Phil's Blog

New Listing in Lewisville TX

Phil Kretchmar (RE/MAX Advantage) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 06:36:44 -0800

Clean and ready to move into!

Overview Maps Photos Description Neighborhood Market Stats

$159,900

Single Family Home

Main Features

3 Bedrooms2 BathroomsInterior: 1,855 sqftLot: 0.11 acre(s)

Location

1449 Saint GallenLewisville, TX 75067USA To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Phil Kretchmar RE/MAX Advantage(972) 439-9033Phil@PhilKretchmar.comhttp://www.NorthDallasHomeOnline.com Listed by: RE/MAX Advantage

Our recent listings Clean and ready to move into!Custom Home in Preferred Josey Park Estates3415 Nogales, Dallas, TX 75220

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February Existing Home Sales Down

Phil Kretchmar (RE/MAX Advantage) — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 13:29:48 -0700

Existing-home sales fell in February following three straight monthly increases, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. Existing-home sales dropped 9.6 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.88 million in February from an upwardly revised 5.40 million in January, and are 2.8 percent below the 5.02 million pace in February 2010. "Housing affordability conditions have been at record levels and the economy has been improving, but home sales are being constrained by the twin problems of unnecessarily tight credit, and a measurable level of contract cancellations from some appraisals not supporting prices negotiated between buyers and sellers," said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. "This tug and pull is causing a gradual but uneven recovery. Existing-home sales remain 26.4 percent above the cyclical low last July." The national median existing-home price for all housing types was $156,100 in February, which is 5.2 percent below February 2010. Distressed homes - sold at discount - accounted for a 39 percent market share in February, up from 37 percent in January and 35 percent in February 2010. Total housing inventory at the end of February rose 3.5 percent to 3.49 million existing homes available for sale, which represents an 8.6-month supply at the current sales pace, up from a 7.5-month supply in January. According to Freddie Mac, the national average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage rose to 4.95 percent in February from 4.76 percent in January; the rate was 4.99 percent in February 2010.

3415,3417 Nogales, Dallas, TX 75220...An Investors Dream

Phil Kretchmar (RE/MAX Advantage) — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 13:53:40 -0800

3415 Nogales, Dallas, TX 75220

Overview Maps Photos Features Market Stats

$65,000

Single Family Home

Main Features

2 Bedrooms2 Bathrooms1 Partial Bathroom2 UnitsInterior: 1531 sqftLot: 8,750 sqft

Location

3415 NogalesDallas, TX 75220USA To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Phil Kretchmar (972) 4399033Phil@PhilKretchmar.comhttp://www.lewisville-flowermoundrealestate.com Listed by: RE/MAX Advantage

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Existing-Home Sales Decline in October Following Two Monthly Gains

Phil Kretchmar (RE/MAX Advantage) — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 10:51:04 -0800

According to the National Association of REALTORS®, existing-home sales retreated in October on the heels of two strong monthly gains. Existing-home sales, which are completed transactions that include single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, declined 2.2 percent to a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 4.43 million in October from 4.53 million in September, and are 25.9 percent below the 5.98 million-unit level in October 2009 when sales were surging prior to the initial deadline for the first-time buyer tax credit. Year-to-date there were 4.149 million existing-home sales, down 2.9 percent from 4.272 million at this time in 2009. "The housing market is experiencing an uneven recovery, and a temporary foreclosure stoppage in some states is likely to have held back a number of completed sales, said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun, adding that recent sales pattern can be expected to continue. "Still, sales activity is clearly off the bottom and is attempting to settle into normal sustainable levels. "Based on current and improving job market conditions, and from attractive affordability conditions, sales should steadily improve to healthier levels of above 5 million by spring of next year." The national average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage fell to a record low 4.23 percent in October from 4.35 percent in September; the rate was 4.95 percent in October 2009, according to Freddie Mac.

