Find Your Castle. Live Like Royalty.

Posted on by Andrea T. Fowler

Find your castle. Live like royalty.

That’s the mantra of #CrowningHomeowners. I learned early on in my career as a Realtor that clients wanted to feel special. It didn’t matter what size their new home was it was their domain. It was their sanctuary. Lastly, it was the one place where they ruled the throne.

That’s the feeling I love for my clients to have. It is never about me but about how they feel. To this day, it still amazes me when their face lights up at “the one” The one home that they will call their royal place in their life. It may be the first one or it may be the fifth one but it is a special place for them during this moment of their life.

Don’t believe me. Just watch.

You can you live the dream. You can start by signing up for the #CrowningHomeowners workshop next Saturday in Lewisville. #CrowningHomeowners Workshop Registration 

The Alexanders: One Year Follow-Up

Posted on by Andrea T. Fowler

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In our latest section of the one year-follow up, we have my dear friends, Evan and Candisse Alexander. Their story is a whirlwind one with a lot of events happening in a short amount of time. As most people say, 2015 was definitely THEIR year.

Candisse is one of my sorority sisters from LSU so we have a long history together. Her and Evan were engaged in 2014 and were married February 2015. They wanted a home but was like we have to do one thing at a time. After the wedding and honeymoon, we are seriously buying a house. As Candisse often let me know, “this 600+ square foot apartment isn’t working and you have to get me out of here.”  LOL

So by May 2015, we were house searching with the newlyweds. Now it has been a seller’s market in DFW for the past few years and the summer is the most competitive time to search. We started a search immediately after the buyer’s consultation. We started in The Colony but Candisse and Evan were used to Tarrant County so the next day we ventured there and the rest was history on day 2 of the search. I was in awe too because it normally takes a few searches and offers before my buyers get under contract but not Evan and Candisse. Read their follow up interview below.

1. What type of home were you considering?

My husband and I were originally looking for a starter home.

2. What city did you purchase your home in?

Fort Worth, TX

3. Was it your first choice location? If not, what areas did you consider?

No, south Arlington, Grand Prairie and Mansfield were our top picks.

4. Now that you have lived in your city for a year, what is it that you like about your city?

I love downtown Fort Worth, and being so close to restaurants and malls and movie theaters!

5. What attracted you to your neighborhood?
Our home!

6. What is something that you like about your neighborhood now that you have lived there for a year?

It is quiet and peaceful.

7. What advice would you give a first time homebuyer?

Trust your instincts. Taking the jump is hard, but once you know you are ready… Don’t be afraid to go for it!

Avalos – One Year Follow Up

Posted on by Andrea T. Fowler

This past Sunday marked the one year home anniversary of clients, Ray and Andrea Avalos. I enjoyed working with Ray and Andrea and the most adorable Mac. New Avenue Realty caught up with the Avalos to discuss how being a homeowner in the past year. The things that make me love what I do is to see the faces of my clients on closing day or when we know we have the right home. This best thing about their closing was the look on Mac’s face (he was three at that time)when he looked at me and said, “Andrea, we’re buying a house today!”  Little things like that makes me enjoy my job and reminds me everyday why I do this.  Enough of my feelings….let’s catch up with the Avalos.

 

Avalos Homeowners

Wow time sure does fly! To anyone reading this you are in good hands with Andrea! She is such a great Realtor and works extremely hard for you, she was very knowledgeable and patient with us since it was our first time buying a house. She took our wishlist and was able to narrow down houses and even found one under our original budget that fit us! She is OUR realtor and will continue to be for the next adventure. Highly recommended.

1. What type of home were you considering?
Single family home with a school district.

2. What city did you purchase your home in?
Keller

3. Was it your first choice location? If not, what areas did you consider?
Honestly it wasn’t on our radar. We were new to the area and not familiar with the outlaying towns. We were considering Lewisville, Little Elm, Euless, Hurst.

4. Now that you have lived in your city for a year, what is it that you like about your city?
Love Keller! Big city amenities small town feel. Low crime rate, honest and friendly people. Close to great dining and not to far from the city. Excellent school district.

5. What attracted you to your neighborhood?
Honestly the price was right, and the neighborhood looked clean.

6. What is something that you like about your neighborhood now that you have lived there for a year?
Our neighbors are great! My son chit chats with them all the time. Super friendly and trust worthy, they look out for each other.

