As a proud resident of Frisco, Texas I invite you to learn more about the Frisco Fire Safety Town.  The Fire Safety Town is a very unique way to interactively teach children overall safety.  The Fire Safety Town includes scaled homes that are built by the same homebuilders who build Frisco area homes.  Children can learn overall safety around homes and businesses.  There are  even working traffic signals,  railroad crossing and a toll booth to help children with their learning experience! I invite you to learn more at: http://www.friscotexas.gov/safetytown/index.aspx?id=4012 Meg StewartReliable Appraisal 09/30/2007

Are You Landlord Material? Written and copyright © of Loreena Yeo 2007 (1) How much money have you set aside for your rental property(ies)? See, the question is if you have any money ready to be set aside for this business (after all, landlording is a business). I did not quite mean if you have any money set aside. Unfortunately, if you have to dip into credit cards to make the mortgage payment when your tenant cannot pay you, or if you have a plumbing issue, this is a good red flag to say that it may not work out for you. If you can put at least 3 months worth of payments aside (better at 6 months), you at least have a sound financial plan. (2) Can you cashflow? Or are you going to feed some money into the property each month? Work out the math. Factor in vacancy rates and estimate rep... 09/29/2007

Is Landlording A Better Alternative To Selling?   Written and copyright © of Loreena Yeo 2007   No doubt that the real estate market has recently suffered some downturns. Many Sellers who plan to move on with their lives cannot or do not want to wait for the market to turn around are looking at different alternatives to selling. Landlording comes to mind. Is Landlording A Better Alternative To Selling In This Market For You? Well, it depends on your situation. (1) First of all, not everyone can qualify for having 2 mortgages in their name. Well, someone else has just made the decision for you. (2) Even if you can qualify for it, should you? Here are some points to ponder: (1) Are you landlord material? Read more on this. (2) After the landlord material consideration, are you just making... 09/29/2007

The Dallas North Tollway is finally opening today from 121 north up to highway 380.  This is a huge expansion, 9.6 miles,  in which the NTTA predicts it will save drivers 10 minutes each way verse driving on the access roads.Even though the tollway is open, not all the ramps are open.  You get your chance to get on, but don't miss it because you might not be able to get on at all.Also, the project is not even near complete.  It's only complete enough to finally allow drivers on the roads, but medians aren't done, shoulders aren't done, signs aren't done...  most of the project is not done, but they set a date and they wanted to stick to it.You can go to http://www.ntta.org/ for more information.  09/28/2007

Panther Creek Estates - Frisco TX Homes for sale: September 2007 Real Estate Market Update Since September 1st 2007, 8 new listings came on the market at Panther Creek Estates Frisco.Some of these listings are foreclosure properties ( over 4000 sq.ft. for $200,000) while some of the listings are beautifully featured homes. 3 pending contracts ranging from 2,100 square feet to 4,300 square feet (high $170Ks to mid $250Ks). 1 listing sold: foreclosed (bank-owned) property sold for $203,000. For specific details or if you want to track the Panther Creek Estates Frisco real estate progress, please subscribe to the local community blog. Publication written on September 28th 2007. It will be updated on October 1st 2007 for the complete September 2007 file. 09/28/2007

Every once a while, I get into a spending fever. I'd feel that I've "deprived" myself because my family have learnt to deny ourselves of today's luxuries.In 2004, we felt it was time to buy something.... anything nice for us. So, we looked into a Chevy Tahoe - something I love very much (at that time)..... The payments were going to cost us $500-$600 per month. Yikes!!! Like all consumers think, we could afford it (those famous words)!So, what did we ended up with?For $500 - $600/month, we ended up moving up in house (yes, Frisco real estate!) . No doubt that we make to make this extra payments for 30 years, instead of the car for 5 years, I still think it is worth it.Stephen Wolfe's blog about Dont Buy That Car! brought back memories of this specific experience.... I had to investigate... 09/28/2007

The Dallas North Tollway extension from State Highway 121 to 380 is expected to open on Friday 9/28.  This is a welcomed update to the infrastructure providing continued improvements to what is a truly remarkable city.  Below is the report from the NTTA.org website:Opening of Tollway Extension to Improve Mobility   Plano, TX - Over 40,000 drivers daily are expected to benefit from improved mobility thanks to the opening of the 9.6-mile extension of the Dallas North Tollway from just north of State Highway (SH) 121 to U.S. 380 on Friday, Sept. 28, 2007. The northbound lanes of the roadway will be open to traffic prior to the Friday evening commute.  Opening of the southbound traffic lanes will follow.  The Phase 3 extension of the Tollway will open with cash and TollTag options at each t... 09/25/2007

