Friday, April 30, 2010

A Tycoon's Tips

Barbara Corcoran

Buy NOW! That's the hot advice of respected housing expert Barbara Corcoran, who says she's never seen a better time to purchase a home. "Typically when real estate prices are low, interest rates are high. The is the first time I've seen cheap money and cheap prices simultaneously. This is the old days we've dreamt about."

Corcoran has a knack for timing. Having parlayed a $1,000 load into the high end New York City real estate firm she started, The Corcoran Group, she sold the company for $66 million in 2001, before the market cratered.

Now, as an investor on ABC's Shark Tank, Corcoran encourages buyers to jump at the abundance of good deals. "It's a perfect time to snatch a bargain to to upgrade, " she says. And when does she think the market will rebound? "Real estate is slow to unwind but fast to recover. I suspect we'll make up most of the loss of the last four years withing the next 18 months."

- Laurie Wiegler
This article was published in the March/April 2010 edition of the AARP magazine

How can the Grove Team assist you with your real estate needs?

Direct (817) 337-0000
Email info@groveteam.com

www.groveteam.com

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Grove Team Services to New Home Buyers

Thinking about building a new home or purchasing a spec home from a builder? The Grove Team can assist you with that process! Utilizing the services of a Realtor when working with a builder is highly recommended by the Grove Team. Here are a few reasons why...

* Advise on builders and subdivisions
* Educate buyer on development, construction, and new-home purchase processes
* Assist buyers evaluate houses, lots, subdivisions, and locations
* Monitor the construction process
* Deal with buyer concerns and act as a buyer advocate
* Create and maintain a paper trail
* Arrange for independent inspections
* Assist buyer at closing

Whether you are considering a custom home or a spec located in one of the wonderful neighborhoods in the area, call the Grove Team!

Direct (817) 337-0000
Email info@groveteam.com

www.groveteam.com

Monday, April 26, 2010

Pricing Your Home to Sell

The Grove Team professionally analyzes the current market to determine the highest price at which your home might sell. The importance of the decision about the initial price of your property cannot be overstated.

How is value defined?

Value is defined as the amount a buyer is willing to pay after comparing your home to other similar homes currently on the market.

Determining Value

What counts...
* Location
* Competition
* Timing/Motivation
* Condition

What doesn't count...
* Amount paid by owner
* Amount needed by owner
* Amount wanted by owner
* Previous appraisals

What is another agent tells you they can get more for your house?

Some agents will quote a higher listing price just to get your business. Remember, an overpriced house will not sell.

Would you like more information or to schedule an appointment to interview the Grove Team to be your team of Realtors? Contact us -

Direct (817) 337-0000
Email info@groveteam.com

www.groveteam.com

Friday, April 23, 2010

Public Notice

Texas Real Estate Commission Warns Public of Real Estate Brokerage Scams in Dallas/Fort Worth Area

Information released by TREC, April 1, 2010

The state real estate commission has received complaints against a group of individuals and companies that have been doing business in the DFW area. These individuals and companies have represented themselves as real estate agents and real estate brokerage companies but do not carry the proper Texas real estate licenses.

Owners of property, tenants, buyers, and investors claim to have paid money to the group. Additionally, the claims have been made takes and retains deposits for properties for which they have no control or authority in. In rental situations, the alleged do no pay rent to property owners on property they claim to manage. They take deposits or earnest money on properties that they claim are available for a short sale but in reality are days from foreclosure sales.

As a consumer, before providing personal information, money, or financial information to a person claiming to be a real estate agent, verify the identity of the person and the validity of their real estate license. License information may be obtained by visiting TREC's website, www.trec.state.tx.us, or calling TREC directly at 1 (800) 250-TREC.

Contact the Grove Team for all of your real estate needs:

Office (817) 337-0000
Email info@groveteam.com

Web www.groveteam.com

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Buyers Expecting Tax Credit Extension Are Taking a Huge Risk

First time home buyers and buyers who have owned their homes for the past five years who think that the tax credits in effect now will be extended are in for a surprise. There seems to be no discussion in the realtor community about lobbying lawmakers to extend the credits.

The first tax credits were due to expire last fall but were extended. At that time, realtors expected the extension because our national association was sending frequent emails about the progress of the lobbying effort.

This time there is no effort that is widely publicized. Our advice is to make every effort to be under contract by the end of April if you are in position to do so. No point in waiting until the first week in May if you can be under contract in April.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Open Houses - Keller Williams Red Out

Come join us this weekend and visit some wonderful Grove Team open houses!


