Knowledge is Power

Preventing Frozen Pipes

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 02:00:00 GMT

Preventing Frozen Pipes

With the Frigid Winter air coming this week, we thought we'd share some helpful information that we found online at www.StateFarm.com.

An average of a quarter-million families have their homes ruined and their lives disrupted each winter, all because of water pipes that freeze and burst.

And recovering from frozen pipes is not as simple as calling a plumber. An eighth-inch (three millimeter) crack in a pipe can spew up to 250 gallons (946 liters) of water a day. Both plastic (PVC) and copper pipes can burst.

By taking a few simple precautions, you can save yourself the mess, money and aggravation frozen pipes cause.

Before the cold hits

Insulate pipes in your home's crawl spaces and attic. These exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing. Remember - the more insulation you use, the better protected your pipes will be.

Heat tape or thermostatically-controlled heat cables can be used to wrap pipes. Be sure to use products approved by an independent testing organization, such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc., and only for the use intended (exterior or interior). Closely follow all manufacturers' installation and operation instructions.

Seal leaks that allow cold air inside near where pipes are located. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents and pipes. Use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out and the heat in. With severe cold, even a tiny opening can let in enough cold air to cause a pipe to freeze.

Disconnect garden hoses and, if practical, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This reduces the chance of freezing in the short span of pipe just inside the house.

When the mercury drops

A trickle of hot and cold water might be all it takes to keep your pipes from freezing. Let warm water drip overnight, preferably from a faucet on an outside wall.

Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to uninsulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.

Before you go away

Set the thermostat in your house no lower than 55°F (12°C).

Ask a friend or neighbor to check your house daily to make sure it's warm enough to prevent freezing or

Shut off and drain the water system. Be aware that if you have a fire protection sprinkler system in your house, it will be deactivated when you shut off the water.

If your pipes freeze

Don't take chances. If you turn on your faucets and nothing comes out, leave the faucets turned on and call a plumber. If you detect that your water pipes have frozen and burst, turn off the water at the main shut-off valve in the house; leave the water faucets turned on. (Make sure everyone in your family knows where the water shut-off valve is and how to open and close it.)

Never try to thaw a pipe with a torch or other open flame. Water damage is preferable to burning down your house. You may be able to thaw a frozen pipe with the warm air from a hair dryer. Start by warming the pipe as close to the faucet as possible, working toward the coldest section of pipe. Do not use electrical appliances in areas of standing water because you could be electrocuted.

Want a snapshot of what is going on in a particular neighborhood?

Refer someone to The Minteer Team and be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Las Vegas.

Search North Texas home listed for sale!

Homebuyer Tax Credit Extended!

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:56:00 GMT

Good news - the Federal Government has extended the homebuyer tax credit! First-time homebuyers can qualify for up to $8,000 and move up buyers can now qualify for up to $6,500. See the flyer below for more details.

Want a snapshot of what is going on in a particular neighborhood?

Refer someone to The Minteer Team and be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Las Vegas.

Search North Texas home listed for sale!

The Habit Poem

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:39:00 GMT

The Minteer Team read a great poem today and wanted to share it:

The Habit Poem

I am your constant companion.

I am your greatest helper or heaviest burden.

I will push you onward or drag your down to failure.

I am completely at your command.

Half of the things you do you might as well turn over

to me and I will do them – quickly and correctly.

I am easily managed – you must be firm with me.

Show me exactly how you want something done

and after a few lessons, I will do it automatically.

I am the servant of great people,

and alas, of all failures as well.

Those who are great, I have made great.

Those who are failures, I have made failures.

I am not a machine though I work with the precision

of a machine plus the intelligence of a person.

You may run me for profit or run me for ruin –

it makes no difference to me.

Take me, train me, be firm with me,

and I will place the world at your feet.

Be easy with me and I will destroy you.

Who am I? I am Habit.

Want a snapshot of what is going on in a particular neighborhood?

Refer someone to The Minteer Team and be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Las Vegas.

Search North Texas home listed for sale!

Keller Williams Book "Your First Home" Featured in Wall Street Journal $8000 Tax Credit Article

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 17:00:00 GMT

"Your First Home", a book by Keller Williams Realty was featured in an article in the Smart Money section of the Wall Street Journal. The article, titled "How to Nail Down $8,000 Tax Credit on New Home", gives buyers four strategies on how to expedite a closing and receive the tax credit before the November 30th deadline. To read the article, click here: http://www.smartmoney.com/personal-finance/real-estate/4-ways-to-shave-time-off-buying-a-home/.

Call the Minteer Team for information on how we can help you buy a home using the $8000 tax credit!

City Facts - Bedford

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 15:50:00 GMT

Bedford

“Became a City in 1953”

www.ci.bedford.tx.us

Demographic Profile

Year	2000	2010	2020	2030
Population	47,055	48,699	50,210	50,636
Households	20,414	21,172	21,821	21,987
Citizens Employed	23,380	58,594	26,734	26,748

Estimated population 2007: 49,050

Median age of residents: 36.2

Average annual household income: $54,436

DFW Top Employers

Lockheed Martin Corp.

