Wimberly Place provides one-of-a kind estate sites in the highly sought-after master planned community of Twin Creeks in Allen, Texas.  73 Estate-sized home sites, ranging up to 1 acre in size, are nestled in a dramatic private location of lush landscaping, mature trees and tree lined creeks.  Some of the areas most distinguished builders call Wimberly Place home, making it one of the most exclusive luxury communities in North Texas. 

 Homeowners enjoy a plethora of recreational amenities that enhances the rich lifestyle that defines the development.  These include a fountain lake, two private swim clubs, basketball courts, ball fields, playgrounds, tennis courts, a sand volleyball court, and to top it off an Arnold palmer 18 hole championship golf course.

Spectacular estates, ranging from $1.5 million to more than $3 million, are created by Bob Bobbit Company, Cresent Signature Homes, Tony Rossi Custom Homes, Rick Shipley Luxury Homes and Steve Roberts Luxury Homes. 

Homes in this gated community undergo strict architectural review through a committee that approves only the highest quality architectural designs and the finest construction and craftsmanship.

For More information link to Wimberly Place. 

Imagine exploring Frisco, Texas without over stepping out the door.  A treasure map is available online, 24 hours a day for those hunting details about their own neighborhood or a development on the other side of town.  For those on a mission to find the nearest daycare, park or restaurant the interactive map is a wealth of information.  Users can access more than a hundred layers of information making it a valuable resource for new residents or for those whop have lived in Frisco for years.  The system works by collecting information continually from a number of external and internal City of Frisco databases and reports. If you want to find out more about homes in your neighborhood - including your own - just type in the address.  You can pull information from the Collin County Appraisal District, including square footage and the appraisal value.  If you live in a new subdivision typically your home will not show up on the Internet mapping sites.  The city’s interactive map will help you create a printable map to your house, and give you the option of emailing it to your friends. If you want to know more about Public Safety in Frisco Texas, there are layers on the mapping system that will show you where all the storm warning sirens are located in the city, which fire station responds when you call 911, and the police beat that covers your neighborhood.  It is also a great resource for the curious.  Have you driven by a retail center and wondered: “What is going there?”  Wonder no more. With the map you can type in the intersection nearest the development and be linked to the city’e Planning and Development Department.  If the business has filed a permit, it will be there.

To begin your exploration go to maps.friscotexas.gov

 

 

Top 5 Reasons to Perform a Home Inspection
 
 
 
#5   Saves You Time.
A home inspection will saves endless hours of investigating the critical structure and systems of your new home. Plus, most homeowners are not properly trained to perform a thorough investigation and evaluation. Our inspectors know what to look for and clearly explain any issues discovered.
 
#4   Saves You Money.
A home inspection can save you thousands of dollars on repairs that could have been caught in advance.  Inspecting a property before it goes on the market can put more money in a sellers’ pocket.  Having a home inspected before closing can save the buyer money by knowing conditions up front.
 
#3   Provides Peace of Mind.
A home inspection provides peace of mind that a highly qualified and trained professional has reviewed the critical structural and mechanical systems of the home prior to closing. 
Having a home inspected in advance of closing saves buyers time, money and future headaches.
 
#2   Protects Your Investment.
A home is the #1 investment and single largest purchase most people will ever make.  As such, protecting this investment from unknown problems is a critical part of the home buying process.  According to industry surveys, 97% of buyers who received a home inspection felt it was a good value and an important part of the home buying experience.
 
#1   Win - Win for Everyone.
A home inspection offers two things:
1.  It uncovers issues that concern health, safety and major expense to repair or replace.
2.  It confirms the condition of the home prior to buying or selling.

