The city of Plano is a part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. It is mostly in Collin County, but includes a small portion that extends into Denton County. As of 2017 the city's population was estimated at 286,143, making it the ninth most populous city in the state of Texas.  According to US Census in 2017, Plano demographics are as follows:   Race Population  White 188,719 Asian 54,597 Black or African American 23,353 Two or More Races 8,239 Some Other Race 5,021 American Indian and Alaska Native 1,422 Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander 215     Plano Income by Household: Name Median Mean Households $88,578 $116,992 Families $105,461 $133,455 Married Families $119,404 $148,682 Non Families $52,813 $72,893   Plano Renter vs Owner Occupied by Household Type Type Owner ... 03/19/2019

  Plano was named the 3rd 'Best Place to Live in America by Money Magazine.It offers an affluent and yet affordable living. It has low taxes, housing prices and unemployment compared to most metros in the U.S. The city offers many amenities which enhance the lives of residents and visitors by offering outstanding parks, trails and facilities, a variety of enriching programs, special events and activities that contribute to the health, well-being and quality of life within the city. The Plano Independent School District is nationally regarded and provides an education comparable in quality to many top private schools.  Schools Three school districts serve residents in Plano: Frisco Independent School District5515 Ohio DriveFrisco, TX 75034Ph: 469-633-6000 Lewisville Independent School Di... 02/28/2019

Veterans now have access to a new VA renovation loan to refurbish or remodel their homes.  This loan program is available for new home purchases as well as for remodeling homes currently owned by the veteran.  It is estimated that over 50% of homes nationally are 40 years or older, and in the current housing market many homes are in need of updating, addressing deferred maintenance, or improving the energy efficiency of homes to lower utility costs.VA loan benefits include the following unique advantages:  a.  up to 100% financing, b.  no mortgage insurance, c.  up to $ 35,000 in renovation funds escrowed, d.  all renovations must be completed within 60 days of closing, e.  you can close on a purchase or refinance in the “as is” condition, f. you can borrow against the future value of t... 02/27/2019

Open House this Saturday, Feb. 16th & Sunday, Feb 17th (2-4pm both days), 1 Story Highland Home in West Plano   Wonderfully maintained one story Highland home in West Plano Overview Maps Photos Open House Market Stats $379,900 Single Family Home Main Features 4 Bedrooms3 Full Bathrooms1 UnitInterior: 2,420 sqftLot: 0.17 acre(s)Year Built: 1996MLS #: 14019296 Location 8413 WarehamPlano, TX 75024USA Michelle Musick Jones Team Coldwell Banker, Apex(214) 280-9384michellesellsdallas@gmail.comhttp://www.michellesellsdallas.com         Listed by: Coldwell Banker Apex Our recent listings Wonderfully maintained one story Highland home in West Plano | $379,900 | Plano, TXBeautifully updated townhome in west Allen located on corner lot across from greenbelt | $279,900 | Allen, TXImmaculate, Bette... 02/15/2019

One man's trash is another man's treasure. Are you guilty of discounting the pearls on your doorstep? The creative inspiration and connection to business resources you need to get to the next level may be closer than you think. Here are three underestimated sources of input that a simple shift in mindset can reveal. Junk Mail -- From postcards to ValPak, junk mail can teach you about: businesses in your local community -- These become referral resources and talking points for local market expertise. Blog about that new restaurant that just opened. Visit the Mom & Pop hardware store and promote them on social media. Find missing trades to name on your referral list for specialty services. This information and social sizzle is mutually beneficial. marketing services other small businesses... 01/27/2019

As a general rule, real estate as an industry is low-tech. And while our landscape is changing (particularly with the emergence of artificial intelligence), there are basic IT skills a majority of agents have yet to embrace as part of their daily practice. While most features in this category address specific apps or services, the tips that follow below focus on generalized best practices and mindset. Here, we will take a page out of the programmer's guide to the galaxy, and share "life skills" that can help you succeed in real estate, and save your sanity along the way.  Leave yourself a trail of breadcrumbs. -- No matter what industry you are in, one of the best habits you can develop to help yourself is to document process and procedure. Depending on memory is a recipe for disaster. ... 12/30/2018

Special lending programs are available to buyers who seek affordable housing solutions. From Down Payment Assistance programs (grants) to No/Low Down Payment programs offered by both mortgage companies and banks, getting connected with the right lender can open new doors for Buyers who seek to achieve the American Dream of homeownership.But the lending piece is only part of the puzzle. Loan approval is a 2 part process. The buyer must qualify AND the property must qualify. Property eligibility is often linked to geography, where designated areas (low-to-moderate income census tracts) are incentivized, dating back to the 1977 Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) initiative.In rural counties, identifying geographic boundaries of eligibility is an easier task than in metropolitan areas,  where... 12/28/2018

