Bill Cherry, RealtorsOur 43rd YearDallas, Texas972 380-7347Lake Highlands is a popular area of Dallas, Texas.  One of the primary Zip Codes for Lake Highlands is 75238.  On May15, 2007 there were ninety-five single family homes listed for sale in the 75238 Zip Code, and they ranged in asking price from $82,800 to $649,000.The following is a list of sales that closed during the first fifteen days of May 2007. Linkwood Drive                     984 sq. ft.        $121,250Mapleridge Drive                  2,220 sq. ft.     $145,000Rolling Rock Lane                 2,114 sq. ft.     $165,500Robin Hill Lane                      1,619 sq. ft.     $175.000Trailpine Drive                       2,252 sq. ft.     $180,000Lanshire Drive                       1,369 sq. ft.     $192,500Bryson Driv... 05/15/2007

   Stanley Marcus:  Good Taste How can you wear that Cravat? Renoir said to Cezanne. Can't you see that it's in bad taste?Cezanne responded, If it were in bad taste, I wouldn't be wearing it.            For years, Stanley Marcus and his father, uncle and aunt before him, dictated the taste of Dallas and a good part of the civilized world by setting an example through their famous store, Neiman-Marcus.            In fact, Mr. Marcus, who was called Mr. Stanley by most people, wrote several books on the subject, including Minding the Store and Quest for the Best.  Both are still available in excellent but used condition at Half-Price Books and Amazon.  Both are books everyone should study.            In Dallas, at least, the number of merchants and professionals who put the practice of go... 05/14/2007

Real Estate Investing for Television News AnchorsBy Bill CherryMeet me on the web at www.billcherrybroker.com            One of my friends is a television news anchor here in Dallas.  She recently told me that her next career is going to be as a real estate investor.              "Got any advice for me?" she asked.            Well, with all of the thirty minute infomercials that are on radio and TV here in Dallas, and for the most part hawked by local real estate and mortgage loan sales people, it's not hard for her to wonder if by not joining up with them, she's missing her pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.             The answer is, "She's not!"            My daddy told me at least fifty years ago that there was only one way investing in real estate that made sense for the common... 05/13/2007

 Trinity Episcopal Church, GalvestonFounded in 1857Churches Have Been Doing Their Best to Mask Financial Troubles  By Bill CherryMeet me on the web at www.billcherrybroker.com While there's reason to question whether it's academically theological, one rather consistent message Western religions infer in their teachings boils down to this: Don't worry about It.  As long as we pray about It, we can leave It in God's hands, and everything will be alright.Many find it troubling to drive by their city's old churches, some ornate and opulent, others designed and built to be clean, pristine and sturdy, and to realize that for years those buildings have been decaying.  Each one began as a congruent vision by a handful of people who somehow were able to take that vision and persuade others to su... 05/12/2007

Your REALTOR®Joseph Cannella May 2007 Copyright 2007 Realty TimesAll Rights Reserved.Rates Drift Lower      In Freddie Mac's results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.16% for the week ending April 26, 2007, down slightly from last week when it averaged 6.17%. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.58%.       "Recent economic data releases showing weaker existing home sales in March, coupled with lower consumer confidence in April, caused the market to pause and reevaluate the potential growth of the Mortgage RatesSource: Realty TimesU.S. averages as of April 26, 2007:30 yr. fixed:   6.16%15 yr. fixed:   5.87%1 yr. adj:        5.43%economy ... 05/01/2007

With the wild weather in Texas the last few weeks, we have seen quite a bit of hail this April in the DFW area.  Your clients should have their roof checked for storm damage immediately.  Hail can cause significant damage to roofs, gutters, and siding.  You will need an expert to identify the damage and let you know what needs to be addressed with insurance.Many times people think their roof is fine because they aren't experiencing any leaks, but they can still have major hail damage without seeing immediate leaks.  You will want to make sure this damage is taken care of promptly to prevent it from slowing down the sale of the property or impacting the sale price. CONTACT YOUR DALLAS ROOFING EXPERTS FOR A FREE STORM DAMAGE INSPECTION TODAY! DILIGENT ROOFING, INC.Your Storm Damage Specia... 04/16/2007

