There's still time to take advantage of the First Time Buyer Tax Credit for those wishing to purchase a home this year. The deadline is November 30, 2009. Please feel free to contact us for more information at 817-441-7707, or 817-690-0976.
Buyers Rush to Beat Tax Credit Deadline Time is running out for buyers to take advantage of the federal government's $8,000 tax credit offer that expires on November 30, 2009. There's a new flurry of activity as house-hunters try to meet the deadline, More home sellers are getting their full asking price. As a result of the shrinking inventory in the affordable prices for first time homebuyers. View our Tax Credit countdown calendar at www.pamsnowden.com/2009 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit.
Keeping current in the Real Estate industry is a must these days. With so much negative news in the media, it is great to hear some positive news from the Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun with the National Association of Realtors.
According to Yun, contract activity for pending home sales has risen for six straight months, a pattern not seen in the history of the index since it began in 2001. The Pending Home Sales Index, is a forward-looking indicator. The index is at the highest level since June 2007.
NAR estimates that about 1.8 to 2.0 million first-time buyers will take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit this year, with approximately 350,000 additional sales that would not have taken place without the credit. Buyers have little time to act because they must complete the transaction by November 30 to qualify for the credit. View the countdown calendar at: www.pamsnowden.com/2009 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit
The buyer psychology may be shifting from, 'Why buy now when I can purchase later, to, I don't want to miss out on a recovery'. For more local real estate news go to: www.weatherfordvoice.com Don't delay call today, 817-441-7707 office or 817-690-0976 Pam's mobile, 817-690-0954 Mark's mobile.
As summertime in Texas heats up, so does the local Real Estate Markets. The interest rates are at an all time low (around 5%) and the first time homebuyer credit of $8000. makes this possibly one of the best times to buy a home ever. The Ft. Worth and surrounding Real Estate Market is one of the most desirable places to live, work and play. Fort Worth, Texas magazine, July 2009 issue reports on "The Great Eight" places to live are Aledo, Benbrook, Crowley, Fort Worth, Keller, Mansfield, Southlake and Weatherford. They also listed 55 other towns and some great demographics for your review at www.fwtexas.com. Whether you are thinking of buying or selling, we would love the opportunity to work hard and represent your best interest. Go to: www.pamsnowden.com or call us today, 817-441-7707. Buy or Sell A Home With Us....Use Our Moving Truck For FREE!
The selling season is heating up in Weatherford and the DFW metroplex and expected to be a good one because of the First Time Buyer Tax Credit that was recently enacted. The credit is for first time home buyers or anyone who has not owned a home in the last 3 years. This is a great opportunity for people to purchase a home. The money is given in the form of a tax credit and you can amend your 2008 taxes after you close so you don't have to wait til next year to get the money. Please feel free to call Pam or one of our Team members for additional information. Pam 817-690-0976, Mark 817--690-0954 or Alicia 817-680-7786 or you can email Pam at: pam@pamsnowden.com
Things are off to a great start for 2009. Weatherford is really a quick easy commute to downtown Ft. Worth and will benefit from the steady growth the large metroplex has to offer. The East Parker County Chamber and the Weatherford Chamber have experienced continual growth, which is a great sign that we are a bit isolated from the rest of the countries woes. According to the Ft. Worth Chamber of Commerce, Fort Worth and Arlington are least likely to experience depreciation in home values over the next two years. We are also ranked fourth in the nation for real estate investing and the best region to relocate families. The U.S. Census Bureau says Dallas/Fort Worth is the fastest growing Metropolitan area in the nation. Fort Worth is the fifth best city for jobs and ranked No. 9 on Fortune Small Business Magazine's list of 100 Best Cities to "Live and Launch" March 2008.
The Weatherford Real Estate Market is still an attractive place to invest and now is a great time to buy. Prices have slipped downward and there are alot of good opportunities for buyers and investors alike with interest rates at an all time low, now is the time to jump off the fence. In this uncertain financial market we never know how long rates will stay low. Please feel free to call us today and we will be happy to work hard for you, 817-441-7707 office or 817-690-0976 Pam, 817-690-0954 Mark, or 817-680-7786 Alicia.
Weatherford Real Estate is still moving.
