McKinney Texas Real Estate Market Watch

Collin County Market Watch 

City : McKinney

Date : 11/13/2012

McKinney Texas Real Estate Market Watch : Are you starting to see more and more sale signs in the yards of McKinney Texas homes? You are not going crazy; the market is continuing to stay hot in The McKinney Texas area. Below you will find a great chart showing The McKinney Texas Real Estate Market and the months of inventory in each price point. Is your home in a seller's market right now? Contact The Jan Webb Team to find out how we can help you take advantage of the great opportunity that exists in today's market!

Price	# Of Active Listings	# Of Sold Listings (Last 30 days)	Months of Inventory	Market Type
$0-$99k	14	4	3.5	Even
$100-$149k	29	29	1.0	Seller
$150-$199k	76	67	1.1	Seller
$200-$249k	82	27	3.0	Seller
$250-$299k	108	23	4.7	Even
$300k-$349k	62	10	6.2	Buyer
$350-$399k	45	13	3.5	Even
$400-$449k	31	4	7.8	Buyer
$450-$499k	15	3	5	Even
$500-$699k	31	6	5.1	Even
$700-$999k	35	0	12+	Buyer
$1 Mil.+	11	0	12+	Buyer

Looking for homes in McKinney Texas? Click Here for access to every listing on the MLS (multiple listing service)

To contact The Jan Webb Team call 972-679-2755 or Click Here to visit our website 

Allen Texas Homes For Sale : 2 Open Houses Sunday Nov. 11

Allen Texas Homes For Sale : 2 Great Open Houses Sunday November 11th

The Jan Webb Team has two great Allen Texas homes for sale that we will be holding open this Sunday, November 11th in Allen Texas, from 1-3 pm. The first Allen Texas home for sale that we will be holding open is at 1006 Great Basin Court. This is a beautiful 4 bedroom 4 bath home in the Waterford Parks subdivision of Allen, Texas. The second Allen Texas home for sale that The Jan Webb Team is holding open is at 1918 Esparanza Dr. This gorgeous 3 bed 3 bath home is in the Somerset development of Twin Creeks in Allen Texas.  Check out the great video posted below of these two Allen Texas homes for sale for a preview of both.

To inquire about these two Allen Texas homes for sale or any other properties currently listed please contact The Jan Webb Team at 972-891-8969 or Visit our website here.

Collin County Market Watch : Plano, Texas November 2012

Collin County Market Watch : City of Plano, Texas

 Date :  November 6th, 2012

Here is a look at what is happening in the Real Estate market of Plano Texas for November 2012.

To find out what is going on in your local real estate market contact The Jan Webb Team at 972-891-8969.

Collin County Market Watch : Plano, Texas November 6, 2012

Price	# of Active Listings	# Of Sold Listings (last 30 days)	Months of Inventory	Market Type
$0-$99k	14	11	1.2	Seller
$100k-$149k	62	42	1.4	Seller
$150k-$199k	83	51	1.6	Seller
$200k-$249k	102	45	2.2	Seller
$250k-$299k	98	22	4.5	Even
$300k-$349k	76	14	5.4	Even
$350k-$399k	41	19	2.1	Seller
$400k-$449k	27	8	3.4	Seller
$459k-$499k	29	2	14.5	Buyer
$500k-$699k	47	6	7.8	Buyer
$700k-$999k	39	6	6.5	Buyer
$1 mil. +	34	3	11.3	Buyer

Collin County Market Watch :  City of Plano, Texas November 6th, 2012

Curious about what is happening in your local real estate market? Each week The Jan Webb team will post a market update on CollinCountyMarketWatch.com.  

The Jan Webb Team specializes in helping home buyers and  home sellers in all parts of Collin County and The North Dallas Area. To speak with a member of The Jan Webb Team please call 972-891-8969

7 'Freaky' Home Threats: Are You Covered?

Plano Home Tips : 7 'Freaky' Home Threats: Are You Covered?

If you're like most homeowners, you probably don't think about your property insurance very often. It's common to enjoy the security of knowing your insurance company has you covered. Or does it?

Sure, your basic homeowners' policy will cover you for the run-of-the-mill stuff like fires (the accidental variety, at least). But what if you have the misfortune of suffering a more unusual type of calamity?

In that case, it's important to know whether you have an "open perils" or "named perils" policy. Most homeowners' policies cover your dwelling on an "open perils" basis, sometimes conversely referred to as "named exclusions." With this type of policy, anything not specifically excluded by your policy is covered. A named perils policy is just the opposite: Everything's excluded except what is specifically listed as covered.

