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 Fort Worth: “ARTober,” Stockyards Rodeo, Trinity Trails Geocaching,
https://www.fortworth.com/events/this-month/ Ft Worth Botanical gardens: https://www.fwbg.org/welcome Pumpkin Village at Dallas Arboretum - “The Art of the Pumpkin”: https://www.dallasarboretum.org Dallas Zoo Yesterland Farm: https://www.yesterlandfarm.com Movies in Klyde Warren Park: October 24: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, November 14: The Lego Movie, November 21: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, December 19: Elf And Shakespeare Dallas is also doing “Movies in the Park!” : https://www.shakespearedallas.org
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10/3/2020 0 Comments Warm up with Enchiladas!In our October newsletter (we send them quarterly now, sign up here) we published a recipe that hearkens to our El Paso family traditions!   Call us and we'll chat and start the process with you. Many percentages under 3% these days. And, we know skilled, honest people in all aspects of this work, and they are ready to work for you. Let's see!
Our Area is Moving, even within the Pandemic.
"Home sales in North Texas exploded in July, rising 25% from a year ago to the largest ever single-month sales total. It was the second month in a row that area home purchases bounced back from the declines in April and May at the start of the COVID-19 panemic. July’s sales spike follows a 16% annual increase in June." Even amongst job losses and stress in the pandemic, the low mortgage rates are keeping home movement active, it seems. July was expected to be fine, but the HUGE GAME was beyond expectations. Buyers and Sellers that were delayed from the spring selling season may be deciding to get more and more active right now. "The continued jump in office prices is caused by an increasing shortage of houses on the market. North Texas median home prices were up 9% - the largest such annual increase in more than a year. Only about 16,000 single-family homes were listed with real estate agents in the more than two dozen North Texas counties included in the July data – 40% less than a year earlier. There is less than a 2-month supply of homes on the market. The drop in home listings has caused bidding wars for houses and a sever shortage of properties under $300,000." -From the Dallas Morning News, August 10th. Let me help you get active! pat@oreillyhometeam.net Good, simple ideas for preparing your “stuff” to move. Does it always have to be the biggest headache? Maybe preparing to move can be a shared task, and one you know is going to bless you on the other end of the all the work! Here’s ideas from this article: Use Marie Kondo principles, take an extra minute to pack carefully and label well too! (like top and sides) :) Check it out. Choose the right date Do your research Declutter before packing Don’t make any one box too heavy Pack fragile items carefully Clearly label boxes Keep some items separate  8/11/2020 0 Comments Summer Texas Housing InsightThe Texas A & M Real Estate Center does great research work on numbers in our state. And our state real estate numbers are usually a reflection of what's "norm" for our D-FW area. When there's a difference there, we can spot it and point out the ways we are unique from Houston, El Paso, Austin markets. So reach out with questions. Here's how this latest insight begins, and it's healthy numbers even in all our downturn times, really. |
A video on our market and our work for you during these weeks... |  |
3/15/2020 0 Comments
Fewer DFW homes on the market
There are fewer home listings right now, which makes sense with anxieties about the COVID 19 virus and the pace of life.
But here's what the Morning News is saying about homeowners even before :
"Dallas area homeowners staying in their properties"
The average Dallas-area homeowner has been in his or her house almost eight years, according to a new report by LendingTree.com. The mortgage company looked at homeownership tenures in major markets around the country. “Our study found that there’s an inverse relationship between home price and the length of time people stay in their homes,” the LendingTree report found. “In other words, prices rise more quickly when people stay in their homes for shorter time periods.” The amount of time homeowners stay in a property has grown significantly since the Great Recession. Before the economic downtown, homes tended to turn over every three to five years. But owners are remaining in their properties longer and have been more likely to remodel or refinance rather move. That has contributed to the shortage of houses on the market in many U.S. cities.