Upcoming Events Canned food & Coat Drive for Center of Hope Now thru 12/10/08 Trunk or Treat Willow Park Baptist Church Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008, 6:30-8:30pm Halloween October 31, 2008 Daylight Savings Time November 2, 2008 Election November 4, 2008 Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27th, 2008 Holiday Pancake Supper @ Aledo High School, Tickets $5.00 in advance can be purchased at Realty World Professionals. or $7.00 at the door. Christmas on the Square, Saturday, December 6, 2008 from 6-9:00pm Christmas Tyme in Aledo, Saturday, December 6, 2008 from 5:00pm to 9:00pm Realty World now offers Notary Services for FREE! Want to stay up to date on local events or express your voice about the area, event or whatever, go to: www.aledovoice.com
Weatherford is growing by leaps and bounds. There is now no reason to travel the extra miles with high gas prices to Ft. Worth. At the corner of I20 and Hwy 51 (AKA Main St) there is enough shopping to keep you going all day long. You can enjoy the new Belks, JC Penny's, Rue 21, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Famous Footwear and most recently opened Ulta 3.
Real Estate is great in Parker County. There is a lot of residential building of single family and multifamily housing to keep up with the growing demand. For affordable rental housing feel free to contact the Snowden Team about the new duplexes on Jameson Street across from the Exempilary Crockett Elementary School. Pam or Mark 817-441-7707.
The Peach Festival on July 12 was once again a huge success for Parker County residents and visitors. The weather was hot but there was a breeze that kept everyone comfortable, as well as plenty of water, sodas, and great peach ice cream. As always there were a lot of choices for the shopping advocate, fun for the kids and great entertainment with musical perfomances from many locals.
The Real Estate Market continues to perform well above the national average. People are daily choosing Parker County and the Weatherford area home because of the fantastic schools and home town pride it has to offer.
If you are considering a move to Parker County, call the people who care... The Snowden Team 817-441-7707 Buy Or Sell A Home With Us..... Use Our Moving Truck for FREE!
Weatherford hosts the Annual Peach Festival Saturday, July 12, 2008 from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. At the famous Downtown Historic Square in Weatherford, Texas
The festival this year will feature more than 200 arts and crafts vendors. There is a children's area, a food court, non-stop entertainment, and of course sweet, juicy Parker County Peaches. Beat the heat with of all kinds cool treats - Peach ice cream, Peach juleps, Peach smoothies, Peach cobbler, Peach jams, and just plain ol' Peaches. Admission is $5 for adults and FREE for children 12 and under. There will be free parking from the Ninth Grade Center (1007 S. Main St.) Exit 408, Weatherford College (225 College Park Dr) Exit 409, and the First Monday Grounds (100 Block Santa Fe) Exit 409. Free Shuttle services are available from these sites as well. Free handicap parking and handicap shuttle from Weatherford Ninth Grade Center. The Peach Pedal Bike Ride is on July 14th. Visit www.peachpedal.com for more information. Call the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce for more information: Toll Free 1-888-594-3801.
The traditional "selling season" is beginning to heat up in Parker County and throughout the Metroplex. If you have been sitting on the fence and waiting to see how low the market will go, experts say NOW is the time. With interest rates at record lows it is a Great time to buy. Despite the negative National News the Ft. Worth Metroplex is doing just fine. Hexter-Fair Title Company reported that there is Strength in High End Sales in DFW Data YTD Nov '07 Sales Price % Change of Last year $300,000. to $399,999. 3% increase $400,000. to $499,999. 5% increase $500,000. to $599,999. 8% increase $600,000. to $699,999. 8% increase $700,000. to $799,999. 22% increase $800,000. to $899,999. 4% increase $900,000. to $999,999. 12% increase $999,999. to $1,000,000. 16% increase So Where is The Housing Bubble? There is no bubble in Texas housing Ignore national news and all sensationalist news Only bad news in DFW real estate is the rising number of foreclosures, as a result of bad lending practices in recent years (subprime, ARM, 100% financing, interest only, no doc, etc) Mortgage Fraud and very little connection to overall economy. Moody's Economy.com forecast Sept '07 Metroplex housing to fare much better than rest of U.S. *Forecast predicts over three-fourths of US housing markets to suffer drops in prices, with an aggregate decline of 8% expected in home prices *Dallas area is forecast to buck the trend, with continued increases of 3% price appreciation expected *Fort Worth predicted to see about a 2% drop in prices *Two primary reasons for Metroplex out performance: 1) Local economy is doing much better than national economy 2) Did not see a big run up in home prices, so only negatives are in sub-prime (mostly below $200,000>) DFW Population Growth moves up to 4th Largest in the Nation with close to 6 million people. Has Texas' largest, most educated workforce (3 million workers) Produces more than one fourth of all goods and services in Texas Leads Texas in public university and community college students (250K students) Exceeds $50 billion annually in direct imports and exports Adds 200 net new jobs and 370 residents every day Crystal Ball: Housing's Next 6 Months The Spring Thaw Activity will once again pick up in February Mortgage bond market likely to rebound somewhat by spring Real Estate is Like the Weather People don't ask "How's the weather in the US?" Instead, they really need to determine the weather in a given market of interest People should do the same with housing!
