Explore DFW new homes, new communities online, at home, at any time. Real Estate and Friends. 06.20

RESOURCE FOR DFW REAL ESTATE PROS : NEW HOMES | NEW COMMUNITIES | TITLE | MORTGAGE AND MORE

A P R I N T, D I G I TA L a n d S O C I A L M E D I A P L AT F O R M

J U N E 2020

The First Name in Lasting Value®

New Dallas-Fort Worth Homes From the Mid $200s to the $500s

469-737-1485 khov.com/dfw

DAL LAS N. TOL LWA Y

380

FRISCO ESTATES AT SHADDOCK PARK LOW $500S

LIBERTY HILL MID $300S CLOSE OUT

EDGEWOOD MID $400S

ESSEX PARK

121

HIGH $300S

THE VILLAGE AT TWIN CREEKS HIGH $300S

35E

35W VILLAS AT SOUTHGATE

75

SOUTH HAVEN

LOW $400S

BUSH TPKE. (PGBT)

HIGH $400S

26 114

190

DFW

360 820

183

FORT WORTH

LOVE FIELD

161

DALLAS

30

N

ALL THE RIG H T P L AC ES With Normandy Homes, every detail comes together to design a life well-lived. We create communities in only the most sought-after locations in DFW, connecting residents to everywhere they want — and need — to be.

Complemented by beautiful architecture, sophisticated interiors and a true sense of community, our homes deliver exceptional design, value and customer satisfaction. From thoughtful craftsmanship and service to remarkably convenient locales, all roads quite literally lead to Normandy.

REGISTER TODAY! We invite you and your client to explore a Normandy community today. Call 469.565.0433 to set an appointment and you’ll receive a $500 credit to use at the Normandy Homes Design Center.

2805 Dallas Parkway | Suite 400 | Plano, Texas 75093 | 469.565.0433 | normandyhomes.com Illustrations are artist’s conception and not reproductions. Pricing, plans and specifications are subject to change at any time. See Community Sales Manager for more information. Price, features, floor plans, availability and promotions are subject to change or termination at anytime without notice. Photography and renderings are for illustrative purposes only. See Community Sales Manager for complete details. 2020

VIRTUAL APPOINTMENTS Call (972) 426-2712 to set your appointment today!

New Homes from the $270K’s - $480K’s | www.TrendmakerHomes.com The prices of our homes, included features, plans, specifications, promotions/incentives, neighborhood build-out and available locations are subject to change without notice. No information or material herein is to be construed to be an offer or solicitation for sale. Not all features and options are available in all homes. Unless otherwise expressly stated, homes do not come with hardscape, landscape, or other decorator items. Any photographs or renderings used herein reflect artists’ conceptions and are for illustrative purposes only. Photographs or renderings of people do not depict or indicate any preference regarding race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, familial status, or national origin. Our name and the logos contained herein are registered trademarks of TRI Pointe Group, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. © 2020 Trendmaker Homes, Inc., a member of the TRI Pointe Group. All rights reserved.

“You have to be a ‘rainmaker’; People are not going to find you” An interview with Lori Arnold; President at Coldwell Banker Apex, Realtors An Excerpt from a Article in Authority Magazine If you had to advise someone about non-intuitive things one should know to succeed in the Real Estate industry, what would you say?

It’s more than “loving people” and “loving houses.” We often hear those two phrases when a new agent wants to enter the business. Because every agent is an independent contractor, they are running a business within a business. Not only do you have to enjoy people and houses, you have to learn to run a business.

One has to be resilient to be in the business. Industry stats say that 87% of people who join the business today won’t be here in five years. That is a crazy high turnover. TV real estate reality shows make real estate look easy. The ups and downs of individual transactions and daily activities make the emotions of real estate hard to handle. Resilience helps.

You have to be a “rainmaker.” People are not going to find you. You have to find them. Many people who join the business are not capable of developing the relationships necessary to drive the business.

It’s a lot of time, effort and investment in people.

Realizing how much you do not know and having a passion to keep learning is key to a successful agent. Even after 38 years in the business, I learn new things every single day. A passion for careerlong learning is a must.

Picking the company that will help you succeed is such a key factor. The finances of real estate are much more complex than new agents realize. There are multiple factors they should consider and often the cheapest firm to work for is where your bottom line will be the lowest. Finding the right fit is key.

Full article here: https://medium.com/authority-magazine/women-leaders-of-real-estate-you-have-to-be-a-rainmaker-people-are-not-going-to-find-you-with29d935fc60a7

THROWBACK OF A SUPERSTAR!. . .

Coldwell Banker Apex’s Angela Tucker

CONGRATS ANGELA TUCKER on your amazing success!