5 Tips on Staging Your Home During the Holidays

Phil Kretchmar (RE/MAX Advantage) — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 09:34:23 -0700

Many people think that trying to sell your home during the holidays is more difficult than at some other time of the year. This isn't necessarily true, as people are usually in a more cheerful and friendly mood during the holidays -- and possibly more inclined to buy your home -- if you stage it right. The key is not to go overboard -- just like staging during other times of the year. Less is more, but you do need to convey a sense of the spirit of Christmas, or other holiday. Don't decorate with hundreds of Christmas lights because that may not match your potential buyer's tastes. You want to offer them suggestions so they can imagine their family in your home, come next Christmas. Here are a five tips that may help. 1. De-clutter first, then bring out your Christmas (or other holiday) ornaments and decorations and pack away the ones you won't be using.2. A focal point of the living room could be a lovely Christmas tree. It can be real, or fake, but be sure it looks traditional rather than overdone.3. Set up your dining table with a nice runner, creative centerpiece, and holiday-colored tableware. Candles and a garland work well for this decoration. If you have a staircase, you can twine a garland along the handrail for a special effect.4. If you have a fireplace and mantel, play it up. Decorate it with stockings and little presents -- they don't need to be real. A cozy fireplace makes a warm and wonderful impression that potential buyers will likely remember.5. Lastly, light a candle or two (only when you are present) which has the aroma of gingerbread, sugar cookies, or candy canes. Appeal to a buyer's senses (subtly) and you'll have them from the first moment they step inside your holiday home. Hopefully, if your home is on the market this holiday season, these tips will help it sell. If you need any infpormation about homes in the Dallas, Lewisville, and Flower Mound areas, please visit www.Lewisville-FlowerMoundRealEstate.com.

How to Clean Different Types of Flooring

Phil Kretchmar (RE/MAX Advantage) — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 09:27:43 -0700

Whether you have new floors or old ones that need cleaning, we can always use a few good cleaning tips to make our lives a little easier. A new wave of thought is that natural is best, and this has been proven many times with people who have allergic reactions to chemicals, or who want to live a simpler and cleaner way of life. Many of the best cleaning agents are things we already have around the house. What types of flooring do you have in your house? How old is it? What's it sealed with (or unsealed). How dirty are your floors? Can you mop your wooden floors with a sloppy mop and soap (no!). Here are a few simple tips for cleaning various types of floors. * Bamboo -- Use a sponge mop that is dampened with warm water only (not sopping) and mop, then let dry. If you have a stain, then follow manufacturer's directions. You can also find detailed cleaning solutions on the internet, or a specialty site for that product.* Ceramic Tile -- Old fashioned soap and water work best. You can use a detergent that's eco-friendly and warm water, or even an old-time mop if you need too. Ceramic tiles wear and clean-up very well. Never mop unsealed Saltillo tiles, as these need a little extra care.* Real Hardwood -- A teaspoonful or two of vinegar in warm water and a sponge mop will make your hardwoods clean and shiny. For stubborn stains, follow the manufacturer's directions.* Carpet -- A carpet shampooer that you can rent or own works well -- follow directions for spot cleaning and try to get eco-friendly cleaners.* Linoleum or Peel-and-Stick Tile -- Easiest to clean, just use soap and water. If you don't know what type of flooring you have, take a guess and try an inconspicuous corner of the room with one of the above cleaning options. If your grout is dirty, and it has been previously sealed properly, then it will clean up. If it's old then it may need stripping, sealing or coloring. I hope this information is helpful to you. If you are in need of any information about homes in the Lewisville-FLower Mound area, please call Phil at 972-439-98033 or go to www.Lewisville-FlowerMoundRealEstate.com. Thank You

8 Great Tips to Jazz up Your Outdoor Living Space

Phil Kretchmar (RE/MAX Advantage) — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 19:37:14 -0700

