It is currently 9:25 am on a Saturday morning, and I'm about to head out the door for 2 listing appointments. Before I go, I wanted to see if I could get a wager going... Currently the North Texas area is less than 1/2 inch of rain from the all time June record of rain.Do you think we'll break the record today?  We have until Midnight tonight and we're supposed to have scattered rains again today.  The main problem with this record is that it has to rain at the DFW airport and it doesn't always rain there while it rains elsewhere. It stormed like crazy last night, and I usually sleep through the storms, but boy did I wake up.  But, the news this morning said it "only" rained .11 inches at the airport... I know it rained more than that.Anyway, anyone want to guess whether or not we actua... 06/30/2007

For a new marketing piece I made, I did some research on the sales statistics for the areas around White Rock Lake.  Most of us realize that not all properties listed on the MLS sell, but I was shocked to see how many DO NOT sell.  According to the NTREIS MLS, 61% of the properties listed this year around White Rock Lake expired from the market.  It's when you have statistics like those it's important to let prospects know the percentage of your listings that do sell.  I'm willing to bet that no seller wants to be in that 61%.    06/28/2007

Roger Staubach started his own Commercial Real Estate company in the 1970's after his long and prosperous career with the Dallas Cowboys. All this time, he has remained CEO and had never handed over control of the company as it grew.  Speculation has been going around for a while and it is now true.  Staubach has stepped down from CEO and will be giving the duties to Gregory O'Brien, the president of Staubach's northeast region.Staubach claims none of his duties will change and he'll continue to remain as active as he has always been.Staubach was also one of the speakers to present why the new Cowboy's stadium should host the Super Bowl.  I'm sure Staubach will be selling quite a bit of real estate around those neck of the woods.For more of the story, click here. 06/19/2007

To those of you who are agents in Dallas OR who live here and enjoy visiting the Active Rain blog site, do me a favor.  Please email your clients and friends who own a piano or who use piano performers and ask them to check out my avocation's web site.  I need the bizniz:http://www.billcherrypianotuner.com/Thanks.Bill Cherry, Dallas Broker-Realtor 05/31/2007

                                                                                BILL CHERRY, DALLAS BROKER-REALTOR                                                       MY 4RD YEAR SERVING TEXAS                                                                           972 380-7347                                              Meet me on the web at www.billcherrybroker.comIn Dallas the weekends are filled to the brim with financial advisors who regularly buy thirty minute segments on the AM radio stations. They push annuities, systems that'll guarantee the investor up to 15% annual return without risk, hybrid mutual funds and life insurance products. And the list goes on and on.They all promise they have a plan for you, no matter the magnitude of your current assets, that will make certai... 05/22/2007

  BILL CHERRY, REALTORS  PREPARING A HOME TO SELL IS NOW KNOWN AS STAGINGBy Bill Cherry, Dallas Broker RealtorMy 43rd Year Representing TexansMeet me on the web at www.billcherrybroker.com             Some years ago, I was a principal in a Houston company that built garden apartments, sold them to JMB Realty in Chicago, and retained the contract with them to lease and manage the properties.  Things went well.  Apartment demand was so strong in those days that we were able to learn our trade without much risk.  As far as I was concerned, money was falling out of the skies into our laps.            But then as the market approached saturation, leasing wasn't going as quickly as it had in the past.  So the question became, "What can we do to assure our units will be chosen over our competi... 05/21/2007

                                                                                                                                           Bill Cherry, Dallas Realtor                                                                             My 43rd Year                                                                            972 380-7347                                                                      cherrysells@aol.com            Real estate sales and marketing is such a peculiar business.  And it's often a business of inference and half-truths.            Over the past six months or so, I've watched the most interesting pattern.  A longtime agent with one of the large real estate firms got a listing in Lake Highlands.  It was near my house, so when the sign went up, I checked... 05/18/2007

                                                                                                                                                           By Bill Cherry, Realtor, Dallas, Texas                                   My 43rd Year Serving Texas                                                  972 380-7347                 Meet me on the web at www.billcherrybroker.comThe number of homes for sale has climbed about 30% over the past 12-month period, thus reaching the highest level in about 10 years.  It appears that the real estate market throughout the country may now be beginning to cool off. Whether it's actually happening or not is not worthy of debate, since prospective Buyers are beginning to perceive it to be the case. So while these changing dynamics have implications for... 05/17/2007

