Ever notice how most homes are designed to fit the average family, with average needs and average incomes?
But what happens if you're not average? …………..Sterling Oak is a custom home builder in the North Tarrant, South Wise and South Denton Counties.
We believe that houses can be beautiful, but the owner's taste and unique selections make houses homes. And when your house reflects your personality, you feel at home.
At Sterling Oak, we want to help you create your dream home regardless of the size or your budget.
At Sterling Oak each home is constructed the old-fashioned way – through quality construction and a commitment to serving our clients. It is the way homes used to be built and the way Sterling Oak builds them today - with pride and attention to detail. Yet, we rely on our state-of-the-art processes and technology to get you the best products and prices. We are committed to the highest standards in new home construction.
That is why we are designated as a Graduate Master Builder by the National Association of Home Builders and a Texas Star Builder by the State of Texas. Our goal is to build a home you will love every day you live there.We offer innovative designs that are not only flexible, but can reflect your distinctive tastes.
And if you want to start from scratch, we can do that as well.We urge you to visit any one of our models and compare us to those of other builders. Once you do, we're confident that you will discover the unbeatable value Sterling Oak offers.
Gary M. Schecter
President
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
Real Estate News
We’ve reached a juncture in the credit markets where it really doesn’t matter how low interest rates go -- banks are refusing to lend and consumers either have no desire to borrow – or they are in such troubled financial straits they can’t meet the qualification criteria for a loan.
So what’s the Fed to do?
Many believe the Fed will announce in their post-meeting statement tomorrow afternoon (2:15 p.m. ET) that the answer to rekindling economy growth is actually quite simple – print money like crazy.
In a nutshell the idea here is that by flooding the economy with money – banks will ultimately find themselves bursting at the seams with capital – and they will essentially have no other option than to start lending.
As the short-term credit market swings back into action, business confidence will rise, employment will improve and the engines of commerce will roar back to life.
Silver Oak Mortgage
Lisa Warren
Branch Manager
751 E Southlake Blvd Ste 100
Southlake, TX 76092
office 817-410-2518
fax 817-410-2519
So what’s the Fed to do?
Many believe the Fed will announce in their post-meeting statement tomorrow afternoon (2:15 p.m. ET) that the answer to rekindling economy growth is actually quite simple – print money like crazy.
In a nutshell the idea here is that by flooding the economy with money – banks will ultimately find themselves bursting at the seams with capital – and they will essentially have no other option than to start lending.
As the short-term credit market swings back into action, business confidence will rise, employment will improve and the engines of commerce will roar back to life.
Silver Oak Mortgage
Lisa Warren
Branch Manager
751 E Southlake Blvd Ste 100
Southlake, TX 76092
office 817-410-2518
fax 817-410-2519
Daily Real Estate News
Keeping Costs Down in Vacant Homes
Having a getaway home can be a treat during the winter, even if the home is located in a cold climate.
However, costs can add up quickly when you leaving that second home vacant, but ready for use.
Here are some ways to lower costs:
* Weatherstrip all the doors and windows and make sure that the heating and air conditioning ductwork has no leaks. Install maximum insulation.
* Pay attention to the thermostat. Heating load is proportional to the difference between outside and inside temperature. If it is 10 degrees colder outside than the desired indoor temperature, turn the thermostat down 1 degree and save 10 percent on energy. If there is a 20-degree difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, turning the thermostat back one degree will only save 5 percent on energy.
* Turn back the water heater. Even if someone will occasionally shower there, keeping the water heater set at 115 degrees keeps the water at a comfortable temperature and saves money compared to usual settings.
* Unplug appliances, televisions and anything else that is on standby. The standby features use lots of watts. For instance, a microwave oven uses as much energy to run the clock as it does to cook.
Source: The New York Times, Billie Cohen (12/11/2008)
Having a getaway home can be a treat during the winter, even if the home is located in a cold climate.
However, costs can add up quickly when you leaving that second home vacant, but ready for use.
Here are some ways to lower costs:
* Weatherstrip all the doors and windows and make sure that the heating and air conditioning ductwork has no leaks. Install maximum insulation.
* Pay attention to the thermostat. Heating load is proportional to the difference between outside and inside temperature. If it is 10 degrees colder outside than the desired indoor temperature, turn the thermostat down 1 degree and save 10 percent on energy. If there is a 20-degree difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, turning the thermostat back one degree will only save 5 percent on energy.
* Turn back the water heater. Even if someone will occasionally shower there, keeping the water heater set at 115 degrees keeps the water at a comfortable temperature and saves money compared to usual settings.
* Unplug appliances, televisions and anything else that is on standby. The standby features use lots of watts. For instance, a microwave oven uses as much energy to run the clock as it does to cook.
Source: The New York Times, Billie Cohen (12/11/2008)
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Extreme Makeover: Keller Hicks Rd, Keller TX 76248
http://frontburner.dmagazine.com/2008/12/08/extreme-makeover-house-revealed/
The tentative Build Schedule (all times subject to change):
* Monday, December 8: Knock Day. Media may arrive at 3:45 p.m. for a press conference with the family at 4:00PM is planned for approximately
* at the home site location, 2880 Keller Hicks Road, Keller, TX 76248. Please note: the street will be closed, and security will instruct media members where to park.
* Wednesday, December 10: Braveheart Walk to kickoff of the build. Media check-in is at 8:00AM; Braveheart Walk at approximately 9:00AM. Braveheart Speech by Steve Wall will follow the walk, then demolition will begin immediately thereafter.
* Thursday, December 11: Framing throughout the day, followed by non-stop building for the next several days and nights.
* Monday, December 15: House Reveal, also known as the time for “Move that Bus!”
* Tuesday, December 16: Press Conference at new home. Time for Press Conference will be announced later.
Posted on December 8th, 2008 11:06am by Tim Rogers
Filed under Entertainment, Media, Real Estate, Television
The tentative Build Schedule (all times subject to change):
* Monday, December 8: Knock Day. Media may arrive at 3:45 p.m. for a press conference with the family at 4:00PM is planned for approximately
* at the home site location, 2880 Keller Hicks Road, Keller, TX 76248. Please note: the street will be closed, and security will instruct media members where to park.
* Wednesday, December 10: Braveheart Walk to kickoff of the build. Media check-in is at 8:00AM; Braveheart Walk at approximately 9:00AM. Braveheart Speech by Steve Wall will follow the walk, then demolition will begin immediately thereafter.
* Thursday, December 11: Framing throughout the day, followed by non-stop building for the next several days and nights.
* Monday, December 15: House Reveal, also known as the time for “Move that Bus!”
* Tuesday, December 16: Press Conference at new home. Time for Press Conference will be announced later.
Posted on December 8th, 2008 11:06am by Tim Rogers
Filed under Entertainment, Media, Real Estate, Television
Monday, December 8, 2008
Click here Aledo, TX for Local Events, Community Corner, Groups & Organizations, Shops & Services, and much more....
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Treasury Department Considers Plan to Lower Mortgage Rates
Financial industry lobbyists are urging the Treasury Department to take steps to lower rates on 30-year mortgages to 4.5 percent.
WASHINGTON -- Financial industry lobbyists are urging the Treasury Department to take steps to lower mortgage rates and help stabilize the battered U.S. housing market.
Under one proposal, Treasury would seek to lower the rate on a 30-year mortgage to 4.5 percent by purchasing mortgage-backed securities from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, Scott Talbott, chief lobbyist at the Financial Services Roundtable, said Wednesday.
If enacted, such a plan would be an unprecedented opportunity for anyone with good credit and a solid income who could qualify for a mortgage at the lowest rates on records dating to the early 1960s, said Keith Gumbinger, senior vice president at financial publisher HSH Associates.
"You would have the mother of all re-fi booms," said mortgage industry consultant Howard Glaser.
The goal of the industry's proposal would be to take advantage of the unusually large difference, or spread, between mortgage rates and yields on government debt. On Wednesday, the yield on the 10-year Treasury note yield sank as low as 2.65 percent, while the national average rate on a 30-year fixed rate mortgages was 5.75 percent, according to HSH Associates.
In recent years, there has been about a 1.8 percentage point difference between the yield on a 10-year Treasury note and a 30-year mortgage rate, but that spread currently hovers around 3 percentage points.
Analysts said that the government could use its ability to borrow money at low rates to in essence flood the market for mortgage-backed securities. This increased demand would tend to push down the yield on mortgage securities sold by Fannie and Freddie, which now average about 5.5 percent because of investor concerns about default risks. Once those yields fall, the theory goes, lower mortgage rates should follow.
That would have two benefits for the economy: Immediately adding money to the pocketbooks of homeowners who can refinance their mortgages and reduce their monthly payments, and eventually help arrest the slide in home prices since much lower mortgage rates would allow more potential buyers to qualify for loans.
"The goal is drive mortgage rates so low that home prices not only stop falling but begin to rebound," said Greg McBride, senior financial analyst at Bankrate.com.
If the government does buy up mortgage securities, it would be similar to the effort announced last week by the Federal Reserve to purchase up to $500 billion of mortgage-backed securities from Fannie and Freddie. The two mortgage giants, which were seized by federal regulators in September, own or guarantee about half of the $11.5 trillion in U.S. outstanding home loan debt.
The Fed, however, did not announce a specific target for mortgage rates, which plunged about a half percentage point after the announcement.
That caused new mortgage applications to more than double last week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's weekly survey released Wednesday. Refinance volume more than tripled, and made up for nearly 70 percent of all applications.
Still, the industry plan is not likely to help borrowers whose credit is so damaged that banks don't want to lend to them.
"It doesn't do anything to help all the borrowers facing foreclosures," said Guy Cecala, publisher of Inside Mortgage Finance, a trade publication. "It's going to benefit the people who have equity in their home, who have decent credit and can refinance." Treasury is considering several options, and could announce a decision as early as next week, industry sources said.
