Real Estate Information Archive

Many people understand & believe that home ownership is key to fulfilling the American Dream.  In a world where affordability varies so widely and is affected by so many factors, the folks over at HowMuch.net created an amazing visual aid to offer an easy apple-to-apples comparison.  Using US Census Data  to determine median incomes v/s media sale prices, these experts broke down each cities respective housing costs to the number of hours required to cover an average mortgage.  While Memphis, TN can be home by Wednesday, New York, NY will be putting away some late night hours.

Want to see how your individual city faired, be sure to check out the source data found here: https://howmuch.net/sources/hours-work-afford-home

Christie Cannon | REALTOR
The Christie Cannon Team
Keller Williams Realty Frisco
469-951-9588
www.ChristieCannon.com
 

What should you as a Buyer under contract be aware of after the hail storm here in North Texas?

Christie Cannon | REALTOR
Keller Williams Frisco | The Christie Cannon Team
http://www.christiecannon.com/
469-951-9588
972-215-7747

4783 Preston Road #300, Frisco, TX 75034
469-951-9588

The award winning Real Estate Agents of The Christie Cannon Team with Keller Williams Frisco are here to serve your real estate needs.

Hi, I am Christie Cannon of the Christie Cannon Team at Keller Williams Realty.
I hope that this morning finds you safe & sound after the storms that hit North Texas yesterday evening! Given the chaotic weather events, damaging winds, & potential for large hail over the last 24 hours, I want to speak to about the next steps in the process. 
As a Buyer under-contract & moving towards closing, you may have questions about what effect last night’s storm may have on your closing process & your due diligence prior to purchase. I wanted to take a few minutes to let you know some actionable items & some concerns that you should be aware of as you prepare for your new home.
While a seller has a duty to disclose known defects, it is recommended that you don’t rely on this duty as your primary means of diligence. As such, we at the Christie Cannon Team recommend that you immediately have a conversation with your insurance company and look to have the roof on the home you are purchasing inspected by a reputable roofer, as a minimum level of due diligence.
The goal is to ensure that the roof you are purchasing is functioning properly & is insurable by your insurance carrier. In most cases, your insurance carrier will not be inspecting the roof until well after your purchase! That would not be the time to find deficiencies!
It is also possible, should you be financing the property, that your lender may require a “reassessment” from the appraiser. While this may be a necessary step for the mortgage process, an appraiser is not likely qualified to ensure the roof is properly insurable & functioning. 
While both steps have the potential to delay your closing; the steps are critical to ensuring that you are properly prepared for your purchase. Issues of insurability & weather claims are much more easily resolved & handled prior to closing. We always recommend that buyer not close until you are confident in your purchase.
Should you have questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to us here at the Christie Cannon Team.

As a Seller here in North TX, the hail last night can certainly create some large concerns. In this video, I discuss some key things to keep in mind!

Christie Cannon | REALTOR
Keller Williams Frisco | The Christie Cannon Team
http://www.christiecannon.com/
469-951-9588
972-215-7747

4783 Preston Road #300, Frisco, TX 75034

The award winning Real Estate Agents of The Christie Cannon Team with Keller Williams Frisco are here to serve your real estate needs.

I hope that this morning finds you safe & sound after the crazy storms that hit North Texas yesterday evening! We have had some rough weather, high winds, & for many of us saw large hail in the last 24 hours.
One of the most common questions I get asked, is how does this affect my disclosure as a seller or even my closing process. I wanted to take a few minutes to discuss our recommendations at The Christie Cannon Team. 
In Texas, sellers have a duty to disclose known defects of a property. Even in the instances where a seller has already provided a written seller’s disclosure to a buyer, it is required that a seller disclose any new information that makes an earlier presentation misleading or untrue. In simple terms, a seller should present any new information to the buyer, and we recommend doing so in writing. Updating your Seller’s Disclosure or providing a written report is a great way to do so.
For a seller under contract, there are several key things to understand after a large weather event.
It is very likely that a buyer’s lender will require the roof/home be “reassessed” by the appraiser to assess the extent of any potential damage. Please be aware, this is may be a requirement for the buyer to get their financing.
Buyers typically will, and should, conduct a final walk-thru to ensure the home is in the condition they contracted & find acceptable. It is very likely, that a buyer after such a weather event, will want to be certain the roof is functioning properly and insurable. As such they will likely seek a roofer to examine the roof & should the roof not be in the original contracted state &/or fail to meet the lender’s underwriter’s criteria for an insurable roof; the buyer will likely seek you repair or file an insurance claim. 
As a seller, this affords you a few options. You can disclose any damage which occurred and wait for a buyer to act – through request or reports from their own roofer or you can take more proactive approach, & have your own insurance adjuster &/or a reputable roofer inspect your property. Taking this approach, you can typically feel confident in the efficacy of the findings & be better prepared for any action required of the results. But do be aware, any findings – especially those that are deficient – must be disclosed to the buyer.
These actions do have the potential to delay closing; however, the inconvenience of a closing delay is much less that have a later issue arise due to undisclosed damage or potential insurability issues after closing. 
Should you have any specific questions about your sale, disclosure, or the next steps – please call or email & we are happy to assist.

