7 Bathroom Renovations That Really Pay Off

7 Bathroom Renovations That Really Pay Off

Let’s get real: The first room you stumble into in the morning—bleary-eyed, dazed, and yawning—should be a soothing oasis. A bathroom that achieves those lofty heights? That’s a bathroom you can love. 

ARM vs. Fixed Rate: Which Mortgage Is Better?

ARM vs. Fixed Rate: Which Mortgage Is Better?

If you're raring to buy a home, chances are you're weighing the merits of anadjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) and a fixed-rate mortgage. So what's the difference between them and which one is better?

How Reliable Are Online Home Value Estimators?

How Reliable Are Online Home Value Estimators?

Before you make an offer based on any online estimator, consider these issues.

How to Update Your Wallpaper and Wallcoverings

How to Update Your Wallpaper and Wallcoverings

Wallcoverings can bring a room to life in a way that paint can’t easily match 

Want to Sell Your House? Don't Do These 4 Things

Want to Sell Your House? Don't Do These 4 Things

Where do most sellers go wrong? Here are the main mistakes they make

CityLine in Richardson is hosting a free live music series starting tonight

CityLine live music series

Looking for something to do tonight? check this out!

Farmer’s Market to begin in Downtown Plano: Opening weekend begins Sunday

Farmer’s Market to begin in Downtown Plano: Opening weekend begins Sunday

Some of the items that will be for sale including local produce, baked goods, handmade artisan goods, grass fed beef, farm fresh eggs, honey, salsa, plants, and sweet treats.

Comparing New Interior Design Standards

Comparing New Interior Design Standards

Buyers willing to pay top dollar for "the latest thing" may consider rooms featuring last year's - or older - design details less valuable, even ready for a "total gut job."

Nasher Sculpture Center presents Ultra-Seeing

Nasher Sculpture Center presents Ultra-Seeing

Each hour-long session in the series will bring together major works from the rich collection of Light Cone, as well as contemporary productions from local and international artists.

Mortgage rate falls below 4% mark

Mortgage rate falls below 4% mark

Drops for fifth consecutive week

Dallas home prices up almost 9 percent in latest Case-Shiller report

Dallas home prices up almost 9 percent in latest Case-Shiller report

With tight inventories of homes on the market, North Texas home prices are continuing to rise at unprecedented rates.

2017 Dallas Book Festival

2017 Dallas Book Festival

A daylong celebration of literature, arts and culture.

US home prices climb at fastest pace in nearly 3 years

US home prices climb at fastest pace in nearly 3 years

The cities with the biggest annual price gains in February were Seattle, Portland, Oregon and Dallas, according to the groups' index.

Frisco Neighborhoods-Chapel Creek

Frisco Neighborhoods-Chapel Creek

Chapel Creek features distinctive architectural standards that are reminiscent of old world, classical European architecture The estate and custom homes and creekside villas are set among native trees and creeks in a community that features extensive green space, hiking and biking trails and parks. 

Frisco TX Residential Sales Report for March

Frisco TX Residential Sales Report for March

Sales were up 5% in March as compared to the same time last year. The average sales price rose 10%. The median sales price climbed 3%. Pending sales increased 7%. We saw a large 22% increase in the number of new listings and a 39% rise in the active listings. While this is good news if you are a buyer, The months of inventory only increased to 2.4 months. With 6 months being considered a balanced supply, we are still very much in a "sellers market".

Sales: 323
Average Sales Price: $457,418
Median Sales Price: $380,000
Pending Sales: 390
New Listings: 566
Active Listings: 768
Months of Inventory: 2.4

Information provided by The Real Estate Center

Landscape Tips To Help With Finding Home Buyers

Landscape Tips To Help With Finding Home Buyers

Some buyers will decide based on the look of the outside of your home whether they'll even bother to come inside.

2017 Epiphany Crawfish Boil & Arts Show

2017 Epiphany Crawfish Boil & Arts Show

Photo by Eric Sandler

The 7th Annual Crawfish Boil and Arts Festival will partner with A.I.R., Arts Incubator of Richardson, and will have dozens of local artists on hand as they will show and sell their art. 

McKinney TX Neighborhoods-Heatherwood

McKinney TX Neighborhoods-Heatherwood

 The community boasts walking paths throughout.  Additionally, there is a playground, pool, and splash pad near the center of the community that provides a great place to cool off during the summer. Heatherwood is within the award winning Prosper Independent School District.

 

 

McKinney Residential Sales Report for March

McKinney Residential Sales Report for March

Sales in McKinney were up 9% as compared to last March. The average sales price rose 6% while the median sales price too an 11% jump up. The increase in the median sales price means that there were a substantial number of sales in the upper price ranges. Pending sales increased 7%. The number of new listings was up a nice 34% and the  active listings climbed 44%. The months of inventory increased to to 2.1 months. Not much of a help for buyers.

