O C T 2020
RESOURCE FOR DFW REAL ESTATE PROS : NEW HOMES | NEW COMMUNITIES | TITLE | MORTGAGE MORE
NEW MODELS NOW OPEN! Now Selling in Lakewood at Brookhollow in Prosper on 2 Lot Sizes From the Low $400s for 55’ Lots and From $525s For 74’ Lots!
S H A D D O C K H O M E S . C O M
Shaddock Communities in Allen, Carrollton, Celina, Fort Worth, Frisco, Lewisville, McKinney, Parker, Prosper, St. Paul and Wylie.
More Communities Coming in 2021!
DAL LAS N. TOL LWA Y
380
FRISCO ESTATES AT SHADDOCK PARK LOW $500S
LIBERTY HILL MID $300S CLOSE OUT
EDGEWOOD MID $400S
ESSEX PARK
121
HIGH $300S
THE VILLAGE AT TWIN CREEKS HIGH $300S
35E
35W VILLAS AT SOUTHGATE
75
SOUTH HAVEN
LOW $400S
BUSH TPKE. (PGBT)
HIGH $400S
26 114
190
DFW
360 820
183
FORT WORTH
LOVE FIELD
161
DALLAS
30
N
ALL THE RIG H T P L AC ES With Normandy Homes, every detail comes together to design a life well-lived. We create communities in only the most sought-after locations in DFW, connecting residents to everywhere they want — and need — to be. Complemented by beautiful architecture, sophisticated interiors and a true sense of community, our homes deliver exceptional design, value and customer satisfaction. From thoughtful craftsmanship and service to remarkably convenient locales, all roads quite literally lead to Normandy. REGISTER TODAY! We invite you and your client to explore a Normandy community today. Call 469.565.0433 to set an appointment and you’ll receive a $500 credit to use at the Normandy Homes Design Center.
2805 Dallas Parkway | Suite 400 | Plano, Texas 75093 | 469.565.0433 | normandyhomes.com Illustrations are artist’s conception and not reproductions. Pricing, plans and specifications are subject to change at any time. See Community Sales Manager for more information. Price, features, floor plans, availability and promotions are subject to change or termination at anytime without notice. Photography and renderings are for illustrative purposes only. See Community Sales Manager for complete details. 2020
VIRTUAL APPOINTMENTS Call (972) 426-2712 to set your appointment today! New Homes from the $270K’s - $480K’s | www.TrendmakerHomes.com The prices of our homes, included features, plans, specifications, promotions/incentives, neighborhood build-out and available locations are subject to change without notice. No information or material herein is to be construed to be an offer or solicitation for sale. Not all features and options are available in all homes. Unless otherwise expressly stated, homes do not come with hardscape, landscape, or other decorator items. Any photographs or renderings used herein reflect artists’ conceptions and are for illustrative purposes only. Photographs or renderings of people do not depict or indicate any preference regarding race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, familial status, or national origin. Our name and the logos contained herein are registered trademarks of TRI Pointe Group, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. © 2020 Trendmaker Homes, Inc., a member of the TRI Pointe Group. All rights reserved.
Their parties and trips are legendary in the real estate community. And even in a virtual world, Highland Homes knocked it out of the park with their recent virtual party catered by Wolfgang Puck. Custom hats were designed for each guest. Shown at left: Alex Cho with his safari hat, and to the right, Ebby’s Stacie Gooch and Keith Redelsberger with their grand hats!
Christine Shrestha with KW Frisco Stars won the Stella McCartney chic sneakers in the Highland Homes selfie contest
Highland Homes in Sandbrock Ranch recently celebrated their $100,000 give-a-way with a virtual event Heather Shimala had her Sandbrock Ranch Star Seller glasses ready!
SANDBROCK RANCH
WE GAVE AWAY $100,000 IN CASH! We had a virtual blast at our 2020 Star Seller Celebration! Qualified REALTORS® logged on September 16 for an exclusive Zoom® video event. Our Oreo® cows made a special appearance, we gave the group a sneak preview of our newest amenity, a three-story tree house, and we gave away cash prizes totaling $100,000! Congratulations to our shining winners. And a big thank you to all our Star Sellers for being a part of the Sandbrock Ranch family.
Hiroko Wa
da
$1,000
Chris Price
Amy Holt – Monument Realty Angel Willeford – Ebby Halliday Anita Jones – Keller Williams Ash Vishwamitra – Krish Homes Bill Nelson – Your Home Free Carter Schultz – Berkshire Hathaway Cindy Baglietto – Keller Williams Cindy Coffin – Keller Williams Debbie Boyce – Ebby Halliday Frisco Heidi Marsh – EXP Realty Julie Gonzalez – Competitive Edge Realty Kam Gill – Ebby Halliday Karla Chilian – Ebby Halliday Karla Mass – Keller Williams Kenneth Walters – Coldwell Banker Apex Laura Bacon (x2) – Coldwell Banker Apex Lee Osteguin – Ebby Halliday Marian Porter – North Point Realty Nicholas Nordman – Ebby Halliday Paul Bush – Keller Williams Ram Konara – Starpro Realty Rene Burchell – Coldwell Banker Realty Sherri Burlison – Fathom Realty Stephanie Funk (x2) – Phillips Realty Group Steve Brawley – Re/Max Torry Maxwell – Moultry-Henderson LLC
Karla Chilian
Alex Cho
$2,000
Alex Cho – United Real Estate Family Brian Curry – Remax Dallas Suburbs Christie Cannon (x2) – Keller Williams Corey Simon – JP & Associate Realtors Hiroko Wada – Ebby Halliday India Davis – Keller Williams Janet Hale – First Fidelity Real Estate Kathryn Mark – Starcrest Realty Kris Dillard – Fathom Realty Lorena Locke – Ebby Halliday Frisco Mal Smith – Competitive Edge Realty Nancy Highers – Highers Group Realty Regina Bumagny – Keller Williams Frisco Stars Scott Kennedy – Ebby Halliday Prosper Stephan Sobhani – Vivo Realty Terri Fox – Century 21 Judge Fite Shatoya Malveaux – Keller Williams Wanda Charles – Coldwell Banker
www.sandbrockranch.com | 1601 Sandbrock Parkway, Aubrey, TX 76227
Marian Porter
Corey Simon
$3,000
Aja Shroll – Ebby Halliday Chris Price – Keller Williams Richardson Heather Shamala – Coldwell Banker Lenore Boyd – Coldwell Banker Apex Mike Rowe – JP & Associates Nancy Pieper – Coldwell Banker Apex
$4,000
Jennifer Wirz – Ebby Halliday Frisco Marian Porter – North Point Realty
VIRTUAL
EVENT HO Sandbrock STS Ran and Marketi ch Developer Jean A ng Director nn Aaron McK Brock inley
Things ABOUT A REAL ESTATE FRIEND
1 My Aunt, Joy Nees, was a top-producing
C I NDY BAG L I ET TO
Realtor in Dallas. By the age of 12, I knew I wanted to follow in her footsteps.
