hunters creek: 22 dogs in station wagon with owner!
- 02/19/09 03:16 AM
On Monday, the police in Pottsboro, Texas seized 22 dogs in a car, locked in and the driver woman inside. Pottsboro is just outside Sherman and about 70 miles north of Dallas. The 22 dogs were crammed in a station wagon type of car. The owner refused to open the doors when a constable tried to serve her a warrant for the seizure of the dogs. How can you drive with 22 dogs in your car? Can you imagine the potential risk that driving with 22 dogs in a car can cause to other drivers? Here is what the Society … (25 comments)
For more information please contact Lara O'Keefe at 972.838.9156 or visit Hunter's Creek. … (4 comments)
hunters creek: Good News-Stimulus Bill Passed!
- 02/16/09 10:12 AM
Finally some good news for the housing industry! The economic stimulus bill passed and is awaiting President Obama's signature on Tuesday, February 17th. First-time buyers can claim a credit worth $8,000 or 10% of the home's value, whichever is less on their 2008 or 2009 taxes. The credit is refundable, meaning tax filers see a refund of the full $8,000 even if their total tax bill was less than that amount. To qualify for the credit, the purchase must be made between Jan. 1, 2009 and Nov. 30, 2009. Buyers may not have owned a home for the past three years … (6 comments)
hunters creek: Texas Exports
- 02/16/09 09:20 AM
The Lone Star State is the nation's top exporter for the seventh year in a row, according to a new U.S. Department of Commerce report. Governor Rick Perry commented on the top ranking, attributing the state's success on the exporting front to predictable business regulations and low taxes. Perry's office released the data that helped Texas secure the top spot; namely the state's 14 percent increase in exports in 2008 over 2007. Last year, Texas exports totaled $192.14 billion, approximately $23.92 billion more than in 2007. Among manufactured products, the state's leading export category is chemical manufactures. Other top manufactured exports … (8 comments)
hunters creek: Rules of Engagement-Professional Courtesy
- 02/15/09 04:55 AM
Rules of Engagement-Professional Courtesy Return phone calls quickly or within the same business day. Be polite and courteous to your fellow professionals. When leaving a voice mail say who you are, what the message is about, and leave phone number (speaking slowly.) Return emails as quickly as possible or same business day latest. Try to refrain from using bad language (cursing.) Be on time to appointments. Be ethical and do not divulge clients' private information. Call if you are running late. When meeting in person, shake hands and introduce client or coworker. If changing a scheduled event (walk thru, inspection, closing, … (44 comments)
hunters creek: Advice to Buyers of New Construction
- 02/14/09 10:52 AM
Advice to Buyers of New Construction Have an idea of your budget and basic needs in a home and home site before you start looking. Speak to the neighbors and ask how their home building experience was. Drive the area immediately surrounding the community to become familiar with the new surroundings. Research the school system and check their ranking. This is good for resale. Ask about builder and manufacturer warranties. Make sure everything you are promised is put in writing in your contract. It protects everyone and eliminates any he said she said situations. Research the builder. Find out how long … (14 comments)
hunters creek: Housing's "Ace in the Hole" - Inflation!
- 02/12/09 07:59 AM
Inflation!!! Typically considered to be something bad. In fact, the Fed's mandate is "to promote effectively the goals of maximum employment, stable prices, and moderate long-term interest rates." However, today's economic environment is anything but typical. We are currently experiencing "DEFLATION", which governments hate even more than inflation. How inflation will ultimately loom over us: US leaders (Congress, President, Treasury Secretary, the Federal Reserve, etc.) doing everything possible to keep economy from collapsing. Original $700 billion bailout. $350 billion for equity investments in banks. Remaining $350 billion to make other investments. Tax rebate(s) of 2008. Obama's $900 billion "economic stimulus" currently … (10 comments)
hunters creek: Positive Signs in DFW Housing!
