Real Estate Information Archive

How do I get really know a neighborhood when searching for a house?

DISCOVERING The NEIGHBORHOOD

There are many factors to consider when selecting a neighborhood that is right for you. Think about the location in terms of commute time to work, distance from leisure-time activities, and proximity to shopping, schools or any other places you frequent. You may think of others factors that are important to you. Please take some time to write them down and share them with us.  We are delighted to point in the direction of resource to help ensure that you are as well informed as possible before you consider your home purchase.

Scout out the Neighborhood!

• It is important that you scout the neighborhood in person – everyone’s taste is unique.  Make sure the community matches your needs and lifestyle.
• Talk to people who live there.  Ask us if we may have past clients in the area, often they are happy to share their knowledge and experience.
• Drive through the entire area at different times of the day, during the week, and on weekends.
• Look carefully at how well other homes in the area are being maintained—are they painted; are the yards well cared for; are parked cars in good condition?
• Consider attending any upcoming community or HOA event!

Neighborhood Factors to Consider

• Look for things such as access to major thoroughfares, highways, and shopping.
• Consider recreating your work drive during similar commute times.
• Listen for noise created by commerce, roads, railways, public areas, schools, etc.
• Travel through the community on weekends and after school hours.
• Check with local civic, police, fire, and school officials to find information about the area.  Police Public  Information Officers can be a great resource.
• Research environmental topics such as soil and water quality, as well as floodplain implications.
• Study traffic patterns around the area at different times of the day and measure drive time from the area to work.
• Is the neighborhood near parks, places of religious worship, recreation centers, shopping, theaters, restaurants, public transportation, schools, etc.?  Consider where you spend your time, outside of your home.
• Does the neighborhood have a Homeowner’s Association?  If so, how much is it and what does that add to my monthly payment.  

What must a Buyer Know in Multiple Offer Situations? 

If you walk in a home and instantly fall in love with it, the odds are pretty high you aren’t the only one. (Click HERE for Why!) Welcome to multiple offers. The best thing you can do is make an offer as soon as you are comfortable and make it good.

Buyers often pass over making an offer for the simply the fear of being in multiple offers. Don’t let your fear get in the way!  Don’t assume that you may not have a chance; get your offer in. There is always a chance that your offer may just be what the sellers are looking for.  Likewise, very often we see buyers & agents get overly discouraged in a competitive market and fail to submit their offer based on a false assumption of multiple offers. 

Should a property receive multiple offers, the seller will likely request a highest and best with a deadline for submission.  However, a seller is not required to do so!  It is not uncommon for a seller’s needs to be met by one particular offer (a stand out offer) and they don’t request highest & best - they simply try and work with the offer the best suits their needs.  Remember, there is more to the offer than price alone.  If you can offer the seller flexibility with the closing date, or perhaps allowing the seller to stay in the home for a few days after closing, you may just win the day.

First discuss your strategy with your agent, and understand your options.  Be frank in your desire for a particular house; this way, your strategy can support your needs.  Second ask yourself what this home is worth to you and what you are willing to lose it over.  Simply put, there is a price that keeps the house attractive, and a price where "losing" the offer is acceptable.  Lastly, ask your lender about your options to make sure the home & strategy remain affordable in your set budget.

Something to remember, in Texas, a seller is not required to disclose if they have more than one offer!  And there are times when a seller may feel requesting a "highest & best" offer is not in their best interest.  That is why you may want to put out your best offer forward, if it is a home you truly want.  When you put your best offer forward, you know that should the seller select another offer, it was at terms or a price greater that you were willing to pay. 

If you end up in a multiple offer scenario, we can help you create a strategy that you feel will put you in the best position to meet your goals.  The most important thing to remember, do not get discouraged!  The answer is always “No”, if you don’t make the offer!

Christie Cannon  REALTOR

The Christie Cannon Team

Keller Williams Realty Frisco 

469.951.9588: Mobile

972.215.7747: Office

www.christiecannon.com

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

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

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

Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist

#1 Keller Williams Agent 2011-2015

Top 100 Agents in the Nation / KW

4783 Preston Rd #300 Frisco TX 75034

Why am I affiliated with Keller Williams Realty? - Christie Cannon | Keller Williams Frisco

My affiliation with the fastest growing and largest Real Estate company in the world is no accident!  With my business partner and husband holding an independent Broker’s license, and given my long experience in real estate – the opportunity to be affiliated with any number of brokerages and companies is available.