Keller Williams #teambaglietto
2 I was heavily involved in horse shows and rodeo in my youth and I even
Minored in Equine Science at Texas A&M. Calf roping was my favorite event!
3 My top advice to new agents is to make education a top priority and to
treat other realtors in a professional manner as if they too were your client.
Coldwell Banker Realtor, Rene Burchell is gorgeous in blue!
REAL ESTATE and FRIENDS Magazine
Page 6 | October 2020 | Real Estate and Friends Magazine
Just because...well a puppy! Cindy Baglietto beams with precious new fur baby, Bruni
New homes from the upper $200s to the upper $400s
Communities all across the metroplex khov.com/dfw • 469-737-1485 Follow us!
@khov_dfw_realtors
See a Sales Consultant for full details. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Celina
Little Elm
Dallas
Melissa
Flower Mound
Northlake
Forney
Plano
Fort Worth
Red Oak
Garland
Rowlett
Haltom City
Sachse
Haslet
Van Alstyne
Irving
Experts
Contact us
in Real Estate Share Their Thoughts
Phone: 214.533.8945
30
12
Email: info@realestateandfriends.com Facebook: realestateandfriendsmagazine Instagram: realestateandfriends
MEAGAN OH, ®
REALTOR Keller Williams New Construction Tips for Buyers
STACY LYNN MASSAR, REALTOR Fathom Realty My Great Idea!
Serving the DFW residential real
Things DANIELLE BOLING, BROKER
A L E A D I N G R E A LT O R
estate market since 2003, we are often described as a Specialty or
Boutique Publication.
ABOUT A REAL ESTATE FRIEND
Our online and print magazine focuses
CINDY BAGGLIETTO... 6
on the robust new homes market and
Keller Williams
Discover
Website: realestateandfriends.com
About us
34
Network Real Estate Partner A Day in the Life of a Busy Realtor
LinkedIn: realestateandfriends
AMBER BOYD... 20
Core One Real Estate
TAYLOR HUMPHREY... 36 Pacesetter Homes
new communities all over DFW. With our print and online presence, our real estate friends can see and sell new homes and new communities wherever they are — home, work or on-the-go. Subscribe to our ONLINE magazine and never miss the latest news from
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leading companies offering services to the DFW real estate community. http://bit.ly/RealEstateFriendsDigitalMag
BRENDA THOMPSON
HomeSmart Stars Broker Get to Know This Mover & Shaker
Page 8 | October 2020 | Real Estate and Friends Magazine
Discover these leading companies providing services to the DFW real estate industry
Leading Real Estate Co’s Achosa Home Warranty ..................... 10 Capital Title .......................................... 17 Centurion American ............................ 33 David Weekley Homes........................ 11 Drees Custom Homes.......................... 19 Fairway Mortgage/Heritage.............. 37 Huffines Communities TRIP................ 15 Independence Title............................... 27 Inspiration in St Paul . .......................... 21 K Hovnanian Homes...............................7 KL Creations.............. 26, 38, back cover Nations Home Warranty.. 6, back cover Normandy Homes....................................2 Sandbrock Ranch in Aubrey...................5 Shaddock Homes................... front cover Trendmaker Homes.................................3 Waterscape in Royse City.................... 29
Subscribe to our ONLINE MAGAZINE! Real Estate and Friends Contact: Nancy Holzwarth, Publisher
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nancy@realestateandfriends.com | 214.533.8945 DISCLAIMER: Any articles included in this publication and/or opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the view of Real Estate and Friends Magazine, but remain solely those of the author(s). The paid advertisements contained within the Real Estate and Friends Magazine are not endorsed or recommended by Real Estate and Friends Magazine or the publisher. There, neither Real Estate and Friends Magazine nor the publisher may be held liable or responsible for business preactices of these companies.
Page 9 | October 2020 | Real Estate and Friends Magazine
Text or Talk: 214.533.8945 info@realestateandfriends.com
HOME WARRANTY PROTECTION with YOUR CHOICE of HIGHLY RATED
CONTRACTORS
Juan Aguilar and Patron out on a chilly walk #juanderfulrealtor
Lea Fray Khreish
Partner Sr. Acct. Executive
972.965.7611
lea@achosahw.com
The POWER to CHOOSE We empower you to choose your own licensed contractors for all required services. Unlike traditional home warranty companies that have limited pools of contractors in their networks, you will be ensured of prompt, reliable service by having the whole market at your disposal.
Tyler Edwards, Promise Construction, with a curious friend at Glen Rose
Page 10 | October 2020 | Real Estate and Friends Magazine
100,000
Dream Homes Created
David Weekley Homeowners Zack, Addie, Katie, Gabriel and Ethan Bokelman
...and Counting!
David Weekley Homes is celebrating over 40 years of Building Dreams, Enhancing Lives for 100,000 Homebuyers after recently closing our 100,000th home in the Arlington community of Viridian! In achieving this incredible milestone, our Customers have shown we are a name your Clients can trust. From our award-winning, thoughtfully-designed floor plans to our Inspired Customer Service that includes an industry-leading warranty service program, we’re committed to providing your Clients with an exceptional home buying journey and a high-quality home they’ll enjoy for years to come.
