Everything but skiing in Dallas/Fort Worth!

Jim Fite talks about the diverse real estate market and the many property types available - just about everything you could want...except skiing!

Finding the right house is about more than bricks and mortar, it’s about choosing a lifestyle!

A home and a neighborhood tailored to your personality
One of the joys of owning a home is the creative aspect of tailoring your new environment to your personality, your lifestyle, and your needs. From decorating and painting to landscaping to location, your home tells a story about you! The variety of home types in Dallas Fort Worth supports a highly diverse Metroplex of retail and business professionals, craftsman and artisans, teachers, health professionals and civil servants. There is not just one housing answer! Maybe that’s why DFW is one of the most sought after markets and job growth centers in the nation – there is something here for everyone.

Here is a list of things to think about when choosing your DFW real estate lifestyle:

Personality type – City-goer or country lover? Quiet or party lover?
Work requirements – work in an office downtown? From your home? What is the commute?
Family – Do you have kids? Is your family active in sports? Weekend activities? Weeknight activities?
Entertainment – love the movies? Like to listen to live music? How far are you willing to drive for your fun needs?
Hobbies – Do you need a hobby room? Place for a garden? Pool or gym access? Golf?
Physical limitations – are you physically limited? Do you want stairs? Need easy access?
Schools/Church/Shopping – Involved in PTA? Teach Sunday School? Do you want shopping easily assessable?
Time Management – How much driving do you want to do? Can you handle traffic? Do you have daycare time requirements?
Budget – what can you afford? What area can you afford? How dependable is your car? Gas mileage? School? Taxes?

Think about these things, discuss them with your partner if you are buying a home with someone else. Write down the answers and use this as a guide to start your search for the perfect real estate lifestyle you will enjoy for years!

To find a real estate professional who can help you get started with your real estate transaction, contact CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company today! Call 800-451-8055, or email 411@judgfite.com.

Let's talk about why you need a Realtor

Jim Fite talks about "Why use a REALTOR"?

Century 21 launches new iPhone app for real estate

Why SELL Now?

Why now is a good time to sell you home:

- more buyers because of $8000 tax credit for first time homebuyers

- historically low interest rates

- more inventory to choose from for your next home

Think about it, you can upgrade for less!

Contact CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company to help you prepare to sell your home and get you into your dream home!

Why BUY Now?

Why now is a GREAT TIME to buy your dream home:

- first time home buyers may be eligible for $8000 tax credit

- historically low interest rates

- more inventory to choose from - housing prices are down

- financially a smart move

Contact CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company to help you find the perfect home and see if you can qualify for the $8000 tax credits.

There is still time to get in on the $8000 Tax Credit*

If you are a first-time homebuyer, or a move up buyer ready for a larger home, or you are ready to downsize your home, now is the time to get on the path to federal tax credits of up to $8,000. Ask us how. Contact CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company today and get started on the path to your first dream home!

* Home Buyers Extended Tax Credit, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 2009. Contact a tax professional for details.

Real Estate Lifestyles

Property types serve a changing and diverse culture
Today choosing a home is not just about deciding if you want a yard with trees or a pool, or exterior wood or siding, rather, it is about what type of property can best serve your situation and goals. Which property type will make the right home for you? What are your personal, daily living needs and requirements? Here is a list of the most common property types available on the market today; perhaps understanding more about each can help you make a better decision as you search for your dream home.

Condominiums
A condominium is defined as the individual ownership of a building with access to common areas owned by all residents within the complex. Association fees must be paid to maintain, repair, and improve the common areas shared by residents, which typically include a pool, spa, tennis courts, walking paths, and more. Banks and lenders often finance condominiums at higher interest rates.

Condos are great for retirees since there is little upkeep, and in most markets, they cost less than single-family homes. Young singles and professionals do well in condos since most are located in high traffic areas close to jobs, entertainment and shopping. Keep in mind that there will be rules, so be sure you can live with them before you buy. Be sure you ask about the HOA fees, how much they are, when and how you pay them, and how often the fees are assessed.

