Vacationing In The Big Apple

We experienced the ball dropping in Times Square every minute we were there ...

Dixie and I had a ball on our vacation this September. Regardless of the fact that the real estate market is lackluster, we were going to take a vacation to the Big Apple, kick back, and rewind. The picture above shows us in Central Park upon our arrival. We’re eating a sandwich and scoping out the locals, While we were drinking in the incredible weather, it was raining everyday in Dallas.

You might wonder why we’re sitting in Central Park surrounded by our luggage. We were waiting until we could get into the apartment we had rented. Having been to Manhattan many times over the past years while I was in the apparel business, I long ago discovered the joys of renting someone’s apartment as opposed to renting an expensive hotel room. On this occasion, we did some careful research on Craig’s List and found a studio apartment on West 56^th Street, 2 long blocks from the park. If you’re interested, give me a call or drop me an email and I’ll share with you what I know about the process of renting an apartment for a short term.

We did all the things tourists like to do and then some. Of particular interest this trip was the stirring sight of Ground Zero. We visited Wall Street, saw the Frisk Collection, attended several plays, saw Christian McBride and his Big Band at the Iridium, relaxed at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, went to Times Square well past midnight, and walked our butts off all over the city!

Let me tell you about an especially noteworthy luncheon we had. We were in Little Italy on Mulberry Street, when I spied a specific restaurant. As we sat at our table and ordered, I asked Dixie if the place was at all familiar to her. I could tell she was picking up some vibes. “Is this the place,” she asked? Yes indeed I replied as she “teared up”. We were having lunch at the Grotto Azure where we had eaten dinner approximately 29 years ago. Only on that occasion, I was the only one who ate, because although Dixie had ordered a big ‘ol plate of chicken cacciatore, she didn’t eat a bite. She had discovered that morning that she was pregnant with son David, and food just wasn’t agreeing with her!

New York is a terrific town for remembering old memories and creating new memories to be long remembered.

Everyone NEEDS This WatchDOG

It barks, but it won't eat you out of house and home ...

Dixie and I just had hardwood floors installed in our wonderful DALLAS home. Every homeowner worries about one prospective catastrophe in particular. WATER DAMAGE! Lord forbid, but if the hot water heater blows or the dishwasher springs a leak, you could be up the proverbial creek! The Watchdog is the greatest device ever! It costs $10, runs for 5 years on a 9V battery, and is slightly larger than a pack of cigarettes. All you do is place it in your overflow pan and if the Watchdog comes in contact with as little as 1/32 inch of water, an electric circuit on the bottom of the device is closed and a piercing alarm sounds! I now have this handy-dandy device under my sink, dishwasher, and in the drip pan of my AC.

Dallas Experiencing New Home Shortage

Builders running short on inventory ...

New home sales in Dallas are brisk and inventories have dropped to 5,000 units, approximately a 3 month supply. By comparison the rest of America has a 7 month supply of new homes on hand. In the past 2 years North Texas builders have sold almost 13K more houses than they've started. To keep pace with their sales and have inventory for the spring , builders need to start 30% to 40% more homes than they are starting today!

Save Some Money

Make a Deal...

We all know the story of the husband who returns from the Bass Pro Shop and brags to his wife about all the money he saved because everything he bought was on sale! Right.

However, if you are a homeowner, NOW is an excellent time to invest in and update your home! Tradesmen, who are hurting just like the economy at large, are aggressively looking for business and are making deals! I personally had a fence installed recently. Like everyone else, I have Cadillac tastes and a Chevy budget. The contractor for the PRIMO fence I wanted to build bid the job $1000’s higher than several of his lesser competitors. So I called my builder of choice prior to consummating a deal with anyone, and with only a little negotiating, I got the fence I really wanted at the price I was willing to pay!

Thinking about installing those long delayed hardwood floors and interested in saving some serious coin of the realm in the process? Want to go green and reduce your carbon footprint? Consider buying used hardwoods. I recently discovered a local source that re-mills 60 year old 2.25” oak hardwoods at a fraction of the cost of new floors, but with a comparable look.

If you are interested in learning more about the contractors I know and recommend, simply give me a call. It would be my pleasure to speak with you.

The same willingness to “deal” exists in the housing market today. Whereas the prices of well located, maintained and finished out homes remains strong, sellers of financially distressed properties and homes with issues have been hammered over the past year. Sellers are quick to learn that if they SELL for less in this market, they will likewise BUY for less when they purchase their new home. Excellent buys in homes for your family and investment properties abound. NOW is the time to buy!

My New Blackberry

It isn't working that great ...

According to some of the reports that are emerging, good news in home sales and manufacturing could signal that the recovery is taking hold. If in fact, that is the situation, no one could be happier than this local Realtor. Unfortunately, for the following reason, I believe this has a lot to do with wishful thinking.

Here’s the reason … my phone remains very quiet. I doesn’t ring with the frequency I want, need, or have come to expect. That’s disappointing since I just replaced my antiquated cell phone with a new Blackberry Curve. Now that I'm constantly connected to the net, I was expecting that I would get more phone calls. It’s shinny and fresh, and has lots of applications. But, so far it hasn’t increased my business. Maybe I should check the settings. Applications for the Blackberry are all the rage. Perhaps there is an “instant buyer” or “list me now” app I need to download.

According to many gurus, thanks to credits for first time buyers and “cash for clunkers” the stimulus plan is working. Builders broke ground on new homes in July at the fastest pace in 8 months. Housing starts rose 2.7% in July bringing along with it the loftiest level of builder confidence in a year. Further “proof” of an improving market is the 10 month high in pre-existing home sales. All good news.

Unfortunately, all this good news is tempered with ever increasing numbers of the unemployed.
While low home prices, a large supply of foreclosures, various government interventions and low mortgage rates may make buying a home more attractive, rising unemployment and stricter and more bizarre lending standards continue to deter any current significant rise in demand. Regardless, I’ll GLADLY take all the good news I can get in hopes that it will work to “lift the boat”!

In the final analysis, I have a feeling that when people start going back to work and unemployment reverses ... my phone will start working a lot better!

You're So Average

Average ain't what it used to be ...

So. What is the average price of a home in America these days ....
It used to be $230K. That was back at the height of the bubble in 2006. As of May 2009, it's $170K, down 25%.

Ebby Halliday Celebrates 60 Years Of Selling Dallas

Selling boatloads of Dallas ...

Ebby Halliday has been selling houses in Dallas for 60 years! Lots and lots of houses. Ebby has a new book out aptly entitled "Ebby Halliday" by Michael Poss. You can buy it on Amazon. I was fortunate enough to be invited to a book signing recently and had a chance to speak briefly with the grand dame of Dallas real estate. Ebby is 99 years old and looks 79. Her eyes are amazing. They are white as snow and sparkle like diamonds. She's as sharp a a tack. Here are some of her thoughts about having a successful and happy life:

Smiling Works, Thriving on Change, Investing in a Dream, and Making Every Day Count, these principles helped Ebby Halliday guide her firm to exponential growth, year after year for over six decades. This book is about starting small and dreaming big, about leadership and partnership, and about always treasuring the moments while looking to the future. "You want to know the secret of success?" Ebby has asked audiences across the country. "Make people feel that you are interested in them. Make them feel special. Make it real." Today she adds, "Don't smoke, don't drink, and never retire!"

Meeting her was a very worthwhile experience.

Are You Looking To Buy Or Sell A Home?

Come to my open house...

at 7237 Tangleglen today from 3 until 5 PM. Preparing for an open house involves more than turning the key and saying “come on in”!

First of all, you have a responsibility to the home owner or tenant to protect their stuff. Keep in mind that when the Realtor on duty at an open house asks you to register, they are maintaining their fiduciary responsibility. If you don’t want to give your email address, don’t ... and explain your desire to preserve your privacy. I think any Realtor worth their salt would understand that preference.

When I hold an open house, I usually do the following:

Invite the neighborhood.
Place directional signs at major intersections.
List the property event on a web site called DFWOpenHouse.com
Place valuable home, sold and availability statistics, and neighborhood info in the “Home Book” which always remains on the property.
Provide a graphic of the property.
Provide a guest register.

Some Realtors dismiss open houses as time consuming and unproductive; a “needle in the haystack” approach to finding a buyer. I find them rewarding, since I may not find a buyer for the home I am holding open ( I have on several occasions, however) , but I am certain to find people who are interested in buying a home. I also come in contact with people planning to sell their home and interested in seeing how I market a listing.

Some Realtors go overboard with their promotion, just short of installing a bounce house for the kids and hiring the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders to sign autographs! The important thing to remember is that you have an obligation to the seller to sell their house and your goal is to attract MOTIVATED buyers and sellers, and not people off the street who have nothing else to do on a Sunday afternoon.

Planning On Selling A Home In Today's Market

You had better price it right ... I will soon have a new listing in Plano. The seller lives in Sweden and I sent him an email shortly after inspecting the property that he wishes me to sell or lease. It was a "tough love" correspondence, explaining politely, yet firmly, that after looking at the home the price he anticipates receiving is NOT realistic in today's "challenging" real estate market.

Bottom line: If you want your home to sell, you must price it right and expect that buyers, who are demanding bargains, will offer you less. Be prepared to negotiate and don't become offended by a low offer!

It Beats Working ...

We went to a fantastic Bar Mitzvah this weekend ...

In sunny and HOT Los Angeles by way of this great vinyard called Malibu Wines. We felt compelled to stop and sample the produce. Spent the night at the Knucklehead Inn, a bikers bed and breakfast way out on the Mulholland Hwy in Agoura Hills.

Lechiem!

Big D Big Deal

Dallas remains the most stable housing market in America ...

The fact that Dallas home prices declined a measly 3.3% (according to the well respected Case-Shiller Survey) reflecting the smallest drop of the 20 cities surveyed, prospective buyers remain unconvinced.

If you are unsure that you'll have a job in the weeks and months ahead, you are less likely to make a significant purchase, than if you were solid about the prospects of keeping your job!

Meanwhile, it remains a FANTASTIC time to buy a home!

Swimming Pool Safety

Be careful out there ...

What appears to be a national sign of affluence is also one of the greatest killers of children under the age of five. Nationally, after fire deaths, drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death in the home; and in the warm climate states of Florida, Texas, Arizona and California, it's the leading cause.

What can a homeowner do to prevent this tragedy from occurring? Studies by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) find that a barrier restricting access from the house to the pool is one of the best ways to prevent these accidents and a critical safety component. This is particularly true of children under five who often drown while the parent or caretaker is momentarily distracted, leaving the child to venture outside the house alone.

Here are some sound guidelines from the CPSC:

There should be a secure barrier around the pool area, at least 48" high. Access gates should self-close and self-latch, with latches higher than a child’s reach. All doors with direct access to the pool should be equipped with an alarm that produces an audible warning when the door is opened and secured with locks that can’t be accessed by children. And remember to never leave unsupervised children alone in or near the pool, even for a moment.

Keep rescue equipment (such as a shepherd's hook or life preserver) and a telephone by the pool. Avoid air-filled "swimming aids" because they are not a substitute for approved life vests and can be dangerous.

Anyone watching young children around a pool should learn CPR and be able to rescue a child if needed. Remove all toys from the pool after use so children aren't tempted to reach for them. After the children are done swimming, secure the pool so they can't get back into it. Remember, teaching your child how to swim DOES NOT mean your child is safe in water.

Prefabricated Housing

We're not talking Trailer Trash ...

They’re not for everybody, and it's not often that the terms "prefabricated home" and "modern architecture" are heard together. But a young architect in Missouri has spent a decade figuring out how to bring low prices to the realm of high design.

And Rocio Romero's homes — with their corrugated metal walls, huge windows and strong horizontal lines — are selling despite a dismal housing market.
One of her sleek designs about an hour's drive from St. Louis sits in sharp contrast to the neighboring hog barn. Step inside, though, and the grassy rural landscape rolls into a bright, uncluttered interior. All the open space makes the home feel much larger than its 1,200 square feet.

The two-bedroom, two-bath model, called the LV, is the standard house by Romero's company. But what's not immediately obvious is that much of the house was flat-packed, like so much IKEA furniture, and trucked here.

Ricio offers high design for low cost. The base LV model kit home which has 1,150 sq feet starts at $38,870, and the larger LVL with 1,453 sq feet is listed at $42,950. If you’re down on the Gulf Coast in the area of New Orleans and still smarting from the lash of Katrina, this brilliant architect offers the LV150 featuring 1,150 sq feet and built to withstand winds of 150 miles per hour!

Rocio Romero's Web Site

Alan Greenspan

The ace of spades ...

The housing bubble was former U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan’s doing - plain and simple. He gave birth to it, nurtured it, protected it, and guided it during every stage of its development. In fact, if there were a deck of playing cards featuring the key players in this debacle, Alan Greenspan would be the ace of spades.

Peter D Schiff President of Euro Pacific Capital

Shift Happens

Thinking about selling your home ... put it in high gear!

In his best selling book, SHIFT, How Top Real Estate Agents Tackle Tough Times, Gary Keller outlines 12 unique tactics. Tactic #8 is Stand Out From The Competition - Seller Staging Strategies.

This bit of advise is something I have always dispensed to my clients when discussing strategies for getting their home sold. I compiled a report, as part of my listing presentation, called Sold On First Impressions. You can find it on my website (BaumRelo.com) under FAQ. Look for “What Should I Do In Order To Get My Home To Sell”.

What can and must a seller do in order to get their home sold in tough economic times is a fundamental question deserving of consideration. It is an indisputable truth, that a home, just like people, only has one chance to make a good first impression. In the best of economic circumstances, your home is competing against all the others on the market. Understand that competition increases dramatically when there are fewer buyers in the market, all of whom are cautious, prepared, well educated, and discerning.

These dynamics are further complicated by the following fact that sellers often don’t realize. That fact is that buyers as a whole lack the imagination to visualize beyond what they see. Buyers are unable to envision how a property will look when it is in its best condition, so it is incumbent upon sellers to “stage” their home, putting its very best foot forward. That said, you can understand why new home builders spend a fortune making their homes look like the proverbial “model”.

When the market shifts and fewer homes are selling, the savvy sellers recognize that their home MUST outshine the competition. They know that to make the home GO, it must SHOW! They know that in a market shift … it’s SHOWTIME.

Sell The Big House

There is no time like the present ...

It seems that over the last few years, there have been numbers of “Empty Nesters” who “zigged” when they should have “zagged” in planning their future housing needs. Before the recent housing downturn, many “Boomers” facing retirement opted for that larger “dream home” with the granite kitchen, and the hand scrapped hardwood floors. The fact that their incomes would be diminishing in the coming years wasn’t considered. Big mistake!

Isn’t it interesting that Mr. and Mrs. Bighouse now live in a 3500+ sq foot home when the 2500 sq ft home in which they raised their 3 kids, suited them fine for all those years! They wanted to reward themselves for all their hard work, and they did! Now it’s high time to think about downsizing for a whole bunch of important financial reasons.

In the meantime, the housing market is not so great, and homes are harder to sell, but who would uh ‘thunk it?

The Bighouse’s income stream is about to take a turn in a southerly direction. John Bighouse’s job is coming to an end and Mrs. Bighouse wants to quit her part-time job. The Bighouse’s are on the verge of becoming “house poor”.

The moral of this story is that you shouldn’t try and keep up with the Bighouse’s.

Finally, whether you live in 2500 sq ft or a 3500+ sq ft home, consider that someday EVERYONE is going to need to downsize. It is far better that you downsize “your own self” rather than having to depend on someone else to shoulder that responsibility. What’s more, YOU need to make this move to downsize while you’re still ambulatory and in good health. NOW is the time to go through your closets and divest yourself of all your accumulated “stuff”. You’re certain to make some lucky recipient happy, and you’ll do a better and more meaningful job of this task than someone who ends up with the responsibility by default!

Anyone can put a sign in your yard! I’ll SELL your house for the most money possible, in the shortest amount of time, and with the least inconvenience to you and your family!

Joy And Sorrow

And a time for reflection ...

We were blessed to have our grandson visiting us during the Holidays, with my son and daughter-in-law, but saddened by the circumstances that ushered their arrival to Dallas.

We were originally planning on visiting them in Hattiesburg, MS, but were confronted with the deteriorating condition of my father-in-law currently in the hospital in East Texas.

Gene has lived 89 years thus far and Dawson has existed for all of 13 months. One of my relatives in losing their grip on life, while the other is literally exploding with life's vitality. The dichotomy of this journey is not wasted on any of us this Holiday Season.

We'll take the good with the bad, the joy with the sorrow. What choice do we have?

The Current Market

It's better than you might think ...

According to the Federal Reserve's "National Economic Trends" report for August 2008, house prices were 14.1% lower in the first quarter off 2008 than they were in 2007. I have conducted my own research on the subject of housing prices as they pertain to North Central Texas and have determined that the average sold price for a home in the first quarter of 2007 was $192K and the average sold price for a home in the first quarter of 2008 was $189K. This represents a 1.6% decline in the average sale price for a home from the first quarter of 2007 until the first quarter of 2008, and a rate of decline 12.5% better than the average for the rest of the country. I don't know what the national average is for the second quarter, but in North Central Texas the average sold price for a home in the second quarter off 2007 was $210K, and the average sold price for a home in the second quarter of 2008 was $204K which represents a decrease of 2.9%.

Looking at the figures above and to the right for August 2008, I am concerned about several indicators which might not bode well for housing prices in the months ahead. First are the Average Number of Days on Market or DOM. These figures are all up significantly which means that it is taking longer for homes to sell. Second are the number of new listings which are all down significantly which means sellers are not listing their homes in the numbers they were previously. All of this is due to the tightness in the credit market. If people with marginal credit can't get loans, if there are fewer prospective buyers, why put the house on the market in the first place? All this means a slowing of the market which won't help pricing.

From the best I can tell, don't expect the market to imporve much until the 3rd quarter of 2009 baring any more economic surprises.

Selling Houses

I get some satisfaction ...

I thoroughly enjoy the real estate business. Most of you who know me, realize that fact! Real Estate sales provides me a great deal of independence, as I am self employed and work strictly on commission. After 10 years of honing my craft, setting challenging goals, and constantly adjusting my trajectory, the income is good!

All that said, I want you to know that the part of my profession that gives me the greatest amount of satisfaction and pride still remains helping people in transition. This week I closed on two transactions that will directly and positively impact Spring Creek for years to come!