 What a house,WOW! Open Floorplan with several unique features throughout. There are three bedrooms and 2 full baths with two Living areas and two Dining areas.  Many Big Ticket Updates: New Sewer Line, Gas line, AC, Furnace, HWH, Paint, Decor lights, & Fans. Features include Hardwoods, Storm Windows, Tile Counters in Kitchen w Island, Built in Breakfast Table (can be removed), Kitchen & Bath with Italian Tile, many Closets and Shevles. Wood under carpet in the Family Room. Wood Deck, great for entertaining! Attic Fan, Vinyl siding... Click HERE for the Visual Tour!Remember, I can show you any listing property in the Dallas area, including Richardson, Plano, Frisco, Carrollton, Garland, Rowlett, and many other surrounding areas.  Please don't hesitate to call me today and make this hous... 04/02/2007

 ARE YOU READY FOR A FREE NIGHT OUT AT DEL FRISCO'S, BOB'S, HIBISCUS, OR STEEL? What would you order if we sent you out to one of these top Dallas restaurants with $100 tonight?Take Advantage of our Fine Dining Referral Program Today! Your customers must trust you, or they wouldn't be doing business with you.  They also trust your opinion.  Because of that trust, your customers will many times come to you for direction on who to use when they need their roof replaced.Now you can confidently refer them to a reputable and experienced company that will take extra care of them every step of the way!Not only will we do an excellent job for your customers, we will also take care of your appetite for fine food as a "thank you" for trusting us with your customers.*For every new customer you ref... 03/24/2007

What a fabulous house!!  This house is in sound mechanical & structual condition, but you'll need to bring your decorating & updating ideas with you to make it your home. We'll even give you $5k to start with! There are 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, 2 car garage, and backs to Creek for privacy!  The master and one bedroom are downstairs.Features include: newer appliances & corian counters, elevated nook with bay window and view of Mature Trees and Creek, Sautillo & tile floors, wood paneling in the Living room with a floor to ceiling brick WBFP, Balcony off the GameRoom with WetBar, Double Shower with Jetted Tub, Double Vanities and Double Closets in the Master. Through the garage, you'll find a separate exercise room & workshop that are vented for AC.  The house has 3 AC units so it's defi... 03/19/2007

According to a recent report, nearly 82% of potential buyers use the Internet to refine their home search. Broker Web sites let buyers browse by house size, style, area, and price.Because many buyers look only at those homes within their price range, it's important to accurately price your home for the market. The higher a home's price above market, the fewer the number of interested buyers, and the longer it will take to sell.The key to selling your home quickly at the greatest return is to price it at market value right from the start. A fairly priced home will capitalize on the flurry of buyer interest a home enjoys during its first few weeks on the market. Plus, you're wanting to SELL your house, not just LIST your house, right?Please don't hesitate to call or email me if I can answ... 02/19/2007

I have found from experience that the activity during the first two weeks a home is on the market tends to predict how long it will take to sell. Potential buyers eagerly jump on new homes on the market.I am an ASP, Accredited Staging Professional. This means that I've taken the classes to become certified in better helping my sellers STAGE® their homes in order to help them sell faster and for higher dollar.Here are some "STAGING®" tips you might find helpful:* Keep your home in "show shape." Make sure that beds are made, dishes are in the dishwasher or put away, everything is picked up, and the kitchen and bathrooms sparkle. Let your counter space show, so put things away.* Decorate with fresh flowers. Many home sellers use potted flowering plants that last much longer than cut flower... 02/16/2007

