2609 Blue Jay Ct, McKinney, TX 75070

This gorgeous home in the master planned community of Stonebridge Ranch in McKinney, Texas has just been reduced and is priced to sell at $224,900. Available for QUICK OCCUPANCY!

To check out a virtual tour slide show, click here.

Here are some details on this terrific property:

Pride of ownership is obvious in this gorgeous Highland Home located in the prestigious Stonebridge Ranch community, situated on a quiet, OVERSIZED CUL-DE-SAC LOT with numerous trees. Excellent ONE-STORY floorplan with 4 bedrooms (4th bedroom makes perfect STUDY), 2 living and 2 dining areas, split bedrooms, and kitchen is open to family room. HUGE BACK YARD has room for a pool plus plenty of play area. Large back patio is ideal to gather outside during the day and is great for evening entertaining. UPGRADED BRONZE HARDWARE and fixtures, fresh paint inside and out including custom faux finishes in 2007. Spacious kitchen has skip trowel walls, corian counters, 42-INCH CABINETS, extra large island with knee space for seating, tile backsplash, and overlooks family room. Other features include: OVERSIZED GARAGE providing additional storage space, covered front porch, large master bedroom and bath, brick hearth fireplace with custom mantel, arched passages, SURROUND SOUND WIRING, 2-inch blinds, crown molding, walk-in closets in all bedrooms, tile floors in entry, kitchen, baths, and utility all make this home show like a model. NEW ROOF April 2008!! Seller offering 1-YEAR HOME WARRANTY to buyer through AHS.

Dallas Morning News Feature Story

Most of us seek out opportunities to give back to the community and find ways to lend a hand to those in need. For about 10 years now I've been fortunate to be able to combine my love of aviation with my desire to help others through an outstanding organization called Angel Flight. Recently I had lunch with a good friend of mine who introduced me to a long-time friend of hers who happens to be a writer for the Dallas Morning News. The result of this lunch meeting was a well-written article that was prominently featured, along with a large photo, on the front page of the real estate section on Saturday, February 9, 2008. It was so much more than I had expected and I am extremely grateful for the exposure for Angel Flight and my involvement with them. Click here for a link to the online text version of this article.

D/FW Foreclosures Jump 31% -- Or Do They???

This was the basic headline in the Dallas Morning News last week regarding home scheduled for foreclosure in February. Those eye-catching headlines certainly get your attention and I imagine help to sell newspapers. But when you read the entire article you'll discover what is probably a pretty good explanantion as to what contributed to this dramatic increase.

The first Tuesday of the month is the day that lenders are allowed to take properties by foreclosure. In January that day was New Years Day. Do you think the lenders knew this and could have decided to not participate due to a probable lack of interest? George Roddy of Foreclosure Listing Service estimates the 10-15 percent of January postings were moved to February for just this reason.

But of course the DMN would rather pile on to the fears already being felt amongst consumers and keep those negative headlines in the forefront of our minds. Fear paralyzes and for some reason the media wants to see our economy continue to decline. Guess that makes good headlines too when their "prophesy" plays out just liked they had hoped.

Bottom line, the D/FW real estate market is just fine. Not great, not gangbusters, but just fine and actually a pretty normal healthy market. What a terrific time to buy real estate and hold onto it for awhile. Remember, real estate is supposed to be a long-term investment, not typically a get rich quick investment.

2008!!! Happy New Year!

First "official" workday of the new year. I'm looking forward with anticipation to what 2008 will bring to each of us, how the national and local economies will trend, and how the real estate market will be affected by the upcoming election and the campaigns leading up to it.

As you may have also, I have a few resolutions for the new year and even more goals to accomplish. I'm excited about the opportunity to tackle these goals and work even harder than ever to make my real estate clients glad that I am "their" Realtor. I enjoy the challenge of the work I do and am so grateful and blessed by the many referrals I receive from my current and past clients and friends.

Make 2008 the BEST year ever for you!

New On The Market -- 3/2/2 Richardson, TX $137,000

Just on the market this past week is 1252 Dumont Drive, Richardson TX 75080.



Charming mid-century traditional located in desirable Richardson Heights neighborhood. Extremely well-maintained home with 3 bdrms, 2 baths, 2-car garage on spacious lot which provides for a large back yard for outdoor fun. Hardwoods in bedrooms and also under carpet in living rm and hallway. New built-in oven installed Oct 2007. AC unit replaced Oct 2007; furnace replaced 2006; roof replaced 2003. Large dining room allows for extra sitting area.

This is a great part of Richardson, lots of remodeling being done on these homes, mostly pier and beam foundations, lots of potential for future appreciation as the area continues its revitalization.

Fish Tacos!!!

Apparently Houston has been enjoying Berryhill Baja Grill for quite some time since that's where they started. In Dallas it is a relatively new arrival even though they've been here for a couple of years or so.

They have a terrific menu and not your typical tex-mex cuisine. Famous for their tamales, I have a difficult time ordering anything but the fish tacos (original, tempura fried) with charro beans and rice. Fun atmosphere, excellent food, great bar -- definitely worth a visit when you have the opportunity.

Map to the far north Dallas location

Fingerprints Required for Realtor License Renewal

It had to happen eventually, and is probably a good idea. Considering the ease of entry into the real estate business as a licensee, it's time we verify within our own ranks that we're not concealing any "known" troublemakers. Check out the text below from the Texas Real Estate Commission website regarding the new requirement starting in 2008 for all new licensees and license renewals to be fingerprinted.

Wonder how many agents are concerned about having their fingerprints and criminal background checked...

From the TREC website:

Anyone applying for or renewing a broker or salesperson license on or after January 1, 2008 must get fingerprinted in connection with the application. Fingerprints are required so that the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) can conduct a criminal history check with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). A criminal history check will be conducted on every applicant for a license and every time a real estate salesperson or broker license is renewed. Once fingerprints are on file with DPS, a licensee will not need to be fingerprinted for subsequent renewals.

• Fingerprints that an applicant or licensee may have submitted for any other reason, such as previous employment or for a state issued license, will not be acceptable for TREC licensure.
  
• You will receive a notice from TREC with information you will need to schedule your fingerprint appointment on the web or by telephone.
  
• The fingerprints must be in the FBI’s required format and must be taken at an authorized DPS site. Currently, there are 70 locations statewide where electronic fingerprints can be taken.
  
• If you are renewing your license, you should get your fingerprints taken at least ten (10) days before your license expiration date to avoid any renewal delay and assure continued licensure.
  
• If you fail to get your fingerprints taken before your license expires, you will have to submit a late renewal application form and pay a higher fee to get a new license.
  
• If you are applying for a license, you must get your fingerprints taken within 6 months of the date of you first applied or your application will terminate.
  
• TREC cannot issue or renew a license until it has confirmation that your fingerprints have been submitted to DPS in the required form.