Holli Washington's Blog

BUYING REAL ESTATE FOR INVESTMENT: TIPS FOR FIRST TIME BUYERS

Holli Washington, Your Neighborhood Expert!!! — Mon, 25 Jan 2016 02:03:05 -0800

BUYING REAL ESTATE FOR INVESTMENT: TIPS FOR FIRST TIME BUYERSWell, it's only taken half a decade, but the dying real estate market is finally starting to show signs of life. If you're thinking about making a move on a piece of property, now is perhaps the best time. You can still take advantage of the low prices in most places around the country, and the mortgage rates are on once-in-a-lifetime lows: you can find 30-and 15-year fixed mortgages at about 4% and 3% respectively.Many aspiring home buyers are surprised to find that a confirmation of the bubble era is back: the bidding war. According to a recent survey of 28 housing markets conducted by the Wall Street Journal, there are fewer homes for sale in each of those places than there were last quarter. This relatively tight stock in the markets as varied as Sacramento, Phoenix and Washington, DC, dictate that the law of supply and demand will kick in. Even in places like Long Island, NY, where there is still a depressing 16 months building properties (brokers consider six months’ worth a healthy number), the number of available homes is falling.If you're a first time buyer looking to put money in investment properties, here are few basic things to keep in mind.1. Research is really the most crucial first step when thinking of buying a property. There have been lots of people who've rushed in to a sale because they've fallen deeply in love with a property, only to are regret their decision. It's crucial to keep a cool head when house hunting, and to make sure that you pay attention to the area in General and not only the House itself.2. Investigating past property prices for a zone can give a sign of whether it's on the up or in decrease and it's a smart idea to check whether you can find whether there are any developments planned close-by. For instance, while a new sports complex in the area could help the value of your property in the long haul, you have to ponder the ramifications of a long, and potentially disruptive, building project. While you never know what the future will bring, it is important to make a plan in the first place-even if you eventually change.3. As soon as you think you have found the right House, it's time to try and find the right mortgage lender and the right mortgage for you, getting a mortgage as a first time buyer can be tricky, so it's a good idea for you to spend as much time for the process as you can. One of the most difficult things for potential buyers to do first is to build a good credit rating for themselves. This is an important thing to consider if mortgage lenders check your credit rating in the treatment of your application and it helps them to decide if they would take the risk of lending to you.4. Strengthening your credit rating can be tricky at first, but nevertheless a couple of the most important things to do are to ensure you are registered to vote at every rented property you stay at, you actually take out - and consistently pay off - your line of credit such as store or credit cards, and that you keep your personal info safe from fraudsters. Yet another thing you're wise to consider when considering mortgages - especially joint mortgages - is your life insurance policy. Making sure you find life insurance to cover you and your investment regardless of what happens. While may seem like hard work, by preparing ahead this way, you are increasing your odds of securing the property you wish for and it's surely worth the investment. Need a positive, helpful partner for buying and or selling your home??? HIRE ME- YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD EXPERTTrusted resource for answers about the process Innovative marketing strategies Expertise about neighborhood features Ability to target home searches Strong negotiation skills Support through the closing and beyond COMMUNITY INFORMATION Understand the difference between "listing prices" (what sellers are asking for) and "sold prices" (what buyers are willing to pay). By comparing these price trends, you'll have a good idea of where the market is heading. The median listing and sold property prices are calculated based on the market activity each month. Some sales are not immediately available from public records. As they become available, the data are updated. THANK YOU FOR VISITING!!! Information provided courtesy of Holli Washington-Keller Williams Realty Hire the professionals to help you find your retirement home! Call 469-316-3989 for more information on Buyer's Services (AT NO COST TO BUYERS) Search DFW homes in MLS for FREE at www.buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com Get a FREE HOME VALUE REPORT at www.buyandwellrichardsonhomes.com/sell GET AHEAD AND BECOME A MARKET INSIDER TODAY!!!! Holli Washington Keller Williams Central Business Cell: 469-316-3989 Website: buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com

BORROWING FROM YOUR 401K

Holli Washington, Your Neighborhood Expert!!! — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 23:05:01 -0800

Have you refinanced your home into oblivion? Tapped out every available money resource with a myriad of loans and credit cards? There is one last option: borrowing from your 401(k). . If you've never heard of this option, it's because until recently, it just wasn't done that frequently. But with the market still not fully recovered, and people desiring to cut their high interest debt, more folks are discovering this alternative lending source when purchasing their home.Pros: A 401(k) loan does not appear on your credit report. They are not reported to Experian, and do not become a part of your credit history.• The interest on these loans is some of the lowest out there.•You're paying yourself the interest, not some bank. You'll get your money more quickly than if you were using another means of borrowing.• Since it's a loan, you will not be charged the 10 percent early withdrawal penalties plus income taxes you would have to pay if you withdrew the money.• You don't have to qualify for the loan through the usual long, painful credit approval process, because in effect, you are the lender. • No assets or collateral are needed to secure the loan.. CLICK TO PLAY VIDEO BELOW: Cons: The biggest con is that you are forfeiting the accrued interest you would earn if your money stayed in the 401(k). Calculated over the long term, it can cost tens (even hundreds) of thousands of dollars in potential gain.• Unlike a home equity loan, the interest is not tax deductible. • Some plans do not allow contributions to the 401(k) for the period of the loan.• If you lose or quit your job, the loan is often due in full. In 30-60 days (although some plans are open to renegotiating the terms of the loan. Find out before you sign the papers.) . If you default on the loan, it is considered a withdrawal and you will owe a 10 percent penalty plus a hefty tax payment. So if you had borrowed $50,000 and couldn't pay it back, you would have to pay a $5,000 penalty and federal and state taxes that could take another $20,000 of the amount.To calculate the actual cost of borrowing from either source: for a home equity loan, ignoring up-front costs, the after-tax cost is the interest rate minus your tax savings (interest rate times 1 minus your tax rate). Need a positive, helpful partner for buying and or selling your home??? HIRE ME- YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD EXPERT Trusted resource for answers about the process Innovative marketing strategies Expertise about neighborhood features Ability to target home searches Strong negotiation skills Support through the closing and beyond COMMUNITY INFORMATION Understand the difference between "listing prices" (what sellers are asking for) and "sold prices" (what buyers are willing to pay).By comparing these price trends, you'll have a good idea of where the market is heading. The median listing and sold property prices are calculated based on the market activity each month.Some sales are not immediately available from public records. As they become available, the data are updated. THANK YOU FOR VISITING!!! Information provided courtesy of Holli Washington-Keller Williams RealtyHire the professionals to help you find your retirement home! Call 469-316-3989 for more information on Buyer's Services (AT NO COST TO BUYERS) Search DFW homes in MLS for FREE at www.buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com Get a FREE HOME VALUE REPORT at www.buyandwellrichardsonhomes.com/sellGET AHEAD AND BECOME A MARKET INSIDER TODAY!!!!Holli Washington Keller Williams Central Business Cell: 469-316-3989 Website: buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com

FIND YOUR DREAM HOME in Phillips Creek Ranch-FRISCO,TX

Holli Washington, Your Neighborhood Expert!!! — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 12:36:59 -0800

Phillips Creek Ranch by Lionsgate Homes Listings for Sale Near Phillips Creek in Frisco, TX Request a FREE Evaluation of your home in Frisco or surounding areas Located in the heart of Frisco and served by the highly acclaimed Frisco Independent School District, Phillips Creek Ranch is an exciting 950-acre masterplanned community, with more than 100 acres reserved for lakes, creeks, parks, open greenspace and 11 miles of hike-and-bike trails. The amenity center is planned to offer breathtaking views of Lake Lewisville, along with two resort-style pools, fitness center, playground, open-air pavilion and park. Three Frisco schools adjoin the neighborhood, with three future school sites located within. Home sizes range from approximately 1,800 to 3,500 square feet and include such features as hand-scraped nail-down hardwood floors, granite countertops and vanities, tankless water heaters, R-51 insulation, and SEER 16 high-efficiency climate control systems.Over $72,000 in Upgrades Included! SCHOOL DISTRICT: Frisco Independent School District: The District covers portions of the cities of Frisco, Little Elm, McKinney, and Plano, as well as unincorporated land in Denton and Collin counties.Approximately 90 percent of the graduating seniors plan to continue their education in some way after high school.[citation needed] In 2014, the school district was rated to have "met standard" by the Texas Education Agency.[1] In September 2014, enrollment in Frisco ISD schools surpassed 49,000 students and is expected to climb by about 3,000 students each year. Demographers project enrollment in Frisco ISD schools will climb to 55,807 students by 2016 and 65,848 students by 2020. To meet the demands of increasing student enrollment, the District plans to open Reedy High School, Trent and Pearson middle schools and Norris Elementary in fall 2015 FRISCO COMMUNITY HOUSEHOLD INCOME: Median household income in 75034 is $94,986 with 726 households earning between $35,000 to $40,000 annually. Income levels are listed along the left side of the chart, and the number of households are displayed along the bottom. Price Trends - Sold vs. Listed: Understand the difference between "listing prices" (what sellers are asking for) and "sold prices" (what buyers are willing to pay). By comparing these price trends, you'll have a good idea of where the market is heading. The median listing and sold property prices are calculated based on the market activity each month. Some sales are not immediately available from public records. As they become available, the data are updated COMMUNITY INFORMATION THANK YOU FOR VISITING!!! Thank you for visiting my BLOG! I provide professional real estate services to Buyers and Sellers in Frisco, TX and surrounding areas. I can help you to achieve YOUR Real Estate goals. My goal is to be a resource for you for all things real estate. If you just have a question or comment - please feel free to call, email or even text. I take my customer service seriously and respond to all inquires as quickly as I can. The Frisco area is an amazing place to live and work. I invite you to search till your hearts content on this site or just email me and we will do all the hard work for you and you will just get houses that match your criteria - automatically! Information provided courtesy of Holli Washington-Keller Williams Realty Hire the professionals to help you find your next home! Call 469-316-3989 for more information on Buyer's Services (AT NO COST TO BUYERS) Search DFW homes in MLS for FREE at www.buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com Get a FREE HOME VALUE REPORT at www.buyandwellrichardsonhomes.com/sell Can you see yourself living in Phillips Creek Ranch??? Holli Washington Keller Williams Central Business Cell: 469-316-3989 Website: buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com

Richwoods Country-Located north of HWY 121 in Frisco, TX

Holli Washington, Your Neighborhood Expert!!! — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 05:58:42 -0700

