10 Fire Safety Tips for the Holidays

 

Avoid accidents and keep your family safe during the holidays by reviewing these 10 Fire Safety tips for the Holidays.

1. Install smoke detectors; change the batteries every year. Install carbon monoxide detectors and make sure those batteries are fresh too.

2. If you use your fireplace, make sure to use a fireplace screen.

3. Never burn wrapping paper, boxes or other trash in your fireplace.

4. Don't leave a fire unattended; put the fire out before you go to bed.

5. Make sure candles are in stable and secure holders and keep them away from combustible materials and small children. Never leave candles unattended.

6. If you have a real Christmas tree, put it in a stable stand, and keep it fresh by checking the water level daily. A dried tree is more susceptible to fire. Keep the tree away from heat sources that could dry it out. Most tress dry out in two weeks, so don't leave your tree up long past the holidays.

7. Check holiday lights for cracked or broken bulbs, frayed wires and loose plugs. Don't use lights that aren't safe.

8. Use lights that have been approved by testing labs like Underwriters Laboratory (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM).

9. Use lights only in their designated areas; never use "indoor only" lights outdoors.

10. If your smoke, fire, or carbon monoxide detectors go off, get everyone outside and call 911. Don't try to solve the problem yourself.

 

Technorati Tags: home saftey,fire saftey tips,holidays,seniors

Record home sales in the Dallas/Fort Worth area for 2013

According to the latest report from Texas A&M University’s Real Estate Center, North Texas existing home sales rose 4 percent in November.  Year to date 2013 home sale numbers for the Dallas Fort Worth-North Texas area are up significantly with single family home sales of 82,234 an 18% increase over the same 11 month period in 2012. The average price for the area was $226,005 up 10% over 2012.

In November, 5,960 homes were sold in the 29-county North Texas region with a median price of $170,000, 10 percent higher than last year, according to the report.

On average, homes sold in November were on the market for 59 days, which is a 20 percent drop from November of 2012.

The strongest home sales in Tarrant County last month were in central west Arlington, where the median price also rose 74 percent from a year ago. The housing inventory (number tells you how many months it would take for all the current homes for sale to be sold) is still extremely low in area. In the Arlington Mansfield area inventory levels average 2.4 months which is down about 35% from 2012. A normal real estate market is considered to be between 5 and 7 months inventory. The Arlington Mansfield area average home price is $155,075 up 9% and the average Days on Market are 50, down 27% from the same 11 month period of 2012.

For more information on the real estate market in your area contact the Sullivan and Sullivan real estate team.

 

Technorati Tags: home sales,Dallas/Fort Worth,Arlington,Mansfield TX,Days on Market,Average home price

Reverse Mortgages to Purchase a Home in Texas

In November’s general election, Texas citizens decided to change the state constitution to allow for all Federal Housing Administration reverse mortgage products under state rule in Proposition 5.

This legislation will allow the state constitution to be amended to allow for qualified applicants to use a reverse mortgage to purchase a home. Previously, homestead laws within Texas have prevented the loan until now. The Texas constitution has been amended several times since 1999 to allow other reverse mortgage products.

The amendment will also include reverse mortgage safeguards, including a requirement that detailed disclosures be made at least 12 days before the closing of a new reverse mortgage loan, which provides prospective borrowers with the information and time necessary to make the loan decision.

Texas was the second largest market in the country for reverse mortgages. However, prior to the passage of Prop 5, it was the only state that didn't offer the "reverse mortgage for a home purchase." This form of reverse mortgage allows a person to purchase a new primary residence and obtain a reverse mortgage in a single transaction. Prop 5 included the terms of a "reverse mortgage for purchase" in the constitution, so seniors could use this method to obtain a new home. It also required lenders of reverse mortgages to expand the required counseling to borrowers, ensuring that seniors know what specific actions can lead to foreclosure.

Because of homestead laws, a reverse mortgage for purchase in Texas, has as many or more consumer protections that any other state. It is the most regulated mortgage loan in Texas. Some people have expressed concerns about reverse mortgages, however a check with the Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage revealed there have been no enforcement actions from lending involving reverse mortgages in the last 6 years.

A reverse mortgage is a credit agreement under which a creditor provides money to a borrower in exchange for a lien on the borrower's home. A reverse mortgage for purchase of a residence is called a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM). A HECM is a FHA insured, non-recourse loan. There are no mortgage payments. The borrower is not required to repay the money or interest on the money until the borrower dies, sells the home or permanently moves out of the home. Reverse mortgages are available to people ages 62 and up. Qualifying may be easier than a traditional mortgage, generally there are no credit score requirements. Typically the down payment for a reverse mortgage to purchase a home runs between 40% to 60%.

If you have question about a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (Reverse Mortgage) please contact the Sullivan & Sullivan team by clicking here.

For answers to frequently asked questions on Reverse Mortgages go to the HUD website here.  

Technorati Tags: Reverse Mortgage,Seniors,Texas,Proposition 5,HECM,Home Equity Conversion Mortgage

10 Tips to Light Up Your Christmas Lights Safely and Economically

1. Safety first. Emergency rooms are filled with home owners who lose fights with their holiday lights and fall off ladders or suffer electric shocks. To avoid the holiday black and blues, never hang lights solo; instead, work with a partner who holds the ladder. Also, avoid climbing on roofs after rain or snow.
2. Unpack carefully. Lights break and glass cuts. So unpack your lights gingerly, looking for and replacing broken bulbs along the way.
3. Extension cords are your friends. Splurge on heavy-duty extension cords that are UL-listed for outdoor use. To avoid overloading, only link five strings of lights together before plugging into an extension cord.
4. LEDs cost less to light. LED Christmas lights use roughly 70% to 90% less energy and last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. You can safely connect many more LED light strings than incandescents. Downside: Some think they don’t burn as brightly as incandescent bulbs.
5. Solar lights cost nothing to run. Solar Christmas lights are roughly four times more expensive to buy than LEDs, but they cost zero to run. They’re a bright-burning, green alternative. Downside: If there’s no sun during the day, there’s no light at night. The jury’s also still out on how long they last; they’re too new on the market for results.
6. Dismantle lights sooner than later. Sun, wind, rain, and snow all take their toll on Christmas lights. To extend the life of lights, take them down immediately after the holidays. The longer you leave the up, the sooner you’ll have to replace them.
7. Plan next year’s display on Dec. 26. Shop the after-Christmas sales to get the best prices on lights and blowups that you can proudly display next year. Stock up on your favorite lights so you’ll have spares when you need them (and after they’re discontinued).
8. Permanent attachments save time. If you know you’ll always hang lights from eaves, install permanent light clips ($13 for 75 clips) that will save you hanging time each year. You’ll get a couple/three years out of the clips before sun eats the plastic.
9. Find those blueprints. Instead of guessing how many light strings you’ll need, or measuring with a tape, dig up your house blueprints or house location drawings (probably with your closing papers) and use those measurements as a guide.
10. Store them in a ball. It sounds counterintuitive, but the best way to store lights is to ball them up. Wrap five times in one direction, then turn the ball 90 degrees and repeat. Store your light balls in cardboard boxes, rather than in plastic bags: Cardboard absorbs residual moisture and extends the life of your lights.

