6 Affordable Renovations That Will Instantly Boost Your Home Value

 6 Affordable Renovations That Will Instantly Boost Your Home Value

Chances are your home is the most expensive thing you’ve ever bought. Yet if you’re like most of us, what you spent to acquire it is only the beginning.
#mariesellsdallas #homeremodeling #homerenovation #homeimprovement #realestate

Why home prices are on a tear

Why home prices are on a tear

REAL ESTATE PRICES POSTED AN ANNUAL GAIN OF 6.3% IN FEBRUARY, AND HAVE BEEN RISING CONTINUOUSLY FOR THE PAST 70 MONTHS. 

#mariesellsdallas #realestate #homesforsale #homeprices

Who wants Amazon the most?

Who wants Amazon the most?

The Business Journals asked, and here's how Dallas responded

#mariesellsdallas #amazon #HQ2 #realestate #homesforsale

Mortgage Rates Surge to 4-Year High

Mortgage Rates Surge to 4-Year High

Higher Treasury yields, driven by rising commodity prices, more Treasury issuances, and the steady stream of solid economic news are behind the uptick in rates over the past week,

US existing home sales post 2-month growth streak in March, but remain below year-ago levels -

US existing home sales post 2-month growth streak in March, but remain below year-ago levels -

• The second consecutive month of growth suggests that buyers are undeterred by the dwindling number of properties available on the market.
• #mariesellsdallas #homesales #realestate

2018 Asian Festival

2018 Asian Festival

Photo courtesy of Home Depot Asian Festival

The festival will include performances, Asian cuisine, and the chance to learn through art making, art watching, wellness classes, and more.
#mariesellsdallas

What Amazon’s New Headquarters Could Mean for Rents

What Amazon’s New Headquarters Could Mean for Rents

To some locals, Amazon represented something else: more people, more traffic and, most of all, higher rents in a city where a rising share of residents were already struggling to afford a place to live.
#mariesellsdallas #amazon #HQ2 #realestate #homesforrent

What Are the Hottest Real Estate Markets in the U.S.?

What Are the Hottest Real Estate Markets in the U.S.?

Here’s a look at 10 of the best cities to invest in residential real estate now
#mariesellsdallas #realestate #homesforsale #investmentproperty

How to Mulch

How to Mulch

   Anyone can learn how to mulch and prolong the life of their landscaping. Here’s how.

#mariesellsdallas #yard advice #yardmaintenance #mulch #realestate 

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden presents Artscape Fine Art and Craft Fair

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden presents Artscape Fine Art and Craft Fair

Photo courtesy of Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

The show features a variety of mediums including painting, sculpture, 2-D and 3-D mixed media, photography, and more.

#mariesellsdallas #DallasArboretum #artshow #artandcraftfair #Dallas #realestate

Frisco Neighborhoods - Newman Village

Frisco Neighborhoods - Newman Village

If you would like to see the current listings and solds in this neighborhood click here

#mariesellsdallas #Frisconeighborhoods ##FriscoTX #realestate #homesforsale

Dallas Area Residential Sales Report for March - Frisco TX

Dallas Area  Residential Sales Report for March - Frisco TX

Sales were up 6% in Frisco compared to last March. The average sales price was down 1% but the median sales price rose 3%. Really just flat. Sales prices in Frisco have been moderating over the last

several months. Pending sales took a 10% hit. This does not bode well for April sales. The number of new listings declined 7% but the active listings rose 21%. The months of inventory is now at 2.8 months. We are still very tilted to the sellers side. 

Sales: 325

Average Sales Price: $450,183

Median Sales Price: $392,500

Pending Sales: 350

New Listings: 529

Active Listings: 929

Months of Inventory: 2.8

Information provided by The Real Estate Center

#mariesellsdallas #FriscoTX #Friscohomesales #realestate #homesforsale

Little D Markets present Commerce Street Night Market: Earthy Delights

Little D Markets present Commerce Street Night Market: Earthy Delights

Photo courtesy of Little D Markets

The April market features Earth Day-themed elements so guests can enjoy delicious vegetarian-friendly food and fun, environmentally-friendly activities. 
#mariesellsdallas #freemusic #dallas #realestate

Dallas Area Residential Sales Report for March - McKinney TX

Dallas Area Residential Sales Report for March - McKinney TX

Stonebridge Ranch

McKinney remains one of the hot markets. Sales were up a whopping 42% in March as compared to last March. The average sales price rose 9% while the median sales price saw a 10% gain. Pending sales were down 1%. Don't think this is anything to be concerned about. The number of new listings fell 5%. The active listings shot up 31%, but as in other areas, this number is a little deceiving as last March's active listings were very low. The months of inventory did climb to 2.5 months but with 6 months being a balanced market, buyers are not really helped much.