As part of our minimalist Christmas this year, we ditched the gift wrap and opted to follow the gift sack tradition. What are Santa Gift Sacks? They are large, reusable fabric drawstring gift sacks, and can be made out of a pillowcase, laundry bag, or sized to suit custom dimensions from a fabric of choice.  This Australian Christmas tradition (also used in other parts of the world) was created to solve for households that didn’t have a Christmas tree. Children would leave their pillowcases at the end of their bed so Santa would know where to leave the gifts on Christmas Eve. The biggest benefit behind the idea is that there’s no wrapping of gifts. Everything for the recipient goes right into the bag.Screen printed Santa Sacks are sold commercially, and consumers can find these both onl... 12/25/2018

 Looking for something fun to do? Craving a new holiday experience?Our amazing team has pulled together their list of favorite Seasonal activities in various areas around the Dallas / Fort Worth Metroplex. Check it out, and if you attend one of the suggested venues featured in our list, please come back and comment to share how it went!  Angel Tree Donation Area Location Salvation Army Address Dallas 8787 N Stemmons Fwy, Dallas, TX 75247 Dallas 5554 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75235 Farmers Branch 12895 Josey Ln, Farmers Branch, TX 75234 Garland 435 S 5th St, Garland, TX 75040 Denton 2801 N Elm St, Denton, TX 76201 Arlington 1301 E Abram St, Arlington, TX 76010 Sherman 426 W Houston St, Sherman, TX 75090   Date and Time: Venue: Date: November 6th 2018- January 14th 2019 Time: Check web... 11/25/2018

Special Government Home Renovation Loan Program using Willow Bend TX FHA 203k Rehab Loans.Many people are not aware of a special government loan program that is part of the Federal Housing Administration or FHA(a department within HUD). A buyer or existing home owner can do meaningful amounts of remodeling or updates to their existing home without having a higher cost second lien thanks to this special FHA loan program.However, this loan program doesn't allow for "luxury items" in your home such as a swimming pool, hot tub, or other accessories. Although, you can repaint, replace flooring and appliances, add a room to an existing structure (which can add to value tremendously as you increase the square feet of your home) as well as remodel cabinetry in kitchens and bathrooms.This loan p... 11/21/2018

Looking for something fun to do? Craving a new dining experience? Our amazing team has pulled together their list of favorite fall activities and restaurants offering Seasonal Fall, Thanksgiving, and pre-Christmas holiday activities in various areas around the Dallas / Fort Worth Metroplex. Check it out, and if you attend one of the suggested venues featured in our list, please come back and comment to share how it went!  Date and Time: Venue: Date(s): September 15th-November 21st Time: 8:00am-9:00pm What: Preston Trail Farms: Dallas Pumpkin Patch Location:15102 TX-289, Gunter, TX 75058 The Big Orange Pumpkin Farm at Preston Trail Farms provides visitors with a chance to experience blossoming small green pumpkins right on the vine, hay rides, a 6-foot hay maze, a farm train, and a petti... 11/17/2018

Social media can be a tempting resource for licensees who seek immediate gratification for questions or problem-solving. Reliance upon Facebook groups is growing. Not so long ago, posting anything online even remotely related to a transaction was taboo, and with good reason. Public discussion of any details (past or present) was considered a violation of fiduciary duties -- even when names and addresses were never mentioned, as an agent's identity alone could provide context clues sufficient to inappropriately link back to transaction information.Social media has opened up a can of worms in that respect. Closed online groups allow for industry pillow talk behind the veiled curtains of protective settings. The daily stream of "questions and answers" posted online is justified and categor... 11/12/2018

Special Government Home Renovation Loan Program using Plano TX FHA 203k Renovation Loans.Many people are not aware of a special government loan program that is part of the Federal Housing Administration or FHA(a department within HUD). A buyer or existing home owner can do meaningful amounts of remodeling or updates to their existing home without having a higher cost second lien thanks to this special FHA loan program.However, this loan program doesn't allow for "luxury items" in your home such as a swimming pool, hot tub, or other accessories. Although, you can repaint, replace flooring and appliances, add a room to an existing structure (which can add to value tremendously as you increase the square feet of your home) as well as remodel cabinetry in kitchens and bathrooms.This loan pr... 11/01/2018