American Airlines/AMR

Texas Instruments

Parkland Health & Hospital System

University of North Texas

UT Southern Medical Center

EDS

NAS/JRB

Baylor University Medical Center

L-3 Communications Integrated Systems

Location

11 miles West of DFW International Airport

14 miles Southeast of Ft. Worth Alliance Airport

11 miles from Ft. Worth

20 miles from Dallas

MLS Housing Statistics

Year	2006	2007	2008
Average Sales Price	$163,754	$166,403	$165,986
Average Days on Market	55	50	59
Total # of Sales	586	570	533

City Information

City Hall

2000 Forest Ridge

817-952-2100

Boards	Meeting Times
City Council	2^nd & 4^th Tuesday @ 7:00 p.m.
Parks and Recreation	1^st Thursday @ TBA
Planning and Zoning	2^nd & 4^th Thursday @ TBA
Beautification Commission	3^rd Monday @ TBA
Library	817-788-7300
Library Board	3^rd Monday @ TBA

Utility Information

TXU Energy	800-242-9113	Atmos Energy	800-460-3030
Allied Waste	817-332-7301	Time Warner	972-445-5555
Water	817-952-2100	AT&T	800-464-7928

Education

Served by 2 Independent School Districts

· HURST-EULESS-BEDFORD ISD

K-12 attendance: 20,238

Average number of students per teacher: 15.8

Average SAT score: 1036

www.hebisd.edu

817-267-3311

· GRAPEVINE/COLLEYVILLE ISD

K-12 attendance: 13,936

Average number of students per teacher: 15.4

Average SAT score: 1097

www.gcisd-k12.org

817-488-9588

Find a list of Major Colleges and Universities at

www.nctcog.org/rd/univlist.asp

Tax Information

City Sales Tax Property (Ad Valorem) Tax	8.25%
Tarrant County	.00630
City	.00447
Schools
Grapevine/Colleyville ISD	.01290
Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD	.01295

How do estimate total taxes for the year?

Multiply the value of your home times (x) the combined rate listed above.

Example: A home in Bedford (HEBISD) valued at $163,754 x .0237 = $3,880.97

How do you find the value of your home?

www.tad.org = Tarrant County Appraisal District

Want a snapshot of what is going on in a particular neighborhood?

Refer someone to The Minteer Team and be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Las Vegas.

Search North Texas home listed for sale!

City Facts - Euless

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 16:25:00 GMT

Euless

“Became a City in 1953”

www.ci.euless.tx.us

Demographic Profile

Year	2000	2010	2020	2030
Population	46,202	51,910	56,724	62,314
Households	19,456	21,733	23,520	25,500
Citizens Employed	18,403	26,866	33,361	33,477

Estimated population 2007: 49,448

Median age of residents: 32.2

Average annual household income: $56,794

DFW Top Employers

Lockheed Martin Corp.

American Airlines/AMR

Texas Instruments

Parkland Health & Hospital System

University of North Texas

UT Southern Medical Center

EDS

NAS/JRB

Baylor University Medical Center

L-3 Communications Integrated Systems

Location

8 miles West of DFW International Airport

24 miles Southeast of Ft. Worth Alliance Airport

18 miles from Ft. Worth

19 miles from Dallas

MLS Housing Statistics

Year	2006	2007	2008
Average Sales Price	$156,384	$154,325	$156,820
Average Days on Market	55	55	56
Total # of Sales	579	524	434

City Information

City Hall

201 North Ector

817-685-1623

Boards	Meeting Times
City Council	2^nd & 4^th Tuesday @ 7:00 p.m.
Parks and Recreation	3^rd Monday @ 7:00 p.m.
Planning and Zoning	1^st & 3^rd Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Library	817-685-1679
Library Board	1^st Thursday @ 7:00 p.m.

Utility Information

TXU Energy	800-242-9113	Atmos Energy	800-460-3030
Allied Waste	817-332-7301	Time Warner Cable	817-509-2225
Water	817-685-1400	AT&T	800-464-7928

Education

Served by 2 Independent School Districts

· HURST-EULESS-BEDFORD ISD

K-12 attendance: 20,238

Average number of students per teacher: 15.8

Average SAT score: 1036

www.hebisd.edu

817-267-3311

· GRAPEVINE/COLLEYVILLE ISD

K-12 attendance: 13,936

Average number of students per teacher: 15.4

Average SAT score: 1097

www.gcisd-k12.org

817-488-9588

Find a list of Major Colleges and Universities at

www.nctcog.org/rd/univlist.asp

Tax Information

City Sales Tax Property (Ad Valorem) Tax	8.25%
Tarrant County	.00630
City	.00470
Schools
Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD	.01295
Grapevine/Colleyville ISD	.01290

How do estimate total taxes for the year?

Multiply the value of your home times (x) the combined rate listed above.

Example: A home in Euless (HEBISD) valued at $153,384 x .0240 = $3,681.22

How do you find the value of your home?

www.tad.org = Tarrant County Appraisal District

Want a snapshot of what is going on in a particular neighborhood?

Refer someone to The Minteer Team and be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Las Vegas.

Search North Texas home listed for sale!

City Facts - Hurst

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:00:00 GMT

Hurst

“Became a City in 1952”

www.ci.hurst.tx.us

Demographic Profile

Year	2000	2010	2020	2030
Population	36,315	37,362	38,067	39,637
Households	14,201	14,601	15,082	15,649
Citizens Employed	19,123	22,580	24,977	26,156

Estimated population 2007: 38,500

Median age of residents: 37

7.2% of population is under 5

74.5% of population is over 18

12.4% of population is over 65 years of age

DFW Top Employers

Lockheed Martin Corp.

