Spacious and updated home ideally located on a tree-lined street in established West Plano neighborhood. Cute home with lots of space and a park-like yard.
We have been exploring how to choose a neighborhood that is the perfect fit for you, for your family and for your lifestyle. Neighborhoods have life cycles much like we do.
Let’s discuss your life cycles and how it affects the neighbor you choose. When you are searching for your first home your priorities will probably be different than when you buy your second or third or last home. Often times home buyers concentrate on very specific items – the quality and location of schools; the commute time and options to a job location; the local amenities (community pool & parks; walk-ability; proximity for worship and health care options; transit options) are the most common considerations. You can see how your lifecycle will affect what are most important to you – if you have school age kids, schools will be important, if you are an empty nester then your priorities might be golf courses, or health care options and the size of yards may be what is most important. Some neighborhoods blend all of these options with diverse housing options all contained within one community.
Neighborhoods also have life cycles - some are on the rise, while others seem to struggle, some are in transition, waiting to see who moves in to tackle whatever challenges might be facing the area. In the past couple of years we have seen neighborhoods experience wide and unexpected changes. The number of homes in foreclosure within one community often meant a “whole new lifecycle” began as those homes sold. The market changed some neighborhoods, this was sudden and in some cases drastic. Other neighborhoods change due to the age of homes and consequently the age of buyers.
There are challenging neighborhoods and often times we hear stories of long-time residents who band together to “resurrect” the community. It can bring neighbors together and create a strong sense of community when everyone works together to change a neighborhood. Sometimes new neighbors (buyers) will be the leading force in such a change. Again with this recent market some home buyers found they could afford a neighborhood that had been out of their financial reach before. Overcoming obstacles of a neighborhood is not for everyone, some buyers choose to wait to purchase in a neighborhood that is transforming or needs to transform, some buyers want to be the catalyst in the change. There is a risk, but you know it going in.
Discovering a neighborhood is "finding yourself" all over again - it is a chance to rekindle what is important to you. In fact, you might find that you have a neighborhood where you will live and another neighborhood in which you will work - and they might be close or far apart. You may have other neighborhoods where you shop or find your entertainment - but when you plan to move to an area, take the time to see beyond the minutes to work or school. Seeking out the soul of neighborhoods can ground you in a place and help you to understand where you fit in and how you can make a difference.
We live and work in the greater Plano area, let us help you discover the many neighborhoods in our market and find the one that is the perfect fit for you.
We have all heard the age old real estate adage: "Location, location, location!" But what does that really mean? For some, it is the proximity to certain features, for some it is a view or easy access to a golf course or a lake or the mountains. For others it might be the size of lots and distance between homes, and still others value the “walk-ability-score” or ability to walk for shopping, entertainment, eating, schools, work, healthcare, and transportation. Whatever you are seeking it boils down to one word: Neighborhood.
Some definitions of “neighborhood”:
A section lived in by neighbors and usually having distinguishing characteristics
A distinctive area: a district with characteristics that distinguish it from the areas around it
Vicinity, the general vicinity or surrounding area of a place
Often times when the word "neighborhood" is mentioned, it takes us back in time to our youth with remembered times and images of playing with friends in the cul-de-sac or street close to home, and mom calling kids for dinner. Sometimes those memories are centered on a specific house but often times it is more an area, street or streets, or a park – the overall landscape of our childhood. Neighborhood is a powerful word. It speaks of a sense of community, a sense of family, a sense of belonging. And it certainly can be part of our identity.
An attractive neighborhood can drive up the value of a property. The personality of a neighborhood shows up in the homes, yards, streets, schools, parks and stores that service the area.
When you are considering a property, especially with a family, you might want to familiarize yourself with the various neighborhoods in your target area. The best way to determine if a neighborhood will live up to its reputation is to spend time there. Visit the chamber of commerce for the town, and find the local newspapers online. Talk to people who have lived in that region and don't be afraid to ask the tough questions: what do they like and/or dislike about an area, and why?
It is always a good idea to visit the neighborhood at different times of the day and evening – the feel and flow of a neighborhood may change significantly at different times of the day – if many of the residents work during the day and are home in the evenings you may discover an complete change in the neighborhood’s personality and the level of activity. How many cars are on the street? How do the outsides of the homes and buildings appear to you? Are there kids and families, and is that important to you? If there is a school within walking distance, how many kids are walking around the community, or is there a bus stop across the street from the home you have your eye on? Does that matter to you? Is there parking available – do people park in the street or in their driveways/garages?
