A Reason for Everything- Thank you Real Estate

I truly believe there is a reason for everything... the latest event that happened to fuel this theory more is that I met someone for the first time in almost 18 years and I have to thank real estate for that.

If I wasn't in real estate, I would have had no reason to be at the title company a couple of weeks ago. If I wasn't there, I wouldn't have been able to see a familiar name on a folder. A name that I had not seen in years! After a few phone calls, I spoke with the buyer's agent who then called me on a three-way conference call to be able to talk with my Grandmother. We had lost touch after my Grandfather died in 1988. We all seemed to go different directions with things.

After a couple of hours, we decided we needed to meet, so we met for lunch last week. I told my mother about this a couple of days ago and my mom wants to meet her!! In so many ways, life is not fair... but then it throws you some curve balls that make other things seem so small.

What's strange is that she's been living in Richardson for the past 11 years! She's been about 3 miles from me for the past year!

I'm looking forward to meeting my cousins. Thank you, Real Estate!!

National Night Out

I just wanted to remind everyone about National Night Out on August 1. It's coming up pretty quick. This is a great way to meet your neighbors and create new friendships. I've only been in my neighborhood for about 10 months, so I'm definitely looking forward to meeting new people. We had already closed on the house during last year's event, but we were not brave enough to chance running into the sellers of our house as they were not nice people.

I really want to make friends with my neighbors across the street as they're putting in a new pool! We've passed pleasantries with a wave and smile, but not real talking. Also, listings are popping up right and left around me, and my name is not on any of those signs. Even a friend of my husband's moved in one street over and "forgot" that I was a Realtor so he called the listing agent to buy the house.

If we get a certain amount of people to show up, we get to keep the Crime Water signs within the community. All that's asked of us is to bring canned goods and something to share. My street has been assigned "Cold Bottled Water." I guess they needed to put "cold" so people wouldn't assume they could bring it straight from their garage and expect ice to be available. This is just another opportunity to market myself and hand out my branded water so people don't forget about me!

Everyone should be safe and have fun!

Dallas Real Estate- First SW Mall Demolished

Big Town Mall in Mesquite started demolition, but it was just a procedure as the mall has been dead for years. Me? I say, "Where the heck is Big Town? I've never heard of it!" I've been here for 22 years and never heard of Big Town Mall.

It was the first in the Southwest to be fully enclosed and air conditioned and opened in 1959. It was fourth in the country. It was apparently over 77 acres and even had a small amusement park for the kids, but again, I say, what's Big Town?

Big Town, since all stores had pulled out by about 2001, was actually a staging area for Katrina victims. It was also in the movie True Stories in 1986, yet another movie I've never heard of.

I guess I never heard of this mall because the main mall in Mesquite opened in 1971 only 5 miles from Big Town. Town East Mall is a huge mall and traffic around there is horrible day in and day out.

Oh well, we have WAY TOO many malls in the Dallas area, and just like Prestonwood Mall, which was an icon, they all need to go at some point.

Dallas Real Estate- Richardson, TX Breakdown

According to Money Magazine, Richardson, TX ranked #15 for Best Places to Live so since it wasn't far behind, I thought I would mention my home-town as well. Here are some of the stats that go along with that to compare Richardson to the rest of the country.

Median Family Income: $82,104
Average: $76,893

State Income bracket: N/A- no state income tax!!!
Average high bracket: 6.46%
Average low bracket: 2.74%

Median home price: $188,860
Average: $259,566

Air Quality: 61.9%
Average: 71.9%

Public Golf Courses (within 30 miles): 95
Average: 74

Ski Resorts (within 100 miles): 0= zero
Average: 10

Restaurant (within 15 miles): 5561
Average: 2268

For Richardson, there are many more Restaurants than in Plano and the incomes are lower... but people like to eat and have variety when they chose a place for dinner!

Dallas Real Estate- Plano, TX Breakdown

According to Money Magazine, Plano, TX ranked #11 for Best Places to Live. Here are some of the stats that go along with that to compare Plano to the rest of the country.

