If you ever have to go through a short sale on your own home you will know that an experienced short sale agent can make all the difference on how quickly the short sale can get done as well as getting the short sale approved.On the flip side an experienced buyer's agent can help tremendously with making the short sale go smooth for their client.  The buyer's agent should always make aware to their buyer that patience is key in buying a short sale.  Some offers can take a few weeks to get answered while others can take a few months to get answered!A buyer's agent who knows this can help keep their buyer updated as well as helping them stay patient during the process.  We've found that a buyer needs to be educated in how the pricing strategy works on a short sale.  Just because the buyer... 01/13/2011

                    ALWAYS get an inspection report! We recently had a client purchase a home and we represented him as the buyer's agent.  This particular client decided to not get an inspection report for various reason's even though we strongly urged him to do so.Inspection reports are good for the obvious reason's of making sure you are getting a house that is not a money pit and that you can negotiate repairs accordingly.  Well there is another reason to why an inspection report is important... Our client called us up to let us know that his outside A/C unit was apparently stolen and what should he do about it.  Since he had just purchased the property I called up our attorney to ask him the best way to handle it and the attorney's first question was "did your buyer get a inspectio... 01/10/2011

  Dallas Tx is expected to be hit with some cold weather tonight (January 8, 2011) you would think that Texans are preparing for a nuclear winter. If there is any chance that Dallas might get snow then people run to the grocery store and buy as much food as they can in case we have to stay in our house for a whole day. I was reading an article on The Dallas Morning News website that talked about how sales were down in December in 2010 but they weren't as bad as expected.  The article then went on to say that analysts expect a stronger 2011 spring market and especially after the Super Bowl. Now I do agree that as interest rates continue to stay low then we will see more home buyer's (especially the move up home buyers), but I thought it was funny that the analyst expects sales to pick u... 01/08/2011

I wrote another blog yesterday on Home Inspections to have it ready to post this morning (I will post it tomorrow), but as I was watching the show Selling New York (I love this show) on HGTV last night an agent was having a hard time selling a condo/apartment (we call them condo's here in Dallas) and the inside of the house was updated and looked awesome. The problem that buyer's were having with the unit was the upstairs rooftop was raw and unfinished and the comments from the buyers were that they would like to see the seller's either lower the price or finish out the rooftop with flooring and just make it more aesthetically pleasing. When the agent went to talk to the seller's about brainstorming on what else they could do to get the condo sold, the agent mentioned finishing out the ... 01/07/2011

The Shops at Watters Creek -- Allen, TX Recently, I spent some time at one of the newest shopping areas in town which also happens to be one of the most beautiful -- Watters Creek in Allen, Texas.  Terra Mediterranean Grill is just one of the many wonderful restaurants -- you'll also find Mi Cocina, The Londoner, The Blue Fish, Cheesecake Factory, Grimaldi's Pizzeria, Village Burger, P.F. Chang's and many, many more great choices. The Lofts at Watters Creek is an upscale new luxury apartment community that blends in seemlessly with the businesses and shops here in the center.  It's convenient to I-75 at Bethany Drive, but with everything right outside your front door, there's no reason to leave. Bring the kids -- they'll love running through the parks and playing on the scuptures!  Lose... 01/06/2011

  I am off to a slow start in the January challenge since today is January 6 and this being my first blog post.  My brother was in Hawaii over the holidays and we've had a lot of business (definitely a good thing) that needed to be handled and myself and our 2 employees did a great job of not dropping any of the balls that we were juggling.  It is definitely good to have Austin back and we can be at full strength team wise again!Buyer's and seller's in the Dallas, Texas area had a decent December with buyer's taking advantage of low interest rates and seller's who priced their home right from the beginning have been able to sell their home fairly quickly.Right now we are seeing a surge in buyer's contacting us from other states to inquire about relocating to the Dallas/Fort Worth Metro... 01/06/2011

Market Report for Allen Texas - November 2010 Allen Texas experienced an increase in average sales price by 15.2% over last year. This higher sales price comes at a steep price with properties taking an average of 99 days on market. This is a 33.8% increase over last year at this time. There are also more homes on the market for sale than last year and 34.2% less homes have closed. All this data taken together with the fact that interest rates are rapidly rising are indicators pointing to a prime buying opportunity. Home prices are at lows and interest rates are still extremely low when you look at their historic prices. Keep in mind you need a REALTOR that knows your local market and what makes it unique. Deb and I are pleased to serve Allen and would love to help you sell or buy a hom... 01/05/2011