Treasury spokeswoman Brookly McLaughlin said she would not comment on speculation about actions the department may take in the future.
The proposal was reported Wednesday afternoon on The Wall Street Journal's Web site.
Treasury could make such a proposal as part of a request for the second $350 billion of the $700 billion financial rescue fund, industry sources said.
Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson has been criticized by members of Congress for using the bailout money to shore up Wall Street banks, while not doing enough to help homeowners facing foreclosure.
In recent weeks, a diverse set of industry groups from real estate agents to carpet makers have called on lawmakers and the incoming administration of President-elect Barack Obama to subsidize lower mortgage rates and beef up tax credits to help stimulate housing demand.
The National Association of Realtors has been pushing a plan under which the federal government would spend $50 billion to lower mortgage rates. It says doing so would yield about 500,000 more home sales.
Meanwhile, the National Association of Home Builders is leading a new "Fix Housing First" coalition to push for aid to the ailing housing sector, including a tax credit of up to $22,000 for anyone who buys a home before the end of 2009.
Click here to read more in The Wall Street Journal.
Lisa Warren
Branch Manager
751 E Southlake Blvd Ste 100
Southlake, TX 76092
office 817-410-2518
fax 817-410-2519
Financial industry lobbyists are urging the Treasury Department to take steps to lower rates on 30-year mortgages to 4.5 percent.
WASHINGTON -- Financial industry lobbyists are urging the Treasury Department to take steps to lower mortgage rates and help stabilize the battered U.S. housing market.
Under one proposal, Treasury would seek to lower the rate on a 30-year mortgage to 4.5 percent by purchasing mortgage-backed securities from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, Scott Talbott, chief lobbyist at the Financial Services Roundtable, said Wednesday.
If enacted, such a plan would be an unprecedented opportunity for anyone with good credit and a solid income who could qualify for a mortgage at the lowest rates on records dating to the early 1960s, said Keith Gumbinger, senior vice president at financial publisher HSH Associates.
"You would have the mother of all re-fi booms," said mortgage industry consultant Howard Glaser.
The goal of the industry's proposal would be to take advantage of the unusually large difference, or spread, between mortgage rates and yields on government debt. On Wednesday, the yield on the 10-year Treasury note yield sank as low as 2.65 percent, while the national average rate on a 30-year fixed rate mortgages was 5.75 percent, according to HSH Associates.
In recent years, there has been about a 1.8 percentage point difference between the yield on a 10-year Treasury note and a 30-year mortgage rate, but that spread currently hovers around 3 percentage points.
Analysts said that the government could use its ability to borrow money at low rates to in essence flood the market for mortgage-backed securities. This increased demand would tend to push down the yield on mortgage securities sold by Fannie and Freddie, which now average about 5.5 percent because of investor concerns about default risks. Once those yields fall, the theory goes, lower mortgage rates should follow.
That would have two benefits for the economy: Immediately adding money to the pocketbooks of homeowners who can refinance their mortgages and reduce their monthly payments, and eventually help arrest the slide in home prices since much lower mortgage rates would allow more potential buyers to qualify for loans.
"The goal is drive mortgage rates so low that home prices not only stop falling but begin to rebound," said Greg McBride, senior financial analyst at Bankrate.com.
If the government does buy up mortgage securities, it would be similar to the effort announced last week by the Federal Reserve to purchase up to $500 billion of mortgage-backed securities from Fannie and Freddie. The two mortgage giants, which were seized by federal regulators in September, own or guarantee about half of the $11.5 trillion in U.S. outstanding home loan debt.
The Fed, however, did not announce a specific target for mortgage rates, which plunged about a half percentage point after the announcement.
That caused new mortgage applications to more than double last week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's weekly survey released Wednesday. Refinance volume more than tripled, and made up for nearly 70 percent of all applications.
Still, the industry plan is not likely to help borrowers whose credit is so damaged that banks don't want to lend to them.
"It doesn't do anything to help all the borrowers facing foreclosures," said Guy Cecala, publisher of Inside Mortgage Finance, a trade publication. "It's going to benefit the people who have equity in their home, who have decent credit and can refinance." Treasury is considering several options, and could announce a decision as early as next week, industry sources said.
Treasury spokeswoman Brookly McLaughlin said she would not comment on speculation about actions the department may take in the future.
The proposal was reported Wednesday afternoon on The Wall Street Journal's Web site.
Treasury could make such a proposal as part of a request for the second $350 billion of the $700 billion financial rescue fund, industry sources said.
Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson has been criticized by members of Congress for using the bailout money to shore up Wall Street banks, while not doing enough to help homeowners facing foreclosure.
In recent weeks, a diverse set of industry groups from real estate agents to carpet makers have called on lawmakers and the incoming administration of President-elect Barack Obama to subsidize lower mortgage rates and beef up tax credits to help stimulate housing demand.
The National Association of Realtors has been pushing a plan under which the federal government would spend $50 billion to lower mortgage rates. It says doing so would yield about 500,000 more home sales.
Meanwhile, the National Association of Home Builders is leading a new "Fix Housing First" coalition to push for aid to the ailing housing sector, including a tax credit of up to $22,000 for anyone who buys a home before the end of 2009.
Click here to read more in The Wall Street Journal.
Lisa Warren
Branch Manager
751 E Southlake Blvd Ste 100
Southlake, TX 76092
office 817-410-2518
fax 817-410-2519
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit at a Glance
The tax credit is available for first-time home buyers only.
The maximum credit amount is $7,500.
The credit is available for homes purchased on or after April 9, 2008 and before
July 1, 2009.
Single taxpayers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000 qualify for the full tax credit.
The tax credit works like an interest-free loan and must be repaid over a 15-year period.
NAHB is providing the information on this web site for general guidance only. The information on this site does not constitute the provision of legal advice, tax advice, accounting services, investment advice, or professional consulting of any kind nor should it be construed as such. The information provided herein should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional tax, accounting, legal, or other competent advisers. Before making any decision or taking any action on this information, you should consult a qualified professional adviser to whom you have provided all of the facts applicable to your particular situation or question. None of the tax information on this web site is intended to be used nor can it be used by any taxpayer, for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer. The information is provided "as is," with no assurance or guarantee of completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability, and fitness for a particular purpose.
1201 15th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20005
202-266-8200
800-368-5242
Copyright © 2008 National Association of Home Builders. All rights reserved.
The tax credit is available for first-time home buyers only.
The maximum credit amount is $7,500.
The credit is available for homes purchased on or after April 9, 2008 and before
July 1, 2009.
Single taxpayers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000 qualify for the full tax credit.
The tax credit works like an interest-free loan and must be repaid over a 15-year period.
NAHB is providing the information on this web site for general guidance only. The information on this site does not constitute the provision of legal advice, tax advice, accounting services, investment advice, or professional consulting of any kind nor should it be construed as such. The information provided herein should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional tax, accounting, legal, or other competent advisers. Before making any decision or taking any action on this information, you should consult a qualified professional adviser to whom you have provided all of the facts applicable to your particular situation or question. None of the tax information on this web site is intended to be used nor can it be used by any taxpayer, for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer. The information is provided "as is," with no assurance or guarantee of completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability, and fitness for a particular purpose.
1201 15th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20005
202-266-8200
800-368-5242
Copyright © 2008 National Association of Home Builders. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Exterior Door Selection and Installation
New exterior doors often fit and insulate better than older types. If you have older doors in your home, replacing them might be a good investment, resulting in lower heating and cooling costs. If you're building a new home, you should consider buying the most energy-efficient doors possible.
When selecting doors for energy efficiency, it's important to first consider their energy performance ratings in relation to your climate and home's design. This will help narrow your selection.
Types of Doors
One common type of exterior door has a steel skin with a polyurethane foam insulation core. It usually includes a magnetic strip (similar to a refrigerator door magnetic seal) as weatherstripping. If installed correctly and if the door is not bent, this type of door needs no further weatherstripping.
The R-values of most steel and fiberglass-clad entry doors range from R-5 to R-6 (not including the effects of a window.) For example: A 1-1/2 inch (3.81 cm) thick door without a window offers more than five times the insulating value of a solid wood door of the same size.
Glass or "patio" doors, especially sliding glass doors, lose heat much faster than other types of doors because glass is a very poor insulator. Most modern glass doors with metal frames have a thermal break, which is a plastic insulator between inner and outer parts of the frame. Models with several layers of glass, low-emissivity coatings, and/or low-conductivity gases between the glass panes are a good investment, especially in extreme climates. Over the long run, the additional cost is paid back many times over in energy savings. When buying or replacing patio doors, keep in mind that swinging doors offer a much tighter seal than sliding types.
Also, with a sliding glass door, it's impossible to stop all the air leakage around the weatherstripping and still be able to use the door. Also, after years of use, the weatherstripping wears down so air leakage increases as the door ages. If the manufacturer has made it possible to do so, you can replace worn weatherstripping on sliding glass doors.
Installation
When you buy a door, it will probably be a pre-hung frame. Pre-hung doors usually come with wood or steel frames. You will need to remove an existing door frame from the rough opening before you install a pre-hung door. The door frame must be as square as possible, so that the door seals tightly to the jamb and swings properly.
Before adding the interior trim, apply an expanding foam caulking to seal the new door frame to the rough opening and threshold. This will help prevent air from getting around the door seals and into the house. Apply carefully, especially with a wood frame, to avoid having the foam force the frame out of square.
If needed, you'll also want to add weatherstripping. Check the weatherstripping on your exterior doors annually to see if it needs replacement.
Storm Doors
Adding a storm door can be a good investment if your existing door is old but still in good condition. However, adding a storm door to a newer, insulated door is not generally worth the expense since you won't save much more energy.