Median Family Income: $102,477
Average: $76,893

State Income bracket: N/A- no state income tax!!!
Average high bracket: 6.46%
Average low bracket: 2.74%

Median home price: $228,760
Average: $259,566

Air Quality: 80.8%
Average: 71.9%

Public Golf Courses (within 30 miles): 90
Average: 74

Ski Resorts (within 100 miles): 0= zero
Average: 10

Restaurant (within 15 miles): 4234
Average: 2268

Lookie there... much higher incomes and no state income tax!! That means more money in your pocket!! Everyone should move here!!

Dallas Real Estate- Best Places to Live

Money Magazine did their usual rankings for this year and four Dallas areas made the top 100 list for the Best Places to Live: Carrollton, Denton, Plano, and Richardson. Not to be biased, but I moved to Richardson 22 years ago and currently still reside here, so I could have told you Richardson was a great place to live!!

Other rankings are:

Highest Income:
Flower Mound ranked #5 with $104,921
Allen ranked #22 with $92,404

Job Growth:
Allen ranked #2 with 55%
Frisco ranked #4 with 53%
McKinney ranked #8 with 40.1% (McKinney had no where to go but up)
Flower Mound ranked #23 with 31.1%

And the most important was Body Mass Index:
All cities tied with 25.4, but were still ranked in an order of
Denton #14, Flower Mound #15, & Ft Worth #16

Dallas Real Estate- Writing Up an Offer

I was watching Judge Judy or The People's Court or one of those the other day, and they had a case on there about a verbal first right of refusion on a property and it made me want to remind everyone that verbal contracts are not held up in a Real Estate transaction. Everything must be in writing.

All terms of everything must be discussed. I love it when an out of town buyer tells me to just call up the listing agent and ask if such and such price is ok. I'm like, we need more than just a price. I need to know the amount of earnest money you'll be putting up, how much time you want to inspections, do you want a home warranty, when will we close, will possession be given at closing and funding or will there be a lease back... as I list off all these questions and more, people's eyes just start to bug out.

I understand in some areas, people can write a letter of intent and then fill out the full contract later, but this is not how real estate works in the Dallas market. Letters of Intent don't ususally list out everything within an offer and then when a full contract is written, one side is always yelling and screaming about how something was not agreed to. So, don't be upset when you have to sign 10-12 pieces of paper when you want to submit an offer. It might seem like a lot, but it's all there to protect you.

The only real estate that does not have to be in writing is a rental agreement that is less than 12 months! Put everything in writing even if it seems silly!

Dallas Real Estate- DFW Ranks #9

I always thought DFW was in the top 10 of largest metropolotan areas, but I guess I was wrong. People always think Ft Worth is larger than it really is, but it's actually a small fraction of the metroplex, whereas Dallas holds well over the majority of the population. Granted, Ft Worth had the largest amount of growth last year, by 21,500 and percentage growth is high, but percentage growth is only high because the original population count was low. Ft Worth, you need to carry more weight with this "DFW" relationship we have!!

For all of Tarrant County, the population is 1,702,250.

For all of Dallas County, the population is 2,383,300.

For the main counties in between, you have Collin County at 690,500 and Denton County at 578,500.

Overall, the ranking for the largest metropolotan area encompasses 16 counties.

The entire artice can be found here.

Dallas- Cold Front on the Way

We have had 10 days in a row of triple digit temperatures. We even hit 107 earlier this week, which was the highest recorded temperature in over 3 years! This weekend, we will be dropping to 95 degrees!! Can you believe it!! 95 degrees!!

Actually, can you believe that we're all excited about 95 degrees? I mean, if the cold front were to be in the 80's, that would be one thing, but it's still going to be in the mid-90's and, yet, everyone is still excited. There is also a small chance of rain! YIPPIE!! I can't wait for some rain as the yards and landscaping definitely need more water!

Stay warm this weekend. I would hate for you to catch a cold by being out in the "cold" front!