Angela was awarded ‘Coldwell Bankers Diamond Society’ in 2019! Angela has increased her sales in 2020 year-over-year already by 77%!

Find Angela in the Coldwell Banker Apex Garland / Firewheel office angelatucker88@gmail.com

Text / Talk: 214.533.8945 info@realestateandfriends.com Page 4 | June 2020 | Real Estate and Friends Magazine

More Than 20 DFW Communities From the mid $200s to the $500s

Dallas Garland Melissa

Flower Mound Haltom City Murphy

Roanoke

Forney

Fort Worth

Haslet

Irving

Little Elm

Northlake

Plano

Red Oak

Rowlett

Sachse

Van Alstyne

khov.com/dfw • 469-737-1485 See a Sales Consultant for full details. Equal Housing Opportunity.

#1 Real Estate Team Leader of Latino Descent in DFW and #13 in the Nation!

Lily Moore, Broker/Owner Lily Moore Realty, recently announced that 2019s final rankings are out, and she finished as the #1 Real Estate Team Leader of Latino descent in DFW and #13 in the nation! From that little girl in El Salvador to the woman I am today — what a journey it has been!

Congrats Lily Moore & Team!

Now THAT is a tree-house! Check out this treehouse going in at Sandbrock Ranch in Aubrey. Like having the cows and horses around wasn’t enough!

Now a HUGE tree house will entertain residents!

If you go out and see it, send us a picture! We’d love to see the progress!

Text or Talk: 214.533.8945

NO HOA DUES for one year

Buy now and save!

NO HOA DUES FOR ONE YEAR

Sandbrock Ranch is offering no HOA dues for one year on homes purchased from April �� - July ��. Buyers can choose a move-in ready home or build their dream home.

Schedule a private tour of our model homes and amenities.

S TA R ESR S E LWL ARD RE

E P T. 7 JAN. 1 - S

0Z E0S $10 0,0 PRI IN CAS H

sandbrockranch.com | 1601 Sandbrock Parkway, Aubrey, TX 76227

Discover these leading companies providing services to the DFW real estate industry 7

1 5 20 30 36 41

27

21

32

23

3

11

2 19

31 25 17

33 35

15

Let’s get YOUR BRAND in front of our vast DFW real estate audience!

Contact: Nancy Holzwarth, publisher nancy@realestateandfriends.com : talk or text: 214.533.8945

Never miss a digital magazine!

Subscribe today! http://bit.ly/RealEstateFriendsDigitalMag

DISCLAIMER: Any articles included in this publication and/or opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the view of Real Estate and Friends Magazine, but remain solely those of the author(s). The paid advertisements contained within the Real Estate and Friends Magazine are not endorsed or recommended by Real Estate and Friends Magazine or the publisher. There, neither Real Estate and Friends Magazine nor the publisher may be held liable or responsible for business preactices of these companies.

Page 8 | June 2020 | Real Estate and Friends Magazine

CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS

12

Danielle Boling REALTOR®

Aligning the Auspicious

14

Torrie Lloyd, REALTOR®

Masks! Gloves! Action!

28

Get our magazine DIRECT to your inbox!

Stacy Massar REALTOR®

It’s a family business

34

Alicia Chmielewski Elite Auctions

How luxury homes are sold in minutes for top dollar!

38

SUBSCRIBE: http://bit.ly/RealEstateFriendsDigitalMag Demi Gandomkar, REALTOR®

5 Things people can’t stand in a house

42

Provide your home address to get a printed magazine mailed to you!

digital | social media | print info@realestateandfriends.com | 214.533.8945

Lance Dunahoe Owner, INSPECT 360

Transparency Sells!

CONTACT US

Facebook: realestateandfriendsmagazine

Follow Real Estate and Friends

info@realestateandfriends.com | 214.533.8945

Instagram: realestateandfriends LinkedIn: realestateandfriends Website: realestateandfriends.com Email: info@realestateandfriends.com Phone: 214.533.8945

Page 9 | June 2020 | Real Estate and Friends Magazine

u

v

Text / Talk: 214.533.8945 info@ realestateandfriends.com

u THIS is what a published author looks like! One of our contributing authors, Realtor, Kristen Robinson - Simply Texas Real Estate - has written about social media tips and other hot topics for our magazine v Keller Williams’ Marissa Benat with a copies of our magazine in which she was a contributing author. Thanks for sharing your expertise, Marissa! w A whole bunch of Young Professionals! Thanks Keller Williams’ Amy Flores for your recent article on the wild success of the the Dallas Metro KWYP group. (See Amy’s article in our April 2020 magazine.) Shown with Amy at the Dallas KWYP event: Lindsey Knight, Elizabeth Gassos and Kristin Schlesinger x Nations Home Warranty’s Bernice Lowry and Keller Williams’ Crystal Moreno talk eyelashes at an open house in Fort Worth!

w

x

Follow Real Estate and Friends

Page 10 | June 2020 | Real Estate and Friends Magazine

1st closing

3%

commission* 2nd closing & beyond

4%5% commission*

OR

100% Relocation Fees Reimbursed**

Tired of being cooped-up?

