ARE YOU TAKING ADVANTAGE OF SMART PHONE USERS' HABITS? Social media is becoming more and more a part of our marketplace.  Buyers and sellers are coming to us from more nontraditional sources than ever before.   When I am out and about selling homes in Rockwall, Texas I constantly strive to reach out to buyers and sellers via all the means of social media as that is where I can find them.   The Texas Association of Realtors reports the following figures: Percentage of total U.S, population using smart phones in 2012 - 49.4% Projected for 2013  - 57.3% Average time spent daily - 132 minutes Days of week with highest level of engagement - Friday, Saturday & Sunday Amount of respondents' time spent on smart phones on calling - 16% Amount of respondents' time spent on their smart phones comm... 07/23/2013

How's the Housing Market in Rockwall is the question I get a lot ... which is then quickly followed by I hear people say that the Housing Market in Rockwall sure is better than it was last year!      Well let me tell you, The Rockwall Housing Market is Fast Moving! and It's certainly better than last year! Prices are steadily increasing and because of that, more people are putting their homes on the market to sell. Yes, Interest Rates are also starting to increase. Soooo what's my 2 cents??? Quite simply put ... If you're contemplating BUYING a home, the longer you wait, the more it's going to cost you! If you're contemplating SELLING your home, now really is a great time!   Below are the Numbers of how the Housing Market was during April, May & June in Rockwall as well how it compares ... 07/17/2013

There is a Special Government Home Renovation Loan Program with FHA 203K Mortgage Loans in Rockwall TX.   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). This FHA loan program allows the buyer or existing owner of a home to do significant amounts of remodeling or updating to their home without a higher cost second lien.   The loan program does not allow for “luxury items” which are defined as items like a swimming pool or hot tub, etc. 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.  One of the biggest adv... 07/16/2013

Living a Life of true worship with God was first mentioned in the English Bible in Genesis.  Genesis 22:1 Now it came about after these things, that God tested Abraham said, "Here I am." Worship is the Hebrew word shachah as is "father" and "ch" as in "Christ".  It means to prostrate oneself or to bow down.  In the Old Testament it means to prostrate ones self or to bow down and to respect, honor and worship Him. Walking with God is a daily walk, staying in His will and making Him proud of us, his servants! Have a blessed day walking with God and it will be easy as long as we follow HIS TEN COMMANDMENTS, they are simple and the ONLY way to live in our daily walk. This I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior! Amen 07/13/2013

Rockwall Texas Home Sales were up 7% in May 2013 over the same month last year with 145 homes selling this month! So far this year, overall home sales were at 698 homes sold, a 31% change from this time last year. New Rockwall Texas Real Estate listings changed 26% for the same period last year with 260 homes listed this month. So far this year, overall home listings underwent a 13% change with 1,127 homes listed. Current listings pending sale this month underwent a change of 16%, with 172 homes contracted. All listings under contract for the year to date experienced a change of 33%, with 818 homes under contract for this month. Click here for the full report.. Rockwall Texas Real Estate Reports Register online for monthly updates on your city and neighborhood homes, automatically email... 07/12/2013

WHAT DOES THE TEXAS WEATHER AND SELLING HOMES HAVE IN COMMON?   The word is sizzling!  Rockwall, Texas has been blessed with an unusually cool spring and early summer!  We just broke the 100 degree mark and it is HOT!!! I am enjoying a sizzling market selling homes in Rockwall, Texas.  There is only one way to describe the real estate market, HOT, and just as we prepare for the hot weather we must be prepared for this hot market. Both Realtors and those looking to buy a home in Rockwall, Texas will need to put their track shoes on to keep up with this fast paced real estate market. Dress in light colored clothes, wear sun screen, take plenty of water along and take a break at times to rest a bit and chill out. NUMBER ONE thing to do is get a PREAPPROVAL to find out exactly how much loan... 07/11/2013

SELLING HOMES IN ROCKWALL, TEXAS TECHNOLOGY THEN AND NOW! WE'VE COME A LONG WAY, BABY! Once upon a time, in an industry long ago, before Realtors had cell phones, I was offered an unbelievable opportunity!  A representative from Southwestern Bell, now A T & T, called to interview me on the business of showing and selling homes in Rockwall, Texas.   She asked me to assist in a Beta Test for a Virtual Real Estate Office.  We spent some time discussing how the business worked, making appointments, showing homes, writing offers, open houses, etc. The telephone company provided equipment for the Beta Test for Virtual Real Estate Office, a massive cell phone, a portable fax and printer set in a rather complicated portable desk contraption.  I selected a team of the most successful Realtors in... 07/04/2013