STRATEGIES FOR TODAY'S REAL ESTATE INVESTOR The following is an article BY JEFF SCISLOW Shared with his permission to help shed some light on today's market. The Weatherford, Parker County market is still going strong. However, the National Media continues to pound the industry with negative news. Therefore, I wanted to share some positive news for those who are interested in investing and the historical real estate record. For those of us who own investment real estate and/or work with clients who do, the state of the market is presenting some interesting challenges today. These challenges include such things as increasing mortgage payments, decreasing valuations, and in some parts of the country increased insurance and property taxes. The pinch is on and is causing more investors to sell, even "dump" their properties. As real estate investors, what should we be doing now? When will the market improve and current investors get some relief? Both of these common questions are difficult to specifically answer, but allow me to shed light on them. The past year has been a tough one for many of us who own investment real estate, especially for those who own in markets that saw strong appreciation in 2003 to 2005. Some of those great gains are being depleted by the current market correction. Even if it's just "on paper," it still hurts to see valuations decline. A number of investors are seeing their negative cash flows swell as a result of increasing mortgage payments. No question, it's getting tough our there! Should I Sell Now? This is the subjective question that can only be answered by each investor. Objectively speaking, I believe now is the worst time to sell. Many buyers have taken to the sidelines as sellers are out in great numbers. This creates a buyer's market. A buyer's market simply means that the buyers have the advantage. The buyers today are in the driver's seat. They are experienced and know when and why to buy. Whenever a buyer's market develops it is always the best time to BUY, not sell! The Fear Factor Why then don't more buyers buy in a buyer's market? Initially, one might think inexperience, but the primary reason is fear. Fear that prices will drop further. Fear that they will lose money if they bought now. All the "negative press" tends to get to the masses of people as they wonder, "Maybe the sky is falling, or at least about to fall." Today, fear and uncertainty is keeping people out of the buying mode and creating this buyer's market. Selling into a buyer's market assures you will sell at or near the lowest price. It books your loss as it provides the buyer a great deal. I'm not saying don't sell in a buyer's market such as this, but ONLY sell if you absolutely have to. Again, don't sell in a frantic emotional state; it is easy to do. Those who manage their real estate holdings prudently keep their wits about themselves and hold on as they move through a market correction have always come out well down the road. Those who buy in market corrections come out even better. When Will the Market Recover? This is nearly impossible to predict, but we can rest assured that corrections are only temporary, just as they have been in the past. Real estate prices will rise over time. Is it Smart to Own Real Estate Today? Owning real estate has many advantages, and of course, some risks. Nothing is risk free, but real estate provides some of the best advantages out there. These include tenants who help pay down our mortgages, governmental tax breaks that lower our tax burdens and offset other income, long-term equity build up on properties that have amortized loans, and of course something solid we can touch and feel. That is why people love real estate! Over my 16 years as a real estate investor I have had setbacks in various real estate investments. I have lost money in numerous occasions when a tenant damages property or when I have had a vacancy for any period of time. Today, I along with many others am experiencing some losses due to a price correction, increased interest rates, increased taxes/insurance, and in some cases, poor property management. No matter how we look at it, a loss is a loss. Losses vary in magnitude and never come at the right time. In fact, I experience some form of loss every year! One thing is for sure, as painful as it gets from time to time - I have stayed the course. I keep the faith and resist the negativity and fear. I have a choice; I choose to work through the challenge. As a result, I am far ahead of where I would have been if I had dumped my property when trouble arose, or