- 02/12/09 07:46 AM
Positive signs in DFW housing 5.7 months' inventory on home resale listings (6 months is generally considered equilibrium.) Continued population growth offers support. DFW has only 3.1 months' inventory of new home (finished and vacant) inventory, per Metrostudy (Builders have shown significant restraint in keeping housing starts low.) Job creation 1/08 to 12/08 US Metro Areas 12 Month Rank Metro Area J ob Growth Houston - Sugarland - Baytown 57,300 Dallas - Fort Worth - Arlington 43,300 San Antonio 14,900 Washington - Arlington - Alexandria 11,800 Austin - Round Rock 9,600 Rank Metro Area 12 Month J ob Growth Rate Houston - Sugarland - Baytown 2.2% … (2 comments)
hunters creek: Housing Market Crystal Ball
- 02/12/09 07:33 AM
Housing Market Crystal Ball January always is the slowest month for residential sales, so seasonal uptick starting now that February is here. Refi boom to continue through first half of 2009. Construction to remain sluggish until summer. Building rebound date dependent on each neighborhood's supply/demand. Obama's "economic stimulus" to positively impact spring market. Inflationary pressures toward the end of 2009 will make real estate in stable markets like DFW an excellent investment. As "certainty" (from federal bailouts, interest rates, job security, inauguration, etc.) returns over the coming months, DFW residential market is poised to rebound in the spring of 2009. National … (2 comments)
hunters creek: Attention Dallas Motorists
- 02/11/09 08:06 AM
Starting this week, if you have an overdue Dallas County traffic ticket or fine you'll have to pay it BEFORE you can get a new, annual vehicle registration sticker. The county has 750 thousand outstanding citations on the books, worth 210 million dollars.Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price says the county needs that money. It's facing a 58 million dollar shortfall. But the Commissioner predicts a lot of people will be driving without valid stickers, unable to pay.In the County Clerk's office, Fetina Green says "the computer will flag SCOFFLAWS names with unpaid tickets provided by the County to registration officials in … (4 comments)
hunters creek: Funny Headlines
- 02/10/09 01:00 PM
The importance of proof reading your material before printing or publishing has never been as important as it is now. With so many professionals now blogging and putting ourselves out into cyberspace, the risk is even higher of looking bad or unprofessional. The house ad on the left takes away from the intention of the ad and somehow makes the house seem less ... s-o-p-h-i-s-t-i-c-a-t-e-d!
The ad on the right was intended to say "let us help you find the right F-I-T ... not TIT!" That was pretty bad. People form an impression of us from the … (32 comments)
hunters creek: Construction Starts on McKinney Dr. Pepper StarCenter
- 02/10/09 08:30 AM
Construction starts on McKinney Dr. Pepper StarCenter New agreement costs no additional taxpayer funds, provides same benefits Work will start as early as February 3rd on the McKinney Dr. Pepper StarCenter after the final contract was signed February 2nd. The new agreement dictates the facility will open in October and uses no additional taxpayer funding. Some improvements from the initial design include a better layout and more environmentally friendly features like energy-efficient lighting. "The Dr. Pepper StarCenter will greatly benefit the citizens of McKinney. People in McKinney have been asking for this new public recreation facility, and we are extremely pleased … (4 comments)
hunters creek: Historical McKinney Homes
- 02/09/09 10:35 AM
McKinney continues program to recognize historic homesHistoric Preservation Advisory Board seeks nominations for calendar The City of McKinney Historic Preservation Advisory Board (HPAB) is once again seeking nominations for revitalized historic houses as part of the Preserve Historic McKinney-Home Recognition Program. The program recognizes property owners who have made significant improvements to their homes and places photos of chosen homes in a monthly calendar. Nominations must be received by Feb. 28. The HPAB hopes to pick 14 homes to recognize in the annual super-sized calendar, with a different recognized home featured every month for 14 months. Residential properties located in the … (4 comments)
hunters creek: "Mardi Gras Madness" in McKinney!