The easiest and least expensive way to jazz up your outdoor deck or patio is by using splashes of color. Sometimes it only means investing in a few accent pieces that make a bold statement and freshens up the space. Following are some ideas to help get you started. 1. First, clear everything off your deck or patio and give it a good pressure wash. If it needs staining, all the new furniture in the world won't help -- bite the bullet and give it a new coat of stain or paint. This is actually a great place to get started with colorful accents. Try painting your fence posts a bright, coordinating color. Or paint a pattern or border around the edge of your deck. 2. Decks are for socializing, so show that you are ready for company. The addition of metal furniture is inexpensive and comes in lots of great colors. Place a colorful bar cart in the corner and load it up with bright acrylic glassware. 3. Give your old wicker furniture a facelift by painting it in bright sunny colors, or if you're feeling adventuress, use a stencil and add flowers or other patterns. Use acrylic paint, but seal it with varnish to protect the paint. 4. Get a hold of a galvanized bucket or oblong container, paint it bright blue or orange and add a vine pattern on the outside. Viola, now you have a fancy ice-bucket for all your coolers. Remember, unless you're using a food-safe paint, the surface should not come in direct contact with food. 5. Use themes, such as the seashore, by incorporating fishes, sea shells and beach balls in your accents or stencils. A citrus theme works well by using pale greens, oranges and yellow as colors for chairs or bistro tables. Try painting a slatted table top with two or three different corresponding shades. 6. Funky lighting goes a long way to jazzing up a patio area. Colorful lanterns or strings of lights can be hung from overhanging trees or beams providing a fun and economical source of lighting. 7. If you have any plain white vinyl furniture, give it a fresh new look with paint specially formulated for vinyl furniture. Then, add some new cushions and your old chairs will look practically new. 8. Use color wisely by tying everything together with your accessories. Take four chairs each painted in a different primary color and add a cushion in a common color such as red or green, and place them around a neutral table top.

Home Sales Slow but Remain Above Year-Ago Levels

Phil Kretchmar (RE/MAX Advantage) — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 19:34:38 -0700

With the scheduled closing deadline for the home buyer tax credits, existing-home sales slowed in June but remained at relatively elevated levels, according to the National Association of Realtors®.Existing-home sales, which are completed transactions that include single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, fell 5.1 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.37 million units in June from 5.66 million in May, but are 9.8 percent higher than the 4.89 million-unit pace in June 2009.NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said the market shows uncharacteristic yet understandable swings as buyers responded to the tax credits.“June home sales still reflect a tax credit impact with some sales not closed due to delays, which will show up in the next two months,” said Yun. “Broadly speaking, sales closed after the home buyer tax credit will be significantly lower compared to the credit-induced spring surge. Only when jobs are created at a sufficient pace will home sales return to sustainable healthy levels.”The national median existing-home price for all housing types was $183,700 in June, which is 1.0 percent higher than a year ago.The national average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage fell to a record low 4.74 percent in June from 4.89 percent in May, according to Freddie Mac. The rate was 5.42 percent in June 2009. In the Lewisville Flower Mound, TX areas, hpome sales have slowed considerably but we are optimistic that it will pick up soon. If you are in the market for a lewisville-Flower Mound home, please call Phil or e-mail and we will help you get going.

New listing at 3616 canary Dr in irving, TX.

Phil Kretchmar (RE/MAX Advantage) — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 19:02:08 -0700

Carefully Review Cummunity Bylaws when Buying a Home

Phil Kretchmar (RE/MAX Advantage) — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 06:48:31 -0700

If you're looking at a home that is part of a planned community or has a homeowner association (HOA), you should be aware of monthly or annual dues, rules regarding your property (pool, lawn decorations, landscaping, parking, fences, painting, pets), and any other rules they may have, or have the authority to make, in the future. Many people enjoy living in a planned community because they feel safe and want to meet others in the neighborhood. Most planned communities organize several events throughout the year where neighbors can meet each other and have some local fun. Some of these communities have pools, tennis courts, walking trails, playgrounds, schools, parks and other amenities. There are definitely both pros and cons to being part of a planned community that has bylaws and/or a homeowner association. It's really a personal lifestyle decision -- just be sure you know what you're getting into before you make a purchase. If you are looking to buy a home in the North Texas area, please go to my website www.HomesinFlowerMoundTX.com for a great search engine. You can also call Phil at 972 439-9033 to set up a custom search. I also have a website that makes it easy to set up a custom search that will e-mail you when new listings go on the market. It is www.dfwpreferredbuyer.com. Thank you and have a great day!

