Tom's Amarillo, Texas Real Estate Blog

Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge Wants Your Input

Tom Kile (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:33:55 -0600

The US Fish & Wildlife Service is hosting a public meeting December 15, 2009 and needs public input on a management plan for the Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

The buffalo may not roam the area any longer and nature doesn't manage the land itself anymore, but the federal government does and they want to hear what local Canyon, Texas residents have to say.

Tuesday's meeting will help the government get input from locals and hear what they want to consider in the creation of a comprehensive management plan that is meant to guide the agency's leadership at the refuge over the next 15 years.

The refuge is made up of 7,664 acres along with deer, birds, turkey, owls, prairie dogs, marshes, woodlands and beautifully carved canyon walls.

The plan will include things like grazing, hunting, management practices and take into consideration existing plans. Wild turkey, mule and white-tailed deer are the most popular for visitors. However, other wildlife can be found, such as neo-tropical birds like tanagers, warblers, orioles, and flycatchers, which attract many bird watchers.

Over 300 species have been recorded at the refuge, some as awesome as the bald eagle, peregrine falcon and mountain plover.

There was a lake on the refuge land that began filling in the late 1930s, after a dam was built as part of a federal program. The lake waned as the water supply from Tierra Blanca Creek and other natural springs dried up. But a flood in 1978 filled the lake and the US Army Corps of Engineers declared it unsafe and had the lake drained.

Currently, management includes controlled cattle grazing and farming that leaves one-third of the crops growing for feeding the wildlife.

So, Canyon and surrounding area residents, this meeting is important to get feedback. You can easily attend and give your input. The meeting begins at 3:00 pm on December 15, 2009 at the Refuge headquarters, 1.5 miles south of Umbarger on 168 Farm-to-Market Road .

Realtor® Tom Kile - Canyon, Texas Real Estate

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Empty Stocking Fund in Amarillo

Tom Kile (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 18:38:47 -0600

There are too many people each year that truly need the help of the Empty Stocking Fund in Amarillo, and this year is no exception. Each story is unique in its very own way. Therefore, when I came across one story in particular, I felt the need to mention it in my blog.

Two sisters from Amarillo, Texas are in need this holiday season. Health problems plague them both, and it is up to them to take care of one another. One sister is bound to her wheelchair while the other is no longer able to work due to circulatory problems and diabetes.

One sister's medication runs over $100 a month and the other sister's medication runs just over $50 a month. These two combined take a big chunk out of their Social Security. And, since they don't have any family in Amarillo, they are completely dependent on each other for everything. Once their monthly bills are paid, there is very little left over.

These sisters are known as Empty Stocking Fund Recipients #15 and for Christmas this year, these two sisters are only asking for winter clothes and food.

If you are interested in helping these sisters or any other needy families this holiday season, you can send your donations to the Empty Stocking Fund at PO Box 2091, Amarillo, TX 79166 or bring it in person to the Empty Stocking Fund coordinator herself, Susie Self, at the Globe-News building, 900 South Harrison Street. If you would like to donate your gently used items, you can drop them off at the Downtown Women's Center Thrift City, 600 S. W. 10^th Ave.

Happy Holidays - Realtor® Tom Kile

Amarillo, Texas Real Estate

A Happy Man Wins a New Home in Amarillo, Texas

Tom Kile (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:09:12 -0600

Great stories like this just have to be shared. There's a very happy man from Happy waking up in a brand new home worth $185,000 that he won in a raffle drawing at the Big Texan Steak Ranch on Sunday night. Farmer and rancher, Dudley McNeill is the new owner of a beautiful 1,775 square foot home in the City of Amarillo, Texas. Mr. McNeill got the news over the phone since he was unable to attend the drawing, but never-the-less it was great news to him. The home was raffled off as part of a fundraiser for the international Myelin Project, which does research for cures of demyelinating diseases along with promoting education about them.

The home is a brand new 1,775 square foot, three-bedroom, two-bathroom dream for many who paid their $50 to get a chance to win. The raffle sold $150,000 worth of tickets, which is $10,000 less than the $185,000 appraisal value. The beautiful home sits at 3600 Springfield Ave. within the City View development near Hollywood Road in the City of Amarillo, Texas.

Although the fundraiser didn't make any money for its cause in the end, many are still optimistic and have future hopes. Over 100 hopeful people turned out at the Big Texan in high hopes of winning the home. And this was a very unusual raffle. Unlike most raffles in which the first name drawn wins, this raffle was complete opposite. The last name to be drawn was the big winner.

It's really great to hear stories like this about the communities in which I serve and to be able to share them with others.

Your Sound Choice In Amarillo Real Estate - Realtor® Tom Kile

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The Homebuyer Tax Credit Has Officially Been Extended

Tom Kile (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:04:56 -0600

The homebuyer tax credit has officially been extended. President Obama has approved the first-time homebuyer tax credit extension, which will last through April 30, 2010. And, there is a $6,500 credit to repeat buyers who have lived in their current home for at least five years and are looking to relocate.

The new extension is part of a $24 billion economic stimulus bill which will continue to give an $8,000 tax credit to homebuyers purchasing their first home and now $6,500 to repeat buyers who just want to relocate.

These tax credit expansion details apply:

Who is Eligible for the Tax Credit

* First-time homebuyers are eligible for up to an $8,000 tax credit. A first-time homebuyer is defined as a buyer who has not owned a principal residence for at least three years prior to the purchase of the property.

