Phil's Blog

3 Solutions to Your Closet Nightmare

Phil Kretchmar (RE/MAX Advantage) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:06:01 -0600

Is your closet so full and disorganized that it has essentially become a useless waste of space? Do you have shoes or clothes from the last century stored away in there? Do you waste a lot of time looking for things in your closet because it's so messy?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you're not alone. For many people, the closet becomes a dumping ground for anything and everything, and soon becomes so disorganized you don't even know what's in there. Well, fortunately you can clean up the situation with these simple solutions.

But first, if you don't have an adequate closet organization system -- such as shelves, shoe stands, hooks, baskets or drawers -- go invest in what you need. It doesn't have to be expensive, just functional. Now, depending on the size of your closet and amount of clutter, choose the best closet solution for you and get to work.

1. Take everything out of the closet, slowly go through it, and after careful consideration only put back things you really want or need. If you haven't worn clothing or a jacket or a pair of shoes in the past 12 to 18 months, you probably don't need it. If it's broken and you haven't repaired it yet, take it to a repair shop or get rid of it. Sure, there are certain items you don't use often but still need, such as a rain coat or umbrella, but for the other stuff -- sell it, donate it or throw it away.
2. If you have a very large closet or storage room, tackle the problem in sections. Visually break up the closet space into four sections, and go through each section -- one at a time -- as described above. By using this method, you can take care of a big chore over several days and end up with a well-organized closet.
3. Make organizing your closet part of your house cleaning regimen, just like vacuuming, dusting and cleaning the bathroom. By adding "organize the closet" to your chore list, your closet will stay functional and won't turn into a wasteland for the unwanted.

By keeping your closet organized, you will save time, get better use out the items you keep, and spare yourself the frustration that comes from a cluttered lifestyle. Just because something is "still good" or "barely worn" doesn't mean it has to clutter up your closet. Just let it go now -- and in a few short days, or less -- you won't ever think about it again.

If you have any friends or family that need a real estate agent in the Lewisville, Flower Mound, Highland Village , including the general Dallas area, any referrals will be greatly appreciated.

Choose a Neighborhood Before Choosing a Home

Phil Kretchmar (RE/MAX Advantage) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:20:55 -0600

If you're looking to buy a home, be sure to spend as much time -- if not more -- checking out the neighborhood as you do looking at the home itself. Picking the right neighborhood will determine your family's safety, education and attitude. In short, the neighborhood you live in affects your quality of life.

Location -- This one is first and to some degree affects all the others. How close are you to your jobs, schools, shopping, restaurants, parks, museums, freeways, public transportation and medical facilities?

Crime/Safety -- Check with local law enforcement to review crime statistics. In addition, visit local shops at different times of the day to see what they're like, especially at night. It's amazing how the feel of a place can change once the sun goes down.

Schools -- If you have, or plan to have kids, see how the area schools rank. If they are not that good, are there alternatives, public or private? Schools affect values.

Social Life -- Is the neighborhood close to your family and friends? Keep in mind if you have to drive an hour for a social visit, you won't do it very often. In addition, is there a neighborhood activity center, coffee shop or pub -- a place where locals gather?

Property Values -- Are prices going up, down, or what? Make sure you know.

Open Space -- Are there parks, trails or other open spaces where you can walk, jog, bike, or take the dog for his morning ... exercise?

Traffic -- Drive by schools, shopping and other hot spots during prime time to see if you can live with the pace.

Future Construction -- Check with the home owner association or city agency to see what plans they have for the future. Things change; make sure you know what to expect.

Neighbors -- Go ahead and knock on a few doors. Simply introduce yourself, tell them you're looking to buy in the area, and ask for their input. Do they have positive things to say. Are they friendly?

Of course there are many other considerations, but this covers most of the important ones. While your realtor should be able to answer many of these questions, be sure to check for yourself. After all, you're the one that will be living there. Once you've identified your perfect neighborhood, it's time to move on to the next step and start looking for your dream home.

New listing at 4118 Waverly Dr in Corinth TX

Phil Kretchmar (RE/MAX Advantage) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 12:03:38 -0600

Check out this Master Bedroom Makeover!

Phil Kretchmar (RE/MAX Advantage) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 23:49:22 -0600

New Listing!

