I have been writing in recent months about the increasing number of Transit Oriented Developments (TOD's) in the Dallas area.  For those of you who have missed them, they include: Transit Oriented Developments: A way of life for North Texas and our changing times Dallas and Garland - Those TODdling Towns! Word-a-palooza - Part Deux: A TOD Update Welcome to Real Estate Word-a-palooza! Anyone have a Dictionary? I have received several inquiries about whether I think that the increase in popularity of these developments has more to do with the lifestyle or more to do with DART ridership.  I have maintained they go hand-in-hand.  But this past week the Dallas Morning News provided additional insight by reporting that indeed, DART ridership continues to rise, setting a record in July of near... 08/30/2008

I am thrilled!  I have been hooked on politics ever since 1984 when I was attending college in Washington, D.C. and worked for Gary Hart.  I may have switched my major from Political Science to Business, but the thrill of politics has stayed with me to this day.  So imagine my excitement to read today's Dallas Morning News and learn that the mayor and city council are considering a bid for one or both of the 2012 political conventions! Not only would it bring a unique excitement and focus world attention on our city, but the economic impact would be substantial.  Dallas last played host to a National Convention in 1984 when the Republicans held their convention here. -------------------- If between now and 2012 (or beyond) you are considering buying or selling a home, I would appreciate... 08/30/2008

No doubt about it... there's a lot of information in the media about the housing market.  And a lot of it sounds bad... but is it really? Let's face it... nationally there is not a lot of good economic news.  Energy prices are up, food prices are up, homes are not selling as quickly and in many places they are selling for significantly less money.  In a national survey of 20 cities, the average price drop was almost 16%!  It would be very easy for us sitting here in Dallas to say, "Oh no!  I better wait to buy or sell a home!" Well, you could do that, but you would really be missing out on an opportunity that doesn't come along very frequently.   Allow me to explain... Home prices in many areas are somewhat lower.  What does this mean?  Well for sellers, it may mean that their home may ... 08/30/2008

PRESENTATION of a message to any audience ` ...............crafting your skills  I Love watching others who have spent fortunes taught on effective delivery of speech  their message have other “buy in”  The Conventions of presenting our presidential candidates is a primary example, dress, posture, hand gestures, tone of voice, THE OLD point smile nod your head like you know that person, wave to person who is on the top row from stage.  Realtors we present to many, listing agents, families, investors, city council .......practice make prefect, hang out see the best seasoned veterans at the top of the game during the next several weeks prior election.  Learn great pointers.   ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Lynn911.com Top Dallas Real Estate Team Dallas ... 08/30/2008

Dallas FORECLOSURE  My hands on experience assisting a friend.   SHOCKED ON POSITIVE EXPERIENCE WITH ATTORNEYS Friend disclosed their personal situation, requested my assistance   I found this as learning experience .  HISTORY:  2007 Taxes not paid Insurance:  Not paid since 7/08 Mortgage Payment:  4 months behind OWNED the home for 15 years  I reviewed my friends documents we started making calls discovered sent to attorney’s office.  My first thoughts were THERE goes reinstatement fees add another $5K.   Attorney’s office sent over the reinstatement WOW: Roll in the 4 months late with taxes pay out for 12 months Late charges:  $130 Mis. Charges:  $140 Attorney fees:  $630  My friend is blessed bounced back on her feet very quickly with professional change. What a deal, she signed imm... 08/30/2008

FYI … DOMAIN NAMES… what can you purchase LEGALLY without being SUED In meetings this week I was presented folder regarding future of Lynn911.com from a marketing company.  Menu of domain names.  Needless to state company WAS NOT HIRED, I thought I would pass the reason why onto A/R community.  IF a name/compnay has been trademark and domain is available you cant use  the domain name,  Trademark infringements you can be sued.  Investigate prior to  spending  $10 on domain name purchace  AS WE ALL KNOW … JUST BECAUSE a person is a professional OR Dr., lawyer DOES NOT MEAN they know all.  I was rather shocked marketing company who claims been in the trade for 100’s of years, did not know a minor detail. CLOSING STATEMNET:  Best prior to doing anything have knowledge of subject matter    ... 08/30/2008

~ Dallas Welcomes New Orleans residence/families Evacuated ~   Here in Dallas  without hearing the weather see our highways move little slower when the weather hits the gulf coast.  Many flee to the area thinking at times Houston very  close. We welcome the families, business have to prepare for the anticipate influx of these families who turn into our customers, grocery stores, dining areas, churches and etc. Our prayers go out to the families in these locations who evacuate and having continual pack and run.  Our family is anticipating friends from the area, headed our way. The last one hit New Orleans the stories and scenes here in Dallas I will never forget, and returning to New Orleans to assist WOW.   May we not have a repeat.     ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ... 08/30/2008

