We all have our usual cleaning to-do list that we run through weekly – laundry, vacuuming/mopping, tidying the kitchen, freshening up the bedrooms and de-griming the bathrooms – but with springtime comes a desire for a little more sparkle and shine in our home - or as <a href="https://konmari.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Marie Kondo</a> would say, a passion for more of what “sparks joy” in our lives. Maybe it’s that we feel more upbeat and energetic with the warm weather and blooming flowers, but the normal tolerance for dust and clutter has turned into an itch for tidiness.For those of you looking to put your home on the market in the near future and are thinking about home staging, spring cleaning is a great place to start – of course, right after giving your favorite Housed Real Estate agent a call!If you are like me, you are probably searching for some tips, tricks and maybe a little inspiration before you get out and put on your cleaning gear. Here’s what I’ve found!PrepareHave you ever been cleaning up in your kitchen, about to wipe down the counters and as you go to reach for the paper towels, you realize that you’re out? - Major downer, am I right? To help prevent something like this from happening while spring cleaning, check out this <a href="https://www.homedit.com/6-easy-steps-to-prepare-for-spring-cleaning/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">6 Easy Steps To Prepare For Spring Cleaning</a> article.Plan – How do you like to get to the finish line?The SprintIf you are wanting fast results and looking for an all (of your family members) hands on deck, efficient, “how to” cheat sheet for cleaning a lot in a little amount of time - check out this article <a href="http://www.oprah.com/home/spring-cleaning-checklist-room-by-room_1/all" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spring-Cleaning That Won't Take Over Your Life: 8 Hours, Start to Finish</a>.The Marathon&nbsp;If you want to give your home a deep cleaning but are feeling overwhelmed by the idea of tackling such a big project in a day or two, follow this <a href="https://www.thespruce.com/spring-cleaning-guide-4134151" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">30 Day Spring Cleaning Checklist</a> with quick 10 – 30 minute tasks to accomplish day by day over the course of a month.ProcessThe KonMariIf you haven’t seen the Netflix series “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo,” I highly recommend watching a few episodes to get yourself inspired to get cleaning. She is a tidying expert with only six basic rules to follow and many mini tips to make your home and therefore life, overall more organized. To get an overview of Marie’s method, take a look at this article:<a href="https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/organizing/a25846191/what-is-the-konmari-method/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> What Is the KonMari Method? Here's How to Declutter the Marie Kondo Way</a>.The Long HaulOkay, so you get to the end of your spring cleaning venture and are a little tired from the hard work. But, you feel mostly refreshed and relieved as you walk around and admire your clean home and you may be saying to yourself, “I wish I felt this way all the time in my home” and thinking “how do I keep my house this clean all the time?” Well, you might want to take a look at this article - <a href="https://www.southernliving.com/home/organization/clean-house-habits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">9 Habits of People Who Always Have a Clean Home</a> and learn how a few daily, weekly and monthly habits may be the answer.The HacksThe key to cleaning efficiently without exhausting yourself is to work smart, not hard. Check out these genius and inexpensive <a href="https://www.frugalcouponliving.com/spring-cleaning-tips/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spring Cleaning Tips and Hacks</a>! You’ll be left wishing you knew these tips much sooner in life.I hope this is of help to you in your spring cleaning pursuits! And as you go, remember the words of the wise Mark Twain - “the secret of getting ahead is getting started.”&nbsp;

Spring Cleaning: What would Marie Kondo do?

