Southlake Texas has been voted as one of the best places to live in and one of the most affluent places too.
It now is one of the best places to be buying it too. I did the absorption rate for the city as a whole this morning and have found that it is turning in favor of the buyers.
A healthy market is a 6 months supply.
Currently there is a little over a 11.269 month supply of homes that is up from the 7.325 supply we had at 12 months ago and a up from our 6 months ago supply which was 6.84.
Not great news for the sellers, so marketing and condition of the property as well as yes pricing is very important.
As a whole that is not to bad considering the media, holiday and weather not to bad I expect to see that turn back in about 30 to 60 days from now as we head into the spring and lower interest rates.
However, the Jumbo loan market is more of a problem for this area then the other areas surrounding them.
The current odds on selling a home in Southlake right now is about 49.243 percent.
Of Course different price ranges and locations will vary but Southlake as a whole these are the stats according to the numbers from Ntreis.net
This infomation is based of numbers supplied to me from Ntreis.net, and calulation formula from Zan Monroe.
There are currently 293 homes available in the 76092 zip code of Southake, TX.
This information was compiled on December 16, 2008 by myself.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Ever notice how most homes are designed to fit the average family, with average needs and average incomes?
But what happens if you're not average? …………..Sterling Oak is a custom home builder in the North Tarrant, South Wise and South Denton Counties.
We believe that houses can be beautiful, but the owner's taste and unique selections make houses homes. And when your house reflects your personality, you feel at home. At Sterling Oak, we want to help you create your dream home regardless of the size or your budget.At Sterling Oak each home is constructed the old-fashioned way – through quality construction and a commitment to serving our clients.
It is the way homes used to be built and the way Sterling Oak builds them today - with pride and attention to detail. Yet, we rely on our state-of-the-art processes and technology to get you the best products and prices. We are committed to the highest standards in new home construction.
That is why we are designated as a Graduate Master Builder by the National Association of Home Builders and a Texas Star Builder by the State of Texas. Our goal is to build a home you will love every day you live there.
We offer innovative designs that are not only flexible, but can reflect your distinctive tastes. And if you want to start from scratch, we can do that as well.We urge you to visit any one of our models and compare us to those of other builders.
Once you do, we're confident that you will discover the unbeatable value Sterling Oak offers.
Gary M. Schecter
President
But what happens if you're not average? …………..Sterling Oak is a custom home builder in the North Tarrant, South Wise and South Denton Counties.
We believe that houses can be beautiful, but the owner's taste and unique selections make houses homes. And when your house reflects your personality, you feel at home. At Sterling Oak, we want to help you create your dream home regardless of the size or your budget.At Sterling Oak each home is constructed the old-fashioned way – through quality construction and a commitment to serving our clients.
It is the way homes used to be built and the way Sterling Oak builds them today - with pride and attention to detail. Yet, we rely on our state-of-the-art processes and technology to get you the best products and prices. We are committed to the highest standards in new home construction.
That is why we are designated as a Graduate Master Builder by the National Association of Home Builders and a Texas Star Builder by the State of Texas. Our goal is to build a home you will love every day you live there.
We offer innovative designs that are not only flexible, but can reflect your distinctive tastes. And if you want to start from scratch, we can do that as well.We urge you to visit any one of our models and compare us to those of other builders.
Once you do, we're confident that you will discover the unbeatable value Sterling Oak offers.
Gary M. Schecter
President
Monday, December 15, 2008
Real Estate Financial News
We’ve reached a juncture in the credit markets where it really doesn’t matter how low interest rates go -- banks are refusing to lend and consumers either have no desire to borrow – or they are in such troubled financial straits they can’t meet the qualification criteria for a loan.
So what’s the Fed to do?
Many believe the Fed will announce in their post-meeting statement tomorrow afternoon (2:15 p.m. ET) that the answer to rekindling economy growth is actually quite simple – print money like crazy.
In a nutshell the idea here is that by flooding the economy with money – banks will ultimately find themselves bursting at the seams with capital – and they will essentially have no other option than to start lending.
As the short-term credit market swings back into action, business confidence will rise, employment will improve and the engines of commerce will roar back to life.
Silver Oak Mortgage
Lisa Warren
Branch Manager
751 E Southlake Blvd Ste 100
Southlake, TX 76092
office 817-410-2518
fax 817-410-2519
We’ve reached a juncture in the credit markets where it really doesn’t matter how low interest rates go -- banks are refusing to lend and consumers either have no desire to borrow – or they are in such troubled financial straits they can’t meet the qualification criteria for a loan.
So what’s the Fed to do?
Many believe the Fed will announce in their post-meeting statement tomorrow afternoon (2:15 p.m. ET) that the answer to rekindling economy growth is actually quite simple – print money like crazy.
In a nutshell the idea here is that by flooding the economy with money – banks will ultimately find themselves bursting at the seams with capital – and they will essentially have no other option than to start lending.
As the short-term credit market swings back into action, business confidence will rise, employment will improve and the engines of commerce will roar back to life.
Silver Oak Mortgage
Lisa Warren
Branch Manager
751 E Southlake Blvd Ste 100
Southlake, TX 76092
office 817-410-2518
fax 817-410-2519
America's Most Affluent Neighborhoods
by Lauren ShermanWednesday, December 10, 2008provided by Forbes
These towns have prospered in recent years--but some have tougher times ahead than others.
In an economy like this, even the richest communities across the country are feeling the pain.
Take Southlake, Texas. With an estimated median household income of $172,945, this Dallas suburb is the most affluent neighborhood in the country, mostly due to real estate growth. In 2005, the area doubled its town square shopping center, which bolstered the median household income by over $42,000 since the 2000 census. (Even accounting for inflation, that's still a big bump.)
More from Forbes.com:
• America's Most Affluent Neighborhoods
• America's Fastest-Dying Towns
• Where Everyday U.S. Costs Are Cheapest and Priciest
Brian J.L. Berry, dean of the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences at the University of Texas at Dallas, says that what separates Southlake from its white-collar counterparts is undoubtedly its town square. "It is an upscale community with an expression of that status in its town square," says Berry. "If there is anything special about the suburb, it is that square."
The only problem is that there's not much room for Southlake to grow. Add to that the highest nationwide unemployment rate in 14 years and the second-lowest consumer confidence index in 34 years, and it's clear that even neighborhoods like Southlake have the potential to be affected by the recession in some way.
Behind the Numbers
To determine America's most affluent neighborhoods, we looked at average median household income estimates--in communities with populations between 20,000 and 64,999--from 2005 to 2007, provided in the U.S. Census' American Community Survey. On Dec. 9, the Census released data estimates on communities of this size for the first time.
These include cities, towns, villages as well as census-designated places (CDP), a type of neighborhood that lacks a separate municipal government, but otherwise physically resembles one of these other places.
Topping the list is Southlake, followed by affluent New York, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., suburbs. But the list could see some shuffles in the months or year ahead.
The Tempe, Ariz.-based Institute for Supply Management's index of manufacturing activity--which the trade association releases each month--fell to 36.2 in November 2008 from 38.9 in October. (An index of 50 or lower indicates that an economy is contracting.) That's a 26-year low.
More from Yahoo! Finance:
• Where U.S. Homeowners Are Losing Value Fastest
• Forecast 2009: Your Home's Market Value
• 'Trophy Homes' Weigh Owners Down
Visit the Real Estate Center
Unfortunately, it's not just manufacturing jobs that the U.S. economy is currently shedding. Wall Street, one of the biggest employers of white-collar workers in the nation, lost 16,000 jobs in October alone, according to New York state labor market analyst James Brown. Those who still have jobs in the industry are unlikely to receive big bonuses like they have in the past. Those bonuses often take care off the upcoming year's mortgage payments. Without that extra injection of cash, the homeowner moves, downgrades or can't pay his taxes, decreasing the neighborhood's affluence.
"We know that, in particular, bedroom communities that have been affected by job losses are going to be hurting and certainly won't be insulated from the economic downturn," says Rick Sharga, senior vice president at RealtyTrac, an Irvine, Calif.-based listing firm that tracks real estate foreclosures.
For bedroom communities like Darien, Conn., that depend on New York's financial industry, town-center commerce and municipality taxes on pricey homes, these aren't encouraging data points.
Same goes for Los Altos, Calif., where most residents are employed by technology companies, which are currently scaling back (search and advertising behemoth Google has said that it will significantly reduce the number of independent contractors it employs). Westport, Conn., a bohemian bourgeois village with a 60-minute commute to Manhattan, also falls into this group.
Good Time for Government Work
Some affluent communities, however, may emerge from this recession relatively unscathed. Places like Potomac, Md., and McLean, Va., whose populations consist primarily of government officials--jobs that tend to remain safe during economic downturns--will fare better.
And upscale college towns, such as University Park, Texas, which is home to Southern Methodist University and is located just five miles north of downtown Dallas, tend to house more university administrators than investment bankers.
Top 5 Most Affluent Neighborhoods
1. Southlake, Texas Median Household Income: $172,945
2. Darien, Conn. Median Household Income: $160,274
3. Los Altos, Calif. Median Household Income: $158,745
4. McLean, Va. Median Household Income: $156,292
5. Potomac, Md. Median Household Income: $154,370
Click here for the full list of America’s Most Affluent Neighborhoods
No matter how bad the economy gets, it's unlikely that suburban Chicago's Lake Forest, Ill., will become another Flint, Mich., the devastated former auto-industry town with long-running unemployment and poverty.
While certain employment sectors in just about any community may suffer in a recession, neighborhoods such as Lake Forest--where the median household income is $150,000--don't rely on one industry for survival. For those with this kind of wealth, a couple of down years don't equal a lack of food on the table. A downturn just means forgoing that second home purchase.
However, those who already signed a mortgage on a second home could face the same fate many are currently experiencing on their first homes.
"In all likelihood, the people in the more affluent neighborhoods weren't exposed to the same risky, toxic [mortgage] financing," says Sharga. "However, there are anomalies. Those highly affluent, multiple-property owners who have lost jobs may face several foreclosures."
Living in one of America's most affluent neighborhoods has its privileges--among them, not feeling the recession in quite the same way as everyone else.
Copyrighted, Forbes.com. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Extreme Makeover: Keller, TX 76248
http://frontburner.dmagazine.com/2008/12/08/extreme-makeover-house-revealed/
The tentative Build Schedule (all times subject to change):
* Monday, December 8: Knock Day. Media may arrive at 3:45 p.m. for a press conference with the family at 4:00PM is planned for approximately
* at the home site location, 2880 Keller Hicks Road, Keller, TX 76248. Please note: the street will be closed, and security will instruct media members where to park.
* Wednesday, December 10: Braveheart Walk to kickoff of the build. Media check-in is at 8:00AM; Braveheart Walk at approximately 9:00AM. Braveheart Speech by Steve Wall will follow the walk, then demolition will begin immediately thereafter.
* Thursday, December 11: Framing throughout the day, followed by non-stop building for the next several days and nights.