Even within those categories, policies can vary widely depending on your location and the type of coverage you have. So you need to study your policy carefully. Here's a look at some of the more unusual things that could happen to your home, and how your insurance company might react. We'll get some help from Bill Wilson, associate vice president of Education & Research for the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America.

Flood

This may not be considered very "freaky" because it is fairly common. But it's perhaps the most common calamity not covered by a standard policy -- which many homeowners discover the hard way. "Homeowners' policies rarely, if ever, cover flood," says Wilson. "This means surface waters that accumulate from heavy rains; lakes or streams that overflow their banks; wave or wind-driven water and surges common in coastal areas; underground water and springs; sewer and drain backups, and almost any other kind of flooding that doesn't originate from your home's plumbing system. Flood insurance can be purchased from most insurance agents but it is underwritten by the federal government and provided in policies separate from your homeowners insurance." For more information, visit the National Flood Insurance Program Web site at www.FloodSmart.gov.

Mine subsidence

Recently, residents of the Pennsylvania village of Drifton got a shock when the ground opened up and swallowed parts of two homes. The village sits atop old abandoned coal mines, so this wasn't as shocking as it sounds (in fact, the same thing had happened on the same block 30 years earlier). Mine subsidence isn't covered by regular insurance -- insurance for this must be obtained through a special program run by the state, at an average cost of around $250 per year. In the Drifton example, one affected property had this insurance; their neighbor did not.

Volcanoes

Surprisingly, many homeowner policies actually do cover damage from volcanic eruptions. (Likewise, if you have comprehensive auto coverage and your car gets damaged from a volcanic eruption, you may be covered.) This coverage is usually limited, however, to damage caused by the material which comes out of the volcano, such as lava and ash. Damage caused by volcanic ground tremors usually isn't covered, unless you have an earthquake policy. In Hawaii, there's a state volcano insurance program that covers homeowners who live in the highest-risk areas.

Meteors, comets and space debris

If the thought of your home being leveled by a meteor or wayward space station keeps you awake at night, you'll be relieved (and maybe a bit surprised) to learn you'll probably be covered. Wilson says it's rare for policies to specifically exclude this type of damage; it's generally covered under the "falling objects" heading.

Stampeding animals

"Most homeowners policies cover damage to the dwelling caused by animals you don't own or keep," Wilson says. Keep in mind that some policies distinguish between "domestic" animals and wild animals. So while you're OK if a herd of stampeding wildebeests charges your bi-level, you might have a problem if, say, an abnormally aggressive pack of kittens somehow destroys your home. While we're on the subject of animals, keep in mind that owning certain types of pets might make it tougher for you to get coverage in the first place. "Increasingly, insurance companies are shying away from insuring households with dogs, or at least certain breeds of dogs because of the liability exposure," Wilson says.

Landslides

"Most homeowners policies, even if endorsed with earthquake coverage, won't cover landslides." says Wilson. "If you have that exposure, it is most commonly provided by a special 'DIC' policy known as 'differences in conditions' coverage."

Sinkhole collapse

This may or may not be covered, depending upon whether your insurance company lumps it in with the general category of "earth movement," so check with your agent about this risk.

A few more ...

Wilson provides a few more interesting examples of claims which have been covered by open perils policies:

Windstorm damage to watercraft not inside fully enclosed building (this is a common source of claims involving boats at marinas).
Waterbed bursts.
Aquarium breaks.
Skunk discharges inside the home.
Murder in house, significant damage from bodily fluids.
Bobbi Dempsey is a freelance writer based in Pennsylvania.

This Month in Real Estate

Plano Home Tips : This Month in Real Estate


Here is another great video from the This Month in Real Estate series

What to look for in your home inspection

Plano Home Tips : What to look for in your home inspection

So you have gone under contract on a new home and your inspection is coming up. What do you need to know before you meet the inspector?? We have put together a great checklist of what you should be looking for and asking about on your inspection.

BASIC INFORMATION

check the existing condition of all systems and equipment
look for unusual features that may increase or decrease appeal of the home
examine the general quality and condition of the structure
inspect routine repair and maintenance items
bring a powerful flashlight to use in basements and crawl spaces
bring a stepladder to check attic, underside of the roof, and light fixtures

DOORS, STAIRS, AND WALKWAYS

make sure that all doorways, stairs, and walkways are free of obstructions
all stepping stones should be firm
railings should be steady
check external doors for good weather-stripping and thresholds
make sure doors are level, easy to open and close, with good hardware

DRAINAGE

make sure that spouts drain away from house
yard should slope away from the house to draw water away
earth should be at least 6-8 inches below top of concrete foundation
make sure gutters are well-attached and in good condition
look for a wet basement or crawl space