American Airlines/AMR

Texas Instruments

Parkland Health & Hospital System

University of North Texas

UT Southern Medical Center

EDS

NAS/JRB

Baylor University Medical Center

L-3 Communications Integrated Systems

Location

13 miles West of DFW International Airport

18 miles Southeast of Ft. Worth Alliance Airport

10 miles from Ft. Worth

25 miles from Dallas

MLS Housing Statistics

Year	2006	2007	2008
Average Sales Price	$149,288	$154,042	$150,725
Average Days on Market	58	59	82
Total # of Sales	663	600	550

City Information

City Hall

1505 Precinct Line Road

817-788-7044

Boards	Meeting Times
City Council	2^nd & 4^th Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Parks and Recreation	3^rd Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Planning and Zoning	1^st & 3^rd Monday @ 7:00 p.m.
Library	817-788-7300
Library Board	3^rd Tuesday @ 7:00 p.m.

Utility Information

TXU Energy	800-242-9113	Atmos Energy	800-460-3030
Allied Waste	817-332-7301	Charter Cable	817-509-2225
Water	817-788-7038	AT&T	800-464-7928

Education

Served by 4 Independent School Districts

· HURST-EULESS-BEDFORD ISD

K-12 attendance: 20,238

Average number of students per teacher: 15.8

Average SAT score: 1036

www.hebisd.edu

817-267-3311

· GRAPEVINE/COLLEYVILLE ISD

K-12 attendance: 13,936

Average number of students per teacher: 15.4

Average SAT score: 1097

www.gcisd-k12.org

817-488-9588

· KELLER ISD

K-12 attendance: 27,905

Average number of students per teacher: 17.3

Average SAT score: 1048

www.kellerisd.net

817-744-1000

· BIRDVILLE ISD

K-12 attendance: 22,482

Average number of students per teacher: 16.1

Average SAT score: 1016

www.birdville.k12.tx.us

817-547-5700

Find a list of Major Colleges and Universities at

www.nctcog.org/rd/univlist.asp

Tax Information

City Sales Tax Property (Ad Valorem) Tax	8.25%
Tarrant County	.00630
City	.00535
Schools
Grapevine/Colleyville ISD	.01290
Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD	.01295
Keller ISD	.01417
Birdville ISD	.01410

How do estimate total taxes for the year?

Multiply the value of your home times (x) the combined rate listed above.

Example: A home in N. Richland Hills (BISD) valued at $149,900 x .02461 = $3,687.54

How do you find the value of your home?

www.tad.org = Tarrant County Appraisal District

Want a snapshot of what is going on in a particular neighborhood?

Refer someone to The Minteer Team and be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Las Vegas.

Search North Texas home listed for sale!

City Facts - North Richland Hills

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 09:44:00 GMT

North Richland Hills

“Became a City in 1953”

www.ci.north-richland-hills.tx.net

Demographic Profile

Year	2000	2010	2020	2030
Population	55,854	65,686	71,378	73,417
Households	21,193	24,575	26,565	27,384
Citizens Employed	20,980	28,808	32,845	34,376

Estimated population 2007: 63,521

Median age of residents: 34.7

7.1% of population is under 5

72.8% of population is over 18

8.8% of population is over 65 years of age

DFW Top Employers

Lockheed Martin Corp.

American Airlines/AMR

Texas Instruments

Parkland Health & Hospital System

University of North Texas

UT Southern Medical Center

EDS

NAS/JRB

Baylor University Medical Center

L-3 Communications Integrated Systems

Location

13 miles West of DFW International Airport

28 miles East of Ft. Worth Alliance Airport

17 miles from Ft. Worth

16 miles from Dallas

MLS Housing Statistics

Year	2006	2007	2008
Average Sales Price	$166,543	$166,093	$167,451
Average Days on Market	62	65	68
Total # of Sales	924	903	765

City Information

City Hall

7301 NE Loop 820

817-427-6060

Boards	Meeting Times
City Council	2^nd & 4^th Monday @ 7:00 p.m.
Planning and Zoning	1^st & 3^rd Thursday @ 7:00 p.m.
Library	817-427-6800
Library Board	4^th Tuesday @ 7:00 p.m.

Utility Information

TXU Energy	800-242-9113	Tri-County Elec	817-431-1541
Atmos Energy	800-817-8877	Allied Waste	817-332-7301
Water	817-427-6200	AT&T	800-464-7928
Charter Cable	817-509-2225

Education

Served by 2 Independent School Districts

· KELLER ISD

K-12 attendance: 27,905

Average number of students per teacher: 17.3

Average SAT score: 1048

www.kellerisd.net

817-744-1000

· BIRDVILLE ISD

K-12 attendance: 22,482

Average number of students per teacher: 16.1

Average SAT score: 1016

www.birdville.k12.tx.us

817-547-5700

Find a list of Major Colleges and Universities at

www.nctcog.org/rd/univlist.asp

Tax Information

City Sales Tax Property (Ad Valorem) Tax	8.25%
Tarrant County	.00630
City	.00570
Schools
Keller ISD	.01417
Birdville ISD	.01410

How do estimate total taxes for the year?

Multiply the value of your home times (x) the combined rate listed above.