- Dallas Morning News, March 6, 2020
But here's what the Morning News is saying about homeowners even before :
"Dallas area homeowners staying in their properties"
The average Dallas-area homeowner has been in his or her house almost eight years, according to a new report by LendingTree.com. The mortgage company looked at homeownership tenures in major markets around the country. “Our study found that there’s an inverse relationship between home price and the length of time people stay in their homes,” the LendingTree report found. “In other words, prices rise more quickly when people stay in their homes for shorter time periods.” The amount of time homeowners stay in a property has grown significantly since the Great Recession. Before the economic downtown, homes tended to turn over every three to five years. But owners are remaining in their properties longer and have been more likely to remodel or refinance rather move. That has contributed to the shortage of houses on the market in many U.S. cities.
- Dallas Morning News, March 6, 2020
Anna Erickson talks about her passion for Safe Families for Children. We're all invited to participate and join in this great cause for healthy, happy kids!!
We're sharing the love this Valentines week, and highlighting community work we love. In our cheery connection––"Sláinte News"––we meet Anna Erickson and hear about the work of Safe Families for Children. Check out this heartfelt way to build and sustain families and community! Support, Partner, and Be involved!
www.safe-families.org
Their Facebook
www.safe-families.org
Their Facebook
Hey OHT!
We drove through this neighborhood recently and wanted to make note of it! We noticed the peaceful walking trail that intertwines the subdivision, plus how super close this area is to the Flower Mound Community Center— with a water park and lots of other family activity space. Check out Whisper Creek in Flower Mound, and put us on the hunt for nearby homes for you. There’s two actively for sale nearby here right now. And the market changes weekly :)
Whisper Creek:
The Whisper Creek neighborhood is located in Southeast Flower Mound. Flower Mound is a growing city that covers 45 square miles just 3 miles north of DFW airport. Founded in 1961, Flower Mound has one of the lowest overall tax rates in DFW and boasts more than 30 miles of multi-purpose trails and 26 miles of unpaved hiking and biking trails.
Whisper Creek feeds in to Lewisville Independent School District. Bluebonnet Elementary has 94% of its 5th grade students reading at or above grade level. They also have an impressive 100% participation rate for athletics and fine arts. Bluebonnet Elementary has been identified as a National PTA School of Excellence since 2018. Shadow Ridge Middle School continues the tradition of encouraging well rounded students and has a sweepstakes winning choir. Flower Mound High School has a 99.5% graduation rate and 81% of its students participate in a club or sport. They were the 2018 state champions in volleyball and their marching band was invited to the 2019 Rose Bowl Parade.
Shadow Ridge Park is nearby and offers a little bit of everything for your family. The park has softball and baseball practice fields, a basketball court, a playground, a pavilion, and plenty of picnic tables. If your family is active, you will love being close by the Community Activity Center (CAC). The CAC offers fitness, group exercise programs, indoor and outdoor pools, and opportunities for hosting birthdays or special events. The CAC has a seasonal outdoor waterpark to keep you busy during the hot summer months. The waterpark has a zero-entry level activity pool, two large waterslides, a lazy river, vortex, water play features, and three tot slides. There is something for everyone in the family at the Community Activity Center! You can also find workout classes at nearby Urban Vybe. Urban Vybe offers workout classes in an intimate boutique studio setting. They offer classes, courses, and events focusing on nutrition, community, yoga, cardio, strength, flexibility, and meditation.
Whisper Creek provides easy access to restaurants and shopping. To satisfy your sweet tooth or caffeine fix you might want to try Epic Gelato & Craft Coffee. Their handcrafted gelato is served in small batches to ensure maximum freshness and use only the finest ingredients – local ingredients when possible. Moviehouse & Eatery is a great stop for those looking to catch dinner and a movie. It features 8 dine-in theatres with plush recliners and dedicated wait staff. A full-service bar in the lobby will ensure you have a great experience!
Whisper Creek does have an HOA managed through CMA Management. The HOA covers the maintenance of common areas and management fees.
