Happy Thanksgiving from Texas Sold Team Realty!!

The holiday season has begun and the hussel and bussel is starting to shift into high gear. Take time to enjoy the family and friends that we don't see on a regular basis. Everyone runs at such a fast pace anymore, quality time spent with family is almost a thing of the past. Laugh, tell stories, enjoy good food, watch football, make good memories to carry with you till the next time you meet. Those are the important things. Give extra thanks tomorrow and everyday to our troops who are fighting for and protecting our freedom.

Dates to Remember

Holiday season is in the air. Below is a list of the happenings in the area. Nothing better to get you in the "Spirit" than an good tree lighting and parade of lights. If you haven't ever seen one you really need to go just for the experience. You will walk away singing carols and ready to hit the mall to finish or start your holiday shopping!

Nov. 14 - Jan. 3 - ICE! and Lone Star Christmas (Grapevine)
Nov. 22 - Jan. 4 - The Trains at North Park (Dallas)
Nov. 28 - Jan. 4 - Holiday in the Park (Six Flags in Arlington)
Saturday, Nov. 22 - 3:00 to 9:00 pm Home For the Holidays (Southlake Town Square)
Tree lighting at 6:30 pm
Saturday, Nov. 22 - 24 - www.SouthlakeFestivalofTrees.com
Friday, Nov. 28 - FW Sundance Square
2:00 to 5:30 pm - Holiday Fun Zone
6:00 to 8:00 pm - Parade of Lights and Tree Lighting
Nov. 29 - Dec. 21 - Snowflakes, Sugarplums, and SANTA! (Fort Worth)
Saturday, Nov. 29 - 6:00 to 8:00 pm
Hurst Annual Tree Lighting Spectacular
Monday, Dec. 1 - 7:00 pm
Historic downtown Grapevine Carol of Lights
Thursday, Dec. 4 - 7:00 pm
Historic downtown Grapevine Parade of Lights
Friday, Dec. 5 - 6:00 to 9:30 pm
Holly Days at Keller Town Center
Saturday, Dec. 6 - 10:00 am
Neiman Marcus Adolphus Children’s Parade Dallas
Saturday, Dec. 6 - 4:00 to 8:00 pm
NRH Night of Holiday Magic at NRH20 Family Waterpark
Saturday, Dec. 6 - dusk
Twinkle Light Parade on Grapevine Lake

The Top 6 Mistakes of Foreclosed-Home Buying

By Luke Mullins, U.S. News
Nov 18th, 2008
Nothing illustrates the devastation of America's housing bust more vividly than the abandoned properties now blighting the nation's communities. In the third quarter alone, foreclosure filings were reported on more than 750,000 properties in the United States, a 71 percent increase from the same period last year, according to RealtyTrac. But for real estate investors, one person's tragedy can be another's good fortune. With so many foreclosures on the market, "this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for many people," says Steve Dexter, a foreclosure expert and author of the forthcoming book Buy and Hold Forever-Building Real Estate Wealth Far Into the 21st Century.
More from U.S. News & World Report » 3 Key Ways to Buy Foreclosed Properties» Getting a Mortgage After a Foreclosure» The 15 Best Small Businesses to Start
Still, the purchase of foreclosed property—an often complex and involved process—presents would-be buyers with plenty of opportunities to make costly mistakes. In an effort to help consumers avoid such pitfalls, U.S. News spoke with a handful of experts to create a list of six common blunders that individuals make when attempting to buy foreclosed properties.

1. Flying solo. While enterprising do-it-yourselfers can certainly get away with going through the traditional home buying process without an agent, foreclosed real estate is another matter. Such complex transactions require the expertise of not just any real estate agent but one with a background in buying and selling foreclosed homes. "In today's uncertain times it's important to be working with someone who has been through market cycles before," says Patrick McGilvray, president of TheHomeBuyingCenter.com, which links homeowners and owners of foreclosure real estate with potential house buyers. So unless you are truly a real estate expert, do some research and find an agent with foreclosure experience in your market.

2. Being unfamiliar with the law. It's important to remember that real estate agents aren't lawyers, and foreclosure laws can change significantly from state to state. "A lot of people don't realize [that] foreclosures are heavily regulated and every state has its own set of laws," says Alexis McGee, the president of Foreclosures.com. "If you don't have the language proper in your contract, or if you have even the font size wrong, it's criminal and civil damages-don't count on every Realtor knowing this." As such, McGee advises against relying on a real estate agent for legal advice. Instead, consumers should review the foreclosure laws in their state and then get qualified legal advice from a local real estate attorney.

3. Thinking short term. Since many foreclosed homes may decline further in value in the coming months, it's important that buyers approach the transaction from a long-term perspective." If you are not looking at a piece of foreclosed property from a 10-year time horizon-as an investor or as an owner occupant-then you will likely suffer," McGilvray says. So if you are just trying to cash in on a quick flip, don't buy a foreclosure. Only investors with the resources and patience for a long-term real estate investment and homeowners who can afford a fully amortized fixed-rate mortgage should consider buying foreclosed property, McGilvray says.