For many, the real estate market ended on a flat note in 2018, leaving us all feeling a little anxious about 2019.&nbsp;As we crept into January, the market started to level out.&nbsp;What do I mean by that?&nbsp;Well, our listed properties started to receive a more normalized amount of showings and homes that had been sitting for 60 plus days went under contract. In fact, a few of our listings received multiple offers after a few months on the market.&nbsp;Buyers for the last two years have experienced what I call “buyer fatigue.” They had lost out on their favorite homes, saw in excess of twenty plus homes, and basically gave up after losing in multiple offer scenarios. Good news, buying a home is easier than it has been in a few years, especially for our move-up buyer and first-time home buyer communities. A move up buyer can sell his/her own personal home fairly easily in the current market and still find a good deal on the next level of home.&nbsp;The higher end homes, $400k and up, are taking a little longer to sell than in recent history.&nbsp;So, a move up buyer can essentially have his/her cake and eat it too!&nbsp;For my fellow number nerds out there, I leave you with real stats in case you don’t want to hang your hat on a “feeling.”The overall DFW market saw a 1% decline from December 2017 to December 2018 in the number of pre-owned homes sold.&nbsp;However, let’s keep in mind that in 2017 we had nowhere else to go but down!&nbsp;2017 was a banner year that will likely not be topped for many years from now. Dallas and Collin counties were down 4.3% and 2.3% respectively in the number of homes sold.&nbsp;For those of us that are homeowners, the good news is that DFW as a whole saw an average of 5% price increase over the last 12 months.&nbsp; Dallas and Collin counties enjoyed a 3% and 1.1% price increase respectively. So while the number of homes sold dipped slightly, the average home prices are on the rise!&nbsp;If you’re curious what your home will sell for or what your purchase power is, contact the Housed Real Estate team at Keller Williams for help!&nbsp;214.888.6864 or <a href="mailto:info@housedrealestate.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">info@housedrealestate.com</a>

Sound the alarm, wait don’t; Dallas Metro Market Update 2019

Dallas-Fort Worth has been reaping the benefits of a multi-year upswing in its housing market, but we’re starting to see a shift in that trend as DFW pumps the brakes on home sales. In August, Fort Worth managed to eke out a 1% increase in sales, but Dallas saw a 4% decline, and North Texas overall posted a 1% loss. Of course, no one wants to hear that a hot market is cooling off, but the change is not entirely unexpected. It’s a truth universally acknowledged among scientists and realtors alike that what goes up must come down, and the housing market is no different.While a slowdown is a natural part of the market cycle, we must also consider the other factors at play.&nbsp;Several years of skyrocketing home prices and this year’s increased mortgage rates have negatively affected sales. In addition, first-time buyers looking for an affordable home continue to be priced out of the market as there is currently a shortage of homes under $250,000.But it’s not all bad news for DFW. Some areas, such as Prosper and DeSoto, had mini-booms of their own in August, with sales up a whopping 40% and 37%, respectively. Sales of luxury homes are up as well; the expensive Park Cities neighborhood increased sales by 29%.So what do all these numbers mean for you in a practical sense? If you’re a buyer, now is a great time to start looking. Home sale prices will likely drop as the market continues to cool. Remember, the DFW market isn’t all doom and gloom: you might consider selling your house if you live in one of those hot neighborhoods or if you’re selling a luxury home before those pockets start to cool off as well.&nbsp;That said, other sellers have options as well. First, consult a realtor. Your real estate agent will help you determine the asking price. Getting the price right is absolutely crucial to the sale of your home under these market conditions. Since you likely won’t get a line of potential buyers out the door, there is no time for trial and error. Curb appeal is becoming more of a factor in which homes sell quickly and which ones will sit on the market, so consider making those repairs you’ve been putting off. Your home must also be clean, in good working condition, and properly staged. Staging doesn’t necessarily mean renting furniture; it means making the space in your home aesthetically pleasing to buyers, which might involve rearranging existing furniture or decluttering. Above all else, listen to your realtor!A slower market does present more challenges for sellers, but don’t let the statistics scare you. Just because the market isn’t piping hot doesn’t mean that it has disappeared entirely. With the right realtor by your side helping to navigate you through the ebbs and flows of the market, you’ll get the best price for your home despite the downturn.&nbsp;