This is a video testimonial from a homebuyer in Allen, Texas. This post is written as a submission to the ActiveRain Kodak Video Challenge contest. I have the chance to win the KODAK PLAYTOUCH Pocket Video Camera, great for realtors looking to create wide angle home tours and real estate marketing videos!   01/04/2011

  2011 for the housing market North Texas is looking for modest gains.  As long as the demand for jobs stays strong then Housing Analysts are expecting to see a gain in home sales.  If interest rates start to go up then I expect we will see a surge in buyers trying to get locked into a low rate before it is too late. We are already seeing an increase in response to new sellers that want to sell their home in the first quarter of 2011 and prices should be more realistic since home sellers nowadays understand what is going in the market. If you are thinking of selling your home in 2011 please be sure to read our blog on getting your home ready to sell.  Homes that are priced right from the beginning and that are show ready will sell quickly. _______________________________________________... 12/22/2010

Allen TX - Home Sales Market Report - July 2010 Below you will find the November 2010 market report for Allen, TX in Collin County. The report is for residential single family homes. All sales statistics are taken year-over-year from our local MLS (2009 vs. 2010). If you would like to buy or sell a home in this area, please contact me. If you would like to buy or sell a home in this area, please contact me. I would be glad to work with you! Click here to view Allen Listings   If you would like to view the slide show in a larger format, you can do the following: 1. Click Menu, then click View Fullscreen (in the left corner). 2. OR, click View on Slideshare (in the right corner). Allen TX - November 2010 - Housing Market Report View more presentations from Valarie Littles. 12/20/2010

It's been fun to watch urban living migrate to the suburbs. Over the past five years, we've seen a number of developments pop-up that offer urban-style living in suburban cities surrounding Dallas. Watters Creek, located in the southwest corner of US 75 and Bethany Road, is one of the latest urban-style developments in Collin County. The Watters Creek website reads: With its vertically dense design, this 52-acre project incorporates a complete mix of uses including a large creekside village green, interactive public art, a variety of retail options, restaurants featuring al fresco dining and water views, and office space and residential lofts. Gina and I really like the area with its upscale eateries, wine bars, upper-end retail, and Market Street. We stopped into Grimaldi's Pizzeria th... 12/19/2010

MLS Sales Statistics for Homes Located in the City of Allen  Average Sales Price per Square Foot in Allen     $85.66 Lowest Sales Price per Square Foot in Allen     $52.87 Highest Sales Price per Square Foot in Allen     $151.26         Average Days on Market in Allen     81 Fewest Days on Market in Allen     5 Most Days on Market in Allen     287         Average Size of Homes Sold in Allen (sq .ft.)     2,713 Smallest Home Sold in Allen (sq .ft.)     1,168 Largest Homes Sold in Allen (sq. ft.)     6,867         Average Sales Price/List Price Percentage in Allen     96% Lowest Sales Price/List Price Percentage in Allen     82% Highest Sales Price/List Price Percentage in Allen     104%         Number of Single-Family Homes Sold in Allen     72 The above sales statistics are based on MLS... 12/19/2010

"Home smells horrible...suspected smoker.  Does not show well at all.  Very messy & Dirty. I'd say clean it up or lower the price!" Thinking of selling your home in 2011?  If you don't want comments like the one above then you need to get your home "ready for sale" before you go on the market.  You should go through your home several times and see what could be done to make the home "shine" for that new buyer.  Are your baseboards dirty and need to be cleaned and painted?  Maybe your home just needs a good "de-cluttering" so that the new buyer's can see a home that will accommodate their furnishings.  For a great list of how to get your home ready for the market be sure to read this Realtor.com article --> http://www.realtor.com/basics/sell/prephome/getready.asp?source=ig If you are thi... 12/18/2010