We are too! It’s been a tough couple of months, and now we really want to help your clients spend quality time with friends and family by enjoying the outdoors!

Help bring your clients’ outdoor living vision to life with our $5,000† landscape package.

Best of all? We’re also making it better for you, our Realtor partners, by making the most of your sales. Enjoy bonus incentives when you sell a Drees Custom Home.

*Reimbursement or additional bonuses if available, in addition to the standard 3% commission. On subsequent sales, Realtors must choose from the Earn More 5% commission, Relocation Reimbursement, or additional bonus, if available. Program begins January 1, 2020 and runs through December 31, 2020. All bonuses, including Earn More rewards, will be paid on the settlement statement at closing. Realtor must have written authorization from their Broker and a completed W-9 to be paid by any other method. Earn More rewards applies to individual Realtor Sales only, no team sales. Programs subject to change or termination without notice. **Drees Relocation Reimbursement will pay 100% of relocation fee of the 3% Realtor commission. Contract must be written between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020 and a copy of the relocation agreement must be provided. Referral fees are not included. Program is not available with any other Realtor incentive or bonus and is paid at closing. Must be a licensed Texas Realtor. Program subject to change or cancellation without notice. Other restrictions may apply. $5,000 in landscape upgrades available on firm non-contingent purchase agreements accepted on build-to-order homes between May 1 and June 30, 2020, in the DFW area when the buyer finances with First Equity Mortgage, Inc., Equal Housing Lender. NMLS #21157. Licensed by the Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending, License #44405. Incentives may vary by community, and will not apply on previously written purchase contracts or on homes already under construction.

Offer subject to change or withdrawal without notice. Other restrictions may apply. May not be exchanged for cash discount on home price. See a Drees Market Manager for complete details. First Equity Mortgage, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Drees Company located at 211 Grandview Drive, Suite 102, Fort Mitchell, KY 41017.

†

©2020 The Drees Company. All rights reserved. 21-0290-123-124 5/20

aus·pi·cious conducive to success; favorable

EXPERT | KNOWLEDGE Real Estate Pro

From A Real Estate Professional and Contributing Author

Contributing Author

Vastu Shastra The Science of Architecture

Aligning the Auspicious The Importance of the Energy of a Home

by Danielle Boling

Danielle Boling Owner/Broker Network Real Estate Partners Talk or Text: 469-688-7611 daniellesboling@gmail.com

I see a lot of houses. Sometimes hundreds in a week. Some blend in with others, a few strike me as lovely and make me want to remodel again, and occasionally certain ones make me cringe. The latter could be for a number of reasons, but I can always sense it immediately. We open the front door and BAM! Greeted by the staircase. Not a curved one, but one that goes straight up. So close that we practically trip on it. I mentally nix it off our list but entertain the tour for my client’s sake. The home is dark, like a cave, and uninviting at best. The OCD in me struggles not to detonate from aversion to the lack of furniture symmetry, and the musty odor throughout strangely makes me feel overcome with gloom. I carry on. I try to be objective. I fail.

is key, and of course it should look good, smell good, sound good (Alexa, play Kenny G!), etc. This is all good advice, but I want to go deeper. That oppressive feeling that I couldn’t quite put my finger on? The unexplained doom and gloom? It was likely the energy of the home. The ‘Chi’ – a term that means “the balance of life itself” refers to the scientific concept that energy flows through everything in creation. It is one of the fundamental ideas of the practice of Feng Shui, which is used to align individuals with the energy of their surroundings to achieve their goals in all facets of life. Similarly, the practice of Vastu Shastra seeks to use the architecture and design of a home to create health, happiness, wealth, and prosperity for its inhabitants.

Architecturally speaking, the staircase hitting you in the face upon entering the foyer is a no-no. Staging the home properly to maximize space

Having practiced real estate for 25 years now, I have had the pleasure of learning both practices through the eyes of my clientele. I remember

Page 12 | June 2020 | Real Estate and Friends Magazine

early on in my career asking a new client for a wish list and “must have” list for their home search. Expecting a certain number of baths, an open kitchen, large yard and that sort of thing, I was taken aback when I was handed quite a different set of criteria. “Our home must face North (or at the very least Northeast) for good luck, the back door cannot align with the front, upstairs baths cannot be over the kitchen, house numbers of address must add up to a specific number and not end in a certain number, stair treads and risers must not be unequal in number, need a prayer room under the stairwell, water must not exit in a certain direction, and we’ll need to bury some personal items in the ground prior to closing”. I was up for the challenge. I explained that for this to happen, they would need to build. “We can build. That is fine. We’ll need for the builder not to leave his tools in the Northeast quadrant of the home. We’ll also need you and the builder to allow a ceremony to bless the home prior to construction. We’ll need him to break a coconut on his shovel at our ceremony”.