Over the past 3 years there have been 3 homes sold in Whisper Creek. The average home had 5 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms with 4819 square feet. Homes sold for approximately $870,000 after only 7 days on the market. There is currently one active home for sale:
1405 Meandering Creek Path: Presented at $769,000, this home has 3,516 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. The home and 3 car garage, built in 2015, sits on .39 acres.
The Whisper Creek neighborhood is located in Southeast Flower Mound. Flower Mound is a growing city that covers 45 square miles just 3 miles north of DFW airport. Founded in 1961, Flower Mound has one of the lowest overall tax rates in DFW and boasts more than 30 miles of multi-purpose trails and 26 miles of unpaved hiking and biking trails.
Whisper Creek feeds in to Lewisville Independent School District. Bluebonnet Elementary has 94% of its 5th grade students reading at or above grade level. They also have an impressive 100% participation rate for athletics and fine arts. Bluebonnet Elementary has been identified as a National PTA School of Excellence since 2018. Shadow Ridge Middle School continues the tradition of encouraging well rounded students and has a sweepstakes winning choir. Flower Mound High School has a 99.5% graduation rate and 81% of its students participate in a club or sport. They were the 2018 state champions in volleyball and their marching band was invited to the 2019 Rose Bowl Parade.
Shadow Ridge Park is nearby and offers a little bit of everything for your family. The park has softball and baseball practice fields, a basketball court, a playground, a pavilion, and plenty of picnic tables. If your family is active, you will love being close by the Community Activity Center (CAC). The CAC offers fitness, group exercise programs, indoor and outdoor pools, and opportunities for hosting birthdays or special events. The CAC has a seasonal outdoor waterpark to keep you busy during the hot summer months. The waterpark has a zero-entry level activity pool, two large waterslides, a lazy river, vortex, water play features, and three tot slides. There is something for everyone in the family at the Community Activity Center! You can also find workout classes at nearby Urban Vybe. Urban Vybe offers workout classes in an intimate boutique studio setting. They offer classes, courses, and events focusing on nutrition, community, yoga, cardio, strength, flexibility, and meditation.
Whisper Creek provides easy access to restaurants and shopping. To satisfy your sweet tooth or caffeine fix you might want to try Epic Gelato & Craft Coffee. Their handcrafted gelato is served in small batches to ensure maximum freshness and use only the finest ingredients – local ingredients when possible. Moviehouse & Eatery is a great stop for those looking to catch dinner and a movie. It features 8 dine-in theatres with plush recliners and dedicated wait staff. A full-service bar in the lobby will ensure you have a great experience!
Whisper Creek does have an HOA managed through CMA Management. The HOA covers the maintenance of common areas and management fees.
Over the past 3 years there have been 3 homes sold in Whisper Creek. The average home had 5 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms with 4819 square feet. Homes sold for approximately $870,000 after only 7 days on the market. There is currently one active home for sale:
1405 Meandering Creek Path: Presented at $769,000, this home has 3,516 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. The home and 3 car garage, built in 2015, sits on .39 acres.
1/31/2020 0 Comments
February Quiz/Riddle:
February QUIZ: Why can't you iron your four leaf clover?
(Comment an answer, or tell us on facebook :)
(Comment an answer, or tell us on facebook :)
Someone in our family recently bought a used car, and when you make purchases like that, does it ever bring to your mind again, “what exactly are these taxes, titles, and fees?”
It’s natural, we think, because there’s parts of the process that aren’t always clear in the transaction. And it can give you tired head to try to get to the bottom of it all.
So, with homes, have you wondered this about property taxes? Here’s some basics:
According to WalletHub.com's John S. Kiernan, folks in New Jersey pay the highest property taxes — 2.44 percent, while Hawaii’s homeowners pay the least, at 0.27 percent of accessed value.
And these funds of ours go to funding schools, libraries, and other county and city services.
Your property tax reflects, usually, two main factors:
- The value of the land you own.
- The value of any structures that sit on the land (can be referred to as “improvements” to the land).
This amount processes through a calculator and changes over time as cities and governments reassess values over the years.
In some regions, property taxes are based on the market value of the land plus the replacement cost of the home, less “statutory depreciation.”