Dallas Real Estate- New Frisco Community

A new development is slated to start next month in Frisco, Crosswinds. This will be 1000 acres of Residential and parks off Lebanon and west of the Tollway. It looks as though the lot sizes might be a bit larger than what we're used to seeing these days. The original plot was for 5100 houses and now it's only going to have 3228 houses. The reason for this was to have some larger green, open areas, but hopefully this means it won't be a normal track-home neighborhood.

So many of my buyers are sick of the neighborhoods where you can reach out and touch your neighbor. They're always counting the number of windows that overlook a backyard of a potential new home.

According to the survey that is being conducted by Dallasnews.com, many people don't agree on new communities. The question posted is "Does Frisco face the risk of being overcrowded and overbuilt?" Results, thus far, are:

71.65% say Yes, the small town feeling is fading fast.

25.98% say NO, the more people and retail centers, the better.

Me? I voted in the NO category. If you're going to be part of the Dallas Metroplex, you're not going to be able t hold your small-town way of life!

For the full article, click here.

Dallas Real Estate- Appreciation of 5%

With the latest statistics coming out, it looks as though the North Texas area has actually seen some apprciation instead of just being "flat" as most people would say it's been. Compared to the same period of 2005, the first half of 2006 showed 5% appreciation!

Housing bubble? What bubble? No one can get rich in Dallas with only 5% appreciation. Would we like higher appreciation? Of course!! But, I don't think it'll happen any time soon until we can see average salaries increase. If houses increase but salaries remain the same, who can afford those houses as they go up and up?

Here's the full article on www.Dallasnews.com:

Dallas Real Estate- Opt Out of Credit Card Approvals

You know how we all get mail at least 3-4 days a week from companies saying that we're pre-approved for this card and pre-approved for this credit card? Did you know you can stop those pre-approval pieces of junk mail from coming?? Now you do!!

You can "opt-out" from having your data "sold" by calling the OPT-OUT HOTLINE at 888-567-8688. This isn't a 2 second call, it'll take a couple of minutes, but it's worth it! You will be asked a series of questions using a pre-recorded interactive system. They will ask for your home telephone number, date of birth and social security number. Once you have answered the questions the system will confirm the opt-out has taken effect. You will be given the option to opt out for either five years or permanently. The system will then report your request to all the major credit bureaus.

Let's save a few trees and opt out of receiving this kind of junk mail. Heck, they already know how to SPAM us via email with those things anyway.

Dallas Real Estate- House in Rowlett, TX

Click Here for the Virtual Tour!

Come and make this house your home! The Formal Dining could be a second Living area as this is a very versatile floorplan. Some of the features include Vaulted Ceilings, 2" Blinds, a built-in Hutch in the Breakfast Nook, Wine Rack in the Kitchen, crown moldings, a brick gas-start woodburning Fireplace, storm windows, skylight, surround sound wiring in the Family room, a large master bedroom and bath, gutters, security system, and so much more throughout the house!

The Furnace, Water Heater, and Roof have been updated in the last couple of years. The Storage Building in the back will stay. Sellers are offering a $1500 carpet allowance with an acceptable offer. Make your appointment today!

Dallas Real Estate- New Day of Marketing

It's a new day in marketing homes for sale. The internet and the MLS are not the only way for buyers to know about homes for sale and to remember them anymore. Take a look at my latest marketing idea:


These water bottles sit next to a bowl of candy that have about the same marketing on them, just at a smaller scale. Have you ever tried marketing a home on a jolly rancher or a mini-mars bar?? It's not easy, but it's effective.

If you're a seller, and you're wanting someone to market your house outside the box, let me hear from you!!

Dallas Real Estate- Foreclosures Increase

Residential properties scheduled for foreclosure auction in August and the change from last year.

Dallas County 1,412 +30%
Collin County 342 +34%
Tarrant County 897 +17%
Denton County 310 +30%
Rockwall County 43 +23%
D-FW area 2,961 +26%
SOURCE: Foreclosure Listing Service

Due to the lack of appreciation in the Dallas market, foreclosures are on the rise. According to this service, in just the first half of the year, more than 24,000 area homes are set to be on the list. Interest rate increases as well as the cost of listing increasing is causing people who were just on the bubble last year, to throw in the towel this year.