FIREPLACE

check for crumbling mortar around brickwork
look at stability of chimney
check for obstructions
make sure flue is lined with terra cotta (brick is in violation of most codes)
check to see if there is a working damper in the fireplace

FLOORS

check for water damage, especially around plumbing fixtures
test for soft spots in floor
check under house for water-damaged floorboards and supports
check the condition of the floors or carpet
check for moisture damage to parquet floors

FOUNDATION

check for cracks, shifting or settling
see if house is bolted to foundation (earthquake safety)
make sure mudsill is in good condition and dry
check if foundation has been retrofitted
look for structural problems like cracks in the basement floor

HEATING AND COOLING

make sure furnace thermostat is operational
check the furnace venting
find out the ages of the heating and cooling equipment
ask about any problems the occupants may have had with the systems
run both the furnace and air conditioning to check output
check for attic insulation -- walls probably will be insulated too

IMPROVEMENTS

find out if the owners have remodeled or made improvements to the house
inquire about the competence of the company who provided the service
check the licensure and credentials of the builder, owner, or technician

MISCELLANEOUS

check that kitchen appliances and faucet are operational
check for asbestos, radon gas, and lead
check for cracking or peeling paint
check for attic ventilation (1 sq. ft. for each 150 sq. ft. of floor space)

PESTS

look for termite and beetle holes in wooden supports and under house
check attic vents for hornet or wasp nests
check for rodent droppings in cupboards and under house
look for chew holes in roof, eaves, and wiring from squirrels

PLUMBING

check for leaks around pipes and fixtures
test water pressure (turn on more than one faucet at once)
test hot water pressure (same method)
check walls around shower and for water damage
look for rust or leaking around hot water heater
make sure water heater is up to code
check the water pressure and see if there is enough hot water
find out the age of the water heater
ask whether the hot water system has been updated in any way

ROOF

check for leaks or conditions that might lead to leaks
make sure no trees touching or overhanging the roof
look for dry rot or other problems around overhangs
check condition of shingles
find out the age of the existing roof

SWIMMING POOL

make sure cleaning and filtering system works properly
test thermostat
check for leaks or cracks

WALLS AND CEILINGS

check the condition of drywall walls and ceilings
pay particular attention to the condition of taped joints
look for waves or cracks in the walls or ceilings
look for water spots from leaks in the roof
look for settlement cracks in walls

WINDOWS

check for dry rot on panes, sills and frames
check for cracks in glass
make sure windows open properly
check that windows seal tightly and check caulking
check for moisture damage inside
see if bedroom windows are large enough to escape through in case of fire
open the windows to ensure that they are not painted shut
check casement window to see if the hardware is working properly
see whether double-hung windows have broken sash cords

WIRING SYSTEM

test outlets, light sockets and switches to ensure they work properly
check to see if system is updated -- 3-prong outlets, circuit breakers, etc.
look for GFI (Ground Fault Interrupt) outlets in bathroom and kitchen
look for broken or loose outlets
test light fixtures
check blown fuses, overloaded circuits, broken outlets, or flickering lights

Tips for driving on ice

Plano Home Tips : How to drive on ice

There is no better advice to give about driving on ice than this; DO NOT DRIVE ON ICE!!!! However; sometimes a situation will arise in which you absolutely must venture out onto icy roads. If that is the case being prepared and following some simple safety guidelines will hopefully ensure you arrive at your destination in one piece. I found these great safety tips on Weather.com

Driving safely on icy roads

Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
Keep your lights and windshield clean.
Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
Don't use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.
Don't pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you're likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.
Don't assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.
If your rear wheels skid...

Take your foot off the accelerator.
Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they're sliding right, steer right.
If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, ease the steering wheel toward that side. You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle completely under control.
If you have standard brakes, pump them gently.
If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply steady pressure to the brakes. You will feel the brakes pulse — this is normal.
If your front wheels skid...

Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but don't try to steer immediately.
As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go. Then put the transmission in "drive" or release the clutch, and accelerate gently.
If you get stuck...

Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper.
Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way.
Use a light touch on the gas, to ease your car out.
Use a shovel to clear snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car.
Pour sand, kitty litter, gravel or salt in the path of the wheels, to help get traction.
Try rocking the vehicle. (Check your owner's manual first — it can damage the transmission on some vehicles.) Shift from forward to reverse, and back again. Each time you're in gear, give a light touch on the gas until the vehicle gets going.
More Tips
Sources: National Safety Council, New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Washington State Government Information & Services