Example: A home in N. Richland Hills (BISD) valued at $159,900 x .0261 = $4,173.39

How do you find the value of your home?

www.tad.org = Tarrant County Appraisal District

Want a snapshot of what is going on in a particular neighborhood?

Refer someone to The Minteer Team and be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Las Vegas.

Search North Texas home listed for sale!

City Facts - Keller

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:53:00 GMT

Keller

“Became a City in 1881”

www.cityofkeller.com

Demographic Profile

Year	2000	2010	2020	2030
Population	27,345	38,127	41,026	47,310
Households	8,827	12,397	13,418	15,583
Citizens Employed	2,578	5,750	9,181	12,012

Estimated population 2007: 27,345

Median age of residents: 33.6

8.6% of population is under 5

66.3% of population is over 18

4.3% of population is over 65 years of age

DFW Top Employers

Lockheed Martin Corp.

American Airlines/AMR

Texas Instruments

Parkland Health & Hospital System

University of North Texas

UT Southern Medical Center

EDS

NAS/JRB

Baylor University Medical Center

L-3 Communications Integrated Systems

Location

9 miles West of DFW International Airport

4 miles East of Ft. Worth Alliance Airport

15 miles from Ft. Worth

25 miles from Dallas

MLS Housing Statistics

Year	2006	2007	2008
Average Sales Price	$302,082	$324,883	$339,281
Average Days on Market	60	64	81
Total # of Sales	968	921	750

City Information

City Hall

1100 Bear Creek Parkway

817-743-4004

Boards	Meeting Times
City Council	2^nd & 4^th Tuesday @ 7:00 p.m.
Parks and Recreation	TBA @ 6:00 p.m.
Planning and Zoning	TBA @ 7:00 p.m.
Library	817-745-4800
Library Board	1^st Monday @ 7:00 p.m.

Utility Information

TXU Energy	800-242-9113	Tri-County Elec	817-431-1541
Atmos Energy	800-817-8877	Allied Waste	817-332-7301
Water	817-410-3173	Verizon	800-483-4000
Charter Cable	817-509-2225	One Source	817-745-3000

Education

Served by 2 Independent School Districts

· KELLER ISD

K-12 attendance: 27,905

Average number of students per teacher: 17.3

Average SAT score: 1048

www.kellerisd.net

817-744-1000

· NORTHWEST ISD

K-12 attendance: 10,388

Average number of students per teacher: 14.4

Average SAT score: 1012

www.northwest.k12.tx.us

817-251-0000

Find a list of Major Colleges and Universities at

www.nctcog.org/rd/univlist.asp

Tax Information

City Sales Tax Property (Ad Valorem) Tax	8.25%
Tarrant County	.00630
City	.00432
Schools
Keller ISD	.01417
Northwest ISD	.01335

How do estimate total taxes for the year?

Multiply the value of your home times (x) the combined rate listed above.

Example: A home in Colleyville (CISD) valued at $249,900 x .0243 = $6,072.57

How do you find the value of your home?

www.tad.org = Tarrant County Appraisal District

Want a snapshot of what is going on in a particular neighborhood?

Refer someone to The Minteer Team and be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Las Vegas.

Search North Texas home listed for sale!

City Facts - Grapevine

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 17:01:00 GMT

Grapevine

“Became a City in 1965”

www.ci.grapevine.tx.us

Demographic Profile

Year	2000	2010	2020	2030
Population	41,909	44,701	45,440	49,484
Households	15,729	16,866	17,241	18,930
Citizens Employed	49,565	76,073	84,615	85,475

Estimated population 2007: 42,059

Median age of residents: 34.3

6.8% of population is under 5

75.4% of population is over 18

12.4% of population is over 65 years of age

DFW Top Employers

Lockheed Martin Corp.

American Airlines/AMR

Texas Instruments

Parkland Health & Hospital System

University of North Texas

UT Southern Medical Center

EDS

NAS/JRB

Baylor University Medical Center

L-3 Communications Integrated Systems

Location

6 miles West of DFW International Airport

18 miles East of Ft. Worth Alliance Airport

22 miles from Ft. Worth

24 miles from Dallas

MLS Housing Statistics

Year	2006	2007	2008
Average Sales Price	$224,152	$240,200	$247,593
Average Days on Market	45	45	51
Total # of Sales	614	570	486

City Information

City Hall

200 South Main Street

817-410-3000

Boards	Meeting Times
City Council	1^st Tuesday @ 7:30 p.m.
Parks and Recreation	3^rd Thursday @ 7:30 p.m.
Planning and Zoning	3^rd Tuesday @ 7:30 p.m.
Library	817-410-3400
Library Board	3^rd Monday @ TBA

Utility Information

TXU Energy	800-242-9113	Tri-County Elec	817-431-1541
Atmos Energy	800-817-8877	Allied Waste	817-332-7301
Water	817-410-3173	AT&T	800-464-7928

Education

Served by 3 Independent School Districts

· GRAPEVINE/COLLEYVILLE ISD

K-12 attendance: 13,936

Average number of students per teacher: 15.4

Average SAT score: 1097

www.gcisd-k12.org

817-488-9588

· CARROLL ISD

K-12 attendance: 7,840

Average number of students per teacher: 15.5

Average SAT score: 1119

www.southlakecarroll.edu

817-949-8222

· COPPELL ISD

K-12 Attendance: 9,927

Average number of students per teacher: 15.1

Average SAT score: 1127

www.coppellisd.com

214-496-6000

Find a list of Major Colleges and Universities at

www.nctcog.org/rd/univlist.asp

Tax Information

City Sales Tax Property (Ad Valorem) Tax	8.25%
Tarrant County	.00630
City	.00350
Schools
Grapevine/Colleyville ISD	.01290
Carroll ISD	.01415
Coppell ISD	.01279

How do estimate total taxes for the year?

