Home Owner Tax Credit Extended and Expanded!

Got the itch to change your scenery?  The government is paying YOU to move!  How great is that?  The newly extended and expanded Home Owner Tax Credit program allows existing homeowners that have lived in their current property for at least 5 years to earn up to $6,500!  First time home buyers can earn up to $8,000!  What is the catch?  There are some limitations on income, but these too have been expanded so most Americans can take advantage of the program.  In addition, you are limited to a $800,000 purchase price for your new home.  So if you plan to spend over $1 million you are out of luck!  For the rest of us, what a great program!  Let’s hurry up and take advantage before the President changes his mind.

For help finding your new home or selling your old home, contact the Robinson Team of North Texas Home Finders at 972.335.0571 or email teresa@northtexashomefinders.com for a handout on the current home owner tax credit program!

Article by Teresa Robinson, Owner/Agent, North Texas Home Finders

Contact Teresa at 972.335.0571 or Teresa@NorthTexasHomeFinders.com

Get a Buyer Specialist and rest easy! The builder pays our service charge from their advertising budget which is built into every home they sell. Since these fees do not come out of the home construction budget, you cannot negotiate one penny of a better deal alone.  We also work with preowned homes where the seller pays our fees!  Visit www.northtexashomefinders.com for more information.  For community-specific information, also visit www.BuyProsper.com for added content.

Featured on HGTV’s House Hunters!

W. Cody Robinson

Grab your popcorn or set your DVRs.  North Texas Home Finders’ very own, Cody Robinson will be featured on HGTV’s smash hit, House Hunters.  The show airs on Thursday, October 1st at 8PM Central Standard Time.

http://www.hgtv.com/house-hunters/a-healthy-budget-for-a-new-home-in-dallas/index.html

We are interested in your comments after the show!  Thank you for all your support!  Remember if you are looking to buy or sell a home or know someone that is, call the Robinson Team at 972.335.0571!

Robinson Team Welcomes Newest Addition

The Robinson Team of North Texas Home Finders is pleased to announce their latest arrival…

 Kendall Reese Robinson

Newest Member of the Robinson Team!

Kendall joined our team on August 31, 2009 at 1:47PM
weighing 7 pounds 5.5 ounces and measuring 20 inches long.

 Mommy (Teresa), Daddy (Cody), Big Sister (Emily), and Dog (Buddy)
are excited to welcome her to our team.

 We hope you remember the Robinson Team for any future housing needs.
We now offer full listing services to our clients and love helping  your friends
or family buy or sell real estate.

 Robinson Team * North Texas Home Finders *7547 Rockyridge Dr* Frisco, TX* 972.355.0571

North Texas Home Finders Welcomes New Addition!

The Robinson Team of North Texas Home Finders has recently expanded.  We welcome aboard, Brooke Kincannon as our Client Services Manager.  Brooke and her family used the Robinson Team to relocate to the DFW area, so she is familiar with the team’s services first hand! 

Welcome aboard Brooke!

Article by Terea Robinson, Owner/Buyer Specialist, North Texas Home Finders

Contact Teresa at 972.335.0571 or Teresa@NorthTexasHomeFinders.com

Get a Buyer Specialist and rest easy! The builder pays our service charge from their advertising budget which is built into every home they sell. Since these fees do not come out of the home construction budget, you cannot negotiate one penny of a better deal alone.  We also work with preowned homes where the seller pays our fees!  Visit www.northtexashomefinders.com for more information.  For community-specific information, also visit www.BuyProsper.com for added content.

Hot Home Deal Save $50K Off List Price

Check out this Hot Home Deal of the Week from North Texas Home Finders!

Located in Aubrey Texas, also known as the 380 corridor, this beautiful new construction home is ready for immediate move in!  Minutes from Denton and Frisco.  Easy access via 380 to the North Dallas Tollway, I-35, or I-75.

Was $189,990
Now $139,990  (Save $50,000 with North Texas Home Finders!)

