Robert Mapes - REALTOR

Sure, we all know what has happened lately in the residential real estate market. But how long can this last? I don't have a crystal ball, but I worry that many home owners who are sitting on the fence might wait too long.

Tell me, when you purchased your home, did you ever, in your wildest dreams, think that it might actually sell for today's current price? And just for your reference, it is May 1, 2022.

I was speaking with a young man who came out to check our HVAC system on Friday. He told me that he purchased his first home about a year ago and he is already thinking about selling. He says that the comps in his neighborhood are showing that his house has increased over $90,000 in value. So I asked him where he was going to find a place to live if he, indeed, sold his current home. He told me that he would move back in with his Mom because where else was he going to make about three times his current salary at once.

That's definitely something to think about.

Confused about the upcoming Texas Constitutional Amendment vote? Her is a reference that might help.

Here’s how two Texas constitutional amendments could lower some property taxes The propositions on the May 7 ballot would lower property taxes by shifting more public school costs to the state. But the measures’ language can be hard to understand.

Should you buy a home now, or wait? What is going to happen after the national elections?

In my opinion, regardless of who wins the presidential election, if you have ever been thinking about buying a home, you should jump in NOW!

Interest rates are incredibly low. And remember, you could be paying on your home for 30 years. There will come a day when the interest rates go back up, way up, and you will be sitting pretty because you took advantage of these interest rates today.

NOW is the time. Contact me for more details. I know of ways to get you out of the RENT RACE and get you on your way to building equity.

There are people who are renting one-bedroom apartments for about $1,500/month. Do you realize that you could have a mortgage of $300,000 and your mortgage and interest payments would be LESS?

The following is from bankrate.com:

The average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage is 3.06 percent, an increase of 3 basis points from a week ago. This time a month ago, the average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage was higher, at 3.14 percent.

At the current average rate, you’ll pay $424.85 per month in principal and interest for every $100,000 you borrow.

Information About Brokerage Services

Why not buy a discounted home and build up your equity quickly? For example, here is a home in the DFW area that was listed for $91,590 and the comps tell us that it could be worth $130,000. No, this isn't magic and I'm not a slight-of-hand slick talker. This is for real. Here was a home ideal for a handyman and a family of 4 to fix up, live in, and have over $35,000 of equity. That's an increase to your net worth of $35,000! There are people doing this once, twice, maybe even three times and before you know it, they have over $100,000 cash to apply to the home of their dreams. This is just one of the ways that you can get out of the RENT RACE and own YOUR OWN HOME.
Message me if you are interested in getting into your own home and start building up your net worth. Remember, paying rent is just another way of making SOMEONE ELSE wealthy. Instead, make your money work for YOU!

In our area, it appears that house prices have been falling. Every day we see "price reduced" notifications. But don't be fooled. On average, home prices are still increasing, and it is doubtful that will stop in the near future. Unlike the housing "crash" back in 2008, we don't have a massive inventory of homes just waiting for buyers. Builders have been more cautious this time around when requesting new building permits. And with inventory being restrained, it won't take much for housing prices to increase at a faster rate. So, what does all of this mean? Though Sellers are not getting the over-list offers that they once were, they are still getting reasonable offers for their homes. And if you are waiting to purchase, I wouldn't wait too long, because you could probably end up paying more next year.

Contact me if you are a first-time home buyer and you want to start building up your own equity instead of paying a landlord. The fastest way to reach me is via FB Messenger or leave a comment and I will get back with you as soon as possible.

What's coming up at the Eisemann Center

https://www.broadwayworld.com/dallas/article/Charles-W-Eisemann-Center-For-Performing-Arts-Announces-Eisemann-Center-Presents-Lineup-For-2019-2020-Season-Mandy-Patinkin-and-More-20190516

Charles W. Eisemann Center For Performing Arts Announces 'Eisemann Center Presents' Lineup For 2019-2020 Season - Mandy Patinkin and More! The Eisemann Center and the City of Richardson announced the 2019-2020 Season of Eisemann Center Presents (ECP) at the Annual Season Preview Party on Thursday, May 9, 2019. The season includes our two full subscription series: Jeffrey Siegel's Keyboard Conversations with a total of four concerts; an...