Saturday April 24th


2:00 - 4:00pm
1109 Nueces Court, Colleyville


Offered at $489,900 this wonder 4 bed, 3-1/2 bath home features 4,1,31 square feet and is located in the Riverwalk at Colleyville. From Blvd 26, head east on Glade, left of Riverwalk, left on Riverwalk Crt., right on San Gabriel, and left on Nueces Crt.


1:00 - 5:00pm
5408 Mt. McKinley Road, Fort Worth



Awesome Park Glen buy - offered at $179,900 this is a must see. Featuring 4 beds and 3 baths with 2,732 sqft. Private and oversized lot with TONS of updates! Going north on Hwy 377 (Denton Hwy), left on Basswood, right on Park Vista, right on Redwood, left on Grand Teton, and right on Mt. McKinley. Also open SUNDAY April 25th from 1:00 - 5:00pm


Busy on Saturday...come join us on Sunday, April 25th at these amazing homes!

2:00 - 4:00
7315 Hix Court, Colleyville

Offered at $840,000 and located on 2.52 acres in Colleyville! Featuring a main home, fully completed garage apartment, tennis courts and barn you must not pass up the opportunity to visit this stunning home. From Blvd. 26, west on John McCain, right on Holly, and right on Hix.

2:00 - 5:00pm

9108 Wiggins Drive, Fort Worth

Located in Heritage and offered at $189.900, this home features 3 beds and 2 baths. Amazing kitchen ready for your dinner parties. Gently lived in and ready for you to move in. From I35W, go east on Heritage Trace, right on Gerald, and right on Wiggins.

1:00 - 3:00pm

11620 Pheasant Creek, Fort Worth

Just listed this week! Offered at $204,900 this brand new listing features 5 bedrooms and 3.5 baths. Stop by and visit on Sunday.



Monday, April 19, 2010

Statistics for Southlake, Texas, Real Estate for First Quarter 2010

In the first quarter of 2010, 76 properties sold in Southlake. The average number of days on the market was 171; the average price per square foot was $138.07; the average sales price was $621,482.

In the first quarter of 2009, 55 properties sold in Southlake. The average number of days on the market was 122; the average price per square foot was $152.03; the average sales price was $755,018.

It is unfortunate that these numbers are less reliable than they might otherwise be because of the practice of "Z-ing" of sales prices. When an agent uses a "Z" after the sales price, then the actual sales price is not disclosed. Only the list price is stated, so all statistics are taken from list price, which could be dramatically higher or lower than sales price. In 2009, agents used this practice for ten properties sold in Southlake. In 2010, agents used this practice six times for sales in Southlake.

All statistics are taken from the MLS and are deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

For comprehensive statistics for real estate sales in all of Northeast Tarrant County or for a market analysis of your home's value, contact the Grove Team at 817-337-0000 or http://www.groveteam.com.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Property Tax Protest

Did you know you can protest your property taxes?

Within the next few weeks you should be receiving your property tax information from your local tax appraisal office. After reviewing it, if you feel your home has been appraised high in value, give us a call (817) 337-0000.

The Grove Team will run the numbers and supply you with the information you will need to properly protest your value amount. The best thing - we offer this service for FREE!

Even if you don't receive an updated value this year you can still protest your appraised value. Simply contact the appraisal office to file a protest. Instructions on how to file your protest are available on the Tarrant Appraisal District website - www.tad.org

Remember, there is no cost or obligation for the Grove Team to provide this service to you. Contact us directly, (817) 337-0000 or info@groveteam.com

Monday, April 5, 2010

First Quarter Statistics for Real Estate Sales in Keller, Texas

First quarter statistics are in for real estate sales in Keller, Texas. During the period of January, February, and March of 2010, 105 properties sold in the Multiple Listing Service. The average price per square foot was $100.62. The average number of days on the market was 124. The property with the longest days on the market was a whopping 794. The shortest number of days on the market was one. The average sales price was $290,113.

When looking back at the same period in 2009, 101 properties sold. The average number of days on the market was 154. Average price per square foot was $94.99, while the average sales price was $290,780.

This information demonstrates that the real estate market in Keller is trending positively in sales price per square foot and in days on the market. However, the number of properties is at or about 2009 levels. Average sales price was virtually the same, but was probably held lower in first quarter 2010 because of the number of first time home buyers in the market because of the tax credit.

For a evaluation of your property value in Northeast Tarrant County by an experienced real estate professional from the Grove Team, please call 817-337-000. You can also find us at www.groveteam.com. or email us at info@groveteam.com.