Information on Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays In Arlington, TX

Technorati Tags: Christmas lights,Interlochen,Neighborhood Christmas light displays,Arlington TX

Home prices in Texas are up 7.13% Over Last Year

The Federal Housing Finance Agency's latest Home Price Index (HPI) showed Texas prices are up 7.3% when compared to the same period last year.  However Texas is lagging behind the U.S. in price appreciation.

Nationally, prices increased 8.4 percent during the same period while Texas home prices increased 7.13 percent during the year ending in September according to the third quarter 2013 HPI, which was released late last week,.

The price appreciation in Texas being below the national average doesn’t tell the whole story.  Texas didn’t have the severe crash in home prices that other states had during the recent recession.

Here are how home price increases look for the major metro areas of Texas. Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land had the largest one-year price increase of the state's major metros at 10.31 percent.  Next Texas metro area was Austin-Round Rock at 10.08 percent followed by Dallas-Plano-Irving at 9.73 percent, San Antonio-New Braunfels at 7.67 percent, and Fort Worth-Arlington at 5.88 percent.

Are you curious about home prices in your neighborhood?  Go to our Market Insider webpage and enter your zip code to get an overview of the real estate market in your area. Feel free to contact us on our website here or you can call/text us at 817-330-9235.

 

Technorati Tags: Home price index,Fort Worth,Arlington,Dallas,Home prices

The 3rd Annual Arlington Christkindl Market start November 29th

Christkindl market is coming to Arlington Friday November 29 through Sunday December 22 at the Rangers Ballpark. Christkindl Market (kris-kin-dill) is an enchanting family market in the tradition of markets held throughout Germany during the Holiday season. Authentic German food, drink, arts, crafts, entertainment, petting zoo, marionette variety show and holiday gifts.  Click here to watch a 30 second video about Christkindl.  Family activities include a Bavarian-themed Petting Zoo, Marionette Theatre, Children’s Lantern Parades and a Santa Haus where children can have a photo made with Santa. You can register your child to attend one of the Arlington Christkindl Market lantern parades! Children participating in the parade through the Christkindl Market sing Christmas carols and receive unique gifts from market vendors.  Lantern Parade dates are December 4th, December 11th and December 18th.  Admission and parking for the event are free.  Click here to get more information including about entertainment, times, vendors and parking.

Technorati Tags: Arlington,Christmas Market,Christkindl,Santa,German Food,holiday gifts,Marionette Theatre

Texas Leads Nation in Senior Housing Boom

With construction reemerging in the senior housing sector, one area that experiencing a higher rate of development is Texas. Senior living construction activity may have been down in the third quarter of 2012 on a national level, according to the National Investment Center (NIC) for the Seniors Housing & Care Industry, but Texas appears to be bucking that trend with a “growth explosion.”

The state’s demographics with highly populated metros including Dallas, Houston and San Antonio, have led operators, including new entrants, to seek opportunities within the Lone Star State. A lot is due to population growth. Dallas and Houston are growing exponentially with jobs in Texas and the state being overall more business-friendly. We’re seeing transplants from Michigan and California.”

More than one in ten Lone Star State inhabitants is 65 or older, accounting for 10.5% of the population. While that’s beneath national average of 13.3%, developers say they’re seeing an influx of boomers thanks to some of the state’s retirement-friendly attributes.“Texas really has become a hotbed for snowbirders. People like to retire in Texas, because there’s no state income tax and the winters are mild,” says Michael Bellotto, vice president of sales for Harden Healthcare’s Long-Term Care Division. “We’re seeing an explosion of growth in certain areas.”

“This month, Avanti Senior Living, a company led by executives bringing hospitality and senior living experience, launched in the high-end suburban market outside of Dallas with plans for a dozen new communities in the coming two to three years.

Consumer demand for memory care remains high. The LaSalle Group, headquartered in Irving, Tex., is developing multiple memory care communities under its Autumn Leaves brand, including its eighth in the West Houston metro area.

Meridian Realty Advisors, a Dallas, Tex.-based company, is currently developing two memory care communities in partnership with Silverado Senior Living in Austin and Fort Worth, and is planning the development of a care continuum campus including memory care, assisted living, and skilled nursing care in northwest Austin.

 

Technorati Tags: Texas,Senior Housing

Viridian Lake Club Is Coming

The ground breaking of Viridian Lake Club will take place this month. There will be two phases in the construction of the Lake Club which will be located on the north shore of Viridian Lake. Phase one will include 3 pools, a party pavilion in which the HOA offices will also be housed, locker rooms and shaded structures along with an amphitheater that will overlook the Lake. Completion of the first phase is scheduled for May 2014. Viridian is a 2,300 acre lakefront mixed use master planned community in Arlington, TX.  Located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, the community is minutes from Arlington’s entertainment district and 30 minutes from Dallas and Fort Worth with easy access to Interstate 30, Highway 360, Interstate 183 Interstate 121 and Highway 161.  There are miles of trails and nature to explore connecting to the River Legacy Park and Living Science Center. The 3,500 homes will be starting at $180,000, with homes on the island priced over $2,000,000.   For more information on the Viridian Community in Arlington, TX click here.

Click here to look for a home in Viridian.