Plano ranks 44th out of 100 of the fittest cities in the USA.

https://patch.com/texas/plano/how-plano-ranks-physical-fitness

How Plano Ranks For Physical Fitness The American College of Sports Medicine has released its annual fitness scores and rankings. Here's what the report found for Plano.

SusieCakes bakery location makes debut in Plano

https://hoodline.com/2019/05/sweet-tooth-new-susiecakes-bakery-location-makes-debut-in-plano

Sweet tooth? New SusieCakes bakery location makes debut in Plano A new bakery with delivery, catering and event services has debuted in the neighborhood. Read on for more details.

BrookieLynn's Bungalow in Frisco's Rail District

https://lifestylefrisco.com/brookielynns-bungalow-expands-in-friscos-rail-district/?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=facebook_page&utm_medium=Lifestyle+Frisco&fbclid=IwAR0bE50n1EWhpZpfvVeZoCqwQ0UF4G2TTiOZXiMqHdANK9eHAfGFFDoHx9E

Brookielynn’s Bungalow Expands in Frisco's Rail District Brookielynn's Bungalow has expanded her presence in the Rail District of downtown Frisco, Texas. See what’s new in her online shop, or attend a craft project workshop.

Forget about Amazon, Facebook and Apple all announcing that they are going to build mega-offices in selected cities. Dallas has Texas Instruments...and look what they are doing.

https://www.dallasnews.com/business/technology/2019/04/18/texas-instruments-build-31billion-facility-create-nearly-500-jobs-richardson?fbclid=IwAR3Ru2GopN5f32OKulvy1C09YE91OKejE3v9xWvg8nYOzWNNZOjYWKRX3vw

Texas Instruments to build $3.1 billion chip plant, create nearly 500 jobs in Richardson Editor's note: This story is developing and will be updated.Dallas-based Texas Instruments has chosen Richardson as the site for an approximately...

Looking like it's going to happen, the rebirth of Collin Creek Mall.

https://www.dallasnews.com/business/real-estate/2019/04/22/plano-approves-1-billion-redevelopment-plan-collin-creek-mall?fbclid=IwAR1l-0Gzp-mSempsmie1p_zaesaQan1_KfPR3dFOxpKwH43ABK_ObEpDHkQ

Plano approves $1 billion redevelopment plan for Collin Creek Mall Plano officials have given the final approval for a $1 billion plan to redevelop the city's failing Collin Creek Mall. The city council voted...

How much would my house payment be...

REALTORS get that question a lot. But we are not Loan Officers and we cannot tell you exactly what your payment will be. We work with very experienced lenders and we rely upon them for all of the legal mortgage payment numbers.

However, I will give you an estimate (you can do the same with mortgage calculators that you can find on the 'net.) But remember, I strongly recommend that you work with a licensed mortgage broker to give you mortgage advice.

Let's say that you are applying for a $250,000 loan. If you borrow that much money, at an interest rate of 4.25%, then your estimated payment will be a little over $1,200 per month for 30 years.

That might seem like a lot of money, but take a deep breath and think about it for a moment. Apartment rents in the Dallas area are beginning to post above the $1,500/month mark.

And ALL of that money goes to your landlord.

With a home, your payments are helping you to build up equity in your home. And, depending upon the type of mortgage loan, your payments can be fixed for all 30 years. That's right, no landlord will increase your rent.

Contact me to discuss the possibilities of you owning a home and getting out of the rental rat race.

Housing prices are easing off in the Dallas area. Now is a great time for first-time home buyers to get in the housing market. Don't miss your chance. Take advantage of this minor slow-down in the market before it heats up again.

"The median [price for homes] dipped for the third consecutive month in Dallas to $282,100"

https://www.recenter.tamu.edu/articles/technical-report/Texas-Housing-Insight

Article - Real Estate Center Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University, helping Texans make better real estate decisions.

