buying: 4 Reasons to Buy a Home Before Spring! - 12/09/16 01:15 PM
The holidays are upon us and there are a lot of things pulling for your attention. You may have put the home search on the backburner. However, here are four great reasons to consider buying a home today instead of waiting.
1. Prices Will Continue to Rise
CoreLogic’s latest Home Price Index reports that home prices have appreciated by 6.3% over the last 12 months. The same report predicts that prices will continue to increase at a rate of 5.2% over the next year. The bottom in home prices has come and gone. Home values will continue to appreciate for years. 
2. Mortgage … (1 comments)

buying: The Renter Generation - 11/02/16 06:20 AM
It was just a matter of time… Millenials have now officially surpassed Baby Boomers as the largest living generation in the US. This includes individuals born between 1981 and 1997.
With each generation comes different characteristics, and it seems that only 34% of Millenials are homeowners. Even more off-putting? A large 44% of Non-Homeowners in this age bracket say they simply don’t want a house right now. 
I would personally attribute this sentiment to the preferences and commitment fear that I see in a lot of millennials. While the thought of saving money is appealing, they also like the flexibility of being able … (1 comments)

buying: Your 12 Month Timeline for Buying a Home - 10/17/16 02:50 AM
You know that it makes sense to invest your money, and you acknowledge that part of that is not wasting money on monthly rent when you could be building equity in a home of your own. Decorating how you want… green thumbing in the backyard… avoiding rising rent prices year after year. It’s an exciting prospect! But you’re not ready to pull that trigger now… so how can you prepare for a purchase one year from now?
12 Months from Purchase
Get your credit score! You can get a copy of your credit report at annualcreditreport.com. Each of the three credit bureaus are … (1 comments)

buying: Don't Knock a Millenial. Here's Why. - 10/17/16 02:39 AM
Recently, my office hosted a local affiliate for some quality teachings on “generational differences” and how communication and working with various ages might not be as simple as you think. Duh. It doesn’t take long to realize that certain age brackets appreciate being updated via phone call over text. And that others have the “I don’t care about the labor, just bring me the baby” approach to communication - just the facts via text. Maybe an emoji for good measure. 
There were a few frustrations raised by my colleagues about “millennials,” a group I am technically supposed to belong to. I find … (2 comments)

buying: What to Expect on Closing Day - 06/13/16 05:01 AM
You are almost there! 
The most exciting day when purchasing a home is the day that you finally get to close on your home and receive the keys. Whether stressful or a breeze, this is the day that you have been working towards. Before you get to call that house your home, you will need to sign some very important papers to close the deal. Closing day is going to be a busy one with your mind moving in all different directions, but it is important to know what will happen so that you can be prepared.
Generally, the closing will happen at … (3 comments)

buying: What Makes a House a Home? - 04/27/15 05:12 AM
It's interesting to watch some of my clients go through the move-in process, and begin to personalize and accessorize, putting their touch on their new house. But what is it that makes a house a home? The home itself? The neighborhood? How do you really settle into your new digs to create a place of comfort?
Getting to Know You... I think each story starts with the personality of the home itself. Maybe the home is clean and neat. Maybe a bit difficult and time-intensive. Maybe warm or cold, dark or bright. Getting a sense of the home and what works and … (9 comments)

buying: 'Home Scouting' App... Your Home Search Source - 04/22/15 06:07 AM
I'm so excited to announce a partnership app that I'm offering, which will allow clients, friends and family to search properties (both listed and sold) on their phones.
Everything is mobile. Everything is at the touch of a screen. Now, you can enjoy updated information, straight from MLS, at your fingertips. This app allows constant communication, map-based searches for active and sold listings, real-time saved search updates, and neighborhood info including school districts.
Other home search apps tend to have outdated information, which can be incredibly frustrating. This app is real-time, with updates available according to your specifications. You are in control.
I would … (0 comments)