Sales: 223

Average Sales Price: $337,211

Median Sales Price: $315,000

Pending Sales: 3905

New Listings: 406

Active Listings: 478

Months of Inventory: 2.1

Information provided by The Real Estate Center

2017 USA Film Festival

2017 USA Film Festival

The 47th Annual USA Film Festival will feature 28 separate events and screenings, with a variety of big name actors and filmmakers in attendance. 

Home buyers scramble in a tight real estate market

Home buyers scramble in a tight real estate market

A couple of factors have created the situation. The most important one is that, early in the housing market recovery, private equity firms saw a huge opportunity in real estate. They raised money and bought up as many distressed properties as they could, and then fixed them up and rented them out.

Allen TX Neighborhoods-Brookside

Allen TX Neighborhoods-Brookside

The Brookside Estates HOA homeowners association owns and maintains a swimming pool and children's pool for use by all of the residents. There is a playground, a walking path along an attractive wooded greenbelt and the community is located close to Allen's exemplary rated schools. 

Allen TX Residential Sales Report for March

Allen TX Residential Sales Report for March

Sales in Allen fell 4% in March as compared to the same time last year. The average sales price rose 20% while the median sales price increased 13%. Pending sales declined by 15%. At this point I can only assume that as in other areas buyers are have a difficult time finding a home to buy due to the low inventory. The number of new listings rose 28% and this increased the active listings by 9%. The months of inventory now stands at 1.5 months. It's well short of the 6 months that is normally considered a balanced market.

Sales: 107
Average Sales Price: $434,179
Median Sales Price: $362,500
Pending Sales: 119
New Listings: 187
Active Listings: 196
Months of Inventory: 1.5

Information provided by The Real Estate Center  

Nail Traditional Curb Appeal With The Right Mailbox

Nail Traditional Curb Appeal With The Right Mailbox

While landscaping, simple paint colors or traditional fencing can make all the difference, choosing the right mailbox style adds that perfect cherry on top to your traditional curb appeal. 

Little D Markets presents Commerce Street Night Market

Little D Markets presents Commerce Street Night Market

The 2017 Commerce Street Night Market returns with a new mix of local vendors, musicians, and artists 

Cheap Curb Appeal Tricks That Offer the Best Home-Selling Returns

Cheap Curb Appeal Tricks That Offer the Best Home-Selling Returns

There are plenty of ways to create high-impact curb appeal on the cheap.

Housing starts fall back, permits forge ahead in March

Housing starts fall back, permits forge ahead in March

One indicator that supply- and demand-side headwinds may already be wearing on builders is the three-point decline in the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index 

Existing-Home Sales Jumped 4.4% in March

Existing-Home Sales Jumped 4.4% in March

Existing-home sales took off in March to their highest pace in over 10 years

How Richardson's Cottonwood Art Festival teaches the art of having fun

How Richardson's Cottonwood Art Festival teaches the art of having fun

Pint-size Picassos love the ArtStop Children's Area at Cottonwood Art Festival. Photo courtesy of Cottonwood Art Festival

When a beloved local festival is entering its 48th year, you know it must be one heck of a good time. 

Home Buyers Reveal What Made Them Fall in Love at First Sight

Home Buyers Reveal What Made Them Fall in Love at First Sight

Buying a home, after all, is often a highly emotional thing, so when the right place comes along, buyers get giddier than a high schooler heading to prom. 

Dallas Museum of Art Family Days

Dallas Museum of Art Family Days

Photo courtesy of Dallas Museum of Art

Guests will enjoy art-making activities, music, bilingual tours, and DMA gallery activities for all ages, with free admission to "México 1900–1950: Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, José Clemente Orozco, and the Avant-Garde."

Dallas Arts District presents Changing Perspectives Block Party

Dallas Arts District presents Changing Perspectives Block Party

BANDALOOP Photo courtesy of Dallas Arts District

The Dallas Arts District will close down Flora Street from Routh to Crockett for a block party 

Appraiser Opinions Keep Falling Short of Homeowner Expectations

Appraiser Opinions Keep Falling Short of Homeowner Expectations

The national average shows appraisals lower than homeowner expectations

DFW housing starts break threshold of 4Q 2007

DFW housing starts break threshold of 4Q 2007

The demand for homes in North Texas shows no sign of slowing primarily because of the region's strong job growth

2017 Plano Artfest

2017 Plano Artfest

Photo courtesy of Plano Artfest

There will be live music, contemporary art installations, performances from local arts groups, a makers market of craftsman and artisans, family chalk art, a kids zone with bounce houses, Hub Streat, Certified food trucks, and so much more. Come let your creativity loose!

Home construction slows moving into spring home-buying season

Home construction slows moving into spring home-buying season

Building permits on the rise, but not for single-family

Plano TX Neighborhoods-Bristol Pointe Estates

Plano TX Neighborhoods-Bristol Pointe Estates

Bristol Pointe is a neighborhood built in the late 1990s. There is a community pool and jogging trail.

