The majority of the city of Southlake is in the Carroll School District. In recent Texas Education Agency ratings, all of the Carroll schools received exemplary ratings. Carroll is the only school district in Tarrant County in which every school in the district received exemplary ratings. Along with its academic excellence, Carroll schools are known for their athletic programs as well. The Carroll school district has state of the art resources for their students and athletic facilities that are comparable to some professional facilities. Parental involvement with their children is the norm, which helps contribute to the academic and athletic excellence which is prevalent throughout the community. There is a strong sense of unity among the residents of Southlake.

The majority of homes in Southlake are single family residences, with a few townhouse neighborhood and limited two family units. There are currently no apartment complexes within the city limits, and just a few mobile homes. The median home price is slightly over $400,000. Although there are other areas that may be more affordable, many home buyers may settle for a less expensive home to have their children attend Carroll schools. In spite of recent declines in property values in many areas, Southlake has not experienced the significant losses that other cities in Tarrant County and surrounding areas have had. Property values have remained relatively stable throughout this economic crisis. The number of foreclosures is significantly less than in neighboring cities as well.

Southlake Town Center in the heart of the city has many upscale boutiques and shops, great dining and entertainment, and is the location for the annual arts festival and other holiday festivities. City hall and the public library are also located in the town center. It is a great place to spend the afternoon window shopping or catching a nice dinner or movie. Located about 10 minutes from DFW International airport, it is a great place to spend a long layover between flights.

Part of the city of Southlake borders on Grapevine Lake. Camping, water sports and a marina are all just a short distance from many of the residents. City parks such as Bob Jones Park have trails, playgrounds, fishing areas, soccer and baseball fields, and a nature center, all frequented by many of the residents. Family, school, and sports are all the cornerstone of what makes Southlake such a great place to live.

For more information about life in Southlake Texas or about Southlake Texas homes, please contact Dave or Betty Warden at 817-706-3291.

When purchasing a home in the Southlake Texas real estate market, there are many things that a homebuyer will consider before making their decision on which home is right for them. Finding a home in the right location is probably the most important variable that a buyer considers when making their choice. Many Southlake Texas homebuyers choose locations that are convenient to schools, work, and shopping. These buyers sometimes have to forego some other amenities that they would be able to find at a less desirable location in order to find a home in a particular area. Southlake real estate, Grapevine real estate, and Colleyville real estate are centrally located in the Dallas Fort Worth area and are often found more desirable to homebuyers. Excellent shopping and award winning school districts also bring many homebuyers to these areas.

Not only is a good location important to a homebuyer, but when it comes time to resell your home, the potential resale value of your property has a greater probability of increasing in value. The average homebuyer lives in their home for approximately five years. With this in mind, buying a home in just the right location can make selling your home in the future easier and may prove to be a better investment in the long run. In most areas, property values generally have a tendency to increase. Although finding the right location to buy your next home is important, be sure to consult with a Realtor for information the market in the area of interest. A Realtor has access to sales information over the past five years and will be able to inform you of the pricing trends that have occurred in the neighborhood. This information will help you to determine if this is the right area for you and your future needs.

If you are a homebuyer with school age children, finding an excellent school district is usually of great importance to you. For information on Texas public schools and their accountability ratings, you may visit the website www.tea.state.tx.us/perfreport/account/ . Buying a home in a school district that has exemplary ratings may bring a larger price tag not only on the sales price, but also on the property and school taxes. A buyer must keep these things in mind when it comes time to purchase a home. Although property taxes maybe higher than some other areas, the educational advantages may outweigh the cost of sending your children to private school and living in another area.

If you are a homebuyer without school age children or with no intention of having children, you may want to consider buying in an area that has lower school taxes versus an area with higher school and property taxes. Although this may make resale of your home less desirable to someone interested in better schools, it may save you money in the long run and still may appeal to those homebuyers that have children that will attend private school.

Homes near industry or other large business districts may be more appealing to many homebuyers. With the rising cost of gasoline and the time involved in one’s daily commute to and from work, living close to your work may be the most important factor in finding the right home. In the Dallas real estate market and Fort Worth real estate market, more housing is available in downtown areas than in recent years. The desire to live downtown, near work and entertainment districts, is very appealing to many executives relocating to the DFW metroplex. Many suburban areas close to downtown areas are now being updated and restored to attract more homebuyers back into the city. Call Betty Warden for more information on Southlake TX real estate.