I enjoy holding open houses. It provides me the opportunity to meet great individuals and families looking for homes. Recently, while holding open my listing at 7644 Chalkstone, a lovely lady appeared who had more than a passing interest in the property. She returned shortly with her husband and family. It became apparent that they wanted to buy this home, BUT they had to sell theirs first.

7644 Chalkstone was part of the estate of two friends of mine who had raised their children in the home, lived there for years, and then passed away within a little more than a year of each other. I met with their children and heirs, and they honored me with the responsibility of selling their parents home.

We then listed the home of the interested and now highly motivated party at 7960 La Cosa and sold it to another couple within 3 days which allowed the sale of 7644 Chalkstone to proceed.

All said and done, a major transition has taken place in which I played a small part, but that will have a big impact in the years ahead. A new young couple bought the home on La Cosa at a price they could afford, the young family who sold their home on La Cosa bought a considerably larger home on Chalkstone providing them the additional room they sorely needed, and an important chapter in the lives of the deceased and their progeny was closed.

It was a very complex transaction, but in the end, having helped three families get what THEY needed provided this Realtor with a great amount of satisfaction!

Anyone can put a sign in your yard! I’ll SELL your house for the most money possible, in the shortest amount of time, and with the least inconvenience to you and your family!

A GREAT Cup Of Coffee

And the coolest coffee shop there ever was ...

You don’t have to be a genius to figure out that if you want to lower your carbon “footprint”, you should be using a reusable coffee cup and simply purchase a refill when you visit your local java joint. This picture easily illustrates that point. Dunn’s Bros Coffee and my friend Andre Knowles who owns the Dunn Bros on the NW corner of LBJ and the Dallas North Tollway (4895 LBJ Freeway 972-991-DUNN) will give you a discount when you buy a really cool insulated Dunn Bros Cup, plus the first cup of coffee is FREE! In addition to being the coolest coffee shop with the best decor in town, Dunn Bros Coffee offers free WiFi. So, if you’re getting free coffee that’s good for the environment, and free WiFi … how are you going to beat that?

The American Dream Of Home Ownership

Not what it once was ...

But, homes in the Spring Creek and Prestonwood Subdivisions in Dallas, TX have some distinct advantages.

As it becomes apparent that the energy crisis is a reality that will be with us permanently, it also becomes apparent that subdivisions located “close in” and near mass transit centers will appreciate in value at the expense of remote areas such as Sachse, Murpy, and Rowlett, and maybe even Frisco. As the decline in new home sales in these areas are indicating, these areas are facing some major challenges!

It seems that a large number of “futurists” are predicting the decline and even the abandonment of remote suburban enclaves. I read a story recently about a community 30 miles outside Sacramento, CA in which new homes were not only not selling, but being abandoned. It seems commuters could no longer absorb the $800/mo in gas to support the American Dream of owning your own home, particularly when that home was rapidly losing value. Add to that the cost of supplying municipal services to far flung communities

Experts now predict that all future development will be all about density. As the cost of transportation becomes ever greater, consumers are going to want EVERYTHING to be within walking or biking distance. This will encourage a lot of small mom and pop retail stores at the expense of large box stores that people have to drive great distances to reach. Personally, I think individuals will become ever more concerned about the environment and their carbon footprint. I believe there will be a social conscientious that emerges which nurtures and encourages conservation of resources and a huge reduction in driving long distances. Trips to Tanger’s Discount Mall in Terrell may become a thing of the past, unless you take a coordinated bus trip to get there and back!

All of this makes Spring Creek and Prestonwood look good in terms of future appreciation and development. However, don’t be surprised if zoning doesn’t change someday soon to accommodate townhomes and even some light retail. With an ever tighter supply of increasingly expensive gasoline, in an in a voraciously hydrocarbon hungry would, the only constant you can depend on is change!

Choo ... Choo!

I have been planning this for a long time ...

Yesterday I undertook an excursion to the Fort Worth Arts District from the Spring Valley Dart Station in Dallas. As the environmentalist that I am, I am willing to do all the obvious things I can to reduce my carbon footprint. If in the process I save money, all the better. BTW, the round trip ticket to the Kimbell in Fort Worth will cost me $5! One of the easiest things to do is take public transportation when it is available. To that end, here I be at the Spring Valley Dart Station at 9:08 AM just as the Southbound Red Line Westmoreland train arrives!

At 9:42 I arrived at Union Station, disembarked, and walked a few short steps to the big diesel Trinity Express which promptly departed at 9:52. I visited with several other passengers on the ride and decided that the only way to go to DFW is on the Trinity Railway Express. Chuck is a senior who works at a parking facility at the airport and rides the Trinity 5 days a week for $3 round trip. Count on it taking 30 minutes to get to your terminal from the CentrePort/DFW stop where you depart the Trinity when going to the airport. A shuttle bus is waiting for you which takes you to the AA remote parking facility where you can catch a shuttle to any terminal.
Gloria is a high school student who was catching a few extra winks on the Trinity before we spoke. She rides the rails to her job at Wendy's in Irving for a $1.50 round trip from her home in South Oak Cliff. Before your teenager tells you they can't find a job because they don't have a car, tell them about Gloria!

I thoroughly enjoyed The Impressionists exhibit at the Kimbell and heartily recommend it to any art lover. It cost $16, but I felt it was the best entertainment value I experienced this Summer. In addition to seeing more Impressionist paintings than I have ever seen in one place, the people watching was INCREDIBLE! It was an international event of the well healed and beautiful. I wanted to buy the catalogue of the exhibitions paintings, but it cost $40 which was still a great deal, but I bought a couple of postcards instead.

I walked over to the Great Indoors and wolfed down their "Inventions" sandwich which was heated turkey, muenster, cream cheese, and mushrooms with just a bit of thousand island dressing. I told myself I was only going to eat 1/2 the sandwich and take the other with me, but quickly changed my mind. There is something about public transportation that will really build an appetite. Of course, I can build an appetite thinking about tying my shoes!

As I was in the fantastic Fort Worth Arts District, there is no way I am going to pass up a visit to the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. The featured exhibit at the Modern is an offering from Kara Walker which was very interesting.

I caught the "T" Bus for the return trip right across the street from where it let me off at 3:26 and departed back to Dallas on the Trinity at 4:00 PM. The trip going back wasn't nearly as peaceful as the trip going. The circus is in town at the AA Center which is the Victory Station exit on the Trinity and the train was packed with kids in a high state of anticipation! The confusion was heightened with an unexpected change of trains because of an air conditioning malfunction. This change delayed us hardly at all and went smoothly.

I arrived back at Union Station at just after 5 PM, caught the next Redline headed north and was home in north Dallas at 5:45. All things considered, with time not being a major factor, and considering the price, taking public transportation is the only way to "fly".esterday I undertook an excursion to the Fort Worth Arts District from the Spring Valley Dart Station in Dallas. As the environmentalist that I am, I am willing to do all the obvious things I can do to reduce my carbon footprint. If in the process I save money, all the better. BTW, the round trip ticket to the Kimble in Fort Worth will cost me $5! One of the easiest things to do is take public transportation when it is available. To that end, here I be at the Dart Station at 9:08 AM just as the Southbound Red Line Westmoreland train arrives!

At 9:42 I arrived at Union Station, disembarked, and walked a few short steps to the big diesel Trinity Express which promptly departed at 10:52. I visited with several other passengers on the ride and decided that the only way to go to the airport is on the Trinity Railway Express. Chuck is a senior who works at a parking facility at the airport and rides the Trinity 5 days a week for $3 round trip. If you're taking going to DFW, a shuttle is waiting for you which takes you to the AA remote parking facility where you can catch a shuttle to any terminal. Count on it taking 30 minutes to get to your terminal from the CentrePort/DFW stop where you depart the Trinity when going to the airport.

Gloria is a high school student who was catching a few extra winks on the Trinity before we spoke. She rides the rails to and from her job at Wendy's in Irving for a $1.50 round trip from her home in South Oak Cliff. Before your teenager tells you they can't find a job because they don't have a car, tell them about Gloria!

I thoroughly enjoyed The Impressionists exhibit at the Kimble and heartily recommend it to any art lover. It cost $16, but I felt it was the best entertainment value I experienced this Summer. In addition to seeing more Impressionist paintings than I have ever seen in one place, the people watching was INCREDIBLE! It was an international event of the well healed and beautiful. I wanted to buy the catalogue of the exhibitions paintings, but it cost $40 which was still a great deal, but I bought a couple of postcards instead.

I walked over to the Great Indoors and wolfed down their "Inventions" sandwich which was heated turkey, muenster, cream cheese, and mushrooms with just a bit of thousand island dressing. I told myself I was only going to eat 1/2 the sandwich and take the other with me, but quickly changed my mind. There is something about public transportation that will really build an appetite. Of course, I can build an appetite thinking about tying my shoes!

As I am in the fantastic Fort Worth Arts District, there is no way I am going to pass up a visit to the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. The featured exhibit at the Modern is Kara Walker which was very interesting.

I caught the "T" Bus for the return trip right across the street from where it let me off at 3:26 and departed back to Dallas on the Trinity at 4:00 PM. The trip going back wasn't nearly as peaceful as the trip going. The circus is in town at the AA Center which is the Victory Station exit on the Trinity and the train was packed with kids in a high state of anticipation! The confusion was heightened with an unexpected change of trains because of an air conditioning malfunction. This change delayed us hardly at all and went smoothly.

I arrived back at Union Station at just after 5 PM, caught the next Redline headed north and was home in north Dallas at 5:45. All things considered, with time not being a major factor, and considering the price, taking public transportation is the only way to "fly".

Dallas Real Estate Remains Strong

Be thankful you don't live in Cleveland ...

As a direct result of the predatory lending of America’s banks, 40% of the children in Cleveland Public Schools are homeless! De-regulation has finally run amuck, and the chickens have come home to roost! I found it interesting to hear that the mayor of Cleveland referenced the days of the “wild west” and when no one was looking, citizens would rob the banks. Today, in the beginning of the 21st century, when no one was looking, the banks robbed the people! Read About Cleveland's Mortgage Meltdown.

There is a lot of info circulating these days surrounding real estate in Dallas. I read with interest recently a DMNews article about increased residential sales activity in the inner city. Gee, seems as if people don’t like paying $4 a gallon for gas and are looking to save money by living closer to where they work. It seems as if the two central characters in this article lived in an apartment in Lake Highlands and had moved to a condo downtown where one partner could walk to work and the other had a shorter commute to Arlington.

Closer to home, I have a great listing in Spring Creek, priced to sell, that has been on the market for 60 days, which is about 30 days longer than my average. This property should have sold by now.

The Problem Is Liquidity

There isn’t enough. For someone to buy my listing in Spring Creek, they are going to need two things. 1) A buyer for their home. 2) A loan. With pre-owned home sales down 15% to 30% across North Central Texas, there are fewer active buyers in the market. Those buyers who are looking are very cautious and picky. Buyers today are looking for a great deal on a home with all the “bells and whistles”. Homes that aren’t substantially updated are going to take longer to sell and are going to sell for less.

Add to this predicament the fact that lenders have “slammed on the brakes” to the lending process. Folks, it is much harder to get a loan today than it was a year ago. The proverbial pendulum has swung back the other way. Used to be that anyone who could “fog a mirror” could get a loan. Not any more! You actually have to prove you have good credit, assets, and a job in order to get a loan. What a refreshing concept! Bottom line this simply means that with fewer loans being granted, there are fewer homes being sold. We’re not talking about rocket science.

Is The Economy In Sorry Shape

Are we headed for a recession ...

Probably not. If the line outside the Apple Store in Willowbend Mall in Plano, TX is any indication, the economy is BOOMING. There were several hundred anxious buyers standing in line when I passed by at 1:45 PM today.

A Terrible Cup of Coffee

This could happen to YOU! ...

I took a trip last weekend down to visit my friends living in Wimberley in the Texas Hill Country. I was traveling down I-35, passing through Hillsboro, when I decided on a cup of coffee at McDonalds. Mickey D has fairly good java these days, and their price is always better than you-know-who. However, this cup of “joe” was particularly well priced and came with a catch.

I sauntered on up to the counter and placed an order for a small, black cup of coffee to go. The crew member (I still remember her name … Misty) announced that my coffee would cost me $.35. I thought to myself that there must be a mistake, $.35 for a cup of coffee was too cheap. Obviously, Misty had misunderstood what I was ordering.

“I charged you for a SENIOR cup of coffee”, Misty replied. I’ve never liked the name Misty. There’s something kind of “wet behind the ears” with the name Misty. I think I stopped breathing for a few moments, or perhaps my heart stopped. I am certain I had an out of body experience. In any event, when I returned to semi-conscientiousness, I realized I had crossed a threshold and truly entered the realm of a SENIOR. Granted, I am older than 55, but by golly, not by much and I swear I don’t look it.

Attila the Mist ( my new name for Misty) must have seen this blank stare before. She knew the game she was playing. This woman’s next job will be working for the CIA in Gitmo. “I can charge you regular price if you want,” said “Misterator”. I didn’t reply, took my receipt, and retreated to await my cup of coffee and lick my emotional wounds.

More emotional scaring was yet to be delivered. It would give me pause to consider what I had ever done to McDonalds to deserve such abuse. There restaurant was crowded. There were many of us waiting for our orders. I think “The Creature from the Mist” had decided to share her exercise in mental abuse with some of the other “crew” members. When my cup of coffee was ready, it came with an announcement. A loud announcement. Very loud. In fact there was no one in Hillsboro who didn’t hear them announce my cup of coffee. “SENIOR CUP OF COFFEE, SENIOR CUP OF COFFEE” came blaring out from behind the counter. Repeatedly. “Can you yell that a little louder?”, I asked. I felt the entire restaurant staring at me.

I quickly headed out onto the highway. Eventually I took a sip. McDonalds coffee no longer tasted so good to my way of thinking.

What's That Knocking

It won't last long ...

Good News Is Coming For DFW Homeowners!

Yes, it’s true. There are a lot of homes (45,000) on the market in the DFW market. The number of pre-owned sales in April was down 11% from a year-to-date from a year earlier, and down 15% for the first four months of 2008. Naturally, it would follow that home prices have receded, and in April they were down 3% from a year earlier. Although this isn’t good news for homeowners and the real estate market in particular, compared to the rest of the country, we are doing GREAT.

GOOD NEWS IS COMING FOR DFW HOMEOWNERS! Our market is firming up QUICKLY. Liquidity is increasing in the market place and loans with terrific interest rates are being made to people with good credit; and isn’t that a refreshing concept! Today, you actually must have good credit to get a loan! Currently, there is a less than 7 month supply of homes on the market in DFW. That still makes it a buyer’s market, but a “blood bath” it ain’t! Pity the Miami area where recently there was a 60 month supply of homes on the market! So if you are contemplating buying a home, CALL ME TODAY and let’s find you one! Knock, Knock, Knock … that’s opportunity at the door, and she won’t hang around very long at these prices!

When Doctors Can't Get The Loans They Want

Something is out of wack ...

OK. Let’s admit it. The housing picture is not pretty. Because of the “sub-prime dust up” there are fewer buyers in the market because if one has weak credit you can’t get a loan. Gone are the days when anyone who could "fog a mirror" was approved. Heck, today I heard that even if you’re a doctor or a lawyer making huge amounts of $$$ with good credit and you want a JUMBO loan of $417K or more, that’s not a slam dunk either. It seems like lenders just want to limit their exposure. “Sorry Doc, we know you’ve got a boat load of money and good credit, but we just don’t want the exposure of selling you a $1M home. Why don’t you settle for something “less”, maybe something in the $300’s; we would feel more comfortable making you that kind of a loan!”

LENDERS JUST DON’T WANT ANY RISK! THEY’RE GUN SHY!

Taking a look at Dallas, we see that the number of homes sold are down because there are fewer buyers looking, the length of time it takes to sell a home is increased because there are fewer buyers and less demand, and fewer homes are on the market because people are cautious and don’t want to sell when they perceive that prices are down.

BUT WAIT. Prices in Dallas on the homes that have sold are UP. Friends and neighbors, Dallas is one of the BEST markets in the country. All this NATIONAL NEWS is making local folks NUTS. Turn off your television and stop listening to the pundits. It’s their job to depress you. That’s what they get paid to do!

Now is a fantastic time to buy. It is probably the best time in a generation to buy a home! All the data we are digesting and sifting through is in the past. Things are getting better and I’ll tell you why. We’re getting this lending mess figured out. Solutions ARE being put forth. We’re beginning to figure out where “all the bodies” are buried and get a “grip” on the situation. I’m not saying things will be great next month or in 6 months necessarily, but the situation is becoming more stable.

The Fireman Of The Three Corners

There is never a dull moment at Station 56 ...

Dallas Fire Station #56 sits on the southeast Corner of Hillcrest and Belt Line Road and just east of the Fretz Park Library. I call the area immediately surrounding Fretz Park the "Three Corners" which referrs to the Prestonwood subdivisions east and west of Hillcrest, the Spring Creek Subdivision, and all of Northwood Hills. I focus the majority of my effort as a successful Residential Realtor in the Three Corners. Blink when you pass Station 56 and you’ll miss seeing it. The station's non-descript exterior belies its importance. I had the opportunity to visit with 17 year department veteran, Captain Charley Lopez, recently about the station and the day to day life of being a fireman.

My visit left me with a feeling of deep gratitude for the job these public servants perform, day after day, protecting the lives and property of the good citizens of Dallas. Station 56 is an “engine” company which is different than a “truck” company. Their equipment consists of a fire engine and a chief’s car. Their job, according to Captain Lopez, is to “put the water on the fire” saving homes, businesses, and property from destruction. For this task they carry hoses, a few ladders, and a lot of H2O … approximately 500 gallons. A fire truck, on the other hand, is primarily involved in the saving and rescue of lives. A truck would carry lots of ladders, hooks and poles to pull down walls and tear through roofs, sledge hammers to break down doors, and maybe even an extreme rescue contraption called the “jaws of life”.

Some of the fireman at station 56 have been there for as many as 30 years. The rookies, and occasionally they have some, have 2 years of training including extensive paramedical instruction. The station is manned 24/7 by a crew of 18 to 24 firemen who work in a 6 man rotation. Firemen work a consistent 24 hour shift of one day on and two days off. And yes, they cook for themselves, each fireman contributing about $10/man/shift for food. As to who does the cooking, that depends. Some fireman love to cook and volunteer for the position. Others cook by rotation. In certain rare cases, some of the firemen are paid NOT to cook! Captain Lopez reports that as with the rest of the nation, they are eating in a more “health conscience” fashion these days.

