My cooking experiences~ Stuffed Peppers!

My friend and I made some amazing Stuffed Peppers last night. We had an idea of what to do but for the most part....we kind of winged it!

We went and got our ingredients from Central Market, and they were so fresh. The Ingredients we got at the store were 2 green peppers, 1 yellow pepper, 1 red pepper, whole grain rice, season chicken, ground beef, spinach & chicken sausage link, spaghetti sauce, garlic powder, and an onion.

We put the rice on the stove to cook while prepping the other food. Next thing we did was cut the middle out of the Peppers and remove all seeds. After running warm water in the middle of the pepper making sure the seeds are out, place the peppers in boiling water and leave for 20-30 minutes. Then, cut the onions up and sauteed them in a different pan with the ground beef and sausage. The chicken we did separately because it was already seasoned and didn't want to mix flavors. Warm the spaghetti sauce up (we used a mushroomed based sauced to give it more flavor), and poor in rice (once drained). Sprinkle the garlic powder (a few dashes) over the rice and spaghetti sauce. Do the same with the salt. The amount of sauce depends on your preference! Ones the rice and meat are done, remove the peppers from the water and fill each proportionately with each mixture. Put each pepper in aluminum foil and place on baking pan. Bake on 350 for 40 minutes and remove...put cheese on top! YUM

We filled each of the peppers with something different (chicken mixture in one, ground beef in one, and sausage in the other). If I had to choose my favorite of the three...it would be between the sausage or chicken mixture. I loved it so much I had the left overs for lunch the next day.

Give it a try, and let me know your thoughts on this recipe! We really did not measure anything other than the rice....just guesstimated! :)

We cook at least once a week, so I will be updating you on our cooking adventours, and what we decide to make each week! :)

~Dallas College Students and Dallas Off Campus Housing~

I've been working on different marketing materials for my Dallas real estate business, and I have decided to market Dallas colleges. As a recent college graduate myself, I know how dorm life feels and how old listening to your RA and having to follow all of their rules gets after Freshman year. My Sophmore year I rented an apartment with 3 of my best friends, and we loved it. It was close to campus, and I was able to walk to my classes (allowing me to sleep in till the last second, of course)! Once it was Junior year, we all decided we were tired of climbing 3 stories everyday and having to share so much space with each other. One of my roommates dad's decided he was going to purchase us a 3 bedroom house that was close to campus. We paid him rent...which paid their mortgage on the house. It was awesome living in a house during college. I actually had a place to call home...that was a home! My house was always the gathering place for my friends and I because they loved coming over since we had so much space.. We took advantage of our house by cooking a lot, having get togethers, using our backyard to layout...plus, it was so quite compared to an apt or dorm, so you could get more studying done without having to go to the library (which I really liked)!

I want to put that idea in the minds of other college students and grad students that don't like their living situation now. If they have roommates already...why not be a Dallas Off Campus College Student, and either purchase a Dallas house (or have their parents purchase it for them, for credit sake,) and let their roommates pay the mortgage with their rent. You can find great priced Dallas Condos, Townhomes, and houses really close to any Dallas campus.

If you know of any Dallas college students (even if they don't live in Dallas...I can still help them) that are looking for Dallas Off campus housing, send them my way, and we can find a place for them to either lease or buy that is close to their Dallas campus!

sarah.halbrook@kw.com

214-763-5115

First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit~

The home buyer tax credit, which is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, is a federal program designed to encourage Americans to purchase their first home.

This program, which continues until December 1, 2009, can make a big difference for many Dallas first-time home buyers. Imagine what $8,000 can do for you! This dollar-for-dollar tax credit is an incentive designed to encourage the rebound of the economy, and it may very well be the incentive you need to purchase your first Dallas home!


Like any other federal tax incentive, however, there are a few terms and conditions of this new home buyer tax credit:


The tax credit is only for first-time home buyers. However, the IRS recognizes anyone that has not owned a primary residence over the last three years to be a first-time homebuyer.
The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price. However, the maximum dollar amount given through this program is $8,000.


Only those single taxpayers making less than $75,000 and those married taxpayers making less than $150,000 qualify for the tax credit. There is a reduced tax credit available for individuals who do not meet this income requirement; however, those single taxpayers that make more than $95,000 and those married taxpayers that make more than $170,000 are not eligible to receive any money through this incentive program.


The closing date on your Dallas home must be on or before December 1, 2009 to be eligible for the full tax credit. Unlike the tax credit enacted by Congress in 2008, the $8,000 tax credit does not have to be repaid.