Storm door frames are usually made of aluminum, steel, fiberglass, or wood (painted or not). Wooden storm doors require more maintenance than the other types. Metal-framed storm doors might have foam insulation within their frames.
High-quality storm doors use low-emissivity (Low-E) glass or glazing. Some doors have self-storing pockets for the glass in summer, and an insect screen for the winter. Some have fixed, full length screens and glass panels that slide out of the way for ventilation. Others are half screen and half glass, which slide past each other. Some are removable for cleaning, others are not. All of these features add some convenience and higher costs.
Never add a glass storm door if the exterior door gets more than a few hours of direct sun each day. The glass will trap too much heat against the entry door and possibly damage it.
Storm doors for patio doors are hard to find but they are available. Adding one to a new, multi-glazed, Low-E door is seldom economic. Insulated drapes, when closed for the night in the winter (or on sunny days in the summer) are also a good idea.
Weatherstripping
You can use weatherstripping in your home to seal air leaks around movable joints, such as windows or doors. To determine how much weatherstripping you will need, add the perimeters of all windows and doors to be weatherstripped, then add 5%–10% to accommodate any waste. Also consider that weatherstripping comes in varying depths and widths. Before applying weatherstripping in an existing home, you need to do the following (if you haven't already):
Detect air leaks
Assess your ventilation needs for indoor air quality.
Selection
You need to choose a type of weatherstripping that will withstand the friction, weather, temperature changes, and wear and tear associated with its location. For example, when applied to a door bottom or threshold, weatherstripping could drag on carpet or erode as a result of foot traffic. Weatherstripping in a window sash must accommodate the sliding of panes—up and down, sideways, or out. The weatherstripping you choose should seal well when the door or window is closed while allowing it to open freely.
Choose a product for each specific location. Felt and open-cell foams tend to be inexpensive, susceptible to weather, visible, and inefficient at blocking airflow. However, the ease of applying these materials may make them valuable in low-traffic areas. Vinyl, which is slightly more expensive, holds up well and resists moisture. Metals (bronze, copper, stainless steel, and aluminum) last for years and are affordable. Metal weatherstripping can also provide a nice touch to older homes where vinyl might seem out of place.
You can use more than one type of weatherstripping to seal an irregularly shaped space. Also take durability into account when comparing costs.
Application
Weatherstripping supplies and techniques range from simple to the technical. Consult the instructions on the weatherstripping package. Here are a few basic guidelines:
Measure the area to be weatherstripped twice before you cut anything.
Apply weatherstripping snugly against both surfaces. The material should compress when the window or door is shut.
When weatherstripping doors:
Choose the appropriate door sweeps and thresholds for the bottom of the doors.
Weatherstrip the entire door jamb.
Apply one continuous strip along each side.
Make sure the weatherstripping meets tightly at the corners.
Use a thickness that causes the weatherstripping to tightly press between the door and the door jamb when the door closes, without making it difficult to shut.
For air sealing windows, apply weatherstripping between the sash and the frame. The weatherstripping shouldn't interfere with the operation of the window.
Copyright © 2008 ( DFW Metro Green Consulting ) All rights Reserved.
New exterior doors often fit and insulate better than older types. If you have older doors in your home, replacing them might be a good investment, resulting in lower heating and cooling costs. If you're building a new home, you should consider buying the most energy-efficient doors possible.
When selecting doors for energy efficiency, it's important to first consider their energy performance ratings in relation to your climate and home's design. This will help narrow your selection.
Types of Doors
One common type of exterior door has a steel skin with a polyurethane foam insulation core. It usually includes a magnetic strip (similar to a refrigerator door magnetic seal) as weatherstripping. If installed correctly and if the door is not bent, this type of door needs no further weatherstripping.
The R-values of most steel and fiberglass-clad entry doors range from R-5 to R-6 (not including the effects of a window.) For example: A 1-1/2 inch (3.81 cm) thick door without a window offers more than five times the insulating value of a solid wood door of the same size.
Glass or "patio" doors, especially sliding glass doors, lose heat much faster than other types of doors because glass is a very poor insulator. Most modern glass doors with metal frames have a thermal break, which is a plastic insulator between inner and outer parts of the frame. Models with several layers of glass, low-emissivity coatings, and/or low-conductivity gases between the glass panes are a good investment, especially in extreme climates. Over the long run, the additional cost is paid back many times over in energy savings. When buying or replacing patio doors, keep in mind that swinging doors offer a much tighter seal than sliding types.
Also, with a sliding glass door, it's impossible to stop all the air leakage around the weatherstripping and still be able to use the door. Also, after years of use, the weatherstripping wears down so air leakage increases as the door ages. If the manufacturer has made it possible to do so, you can replace worn weatherstripping on sliding glass doors.
Installation
When you buy a door, it will probably be a pre-hung frame. Pre-hung doors usually come with wood or steel frames. You will need to remove an existing door frame from the rough opening before you install a pre-hung door. The door frame must be as square as possible, so that the door seals tightly to the jamb and swings properly.
Before adding the interior trim, apply an expanding foam caulking to seal the new door frame to the rough opening and threshold. This will help prevent air from getting around the door seals and into the house. Apply carefully, especially with a wood frame, to avoid having the foam force the frame out of square.
If needed, you'll also want to add weatherstripping. Check the weatherstripping on your exterior doors annually to see if it needs replacement.
Storm Doors
Adding a storm door can be a good investment if your existing door is old but still in good condition. However, adding a storm door to a newer, insulated door is not generally worth the expense since you won't save much more energy.
Storm door frames are usually made of aluminum, steel, fiberglass, or wood (painted or not). Wooden storm doors require more maintenance than the other types. Metal-framed storm doors might have foam insulation within their frames.
High-quality storm doors use low-emissivity (Low-E) glass or glazing. Some doors have self-storing pockets for the glass in summer, and an insect screen for the winter. Some have fixed, full length screens and glass panels that slide out of the way for ventilation. Others are half screen and half glass, which slide past each other. Some are removable for cleaning, others are not. All of these features add some convenience and higher costs.
Never add a glass storm door if the exterior door gets more than a few hours of direct sun each day. The glass will trap too much heat against the entry door and possibly damage it.
Storm doors for patio doors are hard to find but they are available. Adding one to a new, multi-glazed, Low-E door is seldom economic. Insulated drapes, when closed for the night in the winter (or on sunny days in the summer) are also a good idea.
Weatherstripping
You can use weatherstripping in your home to seal air leaks around movable joints, such as windows or doors. To determine how much weatherstripping you will need, add the perimeters of all windows and doors to be weatherstripped, then add 5%–10% to accommodate any waste. Also consider that weatherstripping comes in varying depths and widths. Before applying weatherstripping in an existing home, you need to do the following (if you haven't already):
Detect air leaks
Assess your ventilation needs for indoor air quality.
Selection
You need to choose a type of weatherstripping that will withstand the friction, weather, temperature changes, and wear and tear associated with its location. For example, when applied to a door bottom or threshold, weatherstripping could drag on carpet or erode as a result of foot traffic. Weatherstripping in a window sash must accommodate the sliding of panes—up and down, sideways, or out. The weatherstripping you choose should seal well when the door or window is closed while allowing it to open freely.
Choose a product for each specific location. Felt and open-cell foams tend to be inexpensive, susceptible to weather, visible, and inefficient at blocking airflow. However, the ease of applying these materials may make them valuable in low-traffic areas. Vinyl, which is slightly more expensive, holds up well and resists moisture. Metals (bronze, copper, stainless steel, and aluminum) last for years and are affordable. Metal weatherstripping can also provide a nice touch to older homes where vinyl might seem out of place.
You can use more than one type of weatherstripping to seal an irregularly shaped space. Also take durability into account when comparing costs.
Application
Weatherstripping supplies and techniques range from simple to the technical. Consult the instructions on the weatherstripping package. Here are a few basic guidelines:
Measure the area to be weatherstripped twice before you cut anything.
Apply weatherstripping snugly against both surfaces. The material should compress when the window or door is shut.
When weatherstripping doors:
Choose the appropriate door sweeps and thresholds for the bottom of the doors.
Weatherstrip the entire door jamb.
Apply one continuous strip along each side.
Make sure the weatherstripping meets tightly at the corners.
Use a thickness that causes the weatherstripping to tightly press between the door and the door jamb when the door closes, without making it difficult to shut.
For air sealing windows, apply weatherstripping between the sash and the frame. The weatherstripping shouldn't interfere with the operation of the window.
Copyright © 2008 ( DFW Metro Green Consulting ) All rights Reserved.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Invest in Your Business
Think Like a CEO, Not an Employee
A critical mind shift must take place to become a successful Real Estate Agent. First and foremost, you must think of yourself as the company owner and understand what it takes to fill the position of Chief Executive Officer. Whether you run a company of one or a company of ten, size doesn't matter. The key is to think like an entrepreneur.
Superstar and mega-producer Marty Rodriguez of Glendora, CA, has been named Number One Agent worldwide by Century 21*‚ four out of ten years in the past decade. In 2003, she closed 473.5 transactions, which grossed $169 million. Marty believes the key to "superstardom" among Real Estate Agents results from reinvesting in their businesses.
"Reinvesting in my business has had everything to do with my long-term success," she emphasizes.
Back in 1991, 1992 and 1993 when Marty ranked Number One, the Real Estate market was spiraling downward from a significant boom that took place in the late '80s. Many Real Estate Agents dropped out of the business like flies. But, in '91, Marty distinguished herself from the competition by reinvesting in her marketing.
She understood the need to capture a greater market share as the pie began shrinking massively. Raising the volume on her proactive marketing campaign was the first step in taking her business to the next level.
Simply put, employees just sit around wondering what their company has planned to assist them in becoming successful. But entrepreneurs and CEOs constantly think about opportunities they can create to take their business to the next level.