* Repeat buyers are eligible for up to a $6,500 tax credit. These homeowners are existing homeowners who have lived in their principal residence for at least five consecutive years.

Income Limits that Apply to the Tax Credit

There are income limits that apply to those who are eligible for the tax credit.

* Single or head of household single filing taxpayers can claim the full $8,000 credit for first-time buyers or $6,500 credit for repeat buyers as long as their gross income is less than $125,000 annually.

* For married couples who file a joint return, their combined income is limited to $225,000.

* Single or head of household taxpayers who earn between $125,000 and $225,000 are eligible for a partial credit.

* Any single taxpayer whose income exceeds $145,000 or any married couples whose income exceeds $245,000 is not eligible for the tax credit.

Tax Credit Effective Dates

Eligible homes must be purchased between November 6, 2009 and May 1, 2010. However, the sales contract must be signed before April 30, 2010 to qualify for the tax credit and the property must close on before July 1, 2010.

Properties that Qualify for the Tax Credit

* Single-family

* Townhomes

* Condominiums

* Vacation and rental properties do not qualify.

Payback Provisions of the Tax Credit

There's good news here. You never have to pay back the tax credit. It is a true credit and does not have to be repaid unless the homeowner sells the property within three years of the purchase. That's the only catch. Live in the home for three years and keep the tax credit forever.

Your Sound Choice in Amarillo Real Estate - Realtor® Tom Kile

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Sell Your Home in 5 Easy Steps

Tom Kile (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:19:35 -0600

Selling your home for the best possible price can be done in 5 easy steps. Once you enlist the help of a real estate agent and make a list of projects that need to be taken care of, you can maximize the value of your home.

Just follow these five easy steps before listing your home for sale:

1. Enlist a real estate professional - An experienced real estate agent that specializes in your area is the most competent person to determine how potential buyers will distinguish your home.

2. Assess your curb appeal - Curb appeal is one of the most critical points of interest when it comes to selling a home. You want each person who stops at the front of your house to be so charmed that they will want to see more. Therefore, access the three primary components of a home's curb appeal.

* Front Entrance - The front door, porch and all surrounding areas form the focal point of your home. New hardware and fresh paint on the door go a long way for attraction. A nice mailbox and functioning porch lights are very important, too. Dull entranceways can be easily dressed up by adding a few potted plants.

* Landscaping - Landscaping is another major part of curb appeal. This includes the lawn, area plants and structures such as walkways, retaining walls and steps. Trees and shrubs should be trimmed well and garden beds should be defined by freshly added mulch. You may even want to consider pressure washing all concrete around the home to make it look newer.

* Exterior - Check to make sure your paint is in good shape and your siding is clean. Also make sure your windows are clean and clear of spider webs and the gutters are clean.

3. Update the interior - Consider updating the kitchen and bathrooms. Just make sure the renovation will pay for itself. New paint, countertops and flooring are usually sufficient to bring these rooms up to speed without breaking the bank.

4. Prioritize your list of home improvement projects - Now that you know what needs to be done to prepare your home for sale, decide which projects you can do yourself and which projects you will need to hire a professional for.

5. Remember to use patience - Once you start your list of repairs, you must complete the list before putting your home on the market. Your house will be much more desirable to potential buyers and get you the higher price you want.

These five easy steps should help you get your home ready to sell for the price you really want.

Your Sound Choice for Amarillo Real Estate - Realtor® Tom Kile

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School Additions are Popular Talk Around Amarillo

Tom Kile (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:50:34 -0500

Just over three years ago, one of the schools in the Amarillo, Texas area was becoming extremely over crowded and, to keep up their good education image in the community, the Panhandle Independent School District decided to build a new school to help relieve the population of the other and to do renovations on the other school to update it. Now, over 650 students in the Panhandle ISD are using the much needed new school facilities a year ahead of time.

Students will no longer have to walk from their classrooms to the gym or library in the cold because of the new enclosed walkway. And, they won't have to rush through lunch anymore because there are now two cafeterias to accommodate all the students.

All 110+ band students will no longer have to rub shoulders in the band hall. They now have plenty of standing and storage room for themselves and all their instruments.

The new facilities are huge, with a whole lot more room.

Scheduling for the school was due to be finished next year, but has finished ahead of schedule, after just 18 months of development. Only a couple things remain to be completed, including a new high school gym and landscaping, which should be complete within the next month.

The new additions were approved by voters and paid for with $27.5 million in bonds. The bonds also provided modern science labs, larger libraries, computers with high-tech screens, a connection bridge between the junior high and high school and a new 60,000-square-foot elementary school.

The new facilities are already a huge hit with students, parents, teachers and those looking to buy property in Amarillo, Texas. It looks, like in times of need, the community of Amarillo really pulls together and comes through for its students.

Your Sound Choice for Amarillo Real Estate - Realtor® Tom Kile

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Internet Buyers Tend to be More Satisfied Than Traditional Buyers

Tom Kile (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:17:05 -0500

Over the years. more and more homebuyers have been turning to the internet to search for their next home. And studies are showing that those who search the Internet tend to be more satisfied than the traditional buyer.

In a study done by the California Association of Realtors®, it found that 92% of homebuyers are now going online to find their homes and real estate professionals. Of those surveyed, homebuyers looked for homes first and real estate professionals second. Traditional buyers contact an agent on average of 1.7 weeks, while an Internet buyer contacts an agent on average of 4.8 weeks of doing research.