Quite cul-de-sac location in large master planned community (two pools, hiking trails, fishing lake and more) featuring 2,062 square feet, 2 stories, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, Study, Kids Retreat, 1 living and 2 dining areas.

 

Upgrades featured in this beautiful home are 42″ real oak cabinets, upgraded carpet, 1/2″ padding, ceiling fans, 2″ PVC Blinds throughout, black appliances, full security system, and more!  Special financing options are available!  Hurry and Take advantage of the $8,000 Tax Credit before it is gone!

Call Cody at 972.365.0432 to schedule your exclusive viewing of this beautiful home!  Hurry at this price, it will not last long!  Remember, having a buyer’s representative is FREE to you, the sellers/builders pay our service charge.  You will NOT negotiate a better price alone.

10 Things that Other Real Estate Agent Doesn’t Want You to Know About Me!

Let’s face it, there are a ton of real estate agents out there.  I read somewhere recently that 75% of adults in the US have their real estate license.  That is pretty scary when you think about it.  How can that many people be a expert in their field? They can’t!  Most agents work part time at best, if you call writing 1 to 6 deals a year part time.  Because of these alarming figures, I decided to come up with this list of 10 Things that Other Real Estate Agent Doesn’t Want You To Know About Me.

1. I work Full Time as a licensed Realtor.  This is how I support my family and pay my mortgage. It is not a side business that I run on weekends or when I have some extra time.

2. I have helped over 500 families realize their dream of home ownership.  I have worked both sides of the deal, from representing the seller with the nation’s largest production builder, to representing the buyer with my own brokerage.

3. I have the ABR designation.  This means that I have taken time out to learn and understand the needs of buyers to make sure I am representing my clients to the best of my ability.  The Accredited Buyer Representative certification also enables me to stay on top of buying trends and offer the best to my clients.

4. I know how to stage your home to sell.  After 6 years working on the seller’s side, I know the do’s and don’ts of selling a home.  How to sell a vacant home, furnished home, etc.  I have worked in really slow markets where the builder wanted to give up and pull out of the community.  After a few short weeks with me at the head of the community, sales increased, home owner’s were happier, and the company (seller) was making a profit again.

5. I treat your home purchase or sale as if it were my own personal investment.  I really put myself in my client’s particular situation to make sure I understand their needs.  This sets me apart from most agents out there.  The same selling tactics will not work in every situation.

6. I have a College Degree.  I graduated from Texas A&M in 1994 with a BA in Speech Communications.  Most agents out there do not have a degree.

7. I own my brokerage.  How many agents can say that?  It is imperative to me that our clients are treated fairly and their needs met quickly.  Unlike some larger brokerages, you are not just a “file” with our brokerage.

8. I will listen to your needs and wants for your new home purchase an only send you listings/homes that match those needs.  Many agents will simply give you access to the MLS and tell you to send them homes for you to see.  I will weed through the 100s of listings that don’t meet your requirements.  This saves you time!

9. I have a ton of infomation about DFW and the surrounding communities.  Feel free to ask me about the schools, jobs, tollways, commute times, etc.  If I don’t have the answer right away,  I will find out and get back to you quickly.

10. I work for you.  As your agent, it is my job to serve you.  I am here to make the home selling or home buying process as easy as possible and take as much of the stress off your shoulders as I can.

Article by Teresa Robinson, Owner/Buyer Specialist, North Texas Home Finders
Get a Buyer Specialist and rest easy! The builder pays our service charge from their advertising budget which is built into every home they sell. Since these fees do not come out of the home construction budget, you cannot negotiate one penny of a better deal alone.  Visit www.northtexashomefinders.com for more information.

Should I Buy Now or Wait Longer?

As a Realtor of course, my first instinct is to tell you to buy now.  After all, I don’t get paid until someone purchases a home!  But then reality sets in and I want what is best for everyone and let’s face it, some people really shouldn’t buy a home right now.  Here is a good check list to see if you are ready to take the plunge of home ownership!