We focused briefly on what the average citizen can do to make their homes in the 3 corners safer. Like so much in life, it appears that it’s the simple things that matter most. Suggestions for a safer home include changing the batteries in your smoke detector, keeping a well maintained fire extinguisher at “the ready’, and making sure that your family had a well rehearsed exit plan. The Captain pointed out that in these days of conspicuous consumption, many homes simply have too much “stuff”, much of which doesn’t get discarded in a timely fashion. Too much “stuff” in a fire means a hotter, more intense fire, and one that is harder to extinguish. Also, furniture, piles of books and magazines, assorted toys, etc make the physical act of escaping harder to accomplish. So if you are lookin’ for a reason to clean up the ‘ole homestead, Captain Lopez just gave you a good one!

Finally, a word about the fire pole at Station 56. There isn’t one! It turns out that the fire pole was in itself a dangerous enterprise that resulted in a lot of injuries, as firemen often landed on top of one another. Not exactly the “safety first” example firemen across the country have always tried to paint!

From Where I Sit

Our real estate market close to home ...

(But first things first! Dixie and I had a wonderful time visiting our new Grandson in Hattiesburg, MS the first of March. Son David and wife Sarah, won a well deserved Caribbean cruise and we volunteered to babysit. Problem is, we're running out of Aadvantage Miles! While there we discovered LETHA's and the finest BBQ ribs this side of heaven! BTW, I think being a grandfather agrees with me!)

Back to real estate ...

The current real estate market in Dallas, relative to the rest of the country is in very good shape. According to Global Insight Research, Dallas is the #2 city in the country for undervalued real estate with our median price for a home being $130,500. This represent a price that is undervalued by 30%. To come up with its valuation estimates, Global Insight says it determines what prices should be in the area accounting for differences in population density, relative income levels, interest rates and historically observed market premiums or discounts.

What does all that mean? Simply stated it means that North Texas is one of the few large metropolitan areas that has not experienced dramatic home price appreciation over the last few years.

As an agent who doesn’t engage in mindless “Happy Talk” it is fair to point out that business has slowed dramatically. You can see in the column on the flip side of this newsletter in the column labeled "February 2008 Home Market Update, that the number of houses sold is down, and the number of Days on Market are up. But the BEST NEWS is that prices are remaining stable. And recently I have noticed an upswing in biz for three main reasons:

1. The market is laboring under pent up demand at this moment.

2. Buyers aren’t as reluctant today as the were 2 months ago to make a decision. They recognize that prices are lower and that they aren’t going into a free fall. They are beginning to strike while the “iron is hot”.

3. Buyers with good credit have decided that the “hysterically” low interest rates they are witnessing “ain’t a gonna last ferever.”

NOW is a great time to buy if you have the credit to qualify for a loan. Not everyone can, and certainly not everyone who got a loan in the past can get one today! However, although lenders are more cautious, they are still making loans.

NOW is a great time to buy a home if you are trading up, because the more expensive house you are planning on buying will appreciate more over the years than the less expensive one you’re living in now! Add to that the low, low rate you’ll pay for new money and the deal you make gets even better!

Closing The Barn Door After The Horse Has Gone

Home appraisal standards stiffened …

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the home mortgage giants, said
Monday that they would stop buying loans from lenders that do not
use independent home appraisers, as part of an agreement with the
attorney general of New York.

The shift, which will go into effect at the start of 2009, is expected to
force large lenders like Countrywide Financial to sell or spin off their
appraisal businesses. It will also create a new group to monitor the
appraisal business.

The deal is significant victory for the attorney general, Andrew M.
Cuomo, who has been investigating the mortgage industry for a year,
and last year sued an appraisal company owned by the First American
Corporation. Because Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are buying most
home loans being made today, the terms they dictate to banks and
mortgage companies become de facto industry standards.

The deal is unusual in that it has the blessing of federal regulators
who supervise Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Mr. Cuomo and other
state officials have often squabbled with federal regulators over who
should police the mortgage business, and how. Negotiations over the
agreement have been taking place for several months and intensified
in recent weeks.

Mr. Cuomo, who was secretary of housing and urban development in
the Clinton administration, said the new rules were important to
restoring the confidence in the mortgage market. He has asserted that
pressure from lenders, brokers and real estate agents has
compromised the independence of appraisals, leading to overinflated
home prices and adding to the riskiness of loans.“The appraisal is the linchpin of the system,” he said. “But theappraisal was the most susceptible to pressure.”

Under the new rules, lenders who want to sell loans to Fannie Mae or
Freddie Mac will not be allowed to use in-house appraisers to do the
first evaluation on a home. They will also be forbidden from using
appraisals done by a subsidiary or an affiliated company. Mortgage
brokers and real estate agents involved will also be prevented from
picking an appraiser.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will also put up $24 million to create
the Independent Valuation Protection Institute, a group that will
accept complaints from consumers and appraisers. The institute will
put the new rules into place and monitor their enforcement, reporting
to Mr. Cuomo’s office and the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise
Oversight, the regulator that monitors Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Where Are All The Buyers

It’s time to get potential home-owners to go ahead and buy in this so-called “buyer's market” …

While today’s market plays to their advantage, buyers, who should be swooping in to make the most of reduced housing costs and favorable interest rates, are sitting by, waiting.

As a competent and informed real estate agent, I am encouraging my buyers and anyone with credit willing to listen to invest in home ownership now! When the market turns, today’s bargains will be yesterday’s missed opportunities.

While it is conceivable that home prices may drop further, it is likely that these decreased prices will be accompanied by increased financing costs due to rate increases by the Fed. This means that any money saved on paying less for a house in a few months time will be offset by your client having to pay off their mortgage at a higher interest rate making “playing the waiting game” a waste of time (and very little fun).

This rate increase isn’t just speculation. Just a couple of weeks ago, in early February, the fixed mortgage rate jumped a full half-percent, making it the fastest rate increase in 20 years.

The table below demonstrates how even as home prices may drop, monthly mortgage payments basically stay the same; due to increased interest rates:

Scenario 1

Today's Market

Home Price $218, 900

Interest Rates 6.04%

Monthly Payment $1,054

Scenario 2

Home Price: -5% $207,955

Interest Rates: +0.5%

6.54%

Monthly Payment $1,056

Scenario 3

Home Price: -10% $197,010

Interest Rates: +1.0% 7.04%

Monthly Payment $1,053

Who Needs Them

The days of formal living rooms are over...

Formal living rooms are on the wane, as homeowners focus on expanding the informal spaces of their homes for work or play.

The formal living room has traditionally been at the front of a home, a showpiece to entertain visitors. But many buyers today are moving beyond "untouched" formal rooms and using the space as a game room, playroom, study, secondary bedroom and especially a large dining room. This gives homeowners a lovely place for entertaining and a perfect additional work area. Bachelors put a pool table at the front of the house and families use it as a toy storage space and play area.

In Dallas, many buyers turn living rooms into studies. In fact, more than half of participants in a 2007 survey by the National Association of Home Builders said the formal living room will vanish from the average home by 2015. The survey named the informal family room as the space most likely to increase in size.

Many buyers are turning the room into a study, a popular option offered by many national builders. That conversion costs between $900 and $1,500 – to enclose the room, add French doors and install a ceiling fan with an attractive light kit

Another reason living rooms are on the wane is because young buyers are also less likely to have living room furniture – or to buy it – especially if they are moving into a starter home from an apartment. Today's new home owners are also more comfortable inviting guests into kitchens and family rooms than in years past. They invite guests into the heart of their home, not into a "parlor room" where you greet guests.

The trend today is to informality and casual living and the demise of the formal living room is proof positive that those changes are under way!

Buying A Home 101

Don't forget the walk-through ...

It is always a good idea to take a walk-through on the purchase of a new or pre-existing home. This event is usually scheduled to take place within 48 hours of closing. Under the heading of "the best surprise is no surprise", buyers of pre-existing homes are often surprised to find that huge and unsightly carpet stain that was under the oriental rug in the dining room. If this blemish was not disclosed on the Seller's Disclosure Statement then an issue has just presented itself that may need to be resolved before the documents get "inked".

Sometimes the movers take a "chunk" out of a corner while moving family "A" out so that family "B". And that workbench in the garage ... turns out that Junior placed it there after a night of underage drinking when he ran into the wall!

I have never witnessed any of these events "queering the deal". These incindents forgotten or purposefully covered up are usually minor in scope and easily resolved.

If purchasing a new home, you should expect close to perfection from your builder. The best builders, the ones with a reputation to maintain usually include a 1 year "bumper to bumper" warranty on all the systems in their homes. Additionally, since they are most anxious to have their transaction with the buyer close on time, they provide a 30 day window for you to determine and uncover all the "nicks and dings" their contractors left behind. Within that period, The builder will then send a crew over to make all the realistic adjustments necessary.

Everything Is Relative

Dallas-Fort Worth real estate is lookin' good ...

The pre-owned housing market in Dallas-Fort Worth was down 16% in January 2008. But don't despair! That was a good month compared to December 2007 which was down almost 23%. Over all sales are expected to decline 5 to 10 percent in 2008. This is due to the fact that 15 to 20 percent of the market . the first time home buyers, the ones sucking up the easy financing and the investors have departed the scene. That's the bad news.
.
The good news is that the median sales price was down a trifle 1% to $138,000. The experts report that this area is the least likely of any country to see a decrease in home values, and despite what you hear ... the Dallas area still has one of the lowest average sales times in the country! Want some more good news? None other than the Wall Street Journal Online reports Dallas as the STRONGEST real estate market in the country!

Stone Exteriors Are All The Rage

Lueder's limestone leads the way ...

In North Texas, we've entered a new stone age, in which builders, architects and masons are using a host of natural and engineered materials to give an Old World look to new homes.

Whether it's Lueders limestone quarried in Texas or man-made blocks virtually indistinguishable from their natural counterparts, stone imparts an upscale aesthetic to almost any structure.

Of course, stone buildings are hardly a modern invention. "Just think about the Parthenon or Stonehenge, and you realize that natural stone is very long-lasting," says Melody Turner, sales and marketing coordinator of Custom Stone Supply in Dallas. "The natural stone you see on homes comes from all over the United States and from around the world, including Africa, China and Brazil."

As with any material used for residences, trends vary. A few years ago, superwhite Austin stone was all the rage. It's quarried in Texas; man-made Austin stone also exists in all manner of shapes and sizes, though a cobblestone look using varied sizes typically adorns exteriors.
Ms. Turner says that in the last couple of years, Austin stone's popularity has waned and the more colorful Lueders limestone is outpacing it.

"Lueders limestone comes in various colors like yellow, gold, gray and buff, and people either use one shade alone or they use a blend of all of the colors," she says. "It's a nice alternative to the washed-out look of the all white, yet it's not too dark." Drawbacks of natural stone are its weight and expense. As a result, a new generation of manufactured stone as pictured to the right and above has provided an appealing alternative. (thanks to the Dallas Morning News and Trae Williams)

Realtors Need a Vacation Too!

Ahhh, give me California ...

Dixie and I recently returned from a short vacation to LA. We were attending the Bat Mitzvah of my second cousin, Sarah. It was a lavish affair and we enjoyed ourselves thoroughly! We spent an afternoon window shopping (that's all I spent) on Rodeo Drive and enjoyed splitting a corned beef sandwich at Nate and Al's, the local kosher deli. I've never spent $12.50 on a corned beef sandwich, but it was good! You can't believe the wealth on display. Unless you drive a 7 series BMW or a Bentley, you can't get noticed. You know who drives the BMW 3 series? Domestics.

Life Ain't So Easy

In the Big Easy ...

I remember New Orleans before Katrina. It was the Big Easy, and the city that care forgot. Well, life ain't so easy in the big easy anymore and one wonders if even "care" has forgotten New Orleans along with the rest of the country.

I was recently in Hattisburg, MS visiting my new grandson. I have been determined for some time to visit New Orleans and see how the recovery is proceeding. I left for Slidell, LA at 6:45 am. I rendezvoused with “Uncle” Norman at 8:20 am. Norman is not my uncle, but the relative of a client and a life long native of the New Orleans area. He had graciously volunteered to show me around New Orleans post Katrina. Along the way driving down 59, I skirted Purvis, MS which is home to 1000's of the ubiquitous FEMA trailers all lined up in pastoral rows and looking as if they had been "rode hard and put up wet". It is unfortunate, but being beat down by Katrina seems to have developed a culture of “FEMA Trailer Dwellers” in New Orleans and all along the Gulf Coast. These individuals and families may not be content with their conditions, but it's all they have. They don't intend to give it up easily regardless of the government plans to end subsidies.

The drive to Slidell is lovely, as far as highway drives are concerned. MS has experienced abundant rain and the foliage is green. It's also surreal. Katrina spawned 100's of tornadoes that ravaged the forests from the coast to Jackson. Trees are splintered and often "snapped" in two. Areas appear as if some giant had cut loose and started to dance. Highway signs are missing and temporary replacements have taken their place.

We started our tour on Rat Nest Road which is in Slidell and along the banks of Lake Pontchartrain. Like so much of what I saw, it's a disaster. These homes were built on stilts or pilings, and they're just ... gone! Some, just a few, are being rebuilt on a newer, thicker, and more environmentally friendly piling. Word has it that Lake Pontchartrain is “environmentally challenged” after Katrina. There's no way of knowing how much debris and chemical gunk the lake absorbed as a result of the storm.

Norman drove me into New Orleans on the Hwy 11 bridge which survived the storm. Hwy 10, newer and wider to the south did not and is in the process of being rebuilt.

Nothing quite prepares one for what is left of the areas we visited in St. Bernard Parrish and the Lower 9th Ward. Of course you expect to see devastation, but not to this extent. It's the depth of the devastation which is hard to grasp. The destruction defies description. All the photos in the world don't do Katrina's wrath justice.

The destruction of a house is comprehendible. Even the loss of a neighborhood. We have all witnessed the mayhem, distress, grief, and anxiety at the loss of an entire town or community. Just think about tornadoes striking in the Midwest or the constant barrage of car bombs exploding in Iraq.

New Orleans is in comprehendible in the sense that the destruction goes on forever and ever, mile after mile, after mile of abandoned homes, churches, civic buildings, independent businesses, schools, shopping centers, beauty parlors, manicure shops, apartment complexes, amusement parks, zoos, parks, filling stations, fast food restaurants, and everything else.

When will it all get fixed? A better question would be whether it will ever get "fixed". A better question would be how do you fix it. Who will lead the effort to get it fixed. If it ever gets fixed, what will it look like? There are a lot more questions than answers. New Orleans reminds me of a deer caught in the head lights. It's lost and confused and doesn't know what to do. It is unfortunate that the Federal Government doesn't take a more active role, but perhaps they are stymied by the local and state governments and their obvious ineptitude and lack of leadership and direction. It's one thing to lead, but if no one is willing to follow, where will you end up?

New Orleans has never been considered a progressive city. Currently, I get the impression that it is regressing. Crime, which seems to be spreading and getting worse, is on every one's mind. There are many parts of town that are dangerous to visit. It is next to impossible to protect people in neighborhoods that have imploded and where only a few adventurous and questionably fool-hardy people reside. Outside of a few established neighborhoods that withstood the storm and have prospered mightily in the aftermath, neighborhoods in New Orleans have ceased to be neighborhoods.

Areas that were once neighborhoods have become desolate "no mans lands". Police and fire protection should not even be expected. Neighborhoods have become outposts of civilization as we know it. Think wild, wild west.

A trip to New Orleans does give rise to more questions than answers. As a Realtor, I came away from my trip dazed and confused as to "why" a person would decide to rebuild their home in a neighborhood that was so desolate and totally void of appreciation. What happened to location, location, location? How do you get insurance? How do you protect your home and family from the unsavory elements and in the event of fire? Looking to the future, who is going to buy your home and for how much? How long will it take to sell?

Why not move away? Why not start over somewhere new and fresh? The answer I am told is that this is "home". Well, home at what price? Is it worth betting the bank and one's future prospects on an empty slab, at the end of a desolate street, in an urban wasteland? Once again with the questions.

New Orleans After Katrina - Two Years Later

Travels with Uncle Norman ...

I'm making a long overdue trip to New Orleans tomorrow with Uncle Norman. Actually, he's not my uncle, but the uncle of Denise K. who is a friend and client. I sold Denise a home recently and somehow, the subject of New Orleans and my wanting to "survey the scene" came to light.

I find it interesting that I cannot find anyone to go with me. It seems like after the unfortunate footage, after days of observing poor black folk being plucked from rooftops by helicopters, everyone I know had seen enough. "Why do you want to go, Dennis" seems to be the question most of my friends and family want to know.

Well, I want to go because I want to see what the New Orleans I used to know looks like. I traveled to New Orleans for years when I was in the apparel business. I loved to visit the "Big Easy". Well, tomorrow I'll see how "easy" things are in New Orleans these days. Stay tuned!

Arguably The Most Handsome Boy Ever Born

Is awesome Dawson ...

I am back in Hattisburg, MS celebrating the 4th week anniversary of my first and favorite grandson, Dawson! He is taking to life exactly like he should. He looks the picture of health. He is loved. His every whim and wish is the command of his parents, relatives, and their friends. "Buddy", the mongrel mutt who "used to be" the lord of the manor understands his newly demoted position and has now become Dawson's protector and gate keeper.

All is right in the world!

The Next Generation

The birth of "Awesome Dawson" ...

My son David and his lovely wife Sarah blessed us with a grandson on 9/9/07. Dawson Baum weighed in at 6.5 pounds and was 20 inches tall. Oh, did I mention that he is BEAUTIFUL! Being the sentimental fool that I am (NOT!) I quickly bonded with my new progeny. My grandfather name is going to be "Den" because "Pop" is already taken.

Dixie and I were impressed with the fact that son David went out and bought a camcorder and quickly established "Dawson Cam" so we could watch him kick his blanket off or spit out his "passie" 24/7. My wife commented that now she was certain she would never get anything done again. She's afraid she'll miss him doing something ... like sleeping which is all he does except for when he is eating or pooping! I have researched my stock of advantage miles and plan to spend them all flying between Dallas and Gulfport, MS (an hour from Hattisburg). Driving in the car for 8 hours to Hattisburg is for the birds! After I have burned through my mileage, I will start a charitable foundation to raise money to continue my visits, I hope you will give generously!