The lengthier research allows the Internet buyer to better prepare themselves. They also have a clearer picture of what they want in a home. Internet buyers looked at less homes than the traditional buyer. On average, the Internet buyer viewed 6.7 homes, while the traditional buyer viewed 15.4 homes. And on average, Internet buyers bought a home after just 2.2 weeks of searching, while the traditional buyer bought after searching for an average of 7.1 weeks.

When Internet buyers were asked for a number one reason for their satisfaction, 91% said they were satisfied with the quick response of their agent. 62% of traditional buyers said they were satisfied with how hard the agent worked on their behalf.

In short, the survey showed the Internet's importance to today's real estate industry. Buying a home online has become not only a wave of the future, but the present. If you want to be satisfied with your home buying experience, go online first.

Your Sound Choice for Amarillo Real Estate - Realtor® Tom Kile

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Finding Momentum in the Remodeling Market

Tom Kile (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:13:51 -0500

Many homeowners who have decided to sell their home want top price for it. Many have found momentum in the remodeling market to help them get the price they want. And lately, remodelers are seeing a big pickup in their business because of it.

Homeowners who want to sell their homes for top price can get more from it when they invest in remodeling projects. This can also be a big step for many homeowners. However, it can be an easier job when you have the right remodeling company with a solid reputation to do it.

Choosing the perfect remodeler for your remodeling project can often be a wearisome process. Therefore, be sure to explore all your options and do your research or it can result in frustration and too much money spent.

When choosing the right remodeling company, you want to make sure that you ask the right questions, such as: do they offer full-service design and remodeling under one roof, references, certifications the remodeler holds, etc.

A full-service remodeling company should offer homeowners one-stop shopping for all their remodeling needs on several budget levels. There are remodeling companies out there that are not full-service, meaning from design to construction, but a full-service remodeling company will keep your project running more smoothly.

Take your time while interviewing remodelers, making sure all your questions are met, and ask about certifications that the remodeler holds. Also keep in mind that the most popular remodeling trends will help you have the greatest appeal for sale-ability. Some of those popular remodeling trends include outdoor living space and energy-efficient remodels. Whatever you choose, good luck with it.

Your Sound Choice for Amarillo Real Estate ~ Realtor® Tom Kile

Energy Saving Tips for Energy Awareness Month

Tom Kile (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:16:45 -0500

October is national Energy Awareness Month. So, to honor the celebration, I have some energy saving tips to use around the house. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average home loses around 25% of its heat through windows and small space around doors.

These energy saving tips will show you how easy it is to reduce your home's energy and lower your utility bills. These tips can be used as a handy guide for saving energy and money throughout each year. Just by implementing a few of these tips, you will make your home comfortable and more energy-efficient.

Heating Tips - To maximize the heat in your home, start by purchasing an energy efficient heating system by looking for any model labeled "Energy Star". These are the most efficient models. Keep your doors closed at all times and seal any air leaks around doors and windows. Use sunlight to your advantage by opening your shades during the day and closing them when the sun goes down.

Don't let the heat escape the chimney. Make sure your fireplace flue is closed when not in use. Ceiling fans on low speed can also help circulate warm air around your home more evenly. Don't forget to give your heating system a tune-up. And, be sure to insulate your attic properly.

Cooling Tips - Buying Energy Star air conditioners will save lots of energy. Get rid of hot air by using an exhaust fan to blow hot air from your kitchen while cooking. On cool days, opening windows and doors can help to save energy and ventilate the home. Blocking the sun with curtains or shades will help keep the home cooler and drastically cut cooling bills. Using ceiling fans or portable fans can make you feel just as comfortable as if you had the air conditioner on and will save you 10% on your cooling bill. Sealing off vents in unoccupied rooms can save you up to 10% on your cooling costs. And, on really hot days, don't fan the doors.

Lighting Tips - Buying fixtures and bulbs that bear the Energy Star label are the most effective way to save energy, money and help the planet. You can also save energy and money by turning off lights when not in a room, keeping bulbs and fixtures clean and investing in a timer. Also, invest in the long-life incandescent bulbs. They may cost more, but they last three times longer than the standard light bulb.

With the money you save from these energy saving tips, you can put it towards anything you want. Add an upgrade to your home, go on vacation or some small luxury item. You get the picture.

Realtor® Tom Kile ~ Amarillo, Texas Real Estate

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Housing Affordability Hovers Near Highest Level in 18 Years

Tom Kile (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 09:25:20 -0500

Housing affordability hovers near highest level in 18 years. It's definitely a combination of low interest rates and low home prices that have made this possible and this is great news for home buyers.

The demand for affordable homes is in the air. Helping to stimulate that demand are young first-time buyers and the $8,000 federal tax credit. However, the federal tax credit will be ending soon; November 30, 2009 is the deadline. But there are hopes that Congress will extend the tax credit for another year and even make it available to all buyers. This would encourage activity in the trade-up market.

Some states saw more home sales than others because of the affordability. Forbes magazine recently listed Indianapolis as the most affordable place in the nation to live. Closely behind were Missouri, Texas, Pennsylvania and Ohio. Forbes magazine compiled their list of most affordable places to live in the nation based on measures of housing affordability, unemployment and cost of living in the 40 most populated areas of the country.

Housing markets that dominate the rankings have key contributing factors. Take Texas for instance: one of the key dominating factors for contributing to its affordability is major opportunity for metro area expansion. Everything in Texas is bigger, after all, and it just seems to be getting even bigger. Texas also has some of the fastest-growing metro areas in the country, even in today's economy. Some areas of Texas have seen growth of 3.8% (1.7 million) or more.