2018 DFW Housing Market Shift: Are We Heading for a Slow Down?

Multiple buyers waging a bidding war on a newly-listed home is, in many ways, the ideal scenario for most sellers. The solution seems simple - choose the one who offers the highest price and call it a day, right? Not necessarily.In a fast-paced market, multiple offers on homes in good locations are fairly common, and there are several ways you can make these dynamics work for you rather than against you.First, do your research. Sit down with your realtor and ask them questions about the current climate of the market. How quickly are homes selling once listed? What does the average selling price look like these days? Are sellers typically closing at or above asking price?All of this information will then help you determine the listing price, the most important factor in facilitating multiple offers on your home. Starting too low might snag you a quick sale, but will leave you feeling like you could’ve gotten more. Pricing too high could mean sitting on the market and later being forced into dreaded price reductions. When the market is hot, multiple offers most often occur when the listing price is just slightly below average for that type of home. Once the offers come pouring in, you’ll be able to push the price point above average pretty easily.Then, you need to make sure you have the basics in place. Your home must be in good condition, cleaned, staged, and marketed well. You and your realtor might consider such tactics as taking professional photos of the home and building a dedicated webpage featuring it, or holding open houses and agent tours.Let’s say you’ve successfully listed your home for just the right price, and now you’re juggling multiple offers. How do you choose? It’s not always as simple as the highest dollar amount. You want to consider the quality of the buyers themselves. What does their down payment look like? Are they pre-approved for a loan? It’s critical to be sure your buyer’s finances are in order.The sky, however, is not the limit. In a bidding war, the absolute best offers will typically be free of contingencies. You should reconsider choosing the highest dollar amount if closing is contingent upon the sale of the buyer’s house, for example. Another factor to keep in mind is the appraisal process. If your home doesn’t appraise well, you’ll be forced to either lower your price or pay out of pocket for improvements.In the end, the best offer on your home will be a balance of price, few or no contingencies, and the probability of a smooth closing process. Armed with knowledge and confidence, you can facilitate and preside over the price battle and become the undisputed winner in the sale of your home.

 Juggling Multiple Offers on Your Home

<img src="https://quicklistings.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/articles/100476/rach-potter-earns-designation-for-performance-in-luxury-real-estate-1-med.jpg">Dallas | May 31, 2018 — Rach Potter with Housed Real Estate + Relocation in Dallas, Texas recently earned The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing’s Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist™ (CLHMS) designation in recognition of experience, knowledge, and expertise in high-end residential properties. Potter joins an exclusive group of real estate professionals who have completed The Institute’s training and have a proven performance in the upper-tier market.“Agents who have earned the CLHMS designation are performing at the highest level in their community,” said Diane Hartley, president of The Institute. “The CLHMS seal is a symbol of distinction. Affluent buyers and sellers from around the world look for this symbol of luxury home knowledge and expertise when putting their trust in a real estate professional.”The specialized training and membership with The Institute provides Potter with the knowledge and tools to better serve clients. The CLHMS designation also provides evidence of the successful commitment to service at the highest level. “The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing elevated my skill set to not only market and sell luxury properties in North Texas, but allowed me to hone my skills for all price points," says Rach Potter. "The Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist Designation provides exclusive access to specialized marketing tools geared toward the luxury home price point.”Rach Potter leads the Housed Real Estate + Relocation team with Keller Williams Dallas Preston Road and specializes in assisting families relocate within the Dallas Metroplex and globally through a specialized network of real estate professionals. In her first year in real estate, Potter was named “Rookie of the Year”.&nbsp;Potter is also a Certified Relocation Professional (CRP). The CRP designation is&nbsp;bestowed upon those who qualify, via examinations, and administered by the&nbsp;Worldwide Employee Relocation Council&nbsp;(Worldwide ERC®). The CRP® exam measures an individual's knowledge on a range of issues: family relocation, tax and legal matters, corporate relocation policies, appraisal methods for real estate, real estate marketing, and&nbsp;more.For more information about the luxury market in the Dallas Metroplex, contact Rach Potter with Housed Real Estate + Relocation at 214.403.3419 or RPotter@HousedRealEstate.com.

Rach Potter Earns Designation for Performance in Luxury Real Estate

Howdy! If you're traveling to the Big D for <a href="https://www.worldwideerc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Worldwide ERC's</a> Americas Mobility Conference, we'd love for you to stop by booth #611 to meet our team and register to win our giveaways!<img src="https://quicklistings.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/articles/100126/housed-real-estate-relocation-at-worldwide-erc-s-americas-mobility-conference--1-lg.jpg">MEET THE AWESOME HOUSED TEAM:You'll meet three of our friendly faces, Rach Potter, Kelly Wicker and Andrea Miller!<h5><img src="https://quicklistings.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/articles/100126/housed-real-estate-relocation-at-worldwide-erc-s-americas-mobility-conference--2-med.png"></h5><img src="https://quicklistings.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/articles/100126/housed-real-estate-relocation-at-worldwide-erc-s-americas-mobility-conference--1-med.png"><img src="https://quicklistings.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/articles/100126/housed-real-estate-relocation-at-worldwide-erc-s-americas-mobility-conference--3-med.png">ENTER FOR YOUR CHANCE TO HAVE A YEAR OF AWESOME:Also, you can register for your chance to win one of our giveaways: 12 months of wine of the month club from <a href="https://www.cellarswineclub.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cellar's Wine Club</a>, 12 months of sock delivery from <a href="https://www.footcardigan.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Foot Cardigan</a>, or 12 months of fresh flowers from <a href="https://www.bloomsybox.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bloomsy Box</a>!We are excited to connect with you and look forward to a great conference!

