEX Choice Awards was the Texas Fried Frito Pie. It's a fried concoction of Texas chili and sharp cheddar and corn chip. It comes served with salsa or ranch dressing.
Bishops Arts District on Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.
It's TX vs. OU weekend also known as the Red River Rivalry.
It's a great weekend at the Arboretum to take fall … (1 comments)

Compare Today's Interest Rate with Yesterday - 10/01/10 09:54 AM
October 17,1951:  2.75, October 15,1955: 3.50, October 20, 1971: 5.75, October 17, 1977: 7.50, October 7, 1974: 11.75, October 19, 1980: 14%, October 15, 1981: 19%, October 16, 1985: 12.50, October 5, 1987: 9%, October 16, 1998: 7.75, October 3, 2001: 5.50
Today's Interest Rates are still low and now is the time to buy! 
Researched Historical Interest Rates
… (5 comments)

Rabbit, Rabbit - 10/01/10 02:03 AM
Rabbit rabbit white rabbit" is a common British superstition. The most common modern version states that a person should say "rabbit, rabbit, white rabbit", "rabbit, rabbit, rabbit" or simply "white rabbits" upon waking on the first day of each new month, and on doing so will receive good luck for the duration of that month. 
Source:  Wikkepedia
 
 
 
… (2 comments)