In the North Texas real estate market, many people make the decision to sell their home without hiring a licensed real estate professional. Many homes in Northeast Tarrant County such as Southlake TX, Keller TX, Colleyville TX, and Grapevine real estate are listed by a Realtor. While some sellers decide to try selling their own property, they are faced with the challenge of competing with homes that are priced and marketed by professionals that are involved in buying and selling homes on a daily basis.

When asked why a seller would prefer to sell their own home, many respond that saving on the Realtor commission is their main reason. These sellers tend to believe that they are capable of pricing their property appropriately and negotiating with prospective buyers without assistance. While some sellers are successful, others eventually hire a Realtor to list their home.

There is statistical evidence dated in 2006 that homes sold with the assistance of a Realtor sold for 15% more than homes sold by owner. Realtors have access to historical sales information for homes located in the same area as the subject property. This data helps the Realtor to price the property based on recent sales of comparable homes. Although there is some information available to the public about the estimated value of homes in a particular neighborhood, it sometimes is not as accurate and what is available to a Realtor.

A Realtor that has access to the MLS also has the capability to see how long the average home is on the market, what are the average sizes and amenities that homes in the area have to offer, and any other information if the house has been sold within the last 5 years using a Realtor.

When it comes to marketing your home for sale, a Realtor has access to the MLS, which other real estate agents consult when searching for homes for their clients. Listings on the MLS are also accessible on the Realtor.com website, where many prospective buyers begin their search for a new home. Many real estate brokerages have other advertising products that are available to their agents that would be costly to a for sale by owner. Some Realtors are involved in networking groups, which is just another way of expanding their sphere of influence. The more opportunities and avenues of exposure available to a home seller, the more quickly the property is likely to sell. In today’s real estate market with the mortgage crisis that is occurring, a home seller needs every advantage available to him to help expedite the sale of his home. Hiring a Realtor to sell your home gives you the advantage in this very competitive marketplace. Call for more info, Betty Warden, 817-521-4859.

It seems that there is an endless supply of homes in the North Texas real estate market. Southlake real estate, Colleyville real estate, and Grapevine real estate offer many amenities that people from across the country find appealing and affordable. While the cost of living in many states across the states remains quite costly, North Texas real estate still remains affordable for buyers of all income levels.

With such a large selection of homes available to buyers, it is often difficult to decide which home would be best suited for you. Many buyers prefer new homes over preexisting homes because they can have a more active role in the designing and building process of the home. Others may prefer preexisting homes that may have established landscaping and are available in a shorter amount of time. Both types of homes have positive and negative aspects. Those in the market for a new home should consult with a licensed Realtor for information on the pros and cons of buying new versus preexisting homes and for more information on buying a home.

Negotiating for the right price

With the growing number of homes on the market today, Tarrant County real estate buyers find themselves amidst many comparable homes with a wide range of prices. Negotiating the best price for the home for you can be a simple process or may require several offers and counter offers in order to reach an agreement.

Many times you will find homes on the North Texas real estate MLS that are priced higher than what one may want to spend, but sometimes these homes are priced with room for negotiation. As a buyer, one should never shy away from a home that fits their needs simply because it is priced higher than you may want to pay. Buyers should always be open to make an offer, even if it may be less than the seller is asking. Often times there is room for negotiating in the list price, or there may be other concessions that the seller is willing to give in order to make both sides satisfied.

The best way to ensure that you are getting the best price is to consult a Realtor and have them determine the value of homes in the area of interest. Most Realtors have access to information on recent sales and current listings. With this information in hand, a buyer is better equipped to make a lower offer on a home priced above market value. When the buyer is able to provide an explanation for their offer, the seller may consider accepting a lower price in order to sell their home. Call us for help, we will absolutely enjoy finding a home just for you. Betty Warden, 817-521-4859