Phil Kretchmar (RE/MAX Advantage) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:03:56 -0600

Phil Kretchmar | RE/MAX Advantage | 214-244-8159

1113 Windhaven Cir, Lewisville, TX

4BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $209,900

Year Built	2002
Sq Footage	2,292
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	Unspecified
Lot Size	8,999 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

This beautiful 1 story home is in a great central Lewisville location close to parks, schools, shopping, and easy highway access. This split 4 bedroom design will wow you with its interior appeal with it's large family room and open design. The kitchen includes granite countertops, 42" cabs, walk in pantry, tile backsplash and flooring, and a breakfast bar. The kitchen is open to the large family room with gas log fireplace and soaring ceilings. The master bath has a garden tub, seperate shower, dual vanities, and lots of room. All bedrooms have walk in closets. The house has extensive landscape with a sprinkler system, garden walkways, covered porch, beautiful concrete overlay on the front and rear porch, gorgeous flower gardens and vegetable gardens for beautiful flowers and fresh food throughout the year. The backyard is so peaceful and serene, you will never want to leave!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Fireplace
- High/Vaulted ceiling	- Walk-in closet	- Tile floor
- Family room	- Living room	- Dining room
- Breakfast nook	- Dishwasher	- Stove/Oven
- Granite countertop	- Attic	- Laundry area - inside
- Balcony, Deck, or Patio

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Garage parking

- Playground

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front of home	The living room
The dining area and kitch	2nd living area
The master bedroom	The entry way
2nd bedroom	3rd bedroom
Garden walkway	The rear porch
One of the gardens in bac	Another view of the backy

Contact info:

Phil Kretchmar

RE/MAX Advantage

214-244-8159

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Nov 6, 2009, 11:22am PST

4 Easy Steps to Installing Weather Stripping

Phil Kretchmar (RE/MAX Advantage) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:58:50 -0600

Applying weather stripping around doors and windows is a low-cost way to stop drafts and cut down on heating and cooling costs. Here's what you do:

1. Learn the different kinds of stripping -- adhesive-backed V strips that can be cut with scissors or a utility knife; compression strips; tubular gaskets; magnetic stripping for metal- or steel-clad doors.
2. Measure the length of all seams to be weather-stripped, add a couple of inches for each seam and add the numbers together to determine how much you need.
3. Cut the weather stripping to fit each seam. Apply the stripping all the way around a window by using adhesive, nails or screws. Attach the stripping to the jamb or the stop.
4. Apply the stripping to the sides and the tops of doors. Use a weather-tight threshold or door sweep to seal the bottom. (A door sweep is a metal or wood bracket with a plastic or vinyl flap that hangs to the floor to stop airflow.)

Other Tips

* Choose the weather stripping best suited to your needs. Ask store personnel for recommendations.
* Clean the surface to which you're going to apply adhesive-backed weather stripping (if it's dirty or damp, the adhesive won't stick for long).
* Foam and felt varieties of weather stripping don't apply easily and don't seem to last nearly as long as alternatives.

5 Tips to Staging Your Home Like a Professional

Phil Kretchmar (RE/MAX Advantage) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:45:06 -0600

Are you considering putting your house up for sale, but not sure where to start? Afraid it will take too long to sell, or that you won't get the price you want? If this is the case, you should definitely think about "staging" your home -- or in other words -- setting the scene for immediate buyer interest. Following are five tips to get you started:

1. De-clutter -- This is one of the most important things you can do. It might be easier to think of de-cluttering like this: You're moving anyway, so why not start packing now?
2. Storage -- Pack up everything you don't need and store the boxes out of sight in the garage, or better yet, an offsite storage facility.
3. Organize Your Closets -- Put similar colors together, pants together, skirts together, shirts together, etc. Why? Because an organized closet looks bigger, and you want your closets to look as spacious as possible.
4. Make It Look Like a Model -- You want to de-personalize as much as possible so potential buyers can imagine themselves and their own belongings occupying the space in your house. That means minimizing - putting away everything you don't need or use. Clear off the kitchen counter and stash all appliances you don't use on a daily basis.
5. Your the Buyer -- Imagine yourself as a potential buyer looking at the property for the very first time. What impressions are you getting? Would you buy the house? What would you like to see changed before you put an offer on it?

Don't worry about spending a few hundred, even thousands, of dollars to get your house ready to sell - you'll likely get it all back, even more, when your home sells. Proper staging helps you sell your house in a shorter time and at the price you want.

