Read Below for The Very Best Way to Start House Hunting....

Do you want to know the best way to start the home buying process?  Online, of course...to do research but the process is mostly physical work.  If you're not familiar with an area or just kicking tires the best way is to preview selected areas is by open houses.  This weekend is national open house weekend - April 28-29.  So, get out your running shoes and preview as many as you like.  It'll give you much depth into a local market. Remember, the listing agent represents the seller, ALWAYS so just exchange common courtesies and keep comments to yourself.  I see too many buyers want to go direct and pay too much money because they don't understand the real estate process.  The listing agent does open houses to get you as a lead...plain and simple.  Knowing this will help you quickly tour homes and cut out all the sales pitch.  Enjoy the weekend, there's an open house link to the left...some open houses are on Sunday from 1 to 5 PM, most are only open for a two hour window, usually 2 to 4 PM.
In Plano, so far there are 57 open houses for this weekend, I imagine there will be over 100 by the time Sunday hits.

Brand New on Market - 2601 Marsh Lane - Unit 194

If you're not familiar with Villages at Prestonwood, it's newer 1 story homes with open floor plans, vaulted ceilings and tons of light.  You'll find a prestigious gated community located right in the heart of West Plano - 75093.  It's a lock and leave community, perfect for empty nesters looking for low maintenance home ownership.

This particular unit is the lowest priced in the community and ideal location, close to community center and adjacent to a beautiful greenbelt. There are many upgrades in this 1538 sq ft unit with light and bright sunroom.  Nothing to do and move in ready.

Open House this Sunday - March 18 from 2-4 PM, call us for the gate code: 214.415.9829.  Take a look at some of the photos and come see this pristine unit for yourself.  Basic data...List Price: $197,500, 2 bdrm, 2 bath - 2 living areas, 2 car attached garage.  Listing Agent : Kitty Ross - Keller Williams.  Slideshow Link  - MLS 11736576

This weekend June 3rd and 4th, over 300 MLS's across the country will participate in this nationwide open house. check the open house link here for West Plano.  Most times will be Sunday between 1:00 PM & 5:00 PM, majority will be between 2:00 PM & 4:00 PM.  A  Great way to check out the neighborhoods!.

Open Houses are great for buyers.  They're one of the oldest marketing tools available to showcase a home but do they really sell houses?

The truth is you have a 1% to 3% chance of selling your home at an open house.  Could it happen? Yes, No, Maybe....

My question is if open houses worked so well to sell -  Why does a seller need a listing agent?   You could basically have an open house, make a deal and have the title company do the paperwork.  Of course, if a buyers agent was involved they would do all the paper work in addition to the appropriate title work.  In case you didn't know a selling agent, (buyers agent) will more than likely sell your home.  The odds are 98% or better.  That's according to the MLS and National Association of Realtors stats.

So to have an open house or not is up to the seller and listing agent.   It's good exposure but more than likely will not sell a home.  Open houses are more advantageous for listing agents to pick up leads for other real estate services.  And with the market being off -  this is more of a tool to market a listing agent and meet future prospects - Buyer Beware!  Like I said, if open houses sold homes you'd see more direct real estate transactions and many more open houses by real estate agents than you do now.  Just saying....and that's both sides of the equation.

Have a great weekend and enjoy the 22 0pen houses this weekend in West Plano.

Now that we're past the Easter Holiday, open houses are plentiful this weekend.  Looks like the clouds are coming in but 35 homes in West Plano zip codes will be open.  Check out this open house link from the MLS of all open houses not just a particular broker or agent.  This is a great way to check out neighborhoods and the quality in homes.
[Plano Open Houses, 75093,75024,75025]

 Open House Tour

If you're up for being in the heat tomorrow, take a look at the Plano Property Portal Open House link to the right. 27 awesome properties in West Plano. Some have price decreases of late which makes them very attractive. You'll see the price decrease bar on the site. This is all the open houses in 75093, 75024 and 75025, and if one is added at the last minute it will show up too as this link is directly from the MLS.  Enjoy your Sunday and may you find the home of your dreams sooner than later!  Any questions? ask away...
[75093,Plano,TX,Open Houses]

Get a jump on your house hunting!