First time buyers do not have many reasons to sit on the fence now. Excellent incentives await as President Obama’s stimulus package creates a multitude of options designed to save you a lot of money on your new home purchase. Looking to find that dream home in Keller, TX or maybe Grapevine, TX? The possibilities are practically endless. Perhaps an upgrade home in Southlake, TX or Colleyville, TX is in the plans for a young family wanting the best of schools.
What gives?
Right now and until December 1, 2009, qualifying homebuyers get a tax credit up to 8,000 dollars. The program works on a ‘slide scale’ process. Single prospects with income under $75,000 and married prospects with combined income under $150,000 qualify for the full $8,000 tax credit. Reduced tax credits are available for those with higher incomes. Best of all this tax credit requires no repayment providing that the new homeowners reside at the property for a period of 3 years or more. To qualify for these special tax credits the prospective homebuyer or homebuyers must not have had owned a primary residence within the last 3 years before the purchase of a new home. And of course if you have never had a primary residence then this program applies to you also.
Where to?
As I mentioned at the top of this article, there are a multitude of options available. I have received several emails from the lenders I work with. These guys are extremely excited with the new incentives being offered to the home buying public. What are they excited about? How about a USDA loan with zero down financing (yes, its still available) and a 8,000 dollar tax credit or an FHA loan up to 271,000 with credit scores in the 500’s. Interest rates inevitably will be lower for those with better credit scores, but rates are historically lower than ever. How about a 4.75 interest rate on 30 year fixed rate mortgage? Two lenders I would call FHA experts are Shelly Allred with Wells Fargo in Fort Worth, TX (P817-846-5913) and Tom Sutton of Countrywide in Southlake, TX (P817-247-6799). Give them a call to see what they can do for you. I have worked with them, I like them and I know you will too.
Dave Warden, 817-706-3291

A little planning and you’ll avoid drilling multiple unnecessary holes or damaging the walls of your new North Texas real estate. 
What steps do you take to assure a level and secure placement for large, heavy pictures?  First of all, locate the studs with an electronic stud finder.  If you do not have access to this handy tool, try tapping the wall lightly with your knuckles or a hammer wrapped in cloth and mark the places where the sound is different.  If the sound is solid, there is a stud; if hallow, then no stud.  You can test the area by driving a thin nail and feeling for wood.

What type of nail or screw should you use?  Long nails and screws will go into the stud but it is better to use lag bolts and hanger bolts.  If the studs are metal, you will need to use sheet metal screws, No. 4 for light loads up to a No. 8 for heavy ones.  Drill up to the stud.  Then use a center punch to dent it, continuing the drilling with a narrow bit that is half the diameter of the screw.

How about mounting cabinets or very heavy items or pictures?  After you find the studs, using lag bolts install a board horizontally between the studs.  To install the lag bolt, you’ll need to drill a hole in the board that is slightly larger than the bolt’s diameter.  That hole will be the guide for you to drill the hole into the stud.  It should be slightly smaller than the bolt’s diameter.

If you are mounting lighter loads in this fashion on plaster walls, use hollow-wall anchors or toggle bolts.  Procure anchors long enough to extend through the walls.  Plastic anchors can only be used for very light loads.  To install a hollow-wall anchor, drill a hole about the same size as the anchor and insert it.  Tighten the screw until it flattens against the inside of the wall.  That part is removable.

Some units or objects need a toggle bolt to be secure and they are a bit more temperamental.  Drill a hole large enough to pass the folded wings through.  Before installing the bolt, attach the hook of your unit or object to it.

Another option is a modern invention called a Hercules hook which is designed to hold up to 150 pounds.  It is made of thin heavy metal and is laced directly into the wall.

Any picture or mirror weighing over five pounds should be equipped with a hanging wire.  Install screw eyes one-third of the way down from the top of the frame on each side.  Slip one end of a piece of hanging wire that is eight inches longer than the frame’s width into a screw eye.  Pull it out four inches and slip it through again.  Twist the short end tightly around the main wire and repeat the process with the other eye screw.

For expert and friendly assistance finding the right home for your family’s needs, contact Dave Warden at (817) 706-3291 or e-mail dave@davewarden.net.

Thankfully, a wide variety of quality childcare resources are in place near homes in Southlake TX, including several Montessori schools, between here and major employers around the DFW airport.  North Texas real estate includes more than 200 childcare facilities.  Many are nonprofit, church and community sponsored centers.  There are private centers and company-sponsored childcare facilities. 

As the providers differ, so do the needs of parents and children.  Some parents are looking for a larger facility with state-of-the-art equipment; others want a home-based operation.  Many facilities now accommodate very young newborns and others begin at age 3 or 4.  Many working parents need to find a provider that offers afterschool care, part-time care, or weekend care.

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services recommends following a step-by-step path to choosing the right childcare for your children.  First of all, create a list of possible licensed providers.  Much of the pertinent information you need can be found in the facilities’ history of inspections online.

Narrow down the list and make appointments to visit each one for an initial tour.  The next step is to casually drop in on your favorites during a second visit when you are not expected to observe how safe and healthy the environment actually is from the parents’ vantage point.  Are there ponds, pools, or water features that could lure a small child into danger?  How does the facility ensure the safety of the children?

