Malakia & Kellar – One Year Review

Posted on by Andrea T. Fowler

We are back at it with the one year reviews from my clients of 2015. Today we get to hear from Chauntel and Bendita. Buying a home in Dallas was a first for the both of them but buying a home was nothing new to Bendita. It was something new for Chauntel. I asked them to share their experience for people relocating to Dallas and the atmosphere of the area that they have now call home.

My Tidbit: I’m a personal fan of their view. I mean I personally would never leave if I had their view but enough about me. Here is their story.

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This view though.
What type of home were you considering?
Bendita: I WANTED AN “INTERESTING SPACE”, AND THOUGHT I WOULD END UP WITH A TOWNHOUSE OR SINGLE FAMILY HOME, SINCE I HAVE TRADITIONALLY HATED CONDOS. BUT GETTING A CONDO WAS REALLY THE BEST DECISION WE COULD’VE MADE AT THIS STAGE IN OUR LIVES.
Chauntel: I thought we would end up in a townhouse, I wanted an industrial modern space but didn’t know if that was realistic or available in the area. We were glad to find this and feel like it fits great for us now.
What city did you purchase your home in?
Bendita: DALLAS, TX (THE CEDARS)
Chauntel: Got a condo [south of] downtown because it’s all about location
Was it your first choice location? If not, what areas did you consider?
Bendita: WE WERE LOOKING AT DOWNTOWN AND UPTOWN LOCATIONS, ALL IN DALLAS, TX.
Now that you have lived in your city for a year, what is it that you like about your city?
Bendita: I LOVE THAT WE ARE A $5 UBER RIDE FROM 75% OF MOST OF WHAT WE WOULD LIKE TO DO. IT ALSO DOESN’T HURT THAT THE FLIGHTS IN AND OUT OF DALLAS ARE SO CHEAP.
Chauntel: I love DFW, its easy to get anywhere and is a good home base. I also like the small group of friends we have made.
What attracted you to your neighborhood?
Bendita: I LOVE NEIGHBORHOODS THAT ARE JUST STARTING TO TRANSITION UP. I LOVE THE GRITTY MIX OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF PEOPLE AND WATCHING THE INPUTS THAT PROVIDE THE IMPETUS FOR CHANGE. I HATE STERILE NEIGHBORHOODS. IT ALSO DOESNT HELP THAT I AM 1 MINUTE DRIVE AWAY FROM 35E, 30, AND 75.
Chauntel: The proximity to everything else and the view.
What is something that you like about your neighborhood now that you have lived there for a year?
Bendita: I AM ENJOYING WATCHING OTHER PEOPLE’S INTEREST IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD INCREASE!
Chauntel: Alamo drafthouse … Lol
What advice would you give a first time homebuyer?
Bendita: BE PATIENT WITH THE PROCESS. THIS WAS MY SECOND HOUSE PURCHASE AND IT NEVER GETS EASIER.
Chauntel: Be patient, it’s like the hunger games. Don’t get too emotionally invested too soon. You will have to find a good fit for yourself and also for the seller/developer.
Chauntel & Bendita’s wall art in their home.

 

Drea’s Favorites: Dallas Happenings

Posted on by Andrea T. Fowler

Drea's

If you follow my Instagram page, @NewAveRealty, then you will know that I always share my experience of my Dallas “happenings”. I love to get out and explore Dallas in my free time. This is usually on Sundays. I work Monday – Saturday and all I ask for is some time to myself on Sundays. That basically means to catch up with girlfriends and brunch. I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorites places. If you have a place that you’d like to mention, place it in the comments and I will hit it up.

*BONUS: There is a new Instagram page called @YouPeopleReviews, that highlight a lot of places to eat around the metroplex. I’ve gotten some places from them as well.

FOOD:

I’m a Louisiana girl so I love me some Cajun food. I am not big on Creole (there is a difference) but I love me some Cajun food. Here is my list of my top favorite cajun food spots.

  1. Cajun Tailgators (Plano)
  2. Bayou Market (Lewisville)
  3. Good Times Cajun Cuisine (Lewisville)
  4. NOLA Grill (Frisco) – Had this last night and I must say the food was amazing. The collard greens tasted just like my Mama Elsie’s.

If they don’t have anyone from Louisiana as the owner or cook, I don’t believe it to be Louisiana cooking. There is no debate about that.