if I had chosen not to continue to pursue real estate investing after encountering a setback. Overall, there are just too many positive benefits of owning real estate! I'll say it again - historically property values rise. Over the past 60 years there have been a handful of occasions where the media has hammered the real estate market with negative commentary. At those times real estate seemed to be the worst possible investment. But shortly after all the "bad news" had saturated the market, healthy appreciation returned. Every person I know would love to have purchased real estate back in history when the news was bleak, the buyer on the sidelines and the sellers out in full force. Allow me to turn back the clock for a moment to drive home my point: "The price of houses seem to have reached a plateau, and there is reasonable expectancy that prices will decline." -- Time Magazine, 1947
"Houses cost too much for the mass market. Today's average price is around $8,000 - out of reach for two-thirds of all buyers." --Science Digest, 1948
"The goal of owning a home seems to be getting beyond the reach of more and more Americans. The typical new house today costs about $28,000." --Business Week, 1969
"You might well be suspicious of 'common wisdom' that tells you, 'Don't wait, buy now.'" --NEA Journal, 1970
"The median price of a home today is approaching $50,000 Housing experts predict price rises in the future won't be that great." --Nations Business, 1977
"The era of easy profits in real estate may be drawing to a close." --Money Magazine, 1981
"Most economists agree a home will become little more than a roof and a tax deduction, certainly not the lucrative investment it was through much of the 1980's" --Money Magazine, 1986
"Financial planners agree that houses will continue to be a poor investment." --Kiplinger's Personal Financial Magazine, 1993
"A home is where the bad investment is." --San Francisco Examiner, 1996
With all that historical bad press, the real estate market has continued to appreciate despite the media's doom-and-gloom reporting. Check out these numbers!
National real estate values have appreciated:
* 88% since 1996 * 340% since 1977 * 685% since 1969 * 2650% since 1948
The temporary market correction may have real estate investors nervous today, but the market will improve soon and I plan to be in the game and enjoy the rebound!
Jess Scislow is from Minneapolis, Minnesota. He owns dozens of investment properties in Minnesota and Florida and writes regular commentaries on the national and Florida real estate markets. His FREE commentaries are available under "Investor Alerts" on his Web site at www.America2Florida.com.
Buy Or Sell A Home With Us And Use Our Moving Truck For FREE! Please let us know if you would like more information about the Weatherford or Parker County area, please don't hesitate to call The Snowden Team @ 817-441-7707, Pam 817-690-0976 mobile, Mark 817-690-0954 or Alicia 817-680-7786.
ZIP Code: 76087 Location Characteristics: The City of Weatherford (population 20,150) occupies a territory of approximately 35 square miles. Weatherford is located at the intersections of U.S. Highways 180 and 80, approximately 30 miles west of the City of Fort Worth and approximately 60 miles west of the City of Dallas. Interstate 20 runs along the City's southern boundary and provides for major access to Fort Worth and Dallas.
Weatherford is situated such that it has maintained an independent identity from the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex yet its close proximity to this major urban area has had a direct effect. Residents find themselves able to achieve a rural lifestyle without sacrificing the conveniences and labor market of a major metropolitan area. Many Weatherford residents commute into the Metroplex to work.
Much of the City's commercial and industrial growth is directly attributable to its relative location to the Metroplex. The City's major commercial and industrial employers find Weatherford attractive since it offers the advantages of convenient access to the region's major transportation and shipping infrastructure without the disadvantages related to physically locating within a major urban area.
Historically, the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex has enjoyed an extremely low unemployment rate. It has also enjoyed the growth of a diverse economic base. The outward growth of Dallas/Fort Worth will impact the transition of Weatherford from its farming and ranching roots to increased urban residential, commercial, and industrial development.