Multiply the value of your home times (x) the combined rate listed above.

Example: A home in Colleyville (CISD) valued at $349,900 x .0228 = $7,977.72

How do you find the value of your home?

www.tad.org = Tarrant County Appraisal District

Want a snapshot of what is going on in a particular neighborhood?

Refer someone to The Minteer Team and be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Las Vegas.

Search North Texas home listed for sale!

City Facts - Colleyville

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 13:14:00 GMT

Colleyville

“Became a City in 1956”

www.colleyville.com

Demographic Profile

Year	2000	2010	2020	2030
Population	19,520	20,900	22,198	25,304
Households	6,406	6,866	7,300	8,331
Citizens Employed	4,965	13,790	9,405	11,032

Estimated population 2007: 23,261

Median age of residents: 40

5.4% of population is under 5

68.4% of population is over 18

5.6% of population is over 65 years of age

DFW Top Employers

Lockheed Martin Corp.

American Airlines/AMR

Texas Instruments

Parkland Health & Hospital System

University of North Texas

UT Southern Medical Center

EDS

NAS/JRB

Baylor University Medical Center

L-3 Communications Integrated Systems

Location

4 miles West of DFW International Airport

10 miles East of Ft. Worth Alliance Airport

14 miles from Ft. Worth

22 miles from Dallas

MLS Housing Statistics

Year	2006	2007	2008
Average Sales Price	$481,473	$532,121	$515,652
Average Days on Market	64	60	73
Total # of Sales	473	461	373

City Information

City Hall

100 Main Street

817-275-8777

Boards	Meeting Times
City Council	1^st & 3^rd Tuesday @ 7:30 p.m.
Parks and Recreation	1^st Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Planning and Zoning	2^nd & 4^th Monday @ 7:00 p.m.
Library	817-503-1150
Library Board	2^nd Monday @ 7:00 p.m.

Utility Information

TXU Energy	800-242-9113	Tri-County Elec	817-431-1541
Atmos Energy	800-817-8877	Allied Waste	817-332-7301
Water	817-503-1020	AT&T	800-464-7928

Education

Served by 5 Independent School Districts

· GRAPEVINE/COLLEYVILLE ISD

K-12 attendance: 13,936

Average number of students per teacher: 15.4

Average SAT score: 1097

www.gcisd-k12.org

817-488-9588

· BIRDVILLE ISD

K-12 attendance: 22,482

Average number of students per teacher: 16.1

Average SAT score: 1016

www.birdville.k12.tx.us

817-547-5700

· CARROLL ISD

K-12 attendance: 7,840

Average number of students per teacher: 15.5

Average SAT score: 1119

www.southlakecarroll.edu

817-949-8222

· HURST-EULESS-BEDFORD ISD

K-12 attendance: 20,238

Average number of students per teacher: 15.8

Average SAT score: 1036

www.hebisd.edu

817-267-3311

· KELLER ISD

K-12 Attendance: 27,905

Average number of students per teacher: 17.3

Average SAT score: 1048

www.kellerisd.net

817-744-1000

Find a list of Major Colleges and Universities at

www.nctcog.org/rd/univlist.asp

Tax Information

City Sales Tax Property (Ad Valorem) Tax	8.25%
Tarrant County	.00630
City	.00356
Schools
Grapevine/Colleyville ISD	.01290
Carroll ISD	.01415
Hurst Euless Bedford ISD	.01295
Keller ISD	.01417
Birdville ISD	.01410

How do estimate total taxes for the year?

Multiply the value of your home times (x) the combined rate listed above.

Example: A home in Colleyville (CISD) valued at $349,900 x .0228 = $7,977.72

How do you find the value of your home?

www.tad.org = Tarrant County Appraisal District

Want a snapshot of what is going on in a particular neighborhood?

Refer someone to The Minteer Team and be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Las Vegas.

Search North Texas home listed for sale!

City Facts - Southlake

Fri, 29 May 2009 02:00:00 GMT

SOUTHLAKE

“Became a City in 1965”

www.ci.southlake.tx.us

Demographic Profile

Year	2000	2010	2020	2030
Population	21,532	28,019	29,636	31,433
Households	6,414	8,446	8,993	9,607
Citizens Employed	6,125	13,790	25,187	26,094

Estimated population 2007: 23,261

Median age of residents: 36.7

58% of population is between 20-64 years of age

39% of population is under 20 years of age

DFW Top Employers

Lockheed Martin Corp.