As much listings that I take, one of the challenges I face (next to pricing) is emotionally disconnecting Sellers from their houses. Some understand with a clear mind (to get the most for their money) while others feel hurt thinking what they have is purrfect!!! Buyers know that they can change out window treatments, repaint a wall or change out the carpet into hardwood floors (at least a good real estate professional would constantly reiterate that), but our job (both Sellers and Listing agents) is to appeal to the broadest audience in taste.    Window Treatments: Scallopy, lacey and fruit motive draperies are signs of the 90's and some houses built in 2000 still carry the decor. Some are custom-made and that means they came with some hefty price tags. Another objection is that having ... 09/25/2007

Terry Schallert of La Crosse, WI wrote to Dave Ramsey Fans about Be Careful of Your Credit several months back. I'd like to comment about 2 comments made by Bob and Gabe recently. Bob said, " I understand that Dave, like many Christians gives a tithe each month, but I don't understand this when you are in debt.  When you legally and morally owe other people money I don't think you should be giving it away.  I think you chose to give up that right when you went into debt.  Also, if you are in debt you obviously cannot afford to pay for yourself, why should you be giving money away.  It is sort of like when you are on an airplane, they tell you to put your own mask on before you help other". Gabe said, "I agree with Bob that one needs to take care of himself before trying to help others. ... 09/25/2007

Deep in the heart of Frisco Texas, near Hillcrest and Lebanon you'll find resort style living at Hillcrest Meadows. What a great location; convenient to business, shopping, dining and entertainment in the DFW Metroplex. You and your family will be in the center of it all with easy access to major highways!For more information on this wonderful community please feel free to contact Christy Singleton at 214-770-5660 09/24/2007

Frisco Home for Sale, Frisco home for sale, $475,000, 5 Bed, 5 Bath, 5 Liv., Frisco Custom home, Frisco home for sale,  Frisco MLS, Frisco home for sale, Frisco home listing, Frisco real estate, Frisco Foreclosure   Visit our website for over 60,000 homes for sale 500 foreclosed properties http://www.lynn911.com/ 5 Bed 5 Living 5 Full Baths, Media, Game room WOW ! 3490 DELFORD, Frisco, TX  75034 CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE htt://www.lynn911.com more info Sotherby builder CUSTOM TOP OF LINE EVERYTHING hand scraped hardwood floors, all counter tops granite, tile floors, Jenn-aire stainless appl wetbar, unbelievable game and media rooms, faux finished walls, flagstone entry walkway, antique bath vanity sinks beautiful framed mirrors, custom silk drapes, plantation shutters, built in garage cabin... 09/22/2007

Right here in Frisco, Texas you can enjoy great sports in World Class Venues at many levels from high school to the farm leagues to the big leagues.  And within a short 30-45 minute drive, you can enjoy the best of the best All-Americans.Baseball - Enjoy great seats (because all of them are) at the local farm team for the Texas Rangers, the Frisco Rough Riders at a small and inviting first class facility that gets you up close to the action.  With a 35 minute drive to Arlington stadium to see Texas Rangers provides a great opportunity.Ice Hockey - Head out to enjoy the Texas Tornadoes right here in Frisco.  This is the minor league team for the Dallas Stars and is a great evening out to watch some really incredible athletes.  For NHL enthusiasts, American Airline Center is 30 minutes aw... 09/20/2007

The city of Frisco, TX has noticed more and more crime these days.  Their solution? Get the teens off the streets and see if that helps.The curfew is for anyone under 17 years of age, Sunday through Thursday at 11pm with Friday and Saturday going until 12 midnight.  What about those high school kids who are 18?  They're considered adults, but yet, they're still in school.  Maybe it should be extended to also include 18 year olds who are still in high school?There are a couple of other cities that already have curfews, and I don't recall ever seeing any results of crime decreasing.  If teens are going to get into trouble, they're going to get into trouble no matter what.Anyone in Frisco or Collin County with an opinion on this? 09/19/2007