buying: 'Swap and Flea' Event this weekend. Get ready to bargain! - 04/16/15 03:13 AM
Have some dough to spend and love all things unique? AWESOME!
This Sunday, April 19th, The Gypsy Wagon will become home to the annual Swap and Flea event and I can't wait. It's a 6 hour swap meets flea market meets vendor meetup that allows bargain hunters (like me) to come and grab some unique loot for a pretty good deal!
The whole premise is to eliminate the far drive for a really good voyage into the art of junking (and rehabing and refinishing and retrofitting...). And the creators didn't want a whole bunch of beaded tube socks, jewelry, or macrame arts-and-crafts. This … (2 comments)

buying: Either Way? You Pay to Have a Home - 02/18/15 06:24 AM
I speak with so many people that are apprehensive about purchasing a home because they are uncomfortable taking on the (massive, very serious) obligation of a mortgage. But I think many forget to realize that, unless you are living with your parents without rent, you are paying for shelter - either your own house note or your landlord’s house note.
Think about it. There are tax incentives to owning a home, which are great little perks when you file yearly. And, if you purchase with a 30-year fixed rate mortgage, your ‘housing budget’ is locked over the thirty years by and large … (2 comments)

buying: Prepare: 8 Questions your Lender will Ask - 01/14/15 06:36 AM
Over the last couple of weeks, I have had the opportunity to work with many clients, referrals and friends in their search for a new rental property. Many people don’t even think about the possibility of owning, rather than renting, because they’re apprehensive about the loan process. 
If you’re on the fence, or even just curious about what to expect when speaking with a lender, here is a helpful lowdown on what you might face. I even have a list of just about every type of document you might need to send over for approval - want it? Email me!
These … (1 comments)

buying: Repeat Earthquakes - Do they carry risk for my home's value? - 01/06/15 07:31 AM
North Texas has never really been on the map for being known as Earthquake prone property. But we sure are establishing ourselves in short order! Irving, my hometown, has experienced over a dozen earthquakes in the last year. Another occurred yesterday (and the day before), logging it up to a 3.7 magnitude - enough to be felt by those in Fort Worth and as far as my neighborhood in East Dallas. 
So the question that pops to mind is the impact that continuing earthquakes like this will have on the housing market. There are so many variables that we tend to … (1 comments)

buying: What is Title Insurance? - 10/02/14 05:55 AM
When you are involved in a real estate transaction, you want to know what every listed item is - especially when it affects your pocket!
Title insurance protects owners and lenders from loss resulting from defects in the title to real property.  There are good reasons to obtain title insurance:
(1) The title company maintains a database of real estate documents that can be searched in order to produce a "title commitment," an integral part of the pre-closing process.
(2) The title company acts as a clearinghouse for closing documents that need to be signed and recorded, as well as for funds that … (1 comments)

buying: Mortgage Update: 30 year Fixed - 4.25%; 15 year Fixed - 3.375% - 09/22/14 07:15 AM
Local News! Dallas is booming without a doubt.  As per a local developer I'm in touch with, the amount of Urban Infill and Repurposing of commercial to residential is staggering!  Watch the Design, and Riverfront Districts to boom soon... Not to mention South Dallas as the areas surrounding the Cedars appears to be on many a radar. Kessler and Bishop Arts still feel the effects of this interest and infill of money, started some years back. 
Mortgage rates improved early last week before retreating throughout most of the remainder of the week, surrounding Wednesday’s releases of the FOMC monetary policy and interest rates, while … (0 comments)

buying: Why Should I Work With a Real Estate Agent? - 09/16/14 08:36 AM
Did you know that the large majority of Buyers last year utilized the services of a Real Estate Agent or Broker? Since today's real estate consumers have more access than ever and up-to-date search tools, it would seem the contrary. Still, more and more buyers are deciding to hire a contract with an agent. Why?
Local
Taxi drivers know geography. Police officers are versed in local culture, laws and politics. The best real estate agents are knowledgeable in all of this and more. Business and attractions, architectural styles, appliances, finishings, heating, cooling, etc. Most importantly, agents know the local market. What … (3 comments)

