Housing Market

The PescatoreAvrit Team is hearing a lot on the news these days about how bad the housing market is, but keep in mind that it depends on what part of the nation that you’re in. Comparatively speaking, Dallas is holding it’s own. Terri Pescatore and Jane Avrit specialize in Collin County areas such as Allen, Plano, Frisco, Richardson, and Wylie. Looking at the statistics posted by The Collin County Association of Realtors (CCAR), we can see that our areas are not doing that bad. That said, the number of closed sales are down. Compared to March 2007 sales are down in these areas anywhere from 12.1% - 29.3%, but the average sales price is up 1% - 5.2%. The average days on the market is up anywhere from 6% in Allen to 38.8% in Frisco. The percent of original list price received at sale is down from 1.2% in Wylie to 2.7% in Frisco. The statistics definitely show that this year is not as good for sellers as last year, but it’s not as bad as it sounds on the television. To see the statistics for your area click here. Also, keep in mind that if you’re selling your home you’re most likely buying another. You may not net exactly what you want in the sale of your property, but you’ll likely make it up in the price you pay for your new home. To learn more about buying and selling visit our website.

Ban on Cell Phone Usage

First Highland Park, now Wylie, and as far as Austin…..all either considering, or already banned the use of handheld cell phone usage during school zone times. The Highland Park town council passed a ban in November 2007 for drivers using cell phones in certain areas during school zone times. The fine for those who are caught, $75-$100. Now, just published yesterday, the city of Wylie has now passed a ban for the use of handheld cell phones during school zone times starting August 25, 2008. There will be a one week warning period and signs will be posted regarding the new rules. The fine for those caught in Wylie, guilty of a misdemeanor and may be fined up to $500! The use of hands-free cellular devices are exempt from the new ordinance.

Now here’ s the question. Does it really matter whether you’re holding the phone or not when it comes to your concentration on the road? Some studies have shown that it doesn’t. While you’re having a conversation it seems that part of you attention is not on your driving, whether you be holding a phone, or using a hands free method. Understandably, the purpose of these bans is to make it safer for children walking to and from school, but what about the other times of the day? Should the ban be active at all times to make the roads safer for all? What about other things that drivers do while driving…..putting on make up, eating, drinking, etc. All of these seem to take your hands off the wheel as well. Should all of these activities be banned, or is that going too far?

Fixtures

Definition of The Week: Fixture

Fixture: an article in the nature of Personal Property which has been so annexed to the realty that it is regarded as a part of the real property. This is when it is attached to it by roots, imbedded in it, permanently resting upon it, or permanently attached to what is thus permanent, as by means of cement, plaster, nails, bolts, or screws.

So you’ve gotten your home under contract. You’re ecstatic! No more showings, keeping the house in mint condition, running out at a minutes notice. Now to the fun part…..packing! Box up the dishes, pictures, and oh, don’t forget the beautiful chandelier that was passed down to you by your great grandmother. Everything is going great and you’re coming into the home stretch when the buyers schedule a final walk through of the house before closing. The home buyers are excited as they walk through their future home, but wait, where’s the beautiful chandelier that adorned the entry way? Now you have a problem.

In the hustle of getting their home listed many homeowners overlook items that they are going to want to take with them. Fixtures of a home go with the sale of the property unless specifically stated otherwise in an amendment, or listed as an exclusion on the listing agreement. Some common ones that are overlooked include lights, door knobs, and window treatments. Thus, the beautiful chandelier that was passed down by your grandmother is now by definition a fixture of the property, and must have been excluded from the listing if you want to take it.

Your realtor should be able to advise you about any articles that you are wanting to take with you that could be considered a fixture of the property. If you’re not sure if it’s a fixture you can always list it as an exclusion to be on the safe side.

Wylie, TX - Unfortunate Loss of a Small Town Feel, or A Necessary Boost to a Growing Community??

Even though the city of Wylie, TX is only 24 miles from downtown Dallas it has been able to keep it’s small town feel. One can stroll down Ballard Street, downtown Wylie, and enjoy the little shops, have a cup of coffee at Shoemaker & Hardt, or enjoy a friendly lunch at L-n-L’s Restaurant. A small town environment with easy access to the big city amenities. However, Wylie is one of the fastest growing cities in Texas with the population booming from 15,132 in year 2000 to an estimated 40,000 currently, and this looks to be a continuing trend. The local Super Walmart opened in January 2008, and now Wylie is expecting an $85M Super Target in July of 2009. Along with the 186,000 square foot super center there will also be a 105 acre sports complex that should offer baseball, soccer and football fields. Not even a mile from the expected Target, the adjoining city of Murphy is soon to expect a 24 Hour Fitness, Lowes Home Improvement store, and a few restaurants. So, with all this said it would be interesting to know how residents feel about the impending growth of the once known “bedroom community” of Wylie. It seems that residents who initially moved to Wylie for the ambiance of a small town might soon find themselves right in the middle of another fast paced suburb of Dallas. While these residents may feel a sting from all of the growth, others are ecstatic with the thought of being so close to so many conveniences. So again I ask, would it be unfortunate to lose Wylie’s small town feel, or should the growth and expansion be considered a positive attribute to the ever growing city of Wylie?

Visit our website: http://www.relocatingdallas.com for more information.

Your Fox4 MLS Experts!

We are excited to announce that we are now part of the Fox4 MLS Experts!


MLS Experts is your connection to information on experienced real estate agents and the latest listings in your area. You can find out about latest listings and how we can help you with all your real estate needs. This is just one more avenue that we are using to market our listings as well.

For your entire home buying & selling needs, contact the Real Estate Experts at MLS Experts.

Visit the site below to visit our site and view our current listings!

http://www.tvmlsexperts.com/Dallas/Terri_Pescatore_Jane_AvritKeller_Williams_Realty