Looking at buying or selling?  Please let the award winning Christie Cannnon Team of Keller Williams Frisco share with your the experience & service that made them #1 with Keller Williams Realty in the North TX - New Mexico Region.

Please feel free to call with any questions!

Thank you,

Please call or email with any questions!

Christie Cannon
The Christie Cannon Team
Keller Williams Frisco TX
469-951-9588 - Direct
http://www.christiecannon.com/

4783 Preston Road #300, Frisco, TX 75034

#1 Keller Williams Agent in the North TX - New Mexico Region in 2016
Voted as one of the BEST Realtors in D Magazine for 2010 – 2016
Voted as a Five Star Professional 2012 -2017 in Texas Monthly Magazine
Named among Best Real Estate Agents in American by Real Trends Magazine
Named as one of the Top 250 Real Estate Teams in America as seen in The Wall Street Journal
Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist & Member KW Luxury Homes Division
Global Property Specialist
#1 Keller Williams Frisco Agent 2011-2016
#1 Keller Williams Luxury Agent in North TX

If you purchased a home this past year, now is the time to file your homestead exemption (if applicable).   Despite any mail you may receive from a service offering to do this for a fee, paying such a fee is not required.

So what does a Homestead exemption do? 

A homestead exemption removes part of your home’s value from taxation.  The Homestead Exemption also “caps” the taxable market value growth for your home!  It may also afford you certain legal protections from creditors & circumstances arising from the death of a spouse.

How does a homestead exemption work?

For most home owners, they seek an exemption for the possibility of lowering their taxable value.  Simply as an example, if a home were assessed by the county at $200,000, and the home owner received a $20,000 exemption – they would be taxed on $180,000 for their homestead.

Do all homes qualify for an exemption?

No, typically only your primary residence will qualify. The homeowner must be an individual (not a corporation or business entity) and have owned/occupied the home prior to January 1^st of the tax year.  For an Over-65 or Disabled exemption,  the Jan 1^st requirement is waived.

What homestead exemptions exist?

Any taxing unit, including a city, county, school, or special district, may offer an exemption of up to 20 percent of a home's value (but not less than $5,000). Additional Homestead Exemptions exist for “65 or older” &/or “Dis-abled”, Over-55 Surviving Spouse of a Person Who Received an over 65 Exemption, 100% Disabled Veteran, & Service Connected Disabled Veteran & Surviving Spouses.

What if my home has more than 1 owner?

You may still qualify if you are not the sole owner. For instance, if you own 50% of the property, & otherwise qualify, you may received 50% of the tax benefit.

When is the filing deadline?

BETWEEN JANUARY 1 & APRIL 30…..   and again, it is FREE!

OH NO!  I missed by deadline last year, did I miss my chance?

You may file up to one year from the date the taxes became delinquent!

What is the Homestead Cap?

Your homestead is protected from future appraisal tax-value increases in excess of 10% per year from the date of the last appraisal PLUS the value of any NEW improvements (like an addition, pool, etc).

How do I file?

Filing is done at your local county &/or county assessor’s office. 

Collin County click HERE

Denton County click HERE

Dallas County click HERE

Not sure you filed last year?

You can check in your local county’s tax rolls or simply give the county a call & they will be happy to confirm.

Want to know more?

Collin County & Denton County each have excellent FAQ’s on their websites!

Don’t see your county, check here!

https://www.comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/property-tax/county-directory/

Have additional questions, please let us know!

Christie Cannon  REALTOR

The Christie Cannon Team

Keller Williams Frisco TX

469.951.9588: Mobile

972.215.7747: Office

Voted as one of the BEST Realtors in D Magazine for 2010-2016

Voted as a Five Star Professional 2012-2016 Texas Monthly Magazine

Named among America's Best Real Estate Agents by Real Trends Magazine

Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist

Global Property Specialist

#1 Keller Williams Agent 2011-2016

Top 50 Agents in the Nation / KW

4783 Preston Rd #300 Frisco TX 75034

Christie Cannon & The Christie Cannon Team of Keller Williams Frisco is proud to announce that we have been fortunate to partner with developer Texas North Residential to assist them in selling their most recent community – Provence | McKinney, TX!

Provence in McKinney, TX is a luxury townhome community boasting an easy living lifestyle, quality construction, rich designer details, and modern, elegant designs.  This small boutique community will offer approximately 80 townhomes, each able to tailored to a fit & finish of an owner’s style.  From delightfully appointed standard features, to the possibility of residential elevators, Provence strives to impress!

