Have you checked your Localism "feature"page lately?  I hadn't until my , "alerted" me today to that page for whatever reason.  I don't really know why I was "alerted" (I'm still figuring all of this out). But as I checked my Localism page I noticed what I have here below "Articles by Karen Otto, Collin County, Plano, TX Home Stager".It's a nice list, already done for me by the great folks that be at Active Rain, of links to previously written posts by none other than me of course that I had posted to Localism. It targets my area, Collin County, Plano, TX, the area that I primarily service and keeps me in the local loop which is of course where I WANT TO DO BUSINESS.It's easy to put them in the body of the blog text and it's a quick way to give your readers a chance to go back and take ... 12/10/2007

The City of Plano was recently ranked as the safest city in North Texas, the 3rd safest city in Texas, and the 55th safest city in the nation according to Washington-based CQ Press.378 cities with a population over 75,000 were considered.  The CQ Press Safest City Award is based on a city's rate for six basic crime categories: murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary and motor vehicle theft. Each crime category is considered separately and weighted based on its seriousness.Those of us that live and work in Plano know it is a great place to live so it is nice to recognized nationally.  Congratulations Plano!!Are you looking to move to Plano?  I'd be happy to share all the benefits of living in this great city! 12/07/2007

Here are the latest home sales statistics for Plano, TX in the November of 2007.  I've also included the stats for the 3rd Qtr of 2006 as a comparison to our current market.  November 2007 . November 2006 Sold Volume: $58,732,100 Sold Volume: $75,717,536 # of Sales: 194 # of Sales: 282 Avg. Price:  $302,742 Avg. Price:  $268,501 Sales Price as Percentage of List Price $0 - $100K                97.5% $101K - $150K   98.4% $151K - $200K          97.9% $201K - $300K  97.9% $301K - $500K   97.5% $501K - $750K    95.7% $751K +   97.6%   As you can see from the stats, actually sales volume is less but the average sales price has increased.  The PMI Group states in the article below that the Dallas Fort Worth Market is one of the least risky areas in the nation to experience a housing value de... 12/05/2007

Selling a Home During the Holidays - Should you Decorate? is an article I wrote for Ezine Articles online magazine. Below is a summary and a link.  Selling a Home During the Holidays - Should You Decorate?By Karen OttoShould you decorate your home for sale during the holidays? How will buyers react? Get the answer from Professional Home Staging Expert, Karen Otto before you decide to set the scene for your holiday home. [READ FULL ARTICLE] [View Karen Otto's Extended Author Bio][Display Categories] Sort By [Title] [Newest] [Oldest] For Resources and Other Articles by Karen Otto:Canned Soup Or Houses - Why Bother With Packaging?[Real-Estate:Selling] Whether you're selling canned soup or a house, packaging counts. Just like any other product on the shelf, if selling your home, start treat... 12/01/2007

If you are planning to or already have your occupied home on the market for the holidays you may be wondering whether or not you should decorate. I'm no Scrooge so yes, I feel you should decorate if you feel so inclined but MODERATION IS KEY!Believe it or not, buyers who are looking at homes during the holiday season are probably more serious about purchasing a home otherwise why would they be out looking at properties rather than enjoying their nights and weekends celebrating or shopping? Some quick tips are listed below to help you navigate through the sale of your home this holiday season.  Welcome your buyers with a tasteful wreath or fresh seasonal plants or flowers in nice planters. There are adorable Rosemary topiaries for sale everywhere these days and they smell wonderful. The... 11/30/2007

If you haven't been by yet, plan on going soon to check out Habitat for Humanity's ReStore in Plano Specials!From the email I subscribe to below are the following awesome deals you'll find in store at the ReStore.  And don't forget, if you have something to donate, give them a call for pick up of your items as well as doing something for a great cause!.New Arrivals at the Habitat ReStore Collin County TX Habitat ReStore Supporter       Shop, buy, donate and volunteer at the ReStore to help us build more houses in this area for deserving families. Remember,"Habitat for Humanity is a community of volunteers giving a helping hand not a hand out."Cabinets 5 sets Kitchen & Bath THANKS Taylor Custom Homes  PhotobucketFrom:$ 65.00 epTo:  $250.00 epMitsubishi 50  50" tv, surround sound system, ... 11/17/2007