Documents that must be displayed on a Real Estate page in Texas

Hyatt Regency Stonebriar in Frisco is well underway

https://communityimpact.com/dallas-fort-worth/frisco/development-construction/2019/04/12/hyatt-regency-stonebriar-in-frisco-hits-midpoint-in-construction/

Hyatt Regency Stonebriar in Frisco hits midpoint in construction | Community Impact Newspaper Apr 12, 2019: Hyatt Regency Stonebriar, a new hotel attached to Stonebriar Centre, is halfway complete. Sam Moon Group and Brasfield & Gorrie celebrated the

Luxury theater planning to open in Shops at Willow Bend early in 2020.

https://www.dallasnews.com/business/retail/2019/04/11/cinpolis-luxury-theateropening-planos-shops-willow-bend-delayed-early-2020

Cinépolis luxury theater opening in Plano's Shops at Willow Bend delayed to early 2020 Construction has started on the Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas at Plano's Shops at Willow Bend. The theater planned to be ready this year, but said it's...

Credit score of at least 520 and you have worked the last 2 years? Then you just might be able to qualify for a home! Stop making your landlord rich and start saving your money by building up equity in your own home. Contact me TODAY by FB Messenger for MORE INFORMATION. (You can also call me at 469-389-0201.)

Information About Brokerage Services can be found here.
https://www.facebook.com/RobertMapesRealtor/posts/2799801766790850

Wow! 70% of all lawsuits regarding real estate are over boundary disputes. Be sure to protect yourself and get a new survey. I recommend CBG Surveying Texas LLC. https://www.cbgtxllc.com/

Topographic Surveys | United States | CBG Texas LLC - Land Surveyors CBG Texas LLC - Where technology meets tradition. We invite you to check out 'The CBG Difference' and find out how we can help you with any Land Surveying need both quickly and efficeintly.

Here is how Richardson residents can learn the latest on the Cotton Belt rail project

Richardson residents will have access to an east-west rail line via Dallas Area Rapid Transit’s Cotton Belt beginning in 2022. Recently, DART’s board also approved the addition of a second track along the entirety of the line that will not only improve the wait period between rail cars but also add more than $100 million to the project’s price tag.

https://communityimpact.com/dallas-fort-worth/richardson/city-county/2019/03/08/here-is-how-richardson-residents-can-learn-the-latest-on-the-cotton-belt-rail-project/

Here is how Richardson residents can learn the latest on the Cotton Belt rail project | Community Impact Newspaper Mar 8, 2019: Richardson residents will have access to an east-west rail line via Dallas Area Rapid Transit's Cotton Belt beginning in 2022. Recently, DART's board also

IKEA is selling Christmas trees this year. Some assembly required.

McKinney Performing Arts Center 'A Christmas Carol'

https://tickets.mckinneyperformingartscenter.org/TheatreManager/1/tmEvent/tmEvent1130.html

Taverna Rossa is having a week of SPECIALS in Plano.

http://planomagazine.com/taverna-rossa-celebrates-five-years-in-plano/

Taverna Rossa Celebrates Five Years with Five Days of Specials - Plano Magazine Taverna Rossa, Taverna Rossa Plano, Plano Pizza, Plano Beer, Plano Dining, Plano Restaurant, Best of Plano, North Texas Beer Week

New Condo Project in Frisco!

Wow! Can you believe how fast Frisco has grown? So many new restaurants and shops...

https://www.dallasnews.com/business/real-estate/2018/09/24/frisco-condo-tower-works-5-billionmile

Frisco condo tower in the works on $5 billion mile Frisco is getting another residential high-rise - this time a luxury condo project.The developers of the $700 million Gate development on the...

In accordance with TREC requirements, the IABS must now be present on Texas Real Estate Agent FaceBook pages.
http://bestlocalagency.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/IABS-2018-1-1.pdf

and here is the Texas Real Estate Commission Consumer Protection Notice.http://bestlocalagency.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Texas-Real-Estate-Commission-Consumer-Protection-Notice-feb2016.pdf

bestlocalagency.com

Getting ready for a Move? Here are 8 tips that might help.