All across the country is national open house weekend this Saturday and Sunday. Just in time to take advantage of the tax credit if you qualify and get a jump on your house hunting previews...the portal link on the top right side bar has all open houses in Plano zip codes: 75093,75024 and 75025. 40 so far....and probably more...

[75093,Plano,TX, open houses]

First Ever Nationwide Open House



This is a first!  Sellers and buyers get ready for a major consumer marketing blitz to move your property.  Literally!  And thanks to our State Realtor Associations the Open House Weekend date is April 10 - 11.  it's a chance for sellers to showcase their homes and for buyers to use the tax credit that's still available.  You need to be under contract by April 30 and close by June 30 to qualify.

Participating houses will be marked by balloons, DFW Realtors which is Dallas, Metro-Tex,  is reaching out to the media for full blown press.

How do you participate? 

It's easy, if your home is listed tell your Realtor to enter your home in the MLS under Open Houses for that weekend and that's it.  The association is giving free colorful balloons to attach to your sign.  Sounds like a win-win for everyone.  All open houses in Plano will be listed here so check back if you're ready to hunt!

[75093,Plano, Texas, nationwide open house weekend]

Signs of Spring

Wow! Last two days have been much better weather, a little windy today but sure beats the COLD!  Pic's at The Marriott Shops at Legacy.  One of our many virtual offices, great place to meet to start a house hunt.  HP is in the far background which use to be EDS.  Lots of open houses this weekend, check the upper left icon above, last count 31....and enjoy the weather!
[75093,Plano,Texas,Shops at Legacy]

Open Sunday - 5908 Wight, Plano TX 75093
 
You know if you read this blog that I list all Open Houses in West Plano every weekend. You can virtually look at all the properties online and then decide which ones to visit by clicking the links to the right.  I would like to bring to your attention to one of the best values in Windhaven - Basic stats are:

5908 Wight in Windhaven
Bedrms: 4
Baths: 3.1
Sq Ft: 3435
Pool: Yes
Price: $499K

This beautiful custom home will be Open Sunday, 11.15.09 from 2-5 PM.  We have a new price of $499K and this magnificent home has been totally updated. Nothing to do! And you know how hard that is to find in West Plano with Plano ISD. Plus you can walk to schools, parks and recreation center. Take the tour above and be sure to come see us tomorrow to preview this custom luxury home.  And by all means if you know someone that's interested please feel free to invite and pass this information along. See map below...


View Larger Map

[where: 75093, Plano, TX, 5908 Wight]

5908 Wight Street - Open Sunday - 2-5 - Windhaven

This is perfect weather for House Hunting. If you're looking for that one of a kind luxury home that has been beautifully updated then this very well could be it.  Take the tour below and then come to the open to see the real thing.  It's a very rare find in today's market and a property that is move in ready!  See you Sunday.



[where:75093, 5908 Wight, Plano, Windhaven]

35 Open Houses this weekend!

Now that taxes are out of the way, the official spring selling market begins. Take a look at the open house portal to the right and then download the details from the open house report link.  How's the market, It's ripe for buying...plenty of great opportunities out there, go ahead and take a peek - you know you want to...and for disclosure sake - this is all the brokers (brand listings) that are on the MLS.  Happy Hunting!

[where:75093,75025,75024,Plano open houses]

Know Your Pricing

The above photo is one of the many vacant luxury homes on the market. This one is a foreclosure in Frisco. I'm running into more and more buyers that are making their offers so low, that well, they are missing buying the home.  It's good to know the pricing of a neighborhood before you go see a property.  Many homes have taken substantial price reductions already and are priced to sell or close.  Guess it's just human nature to try and go lower...but don't miss a home over a few thousand dollars - some homes are the buy of a lifetime.  Be sure and check out the portal to the right for the latest listings and open houses for the weekend.
Enjoy!
[where:75093,75025,75024, West Plano, real estate, open houses, foreclosures]

Spring Break in Plano

photo by: SKWomack

The weather doesn't feel like it yet but we're getting close to the big warm up.  And we did need the rain desperately.  The middle of March typically means we're almost out of the winter doldrums.  In the meantime, take a peek at the open houses this weekend, the market is starting to pop and it's time to move.
[where:75093,75024,75025, Plano, Texas, open houses]