  Bill Cherry, RealtorsOur 43rd YearDallas, Texas972 380-7347Lake Highlands is a popular area of Dallas, Texas.  One of the primary Zip Codes for Lake Highlands is 75238.  On May15, 2007 there were ninety-five single family homes listed for sale in the 75238 Zip Code, and they ranged in asking price from $82,800 to $649,000.The following is a list of sales that closed during the first fifteen days of May 2007. Linkwood Drive                     984 sq. ft.        $121,250Mapleridge Drive                  2,220 sq. ft.     $145,000Rolling Rock Lane                 2,114 sq. ft.     $165,500Robin Hill Lane                      1,619 sq. ft.     $175.000Trailpine Drive                       2,252 sq. ft.     $180,000Lanshire Drive                       1,369 sq. ft.     $192,500Bryson Driv... 05/15/2007

   Stanley Marcus:  Good Taste How can you wear that Cravat? Renoir said to Cezanne. Can't you see that it's in bad taste?Cezanne responded, If it were in bad taste, I wouldn't be wearing it.            For years, Stanley Marcus and his father, uncle and aunt before him, dictated the taste of Dallas and a good part of the civilized world by setting an example through their famous store, Neiman-Marcus.            In fact, Mr. Marcus, who was called Mr. Stanley by most people, wrote several books on the subject, including Minding the Store and Quest for the Best.  Both are still available in excellent but used condition at Half-Price Books and Amazon.  Both are books everyone should study.            In Dallas, at least, the number of merchants and professionals who put the practice of go... 05/14/2007

Real Estate Investing for Television News AnchorsBy Bill CherryMeet me on the web at www.billcherrybroker.com            One of my friends is a television news anchor here in Dallas.  She recently told me that her next career is going to be as a real estate investor.              "Got any advice for me?" she asked.            Well, with all of the thirty minute infomercials that are on radio and TV here in Dallas, and for the most part hawked by local real estate and mortgage loan sales people, it's not hard for her to wonder if by not joining up with them, she's missing her pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.             The answer is, "She's not!"            My daddy told me at least fifty years ago that there was only one way investing in real estate that made sense for the common... 05/13/2007

 Trinity Episcopal Church, GalvestonFounded in 1857Churches Have Been Doing Their Best to Mask Financial Troubles  By Bill CherryMeet me on the web at www.billcherrybroker.com While there's reason to question whether it's academically theological, one rather consistent message Western religions infer in their teachings boils down to this: Don't worry about It.  As long as we pray about It, we can leave It in God's hands, and everything will be alright.Many find it troubling to drive by their city's old churches, some ornate and opulent, others designed and built to be clean, pristine and sturdy, and to realize that for years those buildings have been decaying.  Each one began as a congruent vision by a handful of people who somehow were able to take that vision and persuade others to su... 05/12/2007

Your REALTOR®Joseph Cannella May 2007 Copyright 2007 Realty TimesAll Rights Reserved.Rates Drift Lower      In Freddie Mac's results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.16% for the week ending April 26, 2007, down slightly from last week when it averaged 6.17%. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.58%.       "Recent economic data releases showing weaker existing home sales in March, coupled with lower consumer confidence in April, caused the market to pause and reevaluate the potential growth of the Mortgage RatesSource: Realty TimesU.S. averages as of April 26, 2007:30 yr. fixed:   6.16%15 yr. fixed:   5.87%1 yr. adj:        5.43%economy ... 05/01/2007

With the wild weather in Texas the last few weeks, we have seen quite a bit of hail this April in the DFW area.  Your clients should have their roof checked for storm damage immediately.  Hail can cause significant damage to roofs, gutters, and siding.  You will need an expert to identify the damage and let you know what needs to be addressed with insurance.Many times people think their roof is fine because they aren't experiencing any leaks, but they can still have major hail damage without seeing immediate leaks.  You will want to make sure this damage is taken care of promptly to prevent it from slowing down the sale of the property or impacting the sale price. CONTACT YOUR DALLAS ROOFING EXPERTS FOR A FREE STORM DAMAGE INSPECTION TODAY! DILIGENT ROOFING, INC.Your Storm Damage Specia... 04/16/2007