Children all adjust differently to moving from familiar surroundings to new ones.  Once you decide on a facility, speak with your child about the exciting new adventure at school and the new friends waiting to meet him.  It is best to stay in the classroom for a time each day until you are sure that your child is happy and secure in his or her new school.  Listen to your child’s concerns and encourage any accomplishments that are shared with you.

It is important to stay involved with your child’s caregivers.  If they are too busy at drop-off and pick-up times, make special appointments to discuss any concerns.

Daily, as we drive through the subdivisions and variety of smaller communities, we notice important details that will help you to decide which neighborhood surrounding Grapevine Lake is best suited for you and your family.  We can highlight facts for important considerations like amenities, appearance, crime rate, environment, nuisances, property values, schools, transportation, and utilities.  Additional information can be gleaned by talking to neighbors, local media, police, and the school staff.

As your property search narrows, if you revisit your top picks at different times of the day and night, you will get a better idea of everyday life in the neighborhood.

Amenities:  Life is much easier when handy locations like grocery stores, parks, recreational facilities, a post office, dry cleaner, and doctor are close to home.

Appearance:  Look around the entire neighborhood for signs of neglect like overgrown landscape, trash, junked appliances, litter, and rundown homes.  No matter how nice a home looks, if it is in the middle of other properties that are not kept up, your property value will suffer.

Crime rate:  Be sure that your home is in a safe neighborhood.  Ask the police about burglaries and other crimes in the area.

Environment:  Find out about the quality of the air, water, soil, and other environmental concerns such as cell-phone towers.

Nuisances:  Listen for traffic noise, barking dogs, airplanes overhead, and other nuisances during various times of the day and night.

Property values:  We can use our real estate resources to research selling prices of homes over the past several years and determine future trends.

Schools:  Talk to neighbors with children and study the data from school assessments in the area.

Transportation:  Make sure that public transportation and major highways are convenient to access your employment.

Utilities:  Find out the utility costs—water, electric, cable TV, phone, gas— before you decide to purchase.

Contact Dave Warden at (817) 706-3291 or email dave@davewarden.net for the best neighborhood information in the area.

Your home in Southlake TX or Colleyville is within commute distance to 19 Fortune 500 company headquarters including Advance PCS, Dean Foods, ExxonMobil, Kimberly-Clark, Neiman Marcus, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments.  If your present community economy is dragging, you will be amazed at the great selection of companies who have relocated to North Texas real estate because they know that their employees will experience a relatively low cost of living, a great quality of life, and are able to choose housing from a large variety of beautiful neighborhoods in Denton and Tarrant County real estate.
 

Forty-seven percent of all tech-related revenue in the state is located in the area.  There are a diverse mix of industries including defense, financial services, information technology and date, life sciences, semiconductors, telecommunications, transportation, real estate, processing, and tourism.  There are a number of fine colleges and universities and a cutting edge educational system for primary and secondary education. 
The Dallas Business Journal lists the following employers as the top 25 largest. 
AMR Corporation, the world’s largest airline, owns American, American Eagle, and American Connection.  Wal-Mart, a huge discount retailer operates large facilities here.  Texas Health Resources Inc is one of the largest faith-based nonprofit health care systems and serves 6.2 million people in the area.  Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. has a long history of building cutting-edge aircraft.  Baylor Health Care Services is one of the largest private-sector employers in the area with Baylor University Medical Center as a flagship hospital. 
Citigroup, Inc. is a global financial services company.  AT&T/SBC is one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world, employing 14,000 in Dallas alone.  Verizon Communications operated its Information Services division that offers publishing and content.  Texas Instruments Inc. designs and supplies digital signal processing solutions and semiconductor products.  Albertsons Inc. is a large grocery chain that also operates drug store chains.  Brinker International Inc. operated award-winning chain restaurants such as Chili’s and On the Border Mexican Grill.
Others include HCA Healthcare, Inc., JP Morgan Chase & Co., J.C. Penney Co., Kroger Co., Target Corp., Electronic Data Systems Corp., Bank of America Corp., Tom Thumb Food and Pharmacy, Southwest Airlines Co., Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Minyard Food Stores, Inc., Blockbuster Inc., General Motors, and RadioShack Corp. 

These successful companies are just the beginning of a creative tapestry of industries serving the population.  An expanding fountain of jobs in the service sector and many entrepreneurial opportunities are here for the taking.