If you need home staging in Prosper, Tx or Frisco Tx Ren texas, stagersoz is your stager.  She also works the McKinney and Allen Texas areas.  I wanted to share with you one of my home stagers latest success stories. An investor picked up one of my my home stagers business cards from another home she had staged in his own neighborhood and he is very glad that he did.One of his investment properties had been on the market for 60 days with no offers and very few showings.After he saw my home stagers business card and some of her work she has done on our Sharkey Peek group listings he decided to stage some of his investment properties.The first property he staged received 2 offers 10 days after staging…even with a PINK MASTER BATHROOM!  You’re going to love it! Check it out:  http://www.realestateshows.com/flyer.php?id=354057  If you live in the Dallas area or sell real estate in the Dallas area I highly suggest you give Roz a call.She is fantastic!

10 Workers to Tip This Season while making your way around Frisco

Tipping this holiday season may sound too fancy for your budget. But when you consider that many of the people you tip get anywhere from 8 to 68 percent of their income from tips, you may want to give these helpful folks a break and plan for an added service charge.

1. Bartender
Base Pay per Hour: $7.30
Tips per Hour: $10.30
Percent of Total Hourly Income in Tips: 59%

Fortunately for this service provider, we all tend to get a little more generous as the night goes on. But, it’s a good thing when you consider that bartenders are getting the majority of their income from the extra dollars we place on the bar. Typical tip: 10-15 percent of the bar bill.

2. Waiter/Waitress
Base Pay per Hour: $4.60
Tips per Hour: $9.90
Percent of Total Hourly Income in Tips: 68%

Wow, nearly 70 percent of your waiter’s income is based on that tip that you give. So, if you think that a bottle of wine would make a nice addition to your steak dinner, be ready to pay the service charge along with it. Typical tip: 15-20 percent of the bill, 20 percent at fine restaurants or if you have a large group.

3. Massage Therapist
Base Pay per Hour: $26.30
Tips per Hour: $4.80
Percent of Total Hourly Income in Tips: 15%

Between lugging heavy shopping bags, traveling thousands of miles and trying to tolerate your family’s funky quirks, you may be a little tense. Wouldn’t a rejuvenating rub down clear you mind? Typical tip: 10-20 percent of the total, 20 percent if it is a really great massage.

4. Hairstylist
Base Pay per Hour: $9.90
Tips per Hour: $3.50
Percent of Total Hourly Income in Tips: 26%

Oh, if you could only get that perfect cut and color before those annual holiday get-togethers. You can! Just remember that your hairstylist relies on you to provide nearly 30 percent of their income Typical tip: 15 percent of the total.

5. Concierge
Base Pay per Hour: $13.80
Tips per Hour: $1.50
Percent of Total Hourly Income in Tips: 10%

How about an evening in the big city, complete with a hotel stay, a stage show and a romantic table for two? It sounds nice but could require some planning. Let your concierge do all the work and then make sure to say thanks. Typical tip: $5-10 is average, more for special services or favors.

6. Doorman
Base Pay per Hour: $11.00
Tips per Hour: $4.90
Percent of Total Hourly Income in Tips: 31%

Nothing is quite as exciting as getting dressed up to go out on the town then having the front door magically swing open in front of you as the doorman whistles for your taxi. How much does he deserve for this luxurious treatment? Typical tip: $1 dollar or more for help with luggage or finding a taxi on the street.

7. Parking Attendant
Base Pay per Hour: $8.90
Tips per Hour: $3.70
Percent of Total Hourly Income in Tip: 29%

You toss them the keys and when they toss them back, how much do they get? Typical tip: $1-2, depending on how far they travel to get your car.

8. Van Driver
Base Pay per Hour: $10.20
Tips per Hour: $1.30
Percent of Total Hourly Income in Tips: 11%

Whether you’re off to visit grandpa and grandma or are helping coordinate their arrival at your house, you will likely need to tip an airport or hotel van driver. Typical tip: $1 or more per bag, especially if they help you with your luggage.

9. Musician/Singer
Base Pay per Hour: $49.10
Tips per Hour: $4.10
Percent of Total Hourly Income in Tips: 8%

No holiday party is complete without a jazzy guitar riff playing in the background or a bright-lipped brunette cooing about winter. But, what are these pleasant sounds worth? Typical tip: $35-75 per person.

10. Taxi Driver
Base Pay per Hour: $16.10
Tips per Hour: $4.40
Percent of Total Hourly Income in Tips: 21%

Taxi drivers zig-zag through congested main strips and zoom along back roads to get you there on time. What sort of tip do they deserve? Typical tip: 15 percent of fare, $1 per bag up to 5 bags, $2 per bag for 5 or more bags or if bags are very heavy (50 lbs. each).

