Floor Plan Friday- Kilgore by Plantation Homes

Plantation Homes, Trinity Falls, Kilgore

The Kilgore floor plan with Plantation homes is a one-story floor plan dream for any home buyer! With 2,138 square feet offering 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, Plantation also offers adding a 4th bedroom and study option as well as 3rd car garage. Beautiful features right as you walk into large foyer with open family area and spacious kitchen. The gem of his home is a hidden playroom tucked at the corner of this house near garage. Large secondary bedrooms down their own hall separate from the master suite, this floor plan is a must-see! 

Plantation Homes is currently offering this floor plan in Trinity Falls, a master-planned community located in McKinney, also in McKinney ISD. This beautiful community boasts miles of trails, neighborhood parks, and over 450-acres of open space. Great family amenities including a clubhouse, community pool, and splash pad- this large community is one you don’t want to miss! Call us at 214-620-0411 to see this neighborhood, builder, and floor plan today! 

Preparing to Buy a Home in 2017

Are you looking to buy a home in 2017?

Here are some great tips from one of our preferred mortgage lenders, Andy Butler with First Bank that will make the process less stressful and help get the best rate:

 

  1. Speak to a lender early!  Don’t wait until you are ready to start looking at homes before contacting a lender.  If you plan on purchasing in the June or July, contact a mortgage lender and get pre-qualified in January or February. There are numerous benefits to starting the process early.  First, this allows the lender to pull a copy of your credit report and gives you time to address any  discrepancies that may appear on the credit report.  It also allows the lender to help you come up with a game plan to pay down some debt if that will be needed in order to qualify for the price range you want.  And it also gives you a little more time to prepare your savings account for the necessary down payment on the mortgage.  by start the process early, you can eliminate much of the stress the mortgage process can generate.  Most mortgage rates are impacted by credit score so by starting the process early, you have more time to get your scores up as high as possible by the time you are ready to lock in a rate.                                                                                                                                                                                                      
  2. Get a referral. Since the real estate crash of 2008, the mortgage world has transformed into a complex set of rules and guidelines that has very little flexibility.  And when you add in the fact that the rules are constantly being updated and changed, finding a qualified, dedicated mortgage professional becomes even more important.  Talk to family, co-workers, and friends and ask them who they used when they closed on their last mortgage and then ask if they would use that mortgage lender again.  Finding a local lender that knows your market is a big plus.  Each state has its own unique rules and requirements so it’s best to find a lender in your state and even better, in your city or town.  Then ask for an appointment and go meet your prospective lender.  You are about to entrust this person with a lot of personal and financial information and a face to face meeting will help instill a level of trust or may lead you to interview another lender.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
  3. Two sides to every coin. While everyone loves a low rate and while it may give you bragging rights at the office, it is very important to understand the COST of a certain interest rate.  Lenders love to clog the internet with advertisements that show a super low interest rate but rate is just part of the equation.  You won’t know if you are getting a good deal until you know more about the mortgage that is attached to that rate.  Is it a fixed rate or an adjustable rate?  What is the term of the loan- 10, 15, 20 or 30 yrs?  And most importantly, what is the COST of that rate?  Lenders can charge additional “points” to buy down an interest rate.  When someone says “1 point” in the mortgage business, they mean 1% of the loan amount.  So if you are paying 2 points on a $250k mortgage, that’s an extra $5k in closing costs that you are paying in order to lock in a certain interest rate.  And that cost is money that you have to pay out of pocket, at closing.  If you are considering buying an interest rate down, as the lender to run a “break even” calculation which will tell you how long you have to keep that mortgage before the cost of the lower rate pays for itself.  You may be surprised at the answer as typically it can run from 7-10 yrs.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
  4. Understand the process. Once you have found your lender, have a conversation with them and ask them to explain the mortgage process to you.  Knowledge is power and the better you understand the process, the less stress you will have and the better the experience will be for you.  There is a method to how the loan is processed and what tasks must be completed in what order.  By understanding this process, you can be better prepared to assist the lender if they need additional documentation as the loan is processed and underwritten.  Which leads to our next tip…..                                                              
  5. Be a team player.  Understand that you and the lender are on the same team and you need to take an active role in assisting them get what is needed to close the mortgage.  As mentioned above, mortgages have very detailed underwriting requirements and you should expect that the underwriter may need additional documentation to support income or more likely, assets.  Since the introduction of the Patriot Act, lenders are now required to source non payroll deposits that meet certain criteria.  If your mortgage professional asks for documentation to show where a deposit came from, don’t think there is anything wrong with you or the mortgage- it’s a common requirement.                                                                                                                                                  
  6. Tread water. When it comes to anything involving your credit report, once you write a contract on a home, don’t open new credit or put any additional charges on your existing credit.  And as silly as it may sound, don’t make any large payments on your existing credit without checking with your loan officer first.  All mortgage companies are required to pull an updated copy of your credit report a couple of days before closing and adding any additional debt to your credit profile before you close on your new home can wreck the mortgage.  And as attractive as the 0% interest offer from the furniture or appliance store is, don’t even apply for their credit offer until after you close on the home.  The mortgage graveyard is littered with loans that never closed because of Nebraska Furniture Marts once in a life time sale that happened the weekend before someone was supposed to close on their new home.

