April 2008

Hand-Scraped Floors Add Value to Upscale Homes

For new homes built with an Old World feel, builders often turn to a centuries-old wood-floor technique: hand-scraping.

Hand-scraped floors add value to upscale homes

Source: Dallas Morning News - Kate Goodloe

Final Walk-Through

Closing is just days away! You’re about to make a huge investment and you’ve been running around town taking care of business. There are only a couple of things left to do—one of them is the final walk-through inspection of the property. You want to make sure the property is in the condition you expect it to be in when you take ownership, so don’t neglect this important process.

Final walk-through

Source: Texas Association of REALTOR(R)s

Rounded Corners Adding To New Homes' Appeal

When it comes to new houses, builders now think in terms of "curve" appeal.

Homes throughout the Dallas area, especially upscale ones, are incorporating rounded touches inside and out. The features may be as simple as drywall curved at the corners or as involved as barrel-vaulted ceilings and turrets.

Rounded corners adding to new homes' appeal

Source: Dallas Morning News - Lisa Martin

April Storms!

The storm that rolled through in the early morning hours of April 10th have come and gone, but now we’re left picking up the pieces and hauling off the debris. While many homes in the area had obvious damage, be sure to do a thorough visual inspection of your roof. Use binoculars if necessary. We don’t recommend climbing up on the roof, as many are very steep. Leave the dangerous work to professionals!

If you see any damage, you may want to contact a qualified roofer prior to filing a claim with your insurance company. Many roofs can be repaired for far less than the 1 percent deductible on most homes in the North Texas area, and claims can cause an increase in your annual premium.

If your home survived unscathed, you’re very lucky. If you did suffer roof damage, the sooner you can have it repaired, the better. It won’t be long until Mother Nature brings us another round of severe weather. Welcome to springtime in Texas!

Authors: Gina and Tom Branch

Plan Outdoor Living Spaces Before You Build

Buyers can look at a home and imagine poolside barbecues or dining outside every evening. But making that dream real requires planning the outdoor living space before the home is built.

Not everything has to be done at once, but planning for future upgrades can help avoid costly renovation later.

Plan outdoor living spaces before you build

Source: Dallas Morning News - Kate Goodloe

Ask George and Chuck

Dear George: Can my neighbor block my driveway?.......

Ask George and Chuck

Source: Texas Association of REALTOR(R)s

Fair Housing's Important To Us All

April is Fair Housing Month across the country, but what does this mean to us?.....

Fair housing's important to us all

Source: Texas Association of REALTOR(R)s

KDFW - FOX4 Endorses Gina and Tom Branch

We are pleased to announce that KDFW - FOX4 has named Gina and Tom Branch, the owners of Realty Revolution LLC, as their exclusive MLS Experts for McKinney's Stonebridge Ranch neighborhoods.

Click on the MLS Experts logo above to visit Gina and Tom's MLS Expert website hosted by KDFW - FOX4.