Housing sales and pricing continue to fall raising many questions on how soon we can expect to recover.  The government is slowing enacting legislatiion to bail the housing market out and restore balance to local real estate economies.

Recently, President Bush signed The Housing and Eonomic Recovery Act of 2008 which includes a new temporary tax credit to provide an incentive to purchase for first time home buyers.

Only 1st time home buyers are elgible for the $7,500 tax incentive and depending on income may only qualify for half or possible even no tax credit.  Here is a basic guidline for determining elegibility.  Offer expires on July 1st, 2009.

Single or Head of Household

• Income < $75,000 = $7,500 tax credit
• Income $75,000 -$95,000 = partial tax credit
• Income over $95,000 = no tax credit

Married Filing Jointly

• Income < $150,000 = $7,500 tax credit
• Income $150,000 - $170,000 = partial tax credit
• Income over $170,000 = not tax credit

For details on qualifying, please vist Dallas Fort Worth 1st Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

Rising gas pricing have definitely raised the question on what is the best solution for my automobile needs.  Everyone seems to think the best option these days is to trade in the gas guzzling SUV for a more economical car, but is this really the best option? 

Rising Gas Expenses have also placed automobile dealers in a predicament that might actually work to the consumer's advantage.  Just today, GM's stock fell to the lowest dollar/share seen since 1955.  In an effort to increase sales, profit margins and bail itself out of the bottomless oil pit, GM has taken the offensive and is now enacting special incentive programs to encourage consumers in the market to purchase an automobile to take action.  For example, GM is now offering 0% financing for 72 months on select SUVs and Trucks.  This is just one tactic to lure auto buyers into their dealerships and move inventory. 

Dealers across the board are offering discounts and incentives to move the gas guzzlers off the lot and into the buyer's garage.  Of course if you visit the lot and pass by the wandering salesman, you'll still get the ever so clever one liner, "We can't keep the trucks and suvs on the lot".  One thing for sure, we all know now is not a good time to be selling a truck or SUV, with low consumer confidence, high gas prices, and low gas mileage, you just can't win. 

So when comparing advantages and disadvantages of purchasing a car or suv/truck, be sure and consider the following points: 

1. Weigh benefit, cost, value and expense in monthly, annualized, and life terms
2. If you are self employed, such as a Fort Worth Real Estate Agent or Dallas Realtor, consider the tax write off you may claim with additional gas expense, could help place you in a lower tax bracket and end up saving you thousands in the long run
3. Compare annual gas expenses with upfront initial savings
4. Always take a closer look at Warranties, a 100,000 mile warranty on a truck or SUV might save you thousands in expenses down the road compared to a 50,000 mile warranty on the gas efficient car you have in mind.
5. Ask yourself this question, Are car sales managers going to negotiate more on a Truck or SUV that are difficult to give away in the current market or a gas efficient car that everyone is beating down the doors to buy?
6. What is your ultimate financial goal? To save money in the Short run? Save Money in the Long Run? Or secure comfortable monthly payments?
7. Always compare apples to oranges with emphasis on interest rates, trade in value down the road, monthly and annual expenses including gas and repairs (remember these may be minimized with extended warranties  

So, in conclusion, I ask everyone the million dollar question, Car or SUV?  Welcoming your comments, feedback, suggestions, and insight into the Automobile Industry....

For More Information on this article, please contact our Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate Brokerage.

DFW Urban Realty launches new Fort Worth Real Estate site to better serve the Residential and Commercial Market throughout the Fort Worth Metroplex.  With over 700,000 residents, Fort Worth has a growing demand for agents who specialize in urban property sales.  DFW Urban Realty expanded into the Fort Worth market to meet these demands by providing assistance buying, selling, renting and investing in all types of Fort Worth properties including, Homes, New Home, Townhome, Condos, Lofts, Highrises, Aparments, Lots, Acreage, Warehouses, Farm & Ranch, Retail, Industrial and Office Building and Complexes.  After successfully integrating www.buyandselldallas.com into DFW Urban Realty's profile, DFW Broker Kenneth Cox new it was time to take another step and create a site devoted to Tarrant County Real Estate. 
 