Ten Commandments Of Cell Phone Usage

What would Jesus do (WWJD) ...

The world becomes more inconsiderate by the day it seems. I'm sorry to report that cell phone etiquette appears to be "falling off a cliff"? What was bad etiquette is becoming worse, not better, as phones become pervasive. People at my gym constantly are on the phone while "resting" on the mats as the rest of us are in our yoga poses and trying to concentrate!

They know what they're doing, they are just really insensitive to those around them. Also, they seem to have a sense that they are invisible and that their offense is minor and will probably be overlooked. It's kind of like when you were a kid and would steal (well, I did it!) an occasional piece of penny candy and tell yourself that it was no big "whoop!" and no one would notice.

Flip This House

It's your choice, you can tear it down or remodel ...

I came across this unique marketing proposition recently in far north Dallas at the intersection of Hillcrest and Briar Cove. With all the

"Re-modeler Wannabes" in circulation these days, I am certain this seller will get lots of inquiries!

Northwood Hills is a subdivision I work regularly and "tear downs" are becoming regular features. The lots in NWH are often .5A and the homes built in the mid to late 60's often lack the amenities that well-to-do people are looking for in today's market. Many of the homes have been remodeled to the "9's" and will carry on for decades. For those with the deepest pockets, however, a 1 story, 3500 sf home on a .5A lot can easily become a 6,000 two story on essentially the same "footprint" as the preceding home but with a pool and lots of room to spare.

Something like I just described can be had in Dallas for $1.2M to $1.5M easy.

Housing is a bargain in Big D compared to the rest of the country. Come on down, the water's fine!

This Was Funny

I ran into my good friend the other day ...

I arrive at LA Fitness 3 days a week at roughly the same time ... around 7 am. I was taken aback on Monday when there stood, butt naked, my very good friend, Frank. (Frank is not his real name). Now this was unusual since I KNOW Frank, and I KNOW Frank doesn't work out. He LOOKS like he doesn't work out! So I asked Frank how he was, and how were things, and what exactly was he up to these days. Had he decided to get back into shape and start working out?

Things were fine and NO, he wasn't going to start any exercise plan. Frank explained that he had been a member of LA Fitness for at least 6 or 7 years and never came. It turns out that their home was being remodeled and they had no hot H2O that morning and he was in need of a shower.

Then he paused, and kind 'uh chuckled and said, "Damn, this must be the most expensive shower in history!"

National Security Announcement From Alberto Gonzales

Please tell us something besides "I can't remember" ...

NEW YORK - A public school teacher was arrested today at John F. Kennedy International Airport as he attempted to board a flight while in possession of a ruler, a protractor, a set square, a slide rule and a calculator.

At a morning press conference, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales said he believes the man is a member of the notorious Al-gebra movement. He did not identify the man, who has been charged by the FBI with carrying weapons of math instruction. "Al-gebra is a problem for us," Gonzales said. "They desire solutions by means and extremes, and sometimes go off on tangents in a search of absolute values. They use secret code names like 'x' and 'y' and refer to themselves as ' unknowns', but we have determined they belong to a common denominator".

When asked to comment on the arrest, President Bush said, "If God had wanted us to have better weapons of math instruction, He would have given us more fingers and toes."

WARNING: Sub-Prime Loans

Ameriquest is full of hot air ...

It is indeed unfortunate that unsophisticated and trusting first time home buyers, often times with poor credit, have been placed in untenable loans by unscrupulous lenders. The most egregious offender and the nation's largest sub-prime lender, Ameriquest Mortgage Company, has agreed recently to pay $295 million in restitution to consumers and make sweeping reforms of practices that states allege amounted to predatory lending.

While driving home last Monday from Hattisburg, MS after visiting my son and daughter-in-law, I listened mesmerized to an NPR report about Ameriquest and their deceitful lending practices. It seems as if Ameriquest and its mortgage lenders knew no lie was too outrageous or promise too vague to tell in order to secure a loan. Borrowers who couldn't really afford the first month's mortgage at the time the loan docs were signed, quickly found themselves overwhelmed when their loans ballooned to unsustainable levels. Their next stop was usually bankruptcy and foreclosure.

Any loan officer at Ameriquest who didn't RUN from the company during training should have had their head examined. It seems that in some offices part of the training involved watching the film Boiler Room. Boiler Room was a forgettable film from 2000 in which to impress his father, a young man gets sucked into an unscrupulous stock brokerage firm. Eventually, he must sacrifice himself to bring down the company. The hero of this fictional brokerage company is the protagonist from yet another move featuring financial crooks, Gordon Gekko from Wall Street, who is famous for the line "Greed is good"!

Ameriquest's CEO Roland Arnall was recently appointed Ambassador to the Netherlands by the Bush Administration. Hmmm... Orchestrate a scheme by which 1000's of unsuspecting citizens lose their homes through foreclosure, become a billionaire in the process, give millions to politicians, and become a US Ambassador to the Netherlands. God Bless America!

The Texas Department Of Transportation

Doesn't have a clue ...

In this day and age of the constant drum beat of Global Warming and Environment Awareness, the Texas Department of Transportation, in their infinite wisdom, has decided to remove the greenery and foliage in the medians of the Central Expressway and replace them with what else ... rocks. All of this because it is too expensive to maintain. Has somebody in the TDoT run this by Al Gore? He practically invented Global Warming.

Well, excuse me. There is way more than enough concrete to go around Big D. What we need more of is green space. Sooo ... put it back the way it was and build one less thoroughfare to cover the costs. And when you are finished doing that, Ms. Dianna F. Noble, Director of Environmental Affairs for the TDoT at 512- 416-2734, you might just take a course in Community Relations!

A Tribute To Monica Pesek

She's got fashion for Houston's women 'goin on ...


I’m in Houston and just paid a call on an old and dear client of mine from my days in the apparel biz. Monica Pesek is the proprietor of Caruggi’s, located in a “chi-chi” shopping center immediately across the street from the Galleria. She’s been plying her trade there for years as better ladies specialty stores in Houston disappeared in the droves.

I've got to had it to Monica. She’s a pro! When I represented multiple lines of better ladies apparel at the Apparel Mart in Dallas 10 years ago, Monica and her husband Joe (deceased) never missed a market and never missed the opportunity to talk shop. Monica was a “player” and the reps who knew her, knew it. We used to have a term for all the buyers playing the part of a specialty store owner. We considered them dilettantes and referred to them as playing “store”. Monica never played “store”. To her, running arguably the best single proprietorship ladies specialty store in the country is a business, or “bidness”, as they say in Houston.

Women don’t dress anymore, men don’t either. It’s a shame. Even the ones that do … don’t. You can go to Macy’s or Niemans and pick something off the rack, but you’re probably going to look like everyone else who picked the same outfit. Or, you can go to Caruggi's and Monica and her knowledgeable associates will "turn you out".

It’s people like Monica Pesek and Caruggi’s that keep guys like me looking at women dressed in an "interesting fashion"!

You Only Have One Chance

To make a good first impression ...

The concept, "that you only have one chance to make a good first impression" is a point that I always attempt to make with my clients when I list their home. When a perspective buyer comes to view a listing, their first impression of the home begins literally at the front door. If the door is dirty, dusty, and smudged with hand and/or "paw" prints, the buyer most likely will immediately register an initial negative impression of the property.

It behoves the seller to make sure the front door is spotlessly clean, and that any glass or brass panels or fixtures are polished!

One more point ... replacing the front door of your older home is money well spent. There are dozens of possibilities in which you can invest that will improve the home's value. Might I suggest that you investigate introducing either clear or opaque windows into your replacement front door? The additional light that enters will serve to illuminate your home's interior and more light will usually prove to further increase the homes value!

Stop The World

I want to get off ...

Easter Sunday. Spring. Resurrection. Renewal of the Spirit. Nice comforting thoughts indeed. My mother-in-law suffered a "mini" stroke and is in rehabilitation in Tyler, TX. On the way to Tyler, I stopped at Wal-Mart to pick up a floral arrangement of daises. As I pealed off the price tag, I noticed that incorporated into the ubc/pricing label was the following:

WARNING. Flowers are not edible.Dyes may stain clothing. Contains hazards.

When fresh flowers delivered to the infirm on Easter must contain warning labels, I've simply had enough! This society is far to litigious for me. I think Shakespere had it right in Henry the VI, "...the first thing we do is kill all the lawyers". Happy Easter.

McMansions Revisited

Maybe they're not such a bad thing afterall ...

NIMBY stands for "Not in my backyard". It is the mantra many homeowners have chanted and still do in old and quaint neighborhoods of Dallas and other cities. That mantra, however, may be changing to SMM which stands for "Show me the money".

Character be damned! The bottom line is that quaint and old does not translate as well today as it did in the past. Life moves on and so do neighborhoods. Barring historic value, such as George Washington having changed his shorts in your bathroom, other realities are shaping neighborhoods. Consider the following ...

McMansions increase the tax base of a city, and lets face it ... taxes are what make the wheels go round.

McMansions attract families into the type of homes families in 2007 want to live. Three car garages, media rooms, huge closets and bigger kitchens are what people want. For growing families, small tudor cottages don't work!

McMansions and the tax revenue they provide make public schools better and more accountable to the families that build and occupy them. With the kind of money they're spending on taxes, they're gonna hold someone accountable!

McMansions make it easier to get an accurate assessment of the actual tax value of a property. As long you're not the one paying the higher taxes, this is a good thing for the city!

McMansions help retire folks wanting to cash in on having lived in a neighborhood for 30+ years make out on the sale of their home. As Dick Cheney would say, "Big Time".

Unfortunately Realtors supporting such changes and McMansion development are likely to be on the receiving end of some vicious hate mail and can expect some irate neighbors to visit and confront them at their open houses. Life ain't perfect.

How Not To Buy A Home

And avoid...

Buying a home for most people is the most major investment decision they will make in their lives. Therefore it pays to do it right and avoid the consequences. Part of the problem we see this very day regarding a co lapse in the sub-prime lending market is a result of people who want a home so badly that they make foolish decisions and then must pay the consequences. And don't forget, for those of you interested in making foolish decisions in matters of real estate, there are PLENTY of unscrupulous con-artists and flim-flam pseudo professionals out there to help you!

Here are 4 simple rules to help you with the successful process of finding a home.

1. Get pre-qualified by a knowledgeable lender who knows his craft and will put you in the right kind of loan. Something conventional is better than some kind of "exotic" arm that jumps up and bites you in the ... well, bites you in the wallet. Put some money down, too. I am not a supporter of 100% financing.

2. Just because you're approved for a huge loan doesn't mean you have to buy a home for the full amount. There is nothing worse than being house "poor". Buy what you can comfortably afford.

3. When negotiating for the purchase of your home, don't sweat the small stuff. Negotiations are a two way street and that means some give and take. Be prepared to compromise and take some direction from your Realtor. Your Realtor should know when someone is being reasonable in their request or response ... or not!

4. Remember this ... Realtors, THERE IS A DIFFERENCE! Some are definitely better than others. Do your due diligence and check references. Just make sure you use one since the cost to the buyer is ZERO

Vote For Tony Reynolds

For risd school board - place 2 ...

NOTHING impacts property values in a community more than the quality of the public education offered in that community. Let's face it ... people have choices. If you care about the future of your children, you will opt to live where they can get the best education for your state and local tax dollar. As Realtors, we know that and work hard to make sure that the schools districts where we sell homes are held accountable.

In the current race of school board in Richardson, TX, I am supporting Tony Reynolds over his challenger. The fact of the matter is, both candidates are good. Only, Tony is better. For one thing, we need Tony because he physically lives in the area of the district that needs a voice in school board matters. And his opponent, well, she is talented and capable, but Tony is equally so, and with a real passion for public education and the district. He is also a heck of a nice guy!

Success in Sales

It's 90% attitude ...

In his book "Endless Referrals", Bob Berg stresses many times that all things being equal, people will do business with people they "Know, Like, and Trust".

That said, it also helps to increase one's "likability factor" by displaying a positive attitude. There is an unwritten rule among successful real estate sales professionals that when asked the question, "How's business?", there should only be one reply. "UNBELIEVABLE!" said in a strong and positive voice. The implication to the person with whom the conversation is being held is that business is "unbelievably" good.

Of course, right now real estate in south Florida and parts of California, "UNBELIEVABLE" might be interpreted as "unbelievably" bad!

Sometimes the less you say, the better off you are ...

The Best Kind Of Advertising

Provides the most results for the least amount of $$$ ...

When I go to LA Fitness 4 days a week, I wear a T-shirt that promotes ME instead of Nike or Addias or Tommy. See the picture at the right, that is on the back of my Keller Williams T shirt. My custom T has "Property of Keller Williams Athletic Department" across the front and on the back it has this picture of a home with a caption above the picture that reads "Need to Buy a Home or Get One Sold?". Below the picture it reads, "Ask Dennis!"

It PAYS to advertise!

This Is An Actual

Picture of my ranch close to downtown Dallas ...

If you're looking for a great place to live, consider Dallas, TX. We've got it going on in Big D! You might be interested in knowing why. Ok, I'll tell you ...

* The 25-year growth projections (2005-2030) for Texas' economy far exceed the US projections
* Texas has been the top export state in the US since 2002
* Texas won the last 2 Governor's Cup awards as the top economic development state in the US
* Dallas is No. 2 in the nation (behind California) in jobs created by venture capitalists. Over 1,089,123 jobs have been created in Texas resulting in $274B in revenue.
* If that's not enough ... we have 3 professional sports franchises.

Want To Die Young

Nail salons are a wonderful place to visit....

But, it best to hold your breath. That's correct. I went with my wife, mother, and sister recently to one of the 1000's of nail joints that occupy countless non-descript strip malls in Houston.

After a few moments of a chemically induced "high" obtained by simply breathing the infected, chemically laden inside air (yeah, I know it's Houston and the air quality outside isn't much better) I moved my chair to the sidewalk outside.

Here are the opening comments from an article entitled "Promoting Safer Nail Salons" By Massachusetts Healthy Cosmetology Committee. The article isn't particularly politically correct, but it makes some very good points!

Nail salons have cropped up on every main street across Massachusetts in the last few years. Many of the chemicals used in nail products are potentially hazardous to the health and safety of workers and customers, yet safety practices and regulations have not caught up with the potential public health and safety risks. Salons often inhabit spaces that were not designed to handle the air quality and safety issues and salon owners and workers are not trained in health and safety hazards of toxic chemicals, thus are unaware of potential problems. Adding to the problem, is the large populations of immigrant workers, especially in nail salons, that do not have English as their first language and do not have regulatory or basic health and safety information in their native language.

Hey, sweetie, as long as you're here do you want a bikini wax?

HGTV

When does an obsession become an addiction ...

My wife has an addiction. It is comforting in this and age to know that families with problems can reach out to professionals and friends for help without being judged.

That is why I have decided to "go public" and admit that our family needs your help and understanding. Were my wife addicted to drugs or alcohol or maybe something else (lets not go there), but its not that simple. No, my wife is ADDICTED TO HGTV.

Those fiends at the network definitely have their hooks in her and are taking her for every ounce of moral courage she once possessed. She can't help herself and I can't help her either. Whenever she has the opportunity she tunes in and tunes out. It doesn't matter if the show is "Designed to Sell", "Buy Me", Color Splash", "Hidden Potential", or "House Hunters", she'll watch it at the expense of fixing me dinner, mowing the yard, doing the laundry, cleaning, or other major domestic responsibilities with which I have agreed to entrust her.

Oh the shame, I'm so embarrassed ...

Selling The Family Homestead

And closing another chapter of my life ...

I was rather weepy for a period on Friday while driving to the title company in Fort Worth to sign the papers for the sale of my mother's duplex. It sounds "funny" saying that instead of saying my parent's duplex. How soon we forget.

My father died this past November 1st and I was the executor of my father's estate and now hold the power of attorney for my mother. I also served as the Realtor representing my mother on the sale of the duplex which brings to mind the old adage about the lawyer who represents himself in court ...

Anyway. I closed a chapter of my life on Friday. The fact is that there is nothing that any longer directly ties me to Fort Worth. After 54 years of direct and close association with "Cowtown", I'm done. Certainly I have friends who live there, but no longer any family what-so-ever. It was this reality that came over me on Friday. It was a feeling of the inevitability of time marching on, and perhaps the inevitability of my own mortality.

The Continuing Adventures Of Raman

And his pot bellied pig ...

It just doesn't get any better than this! This assignment is one in a million. I have previously reported that I am working on downsizing their accommodations with Raman and J. They're thinking condo or zero lot line although we aren't getting anywhere fast.

These two seniors are living in a 4600 sf home on "mansion row" that is in need of "serious" updating. It's probably worth something south of $1M. No doubt when they built this lovely home in the 80's, they did it up right. However, time marches on and this is 25 years later!

R and J are serious Hindus. Hindus like Muslims and Jews cannot abide pork and pigs. What does Raman have in the backyard of his palace? You guessed it, a 500 lb pot bellied pig that his son brought home years ago and has since relinquished title there of ...

So, R and J are now his caretakers. Bar-B-Que anyone?

Don't Call The Electrician

Even you can do this ...

So called "Pendant" lighting is all the rage these days in remodeling circles. It seems that every new granite counter top (except ours) has either a traditional alabaster bell, an amber cone, or the pictured industrial style shop-light hanging over it. Worth Home Products has introduced a patent-pending (what else would you expect) Portfolio Recessed Light Conversion Kit in a choice of three models.

The kit to make this lighting transformation is totally complete. Forget 'bout it. It's kind 'uh like that spaghetti sauce from Prego ... everything but the motivation is in the box.

Houston's Urban Sprawl

It's not healthy here ...

Westheimer is boulevard (and in this case I use the term loosely) that stretches some 15 or 20 miles from downtown Houston westward to infinity. It is the most unimaginative stretch of road I have ever had the misfortune to navigate. Composed of mile after mile of mindless strip shopping centers comprised of thousands of fast food restaurants and nail manicure shops (talk about unhealthily places to hang), well ... to say the least, it's depressing. Unfortunately, Westheimer and Houston today is what unbridled capitalism stands for in Houston, because Houston has very lax zoning laws. In fact, it doesn't have any zoning. Ye shall reap what ye shall sow!