Understanding Radiant Floor Heating

Phil Kretchmar (RE/MAX Advantage) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:24:31 -0500

If you've ever stepped out of a hot shower on a cold morning and were pleasantly surprised to discover a warm floor, you were probably experiencing radiant floor heating. Though this form of heating has been widely used throughout Europe and the Far East the past few decades, it has only recently become popular in the United States.

Radiant heating is a type of heating setup where the heat is supplied by electric wiring or hot water tubes installed into or under the flooring, and sometimes walls and ceilings. While heating a room is the most common application, it is also used to heat water, swimming pools, sidewalks and garages.

Several reasons why people like radiant heating is because it doesn't dry out the air, it's essentially invisible, there are no noisy radiators, and most notably -- it provides a gentle and soothing supply of warmth with no drafts or cold spots. Unlike conventional forced-air heating which only heats the air, then quickly cools and needs to be reheated again, radiant floor heating warms everything it comes in contact with, such as your tile or wood floor, making it an extremely comfortable and efficient heating system.

Electric radiant heating is generally used to retrofit a single room, like a bathroom, den or kitchen. It uses coils of wire, or sometimes an electric mat, that is installed under the tile or other flooring often during a remodel. The electric radiant heat system is usually hooked up to a dedicated GFIC-protected circuit and a thermostat with an automatic timer to control the temperature and times.

Hydronic radiant heating is usually installed when a home is built and is intended to warm the entire dwelling. It does this by circulating warm water produced by a hot water heater or boiler through half-inch tubing that was set in poured concrete, installed above the subfloor in snap-in grids or grooved panels, or attached to aluminum strips underneath the flooring. There may be one or more thermostats to deliver the best comfort.

Radiant heating is more expensive to install than traditional forced-air heating systems, but once installed and running, it can be 20 to 30 percent more energy efficient. Other than price, the only other down side is that there are some limitations to the type of flooring you can install. But, when you take the high level of comfort into consideration, radiant heating is quickly becoming a popular heating choice.

Being Prepared Key to Stress-Free Closing

Phil Kretchmar (RE/MAX Advantage) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:33:02 -0500

As your real estate closing or settlement date approaches, there are various things you must do to ensure the transaction closes smoothly and on time. As escrow requirements differ from location to location, understanding what needs to be done and preparing accordingly is the key to a stress-free closing.

* Keep a close eye on the loan process. Check in with your loan officer frequently until you are satisfied everything they need has been submitted and the loan will fund on time.
* Review your settlement statement or HUD-1 form a few days before closing. Check the line items to make sure you are getting credit for your deposits and other items agreed upon.
* Thoroughly review the preliminary title report to confirm the exact legal description, and note any encumbrances, liens or other items that may have been discovered.
* Inspect the property a few days prior to closing to make sure all agreed-upon repairs have been finished and any personal property that was not negotiated in the sales contract has been removed.
* Make sure someone has contacted the utility companies to transfer them into your name on closing day.
* Contact your insurance company to make any required changes. This is usually required and handled by the lender, but it's up to you to make sure the policy is adequate.
* Bring a certified check to cover closing costs and two forms of identification.
* Get copies of the settlement statement, mortgage or deed of trust, truth-in-lending statement, sales contract, appraisals, inspections and disclosures. In addition, get the keys, gate codes and garage remotes.
* Get answers to all your questions. Don't proceed if you don't understand something, get answers.

The reason you want to review these items before closing day is to give the seller, escrow, realtor, whoever, time to remedy any mistakes or complete any agreed-upon conditions. By being proactive, you can make certain you'll have a smooth closing.

How Much Should You Invest to Prepare Your Home

Phil Kretchmar (RE/MAX Advantage) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:47:41 -0500

Most home sellers realize how important it is to properly prepare their home before putting it on the market, but with all the TV shows emphasizing cleaning up, remodeling and home staging, it might leave you wondering how much you're going to need to spend.

The quick answer: Invest as little as possible to prepare your property for sale. Of course you should de-clutter, clean up and repair everything that needs fixing, but what about remodeling the bathroom? Or, putting new flooring in the dining room? Or landscaping? Yes, those upgrades will make your home stand out and help get it sold, but will they put more money in your pocket at close of escrow? Probably not.

The idea is to make your home as presentable as possible without spending any money that you won't get back. If you invest $50 to thoroughly clean a bathroom, put new fixtures on the cabinets, and paint it, you'll likely get that back plus some.