If you are looking for a Fort Worth Realtor who specializes in your area, contact DFW Urban Realty today and let us assist you with your next real estate transaction in Fort Worth.  DFW Urban Realty has Fort Worth Sales and Rental Agents ready to assist around the clock with all your Fort Worth Real Estate needs.

Our Fort Worth Apartment Locators know the Fort Worth renal market and are able to find you special incentives and discounts that may not be listed online.  We even offer up to $500 cash rebate for referring our free rental locating service.

Check out the quick reference guide below to assist with navigating through the new Fort Worth Real Estate site.  Please call or email if you have any questions over Fort Worth Real Estate or have a comment or suggestion on the new site.

• Search Fort Worth MLS
• Fort Worth Homes
• Fort Worth New Homes
• Fort Worth Condos
• Fort Worth Townhomes
• Fort Worth Lofts
• Fort Worth Apartments
• Renting in Fort Worth
• Buying a Home in Fort Worth
• Selling a Home in Fort Worth

Flower Mound Real Estate has become a popular place for relocation offering many different housing options including New Homes, Townhomes, Condo, and Lakefront Living.  Many residents have moved to Flower Mounds central location because they enjoy easy access to Downtown Dallas, North Dallas, Fort Worth, DFW Airport, University of North Texas Denton.  Flower Mound offer suburban living close to urban living, fine dining, shops, entertainment, interstates, and lakes.  Residents have access to state of the art Golf Courses, Lake Lewisville, Lake Grapevine and other entertainment venues.

Economic Development has steadily increased in both commercial and residential markets in Flower Mound over the past several years.   Many new Retail, Restaurants, and other local businesses are taking advantage of the significant increase in population which is allowing them to capitalize on a large pool of customers.  Locals to the Flower Mound area are happy to be living in what they call the new generation suburban lifestyle which encompasses Flower Mound Real Estate, Double Oak Real Estate, Lewisville Real Estate, Lantana Real Estate.  These areas offer a happy medium between sub and urban combining characteristics of both lifestyles.

If you are interested in learning more about Flower Mound and the different housing options available to you, contact DFW Urban Realty and let one of our expert Flower Mound Realtors assist you.  Our Flower Mound agents works around the clock and would be happy to answer any questions you may have on real estate in Flower Mound or the surrounding areas.

Don't forget to check out the Flower Mound Summer Concert Series which will feature The Texas Connection in Parker Square.  For More Details, check out information below.

 
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Dallas Real Estate

In the midst of a national foreclosure crisis, North Dallas Real Estate continues to appreciate in most areas and show signs of growth.  New Construction and Pre Owned North Dallas Homes For sale have been receiving a significant amount of traffic coming into the summer season.  Owners have been able to secure a reasonable sales price on their current investment which has allowed a smoother transition into their new home.  If you are able to make a move, now is an excellent time with the current buyer's market offering historically low interest rates and a large pool of housing inventory to choose from.

Of course, no market is immune to the foreclosure epidemic which has spread throughout the nation.  If you are an investor looking for a bargain, Carrollton Real Estate, Plano Real Estate, Addison Real Estate and Richardson Real Estate offer excellent opportunities to build your investment portfolio.  Although these areas on average have held strong through the mortgage crisis, there are many VA, FHA and Bank Foreclosures that could potentially be your diamond in the rough.  Many investors are buying up foreclosures in these areas and converting into rental income hoping to ride the market into appreciation down the road.  With rental occupancy rates on the rise, this seems to be a very good strategy.  North Dallas Apartments and Homes being leased by individual owners are in high demand which allows a unique opportunity to capitalize on rental investment properties.

For More Information on the North Dallas Real Estate Market and to search available properties, visit  North Dallas Real Estate or just click on start below to search North Dallas Homes, Townhomes, Condos, Lofts, and Highrises.

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Frisco Real Estate has become one of North Texas's hottest commodities sttracting home buyers from around the globe.  Frisco Real Estate continues to grow at an astounding rate, recently reaching the 100,000 population milestone.  Frisco has evolved from a small town with an estimated population of approximately 34,000 in 2000, to a robust urbanized city.  In 2007 Forbes named Frisco as one of the fastest gowing cities in the United States.