7. What advice would you give a first time homebuyer?
Keep an open mind and trust your realtor, they know what they are doing. You may not be able to get every single thing on your wishlist but you will discover that you will find something you didn’t even know you wanted in your new house. Stick to the advice given and you will succeed. It can be very stressful but stick to the plan, home ownership is worth it!

BROADNAX: ONE YEAR FOLLOW – UP

Posted on by Andrea T. Fowler

#CROWNEDAHOMEOWNER

Yesterday marked the one-year home anniversary for my fellow LSU alum and North Louisiana girl, Ashley! Ashley talked about homeownership long before I was a Realtor. We discussed her options when I was doing Housing Counseling in South Dallas so to help her achieve her goal was awesome in its self. She had a goal and knew how she wanted to achieve it. The time had finally come and we were set with a limited schedule. She knew exactly what she wanted price and all.

Here’s a recap of her one year as a homeowner.

1. What type of home were you considering?

a. I was just looking for somewhere to live and the condo/townhouse was the most feasible option at that time.

2. What city did you purchase your home in?

a. Arlington, TX

3. Was it your first choice location? If not, what areas did you consider?

a. This was my only choice due to work not being far.

4. Now that you have lived in your city for a year, what is it that you like about your city?

a. I like that I’m able to get to my job in under an hour and that everything that I need is close by or within driving distance.

5. What attracted you to your neighborhood?

a. Work

6. What is something that you like about your neighborhood now that you have lived there for a year?

a. Location, Location, Location

 

a. Don’t wait till the last minute to purchase and ensure that you have all your ducks in a row financially. Get exactly what you want.

FINISTER – One Year Review

Posted on by Andrea T. Fowler

Today marks the one year home anniversary of my clients, Jeremy and Chrishawn Finister. I checked in with the Finisters to get an update about their new city, new home, and life as a homeowner. Find out what advice they have for first time homebuyers below:

 

Finister Blog 2

 

Finister Blog

 

1. What type of home were you considering?
Honestly, we weren’t considering any home because we didn’t think we were able to buy because we didn’t have a large down payment.

2. What city did you purchase your home in?
Arlington, Texas

3. Was it your first choice location? If not, what areas did you consider?
Arlington was not our first choice. Prior to beginning the home buying process, we lived in The Lewisville area. All I had known since moving to Texas was Southern Denton county.

We also considered Grand Prairie and Cedar Hill for a quick second.

4. Now that you have lived in your city for a year, what is it that you like about your city?

Arlington is right in the middle of the metroplex. We are able to get to downtown Dallas for shows and concerts quickly. The location has been great for attending various activities. We also live close to the DFW airport.

5. What attracted you to your neighborhood?
Honestly, our realtor found the home for us. In the end, location was a priority as my husband works in Carrollton and I in Fort Worth. We needed a central location so we both could get to work with minimal commute time. Also, one of my co-workers had lived in the neighborhood for years and spoke highly of it. We went with faith!

6. What is something that you like about your neighborhood now that you have lived there for a year?

Our neighborhood is family oriented, quiet, and diverse. It’s a great place to raise our son. We also love being close to AT & T stadium, six flags, and the ball park.

7. What advice would you give a first time homebuyer?

Just be patient and open to new possibilities. The home buying process is an adventure…..lean in 🙂 I would have never imagined living in Arlington. However, it has been a greater blessing than we could have ever imagined.

June is National Homeownership Month!

Posted on by Andrea Fowler
Today Kicks Off National Homeownership Month! | Keeping Current Matters
National Homeownership Month actually started as a week-long celebration of homeownership during the Clinton administration in 1995. In 2002, President George W. Bush proclaimed June as the National Homeownership Month. Here is an excerpt from his proclamation:
“Homeownership is an important part of the American Dream…A home provides shelter and a safe place where families can prosper and children can thrive. For many Americans, their home is an important financial investment, and it can be a source of great personal pride and an important part of community stability.”
“Homeownership encourages personal responsibility and the values necessary for strong families. Where homeownership flourishes, neighborhoods are more stable, residents are more civic-minded, schools are better, and crime rates decline.”
“During National Homeownership Month, I encourage all Americans to learn more about financial management and to explore homeownership opportunities in their communities. By taking this important step, individuals and families help safeguard their financial futures and contribute to the strength of our Nation.”
If you are one of the many renters out there who would like to make the transition from renter to homeowner, contact me so that we can evaluate your ability to do so.