>> Review of Last Week

REMEMBER THE THANKSGIVING WEEK RALLY?… Well, it’s nice if you still do, because the stock market forgot all about it. We went into the week with a five-session winning streak, which was abruptly put to an end with an 8.9% drop on Monday. Investors were hit with both an ISM Index that showed weaker manufacturing activity and an official recession declaration finally coming from the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER). Their surprising (to us) statement put the start of the recession in December of 2007, as opposed to Q3 of 2008, which was the first quarter of declining GDP. The NEBR, a group of academic economists, is the official arbiter of US business cycles. So I guess we have to live with their pronouncement, which ignores the expansion in GDP for the first two quarters of 2008, including Q2’s very healthy 2.8% growth rate!

Over in the bond market, the action was interesting. Last week, Chairman Ben Bernanke observed that the Fed is running out of room to cut rates, now at 1.00%. But he said they could take the path of buying large amounts of long-term Treasuries to drive rates down. This inspired a run on Treasuries that saw the yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury go to 2.505%, its lowest level in over 50 years. It ended the week at a still super low 2.680%. Mortgage rates, which have already been dropping nicely, should continue headed in a very favorable direction.

>> This Week’s Forecast

THE BEAT GOES ON… This week we’ll have more key info on both the economy and business. Economically, pending home sales will occupy our focus, as well as the Producer Price Index and retail sales.

On the corporate front, Kroger and Costco will report quarterly results. On Monday, we’ll have November sales from McDonald’s, a Q4 update from Texas Instruments and a fiscal 2009 outlook from 3M. Biggest interest will be around the auto industry bailout. Experts believe Congress will do something, but no one knows what they’ll require the Big Three to do in return.

>> The Week’s Economic Indicator Calendar

Weaker than expected economic data tends to send bond prices up and interest rates down, while positive data points to lower bond prices and rising loan rates.

>> Federal Reserve Watch    

Forecasting Federal Reserve policy changes in coming months.

Even though Chairman Bernanke talked last week about options beyond rate cutting, a growing number of experts see the Fed making another rate chop at their December 16 meeting. The big expectation is for a 25 basis point (0.25%) cut to help push the economy back on track. Current Fed Funds Rate: 1.00%

Odds of change from current policy:

The Salvation Army Angel Tree will be at Collin Creek Mall, at North Central Expressway and West Plano Parkway, through Sunday. The tree is decorated with numbered tags with information about individuals in need this Christmas, including children from newborn to 12 and senior citizens. 214-637-8100; or www.collincreekmall.com or 972-422-1070.

Allen

Holiday Magic Puppet Show, presented by the Allen Public Library at 305 Century Parkway, is a free 30-minute family program based on picture books, at 2 and 3:30 p.m. Sunday. 214-509-4900.

Holiday Movie, hosted by the Allen Public Library at 305 Century Parkway, presents White Christmas at 7 p.m. Tuesday. 214-509-4900.

Frisco

Holiday Lights at Frisco Fire Safety Town, 8601 Gary Burns Drive, will be open 6 to 9 p.m. Friday to Sunday and Dec. 19 to 23. Walk through miniature buildings decorated for the season and see Santa in person inside a mini-fire station. Visit www.FriscoMerry MainStreet.com.

Frisco’s Frosty 5K & Merry Mile leaves from Simpson Plaza at City Hall, 6101 Frisco Square Blvd. The Merry Mile starts at 9 a.m. Saturday; Frosty 5K starts immediately after. Registration costs $25. Visit www.FriscoMerry MainStreet.com.

Santa Skate will be 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday at the Dr Pepper StarCenter, 2601 Avenue of the Stars. Ice skate with Santa Claus, Frosty and Rudolph. Tickets cost $10 and includes skate rental, a hot dog, chips and a drink.

Garland

Broadway Dance Center presents The Nutcracker at 2 and 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the Granville Arts Center, 300 N. Fifth St. Tickets cost $10 and are available at the dance center, 3420 Broadway Blvd. 972-840-6015.

McKinney

Chamberlain Performing Arts presents Bug Tussle Holiday Pageant Extravaganza at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the McKinney Performing Arts Center, 111 N. Tennessee St. Tickets cost $7:50 for adults and $5 for seniors and students. Visit www.mckinneyperforming artscenter.org.

