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 Financial 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 Road, 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 . 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 . 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
Tips on Saving Water....
* You can use a plastic bucket in your shower to let the cold water run till the hot gets there. Then you can use that water to water plants and animals so it does not just go down the drain.
* Turn the water off while you are brushing your teeth.
* Make sure your toliets are not leaking may need a new flapper a 5-10 dollar piece and a 10 min fix.
* Extreme turn the water off while you lather up.
* Swap out your shower head for a water saver type.
* And double check for secret wasteful things like what is happening in this video.
http://www.dnaco.net/~vogelke/pictures/water-leak/water-leak.wmv
* Turn the water off while you are brushing your teeth.
* Make sure your toliets are not leaking may need a new flapper a 5-10 dollar piece and a 10 min fix.
* Extreme turn the water off while you lather up.
* Swap out your shower head for a water saver type.
* And double check for secret wasteful things like what is happening in this video.
http://www.dnaco.net/~vogelke/pictures/water-leak/water-leak.wmv
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
Facts and Figures
Companies with Unusual Perks
Chesapeake Energy Corp. – Employees can earn their scuba diving certificates on the company's tab on–site at Chesapeake's Olympic–sized pool.
Amgen Biotechnical Company – This company provides an in–house florist, photo developer and a cafeteria that fixes up family–sized meals to bring home.
Sprint – Sprint buys houses that are available for employee purchase. If an employee buys a Sprint home, Sprint will give them back 2% of the sale price.
Microsoft – As a part of the company's campus expansion, employees are allowed to design their own work stations. For example, the Zune team has a deejay booth in their meeting room.
eBay – Stressful day? eBay's office in San Francisco offers a room filled with yoga mats, pillows, and meditation music so employees can take a break from a hectic day in the office.
Healthways – The company's headquarters provides walking trails, easy–to–locate stairways and bikes for rent to their employees to stay active and exercise.
General Mills – Employees returning from maternity leave are phased back to work on a part–time basis for eight weeks to help ease the transition.
Camden Property Trust – Employees who live in one of the firm's 180 apartment complexes, receive a 20% discount on their rent.
EOG Resources – This company will match their employees' contributions to charities dollar–for–dollar, up to $60,000.
Google – Google employees receive $1,000 towards their purchase of a hybrid or electric car.
by
Lisa Warren
Southlake Branch Manager
Silver Oak Mortgage
Phone: (817) 410-2518
Fax: (817) 410-2519
lwarren@somlp.com
www.silveroakmortgagelp.com
Companies with Unusual Perks
Chesapeake Energy Corp. – Employees can earn their scuba diving certificates on the company's tab on–site at Chesapeake's Olympic–sized pool.
Amgen Biotechnical Company – This company provides an in–house florist, photo developer and a cafeteria that fixes up family–sized meals to bring home.
Sprint – Sprint buys houses that are available for employee purchase. If an employee buys a Sprint home, Sprint will give them back 2% of the sale price.
Microsoft – As a part of the company's campus expansion, employees are allowed to design their own work stations. For example, the Zune team has a deejay booth in their meeting room.
eBay – Stressful day? eBay's office in San Francisco offers a room filled with yoga mats, pillows, and meditation music so employees can take a break from a hectic day in the office.
Healthways – The company's headquarters provides walking trails, easy–to–locate stairways and bikes for rent to their employees to stay active and exercise.
General Mills – Employees returning from maternity leave are phased back to work on a part–time basis for eight weeks to help ease the transition.
Camden Property Trust – Employees who live in one of the firm's 180 apartment complexes, receive a 20% discount on their rent.
EOG Resources – This company will match their employees' contributions to charities dollar–for–dollar, up to $60,000.
Google – Google employees receive $1,000 towards their purchase of a hybrid or electric car.
by
Lisa Warren
Southlake Branch Manager
Silver Oak Mortgage
Phone: (817) 410-2518
Fax: (817) 410-2519
lwarren@somlp.com
www.silveroakmortgagelp.com
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!!!
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
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
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs
What You Should Know
We've all heard that using compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) is one very simple thing we can do to have a big impact on the amount of energy we use. In fact, if every American home replaced just one incandescent light bulb with an ENERGY STAR qualified CFL, we would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes for a year, more than $600 million in annual energy costs, and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of more than 800,000 cars.
While we at YOU Magazine support the use of energy-efficient light bulbs, we want to make sure you know some facts about them – specifically how to dispose of them once they have burned out or if they happen to break.