Dallas Real Estate- Viewing Homes

How many homes is too many to view at a time? It somewhat depends on if you get brain-fried easily or if you can focus and retain a lot of information.

I've asked several Realtors this question and most like to show only 3 or 4 houses at a time. 3 or 4?? I can understand viewing that few homes when you're in a market that doesn't have many listings, but there is so much available in my area, and buyers want to see every single thing out there to make sure they're getting the best deal.

After the buyer searches my website, looking at hundreds of available listings, I like to show 7-9 houses at a time in person. This is because there will be several where the buyer goes in and out and on to the next one. It's easier to compare homes and pick a favorite if you've been given a variety.

Another Reason for Loan Approval

There are still no good leads for the killing of the builder's rep in McKinney. I just wanted to take this time to point out, again, why I get my buyers pre-approved for their loans.

Many people think this is just so I don't waste my time showing buyers who don't qualify for loans, but that's just part of the reason.

When I have a buyer talk with my lender, that lender is gather lots of information that I wouldn't be able to gather. He would get multiple phone numbers, social security number, current and previous addresses, and work history. The lender is then pulling up their credit to see what it looks like. He also gathers W2's and bank statements and rental history if they don't currently own a home.

With all this, we've got a pretty good idea of what kind of person you're working with. Then, when I set an appointment with the buyer to go look at properties, I immediately let the lender know when my appt is. I then follow up afterwards with an email or a call to let them know how the appt went. If they don't hear from me, they know something's wrong, and they've got the buyer's information right there if needed.

I believe this is the smartest safety thing that I can do besides carrying a cell phone with 911, besides pepper spray, besides driving separately from the buyers, and besides having someone else go with me. If you, as the buyer, can't respect my safety, that's just another reason I don't want to work with you besides you not wanting to call my lender for an approval.

If you respect me and respect my safety, give me a call!

What Makes you a Negotiations Specialist?

Recently, I've noticed some agents putting an alphabet of real estate classes after their name, CNS. This CNS stands for Certified Negotiations Specialist. They are receiving this designation after taking a class on negotiations. Does that make you a specialist? I would have to scream out the answer as NO!

I would really hope that Mr. & Mrs. Buyer and Seller would ask the agent what kind of actual experience they have negotiating and not just looking at the words and thinking they must be a great agent. Anyone can sit through a class and sleep. I personally know an agent who has been licensed for well under a year and he has this certification. I believe he's closed 2 sales. That is the number after 1 but before 3... does that make him a specialist?

I'm just on a rant today about how the public perceives REALTORS®. It bothers me that someone who doesn't even have $1M in sales can call himself a specialist. It bothers me that some states require their agents to actually hold a Broker's license when they have no clue what their doing... Texas has the highest education requirements for getting a real estate license, and I truly believe other states should follow suit!

Next time you interview with an agent, ask why they are a specialist compared to John and Sally down the street.

Turning 30 today!

Most people don't like turning 30... so far, it's not so bad. Seven of my friends and I had a party back in May to all celebrate turning 30 this year, so maybe I was prepared for it better than most...


But I must admit, I almost didn't want to go to sleep last night because I knew I would wake up a year older. Funny thing is, since I was born in Germany, I would have been 30 yesterday if I was still there... I had an extra day of being in my 20's.

Anyway, I thought I would celebrate by revisiting some of my other birthdays.
Here is my 3rd birthday: Here is my 4th birthday:
Here is my 6th birthday:



Here is my 18th Birthday:






And here is my 21st Birthday:




Aren't I cute?? This was also the first time that I had ever had cake in my face! I can't say that I cared for it very much...

Do I have a Green Thumb?

I'm beginning to wonder whether or not I have a green thumb. Things are definitely looking better, but until this past week, I would have to say no.

When I first moved into this house last September, we planted Fall Pansies... which I thought died. Then I removed those and planted some more... and also looked dead. My neighbors told me it was the rabbits and to buy some stuff called Liquid Fence. I did buy it, though it was too late for the pansies. I tried it on other flowers and they all grew back within a few days. Amazing stuff.