Mesquite

Pet Nights with Santa at Town East Mall, Town East Boulevard and East Interstate 635, let pet owners get pictures of Santa with their cats and dogs 6 to 9 p.m. Monday. Owners can also choose costumes for their pets. Animals must be on a leash or in a carrier. www.towneastmall.com; 972-270-2363.

Plano

Plano Civic Chorus presents its Christmas concert, Rejoice!, at 8 p.m. Saturday at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, 5801 W. Plano Parkway. www.planocivicchorus.org; 972-606-5220.

Lone Star Wind Orchestra presents its holiday concert at 3:30 p.m. Sunday at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, 5801 W. Plano Parkway. Tickets cost $15. www.lonestarwind orchestra.com; 214-738-4956.

Richardson

The Manhattan Transfer will perform at 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at the Eisemann Center, 2351 Performance Drive. Tickets cost $30 to $55. www.eisemanncenter.com.

Rockwall

An Open Space Goal Identification Workshop, hosted by Rockwall County, the Trust for Public Land and the North Central Texas Council of Governments, will be open to the general public to provide an opportunity to learn about the ongoing Rockwall County Conservation Visioning Project and provide input for open space goal identification. The meeting will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Rockwall County Public Library, 1215 E. Yellow Jacket Lane.

Rowlett

Operation Rowlett Reindeer, presented by First Christian Church at 7301 Miller Road, allows needy area families to give Christmas wish lists for their children. The church needs donations to help meet these needs, including new unwrapped toys, canned goods and funds. 972-475-3559.

By Ann Marie Shambaugh December 8, 2008
If there’s one issue that makes Frisco ISD Superintendent Rick Reedy toss and turn at night, it’s rezoning. At Monday night’s regular school board meeting, he got to face the issue twice.

Reedy said rezoning is the most difficult issue to handle because a large number of parents weigh in with different opinions about an emotionally-charged issue that affects students for years. In FISD, it’s an issue that must be addressed frequently.

The board approved a rezoning plan for Heritage High School that is slightly different than the plan proposed at last month’s meeting. The new option keeps all areas zoned for Ogle Elementary School at Liberty High School and most of Elliott Elementary at Heritage High School.

Full Story

EXCLUSIVE LUXURY HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

The holiday season is now upon us, and the festive streets and decorated stores are filled with shoppers on a mission to find the perfect gift. But what type of gift does one select for the individual who has everything? Whether you are selecting a gift for a client, special friend, stylist, family member or au pair - our recommendations include unique and luxurious items that are guaranteed to be a perfect fit regardless of your price range.

For the Sweet Tooth on Your List - Sucre Macaroons are sure to satisfy the palette of the most discerning pastry connoisseur. The delectable Parisian treats are prepared with the finest ingredients, and the unique packaging only adds to the decadent appeal. Assorted Macaroons - Large Box $20

In the midst of selecting gifts for the people on our lists, man’s best friend is sometimes forgotten, but the Pampered Pet makes it easy to find a unique gift for the pup on your list. The Dog Spa Gift Basket includes luxurious shampoo and lightly scented paw rub for tired canine feet. Spa Gift Basket $30

For the Car Enthusiast - BMW is synonymous with the ultimate driving experience, and similarly the BMW Leather Driving Gloves are the perfect accompaniment to any ride, providing a posh and comfortable fit with an unrestrictive feel. BMW Driving Gloves $40

Shopping for young children can present a challenge: should the gift be fun or practical? Designer Amy Bahrt’s Scarves combine both sensibility and enjoyment for the child on your list. Handmade from supple merino wool and available in a variety of styles. Children Animal Scarf $75

Luxury homeowners appreciate welcoming scents in their homes - especially one created by the fragrance house chosen by Napoleon, Audrey Hepburn and Princess Grace. Creed’s Green Iris Tweed Candle bestows a revitalizing and clean fragrance with notes of sandalwood and violet. Creed’s Green Iris Tweed Candle $90;

This charming bottle of Château Rauzan-Ségla Margaux 2005 came in 2nd place in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wine Rankings. Originating from the Wertheimer family estate - the same family that owns and operates the House of Chanel - hints of plum, mocha and nutty oak makes this the perfect gift for the wine or Chanel aficionado. $100-$200

Jeni Britton’s Ice Cream concoctions are as exquisite and unique as they come. The epicurean on your list is sure to savor the nine different ultra-creamy flavors, including Pecan Praline, Hot Cocoa by the Hearth (smoked chocolate gelato with handmade marshmallows), and Bourbon Eggnog. Arrangement of nine pint flavors $100 