Technorati Tags: Viridian,Lake Club,Homes for Sale,Arlington

Holiday Lighting Ceremony at Viridian in Arlington

There will be a Holiday Lighting Ceremony at Inspiration Park in the Viridian Community, Arlington, TX.  The festivities will begin at 6:00pm on Saturday November 23rd.  In addition to the lighting ceremony there will be hot cocoa and a children’s choir to spread the Holiday Cheer.  The Viridian community is located on North Collins (Hwy 157) between NE Green Oaks Blvd. and Trinity Blvd.    For more information on the Viridian Community click here.

Technorati Tags: Holidays,Lighting Ceremony,Viridian,Arlington TX

Ingrid Sullivan Recognized for Expertise in Senior Housing And Late-in-Life Transitions

Prestigious Real Estate and Senior Housing Certification Reflects Knowledge of Distinct Market and Passionate Commitment to Service

Having recently completed a rigorous two-day curriculum, Ingrid Sullivan real estate agent with Keller Williams Realty has achieved the prestigious Certified Senior Housing Professional (CSHP) designation from the Seniors Real Estate Institute.

Awarded only to a select number of real estate professionals in any market, the CSHP designation equips senior housing professionals to serve the distinct needs of seniors and their families with an unsurpassed level of compassion, expertise and connectedness.

Demographic shifts and improvements in life expectancy have given rise to senior housing options that far exceed those of previous decades. CSHPs are not only in touch with the full range of options within their communities, they have the specific skills needed to help seniors to get where they want to go – unraveling the complexities involved in downsizing and selling a family home.

“Despite the fact that seniors are the fastest growing segment of the population, this segment of the market remains largely underserved,” noted Nikki Buckelew, Founder and President of the Seniors Real Estate Institute.

Buckelew, who has a graduate degree in gerontology, pointed to the fact that 10,000 Baby Boomers will turn 60 every day for the next 18 years. At the other end of the senior spectrum, the 90-plus segment of the population nearly tripled over the past three decades, and is expected to quadruple over the next 40 years.

“Professionals such as Ingrid, have a clear vision of how the real estate market is evolving,” Buckelew added. “As such, she has sought out the training, the resources, and the access to trusted experts within the Dallas-Fort Worth metro market, in order to serve senior clients and their families at a high level.

“This expertise, combined with a passion to ensure the dignity of elderly clients, is not just a benefit to seniors and their families,” Buckelew emphasized. “It’s a profound asset to the entire community.”

For more information on the Seniors Real Estate Institute or the Certified Senior Housing Professional Designation, visit http://seniorsrealestateinstitute.com/

To find out more about Senior Downsizing Services provided by Ingrid Sullivan visit her website here.

Technorati Tags: Senior,Downsizing,Certified Senior Housing Professional,Arlington TX

November is Senior Pet Adoption at Arlington Animal Shelter

November is Senior Pet Adoption Month at the Arlington Animal Services 1000 S.E. Green Oaks Blvd.  All senior pets 6 years or older may be adopted for a $25 fee through Saturday, November 30th.  The adoption fee includes a city license, sterilization, microchip, core vaccines, rabies vaccine and FeLB/FIV test. Time is running out so, go find your perfect pet!
  For more information visit www.Arlingtontx.gov/animals

Technorati Tags: Senior,Pets,Animal Shelter,Adoption,Arlington TX

Senior Downsizing a 5 Step Plan

Step 1 Create a plan that fits your lifestyle and future needs. The first phase of creating your plan means doing some research.  Consider your interest, financial situation, location of your friends and family, and how you envision living life to the fullest. Then choose a place that will best fit your lifestyle.  Take some time with this step even if you haven’t fully decided whether you intend to move.

Step 2  Communicate with your family and friends.  This doesn’t mean asking for permission or even their opinions.  It is good idea, however, and sometimes necessary to keep family and friends in the loop.  If later, you do not need help or advice, they’re at least on the same page.  You can share with them your thoughts about your plan and find out if they have any questions or concerns.  Interestingly, sometimes a move can be more emotional for adult children than it is for their parents.

Step 3  Surround yourself with highly qualified professionals.  You will likely need the services of an estate liquidator, a mover, a Realtor®, an organizer, move manager, home repair contractors, senior living community personnel,  and others. Get to know these people and their services by taking the time to interview and get references.  Downsizing moves require service providers with specialized expertise and although you may have utilized such professionals before, they may not have the skills, knowledge or perspective that you need at this point in your life.

Step 4  Dealing with a house full of possessions.  Sorting through property and household belongings is often the step that trips people up and leads to dread as they anticipate moving.  It can be the uncertainty of where to begin, reluctant to part with treasured possessions, or the physical work that is involved that creates the stumbling block.
The good news is, you don’t have to sort through everything!  Just focus on what you need and want to take with you.  Let the professionals do the rest!

Step 5 Celebrate your new lifestyle.  This sounds like an easy step, but the impact of this type of transition is often underestimated.  During the hustle and bustle of the moving process, emotions get placed on the back burner
Don’t ignore your emotional well being.   Make sure you take stock of how you're feeling throughout the process,  as well as how you might be feeling about your new lifestyle – simply being aware and prepared can make a big difference.  Open communication is the key.

If you would like more information on Senior Downsizing and a copy of our comprehensive guide “Downsizing Made Easy,” Click Here to Contact the Sullivan & Sullivan Real Estate Team.

Technorati Tags: Senior Downsizing,Estate Sale,Moving,Senior Living

5 Tips For The Best Home Showings

Home routines tend to come to a standstill while your home is on the market. The need to keep the house clean  - and not scare potential homebuyers away - means that kids can't throw their school books on the dining room table, Dad has to pick up his stinky socks, and even the pets need to toe the line.

Keeping the house clean is a good first step toward presenting the home in the best light. But it isn't the only step.

1. Odors
Have you ever walked into a home and been immediately assaulted by nasty odors? Cigarettes, grease, cooking odors, diapers and pets all leave their mark on the way a home smells. While it's almost impossible to rid the home of cigarette smoke without painting, there are ways to get rid of other odors.

Have the carpets professionally cleaned and deodorized.

Launder or dry-clean all curtains and drapes.

Consider having your upholstered furniture professionally cleaned.

Clean the grease from the range hood.

Keep the dog bathed and groomed to keep doggy smells at bay.

Place dishes of potpourri or scented candles in random areas throughout the home.

 

2. Sounds
Like the smell of a favorite perfume, we become habituated to certain things, including sounds. If you've ever lived under a flight path or next to railroad tracks, you understand how quickly one can get used to annoying sounds and not even hear them after a while. Strangers in your home, such as potential buyers, will hear the yappy dog next door, however, so here are some tips to mask the noises in your home.