Sales: 304

Average Sales Price: $366,604

Median Sales Price: $338,8710

Pending Sales: 301

New Listings: 387

Active listings: 626

Months of Inventory: 2.5

Information provided by The Real Estate Center

#mariesellsdallas #McKinney #McKinneyhomesales #realestate

Historic Downtown Plano Associaiton presents Plano Artfest

Historic Downtown Plano Associaiton presents 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, and more.

#mariesellsdallas #Planoartfest #PlanoTX #livemusic #realestate

NAR: "Existing-Home Sales Climb 1.1 Percent in March"

NAR: "Existing-Home Sales Climb 1.1 Percent in March"

Lagging inventory levels and affordability constraints kept sales activity below year ago levels
#mariesellsdallas #existinghome sales #homesales #soldhomes

Dallas Area Residential Sales Report for March - Allen TX

Dallas Area Residential Sales Report for March - Allen TX

Allen Waterpark

Sales in Allen were up 12% in March as compared to last March. The average sales price dropped 6% while the median sales price declined 1%. Looks like most of these declines were in builders new homes. Pending sales are troubling down 14%. Not looking good for April sales. The number of new listings fell 16% taking the active listings down 6%. Not good news for buyers. The months of inventory now stands at 1.5 months.

Sales : 110

Average Sales Price: $404,512

Median Sales Price: $350,000

Pending Sales: 102

New Listings: 157

Active Listings: 181

Months of Inventory: 1.5

Information provided by The Real Estate Center

#mariesellsdallas #Allen #realestate #homesforsale

How To Maintain Those Fancy Countertops

How To Maintain Those Fancy Countertops

If you are en"counter"ing a luxury surface for the first time, you want to know what kind of cleaning and maintenance products to use so you don't accidentally etch the stone, strip color or cause any toxic penetrations.
#mariesellsdallas #countertops #kitchenmaintenance #homeowneradvice #realestate

Dallas-area home sales drop in many pricey neighborhoods

Dallas-area home sales drop in many pricey neighborhoods

If you have been reading my sales reports you know this already

#mariesellsdallas #Dallas #Dallashomesales #dallashomevalues #dallasrealestate

Home borrowing costs jump as average US 30-year mortgage rate rises to 4.47%

Home borrowing costs jump as average US 30-year mortgage rate rises to 4.47%

With the start of the traditional spring homebuying season, people shopping for homes are dealing with higher loan costs and fewer properties for sale
#mariesellsdallas #interestrates #mortgagerates #realestate #homesforsale

How Much Commute Is Too Much Commute?

How Much Commute Is Too Much Commute?

Currently, the average commute is around 26 minutes, but anyone in Los Angeles or New York or Dallas or Chicago or any one of the dozens of cities across the country with a lengthy commute would scoff at that number.
#mariesellsdallas #realestate #homesforsale

How to Buy a Home When Mortgage Rates Are Rising

How to Buy a Home When Mortgage Rates Are Rising

For starters, don’t panic.

#interestrates #mortgage #buyeradvice #realestate #mariesellsdallas

Homebuyers now have something else to be worried about besides the housing shortage

Homebuyers now have something else to be worried about besides the housing shortage

There's a growing consensus the era of being able to count on interest rates to stay low is nearing its end.

#interestrates #mortgage #realestate #mariesellsdallas

7 Worst Reasons NOT to Buy a House

7 Worst Reasons NOT to Buy a House

By avoiding homeownership, you're actually committing to something — spending more money on rent, not building equity.

Texas home supply at lowest level in 28 years

Texas home supply at lowest level in 28 years

The supply of homes available for purchase is even tighter in North Texas.

#mariesellsdallas #texas #dallas #realestate #homesforsale

Smart-Home Tech Brings New Cyber Risks

Smart-Home Tech Brings New Cyber Risks

Most smart-home devices—often referred to as internet of things technology—connect to the outside world through a home’s internal network. Whether consumers add technology to their existing residence or inherit devices as part of a home’s sale, the vulnerability of this network is one of the first issues they should consider. 
#smarthome #mariesellsdallas #realestate

Hot housing market: home buyers are spending more than expected

Hot housing market: home buyers are spending more than expected

A third of home buyers blew through the upper limit of what they planned to spend

#mariesellsdallas #housingmarket #realestate #homesforsale

6 Ways to Upgrade Your Walls You Didn’t Know Existed

6 Ways to Upgrade Your Walls You Didn’t Know Existed

A couple of these DIY-able projects even add precious storage.