Being a Plano TX First Time Homebuyer makes you have to consider your options before you buy. The first thing you will need to consider is what your long-term goals are with being a home owner  and how your goals fit in with that plan. One goal could be to stop paying rent that just increases after every lease you renewBuying your own home first is one of the happiest times of your life! However, a lot of paperwork and time goes into it and finding a lender with great reviews will ease much of the stress. But, the satisfaction you get from your first home closing is something you will never forget! The benefits of being a Nacogdoches TX First Time Homebuyer greatly outweighs renting for the following reasons:          Greater privacy.          Homes typically increase in value the older... 09/24/2018

Tough love time, Folks.Hosting a successful open house isn't about simply opening a door and then holding your breath, hoping that prospective Buyers and Sellers will flock to you because you have a pretty face or a pulse.Open houses require planning, promotion, and engagement to generate meaningful activity."I tried open houses and they didn't work for me or my Seller."Did You: Coach the Seller on Open House make-ready & presentation? Plan additional staffing (buddy agent or vendor partner)? Publish the open house in the MLS listing at least 1 week ahead of the open house date? Check to make sure the published Open House date and time were correctly posted? Check to make sure the Open House details were syndicating on real estate websites? Advertise the Open House on Social Media (Face... 08/28/2018

Plano was named the 3rd 'Best Place to Live in America by Money Magazine.It offers an affluent and yet affordable living. It has low taxes, housing prices and unemployment compared to most metros in the U.S. The city offers many amenities which enhance the lives of residents and visitors by offering outstanding parks, trails and facilities, a variety of enriching programs, special events and activities that contribute to the health, well-being and quality of life within the city. The Plano Independent School District is nationally regarded and provides an education comparable in quality to many top private schools.  Schools Three school districts serve residents in Plano: Frisco Independent School District5515 Ohio DriveFrisco, TX 75034Ph: 469-633-6000 Lewisville Independent School Dist... 07/20/2018

In sales, the name of the game is volume. When you're starting out, it's difficult to say no to anyone; however, experience teaches us the opportunity cost of working with folks that suck our time, energy and resources away from productive activity. Here are five types of customers to decline. It is a mistake to… try to help someone who thinks they are doing you a favor by hiring you. They will take you for granted, lack appreciation for your knowledge, and treat your relationship as disposable. The worst part is that they will mess around and make you a spectator to poor results, by either being slow to implement or failing to follow your professional advice altogether -- up until the point they replace you, attributing credit for your original ideas to either themselves or your replac... 05/30/2018

 If you are looking to purchase a home or refinance using your Plano, TX  VA Loan benefits, the rate you can obtain is a huge factor in determining which lender you choose as well as what your payment will be.  The market can be volatile, and VA Home Loan Rates in Plano Texas can change daily, and can even fluctuate during the course of a day.  So why does this happen, and what determines the interest rates you can get?  All mortgages are backed by bonds, securities that are traded on the open market like stocks. Mortgage bonds are what back mortgages, including Plano, TX VA Loans. Mortgage bonds are also called mortgage backed securities.  Mortgage backed securities are just like the stock market in that they can go up or down during the course of a day, therefore influencing all mortg... 05/09/2018

Find out about today's USDA Mortgage Rates in Plano, TX - Your path to 100% mortgage loan financing.  The USDA Rural Guaranty home loan program in Plano, TX and the surrounding areas remains one of the best financing options available today. Combine 100% home loan financing with low monthly mortgage insurance, and you will be ensured a low payment on your new Texas home purchase.  Check USDA Mortgage Rates Lytle, TX Here  Here are the highlights of the USDA Rural Housing program:  - Your home must be located in a small town or rural area. Input your home's address at the USDA website, which will verify if you are in an eligible area: http://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do?pageAction=sfp&NavKey=property%4011   - 100% financing is still available.  No down paymen... 04/25/2018

On April 9, 2018, NAR debuted their new brand vision for the Realtor® logo, slated for implementation in June of 2018 and industry adoption by December 2019.  Per NAR's press release, the new brand maintains the core attributes of the 1973 iconic logo, but has "evolved" to incorporate a "contemporary 3-D cube" which is supposed to be representative of "NAR and REALTORS® as multi-dimensional, dynamic, active, and future-focused. In addition, this new dimension signifies that the association is a caring, human organization and brand." The change has caused a stir on social media in the membership body. Many feel the redesign is a miss on multiple levels, criticizing the organization's failure to secure NAR's membership buy-in during the change process. And while NAR states extensive resea... 04/10/2018