Housed Real Estate + Relocation at Worldwide ERC's Americas Mobility Conference

Housed Real Estate + Relocation Team Partners with Habitat for Humanity and Give Back Homes for Dallas Build DayFrom day one of building the <a href="../../" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Housed Real Estate + Relocation</a> brand, we made a commitment to give a portion of our earnings back to our community. Not long after our start we were connected with <a href="https://givebackhomes.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Give Back Homes</a>, an organization made up of real estate professionals that help build homes for deserving families all over the world. With every Housed home closing, we <a href="https://givebackhomes.com/housedrealestate" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">donate a portion to Give Back Homes</a> and strengthen our long-term mission to help every person afford their own home. Soon after we teamed up with Give Back Homes, we decided we wanted in on the action of helping build a home for someone in need, and our first Dallas Build Day was set!On April 7, 2018, the <a href="../../" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Housed Real Estate + Relocation</a> team, family members, friends, and partners joined forces with <a href="https://www.dallasareahabitat.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Habitat for Humanity</a> to build a home for a family. Despite the chilly weather, we had a blast giving back to our community! We want to give a huge shout out to our amazing partners- <a href="https://fullpackagemedia.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Full Package Media</a>, <a href="https://veritymortgage.com/Michael.Fooshee/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Verity Mortgage</a>, <a href="http://www.chicagotitledfw.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chicago Title</a>, and <a href="https://www.mantoolz.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Man Toolz</a>! We could not have made this day possible without your help. We also want to thank our friends and family for coming out to support a local family in need of a home. There is nothing greater than the feeling that you have made a difference in one family’s future, and we are so happy to have been a part of such a special day.If you want in on our next Dallas Build Day, send us an email at <a href="mailto:info@housedrealestate.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">info@housedrealestate.com</a>. We would love to have you partner with us to change the lives of families in the Dallas area!<img src="https://quicklistings.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/articles/99211/housed-real-estate-relocation-team-partners-with-habitat-for-humanity-and-give-back-homes-for-dallas-build-day-1-med.jpg"><img src="https://quicklistings.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/articles/99211/housed-real-estate-relocation-team-partners-with-habitat-for-humanity-and-give-back-homes-for-dallas-build-day-2-med.jpg">&nbsp;

Dallas Build Day 2018

Over the past decade, the real estate market in Texas has fluctuated from bursting its bubble and bottoming out in 2009 to making a tough climb back up to stability. In 2017, the market actually performed better than expected, with the total value of all residential home sales in North Texas increasing 12.3% over 2016. Realtors still enjoyed an increase of 9% in the median home sale price, despite the increased interest rates in 2017 that were expected to deter some buyers. The luxury market in the DFW Metroplex also saw tremendous growth, with the purchase of homes valued over $1M increasing by 21%.&nbsp;&nbsp;It’s not all good news, though. Inventory in Dallas, Collin and Denton counties increased over 2016 slightly to 2.2, 2.7, and 2.1 months, respectively - something to keep an eye on in 2018. The other concern is with affordability, as many apartment renters want to buy homes but can’t afford it. To even consider buying a home in DFW, the buyer’s household income would need to be at least $59,500/year - slightly higher than the national average, but significantly lower than in cities like New York, San Francisco, and San Jose, CA. Regular folks are also getting priced out of the market within high-demand areas in the DFW Metroplex as well - for example, a buyer can’t find a home in Plano for less than $275k. The bright side of this dilemma is that these dynamics don’t create bubbles or an overheated market.&nbsp;Our outlook for 2018 is good overall. For most of the U.S., the market is stable. Interest rates are increasing, and prices of homes continue to trend upward, but these conditions will clear out people who are aren’t serious buyers. Researchers anticipate steady overall economic growth at 3%. They also predict that the Dallas real estate market will start heating up with a sales increase of 4-6%, and that low inventory will place upward pressure on home prices.&nbsp;So what does all of this mean? Well, if trends continue in this direction, we should expect to see two to three more good years, but that doesn’t mean we can become complacent. Now is the time to work smart and keep our eyes open for opportunities and growth. Here’s to prosperity and success in 2018!