4. Seeing only the sticker. While the price you negotiate for a foreclosed home may be significantly less than its value just a few years back, many such homes may require substantial repairs. McGilvray says that anyone buying a foreclosed property should make sure to set aside an additional 10 percent of its price tag for repairs. "Make sure you have 10 percent, especially if the home is a few years old," he says. "It is amazing how quickly houses can deteriorate." Prospective buyers should keep these additional repair costs in mind when they are negotiating the home's price.

5. Searching too broadly. With so much inventory coming onto the market these days, it's easy for buyers to become overwhelmed. To that end, Dexter recommends that anyone in the market for a foreclosure target a specific neighborhood and contact an agent with experience there. Make sure to specify the type of property you are looking for in order to avoid being inundated with listings. Tell the agent, "I want all these kinds of houses in this neighborhood that are bank listings [and] I want to know about them all as they come on the market," Dexter says. The agent will then be able to shoot you all the listings that meet your requirements as they become available. "If [the buyer is] patient enough and they get plugged in to the flow of new bank listings coming in, they can pick up some awfully good deals."

6. Taking no prisoners. While buyers can certainly get good deals on foreclosed homes, it's a mistake to assume that banks will accept any and all offers. (Unless, of course, the listing specifically says so.) Banks aren't set up to sell houses, so they typically outsource their foreclosed properties to real estate agents, McGee says. In such cases, agents can receive listings in bulk, perhaps 50 at a time. While these agents want to get the properties sold off quickly, they also want to get a good price for the seller so that the bank will give them additional business in the future. "Saving face is important for them," McGee says. "A lot of people just assume that because this property is bank-owned they will just take half off. Well, that's just not true." As such, insultingly low offers have the potential to tank the negotiations over foreclosed homes, McGee says. So make sure you present your wholesale offer case well both in writing and verbally with the listing agent.

Buying? Selling? What to look for in a Real Estate Agent

By BRENDEL HIGHTOWER - Detroit Free Press

When picking a real estate agent, think of yourself as an employer hiring for your company: Require a good resume, check references and do a thorough interview.
As CEO, you must recruit the best talent. Buying or selling a house is just like a business deal - and you need the right lieutenant to get the job done.
Agents should be familiar with neighborhoods and selling trends. You want someone who will go above and beyond to make things happen in this slow real estate market.

One of the best ways to find a good agent is to ask friends and family. They often can provide names of people they have worked with and liked. Checking newspaper ads, going to open houses and writing down agent names listed on For Sale signs in your neighborhood (especially ones that say "Sold") also might help you locate agents.

But the process doesn't stop there. Once you have a list of names, be sure to interview the candidates so you can determine which one will best meet your needs.
"The purpose of the interview is to feel comfortable, to know it's a person that you can work with and trust," said Pat Vredevoogd of Coldwell Banker AJS Schmidt in Grand Rapids, Mich., and the 2007 president of the National Association of Realtors.
Vredevoogd suggests that potential buyers and sellers ask agents about advanced real estate classes they might have taken. That can indicate how experienced and dedicated the agent is.
"This is a huge investment, and you want to be sure they have all the knowledge to protect you," Vredevoogd said.

Jessica Veitch and her husband, Jason, worked with three agents before settling on Chris Courtney of Remerica Hometown in Plymouth, Mich.
They closed on a 837-square-foot, three-bedroom ranch in Berkley, Mich., on Friday.
"He took time with us and was willing to work with us," Veitch said. "He didn't care that we were not looking for a real expensive house."

Here are other questions to consider:
- How many years has the agent been on the job? You may prefer someone who has been selling homes for years. Or you might prefer the fresh perspective and energy of someone newer to the field. Ask for a resume and references.
- How compatible are you? Don't underestimate the importance of personality. Buying or selling a house is often stressful and emotionally challenging. Comfort and trust are key.
- Does the agent know the neighborhood? Local knowledge is crucial.
- What level of customer care will you receive? An agent will be your partner in a huge financial undertaking, so you want to choose someone who is always ready, willing and available. The communication needs to stay open and your phone calls need to be returned quickly.
- For sellers, what is the marketing plan for your home? Ask for a list of ways the agent plans to market and advertise your house. That can include print ads, Internet marketing, flyers, postcards and direct mail. Ask for samples to see the quality and professionalism of the presentation.
- What about commission? Traditionally, a seller pays around 6 percent in commissions; 3 percent goes to the seller's agent and 3 percent to the buyer's agent. Commissions, however, can be negotiated.
- Does the agent work part-time or full time? Chris Courtney said a full-time agent can stay on top of changes as they come about and can be more aggressive.
"If we don't sell, we don't eat," Courtney said.