We live in troubling times. Many Dallas homeowners are having difficulty paying for their homes. The number of foreclosures rise each month and it looks like things will get worse before they get better. Most Dallas homeowners who are behind on mortgage payments aren't as lucky as Ed McMahon, the longtime sidekick of comedian Johnny Carson. Ed McMahon has been battling off foreclosure for months after defaulting on a $4.8 million mortgage from Countrywide Financial Corp. Then along comes Donald Trump to save the day! Donald Trump told the Los Angeles Times he will buy Ed McMahon's six-bedroom home in Beverly Hills and allow McMahon to live in it. A Donald Trump bailout is great news for Ed McMahon, but what about Dallas homeowners who are struggling with mortgage payments? How do we avo... 08/30/2008

TEXAS BAR B QUE RECEIPE  ~ Drink Beer after each step  Thought I would share the standard Labor Day weekend B-Bar-Que that we each year.  I did change the directions for our chef who prep’s for us.  However share receipe with your family/guests/friends/associates if you grilling out this weekend.   INGREDIENTS 1 medium onion, finely chopped 2 garlic, minced 1/2 cup orange juice 1 cup cider vinegar 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 2 slices lemon 1 cup real maple syrup 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce 2 cups ketchup 1/4 cup molasses 1/4 cup brown sugar 2 tablespoons dry mustard 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon paprika 2 tablespoons butter DIRECTIONS DRINK A COCKTAIL AFTER EACH STEP Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.   Add the... 08/30/2008

`~ HUMOR TRUE STORY ~ BANK ROBBER  ~  Leaves car keys at bank counter~ TRUE STORY HUMOR.  I am listening to the media ….broadcaster is laughing,  got my attention.  Announces bank robber truly dumb mistakes.  STORY:  Bank robbery …robber returns to their car DETERMINE left car keys at the bank counter, HOWEVER gets better….  ROBBERY NOTE … left behind: WRITTEN BACK SIDE of bank their personal deposit slip which had all of their contact information…… Needless to state where the robber NOW …in jail ….  CLOSING:  If you are going to rob a bank at least have a driver, blank piece of paper regarding your demands.     ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Lynn911.com Top Dallas Real Estate Team Dallas homes for sale, Over 4,000 Dallas home foreclosures, Dallas hom... 08/30/2008

Consumers in Dallas County are happy with the new handyman in town    Dallas, TX - There is consumer demand for honest, affordable handyman services for the small repair jobs.  HandyPro is expanding, opening up franchises across the US.  One recent franchise was awarded to Aaron Abbott, who will be servicing the Dallas, Texas area.   HandyPro opened its first franchise in Ann Arbor, Michigan in March 2001.  They also have franchises in Minneapolis, Louisiana and Hawaii. HandyPro specializes in handyman services, small repairs and maintenance jobs for homeowners and commercially owned buildings.      HandyPro provides nearly everything from carpentry, drywall, painting, remodeling, minor electrical and plumbing for home improvements and repairs in homes and commercial buildings.  They al... 08/28/2008

  SOME THINGS AWAKEN YOU, THIS IS ONE OF THEM, I NEVER THOUGHT ABOUT KEEPING THE KEY CARD, BUT THIS SURE EDUCATES ME ON DOING IT.    HOTEL KEY CARDS Ever wonder what is on your magnetic key card? Answer: a. Customer's name b. Customer's partial home address c. Hotel room number d. Check-in date and out dates e. Customer's credit card number and expiration date! When you turn electronic key into the front desk your personal information is there for any employee to access by simply scanning the card in the hotel scanner. An employee can take a hand full of cards home and using a scanning device, access the information onto a laptop computer and go shopping at your expense.   Simply put, hotels do not erase the information on these cards until an employee reissues the card to the next hote... 08/28/2008

   GOLD   Little spooky Michael Phelps     After 8th medal the media broadcasted the scary part  Olympics started on :  8/8/08  at 8 p.m. Michael Phelps won:      8 gold medals Now is he God’s creation ?  with all these 8's reading his bio & accomplishments WOW dedication! Interesting thought !       08/22/2008

