Strolling back to my real estate office in beautiful historic downtown McKinney, I stopped into Star Specialty Contempo. Their store front had signs that lured me in. What did these signs say? Circle E Candles - 20% off! For any of you who have heard of Circle E Candles, you know that these candles are by far the BEST smelling candles I've ever encountered. I could literally eat some of them with a spoon - they smell THAT good! So I strolled in and made a bee-line back to the candle display. I smelled just about each one, not knowing which one would be lucky enough to accompany me back to the office. After all, I really need some more deductions on my taxes for 2009, and a candle is JUST the perfect and necessary "office supply" that I need (wink, wink)! I chose the Honeysuckle candle. ... 02/26/2009

Have I mentioned just how much I enjoy working on the beautiful historic square in downtown McKinney? Well, in case I haven't - I LOVE IT! Today is February 26. Winter for all intents and purposes. But McKinney, TX feels like Spring! It's 85 for the high today with sunny skies. That calls for LUNCH ON THE SQUARE! Today's visit brought me walking down to The Londoner at 100 N. Tennessee Street. The Londoner offers a traditional English Pub atmosphere in one of the most unique buildings on the square. As the anchor for the East side of the courthouse square, it offers a lunch menu with outdoor seating available, dinner, and a lively evening atmosphere in the upstairs bar. I enjoyed a fresh salad with grilled chicken, eggs, bleu cheese & walnuts, while my friend enjoyed their staple Fish N... 02/26/2009

                                                             Wow, 4 months ago I made the decision to join Active Rain and what a journey it has been. I feel that it has given me the wonderful connection to our real estate professionals across the borders of my state.       What I have gained from Active Rain Membership Great contacts in other areas outside my community (Jim Frimmer, Cherimie Crane, Gabrielle Rhind) Insights as to what is going on in other states, the inside scoop beyond National Media hype (Midori Miller) Many laughs and smiles (Sheldon Neal) New partners to work with in my business (Karen Otto) Making new friends in the community through reading their posts (Kim Daughtery) Wonderful tips to enhance my business (Russel Ray, Margaret Oscilia, Karen Otto, Brad Anderson) ... 02/26/2009

Our business opens doors not only to great relationships but to our hearts.  We have the unique opportunity of coming across many people and ability to touch lives in a positive way.  We can inspire and show compassion.  To be the rainbow that brings life into a trying moment and turn a storm of emotion to a wonderful ending. We can be much more than just "the Realtor". I dropped by a client's house on moving day.  Fearing that they had underestimated their time frame to be out of their home and have it properly I decided to drop by with a snack treat and check on their progress.  Fears came to reality when I saw that they were way behind and the home needed to be cleaned.  My job had not ended with the signing of the papers and I worried that my clients were stressed out with the move... 02/24/2009

Avoid the failing grade when it comes to keeping your sphere of friends, clients, and family informed on what your services entail.  Recently I had two separate instances that brought to attention my failure to properly outline my services and how they could reach not only my immediate market area but past the state line and even cities in my large state of Texas that are too distant to personally work.  One instance was a customer I had visited with regarding listing their home.  It was to be a two year process and they wanted to downsize.  We met and I discussed improvements they needed to make over this time span to get the home updated, etc.  I had frequent conversations over a six month period discussing the market, value and progress on their updates and recommendations of colors... 02/24/2009

Working down in the beautiful historic district of McKinney comes with many advantages. One being the number of ADORABLE, UNIQUE places to dine out when lunch hour hits! Move over chain stores, the restaurants on the Square can't be beat! One place that stands out this week is Poppy's Garden Cafe. The day I went just happened to be a beautiful 60 degree sunny day - yes, in February if you can believe that! I joined my business partner-in-crime and friend for one of the best lunches. The staff was friendly. The food was incredible. But I think what makes Poppy's stand out is the serene outdoor setting. Even for lunch the environment couldn't be beat! There are bubbling fountains, greenery, covered porch seating & open air sunny dining, outdoor heaters are provided when the air is too ch... 02/20/2009

   If you're following my series, "McKinney's Ultimate Buyer's Guide", you'll noticed that so far we've looked at McKinney's neighborhoods by price range - up to $200,000. In this post we will explore homes priced over $200,000 up to $225,000. As of today, February 18, there are 80 homes for sale in McKinney within this price range. You could start your home search in any of these neighborhoods: Stonebridge Ranch - a sought-after master-planned community offering top amenities to homeowners, such as a beach & tennis club with sandy lagoon, aquatic center, stocked ponds, hike & bike trails and appealing landscaped entrances: Briar Ridge Fountainview Fieldstone Place Grand Traditions at Stonebridge Ranch Falcon Creek Spring Hill Fairway Village Stanford Meadow Liberty Place Parkview Estat... 02/18/2009

