Jeff Wimpy Blog about Frisco Texas Real Estate
Thoughts and conversation about Frisco Tx real estate and more“It May Be Time to Think About Buying a House” - NY Times
"Five or 10 years from now, when the financial crisis has ended and housing prices are up smartly once more, we will look in the rearview mirror and realize that we missed a golden age for first-time home buyers."
Read the whole article here »
‘Extreme Makeover’ Winners Face Foreclosure
Editor's note: I realize this is not about Frisco specifically but I thought it was interesting.
One of the most-watched winners on ABC-TV’s "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" is about to undergo foreclosure.
The Nov. 6, 2004, show, which set an "Extreme Makeover" ratings record, featured Judy and Larry Vardon, who are both deaf. The show remodeled their home to accommodate their blind, autistic son Vance, now 16 years old.
The Vardons currently face a monthly house payment of $2,300 and a mortgage rate that has topped 11 percent.
"Everyone thought the house was paid for," says Gerald Naftaly, the mayor of Oak Park, Mich., where the family lives. "But that wasn't the case. They still had their mortgage. They are just another number with the mortgage company."
Vardon, 50, works at Chrysler's Sterling Heights stamping plant. The couple is working with Lighthouse of Oakland County, a nonprofit group that aids families in crisis, to help them negotiate a lower mortgage rate.
Source: The Associated Press (12/08/08)
Costco in Frisco?
You may have heard rumors about a Costco coming to Frisco. Allegedly it is to be built next to the Main Event entertainment venue at Main and DNT. Here's the latest from the City of Frisco's, Scott Ingall, in the Zoning Dept.:
"The zoning request showed both a CostCo and a Main Event each in a different location. The Main Event has received site plan approval and should be going to construction in the next few months. We have not received any application for a CostCo on this site or anywhere else in the City. " - Scott Ingalls, Zoning & Subdivision (March 4, 2008)
For now, it looks like there is land set aside for a Costco but it is still categorized as a rumor!
Panther Creek Parkway Expansion
Here's the latest regarding Panther Creek Parkway:
"Panther Creek Parkway (DNT – Teel) and Legacy Drive - This project was submitted and approved by City Council in May 2007 for expedited design and construction. Plans were completed in November 2007 and Council awarded the bid on December 18, 2007 to Mario Sinacola & Sons. Construction began January 21st, 2008 and is proceeding at an expeditious rate. Construction of Panther Creek Parkway is projected to be complete in six months. Legacy Drive should be completed by August 2008." -- Curt Balogh, Spec. Asst. to the City Mgr
This project has been expedited because of delays in the Eldorado Parkway expansion plans.
Newman Village in Frisco - Legacy and Eldorado Parkway
Have you seen the plans for the new gated community, Newman Village, and the Urban Retail Center? If not, you've got to check it out, it looks awesome.
I really, really hope it turns out as nice as the pictures in the .pdf file. We need a really cool place in West Frisco that focuses on outdoor liesure, shopping, and restaurants. I like Frisco Square but so much of it is not conducive to relaxing outside unless you're at a soccer game or concert. Although, I saw that Lochrann's now has outdoor seating. Starbucks will be opening soon, too!
Eldorado Parkway Expansion Update
I know we are all anxious to get relief from the brutal traffic on Eldorado Parkway. It seems like the Eldorado expansion will never get here. Here's the latest that I have heard as of 4/2008:
"The project was bid on February 7, 2008 by TxDOT. The apparent low bidder is W.W. Webber, LLC. The amount of the bid was $21,211,560.36. Currently TxDOT has a 'delayed' construction start scheduled on the project since all the franchised utilities are not finished with their relocations until June 2008." Curt Balogh, Spec. Asst. to the City Mgr.
Also, to compensate for all the orange barrels that will soon litter Eldorado Parkway, the City of Frisco has stepped up construction on Panther Creek (just to the north of Eldorado) over to Dallas North Tollway. That is slated to open late Summer - early Fall of 2008.