Most CFLs contain some elemental mercury. It is a necessary component of energy efficient light bulbs, allowing them to use up to 75% less energy and last up to 10 times longer than regular bulbs. The amount of mercury used depends on a few factors, but the average is between 3.5 and 15 milligrams. Compare that to older fever thermometers, which contain about 500 milligrams, and you see it's a relatively small amount.
No mercury is released as long as the bulbs remain intact – exposure is only possible when one has been broken. Still, there are definite precautions you should exercise when using CFLs, particularly with their disposal.
Disposing of Burned-Out Bulbs
Simply throwing your old bulbs in the garbage will result in breakage and the release of mercury into the environment. Although most states do not have recycling requirements for CFLs, the EPA strongly encourages the recycling of all mercury-containing bulbs when they burn out, regardless of their mercury content - almost all parts of compact fluorescent light bulbs can be recycled.
To locate a hazardous waste collection and recycling center in your area visit the EPA's bulb recycling page or Earth911.org. Your local electric company may also have recycling information on its website.
Cleaning Up Broken Bulbs
Now, what to do if one of your fluorescent bulbs breaks? Well, here's where you need to take a little extra care – for your safety and the environment's. In addition to the steps below, which are recommended by the EPA, it is recommended that you first put on a pair of rubber, latex or nitrile gloves.
Before Clean-up: Air Out the Room
Have people and pets leave the room, and don't let anyone walk through the breakage area.
Open a window and leave the room for at least 15 minutes.
Shut off the central forced-air heating/air conditioning system.
Clean-Up for Hard Surfaces
1. Carefully scoop up glass pieces and powder using stiff paper or cardboard and place them in a glass jar with metal lid or in a sealed plastic bag.
2. Use adhesive tape, such as duct tape, to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and powder.
3. Wipe the area clean with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes. Place towels in the glass jar or plastic bag.
4. Do not use a vacuum or broom to clean up the broken bulb on hard surfaces.
Clean-up for Carpeting or a Rug
1. Carefully pick up glass fragments and place them in a glass jar with metal lid or in a sealed plastic bag.
2. Use adhesive tape, such as duct tape, to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and powder.
3. If vacuuming is needed after all visible materials are removed, vacuum the area where the bulb was broken.
4. Remove the vacuum bag (or empty and wipe the canister), and put the bag or vacuum debris in a sealed plastic bag.
Clean-up Steps for Clothing, Bedding and Other Soft Materials
1. If clothing or bedding materials come in direct contact with broken glass or mercury-containing powder from inside the bulb that may stick to the fabric, the clothing or bedding should be thrown away. Do not wash such clothing or bedding because mercury fragments in the clothing may contaminate the machine and/or pollute sewage.
2. You can, however, wash clothing or other materials that have been exposed to the mercury vapor from a broken CFL, such as the clothing you are wearing when you cleaned up the broken CFL, as long as that clothing has not come into direct contact with the materials from the broken bulb.
3. If shoes come into direct contact with broken glass or mercury-containing powder from the bulb, wipe them off with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes. Place the towels or wipes in a glass jar or plastic bag for disposal.
Disposal of Clean-up Materials
1. Immediately place all clean-up materials outside in a trash container or protected area for the next normal trash pickup.
2. Wash your hands after disposing of the jars or plastic bags containing clean-up materials.
3. Check with your local or state government about disposal requirements in your specific area.
Future Cleaning of Carpeting or a Rug: Air Out the Room During and After Vacuuming
1. The next several times you vacuum, shut off the central forced-air heating/air conditioning system and open a window before vacuuming.
2. Keep the central heating/air conditioning system shut off and the window open for at least 15 minutes after vacuuming is completed.
Additionally, you may read about what never to do with a mercury spill on the EPA's website.
Health Effects of Mercury Exposure
Elemental mercury usually causes health effects when it is breathed in as a vapor and absorbed by the body through the lungs. Some symptoms of mercury poisoning can include tremors, mood swings, muscle weakness, and headaches. With higher exposure there may be serious effects, including death. To read more about the health effects of exposure to mercury, please click here. If you are worried about your exposure to mercury, please consult your doctor.
Something as easy as replacing your light bulbs can make a significant difference in the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by power plants, not to mention the savings you'll see on your electric bill. Just make sure you're taking the necessary steps to ensure your safety – and the environment's.