Like Marty, make sure you are reinvesting in yourself and your business. Make sure you are treating your business as your responsibility, your own independent company. What all successful companies must have to begin with is start-up capital; money that is needed to fuel the business, making it independent and enabling it to flourish as a corporation. As a Real Estate Agent, it means reinvesting in yourself.
Stay tuned for more Business Boosters coming your way!
*Century 21 is a registered trademark of Century 21 Real Estate Corporation.
Think Like a CEO, Not an Employee
A critical mind shift must take place to become a successful Real Estate Agent. First and foremost, you must think of yourself as the company owner and understand what it takes to fill the position of Chief Executive Officer. Whether you run a company of one or a company of ten, size doesn't matter. The key is to think like an entrepreneur.
Superstar and mega-producer Marty Rodriguez of Glendora, CA, has been named Number One Agent worldwide by Century 21*‚ four out of ten years in the past decade. In 2003, she closed 473.5 transactions, which grossed $169 million. Marty believes the key to "superstardom" among Real Estate Agents results from reinvesting in their businesses.
"Reinvesting in my business has had everything to do with my long-term success," she emphasizes.
Back in 1991, 1992 and 1993 when Marty ranked Number One, the Real Estate market was spiraling downward from a significant boom that took place in the late '80s. Many Real Estate Agents dropped out of the business like flies. But, in '91, Marty distinguished herself from the competition by reinvesting in her marketing.
She understood the need to capture a greater market share as the pie began shrinking massively. Raising the volume on her proactive marketing campaign was the first step in taking her business to the next level.
Simply put, employees just sit around wondering what their company has planned to assist them in becoming successful. But entrepreneurs and CEOs constantly think about opportunities they can create to take their business to the next level.
Like Marty, make sure you are reinvesting in yourself and your business. Make sure you are treating your business as your responsibility, your own independent company. What all successful companies must have to begin with is start-up capital; money that is needed to fuel the business, making it independent and enabling it to flourish as a corporation. As a Real Estate Agent, it means reinvesting in yourself.
Stay tuned for more Business Boosters coming your way!
*Century 21 is a registered trademark of Century 21 Real Estate Corporation.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
DATES TO REMEMBER
Holiday Happenings in the area.....
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
Happy Holidays!!!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Foreclosure Prevention
The two secondary-mortgage-market companies are well aware of the market pain and are taking a number of steps to provide relief, particularly to prevent foreclosures.
Among other things, Freddie Mac is allowing lenders to modify their at-risk loans into 40-year, lower interest-rate mortgages and to reduce borrowers' burdens by permitting them to roll up to six months of missed payments into what amounts to an unsecured second loan. The two companies are also ramping up their staff and adjusting compensation so their internal structure better matches the size and complexity of the processing demand they face.
What’s more, to help facilitate short sales, Lockhart’s agency will be releasing a large-scale, streamlined, standardized process for expediting short sales, which he said will give lenders flexibility and tools like principal forbearance that they can’t easily use right now.
But Lockhart made it clear that the bulk of the problem isn’t with Fannie and Freddie loans, but debt in what the financial services industry calls private-label securities, the Wall Street loans, many of them subprime, that are held by investors all over the world.
The streamlined short sale process his agency will be announcing soon—he didn’t give a time line—could go a long way to focusing the minds of lenders on the problem. But ultimately the problem won’t go way until interest rates come down, buyers start streaming back into the market again, and prices firm up, he suggested.
—Robert Freedman
Realtor Magazine
The two secondary-mortgage-market companies are well aware of the market pain and are taking a number of steps to provide relief, particularly to prevent foreclosures.
Among other things, Freddie Mac is allowing lenders to modify their at-risk loans into 40-year, lower interest-rate mortgages and to reduce borrowers' burdens by permitting them to roll up to six months of missed payments into what amounts to an unsecured second loan. The two companies are also ramping up their staff and adjusting compensation so their internal structure better matches the size and complexity of the processing demand they face.
What’s more, to help facilitate short sales, Lockhart’s agency will be releasing a large-scale, streamlined, standardized process for expediting short sales, which he said will give lenders flexibility and tools like principal forbearance that they can’t easily use right now.
But Lockhart made it clear that the bulk of the problem isn’t with Fannie and Freddie loans, but debt in what the financial services industry calls private-label securities, the Wall Street loans, many of them subprime, that are held by investors all over the world.
The streamlined short sale process his agency will be announcing soon—he didn’t give a time line—could go a long way to focusing the minds of lenders on the problem. But ultimately the problem won’t go way until interest rates come down, buyers start streaming back into the market again, and prices firm up, he suggested.
—Robert Freedman
Realtor Magazine
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Mortgage Loans
URGENT!! Dont let the media spook you!! You do not have to have 20% down to obtain a home loan, we are financing people with a minimum of 3% down and even 0% down on special programs and areas. Right now is the perfect time to buy a home, it is the largest investment you and your family will make. if you do not own a home or are interested in moving to a new one please call us. We can find a program that will best suit your needs.
by:
Silver Oak Mortgage
Lisa Warren
Branch Manager
751 E Southlake Blvd Ste 100
Southlake, TX 76092
office 817-410-2518
fax 817-410-2519
by:
Silver Oak Mortgage
Lisa Warren
Branch Manager
751 E Southlake Blvd Ste 100
Southlake, TX 76092
office 817-410-2518
fax 817-410-2519
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Coupon Clipper Has Last Laugh at the Register
Coupon Clipper Has Last Laugh at the Register
By Mary Perez
RISMEDIA, Oct. 23, 2008-(MCT)-Connie Hendry says people call her crazy for always clipping coupons to save money at the grocery and drug stores.
“A lot of people laugh at me, but I don’t care,” said Hendry, who lives in the Orange Grove area of Gulfport, Miss. She’s having the last laugh, saving hundreds of dollars a year on food and other products she buys.
Promotion Marketing Association’s Coupon Council said 89% of shoppers say they use coupons and save about 7% on their grocery bills.
“I know it works,” said Hendry. One year she put the money she earned from redeeming coupons into a jar when she returned from the grocery store and found she saved more than $600.
Meagan Broome, who operates Broome’s Grocery in Ocean Springs, Miss., with her brother, Curmis Broome III, said coupon use is up a little in the last few months. She is surprised more people don’t use coupons to stretch their dollars. “We have our usual customers that do coupons,” she said, especially older shoppers and young families.
Coupon use “is not as strong as it used to be,” said Robert Scarborough, district manager for the Food Giant store on Porter Avenue and throughout Mississippi, Florida and Alabama. Stores have found other ways to reward frequent shoppers and Scarborough said Food Giant customers fill the Smart Shopper savings cards to get special prices on staples such as bread and sugar, or save them for a free Thanksgiving turkey.
Those who do use coupons find the savings addictive. Hendry said she gets mad when she sees something on sale and realizes she has a coupon for it at home. Jean Hebert, a cashier at the Food Giant, eyed a brand of laundry detergent at the checkout. “That’s a good buy,” she said, “and I’ve got a coupon.”
For the $1.25 newsstand price of a Sunday Sun Herald newspaper, readers can save more than $120 a week if they use all the coupons in the glossy coupon inserts plus the coupon savings in the Rite Aid, Kmart and Walgreens sales circulars. The coupon sections arrive pre-printed at the Sun Herald about 10 days before they are inserted into the paper for subscribers and those who buy the newspaper on the newsstand.
Shoppers will find savings on the products they need for the season, such as cold medicine, or the Magic Eraser that erases love bugs from cars, plus money off on food and household products they use regularly and coupons to introduce new products.
Hendry said she takes her coupons to the Food Giant, which still doubles coupons with a face value of up to 60 cents. “That’s $1.20 in my pocket,” she said. “Yes, I’m a coupon shopper!”
Pearlina Evans, who works as a scan coordinator at Food Giant, said people call her “the coupon woman” because she cuts coupons out of the paper and goes to online coupon sites and prints more. She carries them in a file with similar coupons together so she can easily save on the price of cereal or toothpaste.
Evans helps other shoppers save, too. She was working in the aisle where a box of tea was sale priced at 98 cents last week, and she pointed out the 25-cent coupon attached to the box.
Store sales are often coordinated with the coupons being released. Scarborough said occasionally food sales representatives will alert the stores that a coupon is about to come out and they need to stock up on certain products. The coupons do increase sales, he said.
Hendry said she clips the coupons in the Sunday paper, then checks the grocery sales circulars in Wednesdays Sun Herald. “It saves a lot,” said Hendry. “It’s a little bit of work, but it’s worth it.”
© 2008, The Sun Herald (Biloxi, Miss.).
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
RISMedia welcomes your questions and comments. Send your e-mail to: realestatemagazinefeedback@rismedia.com
By Mary Perez
RISMEDIA, Oct. 23, 2008-(MCT)-Connie Hendry says people call her crazy for always clipping coupons to save money at the grocery and drug stores.
“A lot of people laugh at me, but I don’t care,” said Hendry, who lives in the Orange Grove area of Gulfport, Miss. She’s having the last laugh, saving hundreds of dollars a year on food and other products she buys.
Promotion Marketing Association’s Coupon Council said 89% of shoppers say they use coupons and save about 7% on their grocery bills.
“I know it works,” said Hendry. One year she put the money she earned from redeeming coupons into a jar when she returned from the grocery store and found she saved more than $600.
Meagan Broome, who operates Broome’s Grocery in Ocean Springs, Miss., with her brother, Curmis Broome III, said coupon use is up a little in the last few months. She is surprised more people don’t use coupons to stretch their dollars. “We have our usual customers that do coupons,” she said, especially older shoppers and young families.