I wanted to affiliate my real estate services, and The Christie Cannon Team, with a company whose values closely match my own, a company that offered exceptional tools for their agents to in-turn provide an exceptional home-buying and home-selling experience to each client, and a company that actually listened to suggestions from its agents.  That is why we choose to be affiliated with Keller Williams Realty.

Here is the belief system at Keller Williams Realty, simple, clear, effective, and powerful:

– WI4C2TS –

Win Win or no deal

Integrity to do the right thing

Customer always comes first

Commitment in all things

Communication seek first to understand

Creativity ideas before results

Teamwork together we achieve more

Trust starts with honesty

Success results through people

It is a belief system, mission, vision, and set of values that mimic our own.  We are proud to be part of this culture and commitment to excellence.  We are proud to be part of company that focuses not on only on service, but on selfless-ness. Keller Williams Realty is company that understands, and has been recognized, for understanding that the culture of a company is every bit as important as its economic model.

With a business belief system this well-defined, I am assured that my past and current customers always come first. It’s Keller Williams Realty’s & The Christie Cannon Team’s commitment to you.

Christie Cannon  REALTOR

The Christie Cannon Team

Keller Williams Realty Frisco 

469.951.9588: Mobile

972.215.7747: Office

www.christiecannon.com

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

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

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

Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist

#1 Keller Williams Agent 2011-2015

Top 100 Agents in the Nation / KW

The Christie Cannon Team | Keller Williams Frisco TX | www.christiecannon.com

4783 Preston Rd #300 Frisco TX

More Staging Tips to Help You Sell Faster and for More Money, from Christie Cannon | Keller Williams Frisco Tx

Buyers love built-in bookshelves. There’s a fine line between filling them with clutter and staging them to sell. The trick is to arrange neutral items in clusters. Make sure that no single accessory stands out too much. That way, you’ll show off your attractive built-ins, and not your personal belongings.

Curb appeal is vital to attracting buyers. First, with two tones of paint, add a faux finish to any corner keystones. Next, bring out the color of walkway pavers using a stone sealer and finally, plant flowers in bloom.

Staging rooms to show off their true potential is essential when selling your home. Clear out clutter or other personal items that will distract buyers. Paint the walls a neutral tine, and furnish the space to show off how functional it is.

Let the sun shine in. Buyers love light and airy living rooms, but dark and dingy isn’t on their list. Open up your window shades to let some light in. Cheat some sunshine with a light-colored paint and lots of artificial lighting. You can never have too many lamps.

Unpleasant pet odors won’t win over buyers. We all love our pets, but unpleasant pet odors can make a negative first impression. Be sure to get rid of old carpet than can trap offensive smells. Replace it with fresh new carpet in a neutral color. Plus, if you paint the walls to match, your living room will look bigger.  If that doesn't do the trick, consider an Ozone Treatment!

Storage space sells! Potential buyers love homes that have lots of storage space. Since they will open your closets, it’s a good idea to clear out unnecessary clutter, and organize your shelves to show off how much storage you really have. Plus, it gives you a chance to start packing, as you will definitely be moving once buyers see all that closet space.

Create a nice flow in your rooms. Buyers are attracted to homes that have a good flow. You can create circulation by replacing square or rectangular dining tables with round ones. Cutting the corners adds room to this maneuver and creates a spinoff effect that adds flow to your home – cash flow, that is. 

Pack up unnecessary items. An overpacked room is a red-flag to buyers that a home lacks storage.  Clear the way for buyers to see your space and square-footage. Consider a short term storage unity or even the garage.

CHRISTIE CANNON  REALTOR

The Christie Cannon Team

Keller Williams Frisco

469-951-9588: Mobile

4783 Preston Rd #300, Frisco, TX 75034

Some Staging Tips for Selling Your Home Faster, from Christie Cannon | Keller Williams Frisco

Grimy bathroom walls are a major red flag to buyers. Here is an easy way to get rid of surface mold: Mix a spray bottle with one part water and one part bleach. Just spray it on the wall, and watch the mold disappear. Give it a fresh coat of paint and your grimy bathroom will go from red flat to red-hot.

Don’t replace a yucky shower door: Just scour it. Instead of replacing it, clean it with a mixture of one part muriatic acid and about 10 parts water. Scrub with steel wool, wipe it down and reinstall the door.