Plano TX Residential Sales Report for March

Plano TX Residential Sales Report for March

Well there certainly was not any slowdown of sales in Plano in March. Sales were up by 35%. The average sales price climbed 22% while the median sales price rose 16%, Pending sales increased 19% so we can anticipate next months sales number will be positive.  New listings were up by 19% and active listings by 11%. while the increase in inventory was good for buyers, It only raised the months of inventory to 1.9 months. With 6 months being a balanced market, Plano is still way into a sellers market.

Sales: 363

Average Sales Price: $434,941

Median Sales Price: $360,000

Pending Sales: 361

New Listings: 467

Active Listings: 440

Months of Inventory: 1.9

Information provided by The Real Estate Center

6 Projects to Banish Boredom From Your Yard

6 Projects to Banish Boredom From Your Yard

Image: Cristina Santiestevan of Outlaw Garden

While a green lawn might be a safe bet to keep your home’s value intact, let’s face it, it’s boring. 

Save time and money while adding touches of awesomeness to your yard.

Save time and money while adding touches of awesomeness to your yard.

Save time and money while adding touches of awesomeness to your yard.

Earth Day Texas 2017

Earth Day Texas 2017

Earth Day Dallas/Facebook

Earth Day Texas, the largest event in the world of its kind, is three-day free event that celebrates progress, hope, and innovation. 

Labor shortages are hammering Dallas housing with higher prices and build times...

Labor shortages are hammering Dallas housing with higher prices and build times...

The shortage of construction labor has increased the price of houses, delayed building times and created uncertainty for builders.

Lake Highlands/NE Dallas Neighborhoods-Royal Highlands

Lake Highlands/NE Dallas Neighborhoods-Royal Highlands

Royal highlands is a neighborhood of around 200 homes built in the mid 70s.

Lake Highlands/NE Dallas Residential Sales Report for March

Lake Highlands/NE Dallas Residential Sales Report for March

Sales in this area fell 14% in March. The average sales price rose 12% and the median sales price climbed 11%. Pending sales showed a positive gain of 1%. The number of new listings took a nice jump up of 25% and the number of active listings increased by 18%. These increases caused the months of inventory to rise to 1.9 months. This is still well short of the 6 months that is considered a balanced market.

Sales: 73

Average Sales price: $408,828

Median Sales Price: $399,750

Pending Sales: 82

New Listings: 105

Active Listings: 119

Months of Inventory: 1.9

Information provided by The Real Estate Center

Here’s how to talk yourself into (or out of) building a tricked-out shed.

Here’s how to talk yourself into (or out of) building a tricked-out shed.

Homeowners across the country are converting these sheds into tricked-out spaces to play, entertain, and work in 

2017 Dallas Art Dealers Association Spring Gallery Walk

2017 Dallas Art Dealers Association Spring Gallery Walk

https://www.facebook.com/DallasDesignDistrict

A great event for everyone from the art novice to the aficionado.

Robots May Help Build Your Next Home and Solve a Labor Shortage.

Robots May Help Build Your Next Home and Solve a Labor Shortage.

Yarborough uses a machine that stacks finished walls, ceilings and floors before wrapping for delivery.

Photographer: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg

The future of U.S. homebuilding depends on more people like Cyndicy Yarborough, a 26-year-old former Wal-Mart clerk with no background in construction.

Richardson TX Neighborhoods-Creek Hollow Estates

Richardson TX Neighborhoods-Creek Hollow Estates

Creek Hollow is located in the Richardson panhandle. It's in the Plano ISD.

Richardson TX Residential Sales Report for March

Richardson TX Residential Sales Report for March

Sales in Richardson were up 2% in March as compared to the same time last year. The average sales price rose 17% while the median sales price increased 23%. The sales prices continue to be pushed up due to the extreme shortage of available properties for sale and high demand The months of inventory stands at 0.7 months. The number of new listings  did jump up 23% but most of them were almost immediately sold leaving the number of active listings down 10%. Pending sales were off by 3%.
Richardson is without a doubt a Sellers Market.

Sales: 99
Average Sales Price: $290,314
Median Sales Price: $277500
Pending Sales: 111
New Listings: 144
Active Listings: 71
Months of Inventory: 0.7

Information provided by The Real Estate Center

10 Plants That Will Spruce Up Your Garden And Keep Mosquitos Away - Realty Times

10 Plants That Will Spruce Up Your Garden And Keep Mosquitos Away

Is your green thumb overdue for a project? 

Children's Health presents Alliance Data Red Balloon Run & Ride

Children's Health presents Alliance Data Red Balloon Run & Ride

Photo courtesy of Children's Health

The family-friendly event includes a 1K fun run, 5K run, 5K ride/run and supported bike rallies, ranging from 23 to 72 miles. All proceeds benefit Children’s Health.

D-FW home starts jump to highest level in seven years

D-FW home starts jump to highest level in seven years

With builders trying to shift their production to more affordable houses, the median price of new homes being built in D-FW actually declined slightly in the first quarter.