Richwoods Country by Landon Homes of Texas Listings for Sale Near Richwoods Country in Frisco, TX Request a FREE Evaluation of your home in Frisco or surounding areas Richwoods Country offers the best in gated master planned living. Located just north of Hwy 121 between Coit Road and Independence Parkway, Richwoods is literally minutes from the Dallas North Tollway and all the shopping, sports and entertainment that Frisco and North Texas have to offer. Richwoods Country is offering homes of varying sizes on 84' x 130' homesites. Landon Homes have been around for more than 20 years, the Landon name has been synonymous with uncompromising quality, commitment to customer satisfaction, and exemplary value. John Landon, president of Landon Homes, has been a leading force in homebuilding and development since the 1980s. In 1987, Landon created Legacy Homes, which grew from a single community in Dallas to become the 12th largest builder in the nation. Landon’s leadership led to the receipt of some of the industry’s most prestigious awards, including being named Texas Builder of the Year five out of seven years, and a myriad of honors for outstanding architecture, product designs, and premier customer service. Please call for a tour @ 469-316-3989!!! SCHOOL DISTRICT: Frisco Independent School District: The District covers portions of the cities of Frisco, Little Elm, McKinney, and Plano, as well as unincorporated land in Denton and Collin counties.Approximately 90 percent of the graduating seniors plan to continue their education in some way after high school.[citation needed] In 2014, the school district was rated to have "met standard" by the Texas Education Agency.[1] In September 2014, enrollment in Frisco ISD schools surpassed 49,000 students and is expected to climb by about 3,000 students each year. Demographers project enrollment in Frisco ISD schools will climb to 55,807 students by 2016 and 65,848 students by 2020. To meet the demands of increasing student enrollment, the District plans to open Reedy High School, Trent and Pearson middle schools and Norris Elementary in fall 2015. COMMUNITY HOUSEHOLD INCOME: Median household income in 75035 is $99,043 with 445 households earning between $35,000 to $40,000 annually. Income levels are listed along the left side of the chart, and the number of households are displayed along the bottom. Price Trends - Sold vs. Listed: Understand the difference between "listing prices" (what sellers are asking for) and "sold prices" (what buyers are willing to pay). By comparing these price trends, you'll have a good idea of where the market is heading. The median listing and sold property prices are calculated based on the market activity each month. Some sales are not immediately available from public records. As they become available, the data are updated COMMUNITY INFORMATION THANK YOU FOR VISITING!!! Thank you for visiting my BLOG! I provide professional real estate services to Buyers and Sellers in Frisco, TX and surrounding areas. I can help you to achieve YOUR Real Estate goals. My goal is to be a resource for you for all things real estate. If you just have a question or comment - please feel free to call, email or even text. I take my customer service seriously and respond to all inquires as quickly as I can. The Frisco area is an amazing place to live and work. I invite you to search till your hearts content on this site or just email me and we will do all the hard work for you and you will just get houses that match your criteria - automatically! Information provided courtesy of Holli Washington-Keller Williams Realty Hire the professionals to help you find your next home! Call 469-316-3989 for more information on Buyer's Services (AT NO COST TO BUYERS) Search DFW homes in MLS for FREE at www.buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com Get a FREE HOME VALUE REPORT at www.buyandwellrichardsonhomes.com/sell Can you see yourself living in Richwoods Country of Frisco, TX ??? Holli Washington Keller Williams Central Business Cell: 469-316-3989 Website: buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com

I HAVE A LEAK IN MY ROOF SHOULD I DISCLOSE??? YOU MUST DISCLOSE!!!!

Holli Washington, Your Neighborhood Expert!!! — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 06:17:36 -0700

I HAVE A LEAK IN MY ROOF SHOULD I DISCLOSE??? YES...YES...AND YES! YOU MUST DISCLOSE!!! When the time comes to sell your home, you will be asked to fill out a disclosure statement that will list "material facts" about problems you are aware of regarding the condition and history of your home. Both federal and state laws govern what must be disclosed during a property sale and as the homeowner you must be the person to complete these disclosure forms. By law your real estate agent cannot complete these forms for you. Sometimes, homeowners are told varying policies regarding disclosures. The general rule of thumb is that you must disclose anything that would: • lower the perceived value of the property • affect the buyer's decision to purchase • change the price and/or terms the buyer offers Common disclosures include information about any natural hazards, fire hazards, pollution problems or zoning changes that affect you property. If you feel like you don't properly understand the disclosure requirements, you should consult a real estate attorney who knows the local disclosure laws. As you fill out these forms just remember, you should strive to answer all of the questions to the best of your ability. Don't sweat the small stuff, but make sure you disclose everything that you'd want disclosed to you if you were the buyer. WHAT IS A LEAD PAINT DISCLOSURE??????? Lead Paint Disclosure – A Federal Law You may think that lead paint is only a problem for folks buying cheap goods imported from China, or for people living in ancient, dilapidated housing. Not so. As recently as 1977, lead paint was used in homes across the United States. In order to protect Americans from lead poisoning in the paint, dust and soil in their homes, Congress passed the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992, also known as Title X. If your home was built before 1978, you are required to disclose if you know of any lead-based paint hazards on your property. You must also provide a 10-day period, if not waived by the homebuyer, to conduct a paint inspection or risk assessment for lead based paint hazards. The home sale contract between you and your buyer will include an attachment regarding the lead- based paint hazards if any exist, and the buyers will be provided with the appropriate EPA-approved information pamphlets on lead-based paint hazards DISCLOSURE OF INFAMOUS PAST Even a home's notorious past must be disclosed. One New York case many years ago involved a home that reportedly was haunted and was the subject of many articles and tours. When that ghoulish past wasn't disclosed to the new buyer, the seller was successfully sued for nondisclosure, because that notoriety was likely to diminish its resale value. The same holds true for a home's criminal past. Some states require disclosure of murders on the property, others do not. But since these horrific events tend to lower the value of a property, most real-estate agents choose to disclose them rather than risk legal action. Most importantly when it comes to disclosures for buyers to remember is if there's a question in your mind about whether or not you should disclose something, you probably should!!! Need a positive, helpful partner for buying and or selling your home??? HIRE ME- YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD EXPERTTrusted resource for answers about the process Innovative marketing strategies Expertise about neighborhood features Ability to target home searches Strong negotiation skills Support through the closing and beyond COMMUNITY INFORMATION Understand the difference between "listing prices" (what sellers are asking for) and "sold prices" (what buyers are willing to pay). By comparing these price trends, you'll have a good idea of where the market is heading. The median listing and sold property prices are calculated based on the market activity each month. Some sales are not immediately available from public records. As they become available, the data are updated. THANK YOU FOR VISITING!!! Information provided courtesy of Holli Washington-Keller Williams Realty Hire the professionals to help you find your retirement home! Call 469-316-3989 for more information on Buyer's Services (AT NO COST TO BUYERS) Search DFW homes in MLS for FREE at www.buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com Get a FREE HOME VALUE REPORT at www.buyandwellrichardsonhomes.com/sell GET AHEAD AND BECOME A MARKET INSIDER TODAY!!!! Holli Washington Keller Williams Central Business Cell: 469-316-3989 Website: buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com

GREAT BUY! HOME FOR SALE Located in LEWISVILLE, TX

Holli Washington, Your Neighborhood Expert!!! — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 03:43:56 -0700

GREAT BUY! LEWISVILLE, TX Listings for Sale Near Lewisville Community-Denton County Request a FREE Evaluation of your home in Lewisville and Surrounding areasSchools- The quality of a school can greatly influence home values in an area. To out find detailed information on school districts, school ratings, test scores by grade, student-teacher ratio, and much more visit Market Insider:

Lewisville ISD PO BOX 217Lewisville, TX 75067Phone: 469-713-5200Website

District Facts LISD is ranked as Recognized under the Texas Education Agency, and individual schools are broken down as follows:Exemplary: 38 Recognized: 20 Academically Acceptable: 2 Academically Unacceptable: 0 For the 2010-11 school year, LISD had approximately 51,000 students enrolled, with a total staff of 6,145. Lewisville ISD was recognized in both 2006 and 2007 as one of the 100 best communities for music education. In late 2007, Standard & Poor's upgraded LISD's bond rating to AA+, the highest rating given at the time to any school district in Texas, and one of only three nationwide.[1] For the 2009-2010 school year, LISD recognized 43 National Merit Finalists from a pool of 49 Semifinalists. On the SAT, LISD students score approximately 113 points higher than the National average; on the ACT, students score 1.7 points higher. Price Trends - Sold vs. Listed Understand the difference between "listing prices" (what sellers are asking for) and "sold prices" (what buyers are willing to pay). By comparing these price trends, you'll have a good idea of where the market is heading. The median listing and sold property prices are calculated based on the market activity each month. Some sales are not immediately available from public records. As they become available, the data are updated. Market Inventory Trends The number of active listings in Lewisville (75077) increased by 1.6% from the previous month. The median number of days active properties have been listed is 33. This is significantly shorter than the national average. The number of sales in April dropped by 24.4% from the previous month. Need a positive, helpful partner for buying a retirement home or selling: HIRE ME- YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD EXPERTTrusted resource for answers about the process Innovative marketing strategies Expertise about neighborhood features Ability to target home searches Strong negotiation skills Support through the closing and beyond COMMUNITY INFORMATION Understand the difference between "listing prices" (what sellers are asking for) and "sold prices" (what buyers are willing to pay). By comparing these price trends, you'll have a good idea of where the market is heading. The median listing and sold property prices are calculated based on the market activity each month. Some sales are not immediately available from public records. As they become available, the data are updated. THANK YOU FOR VISITING!!! Information provided courtesy of Holli Washington-Keller Williams Realty Hire the professionals to help you find your retirement home! Call 469-316-3989 for more information on Buyer's Services (AT NO COST TO BUYERS) Search DFW homes in MLS for FREE at www.buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com Get a FREE HOME VALUE REPORT at www.buyandwellrichardsonhomes.com/sell LOOKING FOR A HOME TO PURCHASE IN LEWISVILLE, TX, !!!! Holli Washington Keller Williams Central Business Cell: 469-316-3989 Website: buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com

Frisco Lakes Subdivision- located in Frisco, TEXAS

Holli Washington, Your Neighborhood Expert!!! — Wed, 09 Jul 2014 03:18:12 -0700

Frisco Lakes Located: 1011 Pasatiempo Dr Frisco TX, 75034 From the East: Travel West on I-30 to 635 West; Take 635 West and Exit Dallas North Tollway North; Take Dallas North Tollway North and Exit at Lebanon; Turn left on Lebanon to FM 423 where you will turn right; From FM 423, turn left on Del Webb Blvd, by the Frisco Lakes fountain to enter the community Price- from $185,990 - $440,105 Builder- Lennar Frisco Lakes features include: 18-Hole Golf Course; Social Clubs & Organizations; 28,000-sq.ft. Amenity Center; Fitness Center & Indoor Track; Paved Walking Trails; Resort-Style Pool; Indoor Heated Lap Pool; Tennis & Bocce Court. Frisco Lakes is draped across 1,000 rolling acres on the shores of Lake Lewisville, offering lakeside living in one of the fastest growing cities in North Texas. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, Frisco has the warmth of a small town while also providing the conveniences of a larger cosmopolitan city. Please call for a tour @469-316-3989! Listings for Sale Near Frisco Lakes Community-in Frisco, TX Request a FREE Evaluation of your home in Frisco or surounding areasSchools- The quality of a school can greatly influence home values in an area. To out find detailed information on school districts, school ratings, test scores by grade, student-teacher ratio, and much more visit Market Insider:Frisco ISD Bledsoe Elementary School - Exemplary Pioneer Heritage Middle School - Exemplary Frisco High School UtilitiesHOAFee: $105 per month COMMUNITY HOUSEHOLD INCOME: Median household income in 75034 is $94,986 with 726 households earning between $35,000 to $40,000 annually. Income levels are listed along the left side of the chart, and the number of households are displayed along the bottom. CRIME RISK: The Crime Risk Index compares the likelihood of different crimes happening within this community to the national average.The national average for each type of crime equals a score of 100.A score of 200 would represent twice the risk as the national average, and a score of 50 would represent half the risk. *Today's Market Trends for Frisco Lakes Subdivision*