 What a house,WOW! Open Floorplan with several unique features throughout. There are three bedrooms and 2 full baths with two Living areas and two Dining areas.  Many Big Ticket Updates: New Sewer Line, Gas line, AC, Furnace, HWH, Paint, Decor lights, & Fans. Features include Hardwoods, Storm Windows, Tile Counters in Kitchen w Island, Built in Breakfast Table (can be removed), Kitchen & Bath with Italian Tile, many Closets and Shevles. Wood under carpet in the Family Room. Wood Deck, great for entertaining! Attic Fan, Vinyl siding... Click HERE for the Visual Tour!Remember, I can show you any listing property in the Dallas area, including Richardson, Plano, Frisco, Carrollton, Garland, Rowlett, and many other surrounding areas.  Please don't hesitate to call me today and make this hous... 04/02/2007

 ARE YOU READY FOR A FREE NIGHT OUT AT DEL FRISCO'S, BOB'S, HIBISCUS, OR STEEL? What would you order if we sent you out to one of these top Dallas restaurants with $100 tonight?Take Advantage of our Fine Dining Referral Program Today! Your customers must trust you, or they wouldn't be doing business with you.  They also trust your opinion.  Because of that trust, your customers will many times come to you for direction on who to use when they need their roof replaced.Now you can confidently refer them to a reputable and experienced company that will take extra care of them every step of the way!Not only will we do an excellent job for your customers, we will also take care of your appetite for fine food as a "thank you" for trusting us with your customers.*For every new customer you ref... 03/24/2007

What a fabulous house!!  This house is in sound mechanical & structual condition, but you'll need to bring your decorating & updating ideas with you to make it your home. We'll even give you $5k to start with! There are 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, 2 car garage, and backs to Creek for privacy!  The master and one bedroom are downstairs.Features include: newer appliances & corian counters, elevated nook with bay window and view of Mature Trees and Creek, Sautillo & tile floors, wood paneling in the Living room with a floor to ceiling brick WBFP, Balcony off the GameRoom with WetBar, Double Shower with Jetted Tub, Double Vanities and Double Closets in the Master. Through the garage, you'll find a separate exercise room & workshop that are vented for AC.  The house has 3 AC units so it's defi... 03/19/2007

According to a recent report, nearly 82% of potential buyers use the Internet to refine their home search. Broker Web sites let buyers browse by house size, style, area, and price.Because many buyers look only at those homes within their price range, it's important to accurately price your home for the market. The higher a home's price above market, the fewer the number of interested buyers, and the longer it will take to sell.The key to selling your home quickly at the greatest return is to price it at market value right from the start. A fairly priced home will capitalize on the flurry of buyer interest a home enjoys during its first few weeks on the market. Plus, you're wanting to SELL your house, not just LIST your house, right?Please don't hesitate to call or email me if I can answ... 02/19/2007

I have found from experience that the activity during the first two weeks a home is on the market tends to predict how long it will take to sell. Potential buyers eagerly jump on new homes on the market.I am an ASP, Accredited Staging Professional. This means that I've taken the classes to become certified in better helping my sellers STAGE® their homes in order to help them sell faster and for higher dollar.Here are some "STAGING®" tips you might find helpful:* Keep your home in "show shape." Make sure that beds are made, dishes are in the dishwasher or put away, everything is picked up, and the kitchen and bathrooms sparkle. Let your counter space show, so put things away.* Decorate with fresh flowers. Many home sellers use potted flowering plants that last much longer than cut flower... 02/16/2007

The report for the end of the year finally came out... or it's that I just checked my mail at my office and it was there.These numbers are for 2006 DFW "Single Family Home" sale, which means it does NOT include condos, but it DOES include townhomes.Number of Sales: 92,452 which is a 3% increase over last yearAverage Price: $194,125  which is a 3% increase over last yearMedian Price: $148,000 which is a 2% increase over last yearActive Listings: 44,389 which is a 7% increase over last yearOur average prices are still significally below the national average.  And with a median price much lower than the average price, that shows you that many more homes are being sold in the lower-end price range than the higher end. 02/12/2007