But, if you spend $15,000 on a bathroom remodel, only to get $12,000 back, that's a losing proposition. You not only lost money, but you wasted time and effort with the remodel. And, even worse, a potential buyer may not like the choices you made.

When the time comes to sell your home, keep in mind you don't have to spend a ton of money to make your home presentable. Just make each dollar count!

4 Hardwood Floorings Tips

Phil Kretchmar (RE/MAX Advantage) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:00:22 -0500

Hardwood flooring remains a popular choice for home owners because it's durable, easy to clean, and offers a classic beauty that's hard to match. Originally introduced in medieval times, hardwood flooring today has evolved into a superior choice due to improved installation techniques and innovative sealants and finishes. Even though there are literally thousands of choices, some basic guidelines to selecting hardwood flooring remains fairly simple.

1. Know the Room's Purpose -- In most cases you wouldn't want to install wood floors in a bathroom because of potential moisture problems, but other rooms may have mixed uses. A den may be a place to study one day, and a toddler's playroom the next. This is important to know before you select a hardwood.
2. Traffic -- A busy room is going to require a different hardwood and finish than a room that is seldom used. For example, hallways and kitchens get lots of traffic so you'll want a more durable wood with a tougher finish than a guest bedroom with little use. Note that wood flooring with very dark or light finishes don't wear well in a kitchen environment.
3. Installation Options -- Certainly you can install hardwood flooring yourself, but like most projects -- do your homework and strictly follow the manufacturer's installation instructions. If you contract a professional, get references. Common hardwood flooring installation problems include moisture, unprepared sub-floors, improper planning, bad racking and under-nailing.
4. Color and Style -- For most people, choosing the flooring is the best part. Just keep in mind that hardwood flooring is expensive, so unless you plan to live in the house the rest of your life, make sure you choose a flooring that won't go out of style too quickly.

Make an Effort to Know Your Neighbors

Phil Kretchmar (RE/MAX Advantage) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:25:13 -0500

As the population continues to grow, and technology changes the way we interact, it seems that our neighbors are less "neighborly" than a few decades ago. Sure, times have changed. But, that doesn't mean we should isolate ourselves. Following are several things you can do to improve the relationship with your neighbors:

* Make an effort to welcome new neighbors when they move in. Whether it's a friendly note, a plate of cookies or a quick introduction, this gesture gets the relationship started.
* Keep your home and yard well maintained. Most people take pride in their home and you'll be a better neighbor if you keep yours looking good.
* Be courteous. If you're throwing a big party, inform your neighbors; better yet, invite them. If you're doing anything that makes a lot of noise, do it at a time least likely to disturb them.
* Be helpful. If you have a neighbor that needs help raking, taking out the trash, or carrying groceries into the house, offer to give them a hand.
* Repair anything your family breaks (pets included), or pay to have it fixed as soon as possible.
* Return anything you borrow the same day if possible.
* If you have neighbors that own or operate a business, frequent their establishment and become a customer.
* Take an active role in any issues affecting your community and chip in when it's time to help.
* Offer to watch your neighbors's pet, water their plants, or collect their mail when they go out of town.
* Control your pet. If your does anything to annoy a neighbor, put a stop to it.
* Address any problems as soon as possible. Don't let a little issue fester and become a roadblock to a good neighbor.
* Get to know your neighbors. Whether it's having an occasional cup of coffee or throwing a block party together, you'll find many of your neighbors are good friends too.

Best Deal in TOWN:

Phil Kretchmar (RE/MAX Advantage) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 17:11:09 -0500

One Sunday afternoon a couple sees an ad in the paper. They can't believe their eyes. There is a house in the paper for $1000 that is in the nicest part of town. We are talking about a Highland Park mansion for $1000. They think this has to be a misprint, but decide to call anyway.
They say to lady who answers we saw your ad, and realize it is a misprint correct. She tells them no it's not & you are actually the first ones to call.
They decide to go look at the house. They race over as fast as they can. They pull up to the most beautiful house on the block. In front of the house is a fountain that cost at least $30,000. They ring the door bell & the lady answers. She starts showing them the house. They realize this house is over 5000 sq ft and it is obvious that expense was not a problem in building this house. The house had marble imported from Italy & a chandelier imported from France. The landscaping was breath taking & the house had a great pool & a nice tennis court.
The couple said to the lady this is the most beautiful house we have ever seen, what's the catch? The lady assured the couple there was no catch. The couple wanted the house for $1,000 but was leery of doing the deal. Finally the lady said you seem like a nice couple, so I'll let you know the truth.
She told them this house is completely paid for, and not a penny is owed against it. Well, last week I got a call from my Husband. He informed me he is leaving me for his secretary. He then told me I could have everything we own as long as he could have the proceeds off the sale of the house. I agreed and he asked me if I could sell the house while he & his new girlfriend hung out in the Caribbean?
HOUSE SOLD.