Frisco offers master planned communities, state of the art sports facilities, top rated public school systems, convenient access to Dallas Fort Worth Airport and Downtown Dallas, and an endless supply of hot spots for fine dining, shopping and entertainment.  Many home owners are relocating to Frisco and taking advantage of a wide array of housing options including Homes, New Homes, Condos, Townhomes, and Urban Lofts.  Frisco is home to many corporate headquarters and major employers including Ge Capital, The Dallas Stars, IKEA, T-Mobile, and Fujitsu.  Frisco offers excellent opportunities for small businesses and large corporations with plently of available land and low cost of living.

Here are just a few of the main attractions in Frisco City Residential Life:

• Dr Pepper StarCenter
• Pizza Hut Park
• Frisco Sports Complex
• Dr Pepper Ballpark
• 18 hole Golf Courses
• Superdome
• Warren Sports Complex
• Frisco Square
• Sierra Frisco
• Stonebriar Commons on Legacy
• The Shops at Starwood
• The Shops at Preston Ridge 

If you are interested in relocating to Frisco or learning more about the housing options available, please contact DFW Urban Realty.  We have Frisco Realtors specialzing in both commercial and residential real estate.  For a quick glimpse of housing options including Frisco Homes For Sale, click on Start below.

Turtle Creek Real Estate Tour

Experience the luxury of Turtle Creek.  The Turtle Creek Association is hosting its 8th Annual Turtle Creek Hour Tour on May 4th from 1:00-5:00p.m.  The tour will highlight four Luxury Turtle Creek Highrises and one townhome located in the Turtle Creek area.  The public is invited to check out the ritzy and luxurious ambiance offered by the Turtle Creek Lifestyle.  Funds raised by the tour will be applied toward the Master Plan Vision developed by TCA and to preserve and protect area parks, creeks, landscaping and infrastructure.  Refreshments will be provided at 3000 Turtle Creek Blvd, a 200 million dollar development by Hyatt.  The property will feature 273 residences, four resaurants, cocktail lounge, indoor heated pool, exercise room, beauty salon, library, art gallery, and a spa all located on a acre site.  Turtle Creek Real Estate offers beautiful landscaping, eclectic design, and architecturally significant homes.

Turtle Creek Real Estate Featured in Home Tour: (click to view properties for sale)

The Plaza at Turtle Creek I - 3535 Gillespie

The Goldcrest - 3601 Turtle Creek

3525 Turtle Creek

The Vendome - 3505 Turtle Creek

Place Des Vosges - The Place des Vosges is a 16 residence community in Dallas located off Turtle Creek Boulevard.  The residential community was named after the Place des Vosges in Paris, which was originally constructed by King Henry IV in the 17th Century.  The structure is an early example of urban community design with a symmetrical square surrounded by buildings with red brick and white stone.  Other features include slate roofs and dorm windows.  The Place des Vosges features a park within an interior common area surrounded by a wall with 24 hour onsite security. For more information, visit Place Des Vosges Dallas

For More Information on this Tour, please contact DFW Urban Realty

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Purchasing the right home at the right price can be a simple and enjoyable experience as long as you have the right tools and resources to guide you through the purchase process.  Anyone can find a real estate agent, locate a property and buy a home, but many loose sight of the most important goal in the process.  Your ultimate goal should be to secure the right property, in the right location and at the right price to ensure you've made a great investment.  In a buyer's market, every home buyer should act as an investor and follow all the right steps to close on a great investment property.  As a home buyer, you are investing on one of the highest dollar transactions you will make in your lifetime.  As an investor you want to ensure when you make your next high dollar purchase, you can capitalize on your initial investment.  By following four simple steps, you can make a complex home purchase, a simple and lucrative investment.  

1. Consider All Your Options - Distressed Properties, Foreclosed Properties, New Construction Properties, Pre Owned.  Be sure to consider multiple options and compare these options line by line before moving forward with an offer.  When choosing which property to move forward with, don't base your decision entirely on emotion.  As a home buyer you need to be comfortable with the property you are purchasing and going to live in for the next several years.  As an investor, you need to be weary of the carry costs, maintenance fees, and upkeep of the property as well as the potential for appreciation down the line when it's time to sell.   