Wallpaper, wallpaper on the wall are you the fairest of them all? Love it or hate it or have no opinion of it, most Professional Home Stagers do address the issue.  It comes, it goes, it's in fashion it's not. It's neat, it's versatile, it's dated, it's faded, out, in ...  your feelings on it, in my opinion, in many cases when selling a home especially, wall paper removal may and should be recommended.   Now fair seller, you say, WHY? "I love it! I paid lots of money for this designer look it matches my chair cushions! I paid someone else to hang it perfectly straight!  All the flowers and leaves are joined seamlessly together and it looks like custom paint! We could never remove it ourselves! We have memories tied to this wall paper!" My answer to you would be this simple two sentence ... 11/14/2007

Plano East Senior High School Presents " You Can't Take It With You" (1936)the play by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman November 15th, 16th, and 17th, 2007. Show starts promptly at 7 PM.  Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for students. Come support the Arts in Theatre and watch a fabulous performance by these student actors! You won't want to miss this show!  11/11/2007

OK I'm sold on the professional photographer for staged home photography now.  Not that I wasn't before but I just hadn't gotten to know any before I met John McConnell, Professional Photographer (aka Magic Man) over the course of the last few months.   He's not only a great photographer but he's also a fine person and becoming a friend. He's always got a smile on his face and a good word for everyone. His personality alone won me over. But in all honestly....I also needed some great quality photos for myself and my marketing purposes but just hadn't gotten around to it nor made the allowance for it in my budget.  I am also the worst when it comes time to take after photos of the staged homes I work on because of sheer exhaustion honestly.  I don't take the time I need to take good phot... 11/07/2007

The annual Turkey Bowl for the entire DFW area group of Realtors is going to be help on November 8, 2007 at the Plano Super Bowl in Plano TX at 2521 Avenue K, east of 75.The cost is $35 a bowler.  The event will be from 2:30-5:00pm.The proceeds will benfit the Genesis Women's Shelter, Open Arms Home, Inc., and REALTORS® Fighting Fires.I will not be able to participate as I won't be able to pick up a turkey, muchless roll one down a lane... well, maybe a 3 pounder, but that wouldn't even knock any pins down!If you would like more information, call 214-540-2720 or go to the MetroTex website at www.dfwrealtors.com. 10/29/2007

Brothers and sisters this is a sermon; a sermon on the mountain of vacant properties that are a growing, guilty reality for many in the world of residential real estate.   No bones about it       vacant houses are soul less properties.   There is no life to or in them.  An absolute fact because no one lives there!   A common expression, "home is where the heart is" is one we can all relate to.     How then can a house be called a home when there is nothing "homey" there to show for it?   It is a vacant, empty vessel.  Once filled with life and the living, only to be left for dead.  Vacant properties are a hard sell folks, and for those in the real estate world we know it.   Fear not brethren, there is hope for the weary vacant soul less.  Gather round the staging pulpit and take heed.  ... 10/25/2007

HiTECCC members are Plano ISD, Collin College, the University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Instruments, Lockheed Martin, Nortel, Raytheon, Alcatel-Lucent and Cisco.  Press Release  10/19/2007

 Check out the Plano 3rd annual International Festival at 11:00 am-6pm on Saturday! This Saturday!Carlisle Elemetary School is having their Fall Festival for the kids this Saturday, the 20th at 5:30pm to 8:30pm and tickets may be purchased the night of the event for food(pizza) and fun. Costumes welcome! Join the contest!  Did I mention that I'm 3rd VP Ways and Means for Carlisle and we love your thoughts. Watch for a masterminds meeting announcement next week. You can volunteer but, you can also come to comment and share ideas after all it's your school too!Click here for the full PISD Calendar of Events includes early days. 10/19/2007

I have blogged about the ReStore before and I'm now receiving their monthly email with happenings and specials.  Today I received this email regarding their Fall Sale now in progress.  If you haven't already checked it out you should! Not only do they have great stuff at great prices, the proceeds go back to Habitat for Humanity projects. A map is included should you venture out to check out the deals.Happy shopping!   "Beautify your home and help us build houses - shop at the ReStore!"Fall Specials at Habitat ReStore SCCTX ReStore Regular...  Come find the bargains...SALE..SALE..SALE  Dots & Dots every where: BLUE=NEW(never used) or Premium Used  RED=75% off, Dark Green=50%, YELLOW=25% off marked price... come find the "dots" on all of our merchandise.  In ReStore Sale Dots: Blue=New R... 10/17/2007