To apply for your $8,000 tax credit, simply claim it on your year-end federal income tax return.
Only Dallas homes that are used for a primary residence are eligible under this tax credit incentive program.

Your Real Estate Resource

~If you know of anyone looking to buy or sell a house, I would love to help them. I may not live in the same state, but I can find you the best Realtor in your area. I have many connections in different states through Keller Williams. I would love the opportunity to help find you a Realtor in your area who will take excellent care of you. If you ever have a Real Estate question; please don’t hesitate to shoot me an e-mail of give me a call! I’d love to help in anyway I can~

Making the Right Decision – Is it Time to Buy your First Home?

The news is enough to scare anyone these days. We all hear the doom and gloom terms: recession, credit crisis, market free-fall. But what does it all mean and should it have an impact on whether we purchase our first Dallas home?

The answer is decidedly both yes and no. If you have been impacted directly by the ailing economy and your job is at risk, for example, you may want to think twice before diving into a major purchase such as a home. However, if you are fortunate enough to have a steady job, a nice nest egg and excellent credit then it may be time to consider purchasing your first Dallas home.


Low Interest Rates
There’s no doubt about it. Lenders have tightened their belts and only those individuals with the best of credit have a shot at getting approved for a mortgage. However, if you’ve paid your dues and have a sparkling credit history, then you are one of the lucky few whom can take advantage of the near-historic low interest rates.

Nice Inventory of Homes
The sour housing market may also be in your favor, as there is a nice inventory of Dallas homes on the market with reasonable price tags. We are definitely still in the middle of a buyer’s market, which means that there is likely a nice supply of homeowners looking to unload their Dallas properties.


Down Payment Concerns
Finally, it may be the right time to purchase your first Dallas home if you have saved a considerable amount of money for a down payment. Most lenders require at least 20 percent down, so if you haven’t secured that much money, then it may not be the time to dive into your first Dallas home purchase.


Buying your first Dallas home is a very personal decision. You must take your own, individual circumstances into consideration before making this major purchase. There are many incentives for new Dallas homeowners these days, such as low interest rates and tax rebates, so it pays to educate yourself on both the positive and negative aspects about purchasing your first Dallas home.

~The Top Five Home Improvement Projects to Take on Before you Sell~

So, you are ready to sell your Lewisville home and you desperately want a quick sale. What home improvement projects should you take on and which ones should you abandon?
We all want top dollar for our Lewisville homes, but we also don’t want to make home improvements that will not produce a healthy return on our investment. Although the area in which you live will likely dictate which home improvements are well worth your time and investment, there are five home improvements that are sure to benefit sellers everywhere:

1. Paint your walls. There is absolutely, positively no better way to increase the value of your Lewisville home than with a coat of paint. And luckily, there are few home improvement projects that are as inexpensive. A fresh coat of paint throughout your Lewisville home will make it appear fresh, clean and inviting.

2. Replace your carpeting. If your carpeting is worn, stained or has simply seen its better day, then you may want to consider installing new carpeting. An attractive, neutral carpet will do wonders for your Lewisville home’s appearance. Plus, you will likely see a 100 percent return on your investment.

3. Update your lighting fixtures. Nothing outdates a home like old light fixtures. Luckily, most lighting fixtures are relatively inexpensive and easy to install.

4. Purchase new kitchen appliances. Buyers love new appliances, so there is simply no better way to lure them in than with new, shiny appliances. Plus, new appliances can be used as a bargaining tool during the negotiation process.

5. Improve your home’s curb appeal. Cut back any overgrown trees, trim your hedges, remove weeds from your plant beds and plant colorful annuals. Your Lewisville home may look amazing on the inside, but if the outside looks less than stellar, you may lose many, potential buyers before they even walk through the door.

Are you Ready to Purchase your First Home?

Purchasing your first home can be an exciting time in your life, filled with excitement, gratification and satisfaction. Although you’ve probably heard people telling you that renting is like throwing your money away, for many individuals renting is an ideal situation.

The bottom line is that, although owning your own home is incredibly beneficial in many ways, it is not for everyone. So, before you dive head first into your first home purchase, consider asking yourself the following questions:

Are you credit-worthy? Being in a positive credit situation means that you have an excellent credit history and that your credit score is at least above 700. Lenders are much stricter than they were a few years ago regarding who they will approve for home loans, so it is important to ensure that your credit is spotless before applying for a mortgage. Order copies of your credit report from all three credit reporting agencies and review them carefully, looking for any errors. If your FICO score is struggling, then it is probably best to take care of your credit problems and work to raise your FICO score before considering a home purchase.