Home Sales Continue Upward Trend

Phil Kretchmar (RE/MAX Advantage) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 15:13:56 -0500

According to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), existing-home sales have increased the past four months in a row, a trend not seen for the past five years. Existing-home sales - including single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops - rose 7.2 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.24 million units in July from a level of 4.89 million in June, and are 5.0 percent above the 4.99 million-unit pace in July 2008. The last time sales rose for four consecutive months was in June 2004, and the last time sales were higher than a year earlier was November 2005.

"The housing market has decisively turned for the better," said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. "A combination of first-time buyers taking advantage of the housing stimulus tax credit and greatly improved affordability conditions are contributing to higher sales."

The monthly sales gain was the largest on record for the total existing-home sales series dating back to 1999. "Because price-to-income ratios have fallen below historical trends, there are more all-cash offers. In some recovering markets like San Diego, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Orlando, the demand for foreclosed and lower priced homes has spiked, and a lack of inventory is becoming a common complaint," Yun said. According to Freddie Mac, the national average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage fell to 5.22 percent in July from 5.42 percent in June; the rate was 6.43 percent in July 2008.

This is good news for the nation. In the Lewisville-Flower Mound area in North Dallas, sales are picking up and the outlook is good!

5 Steps to Installing a Programmable Thermostat

Phil Kretchmar (RE/MAX Advantage) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 00:31:26 -0500

If you're tired of waking up to a cold bathroom, or coming home after work to a blazing hot living room, consider a programmable thermostat. It's easier and cheaper to install than you think, and can help reduce your energy bill by only heating or cooling your home when you want it to. Follow these steps:

1. Turn off your home's electrical power at the breaker box; turn off the master switch if you are not 100 percent certain which one controls the thermostat.

2. Remove the faceplate from the existing thermostat. Label the wires so you know which connection they go to in case your new thermostat uses a different color coding system; now disconnect the individual wires from the terminals.

3. Read the instructions for the new thermostat; connect the wires of the new thermostat to the appropriately labeled wires.

4. Place the thermostat into the existing fitting and tighten into place; flip the master switch to turn on the power.

5. After carefully reading the manufacturer's instructions, program the new thermostat to your liking. Test it by setting different temperatures and times.

That's it! It's not much more difficult than changing a light switch and costs less than dinner for two.

Don't Rely on a Fence to Determine Boundaries

Phil Kretchmar (RE/MAX Advantage) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 00:28:28 -0500

Keep in mind when purchasing a property that the fences do not necessarily represent the properties' boundaries. In many cases, the previous owner of a property had fences installed without the assistance of an accurate survey, or is simply replacing a fence that was built by a former owner who did not know where the property lines were located.

If it is important for you to know exactly where the property lines are -- and it should be -- always insist upon a property survey if there's any doubt. You'd be surprised at how many fences have been built on estimated borders and have gone on unchallenged homeowner after homeowner.

If you or a family member is lookinf for a home in the Lewisville, Flower Mound area, please go to www.homesinflowermoundtx.com for a great home searching website!

The Purpose of an Escrow Account

Phil Kretchmar (RE/MAX Advantage) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 01:07:09 -0500

If you've never owned a home, the term "escrow account" may sound a bit alien. In short, an escrow account is a special account set up by your lender that holds a percentage of your monthly payment and places it aside to pay your property insurance, mortgage insurance (PMI), real estate property taxes, and other fees affecting the home or property.

The idea behind an escrow account is to keep your homeowner's insurance, real estate taxes and other obligations up-to-date, thus protecting the lender -- and you, the homeowner -- in the event the property is destroyed or if your real estate taxes are not paid. Unless you have a very good, reliable income and a better place to invest your money, an escrow account is generally a prudent idea because the lender will make sure your obligations are always current.