And many municipalities offer a tax exemption for all or part of the property taxes for certain groups of people, such as older homeowners or disabled veterans.
Deducting Property Taxes on your Tax Return
Tax laws change more often than the politicians who push for them, so it’s best to speak with your tax professional about where the deduction of your property taxes falls within the current tax code.
As of 2019, tax filers could deduct up to $10,000, or $5,000 if they’re married but filing separately.
This total is the maximum amount allowed for a combination of “your total state and local taxes, including taxes (or general sales taxes, if elected instead of income taxes), real estate taxes, and personal property taxes,” according to IRS Publication 530.
Again, speak with your tax specialist for the details.
How to Appeal your Property Tax Assessment
The housing market is a bit like a roller coaster, changing frequently, going up and down.
**We're always available to talk through that navigation fun!!**
Therefore, it’s quite possible that your assessment is based on a market value that’s no longer valid.
If home values are rising quickly, such as they did over the past few years, you’ll want to keep quiet. Although your home’s market value is higher, your taxes may be based on a lower value, keeping them low.
When values are falling, however, you’ll want to ensure that your taxes are as well.
While the statistics vary according to region, an estimated 30 to 60 percent of homeowners in this country are over-taxed, according to the National Taxpayer’s Union.
Furthermore, homeowners who disagree with the assessor’s valuation of the house have a right to appeal a property tax assessment. Despite this, fewer than 5 percent actually appeal, even though most of those who do so eventually win.
The National Taxpayer’s Union offers a handy Homeowner’s Checklist, outlining the steps to take when filing a property tax assessment appeal.
Be aware that you are still required to pay the taxes when due, despite an open appeal. Penalties for nonpayment may include penalty and interest charges on the unpaid balance.
The assessor may also place a lien against the property and typically has the ability to seize and sell the property for unpaid taxes.
Again, consult with us and then consult with your accountant or tax specialist if you have any questions about your property taxes!!
It’s natural, we think, because there’s parts of the process that aren’t always clear in the transaction. And it can give you tired head to try to get to the bottom of it all.
So, with homes, have you wondered this about property taxes? Here’s some basics:
According to WalletHub.com's John S. Kiernan, folks in New Jersey pay the highest property taxes — 2.44 percent, while Hawaii’s homeowners pay the least, at 0.27 percent of accessed value.
And these funds of ours go to funding schools, libraries, and other county and city services.
Your property tax reflects, usually, two main factors:
- The value of the land you own.
- The value of any structures that sit on the land (can be referred to as “improvements” to the land).
This amount processes through a calculator and changes over time as cities and governments reassess values over the years.
In some regions, property taxes are based on the market value of the land plus the replacement cost of the home, less “statutory depreciation.”
And many municipalities offer a tax exemption for all or part of the property taxes for certain groups of people, such as older homeowners or disabled veterans.
Deducting Property Taxes on your Tax Return
Tax laws change more often than the politicians who push for them, so it’s best to speak with your tax professional about where the deduction of your property taxes falls within the current tax code.
As of 2019, tax filers could deduct up to $10,000, or $5,000 if they’re married but filing separately.
This total is the maximum amount allowed for a combination of “your total state and local taxes, including taxes (or general sales taxes, if elected instead of income taxes), real estate taxes, and personal property taxes,” according to IRS Publication 530.
Again, speak with your tax specialist for the details.
How to Appeal your Property Tax Assessment
The housing market is a bit like a roller coaster, changing frequently, going up and down.
**We're always available to talk through that navigation fun!!**
Therefore, it’s quite possible that your assessment is based on a market value that’s no longer valid.
If home values are rising quickly, such as they did over the past few years, you’ll want to keep quiet. Although your home’s market value is higher, your taxes may be based on a lower value, keeping them low.
When values are falling, however, you’ll want to ensure that your taxes are as well.
While the statistics vary according to region, an estimated 30 to 60 percent of homeowners in this country are over-taxed, according to the National Taxpayer’s Union.