The report for the end of the year finally came out... or it's that I just checked my mail at my office and it was there.These numbers are for 2006 DFW "Single Family Home" sale, which means it does NOT include condos, but it DOES include townhomes.Number of Sales: 92,452 which is a 3% increase over last yearAverage Price: $194,125  which is a 3% increase over last yearMedian Price: $148,000 which is a 2% increase over last yearActive Listings: 44,389 which is a 7% increase over last yearOur average prices are still significally below the national average.  And with a median price much lower than the average price, that shows you that many more homes are being sold in the lower-end price range than the higher end. 02/12/2007

For a while the percentage of existing homes sold, that were foreclosures was running about 30%, for most of 2006. But in Nov. the percentage in DeSoto went to over 65%, followed by Lancaster with 60%. In Dec. 2006, DeSoto, Lancaster, Cedar Hill all had over  50%, Duncanville with over 40%. This has got to affect existing homes sales and prices. 02/09/2007

Well maybe I have lost my mind or maybe I am just brilliant, you decide.Why do people think I have lost my mind? Well simply because I am giving away for FREE a BAR OF SOLID GOLD!That's right I said I am giving it away, a FREE BAR OF SOLID GOLD! I have not chosen the recipient yet so now is your chance to win. Visit the contest page to view complete details and contest rules. You will be surprised how easy it is to win. I am sure you are sitting there thinking what is the catch right? Well there isn't one. It is simple really anyone who conducts business with me, or refers someone to conduct business with me has a chance to win. So now you are probably saying I am not in the market to buy or sell a home, well that is ok there is another way you can win. One of the lenders I work with wh... 01/31/2007

If fun and excitement is what you are looking for Dallas is the place to find it. Dallas is home to The NBA Dallas Mavericks and the NHL Dallas Stars. Both teams play at the American Airlines Center located in Victory Park at 2500 Victory Ave. Just north of Dallas' Central Business District and The West End, Dallas' Nationally Recognized Entertainment District. Come and Cheer On the Mavs and the Stars!Dusty IrvingUnited Country Real EstateFort Worth, Texas  01/18/2007

A couple days ago in the Dallas Morning News on the front page of the business section is the title. Dallas - FW housing sales fall 5%, big bold and only part of the picture, compared to the rest of the nation where in some areas 30-40% declines are looming. We should feel lucky we are in a normal, healthy, not an out of control market. We are a state to watch for 2007, high growth potential and people are moving here...look closely at year to date numbers below. Overall North Texas Market: Dec 06 for Single Family:  Sales down 5% from year ago, Dollar volume down 4% from year ago, Average price up 2% from a year ago. YTD for Single Family:  Sales up 3% from year ago, Dollar Volume up 7% from year ago, Average price up 3% from year ago. Pending Sales are up 6% from year ago, New listing... 01/11/2007

We are pleased to announce the launch of our new website at HomebuyerCoaches.com to help promote the homebuyer education seminars we host in Dallas, TX. The site initially is designed to promote and inform potential attendees of class dates and times and allow for easier registration for the FREE Home Buyer Education Event.Eventually, we hope the website will be a place that past attendees continue to visit for informaiton, to ask questions and to share their stories on buying a home. "We chose a blog format instead of a static webpage format to promote more opportunity for discussion and exchange of information", according to Ken Stampe. Attendees to the Home Buyer Education Seminars are given an overview of the home buying process and home financing process which should prepare them t... 01/06/2007

These brand new license plates are now being offered in Texas for $30 (in addition to regular registration fees).  I'm definitely getting one.  However, for another $40, you can customize the 5 letters. I need help trying to figure out something catchy that wouldn't already be taken. I assume REL8R is already taken, though I'll still try for it.  Does anyone have any other ideas for 5 letters relating to real estate?? 01/01/2007

In an ever increasing and complex real estate marketplace, The Real Estate Wizard has done it again and has helped a record setting amount of families sell their homes in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex again this month! 12/15/2006

In an ever increasing and complex real estate marketplace, The Real Estate Wizard has done it again and has helped a record setting amount of families sell their homes in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex again this month! 12/15/2006