Median Listing Price:	$727,780	0.08%
Median Listing Price/Sq Ft:	$151.00	0.04%
Total Listings:	245	-0.02%
Total Listings Previous Months: February January	250 232	0.08% -0.23%

* All data pertains to single-family homes The number of active listings in Frisco (75034) dropped by 8.2% from the previous month. The median number of days active properties have been listed is 45. This is significantly shorter than the national average. The number of sales in May dropped by 97% from the previous month. COMMUNITY INFORMATION Understand the difference between "listing prices" (what sellers are asking for) and "sold prices" (what buyers are willing to pay). By comparing these price trends, you'll have a good idea of where the market is heading. The median listing and sold property prices are calculated based on the market activity each month. Some sales are not immediately available from public records. As they become available, the data are updated. THANK YOU FOR VISITING!!! Information provided courtesy of Holli Washington-Keller Williams Realty Hire the professionals to help you find your next home! Call 469-316-3989 for more information on Buyer's Services (AT NO COST TO BUYERS) Search DFW homes in MLS for FREE at www.buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com Get a FREE HOME VALUE REPORT at www.buyandwellrichardsonhomes.com/sell Can you see yourself living in Frisco Lakes??? Holli Washington Keller Williams Central Business Cell: 469-316-3989 Website: buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com

Before You Buy, Inspect!

Holli Washington, Your Neighborhood Expert!!! — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 02:32:29 -0700

Before You Buy, Inspect!!! Buying a home is one of the most important purchases you will make in your lifetime, so you should be sure that the home you want to buy is in good condition. A home inspection is an evaluation of a home's condition by a trained expert. During a home inspection, a qualified inspector takes an in-depth and impartial look at the property you plan to buy. The inspector will review the readily accessible exposed portions of the structure of the home for potential problems. Key areas of focus include: Roof Windows FloorsHeating/AC systems Interior plumbing Electrical systemsDoor Basement Foundation Attic Walls Ceiling Home inspections are not intended to point out every small problem or any latent defect in a home. Most minor or cosmetic flaws, for example, should be apparent to the buyer without the aid of a professional. During the Home Inspection While not necessary, it is recommended that the buyer be present for the inspection. This allows the buyer to observe the inspector, ask questions directly, and obtain a better understanding of the condition of the home, how its systems work, and how to maintain it. The written report may be easier to understand if the buyer was present during the inspection. It is important that safe access and sufficient lighting is provided so that the inspector can inspect the property. At the conclusion of the home inspection, the buyer should be well informed of the condition of the home. It should be known if there are visible, apparent problems, if repairs need to be made, or whether or not there are any risks of concealed damage, and whether further investigation is recommended and/or required. After the inspection is complete, you will receive a written report of the findings, usually within five to seven days. Spending Hundreds May Save You Thousands When you make a written offer on a home, you should insist that the contract state that the offer is contingent on a home inspection conducted by a qualified inspector. You will have to pay for the inspection yourself, but it could keep you from buying a house that will cost you far more in repairs down the road. If you are satisfied with the results of the inspection, then your offer can proceed. Need a positive, helpful partner for buying a retirement home or selling: HIRE ME- YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD EXPERTTrusted resource for answers about the process Innovative marketing strategies Expertise about neighborhood features Ability to target home searches Strong negotiation skills Support through the closing and beyond COMMUNITY INFORMATION Understand the difference between "listing prices" (what sellers are asking for) and "sold prices" (what buyers are willing to pay). By comparing these price trends, you'll have a good idea of where the market is heading. The median listing and sold property prices are calculated based on the market activity each month. Some sales are not immediately available from public records. As they become available, the data are updated. THANK YOU FOR VISITING!!! Information provided courtesy of Holli Washington-Keller Williams Realty Hire the professionals to help you find your retirement home! Call 469-316-3989 for more information on Buyer's Services (AT NO COST TO BUYERS) Search DFW homes in MLS for FREE at www.buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com Get a FREE HOME VALUE REPORT at www.buyandwellrichardsonhomes.com/sell GET AHEAD AND BECOME A MARKET INSIDER TODAY!!!! Holli Washington Keller Williams Central Business Cell: 469-316-3989 Website: buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com

Money Saving Tips On Homeowner's Insurance

Holli Washington, Your Neighborhood Expert!!! — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 11:06:15 -0700

Money Saving Tips On Homeowner's Insurance When shopping for home insurance, there's much more to consider than how much your coverage will cost. Your agent or insurance company will determine how much it would cost to replace your home and many of the items inside.Most standard policies will provide coverage for damage to your home (and many belongings) caused by theft, fire and lightning, smoke, frozen pipes, ice and snow.The price you pay for insurance can vary by hundreds of dollars, depending on the insurance company you buy your policy from.Here are some things to consider when buying homeowners insurance: Shop Around Ask your friends,contact your state insurance department,check consumer guides,and contact insurance agents,companies and online insurance quote services.This will give you an idea of price ranges and tell you which companies have the lowest prices. But don't consider price alone. The insure ryou select should offer a fair price and deliver the quality service you would expect if you needed assistance in filing a claim.Wheb you have narrowed the field to three insurers, get price quotes. Raise Your Deductible Deductibles are the amount of money you have to pay toward a loss before your insurance company starts to pay a claim, according to the terms of your policy. The higher your deductible, the more money you can save on your premiums. Don't confuse what you paid for your house with rebuilding costs The land under your house isn't at risk from theft, windstorm, fire and the other perils covered in your homeowners policy. So don't include its value in deciding how much homeowners insurance to buy. If you do, you will pay a higher premium than you should. Buy your home and auto policies from the same insurer Some companies that sell homeowners, auto and liability coverage will take 5 to 15 percent off your premium if you buy two or more policies from them. But make certain this combined price is lower than buying the different coverage from different companies. Make your home more disaster resistant Find out from your insurance agent or company representative what steps you can take to make your home more resistant to windstorms and other natural disasters. In addition, consider modernizing your heating, plumbing and electrical systems to reduce the risk of fire and water damage. Improve your home securityYou can usually get discounts of at least 5 percent for a smoke detector, burglar alarm or deadbolt locks. Some companies offer to cut your premium by as much as 15 or 20 percent if you install a sophisticated sprinkler system and a fire and burglar alarm that rings at the police, fire or other monitoring stations.Seek out other discounts Companies offer several types of discounts, but they don't all offer the same discount or the same amount of discount in all states. For example, since retired people stay at home more than working people they are less likely to be burglarized and may spot fires sooner, too. If you're at least 55 years old and retired, you may qualify for a discount of up to 10 percent at some companies. Some employers and professional associations administer group insurance programs that may offera better deal than you can get elsewhere Looking for affordable Home Owner Insurance-I CAN HELPNeed a positive, helpful partner for buying or selling a home- I CAN HELPCONTACT HOLLI WASHINGTON-YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD EXPERT http://www.buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com/contact/Trusted resource for answers about the process Innovative marketing strategies Expertise about neighborhood features Ability to target home searches Strong negotiation skills Support through the closing and beyond COMMUNITY INFORMATION Understand the difference between "listing prices" (what sellers are asking for) and "sold prices" (what buyers are willing to pay).By comparing these price trends, you'll have a good idea of where the market is heading. The median listing and sold property prices are calculated based on the market activity each month.Some sales are not immediately available from public records. As they become available, the data are updated. THANK YOU FOR VISITING!!! Information provided courtesy of Holli Washington-Keller Williams RealtyHire the professionals to help you find your next home!Call 469-316-3989 for more information on Buyer's Services (AT NO COST TO BUYERS) Search DFW homes in MLS for FREE at www.buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com Get a FREE HOME VALUE REPORT at www.buyandwellrichardsonhomes.com/sellGET AHEAD AND BECOME A MARKET INSIDER TODAY!!!! Holli Washington Keller Williams Central Business Cell: 469-316-3989 Website: buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com

Down payment got you down? I can HELP

Holli Washington, Your Neighborhood Expert!!! — Tue, 27 May 2014 04:19:32 -0700

Down payment got you down? For many Americans, coming up with a down payment for their first home can be a major road block and quite often the reason for renting, rather than owning a home. A down payment is the difference between the home's purchase price and its mortgage amount. This percentage of the sale price must be paid upfront and can vary by lender, location, and loan program. A higher down payment generally translates into lower loan interest rate requirements. Typically, a down payment comes from personal cash savings, but it can also be a gift that is not to be repaid, or a borrowed amount secured by assets.While conventional loan down payments may be close to 20% of the sale price, government loans typically have lower down payment requirements. This allows potential homebuyers who normally cannot meet downpayment requirements an opportunity to qualify for a mortgage. Keep in mind that down payments that are less than 20% of the sale price typically require mortgage insurance payments. 10 things to know before buying a home 1.Before you start looking for a home, get prequalified for a loan. Banks, credit unions, and mortgage bankers make home loans; mortgage brokers process loans through a variety of lenders. The lenders will take an application, process the loan documents, and see the loan through to the funding stage. 2. If you have marginal or bad credit, consult your lender. You may be able to qualify for a loan depending on how long ago and what reason(s) caused the bad credit. 3.You will need a down payment. Down payment requirements vary depending on the type of loan. You may also qualify for federal or local down payment assistance. Consult your real estate agent. 4.You will need funds for closing costs. Closing costs are charges for services related to the closing of your real estate transaction. They include, but are not limited to: Escrow fees, title policy issuance fees, mortgage insurance fees, fire,flood, and homeowners insurance, county recorder fees, and loan origination fees. Consult your lender for an actual estimate of these costs. 5. Some loans have points and some do not. A point is a loan origination fee equivalent to 1% of the loan amount. Together with the interest rate they constitute a yield on the your loan for the lender. 6.Mortgage rates can be fixed or adjustable. Which one is right for you depends on whether mortgage rates are at a high or a low point when you purchase, and or how long you plan on living in the home. 7. There are two main types of loan categories. Conventional mortgage loans are available with fixed or adjustable interest rates. Government loans include FHA fixed and adjustable mortgage rates, and VA fixed rate mortgage loans. 8. If you are a low to moderate income home-buyer, there are special programs out there that are design to help you. These loans are available through private lenders, as well as state and local housing agencies. 9. You may have to pay mortgage insurance. Mortgage insurance protects the lender from potential loss just in case you default on your mortgage loan payment. Mortgage insurance is always required on FHA loans. 10. Many organizations offer home loan counseling to prospective buyers. They will cover home selection, REALTOR service,lenders, loan programs,home-ownership responsibilities, saving for down payment, and other important information. Need A Lender ???? Looking for a lender to assist you with your pre-approval process and inform you of any down payment options??? Contact Supreme Lending: A strong and genuine belief in the “customer for life” principal of doing business is what fuels this company. Referrals from previous customers and local real estate professionals have always delivered the majority of Supreme’s production. BecomeACustomerforLife Looking for an agent who's an expert in this local area, I can HELP!!! I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise about buying and selling real estate. Looking for someone who knows this area inside and out! Again, I can HELP! I can work with you to find the right home at the right price for you, including all the neighborhood amenities that matter - not to mention the essential criteria you have for your ideal home Contact Holli-Your Local Real Estate Connection Get a positive, helpful partner for buying or selling a home:Trusted resource for answers about the process Innovative marketing strategies Expertise about neighborhood features Ability to target home searches Strong negotiation skills Support through the closing and beyond COMMUNITY INFORMATION Understand the difference between "listing prices" (what sellers are asking for) and "sold prices" (what buyers are willing to pay). By comparing these price trends, you'll have a good idea of where the market is heading. The median listing and sold property prices are calculated based on the market activity each month. Some sales are not immediately available from public records. As they become available, the data are updated. THANK YOU FOR VISITING!!! Information provided courtesy of Holli Washington-Keller Williams Realty Hire the professionals to help you find your next home! Call 469-316-3989 for more information on Buyer's Services (AT NO COST TO BUYERS) Search DFW homes in MLS for FREE at www.buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com Get a FREE HOME VALUE REPORT at www.buyandwellrichardsonhomes.com/sell GET AHEAD AND BECOME A MARKET INSIDER TODAY!!!!Holli Washington Keller Williams Central Business Cell: 469-316-3989 Website: buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com