I not only attended this groundbreaking ceremony, but was honored to have been included, along with my builder. The Vastu Pooja, as it’s called, lasted several hours. We sat in the hot, Texas sun on the Caleche rock that was to be their future home site. A priest was on speaker phone from India, and we followed his instructions to the nth degree.

There were rose petals, incense, milk, a symbolic plastic snake, a grapefruit, and the coconut. Prayers and blessings were recited and exchanged. It was a profoundly moving experience and being invited to participate in a cultural ceremony that I knew nothing about made me a better person. It enriched my thought process and appreciation for the home-buying experience from a unique perspective and gave me a more discerning eye when it comes to plan design.

Builder reps, when my first question to you is “Do you have any North-facing lots?” now you’ll know why I ask. v

Danielle Boling is the owner and principal broker of Network Real Estate Partners, a boutique full-service brokerage firm serving the Dallas, Fort Worth, and Austin markets in Texas. She founded the company in 2006. Subsidiaries include Dallas Urbanite.com and The Network Initiative. Danielle was voted DFW Realtor of the Year in 2009 by the Dallas Builders Association - winning the prestigious McSam Award. She won another McSam for Best Sales Professional in DFW. In 2016, Danielle earned the Reign Maker Award and was honored to win another McSam Award for Dallas Realtor of the Year in 2018 by the Dallas Builders Association.

Danielle is pursuing her Masters in Literature and Creative Writing from Harvard University in Cambridge, MA. Her passion for writing is evident in the marketing she does in her real estate career, whether on her websites, her blogs, or her print collateral and social media campaigns for her listed properties. She enjoys having full reign to be creative and incorporates unique material for every transaction.

Contact Danielle: daniellesboling@gmail.com

Text or Talk: 214.533.8945

Sign up to receive our Follow Real Estate and Friends

DIGITAL MAGAZINE sent direct to your inbox! http://bit.ly/RealEstateFriendsDigitalMag

Page 13 | June 2020 | Real Estate and Friends Magazine

*Provide your home address to get a printed magazine!

Masks, Gloves, Action!

Our friend, Torrie Lloyd, REALTOR with Coldwell Banker Apex shares her thoughts about real estate through the years...

There have been countless tragedies throughout my tenure in real estate - everything from wars, recessions, terrorism and crashes.

What do we, in real estate, do? We take action!

Now is the best time to nurture, educate and communicate with former and future clients. Why? Because most are at home! Do they need a cup of coffee and an adult conversation or reassurance that their biggest investment hasn’t lost value? Now is the time to reach out to them.

Real Estate has always been essential. People need to sell and buy homes.

In uncertain times they’re looking for a guiding light. Realtors are guiding lights and Realtors with vast experience have survived it all.

Torrie out with her son, Andy Scott a Dave Perry-Miller Park Cities agent

Get back to the basics, which have always included excellent service, care and steady communication. The game is the same as it was 30 years ago! A seamless transaction is a combination of knowledge, infinite care and stellar customer service.

Take advantage of these unprecedented times. Show your value! Buyers, sellers and builders need us more than ever!

A positive attitude and mindset are of utmost importance. DFW real estate is the most satisfying and rewarding profession a person can have. I have enjoyed every moment of my roller coaster ride!

Text or Talk: 214.533.8945

Follow Real Estate and Friends

Coldwell Banker Apex Tailgate Party in Richardson with Charmaine Byers, Diane Martin and lots of our title company friends!

Page 14 | June 2020 | Real Estate and Friends Magazine

NOW

THAT’S THE

SPIRIT At the end of a treelined road, painted in prairie sunshine, you’ll find the beating heart of a new community. Based on some very old ideas about town and country.

Where smart new homes lead to a deeper connection with the land and with each other.

This is Pecan Square, north of Fort Worth in the AllianceTexas corridor in Northlake.

And we invite you to join us.

Tour 10 new models Smart new homes from the mid $200s to the $600s.

From I-35W, take exit FM 407 west and follow the signs.

PECANSQUARE BYHILLWOOD.COM

u

v

w

x

uRealtor, Kim Miller with Avery Warren vAbby’s back! Ask Matt Schultz about Abby Vasek wCrystal Widman hands out meals at the tailgate party! xSocial distancing CAN be fun! Just ask Claudia Schubert, Shellie Carnal and Coldwell Banker Apex’s Charmaine Byers

y

y Nina Chow and JPAR’s Sara Rios and Perla Vazquez were ready for the first night reopening at Neighborhood Services!