Taking enough time when you visit neighborhoods can be difficult, but worthwhile. If you can get to the area where you will move, try to mimic your own daily routines as you explore. If it is a work day, seek to drive the streets around the times that you might leave and return from work. Explore where you might have dinner out at, how far is it to your favorite restaurant? Where is the nearest grocery store, is it one you prefer or will you have to travel to continue your shopping preferences? Where and how many gas stations are nearby? What route – and is there more than one – you can take to get to work? To your families and friends homes? To other places you visit frequently? Often times it appears you are closer to these type of places only to find that it take you much longer to get out of a neighborhood and to the main streets or maybe the main streets are easier to access therefore your commute time decreases.
For each home buyer there is a list of different important places, here are some to consider: medical care options including a doctor’s office, hospital, urgent care, dentist; place of worship; parks; library; lake/water; daycare; gym; walking paths; schools (all levels); post office; bank; hardware store; courthouse; police station; dry cleaner; pharmacy.
In our next article we continue to explore the neighborhood concept and how it relates to your real estate goals.
Until next time, remember our goal is to help you find your next home and getting you through the process is our expertise!
Next week is July 4th - our nation's birthday! Many of us celebrate cookout's, friends, family and baseball games - and of course fireworks! We wanted to share some fun facts and local events. However you choose to celebrate, we wish you a safe and relaxing holiday!
The Declaration of Independence was signed on July 2, 1776; the date of celebration was later revised when the final version was adopted 2 days later, July 4, 1776. However most historians have concluded that the Declaration was signed nearly a month after its adoption, on August 2, 1776.
The Declaration of Independence was signed by 56 men representing the 13 colonies.
Three U.S. Presidents actually died on July 4th. John Adams & Thomas Jefferson actually died within hours of each in 1826. James Monroe died in 1831. Adams & Jefferson were the only signers of the Declaration who went on to be President.
Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President was born on July 4, 1831
31 places have “liberty” in their name; 4 of them are in Iowa.
11 places have “independence” in their name.
5 places have “freedom” in their name.
5 places are called “America”.
1 place has “patriot” in its name.
AREA FIREWORK SHOWS
Addison
Kaboom Town! Wednesday, July 3, 2013 at 5 p.m.
Addison Circle Park
Allen www.cityofallen.org
Allen USA Celebration Saturday, June 29, 2013 at 4 p.m.
Celebration Park
Coppell
Spirit of Coppell Patriotic Parade Thursday, July 4, 2013 at 9 a.m.
The parade kicks off at the corner of Samuel Blvd. and Parkway Blvd., where it will proceed on Parkway Blvd. to the Town Center Plaza.
McKinney
Red, White & BOOM! Thursday, July 4
10 a.m. Downtown Parade
7 p.m. Family Fun and Activities
8-9:30 p.m. Live Entertainment
9:45 p.m. Fireworks Display
Downtown McKinney
Plano
Plano Lions Independence Day Parade Thursday, July 4, 2013 at 8 a.m.
Parade starts at 2700 W. 15th Street, then heads north on Independence Pkwy to Plano Senior HS
All-American Fourth Thursday, July 4, 2013 at 9 p.m.
Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve
Realtor.com is the one of the most trusted and utilized web site to search available real estate, millions of people use it each year. One of the things buyers are most often researching or using as their search parameters is a specific neighborhood. Using the "zip code search" option Realtor.com has compiled a list of the most popular neighborhoods in America for 2012.
The second most popular neighborhood is Willow Bend Country, Plano Texas. This neighborhood is a chip shot away from the Gleneagles Country Club. It is also just a hop, skip and jump from the marinas and fishing spots on Lewisville Lake. Additional perks for this popular community is easy freeway access and commuter train options to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex; plenty of close by shopping and cultural attractions; and families appreciate the superior Plano Schools.
Let us help you find your dream home in Willow Bend Country ~ or any other neighborhood!