North Texas Home Sales Increasing!

Phil Kretchmar (RE/MAX Advantage) — Sun, 23 May 2010 02:31:55 -0700

11 Points to Consider When Building a Deck

Phil Kretchmar (RE/MAX Advantage) — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 03:21:07 -0700

11 Points to Consider When Building a Deck Adding a deck to your house can add beauty, function and value -- if it's done right. On the other hand, a poorly built one can be a nightmare. Following are 11 points to keep in mind when considering building a deck. Function -- What is the deck's function? Relaxation? Entertaining? A play area? Barbecuing. Hot tub? How many people should it hold? Spend some serious time discovering your deck's purpose. Location -- Be sure to consider possible landscaping and plumbing issues, entrances to your home, sun, shade, access, and zoning setbacks. Plan -- Draw up a good design so you have a outline to follow. There are plenty of guides available online and at your local home improvement store if you don't want to design your own. Attached / Detached -- In most cases you'll want to attach the deck to your house, so you'll need to decide if your home's framing is strong enough to support the deck and how to best join the deck to the exterior. Deck Supports -- Figure out how many posts and footings you'll need and where to put them. Decking Material -- Cedar, redwood and pressure treated pine are all good choices because they resist rot and decay. Composite decking is more expensive in most cases but requires less maintenance. Keep in mind most wood decks will require protectants or sealants every few years. Permits -- Check to see if you need a permit. Tools -- If you don't have all the necessary tools, take into account the cost for renting or buying the tools you'll need. Handrails -- You'll probably want handrails for safety and decoration (plus they may be required by law). Cost -- Obviously, the size of the deck, material used and any seating or decorations all add up. Have a good cost estimate in mind before pounding the first nail. Professionals -- A deck is not a simple weekend project. If you have limited construction experience, consider professional help. At the very least, have a few friends over to help with the promise of ongoing barbecues, refreshments and backyard fun.

Freshen up your home with neutral colors

Phil Kretchmar (RE/MAX Advantage) — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 03:03:34 -0700

Most home sellers know it's a good idea to "freshen up" their house before they put it on the market. And they probably know that one of the least expensive changes they can make that produces positive results is painting. There's nothing like a fresh coat of paint to really make a room look fresh and new. But be careful. While you may have exquisite style, your potential home buyer probably has their own sense of style. In fact, they will most likely personalize and paint the rooms to their own preferences regardless of what you have done. That's why real estate agents and home staging professionals highly encourage using neutral colors like white, cream and beige. Yes, these colors are a bit boring. And yes, your home could probably look even better if only the dining room was painted in "baking stone" red. But color is subjective, so if you're going to put in the time and effort to paint your home, it's best to stick with neutrals. Keep in mind we all have different visions, and many buyers have specific furniture in mind when buying. So neutral colors make the best match. They also reflect the most light and make most rooms appear larger.

What is Your Shrubbery saying About Your Home?

Phil Kretchmar (RE/MAX Advantage) — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 02:54:04 -0700

Unkempt shrubbery and greenery can give a potential home buyer the impression that your home has been neglected. Even if they don't outright notice it, there's a good chance it left a negative impression at some level. An even worse scenario for a home seller is a potential home buyer who observes your unkempt shrubbery and greenery and doesn't even bother to view your home because they assume the rest of the property has not been well-maintained. Your home could be a "10" on the inside but no one will ever know because the outside said "don't bother." To make sure this doesn't happen to you, keep your shrubs and other greenery trimmed and well-shaped so the overall impression you make is that your yard and home have been well-maintained. For an eye-pleasing affect, try to groom the shrubbery so it visually lines up with other plants, landscaping and other yard decorations. If your shrubbery and greenery becomes so overwhelming that it makes entering the home a challenge, or makes the interior of the home dark, you should consider removing it altogether. Over-sized shrubbery and plants can dwarf the home and make it look smaller, and even create safety concerns. You can probably spruce up your yard's shrubbery and greenery over the course of a single weekend, and you should do this. If you can't do it yourself, hire a professional to do it. They'll probably charge from $25 to $50 per hour, but this small investment will help get your home sold. Just keep in mind an attractive and well-maintained property will get sold faster. And note that many buyers will not even consider a property that has obvious maintenance problems even before they make an offer. A little effort up front can make all the difference.