Real Estate Marketing Strategies -7 Ways to Overcome the Myth That You Have to Be ‘Pushy’ to Succeed

RISMEDIA, Nov. 19, 2008-Haven’t we all been told that the ones who succeed are aggressive and pushy? Isn’t this why so many people are scared of marketing themselves? In my 30 years of coaching people, I have found that almost everyone has an adverse reaction to marketing. In other words, they would rather do anything but market themselves and that’s what they usually do.

Tip 1: Look at your old concepts of marketing:
What images come up for you when you think of marketing? Do you visualize a pushy salesman at your door? Do you think of telemarketers calling you at night?

Tip 2: Do you equate marketing to “sales”?
Most of my clients have always worked for someone else and in their own business, they are scared about whether they succeed or fail. So they begin to believe consciously or unconsciously that marketing means “sales.”

Tip 3: Do you think you are “taking” when you are offering your services?
Over many years of helping people get more clients, I can honestly say that most people believe they are taking from another when they market themselves to another. Instead, start thinking of yourselves as giving whenever you tell anyone what you do.

Tip 4: Have a very comfortable, non-pushy “elevator speech.”
An “elevator speech” is a memorized version of what you say when anyone asks you, “What do you do?” Always answer the question with a question. For example, if you are a real estate agent, instead of saying, “I’m a real estate agent,” say, “You know how most people get stressed out when they buy or sell a home? Well my job is to help them to relax and enjoy the process. I am a real estate agent.”

Tip 5: Always ask permission to continue.
For example, if you are making a “cold call” to someone in business, get their permission to continue. For example, if you are a coach and you say your name and what you do, like, “I help people succeed in business,” then say, “If you’d like to take 30 seconds, I’ll be happy to tell you what I do.” The receiver of the call will feel like their time is respected.

Tip 6: Always give before asking for the gift of someone’s time and attention:
For example, if you’re a real estate agent, and you want to go door to door, have something in your hand to give the person.
For example, “I’m your neighbor and I have a list of the properties that have been sold in our neighborhood. Would this be of interest to you?”

Tip 7: Your prospect needs to know, like and trust you.
Any attempts at being pushy with a prospect will turn them off. Remember to focus on building a relationship so they can know, like and trust you.

Dr. Maya Bailey, author of, Law of Attraction for Real Estate Professionals,

SERVING ALL OF SOUTHLAKE TEXAS REAL ESTATE, KELLER, GRAPEVINE, WESTLAKE, COLLEVILE, AND SURROUNDING AREA PROPERTIES!

Find a wealth of useful Texas real estate information for TX home buyers, whether you are buying your first home or need relocation, moving, or financing help in and around Southlake. Texas home sellers, whether you are selling a house, condominium, townhouse, acreage or other property type in and around Southlake. Before you sell or buy a home in Southlake, review Texas market information found on this website. The Southlake area is a great place to live. Whether you already know which area you are interested in, or are looking for some suggestions, contact me today, and we can discuss any question you might have about Southlake TX or any of the surrounding cities!

SELLING A HOME IN THE SOUTHLAKE REGION?If you're thinking of selling your home in Dallas-Fort Worth, Southlake, Keller, Grapevine, Westlake, or Colleyville the first thing you should ask is "How much is my home worth?" Being educated on market trends in your area gives you the best chances of selling your home quickly and for the best price possible. Click on "Free Market Analysis" to request a free (C.M.A.) Comparative Market Analysis of your home. Use our free home search feature to find comparable homes for sale, too. We hope to a ssist you in selling your TX home because as your Realtors, we will go the extra mile to help you achieve your property goals. We constantly research the market and property values in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, so your home is priced effectively from day one. We also make sure the public knows your home is for sale by using innovative advertising and marketing techniques to attract potential Texas home buyers.

BUYING A HOME IN THE SOUTHLAKE REGION?Finding Texas properties, such as residential, resale, new homes, luxury, estates, home builders, custom homes, lakefront, waterfront, condos, townhomes, lots, land, horse property, golf course communities, gated communities, retirement community, or investment property in the Southlake area, including Dallas, Fort Worth, Southlake, Keller, Grapevine, Colleyville, Haslet, Haltom City, Argyle, North Richland Hills, Richland Hills, Hurst, Euless, Bedford, Arlington, Trophy Club, Coppell, Lewisville, Springtown, Weatherford or Irving, can sometimes be a challeng e. You can find it here, though, on our Southlake Texas real estate information source. Let us help you find the perfect homes for sale. Because the Texas real estate industry is becoming more sophisticated and challenging every day, you need a realtor® professional team that understands the real estate industry, is positioned to stay ahead of the game, and can help you with relocation, moving to Texas, first time home buying, or financing. With offices in Southlake and Keller Sold Team Realty is in the perfect position to meet and exceed your expectations. So come and join us in the beautiful Dallas-Fort Worth area, home of many professional sports teams like the Cowboys, Rangers, Stars, Mavricks, and so much more!