* Monday, December 15: House Reveal, also known as the time for “Move that Bus!”
* Tuesday, December 16: Press Conference at new home. Time for Press Conference will be announced later.
Posted on December 8th, 2008 11:06am by Tim Rogers
Filed under Entertainment, Media, Real Estate, Television
The tentative Build Schedule (all times subject to change):
* Monday, December 8: Knock Day. Media may arrive at 3:45 p.m. for a press conference with the family at 4:00PM is planned for approximately
* at the home site location, 2880 Keller Hicks Road, Keller, TX 76248. Please note: the street will be closed, and security will instruct media members where to park.
* Wednesday, December 10: Braveheart Walk to kickoff of the build. Media check-in is at 8:00AM; Braveheart Walk at approximately 9:00AM. Braveheart Speech by Steve Wall will follow the walk, then demolition will begin immediately thereafter.
* Thursday, December 11: Framing throughout the day, followed by non-stop building for the next several days and nights.
* Monday, December 15: House Reveal, also known as the time for “Move that Bus!”
* Tuesday, December 16: Press Conference at new home. Time for Press Conference will be announced later.
Posted on December 8th, 2008 11:06am by Tim Rogers
Filed under Entertainment, Media, Real Estate, Television
Monday, December 8, 2008
Click here Southlake,TX for Local Events, Community Corner, Groups & Organizations, Shops & Services, and much more....
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Treasury Department Considers Plan to Lower Mortgage Rates
Financial industry lobbyists are urging the Treasury Department to take steps to lower rates on 30-year mortgages to 4.5 percent.
WASHINGTON -- Financial industry lobbyists are urging the Treasury Department to take steps to lower mortgage rates and help stabilize the battered U.S. housing market.
Under one proposal, Treasury would seek to lower the rate on a 30-year mortgage to 4.5 percent by purchasing mortgage-backed securities from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, Scott Talbott, chief lobbyist at the Financial Services Roundtable, said Wednesday.
If enacted, such a plan would be an unprecedented opportunity for anyone with good credit and a solid income who could qualify for a mortgage at the lowest rates on records dating to the early 1960s, said Keith Gumbinger, senior vice president at financial publisher HSH Associates.
"You would have the mother of all re-fi booms," said mortgage industry consultant Howard Glaser.
The goal of the industry's proposal would be to take advantage of the unusually large difference, or spread, between mortgage rates and yields on government debt. On Wednesday, the yield on the 10-year Treasury note yield sank as low as 2.65 percent, while the national average rate on a 30-year fixed rate mortgages was 5.75 percent, according to HSH Associates.
In recent years, there has been about a 1.8 percentage point difference between the yield on a 10-year Treasury note and a 30-year mortgage rate, but that spread currently hovers around 3 percentage points.
Analysts said that the government could use its ability to borrow money at low rates to in essence flood the market for mortgage-backed securities. This increased demand would tend to push down the yield on mortgage securities sold by Fannie and Freddie, which now average about 5.5 percent because of investor concerns about default risks. Once those yields fall, the theory goes, lower mortgage rates should follow.
That would have two benefits for the economy: Immediately adding money to the pocketbooks of homeowners who can refinance their mortgages and reduce their monthly payments, and eventually help arrest the slide in home prices since much lower mortgage rates would allow more potential buyers to qualify for loans.
"The goal is drive mortgage rates so low that home prices not only stop falling but begin to rebound," said Greg McBride, senior financial analyst at Bankrate.com.
If the government does buy up mortgage securities, it would be similar to the effort announced last week by the Federal Reserve to purchase up to $500 billion of mortgage-backed securities from Fannie and Freddie. The two mortgage giants, which were seized by federal regulators in September, own or guarantee about half of the $11.5 trillion in U.S. outstanding home loan debt.
The Fed, however, did not announce a specific target for mortgage rates, which plunged about a half percentage point after the announcement.
That caused new mortgage applications to more than double last week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's weekly survey released Wednesday. Refinance volume more than tripled, and made up for nearly 70 percent of all applications.
Still, the industry plan is not likely to help borrowers whose credit is so damaged that banks don't want to lend to them.
"It doesn't do anything to help all the borrowers facing foreclosures," said Guy Cecala, publisher of Inside Mortgage Finance, a trade publication. "It's going to benefit the people who have equity in their home, who have decent credit and can refinance."
Treasury is considering several options, and could announce a decision as early as next week, industry sources said.
Treasury spokeswoman Brookly McLaughlin said she would not comment on speculation about actions the department may take in the future.
The proposal was reported Wednesday afternoon on The Wall Street Journal's Web site.
Treasury could make such a proposal as part of a request for the second $350 billion of the $700 billion financial rescue fund, industry sources said.
Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson has been criticized by members of Congress for using the bailout money to shore up Wall Street banks, while not doing enough to help homeowners facing foreclosure.
In recent weeks, a diverse set of industry groups from real estate agents to carpet makers have called on lawmakers and the incoming administration of President-elect Barack Obama to subsidize lower mortgage rates and beef up tax credits to help stimulate housing demand.
The National Association of Realtors has been pushing a plan under which the federal government would spend $50 billion to lower mortgage rates. It says doing so would yield about 500,000 more home sales.
Meanwhile, the National Association of Home Builders is leading a new "Fix Housing First" coalition to push for aid to the ailing housing sector, including a tax credit of up to $22,000 for anyone who buys a home before the end of 2009.
Click here to read more in The Wall Street Journal.
Lisa Warren
Branch Manager
751 E Southlake Blvd Ste 100
Southlake, TX 76092
office 817-410-2518
fax 817-410-2519
Financial industry lobbyists are urging the Treasury Department to take steps to lower rates on 30-year mortgages to 4.5 percent.
WASHINGTON -- Financial industry lobbyists are urging the Treasury Department to take steps to lower mortgage rates and help stabilize the battered U.S. housing market.
Under one proposal, Treasury would seek to lower the rate on a 30-year mortgage to 4.5 percent by purchasing mortgage-backed securities from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, Scott Talbott, chief lobbyist at the Financial Services Roundtable, said Wednesday.
If enacted, such a plan would be an unprecedented opportunity for anyone with good credit and a solid income who could qualify for a mortgage at the lowest rates on records dating to the early 1960s, said Keith Gumbinger, senior vice president at financial publisher HSH Associates.
"You would have the mother of all re-fi booms," said mortgage industry consultant Howard Glaser.
The goal of the industry's proposal would be to take advantage of the unusually large difference, or spread, between mortgage rates and yields on government debt. On Wednesday, the yield on the 10-year Treasury note yield sank as low as 2.65 percent, while the national average rate on a 30-year fixed rate mortgages was 5.75 percent, according to HSH Associates.
In recent years, there has been about a 1.8 percentage point difference between the yield on a 10-year Treasury note and a 30-year mortgage rate, but that spread currently hovers around 3 percentage points.
Analysts said that the government could use its ability to borrow money at low rates to in essence flood the market for mortgage-backed securities. This increased demand would tend to push down the yield on mortgage securities sold by Fannie and Freddie, which now average about 5.5 percent because of investor concerns about default risks. Once those yields fall, the theory goes, lower mortgage rates should follow.
That would have two benefits for the economy: Immediately adding money to the pocketbooks of homeowners who can refinance their mortgages and reduce their monthly payments, and eventually help arrest the slide in home prices since much lower mortgage rates would allow more potential buyers to qualify for loans.
"The goal is drive mortgage rates so low that home prices not only stop falling but begin to rebound," said Greg McBride, senior financial analyst at Bankrate.com.
If the government does buy up mortgage securities, it would be similar to the effort announced last week by the Federal Reserve to purchase up to $500 billion of mortgage-backed securities from Fannie and Freddie. The two mortgage giants, which were seized by federal regulators in September, own or guarantee about half of the $11.5 trillion in U.S. outstanding home loan debt.
The Fed, however, did not announce a specific target for mortgage rates, which plunged about a half percentage point after the announcement.
That caused new mortgage applications to more than double last week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's weekly survey released Wednesday. Refinance volume more than tripled, and made up for nearly 70 percent of all applications.
Still, the industry plan is not likely to help borrowers whose credit is so damaged that banks don't want to lend to them.
"It doesn't do anything to help all the borrowers facing foreclosures," said Guy Cecala, publisher of Inside Mortgage Finance, a trade publication. "It's going to benefit the people who have equity in their home, who have decent credit and can refinance."
Treasury is considering several options, and could announce a decision as early as next week, industry sources said.
Treasury spokeswoman Brookly McLaughlin said she would not comment on speculation about actions the department may take in the future.
The proposal was reported Wednesday afternoon on The Wall Street Journal's Web site.
Treasury could make such a proposal as part of a request for the second $350 billion of the $700 billion financial rescue fund, industry sources said.
Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson has been criticized by members of Congress for using the bailout money to shore up Wall Street banks, while not doing enough to help homeowners facing foreclosure.
In recent weeks, a diverse set of industry groups from real estate agents to carpet makers have called on lawmakers and the incoming administration of President-elect Barack Obama to subsidize lower mortgage rates and beef up tax credits to help stimulate housing demand.
The National Association of Realtors has been pushing a plan under which the federal government would spend $50 billion to lower mortgage rates. It says doing so would yield about 500,000 more home sales.
Meanwhile, the National Association of Home Builders is leading a new "Fix Housing First" coalition to push for aid to the ailing housing sector, including a tax credit of up to $22,000 for anyone who buys a home before the end of 2009.
Click here to read more in The Wall Street Journal.
Lisa Warren
Branch Manager
751 E Southlake Blvd Ste 100
Southlake, TX 76092
office 817-410-2518
fax 817-410-2519
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit at a Glance
The tax credit is available for first-time home buyers only.
The maximum credit amount is $7,500.
The credit is available for homes purchased on or after April 9, 2008 and before
July 1, 2009.
Single taxpayers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000 qualify for the full tax credit.
The tax credit works like an interest-free loan and must be repaid over a 15-year period.
NAHB is providing the information on this web site for general guidance only. The information on this site does not constitute the provision of legal advice, tax advice, accounting services, investment advice, or professional consulting of any kind nor should it be construed as such. The information provided herein should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional tax, accounting, legal, or other competent advisers. Before making any decision or taking any action on this information, you should consult a qualified professional adviser to whom you have provided all of the facts applicable to your particular situation or question. None of the tax information on this web site is intended to be used nor can it be used by any taxpayer, for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer. The information is provided "as is," with no assurance or guarantee of completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability, and fitness for a particular purpose.
1201 15th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20005
202-266-8200
800-368-5242
Copyright © 2008 National Association of Home Builders. All rights reserved.
The tax credit is available for first-time home buyers only.
The maximum credit amount is $7,500.
The credit is available for homes purchased on or after April 9, 2008 and before
July 1, 2009.
Single taxpayers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000 qualify for the full tax credit.
The tax credit works like an interest-free loan and must be repaid over a 15-year period.