Coupon use “is not as strong as it used to be,” said Robert Scarborough, district manager for the Food Giant store on Porter Avenue and throughout Mississippi, Florida and Alabama. Stores have found other ways to reward frequent shoppers and Scarborough said Food Giant customers fill the Smart Shopper savings cards to get special prices on staples such as bread and sugar, or save them for a free Thanksgiving turkey.
Those who do use coupons find the savings addictive. Hendry said she gets mad when she sees something on sale and realizes she has a coupon for it at home. Jean Hebert, a cashier at the Food Giant, eyed a brand of laundry detergent at the checkout. “That’s a good buy,” she said, “and I’ve got a coupon.”
For the $1.25 newsstand price of a Sunday Sun Herald newspaper, readers can save more than $120 a week if they use all the coupons in the glossy coupon inserts plus the coupon savings in the Rite Aid, Kmart and Walgreens sales circulars. The coupon sections arrive pre-printed at the Sun Herald about 10 days before they are inserted into the paper for subscribers and those who buy the newspaper on the newsstand.
Shoppers will find savings on the products they need for the season, such as cold medicine, or the Magic Eraser that erases love bugs from cars, plus money off on food and household products they use regularly and coupons to introduce new products.
Hendry said she takes her coupons to the Food Giant, which still doubles coupons with a face value of up to 60 cents. “That’s $1.20 in my pocket,” she said. “Yes, I’m a coupon shopper!”
Pearlina Evans, who works as a scan coordinator at Food Giant, said people call her “the coupon woman” because she cuts coupons out of the paper and goes to online coupon sites and prints more. She carries them in a file with similar coupons together so she can easily save on the price of cereal or toothpaste.
Evans helps other shoppers save, too. She was working in the aisle where a box of tea was sale priced at 98 cents last week, and she pointed out the 25-cent coupon attached to the box.
Store sales are often coordinated with the coupons being released. Scarborough said occasionally food sales representatives will alert the stores that a coupon is about to come out and they need to stock up on certain products. The coupons do increase sales, he said.
Hendry said she clips the coupons in the Sunday paper, then checks the grocery sales circulars in Wednesdays Sun Herald. “It saves a lot,” said Hendry. “It’s a little bit of work, but it’s worth it.”
© 2008, The Sun Herald (Biloxi, Miss.).
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
RISMedia welcomes your questions and comments. Send your e-mail to: realestatemagazinefeedback@rismedia.com
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
A Modest Proposal - Helping Main Street and Wall Street
RISMEDIA, Oct. 2, 2008-Here is an idea that can help Main Street and might save Wall Street. It is not my idea but rather one that I heard last week when I participated in a national press conference all about the real estate markets. I have thought it through and I think it has merit.
The idea is this: rather than bail out Wall Street institutions and take over all their toxic mortgages, which to the average American seems like we are bailing out Wall Street executive’s bad judgment for the past seven years, why not do something that helps all homeowners and might instantly turn around the real estate market? A turnaround in the real estate market could turn around the mortgage markets and with that turnaround, the overall financial markets.
The idea is that the US Government-for some period of time (I suggest two years)-offer mortgages to all homeowners and would-be home buyers at a 30-year fixed rate, say, 4.5%. The mortgages would require 20% down payment or equity of 20% and would go only to individuals who fit today’s more reasonable lending standards, i.e. have a job, can verify their income, have the down payment, etc.
What would this do? Instantly, buyers would flood into the real estate market and 11 months of unsold existing home inventory would disappear fast.
Second, existing mortgage holders would race to pay off their mortgages and the money would go to the banks who lent it originally, re-liquefying them with cash from the refinancing.
Third, it would give hope to first time home buyers who by going out and buying would also unlock the lower end of the market. This would allow relocatees to sell and the move up buyer market to get moving up again.
Fourth, it would save the home building industry and those with projects started by pushing home buyers to them, thus saving their projects and the banks who financed them.
Fifth, it would stop the foreclosure madness and help turn that around (which helps the banks, too).
Sixth, it would create a large pool of good mortgages (versus the toxic ones Wall Street wrote). The US Government could then either keep these mortgages, or sell them. If they sold them, it should be an attractive alternative to long term treasuries or at least something that our investors overseas might like to re-invest their US Dollars into.
What’s more, the government might even ask for some equity upon re-sale that the buyer must give up in return for this “bail out.” I suggest 10% of the profit upon a resale as reported on their tax returns, before deducting their $250,000 to $500,000 deduction. Thus, the taxpayers would benefit from a rebound in housing in the future, possibly over the next 30 years. Alternatively, this equity kicker feature could be sold to investors and that would really make those mortgage securities attractive.
In fact, they could be so attractive that this scheme might end up costing the taxpayers nothing. Why? Because if the US Government originated $1B in mortgages and sold them, it would get back its $1B. If it financed $700B, it would likely get that back, too. Maybe less, maybe more. But it would get at least a collateralized debt obligation that helps taxpayers and jump starts our economy.
How many people would this help? Well, let’s assume the average home in the US is $250,000. An 80% loan represents a loan of $200,000. $1B in mortgages could create 5,000 sales. For the $700B Hank Paulson wants to give Wall Street, we could instead finance 3,500,000 mortgages for Main Street-instantly turning around the real estate markets. We are only selling 5,000,000 units a year now anyways, so this would really kick start things.
Banks would be re-liquefied. Taxpayers would get a deal that might not cost them anything. Millions of people could buy a home and those employed in such industries as the mortgage lending business (who would be used to originate), the furniture manufacturing business, the home insurance business, the housing construction business and in the real estate brokerage business would have incomes again, i.e. 20% to 25% of our economy would start rolling again. Re-liquified banks would now be able to lend again and get themselves out of lockdown. The economy might start moving again.
This plan provides a break for average Americans on Main Street, all of them, while serving to also help Wall Street indirectly. But this idea also leaves those Wall Street firms who acted irresponsibly in the past to pay for their sins. Punitive for Wall Street? Yes. A meltdown? Probably not. Rather it would be a melt up that starts on Main Street and trickles up to Wall Street.
How’s that for a real reversal of roles?
David M. Michonski is chairman and CEO of Coldwell Banker Hunt Kennedy in New York City.
The idea is this: rather than bail out Wall Street institutions and take over all their toxic mortgages, which to the average American seems like we are bailing out Wall Street executive’s bad judgment for the past seven years, why not do something that helps all homeowners and might instantly turn around the real estate market? A turnaround in the real estate market could turn around the mortgage markets and with that turnaround, the overall financial markets.
The idea is that the US Government-for some period of time (I suggest two years)-offer mortgages to all homeowners and would-be home buyers at a 30-year fixed rate, say, 4.5%. The mortgages would require 20% down payment or equity of 20% and would go only to individuals who fit today’s more reasonable lending standards, i.e. have a job, can verify their income, have the down payment, etc.
What would this do? Instantly, buyers would flood into the real estate market and 11 months of unsold existing home inventory would disappear fast.
Second, existing mortgage holders would race to pay off their mortgages and the money would go to the banks who lent it originally, re-liquefying them with cash from the refinancing.
Third, it would give hope to first time home buyers who by going out and buying would also unlock the lower end of the market. This would allow relocatees to sell and the move up buyer market to get moving up again.
Fourth, it would save the home building industry and those with projects started by pushing home buyers to them, thus saving their projects and the banks who financed them.
Fifth, it would stop the foreclosure madness and help turn that around (which helps the banks, too).
Sixth, it would create a large pool of good mortgages (versus the toxic ones Wall Street wrote). The US Government could then either keep these mortgages, or sell them. If they sold them, it should be an attractive alternative to long term treasuries or at least something that our investors overseas might like to re-invest their US Dollars into.
What’s more, the government might even ask for some equity upon re-sale that the buyer must give up in return for this “bail out.” I suggest 10% of the profit upon a resale as reported on their tax returns, before deducting their $250,000 to $500,000 deduction. Thus, the taxpayers would benefit from a rebound in housing in the future, possibly over the next 30 years. Alternatively, this equity kicker feature could be sold to investors and that would really make those mortgage securities attractive.
In fact, they could be so attractive that this scheme might end up costing the taxpayers nothing. Why? Because if the US Government originated $1B in mortgages and sold them, it would get back its $1B. If it financed $700B, it would likely get that back, too. Maybe less, maybe more. But it would get at least a collateralized debt obligation that helps taxpayers and jump starts our economy.
How many people would this help? Well, let’s assume the average home in the US is $250,000. An 80% loan represents a loan of $200,000. $1B in mortgages could create 5,000 sales. For the $700B Hank Paulson wants to give Wall Street, we could instead finance 3,500,000 mortgages for Main Street-instantly turning around the real estate markets. We are only selling 5,000,000 units a year now anyways, so this would really kick start things.
Banks would be re-liquefied. Taxpayers would get a deal that might not cost them anything. Millions of people could buy a home and those employed in such industries as the mortgage lending business (who would be used to originate), the furniture manufacturing business, the home insurance business, the housing construction business and in the real estate brokerage business would have incomes again, i.e. 20% to 25% of our economy would start rolling again. Re-liquified banks would now be able to lend again and get themselves out of lockdown. The economy might start moving again.
This plan provides a break for average Americans on Main Street, all of them, while serving to also help Wall Street indirectly. But this idea also leaves those Wall Street firms who acted irresponsibly in the past to pay for their sins. Punitive for Wall Street? Yes. A meltdown? Probably not. Rather it would be a melt up that starts on Main Street and trickles up to Wall Street.
How’s that for a real reversal of roles?
David M. Michonski is chairman and CEO of Coldwell Banker Hunt Kennedy in New York City.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Real Estate Update
October 2008
Rates Tick Up
In Freddie Mac's results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.09% for the week ending September 25, 2008, up from the previous week when it averaged 5.78%. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.42%.