Then, I plant my Spring flowers... it's killing me to keep this stuff alive. I'm not sure if it's the water restrictions and not enough water, or what's going on. I made sure to buy flowers that liked direct sun and wouldn't need very much water, but what do the nurseries really know. Needless to say, my Spring/Summer flowers aren't looking the greatest.

I tried Tomato plants a couple of months ago. I was thinking, this would be great! I wouldn't have to pay those prices at the store anymore and I could pick a tomato whenever I wanted... That was 5 Tomato plants and 3 Bell Pepper plants ago...

Last Sunday, I planted a new tomato plant and a red bell pepper plant along with an orange/yellow bell pepper plant. For the first time, they are all still alive!! My husband thinks I overcompensated and fertilized too much, but apparently it's working. I used a root stimulator putting them into the dirt, and I also topped them off with miracle grow granules. For the tomato plant, I added specially formulated tomato fertilizer spikes... All the others had died within the first week... a couple within a day or two. To go 7 entire days, and today is day 8, this is awesome!

All it takes is a little fertilizer and probably anyone can have a Green Thumb with enough tries.

Builder Rep Murdered in McKinney

This is crazy!! I'm sitting home on a Saturday evening and I refresh my homepage of www.dallasnews.com and there's a story that catches my eye: "Sales Agent Found Dead in McKinney Model Home."

It draws my attention immediately as I'm a Realtor and I go to model homes all the time. I knew immediately who it was within the first couple of sentences. I had talked with Sarah Walker just 3-4 weeks earlier about her community for a potential client referral I received.

I just sat here and said, WOW, what a small world.

Here is the link to the article. You might need to register in order to view the article, but they don't spam you with any emails, at least I don't get anything. (updated article from 7/10/06)

It definitely makes you stop and think...

How to de-Personalize your Home

Look around your house. Now, take another look and count how many times your eyes move to all the photos of your family sitting on the shelves and hanging on the walls. Did you notice your college degree? I've had buyers not buy houses because they were Longhorns and they saw the Aggie diplomas on the walls, and vice verse. Sounds silly, but it's very true!

You want buyers to be as comfortable in your home as possible. Not everyone shares the same religious beliefs so remove some of the non denominational things that might cause discomfort. Please, don't be offended by this suggestion. You're selling a "house" not a "home." I once tried to show a house that had a shrine-type atmosphere around the fireplace. My buyers and I were very uncomfortable and they didn't even want to finish walking the house, and we left.

Another thing that has made many buyers walk out of houses before were dead animal heads on the walls. Yes, you're a hunter, and that's great... to you. The buyers aren't too fond of seeing eyes watching them walk around and horns up on the walls. Let's take the trophies down and show more wall space.

Again, these are just suggestions. You want people to look at your house, condition and floorplan. You don't want them focusing on your family pictures and your hobbies.

First Impressions

The most important thing you need to keep in mind when putting your house on the market is that you only have one chance to make a first impression. Many people think the first impression is the drive- up appeal in order to get the people from the car into the house.

WRONG!

The very first impression for over 80% of buyers is the way the house is presented on the internet. If the pictures do not look good, the buyers are going to eliminate the house so quickly, you won't get a chance to retake the photos! As a Real Estate professional, when I'm meeting with you to go over our listing agreement, I also walk you through the house and give tips of things to do. Then I give a deadline and say that I'll be back at this time to take the pictures for the virtual tour and the still photos.

Things to keep in mind is mow the lawn! Pick weeds in the flowerbeds so they'll have a smile on their face when they walk in. If they're iffy about the outside, many buyers won't give the inside a chance. Try to plant a few flowers that accent the house, not blend into the house.

Make sure the doormat is welcoming as most people look down as they walk into a house and wipe their feet. Make sure you have de-personalized your home so people can picture their own family living there. Make sure you showcase your kitchen and your bathrooms as that is where most of the women are going to make or break the deal. Some times it's best to spend $1000-1500 in new kitchen appliances and get an extra $5-10k on the sales price instead of telling the buyer to have imagination and update it themselves.