Hwy 121 Timeline
Here's a brief timeline from Frisco's "State of the City" report (updated March 2008) regarding Hwy 121 openings.
Of course, this is a Texas Department of Transportation Project, and not the responsibility of the City of Frisco:
TxDOT projected main lane construction completion dates:
Through Denton County to Hillcrest - September 2008
Phase 3: Hillcrest to US-75 - 2010
Phase 4: 121/US 75 Interchange - 2011
Phase 5: 121/DNT Interchange - 2012
Enhanced Search Criteria
I was finally able to create a better search form that will allow users to focus their search criteria! Give it a try: Enhanced Search Form
Closing Escrow - The Movie
I know it's been a while since I've updated my blog and there are plenty of more important things to add here. However, my wife and I rented "Closing Escrow" last night on a whim. Let me preface this by saying my expectations were about as low as they come. I was expecting a low budget, poorly written, bad acting, indy waste of my time. (We have a courtesy 10 minute rule where we will give every movie at least 10 minutes to prove itself before we eject and move on).Although it was low budget and the acting wouldn't qualify as Oscar worthy, I have to say we were pleasantly suprised. Perhaps it was just because my expectations were so low, but we actually laughed quite a bit. It's definately a lampooning of real estate agents and some of the typical homebuyers, but I swear I know people (and have worked with them) who fit the sterotypes perfectly.
If you don't have anything else to do and have a few extra dollars to burn the next time you're in the mood for a movie, you might check it out.
Suggestion Box
As I mentioned before, I am working on improving and expanding this website. One of the small but, potentially, most helpful additions is a new suggestion box. I am looking for constructive input on what kind of content you would like to see added to this website. How can I help you in the process of buying a home in Frisco (or anywhere else in the DFW area)?
While I believe the most benefcial thing I can do is work hard representing you as your Realtor, I know that most of you go the internet first for precursory research. I do the same thing.
If you have suggestions, though, drop me a line. Name and email address are optional!
Big Thanks to Candy Evans of D Magazine
I received an email inquiry this morning from a gentleman who mentioned he found out about me from the D Magazine Home and Garden Blog. After a quick search, I discovered that Candy Evans, a Real Estate editor for D Home and Garden was kind enough to post a link to the "Why Buy In Frisco?" article on my website.
Big Thanks to Candy Evans!!
The BEST new-construction deal I have ever found
I was with some of my new friends/clients again this weekend. I have been looking for a new home with them since October. It is now the right timing for them to actually make a purchase. We found a brand new, never lived in home in a great neighborhood in west Frisco, over 4,000sf and fully loaded with hand-scraped hardwoods throughout the downstairs, huge gameroom with wet bar and a full-size media room.
The house was listed at $412,000 and I negotiated it down to $355,000. That is $57,000 off! That is officially the best deal I have found since I got my real estate license. When I checked the comps, there was one other that sold in the neighborhood for $380k. The rest were all over $400k for comparable sized homes.
It is a good time to buy new construction if you know where to look!
Website was down
Not real sure why, but my website exceeded the allowed bandwidth usage yesterday. I checked the logs and I did have little higher than usual traffic but I can't attribute it to anything in particular. Hmmm. If you came to the site yesterday, I'm sorry if it was down. I have doubled the bandwidth and hopefully it won't happen again. Actually, I hope it does. That means I will have doubled my website traffic!
BTW, thanks to everyone who sent very kind remarks about the new look. I am happy with it, too.
Wal-Mart is Now Open in Little Elm
It's official, Little Elm and nearby Frisco have given birth to a new, bouncing baby Wal-Mart at the intersection of Eldorado Parkway and Hwy 423. Parents and child are said to be doing well.
Although it opened this past Tuesday, TW and I didn't make it over until last night, Friday, around 9pm. It was insane... low, low prices and long, long lines.
The location will give Little Elm residents and Frisconians along the Eldorado corridor a more convenient place to shop for grocieries and various sundries. Hopefully, Wal-Mart's cousin, the gas station, will be coming soon. We could use one closer than Main/Teel or Main/423.