- 02/09/09 10:00 AM
Habitat for Humanity will be holding its annual "Taste of Collin County" Monday, February 23, 2009. This year the theme will be "Mardi Gras Madness", where guests may sample food from Collin County restaurants. It will be held at Downtown McKinney 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. In addition to great food there will be live entertainment, live auctions, and a beer and wine garden. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. It is an exciting annual event that is the largest fundraiser to benefit North Collin County Habitat for Humanity's mission to build decent affordable housing for God's … (2 comments)
hunters creek: New Regulations for Sprinkler Systems
- 02/08/09 08:52 AM
There is a change coming to builders in the Dallas Ft. Worth area that Realtors and consumers should be aware of. The cities are now requiring that sprinkler systems be professionally engineered and inspected. That is good news for the new home buyers that the builders are working with the cities to help conserve water. This will save consumers money over time. The catch, however, is that sprinkler subcontractors must now be licensed, a permit is required, and inspection by the city is required. This has doubled the builder's cost of installing sprinklers. There are some communities where full sprinklers are … (10 comments)
hunters creek: 10 ways to conserve water and save you money!
- 02/08/09 08:29 AM
10 ways to conserve water and save you money! Turn the dial on your irrigation system from Automatic to Manuel. Even though you can water 2 times a week, you don't always need to. Step on your grass. If it springs back when you lift your foot - it doesn't need water Put a thick layer of mulch (2 to 6 inches) around trees and plants. Chunks of bark, peat moss or gravels slow the rate of evaporation. Fix leaky faucets and plumbing joints. If you have a pool, use a pool cover to cut down on evaporation. It will also keep … (6 comments)
hunters creek: Former Model Home - 3805 White Summit
- 02/06/09 09:15 AM
3805 White Summit 1 story, 1527 sq ft, 4699 plan 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, covered patio This former model home is a real gem at a great value! This home includes a ceramic tile in all wet areas, refrigerator, designer paint colors, and custom window treatments. The garage is oversized for lots of extra storage. We offer $5,000 and seller paid title policy when choosing to use DHI Mortgage. Hunter's Creek is a quaint and quiet community located just 5 minutes from McKinney. List Price $169,990 Discounted Price $139,990 Realtors ask about our Realtor Bonuses on this home!
… (2 comments)
hunters creek: Doped up funny boy!
- 02/06/09 08:15 AM
I just had to share this funny video! As adults, most of us have experienced a buzz from alcohol or even the occasional sedative used by dentists and surgeons. We understand that it's a temporary altered state and we will get back to normal one day. Well this funny little boy is high as a kite as he gets driven home from the dentist. His father was kind enough to video tape it for the rest of us to enjoy!
For more information please contact Lara O'Keefe … (22 comments)
hunters creek: Playground Rules of Engagement
- 02/06/09 03:51 AM
The lessons we all learned in the playground as kids still apply today in our real estate lives. 1. Play nice with others. 2. Share. 3. Be polite and say please and thank you. 4. Do not use profanity. 5. Keep you voice at a reasonable volume. 6. Be respectful of others and follow the Golden Rule. We have all come a long way from being toddlers in the playground. Let's remember all these valuable lessons and treat our fellow professionals with dignity and respect!
For more information please contact Lara O'Keefe at 972.838.9156 or visit Hunter's Creek. … (20 comments)
hunters creek: Be Gracious at the Top :-)
- 02/05/09 03:36 PM
There's an old saying that you should always be gracious when on top. I think that it rings true in every aspect of our professional and personal lives (even Active Rain.) We all work hard and aspire to be successful. There are several keys to being a gracious winner: Act like you have been there before. Be subdued and polite. Give credit and thank those who helped you get there. Help others around you get there. Do not take your success for granted or brag about it.
The second you break any of these cardinal rules, the people around you … (28 comments)
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