NAHB is providing the information on this web site for general guidance only. The information on this site does not constitute the provision of legal advice, tax advice, accounting services, investment advice, or professional consulting of any kind nor should it be construed as such. The information provided herein should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional tax, accounting, legal, or other competent advisers. Before making any decision or taking any action on this information, you should consult a qualified professional adviser to whom you have provided all of the facts applicable to your particular situation or question. None of the tax information on this web site is intended to be used nor can it be used by any taxpayer, for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer. The information is provided "as is," with no assurance or guarantee of completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability, and fitness for a particular purpose.
1201 15th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20005
202-266-8200
800-368-5242
Copyright © 2008 National Association of Home Builders. All rights reserved.
First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit at a Glance
The tax credit is available for first-time home buyers only.
The maximum credit amount is $7,500.
The credit is available for homes purchased on or after April 9, 2008 and before
July 1, 2009.
Single taxpayers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000 qualify for the full tax credit.
The tax credit works like an interest-free loan and must be repaid over a 15-year period.
NAHB is providing the information on this web site for general guidance only. The information on this site does not constitute the provision of legal advice, tax advice, accounting services, investment advice, or professional consulting of any kind nor should it be construed as such. The information provided herein should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional tax, accounting, legal, or other competent advisers. Before making any decision or taking any action on this information, you should consult a qualified professional adviser to whom you have provided all of the facts applicable to your particular situation or question. None of the tax information on this web site is intended to be used nor can it be used by any taxpayer, for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer. The information is provided "as is," with no assurance or guarantee of completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability, and fitness for a particular purpose.
1201 15th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20005
202-266-8200
800-368-5242
Copyright © 2008 National Association of Home Builders. All rights reserved.
The tax credit is available for first-time home buyers only.
The maximum credit amount is $7,500.
The credit is available for homes purchased on or after April 9, 2008 and before
July 1, 2009.
Single taxpayers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000 qualify for the full tax credit.
The tax credit works like an interest-free loan and must be repaid over a 15-year period.
NAHB is providing the information on this web site for general guidance only. The information on this site does not constitute the provision of legal advice, tax advice, accounting services, investment advice, or professional consulting of any kind nor should it be construed as such. The information provided herein should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional tax, accounting, legal, or other competent advisers. Before making any decision or taking any action on this information, you should consult a qualified professional adviser to whom you have provided all of the facts applicable to your particular situation or question. None of the tax information on this web site is intended to be used nor can it be used by any taxpayer, for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer. The information is provided "as is," with no assurance or guarantee of completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability, and fitness for a particular purpose.
1201 15th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20005
202-266-8200
800-368-5242
Copyright © 2008 National Association of Home Builders. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Exterior Door Selection and Installation
New exterior doors often fit and insulate better than older types. If you have older doors in your home, replacing them might be a good investment, resulting in lower heating and cooling costs. If you're building a new home, you should consider buying the most energy-efficient doors possible.
When selecting doors for energy efficiency, it's important to first consider their energy performance ratings in relation to your climate and home's design. This will help narrow your selection.
Types of Doors
One common type of exterior door has a steel skin with a polyurethane foam insulation core. It usually includes a magnetic strip (similar to a refrigerator door magnetic seal) as weatherstripping. If installed correctly and if the door is not bent, this type of door needs no further weatherstripping.
The R-values of most steel and fiberglass-clad entry doors range from R-5 to R-6 (not including the effects of a window.) For example: A 1-1/2 inch (3.81 cm) thick door without a window offers more than five times the insulating value of a solid wood door of the same size.
Glass or "patio" doors, especially sliding glass doors, lose heat much faster than other types of doors because glass is a very poor insulator. Most modern glass doors with metal frames have a thermal break, which is a plastic insulator between inner and outer parts of the frame. Models with several layers of glass, low-emissivity coatings, and/or low-conductivity gases between the glass panes are a good investment, especially in extreme climates. Over the long run, the additional cost is paid back many times over in energy savings. When buying or replacing patio doors, keep in mind that swinging doors offer a much tighter seal than sliding types.
Also, with a sliding glass door, it's impossible to stop all the air leakage around the weatherstripping and still be able to use the door. Also, after years of use, the weatherstripping wears down so air leakage increases as the door ages. If the manufacturer has made it possible to do so, you can replace worn weatherstripping on sliding glass doors.
Installation
When you buy a door, it will probably be a pre-hung frame. Pre-hung doors usually come with wood or steel frames. You will need to remove an existing door frame from the rough opening before you install a pre-hung door. The door frame must be as square as possible, so that the door seals tightly to the jamb and swings properly.
Before adding the interior trim, apply an expanding foam caulking to seal the new door frame to the rough opening and threshold. This will help prevent air from getting around the door seals and into the house. Apply carefully, especially with a wood frame, to avoid having the foam force the frame out of square.
If needed, you'll also want to add weatherstripping. Check the weatherstripping on your exterior doors annually to see if it needs replacement.
Storm Doors
Adding a storm door can be a good investment if your existing door is old but still in good condition. However, adding a storm door to a newer, insulated door is not generally worth the expense since you won't save much more energy.
Storm door frames are usually made of aluminum, steel, fiberglass, or wood (painted or not). Wooden storm doors require more maintenance than the other types. Metal-framed storm doors might have foam insulation within their frames.
High-quality storm doors use low-emissivity (Low-E) glass or glazing. Some doors have self-storing pockets for the glass in summer, and an insect screen for the winter. Some have fixed, full length screens and glass panels that slide out of the way for ventilation. Others are half screen and half glass, which slide past each other. Some are removable for cleaning, others are not. All of these features add some convenience and higher costs.
Never add a glass storm door if the exterior door gets more than a few hours of direct sun each day. The glass will trap too much heat against the entry door and possibly damage it.
Storm doors for patio doors are hard to find but they are available. Adding one to a new, multi-glazed, Low-E door is seldom economic. Insulated drapes, when closed for the night in the winter (or on sunny days in the summer) are also a good idea.
Weatherstripping
You can use weatherstripping in your home to seal air leaks around movable joints, such as windows or doors. To determine how much weatherstripping you will need, add the perimeters of all windows and doors to be weatherstripped, then add 5%–10% to accommodate any waste. Also consider that weatherstripping comes in varying depths and widths. Before applying weatherstripping in an existing home, you need to do the following (if you haven't already):
Detect air leaks
Assess your ventilation needs for indoor air quality.
Selection
You need to choose a type of weatherstripping that will withstand the friction, weather, temperature changes, and wear and tear associated with its location. For example, when applied to a door bottom or threshold, weatherstripping could drag on carpet or erode as a result of foot traffic. Weatherstripping in a window sash must accommodate the sliding of panes—up and down, sideways, or out. The weatherstripping you choose should seal well when the door or window is closed while allowing it to open freely.
Choose a product for each specific location. Felt and open-cell foams tend to be inexpensive, susceptible to weather, visible, and inefficient at blocking airflow. However, the ease of applying these materials may make them valuable in low-traffic areas. Vinyl, which is slightly more expensive, holds up well and resists moisture. Metals (bronze, copper, stainless steel, and aluminum) last for years and are affordable. Metal weatherstripping can also provide a nice touch to older homes where vinyl might seem out of place.
You can use more than one type of weatherstripping to seal an irregularly shaped space. Also take durability into account when comparing costs.
Application
Weatherstripping supplies and techniques range from simple to the technical. Consult the instructions on the weatherstripping package. Here are a few basic guidelines:
Measure the area to be weatherstripped twice before you cut anything.
Apply weatherstripping snugly against both surfaces. The material should compress when the window or door is shut.
When weatherstripping doors:
Choose the appropriate door sweeps and thresholds for the bottom of the doors.
Weatherstrip the entire door jamb.
Apply one continuous strip along each side.
Make sure the weatherstripping meets tightly at the corners.
Use a thickness that causes the weatherstripping to tightly press between the door and the door jamb when the door closes, without making it difficult to shut.
For air sealing windows, apply weatherstripping between the sash and the frame. The weatherstripping shouldn't interfere with the operation of the window.
Copyright © 2008 ( DFW Metro Green Consulting ) All rights Reserved.
New exterior doors often fit and insulate better than older types. If you have older doors in your home, replacing them might be a good investment, resulting in lower heating and cooling costs. If you're building a new home, you should consider buying the most energy-efficient doors possible.
When selecting doors for energy efficiency, it's important to first consider their energy performance ratings in relation to your climate and home's design. This will help narrow your selection.
Types of Doors
One common type of exterior door has a steel skin with a polyurethane foam insulation core. It usually includes a magnetic strip (similar to a refrigerator door magnetic seal) as weatherstripping. If installed correctly and if the door is not bent, this type of door needs no further weatherstripping.
The R-values of most steel and fiberglass-clad entry doors range from R-5 to R-6 (not including the effects of a window.) For example: A 1-1/2 inch (3.81 cm) thick door without a window offers more than five times the insulating value of a solid wood door of the same size.
Glass or "patio" doors, especially sliding glass doors, lose heat much faster than other types of doors because glass is a very poor insulator. Most modern glass doors with metal frames have a thermal break, which is a plastic insulator between inner and outer parts of the frame. Models with several layers of glass, low-emissivity coatings, and/or low-conductivity gases between the glass panes are a good investment, especially in extreme climates. Over the long run, the additional cost is paid back many times over in energy savings. When buying or replacing patio doors, keep in mind that swinging doors offer a much tighter seal than sliding types.
Also, with a sliding glass door, it's impossible to stop all the air leakage around the weatherstripping and still be able to use the door. Also, after years of use, the weatherstripping wears down so air leakage increases as the door ages. If the manufacturer has made it possible to do so, you can replace worn weatherstripping on sliding glass doors.
Installation
When you buy a door, it will probably be a pre-hung frame. Pre-hung doors usually come with wood or steel frames. You will need to remove an existing door frame from the rough opening before you install a pre-hung door. The door frame must be as square as possible, so that the door seals tightly to the jamb and swings properly.
Before adding the interior trim, apply an expanding foam caulking to seal the new door frame to the rough opening and threshold. This will help prevent air from getting around the door seals and into the house. Apply carefully, especially with a wood frame, to avoid having the foam force the frame out of square.
If needed, you'll also want to add weatherstripping. Check the weatherstripping on your exterior doors annually to see if it needs replacement.
Storm Doors
Adding a storm door can be a good investment if your existing door is old but still in good condition. However, adding a storm door to a newer, insulated door is not generally worth the expense since you won't save much more energy.
Storm door frames are usually made of aluminum, steel, fiberglass, or wood (painted or not). Wooden storm doors require more maintenance than the other types. Metal-framed storm doors might have foam insulation within their frames.
High-quality storm doors use low-emissivity (Low-E) glass or glazing. Some doors have self-storing pockets for the glass in summer, and an insect screen for the winter. Some have fixed, full length screens and glass panels that slide out of the way for ventilation. Others are half screen and half glass, which slide past each other. Some are removable for cleaning, others are not. All of these features add some convenience and higher costs.