New Listing in Lewisville

Phil Kretchmar (RE/MAX Advantage) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:18:24 -0800

Phil Kretchmar | RE/MAX Advantage | 214-244-8159

1725 Buehler Pl, Lewisville, TX

Charming 1 story home with Park, Jogging Trails, Bike Path, Greenbelt, and Private!

3BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $164,900

Year Built	1999
Sq Footage	1,625
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	5,031 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Charming single story on private greenbelt cul de sac lot. Features open design, custom decorator interior colors, two inch blinds, ceramic tile flooring, laminate flooring, high ceilings, gas log fireplace. Kitchen with new range, open to family and breakfast areas. Master suite with vaulted ceiling, double vanities, garden tub, sep shower. Great backyard with covered patio and backs up to greenbelt! New roof in 08! Near jogging trails! Park 4 houses down!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Fireplace
- High/Vaulted ceiling	- Walk-in closet	- Hardwood floor
- Tile floor	- Family room	- Living room
- Dining room	- Breakfast nook	- Dishwasher
- Refrigerator	- Stove/Oven	- Microwave
- Attic	- Laundry area - inside	- Balcony, Deck, or Patio
- Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Garage parking

- Playground

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front of the Home	Entry from the front door
Formal Living Room	Dining Room from the Form
Another view of the Forma	Another view of the Forma
Kitchen showing the break	Family Room
Family room showing the f	Breakfast dining area
The Master Bedroom	Back porch showing the pa
View of greenbelt/creek b	A view of the park a few
Another view of the park

Contact info:

Phil Kretchmar

RE/MAX Advantage

214-244-8159

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Mar 11, 2010, 4:10pm PST

Garage Doors Important to Home's Curb Appeal

Phil Kretchmar (RE/MAX Advantage) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:00:19 -0800

One thing you can do to really give your home curb appeal is to update or upgrade your garage doors, especially if you have two or more stalls. On many modern designs, garage doors are up front and central, and often a focal point due to the fact that they can take up a significant portion of the front exterior of your home. Unlike days of old, garages are now built to match the style of the house. The garage is an important aspect of the home, whether it's attached or detached, so getting this right can really improve the look of your property. Fortunately, there are beautiful replacement doors for most popular types of doors, including sectional, roller, side-hung and up-and-over doors. The prices vary, so it's best to consider how you plan to use the garage before replacing the doors. For example, if you plan to have a workshop in the garage, you may want to consider a door with insulation, and possibly windows. And, of course, you need to determine how much room you have as some doors require more space to operate. Garage doors are usually made of steel or wood, and common styles include raised panel, recessed panel, ranch and flush designs. In addition, you can order smooth or grooved panels, decorative inserts and standard glass inserts, as well as custom or architectural designs. Obviously, the more custom the door, the more it will cost. But, if your garage is highly visible from the street, it may be worth paying a little more. Steel garage doors are available in thousands of colors, so you should be able to find a suitable match. You have even more options with wood doors, allowing you to match the type of wood, color, style and finishes. Note that wood doors will require more maintenance than steel doors. In either case, the right garage doors will greatly enhance your home's curb appeal. If you need any assistance in the Dallas-North Dallas, Flower Mound, Lewisville area real estate market, Call Phil and I will be glad to help in any way I can-214-244-8159.

