Don Lawyer's Blog

Something non-real estate for a change :)

noreply@blogger.com (Don Lawyer) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 21:32:00 +0000

MLS activity sees a spike in the last 24 hours

noreply@blogger.com (Don Lawyer) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:11:00 +0000

In the last 24 hours in our local MLS, there have been 51 new listings and 75 went under contract or sold. That is the best ratio I have seen all year. Generally there have been more new listings than homes sold each day. A good sign!

Real Estate sales activity numbers have just been released-how did your area do?

noreply@blogger.com (Don Lawyer) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:49:00 +0000

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New Walkthrough Video of this North Arlington Home

noreply@blogger.com (Don Lawyer) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 20:14:00 +0000

www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnrWGJBtdRo

More good news for 1st time homebuyers!

noreply@blogger.com (Don Lawyer) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 15:22:00 +0000

First-time homebuyers will be able to get short-term loans so they can quickly make use of a new $8,000 tax credit to pay for some of the costs of buying a home purchase. FHA just released details of a plan in which borrowers who use FHA loans can get advances from lenders that let them effectively receive the credit in advance, so they don't have to wait to get the money from the IRS.

Most borrowers will still have to come up with the FHA's required 3.5 percent down payment, unless they work through a state or local housing agency or an approved nonprofit. But there are many other potential uses, such as for closing costs and fees, or to beef up the down payment beyond the minimum level.

Any buyer who has not owned a home in the past three years is considered a first-time buyer and eligible for the program. Borrowers can claim the credit by filing an amended 2008 tax return or can wait for their 2009 return.

The tax credit was included in the economic stimulus package signed by President Barack Obama in February. It is not available to individuals with incomes above $95,000 or couples with incomes above $170,000 and expires Nov. 30.

Existing homes sales rose in April

noreply@blogger.com (Don Lawyer) — Fri, 29 May 2009 15:49:00 +0000

Existing-home sales rose in April with strong buyer activity in lower price ranges, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Read more: http://rismedia.com/2009-05-28/strong-buyer-activity-in-lower-price-ranges-allows-existing-home-sales-to-rise-in-april/#ixzz0GuYGGaVD&B

“Most of the sales are taking place in lower price ranges and activity is beginning to pick up in the midprice ranges, but high-end home sales remain sluggish,” he said. “The Federal Reserve needs to help restore liquidity for the jumbo mortgage market by buying these loans under the TALF program.”Read more: http://rismedia.com/2009-05-28/strong-buyer-activity-in-lower-price-ranges-allows-existing-home-sales-to-rise-in-april/#ixzz0GuYNtcaQ&B

I am definitely seeing tons of activity on my listings priced $150,000 and under. As these homes sell, we should start to see the move up market of $250,000 and up start to pick up.

New Listing with pool in S.W. Arlington-$155,000

noreply@blogger.com (Don Lawyer) — Tue, 26 May 2009 20:23:00 +0000

Beautiful setting for this 4 bedroom home with diving pool & rock waterfall. Near Gunn Jr. High-quiet cul de sac lot & awesome curb appeal. 2 living & 2 dining areas, bay windows in breakfast area & formal living & built-in hutch in formal dining. Windows replaced & vinyl siding installed 2003. Seller providing $3,500 carpet allowance for new buyer! Outside AC just replaced & wood entry installed. Garage floor & all ceilings in the house just painted.

go to http://www.donlawyer.com/custompages_propdetail/83956.htm for more info and virtual tour

Keller Williams Realty Brokerages Dominate Annual Industry Surveys

noreply@blogger.com (Don Lawyer) — Thu, 21 May 2009 15:16:00 +0000

3rd largest company in U.S. the only major franchise to show growth

According to two of the industry’s most comprehensive annual surveys, Keller Williams Realty brokerages continue to defy the pervasive downturn in the industry by growing and expanding.

RISMedia’s Power Broker Report and REAL Trends’ REAL Trends 500 rank the largest residential real estate brokerages in the U.S. based on transaction sides and sales volume. This year, Keller Williams Realty had more brokerages on both lists than any other real estate brand.

In the REAL Trends 500 report, Keller Williams Realty dominated, with its offices comprising more than a quarter of the entire list. Of all the major brands represented in the report, Keller Williams was the only company to boast growth in both number of agents added to its ranks and in total transactions closed.