Make your Clients' dreams a reality in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area by contacting 214-442-0697
See a David Weekley Homes Sales Consultant for details. Prices, plans, dimensions, features, specifications, materials, and availability of homes or communities are subject to change without notice or obligation. Illustrations are artist’s depictions only and may differ from completed improvements. Copyright © 2020 David Weekley Homes - All Rights Reserved. Dallas, TX (DAL-20-004151)
Experts
in Real Estate Share Their Thoughts
NEW CONSTRUCTION tips for homebuyers By: Meagan Oh, REALTOR®
Who is the builder and what is their reputation? How long have they been in business? Whether you chose a national builder, a regional builder, or a custom builder. The most important thing is to know the reputation of the experts you have chosen. Read reviews online of the builder. See if you can talk to past and current clients of the builder.
Who will oversee the construction on my build project? Who do I talk to about building problems on my project? Who is the project manager who oversees the building of your home? When you interview builders, ask who is this person and how accessible are they? Can they answer my questions on my home or do I have to go through someone else to get to them? Prior to closing, does the project manager walk with you from room to room telling you how to operate and use the home? Ask how long it takes them to fix items tagged in your final walk through. If they need a week, it could cause timing issues if you are selling a home. Be sure to ask for this time frame in advance. Consider that if you select a large builder you may not get direct access to this project manager versus a smaller builder.
Meagan Oh REALTOR, Keller Williams 972.467.9603 team@meganoh.com
What are the standard features of this builder? What incentives or special offers exists? What is an extra charge? Standard features are not the same with all builders. Be sure to ask for the detailed list of standards and compare it to the other builders you are considering. If it’s not standard, it’s an upgrade. Ask the builder if they have a list of the upgrades or how the upgrades work.
Page 12 | October 2020 | Real Estate and Friends Magazine
Is there a difference in the cost of the lots? Some builders include the cost of the lot in the cost of the home and never break out the actual cost of the lot. Knowing the value of the land separate from the value of the house is knowing the total cost of your investment. A lot facing a greenbelt or a body of water is generally going to be a higher priced lot than an interior lot facing another home. Location, Location, Location is the rule of thumb. If a builder says they don’t charge for the lots, they do, it’s just rolled into the much higher price of the home - and then the question is: how much am I really paying for this piece of land?
Does the home come with any warranties? What kind of warranties a builder provides throughout the first year and beyond are important to your overall builder decision. Ask for a breakdown of the warranties. If you are torn between two builders and the floorplan or the standard features can’t separate them, look at the warranties. Find out which builder has more to offer in warranties and ask how the warranties are handled after you gain ownership. Who do you call when something breaks? Is there a dedicated department at the builder to handle these items?
How often am I allowed to tour the home during construction? This is important! You cannot always access the home in all jurisdictions or during all phases. Be sure you know the builder’s policy on touring your own home and making any changes while it’s in construction. For instance, a homeowner may decide they want to install their own security system on a home that does not come with a security system. This involves doing some wiring inside the home. The homeowner selects a security company and sends them out before the drywall is added to do the alarm wiring. The builder does not know what happened and the next day the city inspector comes and tags the home for unapproved wiring. This could happen and could delay your building process. If you know you want to make certain additions/changes to the home, ask the builder what their policy is on this and how often you can tour your own home.
How long will it take to build and what happens if you don’t make that date?
Not all builders are created equal. Where one may take 6 months to build, another may take 12-14 months to build. Ask for the time frame and automatically add 1 month to that time frame. This way when the mark is not hit you are not caught off guard and if they hit the mark you are pleasantly surprised.
Is the builder energy efficient? Not all builders can provide you with an energy efficient rating. That’s not to say that builders don’t use energy efficient technology. New homes today are much more energy efficient. However, that does not mean that they can give a certification for being energy efficient. The sales agent may not know all the energy saving components of the home, but the project manager should know this information like the back of their hand.
What is the deposit process and the upgrades cost process? So you have selected a builder and are ready to sign a contract. What is your upfront cost? Not all builders have the same deposit requirements. Ask if the deposit is refundable and how you get out of the contract should anything horrible happen during the process. Ask about any extra deposits or requirements for money beyond the initial. Some builders require a deposit once you select the upgrades. Be sure to ask for this information before you sign.
Once under contract what happens next? This question is important to ask at the time you sign the contract. Some builders send you out to a design center. Some builders have you meet with a specific vendor to select certain items. Gather all this information before you start, so you can allot for the time process of buying new construction.
How quickly will ‘blue tape day’ items be completed after final walk through? About one to two weeks prior to your close date - you get a final walk through aka “blue tape day”. During this process the project manager should walk
Page 13 | October 2020 | Real Estate and Friends Magazine
with you from room to room telling you how to operate and use the home. Then you get to put blue tape on anything that needs to be fixed. There is no such thing as a perfect house, but it should be close to perfect.
Will I be able to send my own inspector once the home is complete? I advise all my clients that they want an inspector at foundation, dry wall and prior to blue tape day. This way a third party inspects the process. This is an opportunity to catch errors and get them corrected before move in. We have a list of recommended inspectors who do a three-phase inspection on new construction. We recomend an 11-month inspection right before your 1-year warranty is up to ask your builder to make necessary repairs under the warranty.
Is there a Home Owner’s Association? Home Owner’s Associations are becoming more common with builders creating master planned communities. Be sure to ask if there is an association, who manages it, and what they cover. If the builder is still in the subdivision building its possible they maintain control of the association, and that may be okay until they move out and homeowners come in and change the requirements through a voting process. This could later cause you a lot of headache. Be cautions of moving into an association managed by the builder. If the association is run by homeowners and managed by a professional management company, ask to talk to some of the board members to learn what is most important about that neighborhood and that association. If HOA’s make you nervous, do your homework - talk to other homeowners and the HOA’s board to learn about the community before you chose to move into the home. Don’t let yourself be surprised by your lack of due diligence up front. It could be very costly to you when you find out they passed a ruling that requires you to pay money to make a change to your home.