Play some music, softly, while the home is being shown.

Invest in a white noise machine.

Play a sound-effects CD softly in the background.

 

3. Sights
Light and bright are the operative words when considering the ideal way to present your home to buyers.

Change all the light bulbs in the home to higher wattage bulbs. Leave the lights on for showings, including closet lights.

Paint the walls. If you can't paint, clean the walls.

Remove heavy drapes and replace them with lightweight fabric that allows natural light into the home.

Don't neglect the outside of the house. Before a showing, make sure that the planting beds look clean and attractive and that the lawn is mowed.

 

4. Set the Scene
If you've ever toured model homes, you are familiar with the concept of staging – the art of carefully crafting interiors that appeal to homebuyers. If you're on a tight budget and can't afford a professional designer, make some simple changes that appeal to buyers.

Create vignettes throughout the home. Set the dining room table with attractive dinnerware or create a cozy nook in the bedroom with a small table and chairs. Group items in threes, use different heights, and keep it simple.

Fresh flowers add so much to a home, from masking odors to adding pops of color and texture. A gorgeous bouquet on the dining room table can take the place of a fussy centerpiece. Night stands are ideal places to set small vases of flowers.

Bathrooms are important, so pay close attention to how you stage yours. Get rid of the countertop clutter and add fluffy towels and a new shower curtain.

 

5. Security
Since sellers should make themselves scarce when the home is being shown, it's important to take security measures. Lock up or remove valuables, weapons, prescription drugs and money.

Don't leave personal items - especially paperwork with your financial information - lying around in plain sight.

Whatever you can do to make your home appear move-in ready will appeal to buyers. Tour some new home communities for more ideas and inspiration so that your home shows like a model.

 

Technorati Tags: Home Seller,Sold Home,Tips,Showing Home

Holidays Can Be a Depressing Time for Seniors

Holidays are supposed to be times of joy, celebration and most importantly family.  But for many of our elderly, holidays can mean something totally different.

The holidays may serve as reminders of friends who may have passed away, their distance away from loved ones, lack of visitation (if they are in an assisted living facility) and the inability to take part in many holiday events.

Signs of depression in your elderly loved one can be difficult to identify and are often times overlooked when they overlap with other medical illnesses or health problems.

Some of the most common symptoms of elderly depression during the holidays may include:

•   Decreased Appetite
• Change in sleeping patterns or lack of sleep
• Lack of Personal Care or Hygiene
• Irresponsible Behavior
• Decreased interest in socializing
• Increased Irritability

Tips to Help Seniors Enjoy the Holidays:

Stroll down memory lane. Holidays provoke memories, which can be especially powerful in the later years of life.

Plan ahead. If older family members tire easily or are vulnerable to over-stimulation, limit the number of activities they are involved in or the length of time they are included.

Eliminate obstacles. If a holiday get-together is held in the home of an older person with memory impairment or behavioral problems, don’t rearrange the furniture.

Avoid embarrassing moments. Try to avoid making comments that could inadvertently embarrass an older friend or family member who may be experiencing short-term memory problems.

Create new memories. In addition to memories, seniors need new things to anticipate. Add something new to the holiday celebration, or volunteer for your family to help others.

Be inclusive. Involve everyone in holiday meal preparation, breaking down tasks to include the youngest and oldest family members.

Reach out. Social connectedness is especially important at holiday times. Reaching out to older relatives and friends who are alone is something all of us should do.

Beat the blues. “Holiday blues” are feelings of profound sadness that can be provoked by all the activities of the holiday season.

Keep on the sunny side. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or winter depression is an illness that can be provoked by reductions in sunlight during the short days of winter.

Monitor medications and alcohol. If you have senior family members, be sure to help them adhere to their regular schedule of medications during the frenzy of the holidays.

Technorati Tags: Seniors,Depression,Holidays,Elderly,Senior Citizen

Home Winterizing Tips

The first freeze for this winter season in Dallas-Fort Worth is upon us.  Here are some winterizing tips.

Stop the Drafts
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, drafts can waste 5% to 30% of your energy use. Stop the door drafts- the draft snake, which you can easily make yourself. Just place a rolled bath towel under a drafty door.  Pick up some weather stripping from you local hardware to install around the doors and windows.  Also check caulking around your windows.

Change the furnace filters
It's easy to forget, but it's important to replace or clean furnace filters once a month during the heating season. Dirty filters restrict airflow and increase energy demand.  Make a monthly reminder on your calendar so you don’t forget

Reverse Your Fans
Many ceiling units come with a handy switch that reverses the direction of the blades.  Switching to clockwise makes it warmer: air pooled near the ceiling is circulated back into the living space - cutting your heating costs as much as 10%!l

Winterize the Water Spigots
Disconnect and drain hoses, fix spigot leaks, cover the spigot with insulation to keep it from freezing and breaking a waterline.  You can pick up covers for the water spigots at hardware store or you can wrap the spigot with insulation and tape.

Technorati Tags: Home Tip,Freeze Warning,Engergy Saving

Arlington Music Hall–A Historic Arlington TX Landmark

Arlington Music Hall is a classy historic theatre that provides an excellent entertainment venue. The 1,100 seat auditorium includes state-of-the-art sound and lighting, an expanded stage and a classic new decor. I love that the original marquee has been beautifully restored. I remember as a child going to movies at the theatre. I don’t want to date myself, but I remember my parents would drop me off with a dollar and that was more than enough to get into a movie and have snacks.

Arlington Music Hall was built in 1949 and opened in February of 1950. The theatre was considered state of the art at the time and featured a stage for bands. The opening show was the movie “Seabiscuit staring Shirley Temple and Barry Fitzgerald. Opening night live music was provided by a local band known as The Light Crust Doughboys

George Jones, Willie Nelson, Loretta Lynn, Rick Springfield, Sara Evans, Clint Black and Merle Haggard are artist who have played on the Arlington Music Hall’s stage.  Country star

Technorati Tags: Arlington TX,Arlington Music Hall,Johnnie High,Downtown Arlington TX

Leann Rimes got her start as a child performing in the then-popular Johnny High Revue.