STEPS BUYERS NEED TO TAKE TO BECOME ONE STEP CLOSER IN BUYING THEIR DREAM HOME!!!

Holli Washington, Your Neighborhood Expert!!! — Fri, 23 May 2014 13:00:44 -0700

STEPS BUYERS NEED TO TAKE TO BECOME ONE STEP CLOSER IN BUYING THEIR DREAM HOME!!! When you're thinking about making a move, the first steps in the home buying process are: . Deciding when you want to make your move . Considering how much money you would like to spend . Thinking about what type of home you would like . Deciding where you would like to live The next step is usually finding out how much you can qualify for and deciding the type of financing that will work best for you. If you're in the "thinking about it" stage, you will want to speak with a lender about receiving pre-qualification. If you choose to become pre-qualified, the lender will determine how much you can borrow based on financial information you provide to the lender. Pre-qualification is useful for making preliminary decisions about how much home you can afford, but does not assess your creditworthiness. You will need to fill out a loan application and go through the lender's loan approval process at a later date. When you decide to buy a home, you will want to become pre-approved for a loan prior to beginning your home search. When you are pre-approved, the lender conducts a thorough credit check and verifies your employment and deposit. The lender's pre-approval is a commitment to loan up to a certain pre-determined amount. The only thing missing is the lender's appraisal of the home to confirm its value. Why is pre-approval important at the beginning of the home buying process? Pre-approval strengthens your offer and negotiating position. A home seller will often choose an offer that is pre-approved for a mortgage over someone whose financial picture is still in question. Holli-Your Local Real Estate Connection Get a positive, helpful partner for buying or selling a home:Trusted resource for answers about the process Innovative marketing strategies Expertise about neighborhood features Ability to target home searches Strong negotiation skills Support through the closing and beyond COMMUNITY INFORMATION Understand the difference between "listing prices" (what sellers are asking for) and "sold prices" (what buyers are willing to pay). By comparing these price trends, you'll have a good idea of where the market is heading. The median listing and sold property prices are calculated based on the market activity each month. Some sales are not immediately available from public records. As they become available, the data are updated. THANK YOU FOR VISITING!!! Information provided courtesy of Holli Washington-Keller Williams Realty Hire the professionals to help you find your next home! Call 469-316-3989 for more information on Buyer's Services (AT NO COST TO BUYERS) Search DFW homes in MLS for FREE at www.buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com Get a FREE HOME VALUE REPORT at www.buyandwellrichardsonhomes.com/sell GET AHEAD AND BECOME A MARKET INSIDER TODAY!!!! Holli Washington Keller Williams Central Business Cell: 469-316-3989 Website: buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com

Understanding Debt to Income Ratio and how it effects YOU

Holli Washington, Your Neighborhood Expert!!! — Tue, 20 May 2014 11:38:15 -0700

The debt-to-income ratio is, simply, the way that mortgage lenders decide how much money you can comfortably afford to borrow. It is the percentage of your monthly gross income (before taxes) that is used to pay your monthly debts (not your monthly living expenses). Two calculations are involved, a front ratio and a back ratio, written in ratio form, i.e., 33/38. . The ﬁrst number indicates the percentage of your monthly gross income used to pay housing costs, such as principal, interest, taxes, insurance, mortgage insurance and homeowners' association dues. The second number indicates your monthly consumer debt, such as car payments, credit card debt, installment loans, etc. Other living expenses are not considered debt. So a debt-to-income ratio of 33/38 means that 33 percent of your monthly gross income is used to pay your monthly housing costs, and 5 percent of your monthly gross income is used to pay your consumer debt - so your housing costs plus your consumer debt equals 38 percent. . 33/38 is a common guideline for debt-to-income ratios. Depending on your down payment and credit score, the guidelines can be looser or tighter, and guidelines also vary according to program. The FHA, for instance, requires no better than a 29/41 qualifying ratio, while the VA guidelines require no front ratio but a back ratio of 41. What if you already have a house or don't plan to buy a house for a good period of time? You still need to know and control your debt-to-income ratio so you can avoid creeping indebtedness, or the gradual rising of debt. Impulse buying and routine use of credit cards for small, daily purchases can easily lead to unmanageable debt. . Debt-to-income ratio not only affects your ability to buy a home, but other purchases as well. Debt-to-income ratios are powerful indicators of creditworthiness and ﬁnancial health. Know your ratio and keep it low. Your consumer-debt number should never go higher than 20 percent regardless. If you let it rise above 20 percent, you may: - jeopardize your ability to make major purchases: cars, homes, and major appliances. • not get the lowest possible interest rates and best credit terms. have difﬁculty getting additional credit in emergencies • If you keep a stranglehold on your spending habits and therefore your debt-to-income ratio, you can: make sound buying decisions, and refrain from frivolous credit purchases and loans Holli-Your Local Real Estate Connection Get a positive, helpful partner for buying or selling a home:Trusted resource for answers about the process Innovative marketing strategies Expertise about neighborhood features Ability to target home searches Strong negotiation skills Support through the closing and beyond COMMUNITY INFORMATION Understand the difference between "listing prices" (what sellers are asking for) and "sold prices" (what buyers are willing to pay). By comparing these price trends, you'll have a good idea of where the market is heading. The median listing and sold property prices are calculated based on the market activity each month. Some sales are not immediately available from public records. As they become available, the data are updated. THANK YOU FOR VISITING!!! Information provided courtesy of Holli Washington-Keller Williams Realty Hire the professionals to help you find your next home! Call 469-316-3989 for more information on Buyer's Services (AT NO COST TO BUYERS) Search DFW homes in MLS for FREE at www.buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com Get a FREE HOME VALUE REPORT at www.buyandwellrichardsonhomes.com/sell GET AHEAD AND BECOME A MARKET INSIDER TODAY!!!!Holli Washington Keller Williams Central Business Cell: 469-316-3989 Website: buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com

How will you support yourself after you RETIRE?

Holli Washington, Your Neighborhood Expert!!! — Thu, 15 May 2014 07:50:30 -0700

How will you support yourself after you RETIRE? Americans are living longer-often 20 or more years after retiring-making it a potential struggle to get by during your "golden years" if you're not prepared. A common rule of thumb is that you'll need at least 70-80% of your pre-retirement income annually after you stop working. Unfortunately, the majority of Americans aren't saving nearly enough. Nearly half of workers between ages 48-65 have saved less than $25,000. Preparing for retirement - top tips: Make a planDetermine how much you'll need to save. You can easily find online calculators that will help you figure out how much you need to set aside to reach your retirement goal. Create a budget of your expenses and include your savings contributions as a monthly expense. And remember -the sooner you start, the more time your money has to grow. Contribute to a 401KIf your employer offers a 401(k) plan, sign up and contribute at least 10 percent if you can. You'll have an immediate tax deduction and your company may include a matching contribution. Over time, compound interest and tax-deferred growth on your savings will make a big difference in size of your nest egg. Start an IRABuild your savings by opening a traditional IRA or a Roth IRA. As of 2013, you can contribute $5,500 a year or $6,500 if you're over age 50. Both IRAs offer significant tax benefits and you can easily set them up with automatic deductions from your savings or checking account. Diversify your portfolioDon't put all of your eggs in one basket. To maximize your returns while minimizing risk, be sure to spread your investments across many companies and asset classes. If your retirement plan is with your employer, check for funds that automatically invest your money in a way that's designed for your age and investment objectives. If you invest on your own, be sure to talk with a financial planner to make the right choices for reaching your goals. Pay off debtThis is especially important as you get closer to the end of your working life. When you create your spending plan, prioritize the debts you want to pay off first. Start with higher-interest credit cards, then student loans, auto loans, and mortgages. Need a positive, helpful partner for buying a retirement home or selling: HIRE ME- YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD EXPERTTrusted resource for answers about the process Innovative marketing strategies Expertise about neighborhood features Ability to target home searches Strong negotiation skills Support through the closing and beyond COMMUNITY INFORMATION Understand the difference between "listing prices" (what sellers are asking for) and "sold prices" (what buyers are willing to pay). By comparing these price trends, you'll have a good idea of where the market is heading. The median listing and sold property prices are calculated based on the market activity each month. Some sales are not immediately available from public records. As they become available, the data are updated. THANK YOU FOR VISITING!!! Information provided courtesy of Holli Washington-Keller Williams Realty Hire the professionals to help you find your retirement home! Call 469-316-3989 for more information on Buyer's Services (AT NO COST TO BUYERS) Search DFW homes in MLS for FREE at www.buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com Get a FREE HOME VALUE REPORT at www.buyandwellrichardsonhomes.com/sell GET AHEAD AND BECOME A MARKET INSIDER TODAY!!!!Holli Washington Keller Williams Central Business Cell: 469-316-3989 Website: buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com

WHY BUYERS NEED THEIR OWN REAL ESTATE AGENT!!!