If you are a real estate professional who would like to contribute an article, please reach out to us: info@realestateandfriends.com
Text or Talk: 214.533.8945 info@realestateandfriends.com
Page 14 | October 2020 | Real Estate and Friends Magazine
Plenty of people love HOA’s for keeping neighborhoods tidy, but HOA’s also have a lot to say — too much, many argue — when it comes to otherwise private property.
Megan Oh is an experienced licensed Realtor in Texas, with over 4 years of experience as a Realtor and over 12 years of experience in the real estate industry. She has earned a reputation for delivering exceptional results and adding extraordinary value for her clients! Her past experience as part of the leadership of a Residential Real Estate Investment Firm that acquired, renovated, leased, managed and sold portfolios of homes, coupled with her 18 years of legal experience as a Paralegal, create a unique background from which she draws when advising and advocating for her clients. Megan’s love of Real Estate, combined with her legal background and investment experience, created the solid foundation on which our business has been formed to serve the needs of our clients, from selling, to buying to investing. If you would like a glimpse into how we strategically market and position our seller client’s homes to ensure they garner TOP DOLLAR, visit our website: meganoh. com. We would love to earn YOUR business!
2020 REALTOR
REWARDS TRIP
Presents
Alaskan Inter-Coastal Adventure TRIP DETAILS: 7-Night Luxury Alaskan Cruise Onboard Oceania’s ‘Regatta’ Trip will take place in July 29 - August 05, 2021 and will include round-trip air travel, luxury cruise with an ocean view stateroom, all meals while onboard ship, activity allotment, entertainment and MUCH more! QUALIFICATIONS: From January 01, 2020 to February 01, 2021 sell and close a combined total of $1 Million in NEW homes in any of our three master planned communities & win an all-expenses-paid luxury Alaskan Cruise for you & one guest!
Forney | $200s - $300s
Wylie/St. Paul | $300s - $800s
Royse City | from the $200s
* Trips may not be sold or traded and there is no financial exchange if unable to attend. All new home sales must close by April 01, 2021 in order to qualify & REALTOR® info must be documented on sales contract at time of execution. All travelers must be at least 21 years of age & hold a current passport.. Visit our website at www.HuffinesCommunities.com for updates.
www.HuffinesCommunities.com • CMeziere@HuffinesCommunities.com • 972-860-3133
Old Friends are the BEST Friends! CT’s Tracey Neeper and Mariane King have been friends since college! #marianeking7
Bill Shaddock and his talented Capital Title Commercial team at Glen Eagles
They’re a great team! CT’s Victoria Latta and Lauren Piccinini #LPEducatesMe #victorialatta
CT’s Tiffany Hanzik and Jordan Davenport with a sweet surprise from Movement Mortgage’s Victoria Akers, Mallory Mazarakes, and Jordan McCrary #capitaltitle #trhanzik14 #movementmtg Page 16 | October 2020 | Real Estate and Friends Magazine
CT’s Intazar Lane and Tina Jacobsen #alaxantina
KAY ALTON
VP, ESCROW OFFICER
JANA WICKER
ESCROW OFFICER
VICKY PIERCE
DIANE PERRY
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT ESCROW OFFICER
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT BRANCH MANAGER ESCROW OFFICER
LINDA COX
SVP/BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
HANNAH SATTLER
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Changing Lives...Drees Custom Homes Drees recently partnered with McKinney’s Samaritan Inn Homeless Shelter to sponsor a transitional housing apartment unit
Drees Custom Homes' Dallas East division recently partnered with McKinney's Samaritan Inn Homeless Shelter to sponsor a transitional housing apartment unit for a graduate from their program. Spearheaded by Drees’ Division President Greg Dawson (who's been involved working with the shelter since the late 1980s) and Market Manager Shannon Kivlehan (along her husband and daughter, Grace) the Drees’ team worked with their interior designers to furnish the apartment with attention to detail, including groceries! Early October was the big reveal. Drees’ employees waited inside the unit and yelled “welcome home” when the joyous recipient walked in the door. After hearing a few words from her, they all took a tour of her new apartment and wished her the best of luck! Drees’ Division President, Greg Dawson said, “We had our reveal this morning and it was pretty special. Our tenant is a 57 year-old engineer whose life fell apart 11 months ago and she became homeless. She ended up in a four-person room at the Samaritan Inn and, with their gracious help, she began to put her life back together. First graduating from the Samaritan Inn program, and then patiently waiting for an apartment.
It was her big day and she LOVED her new apartment! She said it’s like we knew exactly what her tastes were. She now has 18 months of security - and a place to call her own - to get back on her feet. All of the apartment donations go with her as she starts her new life - when she’s ready. She said she has 30 years ahead of her and she is going to make them awesome.” It's beautiful thing when we can use our resources to help others! We wish the special candidate all the best in her years to come.
If you’d like to help the Samaritan Inn help others, there are many opportunities to do so including through your Amazon orders, food drives and more! Please visit saminn.org to learn more.
THE SAMARITAN INN in McKinney saminn.org (972) 542-5302
Page 18 | October 2020 | Real Estate and Friends Magazine
Build a home
AT THE CANALS AT GRAND PARK UPSCALE 152-ACRE URBAN-STYLE VILLAGE The Canals at Grand Park is a wonderful master-planned community strategically designed around landscaped parks and waterways in the heart of Frisco. Convenient to major expressways, prime shopping and dining, and nestled in the renowned Frisco Independent School District, the Canals at Grand Park is the perfect location for your next home.