Are you financially prepared? Being financially prepared means that you have saved at least 20 percent of the purchase price of a home for a down payment, and that you have also set aside at least six months worth of your salary for an emergency fund. If you fall short in either of these areas, it is probably best to wait until you have saved more before purchasing a new home.
Are you ready to pay taxes? Many renters fail to realize, when figuring the cost of a mortgage, the taxes that they’ll need to pay. And for many, taxes can add a few hundred dollars every month to their mortgage payment. The Internet is a great source for tax information, as is a real estate agent. Before you make the decision to purchase a home, you’ll want to factor the cost of school and property taxes into your budget.

Are you ready to tackle home improvement projects (or pay someone else to do them)? A home is a work in progress, and home improvement and repair projects are an integral part of maintaining your home and increasing its value. If you are unable to complete basic home repair and improvement projects, or if you don’t have the time or the desire, you will want to factor in the cost of hiring someone else to do this work for you. You should also factor in the cost of the repairs and improvements themselves into your monthly budget.

Are you ready to settle in? Purchasing a home usually means that you intend on staying put in one place for at least a few years. If you enjoy moving around, or if you anticipate a job move in the next couple years, then owning a home probably isn’t right for you, as you will not likely see a return on your investment.

How to get your DOWN PAYMENT paid for on your new home...

Open House Sunday, July 19 from 2-4. Send anyone who is in the market to buy!!

~Sarah's July Newsletter~

Home Buying Tip....Day 7

Insure Yourself!

Regardless of the type of insurance, settlement payments will be based on the current value of the damaged or lost item.
For antiques and artwork this means getting a written appraisal before the move.
For appliances, audio and computer equipment, you need the original sales receipt.
If you don't have receipts, any documentation is better than no documentation. Make a list of your valuables, write down estimated date of purchase and estimated purchase price. Give the list to your mover.

The following types of liability insurance is offered by most movers.
Release Value Insurance:
Coverage: Up to 60 cents per pound for each item. Under this coverage an antique desk weighing 100 pounds is insured for $60 regardless of its value.
Cost: Zero.
Free but not worth much. Avoid this type of insurance.
Minimal Value Insurance:
Coverage: $1.25 for each pound of your shipment. In the case of a 4000 pound shipment the mover is liable for $6000 ($1.25 x 4000), or more than enough to cover a $4000 antique desk damaged during the move
Cost: $7 per thousand dollars of coverage, or $42 in our example of a 4000 pound shipment ($7 x 6).
Extended Insurance:

An extension of the Minimal Value Insurance where the mover provides additional insurance at $7 per $1000 of coverage.
Cost: $7 per thousand dollars of coverage.
Homeowners Insurance: Your household insurance agent can sell you additional insurance for your move.

Problem Resolution. If something is damaged or missing:
Complain to the mover: Contact the mover's agent as soon you discover the damage. When you call, make sure you have:
The Bill of Laden and a copy of the movers inventory sheet.
An estimated value for the damaged item.
If not satisfied, and yours was an interstate move, contact the local Interstate Commerce Commission office. The ICC does not settle disputes but will refer you to arbitration.

$8,000 Tax Credit, and how you can get it before closing to use as your down payment!

90-Day Down Payment Assistance Program

If you are qualified for the First Time Homebuyer's Tax Credit but are a little tight on cash for the down payment...then THIS is the plan for you.


PURPOSE: To allow the consumer to take advantage of recent legislation by receiving a short term loan prior to filing for and receiving the federal first time homebuyer tax credit.


~Key Points~

1. 5% of the first lien mortgage amount up to a maximum of $7,000 for down payment and/or closing costs. Must be used with FHA financing. Primary residence only.

2. Each homebuyer must complete a pre-purchase homebuyer education course. The buyer can go to www.mgic.com and sign up for a FREE online buyer’s education course.

3. Funds are limited and available only for qualified purchases made by December 1, 2009 to eligible buyers on a first come, first serve basis.

4. Repayment: The 90-Day Down Payment Assistance Program offers 0% interest for 90 days. Failure to repay the down payment assistance loan in full within 90 days will result in monthly payments of principal and interest for 2 years with an interest rate of 10%. Under this scenario, a homebuyer borrowing approximately $7,000 would have a 2nd lien note of approximately $323/month.

5. Immediately after closing, the buyer can file a 2008 amended return—IRS form 1040X and form 5405. The IRS will then send the buyer a refund check for $8000 as part of the Federal First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit. The buyer can use this money to payoff the $7000 lien from the State of Texas. Remember, the federal tax credit is 10% of the price of the house up to $8000. Refunds are generally processed within 8 to 12 weeks coinciding with the 90-day 0% interest loan.