"Mortgage rates followed Treasury bond yields higher this week amid market uncertainty over the current state of the economy," said Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac vice president and chief economist.
Mortgage Rates
Source: Realty Times
U.S. averages as of September 25, 2008:
30 yr. fixed: 6.09%
15 yr. fixed: 5.77%
1 yr. adj: 5.16%
And while up, interest rates for 30-year FRMs are still more than 0.5 percentage points below this year's peak of 6.63 percent set the week of July 24th.
Where Are Lenders Getting Credit Scores?
Consumers often mistakenly believe that mortgage lenders use only credit scores from Equifax, Experian, TransUnion, and Fair Isaac's myfico.com to gauge creditworthiness. However, Consumer Reports recently found that lenders also use NextGen FICO scores, FICO Expansion Scores, and Industry Option FICO scores — which take car loans into consideration — as well as custom formulas. Given that these scoring models are not available to consumers, experts say that consumers should not rely solely on available credit scores to determine their likelihood of getting a loan. They would be wise to make timely bill payments, make more than the minimum payment, and hold down credit card balances.
Buyers Crave Green More Than Extra Space
Buyers of custom homes are increasingly interested in money-saving features like extra insulation and energy-efficient furnaces, rather than game rooms and space for in-laws, according to a Home Design Trend Survey by the American Institute of Architects. Sixty-eight percent of the survey's respondents said customers were requesting extra insulation in the attic compared with 56% a year ago. Two-thirds of respondents said green products such as tankless water heaters, double or triple-glazed windows, and sustainable flooring products such as bamboo or cork were gaining in popularity.
Only 8% of the survey's respondents said game rooms were increasingly popular among their customers, down from 23% last year.
Eight WaysTo Help a Home Sell Faster
Simple fixes and staging practices can focus buyers' attention in the right places and keep them from getting sidetracked by personal items in the home.
Here are some staging suggestions from Deborah Ehrlich-Layne of Staging Plus in Tampa, Fla., Handyman Matters, and HGTV's The Stagers.
Eliminate countertop clutter. A countertop covered with small appliances and utensils looks crowded, not spacious.
Pack up the too-personal. Don't leave toiletries on the counter. Stash family photos.
Be prepared for snoops. Prospective buyers pull open drawers, look in closets and peek behind the shower curtain.
Make sure things work. Dripping faucets, burned-out light bulbs, and squeaking hinges detract from the home's appeal.
Think "white-glove clean." Mop, dust, vacuum, clean baseboards, wash windows. Make sure the house looks fresh and smells neutral.
Make sure the front door is clean and the hardware polished. Power-wash walkways.
Store furniture that makes rooms feel crowded.
Show every room for the kind of room it is. Maybe you've turned your formal dining room into a home office. Get rid of the desk and computer, and bring back the dining table and chairs.
Copyright 2008 Realty Times
All Rights Reserved.
Rates Tick Up
In Freddie Mac's results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.09% for the week ending September 25, 2008, up from the previous week when it averaged 5.78%. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.42%.
"Mortgage rates followed Treasury bond yields higher this week amid market uncertainty over the current state of the economy," said Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac vice president and chief economist.
Mortgage Rates
Source: Realty Times
U.S. averages as of September 25, 2008:
30 yr. fixed: 6.09%
15 yr. fixed: 5.77%
1 yr. adj: 5.16%
And while up, interest rates for 30-year FRMs are still more than 0.5 percentage points below this year's peak of 6.63 percent set the week of July 24th.
Where Are Lenders Getting Credit Scores?
Consumers often mistakenly believe that mortgage lenders use only credit scores from Equifax, Experian, TransUnion, and Fair Isaac's myfico.com to gauge creditworthiness. However, Consumer Reports recently found that lenders also use NextGen FICO scores, FICO Expansion Scores, and Industry Option FICO scores — which take car loans into consideration — as well as custom formulas. Given that these scoring models are not available to consumers, experts say that consumers should not rely solely on available credit scores to determine their likelihood of getting a loan. They would be wise to make timely bill payments, make more than the minimum payment, and hold down credit card balances.
Buyers Crave Green More Than Extra Space
Buyers of custom homes are increasingly interested in money-saving features like extra insulation and energy-efficient furnaces, rather than game rooms and space for in-laws, according to a Home Design Trend Survey by the American Institute of Architects. Sixty-eight percent of the survey's respondents said customers were requesting extra insulation in the attic compared with 56% a year ago. Two-thirds of respondents said green products such as tankless water heaters, double or triple-glazed windows, and sustainable flooring products such as bamboo or cork were gaining in popularity.
Only 8% of the survey's respondents said game rooms were increasingly popular among their customers, down from 23% last year.
Eight WaysTo Help a Home Sell Faster
Simple fixes and staging practices can focus buyers' attention in the right places and keep them from getting sidetracked by personal items in the home.
Here are some staging suggestions from Deborah Ehrlich-Layne of Staging Plus in Tampa, Fla., Handyman Matters, and HGTV's The Stagers.
Eliminate countertop clutter. A countertop covered with small appliances and utensils looks crowded, not spacious.
Pack up the too-personal. Don't leave toiletries on the counter. Stash family photos.
Be prepared for snoops. Prospective buyers pull open drawers, look in closets and peek behind the shower curtain.
Make sure things work. Dripping faucets, burned-out light bulbs, and squeaking hinges detract from the home's appeal.
Think "white-glove clean." Mop, dust, vacuum, clean baseboards, wash windows. Make sure the house looks fresh and smells neutral.
Make sure the front door is clean and the hardware polished. Power-wash walkways.
Store furniture that makes rooms feel crowded.
Show every room for the kind of room it is. Maybe you've turned your formal dining room into a home office. Get rid of the desk and computer, and bring back the dining table and chairs.
Copyright 2008 Realty Times
All Rights Reserved.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Pass the Emergency Economic Stability Act
A SUMMARY OF THE PROPOSED ECONOMIC STABILIZATION ACTClick here:
http://takeaction.realtoractioncenter.com/campaign/eesa/explanation
A SUMMARY OF THE PROPOSED ECONOMIC STABILIZATION ACTClick here:
http://takeaction.realtoractioncenter.com/campaign/eesa/explanation
New Objective Grading System Begins
The way we give grades in the Aledo Band Program is under-going a major overhaul this year. Students will now be expected to earn their six-weeks grade by completing a list of objectives and skills that will be presented at the start of the six-weeks term. Students will have numerous attempts to complete each objective. Objectives will be graded as follows:
Exemplary (100) - objecive passed off on the first try
Recognized (98) - objective passed off on the second try (or one day late)
Acceptable (95) - objective passed off on any number of trys (or more than one day late)
Unacceptable (0) - objective not passed off
Students will be given multiple chances to pass off an objective. Objectives may have a specific deadline for being passed off, but all must be completed by the final deadline posted on the objective sheet. Each objective will earn one of the four grades above. All objecive grades will be averaged to make a final Six-Weeks Objective Grade which will count as 50% of a student's six-weeks average. The other 50% of a students six-weeks grade will come equally from concert attendance and participation.
AMS Marching Band? October 31
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What would a football game be without a band? Dull! On Friday, October 31, the Aledo High School Marching Band will not be able to perform at the Mineral Wells Aledo HS football game. The HS Band will be in San Antonio at a marching contest. SO...the Aledo Middle School Band will be stepping up to the plate to perform at this away football game. Of course, the middle school band will not be able to march...but we can play in the stands and get out on the field and wow the crowd with an amazing musical performance!
We have some rehearsal plans in the works...there will me more details about this as our plans unfold. Please mark this date on your calendar (right next to the words that say Halloween!). This will be an exciting event for your kids and we will need your help to make this evening extra special.
We would love to receive donations of candy so that we can put together a little goodie bag for all the kids who are giving up their Halloween for the wonderful opportunity. If you can donate a bag or two, please send it to school with your student. Sams and Costco have HUGE bags for the same price as two small bags at Wal Mart.
Sectionals Continue Through November 14th.
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Here is the sectional schedule:
8:00 - 8:30am -or- 4:00 - 4:30pm
Monday: Flute & Trumpet
Tuesday: Clarinet & French Horn
Wednesday: Oboe (am only), Bassoon (pm only) & Percussion (pm only)
Thursday: Saxophones (all) & Low Brass
Friday: none
Private Lessons (Aledo Music Enrichment Program)
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http://aledoband.com/news
Exemplary (100) - objecive passed off on the first try
Recognized (98) - objective passed off on the second try (or one day late)
Acceptable (95) - objective passed off on any number of trys (or more than one day late)
Unacceptable (0) - objective not passed off
Students will be given multiple chances to pass off an objective. Objectives may have a specific deadline for being passed off, but all must be completed by the final deadline posted on the objective sheet. Each objective will earn one of the four grades above. All objecive grades will be averaged to make a final Six-Weeks Objective Grade which will count as 50% of a student's six-weeks average. The other 50% of a students six-weeks grade will come equally from concert attendance and participation.
AMS Marching Band? October 31
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What would a football game be without a band? Dull! On Friday, October 31, the Aledo High School Marching Band will not be able to perform at the Mineral Wells Aledo HS football game. The HS Band will be in San Antonio at a marching contest. SO...the Aledo Middle School Band will be stepping up to the plate to perform at this away football game. Of course, the middle school band will not be able to march...but we can play in the stands and get out on the field and wow the crowd with an amazing musical performance!
We have some rehearsal plans in the works...there will me more details about this as our plans unfold. Please mark this date on your calendar (right next to the words that say Halloween!). This will be an exciting event for your kids and we will need your help to make this evening extra special.
We would love to receive donations of candy so that we can put together a little goodie bag for all the kids who are giving up their Halloween for the wonderful opportunity. If you can donate a bag or two, please send it to school with your student. Sams and Costco have HUGE bags for the same price as two small bags at Wal Mart.