Looking for the perfect accessory for an iPhone zealot? Give the gift of Apple Applications. The travel application features language translations and currency converter. For the gourmet foodie, select Zagat Mobile, which allows for quick, easy restaurant reviews based on GPS location. Application Certificate $100;

Monthly memberships are a great choice for gift giving - allowing the recipient to receive something special throughout the year. Artisanal Premium Cheese offers superb cheeses - selected by passionate experts - that can be given over 3, 9 or 12-month periods. Special regional themes and tips for wine pairings are an added bonus. 3-month membership $210

For the Tea Habitué - Designed to enhance the overall tea experience, The Sorapot is an essential item for the loyal tea patron. Its elegantly constructed design combines solid functionality and a rich feel. The recipient will never look at brewing tea the same again. Sorapot $250

Engraved stationery is a perfect token for virtually anyone on your list. Whether for business or personal use, Crane’s Stationery embodies a rich and unique look and feel. The unsurpassed quality and attention to detail create a timeless gift for men and women alike. Black Bordered Pearl White Correspondence Cards $265

For the Wine and Technology Enthusiast - When the time comes to open a special bottle of wine, time constraints may prevent the bottle from breathing to its full extent. The Philip Stein Wine Wand solves this dilemma in using natural energy to aerate wine, enhancing flavors and aroma almost instantly - the perfect gift for wine aficionado. Travel Wine Wand $325

The Cartier brand is known for creating products that surpass even the highest standards of quality and design, and the Cartier Leather Card Holder is no exception. The essential accessory - enhanced with clean, sophisticated detail - is guaranteed to create lasting impressions. Cartier Leather Card Holder $390

One can never go wrong with giving a gift for the home. Abafazi’s Mohair Throw - a Barney’s exclusive - exemplifies splendor and elegance through its dazzling crystal beads and authentic ostrich feathers. This South African handmade masterpiece creates a look beyond duplication. Mohair Throw $495

Happy Holidays from THE SHARKEY PEEK GROUP!

How to choose the right agent

Finding the right real estate agent is the most important decision when it comes to selling or buying a home. But remember, all real estate agents aren’t created equal. Some will get involved every step of the way, while others reallocate a lot of the work to other brokers. The key is finding the right agent for the job.

Here are some tips for what to look for in a real estate agent:

• Shop around - There are many agencies to choose from, but remember that the individual real estate agent is more important than the agency. Ask your friends to refer you to agents with whom they’ve had good experiences. www.tiffanysharkey.com.
  • Look for experience - There is an abundance of agents at your disposable but you want to choose one that has lots of industry experience (at least two years). Don’t be afraid to ask how long they’ve been practicing and to turn them down if necessary.
  • Search for commitment - A lot of real estate agents only practice part-time. If this is the case, they may only give their full dedication for properties within a certain price range. Make sure to find a committed agent that will work their hardest even if your home does not fit into that price range. Furthermore, choose an agent that is willing to work with your schedule.
  • Interview the agents - Take the time to sit down and talk with the agents you’re interested in working with. You’ll get a feel for what they can offer and you can decide whether or not you’ll feel comfortable working with them. A good relationship between agent and home owner is essential to selling the home.
  • Negotiating sale price - Find a confident real estate agent who is willing and able to negotiate price, whether you’re buying or selling a home. This ability shows that the agent is not just focused on making money, but is also eager to get you the best deal possible. This is where an experienced real estate agent can excel.
  • Communication skills - Communication skills are among the most important qualities that a real estate agent should possess. You want an agent that will communicate with you every step of the way so you are completely informed on where you stand. It’s also the best way to ensure your needs will be fully understood and met.
  • Cost - It’s important to have an understanding of what you expect to pay for a real estate agent. Agents work on commission - that is, they receive a percentage of the selling price of the house. The commissions are usually determined by the real estate agency. An average commission for a $200,000 house may be 6 percent.

Interest rates fluctuate as changes occur in the general economy. If you purchased your home when interest rates were higher, you may want to consider re-financing your loan at a lower rate.

You will have to apply for the new mortgage and have your current income eligibility assessed. Depending on how long you have had your present loan, a current appraisal may be required. There are closing costs, such as attorney, title fees, recording and notary fees, and appraisal charges. The biggest factor in your decision should be the length of time you plan to remain in your home. If you will be there for only a year or two more, it might not pay to re-finance. If you will be in your home longer, re-financing could provide you with lower mortgage payments. Your real estate agent can help you work out the numbers and can refer you to reputable home appraisers and mortgage lenders.