Saturday the 21st - Towne Lake Trout Derby. From 8 am to noon you can come cast your reels in hopes for scoring a prize in one of four categories: longest cast, heaviest stringer, biggest fish and smallest fish. Under 16 are FREE, but don't worry - age 17+ is only $3. Fill your tummies with a FREE hot dog roast too! You need to bring your own pole and bait and adults must have a fresh water fishing license. Other than that - come with your best bait and enjoy a day amongst anglers - all here in McKinney! Sunday the 22nd - 7th Annual Krewe of Barkus - Mardi Gras Dog Parade! I can think of no better way to entertain your kids than to bring them out to see the parade of costumed mutts. I know my 16 month old will go NUTS! The fun starts at 2:00. There will be a canine costume contest, fun ... 02/18/2009

McKinney, TX home buyers shopping in the $180-$200K price range will be pleased to know that McKinney offers many neighborhoods and subdivisions that fall into this category. Below is a list of some neighborhoods that meet this criteria: Village Park - Allen ISD Avalon Northcreek - in the Eldorado section of McKinney near Exemplary Valley Creek Elem. Virginia Parklands Westwood Park Pheasant Run Summer Glen Briar Ridge Raintree Estates Stanford Meadow Saddlehorn Ridge Fieldstone Place Spring Hill Greens of Westridge - new DR Horton community - golf course living! Stone Canyon Falcon Creek - popular Stonebridge Ranch with Eddins Elementary in the heart of neighborhood. Also offers pond, park and baseball field. Presidents Point Brookstone Heritage Bend Creekview - new DR Horton community... 02/16/2009

Finally some good news for the housing industry! The economic stimulus bill passed and is awaiting President Obama's signature on Tuesday, February 17th. First-time buyers can claim a credit worth $8,000 or 10% of the home's value, whichever is less on their 2008 or 2009 taxes. The credit is refundable, meaning tax filers see a refund of the full $8,000 even if their total tax bill was less than that amount. To qualify for the credit, the purchase must be made between Jan. 1, 2009 and Nov. 30, 2009. Buyers may not have owned a home for the past three years to qualify as "first time" buyer. They must also live in the house for at least three years, or they will be obligated to pay back the credit. Additionally, there are income restrictions: To qualify, buyers must make less than $75,000... 02/16/2009

Advice to Buyers of New Construction  Have an idea of your budget and basic needs in a home and home site before you start looking. Speak to the neighbors and ask how their home building experience was. Drive the area immediately surrounding the community to become familiar with the new surroundings. Research the school system and check their ranking. This is good for resale. Ask about builder and manufacturer warranties. Make sure everything you are promised is put in writing in your contract. It protects everyone and eliminates any he said she said situations. Research the builder. Find out how long they have been in business. Ask about energy saving features of the home. Check out the competition and make sure that the builder you picked is the right choice for you. Ask for a list of... 02/14/2009

McKinney's current square is the home to Landon's Winery. This marks quite a change considering that in 1987 when we moved here you couldn't buy wine in the local grocery or convenience store. Today wine is available locally and is actually made at Landon's and has won awards in tasting competitions. Landon's is also the focal point for the monthly gathering called 2nd Saturday. Today the street in front of Landon's Winery and Rick's Chop house is closed to traffic and tables and chairs fill the street the second Saturday of each month. Musicians play light jazz weather permitting. 02/14/2009

Inflation!!! Typically considered to be something bad. In fact, the Fed's mandate is "to promote effectively the goals of maximum employment, stable prices, and moderate long-term interest rates." However, today's economic environment is anything but typical. We are currently experiencing "DEFLATION", which governments hate even more than inflation. How inflation will ultimately loom over us: US leaders (Congress, President, Treasury Secretary, the Federal Reserve, etc.) doing everything possible to keep economy from collapsing. Original $700 billion bailout. $350 billion for equity investments in banks. Remaining $350 billion to make other investments. Tax rebate(s) of 2008. Obama's $900 billion "economic stimulus" currently under debate. Fed's balance sheet has ballooned by trillions ... 02/12/2009