If you're a first-time homebuyer and haven't made the move yet to buy a home, don't let these affordable home prices pass you by. They will begin to rise again just as they did before, so there's no better time to buy than now.

Realtor® Tom Kile ~ Amarillo, Texas Real Estate

Your Sound Choice In Real Estate

Randall County, Texas Living

Tom Kile (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 11:43:21 -0500

When I think of great Texas communities, there are a couple that come to mind, such as Amarillo and Canyon, which are both located in Randall County, Texas. Randall County has so much to offer its residents as it's situated on the very famous Texas Panhandle in south-central Texas. And the county itself is made up of around 933 square miles of beautiful land.

All communities within Randall County can easily be accessed by Interstates 27 & 40 and several main highways. As a matter of fact, there are 750 miles of roads within the county.

If you're looking for great schools to relocate your children to, there are five school districts within Randall County: Amarillo Independent School District, Canyon Independent School District, Bushland Independent School District, Wildorado Independent School District and Happy Independent School District. When combined, these school districts oversee a total of 17 elementary schools, two intermediate schools, three middle schools, two junior high schools, five high schools and one youth center. There are also several private schools within the county for parents to choose from as an alternative to public schooling.

As for schools of higher education, West Texas A&M University is also located within Randall County. It is considered one of the most prestigious universities in the country.

When it comes to recreation and activities, Randall County has a lot to offer its residents. Several parks can be found scattered throughout the county providing playgrounds, pavilions, picnic areas, ball parks, ball courts, walking trails, golf courses, theaters, museums, shopping areas and plenty of restaurants to choose from.

Every city within Randall County, in my opinion, is a wonderful community to live. But you will have to come see for yourself just how great it really is.

Realtor® Tom Kile ~ Amarillo, Texas Real Estate

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Biggest Obstacles for Homeowners

Tom Kile (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 12:22:34 -0500

When asked, many Americans will say they consider closing costs and having enough money for a downpayment to be the biggest obstacles for homeowners. That is according to an annual survey released by the National Association of Realtors® known as the 2009 National Housing Pulse Survey that can be found on www.realtor.org.

The survey measured how affordable housing issues affected consumers. They also found big concerns in job security. It was the highest in seven years to be exact. Now, two-thirds of Americans think unemployment and job layoffs are a huge problem. Eight in 10 consumers say these are a barrier to homeownership.

Many people were hoping that the $8,000 first-time buyer tax credit to help with downpayment or closing costs would be enough to help. However, now these new fears over job instability are increasing daily. But, despite these new challenges in the housing market, most Americans still believe buying a home is a good financial decision. 83% of those surveyed believe now is a good time to buy a home. That number has steadily increased over the past two years. Even more renters are now considering buying a home.

Although we are seeing slightly more stability in the market, there is still a strong uncertainty. Almost eight in ten homeowners say it's harder to sell their home than it was a year ago. And, this is despite the fact that nearly three-fourths of those surveyed say homes are less expensive. We could blame this on large inventories in some areas.

While many Americans are concerned about the drop in home values, many more are concerned about the rates of foreclosures. However, many areas of the country are finally beginning to see foreclosures stabilizing.

In the financing department, seven in 10 Americans say they are afraid they will not be approved for a home loan. Many believe that because of the major banks problems, they will have a harder time qualifying.

So, after careful review of the biggest obstacles for homeowners it looks like they boil down to downpayments, closing costs, job security, home sales, home values, foreclosures and financing.

Okay consumers. Each one of these obstacles can be overcome with ease. Just talk to a real estate or mortgage professional today about how you can overcome each one.

Realtor® Tom Kile ~ Amarillo Texas Real Estate

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It’s All about Enhancements and Attractions in Amarillo

Tom Kile (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:02:56 -0500

Recently, I have discovered that many areas in Amarillo have dedicated themselves to enhancing their attractions so their visitors can get the best experience possible. And now, these major additions and new touches have really increased value all over Amarillo. Therefore, I have taken time to compile a list of these wonderful enhancements to Amarillo in my blog.

The Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum has come out with three fun new programs to help their visitors find their way across the state's largest history museum. Visitors can play PPHM Bingo at 10:30 a.m. each weekday. Family members actually compete with one another in a game of discovery and speed. They can play Chat with a Curator at 3:30 p.m. each week day, where visitors will get to meet a different curator everyday and learn about the artifacts and their job. They can also play Staff Favorites all day long. This game can be played and seen throughout the museum as each staff member describes their own personal connection to a particular artifact with a Staff Favorite label.

The Amarillo Zoo has many new programs and a new exhibit this summer. Combine that with free admission and it will top anyone's list as being a "must see". The zoo is opening the Herpetarium, which will include 60 animals from 30 species of exotic and native amphibians and reptiles.

Now, visitors can unlock zoo education with ZooKeys for the additional cost of $2.50. And, Zoo Fari carts can be driven around the zoo, giving the guests a chance to interact with and touch things like skulls, furs, snakes and feathers.

The Wonderland Amusement Park has opened up three new rides for this summer. Those rides include: The Hornet, a small but fast roller coaster with a sting, the Fiesta Swing and the Drop of Fear, a 200-foot tall tower of terror. All visitors can enjoy the park for $15.95 for adults and kids are $12.95; however, weekend prices are higher.