By now we all know that the U.S. Government has taken control of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and that the newly created Federal Housing Finance Agency regulates both entities.  What I am finding is that there is confusion about what the impact of this move will ultimately be on the real estate market.  In order to explore this question, we must first remind ourselves of the very practical function of the GSE’s (government sponsored enterprises) as Fannie and Freddie are often called.  While the GSE’s do not lend money directly to consumers, they are vital to our real estate market’s function as they provide a vehicle that effectively replenishes the lenders’ money when mortgages are made.  Very simply put, Fannie and Freddie keep lenders from running out of money to lend.  Since most Americans must secure a mortgage in order to purchase a home, this role is necessary to keep the flow of money working in real estate markets across the country.
 
We can see how vital the role of Fannie and Freddie is, so when they approached the brink of failure, in stepped the U.S. Government to seize control.  While there is some disagreement as to whether or not the GSE’s actually would have failed and as to whether there were other solutions worthy of consideration, the expansion of the government route was chosen…it is done now.  Accordingly,  I am very pragmatic in believing that because the historic takeover is complete, the time for debate is over.  Our focus as real estate professionals needs to shift to determine what benefits to our businesses and clients will result from the GSE’s being part of the U.S. Government.  Let’s look at a few notable ways that this change can impact the real estate market and, in turn, the greater U.S. economy:
 
·         Liquidity - Once the GSE’s officially came under the umbrella of the U.S. Government, investors (domestic and foreign alike) gained confidence in the GSE’s and immediately began investing their money in mortgage backed securities….flooding our markets with much needed capital.  In addition, the U.S. Treasury can provide a cash infusion as needed going forward.  
·         Interest Rates - Significantly improved liquidity and a greater sense of stability provides an environment which favors lower interest rates.  On Monday, September 8th, the morning following the Sunday evening takeover, conventional interest rates responded by dropping .5% or more on the day relative to the closing prices available the prior Friday.  Although the interest rates fluctuate daily, the new Fannie/Freddie should result in a lower interest rate climate relative to what it would have been without the takeover.
·         Housing Price Stability - Since Fannie and Freddie combine for nearly half of all mortgages in the U.S., the ongoing ability for borrowers to obtain conventional funding to buy homes is critical to avoiding even further housing value drops across the country.  By ensuring the continued availability of mortgage money to the conforming loan limit of $417,000 in our market (well above our FHA limit of $271,050), Fannie and Freddie’s government backing will help us avoid a dramatically deepened crisis. 
 
When this added stability is combined with a more favorable interest rate climate, one can begin to see a scenario in which the large supply of available housing will begin to be absorbed, putting supply and demand back in balance over time.  Because the U.S. economy is largely driven by consumer spending (>60% of GDP), the average American’s housing value is a huge component of stabilizing the greater economy.  Accordingly, the government control of the GSE’s will likely be favorable for real estate professionals and our respective abilities to make housing affordable and attainable to homebuyers for years to come.

Frisco Parks and recrecreation Department is the gold standard in our Lone Star State and we’ve got the medal to prove it.  In 2006 Frisco Parks and Recreation received the TexasRecreation and Parks Society (TRAPS) Gold Medal Award for excellence in management.

Frisco, Tx has 27 park sites that will suit whatever your interest - sports, nature,  or having fun at the park with your kids - Frisco has something for you and your family.

The City of Frisco’s park system is growing by four parks and 137 acres bringing the total number of acres of developed and undeveloped parkland to 1,350. Frisco’s financial investment in the four parks totals more than $10.2 million.  City leaders say the investment is worth it.   
 Vivian Stark McCallum Park, has just been completed.  It is located at 9700 Snowberry Rd. in the Queens Gate development.  The park covers 4.25 acres and is named for a Frisco native, who helped establish the Frisco Public Library and has long been a supporter of the Heritage Association of Frisco and the Frisco Garden Club.    

The Vivian Stark McCallum Park features two separate play structures, open space for recreational activities, a basketball court and a covered pavilion with picnic tables and barbeque grill.  Vivian Stark McCallum Park is also home to The Sky’s the Limit, which is a wind-activated, kinetic sculpture using the symbolic form of a diamond kite as a metaphor for dreaming about possibilities and extending the imagination. 