Within RISMedia’s Power Broker Report, Keller Williams Realty again had the largest majority on the list – accounting for 35 percent of all the brokerages listed. The report also ranked Keller Williams Realty #1 in number of agents and total closed transactions.

“These results prove what we already knew – Keller Williams Realty is experiencing the next phase of our growth during this shift,” said Mark Willis, CEO of Keller Williams Realty, Inc. “Our agents and offices are capitalizing on the opportunities presented in today’s market and powering forward.”

“Two years ago, when the market began to shift, we mobilized to make sure our people would have the training, support and technology to tackle the market and they have truly blown us away with their accomplishments,” he added.

“When we do what we do best – coach and train our associates to higher levels of personal productivity and profitability – growth takes care of itself,” said Mary Tennant, president and COO of Keller Williams Realty, Inc. “Keller Williams Realty, the franchise company, didn’t rank on these lists – our people did.”

“We’re confident we’re in businesses with some of the most talented and focused individuals in the industry and we are so proud of all they’ve achieved,” added Willis.

How many homes sold in your area?

noreply@blogger.com (Don Lawyer) — Thu, 21 May 2009 14:14:00 +0000

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New Listing in master planned community

noreply@blogger.com (Don Lawyer) — Wed, 13 May 2009 19:34:00 +0000

Immaculate barely lived in 3-2-2 in desirable Southwind. Beautiful French doors open to study. Kitchen has walk-in pantry & breakfast bar. Spacious master boasts French doors that open to luxury bath. Gas heat, cooktop & fireplace starter. Open floorplan with arches and art niches. Gorgeous large oaks surround the hiking trails, community pool & parks.

For virtual tour, visit http://www.donlawyer.com/custompages_propdetail/83777.htm

New Listing in Mansfield

noreply@blogger.com (Don Lawyer) — Wed, 13 May 2009 19:30:00 +0000

What a surprise inside! Extensive remodeling including stunning kitchen-stone arch & backsplashes, granite, stainless steel appliances & under cabinet lighting. Check out the room sizes-35x16 living room with stone fireplace, 29x13 upstairs gameroom or 2nd master with full bath. Master bath has jetted tub, new tile in shower & skylight. Gameroom with tile floors, wetbar & wood ceiling. Don't miss the walk-in storm shelter under the stairs!

For virtual tour, visit http://www.donlawyer.com/custompages_propdetail/83749.htm

Internet Traffic is Up for Real Estate Searches

noreply@blogger.com (Don Lawyer) — Fri, 08 May 2009 23:20:00 +0000

Real estate websites see increased traffic Alexa.com, a site owned and operated by Amazon.com, allows you to track and compare website traffic. When you examine the statistics for several major real estate portals for the last 6 months, the numbers show that more people are visiting these sites. Specifically, if you compare the numbers for major real estate search sites such as Realtor.com, Trulia, & Zillow, there is a clear pattern in terms of web views.

The web visitor statistics hit bottom in November& December of 2008. They then began to increase in January. There was a dip during the middle of March followed by a major spike in activity for all three sites in April.

NAR statistics show that over 90 percent of all buyers today go online as part of their search process. This increase in the number of people searching on major real estate swebsites bodes well for more sales later this year.

This Month in Real Estate Video

noreply@blogger.com (Don Lawyer) — Sat, 02 May 2009 16:36:00 +0000

Information on the $8000 Tax Credit, housing affordability, and opinions on pricing your home for sale. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mA4zE2vUK-U&feature=related

Observation on the real estate market

noreply@blogger.com (Don Lawyer) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 20:38:00 +0000

Observation on the real estate market-In the last 24 hours, 33 homes have sold in the MLS. Looks like activity is picking up!

New Listing in South Arlington

noreply@blogger.com (Don Lawyer) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:42:00 +0000

Immaculate South Arlington home has lots of style! Great design with knockout kitchen with huge skylight as the focal point. Extensive upgrades include extensive wood laminate flooring & tile, upgraded light fixtures, plant ledges, window seats & extended patio. 2 living room and 2 dining areas, split bedrooms, study, security and sprinkler systems. HOA offers cabana, pool & playground! Must see!