For over 20 years, we have been Rockwall Texas VA Loans specialists! We will teach you how to qualify for your VA home loan benefits in this article.     # 1:  Verify eligibility by obtaining your Certificate of eligibility.     The first step to obtaining a VA loan is to verify your eligibility. This is done by ordering your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) through VA which will also confirm the amount of your eligibility. If you are an honorably discharged Vet, or are active duty or reserves currently, then you are likely eligible.     How do you order your COE? The easiest way is that your lender can help you get your COE fast, usually the same day you request it. You can also order your certificate of eligibility through the VA either by mail or online. Honorably discharged Vets wil... 07/01/2013

SELL YOUR ROCKWALL, TEXAS HOME PRICE IS KING! LOCATION ROCKS! CONDITION CLOSES! TIMING TRUMPS ALL! There are many reasons for placing your home on the market, such as moving up or down or becoming those with an empty nest now that the children have gone.  Whatever the reason for making the decision to sell your home you will want to avoid common mistakes many home owners make.   There are four things which must come together when selling your Rockwall, Texas home.  This is the first of a series of posts.  I am discussing the first topic, PRICE IS KING! on this post, SELL YOUR ROCKWALL, TEXAS HOME.    You have decided to sell your home.  Now it's all about YOU!  My mission is to lead you through the pitfalls and mistakes many home owners make.  There is only one chance to make a first im... 07/01/2013

The Government offers a special Home Renovation Loan Program with FHA 203K Loans in Rockwall TX.   The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) offers a special government loan program that a lot of people are not aware of. This FHA loan program allows the buyer or existing owner of a home to do significant amounts of remodeling or updating to their home without a higher cost second lien.   However, this loan program does not allow for items in your home such as a swimming pool, hot tub, or other accessories. But you can repaint, replace flooring, remodel cabinetry in kitchens and bathrooms, add wallpaper, replace appliances – even add a room to an existing structure (which can significantly add to value as you increase the square footage of your home).   This loan program has many advantag... 06/27/2013

SELL YOUR ROCKWALL, TEXAS HOME LOCATION ROCKS! CONDITION CLOSES! TIMING TRUMPS ALL! My first post in this series was getting the price right at the time you decide to sell your Rockwall, Texas home.  PRICE IS KING! The second post dealt with LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION!  This is important because if buyers don't like the neighborhood, then they will not live there. CONDITION CLOSES! This is the final piece of the puzzle forming the blueprint and you can pack your bags and meet me at the closing table! Mr. and Ms. Sellers, it is time to put that CEO hat on again and see everything through the eyes of the buyers.  Get in your car and approach as a buyer would.  Yards should be manicured and if necessary add some seasonal color.  Walk up to the front door and look around from side to side... 06/26/2013

  SELL YOUR ROCKWALL, TEXAS HOUSE - LOCATION Buyers buy neighborhoods as well as homes and the entry to your neighborhood provides their first impression. Often a buyer will decide on entering the neighborhood they would like to live there or would not want to live there.  I have had buyers who decided either way by the time they arrived at the home.  Those who would not want to live there will not look at homes. Mr. and Ms. home owners, when you decide to sell your Rockwall, Texas home it's time for you to see your neighborhood as if for the first time.  Get in your cars and leave the neighborhood and slowly enter as if you had never seen it before. You will be surprised at what you see through these new eyes as if seeing it for the first time.      Pay attention to the entry, is it in... 06/25/2013

THIS IS THE QUESTION, HOW CAN I POLISH MY ACTIVE RAIN BLOGGING? HERE IS THE ANSWER! We all work hard to be consistent by posting daily in our blogging, which is our on-line communication to consumers as well as professionals in our industry.   We provide valuable information.  Please remember our posts are seen, not only by Active Rain members, but on the Internet by millions of people, via Facebook, Google+, Tweeter and more.  The final touch to presenting your best self is quick and easy, and takes only a minute or less.  Why tarnish your on-line image by taking this one small step each time you post and each time you comment? We all are top professionals in our fields and prove this daily, but failing to take a small amount of time to do this will tarnish our image. The most importan... 06/24/2013