1. Are you currently paying rent?  If you are lucky enough to be in a situation where you don’t pay any living expenses, jumping straight into home ownership may be too much of a shock for you.  Remember, when you live on your own, you have to pay not only the Mortgage (Rent) but also the utilities bills (electric, gas, phone, water, sewer, etc). As long as you are prepared to pay those expenses, you can jump into home ownership.  Just make sure you understand ALL the costs involved.

2. Are you currently employed?  Having full time employment is a must have to get any kind of mortgage.  You also in most cases must have been with the same employer for at least 2 years.  So unless, you have a trust fund or have recently won the lotto, your answer must be yes to this one to buy a new home.

3.  Do you plan on living in the same area for at least 3 years?  If you have put in for a big promotion or plan to quit your current job and work overseas within a year or two, don’t purchase a home.   In most cases, it takes 3 years to get to a break even point if you were to have to sell your home to move.  There are some rare exceptions out there, but it is better to stick with your averages when making this type of decision.

4. Do you have any money saved up for a down-payment?  The tightening loan market has made it where in most cases you will need a minimum of 3.5% to put down towards your new home.  There are some exceptions to this rule, but you must be very flexible as to where you will live (way out in the suburbs in most cases).  If you don’t have money saved up and a family member is not willing to give it to you, then in most cases you will have to wait!  The $8,000 tax credit can be used in some cases, but don’t count on it.

5. What is your current credit score?  Remember, no credit is just as bad as having really bad credit.  Start working with a lender today to help establish credit if you are wanting to purchase a new home within the next year to 2 years.

Bottom line, if you are going to stay in the area for at least 3 years,  have established good credit (700+), have 3.5% in cash, and understand all the expenses of new home ownership, then YES, you should BUY now!  The market in Texas, specifically DFW is hot right now.  Buyers can get great prices on new and preowned homes.  Interest rates are low, and in most cases you can take advantage of the $8,000 Tax Credit!

Perhaps your answer is “Yes” to most of the questions, but you don’t understand the costs involved or need help establishing your credit history.  Contact a professional Realtor today!  We can help you each step of the process.  We can also help you put an ACTION plan together to get you to your dream of home ownership.  A good agent will work as your partner and help you execute the plan.

Article by NewHomeGal, also known as Teresa Robinson.  Contact the Robinson Team at 972.335.0571. They can help you sell your existing home and find your next one too!

Get a Buyer Specialist and rest easy! The builder pays our service charge from their advertising budget which is built into every home they sell. Since these fees do not come out of the home construction budget, you cannot negotiate one penny of a better deal alone.  We also work with preowned homes where the seller pays our fees!  Visit www.northtexashomefinders.com for more information.

Number 1 Must Do To Sell Your Existing Home

After 7 years in new construction and now 2 years in traditional real estate, I have heard this same question over and over again from people who are frustrated with selling their existing home (builders included).

So what is the number 1 MUST DO, to sell your existing home?  It is really simple, but most agents don’t spend enough time on it.  You must understand your competition.  Personally visit with your agent, every home in your community that is on the market that compares in size and price you have set.  Make sure your home outshines the competition in every way.  Landscaping must be better, the home must be cleaner, smell better, be decorated better, and highlight the features that make your home unique from the other ones the buyers are looking at.

Remember, when a buyer is looking for a new home, they are going to look at all the offerings in their price range that meet their requirements.  As a seller, you have a good chance of selling faster, if you completely understand the competition.  Your selling agent should do this for you, but it helps if you visit a few to understand why your agent is asking you to do certain updates, decluttering, etc.

Article by NewHomeGal, also known as Teresa Robinson.  Contact the Robinson Team at 972.335.0571. They can help you sell your existing home and find your next one too!

Get a Buyer Specialist and rest easy! The builder pays our service charge from their advertising budget which is built into every home they sell. Since these fees do not come out of the home construction budget, you cannot negotiate one penny of a better deal alone.  We also work with preowned homes where the seller pays our fees!  Visit www.northtexashomefinders.com for more information.