Investment Properties
A property that is non-owner occupied, owned for the purpose of financial gain either through renting and/or appreciation. Even if the property does not generate income, if the owner does not occupy the home, it is considered an investment property. Investment properties include single-family residences and multi-unit properties. Multi-unit investment properties are among the most expensive to finance.

Manufactured Homes
Often referred to as “mobile homes” or “trailer parks”, these types of properties are constructed on a non-removable steel chassis which allows them to be transported. These homes are often located on leased land, such as in trailer parks and adhere to the Federal Construction Safety Standards Act (HUD/CODE).

On land a mobile will often cost less than half of what a similar-sized house costs, and will appreciate in value (because of the land). This can be a great way to get into home ownership. They do generally have lower-quality construction compared to houses, so be prepared for a few repairs and annoyances.

Modular Homes
Modular homes are similar to manufactured homes, though they adhere to building codes required by the specific state, county, and locality, and do not carry building or zoning regulations. They also differ from manufactured homes in that they don’t have an axle or frame, and must be transported on a flat-bed truck or like vehicle. Financing may be in the form of a personal property loan, and at a premium to mortgage loans.

Multi-Unit Properties
Multi-unit properties can be primary residences or investment properties. A 2-unit property (duplex) for example may be occupied by the owner in one unit, and a tenant in the other unit, defining it as a multi-unit primary residence. Or a 4-unit property may be solely occupied by tenants, defining it as a multi-unit investment property. Multi-unit properties carry additional financing adjustments to fee, more substantial for 3-4 unit properties.

Second Homes (Vacations Homes)
Second Homes, also known as “vacation homes” are residences typically found in recreation areas or resorts that serve as seasonal accommodation. These properties are in owned in addition to a primary residence, and can be condominiums, townhouses, or single-family residences. Vacation homes are common in ski resorts and near the beach, and may be rented out to other vacationers while not in use. Financing is more expensive than single-family residences, but less than investment properties.

Single-Family Residences
This is the most standard property type which is designed to support just one dwelling. This type of property does not include a common area as you’d find in a condominium complex and similar developments. They do not share walls with neighboring properties, and should have land separation from all sides of the property, as well as above and below. These are the cheapest properties to finance, as they are the norm.

Single-Family home is great for families with children. Whatever the style, the idea is to have room for everyone and preferably a yard for the kids to play in. One advantage of buying a basic three bedroom, two bathroom house is that this is the easiest type of home to sell. One disadvantage is that these "regular" homes can take a lot of work and money to maintain.

Townhouses
A single-family dwelling typically made up of two floors that shares side walls with nearly identical properties. It differs from a condominium in that no neighboring unit is above or below, and usually features an outdoor space in front and behind the property. It’s similar to a condominium in that tenants have access to a common area such as pool, spa, tennis courts and more. Many banks and lenders consider townhouses as a single-family residence, making mortgage financing more affordable.

Whether they're one, two or three stories tall, townhouses (also called townhomes) are typically vertical in design. Some even come with attached garages. They blend the privacy of a single-family home with the benefits of the exterior condo maintenance, which is usually done by the homeowners' association. Many townhouses are built in what are called planned unit developments (PUD), clustered communities that have areas for residential and commercial/retail use, and public areas such as schools, parks and the like.

If you would like help in finding the right property type for your lifestyle, visit http://www.century21judgefite.com/ to search over 50,000 properties of all styles and to find a qualified real estate professional in your area, or call 800-4518-8055.

Can I manage my own rental? How hard could it be?

Yes, you can manage your rental yourself. You will waste a lot of money, do a partial job, and loose a lot of rent due to mismanagement and a lack of knowledge. You will most likely have greater liability and expose yourself to greater risk than a Professional Property Manager.

These are the questions you no doubt will ask - What do I do when the tenant stops paying rent? How much rent do I charge? What is the market rent rate? How do I start the eviction process? Which Justice Court do I go to? How do I truly qualify a prospective tenant?