For more info and virtual tour, visit http://www.donlawyer.com/custompages_propdetail/83364.htm

New Listing in Mansfield

noreply@blogger.com (Don Lawyer) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 15:00:00 +0000

4 year old home in Mansfield is perfect for your large family. 5 bedrooms, 3 full baths & 3 living areas. Beautiful laminate wood flooring, open floorplan with lots of windows, jetted tub in master bath & large gameroom upstairs. 5th bedroom is downstairs & makes a great office. Over 3,100 Sq Ft!

For more info and virtual tour, go to http://www.donlawyer.com/custompages_propdetail/83356.htm

New Map Based MLS Search

noreply@blogger.com (Don Lawyer) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 15:13:00 +0000

New Map Based MLS Search at http://htxt.it/am8z Search every home for sale & have new listings emailed to you daily!

New Listing in S.W. Arlington

noreply@blogger.com (Don Lawyer) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:15:00 +0000

S.W. Arlington custom home in Mansfield ISD & Charlotte Anderson Elementary. Recent updates include carpet throughout, wallpaper removed & walls hand textured. Huge living room with a wall of built-in shelves & wetbar, skylight in master bath & 4th bedroom could be used as a mother-in-law suite or gameroom. Great location at the end of quiet cul de sac. Large workshop with electricity, AC & heat.

For more pictures and virtual tour, go to
http://www.arlingtontexashomes.com/MyHomeDtl.asp?lstPages=3&HomeID=878376

2 offers came on on

noreply@blogger.com (Don Lawyer) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 11:12:00 +0000

2 offers came in on my listings yesterday-1 was at full price-had a flashback to 2005!

noreply@blogger.com (Don Lawyer) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 19:53:00 +0000

A bank is a place that will lend you money if you can prove that you don't need it. ~ Bob Hope

New Listing near Lake Arlington

noreply@blogger.com (Don Lawyer) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:16:00 +0000

Remodeled 4 bedroom home in Shorewood Estates. New carpet, tile floors in kitchen, breakfast area & both bathrooms. New kitchen countertops and fresh paint inside and out. Large living room with vaulted ceiling and skylight. Jetted tub in master bath. Quick possession available. Miller, Young & Martin schools!

More more info and virtual tour, go to http://www.donlawyer.com/custompages_propdetail/83176.htm

Real Estate Statistics are in for March-how is your area doing?

noreply@blogger.com (Don Lawyer) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:47:00 +0000

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S.W. Arlington home near the lake to be part of auction!

noreply@blogger.com (Don Lawyer) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 20:16:00 +0000

Open Houses are scheduled for Saturday, April 18th from 12-6 and Saturday, April 25th from 12-6 for you to preview the property. The auction will be on April 26th at Great Wolf Lodge.

Liquidation Priced! Owner has slashed price on this knockout home in the heart of prestigious Bay Club Arlington. Sprawling home with over 5,500 sq ft with no expense spared in the remodeling. Granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, Travertine, beveled glass windows & soaring ceilings. Exercise room, sunroom, game & media room, abundant storage & outdoor staircase to balcony overlooking pool & spa. Price reduced over $240,000!

For more info and walk through video, go to http://www.arlingtontexashomes.com/MyHomeDtl.asp?lstPages=1&HomeID=864223

New Listing in Mansfield with Pool

noreply@blogger.com (Don Lawyer) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 18:24:00 +0000

This home in Mansfield has it all! 5 bedrooms, study, gameroom, media room & swimming pool! Over 3,700 sq ft & 4 years old. Gorgeous island kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances & gas cooktop. Fireplace in master suite & jetted tub in master bath. Community pool & playground area. Great location near Broad and 360.

For more pictures and virtual tour, visit http://www.donlawyer.com/custompages_propdetail/83145.htm

New Listing in south Arlington

noreply@blogger.com (Don Lawyer) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 18:22:00 +0000

This spectacular home located on a wonderful cul-de-sac in a quiet neighborhood has excellent landscaping and plantation shutters. The kitchen is equipped with granite countertops, tile backsplash, undercabinet lighting and built-in stainless appliances. This immaculate home has built in ceiling surround speakers, large master and master bath with corner jetted tub with large tiled shower. Must see!

For more information and vitual tour, visit http://www.donlawyer.com/custompages_propdetail/83169.htm