For anyone that loves horses, the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame will now be open with longer hours during the summer. From 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., you can take the extra time to enjoy the exhibit of the Quarter Horse Journal, a 60 year celebration, chronicling the entire Quarter Horse industry. The Hall of Fame & Museum is located at 2601 E. Quarter Horse Dr.

These all sound like awesome enhancements and additions to many of Amarillo's top attractions. I hope you get to take advantage of them before the summer is over.

Realtor® Tom Kile ~ Amarillo Texas Real Estate

How Your Front Porch Could Boost Your Home’s Sale

Tom Kile (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:21:35 -0500

Many people would agree that front porches are not all that popular, especially in certain areas of the country. However, if you are in the right area, your front porch can be the envy of the neighborhood. Therefore, having the right entryway can really boost your home's sale, similar to that of curb appeal.

The entire front of your home will be featured in photos of your home, so potential buyers can view them online or in magazines. The front of the home will include the porch/entryway, the garage, the lawn and other landscaping. This is the eye catcher to every buyer when they first see the home. Therefore, I would like to share some ideas to help spruce up your porch or entryway to make it stand out from all your neighbors.

Creating your front porch colors can make all the difference in the world. You will want colors that match the architectural style of the home. If you have a cottage-style, home you may consider using colors such as beige, cream, medium green, medium blue, pink and white. These colors combined will create a cozy atmosphere that is very relaxing.

If you have a Victorian-style home, you may consider using colors such as deep green, periwinkle blue, deep coral, deep red, yellow and plum to make a very bold statement on your front porch.

Color helps reshape and transform any front porch. You can turn a rectangular-shaped porch into a square porch simply by painting a section of it a different color. This will give the illusion of a different shape.

Homeowners are now using curtains to create more privacy and shade from the sun on the porch. This makes it a beautiful and enjoyable area to sit and spend time with family and friends outdoors.

Just creating an inviting area at the front of your home will draw the attention of potential buyers and boost the value of your home. In this real estate market, adding the additional curb appeal can really make a huge difference when selling your home.

Realtor® Tom Kile - Amarillo Texas Real Estate

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Buying a Home You Can Afford

Tom Kile (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 12:48:52 -0500

Realtor® Tom Kile ~ Amarillo Texas Real Estate

There’s not much that can be more rewarding than homeownership. There is a big thrill when walking into your own home for the first time. You can do many things in and around your own home such as enjoy family time, entertain friends and relatives, grow a garden and so much more.

While we envision all these lovely things to do in our new home, we often leave out the bad visions of things that could go wrong. No one likes to think they could lose their home because they fall victim to job loss or major illness. Therefore, it is very important to buy a home you can afford in any event.

When it’s time to search for a home, don’t look for one that will take every last dime you have to buy it. This could possibly put you in a jam in the future. Look at where many Americans are today because of buying more than they could afford.

So, ask yourself these questions before you buy your next home:

* I have enough money in my current job to meet my mortgage payments, but will I still be able to make my payments if I am laid off and have to find a new job?

* Will I have enough in savings or other resources to carry me over until I find another job if I lose my current job or fall ill?

* Will the house I buy need many repairs? If so, do I have enough finances to cover the repairs and still have money in my savings?

* Will my car payments ever interfere with my mortgage payments?

Owning a home can be a huge responsibility, but it can also be very rewarding. If you consider all these questions before you buy, you should be able to get by in case of any unforeseen emergency, whether it be a job loss or a major illness.

Get more tips and advice for homeowners, buyers and sellers.

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Homeowner Pool Safety

Tom Kile (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 10:56:01 -0500

Realtor® Tom Kile ~ Amarillo Texas Real Estate

When a family buys a home with a swimming pool or decides to have one added, they want to look forward to many years of wonderful memories with family and friends. However, to ensure those memories are good ones, there are safety measures we have to take to keep danger at bay.

Statistics show that drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death of children ages 1 to 4 around the nation. Of those who do survive, they are left with severe brain damage for the rest of their lives.

So, if you're a homeowner with a pool, here are some safety measures you should take to ensure your summer memories are always good ones:

* Secure the pool with an isolation fence, also known as a perimeter fence. Many homeowners think a property line fence is good enough. However, this only keeps your neighbors out, not the small children in your own home from getting in the pool.

* Ensure your isolation fence has a gate complete with a lock on it.

* Make sure the gate is locked at all times when not in use.

* Supervise children at all times. And for parties, appoint one or two water watchers for extra safety: one to watch and one to keep a head count.

* Keep a life saving device such as a life ring near the pool in case of emergency.

* If you have small children, protect the pool gate with an alarm. The alarm is meant to sound off when the gate is opened and should be loud enough to be heard from inside the home.

* Keep a cordless phone by the pool in case of emergency. This way, no one will have to leave the pool area to call 911 if needed.

* All adults and teenagers in the home should learn CPR. And, keep a CPR review poster near the pool area.

* Never, never, NEVER leave toys in the pool. After you are done playing in the pool, remove any and all toys and put them away so there is no chance that they can get blown back into the pool. Small children see toys in the pool and usually want to get them out to play with them. This is when tragedy hits.

These layers of protection should help all homeowners with pools or anyone looking to buy a home with a pool have many wonderful memories with friends and family in the pool each summer for years to come.

If you like this homeowner advice, find more here.