2017 Recap + What's Ahead

One of the major benefits to owning a home is being able to take advantage of the tax exemptions associated with homeownership. An “exemption” is a form of tax relief designed to reduce the taxable value of your property, which in turn reduces the amount of tax you pay on your home. You may qualify for several fairly straightforward exemptions, including if you are over the age of 65, are a disabled individual or veteran, or use your land for agricultural purposes. Another common tax break is called the Homestead Exemption, and the rules of how to access this benefit vary by state. Today, we’ll discuss how to successfully claim it for your Texas home.The Homestead Exemption requires an appraisal by representatives of the jurisdictions which will be assessing the tax on your home, and you have to submit an application to the Central Appraisal District (CAD) by April 30 in order to qualify. You must be occupying the property as your main homestead as of January 1 of the tax year in which the exemption is granted, and you must submit your Texas driver’s license or state ID along with your application. Be sure that the address on your card matches the address of your property, otherwise the Chief Appraiser will be prohibited from approving your exemption.As the homeowner, it is your responsibility to apply for any and all tax exemptions, so it is also important to be on the lookout for imposters and scammers claiming to file on your behalf. You can file easily - and for free - on your county’s CAD website. The county CAD will send you correspondence regarding your exemptions, and you must respond to respond to those communications in a timely manner. Once the process is completed, tax statements will be mailed out in October, and will hopefully include your approved Homestead Exemption!As a new purchaser, you need to notify the taxing authorities of your ownership so that the tax rolls will reflect the change. You may do this by contacting the appropriate tax appraisal district in&nbsp;your county from the following list:Collin&nbsp;County Appraisal&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.collincad.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.collincad.org</a>Dallas&nbsp;County Appraisal&nbsp;<a href="http://www.dallascad.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.dallascad.org</a>Denton&nbsp;County Appraisal&nbsp;<a href="http://www.dentoncad.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.dentoncad.com</a>Johnson&nbsp;County Appraisal&nbsp;<a href="http://www.johnsoncad.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.johnsoncad.com</a>Rockwall&nbsp;County Appraisal&nbsp;<a href="http://www.rockwallcad.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.rockwallcad.com</a>Tarrant County Appraisal&nbsp;<a href="http://www.tad.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.tad.org</a>

Filing Your Homestead Exemption

We typically don’t think about the holiday season as a particularly good time to sell a home. Contrary to popular belief, going on the market this time of year can actually benefit sellers. Buyers who are looking to purchase a home during the winter are generally more serious and in a hurry to find housing. They aren’t just casually looking - they need to buy immediately for one of several reasons. Some buyers need to purchase a home before December 31 to receive a tax benefit. Also, new employees traditionally begin their jobs in January, and transferees cannot wait until spring to buy. Many potential buyers also take vacations over the holidays, and so may have more time to look during this time of year. Sellers must be on the market in order to capture all of these serious buyers.Because there is less inventory to look at, buyers will usually make better offers simply because there is less to choose from. Buyers also tend to be more emotional during the holidays and are therefore more willing to pay your price. Sellers also should capitalize on their fear of missing out - listings will increase dramatically after the first of the year, which means less demand for your home and potentially less money for you. Perhaps the biggest advantage to selling during the holidays is that doing so provides the opportunity to be a non-contingent buyer during the spring. Many more houses will be on the market for less money and playing these dynamics will allow you to sell high and buy low. Now that’s a gift to yourself that keeps on giving! Call 214.888.6864 and let the Housed team help sell your home for the holidays!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