Soul Food/Chicken Spots

Now for some good down home cooking, you have to head south of the metroplex. My favorite spots to get food just how I like it is in Oak Cliff. Seriously, I will wait in line for these places.

  1. South Dallas Cafe (Oak Cliff – Red Bird Area)
  2. Rudy’s Chicken (Oak Cliff – Bring cash…be prepared to wait, no seriously. If time is not on your side, you may not be eating Rudy’s THAT day. It has happened to me before.)
  3. Floyd’s Catfish (Oak Cliff) – Now I am not sure if this place is still open. If it is, you’re in luck. If not, I am so sorry that you missed out.
  4. Chicago’s Chicken Coop (Carrollton) – So this one isn’t in the southern part of the metroplex. It opened up last year and I went like everyday the first week. I have to admit that it was mainly for the butter cookies.
  5. Pluckers (Various Locations) – This should really have a category of its own but since I included chicken in this category I thought to place it here. There is no other wing spot that can beat Pluckers to me.
  6. Wing Daddy (Little Elm) – this little gem in Little Elm has some fun margaritas and fried pickles are to die for.

Bars/Hip Places

By any means, I am not a party animal. I do like to get out and enjoy myself every now and then

  1. Beauty Bar (Dallas – Knox/Henderson)
  2. Happiest Hour (Dallas – Hardwood/Victory Park) I have found a way to make my way here so often (Brisket Nachos…though)
  3. Decks in the Park (Klyde Warren Park) – This is my favorite summer time event in Dallas. It’s a perfect unwind in the park at night and just vibe along the music.

Brunch

This category is my all-time favorite. This is what I love to do and I will try new places often. So please send me some awesome brunch spots.

  1. Smoke – Plano and Bishop Arts (BBQ for brunch, need I say more)
  2. Black Walnut Cafe (Various Locations)
  3. Julia Pearl (Plano) – I went here for brunch last weekend. I want to go back for dinner soon to give it another chance but it wasn’t bad at all.
  4. Public School 214 – It is all about concept to me (sometimes) and this one steals the show.  It has a grade school concept with menus being on composition books and drink menus on scantrons. It is the cutest thing to me.

Those are just a few of my favorite places to go. They aren’t in any order. Try them out and let me know what you think. If you ever need a recommendation on a place, contact me or just follow my Instagram. I am sure I will post it there.

 

 

Should You Buy A New Construction Home or a Resale?

Posted on by Andrea T. Fowler

The choices are endless…should you buy new or buy a resale?  Purchasing a new construction home is very different from buying a resale home.  According to a survey by Trulia, twice as many people prefer new homes to existing homes.  Let’s look at the differences.

 

Why Buy a New Home?

It’s exciting to design your own home.  You can customize the paint colors, cabinets, lighting, plumbing fixtures, and flooring etc.  Everything is new and shiny.

New homes are built with the latest new materials and appliances so less maintenance is required. This includes aluminum siding, vinyl windows and wood decks that resist rot and insects.  They are more energy efficient with better windows, insulation, and HVAC systems.  That means lower utility bills.

They more often have more safety features and fewer health hazards because they have to conform to current building codes.

Many homebuilders offer warranties in case certain problems arise over a period of time.  Major appliances and systems also have manufacturer warranties.

New homes feature the latest designs that today’s lifestyle demands: open, eat-in kitchens and master bedroom suites, large master baths, walk-in closets and more storage space.

Also, many homebuilders give incentives to purchase a home from them such as monetary amount toward upgrades.

Most new homes are wired with the latest technologies including high-speed Internet connections, alarm systems, extra cable outlets, and thermostats.  They also can be wired for speaker systems and extra phone-lines.  This can save time and money, and holes in the walls.

Why Buy a Resale Home?

If you are looking for an established neighborhood, with mature tree-lined streets and homes with traditional features and character, buying a resale might be the way to go.

Resale homes provide more opportunity for home improvements.

These homes typically have more traditional floorplans with formal living rooms and dining rooms.  Also, new homes are built on smaller lots than many older homes.

Resale homes tend to be initially less expensive than new homes and usually come complete with items that cost extra in a new home, such as blinds, landscaping, built-ins, or even a pool or spa.

Buyers of new homes many times are required to pay for the local bonds that are associated with a new development for schools, parks and road improvements.