Positive signs in DFW housing 5.7 months' inventory on home resale listings (6 months is generally considered equilibrium.) Continued population growth offers support. DFW has only 3.1 months' inventory of new home (finished and vacant) inventory, per Metrostudy (Builders have shown significant restraint in keeping housing starts low.) Job creation 1/08 to 12/08 US Metro Areas  12 Month Rank Metro Area J ob Growth Houston - Sugarland - Baytown              57,300 Dallas - Fort Worth - Arlington                43,300 San Antonio                                         14,900 Washington - Arlington - Alexandria        11,800 Austin - Round Rock                               9,600   Rank Metro Area 12 Month J ob Growth Rate Houston - Sugarland - Baytown               2.2% San Antonio      ... 02/12/2009

Housing Market Crystal Ball January always is the slowest month for residential sales, so seasonal uptick starting now that February is here. Refi boom to continue through first half of 2009. Construction to remain sluggish until summer. Building rebound date dependent on each neighborhood's supply/demand. Obama's "economic stimulus" to positively impact spring market. Inflationary pressures toward the end of 2009 will make real estate in stable markets like DFW an excellent investment. As "certainty" (from federal bailouts, interest rates, job security, inauguration, etc.) returns over the coming months, DFW residential market is poised to rebound in the spring of 2009. National market will not rebound until 2010. *Source: David & Britt Fair, Hexter-Fair Title Company For more informat... 02/12/2009

McKinney, TX home buyers shopping in the $165-$180K price range will be pleased to know that McKinney offers many neighborhoods and subdivisions that fall into this category. Below is a list of some neighborhoods that meet this criteria: Saddle Club at McKinney Ranch - New DR Horton community convenient to Hwy 121 Coventry Point Boardwalk Stone Canyon Seville of the Highlands Falcon Creek - popular Stonebridge Ranch with Eddins Elementary in the heart of neighborhood. Also offers pond, park and baseball field. Woodberry Estates The Symphony - golf course townhomes in Stonebridge Ranch. Presidents Point Glenwood Estates - neighborhood built by Pulte in early 90's offering large mature trees and creek lots. Sonora Ridge - new Mercedes & Horizon Homes community. Deer Creek Parkview Estates... 02/12/2009

McKinney's current square is the home to Landon's Winery. This marks quite a change considering that in 1987 when we moved here you couldn't buy wine in the local grocery or convenience store. Today wine is available locally and is actually made at Landon's and has won awards in tasting competitions. Landon's is also the focal point for the monthly gathering called 2nd Saturday. Today the street in front of Landon's Winery and Rick's Chop house is closed to traffic and tables and chairs fill the street the second Saturday of each month. Musicians play light jazz weather permitting. 02/11/2009

Construction starts on McKinney Dr. Pepper StarCenter New agreement costs no additional taxpayer funds, provides same benefits Work will start as early as February 3rd on the McKinney Dr. Pepper StarCenter after the final contract was signed February 2nd. The new agreement dictates the facility will open in October and uses no additional taxpayer funding. Some improvements from the initial design include a better layout and more environmentally friendly features like energy-efficient lighting. "The Dr. Pepper StarCenter will greatly benefit the citizens of McKinney. People in McKinney have been asking for this new public recreation facility, and we are extremely pleased to come through on this promise to bring it to them," said City Manager Frank Ragan. The final agreement between the D... 02/10/2009

McKinney, TX home buyers shopping in the $150-$165K price range will be pleased to know that McKinney offers many neighborhoods and subdivisions that fall into this category. Below is a list of some neighborhoods that meet this criteria: Ridge Road Estates Live Oak - Entry-level Stonebridge Ranch neighborhood. Trinity Heights Brookview Pine Ridge Estates Villas of Westridge - townhomes on the West Ridge Golf Course. Many with updated interiors. Eldorado Heights - master planned community that was built from the mid-90's to mid-00's. Some phases offer community pools. Hidden Creek - another sought-after community Villages of Lake Forest Wyndfield Quail Creek - entry level Stonebridge Ranch neighborhood that is zoned for Exemplary Glen Oaks Elementary. One of the first SBR neighborhoods b... 02/10/2009

Home buyers shopping for homes in McKinney, TX in the $135,000 - $150,000 price range can expect the following neighborhoods to have homes available for sale. Village on the Green - townhomes built in mid 2000's Highridge Pecan Park - brand new townhome community Raintree Estates - older neighborhood built in late 70's Waterside - new neighborhood off of Lake Forest North of 380 Virginia Parklands McKinney Heights Eldorado Heights - very large subdivision in the heart of McKinney Summit View Lake Live Oak Village - entry level neighbhorhood in Stonebridge Ranch Presidents Point Fountain View - another entry level neighborhood in master-planned Stonebrige Ranch Hidden Creek - popular neighborhood with award-winning Elementary School in the heart of the subdivision Seville of the Highland... 02/09/2009