Brookstone - McKinney, TX World class education and state-of-the-art health care, are but a few of reasons why this K. Hovnanian Homes community is so popular. Amenities in this community include a Jr. Olympic swimming pool, a separate shaded children's pool, children's park and picnic areas. A wonderful family community located in the highly sought after city of McKinney, Texas. Offers K. Hovnanian Homes priced from the $140s. 10/02/2008

McKinney TX Homes are generally new homes, but there are some existing McKinney homes to choose from. The homes in McKinney range in price from the low $100s to the $600s. Located between I-75 and the north Dallas Tollway, McKinney is just 25 minutes from Dallas. McKinney Texas is adjacent to Frisco and Plano and Allen and Melissa (check out this McKinney TX Map). McKinney History McKinney, Texas is an old and historic city, first settled in 1841. The state's first legislators met in 1846 meeting and created Collin, Denton, Hunt, and Grayson counties. Collin County, which McKinney is in, had a population of 1,950 in 1850. Today, over 300,000 people live in the county. The town was originally incorporated in 1849, and was re-incorporated on May 28, 1859.     10/02/2008

McKinney TX Homes for Sale - Summer 2008 Real Estate (Residential) Housing Report from Memorial Day 05/26/08 through Labor Day 09/01/08. (McKinney's busiest real estate season). 646 closed transactions (in 2008) Lowest $20,000 Average 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (either 3 full bathrooms, or 2 full with 1 half bath). 2,700 square feet at $228,000. DOM 80.Highest 6 bedrooms, over 7,200 square feet for $1.4 million dollars. It took 1,149 days to sell.Total real estate value of  $147,336,297  not including real estate sales not listed on the MLS systems such as for sale by owners and home builders. Average DOM Breakdown and Average % of List Price received on Solds by Market time:Information provided is deemed reliable and taken from the North Texas Real Estate Information MLS Systems.    0-30 ... 09/27/2008

January 1st FHA required down payment will increase from 2.5% to 3.5%.  Interest rates have not been this low since April of 2007.  For first time home buyers, there are government programs available. Give us a call if you want more info on any of these subjects.  Visit our web site at dianastasey.com   09/17/2008

What is the purpose? What is our mission? What services do we provide? Sounds like a non-profit center doesn't it. Well, it's not that but soon will be. Road to Economic Empowerment is geared and designed to challenge, educate, and help citizens attain home ownership, protect their investment, and gain more economic wealth. The seminar is currently offered to places of business and church's all over the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Topics include: Analyzing your financial standing, The Importance of Credit, Steps to Home buying, Mortgage Basics 101, and How to save money.  There is also the Road to Economic Empowerment Scroll, which is an extension of the seminar. It circulates to over 200 businesses and residents in Dallas/Collin County. 08/26/2008

Old downtown McKinney is one our favorite places to spend the day.  There is nothing in the area to compare to spending a day exploring antiques, arts and crafts, coffee shops, old candy stores and shops that have a little bit of everything.  A I have wrote about before, on our first date we spent the day exploring the McKinney downtown square and there is something new every time we go.  If you are looking for an evening out some stores are staying open later to accommodate a night life started by the many fine restaurants that stay open late on the weekends.  The old courthouse has been converted to the McKinney performing arts center and there are different events every month.  Spend some time downtown I am sure it will be one of your favorite places as well 08/20/2008

  If you are a small business in the McKinney area who would like to let more people know what you do I have the opportunity for you.  Every Thursday at 11:30 till 1 there is a group of small businesses that meet at the Golden Corral in McKinney to help each other jump start their businesses.  Unlike a BNI group we have a casual atmosphere with No Dues.  I have been a member for almost a year now and have enjoyed the people and contacts I have made.  We are truly a fun group of individuals all helping each other towards our specific goals in business.  TNT (The Networking Team) only allows one person per profession.  They do have rules regarding number of excused and unexcused absences but overall it is a very laid back group that averages 20-30 people every week. Check out the web site... 08/15/2008