(Sell Your) Home for the Holidays

The old adage that two brains are better than one may explain why business owners create partnerships, but it’s not just the brains that need to work well together. Partners’ core values, work ethic and personalities need to get along too --and let’s not underestimate the importance of liking one another! Rach and I have all of the above covered! We have worked together in some capacity for the last 8 years, and I can honestly say she's the Topo to my Chico. (Yes, we're obsessed. Isn't everyone?). We've had a blast growing businesses together and most recently, forming Housed into a successful team of real estate + relocation professionals, and with Rach as our leader, I know it will continue to be successful.When <a href="http://www.worldwideerc.org/MOBILITY/Pages/index.aspx" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mobility Magazine</a> asked Rach about her beginning in the relocation industry, I knew this would be another opportunity for our colleagues to experience what I get to experience on a daily basis— Rach's magnetic personality, unmatched work ethic, and thorough knowledge of all things relocation and real estate. The article was published in the October 2017 magazine, and I'm confident when you read about her career start and human touch philosophy, you will be inspired to take that extra step of kindness and care when it matters most.The Human Touch by Rach Potter, Realtor, CRP, Founding Partner of Housed Real Estate + RelocationRaise your hand if you knew you wanted to be a “mobility professional” when you grew up. I’d bet there aren’t many in the air. Don’t worry— mine isn’t, either. I studied biochemistry at Baylor University, and in my senior year, I got my first taste of real estate working for the city of Waco, Texas. I was in the trenches doing research and clearing vacant homes for the city, moving them, and then burning them to make way for new development. I’m sure Chip and Joanna will be sending me a thank-you note any day now.In 2001, I course-corrected away from medical school and headed north to Dallas, where I landed a business-development job at a boutique corporate housing firm. During my 14 years there, I helped grow it into an Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Company, a distinction it won four years in a row.I fell in love with the people in the relocation world immediately. I thrived in the fast-paced, action-packed environment, where there was never a cookie-cutter solution to any problem. I never knew what I was going to walk into— issues ranging from international customs regulations and shipment delays to bedbugs and leaky faucets, vendor and inventory shortages, and clients and transferees who expected nothing less than excellence through every obstacle.Every day kept me on my toes as I strived to push my team to greater and greater success, balancing the demands of clients and guests for faster and better service while managing day-to-day operations of a growing company. Even in this ever-evolving tech world, “faster and better” doesn’t always mean a convenient app on your smartphone; sometimes it means using the call function on your phone to have a conversation. Just one simple talk with a real, live person can save thousands of texts and a ton of headache. Sometimes “better” also means slowing down, taking the time to write an empathetic email to a guest whose pet just died or sending a handwritten apology note for an inconvenience. Relocation, like anything related to mobility, is first and foremost a “people business”—in sort, the human touch makes all the difference.That’s why in 2015, I shifted gears and formed my own residential real estate business with a focus on relocation. It was truly the best decision I’ve ever made. With the mobility and relocation knowledge acquired during my time in temporary housing, my “human touch” philosophy, and a team of full-time real-estate professional superstars, the future of relocation is here—and we are creating it.Throughout my career, being an active member of my local Worldwide ERC©-recognized regional relocation group, North Texas Relocation Professionals, has been critical to my success and has allowed me for collaboration with the area’s top global mobility executives. Equally vital to both my personal and professional growth has been my association with Worldwide ERC© and the invaluable educational opportunities it provides. I continue to be an active member of both organizations today, regularly attending regional, national, and global mobility conferences.I look forward to connecting with you at the next conference and hearing about your foray into the wonderful world of relocation and global mobility!&nbsp;<a href="https://quicklistings.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/articles/95267/housed-founding-partner-rach-potter-and-the-human-touch-14-lg.png" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><img src="https://quicklistings.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/articles/95267/housed-founding-partner-rach-potter-and-the-human-touch-14-lg.png"></a>&nbsp;

Global Mobility, Relocation + The Human Touch

From Dallas we've watched and read and heard about the destruction of Hurricane Harvey across the Texas coast. Thousands of homes are damaged or destroyed, and many people are in need of assistance. As we all search for ways to assist our friends and loved ones in Houston and all the affected areas in South Texas, below is a current list of organizations requesting immediate help and donations.AID ORGANIZATIONS - asking for cash donations, rather than supplies, including the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/redcross/?fref=mentions" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">American Red Cross</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/catholiccharitiesusa/?fref=mentions" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Catholic Charities USA</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SalvationArmyUSA/?fref=mentions" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Salvation Army USA</a>. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GlobalGiving/?fref=mentions" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">GlobalGiving</a> has launched a crowdfunding effort that has raised close to $200,000 so far.CHILDREN'S SERVICES - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/texasdiaperbank/?fref=mentions" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Texas Diaper Bank</a> is accepting donations and other help for children.FOOD BANKS - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thehoustonfoodbank/?fref=mentions" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Houston Food Bank</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Galveston-County-Food-Bank-136556506366099/?fref=mentions" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Galveston County Food Bank</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FoodBankofCorpusChristi/?fref=mentions" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Food Bank of Corpus Christi</a> are asking for cash and other donations.BLOOD DONATIONS - South Texas Blood &amp; Tissue is urgently seeking blood donations. You may visit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Carter-Blood-Care/148591608511486?fref=mentions" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Carter Blood Care</a> in Dallas to donate.FURRY FRIENDS - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/austinpetsalive/?fref=mentions" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Austin Pets Alive!</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/spcaoftexaspage/?fref=mentions" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">SPCA of Texas</a> are working to transport pets in flood-affected areas to shelters.KELLER WILLIAMS Dallas Preston Road is also accepting donations in the form of toiletries, water and non-perishable items. You may email <a href="mailto:Info@HousedRealEstate.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Info@HousedRealEstate.com</a> for more details.Our thoughts and prayers are with all our neighbors in Houston.&nbsp;&nbsp;*image via NOAA/Reuters

