10 Reasons to Buy a Home – DFW Real Estate – Dallas Homes for Sale

Buying a home is one of the most important decisions that you will make in your life. You want a dream home for you and your family. At the same time, you also want a home that would increase in value so that you can have your own home that will be worth much more than what you invested in. Most importantly, you want a home in which you will have memories to cherish together with your family.

Buying a home in the DFW real estate market by searching for Dallas homes for sale is something that you should consider for a couple of reasons. You will need a home to live in. Now, would you want to rent your home all your life? At some point, you would want to buy a home so that you will own your own home. So, why not buy now rather than later? Just calculate how much money you will pay for rent if you continued to rent a home? Buying a home in the DFW, Texas real estate market also ensures that you will have a home that is above the average in square footage than in many real estate markets, has better amenities, costs you less to buy and that is in a growing economic zone.

So, let us see why buying a home in the DFW real estate area is an excellent decision:

1. Homes that are built with modern amenities.
2. Growing real estate market.
3. Job market with growth potential.
4. Home that is close to an international airport, which ensures ease of mobility for work or travel.
5. Migration trends showing that influx into Texas from neighboring states was high right after Hurricane Katrina and that may be the trend due to the business growth potential in Texas.
6. You want to have a dream home where you can live happily with your family. You want to have memories that you can cherish in your home.
7. Renting a home is expensive in the long run.
8. Homes with higher square footage than in many other real estate markets.
9. School districts that are known for their excellence.
10. What better place to have a home to be with family than in the DFW, Texas real estate market which incorporates the Texas culture of energy and hospitality?

Buying a home in the DFW metroplex can ensure a better financial future when you factor in all the above reasons into your decision process. Most importantly, you can’t put a price for the memories you will cherish together with your family in the home that you own.

Prosper Real Estate Buffet

Considering it is still a relatively small town with a population of 7,116, Prosper has a lot going for it. It has a relaxing small town feel where people can come home and feel they’ve escaped from the hustle and bustle of their busy day. The public school system with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is one of the most sought after in the area. Plenty of shopping is located only minutes away, as are the highways leading to the Metroplex.

Originating as a small master planned community, Prosper has expanded and spread its wings, and now the secret of this hidden gem is leaking out ? Prosper’s projected growth is estimated to reach almost 85,000 by the year 2035.

One day, real estate prices in Prosper will be out of reach, but for now, home prices hover from the $300s to over $2 million. The variety of real estate is staggering for such a small town, and there are choices for every price range and lifestyle. In fact, it’s rare to find so many choices of quality, affordable real estate in one spot. Where else can you live in a new home with luxury amenities, in an exclusive golf community for just over $300,000?

Here is a sampling of the various types of properties available in the Prosper real estate buffet..

Moderately Priced Homes & Starters

Under $200 – In this price range you can find single family homes built in the last 5 years in the mid to high $100s. Those under $150 usually average under 2,000 square feet in size. Most homes have small lots, and are situated in communities with small playgrounds nearby.

New construction in this price range is also available. If you look at older homes, you’re more likely to get a considerably bigger lot (.41 acres), with large mature trees.

Under $300 – How about a 5 year old home, over 4,000 square feet, with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, master bath with jetted tub, shower, separate vanities, walk-in closet, 3 fireplaces, cooktop stove, separate oven, butlers pantry, and media room ? whew! ? for only $279,000. It’s unheard of. You could barely build the home for that price.

Eco-Friendly Homes

These homes come in all shapes and sizes and have been built according to environmentally friendly standards. Prices range from the high $200s to over $1 million, but they all have similar energy saving characteristics. Common eco-friendly features include: over 12 inches of attic insulation, 13-15 SEER Air Conditioner, ceiling fans, double pane windows, energy star appliances, high efficiency water heater, programmable thermostat, insulated doors, and low E windows.

Golf Course Homes

The golf community of Gentle Creek Estates has homes that start in the mid to high $300s going up into the millions for a custom estate sitting on over an acre, bordering the fairway. Patio homes are also available and popular with empty nesters. Residents share a community pool and amenity center.

The community borders the Gentle Creek Golf Course. This popular club has a large clubhouse, fitness center, pro shop and Lakeside Grille restaurant overlooking the 18th hole.

Equestrian Properties

The horse friendly properties in Prosper take advantage of the many wide open spaces in the area. Many of these homes are found in the 300 acre master planned community of Whispering Farms. This unique neighborhood is brimming with large wooded lots, acres of parks, miles of riding trails and a world-class equestrian center. Home prices in Whispering Farms range from the $300’s to over a million.

Buying Real Estate on Folly Beach, SC

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Folly Beach is located just southeast of Charleston, SC and about a 15 minute drive from downtown.? It is a barrier island with 19 total square miles, with 6 of it being water.? Folly Beach has an eclectic mixture of older beach bungalows and the obvious newly constructed larger homes.? As you drive over the Folly River to get to the beach, you will find a colorful blend of surf shops, restaurants, pubs, and beach stores- all heavily visited in the summer months by tourists and locals alike.? Many of the locals here refer to Folly Beach as the “Edge of America”.? It has the Atlantic Ocean on one side, and the Folly River on the backside of the island, with many tidal creeks and marsh that extend for miles.? This allows for great views and ocean breezes whether living on the “marsh side” of the island, or on the beach.

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Folly Beach real estate is ever changing.? We’re seeing the transition from older single story beach homes to new, larger homes with all the upgrades and features any discreet buyer might want.? Here on Folly, you can choose a Key West style, small 1,000 square foot older beach house with character, or you can choose a large 4,000+ square foot oceanfront estate, with a walk to the beach from your backyard. ?Historically, property values have climbed over 250% in the last 15 years, making real estate on Folly Beach a superb investment.