Dominion at Panther Creek, Frisco is located on the North East corner of Preston and Eldorado in north Frisco. Located just east of Latera - the luxury gated community in the area, Dominion at Panther Creek is a beautiful, well-planned community built by Grand Homes, Darling Homes, First Texas Homes and Wall/Newmark Homes. This beautiful community has a lake off Eldorado with foundations, adjacent to the community pool and children playground. Many neighbors enjoy the facilities offered by the community. There are many opportunities to serve in the HomeOwners Association committee to make this neighborhood an even better one. Hike and bike trails meander around the neighborhood and City of Frisco had completely a tunnel under Hillcrest Road from Dominion at Panther Creek to Panther Cree... 09/16/2007

The Boxer Family of Chamberlyne Drive are the  proud recipients of the September, 2007 Yard of the Month. The marvelous landscaping adds depth to their beautiful home. Congratulations Boxer family.  As seen on: http://www.starwoodhoa.com/pages/yard_of_the_month.aspx I am a proud resident of Starwood and firends of the boxers.  Their home has one of the best front elevations in Starwood. -Meg 09/15/2007

The August 2007 Yard of the Month is awarded to David Foley and Lauren Kennedy who live on Canvas Back in Quail Run III. With the beautiful array of shrubs, trees, bushes, and flowers, this was an easy choice. The shrubs are so well manucured that they appear to be yard sculptures. Congratulations David and Lauren.  As seen on: http://www.starwoodhoa.com/pages/yard_of_the_month.aspx  I am a proud resident of Starwood.. -Meg 09/15/2007

 Nick Carbone of Mallard Trace in Quail Run II is the July 2007 Yard of the Month winner!!  Mr. Carbone's yard was chosen because of the meticulous manner in which the yard is maintained. All plants, shrubs, and trees are trimmed to perfection. The grass is well manicured and groomed like a golf course! The summer flowers are in full bloom and add to the beauty of the property. Congratulations Nick Carbone!  As seen on;  http://www.starwoodhoa.com/pages/yard_of_the_month.aspx I am a proud resident of Starwood! -Meg 09/15/2007

How many Frisco(s) can one handle? Well, apparently, there is one more: Frisco, Utah.There is Frisco, Texas (where I proudly call home) and Frisco, Colorado (where Joanne Hansen works) and now Frisco, Utah. Unlike the first two Frisco(s), Frisco in Utah is a pretty much abandon town now. It flourished in silver ore mining in the late 1800s and by 1880, Frisco, Utah peaked its population around 6000 people. Unfortunately, in 1885, the mine caved in and the the town surrounded by the mining activities followed suit.I wonder if it did not happen, what would Frisco, Utah be today? It is great to know yet another place called Frisco. I would definitely want to go visit. 09/14/2007

MasterFiles Inc. compiled this list of home sales in Frisco from county deed records. The amount listed is the mortgage, not the total price. In each ZIP code, sales are organized alphabetically by street and include the date recorded. 75034 13900 block of Badger Creek Drive: $193,100. Aug. 10 13000 block of Bavarian Drive: $240,050. Aug. 10 7500 block of Cascata Drive: $210,366. Aug. 14 12500 block of Coral Drive: $154,032. Aug. 15 6700 block of Cortona Drive: $177,200. Aug. 17 6800 block of Cortona Drive: $185,099. Aug. 17 1800 block of Crowbridge Drive: $265,000. Aug. 9 900 block of Crystal Lake Drive: $244,000. Aug. 20 3200 block of Cumberland Lane: $341,600. July 25 3100 block of Fayette Trail: $353,400. Aug. 17 8100 block of Fisher Drive: $248,500. Aug. 17 3800 block of Frio Way: ... 09/13/2007

 The Tortoise and the Hare Real EstateWhile Collin County (Frisco, Allen, McKinney, Plano)and surrounding areas are not immune to the national climate, the area trends have continued to buck the national trends.  While many areas of the country were seeing 10% to 20% annual appreciation and sometimes higher appreciable levels over the last few years, we in the Collin County were logging a whopping, but continual, 4% to 6% appreciation.  While this years appreciation has been minimal, the fact that it appreciated and did not depreciate as in many areas of the country points to a local strong economy and overall positive Real Estate conditions over the long haul.  This does not bode well for the short term investors, but the average home owners still have a positive outlook. The Duke of R... 09/13/2007