Developer Burk Collins who purchased the property in 2006 provided the Music Hall a major upgrade through a $7 million renovation. Upgrades to “the Hall” included doubling the stage size and increasing seating capacity. In addition to national acts, Arlington Music Hall supports and hosts local community events like Symphony Arlington.   Click here to see a calendar of events for the music hall.

Scams That Target Senior Citizens

 

In our business, we are blessed to work with Seniors and helping them in downsizing their living situation. We have seen first-hand how unscrupulous contractors try to take advantage of our Elder clients. On more than one occasion, our clients have called contractors who they’ve trusted in the past, to come in for home repairs and were taken advantage of with outrageous quotes for the repairs. Fortunately, we were working with our clients and encouraged them to get second opinions from trusted contractors who we recommended. In one case, our client was given an estimate of over $20,000 to take care of a bathroom leak repair. Our recommended contractor ended up being able to fix the problem for just a few hundred dollars. Because we’ve seen these problems first hand, we decided to share some common scams perpetrated on senior citizens.

According to the most recent Elder Fraud Survey, the 10 common scams that target senior citizens are:

Health Care/Insurance Fraud
Scammers pose as Medicare representative to get seniors to give them their personal or financial information. Scammers are known to set up makeshift clinics

Door-to-door Sales/Repairs
Products may never be delivered or repairs never done

Funeral/Cemetery Fraud
Scammers attend funerals and aggressively demand payment for debs they claim the deceased owed them

Counterfeit Prescription Drugs
Unauthorized sites with the best prices may send ineffective or harmful drugs

Telemarketing Fraud
Offers for free prizes, health care products, low-cost vitamins. Once deal is made, the buyers information is shared with similar schemers

Fraudulent Anti-Aging Products
Scammer distributors offer bogus homeopathic remedies that do nothing or can possibly have health consequences

Internet Fraud
Pop-up browser windows will fool victims into downloading fake anit-virus software that could download a virus that could steal personal and financial information

Grandparent Schemes
Scammers will contact the senior citizen and pose as their grandchild or relative saying they are trapped in a foreign country and request cash.

Investment Schemes
From pyramid schemes to real estate investments, scammers target seniors who are looking to safeguard their cash for their later years.

Reverse Mortgage Scams
Scammers will send fraudulent letters offering to arrange a reassessment of the seniors property for a fee.

Please feel free to contact us if we can help you avoid potential fraud and provide you with resources for a second opinion.

Technorati Tags: Senior citizen,Elderly,Scams,Fraud

Vote November 5th

Tomorrow (November 5, 2013) is Election Day. There are 9 propositions on the ballot at a state of Texas level . Click here to see a sample ballot for the state propositions.

In Arlington we have one big proposition to consider, whether to expand access to alcoholic beverages. If the proposition passes on the Nov. 5 ballot, Arlington residents will no longer have to leave the city limits to buy bottles of vodka, whiskey or other hard liquor. Click here to see a sample ballot for Arlington alcoholic beverage proposition. The proposition originally started with the intention of making things easier for Texas Rangers fans who wanted to have more than the customary beer and hot dog at the game to be able to purchase wine as well.

City officials stated, “Because of how the issue is worded on the ballot — calling for “the legal sale of all alcoholic beverages including mixed drinks,” package liquor stores would be allowed to open in any area zoned for industrial or retail use as long as the site is at least 100 feet away from a public or private school, hospital, day care or church.

“Even if it was initiated by one certain group for one particular purpose, it’s going to impact the entire city,” Assistant City Attorney David Barber said. “Essentially we would be ‘wet’ if it passes for all different kinds of permits and licenses available under the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, one of which is package liquor stores.”

In Arlington residents can buy wine and beer at grocery stores within the city limits. Currently if Arlington residents want to buy a bottle of hard liquor, they have to go to Dalworthington Gardens, Pantego or Fort Worth.

Tomorrow you get to decide whether Arlington will expand access to alcoholic beverages. Exercise you right as a citizen and get out to vote.

Go here to see polling locations in the city of Arlington.

 

Technorati Tags: Arlington Texas,Alcoholic Beverages,Vote,November 5,Texas Propositions

Vandergriff Skate Park

 

The 1st phase of the community wide skate park is underway and is expected to be ready by the end of January 2014.  The facility will feature a flow bowl, butterfly bowl and snake run for all levels of skaters.
For more information visit: 
http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/09/24/5187323/vandergriff-skatepark-construction.html?rh=1

Live Music–Culture–Food and Shopping

Downtown Arlington is presenting the 1st Annual South Street Art Festival this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Sept 27-29.  The free festival will be held on South Street between Mesquite St. and Mary St. and will feature 75 of the Finest Artist, 10 Prominent Local Bands and 9 Unique Local Food Vendors.   Bands will be performing all 3 days of the festival, find the band performance schedule here.

Festival Hours
Friday September 27, 2013   5pm-11pm
Saturday September 28, 2013  11am-11pm
Sunday September 29, 2013  11am-5pm

For more information go to: http://www.southstreetartfest.com/

Hope to see you there!

Technorati Tags: South St. Art Festival,Food,Artist,Arlington TX,Live Music

New Gated Community Near Tierra Verde Golf Club

At their Sept. 3 meeting, the Arlington City Council unanimously approved subdivision developer Nathan Watson’s plan for a 40-home, gated subdivision in southwest Arlington near the city’s award-winning Tierra Verde Golf Club .

The new development, Eden Village, will be north of Eden Road and west of U.S. Highway 287.  The community is designed to complement the nearby Tierra Verde golf course and the development will feature green spaces and amenities that include walking trails and a dog-friendly park.  The average price for Eden Village homes expected to be around $280,000.  Jim Maibach, the developer’s zoning consultant said, “Other amenities planned for the subdivision, which will have a homeowners association, include wrought-iron fences, decorated wooden garage doors, a gazebo, an outdoor fire pit, a cabana and walking trails that will eventually connect with the Sublett Creek Linear Park.”

“The community will have smaller lots and amenities that should appeal to seniors seeking a high-end, secure neighborhood”, Maibach said. “A lot of people hitting in their 50s and 60s don’t want big pieces of land to take care of, they want a quality home that has two or three bedrooms and large open spaces, and they want a secure, gated community.” 

Home construction at Eden Village could begin as early as next summer.