We've all heard that using compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) is one very simple thing we can do to have a big impact on the amount of energy we use. In fact, if every American home replaced just one incandescent light bulb with an ENERGY STAR qualified CFL, we would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes for a year, more than $600 million in annual energy costs, and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of more than 800,000 cars.
While we at YOU Magazine support the use of energy-efficient light bulbs, we want to make sure you know some facts about them – specifically how to dispose of them once they have burned out or if they happen to break.
Most CFLs contain some elemental mercury. It is a necessary component of energy efficient light bulbs, allowing them to use up to 75% less energy and last up to 10 times longer than regular bulbs. The amount of mercury used depends on a few factors, but the average is between 3.5 and 15 milligrams. Compare that to older fever thermometers, which contain about 500 milligrams, and you see it's a relatively small amount.
No mercury is released as long as the bulbs remain intact – exposure is only possible when one has been broken. Still, there are definite precautions you should exercise when using CFLs, particularly with their disposal.
Disposing of Burned-Out Bulbs
Simply throwing your old bulbs in the garbage will result in breakage and the release of mercury into the environment. Although most states do not have recycling requirements for CFLs, the EPA strongly encourages the recycling of all mercury-containing bulbs when they burn out, regardless of their mercury content - almost all parts of compact fluorescent light bulbs can be recycled.
To locate a hazardous waste collection and recycling center in your area visit the EPA's bulb recycling page or Earth911.org. Your local electric company may also have recycling information on its website.
Cleaning Up Broken Bulbs
Now, what to do if one of your fluorescent bulbs breaks? Well, here's where you need to take a little extra care – for your safety and the environment's. In addition to the steps below, which are recommended by the EPA, it is recommended that you first put on a pair of rubber, latex or nitrile gloves.
Before Clean-up: Air Out the Room
Have people and pets leave the room, and don't let anyone walk through the breakage area.
Open a window and leave the room for at least 15 minutes.
Shut off the central forced-air heating/air conditioning system.
Clean-Up for Hard Surfaces
1. Carefully scoop up glass pieces and powder using stiff paper or cardboard and place them in a glass jar with metal lid or in a sealed plastic bag.
2. Use adhesive tape, such as duct tape, to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and powder.
3. Wipe the area clean with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes. Place towels in the glass jar or plastic bag.
4. Do not use a vacuum or broom to clean up the broken bulb on hard surfaces.
Clean-up for Carpeting or a Rug
1. Carefully pick up glass fragments and place them in a glass jar with metal lid or in a sealed plastic bag.
2. Use adhesive tape, such as duct tape, to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and powder.
3. If vacuuming is needed after all visible materials are removed, vacuum the area where the bulb was broken.
4. Remove the vacuum bag (or empty and wipe the canister), and put the bag or vacuum debris in a sealed plastic bag.
Clean-up Steps for Clothing, Bedding and Other Soft Materials
1. If clothing or bedding materials come in direct contact with broken glass or mercury-containing powder from inside the bulb that may stick to the fabric, the clothing or bedding should be thrown away. Do not wash such clothing or bedding because mercury fragments in the clothing may contaminate the machine and/or pollute sewage.
2. You can, however, wash clothing or other materials that have been exposed to the mercury vapor from a broken CFL, such as the clothing you are wearing when you cleaned up the broken CFL, as long as that clothing has not come into direct contact with the materials from the broken bulb.
3. If shoes come into direct contact with broken glass or mercury-containing powder from the bulb, wipe them off with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes. Place the towels or wipes in a glass jar or plastic bag for disposal.
Disposal of Clean-up Materials
1. Immediately place all clean-up materials outside in a trash container or protected area for the next normal trash pickup.
2. Wash your hands after disposing of the jars or plastic bags containing clean-up materials.
3. Check with your local or state government about disposal requirements in your specific area.
Future Cleaning of Carpeting or a Rug: Air Out the Room During and After Vacuuming
1. The next several times you vacuum, shut off the central forced-air heating/air conditioning system and open a window before vacuuming.
2. Keep the central heating/air conditioning system shut off and the window open for at least 15 minutes after vacuuming is completed.
Additionally, you may read about what never to do with a mercury spill on the EPA's website.
Health Effects of Mercury Exposure
Elemental mercury usually causes health effects when it is breathed in as a vapor and absorbed by the body through the lungs. Some symptoms of mercury poisoning can include tremors, mood swings, muscle weakness, and headaches. With higher exposure there may be serious effects, including death. To read more about the health effects of exposure to mercury, please click here. If you are worried about your exposure to mercury, please consult your doctor.