CONTACT Anita Kosco | (469) 546-7610 akosco@dreeshomes.com Monday – Saturday: 10 am – 6 pm Sunday: 12 – 6 pm
dreeshomes.com
©2020 The Drees Company. All rights reserved. 21-1042-123-124 9/20
Things ABOUT A REAL ESTATE FRIEND
1 I was an officer in the high school
RE/MAX Pro Advantage celebrated gorgeous Ginger Weeks on Boss’s Day! #gingerlweeks, #remaxproadvantage
dance team which brought me out of my shell and helped me develop the leadership skills and patience that I have today to run a brokerage of 60 plus agents.
A MB ER BOY D
Core One Real Estate #amberboyd7777 214-726-6389
2 What led me to this career:
It was something that God put on my heart. I knew at a young age that I would have my own company one day. Then discovering real estate, I realized I could be an agent and work my way up to a broker, and then onto owning a successful real estate/apartment locating brokerage. That led me to a goal of opening my own company at the age of 25 - and I crushed that goal!
3 Best advice you’d give someone new in real estate sales: Text or Talk: 214.533.8945 info@realestateandfriends.com
Look at all these real estate friends from the Fair Texas Title’s Allen office wishing Britt Fair a happy 50th birthday!
Don’t give up before your harvest comes. Let the holy spirit guide you on who you need to speak to, where you need to go, etc. Plant seeds until you can’t plant anymore. Then take a breath — and plant some more! Water those seeds. Nurture the relationships that you have created, then watch the blessings of God overflow in your business. Keep God first in all that you do and watch the abundance of grace and favor pour out into your life.
#fairtexastitleallen, #fairtexastitle, #brittfair
Page 20 | October 2020 | Real Estate and Friends Magazine
REAL ESTATE and FRIENDS Magazine
You’ll Fall in
with Inspiration...
2019 9
So much to be inspired over!
v Club Inspiration - 9,000 sf event and amenity center with 4 pools, 350’ lazy river, 2-story fitness center, event lawn & more v Multiple parks, hammock park & dog park v On-site elementary school v Children’s playgrounds v Catch & Release lakes v Hope Harbor pool v 19th Hole golf tee v Lake view lots
Respected builders v Bloomfield v FirstTexas v Gehan v Highland v Mercury v Pulte v Shaddock
A Huffines Signature Community™
1715 Inspiration Blvd. St. Paul
InspirationTexas.com | 972.860.3133
MOVER
SHAKER BRENDA THOMPSON
HOME SMART STARS
Who’s Who in Real Estate
She’s kind of a BIG Deal, but you’d never know it if you sat down and had a conversation with Brenda Myers Thompson, a down-to-earth broker with HomeSmart Stars in Frisco. Brenda’s humble, small-town upbringing in Oklahoma instilled within her a strong work ethic combined with the never-fail Golden Rule to guide her. Brenda describes her quiet life growing up in Crescent, Oklahoma, North of Oklahoma City, as an idyllic upbringing for children. It afforded plenty of natural space to explore and let your imagination run wild, yet small enough for kids (and parents) to feel safe with kids on the loose. Everyone knew everyone and they all looked after each other as extended family. Having since returned for class reunions, Brenda marvels that the kids she met in kindergarten are the same kids who graduated high school with her. When they see each other years later, they just pick right up - like no time has passed. Her high school reunions are more like family reunions!
She cherishes the strong foundation growing up in a small town afforded. Not much has changed some 30+ years later in Crescent Oklahoma - the population was only 1,411 at the 2010 census! Brenda and her brother lived with their parents on the family farm. Even while immersed in her charming town, Brenda had her sights set on a future in a big city. Who inspired her or guided her path? Without hesitation, Brenda answers, “My mom instilled the core values of the Golden Rule. We were expected to tell the truth, to care about others, and practice empathy.” college days
During college at University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, Brenda interned at a large law office, which gave her a chance to dip her toes into the business world - and she thrived! The busy pace prepared her for the business world and reinforced her desire to start her adult life in a big city full of opportunities.
Brenda Thompson Broker, Home Smart Stars
Born & Raised: Oklahoma College: U of Central Okla First Job: HR Chillin: Dogs & Cars 972.798.5333 Brenda@HomeSmartStars.com
after college
After college, Brenda left Oklahoma and started a new life in Dallas. She quickly found a job in HR, a position which provided amazing training grounds to gain experience in dealing with a wide variety of people and situations. Negotiations, communication and listening skills were honed in her day-to-day work life of defusing, calming, while maintaining clarity, no matter what the situation. Her big take-away
get to know a real estate pro
from her HR days was that people just want to be heard. Give them a chance to speak without interruption and magical changes happen. Let people feel like they were heard and understood, and often, that’s all they really needed. Always up for the next challenge, Brenda left HR and launched 24 Chiropractic clinics in DFW with her partners. Brenda handled operations, where her natural inclination for creating systems, procedures, efficiencies, with an end goal of making it easy to replicate really had a chance to shine. how did she get into real estate?
While managing the 24 medical clinics and handling anything that was thrown at her while, people often mentioned Brenda’s natural people skills and her business acumen and encouraged her to consider real estate. Ready for a new adventure, in 2002, Brenda started her real estate career with Keller Williams Dallas Preston Road. She fondly recalls her time at KW as a great training ground to be prepared to succeed. With her background in operations, she understood and valued KW’s systems and procedures for training and preparing real estate agents for success. For the next two and a half years, as a new agent, Brenda soaked up all the knowledge she could get while simultaneously preparing to obtain a Broker’s license. In 2005, after just three years in real estate, Brenda boldly launched her own real estate brokerage - BM Realty. Asked if she experienced any surprises starting her own business? She couldn’t think of any. Her business training and experience taught her to stay ahead of problems - to anticipate and be prepared for alternative outcomes.