Since we have been living in our current Cherry World Headquarters in Dallas this past three years, I have hired and summarily fired seven plumbers.  Four were plumbing companies and three were plumbers who worked independently.  All were licensed. Three price gouged and the other four flat out lied to me.  All of them assumed I didn't know anything about plumbing.  Bad mistake on their part.  I have the name and number of another plumber.  I'm going to call him and try him.  I'll let you know how it turns out. But if you live in Dallas, here's your chance to chime in.  Tell us who you use as your plumber and why you're willing to recommend him. Meanwhile, my blog pieces this week have told the names and phone numbers of tradesmen we have found exceptional:  electrician, air conditionin... 08/22/2008

I thought I would pass along the direct link for 30% off coupon National Retailer children clothing, Click here for direct link Pass it along there maybe other families who need the assistance       ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Lynn911.com Top Dallas Real Estate Team Dallas homes for sale, Over 4,000 Dallas home foreclosures, Dallas homes for rent, Dallas Real Estate Website:  lynn911.com Email:  911@lynn911.com Dallas real estate office:  972-699-9111 Dallas apartments for lease, Dallas apartment rentals   08/22/2008

Dallas, Beat the Heat, Victory Park, Dallas TX WOW outdoor movies under the stars. Enjoy a wonderful dinner with Downtown Dallas views as your back drop, shop, cigars, gourmet ice cream, catch an outdoor movie.  Talk about romance, or enjoy the entire family,    WHY VICTORY PARK !   hottest new area of Dallas professional sports played, circus, concerts, fine dining, great places for cocktail with Dallas skyline at your finger tips.  New Years, Mardi Gras, 4th of July Victory Park is the place to be to Beat Heat in Dallas.     Remaining Show  times for  August Tuesday, 8/12 SeaBiscuit Tuesday, 8/19  Jurassic Park Tuesday, 8/26  The Sixth Sense On select Wednesdays, the Dallas Opera will host special screenings celebrating their new fall season.  Wednesday, 6/18 Moonstruck Wednesday, 7/... 08/22/2008

Do you think about what you're trying to sell when you take pictures of the house you have listed?  I always think, "Does this picture convey what a buyer is interested in?" What is this agent or seller trying to sell?  Are you selling this treadmill?  Does it work?  How old it is?  Did you try to sell it on Craigslist and it didn't sell so you thought you would include it in the sale of the home?  Oh, I know, you're trying to sell that lamp.  It looks like it should be in an antique shop.  How old is that thing?  Does it have a switch to allow three light levels? Maybe you're trying to sell the beam holding the ceiling up.  That's a mighty strong beam, and it looks to be freshly painted.  But it's hard to tell because the picture is AWFUL!  It's not clear, it's not in focus, it's not s... 08/22/2008

Visions: The Women's Expo is this weekend, starting tonight at 5pm.  Tonight is Girls' Night Out, so only Ladies are allowed. The rest of the weekend, anyone is welcomed. This is the 19th year of the Expo. Last year had over 10,000 people in attendence.  There are many things including new products, cosmetics, fashion, shopping, food, etc... There is even a Firefighter Bachelor auction for a date!  There are 10 Firefighters to choose from, so take your pick! Go here for further information for this NBC sponsored event.  Come meet many of the NBC 5 personalities. **Graphic courtesy of the Expo's website. 08/22/2008

Got an Old TV or PC Monitor?  A laptop or computer that doesn't work anymore?  An broken old stereo with an 8-track tape player that's creating house clutter or gathering dust?  Get rid of it RESPONSIBLY! This event is great opportunity to help save our environment and is FREE to the public: WHEN:  This Saturday August 23, 2008 10am-4pm WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING:  Bring consumer electronics you need to get rid of such as: Televisions, computer monitors, computer systems, stereos, VCRs, DVDs, cameras, camcorders, phones and any other consumer electronics.  There is LOADS OF STUFF IN THESE PRODUCTS THAT NEED TO STAY OUT OF LANDFILLS. WHERE YOU SHOULD BRING IT:  Waste Management Recycle America, 7601 Ambassador Row, Dallas, TX 75247  (Just west of 183 near the I35/183 merge. South west off Emp... 08/22/2008

Private Schools in North Dallas Those of us who live in North Dallas are fortunate to have many private schools to choose from, for our children.  Each school has its own personality, special programs, and strengths.   Many families have children in several schools matching their child's specific needs with the unique qualities of a particular school. Listed below are links to some of the many great schools in North Dallas. Akiba Academy of Dallas Episcopal School of Dallas Good Shepherd Episcopal School Greenhill School Jesuit College Prep School St. Alcuin Montessori School   St. Rita School  The Lamplighter School  The Winston School Ursuline Academy  The Parish Day School The Hockaday School  St. Monica Elementary School   St. Mark's School    08/21/2008