2. Do Your Due Diligence - Review Sellers Disclosures, Review CMA comparing recent sold properties in the neighborhood, Review your Home Inspection Report.  Hire the necessary inspectors to conduct a complete and thorough evaluation on the property.  Some inspections you might want to explore are the General Home Inspection, Termite Inspection, Roof Inspection, HVAC Inspection, Plumbing Inspection, Electrical Inspection.  Remember, just because a property has problems doesn't mean it is not a good investment.  If you discover potential issues, hire the appropriate contractors to give you estimates (at least 3 different estimates) and compare costs/benefits associated with your purchase.  If you can invest a minimal amount and produce a great short or long term return, you may have found the right property.

3. Negoitiate and Close - Find a good seasoned agent who understands local market conditions and have them negotiate the best terms and price on your investment


By following these steps on properties you are considering for purchase or investment, you should be able to filter out the potential headaches and zero in on the diamonds in the rough.  In a buyer's market, you hold all the cards.  Be sure and let the seller know that you are aware of the current market conditions and have multiple options on the table!  The Dallas Home Buyer's Market offers many different housing options such as Homes, Condos, Townhomes, Highrises and Urban Lofts.  All of these types of homes can be a great investment just by securing the Right Property at The Right Price!  For More Information on Buying a Home in Dallas or investing in Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate, contact DFW Urban Realty.


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Addison Real Estate - Addison Circle Apartments - 15777 Quorum

Addison is located in the heart of North Dallas, convenient to Dallas North Tollway, I635, and I75. Residents enjoy a vibrant urban atmosphere close to Downtown Dallas and other popular suburban areas such as Carrollton, Plano, Richardson and Farmers Branch.  Addison Real Estate offers many different styles of homes including Highrises, Condos, Lofts, Townhomes, and Apartments.

Addison Circle offers a place to work, live and play.  Residents enjoy curbside dining, professional services, local pubs, parks.  Addison circle offers many different styles of living including Midrise Condos such as 5055 Addison Circle, Urban Apartments such as Post Addison Circle, and three story townhomes located in the newly developed Addison District A.

One of the newest luxury urban rental communities in Addison Circle, 15777 Quorum, is now preleasing for June 2008 Move ins.  Units feature GE Stainless Steel Appliances, Granite Countertops, Garden Tubs.  Amenities include 2 pools, Athletic Center, Business Center w/FREE Wi-Fi access.  Take advantage of pre construction specials, 2-6 weeks free on select urban apartment units.

For More info on Floorplans, Pricing, Availability visit:  15777 Quorum Floorplans Pricing Availability


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Carrollton was recently ranked #19 out of 100 cities as the best places to live by CNN Money Magazine.  Residents enjoy a quiet and friendly suburban setting in Far North Dallas minutes from major highways such as Dallas North Tollway, George Bush, and I35 that allow quick access to areas such as Downtown Dallas and DFW Airport.

Carrollton has a rich history dating back to the 1840's and was voted to incorporate as a city on July 19, 1913.  After 100 years plus of history, Carrollton is now entering its centennial phase with certain commercial and residential real estate turning 100 over the next few years.

Recently, The Bank of Carrollton building, located in downtown Carrollton Square, reached the 100 mile mark on April 03, 2008.  The Bank of Carrollton building has housed many business over the years and is currently home to Sooz Unique Boutique and Carrollton Square Spa.  The Bank of Carrollton building received a Historical Marker designation by the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee after 100 years of service since the construction of the building in 1908.

Many investors and local residents are relocating to Far North Dallas and are considering Carrollton Real Estate due to the vibrant corporate and residential community atmosphere.  Residents are also anticipating using Dart's new light rail transit line with three station sites to be completed by 2010. The Downtown Station is expected to promote residential and commercial redevelopment with mixed use urban design including Carrollton Homes, Condos, Townhomes, and Lofts.    

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