Who do you think knows the laws better, you or your tenant? What can you legally withhold from the tenants deposit after they move out? How do you document the property prior to tenant move in? What do you do when the tenant doesn’t mow their yard and the HOA is fining you as the owner? How do you handle a pauper’s appeal? What is coding the locks and do I have to re-key and code after I the owner move out? How soon do you have to make a repair? Do you have to repaint every two years? Do you have to do a walk through with the tenant? Which lease do you use? Do I have to clean the tenant’s carpet every six month? When do I have to send the tenants deposit back? Who do you hire to do your repairs, and are they charging me a fair rate? How do you handle a tenant breaking their lease by moving early?

You probably would not hire your Heart Surgeon from the Yellow Pages and you do not want to hire your Property Manager based on commission alone. I had an owner hire us to assist him with his non-paying tenant. The tenant had lived in the home for five years yet the tenant owed the owner two and a half years of rent. The owner was charging less than half of the market rate rent for five years. The owner only collected one half of the rent due for those five years. With no mortgage, the owner could barely pay the annual taxes and insurance with the collected rent. The tenant had no intention of paying. We had him out of the house and the house “broom-clean” in three weeks.

We were recently hired by a mortgage company to handle the management of a home where the tenants were behind in their rent and that they could not kick out (their attorneys could not successfully remove the tenants). We handled the eviction, had the home empty in three weeks and re-rented the property. Our job is to manage the situation, correct previous qualifying errors and create an opportunity for the property to cash flow. Hiring a Professional Property Manager has made a positive difference on the number of rentals my family own.

Realtors are trained in the art of negotiating, disarming hostile owners & tenants and reasoning with two parties. Property Managers are grounded on truth and having a strong work ethic. A professional Property Manager will assist you in maximizing your cash flow, minimize the expenses. We will help get the property rented faster at market rate. A professional Property Manager will continue to receive education and training in order to do you, the owner, and tenant a better job. Professional Property Managers are not likely to be side swiped by a tenant who quotes laws that do not exist. Professional Property Managers are the World’s Best Problem Solvers.

For more information about property management, contact William Ferguson, President, Judge Fite Management Company at 214-232-4118, williamferguson@judgefite.com, or click here to visit our website for detailed information and to view our properties for lease.

Why use a Realtor in Commerical Real Estate?

Realtors are not just real estate agents. They are the true professionals and experts in the industry. There are many reasons to use a Realtor in commercial real estate transactions. Here are several real examples that will show how using a Realtor benefited some of the clients of the CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Commercial Division:


A retailer has always done his own site selection for his new locations. Our Realtor Agent met with him 12 years ago and showed that he could research the site selection and negotiate the lease as well as the client, saving the client valuable time that he could use running his business. 15 locations later (and counting) this is still working effectively for both the client and Realtor.

A developer/contractor did his own leasing of the shopping centers he built. Our Realtor Agent convinced the client that he was capable of handling all aspects of the leasing of the center, allowing the client to spend more time working on his construction business and procuring additional construction jobs. The Realtor leased up one center, prompting the client to ask him to find another site for purchase and development. Now, the Realtor is pre-leasing that soon to-be- built shopping center. The client now spends his time and energy growing his construction business, knowing that his Realtor is handling the leasing of his center in a professional and effective way.

The owner of a dry cleaning business wants to build and own his own retail center. Our Realtor Agent researched areas, helped negotiate the purchase of land and then helped the client with development, leasing and eventual sale of the center while allowing the client to spend his time successfully running his other four stores.

A banker with a property in default wants to sell it before it goes to foreclosure. The banker calls a Realtor to help him. The Realtor contacts one of his investors and is successful in quickly negotiating a sale of the property before foreclosure. This allows the banker to remove the property from his “bad” loan list, provides the investor the opportunity to pick up a valuable property and both parties obtain a mutually satisfying ongoing lender/borrower relationship. A win-win for all sides because the banker knew the value of using a Realtor.

I you would like help with your commercial listing or are interested in a career in commercial real estate, contact Larry Harbour, Manager, Commercial Division for CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company at 214-446-2575, or email LarryHarbour@judgefite.com. Be sure to visit http://www.c21jfcommercial.com/ to view all our commercial property listings.