You Want to Raise My Rent How Much?

Posted on by Andrea Fowler
You Want to Raise My Rent How Much? | Keeping Current Matters
We recently reported that investment purchases in 2014 fell 7.4% for the year, that combined with a diminished supply of distressed inventory allowing for big profits, has real estate investors looking for a new way to make more money in 2015.
So if they don’t have new properties to buy… how would they make more money? Easy… they are going to raise your rent!
A recent article from Bloomberg Business gave insight into exactly what the CEO’s of major investment firms are thinking.
“We are focusing aggressively on rent bumps,” American Residential Properties CEO Stephen Schmitz said during a panel discussion. “There’s a supply imbalance in some markets. The same thing that keeps occupancy high also drives rents.”

How Much Are They Going To Raise Your Rent?

Rental rates are predicted to increase 4% on renewals and as much as 5.7% for new tenants.
Haendel St. Juste, a Morgan Stanley analyst put it this way:
“The focus is now on optimizing revenue, compared to getting heads in beds,”

So What Can You Do?

If you are one of the millions of renters out there dreading the day that you have to renew your lease, or planning to move into a new rental property, now may be the time to sit with a real estate professional and evaluate your ability to lock in your housing cost, by buying now.

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.

Thank You — New Avenue Realty Home Owners of 2014

Posted on by Andrea Fowler

Can you believe that 2014 is 2 weeks from being over? Seriously this year has come and gone. We are on the brink of 2015 and New Avenue Realty has some AMAZING plans for 2015 I promise you do not want to miss out. 

Before the year ends, I would like to give a major thank you to my clients of 2014. These were first time buyers and sellers who were ready for home ownership. I am so thankful that they chose me to represent them as they purchase and sold their homes. 

(Left to Right)
A. The McIvers – Purchased their first home as newlyweds in March 2014 in Hickory Creek, TX
B. The Jusino’s – Purchased their first home as newlyweds in April 2014 in Lancaster, TX
“I would recommend the agent since she has guided us to our future home and stayed on top of it even though we didn’t win the initial offer. She has also answered a bunch of my questions since we are first time home buyers. We recommend her to guide you to your future home!” – Clint Jusino

C. The Ramirez’s – Purchased their first home as newlyweds in May 2014 in Cedar Hill, TX
“Andrea helped us find our first home on a very tight schedule. Andrea is knowledgeable and is very organized. Andrea also responds to her customers very quickly and always takes care of outstanding items. Andrea had answers and solutions for us very quickly. She is extremely helpful. Thank you, Andrea!” – Gonzalo Ramirez

D. The Jacksons – Purchased their first home in May 2014 in Royse City, TX
“Andrea is compassionate about what she does. We purchased our first home through a lender that many did not know about. Andrea educated herself and followed up throughout the entire process. She works diligently to ensure your needs as a client are met! Definitely chose Andrea to assist you if you are looking for a home!” – Tiffany Jackson

E. Brittnee Jenkins – Relocated to Fort Worth after graduate school and purchased in August 2014 in Fort Worth

F. SouthFair Community Development Corporation – Community Housing Development Organization in South Dallas that builds and sells homes to low and moderate income individuals and families. 
Sold 3 Homes with SouthFair CDC in July, October, and December 2014 – Dallas
During the course of working with my clients, I built relationships. To me that is the most important thing that a Realtor can do. I enjoyed every aspect of working with them and helping to ease the process of homeownership. My favorite part of the process with my buyers is watching their eyes light up when they have found the one. I make it every effort to make sure that they get “the one”. My favorite part of the process with my sellers is knowing that someone has consider their home as “the one”. I’ve always wanted to make a difference in my career. This is by far one of the best ways to make a difference. I get the experience to see families grow and new journeys being taken in the world of home ownership. 
In the end, thanks for working with me! I have enjoyed you this year. I leave all my viewers with this one question:
Who will be a New Avenue Realty Home Owner or Seller in 2015? 





For more information about buying or selling a home in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, contact me at 972.813.9788 or [email protected]. 

Before I end this post, I have to acknowledge my renters of 2014 as well. Hope to build our relationship to the journey of home ownership in 2015. 

Janet Munoz – Dallas
Candice Young & Cornelius Hayes – Fort Worth
Alexis Woodley – Grand Prairie, TX
Brittany Dixson – Fort Worth
Michelle & Josh Penix – Fate, TX