How We Can Help our Neighbors in Houston 

If you’re thinking about buying a home in <a href="https://www.cor.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Richardson</a>, Texas, or if you currently live there, you should know about the city’s <a href="https://www.cor.net/index.aspx?page=430" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Home Improvement Incentive Program</a>. The City of Richardson will literally pay you to remodel, rehabilitate and care for your home, and has already paid out over $1 million in incentives since 2011. You may be thinking that this program sounds too good to be true, so let me explain how it works.For example, assume that a home improvement project commences in January 2018 and is completed in June 2018. Let’s say that as a result of these improvements, 2019 property taxes will increase $300 above 2018 property taxes due to the increase in the taxable value of the home. The total incentive, paid to you on April 1, 2019, would be $3,000, meaning the city will have paid you ten times the property tax increase less than a year after completion of your project.Here’s how to get in on this sweet deal: prior to beginning your home improvement project, you will simply need to fill out an application and submit it to the city. This must be done BEFORE you purchase supplies or begin the work. The project must include significant capital improvements, such as cabinets, countertops, flooring, landscaping, fences, and even mechanical upgrades like HVAC, water heaters, or roofing. To qualify, you’ll have 24 months to spend at least $20,000. Once you submit your brief application, you will be required to sign an economic development agreement.&nbsp;After you have approval, the fun begins!&nbsp;When the project is complete, the city will send out a representative to review the work, finalize your project, and, ultimately, cut you a check. Feel free to call your <a href="../../about" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Housed Real Estate team</a> at 214.888.6864 with more questions. We are here to help!

Richardson Home Improvement Incentive Program

Forget everything you thought you knew about Dallas. Big hats, big hair, big egos, ruthless oil men… okay, well, some stereotypes are true, and we still have some of those. It’s part of the charm. Today’s Dallas, however, is more accurately described as a modern, thriving American city that prides itself on its diversity, stunning architecture, parks, museums and support for the arts.Dallas/Fort Worth the fourth-largest metropolitan area in the U.S. -- and still growing! Over 200 people move into the DFW area daily, which is mind-boggling but understandable given what this city has to offer, both in terms of economic and industry growth and its distinct personality and culture. Moving to a new city can be both exciting and overwhelming, but Dallas is friendly, warm and welcoming. Learning your way around, making new friends and finding your niche won’t take long here.Whether you’ve moved to town for a dream job, or just visiting for a while, I’ve got more walkable destinations for y’all that you just can’t miss while you’re here.Continental Pedestrian Bridge + Trinity Skyline Trails<img src="https://quicklistings.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/articles/94452/dallas-through-the-eyes-of-a-newcomer-part-2-1-med.png">For some breathtaking views of downtown Dallas, head west and take a stroll across the Trinity River on an old bridge, converted by the city into a $12-million public park. Pedestrians, cyclists and skaters are free to roam to their hearts’ content -- no cars allowed on the bridge. There are also plenty of trails to hike and bike underneath the bridge in the Trinity River Basin, and several nice restaurants and a brewery within walking distance.Bishop Arts District<img src="https://quicklistings.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/articles/94452/dallas-through-the-eyes-of-a-newcomer-part-2-3-med.png">Oak Cliff’s historical and quirky shopping-and-dining destination offers over 60 local shops and restaurants where beard-and-flannel hipsters mix easily with families and suburban visitors to enjoy everything from antiques to artisanal chocolates to fine dining. Do not skip Emporium Pies, even if there’s a line. It’s worth the wait!<a href="http://www.bishopartsdistrict.com/shops-and-services" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.bishopartsdistrict.com/shops-and-services</a>&nbsp;White Rock Lake<img src="https://quicklistings.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/articles/94452/dallas-through-the-eyes-of-a-newcomer-part-2-2-med.png">Covering over 1,000 acres just northeast of downtown Dallas, this urban lake boasts over 9 miles of hiking and biking trails, public boat ramps and piers, kayaking, picnic areas and a dog park complete with a doggie swimming pool! Many community and city-wide special events are held here throughout the year, making <a href="http://www.dallasparks.org/235/White-Rock-Lake" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">White Rock Lake</a> one of the most popular parks in the city.We love our city, and we think you will too. We’re glad you’re here!&nbsp;Now, get out there and make Dallas your own!&nbsp;If you haven't yet, don't forget to read the other post(s) in this series:<a href="../../../articles/dallas-newcomer-1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dallas Through the Eyes of a Newcomer- Part I</a>