Something as easy as replacing your light bulbs can make a significant difference in the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by power plants, not to mention the savings you'll see on your electric bill. Just make sure you're taking the necessary steps to ensure your safety – and the environment's.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Real Estate Update
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 Ways To 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
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 Ways To 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
What's At Stake?
Pass the Emergency Economic Stability Act
A SUMMARY OF THE PROPOSED ECONOMIC STABILIZATION ACT
Click here:
http://takeaction.realtoractioncenter.com/campaign/eesa/explanation
A SUMMARY OF THE PROPOSED ECONOMIC STABILIZATION ACT
Click here:
http://takeaction.realtoractioncenter.com/campaign/eesa/explanation
TO might be talking, but Cowboys not shaken
Texas NFL Central: TO might be talking, but Cowboys not shaken
09/30/2008
Texas NFL Central -- your source for football stories on Texas' pro franchises, as well as news on former Texas players.
NFL ARCHIVES
-- September's NFL Central
-- August's NFL Central
-- April-July's NFL Central
-- March's NFL Central
-- Feb.'s NFL Central
-- Jan./Dec.'s NFL Central TODAY'S TOP STORIES
Cowboys' confidence unshaken
Sports radio talk shows crackled with criticism. Fewer people sported blue-and-white gear. Reporters from national outlets remained in town hoping for a juicy fallout story.
And so it went Monday in the land of high expectations. One day after sustaining a shocking 26-24 loss to Washington that knocked them from the ranks of the NFL's unbeaten, the Dallas Cowboys gathered at Valley Ranch to begin the process of trying to get back on a track they hope will take them all the way to the Super Bowl.
Related: Cowboys' Tank Johnson defends confrontation
Related: Schedule gives Dallas Cowboys chance to recover
Related: Dallas Cowboys' Owens complained to Romo
Related: Dallas Cowboys offense acted run-shy in loss
Texans strong safety out for season
The last thing an 0-3 team needs entering a game against Indianapolis is to be shorthanded at defensive back, but that is exactly the situation with the Texans.
Strong safety C.C. Brown will be placed on injured reserve today after undergoing surgery to repair a fractured forearm he suffered in Sunday’s 30-27 overtime loss to Jacksonville.
Related: FB Sapp replaces SS Brown on roster
MONDAY'S TOP STORIES (9/30/08)
Dallas Cowboys' defense hasn't earned label as one of league's best
Question: Can we now table the discussion for a few weeks on where the Cowboys' firepower ranks in military history? Better question: Can the Cowboys count?
Never mind that one of the NFL's most celebrated secondaries has gone four games without an interception, and for once we can't even blame it on Roy Williams.
Related: Dallas Cowboys lose hold of first place with 26-24 loss
Related: Dallas Cowboys have no excuse for abandoning running game
Related: Forgettable day for Dallas Cowboys' Newman
Related: Redskins steal league's spotlight
Related: Redskins blanket Dallas Cowboys' Owens
Related: Todd Archer's highs and lows of the Dallas Cowboys game
Related: Cowboys fall short against Redskins
Close loss doesn't mean progress for Texans
They got the offense fixed and came from behind three times. They showed heart and toughness. Matt Schaub had his best day as a Texan, Mario Williams was absolutely relentless and Kris Brown nailed a 47-yard field goal with a second left in the fourth quarter to force overtime.
This game felt completely different from those other two because the Texans did a good imitation of a respectable NFL team. They stayed in the ring for all 15 rounds, punching and counterpunching.
Related: Overtime loss denies Texans first win of season
Related: Texans effectively attack Jaguars
http://www.texasfootball.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=35&url_article_id=1472&url_subchannel_id=&change_well_id=2
09/30/2008
Texas NFL Central -- your source for football stories on Texas' pro franchises, as well as news on former Texas players.
NFL ARCHIVES
-- September's NFL Central
-- August's NFL Central
-- April-July's NFL Central
-- March's NFL Central
-- Feb.'s NFL Central
-- Jan./Dec.'s NFL Central TODAY'S TOP STORIES
Cowboys' confidence unshaken
Sports radio talk shows crackled with criticism. Fewer people sported blue-and-white gear. Reporters from national outlets remained in town hoping for a juicy fallout story.