Avoid dated tile by painting. Bathrooms sell houses, but dated tile in a bathroom doesn’t. A low-cost alternative to replacing the tile is to use paint. First coat the tiles with a high-adhesion primer. Next, brush on a special ceramic epoxy covering. For a fraction of the cost of new tile, you will have an up-to-date bathroom that brings in big bucks.

Pedestal sinks are a big hit with buyers. They show off square footage in small bathrooms beautifully. First, your old vanity has to go. Next, just hook up your new sink and your bathroom will have dramatic appeal that brings in big bucks.

A master bedroom should appeal to both sexes. Get rid of features that seem too gender-specific. Paint the walls a neutral color, and choose bedding that matches. Then accessorize with items that complement the overall color scheme.

New kitchen appliances bring high returns from sellers. Once you install the new equipment, it will scream “new kitchen,” and you will see that spending a little money will make you even more.

Turn an unattractive fireplace into a selling feature. First, that dated brass screen has got to go. Next, give the fireplace a good cleaning, scrubbing it with soap and water. Then, using a stone color enhancer, polish the bricks to make them shine.

Stain or paint dated kitchen cabinets instead of replacing them. First, apply the stain in even strokes, going with the grain of the wood. Add some stylish hardware, and your kitchen will have the up-to-date look that buyers love.

Stainless-steel appliances are definitely in with buyers. Instead of buying a new dishwasher, there may be a low-cost way to resurface an old one: check with your manufacturer, many sell replacement panels & covers for the dishwasher facing.

Fill existing hardware holes instead of making new, unsightly ones. First, dip a toothpick in glue and place it in the stripped hole. Cut off the excess piece. Once the glue dries, you’ll be ready to put in the hardware that buyers love.

Save money on granite countertops. First, see if you can do the demo yourself. Also, ask the vendor for remnants from previous projects for smaller bathroom jobs. Remember, many times the money you spend will definitely returned in the value these beautiful counters add to your kitchen & baths.

Have Questions, feel free to give me a call!

CHRISTIE CANNON  REALTOR

The Christie Cannon Team

Keller Williams Frisco

469-951-9588: Mobile

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

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

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

Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist

#1 Keller Williams Agent 2011-2016

Top 100 Agents in the Nation / KW

4783 Preston Rd #300, Frisco, TX 75034

When is the Best Time to Buy a Home?

Finance news website, The Nerd Wallet, recently published an article extolling the virtues of purchasing your home in January!  So how, how does January really stack up as the best month to buy a home in Dallas?  

Based on the latest REALTOR.com reporting, the Dallas, TX market while down 2 spots, remains number 4 in the nation’s Hottest Real Estate Markets. 

Based on REALTOR.com’s 2014 & 2015 combined data, buyer’s typically pay a premium in summer & enjoy a dip in prices in the winter.  Their data estimates up to a 2% historical premium.  In a recent article in the Dallas Business Journal, Ted Wilson of Residential Strategies, offered that the data suggests that while the “Best Time” may not be restricted to one month, a great deal of data does suggest the early spring is a great time to be looking.  So what are some of the reasons that support buyers star their hunting season sooner rather than later?

• Competition may be lower – According to NerdWallet, over the last 2-years, while the inventory may be down 21%, buyer traffic is down over 40%
• Prices are expected to rise, especially in new homes
• Mortgage rates are expected to rise – as interest rates rise, buying power decreases

For more information on Dallas Business Journal’s take on this subject, please click HERE.

CHRISTIE CANNON  REALTOR

The Christie Cannon Team

Keller Williams Frisco

469-951-9588: Mobile

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

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

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

Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist

#1 Keller Williams Agent 2011-2016

Top 100 Agents in the Nation / KW

4783 Preston Rd #300, Frisco, TX 75034

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

As the first residents move in, Plano’s luxury multi-use development project at Legacy West. continues to announce some amazing shopping & restaurants.

With over 5,000 parking spaces, 425,000 SqFt of retail, hotels, apartments, residential luxury tower - the Windrose Tower, & the Villas at Legacy West with Britton Homes, Legacy West is on track to be the largest mixed use development in North Texas – as such, we anxiously have awaited to hear who will be joining the project!  When the March 2^nd Grand Opening occurs, what can we expect – see the below list for retailers & restaurants!  Click HERE for the latest Dallas News article on Legacy West's offerings!

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