Here's how it works: your mortgage company collects your mortgage payment, along with your property taxes, insurance premiums, and other fees, and deposits it into an escrow account on your behalf. When your real estate taxes and other obligations are due, the money in your escrow account is used to pay them (so you don't have to scramble to come up with the funds).

Note the total amount in your escrow account is determined by the estimated amount needed to pay these annual obligations. In addition, there are caps on the amounts a mortgage company may require, depending on your loan type. Your loan servicer should provide you with an annual review letting you know of any shortages or overages; any amount more than $50 should be returned.

If you have any more questions about escrow accounts or any real estate related questions, please call Phil at 214-244-8159 or check my website www.homesinflowermoundtx.com. I will be glad to answer any of your questions.

Home Sales Continue Rising Trend

Phil Kretchmar (RE/MAX Advantage) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 18:46:14 -0500

According to the National Association of Realtors®, sales of existing homes showed another gain in May, benefiting from favorable affordability conditions and a first-time buyer tax credit. May's increase was the first back-to-back monthly gain since September 2005.

"Historically low mortgage interest rates clearly drew buyers into the market and housing remains very affordable even with a recent up tick in rates," said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun, who expected the improvement. "First-time buyers also are being drawn off the sidelines by the $8,000 tax credit, which is helping to absorb inventory. However, the increase in sales is less than expected because poor appraisals are stalling transactions. Pending home sales indicated much stronger activity, but some contracts are falling through from faulty valuations that keep buyers from getting a loan."

Total housing inventory at the end of May fell 3.5 percent to 3.80 million existing homes available for sale, which represents a 9.6-month supply at the current sales pace.

NAR President Charles McMillan agreed with Yun, adding that the first-time buyer tax credit should be expanded to all buyers of primary homes regardless of income.

The national average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage edged up to 4.86 percent in May from a record low 4.81 percent in April, according to Freddie Mac.

Flower Mound Neighborhoods: Staton Oak Estates in Flower Mound, TX

Phil Kretchmar (RE/MAX Advantage) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 20:41:28 -0500

Staton Park Estates in Flower Mound, TX is a great neighborhood located right in the middle of the town of Flower Mound, TX. The neighborhood got it's name from the family of the farm the neighborhood was established on. The Burleson Staton Family owned the farm of 70 acres from 1926 to 1966. In fact, in 1992 the town of Flower Mound designated a native post oak tree that is located on the edge of the neighborhood as a historical tree, dating the tree back to 1820 and possibly older.

The neighborhood is bordered by Morriss Rd and Firewheel Blvd in Flower Mound, TX. The other border streets are Milford and Eaton Dr. there is a YMCA along with the town of Flower Mound city hall and police station on the other side of Milford Dr. A bike path circumnavigates along Eaton Dr and exits at the end of the street. Flower Mound is known for it's many bike trails and paths throughout the city.

The average price of a home in this neighborhood is $225,00 which will give you approximately 2600 SqFt. The lowst price home is $165,000 and the highest price home is $398,000 (taken from NTREIS). in 2006 the average days on market was 16 days with the average price per SqFt at $90.00. in 2007 the DOM average was 32 days with the price /SqFt at $91.14. 2008 brought 40 DOM with $95.54 price/SqFt. in 2009 only 1 home has sold with 13 DOM and $84.91 /SqFt. The HOA dues are $265 annually.

The Staton Oaks park is a great retreat for the family with picnic tables and a playground for the kids to play on. The historical Staton Oaks Tree is right behind the playground.

This is a great subdivision in the Town of Flower Mound, TX. Foe more information on this area or if you would like to search for a home near here click on his link: Flower Mound Real Estate in the Town of Flower Mound, TX. Contact Phil at 214-244-8159 or go to HomesinFlowerMoundTX.com

Lewisville, TX Neighborhoods: Meadow Lake

Phil Kretchmar (RE/MAX Advantage) — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 09:47:35 -0500

The meadowlake subdivision is located in the Lewisville-Flower Mound area and is a really quiet and nice neighborhood that is conveniently located near lake Lewisville.

The Meadow Lake subdivision is located at the far north end of Lewisville and just east of Highland Village in the zip code of 75077. The boundary roads are Hwy 407, McGee Ln, Bogard Ln, and Valley Ridge.