best part of being a broker
Brenda’s favorite part of her job as a broker is celebrating the wins of her agents as if they were her own successes. She’s always available to agents whether it is to help negotiate, help with creative problem solving, and sometimes, it’s just to listen during stressful times. Brenda will help as much or as little as her agents need - offering just enough guidance for her agents to feel confident to move forward in a difficult negotiation. She doesn’t take over and run with it, as she wants her agents to experience that ‘aha’ moment where they ‘get’ it and they’ll be ready and confident to handle it the next time on their own. ch ch ch changes
With 18 years in real estate, I asked Brenda what are the biggest changes she has seen in the industry. Immediately, she replied, “TECHNOLOGY!” Believe it or not, it wasn’t that long ago that the real estate industry was clunky, paper and carbon copy heavy, and just flat out antiquated. Anyone remember the printed MLS books? I guarantee you that there are agents who remember green screens and screeching sounds of dial up modems! She’s a fan of emails for documentation, but she’s a firm believer in picking up the phone and, (omg!) speaking to someone or, better yet, speaking in person (whaaat!). She has seen many scenarios where an
at print. LS book h week! 1980s M gents eac a to d te u nd distrib Printed a
innocent email misinterpreted can wreak havoc especially during high stress (can we say multiple offer situations) so to lessen the chances of an email message being misconstrued by the recipient, Brenda believes in picking up the phone and allowing the other person to hear your voice and tone. Just hearing someone’s caring tone often eliminates added stress during difficult negotiations.
technology changed it all
Brenda recognizes the value and efficiencies of technology. Her brokerage, HomeSmart has a solid reputation for being on the cutting edge of technology and innovative marketing solutions, which is one of the reason she was drawn to partner with them in 2019. Brenda regularly reminds her agents to embrace technology, but to never lose touch with irreplaceable social/people skills. She encourages agents to pick up the phone, to go see people in person, to pop by and remind former clients that you are there to help them when they are ready to buy and sell. Technology can certainly enhance relationships, but it’s not going to replace the human touch. the makings of greatness
Curious as to what traits or characteristics she looks for in potential new agents, Brenda believes first and foremost, the agent must have a genuine desire to help people. It can’t be all about the money. They should be comfortable talking with people, because, after all, you could kill time in the grocery store line chatting up strangers and walk away with a prospect or two! If the agent candidate is organized, it’s a big bonus. Finally, the agent has to have a comfort level with technology. They certainly don’t have to write code, but they do have to be willing to embrace the latest, strongest, and best practices to keep up with the ever-changing real estate market. Interestingly, the potential new agent doesn’t have to be a strong negotiator - Brenda says she can teach that. She is a big believer in coaching agents and is always available to them. Like a proud mama, she gets puffed up with pride, when her agents take what she has taught them and they grow into their own strong skill sets.
Brenda and Jim on their way to attend their first HomeSmart Real Estate Convention. And enjoy the HomeSmart 20 year Anniversary Celebration!
get involved
One of the first things Brenda suggests to new agents is to get their GRI designation. It offers a great education foundation and it counts towards their first licensing renewal. She also encourages them to get involved - get on a committee that is of interest to them. There are committees for every interest. Brenda has been involved in many committees including Director at MetroTex Association of Realtors, Texas Realtors Professional Development Committee 2014-2020, Texas Realtors Professional Standards Committee 2015-present, and CRS Texas Lone Star Committee, Dallas District VP 2014-2015. about HomeSmart
Brenda brought the HomeSmart franchise to North Texas. HomeSmart, based in Arizona, is powered by better business operations as well as people who constantly question the status quo and ask how they can streamline the brokerage business for all parties involved. At HomeSmart Stars, Brenda’s brokerage, agents keep 100% of their commission while having access to free training, a suite of marketing resources, expert
Page 25 | October 2020 | Real Estate and Friends Magazine
broker support and proprietary transaction management software. Asked what she does in down time, we first had to giggle at the joke of down town for any real estate agent, then we moved onto the things she does in between calls while keeping a robust business running. Brenda and her husband, Jim, enjoy their fur babies, like to travel, and are car enthusiasts. Brenda has been the featured speaker at national conferences, workshops and training events. She consults with business owners and leaders, helping to accelerate their businesses to the red line, and has been featured in many magazines, including Agents Today articles in Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and Business Week. Brenda’s LinkedIn page describes her as an upbeat, high energy, positive and results-driven entrepreneur with proven experience leading companies to success. Having spent time with her, I can attest to her professional excellence, integrity and her focus on others.
Celebrating Julie Jones’ Birthday! #jjones8601 #caskeykevin #karispickens #carolstradtman #independencetitledfw
Nina Chow and Shellie Carnal networking! #yourtitlegirlscarnal #chownina #independencetitledfw
#klc_re_marketing Page 26 | October 2020 | Real Estate and Friends
Celebrating the Grand Opening of JPAR in Fort Worth! Go see them at: 6116 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76116 #jparrealestate Alexander Chandler Realty in Fort Worth is now Berkshire Hathaway! Left: Executive VP, Rachael Mireles and Office Manager, Shayne Kimbrel #berkshirehathawayhs_acr #rachm305 #thatchickshayne
Sage Street Realty at the Lumen Room #renaerealtor #nikki.nikki321 Page 28 | October 2020 | Real Estate and Friends Magazine
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The Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs, Arkanas
My great idea!
O Stacy Lynn Massar REALTOR
®
Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI) Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) Massar Realty Group Fathom Realty Talk or Text: 214.649.3686 stacysellstexas@gmail.com
Stacy Lynn Massar has been in the real estate industry since 2002, calls Rockwall home with her husband Ben, who is also a part of Massar Realty Group, and future Realtor, daughter, Reagan!
ur family trip to Seattle and Canada to cruise the San Juan Islands (in the rural Pacific Northwest of Washington) got covid cancelled, so I googled vacation ideas within a 7-hour drive of Dallas. I kept getting pulled back to Eureka Springs. Clearly it was no yacht trip, but I was feeling adventurous and decided to give it a try. It might not be a cruise, but I was going to make the most of it. To make us feel swanky for a few nights, I searched for the nicest, most expensive hotel — and I found The Crescent Hotel! It had a spa, hotel activities, and it looked really nice on the website. They only had one room available, so I hurried and booked it without discussing with Ben, my husband. Later that evening Ben pulled up the hotel’s website and promptly started asking me questions about my hotel choice, and
Page 30 | Oct 2020 | Real Estate and Friends Magazine
except for that fine print about ghosts...
asked if I had done my homework on it. Of course I did! Why was he “grilling me” about my decision? Ben proceeded to read me the history of the 1886 Crescent Hotel and Spa. It has a rich and fascinating history. [sounds good] It was built in 1886 as a resort for the rich and famous. [sounds good! I knew it was swanky. I’m pretty proud of myself] He continues... when it opened, it was called America’s most luxurious resort hotel with a majestic location perched on the crest of the Ozark mountains. [sounds good, I’m sure praise is coming for my wise decision...]
