Why didn't this property sell? - 12/30/08 08:16 AM
I was looking at expired listing in MLS today.  Under directions to the property here is what the listing agent wrote: 
Directions: SUPER HOT Building area.UDR is exactly next door building 8 acres of luxury leasing.they upgraded mf2 zoning to pd for more density with area support! 
There were no pictures and no room sizes.  I wonder is the agent was surprised the listing did not sell?
… (11 comments)

Two new TREC promulgated forms - 12/29/08 07:29 PM
The Texas Real Estate Commission recently promulgated two new forms.  The Addendum For Reservation Of Oil, Gas, And Other Minerals TREC 44-0, and the Short Sale Addendum TREC 45-0. 
These two new forms are currently available for voluntary use, and will become mandatory in February of 09.  
The new forms are not currently available on ZipForm; however will be soon.  They can be found on the TREC web site.
… (2 comments)

Dining at The Catalina Room - 12/29/08 12:33 PM
The Catalina Room is a very special place for me as this is where Sharon and I were married. 
If you are looking for an upscale place for a drink, lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch I highly recommend it. 
We have tried most every item on the menu and have never been disappointed.  The onion rings are great, and the potato salad is the best I have ever had. 
Sunday brunch is a treat and they serve until 4:00 pm so you don't need to rush to get there. 
If you go ask for LR and tell him Richard and Sharon … (6 comments)

Do you miss any of these people? - 12/29/08 09:56 AM
As we approach the end of 2008, here is a list of people who have died in the last six months:
 

… (8 comments)

Congratulations to Lauren Middleton - 12/21/08 02:29 PM
This past Wednesday my wife's daughter graduated from a small college in Clarksville Arkansas. We drove up that day and in spite of the fog it turned out to be a great trip.  The campus was lovely and the graduation took place at the school chapel. 
There were 29 graduating seniors.  The president of the college knew each one of the students and gave each of them a big hug as he handed them their diploma.  I would say there are some big advantages of attending a school this small.
Lauren has moved back to Dallas, and will start looking for … (6 comments)

Mexican Corn Pudding - 12/15/08 02:24 PM
This is a great and easy side dish.
Mexican Corn Pudding 
16 oz can cream corn
2 eggs beaten
1 can tamales chucked and cut up
2 Tablespoons butter
4 oz chopped olives
½ cup grated cheese 
Combine corn, eggs, tamales and dot with butter.  Gently put into a greased casserole dish and bake at 350 for 45 minutes. 
Remove from oven add olives and sprinkle cheese on top.  Return to oven until cheese melts
… (6 comments)

Have you ever seen a hamberger virgin? - 12/15/08 12:54 PM
I often wonder who comes up with advertising campaigns for large companies. 
The last few days there have been several different versions of the Burger King searching for burger virgins.  They send crew off to the most remote parts of the world in search of people who have never eaten a hamburger, and then get them to compare The Whopper to The Big Mac.  Of course you know which one they pick. 
Am I the only one who thinks this is a stupid commercial?
… (6 comments)

Hey buddy could you spare a dime? - 12/15/08 08:34 AM
I recently decided it would be a good idea to take all the unused coats, jackets and sweat shirts and give them to the homeless. I thought my old London Fog with the nice warm liner was still functional, but Sharon told me no way. 
I came up with thirteen items I had not used in years, so decided I would just put them in the back seat of my car in case I spotted someone I thought would be in need of one something warm. 
On Saturday I saw a man walking near the park with and asked him if … (8 comments)

I wonder if Steve Shatsky knows - 12/15/08 07:37 AM
For the past several weeks Steve Shatsky and I have been discussing the opening of the new Wolfgang Puck restaurant in Dallas.  It was recently announced that the name of the restaurant will be called Five-Sixty by Wolfgang Puck. 
The restaurant will be located on the top of the Dallas landmark Reunion Tower.  Most times when the Cowboys play at home the cameras show pictures of the tall tower with the ball shape building on top.  Not  many more details to report except the restaurant will seat 200 people and will serve the typical Puck Asian influenced cuisine.
… (6 comments)

Could you spend $86,400 every day? - 12/14/08 02:01 PM
What would you do if someone gave you $86,400 every day?  The only catch is that you must spend it all.  Any money left over was lost, but then the next day you would receive another $86,400. 
I doubt if anyone is going to give you $86,400 every day, but each day you do get 86,400 seconds, you must spend them all as you cannot carry them over to the next day. 
Do you spend them all, or do you waste many of those precious seconds.
… (10 comments)

The Best Tex Mex Cheesy Chowder - 12/14/08 01:40 PM
Spent this week in Austin with business at the Texas Association of Realtors(r), and a good visit with friends.
My friend prepared Tex Mex Cheesy Chowder which was the best  home made soup I have ever had.  So I thought I would share this with you.
 
Tex Mex Cheesy Chowder
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped celery
2 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon oil
1 ½ pound chicken
4 cups chicken broth
1 32 oz bag hash browns
1 2.75 oz pack country gravy
2 cups milk
8 oz velveta
1 16 oz jar salsa
1 4 oz can green … (4 comments)

The Best Tortilla Soup - 12/07/08 10:46 AM
The weather report says Dallas should experience its coldest feeling day so far this year.  Temperatures in the 40's and strong winds. 
With that in mind I will prepare my favorite tortilla soup. 
Here is how it goes. 
6 tablespoons canola oil
8 corn tortillas, chopped
6 cloves garlic minced
½ cup chopped cilantro
1 medium onion, chopped
1 - 28 ounce can diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder
3 bay leaves
6 cups chicken stock
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
4 large cooked chicken breast shredded 
Garnish
Shredded cheese
Sour cream
2 corn tortillas, … (12 comments)

Did I wake up and it's a sellers market? - 12/06/08 11:57 AM
Had four homes I wanted to show today.  Appointments for 3 were made with a showing service.  The fourth appointment required call the listing agent. 
Called the listing agent and was advised they did not think it could be shown today.  I asked did she think or did she know.  She said no it could not be shown today. 
Today is a Saturday; it is sunny, blue skies, and 52 degrees. I guess the seller or the agent is not very motivated.
… (7 comments)

RESPA reform for builders. - 12/04/08 05:17 PM
HUD has passed much needed RESPA reform. Starting January 15, 2009, Builders will no longerbe able to force customers to use only their title company or their lender with the use of phantom incentives. Consumers will no longer be punished for using their own service provider and lose valuable sales concessions.
… (7 comments)

In's and out's of wrap around mortgage - 12/03/08 12:36 PM
I have a situation where my buyer wants to purchase a property and the seller will do a wrap around finance. 
I have advised my client to seek the advice of a real estate attorney, prior to executing a contract on this property. 
Have any of you ever dealt with a wrap around
… (7 comments)

Ham and corn soup - 12/01/08 05:16 PM
If you have any left over ham here is a great quick soup recipe.
 2 tbsp butter
1 chopped onion
2 diced carrots
1 diced celery stalk
2 cans cream corn
1 can regular corn drained
1 can chicken broth
1 cup diced ham
6 cups milk
¼ teaspoon red pepper
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups cheddar cheese 
Sautee onion, carrots and celery in butter for about 5 minutes.  Add ham and can of chicken broth.  Bring to boil then reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes.  
Add corn, milk, cheese and seasonings.  Bring to low boil, reduce heat and … (4 comments)

 

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