Holli Washington, Your Neighborhood Expert!!! — Thu, 15 May 2014 02:46:50 -0700

WHY BUYERS NEED THEIR OWN REAL ESTATE AGENT!!! Find an Experienced Real Estate Broker or Agent Buying a first home is a complex process. An experienced real estate broker or agent will assist you all through the search, comparable homes sold, making an offer, inspection, repair, and appraisal processes, as well as help you find the best value, neighborhood, and quality for your budget and requirements. The seller’s real estate broker pays your broker or agent out of the loan proceeds. If you don’t use your own agent, the seller’s broker keeps the commission, so you might as well avail yourself of professional advice. Your real estate broker or agent works in your best interest. In this article you will find what to expect and how to think long term. When repesented by a informed real estate agent it will make you see things in a different perspective. Don’t expect perfection There’s no perfect home. You may want all the latest amenities of a new home, but even new homes come at a price, perhaps longer commutes and bigger pricetags.Many sellers don’t repaint or recarpet prior to selling, so if you’re shopping for an older home, expect to do some cosmetic work. Homes that need updating are priced below homes that are up to the minute and move-in ready. That could be to your financial advantage, so try to look beyond outdated fixtures and focus instead on the floorplan and dimensions. Ignore the seller’s tastes and imagine each room clean and clear of clutter and with your own things in them. Most cosmetic changes are relatively inexpensive, and you can even pay for them with your mortgage loan, in some cases. Talk to your lender. Think long-term investment Buying a home can be a wise financial investment, if you buy right and hold your home for long-term gain. Because of closing and moving costs, it’s nearly impossible to buy a home and sell it immediately for a large gain, but it is possible to sell after a couple of years with no capital gains tax, should you make a profit. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, home equity growth beats inflation by about oneto two percent annually, not to mention government subsidies for home ownership in the form of tax relief and other incentives. However, if you look at owning a home strictly as an investment, you’ll miss many pleasures. With the dramatic rise and fall of housing prices over the last decade, consumers have new respect for homes as investments. But the flip side, is that your investment is still a home, one you’re likely to occupy for several years or more. Ownership According to the annual Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, compiled by the National Association of REALTORS®, the primary reason buyers cite for purchasing a home is simply the desire to own, followed closely by the desire for more space, and a change in the family situation. For most people, buying a home is more about giving household members more comfortable living arrangements and putting them closer to jobs, favorite activities, other family and friends. What are your goals for buying a home? You might want a better home and neighborhood. You might want a different kind of living experience, such as moving from an apartment to a single-family home with a private garage and yard. Your family may be growing, so you have to think about school districts and proximity to parks and other recreation. If you’re not certain, you might think about what would change about your situation if you became a homeowner. You’ll definitely be more established. If you’re like most homebuyers, you expect to stay in your new home about 10 years. Equity You’ll also build equity for yourself, instead of for someone else. Every payment you make, plus the rules of inflation will eventually allow you to recoup most if not all of your investment, or make a profit when you sell. Affordability may also be an important factor for you. The combination of low interest rates and low prices allows you to buy more home for the money. Rents are rising, making ownership more affordable than renting in many areas, especially when you factor in tax incentives such as mortgage interest deductions and property taxes allowable as deductions against your income. When you buy, make your goals long-term. Choose the home you think will serve your household’s needs the best for the longest period of time, as it’s been proven that the longer you own a home, the more equity you’ll build. Today’s market conditions and affordability, make it more likely that you will reach your homebuying goals, no matter what they are. Contact ME: positive, helpful partner for buying or selling a home:Trusted resource for answers about the process Innovative marketing strategies Expertise about neighborhood features Ability to target home searches Strong negotiation skills Support through the closing and beyond COMMUNITY INFORMATION Information provided courtesy of Holli Washington-Keller Williams Realty Hire the professionals to help you find your next home! Call 469-316-3989 for more information on Buyer's Services (AT NO COST TO BUYERS) Search DFW homes in MLS for FREE at www.buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com Get a FREE HOME VALUEREPORT at www.buyandwellrichardsonhomes.com/sellGET AHEAD AND BECOME A MARKET INSIDER TODAY!!!! Holli Washington Keller Williams Central Business Cell: 469-316-3989 Website: buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com

Move in Shiloh Lakes located in Mckinney, TEXAS

Holli Washington, Your Neighborhood Expert!!! — Thu, 08 May 2014 03:15:02 -0700

New Homes in McKinney at Shiloh Lakes off Custer Rd. LOCATED: 701 Chamberlain Place McKinney, TX 75071 McKinney home builders, Landon Homes offers luxury green new homes in McKinney in the friendly home community of Shiloh Lakes. Offering some of the largest homesites in McKinney, Shiloh Lakes is a quiet community north of Virginia Parkway off Custer Rd. In CNN Money Magazine, McKinney was recently voted as the #2 Best Place to Live in the US. Interested in a home viewing tour email me: holliwashington@kw.com COMMUNITY DETAILS: HUGE BACKYARDS AND GREAT LOCATION Shiloh Lakes is a quiet community with new homes in McKinney and offers some of the largest homesites the area has to offer. We are located just north of Virginia Parkway off Custer Road with the Exemplary J.R Wilmeth Elementary School right across the street. McKinney, ranked Second Best Place to Live in the US in 2012, according to CNN Money Magazine, is surrounded with rolling hills, expansive open spaces, 42 miles of hike and bike trails and 2,000 acres of parkland. We invite you to come visit our brand new location today and see why Shiloh Lakes should be your first choice when choosing the home of your dreams. SCHOOLS:McKinney ISD J.R. Wilmeth Elementary Cockrill Middle School McKinney North High School Mckinney MARKET ANALYSIS: Price Trends - Sold vs. Listed Understand the difference between "listing prices" (what sellers are asking for) and "sold prices" (what buyers are willing to pay). By comparing these price trends, you'll have a good idea of where the market is heading. The median listing and sold property prices are calculated based on the market activity each month. Income by Household Median household income in 75081 is $65,114 with 440 households earning between $35,000 to $40,000 annually. Income levels are listed along the left side of the chart, and the number of households are displayed along the bottom. Crime Risk The Crime Risk Index compares the likelihood of different crimes happening within this community to the national average. The national average for each type of crime equals a score of 100. A score of 200 would represent twice the risk as the national average, and a score of 50 would represent half the risk. Holli-Your Local Real Estate Connection Contact ME: positive, helpful partner for buying or selling a home:Trusted resource for answers about the process Innovative marketing strategies Expertise about neighborhood features Ability to target home searches Strong negotiation skills Support through the closing and beyond COMMUNITY INFORMATION Information provided courtesy of Holli Washington-Keller Williams Realty Hire the professionals to help you find your next home! Call 469-316-3989 for more information on Buyer's Services (AT NO COST TO BUYERS) Search DFW homes in MLS for FREE at www.buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com Get a FREE HOME VALUEREPORT at www.buyandwellrichardsonhomes.com/sellGET AHEAD AND BECOME A MARKET INSIDER TODAY!!!! Holli Washington Keller Williams Central Business Cell: 469-316-3989 Website: buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com

Home Staged Home - Decide Before YOU Sell Your Frisco, TX Home

Holli Washington, Your Neighborhood Expert!!! — Tue, 06 May 2014 10:20:52 -0700

Home Staged Home!!!!! What to do before you SELL your FRISCO, TX Home??? "Homestaging" is more than just preparing to sell your home by making it look the best it can!It is the most effective form of advertising for the sale of your home in order to achieve the best price within the shortest time frame. It's really the art of first impressions. For many home sellers and real estate agents, the concept of "home staging" is being more frequently recognized and used to effectively promote and market a home in the marketplace. If you are in the process of, or thinking about, selling your home,you may want to consider hiring a professional home stager to assist you. They work with the "flow" of a home, eliminate clutter, arrange furniture, and even assist in enhancing curb appeal. Or, if you're more the do it yourself type, below are some tips on what you can do to improve your home's "first impression." START AT THE CURB Curb appeal is the first step to selling your home. No one wants to buy a previous owner's dirty house. Power wash the siding and wash windows until they shine. Trees, shrubs, and flowers should be neat and tidy, the garden weeded and the lawn mowed and edged . Once you've removed everything that isn't necessary, add touches such as large, lush flower pots or hanging planters to welcome visitors. Move inside-INTERIOR Once you've created a promising exterior, you need to focus on the interior. The key to staging is to make it meaningful, set the one and suggest countless possibilities.That means you need to remove everything that could distract the buyer's attention. Keep only what you must to remain functional. If you don't use something every day, pack it for the move. This is also very important. You want to remove anything personal such as family pictures and mementos. Like the exterior, the inside needs to be neat and clean. Once the house is clean, stage your home with minimal furnishings. Arrange furniture to enhance the strengths of the room and facilitate traffic flow. If your furniture shows signs of age, consider borrowing pieces. If you need inspiration, visit some model homes to see how decorators have put rooms together. It's not necessary for individual rooms to be used for their original purpose as long as the functions they represent are logical and show the space off well. SPRUCE IT UP- PAINT!!!! If paint is showing signs of age, repaint. Neutrals often work best. Clear out closets, cupboards, and drawers. Strip the kitchen down to the necessities. Counters, however, should be clear, except for a decoratively placed bowl of fruit or bouquet of fresh flowers. Open the curtains to allow natural light to fill the room. Some home stagers also use scents to put the best face on a listed home. You can appeal to a buyer's sense of smell. Hot apple cider, cinnamon rolls, or fresh baked cookies add a homey sense which can be very inviting. The opposite of course is true, strong odors such as garbage or pet odors can quickly turn people away! Need a positive, helpful partner for buying or selling a home: HIRE ME- YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD EXPERTTrusted resource for answers about the process Innovative marketing strategies Expertise about neighborhood features Ability to target home searches Strong negotiation skills Support through the closing and beyond COMMUNITY INFORMATION Understand the difference between "listing prices" (what sellers are asking for) and "sold prices" (what buyers are willing to pay). By comparing these price trends, you'll have a good idea of where the market is heading. The median listing and sold property prices are calculated based on the market activity each month. Some sales are not immediately available from public records. As they become available, the data are updated. THANK YOU FOR VISITING!!! Information provided courtesy of Holli Washington-Keller Williams Realty Hire the professionals to help you find your next home! Call 469-316-3989 for more information on Buyer's Services (AT NO COST TO BUYERS) Search DFW homes in MLS for FREE at www.buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com Get a FREE HOME VALUE REPORT at www.buyandwellrichardsonhomes.com/sell GET AHEAD AND BECOME A MARKET INSIDER TODAY!!!!Holli Washington Keller Williams Central Business Cell: 469-316-3989 Website: buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com