Over the years, The Crescent Hotel has been used as a college for women, a junior college, a cancer hospital, and back to a hotel. [sounds good. I love repurposing]
the crazy stairs at a carnival? It was like that! They were uneven, squeaky and somewhat sturdy at the same time. The staircase was lined with pictures of old people and I kept imaging their eyes moving and following us like in a cartoon. Reagan kept looking at me with her big eyes, which seemed to beg, “is this for real?” As only the daughter of a realtor could say with confidence, Reagan declared, “This place has some major foundation issues!”
The majestic lobby in the Crescent Hotel
And then he shares the last bit of history ... it is world famous for being America’s Most Haunted Hotel [ut oh, definitely not good.] My jaw dropped. The Crescent Hotel is legendary for its ghosts. My thoughts immediately went to my 11-year-old daughter, Reagan, who was NOT going to like this at all!
When we arrived at the majestic hotel, a well dressed doorman graciously opened the door to the grandiose lobby for us. You instantly sense old world charm with its fireplace, piano, old carpet, tall ceilings, brass fixtures, Victorian appointments and decor, and that indistinguishable smell of an old building.
GHOSTBUSTERS, we have a problem!
I looked around and quickly spotted a black cat by the gift shop,which, of course, was displayed giant stuffed ghost toys for sale. Really?! A black cat inside upon arrival? This place emanates a sensation that something weird happened here. It’s an unnerving feeling.
The ghosts are said to come from every period of the building’s use - a student who jumped to her death, a nurse who wanders the halls, a stonemason who fell to his death during construction, and many more. I wasn’t able to cancel, so with wild eyes, Ben and I made a pinky swear pact to keep the hotel’s spooky history to ourselves. So off we go on our vacation. Horrifyingly, EVERY billboard along the way for The Crescent Hotel mentioned ghost tours, spooky adventures, and its solid reputation as the #1 most haunted hotel. Ben and I exchanged worried expressions that our secret pact might not work to keep it hidden from a blissfully unaware un Reagan. I’ve never been so thank- ful for modern technology before, - as Reagan was fully focused on her iPad vs reading the gigantic signs w with ghost themes.
We were waiting in the hotel lobby for the elevator and Reagan kept dropping the key to our room. She could not keep it in her hand and it literally fell out 5-6 times. I finally told her I’d hold onto it and within one minute of me holding the key it fell out of my hands 2-3 times. It was as if there was a ghost pulling it from our hands and it was the strangest sensation. Reagan laughed about it, but I was very concerned what our long weekend would be like since we just arrived and this was already happening. Would I be able to stay for four nights here?
The stairs are like those at a carnival fun house We gave up waiting for the elevator and took the stairs to our room. Ever walk on
We arrived to our room, turned the huge old fashioned gold key to enter and found a bricked-up fireplace, a chair pushed against a door as if to keep someone out, and a crooked headboard. I was 100% unimpressed with the room that didn’t look like the charming photos online. But on the positive side, there had been no mention of the hotel being haunted to Reagan. The first night Ben and Reagan fell asleep quickly, but I was wide awake listening to noises above us. Wait. That isn’t possible because we are on the top floor. WHAT THE HECK! It sounded like something was rolling above me. Later that evening there was a thunder and lightening storm. Of course there was! I was getting in my own head with this haunted stuff. Wide awake, I made plans to check out in the morning, and imagined
how cranky I was going to be the next day with no sleep.
the clock changed time on its own. This happened twice that we noticed during our 4-night stay.
The next day, Reagan started to get a sense that something was ‘off’ at the hotel. She finally asked me why I chose to stay in this creepy old place. What was I going to tell her? Mommy didn’t read the details and we’re stuck at America’s Most Haunted Hotel? I redirected and didn’t answer, like any good mom would!
When Ben heard that you can see ghosts/ orbs when you take photos in the hotel, of COURSE he had to try it — we did see some green dots. Were we surrounded by orbs or people from the other side or GHOSTS!?
On the afternoon of the second day, Reagan asked why were groups of people gathered near our room throughout the day. I had already asked that question at the front desk and learned that it is where the ghost tour begins. Yes, the ghost tour began right outside of our room! You just know something bad happened in our room. Mom of the Year right here!
The Crescent has a fascinating history and the walls are lined with photos and newspaper articles. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the articles and learning more. A tour guide we passed described how a particular room was where they kept the screaming patients so nobody would hear them. The Crescent at one time was a cancer hospital. The only problem was the “doctor” was a fraud and many people died there.
The locals in town were friendly. Without fail when they heard where we were staying, they said, “Wow you’re brave. We’re too afraid to stay there. Is it haunted? What do you think?” After the word “haunted” was used in front of Reagan, she suddenly figured it all out with the ghost-themed toys in the lobby, the random headstones around the property, the cats, and the non-stop tours. She was less than impressed with my “oopsie” moment. She didn’t laugh. She promptly asked if we could go home.
The hotel has a morgue in the basement and rumor has it that there are still body parts down there. I didn’t take the tour, but the entire town talks about The Crescent and everyone has a creepy or terrifying story or experience to share.
Of course we didn’t up and leave ghost town! I’m sure one day Reagan will tell a therapist about this long weekend at the haunted hotel!
