CROWNED: Mary Earl

Posted on by Andrea Fowler

It is 2015 and the crowning ceremony has began for my clients. The first client to be crowned in the 2015 Year of Homeownership is Mary Earl.

Mary is a first time home buyer and purchased her castle in Sachse, TX. She was a joy to work with and it doesn’t hurt that she is a lovely member of my beloved sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Gift Basket provided by Mortgage Express

Congratulations to Mary and I hope you enjoy your new home.

Who’s next to get crowned? Your new avenue is awaiting you. Let’s get started today.

Check out Mary’s recommendation:

APRIL 2015: YOUR NEXT HOME WORKSHOP

Posted on by Andrea Fowler

Have you been thinking about your next move? In this big move, I am talking about at the end of an expiration date. The expiration dates can vary from end of the lease, high school graduation, end of the 2014-2015 school year, etc. If your nearest expiration date for a major move is happening this summer, then you need to join me at my workshop as myself and Crystal Parkinson from Guild Mortgage discuss “Your Next Home”. 

Are you ready to be crowned a homeowner or start the crowning series to a newer home? Register today with the Lewisville Library. Contact me at [email protected] if you have any questions. 

New Housing Developments in Lewisville Texas

Posted on by Andrea Fowler
Example of New Housing Developments in Lewisville Texas

With the housing market being so competitive with existing homes, new construction is on the rise in the metroplex. If you haven’t noticed there are some new housing developments in Lewisville, Texas that peak beyond the Castle Hills subdivision. Below are some of the new housing developments in Lewisville:

Brookside:

Brookside is new subdivision built by Megatel. near Highway 121 and Interstate 35. It is a prime location in the metroplex due to its easy access to major highways. South of this subdivision is Highway 121 toll and the infamous DFW Airport.

According to Megatel,

Brookside will be home to 40 residents, surrounded by Central Park. The rolling topography is enhanced by peaceful breezes. Numerous shopping, dining and recreational venues are nearby giving the residents the benefits of quiet living while still being close to big city amenities. Home sites will start at 50 feet wide with varying depths. The homes will range in size from over 1891 square feet to over 3300 square feet. Both one story and two story homes are available.

The homes start in the mid 200s. Here’s a move-in ready home at Brookside under the Delano floorplan:

Another new housing developments in Lewisville Texas built by Megatel is Crescent Estates. This subdivision is in central Lewisville off of Main St. The homes have not been built yet but the subdivision is currently being laid out by Megatel. Homes are starting the 330s. 
The subdivision is within in minutes from Interstate 35 and next to a Walmart, restaurants, shops, Lewisville High School and Old Town Lewisville. This subdivision spells convenience especially for move-up buyers. 
The Hills of Vista Ridge are the newest development of Pulte Homes. These homes will be ready by Summer 2015 (which is a perfect time for the summer competition of homeowners). The homes sizes will range from 1731 square feet to 3263 square feet. Price is unknown at this time. 
Location for Hills of Vista Ridge in the southwest region of Lewisville. It is convenient to Walmart, shops, elementary school, Vista Ridge Mall, Highway 121 Toll, and Interstate 35. 
Highpoint Oaks is a new luxury development of homes encouraging the move up buyers to move up to their dream home. Homes are priced in the 300s in this new subdivision on the cusp of Denton Tap Road and Highway 121 Toll in Lewisville. 
These homes are currently being built by M/I Homes. According to M/I Homes Highpoint is,
Highpoint Oaks is situated in the Highest Point of Lewisville, TX; and is right in the middle of anywhere you want to be. Lewisville and the surrounding areas host music and arts theatres, a wide variety of family entertainment options, sports and outdoor activities, golf, and a unique night life found only here in DFW. Highpoint Oaks is located minutes away from lakes, marinas, and is a summer time destination hot spot. The Texas Motor Speedway is a short trip down the conveniently located I-35E Corridor.
As a great location for commuters, this community is situated just off of Sam Rayburn Tollway, and minutes from George Bush Turnpike, I-35E, 121, and I-635. Highpoint Oaks community has nearby marketplaces, restaurants, childcare and park facilities, and highly rated public, private, and charter schools.
Homes will range from 2,200-3,600 square feet, feature 3 car garages and have single story, two-story, and story and a half floor plan options. The new, innovative designs offer first and second story master suites, or double owner suites. The standard features provided in this Elite Series M/I Homes collection showcase Whole Home certifications and Green Energy Star ratings, trendy decorative finishes, and plenty of options for you to create your dream home.