Thinking of buying a home in 2011?  You can have perfect credit and a great income but if  the home your buying doesn't appraise for the contract value then the bank won't lend the money unless you the buyer makes up the difference or if the seller is willing to come down to the appraised value.  Definitely makes you want to pull your hair out if you have to deal with a low appraisal! This MSNBC article talks about how more home buyer's and home seller's are facing low appraisal values. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40661715/ns/business-us_business Looking for homes for sale in Allen Tx or selling a home in Allen Tx be sure to check out The Good Home Team at www.TheGoodHomeTeam.com or search for homes by clicking here. The Good Home Team with Keller Williams Realty is a top producing and ... 12/14/2010

Legendary Dallas Cowboy takes his talent to indoor ranks Drew Pearson announced general manager for Allen Wranglers I was so excited to read this announcement!  I remember getting Drew Pearson's autograph when I was a DeSoto "Cowboys" cheerleader in little league.  His is a very familiar name.  I know that his experience will be great addition to the team.  How awesome for the newest indoor football team!  Oh...and it's in my town too :) ALLEN, Texas - The Allen Wranglers have named legendary Dallas Cowboy wide receiver Drew Pearson as their first general manager, owner Jim Smith announced today. Pearson will join head coach Chris MacKeown for the team's inaugural season in the Indoor Football League.READ MORE To purchase season tickets at a very special price, visit the Allen Wrangler'... 12/10/2010

ALLEN ROTARY CHRISTMAS PARADE 2010 - Allen Texas  Presented by the   Allen Sunrise and Allen Noon Rotary Clubs   Sunday, December 5, 2010, at 2:00 P.M.   Grand Marshall: The Allen Americans, CHL Southern Conference Champions Parade Theme: An All American Christmas Parade Route:  The parade will begin at Cedar & St. Mary, proceed southbound to Main Street; turn right on Main Street; turn right on Allen Drive and end at Allen Drive and St. Mary at the traffic circle. If I can be of assistance in helping you buy or sell a home in Allen Texas, please give me a call or email me.  I'll be happy to help!   12/01/2010

Happy Thanksgiving The Good Home Team wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and our team will be enjoying Thursday off, but we will be back to work on Friday to help take care of your real estate needs! You can reach us at 972-468-5017 or you can search homes for sale in Allen, Tx or surrounding cities by visiting our website at www.TheGoodHomeTeam.com 11/24/2010

This past Sunday, our church held it's yearly mission emphasis Sunday called The Gift.  Thousands of packets of food called "Mix a Meal's" were packed for the GAIN-Global Aid Network ministry that feeds poverty stricken people across the world.  Dozens of people gave blood.  People sorted seeds to send to people across the world to grow a garden.  People donated their hair for Pink Hearts Funds. Our church even started an adoption ministry!  And, families brought their Operation Christmas Child boxes.In the service you were able to listen to the most amazing college aged girl give her testimony during the church service.  Her name is Oksana Nelson and she used to be a Russian orphan. Oksana Nelson Here's a quick recap of Oksana's story.  Oksana lived in a Russian orphanage that was very... 11/18/2010

Grab your cowboy hat and boots and joint the fun at the Western Heritage Festival Texas Stampede's Inaugural Western Heritage Festival is a chance for cowboys and cowgirls of all ages to celebrate our western heritage right outside of the Allen Event Center during the Tom Thumb Texas Stampede. The Western Heritage Festival includes: The Texas Stampede Marketplace - Shopping for everything western from top quality local, regional, and national vendors Rodeo U - Kid's rodeo activities and special appearances by authentic rodeo cowboys and cowgirls Chili Cook off - hosted by the Allen Rotary Club (www.allenrotary.com) Vaquero Club - The place to see and be seen before and after the rodeo for members and VIP's and much more... Festival hours Thursday, November 11th - 4PM - 9PM Friday, Novem... 11/08/2010

In-N-Out Burgers is rolling into my town!  They will be opening a new location in the Villages of Allen Shopping Center.  I'm so excited because I have heard about these fresh, delicious burgers for years and have never had the chance to try one.  I can't wait until they open in Allen.   I love the family's business philosophy and believe that it will be a terrific, healthy-choice addition to the area, along with Whole Foods Market that just opened this week across the street in The Villages of Fairview. Here is an excerpt of the press release: ALLEN — Dallas-based shopping center developer The MGHerring Group today announced that In-N-Out Burger will open at The Village at Allen in mid 2011 as one of the first locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. “In-N-Out Burger’s selection ... 11/04/2010