The very thought of packing up all of our "stuff" is daunting to say the least, but Springtime is here, and it is a great time of year to move to a new home or to downsize into a smaller space. Putting your property on the market and planning for a big move can be stressful for all of us. Removing clutter from your home can make a big difference on how your property is perceived by a potential buyer. Having too much clutter in your home can make a statement that there is not enough storage space or living space. Take a look at these tips to help you prepare for the big move.

1. Have a friend walk through your home and tell you what they see as clutter. Often, we are so used to our own clutter, we don’t see it anymore. Having an objective point of view helps you to get rid of items that make your space look cluttered.

2. Pack up items that are not used daily and put in short-term storage. This includes excessive furniture that may make rooms look smaller. Make sure all counter tops in the kitchen are clear of appliances and knick-knacks.

3. Go through your closets and consider doing the following:

• Pack up seasonal clothing and sort through clothing you no longer wear and donate to charity. This includes handbags, shoes and accessories. This will help you get rid of items and keep you from moving unnecessary things to your new home.
• Keep the floor of the closet clear of any boxes, shoes, etc.
• In the master closet, invest in hangers that all look the same. Closets that have uniform hangers help the closet appear organized and clean.
• Purchase nice bins for items on closet shelves so the closet looks neat and tidy.

4. Go through your bathroom cabinets and purge items that are expired. Remove all items that are on your bathroom countertops and keep wipes on hand to wipe down countertops each morning after you prepare for your day.

5. Declutter your kitchen by purging old pots and pans and serving dishes you do not use. Keep a basket on hand to throw papers, clutter, etc. into in case you have a last-minute showing.

6. Make the Master bedroom a sanctuary. Remove items that do not make the bedroom seem like a peaceful place. Item such as books, exercise equipment, and computers can clutter the room.

7. Depersonalize your home. Remove family photos, unusual artwork, magnets and all paper off the refrigerator to keep it looking clean and clutter free.

8. Get help from professionals. Hiring a professional organizer to help you remove clutter your home, a staging expert to help you stage your spaces, cleaning professionals to keep your home spotless and storage professionals to store your precious items and furniture.

This article can also be found on sortedout.com

Plano's search for ISD superintendent is now focusing on one candidate.

https://communityimpact.com/dallas-fort-worth/plano/education/2018/03/01/plano-isd-narrows-superintendent-candidates-1-will-announce-finalist-march-6-meeting/

Plano ISD narrows superintendent candidates to 1, will announce finalist at March 6 meeting | Community Impact Newspaper Mar 1, 2018: Plano ISD trustees have selected a lone superintendent finalist to replace Brian Binggeli, who resigned abruptly in November for reasons the district said included "differing leadership philosophies." The superintendent finalist will be named at a special called meeting of the board of....

Yoh acquires Frisco-based Maxsys Solutions, LLC.

http://www.yoh.com/press-room/yoh-acquires-maxsys-solutions

Yoh Acquires Maxsys Solutions, LLC, a Texas-Based Recruitment Firm Yoh, a leading international talent and outsourcing company and part of Day & Zimmermann, announced today the acquisition of Maxsys Solutions, LLC, a Frisco, Texas-based specialty IT recruitment firm.

Chocolate Lovers, you have a PLANO LOCATION!

Dude, Sweet Chocolate
1016 E. 15th St.

http://planoprofile.com/2017/02/03/how-katherine-clapner-is-doing-chocolate-her-way/

Sweet Inventions: How Katherine Clapner is doing chocolate her way at Dude, Sweet Chocolate - Plano Profile Connecting Collin County Dude, Sweet Chocolate is not your average chocolate shop. It’s hilariously irreverent with a bare-bones appeal that lets the true star—the chocolate—shine. They aren’t heavy-laden with sweet peppermint or cherry cordial, but are odd little bits of genius: Love Potions, Irish Car Bombs and Hi...