Follow Real Estate and Friends

Page 16 | June 2020 | Real Estate and Friends Magazine

u

v

w

Sign up to receive our DIGITAL MAGAZINE sent direct to your inbox! http://bit.ly/RealEstateFriendsDigitalMag

Provide your home address to get a printed magazine!

uRealtor, Josh Vernon holding our magazine with the feature story he wrote! vRealtor, Amy Flores holding our magazine with the feature story she wrote! wIntroducing JPAR’s Singh Real Estate Group! Navjot Singh, Michael Savala, Ivan Cisneros, and Manuel Meave. Congrats!

Page 18 | June 2020 | Real Estate and Friends Magazine

Celebrate a Vibrant Life

Discover the Most Vibrant Way to Live At Union Park, every detail is thoughtfully designed to inspire connection. This suburban refuge is anchored by a 30-acre Central Park, where community has become more than a word, it’s a way of life. From the Bark Park to the Food Truck Park, every amenity is a new opportunity to connect with neighbors and have fun. Experience life more vibrantly in Little Elm, Texas.

F I N D YO U R H O M E TO DAY:

unionparkbyhillwood.com

Homes From The

MID $200s to $500s 1

O N SITE ELEMEN TA RY

3

M O DEL HOME PA R KS

8

P R EM IU M B U I LDER S

EV EN TS 300 + PEAL ACNHNYED EA R

HOME WARRANTY PROTECTION with YOUR CHOICE of HIGHLY RATED

CONTRACTORS

Lea Fray Khreish

Partner Sr. Acct. Executive

972.965.7611

lea@achosahw.com

The POWER to CHOOSE

Congrats Gina Waterfield and Dave Jenks on your gorgeous new Shaddock Home!

Celebrating with Gina: Susan Hubek, Savannah Dunn and Maria Rincon

We empower you to choose your own licensed contractors for all required services.

Unlike traditional home warranty companies that have limited pools of contractors in their networks, you will be ensured of prompt, reliable service by having the whole market at your disposal.

Text or Talk: 214.533.8945 Page 20 | June 2020 | Real Estate and Friends Magazine

NOW SELLING IN

NEW COMMUNITIES! Visit us at our NEW Models at Lakes at Legacy in Prosper, Edgewood in Frisco, Estates at Rockhill Phase 3 in Frisco, The Village at Twin Creeks in Allen, and Castle Hills Northpointe with lots in Lewisville and Carrollton!

Now Selling at Tavolo Park in Fort Worth!

SHADDOCKHOMES.COM

When the student becomes the master...

By: Mar’Sue Haffner with Sales Solve Everything

So proud of Tony Prutch and his company J Anthony Homes. His new model blew me away. He is extra special to me because I taught him to sell. He was a builder cross training to be a Division Manager. He started selling and never stopped. My boss asked if I knew what the heck he was doing. I said, “Yes sir I do. He sits the prospect down and asks them what they want. Then he pulls out butter paper and starts drawing their dream home right before their eyes.”

We were a semi-custom builder so both of us got in a little trouble. He went on to be a great Division Manager. Then sold for a custom builder and won Top Salesman in his price range two years in a row. He started his own company and guess what? He does all buyers plans himself and meets them with butter paper in hand. If you haven’t seen this model you must. It is at 1680 Jan Marie in Lucas. I am using this model to do a presentation to demonstrate how a model presentation is done in person and virtually. This formula is the key to selling inventory and from pictures, virtual tours and Matterport. Stephen Brooks you should be proud of all the successful people you trained who are having great success as a result of working for Grand Homes and training under you. I cried when I walked this model thinking of how Tony started with us and the incredible custom builder and business person he has become. Congrats Tony and Michelle. This is an incredible accomplishment.

Congrats Robert Nunez with Alterra Home Loans on being recognized as one of the Top 250 Latino Mortgage Originators in the country by NAHREP as ranked by the number of mortgages they closed the previous calendar year.

Page 22 | June 2020 | Real Estate and Friends Magazine

Tasha Davis continues to be a fan of our magazine!

C en tu r io n A m er ic an

Delivering award-winning communities with impeccable amenities such as parks, golf courses, and hiking and biking trails.

Centurion has successfully designed master-planned communities that have been recognized across the real estate industry.

Congrats PACESETTER HOMES! For the fourth year in a row, Pacesetter Homes Texas has claimed a spot on Builder Magazine’s Top 100 in 2020. Their annual Builder 100 list looks at the top 200 home builders across the United States, ranked by closings. The list recognizes US home builders with the highest number of closings each year.

