The Bonus Room Blog

I am Carrie Hill, a girl with a zest for life, my family, friends, and my job - real estate. I specialize in all things East Dallas, where I live, work, and play, but I love helping clients all over DFW. Helping my clients get the best deal, whether it's buying or selling their home, condo, or investment, that's my goal everyday! Having those clients refer me to their friends, now that's a job well done! I hope you have fun in The Bonus Room Blog! The Bonus Room is part of the Nathan Grace Real Estate family of companies, and Carrie Hill is licensed in the state of Texas.

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Here at DoLakeHighlands, we’ve wined and dined at almost every restaurant, bar, pub, and cafe in Lake Highlands, but we are starting over, at the top, with a new attitude and a cleansed palate. Presenting the Do-Crew’s To Do List:

Tony’s Pizza and Pasta

Offshore’s Next Door

Highlands...

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Bonus Blog followers! Come visit and be a friend of DoLakeHighlands!

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2 weeks from contract to close, the stomach flu, complications with the move, and they are still smiling! Congrats on the sale of your home, and I will miss you guys in Lake Highlands!

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Happy Father's Day!!

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Happy Mother's Day from The Bonus Room Blog!

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When purchasing a home, what features stand out to you?

a. good schools

b. extra space

c. updated kitchen

d. beautiful drive up appeal

e. all the above

If you answered e. All the above, then you will love 8647 Shagrock Lane in Dallas!

Check it out; it's a good one at a great price!!

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The market in DFW is crazy right now! If you are thinking about buying or selling, there's never been a better time to do both! Interest rates are still low and we need good inventory in Dallas! Check out 7222 Westbrook that went under contract in less than a week with multiple offers.  http://7222westbrook.tumblr.com/

Call me and let's talk real estate!

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The real estate market is on fire right now! Check out the last two week's Days On Market for Lake Highlands pictured. Those low low numbers mean sellers are getting their homes under contract quickly, less time spent cleaning for showings, months of additional mortgage payments, and on to their next goal. If you are in the market to purchase, things are changing and you need to be more aggressive with your pricing strategy.

It's definitely a great time to be a seller! If you've been on the fence, now is the time to sell!

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Follow this agent's favorite digs around DFW on my new obsession...PINTEREST! Whether you love ranch style (a fave below), craftsman (my next house!), mid-century mod, or traditional, there's something for every taste in the Big D!

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Don't Forget!

If you are a homeowner that purchased your home on or before January 1, 2012, it's time to file your homeowner's exemption at your local appraisal district.  There are several changes as of September 2011, including a new requirement that the new homeowner’s driver’s license and vehicle registration addresses must match the property address in order for the exemption to be approved. The deadline for filing is April 30, 2012.

Here's a link to the appraisal districts that cover DFW:

Dallas County - www.dcad.org

Collin County - www.collincad.org

Tarrant County - www.tad.org

Denton County - www.dentoncad.org

To change both your driver's license information and vehicle registration online:

 www.txdmv.com

Remember it is FREE to file a homestead exemption! Never pay for this service and ignore any mailers that offer to do this service for you for a fee.  If you have more questions, feel free to call or email me.

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Clean, Cute, and a perfect Commute!

What a find in Far North Dallas! This home is located in a convenient location (a commuter's dream!), is all about low maintenance living, and the recent updates make this charming home a must see on your list! You will love the wood privacy fence installed in 2010, trendy bamboo floors, thick granite and neutral backsplash in the kitchen, and a stunning master bath remodel including Closets by Design. Fresh paint and designer colors add the finishing touch to this light and bright home. Dallas dirt doesn't come cheap, but at $180,000, you could easily own a new home in 2012! Click here for more details and photos or go to www.4344Windhaven.tumblr.com

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It's got to be the color. Nathan Grace, a slick East Dallas brokerage firm that really likes the color orange, seems to be doing something very, very right: despite the economy, they are growing. Of course, the market in Lakewood and Lake Hi (via Top Agents Depart Ebby for Nathan Grace in Lake Highlands: Dallas Real Estate News)

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I've seen it all...

When I'm out with buyers showing properties, at some point they always say with sarcasm, "I bet you've seen it all"! Just when I think I have seen everything imaginable inside someone's home, I'll see (or hear from fellow agents) something that tops it all. I usually post these little "observations" to my friends on facebook for some good laughs, but now there are websites dedicated to (drum roll) UGLY HOUSES that are for sale! Enjoy!

http://uglyhousephotos.com/wordpress/

Here's a sneak peek...

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How's the Market?

People always ask me, "well, how's the market?" Of course, I love this question, because I get to talk about my favorite subject - REAL ESTATE! So...just how are the different areas of Dallas doing? One way to measure this year's success (or not) is to compare last year's numbers to what's happening right now.  Here's a quick snapshot of the areas I sell for November.  If you have a question about what area your neighborhood is in, or if you don't see your area listed, feel free to contact me for the information.

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'Tis the Season

Lathram Pou's Lawyers Title office was hopping last night when The Hive | Lake Highlands held their annual Holiday Hive social and charity event, sponsored by Clayton Bailey of Greenscene Home Inspections, and Craig Jarrell at IberiaBank Mortgage. Thirty or so Lake Highlands and East Dallas real estate agents gathered together to eat, drink, be merry, and give back. This year's designated charity was Trigger's Toys, and founders Bryan and Stacey Townsend were on hand to talk about this wonderful and worthwhile cause.

Trigger's Toys Charity provides toys to all area hospitalized children through the use of Trigger and Animal Assisted dogs like him within local area hospitals, as well as children in need, as result of disaster and family trauma for the purpose of fostering happiness and emotional well-being.

Trigger's Toys is near and dear to my heart, and I am thrilled to be able to be part of giving back to children in need through our community. Thanks to all the agents for bringing toys and making donations. 

Read all about Trigger at www.triggerstoys.org and follow Trigger's Toys on facebook!

The Hive is a social network of local Realtors that see value in positive relationships within the industry for the benefit of our clients and the community. If you are a real estate agent in Dallas and would like more information about The Hive or sponsorships for The Hive, email us here.

Merry Christmas from The Bonus Room Blog!

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Here's a look at why I love Dallas. There's never been a better time to move to this amazing city!

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Happiest of Thanksgivings to you!!

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To Open or Not to Open...

Now that's a big question. Open Houses are big business for real estate agents. We get all gussied up in our business clothes, advertise heavily, stop traffic while we put our signs in the ground, and stand at attention greeting you as come in. Yet there is a flip side to this old stand by practice in The Manual of The Real Estate Agent: it is sometimes a little scary. As an agent you have absolutely no idea who is going to walk in the front door, if they are qualified to purchase the home (or any home), and whether or not they are a serial killer/thief/criminal. Extreme, yes. Dramatic, maybe. Realistic, YES! My momma taught me a girl can never be too careful.

Words of advice for you sellers: with today's technology, videos, YouTube, facebook, twitter, not to mention the numerous pictures that can be uploaded directly to the multiple listing service by the REALTOR, your home is being seen anywhere at anytime by any buyer that wants to view it if you are currently on the market. Let the buyer's agent qualify the buyer (i.e. make sure they are finacially able to purchase your home) and schedule a showing. A word for you buyers: I know Sundays are filled with a desire to house hunt! I know you just can't wait. My best advice...call your lender and find out what house you can afford. Drive neighborhoods and get an idea of where you want to live. Then call a buyer's agent so that you have representation when walking through homes.

I'm not advocating to end Open Houses, and you might still see me out there stopping traffic putting my signs in the ground! Sadly, it's a much more dangerous world than when the Open House idea began.

I want to know what you think...drop me note!