Today's travels found me in the heart of the City of Rockwall. Cruising down Lakeshore Drive it not only is beautiful but evident that the market is hot on Lake Ray Hubbard's shores.     Find Homes For Sale in Rockwall here. 06/21/2013

WILLOW SPRINGS IN HEATH, ROCKWALL COUNTY, TEXAS   Willow Springs, one of Heath's most desirable subdivisions, is ideally located close to everything - shopping, dining, schools, The Harbor and Lake Ray Hubbard. Beautiful custom homes offer a variety of styles and price ranges.     The neighborhood of Willow Springs features a large private lake and greenbelt.   There are 37 lots 1/2 to 1 1/2 acre in size. Home Owner Association dues are $400 - $650 annually. Schools are Dorothy Smilth Pullen Elementary School , Maurine Cain Middle School and Rockwall-Heath High School.       Homes in Willow Springs range from $365,000 to $900,000       Search for Homes in Willow Springs, Heath Texas   Search Entire MLS   If you are thinking of listing your home are buying a home in Rockwall, Texas pleas... 06/17/2013

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! The greatest father of all is our heavenly Father and He sent the ultimate gift of all to the world.  John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he sent his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.   I am paying tribute to all the fathers in my family all who are the greatest earthly fathers I know!  I was blessed with a great father, Coy Williams, husband of my mother, Lilly Frances Williams.  The children all loved him and his funny jokes and that he would always talk to them.  One year for Christmas he made stilts, we called them Tommy walkers.  The children were all ages and he made tiny ones for the youngest on up to the oldest.  They were all painted bright colors with the girls getting pink girly colors.  Of all... 06/15/2013

FUN THINGS TO DO IN ROCKWALL, TEXAS | ART'S A BLAST IN ROCKWALL, TEXAS       I had the pleasure to attend several sessions at Art's a Blast in Rockwall, Texas.  I had never picked up a paint brush before and expected my efforts would be embarrassing!  First of all, I did have a blast and surprisingly enough I turned out several cool paintings.  Not gallery type of course, but I do have them hanging in my house. My daughters and sisters attended with me and we all had a complete blast!  We painted one each time we went, all of us painting the selected one for the evening.  Once my son-in-law attended with us girls and he produced an excellent painting.  We all brought snacks and drinks which added more to the fun and we keep on target to finish our paintings in the scheduled time period.... 06/14/2013

WOW, there are so many ways to find fun things to do in Rockwall County, Texas! Lake Ray Hubbard is the lure that attracts people to move or join the locals to enjoy lazy summer days on Lake Ray Hubbard, enjoying boating, water sports, fishing or whatever floats your boat .  You can dock your boat at a waterfront restaurant, watch fireworks, or sit on one the patios at The Harbor.  You can also dock your boat and take in a movie. Daisy knows how to do it! My friend, Daisy, loves nothing better than living it up on Lake Ray Hubbard! Pull the boat out and Daisy will be sitting in her favorite seat ready to go. Her favorite friends, Beverly, Mark, Sara, Carson, and Lucas say there is not a chance of heading to the lake without Daisy. Living is easy around Lake Ray Hubbard and to find fun t... 06/03/2013

Do you live in the City of Rockwall, Texas? If so, this is for you ... Effective June 1st, The City of Rockwall will be going to a Once a Week Watering Schedule to help reduce water consumption thoughout the city.   Read more about the Mandatory Drought Restrictions ...    05/29/2013

Rockwall Texas Home Sales were up 40% in January 2013 over the same month last year with 153 homes selling this month! So far this year, overall home sales were at 376 homes sold, a 35% change from this time last year. New Rockwall Texas Real Estate listings changed 13% for the same period last year with 251 homes listed this month. So far this year, overall home listings underwent a 11% change with 624 homes listed. Current listings pending sale this month underwent a change of 36%, with 174 homes contracted. All listings under contract for the year to date experienced a change of 32%, with 444 homes under contract for this month. Click here for the full report.. Rockwall Texas Real Estate Reports Register online for monthly updates on your city and neighborhood homes, automatically em... 05/05/2013