Following these tips will help you land a mortgage in 2017. Give the Marr Team a call at 214-620-0411 to help you find that home to buy!

 

Special thanks to our guest writer, Andy Butler , NMLS# 803225. 

For more information or if you have any questions on lending;

contact Andy with First Bank at 469-277-3538 or at abutler@firstbankweb.com

New Year’s Resolutions for the Home

With the start of a new year comes those New Year’s Resolutions. Whether you have decided to focus on losing weight, saving money or even traveling more; now is also a good time for some New Year’s Resolutions for your home. Below are some great tips:

Tip # 1: Clear your home of clutter!

Throughout the year, especially towards the end of any year, many of us acquire more stuff than what we started the year off with. If you do not take the time to purge throughout the year, you find it is hard to find the things you use and enjoy the most thus starting the year more cluttered. This year resolve purge periodically; go room by room and clear each room of anything that you don’t use, wear or love. This can easily be something you do on a certain date of each month or even one day every week. You can easily donate any of these items to charity and it helps to give back while de-cluttering. While doing this, it will also help you think twice about what you bring in. A regular purging helps remind you why you bring in all that you do and how much stuff accrues so easily over time. You will find that you will fill your home more with the things that raise your energy level and make you feel good while getting rid of things that drain your energy or are broken. 

Tip # 2: Organization! 

Another key to less clutter is organization. Stashing useful, but not as pretty to the eye, things like DVDs, remotes, and even shoes in simple woven baskets makes a huge difference. Keeping things together that belong together is also great so that when you are looking for a particular item, you find it easier to locate. Batteries, pens, and even all of those business cards that you save for future just in case! A sleek tray on a coffee table for remotes will give your home a decorative touch while organizing something you use often. Clear your kitchen counter tops of everything you don’t use on a daily basis. The old saying “everything has it’s own place” still rings true this New Year! 

 

 

Tip # 3: Weekly Cleaning System!

Every year we vow to not let the house go when it comes to cleaning but we all know how busy we get and what is always the first thing to put on the back burner….cleaning the house! A few tips for keeping the mess under control include having a daily cleaning list and a weekly cleaning list. Start the year off right by putting dishes in the dishwasher every night- no excuses! Putting everything back in place, put those dirty clothes in the hamper and hang up those jackets or clean clothes. Leaving the small odds and ends back in the place each night will help you conquer the next day successfully. To help with your weekly cleaning of the entire house, focus on one type of cleaning at a time. It is faster to wipe down cabinets, all cabinets, before you move on to windows, mirrors, and appliances. Streamline those tedious chores and you will find you feel accomplished enough to tackle the next task. Even better, enlist the help of your family. Divide and conquer! Splitting up dusting/vacuuming, bathroom, and kitchen amongst three separate family members can help same time and be an efficient way to get your weekly list done in s timely manner where you won’t feel as bogged down by chores to enjoy more free time!

 

Tip # 4: Entertainment Ready!

Finally, after de-cluttering, organizing, and cleaning your home through the year, you will find that entertainment comes easier! Each year, many vow to spend more time with family and friends. Look around your home and pinpoint the areas you normally entertain in and see if any updates are needed. Not major updates, but simply adding plants or changing up an accent color can really freshen up any entertaining space and help you keep that resolution of spending more time with friends and family! After all, sticking with all tips above you will find you want to entertain more! 

 

The above tips are great ways to start off a New Year right but can be just the beginning! With every resolution for yourself, vow to make some changes in your home, too. These home improvement resolutions will help make your home a more beautiful, efficient,  and clean place in the coming year. These tips also help you breathe a little easier in your own home….Happy New Year!

Happy New Year 2017

Looking back on 2016, we would like to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU for another great year!
 We wish you all a blessed and prosperous 2017 from our families to yours….Happy New Year!
 

Floor Plan Friday- Wellington by Grand Homes

Dominion at Panther Creek, Wellington
As the last Friday in 2016 lets make a GRAND entrance into 2017 by looking at the Wellington floor plan by Grand Homes. Immediately you notice how welcoming this home is with a gorgeous front porch. This 4 bedroom, 3-1/2 bath floor plan features 2,680 square feet with so many options you can truly customize this home. This floor plan has a rear entry garage with the over-sized master suite in the front of the house. Large and open kitchen are open to family room which are perfect for entertaining. The beautiful loft upstairs overlooks downstairs as the other 3 bedrooms are located upstairs as well. The study has option to be a 5th bedroom with full bath as well as other options like extending loft or making it a large game room. This room has endless options to make your own with plenty of room for families of all sizes. Grand Homes offers beautiful standard features that give all of their homes the Grand personalities. 
 