Neighborhoods are deed restricted. That means you can't put a 7-11 next to my brothers house in west Houston, but short of that ...

Anyway, I turned 57 yesterday and celebrated with my mother and family in Houston. It's the kind of trip I have to "gut-up" for because the environment and ambiance is so s****y here! I'm leaving in 4 hours to go back to Dallas ... yeah right, and it's so much better there!

The Best Kind of Advertising

Remains word of mouth ...

Teresa and Bobby wanted a new home and it was my job to find them one. I had all but forgotten about Bobby. My connection with him was one of the longest ongoing relationships (3 years!) I have ever had with a potential client. It was only through the diligent efforts of my mortgage lender, Albert Moon, that this transaction came to fruition.

Bobby came back from the "credit dead" so to speak. He had bad credit, but he fixed it. He wanted to purchase a home, but could not because he had bad credit. Sooo ... he fixed it. He took care of business, dug in his heals, and paid what he owed. Now ... Bobby and Teresa and their kids have their own home.

Teresa sent me a letter of appreciation which I will share with you. Bob Burg in his book "Endless Referrals" talks about the importance of having "letters of referral" from your clients in building your sales. Well, here is a letter of referral, one for my record book ...

Hello Amy & Dennis


I just wanted to share something with the two of you. Bobby and I would like to thank you both from the bottom of our hearts for assisting us in purchasing our HOME! You don't know how nervous I was about the process you have go by when trying to purchase a home. Thank you, Thank you both.


Thank you for involving me in the process even thought I was not on the loan. That meant a lot to me! You both will be invited to our Wedding (smile).
I didn't get a chance to meet you Amy face to face, but thanks for listening to me when I was getting to my sick times from being so nervous. And for keeping me updated with what was going on.


Dennis thanks for taking the time to show us all those houses. At first I thought they would not get any better, but you took the time to go look at a property without us and inform us of the quality of the home. Believe me when I say you will hear someone tell you that they were referred to you by us.


Again THANKS A MILLION to the crew of Keller William on Preston.



Teresa & Bobby

Do You

Bamboo ...

I have really been interested in adding some hardwoods to my home in the hallways, family room, and kitchen. Our carpet is shot and having it cleaned is no longer viable. In one spot, it looks like someone performed open heart surgery.

We have been considering bamboo as an alternative to hardwoods. It has been gaining a lot of popularity lately. Bamboo is harder than most hardwoods, and of course it is environmentally friendly. I'm still investigating the product, however, to find out how it does if it gets wet. I also want to know more about it's durability.

And one thing more. Bamboo is a hollow grass that grows quickly and prolifically, which is why environmentalists like it so much, but that makes me wonder. If I do get bamboo floors and then fulfill my dream of getting a pet Panda Bear, will it eat the floor?

Habitat for Humanity

Talk about a win-win situation ...

"Win-Win" situations are what Keller Williams Realty is all about. Hopefully, that is what all Realtors and all real estate transactions are all about. This makes for a better world and better feelings.

When I sell a home to a family, I like to give a gift that helps others. To that end, I make a contribution to Habitat for Humanity in honor of the family who purchased the home. I explain, that I know they are excited about their new home, and I want to do something for people without a home sot that they might someday feel that same joy!

Ahhh, the pride of home ownership. Habitat for Humanity spreads that pride around to those who might never have the chance to feel it!

Hot Water Is Fantastic

And in this case high maintenance ...

At first I wasn't sure if I was hearing anything at all. Then I listened intently and discovered a sound that was unusual. There was a very slight "hissing" sound coming from behind the sink in the vicinity of my hot water heater located in the garage. Something was amiss.

Houses are like any other relationship. After you have lived with them for a while, they have a voice and they "talk" to you. You choose not to listen to them at your own peril. Just like deciding not to listen to your spouse!

This was a costly conversation. I live in a '65 vintage ranch with 2 hot water heater and 2600 sf. My home is constructed on a system of piers and beams which is probably advantageous to slab construction. They don't build them anymore because 1) they're more costly and 2) slab construction is better than in the past. What caused this leak you might find interesting.

It seems that as the house shifted and settled over the years, the soft copper pipe that was so easily installed upon construction was "crushed" by settling and the weight of the structure. Part of the price you pay for the joy of owning a home. Anyway, I'm $700 lighter today!

The Truman Show

Revisited...

Have you ever seen the Truman Show with Ed Harris and Jim Carry? It came out in 1998 and was a satire of the first "reality" television show.JC as the anti-hero lives in the town of Seahaven.

Well, I visited Seahaven this week and it's just east of Denton, TX and goes by the name of Providence, a DR Horton planned community. Planned is an understatement! It is very homogenous with even all the Realtor's signs being the same color. The homes are mostly identical, with only the elevations being different. They are all siding with no brick and moderatly priced in the 150's. They have kind of 'uh "Cape Code" feel and coloring. I find it all a bit surreal. They look exactly like the homes in Truman's neighborhood, but Seahaven doesn't have a water slide and Providence does!

Rhodesia Revistied

It used to be Rhodesia before it became Zimbabwe ...

and Robert Mugabe and his cronies threw out anyone who wasn't Black and destroyed the country. This past Saturday, I worked with Raman. Raman is a 73 year young Indian who came to the US in the 70's by way of Rhodesia. When he and his family lived in Rhodesia, they were rich, BIG TIME. They had tons of servants and lived on estates with swimming pools and gardens having over 200 rose bushes. They owned manufacturing companies and retail establishments. Life was good!

You get a real sense of disappointment from Raman when he speaks about the "way things used to be." Raman is still rich, make no mistake. He still makes a ton of money, but I expect he misses his life as "Lord of the Manor".

We spent the afternoon looking at condos because Raman and his wife don't need to be roaming around the 4300 sf mansion they live in now. It will be an adjustment for them both, but they are prepared to make it. One thing about downsizing into a smaller home is that you need to do it when you are still ambulatory. If you don't you'll miss your "window of opportunity" and end up in one of five places which I have ranked by their level of desirability. 1) A retirement community 2) An assisted living facility 3) With a relative 4) A nursing home 5) The cemetery.

Endless Referrals

What a great book for anyone in sales...

If you have been looking for a method to increase your referrals, this is a book you should buy and read Bob Burg's book. It is full of great advise and proven techniques. It's as fundamental as the sage advice of the Bible that if you give ... you will receive, and that "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."

The watch words of the book are ... "All things being equal, people will do business with, and refer business to, those people they know, like, and trust." BB

Whatever Happens in Vegas

Like absolutely nothing happened ...

Pictured at right is the fabulous Mandalay Bay in exciting Las Vegas! I didn't stay there at the recent Keller Williams Family Reunion 2007 of course because I was paying my own way and who can afford that joint? Instead, I stayed a quick shuttle bus ride across town at the Monte Carlo. It was nice, but that's all ...

I am not really a convention type person, but I must admit that this one was great! Gambling, food, liquor, and ... well, nevermind. Gary Keller, CEO and Dave Jenks gave an address outlining their opinion as to where the real estate market in America was heading. Unfortunately, they expect more "pain".

Here is the important thing to remember. National averages do not reflect what the current market in your town is doing. Property values are down 33% in some areas of California, while the change throughout the State of Texas is less than 3%.

The problem with real estate prices is that "affordability" is not keeping pace with "income". Affordability has outpaced incomes and they need to catch up with each other. That catching up will necessitate incomes rising or home prices falling. We all know that incomes have not be rising recently, sooo ...

The National Association of Realtors recently announced that housing prices will remain flat. Checking the predictions of the NAR over the last years indicates that they are always overly optimistic, so it is safe to predict that based on the NAR's past predictions, housing prices will be less than flat by some degree.

If that is indeed the case and home prices fall in 2007, that will be the first time that has happened since the 80's.

The Bellagio

There's nothing like it this side of decadence ...

I am on my way back to Las Vegas in February to the Keller Williams Family Reunion. There will be over 15,000 of the most talented agents in the country converging on the city, hungry to learn the latest and greatest about their wonderful company and the Real Estate Industry.

And YES, it's true. What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Of course, for a guy who likes to be in bed by 10, there isn't much "interesting" that will happen.

Anyway. The last time I was in Las Vegas, I stayed at the Bellagio. (No such luck this time, as I am going on my own "nickle") In any event, I discovered one of the nicest slogans advertising the Bellagio which I immediately plagiarized. No, I didn't plagiarize it so much as stole it! Anyway, I think it's great and I use it on my listings when appropriate...

"The finest amenities brought together in a display of taste, talent, and elegance".

Cool, huh? Well, it definitely describes the Bellagio!

First You Say The Housing Market Is In Trouble

And then you say it's not ...

All of this talk is enough to confuse a Realtor, but the great news is that Dallas has not seen a dramatic retreat in home sales, and the good news is that nationally, the economists maintain that the worst of the housing crisis is behind us. The number of unsold homes on the market nationally may have peaked and recovery may be at hand. However, not so fast say their Texas counterparts. Analysts from our neck of the woods believe that the housing market will not improve significantly until 2008. November is already better, but October was not such a good month in the real estate business in Dallas. The number of homes sold reflect basically flat or significantly negative numbers and the Days on Market reflect the fact that homes are taking more time to sell. The number of new listings is flat which shows that consumers are confused as to the direction of the economy and housing prices.

The Greatest Generation

In memoriam...

My father, Gary Baum, passed away peacefully at 1 AM on November 1, 2006, with Dixie and I at his side. Dad was 89 years old and had just finished with his final surgery for cancer of the tongue. The radiation, surgical treatment, and pneumonia left him uninspired to continue the battle of life. In his own inimitable style, he told us he had decided to die and wanted to know how soon we could take him to a hospice. Ten hours later he was gone. Once Dad made a decision to do something, he did it. My dad lead a fascinating life, I would be honored for you to read one of the obituaries. . . . the Fort Worth Star Telegram wrote.

Thinking About Waiting Before Buying A Home

Don't wait too long ...

The North Texas Housing market experienced a slight decrease in prices and some active homebuyers headed for the sidelines in order to make a determination as to "which way the wind was blowing". Sales of preowned home fell by 15% last month.

This was the steepest decline in more than 2 years. The number of preowned homes on the market jumped 13% last month to 47,000 homes. The good news is that number represents a 6 month supply which is still considered healthy.

I've said this before, and I'll say it again. A lot of the negative vibes we are feeling in our market are the result of events that are taking place on the East and West Coasts where prices are being hammered ... not the result of events unfolding in North Central Texas where the real estate market is stable. It's kind of like this ... a little bad news can go a long way!

What Goes Up

Builders started 12% fewer homes in the 3rd quarter...

Don't even think about it! The sky ain't fallin' and there's no gloom and doom here. Every now and then you simply have to stop and catch your breath. It's kind of like running a marathon and having to take a rest when you're finished!

Even though builders started work on 12,000 (TWELVE THOUSAND) new homes in the 3rd quarter, that was the lowest number since the 3rd quarter of 2003. Almost 30,000 unsold new homes were on the market in the DFW area last month, and increase of 14% from a year earlier. This translates to a 7.6 month supply and anything more than a 6 month supply is considered too much.

It's like this ... A little bad housing news goes a long way around these parts! With all the focus on the housing bubble bursting on the West Coast, Florida, and Lost Wages (Las Vegas); well, it's understandable that people might get a bit anxious. That situation is only compounded if you have a house to sell that hasn't! But keep things in perspective. The DFW area is flat in new home sales and pre-existing home sales. I'll take that over what is happening in other parts of the country any day!

My Ethics, Too

Ernst and Young has got it right ...

Just for the record ... I subscribe to the same philosophy!

Got That Sinking Feeling

Cost of housing got you going down for the third time...

Well, you shouldn't feel alone. According to the WSJ the increase in home values, insurance, taxes and particularly property taxes, and city services are "squeezing the middle class in the place where it hurts the most ... the wallet!

Whereas 30% is highest portion of one's income that should be spent on putting a roof over one's head, that is no longer the case. All over the country, but particularly in places line NY, Boston, and the West Coast, housing costs have been increasing while incomes have lagged.

Eventually this trend, like all trends will even out. Some families will lose their homes, but prices will eventually stabilize. Some people with good credit sitting on the sidelines will benefit and be able to take advantage of reduced housing prices.

In North Central Texas, people are concerned, and there might be some softening as we have seen in the last six weeks, but beyond that, I expect a very smoooth landing.

"'POP" Goes The Housing Bubble

Get out to the way "IF" you live in California or Florida...

But if you live in Texas, you should be buying says Steve Brown of the Dallas Morning News. Well, he didn't say the part about buying, I added that and with good reason. Our housing prices are stable and probably a bargain compared to the rest of the country. While the prices on the coasts have been increasing at a much faster clip than incomes, "Deep in the Heart of Texas" stability rules the day!

So take heart, my fellow homeowners. We have been making a very fair return on our home investment dollar here in N Texas ... 5 to 10% per year. And although we haven't gotten rich, we're not getting soaked with a falling real estate market either!

Here come the Californians with pockets full of cash! These guys have been buying out investment properties, redos, and new home close-outs in our area. Why? I guess because our homes are barging compared to what they have been paying in San Diego. But is that a good criteria for an investment? I think not ...

Al-Gebra

Be afraid ... be very afraid.

NEW YORK - A public school teacher was arrested today at John F. Kennedy International Airport as he attempted to board a flight while in possession of a ruler, a protractor, a set square, a slide rule and a calculator.

At a morning press conference, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales said he believes the man is a member of the notorious Al-gebra movement. He did not identify the man, who has been charged by the FBI with carrying weapons of math instruction. "Al-gebra is a problem for us," Gonzales said. "They desire solutions by means and extremes, and sometimes go off on tangents in a search of absolute values. They use secret code names like 'x' and 'y' and refer to themselves as ' unknowns', but we have determined they belong to a common denominator"

When asked to comment on the arrest, President Bush said, "If God had wanted us to have better weapons of math instruction, He would have given us more fingers and toes."

.

Little Miss Sunshine

The language is definitely "off color", but the movie is hilarious!

You have to go see it, unless you're a prude. If you find nasty language distasteful, you probably won't like it. I never let language get in the way of a good story, but I respect people's sensibilities. I just find that if I have to watch my language too closely, it just s l o w s me d o w n.

That said, "Little Miss Sunshine" is about this cute, but not "talent show" cute, chubby girl who wants to enter a West Coast talent show. Her family is totally dysfunctional. I mean incredibly whacked out. Here is one insight into the movie. Little Miss Sunshine's grandfather is Alan Arkin who was kicked out of his nursing home for doing coke and doing most everyone in the nursing home. The ratio of men to women in this particular home was 1 to 5 so Grandpa had his hands full!

Go see it and wash your ears out with soap afterwards! You need a laugh.

Trip to President Bush's Crawford Ranch

There's more to Crawford than Cindy Sheehan...

Although there is no doubt that Cindy and the cause for peace is well represented at Camp Casey.

We were on our way to Austin and the Texas Hill Country and decided to visit the President's Ranch in Crawford. Crawford is a tiny ranch community just 18 miles west of Waco. We decided to eat at the local restaurant right at the crossroads, called the Coffee "This" or the Coffee "That" ... the exact name of which escapes me at the moment. I attempted to call the Crawford Chamber of Commerce to determine the same; however, their website states that they don't keep office hours, so leave a message. I give up ... And we gave up on visiting the ranch itself after being told that all we could see was the fence with a big yellow sign attached that says, "Don't even think about stopping, don't slow down, and don't get out of your car. " Not exactly an appeal for one's vote!

Anyway, they are doin' good business! We split a salad before heading out to Camp Casey. Finding the campsite was fairly easy. Upon asking directions at the cafe, I was told by the hostess that if I believed like "they" do, I could find the camp as a collection of tents down the highway. It wasn't hard to find and there wasn't much to see as all the inhabitants had marched down to the Governor's Conference in Austin to protest immigration.

Check out the official Crawford web site if you are a supporter of the President. It is all red, white, and blue!

1000 Places to See Before You Die

Death is usually not a pleasant prospect ...

And that prospect is worse if you've never seen anything or done anything in your life. That's why I bought the book. I figure that I will live and be healthy for at least another 20 years. Twenty years translates into 7,300 days. If there are only 1000 places worth seeing, that means I can devote 7.3 days for each place I intend to see. No wait. I forgot to figure time to take the tour, buy tickets and souveniers, grab a sandwich, and pictures. Ok, so figure 1 day per place and subtract that from 7,300 days and that leaves 6,300 days or 6.3 days between places ... no problem!

That's all for now, I have to call my travel agent and pack.

You Would Have Thought

I'd never seen rain before ...

And I would have agreed with you. This afternoon, I experienced precipitation for the first time in at least 60 days. This was a fall down on your knees, thank you Jesus, praise be to Allah, sure 'nuff thunderstorm that was Long, Long overdue!

I was sitting an open house in Richardson, (zip code 75080) Texas this afternoon enduring another in a succession of 100 degree + days of bone bleaching, membrane drying days of Texas drought. The kind of days that make you nauseous the moment you walk out the door and into your oven of a garage! One of the guests at my open house informed me that it appeared to be thundering and lightning off to the east. Weather and storms coming from the east is weird stuff in Dallas. My reaction was much the same that a 5 year old child might have if you told them it was snowing outside. I ran outside to see what was coming. Sure enough, a storm was about to descend!

I will now describe what I saw in case you have never seen it rain before. The wind picked up and then some rain drops hit the pavement and evaporated. Then more fell and soon the pavement was wet. This is fascinating, isn't it!

Anyway, it rained for 20 minutes and when I got home ( I live close by), my rain gage showed 3/8 of an inch. It ain't much, but I will gladly take it!

The Secrets of Staging Your Home For Sale

Make it clean and uncluttered and you're halfway home ...

If you want to sell your home, there are three things that you should keep in mind.

1) From the moment you decide to place the sign in the yard, you abode becomes less of a home, and more of a house. It needs to be propped, staged, and lighted like merchandise in the window of a fine department store.

2) You need to "de-personalize" your home and make it more generic. An example of this process would be to remove the clutter from your refrigerator. And those 50 beautifully framed photos you have sitting on the baby grand or hanging on the stairway ascending to the second floor ... time to pack 'em up.