And so it went Monday in the land of high expectations. One day after sustaining a shocking 26-24 loss to Washington that knocked them from the ranks of the NFL's unbeaten, the Dallas Cowboys gathered at Valley Ranch to begin the process of trying to get back on a track they hope will take them all the way to the Super Bowl.
Related: Cowboys' Tank Johnson defends confrontation
Related: Schedule gives Dallas Cowboys chance to recover
Related: Dallas Cowboys' Owens complained to Romo
Related: Dallas Cowboys offense acted run-shy in loss
Texans strong safety out for season
The last thing an 0-3 team needs entering a game against Indianapolis is to be shorthanded at defensive back, but that is exactly the situation with the Texans.
Strong safety C.C. Brown will be placed on injured reserve today after undergoing surgery to repair a fractured forearm he suffered in Sunday’s 30-27 overtime loss to Jacksonville.
Related: FB Sapp replaces SS Brown on roster
MONDAY'S TOP STORIES (9/30/08)
Dallas Cowboys' defense hasn't earned label as one of league's best
Question: Can we now table the discussion for a few weeks on where the Cowboys' firepower ranks in military history? Better question: Can the Cowboys count?
Never mind that one of the NFL's most celebrated secondaries has gone four games without an interception, and for once we can't even blame it on Roy Williams.
Related: Dallas Cowboys lose hold of first place with 26-24 loss
Related: Dallas Cowboys have no excuse for abandoning running game
Related: Forgettable day for Dallas Cowboys' Newman
Related: Redskins steal league's spotlight
Related: Redskins blanket Dallas Cowboys' Owens
Related: Todd Archer's highs and lows of the Dallas Cowboys game
Related: Cowboys fall short against Redskins
Close loss doesn't mean progress for Texans
They got the offense fixed and came from behind three times. They showed heart and toughness. Matt Schaub had his best day as a Texan, Mario Williams was absolutely relentless and Kris Brown nailed a 47-yard field goal with a second left in the fourth quarter to force overtime.
This game felt completely different from those other two because the Texans did a good imitation of a respectable NFL team. They stayed in the ring for all 15 rounds, punching and counterpunching.
Related: Overtime loss denies Texans first win of season
Related: Texans effectively attack Jaguars
http://www.texasfootball.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=35&url_article_id=1472&url_subchannel_id=&change_well_id=2
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Scholls in Westlake
Quality Schools
The Town of Westlake is home to Westlake Academy, an innovative, public, Open Enrollment Charter School. Westlake is also serviced by three independent school districts that provide additional public school options. There are 20 Universities within 40 Miles of Westlake.
All residents are eligible to enroll their children (grades K-7 currently) in Westlake Academy. The Academy provides a rigorous international baccalaureate curriculum on par with any private school.
Residents of Glenwyck Farms Addition live inside the Carrol I.S.D. boundaries, while all other current residential subdivisions are within the Keller I.S.D. No residential development is currently inside the Northwest I.S.D. boundaries.
Public Schools
Westlake Academy - Public Charter School operated by the Town of Westlake. Rated Exemplary by the State of Texas during its first year, the Academy sets a new standard for public education in the area. K-7 Attendance: 265. K-8 Attendance slated for 2005-2006: 297.
Carroll I.S.D. - 5A Public School District. Rated Exemplary by the State of Texas. K-12 Attendance: 7,305. Subdivisions: Glenwyck Farms
Keller I.S.D. - 5A Public School District. Rated Recognized by the State of Texas. K-12 Attendance: 21,786. Subdivisions: Vaquero, Estates of Westlake, Aspen Lane, Paigebrooke Farms, Mahotea Boone, Stagecoach Hills
Northwest I.S.D. - 5A Public School District. Rated Recognized by the State of Texas. K-12 Attendance: 6,343
Higher Education
There are 20 Universities within 40 miles of Westlake, among them:
Southern Methodist University -
Southwestern Medical School -
Tarrant County College -
Texas Christian University -
University of Dallas -
University of North Texas -
University of Texas, Arlington -
http://www.westlake-tx.org/en/QualitySchools.html
The Town of Westlake is home to Westlake Academy, an innovative, public, Open Enrollment Charter School. Westlake is also serviced by three independent school districts that provide additional public school options. There are 20 Universities within 40 Miles of Westlake.
All residents are eligible to enroll their children (grades K-7 currently) in Westlake Academy. The Academy provides a rigorous international baccalaureate curriculum on par with any private school.