Landscaping Touch Ups that Will Wow Buyers

This article was taken from Realtor.com article published in April 2009.  Good stuff for staging your home to sell.

In today’s market, sellers have to work harder to persuade buyers that their property is worth the bite.

Landscape designer Michael Glassman has cooked up a recipe for guaranteed curb appeal.

1. Add splashes of color. With every changing season, a landscape should provide a new display of colors, textures, and fragrances. “It’s best to use one or two and repeat them,” Glassman says. Example: white iceberg roses that bloom in spring, summer, and fall as a backdrop; in front, a contrasting punch of purple salvia or lavender that will flower at the same time; and as an accent, a crape myrtle tree that provides changing leaf colors in fall and interesting branches come winter.

2. Size trees and shrubs to scale. These should be planted in the right scale for the house so that they don’t block windows, doors, and other architectural features on the home’s facade. A large two-story house can handle a redwood, Chinese pistache, sycamore, or scarlet oak, but a one-story cottage is better paired with a flowering cherry, crabapple, or eastern redbud. Too many trees cast too much shadow and cause potential buyers to worry about maintenance and costs.

3. Maintain a perfect lawn. A velvety green lawn demonstrates tender loving care, so be sure sellers’ homes don’t have brown spots. Some rocks, pebbles, boulders, drought-tolerant plants, and ornamental grasses will generate more kudos, especially in drought areas.

4. Light up the outside. Good illumination allows buyers to see a home at night and adds drama. Sellers should use low-voltage lamps to highlight branches of specimen trees, a front door, walk, and corners of the house. But less is better. The yard shouldn’t resemble an airport runway.

5. Let them hear the water. The sound of water appeals to buyers, and you shouldn’t just reserve this for your backyard. A small fountain accented with rocks provides a pleasant gurgling sound, blocks street noise, and is affordable.

6. Use decorative architectural elements. A new mailbox, planted window boxes, and a low fence wrapped in potato vines add cachet, particularly during winter months when fewer plants blossom. Colors should complement the landscape and home. Just don’t overdo it: Too much can seem like kitschy lawn ornaments.

Get a Buyer Specialist and rest easy! The builder pays our service charge from their advertising budget which is built into every home they sell. Since these fees do not come out of the home construction budget, you cannot negotiate one penny of a better deal alone.  We also work with preowned homes where the seller pays our fees!  Visit www.northtexashomefinders.com for more information.

Hot Home Deal of the Week!

Check out this hot home deal located in Fort Worth!

Beautiful New Construction Villa featuring 1,375 square feet.   Ready for immediate move-in, this 3 bedroom and 2 bath home overlooks a beautiful tree farm!  Very spacious and open design with several upgrades including stainless steel appliances,  upgraded carpet and pad, gibraltar countertops, 2 inch faux wood blinds, and more!

Offered at $118,831 
Use North Texas Home Finders and save $9,000! 
Special Price for our clients $109,831!!!

Article by Teresa Robinson, Owner/Buyer Specialist, North Texas Home Finders Contact Teresa at 972.335.0571 or Teresa@Northtexashomefinders.com and she can help you sell your home or find a new one!

Get a Buyer Specialist and rest easy! The builder pays our service charge from their advertising budget which is built into every home they sell. Since these fees do not come out of the home construction budget, you cannot negotiate one penny of a better deal alone. We also work with preowned homes where the seller pays our fees! Visit www.northtexashomefinders.com  for more information.

Teresa Robinson is one of more than 400,000 members of the Real Estate BUYERS AGENT Council (REBAC) of the National Association of Realtors, who have attended the ABR, Accredited Buyer Representative, designation. As the world’s largest association of real estate professionals focusing specifically on representing the real estate buyer, REBAC is ”The Voice for Buyer Representation, ” with more than 44,000 active real estate professional members of the organization throughout the world.