Buyers have more room for negotiating the price of a resale home rather than a new home.

Remember, you are not just buying a house – you’re buying a home, lifestyle and a neighborhood!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Find new construction homes by clicking here

Find resale homes by clicking here

 

[Hangout Sessions] Things to Consider When Buying Your First Home

Posted on by Andrea T. Fowler

When most buyers are looking to purchase a home, they have so many questions. What’s the best area for me to buy in? What’s the cost to live here? What’s the first steps? Are there any programs to help me put down 20% (Btw, you DO NOT need 20%)?

These questions are common questions. That’s why Crystal Parkinson (Guild Mortgage) and I (NewAvenueRealty.com) have worked on providing you a hands-on webinar to discuss what to consider when buying your first home.

This hangout session will answer the questions that you have and more! If you’ve been on the fence on whether to go forward with a home purchase, this session will help you make your decision.

Go ahead and register today….your new avenue may be in the near future:

 

 

Home Owner’s Guide to Remodeling – Bedroom

Posted on by Andrea T. Fowler

Remodeling of a house is one of the Joys of being a home owner. Not only does it give your home a make over, it also gives your home a little bit of “you” in every room that you customize. This week’s Home Owner’s Guide to Remodeling  is all about the Bedroom. We spend 1/3rd of our lifetime asleep, which is why comfort is the number one goal we must keep in mind in remodeling the bedroom.

traditional-bedroom
Got lots of room? Create a spacious area in your living room for a more relaxed feel or for personal activities.

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Keep it simple but classy! Wooden frames and great lighting is a good combination for that bedroom in you bachelor pad!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A mix of study room and bedroom for individuals who likes to read and relax right before bedtime.
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Children’s bedrooms are ever changing as the child that sleeps in it. Keep them engaged by letting them design and add stuff they like in their room.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roger DeWeese, Peachtree Architects
Creating a theme for your bedroom is always a good idea, go crazy in colors or match your furniture to the color of the bedroom.

Home Owner’s Guide to Remodeling – Living Room

Posted on by Andrea T. Fowler

Remodeling of a house is one of the Joys of being a home owner. Not only does it give your home a make over, it also gives your home a little bit of “you” in every room that you customize. This week’s Home Owner’s Guide to Remodeling  is all about the living room. The living room usually has the biggest area in the house which gives home owners more options for remodeling. Here are some ideas you can try yourself to make your living room the favorite room in the house.

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Wood and bricks can give your living room the classic yet homey feel, add a comfy sofa, well placed lighting and you got yourself a room you can get a good read on.
traditional-living-room-sunken-living-room-pictures-art-painting-abstract--bright-colors-french-tan-sofa
Why not add a few art work in the living room? It gives a certain sophisticated yet modern aura perfect for guest.
contemporary-living-room
Keeping it simple can never go wrong. Try to mix and match colors for your furniture and carpets to get that sweet spot between modern home and luxury hotel.
traditional-living-room
If you have limited options because of built in cabinets and fireplace, you may want to try moving your furniture around to maximize space and take advantage of your home’s built in feature.

Home Owner’s Guide to Remodeling – Kitchen

Posted on by Andrea T. Fowler

Remodeling of a house is one of the Joys of being a home owner. Not only does it give your home a make over, it also gives your home a little bit of “you” in every room that you customize. We will be tackling one of the most challenging room to remodel in your home for today’s Home Owner’s Guide to Remodeling, the Kitchen

• Visualize the Area
The Kitchen is one of the busiest room in the house for an average family,which is why it would be best to leave lots of space for activities and new equipment. You would want a lot of space to move around while making sure you get access to every cabinet or closet whenever you are preparing a meal.

Why not add a theme to your kitchen? Notice the counter with a an elegant marble finish which complements the entire room
Why not add a theme to your kitchen? Notice the counter with a an elegant marble finish which complements the entire room

• Determine the Right Place for your equipment
This is where your organizational skill will come in handy. Try to plan ahead where you would want your things to be placed. Having lots of Cabinets and Counters installed will definitely aid you in organizing your stuff.

For large kitchen are, try using wood materials for a modern feel
For large kitchen are, try using wood materials for a modern touch to your kitchen

• Get an Estimate
Now that you have an image of your ideal kitchen, time to see how much it would cost to complete the transformation. Try to reach out to a contractor to get an estimate.