Dallas Through the Eyes of a Newcomer | Part 2

When I transferred to Dallas from North Carolina six years ago, I thought I’d be stepping into a scene from “Urban Cowboy” -- a countryfied city with a shimmering skyline, lots of big hair, thick drawls, and real cowpokes in boots and spurs, tipping their 10-gallon hats to me on every street corner. Yee-haw!Although admittedly I was a bit deflated when I found out that my screen-inspired fantasies were mostly wrong (firstly, “Urban Cowboy” takes place in Houston, not Dallas), I settled into an apartment in <a href="http://deepellumtexas.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Deep Ellum</a> with a decent view of downtown. Before I knew it, I fell in love with the real Dallas, and my transformation from newbie to native began. I discovered that there’s something here for everyone if you know where to look!To get started on your own love affair with Dallas, take a walk with me - no, seriously! The DFW Metroplex is vast, but the city of Dallas and its distinct neighborhoods are actually very walkable, with lots of shops, restaurants and good people watching everywhere. Walking is how I fell in love with Dallas: it’s the simplest way to explore the city and take in all of its stories, quirks and hidden gems -- and it’s good for you, too!Deep Ellum<img src="https://quicklistings.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/articles/91265/dallas-newcomer-one-2-med.png">You’re in the heart of Dallas’ live music scene, home of the top music venues, bars and restaurants, which also means it’s a prime spot for people watching. There's just so much to see, hear and experience in this neighborhood! Take a stroll down any of the main streets: Main, Commerce, Canton, Elm. While you’re at it, check out the famous <a href="http://pecanlodge.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pecan Lodge</a>, which boasts some of the best barbeque in the whole state of Texas. Get the brisket -- trust me on this!Lower + Lowest Greenville<img src="https://quicklistings.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/articles/91265/dallas-newcomer-one-5-med.png">An entertainment district featuring many of Dallas’ best bars and restaurants, <a href="http://neighborhoods.dmagazine.com/dallas/east-dallas/lower-greenville/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Lower Greenville</a> is a close-knit community of residents. You’ll find young families, college students, hipsters and empty-nesters alike walking the streets and enjoying food and craft cocktails on one of the many patios and rooftops in the neighborhood.&nbsp;Klyde Warren Park<img src="https://quicklistings.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/articles/91265/dallas-newcomer-one-4-med.png">Who builds a 5-acre park on top of an active freeway? Dallas, of course! And we sure can pack a lot into those five acres: food trucks, concerts, fitness and dance classes, community events, music and story time for the kids, and much more! Visit <a href="https://www.klydewarrenpark.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Klyde Warren Park's website</a> for a list of activities and scheduled events.Uptown + Katy Trail<img src="https://quicklistings.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/articles/91265/dallas-newcomer-one-3-med.png">In this live-work-play community, uptown girls and boys don’t have to venture far to find trendsetting bars, hot restaurants, new apartments, and some of the best shopping in town. Don’t miss the <a href="http://katytraildallas.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Katy Trail</a>, transformed from a railroad line into a 3.5-mile paved trail which spans from SMU to Victory Park downtown, enjoyed by runners, cyclists and anyone wanting a breath of fresh air. And be sure to visit the <a href="http://katyicehouse.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Katy Trail Icehouse</a>, an iconic Austin-style beer garden and restaurant smack-dab in the center of uptown Dallas, boasting a 50-foot bar and an award-winning patio (Dallas is all about the patios, y’all!).Welcome to the Big D! The best part is -- we’re just getting started, y’all!

Dallas Through the Eyes of a Newcomer | Part 1

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