Pacesetter Homes Texas jumped eight spots in 2020 to #90, from #98 in 2019, highlighting it once again as one of the largest 100 home builders in the industry.

WCR Dallas ‘family’ celebrate Wanda Arias’ birthday.

Shown: Darla Gray, Shane Womack, Karel Schweitzer, Robin Crosby, Wanda and Sheila Fitzgerald. Happy birthday and God Bless you Wanda!

I think what they‘re trying to say here is that our magazine is a great tool for DFW real estate agents!

Love the fun spirit of

Twenty-Two Realty’s Robyn and Lanae

Cutest mama-to-be EVER! Look at adorable Crystal Cunningham with Tamara Preston Text or Talk: 214.533.8945

Follow Real Estate and Friends

Page 24 | June 2020 | Real Estate and Friends Magazine

Summer

SAVINGS SALE

YOU earn 4-5% on all inventory that closes by June 30!

YOUR BUYERS earn $4,000 in Closing Costs, $2,500 towards your Title Policy, and more!*

www.PacesetterHomesTexas.com Prices, products, and specifications subject to change without prior notice. See Sales Counselor for current information and details.

Contact Sales Representative for more details and specifics. *When using preferred lender. Offer varies by community.

214.234.2454

u

v

w u Vika Good with KW McKinnye’s Ronnie Aroche.

Vika has known Ronnie since she was 15 years old! v Looks like this was the fun table! Tina Jacobsen, Tracey Curtis with Century 21 Mike Bowman’s Russ Kidwell w So happy to catch up! Brittany Obert and Lauren Piccinini at lunch! x Claudia Cruz announces she has joined Keller Williams’ Premier Properties Group! Shown with Becky Chance y Realtors Stacy and Ben Massar know how to throw a margarita party just ask Chris Mitchell!

y

x

Follow Real Estate and Friends Text or Talk: 214.533.8945

Page 26 | June 2020 | Real Estate and Friends Magazine

CHRISTI BAHR ESCROW OFFICER

DAWN UNDERDOWN ESCROW OFFICER

MARIA JARAMILLO ESCROW ASSISTANT

KELLY MYERS RECEPTIONIST

CHERYL KUZMICH ESCROW OFFICER

JUSTIN PIERCE ESCROW OFFICER, CESP

DEBBIE BARROW ESCROW OFFICER

VALERIE BROWN DEBBIE WHITE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT BRANCH MANAGER/ BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

“The phrase, ‘working mother,’ is redundant.”

CONTRIBUTING AUTHOR

~ Jane Sellman

Wisdom From A Real Estate Professional

It’s a family business photo credit: dissolve.com

How my kindergartener found me clients!

by Stacy Lynn Massar, REALTOR®

My daughter, Reagan, knows real estate from the inside out. She’s been showing homes with me from the womb to her current ripe old age of 11! I was negotiating a contract while in labor with Reagan in La Jolla, California, where my real estate career began.

I would schedule showings around her nap and feeding schedule - showing up to appointments with her in a baby carrier.

Stacy Lynn Massar REALTOR®

Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI) Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES)

Massar Realty Group Fathom Realty Talk or Text: 214.649.3686 stacysellstexas@gmail.com

ag

Re

As she grew older, Reagan would enthusiastically open doors for clients and greet them with her outstretched ‘Vanna White arms’ leading the way into the home! She would point out her favorite parts of every home, which often included a large backyard for a swings or a great kitchen where Mommy could prepare great meals.

an

My clients loved her!

Reagan’s entrepreneur spirit emerged in kindergarten when she was caught passing out business cards at recess!

She snuck my cards into her backpack and placed them in cubbies!

Page 28 | June 2020 | Real Estate and Friends Magazine

The email home from her teacher was priceless. But, hey! Her networking skills worked! Reagan’s kinder tactics got me a new client!

One day after school, she hopped in the car and confidently informed me she found me a new client. She told her friend to have her mommy call me. Reagan then began negotiating with me for her referral fee, which started at 50% of the commission.

She pointed out that without her I wouldn’t have a new client. I told nice work, but 50% wasn’t going to happen. She countered for a horse.

I laughed - who’s the savvy negotiator? We now own a horse!

This kid has negotiation skills stronger than any client I’ve ever worked with!

In 3rd grade they were learning about percentages when Reagan told her math teacher, “I know 3% math and that’s all the math you need to know if you’re in real estate!”

The biggest lesson I believe she’s learned is that hard work pays off, and if you want something, expect to work hard for it!

She didn’t stop there. She proceeded to tell her math teacher: “Mommy just sold a $1.2M property and 3% of that is $36,000, so basically we’re pretty rich now.”