• Use only the best quality materials
Quality materials will last longer and will give your kitchen an overall better aesthetic. Keep in mind that renovation is also an investment to increase the overall value of the property.

Simple yet elegant marble design, perfect for small to moderate sized kitchens
Simple yet elegant marble design, perfect for small to moderate sized kitchens

• Function VS Looks
Get only what is right for your kitchen. Instead of buying a huge fridge, try to look for something that fits your needs. Not only does it save you money, it also gives you more space for other equipment.

• Final Touches
While you are nearing the completion of the renovation of your kitchen, try keeping an eye out for the positions of the fixtures and faucets, cabinets and closets and other stuff you visualized. You are entitled to make any changes during this process to keep your  kitchen as close to the your dream kitchen as possible.

I Want A Home…..Maybe a Townhome?

Posted on by Andrea T. Fowler

Could you first home be a townhome? Most people want the 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, and 2 car garage home with a spacious backyard. Realtor.com highlighted this boom in the housing market for townhomes by stating the following: ““Despite the drop in market share during the Great Recession, the share for townhouse construction is expected to increase in coming years – with occasional ups and downs,” according to NAHB’s Eye on Housing blog.”

townhomes

Realtor.com even suggested the long-run prospects for townhouse construction are positive given large numbers of homebuyers looking for medium density residential neighborhoods. In the Denton County area that I work in, townhomes are becoming a big movement. Townhomes are being designed like the normal single-family structure and you definitely wouldn’t know it was a townhome in the inside. I had the pleasure of showing Beauty Vlogger Missy Lynn a few townhomes in Lewisville at The Manors at Vista Ridge. Check out the video below and see what it means to have a townhome as your first home.

 

 

Let’s Move to Denton County!

Posted on by Andrea T. Fowler

One of most fastest growing areas in the metroplex are right in Denton County. People are constantly migrating across the United States. Texas is holding its own as more people are heading to Texas counties. Of course we know that Dallas is listed as the number 2 metropolitan areas with the HOTTEST real estate markets. Two of the top counties that are in the “The Top 10 Counties Where People Are Moving” by Governing Magazine are right here in the Dallas area. Collin and Denton counties are ranked number 6 and 7 respectively.

Have you ever considered living in Denton County? It’s the ninth-most populous county in Texas with Denton being the county seat. Denton County is the located in the northern part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. It is approximately 25 miles from Dallas and 35 miles south of the Texas and Oklahoma border.

Denton County

As the metroplex continues to grow, most of the growth has been happening right in Denton County. The following cities are major components of the Denton County growth: Little Elm, Aubrey, Lewisville, The Colony, and Denton. Let’s delve more into Denton County cities to find your new avenue, shall we?

Aubrey 

For me the part of Aubrey that I know well is the part that sits on Highway 380. That’s what I thought until I made the journey to the Tulip Farm in Pilot Point that Aubrey was way more than Highway 380. Aubrey’s city limits expands further north near Krugerville part of Denton County. Aubrey is the city in the Denton County that is growing based on master-planned development by major developers in the metroplex.

Find Your New Avenue in Aubrey

 

Carrollton

This city is placed into two counties. The Denton County side of Carrollton is situated along the Sam Rayburn Tollway (121 Toll). North Carrollton is what I like to call it and houses schools in the Lewisville ISD.

Find Your New Avenue in Carrollton

Corinth

One of the “Lake Cities” that stands north of Lake Lewisville. It is between Lewisville and Denton and the schools are home to Lake Dallas ISD.

Find Your New Avenue in Corinth

Cross Roads

Yes there is a town in Denton County called Cross Roads and it is between Denton and Little Elm on Highway 380.

Find Your New Avenue in Cross Roads

Denton

The northernmost town of the metroplex is Denton. Denton can be considered so many things. When I first moved to Texas, Denton was what I knew outside of Dallas. That’s because my prime reason for moving to Texas was to attend graduate school at the University of North Texas. Denton is definitely “one of a kind.” I can barely describe it. I will say this if you ever find yourself in this town, check out my alma mater at one of its home games and cheer the Mean Green on. FYI – Denton is home to two universities but it is not all about the college life here. You can definitely raise your family in this town. This is being said by a woman who grew up in a college town.