#mariesellsdallas #DIY #homeimprovements #realestate

2018 White Rock Home Tour

2018 White Rock Home Tour

This year’s White Rock Home Tour will now showcase four mid-century modern homes and three modern new builds

#mariesellsdallas #dallas #tourofhomes #homesforsale

Amazon's HQ2 is expected to bring soaring housing prices

  Amazon's HQ2 is expected to bring soaring housing prices

Here are the cities that could be hit hardest

#mariesellsdallas #amazon #HQ2 #dallas

Hollywood Home Tour Weekend

Hollywood Home Tour Weekend

Photo courtesy of Hollywood Home Tour

Dallas' Hollywood Santa Monica Neighborhood Association has selected five historic and unique homes to be showcased during the 27th annual Home Tour.
#mariesellsdallas #Dallas #hometour #realestate

U.S., U.K. Warn of Russian Cyberattacks to Private Homes

U.S., U.K. Warn of Russian Cyberattacks to Private Homes

This is kind of scary!

#cyberattacks #homesecurity #smarthome #mariesellsdallas #realestate

Plano TX Neighborhoods - Willow Bend Polo Estates

Plano TX Neighborhoods - Willow Bend Polo Estates

If you would like to see the current listings and solds in this neighborhood Click Here
#mariesellsdallas #Planoneighborhoods #Plano #realestate #homesforsale

Dallas Area Residential Sales Report for March - Plano TX

Dallas Area Residential Sales Report for March - Plano TX

Sales were only up 1% in Plano during March. The average sales price was flat and the median sales price rose 3%. Pending sales declined 7%. Sales and price increases have been slowing down for several months. The number of new listings dropped 2% while the active listings rose 19% as compares to last March. The months of inventory remains very low currently standing at 1.8 months. Demand is still there but buyers are having a difficult time finding an affordable home that fits their lifestyle.

Sales: 339

Average Sales Price: $434,150

Median Sales Price: $370,000

Pending Sales: 335

New Listings: 456

Active Listings: 524

Months of Inventory: 1.8

Information provided by The Real Estate Center

#mariesellsdallas #plano #planohomesales #realestate #homesforsale 

7 Modern Farmhouse Trends That Will Never Go Out of Style

7 Modern Farmhouse Trends That Will Never Go Out of Style

Are we going to regret those repurposed barn doors ten years down the road? 

#mariesellsdallas #farmhousedecor #remodeling #renovation #realestate

Nasher Sculpture Center presents 'til Midnight

Nasher Sculpture Center presents 'til Midnight

Photo courtesy of Nasher Sculpture Center

'til Midnight at the Nasher presents live outdoor concerts featuring a variety of national and regional musical talent paired with film screenings in the Nasher Garden. 

#mariesellsdallas #Dallas #freemovie #freeconcert #nashersculpturecenter

Dallas Area Residential Sales Report for March - Lake Highlands/NE Dallas

Dallas Area Residential Sales Report for March - Lake Highlands/NE Dallas

Well, what can you say except things did not go well in this area in March! Home sales fell 23%. The average sales price was up 6% while the median sales price increased 7%. Pending sales declined 20% so April is not looking to good for sales. The number of new listings dropped 14%. The active listings came in at a positive 3%. The months of inventory slightly increased to 1.9 months. This is still well short of the 6 months considered a balanced market.

Sales: 53

Average Sales Price: $432,658

Median Sales Price: $426,000

Pending Sales: 66

New Listings: 90

Active Listings: 123

Months of Inventory: 1.9

Information provided by The Real Estate Center

#mariesellsdallas #lakehighlands #dallas #realestate #homesforsale

Are Chicken Little analysts right about Dallas home prices?...

Are Chicken Little analysts right about Dallas home prices?...

By now you may have heard that the sky is falling on the Dallas housing market.

#mariesellsdallas #dallas #dallashousingmarket #dallashomes #realestate

North Texas Teen Book Festival

North Texas Teen Book Festival

Photo courtesy of North Texas Teen Book Festival

The North Texas Teen Book Festival, the nation’s largest library run teen book fest, will present a total of 76 rock star and debut authors at the fourth annual event.