Things that make you go, hmmm... One day, I looked at the clock while catching up on some work to see it was 4:53 pm. Just moments later, Ben asked me what time it was. I looked at the clock and it was blinking 12:00. The electricity hadn’t gone off. Nothing happened, but Page 32 | Oct 2020 | Real Estate and Friends Magazine
I still can’t believe I didn’t read the details and booked us at a haunted hotel and we stayed there for 4 nights! I’m not winning any parenting award for this one, but we sure did make some boo-tiful memories! My advice is to look elsewhere for luxury and relaxation. The Crescent is a cool place t to visit and see or may be take a tour if you’re into ghost sightings and encounters with the other side, but it’s not a place to getaway with your family for a few days and try to relax and unwind from the stresses of real estate.
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a d ay i n t h e l i fe of a . . .
Busy Realtor by Danielle Boling, REALTOR®
I Danielle Boling, REALTOR® Owner/Principal Broker Network Real Estate Partners daniellesboling@gmail.com
wake up at 7:15 AM and finish typing a client email. I started it last night but fell asleep with the laptop in my hands and my cat on top of that.
she forgot that I mentioned it would be 32 pages (a template) and she panics. We go over it for an hour or so, and all is well. Crisis averted.
I research properties for my new rental clients so they can start previewing those online.
Feeling faint, I blow my diet in one swoop of drive-through food. I try to be good and order a burger with no bun, then maneuver eating with a fork while driving and arguing with Siri and my GPS app. I drive to my next appointment and now have mayo all over myself.
I send a list of homes for sale in eight different cities for another client open to the entire DFW Metroplex and wanting to explore it all. I run over a nail showing new construction, so I take my car to the shop and bring the laptop so I can continue to work while I wait. I go to a listing appointment. The potential new client has a hoarding problem and rats crawl on her couch while we meet. Her home is scaring me, and I politely decline the listing and offer advice. I receive an inspection report back for a new out-of-state buyer. It isn’t bad, but
Page 34 | October 2020 | Real Estate and Friends Magazine
I meet my new client at the first property. I have things to juggle and need to appear “together”. Floral mask, gloves, hand sanitizer, Supra key, MLS sheets, car keys, cell, and pepper spray (in case my new client is nuts). I gather my accoutrements and proceed. We see seven houses in two hours and find a winner. I rush home to write offer docs. I race against the clock because there are already multiple offers. I ask my new client to write a personal letter to the sellers to accompany the offer. He does, and it needs a full rewrite and a citation from the grammar police. I help.
My dogs are hungry. I feed them, sloppily spilling food into bowls and heading back out to show homes to another client. The dogs ignore their food and follow me to the door, with forlorn looks of neglect that tear up my heart. “Mommy has to sell us a house today. We’ll go for a W-A-L-K when I get back, ok?” I feel consumed by guilt and ruminate about how to balance work and personal life. I laugh. I meet my next new client via FaceTime and show her several houses until I find her one. I put myself in her shoes, remember her back story, and choose. No pressure, right? I tour her around the house and the community with our phones’ video app, and she cries with gratitude. Her young kids wave to me and blow me kisses. My heart is full. My gas tank is not. I almost run out of gas on the way home. I coast into a station on fumes and fill up. I rush home again to write up an offer for her. It’s now dark, and the dogs missed their daily walks. They still curl up beside me while I work, and I feel undeserving of their loyalty. An alarm company calls. An agent showed one of my listings, set off the alarm, and now the police were dispatched. I help. I receive an internet lead and return her call within minutes. She only speaks Mandarin, so I find someone who speaks it and hire them as my translator. She is grateful.
I receive another internet lead. He only wants to see vacant homes, and only after dark. I decline and block.
I wake up in the middle of the night from my dream and I take a minute to process. Then I remember I need to send some emails - and walk those dogs!
I fall asleep after midnight. I dream of a cat wearing a floral fabric mask, and my three dogs, strange rats, and I are sitting around a conference table. All are dressed in business suits. One rat speaks only Mandarin. It is closing day in my dream, and the table we are all sitting around is at a title company.
Danielle Boling is the owner and principal broker of Network Real Estate Partners, a boutique full-service brokerage firm serving the Dallas, Fort Worth, and Austin markets in Texas. She founded the company in 2006. Subsidiaries include Dallas Urbanite.com and The Network Initiative. Danielle is pursuing her Masters in Literature and Creative Writing from Harvard University in Cambridge, MA. Her passion for writing is evident in the marketing she does in her real estate career, whether on her websites, her blogs, or her print collateral and social media campaigns for her listed properties. She enjoys having full reign to be creative and incorporates unique material for every transaction. Contact Danielle: daniellesboling@gmail.com
Page 35 | October 2020 | Real Estate and Friends Magazine
Text or Talk: 214.533.8945 info@realestateandfriends.com
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2 What led you to this career? My
Happy birthday Stan Hanson - The Bertrand Team at Keller Williams Realty # swhanson38 #thebertrandteam
grandfather sold homes in Houston for 20+ years. I grew up going to visit him and I was always intrigued with the business. In middle school and high school I would clean the models and specs. It laid the foundation for how I view my homes, communities and attention to detail.
3 Best advice for someone new in real estate? Make a plan for your career.
Find a mentor at each phase in your plan. You have one name in this business so protect it and make it mean something. REAL ESTATE and FRIENDS Magazine Doesn’t this look like a fun group! They crafted, cocktailed and cracked up! Ask Fair Texas Title in McKinney to join in the fun! Alisa Groves, Deborah Diviney, Ashley Olson, Jamie Flynn, Amanda Harden, Denise Milliken, Janie Nieto-Lopez, Bethany Russell, Katherine Niesman
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Page 38 | Oct 2020 | Real Estate and Friends Magazine
Wine Tasting Trip! Steve and Dee Dee Trosclair and Deborah and Gregg Hayes #deedeetrosclair #texashomesnetwork
Coffee and Conversations! Katie Morales, Kandida Randall, Cindy Ante #katie_insurance #cindyanterealestate #kandidarandallrealestate House Hunting Mission! Nikki Miller and Lori Anne McElyea #nikkistewartmiller #lorimc2
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