Technorati Tags: Senior Living,Eden Village,Arlington TX,Tierra Verde golf course

Record Home Sales in Dallas Fort Worth metro area

Home sales in the Dallas Fort Worth continue to set records.  In August home   sales hit almost $2.2 billion which was 2nd highest home sales volume in history for the DFW area.  The average price in the DFW area is up 10% from 2012 at $227,723.  Watch the video for more home sales information for Arlington, Mansfield, Fort Worth and Grand Prairie Texas.  Home inventories are also historically low, as low as 1 month in some areas.  An average market is about 5 to 7 months inventory.  It’s a great time to sell a home.

Technorati Tags: home sales,Dallas/Fort Worth,Arlington,Mansfield TX,real estate statistics

Friends of Arlington Public Library fall book sale is Sept. 18-22

Shop and read for a good cause at the upcoming fall book sale set for Sept. 18-22 at Meadowbrook Recreation Center, at 1400 Dugan St. Hosted by the Friends of the Arlington Public Library, the semiannual sale is immensely popular with savvy shoppers looking for unique finds and good buys.

For more information click:
http://www.fapl.org/

Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/09/10/5147253/eyes-on-arlington-friends-of-arlington.html#storylink=cpy

Lauretta Hill was Promoted to Assistant Police Chief in Arlington TX

Lauretta Hill, has become the first black woman promoted to assistant police chief in Arlington, TX.  The Friday August 31st ceremony took place in a packed City Council chambers.

Ms. Hill is a 19 year veteran of the Arlington police force.  “Loyalty, trustworthiness, dedication, compassion, accountability, achievement, perseverance and honor,” are words Police Chief Will Johnson used to describe Hill.

Officer Hill directed security operations for Super Bowl XLV, the 2011 World Series and the 2010 NBA All-Star Game. Among other recognitions, she received the Thurgood Marshall Award from the NAACP in 2004.  

Congratulations Assistant Chief Lauretta Hill.

Photo from Fort Worth Star-Telegram.  See More Photos Here.

 

Technorati Tags: Arlington TX,Police,Lauretta Hill,Assitant Police Chief

Lovely Impeccably Maintained Home

This beautiful home has had lots of TLC, spacious split bedrooms with lots of natural light, hardwoods, light bright kitchen, breakfast bar, beautiful inviting living room, beautiful backyard great covered patio,located on a cul de sac in established neighborhood, Martin School district.
Full Details
http://www.dfwtxhomesonline.com/listing/mlsid/173/propertyid/12016644/syndicated/1/cgltguid/E92ACE5A-7CD6-4850-862D-9C48118F2D4A/?ts=crg
Click on photo to see more photos!

Listing Courtesy of Ingrid Sullivan, Keller Williams Realty Arlington

What are CCRCs Continuing Care Retirement Communities

When you or a family member is ready to move from their home to a retirement community there are a number of options depending on the level of services and care desired.  There are a range of community types including independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing that cater to residents who require different levels of care and services.  Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) offer a variety of services within one community. CCRCs guarantee lifetime housing, social activities and increased levels of care as needs change.

CCRCs are part independent living, part assisted living and part skilled nursing home and offer a tiered approach to the aging process, accommodating residents’ changing needs. Depending on the community, when entering, healthy adults can reside independently in single-family homes, apartments or condominiums. As assistance with everyday activities becomes necessary, residents can move into assisted living or nursing care facilities. One of the benefits of these communities is they give older adults the option to live in one location for the duration of their life, with much of their future care already figured out. This can provide a great level of comfort to both residents and their families and that can take much of the stress out of the caregiving relationship.

There are three basic types of contracts for CCRCs:

• Extended or Life Care Contract: This is the most expensive option, but offers unlimited assisted living, medical treatment and skilled nursing care without additional charges.
• Modified Contract: This contract offers a set of services provided for a set length of time. When that time is expired, other services can be obtained, but for higher monthly fees.
• Fee-for-Service Contract: The initial enrollment fee may be lower, but assisted living and skilled nursing will be paid for at their market rates.

Start your research on Continuing Care Retirement Communities in your area and if family members are available to accompany you, invite them on visits. While there, investigate thoroughly and meet with a representative who can walk them through the different housing options, cost structures and contract choices. Here is a checklist of things to look out for and ask while you’re visiting.

If you decide on a CCRC, a weekend or week-long stay at the facility to ensure it’s the right choice. Once ready to commit, run the contract by an attorney to be sure everything is spelled out as it was agreed upon with the facility.

For a list of Dallas-Fort Worth area Continuing Care Retirement Communities click on this link 

http://www.sullivandfwhomes.com/atj/user/AdditionalGetAction.do?pageId=455039

Technorati Tags: CCRC,Continuing Care Retirment Communtiy,Dallas/Fort Worth,Senior News,Real Estate

Hatch Chile Festival at the Downtown Arlington Farmer’s Market on August 23, 24

The  Annual Hatch Chili Festival  will heat things up in Downtown Arlington.  Fiery food lovers can satisfy their need for the season’s best from 8:00 am – 1:00 pm Fri August 23rd and Saturday August 24th (or until the supply runs out).  Shoppers can choose between raw Hatch Chili's, or peppers that will be roasted that day at the Farmers Market.  I’m going just to smell the roasting peppers. Of course I’ll buying a bunch to make some posole, green chile, heck I could put green chiles on almost anything.

New Mexico Hatch Chili's are only available for 6 weeks each year during the months of August and September so don’t miss your opportunity.

Downtown Arlington Farmers Market
215 E Front Street
Arlington, Texas 76010
817-637-1144

Technorati Tags: Hatch Green Chile,Arlington Farmer's Market,Downtown Arlington TX,Chile Roasting

Arlington Housing Finance Corporation Offers Help for Homebuyers

Are you interested in becoming a homeowner in Arlington Texas.   Help is available to qualified homebuyers through the  Arlington Housing Finance Corporation’s Mortgage Credit Certificate program, also known as MCC.

The Arlington MCC Program is a federal income tax credit designed to assist those who are trying to become homeowners. With an MCC, the qualified homebuyer is eligible to write off up to $2,000 of the annual interest paid on the mortgage as a special tax credit. The credit can be claimed annually as long as the home is your principal residence.