What Weatherford Has to Offer Weatherford has a rich western heritage filled with colorful characters and personalities. Legendary cattle drivers Oliver Loving, Charles Goodnight, and Bose Ikard are just a few of the notorious cowboys that make up Weatherford's history. Both Loving and Goodnight served as the inspiration for Texas author Larry McMurtry's novel Lonesome Dove. Because of this heritage "Western" events abound throughout the year. The Goodnight Loving Festival offers a wide variety of western arts, crafts, and activities. The Parker County Frontier Days and Sheriff s Posse Rodeo, is one of the largest in Texas and provides fun for the entire family. Other historical figures have helped shape Weatherford. Mary Martin, internationally known Broadway star, renowned for her portrayal of Peter Pan. Her son, Larry Hagman, became forever immortalized as the villainous J .R. Ewing, of the television melodrama, Dallas. Portrait artist Douglas Chandor moved to Weatherford and married Weatherford native Ina Kuteman. Known internationally for his portraits of the rich and famous including Queen Elizabeth, Winston Churchill, Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt, he designed and built a beautiful botanical garden which is now owned and operated by the City of Weatherford. Former U.S. Speaker of the House Jim Wright grew up in Weatherford and is a regular visitor to community events and gatherings. Named by the State Legislature as the Peach Capital of Texas, Weatherford and Parker County growers produce the biggest, sweetest, juiciest peaches in all of Texas. The Peach is celebrated each year at the Parker County Peach Festival, Weatherford's largest one-day event. In addition an outgrowth of the County's historic "First Monday Stray Day Sale", in which the County, local farmers and ranchers sold off animals at the town square, today Weatherford holds a its own "First Monday Trade Days". First Monday Trade Days take place the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday prior to the first Monday of each month. Hundreds come for the antiques, arts, crafts, food and fun. Finally one can still enjoy the Farmer's Market located just a block off the town square.
Known as the Cutting Horse Capital of the World, Weatherford is home to dozens of professional trainers, hall-of-fame horses and is in close proximity to Silverado, where several National Cutting Horse Association affiliates hold local competitions. Perhaps Weatherford's greatest treasure is the abundance of historic homes and buildings. More than 60 Queen Ann, Victorian, and other architecturally significant homes built at the turn of the century sit along the tree-lined avenues where horse drawn carriages once carried the pillars of the community. The crown jewel is the breathtaking Parker County Courthouse. Completed in 1886 of Parker County limestone it is located in the geographical center of the County and was recently renovated to it's original historic appearance. This second empire style courthouse is the heart of downtown and the entire community. The Weatherford Independent School District serves more than 6,700 students in grades Pre-K through 12. There are seven elementary schools (K-6), two junior high schools (7-9), and one high school (10-12), and one disciplinary alternative program. In the fall of2000, WISD joined the 5-A district and is set to open its new high school facility in 2003.
Weatherford is home to Weatherford College. Weatherford College was established in 1869 and is the oldest continuing community college in the Southwest. Weatherford College serves more than 3,500 students and offers more than 25 courses entirely online. Weatherford College has a baseball field that Roger Williams built for the community.
The City of Weatherford's health needs are now served by Weatherford's Regional Health Care System. WHS offers state-of-the-art medical technology in an atmosphere of warmth and compassion. The medical staff and other health care professionals provide sophisticated diagnostic techniques, surgical procedures, and a wide range of outpatient services.
In addition, in Weatherford one can enjoy water sports on Lake Weatherford, play many fine area golf courses, or participate in many activities organized by the Weatherford Parks and Recreation Department or other youth and adult organizations. Weatherford is home to many churches and social organizations that provide for one's spiritual and civic needs.
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This is the place to find out about Ft. Worth, Aledo, Weatherford, and Parker County Real Estate property listings. Parker County is a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Our community features quality of life, and small town values with the convenience of living close to the Metroplex. Whether buying or selling a home, Let us help you. The articles and links on this website will provide you with most of the information needed for your Real Estate decisions. As experienced Realtors, We are qualified and knowledgeable in all aspects of buying or selling a home. Our goal is to provide you with the highest quality service in today's market. We believe in using our experience in finance, contracts, negotiating, and marketing to your best advantage. With our knowledge of the area and dedication to meet your specific needs, finding your new home will undoubtedly be both a pleasurable & a profitable experience.
Combining our extensive knowledge of Ft. Worth(and surrounding areas) with our expertise in real estate, we will produce results for you. Our commitment is to our clients! We want to help you achieve your dreams by finding the home you are looking for in the metroplex and surrounding areas. Please take a few minutes to shop through our site and be sure to take advantage of the many features offered to you. From the free reports to information about the community & local schools, we would like to share with you invaluable information about buying and selling your home.
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