Sectionals Continue Through November 14th.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here is the sectional schedule:
8:00 - 8:30am -or- 4:00 - 4:30pm
Monday: Flute & Trumpet
Tuesday: Clarinet & French Horn
Wednesday: Oboe (am only), Bassoon (pm only) & Percussion (pm only)
Thursday: Saxophones (all) & Low Brass
Friday: none
Private Lessons (Aledo Music Enrichment Program)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://aledoband.com/news
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Aledo Golf Courses
Aledo, Texas Golf Courses
Below is our comprehensive list of golf courses in the Aledo, Texas area. We list them by proximity to Aledo, including courses in neighboring cities. Award-winning golf courses are noted. Click on the course name to view more information on the course, including reviews and tournaments. For more golf courses in this region of Texas, choose a city from the list to the right. For places to stay, check out Aledo, TX resorts & hotels.
Sponsored Links
Aledo Tee Times Aledo Golf Vacations Aledo Golf Courses Aledo Resorts Aledo Hotels
Aledo, TX Golf Courses
Split Rail Links and Golf Club, Split Rail Course
18 holes over 7,353 yards with a par of 72 (Public)
2151 Old Annetta Rd
Aledo, TX 76008-3938
(817) 441-4653
1 mile from the center of Aledo.
Lost Creek Golf Club, Lost Creek Course
18 holes over 6,388 yards with a par of 72 (Public)
4101 Lost Creek Blvd
Aledo, TX 76008-3665
(817) 244-3312
6 miles from the center of Aledo.
Crown Valley Country Club, Crown Valley Course
18 holes over 7,113 yards with a par of 72 (Public)
1204 Mikus Rd
Weatherford, TX 76087-8146
(817) 596-7512
4 miles from the center of Aledo.
Squaw Creek Golf Club, Squaw Creek Course
18 holes over 6,749 yards with a par of 71 (Public)
1605 Ranch House Rd
Weatherford, TX 76087-7691
(817) 441-8185
5 miles from the center of Aledo.
Whitestone Golf Club, Whitestone Course
18 holes over 7,117 yards with a par of 72 (Public)
10650 Benbrook Blvd
Benbrook, TX 76126-4702
(817) 249-9996
8 miles from the center of Aledo.
Benbrook Lighted 3 Par, Benbrook Lighted Course
9 holes over 929 yards with a par of 27 (Public)
Winscott and Highway 377 South
Benbrook, TX 76126
(817) 249-0770
9 miles from the center of Aledo.
Live Oak Country Club, Live Oak Course
9 holes over 3,051 yards with a par of 35 (Public)
1734 Bethel Rd
Weatherford, TX 76086-5570
This location is closed for business.
10 miles from the center of Aledo.
Pecan Valley Municipal Golf Course, Hills Course
18 holes over 6,577 yards with a par of 72 (Municipal)
6400 Pecan Valley Dr
Fort Worth, TX 76132-4582
(817) 249-1845
11 miles from the center of Aledo.
Pecan Valley Municipal Golf Course, River Course
18 holes over 6,562 yards with a par of 71 (Municipal)
6400 Pecan Valley Dr
Fort Worth, TX 76132-4582
(817) 249-1845
11 miles from the center of Aledo.
Z Boaz Golf Course, Z Boaz Course
18 holes over 6,033 yards with a par of 70 (Municipal)
3200 Lackland Rd
Fort Worth, TX 76116-5307
(817) 738-6287
12 miles from the center of Aledo.
Mira Vista Golf Club, Mira Vista Course
18 holes over 6,844 yards with a par of 71 (Private Equity)
6600 Mira Vista Blvd
Fort Worth, TX 76132-4402
(817) 294-6600
12 miles from the center of Aledo.
Ridglea Country Club, South Course
18 holes over 7,125 yards with a par of 72 (Private Equity)
3700 Bernie Anderson Ave
Fort Worth, TX 76116-7301
(817) 732-8111
12 miles from the center of Aledo.
Ridglea Country Club, North Course
18 holes over 6,467 yards with a par of 71 (Private Equity)
3700 Bernie Anderson Ave
Fort Worth, TX 76116-7301
(817) 732-8111
12 miles from the center of Aledo.
Hawks Creek Golf Club, Hawks Creek Course
18 holes over 6,847 yards with a par of 72 (Public)
6520 White Settlement Rd
Fort Worth, TX 76114-3520
(817) 738-8402
12 miles from the center of Aledo.
Shady Oaks Country Club, Par-3 Course
9 holes over 6,916 yards with a par of 71 (Private Equity)
320 Roaring Springs Rd
Fort Worth, TX 76114-4199
(817) 732-1271
13 miles from the center of Aledo.
Shady Oaks Country Club, Shady Oaks Course
18 holes over 6,916 yards with a par of 71 (Private Equity)
320 Roaring Springs Rd
Fort Worth, TX 76114-4199
(817) 732-1271
13 miles from the center of Aledo.
Cross Timbers Golf Course, Cross Timbers Course
18 holes over 6,734 yards with a par of 72 (Municipal)
1181 S Stewart St
Azle, TX 76020-3045
(817) 444-4940
13 miles from the center of Aledo.
River Crest Country Club, River Crest Course
18 holes over 6,368 yards with a par of 70 (Private Equity)
1501 Western Ave
Fort Worth, TX 76107-1599
(817) 738-9221
15 miles from the center of Aledo.
Colonial Country Club, Colonial Course
Awards 18 holes over 7,010 yards with a par of 70 (Private Equity)
3735 Country Club Cir
Fort Worth, TX 76109-1099
(817) 927-4221
15 miles from the center of Aledo.
Rockwood Municipal Golf Club, Trinity Course
9 holes (Municipal)
1851 Jacksboro Hwy
Fort Worth, TX 76114-2332
This location is closed for business.
16 miles from the center of Aledo.
Rockwood Municipal Golf Club, Rock Course
18 holes (Municipal)
1851 Jacksboro Hwy
Fort Worth, TX 76114-2332
(817) 624-1771
16 miles from the center of Aledo.
Canyon West Golf Club, Canyon West Course
18 holes over 6,653 yards with a par of 72 (Public)
160 Club House Dr
Weatherford, TX 76087-4000
(817) 596-4653
16 miles from the center of Aledo.
Eagle Mountain Country Club, Eagle Mountain Course
18 holes over 6,518 yards with a par of 72 (Private)
7200 Golf Club Dr
Fort Worth, TX 76179-3150
This location is closed for business.
17 miles from the center of Aledo.
Horseshoe Bend Country Club, Horseshoe Bend Course
9 holes over 3,219 yards with a par of 36 (Public)
305 Lipan Trl
Weatherford, TX 76087-9640
(817) 594-6454
17 miles from the center of Aledo.
Hidden Oaks, Hidden Oaks Course
18 holes over 6,880 yards with a par of 72 (Public)
2701 Hideaway Bay Ct
Granbury, TX 76049-5534
(817) 279-1078
18 miles from the center of Aledo.
The Golf Club At the Resort, Golf Club Course
18 holes (Public)
5700 Resort Blvd
Fort Worth, TX 76179
(800) 459-1330
18 miles from the center of Aledo.
Granbury Country Club, Granbury Course
9 holes over 3,054 yards with a par of 36 (Public)
1611 Rockview Dr
Granbury, TX 76049-5733
(817) 573-9912
19 miles from the center of Aledo.
De Cordova Bend Country Club, Par-3 Course
9 holes over 6,423 yards with a par of 70 (Private Equity)
5301 Country Club Dr
Granbury, TX 76049-5228
(817) 326-2381
19 miles from the center of Aledo.
De Cordova Bend Country Club, De Cordova Bend Course
18 holes over 6,423 yards with a par of 70 (Private Equity)
5301 Country Club Dr
Granbury, TX 76049-5228
(817) 326-2381
19 miles from the center of Aledo.
Lone Star, Lone Star Course
9 holes over 1,095 yards with a par of 27 (Public)
5121 Fall Creek Hwy
Granbury, TX 76049-5351
This location is closed for business.
20 miles from the center of Aledo.
Below is our comprehensive list of golf courses in the Aledo, Texas area. We list them by proximity to Aledo, including courses in neighboring cities. Award-winning golf courses are noted. Click on the course name to view more information on the course, including reviews and tournaments. For more golf courses in this region of Texas, choose a city from the list to the right. For places to stay, check out Aledo, TX resorts & hotels.
Sponsored Links
Aledo Tee Times Aledo Golf Vacations Aledo Golf Courses Aledo Resorts Aledo Hotels
Aledo, TX Golf Courses
Split Rail Links and Golf Club, Split Rail Course
18 holes over 7,353 yards with a par of 72 (Public)
2151 Old Annetta Rd
Aledo, TX 76008-3938
(817) 441-4653
1 mile from the center of Aledo.
Lost Creek Golf Club, Lost Creek Course
18 holes over 6,388 yards with a par of 72 (Public)
4101 Lost Creek Blvd
Aledo, TX 76008-3665
(817) 244-3312
6 miles from the center of Aledo.
Crown Valley Country Club, Crown Valley Course
18 holes over 7,113 yards with a par of 72 (Public)
1204 Mikus Rd
Weatherford, TX 76087-8146
(817) 596-7512
4 miles from the center of Aledo.
Squaw Creek Golf Club, Squaw Creek Course
18 holes over 6,749 yards with a par of 71 (Public)
1605 Ranch House Rd
Weatherford, TX 76087-7691
(817) 441-8185
5 miles from the center of Aledo.
Whitestone Golf Club, Whitestone Course
18 holes over 7,117 yards with a par of 72 (Public)
10650 Benbrook Blvd
Benbrook, TX 76126-4702
(817) 249-9996
8 miles from the center of Aledo.