More tips are soon to come. You can always call or email me for a FREE, no obligation consultation of your home.

Great Home in Allen, TX only $185,900

This house is a must see!!

CLICK HERE for the Visual Tour of this fabulous property. One of the largest 1 story homes in the area and it's on a corner lot! 4/2/2 with 2 living areas and 2 dining areas. The Master Suite is split from the other rooms and has a sitting area overlooking the backyard. It also has a huge walk in and walk around closet, two vanities, separate garden tub and shower, and a magazine rack in the separate toilet room.

The 4th room has double doors for a study and a full-sized closet. The Kitchen has an Island, tile counters, computer desk, inside grill, and a huge skylight for tons of natural light. The breakfast Nook is large enough for an oversized table and chairs.

The Backyard features a Built-in grill-smoker with rotiserrie on the patio, with a natural gas line direct from the house! For extra privacy, there is a Cedar Board on Board fence. Updates within the house include: new fixtures, 2" blinds, plantation shutters, solor screens, cedar BB fence, & fresh decor paint.In addition to the 2 car garage, there is also a carport on the rear-entry, oversized driveway. The garage even has an elevated TV cabinet that is cable ready.

Call for your appointment today!

My Rowlett Listing

The listing in Rowlett, TX that I posted on my blog earlier this week is under contract!

In one week, I had 177 views on the virtual tour and 12 showings on the property. With multiple offers received, we executed a contract tonight!

The internet and real estate work so well together!

Obsessed with Sudoku!

I am obsessed with this game Sudoku. I had never heard of it until a couple of weeks ago and I find that I can't put my book down. I do puzzle after puzzle... I'm so addicted!!

Have you never heard of this game? Basically, it's a big box broken into 9 sections with 9 boxes in each section. Then you try to get 1-9 across and 1-9 down, as well as 1-9 within the 9 boxes without the numbers repeating...

For me, it allows my brain to refocus and it helps calm me down after and during a very busy, frustrating day. I used to do word find puzzles, but this Sudoku definitely has that beat!! Now, if they could put it on the computer, it would beat out Freecell!

Another Non-Qualified Buyer won't Learn

As I've said many times within and outside this blog, a buyer must be, at minimum, pre-approved for a loan before looking at houses. I got a call from one of my online ads to look at a house. I asked the questions I ask all prospects that call. The difference is, this buyer got irate that I was asking questions. I calmly told her that if she was a serious buyer wanting to actually buy a house and not just look at houses, that she should have no problem getting approved for a loan to make sure we're in the right price range and to know the specifics of the type of loan as that information is needed when writing an offer.

She also pointed out that she had called several other listing agents to view homes and they all let her right into the house. Why had non of these other agents asked her any questions? Why have non of these other agents secured her as a buyer to work with her exclusively? Easy answer....

Because she's NOT a serious buyer! If you're going to be a serious buyer in today's market, you must present yourself as a serious buyer! Serious buyers are approved for loans and work with only one Realtor so that one Realtor can work for them to secure the best deal possible for them. Non serious buyers walk into open houses not working with a Realtor and most non serious buyers spend their time calling the listing agents off the signs as they drive neighborhoods.

Heads up: Only Approved buyers get in my car! I am not a chauffeur and I'm not a tour guide! I am a Real Estate Consultant, a REALTOR, and I help serious buyers purchase the homes of their dreams!

Do I Need a REALTOR when I Buy a Brand NEW Home?

Of Course You Do!!!

Think of it this way... when you walk into a Builder's model home and you're greeted by the nice lady or man, he or she works for the Builder and works for the Builder's best interests, not yours! You are the buyer wanting to buy one of their products. They are there to get the highest possible price from you for the seller, the builder.

Some people think they'll get a better deal if they don't have a Realtor in their corner with a Builder. It is against TREC rules (Texas Real Estate Commission) for a builder to charge a buyer different amounts if one comes in with an agent verse someone coming in without one. Realtors get paid through the Builder's marketing budget which is completely different than the sale of the actual house. Builders market to Realtors all the time with luncheons, flyers, bonuses, and different things like that. They want us to bring buyers to them, so they would not jeopardize the builder-realtor relationship buy giving discounts to buyers without their own representation.