B.F. Phillips Community Parkis a117 acre community park located at 3335 4th Army Memorial and is named for one of the most prominent ranchers and horse breeders in the Frisco area during the early twentieth century. With an overall ranch and horse theme, Phase I of this park includes a five-field baseball and softball complex, a playground system, as well as concession and restroom facilities.  There is a large, open space for athletic practices or other recreation activities and a paved parking lot.  The park also features an impressive entrance with a large horse shoe and nail sculpture, which are part of the city’s public art collection.  The Frisco Community Development Corporation will spend $3 million to fund Phase II of this park’s development, which is scheduled to take place in 2009.

One of the most outstanding features of J.C. Grant Park is the large stone horse pulling a covered wagon.  The artwork, titled Spirited and Faithful, is part of the city’s public art collection.  This nine-acre park is named after a three term mayor and two term school board member.  J.C. Grant was mayor between 1960 and 1966 and was on the Frisco Independent School District Board of Trustees during the 1940s.

This nine-acre park features a walking trail, a covered pavilion with picnic tables and barbeque grill, a play structure and open space for recreation activities.  The Dedication Ceremony for this park will take place on Wednesday,September 17 at 6:30 p.m.  J.C. Park is located at 9611 Wade Blvd., adjacent to Spears Elementary School.

Located at 15350 Appaloosa Drive, is Foncine Settlement Park  The inspiration for the naming this park was a ridge considered to be the highest point in Collin County, and became known as ‘Foncine’ in the late 1800s.  Eventually, ‘Foncine’ evolved into one of the county’s first communities during the early 1900s.

The Foncine Settlement Park is a seven-acre park featuring open space for athletic practices and other recreation activities, a walking trail, a play structure, a picnic pavilion with tables, and a barbeque grill.  Foncine Settlement Park is also home to The Harvest Game, which is a sculpture of a group of squirrels gathered around a variety of sports balls reflecting the cross section of fields at Foncine and the games which can be played including basketball, football, soccer and volleyball.   

      

  The Fannie/Freddie bailout was very timely and well thought out. If you think things are goofy now, imagine Fannie and Freddie being insolvent!!  The government insured the viability of mortgage financing. We have functioning markets just like we always have had. In fact, rates have dropped since this announcement.   Right now, in Texas, with rates at or below 6% - you couldn’t find a better time to buy. I understand it’s a tumultuous stock market and that may hold some people back, but this window on rates won’t stay open indefinitely. Longer term, we have to pay for these bailouts and rates will eventually trend upward.  
 
    There’s plenty of money to loan. Loan amounts under $271,000 can go FHA. Loan amounts under $417,000 can go conventional. The rates are low!!! Once you get over $417,000 they jump way more than they did before. However, Home Team still has good 2nd lien sources to get a combined 1st and 2nd at a decent blended rate. We can do your 500k’s, 600k’s and 700k’s with a decent down payment and good credit.  Once you get up into 800k and beyond, it’s gets dicer. We still have sources, but they are deal by deal or more accurately: borrower by borrower.  You can imagine how difficult financing is in the higher cost areas. Again, affordability in Texas is a huge factor in why things here aren’t as bad as they are nationwide. 
 
  There is more fallout to come: WAMU will get bought, the brokerage industry has issues to resolve from investing in sub-prime loans, some homebuilders won’t make in through winter, etc. These are national events and they will affect all of our 401k’s, but we will continue having houses to buy and sell and there will be financing.

Jack Nicklaus will give life to BearsBrook-a member-owned club in Prosper, Texas, situated on 225 pristine acres north of Dallas

Bridging the gap between a picturesque, idyllic site in a town with a storybook name such as Prosper, Jim Williams Jr., the developer of a member-owned golf club in North Texas has chosen the greatest name in golf to design their golf course: Jack Nicklaus.