American Airlines/AMR

Texas Instruments

Parkland Health & Hospital System

University of North Texas

UT Southern Medical Center

EDS

NAS/JRB

Baylor University Medical Center

L-3 Communications Integrated Systems

Location

5 miles West of DFW International Airport

8 miles East of Ft. Worth Alliance Airport

23 miles from Ft. Worth

22 miles from Dallas

MLS Housing Statistics

Year	2006	2007	2008
Average Sales Price	$598,539	$617,127	$634,944
Average Days on Market	64	71	78
Total # of Sales	606	598	485

City Information

City Hall

1400 Main Street

817-748-8003

Boards	Meeting Times
City Council	1^st & 3^rd Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Parks and Recreation	2^nd Monday @ 7:00 p.m.
Planning and Zoning	1^st & 3^rd Thursday @ 7:00 p.m.
Library	817-748-8246
Library Board	4^th Wednesday @ 7:00 p.m.

Utility Information

TXU Energy	800-242-9113	Tri-County Elec	817-431-1541
Atmos Energy	800-817-8877	Allied Waste	817-332-7301
Water	817-481-1803	AT&T	800-464-7928

Education

Served by 4 Independent School Districts

· CARROLL ISD

K-12 attendance: 7,840

Average number of students per teacher: 15.5

Average SAT score: 1119

www.southlakecarroll.edu

817-949-8222

· GRAPEVINE/COLLEYVILLE ISD

K-12 attendance: 13,936

Average number of students per teacher: 15.4

Average SAT score: 1097

www.gcisd-k12.org

817-488-9588

· NORTHWEST ISD

K-12 attendance: 10,338

Average number of students per teacher: 14.4

Average SAT score: 1012

www.northwest.k12.tx.us

817-251-0000

· KELLER ISD

K-12 Attendance: 27,905

Average number of students per teacher: 17.3

Average SAT score: 1048

www.kellerisd.net

817-744-1000

Find a list of Major Colleges and Universities at

www.nctcog.org/rd/univlist.asp

Tax Information

City Sales Tax Property (Ad Valorem) Tax	8.25%
Tarrant County	.00630
City	.00462
Schools
Carroll ISD	.01415
Grapevine/Colleyville ISD	.01290
Keller ISD	.01417
Northwest ISD	.01335

How do estimate total taxes for the year?

Multiply the value of your home times (x) the combined rate listed above.

Example: A home in Southlake (CISD) valued at $349,900 x .0251 = $8,782.49

How do you find the value of your home?

www.tad.org = Tarrant County Appraisal District

To check the market in your neighborhood, search North Texas home listed for sale, or to refer someone to The Minteer Team to be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Las Vegas, click the links below:

Job Seekers are Heading to Texas

Thu, 28 May 2009 16:33:00 GMT

'If you had to ride out this downturn, there is no better place than Texas. The declines here have been nothing compared to other states.’

By STEVE CAMPBELL

Across the nation, unemployment is sky-high, the housing market is sucking wind and recessionary fears have frozen Americans in place.

Just don’t tell that to a stream of new residents who are "voting with their feet" that Texas is the safest place to ride out the storm and the place to be when the economy recovers.

Even in the midst of a recession, economists, demographers and relocation experts believe the Lone Star State is on the cusp of becoming The New California.

Or maybe it already is.

For people seeking economic opportunity, Texas is becoming what California has been since the Great Depression, says Los Angeles urbanist and author Joel Kotkin. Texas recently "ran the table" in a recent list of "Best Cities for Jobs" prepared by Kotkin for New Geography and Forbes. Austin, Houston, San Antonio, Fort Worth and Dallas were ranked as the top five large metro areas in the country to find a job. If that weren’t enough to get the moving van loaded, McAllen and Odessa top the mid-sized and small city categories, respectively. Among 333 metropolitan areas, Texas has a remarkable 20 in the top 100.

Relocation surveys show that Texas remains a top destination for people leaving other states. Its automobile registrations continue to climb, and the Texas housing market has avoided the double-digit declines other fast-growing states have seen. While the unemployment rate has risen in Texas, it’s nowhere near as high as most of the country, underscoring the state’s economic resiliency even as the downturn deals out its lumps.

Kotkin, a professor at Chapman University in Orange, Calif., who analyzed U.S. Labor Department statistics for his report, says Texas’ dominance at the top of the jobs list is unprecedented.

"Part of it is a function of the economic collapse of Florida, Phoenix and California. The collapse is still important in Texas, but Texas has had more balanced growth and that’s more sustainable," he said in a telephone interview while navigating an L.A. freeway.

"Part is the nature of Texas: People don’t move there for climate and scenery," Kotkin said. "They move to Texas for jobs and affordable housing. People make economic decisions to go to these places. They don’t go for perfect weather where you can surf one day and ski the next."

Selling "everything but the deer head" and leaving the Detroit area for Texas was simple math for Rodger Benton after Hewlett Packard laid him off.

"It was pretty much a no-brainer to make the move," he said. "The unemployment rate in Michigan is really high. Things are really tough up there. There’s just more opportunity here."

...For the rest of this article, click here: http://www.star-telegram.com/business/story/1380964.html

Source: Star-Telegram.com

Want a snapshot of what is going on in a particular neighborhood?

Refer someone to The Minteer Team and be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Las Vegas.

Search North Texas home listed for sale!

Local Charities Need OUR Help!

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:53:00 GMT

Local Mayors of Colleyville, Grapevine, and Southlake have asked for our help as a community! (CLICK HERE to view the letter from the Mayors.)

Keller Williams in Southlake is responding on May 14, 2009!!

