Texas has 672,000 FHA loans – California is 2nd at 392,000.
The average L-T-V in Texas is 70%.
Home values have dropped just 4.6% here.
The foreclosure rate of 1.82% is 7th lowest. New York is 4.74%, California’s is 4.42%, and Florida is 13.68%.
The subprime percentage here is just 10.6%.
The homestead law that we complained about in the 80’s saved us a lot of California like turmoil.
Combine all this with the improving economy, relatively healthy state government and low state tax rates and you have a recipe for some good years in the future.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
The Packers Will Be Practicing At SMU For Super Bowl XLV
As we approach Super Bowl XLV here in the DFW local restaurants and retailers are ramping up to host our out of town guests. The Green Bay Packers will be practicing at the SMU campus. In case of rain or bad weather they head down the street to practice at the Highland Park indoor practice facility. That's right, SMU and the Cowboys don't have indoor practice facilities, but our very own local High School in Highland Park does. You gotta love Texas High School Football!
On the other side the Steelers will be practicing over at TCU in Fort Worth. The Pittsburgh Steelers will be sharing the spotlight over in Fort Worth with ESPN who has literally taken over Sundance Square.
Super Bowl XLV is sure to a big hit for the local economy with the money that will pumped into DFW. So get ready because the crowds will be coming.
On the other side the Steelers will be practicing over at TCU in Fort Worth. The Pittsburgh Steelers will be sharing the spotlight over in Fort Worth with ESPN who has literally taken over Sundance Square.
Super Bowl XLV is sure to a big hit for the local economy with the money that will pumped into DFW. So get ready because the crowds will be coming.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Five New Years Resolutions For Improving Your Home
The New Year is a popular time for resolutions, so why not add some ideas for improving your home to your list.
1. Rid Your Home of Clutter
If you're thinking about putting your home on the market, it's a known fact that homes with less clutter will sell faster. Go through your entire home, including the garage, and clear out anything that's no longer of use. You can even earn some money for your efforts by holding a garage sale or donating the items to charity.
2. Spring is for Cleaning
When was the last time you did a real Spring cleaning? One where you cleaned behind the oven and fridge, or pulled the books out of the bookcases before dusting? Keep in mind that a good spring cleaning doesn't have to take place in one day, and it can also start in winter, when you're inside due to the colder weather.
3. Deal with Roof "Issues"
Winter can wreak havoc on your home's roof, so early Spring is a good time to assess its condition. Loose or cracked shingles should be replaced, damaged or clogged gutters should be dealt with, and the chimney should be thoroughly inspected.
4. Go with the Flow
Plumbing is very important to both homeowners and homebuyers. Is the hot water hot enough? Do the showers have the perfect pressure? Does the toilet run longer than it should? Start paying attention to these "minor" issues and work to get them resolved.
5. Embrace the 21st Century
Look around your home and determine where it may be reflecting its age. For instance, if you've got "cottage cheese" ceilings, consider getting rid of them. It's a messy project, but it will improve the look and feel of your home and the value if you ever put your home on the market.
1. Rid Your Home of Clutter
If you're thinking about putting your home on the market, it's a known fact that homes with less clutter will sell faster. Go through your entire home, including the garage, and clear out anything that's no longer of use. You can even earn some money for your efforts by holding a garage sale or donating the items to charity.
2. Spring is for Cleaning
When was the last time you did a real Spring cleaning? One where you cleaned behind the oven and fridge, or pulled the books out of the bookcases before dusting? Keep in mind that a good spring cleaning doesn't have to take place in one day, and it can also start in winter, when you're inside due to the colder weather.
3. Deal with Roof "Issues"
Winter can wreak havoc on your home's roof, so early Spring is a good time to assess its condition. Loose or cracked shingles should be replaced, damaged or clogged gutters should be dealt with, and the chimney should be thoroughly inspected.
4. Go with the Flow
Plumbing is very important to both homeowners and homebuyers. Is the hot water hot enough? Do the showers have the perfect pressure? Does the toilet run longer than it should? Start paying attention to these "minor" issues and work to get them resolved.
5. Embrace the 21st Century
Look around your home and determine where it may be reflecting its age. For instance, if you've got "cottage cheese" ceilings, consider getting rid of them. It's a messy project, but it will improve the look and feel of your home and the value if you ever put your home on the market.
Should You File An Insurance Claim?
Water damage accounted for about one-fifth of all insurance claims in 2007, says the Insurance Information Institute, with an average amount of $5,531. But think twice before submitting a water-related claim, which insurers say may reflect poor home maintenance and better odds that you'll eventually file even bigger claims for mold-related expenses.