Top Ten Suggestions for Selecting a Real Estate Agent

In order to find a real estate broker or agent who meets your needs and makes your buying or selling experience a positive one, Century 21 Real Estate Corporation recommends you:

1. DO NOT blindly walk into or call a neighborhood firm and ask for an agent at random.
2. Ask friends and family for recommendations.
3. Interview several real estate agents:
- Find out their history with the brokerage, their experience and background.
- Gauge their knowledge of your favorite towns.
- Ask for a list of previous clients and their phone numbers.
4. Pay attention to whether a potential agent is listening closely to what you say.
- Is he or she asking follow-up questions which prompt further explanation and help him or her understand exactly your needs and wants?
5. Give a potential agent the opportunity to educate you.
- A good agent should walk a customer through the buying or selling process before ever showing properties or discussing a specific transaction.
6. Have a good idea of what you expect from an agent and communicate those expectations.
- How often do you want to hear from your agent?
- Do you want to hold meetings at your house rather than the real estate office?
7. Weigh the benefits of working with an experienced agent versus a novice.
- An experienced agent may have more insight, but a new agent may have innovative ideas or more energy and time.
8. Find an agent who complements your personality.
- If you like to start your day at 7:00 a.m., don't choose an agent who arrives to the office at 10:00 a.m.
- If your preferred method of communication is e-mail, don't choose an agent whose most advanced technology is a fax machine.
9. Evaluate the agent's firm and/or office.
- Look for a real estate organization whose agents can empower you with real estate expertise and resources and provide first-rate customer service.
10. Look for an agent who will be your partner.
- Find someone you trust, who will give you the facts, help you make intelligent, well-informed decisions and work with you throughout the entire process.

To find a CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company agent or office near you, click here.

Located at 1140 Empire Central, Suite 520 in Dallas and in 21 other convenient locations across the Metroplex, CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company is a full service brokerage specializing in residential, commercial, recreational, investment and luxury properties. CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company celebrates over 70 years of real estate service and was recently named one of the “Best” Companies to work for in the state by Texas Monthly Magazine.

Real Estate is GREAT! at CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company

Working with an Insurance Pro

One of the main reasons that buyers and sellers choose to work with a REALTOR® is the peace of mind that comes with hiring a professional that knows the business and has experience in solving problems and helping people with their needs.

The same reasoning applies when looking for insurance. Working directly with a licensed agency is much more rewarding as a policy holder than other methods of obtaining insurance. When you work with an agent directly, they will identify your needs and offer you a product that meets you needs. When you order insurance off of a website, you don’t get the opportunity to ask questions about coverage, service or price. How do you know, with as complicated and different as policies are today, if this is the right policy that fits your needs? Are there gaps in coverage that exist because there wasn’t a live person to make sure that your exposures are covered? When you order insurance by calling an 800 number and sitting on hold for 20 minutes, you don’t know the person that will answer, they don’t know you or your account, and when you call back, you will most likely talk with a different person every time. Allowing an agency to look at your account offers more personalized service and avoids potential gaps in coverage.

Not only is it important to work with an agent to ensure you are properly covered, but it is also critical to make sure it is an independent agent. An independent agent is defined as one that represents multiple insurance carriers and can shop the market to find the policy that meets your specific needs at the best price available. When your independent insurance agent gives you a quote, you can have peace of mind in knowing that your coverage was shopped with multiple carriers and that you are being presented with the best solution and the best price. Also, when it comes time to renew your policy, your agent should be automatically shopping for you to make sure that the renewal is the best out there. Carriers change rates constantly, and just because one had the best rates last year does not necessarily mean their rates are the best this year.

Lastly, working with an independent agent allows for much more flexibility in what can be offered. Many insurance companies do not like homes over a certain age, or with a certain roof type, or if that owner has a certain kind of dog. However, working with many carriers allows independent agents to have other markets to go to for those hard to place risks, and they can successfully find a solution for your needs more effectively than a direct writer.