Find Your New Avenue in Denton

Flower Mound

Flower Mound is bordered by Lewisville to the east and Highland Village to its north. It has a great proximity to the DFW Airport and even views to Lake Grapevine. The schools in the community are a part of Lewisville ISD.

Find Your New Avenue in Flower Mound

Frisco

Frisco along with Prosper has only some of its city limits in Denton County. West Frisco is mainly in Denton County. Frisco is the “King of the Metroplex Growth”. It will be home to new Dallas Cowboys practice facility and retail development which is slated for a 2016 opening.

Find Your New Avenue in Frisco

Highland Village

This small town borders the south far western side of Lake Lewisville as well as Flower Mound and Lewisville as its southern neighbors. The schools in this town are a part of Lewisville ISD as well.

Find Your New Avenue in Highland Village

Lake Dallas

One of the “Lake Cities” that stands north of Lake Lewisville. It is between Lewisville and Denton and the schools are home to Lake Dallas ISD.

Find Your New Avenue in Lake Dallas

Lewisville

Lewisville is the second most populous cities in the county. It always great access to different cities in the metroplex as major highways connect through the city. This town is approximately 20 minutes from the city of Dallas and is in the southern part of the county.

Find Your New Avenue in Lewisville

Little Elm

The 2000 census listed that this city had 3,646. Today this city has seen its population grow to over 32,000 people in 15 years. Here in Little Elm schools are divided into Frisco and Little Elm ISDs. Little Elm (as of today) is still considered rural so you will be able to use a USDA loan (rural home loan with 0% down).

Find Your New Avenue in Little Elm

Oak Point

I know what you are thinking. Andrea, did you just create a new city. I did not. Oak Point is a small town that is to the northwest side of Little Elm. Expect more people to call this place home as the Wildridge community starts to unfold soon.

Find Your New Avenue in Oak Point

Providence Village

What started as a master-planned community is now a newly created town in Denton County. Most of the homes in the community are apart of Providence Village and Aubrey.

Find Your New Avenue in Providence Village

Prosper

Just like Frisco, there is only a part of Prosper that resides in Denton County and it can be found alongside Highway 380.

Find Your New Avenue in Prosper

What’s one special thing about living in Denton County? Being able to enjoy a Texas summer alongside Lake Lewisville. The small towns that I mentioned border the lake and within minutes your family can be lakeside enjoying the view. Find more homes in Denton County at NewAvenueRealty.com

 

Home Equity: You May Have More Than You Think

Posted on by Andrea T. Fowler

Home Equity: You May Have More Than You Think | Keeping Current Matters

DFW homeowners may have more equity than they think. CoreLogic recently released their 2015 2nd Quarter Equity Report which revealed that 759,000 properties had regained equity in the last quarter. That means that 91% of allmortgaged properties (approximately 45.9 million) are now in a positive equity position. Anand Nallathambi, president and CEO of CoreLogic, reported:

“For much of the country, the negative equity epidemic is lifting. The biggest reason for this improvement has been the relentless rise in home prices over the past three years which reflects increasing money flows into housing and a lack of housing stock in many markets.”

Obviously, this is great news for the financial situation of many homeowners.

But, do they realize their equity position has changed?

A recent study by Fannie Mae suggests that many homeowners are unaware that their equity position has changed…in some cases dramatically. For example, their study showed that 23% of Americans still believe their home is in a negative equity position when, in actuality, only 9% of homes are in that position.

The study also revealed that, though 69% of homes had “significant equity” (greater than 20%), only 37% of Americans realize it.

Significant Equity | Keeping Current Matters

This means that 32% of Americans with a mortgage fail to realize the opportune situation they are in. With a sizeable equity position, many homeowners could easily move into a housing situation that better meets their current needs (moving to a larger home or downsizing).

Fannie Mae spoke out on this issue in their report:

“Homeowners who underestimate their homes’ values not only underestimate their home equity, they also likely underestimate 1) how large a down payment they could make with their home equity, 2) their chances of qualifying for mortgages, and, therefore, 3) their opportunities for selling their current homes and for buying different homes.”

Bottom Line

Every homeowner should be aware of the true equity in their house and also realize the opportunities that go along with it. If you are unsure of the savings you currently have built up in your home, contact New Avenue Realty (972.813.9788)  to help ascertain that number. You may be surprised.