Existing-Home Sales Up in 2009

Phil Kretchmar (RE/MAX Advantage) — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 04:07:56 -0800

According to the National Association of Realtors®, existing-home sales fell as expected in December after first-time buyers rushed to complete sales before the original November deadline for the tax credit. However, prices rose from December 2008 and annual sales improved in 2009. Existing-home sales - including single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops - dropped 16.7 percent to a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 5.45 million units in December from 6.54 million in November, but remain 15.0 percent above the 4.74 million-unit level in December 2008. For all of 2009 there were 5,156,000 existing-home sales, which was 4.9 percent higher than the 4,913,000 transactions recorded in 2008; it was the first annual sales gain since 2005. "It's significant that home sales remain above year-ago levels, but the market is going through a period of swings driven by the tax credit," said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. "We'll likely have another surge in the spring as home buyers take advantage of the extended and expanded tax credit. By early summer the overall market should benefit from more balanced inventory, and sales are on track to rise again in 2010. However, the job market remains a concern and could dampen the housing recovery - job creation is key to a continued recovery in the second half of the year." The national average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage rose to 4.93 percent in December from 4.88 percent in November; the rate was 5.29 percent in December 2008, according to Freddie Mac. If you are in the market to buy or sell a home in the D/FW metroplex, please call Phil Kretchmar at 214-244-8159 or visit www.northtexashome.com

10 Tips for an Efficient Kitchen

Phil Kretchmar (RE/MAX Advantage) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 06:41:49 -0800

Chances are pretty good that we will always require a convenient place to store, prepare and cook our food. That place -- is the kitchen -- and following are several ideas to make yours more efficient. 1. Lighting -- This is very important, and in general, more is better than less. If you don't have adequate lighting, try adding lighting under the cabinets or using higher wattage bulbs.2. Hard Flooring -- Both wood and tile are more hygienic and easier to clean up.3. Outlets -- You shouldn't need to use extension cords in the your kitchen. A well-designed kitchen will have outlets installed about every three feet.4. Clear the Clutter -- Throw away or donate any items you know you won't use. By getting rid of old and unused spices, food and beaten up pots and pans, you'll make room for the stuff you actually use. The same goes for counter space.5. Clean -- Empty out all drawers and cabinets at least once a year and wash them with warm, soapy water. Replace with new liners if you use them.6. Zones & Storage -- Create a kitchen triangle with designated zones for various tasks. For example, you may like to chop vegetables near the sink, or mix ingredients on the center isle. Whatever the case, choose a zone, then store the utensils you'll need for those tasks in the storage areas nearby. For example, pots and pans should be near the stove, while your Christmas plates could probably be stored on the top shelf.7. Food Storage -- Similar to above, everyday foods, like cereal or bread, should be in an easily-accessed spot. If you have kids, don't make them climb on the counters if there's a cupboard at a lower level.8. Cutlery Trays -- Simple trays make it easy to organize your daily utensils and maximize drawer space.9. Sinks -- If you do a lot of cooking (preparation), it may be wise to invest in a sink that fits your needs; e.g., single, double, deep, stainless steel.10. Faucets -- A person who hand-washes large pots and pans will want a different type of faucet than someone who rarely goes in the kitchen. If you like to cook, get a faucet that makes cleanup easier. I hope these tips can help you make your kitchen more effecient. By the way, if you know someone looking to buy or sell a home in the Lewisville, Flower Mound, or Highland Village areas, I would greatly appreciate any referrals that you could send my way.

Existing-Home Sales Continue to Rise

Phil Kretchmar (RE/MAX Advantage) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 08:19:05 -0800