Never add a glass storm door if the exterior door gets more than a few hours of direct sun each day. The glass will trap too much heat against the entry door and possibly damage it.
Storm doors for patio doors are hard to find but they are available. Adding one to a new, multi-glazed, Low-E door is seldom economic. Insulated drapes, when closed for the night in the winter (or on sunny days in the summer) are also a good idea.
Weatherstripping
You can use weatherstripping in your home to seal air leaks around movable joints, such as windows or doors. To determine how much weatherstripping you will need, add the perimeters of all windows and doors to be weatherstripped, then add 5%–10% to accommodate any waste. Also consider that weatherstripping comes in varying depths and widths. Before applying weatherstripping in an existing home, you need to do the following (if you haven't already):
Detect air leaks
Assess your ventilation needs for indoor air quality.
Selection
You need to choose a type of weatherstripping that will withstand the friction, weather, temperature changes, and wear and tear associated with its location. For example, when applied to a door bottom or threshold, weatherstripping could drag on carpet or erode as a result of foot traffic. Weatherstripping in a window sash must accommodate the sliding of panes—up and down, sideways, or out. The weatherstripping you choose should seal well when the door or window is closed while allowing it to open freely.
Choose a product for each specific location. Felt and open-cell foams tend to be inexpensive, susceptible to weather, visible, and inefficient at blocking airflow. However, the ease of applying these materials may make them valuable in low-traffic areas. Vinyl, which is slightly more expensive, holds up well and resists moisture. Metals (bronze, copper, stainless steel, and aluminum) last for years and are affordable. Metal weatherstripping can also provide a nice touch to older homes where vinyl might seem out of place.
You can use more than one type of weatherstripping to seal an irregularly shaped space. Also take durability into account when comparing costs.
Application
Weatherstripping supplies and techniques range from simple to the technical. Consult the instructions on the weatherstripping package. Here are a few basic guidelines:
Measure the area to be weatherstripped twice before you cut anything.
Apply weatherstripping snugly against both surfaces. The material should compress when the window or door is shut.
When weatherstripping doors:
Choose the appropriate door sweeps and thresholds for the bottom of the doors.
Weatherstrip the entire door jamb.
Apply one continuous strip along each side.
Make sure the weatherstripping meets tightly at the corners.
Use a thickness that causes the weatherstripping to tightly press between the door and the door jamb when the door closes, without making it difficult to shut.
For air sealing windows, apply weatherstripping between the sash and the frame. The weatherstripping shouldn't interfere with the operation of the window.
Copyright © 2008 ( DFW Metro Green Consulting ) All rights Reserved.
Monday, November 24, 2008
What an Obama Administration Means to Your Mortgage
The debates are done, the election is over, and on January 20, 2009, Barack Obama will be inaugurated as President of the United States. No matter where you fall in the political spectrum, no one knows for sure exactly what this will mean to the future of our country. With this in mind, let's put all politics aside, and take a closer look at Obama's plan for our future. And since a home is still the biggest, most important investment you'll ever make, we'll focus the limited space of this short article on Obama's basic housing measures.
More Economic Stimulus – Since trouble in the economy won't wait until January 20th, plans for another economic stimulus package are already in the works, so we might even see this happen, in one form or another, before Obama takes office.
Obama has also discussed a housing stimulus as well, to stem the tide of foreclosures, including a temporary 90–day freeze on foreclosures, as well as measures to address the demand side of the housing issue. This package includes $25 billion in state fiscal relief, which Mortgage Law Central says will help avoid "painful property tax increases."
Obama also wants to "aggressively and comprehensively" implement the recently–passed rescue plan and the Hope for Homeowners Act. This means the Treasury, HUD, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and all of the banks and loan servicers who benefit from the rescue bill will continue to coordinate broad mortgage restructurings and loan modifications for struggling homeowners. No one knows for sure exactly how this will be implemented or what it even looks like yet, but we'll keep you updated as the details are released.
Reformed Bankruptcy Laws – Obama has promised to repeal the 2005 bankruptcy bill. A controversial measure, this will allow judges to alter mortgage terms during a bankruptcy, providing more protection for struggling homeowners.
New Mortgage Interest Tax Credit – Obama is expected to create a 10% universal mortgage interest credit for those who don't currently itemize. This means about $500 in savings for 10 million American homeowners.
Protection Against Mortgage Fraud and Predatory Lending – During the campaign, Obama blamed the financial crisis on lax government regulations, so look for tougher regulations, new criminal penalties for mortgage fraud violators, more funding for enforcement programs, more detailed loan disclosure laws, new counseling programs and other consumer protections, including a new Home Obligation Made Explicit (HOME) score (kind of like a new APR calculation) to help borrowers better understand and compare mortgage costs during the mortgage process.
This will go a long way in protecting new home buyers from the opportunists that have given good mortgage professionals like us a bad name in the last few years. And since so much of our business depends on referrals from satisfied clients, the good news is a lot of these people are now out of business. We hope that any new measures introduced by the Obama administration will help keep a new breed of copycats from invading our industry as the real estate market begins to change for the better in 2009 and beyond. From now until the end of the year, you can expect volatility to continue in the financial and credit markets. This means mortgage rates, too, so if you or anyone you know is looking to buy or refinance a home, give us a call. We monitor the performance of mortgage–backed securities on a daily basis, which allows our clients to capitalize on changes that will help lock in the best rate for their individual goals and needs. Also, if you'd like to discuss any of these or other changes that could affect your mortgage, don't hesitate to give us a call.
If you know anyone who is looking to buy, sell or refinance a home, please forward their name and telephone number to us. We will happily provide the same high level of service that we have provided to you. The greatest compliment you could possibly give us is the referral of your friends and family.
Lisa Warren
Southlake Branch Manager
Silver Oak Mortgage
Phone: (817) 410-2518
Fax: (817) 410-2519
lwarren@somlp.com
www.silveroakmortgagelp.com
More Economic Stimulus – Since trouble in the economy won't wait until January 20th, plans for another economic stimulus package are already in the works, so we might even see this happen, in one form or another, before Obama takes office.
Obama has also discussed a housing stimulus as well, to stem the tide of foreclosures, including a temporary 90–day freeze on foreclosures, as well as measures to address the demand side of the housing issue. This package includes $25 billion in state fiscal relief, which Mortgage Law Central says will help avoid "painful property tax increases."
Obama also wants to "aggressively and comprehensively" implement the recently–passed rescue plan and the Hope for Homeowners Act. This means the Treasury, HUD, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and all of the banks and loan servicers who benefit from the rescue bill will continue to coordinate broad mortgage restructurings and loan modifications for struggling homeowners. No one knows for sure exactly how this will be implemented or what it even looks like yet, but we'll keep you updated as the details are released.
Reformed Bankruptcy Laws – Obama has promised to repeal the 2005 bankruptcy bill. A controversial measure, this will allow judges to alter mortgage terms during a bankruptcy, providing more protection for struggling homeowners.
New Mortgage Interest Tax Credit – Obama is expected to create a 10% universal mortgage interest credit for those who don't currently itemize. This means about $500 in savings for 10 million American homeowners.
Protection Against Mortgage Fraud and Predatory Lending – During the campaign, Obama blamed the financial crisis on lax government regulations, so look for tougher regulations, new criminal penalties for mortgage fraud violators, more funding for enforcement programs, more detailed loan disclosure laws, new counseling programs and other consumer protections, including a new Home Obligation Made Explicit (HOME) score (kind of like a new APR calculation) to help borrowers better understand and compare mortgage costs during the mortgage process.
This will go a long way in protecting new home buyers from the opportunists that have given good mortgage professionals like us a bad name in the last few years. And since so much of our business depends on referrals from satisfied clients, the good news is a lot of these people are now out of business. We hope that any new measures introduced by the Obama administration will help keep a new breed of copycats from invading our industry as the real estate market begins to change for the better in 2009 and beyond. From now until the end of the year, you can expect volatility to continue in the financial and credit markets. This means mortgage rates, too, so if you or anyone you know is looking to buy or refinance a home, give us a call. We monitor the performance of mortgage–backed securities on a daily basis, which allows our clients to capitalize on changes that will help lock in the best rate for their individual goals and needs. Also, if you'd like to discuss any of these or other changes that could affect your mortgage, don't hesitate to give us a call.
If you know anyone who is looking to buy, sell or refinance a home, please forward their name and telephone number to us. We will happily provide the same high level of service that we have provided to you. The greatest compliment you could possibly give us is the referral of your friends and family.
Lisa Warren
Southlake Branch Manager
Silver Oak Mortgage
Phone: (817) 410-2518
Fax: (817) 410-2519
lwarren@somlp.com
www.silveroakmortgagelp.com
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Buying? Selling? What to look for in a Real Estate Agent
By BRENDEL HIGHTOWER - Detroit Free Press
When picking a real estate agent, think of yourself as an employer hiring for your company: Require a good resume, check references and do a thorough interview.
As CEO, you must recruit the best talent. Buying or selling a house is just like a business deal - and you need the right lieutenant to get the job done.
Agents should be familiar with neighborhoods and selling trends. You want someone who will go above and beyond to make things happen in this slow real estate market.
One of the best ways to find a good agent is to ask friends and family. They often can provide names of people they have worked with and liked. Checking newspaper ads, going to open houses and writing down agent names listed on For Sale signs in your neighborhood (especially ones that say "Sold") also might help you locate agents.
But the process doesn't stop there. Once you have a list of names, be sure to interview the candidates so you can determine which one will best meet your needs.
"The purpose of the interview is to feel comfortable, to know it's a person that you can work with and trust," said Pat Vredevoogd of Coldwell Banker AJS Schmidt in Grand Rapids, Mich., and the 2007 president of the National Association of Realtors.
Vredevoogd suggests that potential buyers and sellers ask agents about advanced real estate classes they might have taken. That can indicate how experienced and dedicated the agent is.
"This is a huge investment, and you want to be sure they have all the knowledge to protect you," Vredevoogd said.
Jessica Veitch and her husband, Jason, worked with three agents before settling on Chris Courtney of Remerica Hometown in Plymouth, Mich.
They closed on a 837-square-foot, three-bedroom ranch in Berkley, Mich., on Friday.
"He took time with us and was willing to work with us," Veitch said. "He didn't care that we were not looking for a real expensive house."
Here are other questions to consider:- How many years has the agent been on the job? You may prefer someone who has been selling homes for years. Or you might prefer the fresh perspective and energy of someone newer to the field. Ask for a resume and references.
- How compatible are you? Don't underestimate the importance of personality. Buying or selling a house is often stressful and emotionally challenging. Comfort and trust are key.
- Does the agent know the neighborhood? Local knowledge is crucial.
- What level of customer care will you receive? An agent will be your partner in a huge financial undertaking, so you want to choose someone who is always ready, willing and available. The communication needs to stay open and your phone calls need to be returned quickly.