Meanwhile, Target continues to make progress a few miles east at Eldorado and Legacy.
Realtor Tour and Open House
We had a realtor tour on Wednesday. That's where several agents from our office carpool and look at homes that we each have listed for our clients. It's a good feedback mechanism for both the agent and the sellers. It helps get some other perspectives.
I had 8180 Nicholson on the list. No suprises, everyone loved it. There is no doubt in my mind when the market picks up around here, it's gonna sell quick. We are holding an open house for it tomorrow from 11am to 2pm. Hope we have a good turn out. Traditionally, open houses aren't very successful out here. We'll cross our fingers, though.
It’s been slow for a couple weeks…
It's been pretty slow for the past couple weeks. I am a little suprised because it picked up significantly at the end of March. I had so much business I could hardly keep up. However, for the past couple weeks it's dropped off just as quick. I have spoken with several new home builder reps and it's the same for them. Still predicted to be a great year for real estate in Dallas though. Woo hoo!
Quail Run - Allen, TX
TW and I stopped by this new subdivision in Allen a few days ago. It's a nice neighborhood. Landstar and Drees are the only two builders here, which will make for a really nice looking area. Good size park and community swimming pool in the middle. It also had playground equipment, basketball court, and soccer goals. Prices are typical for these types of builders, upper $200's to mid $400's. As usual, the subdivison is broken in to two different "products", which is determined by their lot sizes.
One side is 55' x 110' (6,050sf) and has rear entry garages. The other side is 65'x120' (7,800sf). They have some really good price incentives right now, which I suspect will go away during the summer when things really pick up.
It's definately worth taking a look at it if you're interested in Allen. 214-577-8340.
It is really growing!
I was driving around today and it really hit me how much west Frisco is growing. I'm really excited!
The new Wal-Mart is almost done off of 423/Eldorado. Should be open in April.
The new Super-Target is making good progress. TW and I are really excited about that one. It's practically in our back yard!
Market Street is starting to make it know to the public that they are coming to town (right across from Super Target!)
Rudy' BBQ and Comfort Suites off of the Tollway is stirring up dirt
Studio Movie Grill has broken ground next to Poppy's
It’s official… We’re a team.
After some time of discussing the timing and feesibility, my wife has resigned her position as Transaction Coordinator/Exec. Admin for her dad and has decided to work with me! Woo Hoo!
It's nice to be in a position where we have the option for her to work or not.
She'll be helping me some with transaction administration, however, her primary role will be Business Development. I think she'll be really great at it. Mainly, she'll help me acquire new clients through a variety of marketing efforts, networking, and organization.
I'm really excited!!
Settling in
We officially moved to our new REMAX office last week. If you're not aware, The Gunder Group (me, my wife, my father-in-law, my mom, and my mother-in-law) have moved from RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs to RE/MAX First Realty off of 423/Eldorado in Frisco/Little Elm.
It's going ok. There are definately some adjustments to be made. It will be a seamless transition for our clients. It will take some getting used to for us, though. Excited about the location. And, not that I was ever there, but it will save us a good 20-25 minutes drive time to Plano.
New Website (v2.0)
I've been wanting to update my website for some time now. Unfortunately, "free time" is a mythical creature from a time long, long ago. So, I am trying to add bits and pieces as I can.
The goal is to provide a more informative and insightful website for people who are considering moving to the North Dallas area. A large percentage of my clients are from other states and want more detailed information about this area. Understandably so. Buying in Dallas metro can be very different than buying in other states. I find that I do a lot of educating about the process and things to be aware of when buying a home here. It's different. Texas is unique.
Hopefully, this website will answer a few questions and provide relevant information that will help people who are new.
In future rollouts, I would like to include client input as well. It's one thing to hear it from a Realtor. I see value, though, in hearing from others who are have recently been through the process giving advice of things that were new to them. It could really help enhance the buying process.
In the meantime, as I get a few minutes here and there I'll be adding new content. Hopefully, I'll be able to make the changeover by late spring or early summer.