6. Buyers must qualify with the $323/month payment included in their debt.

7. Buyers must occupy the property for 3 years or the IRS will recapture the assistance in the tax year the property is sold.

8. Consider a 45-60 day transaction from start to finish. The file must be first underwritten by the lender for approval. Then, a package is sent to the state that is estimated to take up to 20 more days for finalization. Rush transactions are not for this program.

9. $250 cashiers check is required from the buyers own funds payable to TDHCA.

10. Income Limit: Single Taxpayer: $75,000; Married Taxpayers filing a joint return: $150,000.

Home Buying Tips....Day 6

The final details of buying a new or pre-owned home take place on closing day when the purchase price is paid and title is transferred from the seller to the buyer. In most states the mortgage lender's attorney or a title agent will handle the closing details and protect buyer and seller rights as a neutral 3rd party.


Closing day is typically 30 to 45 days from when the Seller and Buyer agreed to terms and signed a final Purchase Agreement.


Items paid by the Buyer and items paid by the Seller are summarized on the Settlement Statement.



The Settlement Statement is the main focus of attention on Closing day.
Get a copy of the Settlement Statement at least a day before the closing.
Review every item with the help of your real estate agent.
Demand changes if items the Seller should pay have been charged to the Buyer.

7 Home Buying Tips....Day 5

The time to discover expensive defects is before you buy the home. Even brand new homes often have major construction flaws.


Rushed to meet deadlines carpenters sometimes fail to wait for plumbers and heating & air people. They put up beams and walls that block pipes and air ducts.
Plumbers are forced to cut through structural beams to lay their pipes... heating & air people do the same for vents.
A new home should be inspected before the walls are closed up, while structural problems are out in the open.


$350 might sound like a lot to spend for inspections of a fine looking home, but it's cheap if you find $10,000 in defects. Hire an inspector!






Four types of defects:
Hidden defects
Visible defects
Legal defects
Not real defects





Hidden defects are behind the walls, on the roof or out of site inside the furnace and under crawl spaces.


Even professional inspectors might not spot all signs of termite damage, faulty wiring and improper roofing, but a good inspector is your best protection. Take the time to be present during the inspection, ..and ask lots of questions! Your presence insures the most thorough inspection.


Visible defects are out in the open for attentive buyers to see. Check for the following red flags... (make a note and review with your professional inspector).


Moisture: water stains on ceilings, damp basement walls or musty odors are all signs of possible water damage.
Cracks in plaster walls might mean nothing, but all cracks should be investigated by a professional, especially cracks around fireplaces or in foundation walls.
Uneven floors: floors that are not level could mean the house is sinking. It might have done all its settling in the first year and has been stable since, but have it checked.
Loose doors: Look for light coming in around and under exterior doors. These might need insulation or refitting.

Alignment: Doors not perfectly vertical. If you can see more space between a door and its frame at one end than at the other, the door is installed improperly and will eventually stick or fail to lock.
Tilted stairways: Like uneven floors, tilted stairways indicate movement in the foundation. Make a note and discuss with your inspector.


Legal defects:


A real estate attorney will spot liens on the property or other challenges to the title, such as inheritance disputes.
A building inspector is needed to spot oversized pools, illegal tool shacks and other zoning violations.


Not really defects:


Sticky doors & windows: Hard to open windows are not serious problems, but they make good negotiating points. Ask for a few hundred dollars off the price or some other concession from the seller.
Horrid or ancient paint jobs are not defects, they are signs of poor maintenance, and make useful negotiating points.


Sellers disclosures:
Most states require sellers and real estate agents to make full disclosure of all known mechanical, structural and legal problems.
Many sales contracts require termite inspections plus disclosures about lead paint and other hazards.

7 Tips for Home Buying...Day 4

Negotiating Best Home Price


Okay ! You found a house you love in your target neighborhood. Now what ?




Let's assume some numbers so we can discuss the situation:

You found a 4 bedroom house at 134 Harbor Pl., 10 years old and 20 minutes from your job.
The asking price is $155,000.
You have $33,000 cash in the bank.
You've been pre-approved for a $120,000 mortgage loan.
You've done your homework and set your price range at $130,00 to $150,000





At $155,00 the asking price is $5,000 above your price range but you really want the house.





You could offer your top price of $150,000, but what do you do if the Seller refuses that offer ?





Steps to establishing a negotiating position:

-Evaluate the Seller's asking price.
-Ask your agent to prepare a Comparable Market Analysis (CMA) to review neighborhood selling prices.
-HomePrice.Net provides a comprehensive analysis of home prices, plus school, crime and other neighborhood information.
-Consider other negotiating points.
-Decide how much to offer and on what terms.