- For sellers, what is the marketing plan for your home? Ask for a list of ways the agent plans to market and advertise your house. That can include print ads, Internet marketing, flyers, postcards and direct mail. Ask for samples to see the quality and professionalism of the presentation.
- What about commission? Traditionally, a seller pays around 6 percent in commissions; 3 percent goes to the seller's agent and 3 percent to the buyer's agent. Commissions, however, can be negotiated.
- Does the agent work part-time or full time? Chris Courtney said a full-time agent can stay on top of changes as they come about and can be more aggressive.
"If we don't sell, we don't eat," Courtney said.
When picking a real estate agent, think of yourself as an employer hiring for your company: Require a good resume, check references and do a thorough interview.
As CEO, you must recruit the best talent. Buying or selling a house is just like a business deal - and you need the right lieutenant to get the job done.
Agents should be familiar with neighborhoods and selling trends. You want someone who will go above and beyond to make things happen in this slow real estate market.
One of the best ways to find a good agent is to ask friends and family. They often can provide names of people they have worked with and liked. Checking newspaper ads, going to open houses and writing down agent names listed on For Sale signs in your neighborhood (especially ones that say "Sold") also might help you locate agents.
But the process doesn't stop there. Once you have a list of names, be sure to interview the candidates so you can determine which one will best meet your needs.
"The purpose of the interview is to feel comfortable, to know it's a person that you can work with and trust," said Pat Vredevoogd of Coldwell Banker AJS Schmidt in Grand Rapids, Mich., and the 2007 president of the National Association of Realtors.
Vredevoogd suggests that potential buyers and sellers ask agents about advanced real estate classes they might have taken. That can indicate how experienced and dedicated the agent is.
"This is a huge investment, and you want to be sure they have all the knowledge to protect you," Vredevoogd said.
Jessica Veitch and her husband, Jason, worked with three agents before settling on Chris Courtney of Remerica Hometown in Plymouth, Mich.
They closed on a 837-square-foot, three-bedroom ranch in Berkley, Mich., on Friday.
"He took time with us and was willing to work with us," Veitch said. "He didn't care that we were not looking for a real expensive house."
Here are other questions to consider:- How many years has the agent been on the job? You may prefer someone who has been selling homes for years. Or you might prefer the fresh perspective and energy of someone newer to the field. Ask for a resume and references.
- How compatible are you? Don't underestimate the importance of personality. Buying or selling a house is often stressful and emotionally challenging. Comfort and trust are key.
- Does the agent know the neighborhood? Local knowledge is crucial.
- What level of customer care will you receive? An agent will be your partner in a huge financial undertaking, so you want to choose someone who is always ready, willing and available. The communication needs to stay open and your phone calls need to be returned quickly.
- For sellers, what is the marketing plan for your home? Ask for a list of ways the agent plans to market and advertise your house. That can include print ads, Internet marketing, flyers, postcards and direct mail. Ask for samples to see the quality and professionalism of the presentation.
- What about commission? Traditionally, a seller pays around 6 percent in commissions; 3 percent goes to the seller's agent and 3 percent to the buyer's agent. Commissions, however, can be negotiated.
- Does the agent work part-time or full time? Chris Courtney said a full-time agent can stay on top of changes as they come about and can be more aggressive.
"If we don't sell, we don't eat," Courtney said.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
DATES TO REMEMBER
Holiday Happenings in the area.....
Nov. 14 - Jan. 3 - ICE! and Lone Star Christmas (Grapevine)
Nov. 22 - Jan. 4 - The Trains at North Park (Dallas)
Nov. 28 - Jan. 4 - Holiday in the Park (Six Flags in Arlington)
Saturday, Nov. 22 - 3:00 to 9:00 pm
Home For the Holidays (Southlake Town Square)
Tree lighting at 6:30 pm
Saturday, Nov. 22 - 24 - www.SouthlakeFestivalofTrees.com
Friday, Nov. 28 - FW Sundance Square
2:00 to 5:30 pm - Holiday Fun Zone
6:00 to 8:00 pm - Parade of Lights and Tree Lighting
Nov. 29 - Dec. 21 - Snowflakes, Sugarplums, and SANTA! (Fort Worth)
Saturday, Nov. 29 - 6:00 to 8:00 pm
Hurst Annual Tree Lighting Spectacular
Monday, Dec. 1 - 7:00 pm
Historic downtown Grapevine Carol of Lights
Thursday, Dec. 4 - 7:00 pm
Historic downtown Grapevine Parade of Lights
Friday, Dec. 5 - 6:00 to 9:30 pm
Holly Days at Keller Town Center
Saturday, Dec. 6 - 10:00 am
Neiman Marcus Adolphus Children’s Parade Dallas
Saturday, Dec. 6 - 4:00 to 8:00 pm
NRH Night of Holiday Magic at NRH20 Family Waterpark
Saturday, Dec. 6 - dusk
Twinkle Light Parade on Grapevine Lake
Happy Holidays!!!
Nov. 14 - Jan. 3 - ICE! and Lone Star Christmas (Grapevine)
Nov. 22 - Jan. 4 - The Trains at North Park (Dallas)
Nov. 28 - Jan. 4 - Holiday in the Park (Six Flags in Arlington)
Saturday, Nov. 22 - 3:00 to 9:00 pm
Home For the Holidays (Southlake Town Square)
Tree lighting at 6:30 pm
Saturday, Nov. 22 - 24 - www.SouthlakeFestivalofTrees.com
Friday, Nov. 28 - FW Sundance Square
2:00 to 5:30 pm - Holiday Fun Zone
6:00 to 8:00 pm - Parade of Lights and Tree Lighting
Nov. 29 - Dec. 21 - Snowflakes, Sugarplums, and SANTA! (Fort Worth)
Saturday, Nov. 29 - 6:00 to 8:00 pm
Hurst Annual Tree Lighting Spectacular
Monday, Dec. 1 - 7:00 pm
Historic downtown Grapevine Carol of Lights
Thursday, Dec. 4 - 7:00 pm
Historic downtown Grapevine Parade of Lights
Friday, Dec. 5 - 6:00 to 9:30 pm
Holly Days at Keller Town Center
Saturday, Dec. 6 - 10:00 am
Neiman Marcus Adolphus Children’s Parade Dallas
Saturday, Dec. 6 - 4:00 to 8:00 pm
NRH Night of Holiday Magic at NRH20 Family Waterpark
Saturday, Dec. 6 - dusk
Twinkle Light Parade on Grapevine Lake
Happy Holidays!!!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Foreclosure Prevention
Foreclosure Prevention
The two secondary-mortgage-market companies are well aware of the market pain and are taking a number of steps to provide relief, particularly to prevent foreclosures.
Among other things, Freddie Mac is allowing lenders to modify their at-risk loans into 40-year, lower interest-rate mortgages and to reduce borrowers' burdens by permitting them to roll up to six months of missed payments into what amounts to an unsecured second loan. The two companies are also ramping up their staff and adjusting compensation so their internal structure better matches the size and complexity of the processing demand they face.
What’s more, to help facilitate short sales, Lockhart’s agency will be releasing a large-scale, streamlined, standardized process for expediting short sales, which he said will give lenders flexibility and tools like principal forbearance that they can’t easily use right now.
But Lockhart made it clear that the bulk of the problem isn’t with Fannie and Freddie loans, but debt in what the financial services industry calls private-label securities, the Wall Street loans, many of them subprime, that are held by investors all over the world.
The streamlined short sale process his agency will be announcing soon—he didn’t give a time line—could go a long way to focusing the minds of lenders on the problem. But ultimately the problem won’t go way until interest rates come down, buyers start streaming back into the market again, and prices firm up, he suggested.
—Robert Freedman
Realtor Magazine
The two secondary-mortgage-market companies are well aware of the market pain and are taking a number of steps to provide relief, particularly to prevent foreclosures.
Among other things, Freddie Mac is allowing lenders to modify their at-risk loans into 40-year, lower interest-rate mortgages and to reduce borrowers' burdens by permitting them to roll up to six months of missed payments into what amounts to an unsecured second loan. The two companies are also ramping up their staff and adjusting compensation so their internal structure better matches the size and complexity of the processing demand they face.
What’s more, to help facilitate short sales, Lockhart’s agency will be releasing a large-scale, streamlined, standardized process for expediting short sales, which he said will give lenders flexibility and tools like principal forbearance that they can’t easily use right now.
But Lockhart made it clear that the bulk of the problem isn’t with Fannie and Freddie loans, but debt in what the financial services industry calls private-label securities, the Wall Street loans, many of them subprime, that are held by investors all over the world.
The streamlined short sale process his agency will be announcing soon—he didn’t give a time line—could go a long way to focusing the minds of lenders on the problem. But ultimately the problem won’t go way until interest rates come down, buyers start streaming back into the market again, and prices firm up, he suggested.
—Robert Freedman
Realtor Magazine
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Mortgage Loans
URGENT!!
Dont let the media spook you!!
You do not have to have 20% down to obtain a home loan, we are financing people with a minimum of 3% down and even 0% down on special programs and areas.
Right now is the perfect time to buy a home, it is the largest investment you and your family will make. If you do not own a home or are interested in moving to a new one please call us.
We can find a program that will best suit your needs.
by:
Silver Oak Mortgage
Lisa Warren
Branch Manager
751 E Southlake Blvd Ste 100
Southlake, TX 76092
office 817-410-2518
fax 817-410-2519
Dont let the media spook you!!
You do not have to have 20% down to obtain a home loan, we are financing people with a minimum of 3% down and even 0% down on special programs and areas.
Right now is the perfect time to buy a home, it is the largest investment you and your family will make. If you do not own a home or are interested in moving to a new one please call us.
We can find a program that will best suit your needs.
by:
Silver Oak Mortgage
Lisa Warren
Branch Manager
751 E Southlake Blvd Ste 100
Southlake, TX 76092
office 817-410-2518
fax 817-410-2519
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Real Estate Update
Five Key Areas to Pay Attention to When Buying a Home
By Carla L. Davis
Looking for a new home can be exciting and frustrating. You can help alleviate the frustration by paying close attention to five key areas of the homes you're considering buying; it may save you money in the long run.
Don Walker is an inspector and owner of Ace Home Inspections. He says there are five areas in homes that he frequently reports problems with. They are electrical, foundation, plumbing, the attic, and landscaping.
Electrical: Walker says sometimes homeowners assume with newer homes that all will work just fine but that's often not the case. "I inspected a brand new house—four years old but the electrical was all done incorrectly," says Walker.
Having a complete home inspection will help to rule out any problems and point out any areas of concern. However, even as you're browsing homes, buyers can start to make note of the key areas that Walker mentioned, such as the foundation.
Foundation: Walker says a four-year-old home he inspected recently was already showing trouble signs which could result in a costly repair project. "It was a model home. What the homeowners did was plant trees for shade to make it look really nice, but they planted the wrong trees and they're going to crack the foundation and it's going to cut the property value down by $50,000," says Walker.