Homes.com and RE/MAX, LLC, announced the launch of a major new online marketing collaboration. RE/MAX has selected Homes.com to power the new REMAX.com website and the newly released suite of RE/MAX mobile applications for Apple and Android mobile devices. The two organizations will also be launching collaborative efforts to market Homes.com local advertising products and the new Homes Connect marketing platform to RE/MAX Sales Associates throughout North America.
What this means for our you when you list your home with The Powell Realty Group:
RE/MAX listings will also be showcased on Homes.com, driving new traffic to remax.com and leads downstream to RE/MAX offices and Sales Associates.
A RE/MAX co-branded version of Homes Connect is being marketed by the two companies to RE/MAX Broker-Owners and Sales Associates throughout North America.
Just one more reason we are proud to be RE/Max agents, leaders in the industry.
A beautiful custom home in exclusive Plano community of Stoney Hollow!Large covered porches are ideal for outdoor entertaining, or just relaxing & enjoying your slice of Plano!Upgrades and elegance throughout.Backs to 30+ acres of open space, no backyard neighbors!
As might be expected in a challenging economy in which large numbers of boomers are downsizing or buying second homes, the era of the McMansion has passed. Homebuyers have readjusted their priorities for how to design and use living space, with a focus on function over extravagance. A recent American Institute of Architects Home Design Trends Survey highlights the following shifts:
·As more people work out of their home or telecommute, homeowners desire a dedicated workspace.
·An expanded outdoor living area featuring furniture, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces and so on increases functional living space.
·Mud rooms offer an informal transition area between the outdoors and indoors and also provide additional storage.
·Homebuyers continue to seek energy-saving features, including double- or triple-glazed windows and tankless water heaters.
Paul Taylor Homes is a premier local builder, with more than 30 years of upstanding reputation. They understand families have a choice when buying a new home; they are leaders in customer service and adapting to new trends and designs.
Just look at this stunning Paul Taylor Home in Southridge Estates, sitting on a acre with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and 3 car garage. This home offers ample living space – something for everyone! Ideal for entertaining indoors or out!
Contact us today and we will be happy to provide a private showing!
Enjoy a lifestyle of elegance and privacy in this stunning move-in ready home! Spacious and open floor plan with 5 bedrooms and 4 baths and a sparkling pool and spa!This home has just experienced a price reduction – it is priced to sell!Hurry and you can be celebrating the holidays in your new home!
Located in Plano’s Stoney Hollow community, this home will exceed your expectations!The seller says, bring an offer!!!
This wonderful townhome in Carrollton has a new price and you can enjoy a life of luxury and convenience here!Ideally located!Two spacious bedrooms!Well equipped and spacious kitchen.Dining room!Living area offers a cozy fireplace.You will not be disappointed!
A wonderful spacious and elegant home in Plano that boasts a sparkling pool and spa has just experienced a price reduction!A great home that is ready for new owners – be sure to put it on your MUST SEE list!
You had a hunch there was something better out there, and this is IT!Sundrenched home on a large corner lot, with 3 spacious bedrooms & many upgrades!You won’t be disappointed!
Enjoy a lifestyle of elegance and privacy in this stunning move-in ready home! Spacious and open floor plan with 5 bedrooms and 4 baths and a sparkling pool and spa!
Located in Plano’s Stoney Hollow community, this home will exceed your expectations!The seller says, bring an offer!!!
As we look toward the New Year we wonder what will the real estate market do? Let’s first take a moment to reflect on the past 6 months. Often reviewing what we just finished helps us prepare for the future.
Single Family Home sales in Plano, Texas were very consistent for the final half of 2009.
·Average List Price $266,889
·Average Sold Price $258,033
o4% difference between list price and sold price!
·Average Price Per Square Foot $93
·Average Days on Market 60
These stats tell us that homes sold on a consistent and reasonable basis. Not quite what the media would have you believe is it?
We are here to assure you that people are buying homes and they are selling for a fair and reasonable price!
The government tax credit has been extended and expanded – it is a GREAT time to buy a home!
A wonderful home with an incredible price and stunning upgrades!
·4 bedrooms
·3 Baths
·2 Car Garage
·Park-like Yard
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Sound like the home you are looking for? You will be so happy to see this wonderful home in Plano’s highly desired Stoney Hollow Community! Check it out here