The Villas of Buckingham-Richardson, Texas

Holli Washington, Your Neighborhood Expert!!! — Sun, 04 May 2014 08:04:38 -0700

WELCOME TO THE VILLAS OF BUCKINGHAM LOCATED IN RICHARDSON, TX Listings for Sale Near Villas of Buckingham in Richardson, TX Request a FREE Evaluation of your home in Richardson or surounding areas The Villas of Buckingham features beautifully designed custom-built homes within the City of Richardson. Located near Centennial and Greenville Avenue and served by the Richardson Independent School District, Villas of Buckingham is just five minutes from Central Expressway and within a 25-minute commute of downtown Dallas. The Telecom Corridor is just 15 minutes away. A playground is within the neighborhood, several places of worship (of all different faiths) are nearby, and a number of malls, shopping centers, and grocery stores are just minutes away.Please call for a tour @469-316-3989 SCHOOL DISTRICT: RICHARDSON Independent School District: RISD covers 38.5 square miles (100 km2) and includes most of the city of Richardson, TX and portions of the cities of Dallas, TX and Garland, TX (60 percent of RISD is in North Dallas, with 35 percent in Richardson and 5 percent in Garland). RISD operates 55 campuses that serve more than 36,000 students. Including administration and support, RISD maintains 70 facilities The quality of a school can greatly influence home values in an area. Access detailed information on Richardson Schools via school ratings, test scores, and student-to-teacher ratios. COMMUNITY HOUSEHOLD INCOME: Median household income in 75081 is $65,114 with 440 households earning between $35,000 to $40,000 annually. Income levels are listed along the left side of the chart, and the number of households are displayed along the bottom. Price Trends - Sold vs. Listed: Understand the difference between "listing prices" (what sellers are asking for) and "sold prices" (what buyers are willing to pay). By comparing these price trends, you'll have a good idea of where the market is heading. The median listing and sold property prices are calculated based on the market activity each month. Some sales are not immediately available from public records. As they become available, the data are updated COMMUNITY INFORMATION THANK YOU FOR VISITING!!! Thank you for visiting my BLOG! I provide professional real estate services to Buyers and Sellers in Richardson, TX and surrounding areas. I can help you to achieve YOUR Real Estate goals. My goal is to be a resource for you for all things real estate. If you just have a question or comment - please feel free to call, email or even text. I take my customer service seriously and respond to all inquires as quickly as I can. The Richardson area is an amazing place to live and work. I invite you to search till your hearts content on this site or just email me and we will do all the hard work for you and you will just get houses that match your criteria - automatically! Information provided courtesy of Holli Washington-Keller Williams Realty Hire the professionals to help you find your next home! Call 469-316-3989 for more information on Buyer's Services (AT NO COST TO BUYERS) Search DFW homes in MLS for FREE at www.buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com Get a FREE HOME VALUE REPORT at www.buyandwellrichardsonhomes.com/sell Can you see yourself living in Villas of Buckingham Estates??? Holli Washington Keller Williams Central Business Cell: 469-316-3989 Website: buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com

Curb Appeal that Will Get Your Home SOLD in 90 days or less!!!

Holli Washington, Your Neighborhood Expert!!! — Thu, 01 May 2014 13:22:58 -0700

There's Nothing better than a Great First Impression!!!! What's the first thing a potential homebuyer will notice about your house? The great view from the master bedroom? Your beautiful kitchen? If your house's front exterior is lacking appropriate "curb appeal" it's unlikely that buyers will even make it through the front door. Your home's exterior appearance is the first thing people notice. So whether you're getting ready to sell your home or are just looking for an easy way to improve your property value, taking small steps to improve your curb appeal can be a simple, worthwhile investment. Looking From Someone Else's Shoes There are lots of ways to add curb appeal to your home and sometimes the list can be overwhelming. First, you might want to try and take a good long look at your house. Stand at the end of the drive way or even across the street. Ask yourself: What would my neighbors notice about my house? What kind of initial impression would a guest have? You might even want to take a few pictures of your home's exterior and send them to a friend or relative.They might be able to see things that you wouldn't. The most impactful improvements will be the ones made on the most obvious problem areas. It doesn't make a lot of sense to add ornamental flowers if your lawn is dead. A new door knocker won't do much if your home needs new paint. Taking a nice long look at your house will make it clear what project you should tackle first. A Little Elbow Grease Often, the most impactful and cost effective way to improve your home'scurb appeal is simply taking time to clean and touch up the house's exterior and front landscape. Here's a few clean up ideas to help you get your home looking its best: 1. Powerwash the exterior siding. Make note of areas with peeling or cracking paint. 2. Clean out your gutters and remove any debris from the roof.If any of your gutters are rusting or bent, have them replaced. 3. Wash all of your windows on both the outside and the inside. Remove any cobwebs. 4. Rake and remove any dead vegetation. Make sure your walkways are swept. 5. Keep your lawn mowed. Edge the sidewalks. 6. Remove weeds or grass from the cracks in your driveway or sidewalk. 7. Trim trees and bushes. Make sure no branches of exterior plants are touching your roof or are too close to power lines. Small details that can make a big diﬀerence If you're looking to change your home' scurb appeal but you don't want to make a big investment. There are low cost ways to add additional charm and character to your home's exterior and make it more appealing to potential buyers. Doorway Your home's doorway is one of the ﬁrst features a homebuyer will look for. It's important that this area is kept clean and draws positive attention.If replacing a worn out front door isn't in your budget,consider painting it and updating or polishing the ﬁxtures. You may also want to update your porch lights and add planters around the door way to update and liven the area. Lighting Good lighting is about safety, security and can highlight features at night. Remember, potential homebuyers may drive by your property in the evening. At a minimum, make sure your porch light is both, functioning and is turned on when your home is on the market. Illuminating your walkways or prominent trees are also excellent,lowcostimprovements.Today you can ﬁnd many free standing,solar powered light ﬁxtures that will illuminate your walkway or garden areas. These are a great investment. Holli-Your Local Real Estate Connection Get a positive, helpful partner for buying or selling a home:Trusted resource for answers about the process Innovative marketing strategies Expertise about neighborhood features Ability to target home searches Strong negotiation skills Support through the closing and beyond COMMUNITY INFORMATION Understand the difference between "listing prices" (what sellers are asking for) and "sold prices" (what buyers are willing to pay). By comparing these price trends, you'll have a good idea of where the market is heading. The median listing and sold property prices are calculated based on the market activity each month. Some sales are not immediately available from public records. As they become available, the data are updated. THANK YOU FOR VISITING!!! Information provided courtesy of Holli Washington-Keller Williams Realty Hire the professionals to help you find your next home! Call 469-316-3989 for more information on Buyer's Services (AT NO COST TO BUYERS) Search DFW homes in MLS for FREE at www.buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com Get a FREE HOME VALUE REPORT at www.buyandwellrichardsonhomes.com/sell GET AHEAD AND BECOME A MARKET INSIDER TODAY!!!! Holli Washington Keller Williams Central Business Cell: 469-316-3989 Website: buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com

How Much Home Can You Afford?

Holli Washington, Your Neighborhood Expert!!! — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 23:35:43 -0700

How Much Home Can You Afford? The single most important part of buying a house is figuring out how much you can realistically afford to pay. You'll have to take a good look at your budget, debts, credit reports, and credit score. Once you have a good picture of your financial status, start saving as much money as you can for a down payment, closing costs and other extra expensesthat come along with buying a house. Extra expenses could include paying for ahomeinspection(around $300-$500 depending on where you live)or hiring a moving company after the sale is final. Depending on the condition of your finances if you have a lot of debt, errors on your credit report,or a low credit score getting ready financially could take six to 12months or more! If your credit score falls below 620, lenders may see you as a risky borrower. It might be worth your time to take a year and work on building a better credit report before taking on the responsibility of a mortgage.Also,if you qualify for a lower interest rate you could save thousands of dollars over the life of the loan. Determining a Mortgage You Can Live With There are a few basic formulas commonly used by lenders to determine how much of a mortgage you can reasonably afford.These formulas are called qualifying ratios because they estimate the amount of money you should spend on mortgage payments in relation to your income and other expenses. It is important to remember that these ratios may vary from lender to lender and each application is handled on an individual basis,so the guidelines are just that guidelines. Generally speaking, to qualify for conventional loans, housing expenses should not exceed 26 to 28 percent of your gross monthly income. Monthly housing costs include the mortgage principal,interest,taxes and insurance.Forexample,if your annual income is $30,000, your gross monthly income is $2,500, and $2,500 x 28 percent = $700. So you would probably qualify for a conventional home loan that requires monthly payments of $700. It is important that you select a home that will meet your family's needs and keep you happy for years to come. When budgeting to buy a home,it is important to allow enough money for additional expenses such as maintenance and utilities. If you are purchasing an existing home, gather utility cost averages and maintenance costs from previous owners or tenants to help you better prepare for homeownership. Generally speaking, if your finances are indecent shape, you could look for a home priced at two to three times your gross yearly salary. And while using mortgage calculators can give you a rough idea of how large of a mortgage you qualify for, talking to a lender or mortgage broker in person will give you a more accurate figure. Don't Be Discouraged!!!! If your loan application is rejected, find out what the problem is and how it can be resolved. May be you need to look for a less expensive house, or save more money. Check to see if there are any affordable housing and community programs you might be eligible for to help you through your home buying process. Holli-Your Local Real Estate Connection Get a positive, helpful partner for buying or selling a home:Trusted resource for answers about the process Innovative marketing strategies Expertise about neighborhood features Ability to target home searches Strong negotiation skills Support through the closing and beyond COMMUNITY INFORMATION Understand the difference between "listing prices" (what sellers are asking for) and "sold prices" (what buyers are willing to pay). By comparing these price trends, you'll have a good idea of where the market is heading. The median listing and sold property prices are calculated based on the market activity each month. Some sales are not immediately available from public records. As they become available, the data are updated. THANK YOU FOR VISITING!!! Information provided courtesy of Holli Washington-Keller Williams Realty Hire the professionals to help you find your next home! Call 469-316-3989 for more information on Buyer's Services (AT NO COST TO BUYERS) Search DFW homes in MLS for FREE at www.buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com Get a FREE HOME VALUE REPORT at www.buyandwellrichardsonhomes.com/sell GET AHEAD AND BECOME A MARKET INSIDER TODAY!!!!Holli Washington Keller Williams Central Business Cell: 469-316-3989 Website: buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com

Welcome to Dominion at Panther Creek!!!

Holli Washington, Your Neighborhood Expert!!! — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 02:46:28 -0700

WELCOME TO Dominion at Panther Creek LOCTAED IN FRISCO,TX!!! Located at 11904 Gladstone Court, Frisco, Texas 75035 Listings for Sale Near Dominion at Panther Creek Estates in Frisco, TX Request a FREE Evaluation of your home in Frisco or surounding areas Welcome to the Dominion at Panther Creek. Grand Homes is excited about an additional NEW PHASE in this premier community that offers a family-oriented lifestyle with amenities that are second to none. Discover the amenity center complete with a pool and cabana for relaxing, while the play area will appeal to the child in all of us. Hike and bike trails wind throughout the neighborhood and in the heart of Panther Creek is a future park and school site. The selection of home designs available represents an unparalleled spectrum of classic design, and each offers its own special array of the most lavish appointments. Collin County is ranked #14 in the Top 20 of the best Places to raise a family according to Forbes.com. Come out and see this wonderful family community. COMMUNITY HOUSEHOLD INCOME Median household income in 75033 is $99,043 with 445 households earning between $35,000 to $40,000 annually. Income levels are listed along the left side of the chart, and the number of households are displayed along the bottom. CRIME RISK: The Crime Risk Index compares the likelihood of different crimes happening within this community to the national average. The national average for each type of crime equals a score of 100. A score of 200 would represent twice the risk as the national average, and a score of 50 would represent half the risk.