Benbrook Lighted 3 Par, Benbrook Lighted Course
9 holes over 929 yards with a par of 27 (Public)
Winscott and Highway 377 South
Benbrook, TX 76126
(817) 249-0770
9 miles from the center of Aledo.
Live Oak Country Club, Live Oak Course
9 holes over 3,051 yards with a par of 35 (Public)
1734 Bethel Rd
Weatherford, TX 76086-5570
This location is closed for business.
10 miles from the center of Aledo.
Pecan Valley Municipal Golf Course, Hills Course
18 holes over 6,577 yards with a par of 72 (Municipal)
6400 Pecan Valley Dr
Fort Worth, TX 76132-4582
(817) 249-1845
11 miles from the center of Aledo.
Pecan Valley Municipal Golf Course, River Course
18 holes over 6,562 yards with a par of 71 (Municipal)
6400 Pecan Valley Dr
Fort Worth, TX 76132-4582
(817) 249-1845
11 miles from the center of Aledo.
Z Boaz Golf Course, Z Boaz Course
18 holes over 6,033 yards with a par of 70 (Municipal)
3200 Lackland Rd
Fort Worth, TX 76116-5307
(817) 738-6287
12 miles from the center of Aledo.
Mira Vista Golf Club, Mira Vista Course
18 holes over 6,844 yards with a par of 71 (Private Equity)
6600 Mira Vista Blvd
Fort Worth, TX 76132-4402
(817) 294-6600
12 miles from the center of Aledo.
Ridglea Country Club, South Course
18 holes over 7,125 yards with a par of 72 (Private Equity)
3700 Bernie Anderson Ave
Fort Worth, TX 76116-7301
(817) 732-8111
12 miles from the center of Aledo.
Ridglea Country Club, North Course
18 holes over 6,467 yards with a par of 71 (Private Equity)
3700 Bernie Anderson Ave
Fort Worth, TX 76116-7301
(817) 732-8111
12 miles from the center of Aledo.
Hawks Creek Golf Club, Hawks Creek Course
18 holes over 6,847 yards with a par of 72 (Public)
6520 White Settlement Rd
Fort Worth, TX 76114-3520
(817) 738-8402
12 miles from the center of Aledo.
Shady Oaks Country Club, Par-3 Course
9 holes over 6,916 yards with a par of 71 (Private Equity)
320 Roaring Springs Rd
Fort Worth, TX 76114-4199
(817) 732-1271
13 miles from the center of Aledo.
Shady Oaks Country Club, Shady Oaks Course
18 holes over 6,916 yards with a par of 71 (Private Equity)
320 Roaring Springs Rd
Fort Worth, TX 76114-4199
(817) 732-1271
13 miles from the center of Aledo.
Cross Timbers Golf Course, Cross Timbers Course
18 holes over 6,734 yards with a par of 72 (Municipal)
1181 S Stewart St
Azle, TX 76020-3045
(817) 444-4940
13 miles from the center of Aledo.
River Crest Country Club, River Crest Course
18 holes over 6,368 yards with a par of 70 (Private Equity)
1501 Western Ave
Fort Worth, TX 76107-1599
(817) 738-9221
15 miles from the center of Aledo.
Colonial Country Club, Colonial Course
Awards 18 holes over 7,010 yards with a par of 70 (Private Equity)
3735 Country Club Cir
Fort Worth, TX 76109-1099
(817) 927-4221
15 miles from the center of Aledo.
Rockwood Municipal Golf Club, Trinity Course
9 holes (Municipal)
1851 Jacksboro Hwy
Fort Worth, TX 76114-2332
This location is closed for business.
16 miles from the center of Aledo.
Rockwood Municipal Golf Club, Rock Course
18 holes (Municipal)
1851 Jacksboro Hwy
Fort Worth, TX 76114-2332
(817) 624-1771
16 miles from the center of Aledo.
Canyon West Golf Club, Canyon West Course
18 holes over 6,653 yards with a par of 72 (Public)
160 Club House Dr
Weatherford, TX 76087-4000
(817) 596-4653
16 miles from the center of Aledo.
Eagle Mountain Country Club, Eagle Mountain Course
18 holes over 6,518 yards with a par of 72 (Private)
7200 Golf Club Dr
Fort Worth, TX 76179-3150
This location is closed for business.
17 miles from the center of Aledo.
Horseshoe Bend Country Club, Horseshoe Bend Course
9 holes over 3,219 yards with a par of 36 (Public)
305 Lipan Trl
Weatherford, TX 76087-9640
(817) 594-6454
17 miles from the center of Aledo.
Hidden Oaks, Hidden Oaks Course
18 holes over 6,880 yards with a par of 72 (Public)
2701 Hideaway Bay Ct
Granbury, TX 76049-5534
(817) 279-1078
18 miles from the center of Aledo.
The Golf Club At the Resort, Golf Club Course
18 holes (Public)
5700 Resort Blvd
Fort Worth, TX 76179
(800) 459-1330
18 miles from the center of Aledo.
Granbury Country Club, Granbury Course
9 holes over 3,054 yards with a par of 36 (Public)
1611 Rockview Dr
Granbury, TX 76049-5733
(817) 573-9912
19 miles from the center of Aledo.
De Cordova Bend Country Club, Par-3 Course
9 holes over 6,423 yards with a par of 70 (Private Equity)
5301 Country Club Dr
Granbury, TX 76049-5228
(817) 326-2381
19 miles from the center of Aledo.
De Cordova Bend Country Club, De Cordova Bend Course
18 holes over 6,423 yards with a par of 70 (Private Equity)
5301 Country Club Dr
Granbury, TX 76049-5228
(817) 326-2381
19 miles from the center of Aledo.
Lone Star, Lone Star Course
9 holes over 1,095 yards with a par of 27 (Public)
5121 Fall Creek Hwy
Granbury, TX 76049-5351
This location is closed for business.
20 miles from the center of Aledo.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Brief Narrative of Aledo, Texas
Brief Narrative of Aledo, Texas
The loosely associated settlers in the Clear Fork Valley of the Trinity River, an area known as Medera, were brought together when the Texas & Pacific Railroad brought a line through in 1879 to connect Ft. Worth and Weatherford. A coal and water refueling station was the first stop in Parker County for west-bound trains and it became known as Parker Station. However, when mail marked "Parker County" found its way out of the mail car at "Parker Station", the U.S. Post Office directed the smaller community to find a distinct name. So the community was named in 1882 for the home town of a railroad official from Aledo, Illinois.
The original town site platted by the T.P.R.R. has changed a little over the years. The state highway rounded off a corner or two on it's way through town, and the old depot was moved a couple of hundred yards west and turned into a storage building. The old city well is just a spot in the pavement that won't stay fixed.
=
But the covered sidewalks and quaint store fronts are still there, standing at attention, saluting the trains that rumble through the valley several times a day.
The trains don't stop here any more and the cabooses are gone, but every small child in town still drops everything and runs out to wave at the engineer. (Sometimes he waves back!)
The school isn't one small building like it used to be, but it's is still in the same place and still known as much for building character as for academic excellence. The new middle school campus and high school campus are now open giving future Bearcats room to grow.
Our churches, some meeting for over a century, are also experiencing growth. Strong youth programs and Christian education are as strong in Aledo as ever, and missions are at the heart of every congregation.
The Aledo Volunteer Fire Department, organized over 40 years ago, is in a new building, but the faces are still those of neighbors and the reputation is still highly regarded.
Aledo is growing now as a new generation of families seeks a quiet community that combines the feel of hometown with easy access to nearby jobs and attractions. The City Council is working with developers to expand our water and wastewater systems to meet the growth, and power, gas, phone and cable utilities are ready to supply our new neighbors.
Yet for all the change that is sure to come our way, Aledo will hold fast to the small town atmosphere that has been ours since the first train came through.
For more information please visit: http://www.aledo-texas.com/
The loosely associated settlers in the Clear Fork Valley of the Trinity River, an area known as Medera, were brought together when the Texas & Pacific Railroad brought a line through in 1879 to connect Ft. Worth and Weatherford. A coal and water refueling station was the first stop in Parker County for west-bound trains and it became known as Parker Station. However, when mail marked "Parker County" found its way out of the mail car at "Parker Station", the U.S. Post Office directed the smaller community to find a distinct name. So the community was named in 1882 for the home town of a railroad official from Aledo, Illinois.
The original town site platted by the T.P.R.R. has changed a little over the years. The state highway rounded off a corner or two on it's way through town, and the old depot was moved a couple of hundred yards west and turned into a storage building. The old city well is just a spot in the pavement that won't stay fixed.
=
But the covered sidewalks and quaint store fronts are still there, standing at attention, saluting the trains that rumble through the valley several times a day.
The trains don't stop here any more and the cabooses are gone, but every small child in town still drops everything and runs out to wave at the engineer. (Sometimes he waves back!)
The school isn't one small building like it used to be, but it's is still in the same place and still known as much for building character as for academic excellence. The new middle school campus and high school campus are now open giving future Bearcats room to grow.
Our churches, some meeting for over a century, are also experiencing growth. Strong youth programs and Christian education are as strong in Aledo as ever, and missions are at the heart of every congregation.
The Aledo Volunteer Fire Department, organized over 40 years ago, is in a new building, but the faces are still those of neighbors and the reputation is still highly regarded.
Aledo is growing now as a new generation of families seeks a quiet community that combines the feel of hometown with easy access to nearby jobs and attractions. The City Council is working with developers to expand our water and wastewater systems to meet the growth, and power, gas, phone and cable utilities are ready to supply our new neighbors.
Yet for all the change that is sure to come our way, Aledo will hold fast to the small town atmosphere that has been ours since the first train came through.
For more information please visit: http://www.aledo-texas.com/
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