I have to tell you about my favorite spot in Waco. You got it, the Dr Pepper Museum in Waco, TX. I will let you in on a secret first, I was weaned on the stuff! I am a total addict. I can remember going to my Dad's shop and getting one of those tiny but COLD glass bottles out of one of the old lever type Dr Pepper machines all too well. A little bit of heaven in a bottle...ahhhhhhh.So when I moved to Waco, this is one of first places I visited. For a small fee, you get to bask in the glory of Dr Pepper itself which apparently used to be called a Waco due to its birth in town. Developed by a pharmacist, Charles Alderton, first manufactured and sold in Waco in 1885. Oh, one thing I found out is that there is NO PRUNE JUICE in Dr Pepper. When you first enter the Museum, you have the opport... 07/03/2007

What  a great place to take the family, take a loved one, take friends, or just enjoy on your own. Waco has one of the nicest Zoos I have ever seen. While not huge, the Cameron Park Zoo is quality and fun all the way around. I do suggest visiting when it is a bit cooler outside, as the animals seek shelter from the heat during the hottest parts of the day. But even in the heat this zoo has some great cooling off surprises like misters and a water spray park for the kids or for anyone wanting to enjoy the fun.There is a walking trail that is wonderful for those wanting to enjoy the zoo during excersise time. You can purchase a season pass for very reasonable prices depending on which type fits you best.And I haven't even gotten to the exibits and animals yet. You will see Giraffes, Eleph... 07/02/2007

If you are ready to actually move to Waco or contemplating a move, you should explore not only the City of Waco but its surrounding areas as well. We have several communities and cities just outside of Waco and some that are somewhat intertwined with Waco. This list is not all inclusive, nor is it in any particular order, but it should give you a good idea of some of the flexibility in finding a place to live all within a short drive of the city itself.   Hewitt     Woodway     McGregor       Bosqueville     China Spring     Crawford      Robinson     Axtell     Lorena     Bellmead     Lacy Lakeview     Chalk Bluff     Gholson     Elm Mott     Beverly Hills         K-12 Independed School Districts     Waco ISD     Midway ISD     McGregor ISD     Bosqueville ISD     China Spring ISD     ... 07/02/2007

First of all let me tell you, GREAT CHOICE if you are moving  or planning on visiting here! A bit about my background. I am a native Californian, but have lived all over the US and lived in and seen many countries. I lived in California, Arkansas, Georgia, Hawaii, Germany, and Japan before settling permanently in Texas. I have family in California, Nevada, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Texas, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New York and probably many more places! My ventures have brought me to numerous other states and countries where I have had the opportunity to experience many different lifestyles and cultures. That being said, Waco is my favorite place overall of them all. It is a great mixture of qualities that are very difficult to find. Location-Almost right in the middle between Austin a... 07/01/2007

More homes on the market in Waco this month, but homes are still selling at a slightly higher median price. This seems to be changing quickly with numerous price changes taking place daily and market time increasing. Be looking for for more price changes, more homes on market and longer market times in the upcoming months. Current Residential Listings (Does not included Farm and Ranch)1641**June 2007215 Sold**Median Sold Price $124,500**Average Days on Market 129**June 2006283 Sold**Median Sold Price $113,500**Average Days on Market 126**May 2007241 Sold**Median Sold Price $117,678**Average Days on Market 130**May 2006255 Sold**Median Sold Price $104,000**Average Days on Market 115** If you are in the Waco area and would like to sell your home, or need more information, contact me, I am... 07/01/2007

I've utilized many techniques to get homes sold, some better than others, but what it really boils down to is not overpricing a home, but pricing the home to SELL. Let's examine some of the other factors involved and see if they actually make a difference. Condition of the home-Homes that are in good condition certainly show better and demand better prices, but doesn't the home that is in poor condition priced accordingly sell just as well? It should if the price is right.  Marketing a home-Getting the word out about a home is definitely important, but will anyone buy the home if it is overpriced? The whole world could know about the home (great marketing!), but it has a slim chance of selling if way overpriced.                         ***A word about online marketing. Most people look ... 07/01/2007

You finally did it, you found the home of your dreams.  Since you've already shopped around and pre-qualified, you know that you can afford it and approximately what the payments will be and how much money you'll need to bring to closing.  Now you're ready to make an offer.  Many first time homebuyers have no idea how this is actually done.  Often, buyers call in on a property and ask the agent to make a verbal offer to the seller.  Usually this is an extremely low, often ridiculous offer, referred to as a "lowball" offer.  More on lowball offers later, let's look at why verbal offers are shunned by agents and sellers. In Texas, offers are formally made by filling out a contract, specifically a One to Four Family Residential Contract (Resale).  This contract is a legally binding documen... 02/28/2007

Finding a House - The Agent & AgencyOK, so you've read through Real Estate 101 and you're pre-approved and you know how much you're qualified to borrow.  You're ready to start shopping for houses!  And you've found an agent with whom you feel comfortable working - by the way, this agent should be ME, if you're in the Waco area.  Why get an agent, you ask?  Don't they cost extra? You could always just get those nice, color real estate magazines and/or drive around neighborhoods you like and just call the agents in the ads or on the signs.  You have to call all those agents anyway since they NEVER put the price in the ads or on the flyers.  Besides, once you call them, they'll get you all fixed up and look out for your interests.  OK, time for dirty little secret #2...Click here to read m... 02/15/2007

Step 1:  The LenderAs a Realtor, I frequently get calls from people that want to own a home, but have no idea of how to go about buying one.  They may say, "I think I want to buy a house but I don't know what to do."  Or, "I saw a house I would love to buy but I'm not sure where to start or how to do it."  Or even, "Can I afford to buy a home?"  If you are thinking, "Yes!  That's me!" you're in the right place.  The question you should be asking is this: Can you afford NOT to buy one.  OK, here is dirty little secret number #1:  If you can afford to rent a house in Waco, you can afford to BUY one.  Let's be honest, landlords don't buy a house and then rent it for less than the payments, insurance, taxes and upkeep cost them.  They are making a monthly profit on that house (or apartment)... 02/14/2007

Here are some interesting figures from the past year for the Waco Real Estate Market.  IF you would like a market report customized for you, please visit Waco Home Sellers and request a free market report that can be tailored to your specific interests.  The following statistics represent the home sales from January 23, 2006 through January 23, 2007.  These figures are for 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom homes and are broken down across the most popular areas of central Texas.  For each area, the number of homes sold, the average price and days on market (DOM) is provided.  The last column is the percentage of the asking price for which the homes actually sold.  For each area, the new versus existing home sales are separated out.  Area                                 Sales                        ... 02/14/2007