This subdivision has easy access to I-35, which is right next to it, and is close to Lake Park golf course, Lake Lewisville, many family owned restaurants along with a few fast food restaurants, Aloha fun Zone which used to be a Putt-Putt, Sneaky Pete's Marina, The Lewisville fishing barge, Jet Ski and boat rental, and much more! There is also a park at the west end of the neighborhood with a large play ground for the kids combined with a gazebo for family get togethers that has a jogging- bike path next to it.

This is a great neighborhood established in 1984 so the trees are starting to get large and the homes have been kept up really well. The median price home in this neighborhood is $149,000 with the highest priced home at $225,000 and the lowest right at $110,000. The schools are in the Lewisville School District and the schools are; High school: Lewisville North, Middle: Huffines, and Elementary: Valley Ridge.

I highly recommend this neighborhood to my clients that need easy lake access and close access to I-35 that wants to spend around $150,000 for a great three bedroom home.

For more information regarding Meadowlake and Lewisville Homes, click here!

Recognizing Common Insect Infestations

Phil Kretchmar (RE/MAX Advantage) — Fri, 29 May 2009 21:54:33 -0500

It's that time of year: lawn care, gardening, and -- bugs. No matter how diligent you are and how hard you try, when it comes to lawns, insect infestation is a likely possibility. Just like weeds, insects can turn your lush green lawn into an embarrassing eyesore. Following are some common infestations:

Ants -- We might think ants are a natural part of the yard, and they are, but be aware that ants can kill your lawn too. If you see lots of large ant hills in the same area as your dying lawn, there's a good chance the hills are smothering the grass or an ant nest below is smothering the roots and prohibiting growth.

Sod Webworms -- This insect prefers new lawns and feeds on the grass leaves at night, leaving ugly brown spots or patches across your lawn. If you notice new brown patches quickly taking over your yard, sod webworms may be the source.

Mites -- If your grass leaves appear spotted or blotchy, it may be because mites are sucking the sap and damaging your lawn. If several of your neighbors lawns are dotted with brown spots too, mites could be the problem.

Leafhoppers -- If your recently planted lawn suddenly takes a turn for the worse, or your older lawn starts getting whitish patches, consider the leafhopper. With an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 species, this insect sucks the sap from your lawn's stems and leaves. The leafhopper is very small and green, gray, yellow or brownish in appearance.

Ticks -- OK, ticks don't kill your lawn, but they can stop you from enjoying your yard. If your property is adjacent to a heavily wooded area or you have lots of deer, dogs, rabbits, or other small critters running through your yard, be sure to check for ticks as they can cause various health problems, including Lyme disease.

These are a few of the most common insect infestations, though there are dozens, if not hundreds, of other possibilities. The good news is that if you can identify the infestation you can go down to your local gardening center and purchase the solution.

Home Sales Increasing in Many Areas

Phil Kretchmar (RE/MAX Advantage) — Fri, 29 May 2009 21:30:36 -0500

According to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), historically high housing affordability and low mortgage interest rates, combined with buyer opportunities in the distressed sales market, have increased home sales in many areas of the country. "There has never been a better time to buy," said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun, who presented the report at a recent Economic Issues and Residential Real Estate Business Trends forum. Yun commented on a convergence of favorable buying conditions while emphasizing how important it is for home buyers to stay within their budgets. "Housing affordability is at an all-time high, mortgage rates are historically low, and interest rates are the lowest they've been since the days of Eisenhower," said Yun. "Now that buyers will be able to use the $8,000 tax credit as a down payment, we should see additional buyers enter the market." Yun said he doesn't anticipate an immediate pickup in the coming months, but believes early summer will be a critical indicator of how home buyers are responding to the tax credit. "The stimulus and falling inventory levels will help stabilize prices," said Yun. "My projection is home sales will be 10 to 20 percent higher the second half of this year than last year and we will come out of this recession in 2010."

First-Time Buyers Responding to Incentives

Phil Kretchmar (RE/MAX Advantage) — Fri, 22 May 2009 23:13:33 -0500

According to the National Association of Realtors®, existing-home sales eased in March but first-time buyers are responding to low mortgage interest rates and tax credits.

Existing-home sales - including single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops - declined 3 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.57 million units in March from a downwardly revised level of 4.71 million in February, and were 7.1 percent lower than the 4.92 million-unit pace in March 2008.

NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said the market appears to be stabilizing with modest monthly ups and downs, and that first-time buyers are driving the market. "The share of lower priced home sales has trended up, indicating a return of many first-time buyers, which we also see in a parallel member survey," he said. "Sales in the upper price ranges remain stalled because of higher interest rates on jumbo loans."

Although prices rose from February to March, the national median existing-home price for all housing types was $175,200, down 12.4 percent from March 2008. The price increase from February to March was 4.2 percent, which is much higher than the typical 1.8 percent seasonal increase between those two months. Distressed properties, which accounted for just over half of all transactions in March, typically are selling for 20 percent less than traditional homes.

A NAR practitioner survey in March showed first-time buyers accounted for 53 percent of transactions, based largely on contracts offered before the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit became available. "Buyer traffic has been rising, and real estate offices are getting phone inquires about the tax credit," Yun said. "By early summer we should be seeing a positive impact on home sales from record-low mortgage interest rates in addition to the stimulus provisions."

According to Freddie Mac, the national average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage fell to a record low 5.00 percent in March from 5.13 percent in February.

Know the Four Major Types of Listing Contracts

Phil Kretchmar (RE/MAX Advantage) — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 00:15:20 -0600

Usually in my listing presentation I will explain to my potential clients the four different types of listing agreements and the benefits of each one. I thought I would write about it in my blog to help educate potential clients and the typical consumer out there.

Before meeting with a realtor to list your home for sale, familiarize yourself with the four most common types of listing contracts. While the exclusive right to sell listing is by far the most common, the other three are also well known.

* Exclusive Right to Sell Listing -- This agreement gives the real estate agent the exclusive right to sell your home. No matter who brings the buyer to the table, the agent gets a commission (even if you find the buyer yourself). You should expect full service from your agent with this type of listing, such as advice, advertising, MLS services, inspection, escrow coordination and marketing the home to other agents and prospective buyers.
* Exclusive Agency Listing -- Similar to an exclusive right to sell listing, the real estate agent receives a commission if your property is sold through any licensed agent. Unlike a right to sell listing, however, you reserve the right to find a buyer on your own without paying a comission. This is a good option for home owners interested in selling themselves, but want MLS services. Don't expect too much from the agent as he or she has no guarantee they will be compensated for their efforts.
* Open Listing -- An open listing grants the broker no rights other than to receive a commission if they find a buyer who successfully closes escrow on your home. It gives the agent permission to advertise and show your home. Since there's no promise of exclusivity, you'll be responsible for marketing your property, including arranging and coordinating showings, qualifying clients, and handling inspections, appraisals and escrow.
* One Time Listing Agreement -- A one time listing agreement, also known as a "showing listing," is an agreement where a home owner, usually a For Sale By Owner, agrees to let an agent show the house once. The owner agrees to pay a commission if the showing results in a sale. The purpose of this agreement is to prevent the seller from letting an agent show the home, then deal with the buyer directly in order to avoid paying a commission. As with an open listing, agents won't be spending any time or money marketing your home.

Thank you for your interest and I hope you can visit my website someday if you are interested in buying or selling real estate in Lewisville, Flower Mound, and Highland Village TX area. My website is www.NorthTexasHome.com

12 Tips on Finding a Good Contractor

Phil Kretchmar (RE/MAX Advantage) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 21:25:49 -0600

When you can't do it yourself, it's time to find a good contractor. Following are some tips to help you find a good one:

1. Avoid the yellow pages; anyone can buy an ad.
2. Get recommendations from family, friends and co-workers.
3. Deal only with licensed contractors.
4. Check with the state licensing board and local Better Business Bureau to see if there are any outstanding complaints.
5. Interview each contractor, request free estimates and ask for recent references of projects similar to yours.
6. Do not work with an uninsured contractor. Verify the contractor has worker's compensation insurance and an umbrella general liability policy.
7. Check the contractor's professional associations. Most professionals are members of some association.
8. Check to see how long the contractor has been in business; be cautious about working with new companies.
9. Find out how long the contractor has been working with his crew; you don't want your project to be a training ground for new employees.
10. Ask what will be handled by the contractor and what will be subcontracted. Keep in mind if subcontractors are involved, you should check them out as well.
11. Find out how many other projects the contractor will be working on simultaneously. If they have lots of other projects, they'll have less time to devote to you.
12. Trust your instincts.