Walker says in the case of that home, the trees were causing micro-fractures in the tile in various locations of the home. "As you walk through the house, 21 feet in and 30 feet deep, there's just too much root invasion and it's going to ruin their tile," explains Walker. He says some tell-tale signs with this home were the minor cracks in the foundation that were causing a lifting and separation of the foundation. Also, the windows were not opening and closing properly, "which means the foundation is moving."
However, just because you see cracks doesn't mean there is a foundation problem. "Most people don't understand that there are natural cracks in a house. That's why when we do an inspection report we have to look at it and say 'Okay, this is a typical crack and this one is an untypical crack,'" says Walker. He says some cracks may lead to other problems while others won't.
Plumbing: Walker says another big area of concern is the plumbing. It's an area that you can't always spot as easily but it can create expensive repairs if plumbing issues go either undetected or are not properly fixed. "Mold forms underneath sinks when people have a leak and they fix the pipe but they don't take care of the mold," says Walker. Things like caulking the sink can help prevent mold. "That's my number one thing I always find—bad sinks," says Walker.
He says that when you look at the sink, look behind it and most of the time you will discover a little crack. "What happens is, when you wash dishes or you wash your hands in the bathroom or the kitchen, the water gets in that crack and seeps down. Once the water gets behind the cabinet it's in a perfect position to create mold," says Walker. The dampness, humidity, and lack of light can turn that area beneath the sink into a mold-breeding ground.
Attic: "You can tell everything about the house by the attic," says Walker. He says other areas of the home can be covered up if a repair had occurred. For instance, if there was a leak and it damaged a wall, with the right contractors and repairs it can be made to look like new and, hopefully, function like new. But Walker says the attic is sort of the eyes to the soul of the home. "In the attic you can tell where all the damage has been," says Walker. "If you're in a 20-year-old house and you see that the insulation is brand new, you know that there was a water leak because it had to be replaced," says Walker. He adds, "You can tell if the roof is good because you can look right at the wood."
Landscaping: "There should not be moisture or plants next to your house," says Walker. He says there should be a 12 inch barrier between the landscape and the house. Walker says otherwise you run the risk of having the foundation crack and affect the home. What happens is, as the landscape that is too close to the home is watered, the foundation and soil expand. Then, when no watering occurs, the foundation dries up and shrinks and this can cause it to crack.
Remember, knowledge is power, so learning about the home before you close the deal on it will keep you from making a mistake that may cost you extra out-of-pocket money later.
Copyright 2008 Realty Times
All Rights Reserved.
By Carla L. Davis
Looking for a new home can be exciting and frustrating. You can help alleviate the frustration by paying close attention to five key areas of the homes you're considering buying; it may save you money in the long run.
Don Walker is an inspector and owner of Ace Home Inspections. He says there are five areas in homes that he frequently reports problems with. They are electrical, foundation, plumbing, the attic, and landscaping.
Electrical: Walker says sometimes homeowners assume with newer homes that all will work just fine but that's often not the case. "I inspected a brand new house—four years old but the electrical was all done incorrectly," says Walker.
Having a complete home inspection will help to rule out any problems and point out any areas of concern. However, even as you're browsing homes, buyers can start to make note of the key areas that Walker mentioned, such as the foundation.
Foundation: Walker says a four-year-old home he inspected recently was already showing trouble signs which could result in a costly repair project. "It was a model home. What the homeowners did was plant trees for shade to make it look really nice, but they planted the wrong trees and they're going to crack the foundation and it's going to cut the property value down by $50,000," says Walker.
Walker says in the case of that home, the trees were causing micro-fractures in the tile in various locations of the home. "As you walk through the house, 21 feet in and 30 feet deep, there's just too much root invasion and it's going to ruin their tile," explains Walker. He says some tell-tale signs with this home were the minor cracks in the foundation that were causing a lifting and separation of the foundation. Also, the windows were not opening and closing properly, "which means the foundation is moving."
However, just because you see cracks doesn't mean there is a foundation problem. "Most people don't understand that there are natural cracks in a house. That's why when we do an inspection report we have to look at it and say 'Okay, this is a typical crack and this one is an untypical crack,'" says Walker. He says some cracks may lead to other problems while others won't.
Plumbing: Walker says another big area of concern is the plumbing. It's an area that you can't always spot as easily but it can create expensive repairs if plumbing issues go either undetected or are not properly fixed. "Mold forms underneath sinks when people have a leak and they fix the pipe but they don't take care of the mold," says Walker. Things like caulking the sink can help prevent mold. "That's my number one thing I always find—bad sinks," says Walker.
He says that when you look at the sink, look behind it and most of the time you will discover a little crack. "What happens is, when you wash dishes or you wash your hands in the bathroom or the kitchen, the water gets in that crack and seeps down. Once the water gets behind the cabinet it's in a perfect position to create mold," says Walker. The dampness, humidity, and lack of light can turn that area beneath the sink into a mold-breeding ground.
Attic: "You can tell everything about the house by the attic," says Walker. He says other areas of the home can be covered up if a repair had occurred. For instance, if there was a leak and it damaged a wall, with the right contractors and repairs it can be made to look like new and, hopefully, function like new. But Walker says the attic is sort of the eyes to the soul of the home. "In the attic you can tell where all the damage has been," says Walker. "If you're in a 20-year-old house and you see that the insulation is brand new, you know that there was a water leak because it had to be replaced," says Walker. He adds, "You can tell if the roof is good because you can look right at the wood."
Landscaping: "There should not be moisture or plants next to your house," says Walker. He says there should be a 12 inch barrier between the landscape and the house. Walker says otherwise you run the risk of having the foundation crack and affect the home. What happens is, as the landscape that is too close to the home is watered, the foundation and soil expand. Then, when no watering occurs, the foundation dries up and shrinks and this can cause it to crack.
Remember, knowledge is power, so learning about the home before you close the deal on it will keep you from making a mistake that may cost you extra out-of-pocket money later.
Copyright 2008 Realty Times
All Rights Reserved.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
What's At Stake?
What's At Stake?
Pass the Emergency Economic Stability Act
A SUMMARY OF THE PROPOSED ECONOMIC STABILIZATION ACT
Click here:
http://takeaction.realtoractioncenter.com/campaign/eesa/explanation
Pass the Emergency Economic Stability Act
A SUMMARY OF THE PROPOSED ECONOMIC STABILIZATION ACT
Click here:
http://takeaction.realtoractioncenter.com/campaign/eesa/explanation
Southlake Carroll is keeping it in perspective
11:32 AM CDT on Tuesday, September 30, 2008
A month into the season, some football teams have played five games and most have played at least four. But Southlake Carroll is 3-0 with two games canceled in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike.
Well, at least the Dragons aren't getting worn down.
"We're going to use it as a positive," coach Hal Wasson said.
Wasson has the right perspective. The scheduling woes Carroll has faced are nothing compared to what Houston-area schools have dealt with since Ike made landfall Sept. 13. Bellaire, which Carroll was to play on Sept. 12, and Galena Park North Shore, which Carroll had expected to play last Friday, didn't reopen until Monday.
"A football game isn't even a pebble of sand compared to what's happened to them," Wasson said.
Still, it's been a strange few weeks for the Carroll staff. In addition to preparing plans for two games that were never played, coaches were on the phone trying to find a team to play. That's how Carroll set up this Friday's home game against Katy Cinco Ranch, a Houston-area school that also had two games canceled.
MIKE STONE / Special to DMN
Southlake Carroll's Robert Miller (left) and Lincoln Schick converge on Mesquite's Darien McNealy on Sept. 19, the last time Carroll played a game.
View largerMore photos Photo store It's been frustrating, Wasson said, and not just since Ike's arrival. In February, the UIL's realignment moved Carroll from an eight-team district to the six-team 6-5A. Each of the teams in 6-5A had previously been in an eight-team district, so they needed two more nondistrict games than expected.
Most of those games were set up in the first hour after alignments were revealed in a room crowded with area coaches. Lewisville coach Steve Gaddis, whose team moved into District 6-5A, said it felt like he was on the stock market floor after the realignment was unveiled.
"When it came across the screen that our district had gone to six teams, it took a few seconds to register that 'I've got to have two more games,'" Gaddis said. "Then the scramble was on."
Many of the teams in 6-5A were able to schedule nondistrict games with the six-team 11-5A, which includes Mesquite schools and DeSoto. But it was still very difficult, said Coppell coach Bob Shipley. And he wasn't surprised that district rival Carroll had the most difficult time.
"When you're Southlake, you have trouble finding anyone to play you anyway," Shipley said, "and to have to find two more games, they were probably panicking."
Wasson wasn't panicking, but he spent a lot of time on the phones. He called schools in Oklahoma and Louisiana, but they didn't have schedules that matched up. Fortunately, some Houston-area schools had openings, and unfortunately, Hurricane Ike wreaked havoc.
"It's kind of wild to be trying to schedule games during your season," Wasson said. "But it's just an inconvenience for us, and the people down south are the ones who have the real issues, and our hearts and prayers are with them."
Katy Cinco Ranch (4-0) at Southlake Carroll (3-0), 7 p.m. Friday (KKGM-AM 1630)
http://www.hsgametime.com/dfw/sharedcontent/dws/content/topstories/stories/093008dnspowixon.19d843e.html
A month into the season, some football teams have played five games and most have played at least four. But Southlake Carroll is 3-0 with two games canceled in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike.
Well, at least the Dragons aren't getting worn down.
"We're going to use it as a positive," coach Hal Wasson said.
Wasson has the right perspective. The scheduling woes Carroll has faced are nothing compared to what Houston-area schools have dealt with since Ike made landfall Sept. 13. Bellaire, which Carroll was to play on Sept. 12, and Galena Park North Shore, which Carroll had expected to play last Friday, didn't reopen until Monday.
"A football game isn't even a pebble of sand compared to what's happened to them," Wasson said.
Still, it's been a strange few weeks for the Carroll staff. In addition to preparing plans for two games that were never played, coaches were on the phone trying to find a team to play. That's how Carroll set up this Friday's home game against Katy Cinco Ranch, a Houston-area school that also had two games canceled.
MIKE STONE / Special to DMN
Southlake Carroll's Robert Miller (left) and Lincoln Schick converge on Mesquite's Darien McNealy on Sept. 19, the last time Carroll played a game.
View largerMore photos Photo store It's been frustrating, Wasson said, and not just since Ike's arrival. In February, the UIL's realignment moved Carroll from an eight-team district to the six-team 6-5A. Each of the teams in 6-5A had previously been in an eight-team district, so they needed two more nondistrict games than expected.
Most of those games were set up in the first hour after alignments were revealed in a room crowded with area coaches. Lewisville coach Steve Gaddis, whose team moved into District 6-5A, said it felt like he was on the stock market floor after the realignment was unveiled.