Dear Realtors, Investors, Mortgage Brokers, and Entrepreneurs: I am sure you have heard a number of successful entrepreneurs that  have said that they  would work in their field even if they did not make a lot of money. However, their satisfaction is from helping people. Also, some successful entrepreneurs have said that they feel that have been called to do what they do. So, here is my challenge question. Please do not reply if you will not be truly honest. Would you be in the field you are in if you did not make very much or no money at all? We all know that you can only file tax lost for so long but let's say every year -- you lost more than you made. I know there will be different responses to this. However, would you say that real estate is what you have been "called" to do . Have ... 08/15/2008

Dear Readers: Have you ever received a pop-up saying your computer has a virus threat and you need to get to virus protection. Well, I did. And I tried to get this pop-up off my screen for two days. Well, since I had never a problem with pop-ups before I started to wonder if this was Microsoft sending me this warning. One reason I thought this pop-up was sent from Microsoft was because it had a Windows looking logo on it with a wall in front of it. Second, the pop-up had sort of a firewall that would not let me get into the internet unless I clicked out and tried again a second time. Also, while I would be in my email the pop-up/ virus/ or whatever it was would kick me out! So, I decided this must be the real thing -- so I installed the AntivirusX 2008 in my computer and paid the $49.99... 08/14/2008

December 12th, 13th and 14th the next Third Monday Trade Days in McKinney.  If you haven't been to a giant flea market before you don't know what you are missing.  Smaller than the Canton Flea market Third Monday has over 400 vendors and they sell everything from alpacas to real estate and everything in between.  I happen to be the one who sells real estate.  I have had a booth at Third Monday for almost 2 years now.  I set up a bulletin board that advertises the local foreclosure homes as well as another with my current listings.  I give away balloons and sell paper balloons for Children's Miracle Network.  For the most part I meet people.  No one seems to come to Third Monday with buying a home in mind but I develop relationships and get to know the people in our area.  Third Monday s... 08/13/2008

The DFW area has not had a major in almost 50 years, but it remains a major player in tournament golf, having staged virtually every kind of event known to man. Another chapter will be added to the area's vast tournament history with the Nationwide Tour Championship. The season-ending event is Nov. 6-9 at the TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney.  In my mind and research, real estate prices have a great chance to increase. The Nationwide Tour's final tournament will consist of 60 players make one last push for promotion to the PGA Tour. The top 25 on the final money list earn PGA Tour cards for 2009.  Luckily, it will be here locally in McKinney.  My guess is Mr. Craig will show that CR can handle this then shoot for a larger scale tournament. A $1 million purse will on the table, with the winn... 08/11/2008

Village Park is a warm, inviting, and unique family community located just north of Allen along 121.  Cape Cod style homes and traditional brick homes with front porches and lush landscaping give this neighborhood a small town charm.  There are multiple open green park areas within walking distance to every house throughout the neighborhood.  Residents get to enjoy a community pool overlooking the community fountain. Village Park is only minutes to 121 and 75, with direct access to downtown Dallas. While the address is in McKinney, children attend the highly acclaimed Allen ISD. In fact, Allen ISD has plans to build a new elementary school inside Village Park. Prices in Village Park start in the $180's for newer homes, which is a great alternative for people looking to stay in the Allen... 08/11/2008

McKinney will be celebrating its 160th birthday this year and most of the city consists of new growth.  Being one of the fastest growing counties in the country for the past few years Collin county is full of new homes.  With all this growth many people are still looking for that old town style and feel.   McKinney has a revitalized downtown with large historical home district that attracts visitors from all over.  I served in a church during my college years and fell in love with McKinney's historic district.  There is so much history and charm in the older homes.  McKinney has over 1700 historic homes in and around the historic district.   They built on much bigger lots in the historic district and many homes have ¼ acre or more with full grown trees compared to the small planned subd... 08/10/2008

I tell people over and over how great McKinney is and they never believe me. With one of the oldest authentic downtowns in Texas, McKinney is unlike most of Dallas newly developed suburbs. But with new facilities and businesses finding their way to the city (established in 1848), McKinney and its residents are managing fantastic growth. The once-abandoned Historic Collin-County Courthouse was recently transformed into the McKinney Performing Arts Center, and Olympic gold medalist Michael Johnson established Texass first athletic training and sports science center here. McKinney also offers excellent schools and plenty of green space, including a 289-acre outdoor preserve and nature museum and PGA Tour - owned and - operated golf course in Craig ranch. So come to McKinney and see what e... 08/09/2008