Bushland Texas – A Great Place to Call Home

Tom Kile (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:15:30 -0500

If you like small town living in close proximity to the big city, you'll absolutely love the wonderful community of Bushland, Texas. Bushland is one of Texas' best places to call home, offering a quiet, simple way of life with less than 200 residents in the entire town. And, best of all, it's situated away from the fast pace of the bigger city, but close enough to get a taste of big city life when you want it.

Bushland is 14 miles west of Amarillo, Texas in southwest Potter County. The town was originally established as a train stop in 1908 for the Chicago, Rock Island and Gulf Railroad. Afterward, farmers and ranchers began to flock to the area to settle into the new town.

Agriculture is still a large part of Bushland's main industry today. However, Bushland is also now home to the Conservation and Production Research Laboratory, a USDA certified agency established to research wind erosion on the Great Plains of the south.

Education in Bushland is great, too. There are both public and private schools offered. Public school is provided by the Bushland Independent School District, with one high school, one middle schoo, and one elementary school. Private school is provided by the Bushland First Baptist Church, which has also been leading the community's spiritual needs since the early 1900's.

The community offers many recreational opportunities. Bushland is full of parks and playgrounds that include picnic areas, ball fields, walking trails, party shelters, ponds and a community center. Anyone seeking larger attractions can travel the short distance to Amarillo for a huge amount of activities to keep everyone busy in their free time.

To put it plain and simple, Bushland is the perfect community for anyone seeking a simple life in a community with loyal residents. Bushland, Texas real estate is the place for you.

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Five Troubles Homeowners Shouldn’t Ignore

Tom Kile (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 11 May 2009 16:05:16 -0500

All too often, homeowners are tempted to hold off on their home repairs. However, there are some problems that warrant repairs and really shouldn't wait. Many times, if these problems go unchecked or unrepaired for too long, they can lead to even heftier repair bills or health problems. Therefore, I would like to help homeowners and list some easy to spot problems that should be taken care of right away.

Mold and Mildew - No house is immune from mold and mildew no matter what part of the country you live in. Areas of the nation with hot temperatures are more likely to have water trapped in the structure of the home, which can lead to mold or mildew. Warning signs of mold or mildew are musty orders, dank air or family members that experience chronic runny noses. To check behind walls for mold, remove the cover plates of a phone or cable outlet and peer behind it with a flashlight. Also, check for mold under carpet and around windows.

Pest Infestations - Termites and carpenter ants can be a huge problem if not found and taken care of quickly. Termites are attracted to rotting wood and carpenter ants are attracted to moist soil. Having your property properly graded will keep the soil dry and keeping your gutters clear will keep your home's structure from rotting.

Roof and Siding - The roof is the most vulnerable area of the property for water exposure. Seasonally check for missing, curled or cracked shingles and check flashing around chimneys or skylights. If there has been a bad storm with high winds, you should check your shingles afterward.

Gutters and Downspouts - Runaway rainwater or lack thereof can cause huge problems. Homeowners should check gutters, downspouts and leader pipes seasonally. In wet regions, the leader pipes around the home should extend at least five or more feet from the house. Remove any clogged gutters and downspouts and replace any broken or missing fasteners that connect gutters to the fascia board.

Foundation Cracks - Sometimes, a foundation crack can be harmless. However, many can mean big trouble. It's usually safe to say that any crack wider than 3/16" in any direction will be a problem. Use a ruler to measure and monitor the cracks with tape to see its progress over a few weeks to a month or a few months. Watch for buckling or bulging in the foundation. Any foundation repairs will require the attention of a structural engineer.

This list should come in handy in spotting potentially harmful or pricey repairs. The sooner you can get them taken care of, the better off you and your home will be.

Realtor® Tom Kile ~ Amarillo, Texas Real Estate

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Greater Southwest Music Festival Still on Schedule

Tom Kile (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 04 May 2009 14:12:49 -0500

Because of the Swine Flu scare (aka H1N1), there has been discussion of cancelling the Greater Southwest Music Festival. However, the organizers of the event have decided to keep the event scheduled as planned. This is great news for many middle and high school musicians throughout the area that come for the musical competition. The festival will proceed on May 6^th, 7^th and 8^th as planned.

The organizers of the festival have decided to keep the event on schedule since so many pieces are already in place. The trophies are ready, the plane tickets have been purchased for the judges and the venues have been booked. The Amarillo Civic Center cannot be booked again for awhile, as well. It is booked until June.

Some of the smaller schools have already opted out of participating in the event. Many schools are following the UIL recommendations of postponing any travel until after May 11^th.

The organizers of the festival want to stress to everyone participating that safety precautions will be observed throughout the festival. There will be sanitizers available at all times, restrooms will remain clean and much more.

The Greater Southwest Music Festival will be held at the Amarillo Civic Center, the Center for Performing Arts and the Globe News Center, with almost 9,000 students expected to attend.

It sounds like this will be a great event for everyone attending with many health and safety precautions in the works. It will be a great event for the musicians in the Amarillo area to get together as planned and have a good time.

Visiting or relocating to Amarillo and want community information? Find it here.

Homes for Sale in Amarillo, Texas ~ Realtor® Tom Kile

Win Money for Visiting Amarillo

Tom Kile (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 11:30:49 -0500

This is a great opportunity to win $1,000 on your next vacation just for visiting Amarillo, Texas. And who couldn't use a little extra money after their vacation?

Now through September 30, 2009, Amarillo is holding a sweepstakes for visitors staying in their local hotels or motels. There will be 10 random drawings held between now and then; all for $1,000 each.