Residents of Glenwyck Farms Addition live inside the Carrol I.S.D. boundaries, while all other current residential subdivisions are within the Keller I.S.D. No residential development is currently inside the Northwest I.S.D. boundaries.
Public Schools
Westlake Academy - Public Charter School operated by the Town of Westlake. Rated Exemplary by the State of Texas during its first year, the Academy sets a new standard for public education in the area. K-7 Attendance: 265. K-8 Attendance slated for 2005-2006: 297.
Carroll I.S.D. - 5A Public School District. Rated Exemplary by the State of Texas. K-12 Attendance: 7,305. Subdivisions: Glenwyck Farms
Keller I.S.D. - 5A Public School District. Rated Recognized by the State of Texas. K-12 Attendance: 21,786. Subdivisions: Vaquero, Estates of Westlake, Aspen Lane, Paigebrooke Farms, Mahotea Boone, Stagecoach Hills
Northwest I.S.D. - 5A Public School District. Rated Recognized by the State of Texas. K-12 Attendance: 6,343
Higher Education
There are 20 Universities within 40 miles of Westlake, among them:
Southern Methodist University -
Southwestern Medical School -
Tarrant County College -
Texas Christian University -
University of Dallas -
University of North Texas -
University of Texas, Arlington -
http://www.westlake-tx.org/en/QualitySchools.html
Monday, September 15, 2008
History of Westlake
History of Westlake
by
The Town of Westlake was settled by Charles and Matilda Medlin when they arrived in the area with about 20 other families in 1847. They initially settled along Denton Creek but moved south to higher ground after weathering ferocious floods from the creek.
Until 1997, the three-story Medlin barn was a local historic landmark. When it had to be removed for safety issues, it was believed to be 130 years old. Legends include those of Sam Bass and Bonnie and Clyde hiding in the barn.
In 1956, Dallas lawyer Glen Turner purchased about 2,000 acres along State Highway 114. The area came to be known as Circle T Ranch.
Soon after, ranches and homeowners in the surrounding community incorporated, taking the name Westlake. The area included what is known today as Westlake, plus the area north, to the northern shore of Denton Creek. This northern land was later disannexed from Westlake and formed Trophy Club. By 1952, Denton Creek was dammed and Lake Grapevine was formed.
In the early 1970s, Houston developers Johnson and Loggins and professional golfer Ben Hogan approached Westlake about building a golf course, country club, and a housing development. Residents' interests differed. In 1973, Westlake disannexed that area, clearing the way for the upscale housing development.
In the mid 1970s, the Circle T Ranch was purchased by oil millionaire Nelson Bunker Hunt. The ranch became known for its glamorous parties attended by celebrities from all over the world. By 1989, Hunt had declared bankruptcy and the ranch was up for sale. It was purchased by Ross Perot Jr. in 1993.
In the mid 1980s, IBM built Solana, the multi use office complex. IBM maintained a large presence until the mid 1990s. At that time, several of the office buildings became available for use by other corporations. Eventually, IBM sold its partnership interest.
In 1997, to the dismay of residents, there was an attempt to dissolve the Town of Westlake. Many court battles -- including appeals to the Texas Supreme Court -- were waged as emotions rose.
by
The Town of Westlake was settled by Charles and Matilda Medlin when they arrived in the area with about 20 other families in 1847. They initially settled along Denton Creek but moved south to higher ground after weathering ferocious floods from the creek.
Until 1997, the three-story Medlin barn was a local historic landmark. When it had to be removed for safety issues, it was believed to be 130 years old. Legends include those of Sam Bass and Bonnie and Clyde hiding in the barn.
In 1956, Dallas lawyer Glen Turner purchased about 2,000 acres along State Highway 114. The area came to be known as Circle T Ranch.
Soon after, ranches and homeowners in the surrounding community incorporated, taking the name Westlake. The area included what is known today as Westlake, plus the area north, to the northern shore of Denton Creek. This northern land was later disannexed from Westlake and formed Trophy Club. By 1952, Denton Creek was dammed and Lake Grapevine was formed.
In the early 1970s, Houston developers Johnson and Loggins and professional golfer Ben Hogan approached Westlake about building a golf course, country club, and a housing development. Residents' interests differed. In 1973, Westlake disannexed that area, clearing the way for the upscale housing development.