We are asking for anyone and everyone in the community to donate towards this great cause. You can make arrangements to have large items picked up or can drop off any of the items listed below at our Southlake Keller Williams office located just off Carroll Avenue and Hwy 114. (Our Actual Address: 850 E State Hwy 114 #100, Southlake, 76092)

Charities we will be donating to:

Grace in Grapevine

(Click here for Grace website.)

and

St. Francis Catholic Church in Grapevine

(Click here for St. Francis website.)

We are collecting the following:

Food – cooking oil, ketchup, refried beans, canned meat (tuna, beef, salmon, ham, roast beef, Vienna sausages, etc.), canned pasta, kid’s cereal, canned fruit (cocktail & peaches)

Hygiene – shampoo, body soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, disposable razors, dry laundry soap

Pet Food – canned or sealed bags

Housewares – appliances, clothing, kitchenware, dishes, furniture, towels, sheets, blankets (any household items except: used faucets, vanites, toilets, old computers, used pillows, and used mattresses)

Any help you can provide us is GREATLY appreciated!!!!

(CLICK HERE to view the letter from the Mayors.)

Please contact us for any additional information. Together we WILL make a difference!

Much Appreciation!

The Minteer Team

817-481-8890

info@minteerteam.com

Want a snapshot of what is going on in a particular neighborhood?

Refer someone to The Minteer Team and be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Las Vegas.

Search North Texas home listed for sale!

Census: DFW Adds More Residents Than Any Other U.S. Metro Area

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 10:31:00 GMT

The Dallas-Fort Worth area added 146,532 people in 2007-08, even as the region grew at a slower pace than 23 other metropolitan areas.

"Most of the Texas metro areas were creating jobs when even states like North Carolina and Georgia, who had been job creators, cooled off," Texas state demographer Karl Eschbach said. "That's finally caught up to Texas."

The data showed similar patterns for North Texas' swelling counties. Rockwall, once the nation's fastest-growing county, slipped from fifth to ninth. In Texas, it was second to Williamson County.

Demographers and economists say the faltering economy is the key factor for slowed growth in the nation's former boomtowns.

Even among areas with the largest population increases, communities including Boston, San Antonio, Denver and Raleigh, N.C., followed Dallas' pattern of continued growth at a slower or unchanged rate.

Like Dallas, three other metro areas – Houston, Phoenix and Atlanta – added more than 100,000 people. Only Houston grew in greater numbers than the previous year. Austin was the second-fastest-growing metro area in the country, behind Raleigh.

For the full article in the Dallas Morning News, click here: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/031909dnmetcensus.3e5b8f4.html

Source: Dallas Morning News

Want a snapshot of what is going on in a particular neighborhood?

Refer someone to The Minteer Team and be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Las Vegas.

Search North Texas home listed for sale!

Easter in the Park

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 17:51:00 GMT

The Minteer Team joined the Glade Crossing Neighborhood Association located in Grapevine, Texas, on Sunday, April 5th for "Easter in the Park". We enjoyed spending time with the neighborhood families and providing pictures with the Easter Bunny. This is a wonderful annual event, and we're thankful to be a part of it year after year!

Want a snapshot of what is going on in a particular neighborhood?

Refer someone to The Minteer Team and be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Las Vegas.

Search North Texas home listed for sale!

New Local Down Payment Assistance Program

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 16:13:00 GMT

Down Payment Assistance Program

The Neighborhood Stabilization Down Payment Assistance Program (DPAP) is a new program of the City of Fort Worth and funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide financial assistance to qualified homebuyers to purchase lender-foreclosed homes with the City of Fort Worth in target areas.

DPAP offers $25,000 in assistance, of which $5,000 can be used on closing costs and $5,000 can be used on minor repairs. The remaining balance can be used for down payment.

The program provides down payment assistance to buyers of properties in the seven ZIP code areas most heavily impacted by foreclosures. The ZIP codes include:

76131
76137
76133
76123
76179
76112
76248

To obtain funding from DPAP, the property must be located in the Fort Worth city limits and the homebuyer must occupy the property as its primary residence.

The program allows qualified homebuyers to apply for assistance through one of the City’s Homebuyer Assistance Program approved lenders under the following conditions:

Only one-to-two unit properties are eligible (no investment properties)
The assistance can be used for closing costs, minor home repairs and principle reduction of the applicant’s primary loan.

Income-eligible homebuyers will receive a deferred-payment loan with no payments or interest for 10 years. If the homebuyer remains in the home for 10 years, the loan is forgiven. The amount of the deferred-payment loan begins to reduce after five years.

Applicants are required to attend an eight-hour homeownership training workshop conducted by a HUD-approved Housing Counseling Agency. Workshops are offered in English and Spanish. For further information or to sign-up for a workshop, call 817-392-7390.

How To Apply

Income Guidelines
Household Size	Maximum Household Income
1	$54,250
2	$62,000
3	$69,750
4	$77,500
5	$83,750
6	$89,900
7	$96,100
8	$102,350

Apply for a mortgage loan with one of the lenders working with the city. Your lender will apply for the city’s DPAP assistance on your behalf when you qualify for a loan.

To qualify your household income cannot exceed the Department of HUD’s income limits.

The program will begin when the city and HUD finalize their contract for the NSP. It is expected to begin in March 2009 and end 18 months later.

Other Counseling Services

Are you already a homeowner but facing foreclosure? Are you considering a Reverse Mortgage? Are you unsure whether you and your credit are ready for homeownership?