The Golden Bear will be given the opportunity to design a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course on an ideal piece of property less than 30 miles north of Dallas on U.S. Highway 380 in Prosper, Texas.  A site highlighted by rolling terrain, 120 feet of elevation changes, rich with thousands of hardwood trees, and streams that meander through the property. The developers are asking Nicklaus to take this canvas and create a core golf experience that will become the identity of BearsBrook Golf Club.

According to ownership representative Scott Erwin, BearsBrook is already recruiting a limited number of potential Founding and Charter Members.

In addition to the rare aspect of a core golf experience- no street crossings, no tunnels and estate residences will be set back 250 feet from the golf corridors-BearsBrook will be a member owned and operated “pure golf club.” For example, there will be no swimming pools or tennis courts, and members will not have to require tee times. There are plans for a more traditional country club for families in a different location near this gated community.  BearsBrook Golf Club members will have access to the family country club but country club members will not have access to BearsBrook Golf Club.

The golf club will be located on approximately 225 of the 1,400 acres assembled by LandPlan and its investors, and it will be the most ideal portion of the land to dedicate to the finest golf experience Jack Nicklaus can create. The golf course land is without question the crown jewel of our Prosper land.  It is very valuable and highly developable because only a small portion is located in the flood plain. If it was developed as gated residential lots without golf, the most valuable lots would be located in this heavily wooded area with creek views. So to dedicate this land to golf is a true commitment from LandPlan.

Construction is to begin in the summer of 2009, and target is a fall 2010 opening of the BearsBrook golf course and clubhouse.

After the golf course is built, LandPlan hopes to build three gated residential communities and commercial development on the property it owns.

Prosper city officials are enthusiastic about the planned Nicklaus golf course. The Collin County town known as PROSPER, TEXAS  is expected to be one of the fastest growing of Dallas’ northern suburbs in the years ahead. Several large mixed-use developments are planned.

If you are looking for a great Insurance Agent in Prosper Tx John Baker is your man.

John’s Back ground is:

He started as an agent in 1978 in North Dallas.  He is a native Dallasite and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and went on to graduate from Baylor University.  He moved his agency out to Prosper in 2005. He built a home here in Prosper two years ago as well.  His agency writes auto, home, renters ins., life and health insurance. He also offers financial services as well as banking services from the State Farm Bank.  Go my and get to know your local Insurance provider!

     

OFFICE LOCATION

100 N Preston Road,Suite 104
Prosper, TX 75078
Local: (972) 346-3160

Are you a horse lover?  Prosper Texas may be the place for you…There are numerous subdivisions in Prosper that allow horses.  The general rule is one horse per acre.

Growing up with my Dad a rancher and having 5 horses and over 200 acres makes Prosper feel more like home than any where I have been.  Prosper is a place where you can get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.  The larger lots are nice because you can build a “ranch” style house and still have plenty of room between you and your neighbor.  Prosper also has such natural beauty.  The views and natural terrain are something you just can’t get in the city.  A few of the most popular and luxury communities that allow horses are Whispering Farms, Twelve Oaks and Amberwood Farms.

 

 

 Whispering Farms just announced the development and construction of the Whispering Farms Equestrian Center. This first-class facility will contain a 100′ X 240′ covered riding arena, 52 boarding stalls with seperate wash, tack, feed and grooming stalls, 4 “Stud” stalls and a conference area that overlooks the riding arena. Carefully laid out on 25 acres of land, the facility will also have a covered exercise ring and separate feed barn.  Prices in Whispering Farms range from $600,000-$2,600,000.

Twelve Oaks also allows horses.  The lots range from 1.5 to over 3 acres.  Many lots back to the creek and trees.  Prices range from $600,000-$1,000,000.

Amberwood Farms is a gated subdivision in Prosper that is around 194 acres.  Each lot ranges from 3 to more than 6 acres.  Homes range from $500 to $800,000.