3) Keep in mind that buyers LOVE meticulously clean homes with sparkling windows, orderly spaces. This is a perfect time to keep in mind the axiom, "less is more!"

If you would like some further ideas on how to put your home's best foot forward, visit Sold on First Impressions, and as always, contact me if you have any questions. It is always my pleasure to help!

The Only Way To Fly

Park, walk into terminal, go to john, walk out of terminal, go 50 feet, get in plane, fly to Chicago ...

Hmmm. What to do ... I'm sitting here at the Field Museum in Chicago drinking a cup of coffee and thinking about which exhibit I want to see next. I had the opportunity to "fly-up" for the day with my patent attorney friend "Rocky" who owns his own twin-engine turboprop Mitsubishi MU-2B. It took us 3 hours (2.5 coming back) from Dallas (McKinney) to Midway and the trip was fun and uneventful. I'm looking forward to more of the same on the way back.

We departed for home at 2 PM and should land around 5. What a way to travel. No congestion at the airport. One simply parks the car 50 feet from the aircraft which is sitting there fueled and ready to go. No security, no searches, and no threat of searches, no waiting, no cattle chute to traverse, just GO!

I'm convinced this is the only way to fly, IF (and that's a big if) you can afford it. I am not certain, but I'm fairly sure this aircraft which is continually undergoing upgrades and improvements goes for around $1M a copy. And talk about the cost of maintaining this fuel hog! This baby sucks down 50 gal of jet fuel the first hour of operation and 30 gal an hour after that. (that's gal/hr, not miles/hr) At around $4.50/gal that's ... oh well, you do the math. In any event, it's expensive. That price tag and the cost of maintenance puts it a bit out of my range. In order to afford it, I would have to triple my real estate production, sell my house and cars, pull Michael out of school, etc ... just forget about it ... besides, Dixie would never go for it. Oh well, maybe private aviation is not for me after all. Besides, I've already been to Chicago.

Can't Never Could, Mr. President

An Inconvenient Truth...

It is more than a little disheartening to hear the President of the United States explain why Global Warming, because it isn't a provable and verifiable scientific fact, is not worth taking seriously. Instead, the President chooses to ignore what is verifiable about this very serious and "life as we know it threatening" reality.

Instead he waxes rather ineloquently about how many jobs Americans would lose and how much money it would cost American corporations to manage and reduce their output of CO2. Besides, according to the Kyoto accords, he laments, third world nations and China don't have to follow the same rules that the developed nations are required to observe.

Well, Mr. President, "Can't Never Could"

Those of you who agree with President Bush can go ahead and bury your head in the sand. For the rest of us, we can do a lot. Think of the "Butterfly Effect" meets Global Warming. Here are TENTHINGSTODO right now, TODAY!

1. Change a light ... a fluorescent light bulb will save 150 lbs of CO2 per year!
2. Drive less ... you'll save 1 lb of CO2 for every mile you don't drive.
3. Recycle more.
4. Check the inflation of your tires ... you'll improve your gas mileage by 3%.
5. Use less hot water. Wash your clothes in cold or warm water and install a low flow shower head.
6. Avoid products with lots of packaging.
7. Adjust your thermostat ... 2 degrees down in winter and 2 degrees up in summer ... think of the money you'll save not to mention about 2,000 lbs of CO2 a year!
8. Plant a tree ... you efforts will absorb about a ton of CO2 over the tree's lifetime.
9. Spread the word!
10. Be part of the solution instead of part of the problem.

How To Make Friends And Influence People

Give them home-grown tomatoes...

I grow tomatoes in my back yard. I have a well developed patch of dirt about the size of 4 railroad ties arranged in a square, end to end. Within the confines of that area are 5 tomato plants which include Sweet One hundredth, Carnival, Yellow Pear, and some Texas A&M plant called 476 (whatever that means). Growing tomatoes is therapy as I fuss with 'em most every day! I love to grow 'em, I love to eat 'em, and I love to give them away! Most recently I gave some to my neighbor Colleen who sent me this most lovely thank you letter in reply...


Hi Dennis, All day long I have been thinking about my nice surprise on my front porch this morning. You probably would never imagine how your thoughtful thank you was so much more than that....................
I grew up in western Pennsylvania, just outside of Pittsburgh in the fertile Monongahela River Valley. Summers were sunny and warm, nights clear and cool..just right for a watermelon seed, (or any other) that you spit out from where you ate it on the porch, to begin to grow in just a short time. Didn't need much encouragement, it was just summer, sun and soil. In my small suburban town, our family was no different than the others on my block in that we had a summer vegetable garden. By February, when we had just about as much snow and ice as any human spirit can endure, the Burpee seed catalogues began to arrive in the mail. Never was there more meticulous detail than in those drawings of cantaloupes and string beans! My grandmother was the matriarch of our tribe, and as the first crocuses popped through the snow (bulbs ordered from previous years of Burpee), she prepared the order for what we would plant in March if we were lucky enough, April if the winter was a lazy guest who refused to depart. When the time was right, my grandmother summoned her brood of four sons, and later, their wives and kids, to spend the day 'digging the garden'. As the clan grew, so did the garden. Everyone had a task. The heartiest turned the soil and broke the clods with spades, the not so inclined raked, and even the kids put up the sticks and tied the strings to keep the unruly pole beans in line. We drank lemonade, we took breaks to swing on the tire, or we just caught up with the cousins on the porch. All summer long, my grandmother "needed help" with the garden. I don't think she did, really..but it became the family ritual. We ate dinners from the garden, together, all summer. What we did not cultivate, such as Mrs. Bertoncinni's zucchini, arrived weekly from her and other neighbors' gardens. I was charged with the task of delivering our excess rhubarb an! d sweet peas down the streets on my bike with the baskets on the back on many an occasion. And finally, harvest time arrived, and we gathered and prepared everything that we had not already consumed for freezing. (she, being a modern woman, had forsaken canning for freezing in 1959!) I think we all understand that life changes. When the family home was sold upon her death in 1976, we had long since scattered to the ends of this country, and she had, sadly, not gardened for quite some time. But, at the sale, I remember walking through the mud room and seeing her tiny garden shoes sitting neatly beneath her apron on the hook. There was still a bit of soil stain on them, and they had taken the shape of her foot after years of wear in the wet mud. After 30 years, I see that image as vividly as if I am looking at it this moment. When I saw my little bag of homegrowns on my porch, my happy summer garden days came flooding back, and they were fresh and alive again. The tomatoes were luscious; the little ones better than candy, and I thank you. Thank Dixie, as well, for I'm sure she must have had a hand in keeping things growing in this Texas climate. You will pardon the length of this email; but I felt you should know how a small gesture of consideration can mean so much more than you probably even imagined. Aw, shucks, you probably already knew that!..but I suspect also, that you have the soul of a writer, and you would indulge me. Thanks again, Colleen

Dallas Architect Gary Olp Has Gone Green

and he will help you and your family "Go Green", too...





What a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon! Gary Olp invited the entire city of Dallas over to his house to see how the Olp's are living the good and green life. There we were, probably 100 people (this was the 3rd and final tour of the day) packed like sardines in Gary's living room listening to him give a lecture on living a life that will save you money and reduce the stress mankind is dealing out to "Mother Nature".

For the better part of 45 minutes we learned about passive heating and cooling, environmentally safe and friendly building materials and paints, "R" ratings, the importance of shade, and how if you do it right...you can cool as 3600 sf home in August for $65. Bottom line, Mr. Olp says that his two-story home uses 90% less energy than a comparably sized, traditionally constructed home.

Did you know that the single biggest factor in keeping your home cool is shade. Gary's home is surrounded by 200 year old oak trees. that provide shade in the hottest months and let light in during the winter months. The carefully placed overhang keeps out the harsh summer sun.

There are no space age solar panels that would provide electricity. Such technologies are not yet economically viable for run a home. However, although this home does not use solar heat to heat its water, we learned that the use of the sun to heat hot water in a conventional home that gets lots of direct sun is a perfectly practical way to heat a home's water and save money!

If you want to read more about Gary and his love of Architecture and the Environment, click here!

The Real Deal ... Real Wood Flooring

Is it for you...

It has nothing to do with your gender. It is ageless. It is every homebuyers "hot button". Almost everyone appreciates hardwood floors. I have never heard a buyer say ... "Gee, Dennis ... we really like this home, but we're not going to buy it because it has hardwood floors".

If ease of care, durability, and low maintenance are "your thing" laminates rule! And as I appreciate the fact that laminate floors "look" almost like hardwoods these days, they are still laminate while wood is, I don't know ... WOOD ... and more natural.

How much do wood floors cost? How much maintenance is required? What is involved in replacing existing flooring with real wood? What kind of finishes are available? You can find the answers to these and many more questions as well as "Design a Room" and "Find a Professional or Product" features at the National Wood Flooring Association website.

Google Maps

I think this is sooo cool! ...

I live on Chalkstone Drive in far north Dallas. Here you can see my house with me in the backyard waving at you! You have to look really closely, but you get the idea. I wonder if the NSA (National Security Agency) knows about Google Maps. I imagine that they don't but soon will. Then they'll be tapping into the phones and questioning everyone who looked at sensitive sites like the White House and Secret missile Installations (I put these in BOLD type so the NSA super computer would have an easier time finding it).

From a Realtors perspective, I really like Google Maps. I don't know if it will help my clients or help me sell more houses, but I clearly like playing with it.

By the way, do you know someone who needs to buy a home or get one sold? If so, please give me a call. Thank you in advance!

You Say Tomato

And I say tomatoe...

Any way you "slice" it, tomatoes are awfully good eatin'. My friend Jane L. asks me for some hefty green ones throughout the summer so she can fix her family fried greed tomatoes. Ummm, ummm!

My crop this year looks about as good as they've ever looked. I surround the base of the plants with cedar mulch and use drip irrigation to give the plants a deep drink every two or three day. The idea is to let the ground "almost" dry out. Too much water is as bad as not enough, the same goes for the foundation of you home! When the very, very top layer of dirt is dry, it is time to water. I discovered using the cedar mulch last year and doing so really cuts down on the watering as well as inhibiting insects. The key is the cedar, just like a cedar closet in your home inhibits moths!

So here's the FREE deal for residents of Spring Creek, Prestonwood, and Northwood Hills!

Would you like some fresh tomatoes delivered personally to your front door. No pesky real estate agent (ME!) will call and there is no obligation! Simply provide a comment about your experiences with tomato or vegetable gardening that's helpful and lets me know you visited my blog and I'll contact you, find out where you live and put you on my list for delivery as Mother Nature begins to cooperate!

And by the way...

If you want to speak with someone who can turn your moon surface of a desolate landscape of a lawn or yard into a veritable Garden of Eden, or if you just have questions, call my friend Kato at Northaven Gardens. I have been trying to recruit her to Keller Williams to sell real estate!

Barbarians At The Gate

Nobody feeds this guy Purina Dog Chow...


This past Tuesday morning I experienced quite a shock as I retrieved my morning paper. A large, gray and previously quite furry house cat was laying dead and partially eaten in the middle of my freshly manicured lawn. I approached it cautiously, not quite believing what I saw, as it was not at all a “pretty site”. I took some shears and cut the collar off the cat and called the owner who lived on La Cosa.

He called me later that evening and asked me directly if I had found his cat, already prepared for the worst. He reported that at about 5 AM that morning his dog was causing quite a ruckus which he investigated. Regretably, he found the cat which had already been killed laying in his front yard with a coyote hovering in the distance. When he returned to his yard with a towel to retrieve the unfortunate animal, it was gone. That means the coyote carried the carcass from La Cosa to my yard on Chalkstone where he could “proceed” in peace. The city came and picked up what was left of the cat.

Spring Creek is not alone regarding incidents with coyotes. They are learning to co-exist in a manner of speaking in urban settings. I am told that they inhabit the creek and green belt areas that run all through North Dallas. PLEASE watch your small dogs and cats and keep them in at night!

Elect Harriet!

Harriet Miller is running for Texas House District 102...

I am focused like a laser on this contest and am working with and for my friend Harriet to unseat the 8 time incumbent who has never done a thing to further the cause of bettering Public School education in the state of Texas.

Harriet is a past president of her PTA, a lawyer involved in mediation, and a "go getter" which is what we need in Austin now more than ever. She wants to increase the amount of funding available for Public Schools, increase teacher salaries and health care benefits, and supports a broad based business tax as a means to get there. She also wants to lower property taxes.

Harriet has a plan, and she is not afraid to make some noise. She's my friend and SHE'S GOING TO WIN IN NOVERMBER!

Vote for Harriet!

Come to My Homeowners' Seminar

It's free and informative...it comes under the heading of wanting to help my clients get the information they need!

Homeowners’ Seminar
Tuesday, April 18th
7:00 to 9:00 PM
Fretz Park Recreation Center
Hillcrest and Beltline


“Meet and Speak with the Experts”
Got questions about your foundation? Ever wondered what a State Certified Home Inspector does? Would you like to talk to a Professional Handyman about all those projects you have around the house? They’ll all be here!

Jonathan Cooper….Structural Engineer
Michael Chambers...MC Handyman
Mark Harris...Housemasters...State Inspector


“Have Questions About Refinancing?
Curious as to How To Borrow Against the Equity in Your Home?”
The expert is “in” and will gladly answer all your mortgage and financing questions. You’re certain to learn something new!
Presented by Al Hewitt
Senior Loan Officer, Mortgage Services Unlimited


Free! Call 972-989-4389 for more information!

Chris Bliss

What does Chris Bliss have to do with Real Estate...

I'm not sure. However, what comes to mind are the cliches, "Nothing Goes On or Lasts Forever", and "Whatever Goes Up, Must Come Down". Those are two good ones and they have to do with property values in California. Lots of investment dollars are coming our way as the savvy investor is starting to figure out that they better consider "getting out of the way".

Enough conversation. Check our Chris Bliss and I assure you that you'll view something fun and exciting to watch. Enjoy!

How Safe Is Your Mulch

Or...who's been munching on your mulch?
Chomp... Chomp... CHOMP...

Be careful when you buy your mulch rom your nursery or lawn center this spring and summer season. Your mulch may be teeming with parasites. Even though there is a quarantine in effect, it probably won't make much difference. The Formosan Termite Population in Louisiana and New Orleans is EXPLODING! It's all a result of the zillions of trees and homes that have been destroyed by Hurrican Katrina. All those disgusting termites who have never had it so good are working overtime to eat all the damage, but at the rate they're going they'll never get it done.

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Planning On Buying A Home?

Have it inspected...

The purchase of a home is the largest expenditure most people ever make. It would only make sense that a home buyer would take the time and incur the expense necessary to make a wise investment. Usually such an expenditure is about $350.

Often serious, but unseen blemishes on a property, such as foundation problems, termites, wood rot, mold, and problems with systems from plumbing to the air conditioner can be identified by a competent inspector who is trained to know what to look for and where!

Their information and analysis can help you save money, angst, and aggravation in the long run. If you are curious as to what a professional inspection report might look like, review the following for 7644 Tophill. This home is currently available and it would be my pleasure to show it to you!

Tophill Inspection Report

Selling Houses At McDonalds

Would you like and Egg McMuffin while we go over the contract...?

McDonald's, never to be left behind, will soon be offering premium coffee at their restaurants shortly. This feature, plus free wifi service at over 6000 Mickie D's world wide (that number increases everyday) means that the golden arches might soon be giving Starbucks, known as the "third place" amongst their aficionados, a run for their java!

McDonald's management discounts that notion, however, which is a smart thing for them to do at this point in the contest. Regardless, McD's premium joe is $.30 less a cup than Starbucks, and their wireless internet service is FREE! Hmmm...maybe McDonalds will get into electronics. "You want fries with that wireless card?"

The MOTHER Of All Starbucks

It just doesn't get any better than this...

I just made a major discovery! Willowbend Mall in Plano is the coolest wifi experience I have had yet!

And that is coming from an experienced wifi user who has been frequenting Starbucks all over Dallas since the early days of wireless internet. I have already had several "15 minutes" of fame episodes as a result of advertising on the front of my laptop at Starbucks...made the front page of the business section of the Dallas Morning News on March 11, 2004.

WillowBend Mall is big, but not too big. The "chi-chi" crowd definitely inhabits this facility. The people who show up at the Willowbend Starbucks spend more a month on their triple shot lattes than I do on my car payment! When I sell a house, I like to use the marketing color commentary...Light, Bright, Open, and Airy. That paints a clear mental picture. AND...

THAT is exactly what WillowBend Mall offers a surfer like myself. In addition to the fact that it looks like a 4 Star Hotel, You can BREATHE in there... and the background noise is much more subdued than the Starbucks I regularly frequent. And, OH, YEAH...did I mention that the surfing is FREE!!!

I pay Tmobile $29/month to connect to the internet at Starbucks and Borders Books. Well, you and I both know that that arrangement won't be in existence too much longer. The places featuring free internet connection are rapidly increasing. My goodness, you can connect for free at most McDonalds...

Stealing Defeat

From the jaws of VICTORY...

I'm going to get a picture of Lindsey Jacobellis and place it on my bookshelf. It will be displayed next to my photo of Dustin Hoffman in the role of Willie Lowman in Norman Miller's play, "Death of a Salesman". I keep that picture around as a reminder of what "might" lurk just around the corner.

I've experience the gut wrenching, sinking feeling that Lindsey experienced in the course of my business as a Realtor. Maybe not as blatantly as Lindsey did...the result of irresponsibility. None the less, I have counted my money from the closing of sale only to experience the sadness of that sale not closing at the 11th hour.

I'm still reeling after witnessing Lindsey's fall from grace last night. I hadn't paid any attention to Olympic results throughout the day, so everything I witnessed was fresh and new. I love Lindsey. I loved her before her disastrous finish and I still love her. A pure Norwegian looking "toe head" with piercing blue eyes...what's not to love?

It's a test of character that awaits Lindsey. Her silver medal is a poor substitute for the gold which was hers for the taking. Her mistake was a lapse of judgment. It was simply a "showboat" stunt attributable to her youth and sense of invinciblity. Lindsey is going to grow up a bit faster now, and it will be interesting to see how she matures. I'll still put my money on Lindsey, expecting that she'll turn a lemon of a performance into lemonade.

$2.77 Trillion Budget Proposal

Protect the tax cuts for the richest Americans and cut food stamp and Medicare benefits for the poorest Americans...