There are many things a Realtor is involved with when you buy a brand new home, just like when you buy pre-existing. The lists are just different. I help with the negotiations on the lot and features for the house. I negotiate how your buyer incentives will be utilized as many times the incentives are tied to using the Builder's lender. I help with the design studio selections so you build the home with resale in mind as well. I help make sure you're getting the best loan and help you negotiate that... There are many things I do.

Remember, as a buyer, it doesn't cost you a penny to have your own representation as it's usually taken care of by the seller.

How Much Earnest Money is Acceptable?

I get asked two questions a lot:
1. What is Earnest Money?
2. How much Earnest Money is acceptable for an offer?

The easiest answer to what earnest money is, is that it's "good faith" money. When you put up earnest money with your offer, you're offering good faith to the seller that you will do everything possible to obtain financing or come up with the cash to buy their home. In Texas, earnest money is not necessary within a contract/offer, but it is definitely customary as I don't know a single agent that would advise their sellers to accept an offer written without it. Earnest Money is traditionally refunded back to the buyer if they made every good faith effort to buy the home, but then still failed to do so.

As for the amount, it depends on the rest of the offer. There is no stock answer to this question. I can say that the traditional amount is $1000, but as the price of the homes go higher and higher, many sellers are wanting at least 1% as earnest money. Earnest money can also be split into two different deposits. What I've been doing with my buyers lately is putting up $1000-1500 at the time of the initial execution of the contract, allow my buyers time to run inspections, and then the contract is written for a second deposit of $1000-1500 after 20 days. This shows the sellers that the buyers aren't going anywhere.

Keep in mind that as long as you put the contract contingent upon your financing, as the buyer, you will retain your earnest money over 99% of the time if something happens. Also, when you do move forward to closing, your earnest money is waiting for you at the title company and it will be used for your closing costs and/or down payment as that money is always yours.

I hope that has helped explain things in terms that are more understandable than legal jargon.

Rain has Bad Timing!!

We went to a friend's for a BBQ and then off to see the fireworks on Saturday. We get there and they sent everyone home because of a few sprinkles. We're in a drought, mind you, so rain is welcomed right now. But for them to cancel fireworks because of a few drizzles was ridiculous. If anything, it would help put out any fires if one was sparked.

Then yesterday, we had Rangers' tickets, but didn't want to get caught in the rain amongst thousands of people, so we opted to stay home and watch the local fireworks at Breckinridge Park. Here comes the rain again, so we opted to not go to the actual festivities at the park, but watch from our 2nd story windows... well, for some reason, Richardson didn't shoot the fireworks veyr high, so I couldn't see them.

I went out to the corner of the street, and low and behold, I was watching fireworks from Plano in the North to the Richardson fireworks to the East. That was nice hearing the booms from surround sound and seeing a nice display of color.

So, even though the rain basically changed are plans several times, I was still able to view a show or two. I hope everyone stayed safe!

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!

For me, Real Estate is a 24/7 career, and I don't mind. But, around this time of year, I'll tend to take at least one personal day off to enjoy with my Husband and friends. This year, with the actual Holiday on a Tuesday, it seems as though the weekend is going to go on and on as no other Realtors are returning my calls... so I sit and wait for Wednesday.

I love this Holiday for another reason also. Each year, it's a reminder that my own birthday is only a week away. This year, I will be celebrating my... hmmm, many people will be surprised by my age... should I say anything... tough call here... oh well, I don't mind... I'll be celebrating my big 3-0!! Yes, I'll be 30 next week, and I actually can't wait for people to stop telling me "you're so young." Even though I've been in real estate for almost 6 years now, I've actually had sellers not list their homes with me because of my age. What does age have to do with anything in this business? It's experience that should matter, and I've got it!

Anyway, I took a couple of days off from the blog, so I thought I would just take a minute to tell everyone to have a Happy Independence Day and be safe if you're going to light the fireworks as we are in a drought... we don't need any fires!!