Community Amenities:

»	Pool
»	Cabana
»	Lake with fountain
»	Greenbelts
»	Hike and bike trails
»	Future park site
»	Future school site

Schools: Frisco ISD * Exemplary

»	Polly Tadlock Elementary * Exemplary
»	Maus Middle School * Exemplary
»	Heritage High School

Golf Courses:

»	Gentle Creek Golf Club
»	Plantation Golf Club
»	Stonebriar Country Club
»	Trails of Frisco - American Golf Corp.
»	The Tribute Golf Club
»	The Westin Stonebriar Resort
»	WestRidge Golf Course

Entertainment/Culture:

»	Dr. Pepper/Seven-Up Ballpark: home of Frisco RoughRiders Double-A Baseball
»	Dr. Pepper Star Center: training facility for the Dallas Stars hockey team and home of the Texas Legends of the NBA D-League
»	FC Dallas: major league soccer team at Toyota Stadium
»	The Ice at Stonebriar: an NHL - sized ice rink located in Stonebriar Centre, offers classes and public skating
»	Frisco Chorale
»	Frisco Association for the Arts
»	Heard Natural Science Museum
»	Frisco Community Center

Medical:

»	Centennial Medical Center
»	Baylor Medical Center at Frisco
»	Children's Medical Center Legacy
»	Medical Center of Plano
»	Presbyterian Hospital of Plano

Shopping:

»	Stonebriar Mall
»	Grapevine Mills Mall
»	The Shops at Willow Bend
»	Dallas Galleria
»	Allen Premium Outlets

COMMUNITY INFORMATION Understand the difference between "listing prices" (what sellers are asking for) and "sold prices" (what buyers are willing to pay). By comparing these price trends, you'll have a good idea of where the market is heading. The median listing and sold property prices are calculated based on the market activity each month. Some sales are not immediately available from public records. As they become available, the data are updated. THANK YOU FOR VISITING!!! Information provided courtesy of Holli Washington-Keller Williams Realty Hire the professionals to help you find your next home! Call 469-316-3989 for more information on Buyer's Services (AT NO COST TO BUYERS) Search DFW homes in MLS for FREE at www.buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com Get a FREE HOME VALUE REPORT at www.buyandwellrichardsonhomes.com/sell Can you see yourself living in Dominion at Panther Creek??? Holli Washington Keller Williams Central Business Cell: 469-316-3989 Website: buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com

FORECLOSURE EXPLAINED from A to Z! Ask me Your Neighborhood Expert!

Holli Washington, Your Neighborhood Expert!!! — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 10:17:42 -0700

FORECLOSURE EXPLAINED from A to Z -Ask me Your Neighborhood Expert!Trusted resource for answers about the process Innovative marketing strategies Expertise about neighborhood features Ability to target home searches Strong negotiation skills Support through the closing and beyond HIRE ME-Your Local Real Estate Connection Get a positive, helpful partner for buying or selling a home: For Additional COMMUNITY INFORMATION Click Below Understand the difference between "listing prices" (what sellers are asking for) and "sold prices" (what buyers are willing to pay). By comparing these price trends, you'll have a good idea of where the market is heading. The median listing and sold property prices are calculated based on the market activity each month. Some sales are not immediately available from public records. As they become available, the data are updated. Want to know what Homes are Selling for Become a Market Insider Its FREE THANK YOU FOR VISITING!!! Information provided courtesy of Holli Washington-Keller Williams Realty Hire the professionals to help you find your next home! Call 469-316-3989 for more information on Buyer's Services (AT NO COST TO BUYERS) Search DFW homes in MLS for FREE at www.buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com Get a FREE HOME VALUE REPORT at www.buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com/sellHolli Washington Keller Williams Central Business Cell: 469-316-3989 Website: buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com

Can a Comparative Market Analysis Help You? Yes!!! Yes!!! and YES!!!

Holli Washington, Your Neighborhood Expert!!! — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 09:22:30 -0700

April 14, 2014 12:32 PM

Holli Washington

Yes!!! Yes!!! and YES!!! DO YOUR HOMEWORK FIRST AND GET A FREE CMA Featured WebsitesGet a FREE Comparative Market Analysis Important Questions Contact Your Neighborhood Expert!!! Sellers: View an Example of a CMA Market InsiderTRIVIA Question: A jiffy is an actual unit of ?? Thus the common phrase used from this word is?? (ANSWER CAN BE VIEWED AT END OF THIS ARTICLE)

Can a Comparative Market Analysis Help You? To get the most accurate estimate of how much you should list your property for, your real estate agent can provide you with a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). A CMA is an informal estimate of market value, based on sales of comparable properties in your area. It generally takes into account various aspects of your home, including size, features and annual costs. Reviewing comparable homes that have sold within the past year, along with the listing or asking price on current homes for sale, should help you determine a fair sale price for your property.CMAs can include homes that are currently for sale and those which have recently sold. They can cover areas as narrow as one or two streets surrounding your home, or as broad as an entire subdivision.Most real estate agents will give you a CMA for free, hoping you'll list your home with them. Each CMA contains valuable information on several recent sales, including:How long each property stayed on the market How close the sale price was to the asking price Notes comparing each home to yours, i.e.; number of bedrooms and baths, approximate square footage, sizes of major rooms, amenities such as fireplaces and pools, age of the home, property taxes and more.The CMA is an informative selling tool, but like any tool, it doesn't work by itself. For this reason, the CMA will always need to be interpreted by a professional or with complete objectivity by the seller or buyer.Remember, too, that the CMA is also a buying tool; it is considered just as seriously by the buyer and his or her agent. As you and your agent are going to use the CMA to ask the highest possible price for your home, the buyer is going to use it to find reasons to either choose or eliminate your home, and to arrive at the lowest price possible.

Important Questions to Ask Important Questions to Ask an Agent Before Listing Your Home for SaleDo you have an active real estate license in good standing? How long have you been licensed as an agent? Why do you think I should list with you? What professional designations do you hold? What party will you represent -- the buyer or the seller? What services do you offer? Do you belong to an online homebuyer's search service? Have you listed or sold in my neighborhood lately? How will you price my home? How will you market my home? How will you keep in contact with me during the selling process, and how often? What is your fee? Will you cooperate with buyers' brokers? What share of commission will you offer a cooperating broker who finds the buyer? What awards have you won?Important Questions to Ask Yourself About the AgentIs the agent a good listener? Is the agent accessible? Is the agent part-time or full-time? Is the agent cooperative and enthusiastic, or rude and arrogant? Do you think you can have a good working relationship with the agent?

Sellers: Protect yourself and your home Never allow random house-hunters into your home unescorted. A serious buyer will be working with a real estate professional or should be willing to contact your agent to schedule an appointment. Also, always lock your valuables away before an open house - the agent onsite will be monitoring traffic, but it's impossible to be everywhere at all times.Become a Market Insider The data on this page is consolidated from multiple sources and includes current listings, recent sales, and more. Whether you're a buyer or seller, the knowledge you gain will help put you in control of your real estate transactions. Call or email anytime to discuss how this information can benefit you!

The Trivia Block A jiffy is an actual unit of time for 1/100th of a second. Thus the saying, I will be there in a jiffy!

HIRE ME!!!-Your Local Real Estate Connection Get a positive, helpful partner for buying or selling a home:Trusted resource for answers about the process Innovative marketing strategies Expertise about neighborhood features Ability to target home searches Strong negotiation skills Support through the closing and beyondCOMMUNITY INFORMATION Understand the difference between "listing prices" (what sellers are asking for) and "sold prices" (what buyers are willing to pay). By comparing these price trends, you'll have a good idea of where the market is heading. The median listing and sold property prices are calculated based on the market activity each month. Some sales are not immediately available from public records. As they become available, the data are updated. THANK YOU FOR VISITING!!! Information provided courtesy of Holli Washington-Keller Williams Realty Hire the professionals to help you find your next home! Call 469-316-3989 for more information on Buyer's Services (AT NO COST TO BUYERS) Search DFW homes in MLS for FREE at www.buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com Get a FREE HOME VALUE REPORT at www.buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com/sell Connect with me on: Holli Washington Keller Williams Central Business Cell: 469-316-3989 Website: buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com

NEWMAN VILLAGE PLAZA- LOCATED OFF DALLAS NORTH TOLLWAY-FRISCO

Holli Washington, Your Neighborhood Expert!!! — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 04:31:21 -0700

WELCOME TO NEWMAN VILLAGE PLAZA 52s-NEW HOMES LOCATED IN FRISCO, TEXAS OFF OF DALLAS NORTH TOLLWAY Located at 12462 Riverhill Road , Frisco, Texas 75033 Listings for Sale Near Newman Village Plaza in Frisco, TX Request a FREE Evaluation of your home in Richardson or surrounding areas NEW VILLAGE PLAZA 52s BUILDER These homes are built by Darling Brothers,6 new homes 3264 - 4223 sq.ft. For over 25 years, Darling Homes has been focused on making the homebuilding process enjoyable and easy. They continually strive to provide great value to our homebuyers by designing a home with architectural authenticity, a premier location in a distinctive community, a high level of quality and a personalized building experience. There homes are timeless in design and a place you will love to call home. If you are interested in a tour give me a call @ 4693163989 FRISCO SCHOOL DISTRICT Frisco ISD is at the top of the fastest growing school districts in the state and nation growing by 7-30 percent annually since the early 90s. The district continues to add 2,500-3,500 students each year. As of October 2013, we had enrolled 46,053 students. Within the 75 square miles of our district, they serve residents of Collin and Denton Counties and residents of Frisco, and some portions of Plano, Little Elm, and McKinney. FISD is 30 miles north of Dallas. The district is about 68 percent built-out considering land that is developed, actively developing, planned for development and in parks. Of the 32 percent of available land that is currently not being developed or planned for development, 44 percent is owned by three landowners. Lone Star High School 469-633-5300 Grades: 9-12 Principal: Karen Kraft Distance from community: 2 Miles NCES Report Pink Elementary 469-633-3500 Grades: K-5 Principal: Bethany Rowan Distance from community: .7 Miles NCES Report Stafford Middle School 469-633-5100 Grades: 6-8 Principal: Robin Scott Distance from community: 2.5 Miles NCES Report COMMUNITY HOUSEHOLD INCOME Median household income in 75033 is $99,043 with 445 households earning between $35,000 to $40,000 annually. Income levels are listed along the left side of the chart, and the number of households are displayed along the bottom. CRIME RISK: The Crime Risk Index compares the likelihood of different crimes happening within this community to the national average. The national average for each type of crime equals a score of 100. A score of 200 would represent twice the risk as the national average, and a score of 50 would represent half the risk. COMMUNITY INFORMATION Understand the difference between "listing prices" (what sellers are asking for) and "sold prices" (what buyers are willing to pay). By comparing these price trends, you'll have a good idea of where the market is heading. The median listing and sold property prices are calculated based on the market activity each month. Some sales are not immediately available from public records. As they become available, the data are updated. THANK YOU FOR VISITING!!! Information provided courtesy of Holli Washington-Keller Williams Realty Hire the professionals to help you find your next home! Call 469-316-3989 for more information on Buyer's Services (AT NO COST TO BUYERS) Search DFW homes in MLS for FREE at www.buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com Get a FREE HOME VALUE REPORT at www.buyandwellrichardsonhomes.com/sell Can you see yourself living in Newman Village Plaza 52s??? Holli Washington Keller Williams Central Business Cell: 469-316-3989 Website: buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com