Since it launched in April 2011, the AHFC has already helped a number of families become first time homebuyers in Arlington using the Mortgage Credit Certificate program  The first series of the MCC program was so successful the AHFC issued a second series. There are still funds available for assistance

“The MCC program has exceeded our expectations,” said AHFC Director David Zappasodi. “It is a wonderful resource to enable qualified homebuyers to purchase a home of their choice in Arlington. The MCC can also be used in combination with other homebuyer assistance resources.”

For more information and details about the Mortgage Credit Certificate program, visit: www.arlingtontx.gov/housing/homeownership_ahfcmp.html

Click Here to see a fact sheet about the Mortgage Credit Certificate program from FSC Housing.

To apply for MCC contact FirstSouthwest Housing at 214-953-4176 or fschousing@firstsw.com

Technorati Tags: Arlington TX Homes for Sale,Mortgage Tax Credit,first time homebuyer,Arlington Housing Authority

Recreation for Mature Adults in Arlington Texas

The City of Arlington offers 2 centers for maturing adults. The Senior Recreation Center at New York Avenue is at Hugh Smith center, 2015 Craig Hanking Dr. and New

Technorati Tags: Arlington TX Senior Centers,Water Aerobics,Hugh Smith Pool,Mature Adult Activities

York Ave.  This center has a swimming pool and offers a number of water aerobic classes for maturing adults. There are water aerobic classes to help you stay fit as well as classes that are designed for wellness, joint flexibility, injuries and arthritic conditions.  For more information on the Water Aerobic classes at  the Hugh Smith Pool click this link. The Senior Rec Center at New York offers a number of other activities including exercise, games, fine art classes, billiards and much more.  The Eunice Activity Center located at 1000 Eunice Street also offers a number of activities for adults.  Probably some of the most popular activities offered at the Eunice Center is the Dancing Lessons and Friday Night Band Dances.
To find a calendar of events at both senior centers follow this link.

Arlington is One of the Hardest Working Cities in America!

Victor1558 / Foter / CC BY

We all know everything is bigger in Texas and that includes our work ethic according to website Movoto.

According to Movoto’s research, five of the 10 Hardest working cities are in the Lone Star State. Arlington Texas was rated as the 2nd Hardest Working City followed by Fort Worth at #3, Austin at #4, Dallas at 7 and Houston was #10.

Here is the list of the 10 Hardest Working Cities:

1. Seattle
2. Arlington, Texas
3. Fort Worth, Texas
4. Austin, Texas
5. San Jose, Calif.
6. San Francisco
7. Dallas
8. Virginia Beach, Va.
9. Washington, D.C.
10. Houston

To determine the top 10, Movoto looked at America’s 50 most populous cities and ranked them in order of how their residents worked.  Researchers looked at the unemployment rate, the number of hours worked per week, employed workers per household, commute time, number of volunteer hours, cost of living and lack of sleep.

Here are some of the highest-ranking city in each analyzed category:

• Longest work week: Houston — 37.6 hours per week (based on a full-time work week of more than 35 hours)
• Lowest unemployment rate: Seattle — 4 percent
• Longest commute time: Chicago — 33.7 minutes each way
• Most workers per household: New York — 2.4 workers
• Most volunteer hours outside of work: Oklahoma City — 76.6 hours per person per year
• Highest number of nights without adequate sleep: Columbus, Ohio — 9.7 nights per month
• Highest cost of living: San Francisco

Out of the 50 cities analyzed Texas and California had the most high ranking cities.  Keep up the good work Arlington!

Technorati Tags: Arlington TX,Hardest Working Cities

Arlington Texas Gets Our First Link to Mass Transit

Starting August 19th, Arlington will begin our first link to metro area mass transit.  MetroArlingtonExpress a.k.a. MAX will run between College Park Center at UT Arlington (convenient to UTA and Downtown Arlington) and Trinity Railway Express (TRE) CentrePort/DFW Airport Station.  TRE connects to Fort Worth “the T” transportation and the Dallas “Dart” system.  MAX will run Monday through Friday about 6 am to 10 pm.  Oh, parking is free at College Park parking garage and you can take your bike on MAX. For more information go to: http://www.ridethemax.com/

Technorati Tags: MetroArlingtonExpress,TRE,DART,Trinity Railway Express,UT Arlington,theT

What is a Short Sale

Are you facing foreclosure? Some people are tempted to stay in your home until the bank forecloses and you are evicted from your home.  We think that’s a Bad Idea and don’t recommend that route.  A much more graceful exit is a short sale. A Short Sales is an agreement between you and your mortgage lender to sell your home for less than you owe.  There’s no guarantee that your lender will let you avoid foreclosure with a short sale, government regulations are aimed at encouraging lenders to do so.

Short Sales Get Government Incentives
Short sales aren’t hassle-free, however you’ve got the government backing you. The Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (HAFA) program provides financial incentives for lenders and borrowers to avoid foreclosure through short sales.  It’s geared to homeowners who can’t keep their home with the help of a loan modification.

Advantages of a Short Sale Process
You can:

Be a homeowner again more quickly with a short sale in your past than with a foreclosure. Fannie Mae guidelines help you qualify for a new mortgage in as little as two years after a short sale, as opposed to up to seven years after a foreclosure.

Have more time to make relocation plans and save money than with a deed in lieu. A short sale may take four to 12 months. A deed in lieu of foreclosure arrangement typically requires you vacate your home within 30 to 60 days of signing, according to real estate attorney Lance Churchill.

Receive up to $3,000 from your lender for moving expenses at the time of closing of a HAFA short sale or a HAFA deed in lieu of foreclosure. Relocation funds are part of the incentives of HAFA, but not necessarily for other short sale or deed in lieu programs of the lenders.

Help your community’s home values. Because the lender often receives a higher amount of the remaining loan balance than it would from the sale of a home after a foreclosure, short sales help support home values in the surrounding community.

Disadvantages of a Short Sale

Your credit score will take a severe hit. But that would happen anyway with a foreclosure. Fair Isaac, creator of the FICO score, says foreclosure and short sales have virtually identical impacts on your credit score. VantageScore, a company that has created a credit score model for consumers, says a short sale will lead to only a marginally lighter hit when compared with foreclosure.

If you would like more information on a Short Sale and how it might help you avoid a foreclosure Contact the Sullivan & Sullivan team.