Higher Medicare premiums for the elderly, fewer after-school programs for younger children, and costlier loans for college students. Makes me wonder what our government could be thinking about. Such a proposal now sits before the House of Representative. Hopefully, as is often the case, the Senate will reinstate the cuts and the poor will not have to suffer. Makes me wonder what compassionate conservatism is all about!

And Though Shalt Place Them On the Doorposts Of Thy House

Open your Bibles to Deuteronomy 6:4-9...


So What's Up With The Mezuzah?

It's not a convenient bottle opener, and it doesn't hold the ashes of the dearly departed. Literally translated, Mezuzah means "doorpost" in Hebrew. You'll find a Mezuzah similar to one of the four pictured above on the doorposts of many traditional and not-so-traditional Jewish homes. The Mezuzah is a testimony to G-d's omnipresence and abundant blessings. I think the Mezuzah is beginning to wind it's way into "pop" culture much like Madona's fascination with Kabbalah which deals with Jewish Mysticism. I'm beginning to see the Mezuzah on the doorposts of some homes that are definitely not Jewish!

The mitzvah (a blessing one receives) to place mezuzot on the doorposts of our houses is derived from Deuteronomy 6:4-9, a passage commonly known as the Shema (Hear, from the first word of the passage). In that passage, G-d commands us to keep His words constantly in our minds and in our hearts, by (among other things) writing them on the doorposts of our house. The words of the Shema are written on a tiny scroll of parchment, along with the words of a companion passage, Deut. 11:13-21. On the back of the scroll, a name of G-d is written. The scroll is then rolled up placed in the case, so that the first letter of the Name (the letter Shin) is visible (or, more commonly, the letter Shin is written on the outside of the case).

Median Price Of Preowned Homes Jumps 9%

Unfortunately, there is some not so good news, too...

But, we must be realistic about this. Prices don't go continually upwards unless you live in California! Preowned home sales were down 4% in January which was the second consecutive month of year to date declines in preowned home sales. This is probably due to the "bump" in interest rates which effects the lower end of the preowned market where first time home buyers might have a harder time qualifying for a loan today than they did a year ago.

The good news is that the median price of preowned homes is going up, up, up. More expensive homes are selling faster than they have since the telecom bubble bursting. It only makes sense that they should, too. Think about it... If you were the owner of a $1M 4 bedroom home in LA or Seattle that was strictly "average", and could buy a home in the DFW area that was a MANSION for $500K and pocket the rest...how hard a decision would that be?

House Poor

The mortgage company may tell you that you can afford a house for $300K, but that doesn't mean you should go out and buy one at that price...

Only buy what you need and can comfortably afford, despite what your lender tells you! Remember, they get paid on the size of the loan. You do not have to necessarily share their enthusiasm over your strong line of credit. Afterall, you're the one who has to pay for the house long after the papers are signed. You want to make sure you protect your line of credit and that you don't end up "House Poor".

Looking for a good lender? Call Al Hewitt with Mortgage Services Unlimited.

Galleria North Tower

The newest Condo on the block...

The Galleria North Condominium Tower will offer one-, two- and three-bedroom residences priced from $375,000 to more than $3 million. The DMN had a big feature on this marvelous new development on January 6th. In case you missed it, you can read all about it here!

I had an opportunity to meet with a marvelous young woman recently who just happens to be a sales associate with the developers of the propery,Mockingbird Management Company. Her name is Lisa Elliot and she is a delight! I plan to turn my clients considering Galleria North over to Lisa and then to just stand back and let her work her magic! Selling is an art, and it is particularly enjoyable to do when it is done correctly. That said, It's great to have a property like this to sell!

Want to see more about Galleria North Tower? Enjoy... Enter my constest to win dinner for 2 at Chili's!

Twenty One!

The official results are in...

There are over 350 agents in the Dallas, Keller Williams Preston Road Office. In 2005 I was ranked 21st in individual production. I am proud of my accomplishments in light of the intense competition that currently exists in the real estate profession. It's a battle out there!

It is questionable as to whether or not 2006 will be as robust a year in the industry as we have seen in the recent past. I have a feeling that the industr will soon be separating the "men from the boys".

See all the nice things my clients have to say about me. Note that all the nasty and mean comments have been edited out (that's a joke!).

It's A Factor Most Buyers Don't Consider!

But, the school district you buy into makes a big difference...

It's a factor most home buyers don't consider, but whether you have kids or not, great school districts are worth their weight in gold. Buy in an acclaimed district like the Richardson Independent School District (Northwood Hills Elementary Featured Above) and your property values will usually stay high, because that is where buyers want to live!

Want a chance at winning a free dinner for two at Chili's?

Be It Ever So Humble

See what $850,000 will buy in Dallas...

This 4,200 sf mansion on 200 feet of pristine creek is located in North Dallas, a few miles from downtown, shopping and all points of interest. It's listed For Sale By Owner and I have the right to represent a buyer to the owner. Know anyone who might be interested? Call me and let's create a "win-win" situation.

This is an extraordinary property, one of a kind. It can't be duplicated! If you are interested in this property or any others, don't hesitate to contact me. See more of this extraordinary home...

'05 Was A Big Year For Dallas Housing!

Sales of pre-owned homes set a record.

That said, it is yet to be seen whether or not 2006 can maintain that pace. For the record, North Texas home sales fell by 10% in December- the largest dip in more than two years. However, that may just be an anomaly...we'll have to wait a few months to see.

2005 was a record in pre-owned home sales; up 8% from 2004. But, based on trends, it will be hard for Realtors to set another record in 2006. Rising interest rates will hurt first time home buyers for one thing. Every time rates go up a certain percentage of first time, lower end buyers are "shut out" of the market. There is less of an effect on the higher end. Higher end buyers can always buy something.

If a higher end buyer is willing to pay more points and interest, they can usually buy whatever they want within reason. However, they will be taking a chance if rates continue to rise. God forbid they should lose their job!

In 2006, I'm going to work harder and differently. For one thing...Condos have really caught my attention and peaked my curiosity. Check out Condominiums on BaumRelo and come back often. I am adding information about different Condo Developments all the time, as well as, interesting tidbits. Condominiums...It's A Lifestyle 'Thang.

SOMETHING very COOL!

Oh so tired of Traditional?

God knows there are a lot of housing developments in Dallas. Unfortunately, many of them all look the same. This part of the world has always been predominately Traditional. Traditional meaning the look of granite counter tops, hand scraped hardwood floors, turned metal balusters, and plantation shutters. Well, the worm is beginning to turn. Modern is here!

May I introduce you to the Urban Reserve? Just as the name says, it is modern and located near the heart of the city. And it is a nature "reserve". And the developers do "reserve" the right to be choosy. And finally, yes. "Reservations" are required.

Please do visit their very creative web site if you have a zen for modern architecture. If the site or what I'm telling you whets your architectural appetite, travel out Forest Lane, east of 75 to Stults Road and turn right. Make a right on Jerry. There isn't much to see yet, but you can imagine. Seriously, if you can't "see it" when drive down the main boulevard, you probably won't "get it". It's not for everybody and it's not supposed to be.

The developers plan to break ground on the first home in March. 50 home sites are available from $100K to $320K. Prices on the individually custom designed homes will be from the high $3oo's to $1M.

If you're into COOL, and have as much imagination as you do money, you might have found your new home!

Get Fit!

Links for Life!

For all of my friends and clients who took me up on visiting my Property Writes Blog, I thank you! Here you will find an assortment of links that will help you look good and feel good in 2006, even if you can't be good!

How to handle New Years Resolutions and stand a chance of making them a reality!

During the start of the New Year most people make resolutions about lifestyle changes - mainly covering smoking cessation, exercise, eating habits, coping with stress at work etc. However, still filled with good intentions, by January 3rd these resolutions either fail or falter. This article aims to add support to your New Year or not-so-New Year's resolutions.

It is just as important to know what NOT to do when dieting as it is to know What to do. Check out this great article from the Boston College Eating Awareness Team.

Think twice before you make the choice to pursue weight loss. Just because the fashion industry now makes a size zero dress doesn't mean many people should come healthfully close to fitting into it! Do what is right for the health of your body without falling prey to the perils of trying to achieve someone else's unrealistic and unhealthy numbers. On the other hand, let us not fall victim to self-delusion! If you're fat as a pig, you know it!

And certainly we don't want to forget the importance of exercise! Let's check in with the Fitness Guru, and NO, I'm not referring to that overblown media icon, Dr. Phil!

Around the world, scores of people participate in some sort of exercise, sports, or physical activity. They are overcoming excuses and realizing numerous benefits that one can achieve from undertaking physical activity on a regular basis. Exercise is important to keep both your body and mind "in shape".

And finally, you need to develop you PEP, or Personal Exercise Plan. Here are two sites that will help you do just that.

The RealAge Cafe
Exercising for just 10 minutes each day can make your RealAge 2.5 years younger. Add 50 minutes per day of walking to this plan and make your RealAge 5 years younger.

Weight Loss Resources
This is cool! Three exercise plans designed to suit three starting point fitness levels. Each plan has six exercises and should be done five times a week for maximum benefit. All the exercises can be done at home with minimal equipment.

Want more information on LA Fitness? That's where I work out 3 days a week and do yoga on Sunday!

(The person pictured above is not me, although the similarities between us are quite striking.)

Tips For Raking Fall Leaves.

Bummer!

I hate to rake leaves. I mean I seriously hate it with a passion. It takes sooo long to feel like you've accomplished anything. And that said, it is a completely thankless task. No sooner have you hung your rake in your tool shed than a big gust of wind comes along and blows the leaves from the yard of your neighbor (who NEVER rakes his leaves) back onto your "clean plate".

(Check out these fall leaf raking tips)

No sooner have you laid down on the couch for a long Winter's
nap than your wife comes in and starts bugging you about when you plan on raking the leaves. "I just did it!" "I'm finished", you protest! "Who are you trying to fool, you slacker", she says. "Now get off your butt and get busy!" Ahhh, the joys of owning a home! Do they never cease?

One thing I have discovered is the 55 gallon drum bag. It is perfect for disposing of leaves and lawnmower mulch. The job is quicker, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly than with dozens and dozens of smaller bags. Try it the next time your wife sends you out to commune with nature.

Happenings on Rolling Acres

A New Year-A New House

7671 Rolling Acres was arguably the biggest eye-sore in Spring Creek until recently. Purchased for approximately 160K, this property is being completely remodeled and refurbished. The first thing the builder did was remove the facade as you can tell by comparing this photo with the MLS listing photo.

I have lots of info on this property in case you or someone you know are interested! When it's finished, it will probably be in the price range of $350K, making it one of the pricier homes in Spring Creek. This is an interior view. The master suite is being completely redesigned and enlarged. Originally, my thoughts were that the house would be "scraped". Economically, however, that was not practical.

This is a large house featuring 3.5 baths, 4 bedrooms, and a media or game room. It is going to be the perfect home for some lucky family. Of course I'm a Realtor, but I get really excited when this type of renovation takes place in Prestonwood or Spring Creek. It shows a vital and invigorated neighborhood! Are you thinking about spending a large amount of money and remodeling your home? If you had any doubts as to the validity of your actions, this type of neighborhood activity should put your mind to rest!

What A Way To End The Year!

I played the best round of golf I've ever played!

It was the most perfect of winter days. The temperature was in the high 60's and the sun was bright! I had never played Steven's Park before, and was looking forward to the opportunity.

Nestled in the historic Kessler Park neighborhood in Oak Cliff, Stevens Park offers a scenic tree-lined winding layout 6,005 yards long. Stevens Park is a unique experience and an excellent test of your shot making ability with huge old trees and deceptive elevation changes. Stevens Parks' target oriented layout is a challenge for all skill levels. Its attractive clubhouse offers quality food and beverage services as well as a panoramic view of the golf course.

When son Michael and I arrived, we registered in the club house and hit the putting green where we discovered some of Santa's Elves. No kidding. A couple of superb humanitarians, fresh from their shift of volunteering at a local Shriner Children's Hospital had shown up at Steven's Park in their elf outfits, complete with green tights! No matter that they hadn't changed, they were full of the Christmas Spirit and having fun!

I played the best 9 holes I've ever played and then started on the back 9. Unfortunately, we ran out of daylight; however, before we did, I played the 13th hole. Number 13 is a par 4, 256 yard, dog leg to the right. The green is not visible from the tee. My drive was perfect. It was the best drive I've ever hit and landed 5 feet from the pin! I was within a stroke of making an eagle. I missed the putt, but made the bird. I'll never forget it!

What Is The First Thing I Should Do When I Move Into My New Home?

The very first thing you should do is change the locks!

You have no idea who has a key, and who doesn't! There have been legions of inspectors, Realtors and their clients, repairmen, contractors and others traipsing through your new home before you got there.

That's not to mention ex-husbands and wives, as well as, assorted others with a grudge or an axe to grind. It is time to err on the side of caution and incur the expense to enjoy the piece of mind that new and secure locks provide. Don't be penny wise and pound foolish with the most expensive investment you are likely to make!

Here are some other "musts" to complete before making a move.

People Ask Me This All The Time!

Dennis...should I remodel my bath, should I update my kitchen, should I install replacement windows?

These are extremely valuable considerations to make when you are considering listing and selling. your home. In the final analysis, it all comes down to cost vs value.

See which home improvements are most likely to give you the biggest "bang for the buck". Do you think it's remodeling the kitchen or adding replacement windows? The 2005 Cost vs Value Report from Realtor Magazine is now available. If you're a home owner and thinking about making improvements next year...check this out!

How Can I Best Insulate My Home This Winter?

It's time to "tighten up" the homestead!

Want to get the "biggest bang for your buck" in saving money on energy this winter. Your first choice is to have a Saudi Prince in the family. Short of that, add insulation! Check this out for other ways to save money.

I gave Mr. Albertson my super neighbor some free advise, but so far he hasn't taken any action. He is on a pier and beam foundation, as I am. However, he has all his vents covered. It is important when you are on a pier and beam that you provide plenty of circulation through the crawl space beneath the home. Never cover the vents!

That is the beauty to a p&b...they breathe. As heat, and often heat with moisture, "falls" it important to keep the area dry. That is why one shouldn't cover (even in the coldest weather) the vents in the perimeter beam of the home. In the heat of the summer, a p&b "breathes" and keeps things cooler.

The biggest advantage to having a p&b is the cost of maintenance. Relative to making repairs in a slab foundation, fixing things in a p&b is a piece of cake!

North Dallas Suburban "High Life"

Neighborhoods north of LBJ are taking on the Condo Trend...

The DMN recently ran an article on the condo trend and how it's going to impact North Dallas. Currently three high-rise properties are on the drawing boards.

The 11 story, 80 unit Amalfi will be on Montfort next too the Village on the Parkway SC. This is being built by a partnership between the exclusive builders, Sharif-Munir and Redwood Residential Properties.

Silver Tree Partners will start next year developing the 134 unit, 15 story, Tuscany (rendering pictured). I already have the down payment on the top floor penthouse. Located on the SE Corner of Prestonwood and Arapaho across from the old Prestonwood Mall on what was the Times Square Night Club, it will be convenient to all manner of shopping and the restaurants in Addison. Additionally it will have a view of 3 golf courses and a 3 acre lake. You might see the steel framing of what was once an insurance office on the corner of the property which will become the marketing center at the beginning of 2006 for The Tuscany. Scheduled completion is the end of 2007 or later. All of this according to Brett Williams who is a partner with Silver Tree. Sooo, there is PLENTY of time to make your deposit and secure your new condo. I might even be persuaded to sell you my contract on the penthouse!

The Mockingbird Building Group is going to build a 20-story, 126 unit project on Noel Road just north of the Galleria. Units will be priced from $375,000 to $3M.

If you're interested in finding out more about these properties or any other condos in Dallas, send me an email!

Revisit Tara from "Gone with the Wind"

Every home has character and charm. However, some have more than others...

I recently had the opportunity to sell one of the most beautiful homes in Richardson. Located at 25 Bunker Hill, this property arguably is one of the most attractive properties in the city. Built by one of the neighborhood developers, this property belonged to the mother of a friend and client of mine.

Having sold for close to the asking price, I feel the transaction ended in the manner I strive for all transactions to end...a "win-win" situation for both parties.

As is usually the case when a young and prosperous family buys and aging property in need of updating, the buyers and their contractors will soon begin the ripping and tearing remodeling process. I look with anticipation towards the future of this home and the improvements that will be made. Hopefully, they will be done to the interior, as the facade is too classic, to romantic, and holds too much character to disturb.

If you're interested in seeing more of 25 Bunker Hill, be my guest!

Drought

What should I do to keep my lawn looking good this fall?

Man. We need some rain! I can't remember when it has been sooo dry here in north central Texas. I heard yesterday that we are 13" behind the average annual rain fall for this part of the country.

Just because winter is fast approaching, and your lawn is dormant and not actively growing doesn't mean you can forget about your landscaping responsibilities. Your lawn and shrubbery needs moisture this time of the year, too.

Curious as to what you should be doing now to make sure your lawn is in top shape come spring? Check out my fall landscaping tips and keep your yard in tip-top shape!

The Bellagio

I had the pleasure of selling a lovely home in Castle Hills this year to my wonderful clients Richard and Stephanie. Castle Hills is a premier development north of Dallas and at the southern most point of Denton County, but within the Lewisville Independent Schools District.

Anyway, unbenownced to me was the fact that as a Realtor who had sold a new home in Castle Hills, I was the recipient of an all expenses paid, one night excursion to Steve Wynn's fabulous Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas compliments of the developer of Castle Hills.

I was treated like royalty...let me tell you! Upon arrival via AA, I checked into my exclusive accomodations which were PLUSH. I was then wisked away to a most wonderful round of golf at Red Rock Country Club. Upon completion of my round, dinner was served in a private dining room and I was presented with $100 in chips and a ticket to Cirque Du Soleil's "O". Thank you Stephanie and Richard!

I have an appointment tomorrow with the marketing director at Castle Hills, 'cause I'm going to sell some more homes in this magnificent development.

By the way...do you know anyone looking to buy a home or someone who needs to get one sold? If so, please let me know, or direct them to my web site at BaumRelo. It is always my pleasure to help!

No Picasso!

I am asked this question everyday. "Dennis, what should I do in order to get my home ready to list and show?" The answer is not always easy to answer, because so much depends on how well the property has be maintained by the owner. Has most all of the normal maintenance been deferred, or has the property been well maintained throughout its life? What needs to be done usually lies somewhere between these two polar opposites.