To enter, be sure to ask the hotel or motel clerk where you are staying for a sweepstakes application for each night of your stay. Fill out each application with your name, address, phone number and email address and attach a copy of your Amarillo hotel bill showing that you stayed between the dates of March 1, 2009 and September 30, 2009. Send the applications and the copy of your hotel bill to the Amarillo Convention & Visitor Council (1000 Polk Street, Amarillo, TX 79109). Entrants must be 18 years or older to participate.

Anyone may enter the sweepstakes by writing to "A Night in Amarillo" on a 3" x 5" postcard with their name, address, phone number and email address. Then, just mail it to: A Night in Amarillo, Amarillo Convention & Visitor Council, 1000 Polk Street, Amarillo, TX 79109. Any entries sent in that are incomplete will be considered void and all valid entries must be postmarked by September 30, 2009 and received by October 10, 2009.

Amarillo has been taking great care of their residents for decades and now the city is focusing on their visitors. So, on your next visit to Amarillo, don't forget to enter the "A Night in Amarillo" sweepstakes for your chance to win.

Realtor® Tom Kile - Amarillo, Texas Real Estate

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Spring into April Events in Amarillo

Tom Kile (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 13:11:49 -0500

Everyone loves the Spring and that is evident when you begin to see more and more people around strolling the streets, parks and neighborhoods trying to enjoy the wonderful Spring weather. Therefore, I thought I would take advantage of my blog and post some of the great community events going on in Amarillo, Texas this April.

April 11 - 14 ~ Panhandle Plains Historical Museum presents Loan Star Still Lifes. Natural and man-made still life objects will be on display in an artificial setting (4^th Avenue, Canyon). For more information, call (806) 651-2244 or visit www.panhandleplains.org.

April 16 ~ Amarillo Museum of Art from 6-9 p.m. every Thursday. This month, enjoy art activities, films, tea tastings, coffee, gallery tours and live music (2200 S. Van Buren, Amarillo). For more information, call (806) 371-5050 or visit www.marilloart.org.

April 16 - 19 ~ The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus is coming for six performances at the Amarillo Civic Center. This one-ring circus features elephants, tigers, clowns, acrobats and other circus acts. Cost: $14, $18, $29. Time: 7pm April 16^th and 17^th, 6pm April 18^th and 2pm April 19^th (401S. Buchanan, Amarillo). For more information, call (806) 378-3098 or visit www.panhandletickets.com.

April 18 ~ Wildcat Bluff Nature Center presents Earth Fest 2009. An entire day of special events is dedicated to celebrating Earth Day. Wildcat Bluff features over 600 acres of grasslands, bluffs, trees, hiking trails and much more (2301 N. Soncy Road, Amarillo). For more information, call (806) 352-6007 or visit www.wildcatbluff.org.

April 18 - October 11 ~ Panhandle Plains Historical Museum presents the James D. Hamlin Collection. Hundreds of items that were donated to the museum in 1942 from the Hamlin collection will be on display. You won't want to miss this one (4^th Avenue, Canyon). For more information, call (806) 651-2244 or visit www.panhandleplains.org.

April 24 - May 10 ~ Amarillo Museum of Art presents the annual Amarillo College West Texas A&M University Student Faculty Show. This exhibit features the best art from local students and faculty (2200 S. Van Buren, Amarillo). For more information, call (806) 371-5050 or visit www.amarilloart.org.

There are so many great things going on in Amarillo, Texas this month. And if you can't get to any of these, there is always the great outdoors with many great parks and recreation the community has to offer. So get out and take advantage of it.

Realtor® Tom Kile - Amarillo, Texas Real Estate

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Spring Tips & Ideas for Your Home – Inside and Outside

Tom Kile (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 15:33:41 -0500

Spring is knocking on our doors and I don't know anyone who is not welcoming the wonderful warm weather soon to come. So why not take advantage of this perfect weather for doing things around your home to get ready for Spring? You can start on the inside of your home now and move outside as the weather warms up.

Begin inside:

· Time has already changed. Therefore, if you have not done so, change the timers on your outdoor lights and any timers regulating your heating system and thermostats.

· It's time to change the batteries in all your smoke detectors. You should change these out in the fall and spring each year.

· Herb lovers, it's time to start those herbs. Begin your herb garden inside and transplant outside later. May is a good month to move herbs outside. Parsley, chives, fennel, dill and basil are best when started from seedlings. Savory, rosemary, tarragon, sage and oregano are better when clipped from small plants.

· This is also a great time to wash your windows. Winter storms can leave behind residue. Therefore, cleaning your windows now before it gets too hot outside will help prevent streaking.

Now take it outside:

· Check your trees and shrubs for any winter damage. If you find any, you should prune them accordingly. Rake the leaves and remove loose or broken branches. If you have any plants or shrubs that were heaved out of the ground due to the freezing and thawing cycle, remove them and plant new ones.

· Clean your decks to remove mildew, built up dirt, pollen, grime, slime and fungus. You can buy affordable deck cleansers at your local retail store or you can make your own homemade solutions of one cup powdered laundry detergent, one gallon hot water and ½ cup chlorine bleach to kill mold and mildew.

· Check your garden hoses for leaks and cracks. If you happen to find any, replace with a new hose.

I hope these spring tips and ideas help you kick in your spring season on a happy note.