ADVANTAGES OF BUYING VS RENTING

Holli Washington, Your Neighborhood Expert!!! — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 23:30:51 -0700

ADVANTAGES OF BUYING VS RENTINGTOPICS OF DICUSSION: Buying vs. Renting Your Home Buy vs. Rent: Pros and Cons Buy vs. Rent: Cost Comparison Market Insider: Be Inform before you BUY The Trivia Block Who said, "Real Estate is the best investment in the world because it is the only thing they're not making anymore?" See Answer at end of Article

Buying vs. Renting Your Home Is now the right time for you to buy a home? You have many options to consider and choices to make. Buying a home is a big responsibility, financially and emotionally, but, most people want to own a home. Homeownership often is referred to as "the American dream." Why is it so special? Among the reasons: Real estate often is an excellent investment, perhaps the number one source of wealth-building for families.Owning a home has many benefits. When you make a mortgage payment, you are building equity - and that's an investment. Owning a home also qualifies you for tax benefits that may assist you in dealing with your new financial responsibilities - such as homeowners' insurance, real estate taxes, and upkeep - which can be substantial. But given the freedom, stability, and security of owning your own home, they are definitely worth it! Owning your own home also can be a great source of pride and stability.But homeownership may not be for everyone. It's a big financial commitment - starting with the initial shock of your purchase (including a "down payment" and fees paid to a real estate agent, the lender and others) followed by years of monthly mortgage payments, real estate taxes, property insurance and maintenance costs. When you decide to purchase a home, you accept responsibility for paying for these expenses. They are additional costs to your monthly mortgage payment and should be included in your budget estimates: Property Taxes and Special Assessments, Home/Hazard Insurance, Utilities, Maintenance, Home Owner Association (HOA) Fee if applicable.One of the advantages of renting is being generally free of most maintenance responsibilities and the flexibility of moving almost as soon as you decide. But by renting, you lose the chance to build equity, take advantage of tax benefits, and protect yourself against rent increases. Also, you may not be free to decorate without permission and may be at the mercy of the landlord for your housing needs. There are many considerations in choosing between renting and buying: Do you want to spend several years in a house and in a neighborhood? Do you enjoy lawn and garden work? Might you need to move suddenly to care for family? Do you want to keep your assets accessible in the bank, or do you want to invest long-term in a home? There are tax advantages to homeownership in both the short and long terms. The mortgage interest and real estate taxes are tax deductible, which allows you to subtract part of your housing-related expenses from your taxable income, which could reduce your tax bill. In many cases, the amount of money a renter spends on rent can be about the same as or less than the amount a homeowner spends on a mortgage. With the tax benefit for homeowners, the savings can be significant.

Buy vs. Rent: Pros and Cons

.	Advantages	Considerations
Buy	Property builds equity	Responsible for maintenance
Sense of community, stability, and security	Responsible for property taxes
Free to change decor and landscaping	Possibility of foreclosure and loss of equity
Not dependent on landlord to maintain property	Less mobility then renting
Rent	Little or no responsibility for maintenance	No tax benefits
Easier to move	No equity is built up
.	No control over rent increases
.	Possibility of eviction

Buy vs. Rent: Cost Comparison The chart below shows a cost comparison for a renter and a homeowner over a seven year period. The renter starts out paying $800 per month with annual increases of 5%.The homeowner purchases a home for $110,000 and pays a monthly mortgage of $1,000. After 6 years, the homeowner's payment is lower than the renter's monthly payment. With the tax savings of homeownership, the homeowner's payment is less than the rental payment after 3 years.

Yrs	Rent	Mortgage Payment	Monthly Diff.	After Tax Savings	Yearly Diff.	After Tax Savings
1	800	1000	-200	-50	-2400	-600
2	840	1000	-160	-10	-1920	-120
3	882	1000	-118	+32	-1416	+384
4	926	1000	-74	+76	-888	+912
5	972	1000	-28	+122	-336	+1464
6	1021	1000	+21	+171	+252	+2052
7	1072	1000	+72	+222	+864	+2664
8-30	.	.	Savings increase every year

The Market Insider The data on this page is consolidated from multiple sources and includes current listings, recent sales, and more. Whether you're a buyer or seller, the knowledge you gain will help put you in control of your real estate transactions. Call or email anytime to discuss how this information can benefit you!

The Trivia Block Will Rogers, stage and film star, who began his career as a rope-throwing cowboy.

Holli-Your Local Real Estate Connection Get a positive, helpful partner for buying or selling a home:Trusted resource for answers about the process Innovative marketing strategies Expertise about neighborhood features Ability to target home searches Strong negotiation skills Support through the closing and beyond COMMUNITY INFORMATION Understand the difference between "listing prices" (what sellers are asking for) and "sold prices" (what buyers are willing to pay). By comparing these price trends, you'll have a good idea of where the market is heading. The median listing and sold property prices are calculated based on the market activity each month. Some sales are not immediately available from public records. As they become available, the data are updated. THANK YOU FOR VISITING!!! Information provided courtesy of Holli Washington-Keller Williams Realty Hire the professionals to help you find your next home! Call 469-316-3989 for more information on Buyer's Services (AT NO COST TO BUYERS) Search DFW homes in MLS for FREE at www.buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com Get a FREE HOME VALUE REPORT at www.buyandwellrichardsonhomes.com/sell Holli Washington Keller Williams Central Business Cell: 469-316-3989 Website: buyandsellrichardsonhomes.com

Home Improvements that will give you the most BANG for a BUCK!!!!!

Holli Washington, Your Neighborhood Expert!!! — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 04:01:03 -0700

Holli Washington Keller Williams Central

Home Improvements that will give you the most BANG for a BUCK!!!!!Featured Communities Served Allen, Texas Mckinney, Texas Frisco, Texas The Trivia BlockWhich former Dallas Cowboys quarterback is now working in Real Estate?View Correct Answer at end of Article

Best Bet Home Improvements If you're looking to improve the appearance of your home for resale, or you just want an updated look for your own enjoyment, there are a few things you must consider before beginning any costly project. Sure, you can spend a lot on something purely for the personal pleasure of having it - like that outdoor Jacuzzi under the attached gazebo - or you can go the practical route and make an improvement that will increase your home's market value, such as installing energy-efficient air-conditioning or repairing those shabby shingles. Be forewarned, however, and don't expect to recoup your costs on both counts. Many real-estate brokers agree that just because you put $25,000 worth of improvements into your home doesn't mean that your house is worth $25,000 more!Exactly how much of your investment you'll recoup depends on a number of factors, such as the "big picture" housing market, the value of the homes in your neighborhood, when you plan to sell and the exact nature of the improvement. Also, consider that the longer you live in your home after a project is completed, the less likely you are to recoup its value. Just try to convince a potential buyer that Harvest Gold is cutting edge.Below are some examples of a few improvements that usually pay off - and some that rarely make a difference (no matter how much you paid for them) when it comes time to sell your home.

Painting If you're planning to sell your home in a year or two, a fresh coat of a neutral-toned paint could make the sale easier. A professional exterior paint job may also recoup close to 75% of its cost. Let's face it - we all like things fresh-looking.

Kitchen With just a few basic improvements, your kitchen can practically pay you back with interest! New paint, wallpaper and flooring are always appreciated; plus, you might even consider sanding, staining or painting worn-looking cabinets. Replacing old cabinet hardware is a low-cost improvement that makes a big difference in appearance. According to Remodeling magazine, the average spent on major kitchen-remodeling is around $39,000; refinishing an outdated one averaged $15,000. The full kitchen remodeling recouped 80% of its cost, the more moderate remodeling was valued at 87%.

Area Conversions Generally speaking, increasing the functional space of your home holds its value longer than remodeling just to make a house look better. It's also much less expensive than adding an addition to your home. Converting attic space into a bedroom, for example, usually costs around $30,000 and returns about 73% of its cost, according to Remodeling magazine. Turning your basement into extra living space costs, on average, $40,000, with a recoup average of about 69% of your costs.

Extra Bathroom You usually can't go wrong by adding an extra bathroom. At an average cost of $14,200, a new full bath can recoup 81% of its total cost!

Deck Adding a deck is a very cost-efficient way to add square footage to your house. Decks cost around $6,000 and generally recoup 75% of their value. Compared to other outdoor improvements (except painting), that's an excellent return.New WindowsYour utility bill savings may make up for the iffy resale value, however, a good set of standard windows should get you around 68% back. If you start getting too fancy with custom shapes and sizes, though, don't expect to get as much in return.Swimming PoolIn a word - don't! Unless you're putting it in for you and your family to enjoy, it's commonly agreed that a swimming pool has no resale value at all. Reason #1? Sure, they sound nice, but pools are very expensive to maintain. Running a close second is the fear of pool accidents - that's something nobody wants to experience.Picture-Perfect GardensAnother nicety, but who's going to spend all that time - and money? If the potential buyer is not horticulturally inclined, chances are your floral handiwork won't add to the offering price. The same can be said for expensive fences and stone walls - they look nice, but buyers don't pay up for them.Basic Is BetterIt may not sound very exciting, but it's the basic improvements you make to your home that may have the greatest return on its value: a beautiful new bathroom won't make up for a leaky roof. So if you're thinking of selling your house in the next year or so, be sure to address any problems the home may have before you, say, install those sunken gardens you've always dreamed of.

Selling it or Smelling It? Pet odors can be a problem when you're in the process of selling your home. If your house has an odor problem, you should remove any offending furniture or carpets or hire a professional to clean them. Be sure to check the cat box frequently and keep the litter fresh.Since some people have allergies or fears of certain animals, it's a good idea to put dogs or cats outside or confine your pets to one area when your house is being shown. It's hard for buyers to fully appreciate your home through itchy, watery eyes or in between sneezes! Even if the house is exactly what they want, your chances of selling it are less if the scent of Spot lingers in their memory. The Trivia Block Answer Roger Staubach began selling real estate in 1970, and began his own company in 1977.

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