As a professional Realtor, I see dozens of homes every week. I love it but it has made me cynical as to being satisfied with my own next purchase. I have been able to determine what makes a really great home and I know I won't be satisfied with less than amazing. Luckily for my husband, that time is a long way off.Once in awhile I come across a home with the "it" factor that even I could be more than happy with. I'm talking, location, neighborhood, floorplan, upgrades, and yes, even price. This Week's "You Gotta Know" is that house. Is this my listing? No. But I am advertising it with the permission of the listing agent and broker. Why would I give him free advertising? Because I specialize in great homes in Family Friendly Neighborhoods and my clients wouldn't be fully served without ... 01/07/2008

When a client calls and says "We need a larger house but we absolutely have to stay in the same neighborhood", I know it's a community I need to find out more about. Jaime and Scott Marble bought their home in Stratford Estates three years ago.  At the time, the main motivator was a great deal.  Scott's parents and siblings were moving into the newly built neighborhood.  The builder, Providence Homes, had one more model to sell before they could be done.  With the great incentives, it was hard for Jaime and Scott to say no to a big, beautiful new home, completely landscaped and decorated nicely.  Besides the great deal, there were other things about the community that keep the Marble family there today.  The most prevalent being no homeowner's association.  This is extremely rare in Pho... 01/30/2007