Wyndale Meadows:

Wyndale Meadows is a new subdivision currently being completed by Lennar. Below is an overview by Lennar and Wyndale Meadows:

Located in Lewisville, Texas, Wyndale Meadows offers the Lakeside Collection of homes. Wyndale is just 5 minutes from Lake Lewisville and part of Lewisville ISD. Wyndale Meadows continues Lennar’s concept of Everything’s Included® Homes with included features that make every home move-in ready.

– 8 different floor plan layouts

– 50′-60′ homesites

– Stainless steel gas appliances

– Covered back patio

Castle Hills

The mega master planned community of Lewisville is Castle Hills. As this area of Lewisville continues to grow, so does the new housing developments in Lewisville. Homes in Castle Hills range from the high 200s to the high 400s.

The following subdivisions are available in the Castle Hills master plan:

Castle Hills Reserve – David Weekley
Castle Hills Northeast – American Legend
Castle Hills West – David Weekley
Castle Hills Southeast – Highland Homes
Castle Hills Southeast – American Legend
The Villas at Castle Hills – American Legend

TOWNHOMES

The new housing developments in Lewisville don’t stop at single family housing. There are new townhome development currently being produced as well. 
Lake Ridge
This subdivision could be considered a Lake Lewisville homes. The subdivision is nestled within minutes from Pier 121 Marina. This isn’t a new subdivision since previous homes were built by Wall Homes in 2008. With the the new anticipation of new housing developments, newer townhomes are finishing out this subdivision. Check out one of the homes below. 

Uptown Village:

This new hip townhome subdivision is located in Old Town Lewisville. According to the builders at Uptown Village it is,

New construction in the heart of downtown Lewisville! The revitalization of downtown is currently underway and will feature new restaurants, dining, shopping, park, mass transit and more! Purchase one of these townhomes now before prices go up.  The layout of these units are open with high-ceilings and plenty of natural light. 

The brick exterior reflects the old charming downtown style and inside they are fully loaded with stainless steel appliances, granite throughout and wood floors…not to mention a full bathroom for each bedroom, plus a half-bath downstairs.  The Uptown Village Townhome community will feature a dog-park, walking trail, pool and club house. Live an urban walkable lifestyle in suburbia just minutes from Plano, Carrollton, Denton and close drive to Dallas!

Check out one of the homes below:

This community is almost sold out with 2 units left. The units are priced in the $260s and it is on the cusp of Lewisville and Coppell with easy access to Highway 121 Toll and Interstate 35. 
These townhomes are starting in the $250s and the square footage is starting at 1901. These townhomes are perfect for those who love to have amenities nearby. Restaurants along Interstate 35, Highway 121 Toll south of the development, and Vista Ridge Mall within walking distance. 
Lewisville is growing with new housing developments. The lack of new inventory has sellers and buyers alike worried but there are new home construction being built as we speak which will make it easier to find your next home. 
If you have any interest in one of these new housing developments in Lewisville Texas contact me and I will be happy to help guide you through new home construction sales. You can reach me at 972-813-9788 or atfowler@NewAvenueRealty. 

Sunday Funday

Posted on by Andrea Fowler

This weather in the Dallas/Fort Worth has been for the birds. Last week consisted of all four seasons in 7 days (rain, sleet, snow, ice – oh the ice!) Unfortunately I missed the warmest day but I got to experience warmth as I traveled to Louisiana. My taste of shrimp and grits was halted by the weather in Dallas/Fort Worth. I decided to cut my trip short to head back to the metroplex before I was stuck in my college hometown of Baton Rouge or my actual hometown of Ruston.

So when Sunday came, I was already over the weather and just needed the time to myself. I will say that Saturday I trucked my way to Paradise Cove in Southlake to see my sorority sister marry the love of her life. I think I still have a natural high of that. (P.S. I love Louisiana weddings. It is different from normal ones just more of our unique culture added to it (cajun/creole food, second line, other music)).

So Sunday I decided to have a personal “Sunday Funday.” Now Sundays are my days that I have off from work so I tend to do all the things I just didn’t quite make it to throughout the week like laundry, grocery shopping, and BRUNCH. I know that is a weekend thing but I absolutely love brunch on a Sunday.

My first stop was to Coppell  at Black Walnut Cafe. This has become my new all time favorite spot in Coppell. I cannot fully describe the ambiance at Black Walnut Cafe. All that I can say that if you go get the thick peppered bacon. I promise you that you will not regret it. Oh and the traditional pancakes. It is mixed with powdered sugar, butter, and has syrup on the side. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Black Walnut Cafe in Coppell (Denton Tap and 121 Toll)

Next I ventured over to Flower Mound. I was headed home but after a week of rain, ice, sleet, and snow, I thought my couch wouldn’t miss me so I made my next stop to Five Below. To you reading this, why didn’t you tell me about Five Below? When I walked in, I literally felt like a kid in a candy store. There snack specials for days (Disclaimer – I am a huge snacker. My favorites are Lifesaver Wild Berries gummies, rice krispy treats, cheddar cheese and sour cream Ruffles, and the list goes on). This store was like a mix of Wal-Mart and Dollar Tree. It took some time to get me out of there.