Depending on your insurer, filing two water-related claims within a five-year period could earn you a premium hike at renewal time or get you dropped altogether. It could also make it harder to find a new policy because all insurers consult a giant database called the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange, or CLUE, which records all claims against a property over a seven-year period. It might be cheaper to write a check from your emergency fund or take a small loan.
Some water claims aren't covered, anyway. Homeowners and renters insurance policies typically cover damage from water that comes from the top down, such as rainfall, a burst pipe or an ice dam. But most policies don't cover rising water from any source, including a drain or sewer backup. A rider to cover a sewer backup will cost about $50 annually. If a water problem is covered, your insurer will probably pay for you to hire a restoration company.
If you're in an area at risk for flooding, you may need flood insurance. The average policy costs $540 a year, according to the federal government's National Flood Insurance Program.
Reprinted with permission. All Contents ©2011 The Kiplinger Washington Editors. www.kiplinger.com.
Depending on your insurer, filing two water-related claims within a five-year period could earn you a premium hike at renewal time or get you dropped altogether. It could also make it harder to find a new policy because all insurers consult a giant database called the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange, or CLUE, which records all claims against a property over a seven-year period. It might be cheaper to write a check from your emergency fund or take a small loan.
Some water claims aren't covered, anyway. Homeowners and renters insurance policies typically cover damage from water that comes from the top down, such as rainfall, a burst pipe or an ice dam. But most policies don't cover rising water from any source, including a drain or sewer backup. A rider to cover a sewer backup will cost about $50 annually. If a water problem is covered, your insurer will probably pay for you to hire a restoration company.
If you're in an area at risk for flooding, you may need flood insurance. The average policy costs $540 a year, according to the federal government's National Flood Insurance Program.
Reprinted with permission. All Contents ©2011 The Kiplinger Washington Editors. www.kiplinger.com.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Arlington Has A Crazy Fan Super Bowl Contest For You!
The Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau today announced a "Craziest Fan" contest to be held at Lincoln Square on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011. The winner deemed the "Craziest Fan" wins two tickets to the Super Bowl the next day.
Master of Ceremonies is Ross Mathews, best known for his work on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Chelsea Lately with Chelsea Handler. E! Entertainment Television named Ross one of the 30 Most Outrageous Celebrities, solidifying his spot as one of the most exciting personalities on television today.
Mathews will be joined by a panel of judges including Dallas-based comic and writer Gene McGuire, Dallas Cowboys Radio sidelines reporter Kristi Scales, Abilene radio personality JB Cloud, and others.
"We're expecting a whole lot of 'Looney Tunes' to be out and about during the Craziest Fan competition," says Jay Burress, President and CEO of the Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau said in a press release. "This is a great way for people to come out, get excited about their teams - any teams - and have a chance at winning these extremely hard-to-come-by tickets."
For more information and official rules, see http://www.arlington.org/craziestfan/.
Master of Ceremonies is Ross Mathews, best known for his work on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Chelsea Lately with Chelsea Handler. E! Entertainment Television named Ross one of the 30 Most Outrageous Celebrities, solidifying his spot as one of the most exciting personalities on television today.
Mathews will be joined by a panel of judges including Dallas-based comic and writer Gene McGuire, Dallas Cowboys Radio sidelines reporter Kristi Scales, Abilene radio personality JB Cloud, and others.
"We're expecting a whole lot of 'Looney Tunes' to be out and about during the Craziest Fan competition," says Jay Burress, President and CEO of the Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau said in a press release. "This is a great way for people to come out, get excited about their teams - any teams - and have a chance at winning these extremely hard-to-come-by tickets."
For more information and official rules, see http://www.arlington.org/craziestfan/.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
DFW Apartment Rentals Hits All Time 10 Year High
The extended slow-down in the real estate market combined with the seemingly unstoppable trend of tightening mortgage guidelines has resulted in a record demand for rental units in North Texas.
According to a new report by MPF Research, a division of RealPage, Inc, the demand for apartments in North Texas surged to 23,470 units in 2010, which is a ten year high.
What does this news mean for perspective tenants, especially those leasing in popular areas of North Texas? It may mean they have to act quickly upon finding the home or apartment that is right for them or risk losing it to another renter who beats them to the punch.
According to a new report by MPF Research, a division of RealPage, Inc, the demand for apartments in North Texas surged to 23,470 units in 2010, which is a ten year high.
What does this news mean for perspective tenants, especially those leasing in popular areas of North Texas? It may mean they have to act quickly upon finding the home or apartment that is right for them or risk losing it to another renter who beats them to the punch.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)