The Dominion at Panther Creek community is located in the heart of Frisco with access to so much! Located in Frisco ISD, this community features a pool, cabana, lake with fountain, greenbelts, as well as hiking/biking trails with a park. Many great amenities are available to you in this community. For more info on this community or builder, call us today at 214-620-0411.

New Neighborhood Spotlight: Auburn Hills, McKinney

Located next to Baylor McKinney, near the intersection of Highway 380 and Lake Forest, you will find Auburn Hills. Auburn Hills is a new master-planned community in McKinney, Texas that offers several builder choices as well as great size lots varying in size. Aspiring homeowners love the location of this neighborhood located in the highly sought after Prosper ISD. From the entrance to the neighborhood off 380 to the other side off Wilmeth Road, this community will feature 300+ lots of all sizes. 

Builders such as Plantation, Pulte, Meritage, and Darling have already started construction, some finished, on their model homes and even starting spec homes. Prices for homes in this community range in the $300s and up with many great floor plan and upgrade options! Taylor Morrison homes will soon join the home builder list in this community, as well. 

Auburn Hills will feature a community lake, pool, park, greenbelt, and walking/jogging trails to name a few. Great amenities for a large community that is ready to build! Now is the time to get a head start and claim your lot in this beautiful neighborhood and begin building your dream home in 2017.

Auburn Hills is a MUST-SEE! Call us today at 214-620-0411 for complete info about this community and builders. Be sure to ask about our buy/sell discounts! 

Ring in 2017 with Some Family Fun!

The start of 2017 is fast approaching and many are looking for a family friendly event this New Years Eve. There are several great events happening around the Dallas area, here are a few ideas to consider:

Reliant Lights Your Holidays: You don’t have to wait until midnight for the firewarks!! The AT&T Performing Arts Center in downtown Dallas will feature this event which includes live music and several outdoor festivities. Fireworks show starts at 7:20pm and the best part about this event…it is FREE!! 

Dallas Stars Game: The Dallas Stars play the Florida Panthers in this New Years Even tradition game!! The game is played at American Airline Center and should be over by midnight…fun family time cheering on the Dallas Stars to end 2016.

Fireworks: If you and your family are up for waiting up until midnight, Reunion Tower in Dallas will illuminate the night sky in the final moments of 2016 with a fireworks show! This show will be epic with more than 4,000 pyrotechnics and can be seen from near and far from the Reunion Tower. 

Whether you opt to venture out this New Years Eve, stay in with friends and family watching the ball drop on TV, or even hitting the hay early; make sure to enjoy some black eyed peas for luck in the New Year!!  If you are interested in buying or selling a home in the New Year, call us at 214-620-0411 as we would love to help! 

 

Look at these Million Dollar Homes!

With a bit of downtime after Christmas, as we prepare to ring in the New Year, what better way to spend your time than by looking at some beautiful million dollar homes in North Texas! Whether you want to purchase or just dream, click the descriptions below to check out some of these beautiful homes!!

Exquisite, Italianate Mansion in Frisco, Texas

Beautiful home on acreage in Little Elm, Texas

Exquisite estate in McKinney, Texas

Stunning Home in Million Dollar Horse Country in Aubrey, Texas

Secluded Country Estate in Celina, Texas

These are just a few of the million dollar homes available in the North Texas area. Looking at homes is a great way to pass the time! To view more million dollar homes or any home in any price range or area that is currently on the market, visit us at Marr Team. Call us today at 214-620-0411 to buy the home you have been dreaming about, big or small! 

 

 

Happy Holidays from the Marr Team!

We hope you all are having a safe and fun Holiday season while enjoying time with family. We are so thankful for each and every one of you. From our families to yours….Happy Holidays!

Floor Plan Friday- Plan 3163 with Coventry Homes

Hollyhock, Coventry Homes, 3163
Walking through design plan 3163 with Coventry Home you immediately see the fabulous set up that this floor plan has to offer! All in one-story, you get 4 bedrooms and 3-1/2 bathrooms plus a game room all is 3,164 square feet. This floor plan has a great entrance into a beautiful foyer into a gorgeous family room and spacious kitchen. The dining room overlooks the over-sized porch with fireplace. Secluded wings of the home offer the secondary bedrooms from the master suite, and check out how the master bath opens up into the utility room. So many great standard features offered by Coventry Homes sets this beautiful home up for a grand custom building experience. The large door that opens up to the patio is a MUST-SEE!! 
 
Hollyhock is in Frisco with 20 acres of amenities including an amenity center, pool, and fitness center! Located in Frisco ISD close to the Dallas North Tollway, this neighborhood has so much to offer! Call us today at 214-620-0411 for a personal tour of Hollyhock to see this floor plan and all of the other beautiful floor plans that are offered in this community.