Furthermore, homeowners who disagree with the assessor’s valuation of the house have a right to appeal a property tax assessment. Despite this, fewer than 5 percent actually appeal, even though most of those who do so eventually win.
The National Taxpayer’s Union offers a handy Homeowner’s Checklist, outlining the steps to take when filing a property tax assessment appeal.
Be aware that you are still required to pay the taxes when due, despite an open appeal. Penalties for nonpayment may include penalty and interest charges on the unpaid balance.
The assessor may also place a lien against the property and typically has the ability to seize and sell the property for unpaid taxes.
Again, consult with us and then consult with your accountant or tax specialist if you have any questions about your property taxes!!
12/29/2019 0 Comments
Best Practices for Winter Pest Control
You’ve likely heard the phrase “if you’re cold, they’re cold” in relation to pets. Unfortunately, the same reasoning can also apply to pests that might see your home as a source of warmth and food during the winter months. Squirrels, mice, bugs and a number of other pests can find their way indoors if you aren’t careful. In some cases, it can get so bad that you need to call in an exterminator to take care of the problem.
It doesn’t necessarily have to get to that point, however. There are a few different ways that you can stop pest problems before they start as you get your home ready for winter.
Cover Your Trash
One easy way to cut back on pest issues is to make sure that trash cans and other receptacles are in good condition and covered. Old food and other garbage can be a big attractor for pests, and once they’ve accessed your trash can it usually isn’t a very big leap to your house.
Empty Your Feeders
Some people like to keep their bird feeders stocked over the winter to make sure that birds don’t starve during the cold winter months. There isn’t necessarily anything wrong with this idea, but it’s important to remember that birds aren’t the only creatures that are attracted to filled bird feeders. If the feeders are out in your yard and far away from your house then it might not cause an issue, but if you have feeders mounted near the house so you can see the birds then you may be inviting trouble. The same goes for hummingbird feeders or any other sources of food too near your home: Empty it out and clean it up if you don’t want it to attract pests.
Watch Your Scraps
Just like you need to watch food sources outside of the house, make sure you’re not leaving inviting sources of food out inside the house either. Whether it’s in a bin for compost or just scraps left on plates that haven’t been scraped off yet, if there’s food in the house then it could attract a number of uninvited guests.
Fill in the Gaps
Before the weather gets too bad, take the time to go around your house and try to identify any cracks, holes or other bits of damage that could let in unwanted pests. Make sure that your inspection covers the foundation, areas around windows, the garage, the gutters and the roof, as well as other features of your home that don’t typically get much attention through the year. Fill in holes with steel wool and make repairs as needed to close off those potential access points into your home.
Use Plastic Storage Containers
If you keep bags of cereal, dry pet food or similar dry goods out in the open in cardboard boxes or bags with clips, it might be time to upgrade to a tougher storage solution. Even though these items are technically put up, thin plastic bags and cardboard boxes don’t offer much of a defense against pests. Put these items in hard plastic storage containers instead. This can even go for boxed dry goods in your cabinets if you don’t access them often; get sealable plastic containers that will fit on the shelves and put dry goods in them – box and all.
Be Careful with Wood Piles
Fireplaces and wood-burning stoves are popular during the winter, but if you aren’t careful, they can make your pest problems worse. Insects and other critters can burrow into wood piles, hitching a ride indoors when you bring in a few extra pieces for the fire. While some may get caught in the wood when you burn it, other pests can escape into the home before that log hits the flame. Be sure to rotate your wood piles frequently and inspect wood before bringing it into the house.
11/13/2019 0 Comments
Vendor Appreciation Breakfast!
Thank you to everyone who braved the cold to come out! We missed the ones who couldn’t make it!
Our vendors are one of the most important parts of The OHT!!
We couldn’t do what we do without you! 💚🍀🏡
We believe: it really does matter who you work with!!!
Our vendors are one of the most important parts of The OHT!!
We couldn’t do what we do without you! 💚🍀🏡
We believe: it really does matter who you work with!!!
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