According to the National Association of Realtors®, existing-home sales rose again in November as first-time buyers rushed to close sales before the original Nov. 30 deadline for the recently extended and expanded tax credit. Existing-home sales rose 7.4 percent to a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 6.54 million units in November from 6.09 million in October, and are 44.1 percent higher than the 4.54 million-unit pace in November 2008. Current sales remain at the highest level since February 2007 when they hit 6.55 million. "This clearly is a rush of first-time buyers not wanting to miss out on the tax credit, but there are many more potential buyers who can enter the market in the months ahead," said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. "We expect a temporary sales drop while buying activity ramps up for another surge in the spring when buyers take advantage of the expanded tax credit, which hopefully will take us into a self-sustaining market in the second half of 2010. "In all, 4.4 million households are expected to claim the tax credit before it expires and balance should be restored to the housing sector with inventories continuing to decline." The national average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage dropped to 4.88 percent in November from 4.95 percent in October; the rate was 6.09 percent in November 2008, according to Freddie Mac. Last month's mortgage interest rate was the second lowest on record after bottoming at 4.81 percent in April 2009. If you are interestd in selling or buying a house in the Lewisville-Flower Mound area, please contact me at 214-244-8159 or e-mail at phil@philkretchmar.com Thank You and have a great day!

3 Solutions to Your Closet Nightmare

Phil Kretchmar (RE/MAX Advantage) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 08:06:01 -0800

Is your closet so full and disorganized that it has essentially become a useless waste of space? Do you have shoes or clothes from the last century stored away in there? Do you waste a lot of time looking for things in your closet because it's so messy?If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you're not alone. For many people, the closet becomes a dumping ground for anything and everything, and soon becomes so disorganized you don't even know what's in there. Well, fortunately you can clean up the situation with these simple solutions.But first, if you don't have an adequate closet organization system -- such as shelves, shoe stands, hooks, baskets or drawers -- go invest in what you need. It doesn't have to be expensive, just functional. Now, depending on the size of your closet and amount of clutter, choose the best closet solution for you and get to work.1. Take everything out of the closet, slowly go through it, and after careful consideration only put back things you really want or need. If you haven't worn clothing or a jacket or a pair of shoes in the past 12 to 18 months, you probably don't need it. If it's broken and you haven't repaired it yet, take it to a repair shop or get rid of it. Sure, there are certain items you don't use often but still need, such as a rain coat or umbrella, but for the other stuff -- sell it, donate it or throw it away.2. If you have a very large closet or storage room, tackle the problem in sections. Visually break up the closet space into four sections, and go through each section -- one at a time -- as described above. By using this method, you can take care of a big chore over several days and end up with a well-organized closet.3. Make organizing your closet part of your house cleaning regimen, just like vacuuming, dusting and cleaning the bathroom. By adding "organize the closet" to your chore list, your closet will stay functional and won't turn into a wasteland for the unwanted.By keeping your closet organized, you will save time, get better use out the items you keep, and spare yourself the frustration that comes from a cluttered lifestyle. Just because something is "still good" or "barely worn" doesn't mean it has to clutter up your closet. Just let it go now -- and in a few short days, or less -- you won't ever think about it again. If you have any friends or family that need a real estate agent in the Lewisville, Flower Mound, Highland Village , including the general Dallas area, any referrals will be greatly appreciated.

Choose a Neighborhood Before Choosing a Home

Phil Kretchmar (RE/MAX Advantage) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 08:20:55 -0800

If you're looking to buy a home, be sure to spend as much time -- if not more -- checking out the neighborhood as you do looking at the home itself. Picking the right neighborhood will determine your family's safety, education and attitude. In short, the neighborhood you live in affects your quality of life. Location -- This one is first and to some degree affects all the others. How close are you to your jobs, schools, shopping, restaurants, parks, museums, freeways, public transportation and medical facilities? Crime/Safety -- Check with local law enforcement to review crime statistics. In addition, visit local shops at different times of the day to see what they're like, especially at night. It's amazing how the feel of a place can change once the sun goes down. Schools -- If you have, or plan to have kids, see how the area schools rank. If they are not that good, are there alternatives, public or private? Schools affect values. Social Life -- Is the neighborhood close to your family and friends? Keep in mind if you have to drive an hour for a social visit, you won't do it very often. In addition, is there a neighborhood activity center, coffee shop or pub -- a place where locals gather? Property Values -- Are prices going up, down, or what? Make sure you know. Open Space -- Are there parks, trails or other open spaces where you can walk, jog, bike, or take the dog for his morning ... exercise? Traffic -- Drive by schools, shopping and other hot spots during prime time to see if you can live with the pace. Future Construction -- Check with the home owner association or city agency to see what plans they have for the future. Things change; make sure you know what to expect. Neighbors -- Go ahead and knock on a few doors. Simply introduce yourself, tell them you're looking to buy in the area, and ask for their input. Do they have positive things to say. Are they friendly? Of course there are many other considerations, but this covers most of the important ones. While your realtor should be able to answer many of these questions, be sure to check for yourself. After all, you're the one that will be living there. Once you've identified your perfect neighborhood, it's time to move on to the next step and start looking for your dream home.