#mariesellsdallas #bookfestival #dallas

Richardson TX Neighborhoods - Creek Hollow Estates

Richardson TX Neighborhoods - Creek Hollow Estates

If you would like to see the current listings and solds in this neighborhood Click Here

#mariesellsdallas #Richardson #Richardsonneighborhoods #realestate #homesforsale

Dallas Area Residential Sales Report for March - Richardson TX

Dallas Area Residential Sales Report for March - Richardson TX

Richardson remains one of the very desirable areas for buyers. March sales were up 18% as compared to last March. The average sales price increased 6% while the median sales price saw a rise of 4%. Pending sales were flat. don't think that's anything to be concerned about. buyers were just having a difficult time finding a home. The number of new listings declined 13%. The active listings increased 54%, but that increase just reflects how low the inventory was last March. The months of inventory only stands at 1.1 months. That's a very low number!

Sales: 112

Average Sales Price: $307,922

Median Sales Price: $289,000

Pending Sales: 111

New Listings: 126

Active listings: 109

Information provided by The Real Estate Center

#mariesellsdallas #richardson #realestate #homesforsale

The One Thing I Wish I Knew Before Painting My Kitchen Cabinets

The One Thing I Wish I Knew Before Painting My Kitchen Cabinets

Painting your cabinets is a low-cost way to make a major impact in your kitchen—just be sure it’s done to last.
#mariesellsdallas #kitchencabinets #kitchenremodel #kitchenrenovation #DIY

Weird, But True: Fancy Bath Salts Can Help Sell Your Home

Weird, But True: Fancy Bath Salts Can Help Sell Your Home

You’re not just selling a home, you’re selling a lifestyle.

#selleradvice #staging #realestate #homesforsale

Afraid of Selling Your Home Too Soon—and Missing Out on Tons of Cash? Consider This

Afraid of Selling Your Home Too Soon—and Missing Out on Tons of Cash? Consider This

Welcome to home seller's remorse—a rampant affliction among home sellers across the country. 

Ready For Staging: 4 Repairs You Need Before Selling Your Home

Ready For Staging: 4 Repairs You Need Before Selling Your Home

 What are some of the most crucial fixes that you should make before listing your property?

#homeseller #selleradvice #realestate

Sell Your Home Faster by Avoiding These 8 Mistakes

Sell Your Home Faster by Avoiding These 8 Mistakes

Here are eight rookie mistakes first-time home sellers often make and what you can do to avoid them.

New Construction's Hidden Costs Can Burn Buyers

New Construction's Hidden Costs Can Burn Buyers

What many buyers don't realize is that new homes often have numerous hidden costs

Would you move farther from work if you had a driverless car? D-FW builders want to know...

Would you move farther from work if you had a driverless car? D-FW builders want to know...

One surprise for the builders is the prospect of driverless cars. As major auto manufacturers and tech companies test automated vehicles, builders are thinking ahead.

Why You Need a Real Estate Agent When Buying From a Builder

Why you need a real estate agent when buying from a builder

You’ve decided to buy a new home. You are going to build that dream home you have always wanted from the ground up. Pick out the lot, the plan, interior finishes, and upgrades. This is an exciting time, but it is also serious business.

You head out to the subdivision you have heard is the new place to be and walk into the builder's model. You are greeted by the sales rep. Builder’s reps provide a valuable service. They can explain differences between models and floorplans. Help you pick out a lot. Talk about upgrades and financing and write the offer for you.

There is one thing that you need to remember. The rep is not a licensed real estate agent. The Code of Ethics of the National Association of Realtors does not apply to this person nor does any State licensing laws and regulations.This person is an employee of the builder and represents the builder. NOT YOU!

Real estate agents are a trusted source for real estate information and can help home buyers navigate the complex home-buying process. A Buyer’s Representation Agreement with your agent tor ensures the buyer that his or her agent will represent the interests of the buyer alone and not the seller.

When you retain the services of a real estate agent, their responsibility is to you. That means you have an expert who is looking out for your financial interests, an expert who’s contractually obligated to protect you. An agent can help you navigate the new-construction contract; help you understand how specific clauses, riders, and upgrade options affect you; and make sure you know what you need to before you sign on the dotted line.

Finding the right model and picking out your upgrades is the fun part. Once you’re ready to sign the contract, an agent can work on your behalf to negotiate the terms, from upgrade options to financing and closing costs.

Signing the contract with the builder is just the first step in the process. There will be several more meeting with the builder. You will need to line up financing, work with the title company. there may be inspection throughout the construction. An agent can manage that process and can accompany you on inspections to insure you are not missing anything at each construction milestone.

If you are interested in purchasing a new home from a builder, give me a call before you talk to the builder rep and put my over 30 years knowledge and experience to work for you!

Marie Walton, ABR, CRS, GRI, SRES

972-816-5197

mariewalton@ebby.com

This Will Be The Biggest Countertop Trend of 2018

This Will Be The Biggest Countertop Trend of 2018

Kitchen renovators, listen up!