Nestled in West McKinney, a city named Money Magazine’s #1 Best Place to Live, this gorgeous community is centrally located with easy access to DFW’s two major airports, historic downtown McKinney and the Tollways.  Tree line streets, sculpture gardens, winding walking paths and an adjoining park create a tranquil setting.  Gabe Nesbit park and McKinney’s award winning APEX Fitness Center are only steps away!

We look forward to bringing you more news soon from this exciting community!

Christie Cannon  REALTOR

The Christie Cannon Team

Keller Williams Frisco TX

469.951.9588: Mobile

972.215.7747: Office

Voted as one of the BEST Realtors in D Magazine for 2010-2016

Voted as a Five Star Professional 2012-2016 Texas Monthly Magazine

Named among America's Best Real Estate Agents by Real Trends Magazine

Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist

Global Property Specialist

#1 Keller Williams Agent 2011-2016

Top 50 Agents in the Nation / KW

4783 Preston Rd #300 Frisco TX 75034

One of Frisco's most anticipated luxury communities, has broken ground & is moving towards their grand opening!  Hines, a Houston based developer, has been developing one of Frisco’s most coveted tracks along Stonebrook & Legacy.

The expected list of builders for this community includes some of the areas most respected:

• Highland Homes
• Huntington Homes
• Sanders Custom Homes
• Darling Homes
• Shaddock Homes
• Ron Davis Custom Homes
• Village Builders
• Coventry Homes

This premium location boasts Frisco ISD’s Allen Elementary & private school Legacy Christian Academy to the East & Frisco ISD’s Reedy High school & B.F. Phillips Community Park to the West.  Edgestone at Legacy enjoys a greenbelt of mature trees lining the winding path of Stewart Creek. 

Christie Cannon  REALTOR

The Christie Cannon Team

Keller Williams Frisco TX

469.951.9588: Mobile

972.215.7747: Office

Voted as one of the BEST Realtors in D Magazine for 2010-2016

Voted as a Five Star Professional 2012-2016 Texas Monthly Magazine

Named among America's Best Real Estate Agents by Real Trends Magazine

Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist

Global Property Specialist

#1 Keller Williams Agent 2011-2016

Top 50 Agents in the Nation / KW

4783 Preston Rd #300 Frisco TX 75034

By now it is no secret that Dallas & Fort Worth real estate dominated national news in 2016, but according to REALTOR.com, Texas holds an overwhelming majority in the top searched zip codes on their national website.

TX real estate's "hot market" factor has earned TX cities 18 of the top 20 spots, with the entire top 10 list being from TX!

North Texas eats up the entire top 10 with Dallas suburbs taking 6 spots!

So why all the love?  For starters, keep in mind we are talking a geographic area the size of Connecticut & Rhode Island combined!  Likewise, this list only factors REALTOR.com's searches.  Other websites, like Zillow.com, are much less accurate (in many cases by more than 20%) in our non-disclosure state. 

And those Waco spots?  Well, according to one REALTOR.com article, a great deal of that search may simply be attributed to the wildly popular Chip & Joanne Gaines' TV show "Fixer Upper"!

It will be interesting to see how this list compares to other national websites stats!

Christie Cannon  REALTOR

The Christie Cannon Team

Keller Williams Frisco TX

469.951.9588: Mobile

972.215.7747: Office

Voted as one of the BEST Realtors in D Magazine for 2010-2016

Voted as a Five Star Professional 2012-2016 Texas Monthly Magazine

Named among America's Best Real Estate Agents by Real Trends Magazine

Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist

Global Property Specialist

#1 Keller Williams Agent 2011-2016

Top 50 Agents in the Nation / KW

Inadequate Inventory Driving Prices Up

The latest Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) revealed a direct correlation between a lack of inventory and rising prices. We are all familiar with the concept of supply and demand. As the demand for an item increases the supply of that same item goes down, driving prices up. Year-over-year inventory levels have dropped each of the last 18 months, as inventory now stands at a 4.0-month supply, well below the 6.0-month supply needed for a ‘normal’ market. The median price of homes sold in November (the latest data available) was $234,900, up 6.8% from last year and marking the 57 consecutive month with year-over-year gains.

NAR’s Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun had this to say:

"Existing housing supply at the beginning of the year was inadequate and is now even worse heading into 2017. Rental units are also seeing this shortage. As a result, both home prices and rents continue to far outstrip incomes in much of the country."

But there is good news about rising prices. More and more homeowners are recovering from a negative equity situation and learning that they are able to sell their homes and either move up to their dream home or downsize to a property that will better suit their needs. Look for these homes to come to market soon.

Buyer demand continues to outpace the supply of homes for sale. Listing your home in the winter attracts serious buyers who are looking to close the transaction quickly.

Tis the season for Chistmas lights & busted pipes!

While we may not experience the long cold winters of some of our more northern cousins, we have experienced long enough cold snaps to freeze pipes and damage homes.

Here are some helpful tips to help you prepare a home you may be selling (or any home) for the cold.