Realtor® Tom Kile - Amarillo, Texas Real Estate

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Renovate Your Home the Green Way

Tom Kile (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 16:09:35 -0500

Everyday, more and more people across the globe are going green. And, in the past year alone, I've heard a lot about building green homes and renovating the green way. So, if you're looking to sell your home and need an interesting way to attract buyers, why not promote your home as being environmentally friendly or a "green home". Going green when renovating your home will benefit your community and our environment. Therefore, I have some tips to get you started in the right direction.

· When buying your tools and supplies to get started, buy from local stores. There is absolutely no need to buy anything that's not local. Not buying local just means it took more fuel to transport those items. You can contribute to your community by purchasing from the local businesses there. If you can't find what you're looking for, don't be afraid to ask. Someone will point you in the right direction.

· Replace all your appliances with energy efficient ones. Make sure the appliance is an Energy Star product. There are also great tax deductions for homeowners buying energy-efficient appliances in 2009.

· Try repainting or repairing items you may think are useless. In many cases, you can get away with an easy repair job or a fresh coat of paint for a new look. Less material purchased means less material wasted.

· When replacing your home's flooring, use sustainable floors. Bamboo is the most popular sustainable flooring option, but there are several types available. However, not all homes are suitable for every type of flooring. Ask your local flooring dealer for their professional advice. Another great option for your home's flooring is reclaimed wood. This will keep it out of our landfills.

· When painting, use recycled and low-VOC paint. Recycled paint? Yes, you heard right. Many companies are now recycling unused paint. So look for low amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the primer, adhesive and paint.

· For a home's lighting, install energy efficient light bulbs. Soon, these types of light bulbs are going to be all you will be able to buy anyway, so why not start now?

· If you have fencing around your home or want to put up fencing, consider using bamboo. Bamboo is very sustainable and lasts up to 20 years. It also has a very attractive look to it.

When renovating your home the green way, be sure to give potential buyers a list of all the updates you have made to the home to make it a green home or an environmentally friendly home.

Realtor® Tom Kile - Amarillo, Texas Real Estate

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Storage Ideas for Your Home's Interior

Tom Kile (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 15:15:03 -0600

Homeowners are gradually choosing to downsize to smaller spaces. Therefore, condos, flats and lofts are becoming more and more popular. However, that doesn't mean we have any less stuff to take with us. So, now many people are searching for inexpensive, yet creative ways to store their things. Adequate storage eliminates clutter and helps organize our home to make it run more smoothly.

So, let's start by getting organized. First, go through your home's closets. With your family's help, this can be fun. Keep only the things you absolutely need or things that have sentimental value. Once you have decided what you don't want or need anymore, please consider recycling those items or donating them.

Now let's assess your organizational needs. Find your designated storage areas, such as the attic, garage, under the stairs or the utility closet. These areas are great places for lightweight storage containers. You can find stackable storage containers at Wal-Mart, Target, Home Depot and other discount retailers. You can find them in a variety of styles and sizes. Once you have filled each container, label them clearly and be sure to stack them so you can identify them easily.

The bathrooms and kitchen spaces can easily be organized using recycled containers, such as empty cans, Cool Whip containers, zip-lock bags, shoe boxes, etc. All these can be reused and are very good for storage.

Your bedroom closets are the perfect place to add extra shelving, preferably wired shelving. Wired shelving will allow you to hang more clothing, add shoe racks or hanging shoe bags and it gives you the option for stacking large containers or boxes. Space bags come in handy when you don't have enough space in your closet to display more than one season of clothing at a time.

If you have a home office, you know how easily that can get messy. Find a good desk and buy a good filing cabinet. A good desk will make a huge difference with keeping clutter to a minimum. A filing cabinet will keep your papers filed and out of your way. Stackable trays for desktop are also a great way to keep desktop clutter to a minimum.

Now go through the rest of your home. Are your CDs taking up too much space? If so, consider getting rid of the cases and putting the CD in a paper slip-cover. It takes up much less space.

Organization doesn't have to be expensive. There are several retailers that cater to people who live in small space and have small budgets, such as IKEA, Wal-Mart and Target. Once you get organized, you will find that it is an ongoing process. However, it will be very easy to keep up.

Get more information about organizing your Amarillo, Texas home by contacting me at: 806-678-1031.

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Organizing Ideas for Your Garage

Tom Kile (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 12:19:39 -0600

If you're like many Amarillo homeowners, your garage stores everything BUT the car. Are you looking for more storage and a covered parking space? Here are a few ideas to get your stuff off the ground and your car back in the garage.

1. Shelves, shelves, shelves. Simple wooden shelves can be bought at your local home improvement store, painted or stained and hung on the walls quickly, easily and affordably.

2. Pegboard; the old standby. Pegboard is quick to put up and easy to use. Adding hooks can help you store small gardening tools, hammers, etc. out of the way but in easy reach for future use. You might want to avoid using regular S-hooks, though, because they have a tendancy to fall out of the holes in the pegboard. If you want to be even more organized, outline each tool with black marker after you hang them up so you know where to put it when you are done.

3. School lockers aren't just for schools anymore. Mounting small school lockers to your walls give you extra space to store power tools or a secure location to put hazardous chemicals when you add a padlock.

4. Peg Racks. Keep large garden tools, such as brooms, rakes and shovels at arm's length by mounting a peg rack on the wall and securing it to the studs for more stability.

5. Clear Jars. Use your old mayonnaise or pickle jars (cleaned out, of course) to organize your nuts, bolts, screws and nails. The see-through glass allows you to see exactly what each jar contains.

Get more information on organizing your Amarillo home by contacting me today at 806-678-1031.