Famous North Texas Wineries
April 7, 2008
The community of Grapevine is steeped in history, including the site where the famous villains known as Bonnie and Clyde killed two Texas highway patrol officers in 1934.
The town, originally settled in the 1840’s and 1850’s, had been named after the Wild Mustang grapes that were abundant in the area during that time. Over time, and as the town grew, the Wild Mustang grapes became fewer and fewer. Many people, though, recognized the fertility of Grapevine real estate and its suitability for growing grapes. In recent years, many wineries have sprung up in the area, paying homage to the town’s beginnings.
Taste a Bit of North Texas History
Grapevine real estate once again is producing flourishing vines, and over a dozen wine tasting rooms and wineries can be located throughout this historic town. Many are in the heart of Grapevine, while others can be found on old homesteads spread among acres of gorgeous North Texas countryside.
Each winery offers its own varietals, so it is worthwhile to take the time to visit each one. Many tastings are offered with food samplings, and many of the wineries host themed or special events, maximizing the experience of each visitor.
Grapevine’s wine ambassadors, the Grapevine Wine Pouring Society, can be found at festivals and events within the city, promoting Grapevine’s many wineries throughout the year.
In a land known for its wild frontier days, the elegant wineries of Grapevine masterfully blend a bit of European character with cowboy heritage, providing a truly unique experience for the many tourists who call on Grapevine each year.
Arlington Real Estate Expected to Remain Strong
March 26, 2008
Strong job growth in the Fort Worth - Arlington area and the ongoing affordability of homes in the area is expected to keep Arlington real estate strong, according to a report released by PMI. PMI is an insurer of mortgage lenders.
As the economy slows, the Fort Worth – Arlington area is expected to have a less than one percent chance of experiencing any decline in home prices, which is consistent with the rest of the north Texas and Dallas region. Meanwhile, there are many areas of the country that are almost guaranteed to experience drastic drops in home values.
Slow, Sustained Growth has Helped Fort Worth
What has helped keep the real estate market upbeat in Fort Worth and Arlington is the slow, sustained growth these neighborhoods experienced while the rest of the country was booming. Now those areas that skyrocketed in value are paying the price as the market tries to normalize back to the levels home values historically should be at.
In areas such as California, Nevada, and Florida, home prices exploded while job growth fell, and the affordability of homes plummeted. In some areas, only five percent of the population can afford the average home.
In Texas, however, home values have remained very affordable compared to the average income for residents, and job growth has continued at one of the fastest rates in the country. This keeps the demand for real estate high and the values holding steady in a time where others are seeing economic strife.
Overall, the picture for Fort Worth Real Estate and Arlington real estate looks good, and homeowners should take comfort in knowing their home values are expected to hold steady in the coming months.
Cleanup Day Set to Beautify Arlington Neighborhoods
March 24, 2008
For one day in April, Arlington residents have the opportunity to clean up their neighborhoods and get rid of unwanted rubbish at no charge. As a means of maintaining your Arlington real estate, anyone with proof of residency can dump unwanted waste at one of three locations. The event will be held on Saturday April 19, and will run from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.,
Get Rid of All of Your Trash
Nearly any type of household or yard waste other than hazardous materials can be dropped off at the Arlington Sanitary Landfill, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, or Sam Houston High School.
Allowable items include trash, yard waste, furniture, appliances, car batteries, carpet, lumber, building materials such as sheetrock, chunks of concrete, and up to four car tires per household. Old lawn mowers and barbecue pits that have had the fuel removed will also be accepted.
Items such as paint, pesticides, and motor oil will not be accepted, nor will roofing materials.
Organizers of the event ask that residents separate yard waste, such as tree limbs and brush, from the other trash. Yard waste will be mulched and stored at the Arlington landfill, which is available for Arlington residents at no charge.
The Event is Free for Arlington Residents
In order to dump your unwanted rubbish, you must be able to provide proof of residency in Arlington by presenting a current driver’s license or a copy of your current water bill. This event is held twice each year, in April and October, and not only ensures rubbish is handled in an environmentally responsible manner, but goes a long ways towards maintaining the beauty and value of Arlington real estate.
New Trail Provides Open Space in Downtown Arlington
March 20, 2008
As part of the revitalization plan for downtown Arlington, Phase I of the new Center Street Pedestrian Trail is underway. This two-mile trail will help beautify the downtown area, helping to raise the appeal and value of downtown Arlington real estate.
Trail Makes Arlington Pedestrian Friendly
The new trail system will be completed in two phases. With Phase I underway, Phase II is now in the design process.
Phase I will run through downtown and connect with the new Founder’s Plaza, and will provide pedestrian access to the new Levitt Pavilion outdoor amphitheater, which will also open in fall.
Along this two-mile walkway, there will be over a mile of upgraded landscaping to add visual appeal to the area. Seating areas will be available in several locations, as well as interesting information about the city’s history.
Minor inconveniences during the construction process include the closing of access driveways to the Central Library and City Hall. These minor inconveniences should only last a short period of time.
Phase II to Access UT Arlington
When Phase II is built, it will begin south of Founder’s Plaza and connect through UT Arlington, then continue on to Johnson Creek. The completion of the trail will provide greater connectivity among downtown attractions.
In addition to the new trail system, other upgrades to downtown Arlington real estate include upgrades to building fronts of existing businesses, the addition of mixed-use developments, and an expansion of owner-occupied housing to bring new life into the core of this historic city.
Teens on Patrol in Keller
March 15, 2008
The safety of Keller Real Estate gets a boost as local teenagers work in partnership with the Keller police department. Their goal is to make the streets of Hidden Lakes safer for everyone living in this Keller neighborhood.
Interested teenagers aged 15 years and older learn how to identify and properly report illegal or unsafe activities. Each teen goes through six hours of hands-on training, mostly in the form of ride alongs with Keller police officers.
Teen patrols wear identifiable clothing, including a t-shirt or cap with the HLTP logo. They work in pairs, mostly after dark, patrolling the ten villages and associated amenities of the Hidden Lake community by car. At no time are they allowed or encouraged to pursue suspects or even exit their vehicles. There must be a cell phone inside each teen patrol vehicle, and they must check in with the Keller police department each time they begin their shift.
Community Service Credits Awarded
In addition to enhancing the safety of Keller TX real estate, making these neighborhoods a safer place to live, the teens are awarded community service credits for their efforts. There is no maximum number of hours the teens are allowed to work, but they must volunteer for at least one, two-hour shift per month in order to remain an active HLTP member.
Accommodations are made for school, vacation, and work schedules, in order to make it as easy as possible for teens to volunteer their time. All interested teenagers must be able to pass a background check prior to beginning their training, during which they are taught patrol objectives, observation skills, and memory enhancement techniques.
Greatest real estate agent in the world
February 13, 2008
Greatest Real Estate Agent In The World
Who is the greatest real estate agent in the world? Soon the world will know who truly is the greatest real estate agent, since the contest is according to the highest ranked site on Google.
Several agents and webmasters started a fun competition to decide the Greatest real estate agent in the world contest and since there is about $5,000 in prizes for the highest ranked site, I decided to join in on the fun.
Here is the link to my official contest page: Greatest real estate agent in the world