My last journey was to grocery shop. I decided to go the Market Street in Flower Mound since I was already in the town. Immediately as I walked in the store, I realized that this one was nothing compared to the one in Coppell. I mean it had its similarities but this one was a little different. I tasted wine, I found Louisiana boiled shrimp (yes this made me happy since I missed out on shrimp and grits), and even tried the advertised burgers and fries. Market Street is the ONLY store that I am willing to try their “hot food.” If I miss their breakfast, I am highly upset.

This was a normal grocery store run for me UNTIL I saw this as I checked out:

Libations Bar at Market Street Flower Mound (FM2499 and FM1171)

Now I have never known a grocery store that has a full bar inside but Market Street in Flower Mound does. I was upset that it wasn’t open when I shopped but that was the “oh wow” factor for me. 
How do you spend your Sunday Funday? Is it a relaxing one as mine was this past Sunday? What’s your favorite place to frequent in your neighborhood? 

Either Way, You’re Paying A Mortgage

Posted on by Andrea Fowler

There are some people that have not purchased a home because they are uncomfortable taking on the obligation of a mortgage. Everyone should realize that, unless you are living with your parents rent free, you are paying a mortgage – either your mortgage or your landlord’s.
As a paper from the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University explains:
“Households must consume housing whether they own or rent. Not even accounting for more favorable tax treatment of owning, homeowners pay debt service to pay down their own principal while households that rent pay down the principal of a landlord plus a rate of return. That’s yet another reason owning often does—as Americans intuit—end up making more financial sense than renting.”
Also, if you purchase with a 30-year fixed rate mortgage, your ‘housing expense’ is locked in over the thirty years for the most part. If you rent, the one guarantee you will have is that your rent will increase over that same thirty year time period.
As an owner, the mortgage payment is a ‘forced savings’ which will allow you to have equity in your home you can tap into later in your life. As a renter, you guarantee the landlord is the person with that equity.

Bottom Line

Whether you are looking for a primary residence for the first time or are considering a vacation home on the shore, owning might make more sense than renting since home values and interest rates are still lower than projected.
Working with New Avenue Realty Click Here: http://youtu.be/pFer-gW9su0
Bibliography:
“Either Way, You’re Paying a Mortgage.” Keeping Current Matters. N.p., 12 Feb. 2015. Web. 12 Feb. 2015.

Vista Ridge Estates Homes for Sale in Lewisville Texas

Posted on by Andrea Fowler
Neighborhood Entrance – Vista Ridge Estates Homes for Sale, Lewisville Texas 75067

Are you ready to find the perfect home with access to major highways in the DFW metroplex? Ready to move up but need to sell your home first? Look no further than New Avenue Realty to help you find your next home in. You can request a personal home valuation to see the market value of your home. 


Modern Built

This exclusive neighborhood of Vista Ridge Estates Homes for Sale in Lewisville were built in the late 1990s with the following home builders: Engle Homes Texas, Weekley Homes, and Eagle Homes. Vista Ridge Estates is a top notch neighborhood in Lewisville. Homes in 3 to 4 bedrooms with 2 car garages. The neighborhood is constructed with different elevations on one story to two story homes. Home sizes average around 2400 sq ft. The average home price in Vista Ridge Estates is around $250,000 varying on home size and age. 

Local Schools Serving Vista Ridge Estates

Vista Ridge Estates Homes For Sale In Lewisville Texas are serviced by Lewisville ISD . You can view additional information on all of the local schools that facilitate the Vista Ridge Estates community. The schools that feed into this neighborhood include the following:


Exclusive Premier Location


Vista Ridge Estates Homes for Sale in Lewisville Texas is convenient to major shopping, with Vista Ridge Mall just a mile away; is easily accessible from Interstate 35E and State Highway 121; and is just minutes away from DFW International Airport. Located behind the neighborhood is a Wal-Mart Supercenter. With neighboring cities like Coppell to the south, Carrollton to the southeast, and The Colony to the east, these cities are minutes away with a short drive on highway 121. 
Map of Vista Ridge Estates Homes for Sale in Lewisville Texas

Find Your Next Home

Now that you are more familiar with homes for sale in Vista Ridge Estates, Lewisville Texas, please contact New Avenue Realty. We are happy to put together a royal home buying plan including a home search tailored to your needs. 
In a hurry, start your home search today with our easy to use customizable search.
You can also access additional information using our FREE comprehensive Market Insider and gain knowledge in this and other neighborhoods in and around Lewisville Texas. 