That phone call was hilarious and embarrassing!

Over the years she has mastered the art of arranging cookie trays for open houses, installing for-sale signs, and she can stage a house like a professional — knowing when to declutter and what to add-in when homes are vacant. She could teach a class on the importance of that first impression and curb appeal. She also hold a conversation all about fixed items in a home, how every HVAC system in Texas needs to be serviced, what a home warranty typically covers, and how every VA loan needs a termite inspection. Again, she’s 11!

Reagan is obsessed with Marie Kondo, the decluttering guru from the show Tidying Up With Marie Kondo, and lately she has been known to ask ‘our’ clients, “Does that bring you joy? If not, you need to let it go and move on!” She’s savvy beyond her young age, helping many sellers get rid of unnecessary items thanks to her charisma, smile, knowledge, and her sense of humor. Somehow the decluttering process isn’t as painful when it’s a sweet 11 year-old girl talking to you.

The most important thing Reagan has learned though her real estate ‘career’ is how much we love our clients and how we love on them - being there for their needs from start to finish. She knows it is easier to keep a client than to find a new one.

The biggest lesson I believe she’s learned is that hard work pays off, and if you want something, expect to work hard for it!

I’ve been blessed with an amazing daughter ‘partner’ in this crazy business we all share. While life isn’t always easy being self-employed and a mom, I can see proof that while growing my business, I have also taught Reagan real life examples I never planned on teaching her. For her part, she has provided me with memories and laughter to last through the ups and downs of real estate - and some new clients! v Stacy Lynn Massar has been in the real estate industry since 2002 when she became a licensed agent and loan originator in San Diego California. She was born and raised in northern New Jersey, and after living in many states, she found her way to Texas to be near family.

Stacy calls Rockwall home and enjoys selling homes along Lake Ray Hubbard, Dallas’ Uptown market and Farmer’s Market revitalization area as well as the east Dallas market. Her years in California provided Stacy with skills to navigate any market — whether it be a tough buyers market or seller’s market. Negotiating million dollar sales was common, and it’s that expertise and knowledge that will benefit any buyer or seller she is working with. In her free time she enjoys photography, reading, writing, working out, learning to two-step, meeting up with friends and trying new restaurants in the DFW area with her husband Ben, who is also a part of Massar Realty Group, and working with future Realtor, her daughter, Reagan! Contact Stacy: 214.649.3686

Text or Talk: 214.533.8945 Follow Real Estate and Friends

Page 29 | June 2020 | Real Estate and Friends Magazine

u

RE/MA

Our rea

HEN Wolfe T y a K ’s X DFW

l e s t at e

and

ith her N OW w

puppy! a

friend, K en Calla han with THEN a h nd NOW is better half, P amela, !

Text or Talk: 214.533.8945 Follow Real Estate and Friends

Page 30 | June 2020 | Real Estate and Friends Magazine

www!

Swim on In! THE OASIS AT HEARTLAND Summers in HEARTLAND have never been more exciting with the opening of our brand new multi-million dollar master amenity center, complete with 3 swimming pools, 2 giant water slides, 6,000sf fitness center, 5,000sf of meeting & event space, covered cabanas & picnic areas, outdoor gaming pavillion & MORE!

30 80

DALLAS 635

FM 741 20

3558 Kirby Lane Heartland, TX

HeartlandTexas.com

Pandemic freedoms! Finally get a chance to catch up!

Lori Wilbur, Lea Fray-Khreish and Kindra Strachan

Pandemic Hair: When you start to look like your dog — it might be a hair emergency! Good sports RE/MAX Trinity’s Jaci and David Coan

Pandemic Networking: Coldwell Banker Apex’s Charmaine Byers, KW’s Nicki Ferrell, Community National Title’s Tina Brown, and Goosehead Insurance’s Kelly Houston

Pandemic RED DAY: Keller Williams yearly giving back event was a little different this year!

Shown: KW Best Southwest agents

Page 32 | June 2020 | Real Estate and Friends Magazine

Phase 2 Now Selling!

A Huffines Signature Community™

Master Planned Living in Royse City from the low $200s

Fun is Building in Royse City, Texas!

Embrace

fun! the

Bloomfield Homes | Highland Homes HistoryMaker Homes | Impression Homes

WaterscapeTexas.com

“Intelligence is quickness in seeing things as they are.”

EXPERT | KNOWLEDGE Real Estate Pro

From A Real Estate Professional and Contributing Author

~ George Santayana

Contributing Author

How luxury homes are sold in minutes for top dollar!

Even during a pandemic!

The year 2020 started out business as usual. Little did we know we were all about to be in for a wild ride of economic, health, and financial uncertainty - there was no escaping the change in lifestyle we would all experience.