7 Tips for Home Buying...Day 3

Select the Best Home to Buy~


Start with the basics:

Considerations for buying a new house
Considerations for buying pre-owned homes





Consider relative purchase price





Buy a home that can be sold at a profit.





Find a real estate agent familiar with your target neighborhoods





Sarah's Advice:


List the minimum requirements for your dream house.
Visit homes for sale: observe and make notes.
Hire a professional home inspector.
Work with your agent to find the perfect house.

Great Ways To Beating Negativity~

The economy is hurting. Home sales in many markets remain sluggish. Uncertainty abounds. In this kind of environment, it's easy to get discouraged. But there's no reason you have to stay that way, says Jon Gordon, author of The No Complaining Rule: Positive Ways to Deal with Negativity at Work (Wiley, 2008). Here's Gordon's advice on how to come out ahead in this tough market.

1. Tell yourself a positive story. Life is a story. The story we tell ourselves and the role we play in that story determines the quality and direction of our life. The best real estate professionals are able to overcome adversity by telling themselves a more positive story than the rest. Instead of a drama or a horror movie, they define their life as an inspirational tale. Instead of being the victim, they see themselves as a fighter and overcomer. You may not be able to control market conditions, but you can influence the outcome of your story.

2. Model yourself after success. Are there real estate practitioners succeeding today? Of course there are. Seek out those people in your market and ask to meet with them. Learn from their advice and model their attitudes and actions. If they can succeed, so can you.

3. Focus on the important stuff. Tune out the negative voices and start making positive choices. What are you doing on a daily basis to grow yourself, your team, and your business? Don't focus on the negative things other salespeople and the media are saying. Instead, focus on marketing your business, taking care of clients, and building loyal relationships. Every morning ask yourself this questions: "What are the three most important things I need to do today that will help me create the success I desire?" Then take action on those items.

4. Replace "have to" with "get to." This simple word swap can change your mind-set and your approach to work and life. It turns a complaining voice to an appreciative voice, and acknowledges that life is a gift - not an obligation. So often we grudgingly say things like "I have to go to this meeting," "I have to meet with this client," or "I have to sell houses in this market." In reality, it's not about what we have to do. It's about what we get to do. Research shows that when we practice gratitude, we get a measurable boost in happiness that energizes us and enhances our health. It's also physiologically impossible to be stressed and thankful at the same time.

5. Refuse to participate in the recession. Professionals who've thrived during past recessions continued to go about business as usual regardless of market conditions. They worked hard and focused on taking actions to grow their business. As others are paralyzed by fear, take the opportunity to charge forward.

6. Create a positive vision. Instead of being disappointed about where you are, make the decision to be optimistic about where you are going. Create a positive vision for your future and the future of your team. Vision helps you see the road ahead and it gives you something meaningful and valuable to strive towards.

7. No more complaining. Abide by the "no complaining" rule. When you realize you're about to complain, replace your thoughts and words with positive actions. Let your complaints help you identify what you don't want so that you can focus on what you do want. The key is to turn complaints into solutions.

7 Home Buying Tips....Day 2

Second thing you need to know is WHERE YOU WANT TO LIVE.

Most buyers know where they want to buy a house, mainly close to work, friends, family and good recreation. Use the links on this page for help in narrowing down your choice of neighborhoods


Everyone wants to buy homes in neighborhoods with:
Good school districts (even if there are no children, good schools mean high resale values.)
Low to zero crime rates
Rising property values


Typically, several neighborhoods will meet most requirements..


At different prices and at different resale values

A good real estate agent can help in selecting specific neighborhoods.




Other handy tools:


School comparisons
Crime rate statistics

7 Home Buying Tips....DAY 1

First thing you need to do before you start your hunt to buy a new home is review your monthly income, expenses and total savings. No savings? ..find a relative, friend or employer who might help with a loan for home buying.

Viewing homes can be fun, but beware of falling in love with a home beyond your price range. Buying a big house can sacrifice your future by making it impossible to:
-Save for retirement
-Provide for children's education
-Take vacations

Call a lender and get PRE-Approved!

Great Informational Website!

www.info4dfwhomevalues.com

This website is great for gathering important information like:

• How to sell your house with out an agent


• Finding out the value of your house,


• Finding out the price your neighbors home sold for down the street and get a free computerized list of area home sales and currnt listings.


• Finding a list of foreclosures in your certain area


• Finding BARGAIN homes


• Get a computerized list of homes in the area you are looking for with in ground swimming pools.

GO TO http://www.info4dfwhomevalues.com/