Rents at an All-Time High in North Texas?

Posted on by Andrea Fowler

If you have lived in an apartment in the Dallas/Fort Worth region, you know that paying for a peace of security and safety does not come cheap no matter where in the metroplex you decide to live. Last year, 2014, rents reached an all time high in North Texas. According to Jenny Doren and Sandra Baker of WFAA and the Star- Telegram:

“Rents rose 4.9 percent in 2014 and now the average monthly rent for an apartment in Dallas-Fort Worth is $919, said MPF Research in Dallas.

“Annual increases above 4 percent are rare in this market,” said Greg Willett, an MPF Research vice president. “Because we’re such a construction hot spot, the flow of new product moving through initial lease-up normally holds rent growth below the national norm.”

Locally, however, renters were leasing up units almost as fast as they came on the market, Willett said. Renters leased 15,226 units during 2014, when 15,575 units were completed, making North Texas the strongest market nationwide.”

 
I always advise those who are paying more than $1,000 in rent to consider purchasing their own home. The benefits in purchasing outweighs the benefits of owning. There are no apartment rules to follow, no additional fees, and no paper thin walls to hear your neighbors conversation.

I would to talk to you if you are considering purchasing a home in 2015. Let’s get you on a Royal Plan today to see where your new avenue awaits you at. Contact me via phone or email at 972.813.9788 or [email protected].

Find your new avenue here: New Avenue Realty

Doren, Jenny, and Sandra Baker. “N. Texas Apartment Rents Reach an All-time High in 2014.” WFAA. N.p., 6 Jan. 2015. Web. 26 Jan. 2015.

5 Demands to Make on Your Listing Agent

Posted on by Andrea Fowler

5 Demands to Make on Your Listing Agent | Keeping Current Matters

Are you thinking of selling your house? Are you dreading having to deal with strangers walking through the house? Are you concerned about getting the paperwork correct? Hiring a professional real estate agent can take away most of the challenges of selling. A great agent is always worth more than the commission they charge just like a great doctor or great accountant.
You want to deal with one of the best agents in your marketplace. To do this, you must be able to distinguish the average agent from the great one.
Here are the top 5 demands to make of your Real Estate Agent when selling your house:

1. Tell the truth about the price

Too many agents just take the listing at any price and then try to the ‘work the seller’ for a price correction later. Demand that the agent prove to you that they have a belief in the price they are suggesting. Make them show you their plan to sell the house at that price – TWICE! Every house in today’s market must be sold two times – first to a buyer and then to the bank.
The second sale may be more difficult than the first. The residential appraisal process has gotten tougher. Surveys show that there was a challenge with the appraisal on almost 20% of all residential real estate transactions. It has become more difficult to get the banks to agree on the contract price. A red flag should be raised if your agent is not discussing this with you at the time of the listing.

2. Understand the timetable with which your family is dealing

You will be moving your family to a new home. Whether the move revolves around the start of a new school year or the start of a new job, you will be trying to put the move to a plan.
This can be very emotionally draining. Demand from your agent an appreciation for the timetables you are setting. Your agent cannot pick the exact date of your move, but they should exert any influence they can, to make it work. 

3. Remove as many of the challenges as possible

It is imperative that your agent knows how to handle the challenges that will arise. An agent’s ability to negotiate is critical in this market.
Remember: If you have an agent who was weak negotiating with you on the parts of the listing contract that were most important to them and their family (commission, length, etc.), don’t expect them to turn into a super hero when they are negotiating for you and your family with the buyer.

4. Help with the relocation

If you haven’t yet picked your new home, make sure the agent is capable and willing to help you. The coordination of the move is crucial. You don’t want to be without a roof over your head the night of the closing. Likewise, you don’t want to end up paying two housing expenses (whether it is rent or mortgage). You should, in most cases, be able to close on your current home and immediately move into your new residence.

5. Get the house SOLD!

There is a reason you are putting yourself and your family through the process of moving.
You are moving on with your life in some way. The reason is important or you wouldn’t be dealing with the headaches and challenges that come along with selling. Do not allow your agent to forget these motivations. Constantly remind them that selling the house is why you hired them. Make sure that they don’t worry about your feelings more than they worry about your family. If they discover something needs to be done to attain your goal (i.e. price correction, repair, removing clutter), insist they have the courage to inform you.