Make sure that when you are looking for insurance that you use an independent agent for the same reasons that a buyer or seller would want to use a professional REALTOR. The level of service, expertise and variety of products that is offered is far superior when you have an independent agent looking out for your needs. Thank you for your support of Judge Fite Insurance Agency. We are a member of the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas because we pride ourselves on being able to offer our clients insurance solutions that meet their needs at the best price in the market. Allow us to being working with you and your clients today!

For more information about insurance for you home, investments, vehicles, or business, contact Judge Fite Insurance today at insurance@judgefite.com or 214-446-2571.

Why should I use an agent, I don't even know what they do!

You could do it yourself, but…..

With more real estate resources available on the internet, it may seem as if buying and selling a home is an easy task. Here are 30 reasons out of 101 (to see the entire list click here) that will show you the extent of knowledge and experience that an agent provides to help you through a real estate transaction. This list reflects some of the actions, procedures and processes that a real estate agent may typically perform during a residential real estate transaction – and are all things that you could avoid doing yourself.

Typical Pre-Listing Activities
1. Research Current Properties
2. Research Sales Activity from MLS and public records databases
3. Provide Average Days on Market Assessment
4. Review Property Tax Roll
5. Prepare a Comparable Market Analysis (CMA)
Selling the Property Activities
6. Review Title Details
7. Order Plat Map
8. Create Showing Instructions
9. Obtain Mortgage Loan Information
10. Review Homeowner Association Fees and Bylaws
Advertising and Marketing a Listing
11. Enter a Profile Sheet into the MLS Listing Database
12. Take Additional Photos for MLS and Marketing
13. Create and Advertise Property Listing
14. Coordinate Showing Times
15. Create and Mail Flyers
Handling Offers and Contracts
16. Receive Offer(s) to Purchase
17. Counsel and Mediate Offer(s)
18. Deliver Seller's Disclosure
19. Obtain Pre-qualification Letter
20. Negotiate Offers on the Seller's Behalf
Home Inspection and Home Appraisal Activities
21. Coordinate Buyer's Home Inspection
22. Review Home Inspector's Report
23. Interpret Loan Limits
24. Contractor Preparation
25. Confirm Repair Completion
Closing Preparations and Actions
26. Coordinate Closing Process
27. Coordinate Closing Formal Procedure
28. Assist with Title Issues
29. Perform Final Walk-through
30. Verify Tax and Utility Preparation

If you are thinking about buying or selling real estate, visit http://www.century21judgefite.com/ to find a real estate agent in your area, or contact us at 800-451-8055, email: 411@judgefite.com.

What are the advantages of using a REALTOR today?

Having a good real estate transaction or experience really depends on your agent

Finding the right agent is the basis for a great real estate transaction. And success comes from the consumer’s perspective, no one else’s. Make sure that you feel comfortable and can communicate easily with your agent, and that they have the knowledge you need to help make a good decision. Carefully choosing a Realtor will definitely give you an advantage in the home buying or selling process!

QUICK TIP #1: Look for the agent who has the LOCAL ADVANTAGE
When you are choosing a Realtor to help you buy or sell real estate, look for one who is an expert in the community where you are selling or interested in buying. Here are a few ways to determine how “local” your agent is:

- A community resident (preferred)
- Has community memberships in clubs, boards, chambers, associations, PTA, etc.
- Ask to see their “PR” or press related announcements about their local activities
- Ask how long they have been in the area and where their office is located
- Do you see their “FOR SALE” sign in the area?

QUICK TIP #2: Look for the agent who has the TECHNICAL ADVANTAGE
One of the key assets you want in a Realtor is one who has knowledge of their industry and of the local market. You want them to understand the technical side of the real estate transaction so they can help you navigate through the process, eliminating errors and getting you to the closing table successfully and on time.

- Look for experience. How many years in the business?
- What is their background?
- Check to see what real estate “designations” they have. There are many education hours required for an agent to receive one single designation such as CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) or REALTOR® (Graduate of the Realtor Institute). This indicates specialized training in a certain area.
- When you identify the agent’s areas of expertise, make sure this compliments your particular needs.