New listing at 4118 Waverly Dr in Corinth TX

Phil Kretchmar (RE/MAX Advantage) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 04:03:38 -0800

Check out this Master Bedroom Makeover!

Phil Kretchmar (RE/MAX Advantage) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:49:22 -0800

New Listing!

Phil Kretchmar (RE/MAX Advantage) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:03:56 -0800

Phil Kretchmar | RE/MAX Advantage | 214-244-8159

1113 Windhaven Cir, Lewisville, TX

4BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $209,900

Year Built	2002
Sq Footage	2,292
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	Unspecified
Lot Size	8,999 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

This beautiful 1 story home is in a great central Lewisville location close to parks, schools, shopping, and easy highway access. This split 4 bedroom design will wow you with its interior appeal with it's large family room and open design. The kitchen includes granite countertops, 42" cabs, walk in pantry, tile backsplash and flooring, and a breakfast bar. The kitchen is open to the large family room with gas log fireplace and soaring ceilings. The master bath has a garden tub, seperate shower, dual vanities, and lots of room. All bedrooms have walk in closets. The house has extensive landscape with a sprinkler system, garden walkways, covered porch, beautiful concrete overlay on the front and rear porch, gorgeous flower gardens and vegetable gardens for beautiful flowers and fresh food throughout the year. The backyard is so peaceful and serene, you will never want to leave!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Fireplace
- High/Vaulted ceiling	- Walk-in closet	- Tile floor
- Family room	- Living room	- Dining room
- Breakfast nook	- Dishwasher	- Stove/Oven
- Granite countertop	- Attic	- Laundry area - inside
- Balcony, Deck, or Patio

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Garage parking

- Playground

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front of home	The living room
The dining area and kitch	2nd living area
The master bedroom	The entry way
2nd bedroom	3rd bedroom
Garden walkway	The rear porch
One of the gardens in bac	Another view of the backy

Contact info:

Phil Kretchmar

RE/MAX Advantage

214-244-8159

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Nov 6, 2009, 11:22am PST

4 Easy Steps to Installing Weather Stripping

Phil Kretchmar (RE/MAX Advantage) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 08:58:50 -0800

Applying weather stripping around doors and windows is a low-cost way to stop drafts and cut down on heating and cooling costs. Here's what you do: 1. Learn the different kinds of stripping -- adhesive-backed V strips that can be cut with scissors or a utility knife; compression strips; tubular gaskets; magnetic stripping for metal- or steel-clad doors.2. Measure the length of all seams to be weather-stripped, add a couple of inches for each seam and add the numbers together to determine how much you need.3. Cut the weather stripping to fit each seam. Apply the stripping all the way around a window by using adhesive, nails or screws. Attach the stripping to the jamb or the stop.4. Apply the stripping to the sides and the tops of doors. Use a weather-tight threshold or door sweep to seal the bottom. (A door sweep is a metal or wood bracket with a plastic or vinyl flap that hangs to the floor to stop airflow.) Other Tips * Choose the weather stripping best suited to your needs. Ask store personnel for recommendations.* Clean the surface to which you're going to apply adhesive-backed weather stripping (if it's dirty or damp, the adhesive won't stick for long).* Foam and felt varieties of weather stripping don't apply easily and don't seem to last nearly as long as alternatives.