Good agents know how to deliver good news. Great agents know how to deliver tough news. In today’s market, YOU NEED A GREAT AGENT!




“5 Demands to Make on Your Listing Agent.” Keeping Current Matters. N.p., 13 Jan. 2015. Web. 16 Jan. 2015.

4 Reasons to Buy Before Spring!

Posted on by Andrea Fowler
The holiday season is behind us, time to focus on what exciting new experiences 2015 can bring! If you are planning on becoming a homeowner, or moving up to the home of your dreams in 2015, here are four great reasons to consider buying a home now, instead of waiting until spring.

1. Prices Will Continue to Rise

The Home Price Expectation Survey polls a distinguished panel of over 100 economists, investment strategists, and housing market analysts. Their most recent report projects appreciation in home values over the next five years to be between 15.1% (most pessimistic) and 32.8% (most optimistic).
The bottom in home prices has come and gone. Home values will continue to appreciate for years. Waiting no longer makes sense. 

2. Mortgage Interest Rates Are Projected to Increase

Although Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey shows that interest rates for a 30-year mortgage have softened recently, most experts predict that they will begin to rise over the next 12 months. The Mortgage Bankers Association, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac & the National Association of Realtors are in unison projecting that rates will be up almost a full percentage point by the end of 2015.
An increase in rates will impact YOUR monthly mortgage payment. Your housing expense will be more a year from now if a mortgage is necessary to purchase your next home.

3. Either Way You are Paying a Mortgage

As a paper from the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University explains:
“Households must consume housing whether they own or rent. Not even accounting for more favorable tax treatment of owning, homeowners pay debt service to pay down their own principal while households that rent pay down the principal of a landlord plus a rate of return. That’s yet another reason owning often does—as Americans intuit—end up making more financial sense than renting.”

4. It’s Time to Move On with Your Life

The ‘cost’ of a home is determined by two major components: the price of the home and the current mortgage rate. It appears that both are on the rise.
But, what if they weren’t? Would you wait?
Look at the actual reason you are buying and decide whether it is worth waiting. Whether you want to have a great place for your children to grow up, you want your family to be safer or you just want to have control over renovations, maybe it is time to buy.
If the right thing for you and your family is to purchase a home this year, buying sooner rather than later could lead to substantial savings.
To get started on buying this winter in the metroplex, contact me via phone or email at 972.813.9788 or [email protected].
“4 Reasons to Buy Before Spring!” Keeping Current Matters. N.p., 07 Jan. 2015. Web. 07 Jan. 2015.

The REAL Reasons Americans Buy a Home

Posted on by Andrea Fowler

As I browsed through the internet, I found one article that talks about homeownership as a tool to build wealth. On the finanical tip, the New York Times wrote about “Homeownership and Wealth Creation“.

Source: Gap in Net Worth by New York Times: analysis by Center for Responsible Lending of Federal Reserve Board’s Survey of Consumer Finances

Home ownership is that for me BUT it will represent so many different things to people. According to Keeping Current Matters, there are four reasons why Americans buy a home. 

The REAL Reasons Americans Buy a Home | Keeping Current Matters
Source: Keeping Current Matters

There’s No Place Like Home

The top 4 reasons to own a home cited by respondents were not financial.

1. It means having a good place to raise children & provide them with a good education

From the best neighborhoods to the best school districts, even those without children at the time of purchasing their home, may have this in the back of their mind as a major reason for choosing the location of the home that they purchase.

2. You have a physical structure where you & your family feel safe

It is no surprise that having a place to call home with all that means in comfort and security is the #2 reason.

3. It allows you to have more space for your family

Whether your family is expanding, or an older family member is moving in, having a home that fits your needs is a close third on the list.

4. It gives you control over what you do with your living space, like renovations and updates

Looking to actually try one of those complicated wall treatments that you saw on Pinterest? Want to finally adopt that puppy or kitten you’ve seen online 100 times? Who’s to say that you can’t in your own home?
The 5th reason on the list, is the #1 financial reason to buy a home as seen by respondents:

5. Owning a home is a good way to build up wealth that can be passed along to my family

Either way you are paying a mortgage. Why not lock in your housing expense now with an investment that will build equity that you can borrow against in the future?

Bottom Line

Whether you are a first time homebuyer or a move-up buyer who wants to start a new chapter in their life, the holiday season is a great time to reflect on the intangible factors that make a house a home.

“The REAL Reasons Americans Buy a Home.” Keeping Current Matters. N.p., 23 Dec. 2014. Web. 02 Jan. 2015.