QUICK TIP #3: Look for the agent who has the MARKETING ADVANTAGE
One of the greatest advantages in working with a real estate professional is the marketing opportunities they bring to the table. For the buyer, they are more knowledgeable on homes from marketing through their vast referral network. And for the seller, a Realtor’s “marketing toolbox” and referral network has the potential to expose your property to thousands more interested buyer prospects.

- Check out their website, is it up to date with community and property information?
- Are they Internet savvy? Connected?
- Do they participate in social networking, and do they have pages on Facebook and other sites they are using to market their listings and provide pertinent real estate information to the online community?
- Ask for an example of their marketing plan for your property or a listing of their referral networks where they can match your real estate needs up to sellers.
- When and how will they deploy their marketing plan? How will it benefit your objectives?

These tips get you thinking about what qualifications you want in a real estate professional. The bottom line is that you want to find an agent who possesses most, if not all, of these qualities while having a comfortable working relationship with you. You are choosing someone you will be spending many hours with and hopefully will build a solid, long-term relationship over time. Selecting the right real estate agent will make a world of difference in the outcome of your real estate transaction.

To find a real estate professional who can help you get started on your next real estate transaction, visit http://www.century21judgefite.com/ today! Call 800-451-8055, or email 411@judgfite.com.

Staging your Home Quick Tips

Everyone appreciates a lovely, well cared for home!

QUICK TIP #1: Remember the three “C’s”

1 - CLEAN
You have probably heard, “there are a million reasons for people to be poor in this world, but there is no reason not to be clean.” No one wants to move into someone else’s filth. Your home should be sparkling clean – bathrooms, appliances, windows, mirrors, cabinets and countertops, etc.; floors should be shiny, dust-ball free and squeaky clean; and furnishings that don’t look shopworn are just the beginning of clean.

2 - CLUTTER
Get rid of it. This is probably the biggest challenge in any home. Not only is it messy, it makes the house appear to be smaller. In the process, de-personalize the home. Family photos on the bureau and awards on the wall make buyers feel that they are invading a seller’s privacy. Go for a simple, streamlined look and put away the personal items.

3 - COLOR
“Paint and Petunias”. Studies from the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University show that minor landscaping and new paint actually return 109% of the dollar cost. Color is very subjective, so make sure when you are painting to make rooms look fresh that you don’t overuse strong colors. It is best to keep the colors subtle and mellow. Remember, you want the prospective buyer to visualize THEIR style in YOUR home.


QUICK TIP #2: Follow the basketball rule*

It's no secret that America is a nation of consumers. And all of that stuff we buy is strewn about our homes. In the living room of one luxurious homes that staging guru Barb Schwarz * staged, she unearthed a grand piano beneath mounds of clutter - something she did not notice when she first visited. So while you might like being surrounded by your collection of trophy fish or glass figurines, these items can be a real turnoff to a potential buyer.

Here's a rule of thumb: Remove all items that are smaller than the size of a basketball. Pack up at least half of your books. And stash the photographs of you and the kids on your Hawaiian vacation. You want the buyer to be able to envision himself in your home -- not you.

*Source: Ellen Florian, FORTUNE. Barb Schwarz is the CEO and founder of StagedHomes.com and has personally staged more than 5,000 homes over the past 33 years.


QUICK TIP #3: Set the scene

Just before a showing:

• Just before the agent arrives with the prospects, open the drapes and window shades to let in as much daylight as possible. Turn on lights throughout the home. If it happens to be night, be sure that all of your outdoor lights are on, especially landscape and pool lights.
• Open all the doors between rooms to give an inviting feeling. Have soft jazz or easy listening music playing. It will put people in a buying mood.
• Pick up any newspapers or magazines that may be lying around. See that the counters are free of unnecessary items and that any dirty dishes are put in the dishwasher. Empty the wastebaskets, put the toilet lids down, hide your laundry and grooming items, and place baskets of new, color coordinated hand towels in the bathroom.

For help on staging your home for sale, contact ROI Staging at www.roistaging.com. To help find a real estate professional in your area, visit http://www.century21judgefite.com/ or call 800-451-8055. You