"When it came across the screen that our district had gone to six teams, it took a few seconds to register that 'I've got to have two more games,'" Gaddis said. "Then the scramble was on."
Many of the teams in 6-5A were able to schedule nondistrict games with the six-team 11-5A, which includes Mesquite schools and DeSoto. But it was still very difficult, said Coppell coach Bob Shipley. And he wasn't surprised that district rival Carroll had the most difficult time.
"When you're Southlake, you have trouble finding anyone to play you anyway," Shipley said, "and to have to find two more games, they were probably panicking."
Wasson wasn't panicking, but he spent a lot of time on the phones. He called schools in Oklahoma and Louisiana, but they didn't have schedules that matched up. Fortunately, some Houston-area schools had openings, and unfortunately, Hurricane Ike wreaked havoc.
"It's kind of wild to be trying to schedule games during your season," Wasson said. "But it's just an inconvenience for us, and the people down south are the ones who have the real issues, and our hearts and prayers are with them."
Katy Cinco Ranch (4-0) at Southlake Carroll (3-0), 7 p.m. Friday (KKGM-AM 1630)
http://www.hsgametime.com/dfw/sharedcontent/dws/content/topstories/stories/093008dnspowixon.19d843e.html
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions for Residents
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions for Residents - Page 1
The following are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions in the Planning and Development Services Department. Additional Resident FAQs are available by following the links at the bottom of the page.
General Questions
Can I keep horses on my property?
It depends on the zoning of your property. First, you will need to find out the zoning designation on your property. Only the "AG" Agricultural, "RE" Residential Estate, "SF1-A", and "SF1-B" residential zoning districts are permitted private stables as accessory uses on the lot. In those zoning categories, each grazing animal over 500 lbs. requires a minimum of 15,000 square feet of open space and each grazing animal under 500 lbs. requires 5,000 square feet of open space.
Can I have a home-based business in my home? What are the restrictions on it?
Yes, you are permitted to have a home-based business (called a Home Occupation) as long as it meets the definition for a home occupation under the Zoning Ordinance. You will have to obtain a permit from the city before you can operate a home-based business. Click here for an application for a home occupation permit.
Can I have a garage sale at my home? Is so, can I have signs for the garage sale?
Yes and you do not need a permit to have one. However, there are limits and regulations on garage sales. You can only have a maximum of two per year and you are only allowed a maximum of four (4) signs. One sign may be at the location of the garage sale. Three may be at other locations. However, you cannot place the signs on any telephone poles, street signs, or anywhere in a public right-of-way, which is generally the 10 foot space starting at the curb. If you wish more detailed information, you may review the sign ordinance.
What are covenants and deed restrictions?
Also called CC&R's, deed restrictions and covenants are private limitations on the use of real property. Restrictive covenants are created by deed (by the subdivider/owner) and may "run with the land", binding all subsequent purchasers of the land, or may be personal and binding only between the original seller and buyer. Restrictive covenants may limit the density of buildings per acre, regulate size, design, style or price range of buildings to be erected, or prevent particular businesses from operating in a given area.
Typically, CC&R's are enforced by home owner's associations or private property owners in a civil action. The city does not enforce deed restrictions. It is the responsibility of the property owner to research the effect of deed restrictions on any building permits or development activity on the subject property.
How can I find out if there are covenants and deed restrictions on my property?
Typically covenants and deed restrictions are conveyed with the property deed records. If you do not have a copy of the covenants, you should contact the County plat records. The city does not maintain copies of any deed restrictions in its records.
From:
www.CityOfSouthlake.com
The following are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions in the Planning and Development Services Department. Additional Resident FAQs are available by following the links at the bottom of the page.
General Questions
Can I keep horses on my property?
It depends on the zoning of your property. First, you will need to find out the zoning designation on your property. Only the "AG" Agricultural, "RE" Residential Estate, "SF1-A", and "SF1-B" residential zoning districts are permitted private stables as accessory uses on the lot. In those zoning categories, each grazing animal over 500 lbs. requires a minimum of 15,000 square feet of open space and each grazing animal under 500 lbs. requires 5,000 square feet of open space.
Can I have a home-based business in my home? What are the restrictions on it?
Yes, you are permitted to have a home-based business (called a Home Occupation) as long as it meets the definition for a home occupation under the Zoning Ordinance. You will have to obtain a permit from the city before you can operate a home-based business. Click here for an application for a home occupation permit.
Can I have a garage sale at my home? Is so, can I have signs for the garage sale?
Yes and you do not need a permit to have one. However, there are limits and regulations on garage sales. You can only have a maximum of two per year and you are only allowed a maximum of four (4) signs. One sign may be at the location of the garage sale. Three may be at other locations. However, you cannot place the signs on any telephone poles, street signs, or anywhere in a public right-of-way, which is generally the 10 foot space starting at the curb. If you wish more detailed information, you may review the sign ordinance.
What are covenants and deed restrictions?
Also called CC&R's, deed restrictions and covenants are private limitations on the use of real property. Restrictive covenants are created by deed (by the subdivider/owner) and may "run with the land", binding all subsequent purchasers of the land, or may be personal and binding only between the original seller and buyer. Restrictive covenants may limit the density of buildings per acre, regulate size, design, style or price range of buildings to be erected, or prevent particular businesses from operating in a given area.
Typically, CC&R's are enforced by home owner's associations or private property owners in a civil action. The city does not enforce deed restrictions. It is the responsibility of the property owner to research the effect of deed restrictions on any building permits or development activity on the subject property.
How can I find out if there are covenants and deed restrictions on my property?
Typically covenants and deed restrictions are conveyed with the property deed records. If you do not have a copy of the covenants, you should contact the County plat records. The city does not maintain copies of any deed restrictions in its records.
From:
www.CityOfSouthlake.com
Monday, September 15, 2008
Poster Child From Southlake
Friday, Sep. 12, 2008
Southlake Girl Becomes Poster Child for PKD Walk
By Nicholas Sakelaris
Staff Writer
jeff wood/contributing PHotographer
6-year-old Lauren MacMillan, of Southlake, poster child for this year’s North Texas Walk for PKD on Sept. 20 in Town Square, poses with her dog, Stella. Lauren was diagnosed with the incurable disease two years ago.
Lauren MacMillan plays, jumps and smiles like any first-grader at Rockenbaugh Elementary School.
You would never know that she has a serious, incurable disease. You cannot tell that even now cysts are growing on her tiny kidneys that could someday cause severe pain and infections from a little-known disorder called polycystic kidney disease.
Her mother, Judy, wouldn’t have known either, if not for a fateful trip to the doctor’s office two years ago. A sonogram revealed the cysts. The family was in disbelief, because the disease is usually hereditary and they have no known family history of it.
"I’d never heard of ... PKD," MacMillan said.
PKD affects more than 600,000 Americans and efforts to find a cure are severely underfunded, said former Southlake Mayor Pro Tem Carolyn Morris. Morris’ first husband died of the disease and her daughter inherited it.
The disease receives less research funding than other genetic disorders such as Huntington’s disease and cystic fibrosis, which are far less common, Morris said.
The PKD Foundation will host the North Texas Walk for PKD on Sept. 20 at Southlake Town Square that will raise money and awareness. For the fifth year in a row, Morris will be the chairperson for the walk.
Registration starts at 8 a.m. at Rustin Park, 1400 Main St. The children’s walk starts at 9 a.m. and goes from Rustin Park to the north side of Town Hall. The main walk takes two one-mile laps around Southlake Town Square beginning at 9:30 a.m.
There will be healthy snacks, clowns, face painting, free T-shirts and prizes for the teams that raise the most money and the biggest teams.
Watermere at Southlake, a new upscale retirement community, donated $10,000 as title sponsor of this year’s walk. Meteorologist Larry Mowry from Channel 11 will be the master of ceremonies.
Since Lauren’s diagnosis, the MacMillans have educated themselves and are doing all they can to fight back. This year, Lauren, a little girl with a big smile, was chosen as poster child for the this year’s event.
MacMillan encourages her daughter to eat fruits and vegetables and won’t let her play contact sports. She also monitors Lauren’s blood pressure, because PKD can also cause brain aneurisms.
"Knowing that she does have this, I monitor her diet as closely as possible," MacMillan said. "Every day I worry. Has she had enough water? Has she had too much salt or proteins?"
Adult-onset PKD, also known as autosomal dominant PKD, usually goes undetected for years unless someone looks for it, as in Lauren’s case.
Morris can empathize with the MacMillans because her daughter, Jamie, underwent a kidney transplant to save her life two years ago. Her first husband, James Hill, was diagnosed at age 25 and he fought the disease for 22 years until he died in 1985 at age 47.
"It’s horrible to think that your child has this disease that’s going to destroy their kidneys and it could destroy their life," Morris said.
Last year’s walk raised more than $88,800, funding two research grants.
Researchers have identified the gene that causes PKD, the first step to developing a treatment and a cure.
"It’s very optimistic to think that there could be a cure within 10 years," Morris said. "That’s very exciting."
For families like the MacMillans, finding a cure is like racing against time before the disease takes hold and they have to consider kidney dialysis or a transplant.
Many PKD patients also face job discrimination because of the high insurance risk. Morris and other PKD volunteers lobbied the U.S. Legislature to pass the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act [GINA], which protects patients’ genetic information from health insurers and employers.
"Knowledge is power. Especially in this disease," Morris said. "You have to be your own advocate."
To sponsor a team or to create one, see www.pkdcure.org.
nsakelaris@alliancenews.net 817-329-7700, ext. 104
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Southlake Girl Becomes Poster Child for PKD Walk
By Nicholas Sakelaris
Staff Writer
jeff wood/contributing PHotographer
6-year-old Lauren MacMillan, of Southlake, poster child for this year’s North Texas Walk for PKD on Sept. 20 in Town Square, poses with her dog, Stella. Lauren was diagnosed with the incurable disease two years ago.
Lauren MacMillan plays, jumps and smiles like any first-grader at Rockenbaugh Elementary School.
You would never know that she has a serious, incurable disease. You cannot tell that even now cysts are growing on her tiny kidneys that could someday cause severe pain and infections from a little-known disorder called polycystic kidney disease.
Her mother, Judy, wouldn’t have known either, if not for a fateful trip to the doctor’s office two years ago. A sonogram revealed the cysts. The family was in disbelief, because the disease is usually hereditary and they have no known family history of it.
"I’d never heard of ... PKD," MacMillan said.
PKD affects more than 600,000 Americans and efforts to find a cure are severely underfunded, said former Southlake Mayor Pro Tem Carolyn Morris. Morris’ first husband died of the disease and her daughter inherited it.
The disease receives less research funding than other genetic disorders such as Huntington’s disease and cystic fibrosis, which are far less common, Morris said.
The PKD Foundation will host the North Texas Walk for PKD on Sept. 20 at Southlake Town Square that will raise money and awareness. For the fifth year in a row, Morris will be the chairperson for the walk.