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Affordability is a great advantage for Folly Beach.? Folly Beach enjoys some of the least expensive beach-living prices around Charleston.? Folly Beach homes for sale typically start in the low 400’s, with oceanfront homes starting just over 1 million.? Many find this to be an affordable spot to live, with close proximity to town, while still living at the beach.? The other islands that are in close proximity to downtown Charleston hold much higher prices than Folly Beach, making it an easy choice for some.

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Another option that many are looking into is Folly Beach condos.? This affords a less expensive price tag, while still living the island lifestyle.? Condos are a great option for those that are planning on being at Folly Beach for only a certain amount of time during the year, or for those that don’t want to bother with the upkeep that a single family home requires.? Options for condos include condos on Folly Beach outside of the Folly River, condos on the Folly River, and condos with ocean views and/or beachfront condos.? Condos in general outside of the Folly River start in the 200’s.? These are all within biking distance to the ocean, but on the other side of the Folly River from the beach.? Examples of these would be Pelican Pointe Villas, Palmettos at Folly, and those on Little Oak Island.? Condos on the Folly River start in the 300’s.? These are within walking distance to the shops, restaurants, and the beach.? Mariners Cay, Marsh Winds, and Turn of River are fine examples of those on the Folly River.? Condos at the beach typically start in the 4 to 500’s.? There are the condos with an ocean view, and being within a couple hundred yards from the beach or closer.? These are Pavilion Watch, Ocean Pointe Villas, and Pier Pointe. ?Oceanfront condos typically start in the 500-700’s, and can go into the millions.? These provide unobstructed views of the Atlantic.

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Retirement at Folly Beach is an excellent option.? Since ocean property values are still significantly lower in comparison to the rest of the coastal country, many people from out of state are finding it an affordable opportunity to live at the beach.? We have historic, downtown Charleston only minutes away.? Make a quick excursion into town for the afternoon exploring all of the history that this wonderful city has to offer.? There are several (if not dozens) of award-winning restaurants that have a lowcountry flair, available to satisfy any palate.? Charleston has great shopping, parks, carriage tours, theaters, art exhibits, and a great nightlife.? Enjoy the outdoors?? Folly Beach has chartered inshore and offshore fishing tours, an avid kayak and surfing community, and plenty of shells for the beachcombing enthusiast.? All in all, Folly Beach is a great place to live.? Long walks at the beach in the evenings with your toes in the sand seem to be about as relaxing as one can get.? Come see why so many call Folly Beach, home!

Real Estate Woes of the Rich and Famous

Even the stars are not immune from today’s hard hitting real estate market. Kelsie Grammar recently sold his Los Angeles home for $3.3 million. This was almost 20% less than he paid for it in 2007. The 7,600 square foot home was constructed in 1999 and sat on 1.5 acres in Bel-Air, with gorgeous canyon and city views.

Adding insult to injury, Grammar was forced to lease another home after it failed to sell for $18.9 million. This recently renovated, English-style manor in Holmby Hills has a cobblestone driveway, pool and media room. He paid $13.7 million for the home in 2007. Mauricio Umansky, of Hilton & Hyland/Christie’s Great Estates was the listing agent for Mr. Grammar.

Tom DeLonge of band Blink-182, just lowered the selling price of his San Diego home to $5.1 million ? over 20% less than his original purchase price and subsequent $1 million spent on renovations.

The 6,500 square foot home sits on 1.1 acres in The Bridges, an upscale 540 acre golf community in Rancho Santa Fe, and features five bedrooms and six bathrooms. In 2005, DeLonge paid $5.5 million for the home and first listed it at $6.25 million in 2007. Laura Barry, of Barry Estates is DeLonge’s listing agent.

Producer John Peters will accept $19.95 million for three partially developed Beverly Hills lots. This is about half the price he was looking for in 2008. Jeffrey Hyland and Brooke Kaufman, of Hilton & Hyland/Christie’s Great Estates, are holding the listing.

Beverly Hills investor Stanley Chais, who was tied to the Bernard Madoff scandal, has reduced the price of his Sierra Towers condominium to $4 million. This is 15% less than the $4.4 million he paid for it in 2007. He is also accepting leasing offers of $20,000 a month (reduced from $28,000). See Coldwell Banker’s Guy Levy and Linda May for information regarding the listing.

A New York Harlem mansion owned by famed circus owner James Bailey, has its selling price reduced by $10 million. This represents a 35% cut in under 6 months. The home is owned by Marguerite Blake, a former funeral-home director. Listing agents are Lori Huler Glick and Cindy Kurtin.

This 12,000 square foot, circus-like structure features stained glass windows, multiple turrets, extensive mahogany interior trim and paneling and ornate chandeliers. It needs a fair amount of work, but would make a great bed & breakfast or school. Sorry, no moat.

Back in April, Greenwich, Conn. estate of the late Leona Helmsley was cut to $75 million. At possibly the biggest real estate price cut in history, this was a $50 million reduction from the original price of $125 million it was listed for last year.

The 20,000 square foot Jacobean-style brick mansion sits on a 40-acre country property, and features 13 bedrooms (six for servants), a walk-in silver closet, marble reflecting pool and fountain, back terrace that leads to a koi pond, elaborate flower beds, large rectangular indoor pool, wine cellar and two dining rooms.

Mrs. Helmsley and her husband paid $11 million for the home in the early 1980s and later extended it by purchasing neighboring property.

What’s The Best Pub Between London & Tower Bridges With Decent Real Ale?

A couple of suggestions, both about 5-10 mins walk from London Bridge. Not actually on the river but worth the walk.
The Market Porter in Borough Market (south of the river). Great beer and good atmosphere.
The George, Borough High Street (south of the river). Historic place in a courtyard.