The U.S. Economic Map: Size Matters In the midst of a housing collapse and credit crunch, the impending doom of the U.S. economy is taken as gospel. But look behind the headlines, and  the numbers tell a different story. The U.S. economy grew by 3.9% in the credit turmoil-ridden third quarter -- following a 3.1% jump in the second quarter. That means that the United States added the equivalent of a new Saudi Arabia to its economy just since the beginning of April. And the fact that the World Economic Forum ranked the U.S. economy the most competitive economy in the world last week got little press. And even when it did, the #1 ranking of the United States was explained away as a statistical mirage. This is not to say that the U.S. economy is in ship shape. But with all of the talk about... 08/04/2008

  Fabulous home with so much to offer on one acre lot! Backs up to 8 acre wooded preserve. Elegant old world style. Beautiful travertine and oak floors. Gorgeous master bedroom with tray ceiling and  marble bath. Dining room features custom builtins and tray ceiling. Gourmet kitchen with knotty alder custom cabinets, breakfast bar, and granite counters, Jenn Air appliances. Family room features beamed ceiling and stone fireplace. Study has fireplace and custom builtins. Master and 2nd bedroom are on first level. There are too many items to list! Tour this wonderful home today! Call Michael Reese Home Selling Team 972-625-SELL(7355) 08/04/2008

Gorgeous home with all the extras! Situated on 1+ acres in a gated community of Waterstone Estates.. Multiple staircases, vaulted ceilings, sound system wiring, dry bar, gameroom, media room, wine cellar, library or study. Amazing kitchen with granite counters, island and walk in pantry. Carpet, marble and wood floors.  Tour this wonderful home today! Call Michael Reese Home Selling Team 972-625-SELL(7355) 08/04/2008

The Estates at Craig Ranch / McKinney Texas (VIEW FROM ONE OF THEAVAILABLE PROPERTIES IN THE ESTATES FOR SALE) The Estates at Craig Ranch will feature properties ranging from $650,000 all the way up to $8 Million.  The land is now up for sale and many builders are completing properties.  The community has over 1 acre sites still available on the TPC Golf Course available with a qualified custom builder. (Actual Property in the Villas in The Estates of Craig Ranch) (Another view of the course from an available lot)   AMENTITIES Initiation Fee and two (2) years prepaid dues for one person to the Cooper Aerobics Center at Craig Ranch with each lot. •Prefered Pricing on the TPC Craig Ranch golf membership •Craig Ranch HOA Dues - $240.00 annually •6 City Hike & Bike Trail •Cooper Park and Th... 08/02/2008

This master planned community of Craig Ranch boasts the beautiful The Settlement which includes many custom builders ready to build the home of your dreams.  Craig Ranch has everything from golf to shopping, all conviently located to meet your every need. The Settlement is noted for distinctive architectural style and design with stucco/stone exteriors and barrel or slate tile roofs, Craig Ranch has just the home you're looking for!  Craig Ranch is also now sporting the Cooper Aerobics Center, adjacent to PGA TPC Golf Course, which offers world-class health, fitness, and spa services. Also, located just east is The Ball Fields of Craig Ranch, which hosts local, regional and national competitions. Craig Ranch also offers a portion of a six-city regional hike and bike trail. Come explore ... 08/02/2008

The Team of Experts involved in a real estate transaction can get very long. The list includes: The cleaning lady •The real estate agent •The appraiser  •The home inspector •The handy man •The surveyor •The exterminator •The home warranty agent •The insurance agent •The mortgage professional •The loan processor •The loan underwriter •The loan closer •The documents company (Lawyers) •The title company •The loan funding specialist •The post - closing specialist •The loan shipper •The new loan set up specialist •The movers. As many as twenty people can be involved! With trying to balacnce a career, a family, and meet deadlines it can get overwhelming and often pretty scary if one is not aware of how the real estate transaction process works. That is why I do seminars to help alleviate and ... 08/02/2008