Registration starts at 8 a.m. at Rustin Park, 1400 Main St. The children’s walk starts at 9 a.m. and goes from Rustin Park to the north side of Town Hall. The main walk takes two one-mile laps around Southlake Town Square beginning at 9:30 a.m.
There will be healthy snacks, clowns, face painting, free T-shirts and prizes for the teams that raise the most money and the biggest teams.
Watermere at Southlake, a new upscale retirement community, donated $10,000 as title sponsor of this year’s walk. Meteorologist Larry Mowry from Channel 11 will be the master of ceremonies.
Since Lauren’s diagnosis, the MacMillans have educated themselves and are doing all they can to fight back. This year, Lauren, a little girl with a big smile, was chosen as poster child for the this year’s event.
MacMillan encourages her daughter to eat fruits and vegetables and won’t let her play contact sports. She also monitors Lauren’s blood pressure, because PKD can also cause brain aneurisms.
"Knowing that she does have this, I monitor her diet as closely as possible," MacMillan said. "Every day I worry. Has she had enough water? Has she had too much salt or proteins?"
Adult-onset PKD, also known as autosomal dominant PKD, usually goes undetected for years unless someone looks for it, as in Lauren’s case.
Morris can empathize with the MacMillans because her daughter, Jamie, underwent a kidney transplant to save her life two years ago. Her first husband, James Hill, was diagnosed at age 25 and he fought the disease for 22 years until he died in 1985 at age 47.
"It’s horrible to think that your child has this disease that’s going to destroy their kidneys and it could destroy their life," Morris said.
Last year’s walk raised more than $88,800, funding two research grants.
Researchers have identified the gene that causes PKD, the first step to developing a treatment and a cure.
"It’s very optimistic to think that there could be a cure within 10 years," Morris said. "That’s very exciting."
For families like the MacMillans, finding a cure is like racing against time before the disease takes hold and they have to consider kidney dialysis or a transplant.
Many PKD patients also face job discrimination because of the high insurance risk. Morris and other PKD volunteers lobbied the U.S. Legislature to pass the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act [GINA], which protects patients’ genetic information from health insurers and employers.
"Knowledge is power. Especially in this disease," Morris said. "You have to be your own advocate."
To sponsor a team or to create one, see www.pkdcure.org.
nsakelaris@alliancenews.net 817-329-7700, ext. 104
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Friday, September 12, 2008
Dragons Game With Bellaire Cancelled Due to Hurricane Ike
Thursday, Sep. 11, 2008
Dragons Game with Bellaire Cancelled Due to Hurricane Ike
Breaking News
By Zach Warner
Staff Writer
Game No. 3 of the Carroll football season will have to wait another week, as the Dragons’ scheduled Sept. 12 matchup with Houston Bellaire has been cancelled.
Carroll (2-0) planned to host the Cardinals (1-1) at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Dragon Stadium, but Bellaire was forced to change plans due to travel restrictions brought on by Saturday’s forecasted arrival of Hurricane Ike.
Chauncey Willingham, Carroll’s interim athletic director, confirmed plans to cancel the game on Thursday.
“We’ll try to see if we can schedule any other games, but that chance seems pretty slim at this point,” Willingham said.
The Dragons will be unable to reschedule a game with Bellaire this season because the Cardinals’ football schedule is otherwise full. Carroll would at least look into the possibility of scheduling a game with another football team for the Dragons’ off week, which is set for Oct. 3, Willingham said.
Carroll football coach Hal Wasson said that they have checked with other six-team districts down south that have had to cancel their games due to the severe weather anticipated from Ike. Many of those schools have also successfully switched their games from this weekend to their off weeks later this season.
“I would say it’s going to be a long shot, but that doesn’t mean we’ve given up on the option,” Wasson said.
“We’re disappointed that we’re not getting to play … but that’s part of life and some things are out of your control. Mother Nature intervened.”
Wasson said that the possibility the Dragons only play nine regular-season games is not a concern. The focus is district, he said, and the games Carroll plays in the non-district should help them be ready to face a challenging district.
Carroll plays a strong area team in Mesquite (2-0) on Sept. 19 and state 5A power Galena North Shore, ranked No. 4 in the state by the Associated Press, on Sept. 27.
“We’re disappointed that the Bellaire game’s cancelled, but we don’t think that we’ll have a problem going into district,” Wasson said. “We’ll be battle-tested.”
Carroll will hold regular practices on Friday, turning its focus to Mesquite instead of Bellaire. Meanwhile, Bellaire and other teams near the Texas coast have bigger things on their mind.
“Those people in the Houston and Galveston area have a lot more to worry about than a football game,” Wasson said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them.”
Dragons Game with Bellaire Cancelled Due to Hurricane Ike
Breaking News
By Zach Warner
Staff Writer
Game No. 3 of the Carroll football season will have to wait another week, as the Dragons’ scheduled Sept. 12 matchup with Houston Bellaire has been cancelled.
Carroll (2-0) planned to host the Cardinals (1-1) at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Dragon Stadium, but Bellaire was forced to change plans due to travel restrictions brought on by Saturday’s forecasted arrival of Hurricane Ike.
Chauncey Willingham, Carroll’s interim athletic director, confirmed plans to cancel the game on Thursday.
“We’ll try to see if we can schedule any other games, but that chance seems pretty slim at this point,” Willingham said.
The Dragons will be unable to reschedule a game with Bellaire this season because the Cardinals’ football schedule is otherwise full. Carroll would at least look into the possibility of scheduling a game with another football team for the Dragons’ off week, which is set for Oct. 3, Willingham said.
Carroll football coach Hal Wasson said that they have checked with other six-team districts down south that have had to cancel their games due to the severe weather anticipated from Ike. Many of those schools have also successfully switched their games from this weekend to their off weeks later this season.
“I would say it’s going to be a long shot, but that doesn’t mean we’ve given up on the option,” Wasson said.
“We’re disappointed that we’re not getting to play … but that’s part of life and some things are out of your control. Mother Nature intervened.”
Wasson said that the possibility the Dragons only play nine regular-season games is not a concern. The focus is district, he said, and the games Carroll plays in the non-district should help them be ready to face a challenging district.
Carroll plays a strong area team in Mesquite (2-0) on Sept. 19 and state 5A power Galena North Shore, ranked No. 4 in the state by the Associated Press, on Sept. 27.
“We’re disappointed that the Bellaire game’s cancelled, but we don’t think that we’ll have a problem going into district,” Wasson said. “We’ll be battle-tested.”
Carroll will hold regular practices on Friday, turning its focus to Mesquite instead of Bellaire. Meanwhile, Bellaire and other teams near the Texas coast have bigger things on their mind.
“Those people in the Houston and Galveston area have a lot more to worry about than a football game,” Wasson said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them.”
Carroll Trustees Trim 5 Cents Off Tax Rate
Friday, Sep. 12, 2008
Carroll Trustees Trim 5 Cents Off Tax Rate
By Nicholas Sakelaris
Staff Writer
This week brought good news for Carroll homeowners, especially those in Southlake.
Carroll school district trustees chopped 5 cents off the property tax rate at their Monday meeting. The total rate will be $1.415 per $100 of assessed property value.
The reduction comes from the interest and sinking [I&S] portion of the tax rate, which pays off debt associated with bond elections. By refinancing its variable rate bonds, Carroll can strike a balance between paying off debt and giving relief to homeowners, said Robb Welch, assistant superintendent for financial services.
A homeowner in the Carroll district with a $446,025 home, the average value in CISD, will save about $233 a year on their school property taxes. The average taxable value of a home in CISD increased by more than $17,313, meaning that with the tax decrease, the owner of an average home will only pay about $12 more in school taxes this year.
Trustee Sue Armstrong said the district is in a good position to lower the tax rate.
"We’re still being prudent and paying off the debt early but also giving our taxpayers a break," Armstrong said.
Southlake homeowners will also benefit from a $15,000 homestead exemption approved on first reading by the City Council last week. That could save Southlake homeowners another $69 a year in city property taxes. A final vote is scheduled for Sept. 16.
Based on the district’s valuation, Carroll generates about $530,000 per penny on the I&S tax rate. The 5-cent decrease will reduce the district’s revenue by $2.65 million.
"Tough economic times call for some sensitivity to that," said board President Erin Shoupp. "I’m comfortable with that."
The district’s maintenance and operations tax rate will stay at $1.04, four cents of which is not subject to Chapter 41 payments, also known as Robin Hood.
In other action, a new student handbook will debut soon at southlakecarroll.edu. Trustees approved an updated 2008-2009 Carroll ISD Handbook and Student Code of Conduct that is alphabetized by subject with cross references. Hot topics like dress code, cellphone policies and grooming regulations will be easily accessible.
Lowell Strike, assistant superintendent for student services, noted that even staff had a hard time finding policies using the old format.
There weren’t any major policy changes to the document, mostly because the Texas Legislature didn’t meet in 2007, Strike said.
Carroll Trustees Trim 5 Cents Off Tax Rate
By Nicholas Sakelaris
Staff Writer
This week brought good news for Carroll homeowners, especially those in Southlake.
Carroll school district trustees chopped 5 cents off the property tax rate at their Monday meeting. The total rate will be $1.415 per $100 of assessed property value.
The reduction comes from the interest and sinking [I&S] portion of the tax rate, which pays off debt associated with bond elections. By refinancing its variable rate bonds, Carroll can strike a balance between paying off debt and giving relief to homeowners, said Robb Welch, assistant superintendent for financial services.
A homeowner in the Carroll district with a $446,025 home, the average value in CISD, will save about $233 a year on their school property taxes. The average taxable value of a home in CISD increased by more than $17,313, meaning that with the tax decrease, the owner of an average home will only pay about $12 more in school taxes this year.
Trustee Sue Armstrong said the district is in a good position to lower the tax rate.
"We’re still being prudent and paying off the debt early but also giving our taxpayers a break," Armstrong said.
Southlake homeowners will also benefit from a $15,000 homestead exemption approved on first reading by the City Council last week. That could save Southlake homeowners another $69 a year in city property taxes. A final vote is scheduled for Sept. 16.
Based on the district’s valuation, Carroll generates about $530,000 per penny on the I&S tax rate. The 5-cent decrease will reduce the district’s revenue by $2.65 million.
"Tough economic times call for some sensitivity to that," said board President Erin Shoupp. "I’m comfortable with that."
The district’s maintenance and operations tax rate will stay at $1.04, four cents of which is not subject to Chapter 41 payments, also known as Robin Hood.
In other action, a new student handbook will debut soon at southlakecarroll.edu. Trustees approved an updated 2008-2009 Carroll ISD Handbook and Student Code of Conduct that is alphabetized by subject with cross references. Hot topics like dress code, cellphone policies and grooming regulations will be easily accessible.
Lowell Strike, assistant superintendent for student services, noted that even staff had a hard time finding policies using the old format.
There weren’t any major policy changes to the document, mostly because the Texas Legislature didn’t meet in 2007, Strike said.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
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