Technorati Tags: Short Sale,HAFA,Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives,Foreclosure,Lender,Mortgage

Mid Year Home Sales Report for Dallas/Fort Worth

Dallas/Fort Worth This Month in Real Estate Mid Year Home Sales

Here is a brief video providing you with information on home sales and home prices in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metro area.  The home sales numbers are great and surpass the best years in real estate during the mid 2000s.  Additionally, home prices are on the rise which is currently driven by our supply and demand.  Home inventories are low, in some areas below 2 months inventory.  Home inventory refers to how long it would take to sell the existing homes for sale if no more properties became available.  A normal market is 5 to 7 months of inventory and below 5 months inventory is a seller’s market.  The low inventory situation is causing prices to go up and homes to sell fast.  Good new for sellers and more of a challenge for buyers.  Serious buyers need to be pre-approved and have their financing in order, so they can make a strong offer and are ready to make an offer when they find the right home.  Buyers who wait too long to make an offer are at risk of losing their dream home.  If you need someone who has expert knowledge of our area real estate market conditions, contact the Sullivan and Sullivan Team at 817-330-9235.

Visit www.SullivanDFWHomes.com

Technorati Tags: real estate,home sales,home inventory,real estate news,Dallas/Fort Worth,Arlington TX,Mansfield TX

Swimming Pool Tips

Simple In-Ground Swimming Pool Maintenance Methods

Forget the Pool Boy, This Stuff is Easy!

A swimming pool is great for relaxing during the warmer months or splashing around with the kids. Its no fun swimming with the frogs. Swimming pool maintenance can be quick and easy, and here's how:

What you will need

1. Pool Shock
2. Chlorine Tablets
3. Skimming net
4. Wall brush
5. Pool vacuum

Every Day:

• Check the skimmer basket
• Make sure you have 3 – 4 chlorine tablets in the basket

Twice a Week:

• Vacuum the bottom of the pool

Once a week:

• Brush the sides of the pool

Most Important:

• Shock your pool following directions based on your pool size

Click here to look at homes with pools in Arlington, TX

Click here to look at homes with pools in Mansfield, TX

Technorati Tags: Homeowner tips,homes with pools,pool maintenance tips,Arlington TX,Mansfield TX

Texas’ oldest and largest 4th of July Parade

 

Texas’ oldest and largest 4th of July parades happens to be right here in Arlington Texas.  This year’s Arlington July 4th parade is the 46th annual and the theme is “Emblems of the Land I Love.”   The parade generally consist of 150 entries including all of the Arlington High School Bands.

The grand marshals of this years parade are University of Texas at Arlington President Vistasp Karbhari, Tarrant County College Southeast Campus President Bill Coppola and Arlington school district Superintendent Marcelo Cavazos.

The parade begins on July 4th at 9:00am.  Click here to see the parade route.

For more information on area July 4th celebrations click here.

 

Technorati Tags: July 4th,Arlington TX,Parade

Beautiful Landscaped Home

Don't miss this beautiful well cared for home in very desirable Pantego neighborhood. Large bedrooms, big beautifully landscaped lot. Easy access to shopping, schools and highways.
Full Details
http://www.dfwtxhomesonline.com/listing/mlsid/173/propertyid/11979754/syndicated/1/cgltguid/08428B86-ED65-43C2-91A1-BA855D9D42C1/?ts=crg

Click on photo to see more photos!

Listing Courtesy of Ingrid Sullivan, Keller Williams Realty Arlington

A Must See Home Priced to Sell!!

Must see south Arlington property. Interior has fresh paint, new carpeting and ceramic tile. Home looks like new. Easy access to Davis elementary school. Includes refrigerator, washer and dryer.
Full Details
http://www.dfwtxhomesonline.com/listing/mlsid/173/propertyid/11981475/syndicated/1/cgltguid/FA5BF2FF-EB4B-48A7-978B-777D7B0A2E12/?ts=crg

Click on photo to see more photos!

Listing Courtesy of Ingrid Sullivan, Keller Williams Realty Arlington

Beautiful Well Maintained Home

Beautiful well maintained home in North Arlington. Updated kitchen with granite countertop work spaces and hardwood floors with great lighting, nice sized bedrooms with plenty of natural light. Covered Backyard Patio with entrance from the Master bedroom. A must see ready to become your cozy home.

Full Details
http://www.dfwtxhomesonline.com/listing/mlsid/173/propertyid/11981447/syndicated/1/cgltguid/B9B4F27E-E155-47B4-880E-4E08868E2650/?ts=crg

Click on photo to see more photos!

Listing Courtesy of Ingrid Sullivan, Keller Williams Realty Arlington

Easy Steps to Preventing Foundation Damage

  Is Your Neighborhood Under Water Restrictions? Water restrictions put a damper on all the time and effort you’ve put into your  lawn this spring by limiting the amount of time and duration you are able to water your yard during the week. **This DOES NOT apply to foundations! Foundations may be watered up to two hours on any day using a handheld hose, soaker hose or drip irrigation system placed within 24-inches of the foundation. To see tips and learn more about watering your foundation, please visit the website of  MBR Guaranteed Foundation Repair at www.mbrgfr.com. If you have any foundation concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Lance at MBR (817) 469-1090 for a free, no hassle evaluation of your foundation!

Technorati Tags: Foundation repairs,foundation watering,homeowner tips,watering restrictions

Homes in Fairmount

 

Located on the near south side of Fort Worth, Texas and covering about one square mile, the Fairmount Southside Historic District contains one of the nation’s richest collections of turn of the century housing. Fairmount is comprised of about 20 subdivisions platted between 1883 and 1907.

Click here for a list of homes in the Fairmount area

 

Technorati Tags: Fairmount Homes,Fort Worth

Elegant Homes in Mira Lagos & Grand Peninsula–Grand Prairie, TX

 

Mira Lagos & Grand Peninsula are surrounded by the 7,400-acre Joe Pool Lake that offers 64 miles of natural shoreline, four developed parks, camping, hiking, picnicking and water activities like fishing, boating, swimming and nearby golf facilities.

Click here for a list of these elegant homes

Technorati Tags: Mira Lagos,Grand Peninsula,Grand Prairie TX

Homes With Pools in Mansfield, TX

You need a home with a Pool to keep you Cool?
Take a look at these Homes with Swimming Pools in Mansfield with prices starting at $117,000.

 

Click here for a list of homes in Mansfield with a pool

Technorati Tags: Mansfield TX,Homes with pool