buying: Surefire Ways to Ruffle Realtor Feathers... - 09/05/14 03:38 AM
Or, more aptly named, 'Surefire Ways to Piss Off Your Agent.' 
Agents make money, yes. If they're successful and diligent at what they do, it's a great career for the right person. But they are your representative, and working on your behalf. They think and act for you. They negotiate for you. So cut a little slack, eh? 
Please don't become a know-it-all expert because you have the Internet…
This is the most common thing we get. "All" of the information is online. Well, maybe the listing is online - but much of the pertinent information you need is likely hidden, … (5 comments)

buying: 5 Signs you Hired the Wrong Agent - 09/02/14 05:34 AM
You've hired a real estate agent you found online. And now your home is sitting on the market with no showings and nothing tangible to give you hope about ever getting out of this place. Plus, you're less than thrilled with your Realtor's performance, and you don't know what to blame - housing market, the house, or your Agent?
I just received a call this morning from someone in that very position. Want to know if you have hired the wrong Realtor? Here are your signs, imo:
 
1. Weakness
During your listing appointment, this person usually gives up their commission … (1 comments)

buying: How to Deal with Multiple Offers on a House, both Buyer and Seller - 06/10/14 03:46 AM
It's a crazed fever of multiple offers out there, since many of the Dallas suburbs still do not have the listing inventory to support the amount of Buyers looking to purchase. Dealing with Multiple Offers can be a blessing and a curse, one in the same, unless you take some time to deal with each scenario effectively. 
BUYERS
I've had my fair share of clients that have been perfectly poised to purchase a home, and have grown increasingly frustrated at the thought of competing over and over again for the home of their hopes and dreams. It's often a difficult conversation … (2 comments)

buying: Have You been Waiting for Spring? - 03/20/14 05:45 AM
It's Spring Equinox! If you've been waiting for the traditional "Spring Market" to arrive, here you go. See invitiation below. 
The Spring Market has traditionally meant that Homeowners are ready to list, and Buyers are in full buying mode, touring options. While the market has been busy since January of 2013 with unprecedented activity and lower than normal interest rates, it is officially Spring. Let this be your excuse to explore options and get into the market before a cool-down.
Contact me to find out the value of your home, map out your Buying power and options, or just to chat over … (0 comments)

buying: Falling In Love. Men, Women and Houses. - 01/30/14 02:29 AM
We're approaching Valentine's Day, guys. And love is in the air.
Ever wondered what causes a man or woman to fall in love with a home? Certainly falling in love with a partner stems from different reasons, but when it comes to buying a house, there seems to be a science.
So says Trulia, who just released a survey of what aspects men and women fall head over heels for when searching at a house, among other things.
Men's interests hold strong to grilling, football and master baths. I'm being a bit loose with the study, but one of the most … (4 comments)

buying: Searching for a Home? Start looking on your Phone! - 01/08/14 06:50 AM
Access the power of our local MLS while on-thego, using your smart phone...
Driving through neighborhoods? Spending hours at night searching the same criteria online? Tired of finding dated information that is no longer accurate on third party websites?
Now you can outsmart other home buyers with our NTREIS® Go App for your iPhone or Android smartphone. Get the details of all the houses in a neighborhood while on the road – then push them over to me, to set up an appointment. The days of having to dig up information on a desktop, are history. 
With this FREE app, you'll … (0 comments)

 
Ashley Sharum, Ebby Halliday Realtors (972.978.3109)

Ashley Sharum

Ebby Halliday Realtors

Dallas, TX

More about me…

972.978.3109

Address: 3100 Monticello, Suite 200, Dallas, TX, 75205

Office: (214) 515-9888

Mobile: (972) 978-3109

My job is challenging, full of opportunity and a daily joy. My aim is to offer a great homebuying experience for each and every client from start to finish.

Here, I write about real estate happenings, humorous stories, family and friends, and offer an honest voice in the Dallas-Fort Worth Real Estate market.

Ashley Cox Myers

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