Did you know that there is an official Cookbook for the City of Plano?  Well, there is.  The Junior League of Plano's cookbook, Lonestar to Five Star.   It features a collection of recipes designed to enhance every occasion from holiday dinners to elegant cocktail parties. Start your day with "Rising Stars", then sample "Greens & Tureens" or "Star Attractions", and end up with "Lasting Impressions". In addition to over 250 recipes extensively tested in home kitchens, Lone Star to Five Star includes signature recipes from more than a dozen of North Texas' most lauded chefs.     I use this cookbook as a closing gift to my clients in Plano and it has always been received very well.  It makes my clients and I feel good that all the proceeds benefit the projects of the Junior League of Plano... 10/08/2007

Okay, it is that time of the month again in Plano.  Next Saturday, October 13 is the 3rd Downtown @ Sundown event.  I've been to the first two events and I plan on making it out to this one as well.  They will have bands playing in the parking lot by the DART station, silent auction and extended shopping hours for the stores on 15th Street.  I ate at Massimilliano's and Jorg's Cafe Vienna(voted Best by D! Magazine) the last times so maybe I'll eat at Kelly's next weekend.  Hope to see you there! 10/05/2007

Come join the Plano Sunrise Rotary on Monday, October 15 at the 6th Annual Oktoberfest at Bavarian Grill in Plano.  The event is open to the public - everyone is invited.  Oktoberfest is on October 15 from 5-9pm at Bavarian Grill, 221 Parker Rd and only costs $35.  The cost includes "All you can Eat" German Fest, Three 1/3 liters of German Bier or Three Glasses of Wein, Live German Entertainment, Plus Raffle & Silent Auction. As a member of the Plano West Rotary, our club is having our weekly "meeting" at the event!  By supporting this event, our club helps support the Children's Medical Center Legacy and other charitable projects! 10/05/2007

The following information is based on activity from 4-1-2007 through 10-1-2007 for the 80+ homes in The Greens of Gleneagles: Active Properties Listed For Sale:  5Avg. List Price Per Sq/Ft:  $184.16Avg. Days On The Market:  92Avg. List Price:  $643,652  SOLD Properties:  3Avg. List Price Per Sq/Ft:  $183.88Avg. Days On The Market:  94Avg. Sold Price:  $577,000For more information on this community or a complimentary CMA of your neighborhood, call 214-770-5660.  --Our goal in maintaining this blog is to provide you with valuable information, tips, and general insight for buyers, sellers and investors in the Dallas Texas real estate market. If you choose to use Exceptional Realty Services, feel free to call us anytime, we'd be honored to help. We can assist you with the process of finding... 10/04/2007

Check out your October Plano Profile (page 23) for these fine young actors in the elite Theatre Major Studies Program at Plano East Senior High who will be performing their first show of the Fall Season 2007 Bertolt Brecht's classic, The Caucasian Chalk Circle Thursday, October 4th through Saturday October 6th, 2007Show starts at 7 PM Plano East Theatre located at 3000 Los Rios Blvd. Plano, TX Call 469-752-9247 for more detailsTickets are $8 for adults, $6 for studentsCOME SUPPORT THE ARTS IN EDUCATION AND HAVE A GREAT NIGHT OUT!   10/01/2007

The Tollways in North Texas have instated an increase effective today, October 1.  This includes the North Dallas Tollway and the George Bush Turnpike.  I was astonished yesterday when I went into Frisco on the new stretch that opened on Friday and it was $1.30 for the Eldorado exit... WHAT??!!  $1.30!!  That's crazy!To go see my client in Frisco yesterday, it cots me $0.50 to get onto the Bush.  $1.00 is charged at the Coit overpass.  When I get onto the Dallas North Tollway, it's $1.00 at Parker.  Then it was $1.30 to exit at Eldorado.  That's $3.80.  That's $7.20 round trip.  This is getting ridiculous!!!However, I do have the Tolltag on my car, so the rates are slightly less, so let's look at it with the tolltag.  $.40 to get on at Renner. $.70 at the Coit overpass.  $.70 at Parker ... 10/01/2007