Regardless, in terms of general conversation on the subject of getting a property presentable for the market, one addage remains constitute...

PAINT AND CARPETING PROVIDE THE BIGGEST "BANG" FOR THE SELLER'S BUCK!

Which means that before you do anything else to your home in the way of spending money and getting it ready for the market, you should consider spending money on paint and carpet. Here are some more great ideas for getting your home ready to show!

Lackluster...

Yeah..."Lackluster"...as in a lump of coal...that just about sums up the Texas and Metroplex Real Estate Market "compared" to the rest of the country. We are like on another planet compared to the real estate hotspots. The market in CA, FL, and the Northeast has created middle-class millionaires. Las Vegas and Phoenix are hot, too. If you're thinking about taking a job in any of these areas, you might want to rethink you decision. All you'll probably be able to afford is a crate under the interstate.
. .
Both Dallas and Fort Worth are among the bottom 20 cities, out of. . . a total of 265. Oh, I almost forgot. Texas is ranked 51st in the nation in home price appreciation over the past year.
If you live in one of the hot areas previously mentioned, and have the flexibility, the smart money says you should make plans to move to Texas where you can make out like a bandit!
. .
.It's the classic sell high and buy low scenario. Only, don't wait. Housing price increases are already slowing and interest rates are rising. This bubble ain't gonna last forever. More good news. Any "pop" the bubble makes will effect us the least. When you're sitting on the bottom, you don't have far to fall!

Median Housing Value of Owner-Occupied Housing Units (Dollars): 2004

You Only Have ONE Chance To Make A Good First Impression

SOLD! On First Impressions...

I never cease to be amazed by the fact that sellers are often so untidy when they list their homes for sale. All to often when working with buyers, the front door of the home we are interested in seeing is a mess. Understand that the front door is the first item of a home a prospective buyer sees. If the front door looks like it hasn't been dusted in months and is covered with grime, finger prints, dust, dirt and the remnants of an Oreo cookie, what "pray tell" will the rest of the house look like!

Here is a list of things you should do if you plan on selling your home. I call it SOLD! On First Impressions.

15111 Meandering Place; Dallas 75248

I held my newest listing "open" on Sunday. Holding open houses is an integral of my marketing strategy, and quite frankly one that I truly enjoy! Holding my listings "open" has several benefits for the Realtor and the client:

1. You get to meet the nosy neighbors who are always looking for decorating ideas or a chance to give or receive gossip. An open house for a Realtor is the same thing as "pressing the flesh" for a politician at a fried chicken dinner fundraiser.

2. The public gets a chance to see the home. Granted, some of the prospects are simply "looking"; however, their simple attendance has at least two distinct advantages. First of all, I am exposed to a possible future client. Secondly, even if the property is of no immediate interest to them, perhaps they will mention it to a friend.

3. Finally, my purpose is to help as many people as I can. I am never disappointed by the number of people who wish to discuss real estate with me at my open houses...they always have an abundance of questions and opinions which I am always glad to answer and entertain!

Please take a look at 15111 Meandering Place and send me your feed-back.

September 2005 Home Market Update

This is a regular feature of "Property Writes". If you want to see which way real estate values are going in the immediate geographic areas in which I concentrate, check out these numbers. If you are truly ambitious and want to check a wide range of different statistics in all the areas served by my MLS Service (NTREIS...North Texas Real Estate Information Service) go to NTREIS MLS Reporting Site.

Year to DateGeneral North Central Texas Information:Number of Homes Sold: 67,141 +8%Average Price: $187,589 +4%DOM (Average Number Days on Market): 70 -1%

Number of Houses Sold:North Dallas 101 -1%Plano 404 +13%Richardson 132 +20%Frisco 226 +6%Allen 145 +28%Average Sales Price:North Dallas $318K -7%Plano $266K +8%Richardson $178K +4%Frisco $273K +1%Allen $193K +6%

Average Price Per Sq Ft:North Dallas $114 +1%Plano $95 +5%Richardson $86 +8%Frisco $96 +3%Allen $78 +2%

Average Number of Days on Market (DOM):North Dallas 61 +5%Plano 53 -4%Richardson 56 -13%Frisco 63 -9%Allen 58 -152%

I hope you found this information helpful. Please send me some feedback and share your opinion. Remember, if you have questions about real estate, I’ve got answers. Send me an email with “DENNIS, I NEED HELP” in the subject line and I will gladly respond.

What Can I Do To Save Energy Costs?

I don't know, but you better think of something...

TXU has just been given a 24% rate increase by the State of Texas Regulatory Commission. Is it any wonder their stock jumped almost $4 a share yesterday? Have you been receiving calls from everyone you know trying to get you signed up in their down line for a multi-level utility marketing scheme? I see people out of the corner of my eye trying to sell this program to each other everyday at Starbucks.

A long time ago, I signed up with Green Mountain Energy. I know I am paying more, but I am promoting a very renewable energy source...wind! In an environmental moment of weakenss, you might want to consider Green Mountain.

Dixie and I recently ordered the remaining replacement windows we needed to complete our house. We've had additional insulation installed in the attic, and we are in agreement to lower the thermostat.

Here are some more things you can do to lower your energy costs!

What Should I Do If I Have A Water Leak?

"Gee Honey, This Floor Feels Hot"!

If you discover a "hot spot"on your otherwise cold slab floor, you are most definitely looking at a hot water line that has broken. You'll need to call your insurance company. They will in turn contact a leak detection company to repair the damage. You will most probably have to contact a flooring company to repair the damage the leak detection company creates...a leak repair is always a big mess.

Other indications that you might have a leak are water bills that are historically or hysterically way too high. You may also discover a leak in a more traditional way such as gushing water where it shouldn't be...that's a dead giveaway. Sewer lines provide a really nasty kind of leak. This can be easily determined by you plumber or rotor rooter guy. If they send the auger into the line and it comes back with mud on the end, it is a sure sign that dirt is coming into the line and sewage is seeping out.

Water leaks can cause you big problems for your foundation. Remember that your foundation likes a balance between dry and wet. When the ground surrounding or underneath your foundation becomes saturated with water, it tends to sink and crack. This is bad. That's why if you suspect you have a leak, you need to get it fixed as soon as possible.

Remember to take your time in making repairs to a cracked foundation. You want give your foundation ample time to reasonably dry before piers are placed or mud is injected.

Insurance companies are reasonable when it comes to paying for repairs caused by foundation leaks, but they are cautious. The insurance company will pay to repair the leaks that are found under your foundation. Likewise, they will pay to repair resulting damage to the floor.

Repairing leaks is a process that takes time and it is expensive. First one leak is found and repaired. Then, tests are made to determine if there are other leaks. If so, then that one is repaired, and so on and so on, until there are no more leaks. If you suspect that your foundation has been adversely effected by the leaks underneath it, the insurance company will send out a structural engineer to make that determination based on what he sees and by analyzing the information in the report prepared by the leak repair company. Their report will indicate how many and where the leaks were found.

Got Questions? I’ve Got Answers!
Send me an email and I’ll gladly respond.
Put “DENNIS, I NEED HELP” in the subject line.

Waveland and Pass Christian, Ms are G O N E!

Total devastation. Armageddon. The Gulf Coast of Mississippi is GONE. The homes and businesses are gone. The roads and railroad tracks are gone. The bridges are gone! The people are gone. Disturbing is an understatement. Distressing is easy to come to grips with...Sadness, too. The spirit of the people working is there! FEMA is there. Tent cities are there.

That's me standing next to what passes as the remnants of a luxury ocean front home!

What does it look like. Think ghost town. Think flattened. When will it come back? I haven't a clue and I don't think anyone else does either.

The sea rose up aging the shore and when the sea discovered that it couldn't have the land it left. But, the sea was vindictive and being denied its claim, it sought its revenge on the land, and its revenge was granted!

Today we traveled south on I-59 from Hattiesburg to Poplarville. We cut over on Hwy 53 to Hwy 603 through Kiln, home of Brett Favre and proceeded across I-10 into Waveland and over to Pass Christian. We went as far as we could, right up to where what re mains of Hwy 90 drops into the bay and hwy 90 dramatically ends.

Picayune Mississippi

Sarah's (Sarah is married to my son, David. He is lucky to have her, because she is indeed wonderful! They've been married for 2 years on Nov.1) parents live in Picayune, Ms located just south and east of Hattisburg and north of the mostly devastated Slidell, LA. Picayune was much harder hit than Hattisburg. The cost of the clean up of debris in their one heavily treed and gated community is estimated at $4M!

We're taking a road trip this morning. Or plan is to venture south to Waveland and Pass Christian, MS. These are reportedly two of the hardest hit areas on the Gulf Coast. I am I bit hesitant about taking a "Sunday Drive" and "rubber-necking" the distress of these innocent victims. Perhaps you will consider making a first or even second contribution to the American Red Cross on behalf of the victims of hurricane Katrina. Thank you in advance!

Visit Hattisburg Mississippi...Some Other Time

My first born son, David, lives in Hattisburg, Ms with his beautiful and charming wife, Sarah. They survived Katrina and are now living in its aftermath.

Hattisburg, like many other small southern enclaves, was once a particularly quaint and attractive city. However, like many others, it has succumbed to urban sprawl and degradation under the guise of development. You know the look...one after another, franchise fast food neon signs followed by the same , as far as the eye can see. As in so many other places in the south, those concerned with historical preservation are losing the battle of control to those more interested in commercial development. That's just the way it is. Beauty and symmetry are being sacrificed in the name of personal property rights.

Hattisburg is in a state of disarray. It was devastated by Katrina. Picture a war zone. An hours drive north Katrina's epicenter, Gulfport and Biloxi, it's a twisted mess of stumps and splintered pine tree remnants, blown off roofs, and smashed buildings. The roadsides are piled high "as an elephants eye" with debris. The ubiquitous "FEMA Blue" roof tarp coverings dot the landscape and on every corner are signs advertising carpet bagger roofing companies and stump grinders.

Driving around Hattisburg today, almost two months after Katrina's entrance, the city looks like the aftermath of a huge drunken brawl . Someone has made a feeble attempt to clean up the mess. A lamp has been picked up here and a chair up righted there. A picture has been hung back on the wall, but at a cock-eyd angle. Regardless of the effort, the cigarette burns are deeply embedded in the carpet and the smell of beer and alcohol still permeate the air. In every sense of the equestrian cliche, "Hattisburg has been rode hard and putup wet." This city will need several years to recover and I get the distinct impression it, like most of the MS Gulf Coast, will most likely be rebuilt in the same careless direction in which it was headed. Speed and expediency are the rule of the day. Note the fact that the first piece of legislation passed in Katrina's aftermath was a "slam-dunked" law allowing casinos to build inland instead of on the water where they were confined prior to Katrina.

Hattisburg Debris and Tree Removal

Create a Sense of Space

Reduce Clutter

If you are planning to list your home for sale, one of the first steps you want to take is to reduce the clutter throughout your home and particularly in your closets. Regardless of how big your closets are, removing items that you no longer wear can make a tremendous difference in the perception of a buyer.

Buyers are constantly projecting. Your home is constantly being "sized up" by a prospective buyer as a receptacle for their possessions. Perception in real estate is everything! If your closet, regardless of how big it is, is "jammed and crammed" full of stuff, the natural perception of a buyer is that his or her things will never fit. If you have too much furniture in a room, the room will appear small and tight. Regardless of how much counter and shelf space you have, if every square inch is occupied by another of your objects 'd art, then the amount of counter and shelf space you have to offer will appear as less than ideal.

Often times when I list a home, I respectfully speak to the sellers in terms of percentages. I will ask that 50% or 75% of the items on the shelves of a room or closet be removed and packed up. In other words, if we're looking at 100 items, lose 50 or 75 of them. Bottom line, it will make the room or closet look bigger and much more appealing and understandable to a prospective buyer.

And oh, by the way. All those myriad of personal items that are covering your refrigerator, they should be taken off and packed away. Subconsciously a buyer feels badly about the prospect of disrupting your family and all those personal mementos only seek to reinforce those thoughts. Hey, I'm not making this stuff up! I'm a trained professional. Besides, all that stuff on the frig usually looks messy.

Guard Your Credit Score

I have a client whose home is under contract and is scheduled to close this Friday. Today I received an unfortunate call from the agent for the buyers. Their loan officer checked the buyer's credit again today (part of her job) and it seems as if the buyers made two late payments to different credit card companies SINCE they originally applied and were approved for their loan. Their credit score today, relative to when they originally applied for their loan, is much lower.

They have effectively "shot themselves in the foot"!

It now appears that they may not get their loan and therefore may not be able to buy my clients home. I can only tell you that my client is very upset. Luckily, he is not upset with me, and he shouldn't be. If this transaction "goes away" he will keep the buyer's earnest money which is small conciliation, but something. His house will go back on the market and we'll sell it to another deserving couple. The repairs and improvements he has made to his property were necessary in any event.

Let this be a lesson to you...

Be credit smart! Whenever you are in the process of buying a home, be careful with your credit! Continue to diligently pay your bills on time. Don't end up lowering your credit score by doing something foolish. Don't buy anything on credit like furniture or a car before closing as this could result in your loan being denied. In any event, consult your lender before making such a purchase. Being financially prudent might keep you from being very disappointed.

What Can I Do To Prevent Foundation Problems?

The Texas Heat Will Have It's Way With Your Home!

When the weather is as dry as it has been in the DFW area and North Central Texas this year (think global warming) there is really precious little you can do to slow down the effects of this kind of drought .

My home is on pier and beam. Many people think that this is a vastly superior to a slab foundation. That is not necessarily so, but it does have it's advantages, particularly in terms of ease of maintenance. However, even though my home is on p&b, necessarily the garage is not. The garage is on a slab. I have a drip irrigation system running totally around my home and have been watering religiously all summer. Regardless, there is a very large crack just over the door leading from my garage to the backyard.

Oh well, all we can do is pray for a break in the weather. Cooler and damper weather is sure to get her soon and the cracks have a way of being miraculously "healed" after some soaking rain. In the meantime, here are some tips that "usually" work to keep foundation stress at a minimum.

How to Prevent Foundation Problems
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Negotiating Mortgage Rates on the Internet

Is a lot like doing surgery on yourself. You could do it. It would probably hurt like hell and would certainly end up being messy. Listen, the internet is here to stay and people are becoming more and more accustomed to using it to conduct business.

A few months ago, my sweet wife Dixie (pictured) would NEVER have thought about buying something on the internet. She is much too "touchy- feely" for anything as impersonal as that. Lord have mercy, things have changed! Toasters, draperies, apparel, and dozens of other assorted odds and end products now arrive daily at our home, all purchased (at tremendous savings I am told) on the internet. I'm on a first name basis with "Brown". But, these purchases are hard goods that can readily be returned (and unfortunately for "Brown" most of them are) if Dixie changes her mind.

Imagine you are in the process of closing a loan for your new home. The buyer has lived up to his side of the transaction. The price was negotiated in good faith. The repairs were made. Now, he has completed the signing of his paperwork and is coordinating the loading of the moving van idling in front of his, soon to be yours, fabulous home. Your wife and kids are salivating in anticipation of turning the key.

Now it's time for you to sign your loan documents...only they ain't there. Or, the loan amount is incorrect. Possibly, the terms...well the terms of your loan are different from what you had agreed to with you telephone contact. In any event it's crunch time. What are you going to do? It is 5:00 PM on Friday afternoon in Dallas which means it is 6:00 PM in New York City where your contact Elroy has left for the day...

I have established a relationship with Al Hewitt and Albert Moon at Mortgage Service Unlimited that spans 9 years. These guys work for me! One of the two of them personally show up at each and every closing we do. I know where they live and the names of their wives and children in addition to their home phone numbers! Do mistakes happen? You bet. Are any of us (except Dixie) perfect, no way. Regardless, they go to bat for me and my clients in order that at the end of the day, the job is done right and the loan closes. In essence a happy ending instead of Armageddon.

So. Before you sign up for anything as complicated as a mortgage loan on the internet, think again.

Moving?

What should I do before I move in to my new abode? If you are planning a move, there are 4 primary "things" you must do before you load the moving van. Not to take care of these items will only leave you disappointed!

Before You Make A Move!

Here's Dennis

Real Estate Agent Is His Own Roving Billboard

I thought it was a good idea when I "thunk" it up. Why not have Paul Pace at HighTech Signs in Richardson construct a vinyl sign using my "leaning Dennis logo" for the front of my new Dell? Brilliant. Pure genius. It did serve to get me noticed at the numerous Starbucks I frequent. It's really cool to be connected to the internet on a Saturday morning and see the 20 people standing in line giving you the eye out of the corner of theirs. They try not to stare or make eye contact, but they are curious and it does get you noticed.

No, I can't say that I have ever had anyone come up to me and ask me to list their home or to sell them one as a result of this marketing effort. No as well to the question of patenting the idea. My friend Rocky Schwartz says there is nothing to patent except my picture and it is doubtful if anyone would pay to have me on the front of their laptop!

All this said, there is on particularly interesting and flattering occurrence that took place as a result of my original concept. I received a call one Saturday from a graduate student at the Temerlin Advertising Institute in the SMU Meadows School of the Arts. She requested my permission to use my idea in an advertising campaign they were presenting in a national advertising competition. The idea was to promote the State of Florida and encourage tourists to spend "one more night" of their vacation in Florida. The idea was to have the State of Florida promoted on the front of every lap top owned by the State and operated by a State of Florida employee. I don't know if Florida implemented the program, but I do know the Temerlin Team took first place in the competition!

Satisfaction enough.

Here's Dennis!

If You're Gonna Move, Make It Easy On Yourself

What are the basics of making a residential move? What does it take to make a move go smoothly. It is probably easier than you think. Most importantly it is about thinking things through, and putting your things and your life in your new home in the proper perspective. So, take a deep breath and good luck!

Take Control Of Your Move

This is my blog and welcome to it! Here I am at one one of my favorite Starbucks on the corner of Coit and Campbell. It's my opinion that I can sell a lot more houses to people I meet at Starbucks than I could to other agents if I was sitting around the office!

I was voted one of D-Magazines's "Best Residential Realtors In Dallas" in 2002! Read more about my Roving Billboard in the July 2003 issue of Realtor Magazine.