For information call the Minteer Team at 817-481-8890.

Source: City of Fort Worth

Want a snapshot of what is going on in a particular neighborhood?

Refer someone to The Minteer Team and be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Las Vegas.

Search North Texas home listed for sale!

The Truth About Texas Real Estate

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:54:00 GMT

The Truth About Texas Real Estate

With so many misperceptions created by the national news about the real estate market, our local Real Estate Association, the MetroTex Association, has published an update on what’s really going on in our market. It is important to know that real estate is local and knowing the facts about our area will help alleviate your concerns.

Why Texas is different

Strong, diverse economy: Texas is strong in industries that are still growing (such as professional & business services, education & health services, government) and has the second largest economy in the nation by GDP according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Steady job growth: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, Texas added 153,700 jobs (1.5% increase in employment) from December 2007 to December 2008, while during the same time the national unemployment rate rose 2.3%.
Top state to relocate: According to Allied Van Lines’ 41st Annual Magnet States Report, Texas is the No. 1 destination state for residential relocations for the 4th year in a row. New data from the U.S. Census Bureau confirms that Texas gained more residents (484,000) between July 2007 and July 2008 than any other state.

Statewide facts

Texas real estate remains a strong long-term investment. The average home sales price in Texas has increased $15,600 from December 2004 to December 2008; over the same four years, median sales prices (half of all homes sold are priced higher and half are priced lower) increased $8,600.
Texas has a balanced market. Statewide, there was 6.4-month inventory of homes for sale at the end of 2008. Economists at the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M say that about 6 ½ months of inventory is a balanced market, where homes are being sold and prices continue to increase at a moderate pace.
Texas homes have appreciated steadily. Home-price appreciation in Texas has not fallen below zero in the last 16 years.
Texas has steady home value appreciation. Sales prices in places like California, Florida, Nevada, and Arizona have had rapid rises and drops in values, while Texas prices have remained relatively steady.
Most borrowers are approved. According to a report by the National Association of REALTORS®, 91% of buyers in Texas were NOT rejected by lenders last year.
First time home buyers qualify for a $8,000 tax credit that does not have to be repaid if the buyer remains in the home for at least three years.

Source: dfwrealtors.com

Want a snapshot of what is going on in a particular neighborhood?

Refer someone to The Minteer Team and be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Las Vegas.

Search North Texas home listed for sale!

Help Send Ann to Washington D.C. to Represent Texas and The Minteer Team!

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 09:21:00 GMT

Last spring, Ann McLaughlin, Listing Manager for the Minteer Team, tried out, and was chosen, to sing the National Anthem at an Airhogs baseball game in July. The Minteer Team showed their support by attending the game, cheering her on and recording her performance.

Recently, the Natural History Museum announced a National Anthem competition. The prize? The opportunity to sing the Star Spangled Banner at the National Mall in Washington D.C. on Flag Day, with a second performance that night at a Nationals baseball game!

Ann followed their instructions and entered her video on their YouTube group page. Many great singers have entered the competition, but Ann’s chances are greater if lots of people view and rate her video. Help Ann by clicking on the link below, viewing and rating her video, and forwarding the link to your family and friends. Ann would love the opportunity to represent us in Washington D.C.! Thank you so much for your help!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0y_9gguiK8

February 2009 - MLS Activity

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 13:35:00 GMT

January - February 2009

Single Family Residences

Northeast Tarrant County:

***************************************************************************

Surrounding Areas:

Information based on Real Estate Statistics published by NTREIS.

Want a snapshot of what is going on in a particular neighborhood?

Search North Texas home listed for sale!

Refer someone to The Minteer Team and be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Las Vegas.

Knowledge is Power

Preventing Frozen Pipes

Preventing Frozen Pipes

Before the cold hits

When the mercury drops

Before you go away

If your pipes freeze

Want a snapshot of what is going on in a particular neighborhood?

Homebuyer Tax Credit Extended!

The Habit Poem

Keller Williams Book "Your First Home" Featured in Wall Street Journal $8000 Tax Credit Article

City Facts - Bedford

Bedford

Demographic Profile

DFW Top Employers

Location

MLS Housing Statistics

City Information

Boards

Meeting Times

Beautification Commission

Library

Utility Information

Education

Tax Information

City Facts - Euless

Euless

Demographic Profile

DFW Top Employers

Location

MLS Housing Statistics

City Information

Boards

Meeting Times

Library

Utility Information

Education

Tax Information

City Facts - Hurst

Hurst

Demographic Profile

DFW Top Employers

Location

MLS Housing Statistics

City Information

Boards

Meeting Times

Library

Utility Information

Education

Tax Information

City Facts - North Richland Hills

North Richland Hills

Demographic Profile

DFW Top Employers

Location

MLS Housing Statistics

City Information

Boards

Meeting Times

Library

Utility Information

Education

Tax Information

City Facts - Keller

Keller

Demographic Profile

DFW Top Employers

Location

MLS Housing Statistics

City Information

Boards

Meeting Times

Library

Tax Information

City Facts - Grapevine

Grapevine

Demographic Profile

DFW Top Employers

Location

By STEVE CAMPBELL

Across the nation, unemployment is sky-high, the housing market is sucking wind and recessionary fears have frozen Americans in place.