In the mid 1970s, the Circle T Ranch was purchased by oil millionaire Nelson Bunker Hunt. The ranch became known for its glamorous parties attended by celebrities from all over the world. By 1989, Hunt had declared bankruptcy and the ranch was up for sale. It was purchased by Ross Perot Jr. in 1993.
In the mid 1980s, IBM built Solana, the multi use office complex. IBM maintained a large presence until the mid 1990s. At that time, several of the office buildings became available for use by other corporations. Eventually, IBM sold its partnership interest.
In 1997, to the dismay of residents, there was an attempt to dissolve the Town of Westlake. Many court battles -- including appeals to the Texas Supreme Court -- were waged as emotions rose.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Westlake Property Tax? "Never Say Never"
Friday, Sep. 05, 2008
Westlake Property Tax? 'Never Say Never’
Mayor Wheat: 'Never say never’
By A. Lee Graham
Staff Writer
Would Westlake ever levy a property tax? The prospect seems unthinkable to those calling the 700-person community home.
But the need to serve a larger populace could place the idea in the hands of town leaders.
"I would never say never," said Mayor Laura Wheat, no stranger to the subject.
Even before taking office in May, Wheat heard the idea discussed among aldermen. Serving Fidelity Investments among other tenants, not to mention attracting similarly desirable corporations to town, could require additional resources.
"Nobody likes property taxes," Town Manager Tom Brymer said. "But it’s a dependable revenue source."
Whether to seek additional revenue streams has not been decided, though officials cite a need not only to serve existing residents and corporate neighbors but to attract new ones.
"As you get more quality people, that attracts more," Alderman Rebecca Rollins said. "When you get to something like a Fidelity or a Deloitte, people are like, 'Wow!’ What we’re trying to concentrate on is looking for ways to generate more revenue."
But existing resources may be sufficient.
"If the town does not expand its residential base too much, there’s no reason why the town’s [existing] revenues shouldn’t be sufficient," said Scott Bradley, who served as mayor 14 years before stepping down in May.
Since moving to town in 1977, Bradley has watched the community balance growth and tradition. And property tax has always been a four-letter word to longtime residents.
"It’s a point of pride with the town," said Bradley. "With older residents, I can’t see they would ever consider that. I can’t speak for new residents."
Whether to consider a property tax in a community reaping most of its revenue from sales tax could rest with public demand.
"It depends entirely on how many services that citizens demand," said Bradley. "As far as I’m concerned, we have all the services I would want." If the Shops at Circle T and other planned projects reach fruition, Westlake could enjoy expanded retail revenue.
"There’s lots of retail opportunity," said Wheat. "We’ll see what happens."
Westlake Property Tax? 'Never Say Never’
Mayor Wheat: 'Never say never’
By A. Lee Graham
Staff Writer
Would Westlake ever levy a property tax? The prospect seems unthinkable to those calling the 700-person community home.
But the need to serve a larger populace could place the idea in the hands of town leaders.
"I would never say never," said Mayor Laura Wheat, no stranger to the subject.
Even before taking office in May, Wheat heard the idea discussed among aldermen. Serving Fidelity Investments among other tenants, not to mention attracting similarly desirable corporations to town, could require additional resources.
"Nobody likes property taxes," Town Manager Tom Brymer said. "But it’s a dependable revenue source."
Whether to seek additional revenue streams has not been decided, though officials cite a need not only to serve existing residents and corporate neighbors but to attract new ones.
"As you get more quality people, that attracts more," Alderman Rebecca Rollins said. "When you get to something like a Fidelity or a Deloitte, people are like, 'Wow!’ What we’re trying to concentrate on is looking for ways to generate more revenue."
But existing resources may be sufficient.
"If the town does not expand its residential base too much, there’s no reason why the town’s [existing] revenues shouldn’t be sufficient," said Scott Bradley, who served as mayor 14 years before stepping down in May.
Since moving to town in 1977, Bradley has watched the community balance growth and tradition. And property tax has always been a four-letter word to longtime residents.
"It’s a point of pride with the town," said Bradley. "With older residents, I can’t see they would ever consider that. I can’t speak for new residents."
Whether to consider a property tax in a community reaping most of its revenue from sales tax could rest with public demand.
"It depends entirely on how many services that citizens demand," said Bradley. "As far as I’m concerned, we have all the services I would want." If the Shops at Circle T and other planned projects reach fruition, Westlake could enjoy expanded retail revenue.
"There’s lots of retail opportunity," said Wheat. "We’ll see what happens."
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