Having agreed to market a luxury property in South Carolina for auction, I started the process as usual; meetings with the listing agent, sellers, buyers, marketing, open houses, etc.

by Alicia Chmielewski

It’s funny how we take things for granted; like the once simple act of traveling. When the pandemic became headline news, I’m not going to lie, my anxiety was building. I began planning my drive to/from South Carolina should flights be grounded. This girl was not going to let air travel affect this home’s marketing and successful sale.

Alicia Chmielewski

Elite Auctions Market Director Talk or Text: 214-326-1875 Alicia@EliteAuctions.com

I had no idea how shut downs, restrictions, and, of course, fear would affect the auction process. At auction, higher end properties are purchased outright - without financing contingencies; yet none of us knew if people would spend their money.

What I love about what I do is that the process creates a sense of urgency and action among buyers, which usually results in a time certain, non-contingent sale for the sellers at market value.

It’s like a high energy multiple offer situation - with ready, willing and able buyers competing to one-up each other until the maximum price is achieved.

Page 34 | June 2020 | Real Estate and Friends Magazine

Auction weekend was here and many restaurants were closed. Others offered drive-through and take-out. Hotels that normally served breakfast had their kitchens, gym and pools closed. It was weird to go to the lobby to pick up a brown bag breakfast!

The media was reporting a slump in the stock market. Panicked people were cashing out. Uncertainty was through the roof.

Silver lining found! With so many glued to the TV, more people saw our commercials and auction inquiries grew by leaps and bounds.

On auction day we had 8 ready, willing and able bidders - both live and remotely. The auction concluded in minutes setting a new highest recorded sale price for the neighborhood!

People will always have a need to buy and sell real estate. Even with market changes and all the unknowns of a pandemic, the most reliable way to garner market value for any luxurious item is to create urgency amongst buyers who compete against each other and drive price to the highest point.

Even a worldwide pandemic couldn’t stop our auction success. On to the next one!

Alicia Chmielewski is the DFW based Market Director for Elite Auctions, a luxury real estate auction and marketing firm that partners with listing agents and sellers of some of the nation's finest estates valued typically over $2 million. Luxury homes she has marketed have landed coverage in numerous top-tier media outlets both here in the USA and around the world.

Contact Alicia: 214-326-1875

Vacation at Home In Inspiration!

2019 9

INSPIRATION

NOW OPEN!

9,000 sf Event and Amenity Center: v Four Swimming Pools: Adult, Childrens, Lap, Family Pool with Lazy River v Meeting/Banquet Space v 2-Story Fitness Center v Children’s Playground v Covered Picnic Area v Covered Cabanas v Event Lawn v Snack Bar

A Huffines Signature Community™

1715 Inspiration Blvd.

St. Paul

InspirationTexas.com | 972.860.3133

RE/MAX Trinity’s Cindy Thompson and Lori Hankins

Kristina Guzman and Cheryl Fairbanks

Text or Talk: 214.533.8945

Ebby’s Beth Appleby, with Alison. decked the walkways and windows of Traditions Senior Living & Memory Care in Sherman for Memorial Day Weekend!

Page 36 | June 2020 | Real Estate and Friends Magazine

Simply Texas Real Estate’s Derek Dean used the time at home to sharpen skills!

Work Friends are the BEST Friends!

Judy ZumBerg, Carrie Whitteberry, Susan Podsednik and Jameson Olsen Rogers Healy shows you how you THRIVE in a crisis- you improvise and make it happen!

Having fun - finally! Berkshire Hathaway’s Janet Eubank, Tracy Kaplan and Julie Jordan Lisa Su Walter and Darlene Miller show us the elbow bump the handshake of the quarantine

TITLE TINA

Go see our friend, Tina Brown at Community Title!

Katie Thompson, Jamie Flynn, Crystal Cunningham and Dianne Siverly looking so cheerful and bright!

Text or Talk: 214.533.8945 Page 37 | June 2020 | Real Estate and Friends Magazine

“There’s always room for improvement.”

EXPERT | KNOWLEDGE Real Estate Pro

From A Real Estate Professional and Contributing Author

~ Shannon Fritcher

Contributing Author

5 Things People Can’t Stand in a House And other truths no one else will tell you!

by Demi Gandomkar, REALTOR®

TILED COUNTERS— OF ANY KIND

Demi Gandomkar REALTOR, Vivo Realty 214-705-7705 | 214-551-3259 demi@vivorealty.com

From the tiled granite to the charming little coral or lime squares to the hardcore designs on your great-aunts’ counters, please know it is more than likely time to give them a clean sweep. We can add pops of color anywhere else. Let’s keep the flat surfaces chic, simple, interchangeable with different color schemes via the rest of the home.

WHITE APPLIANCES & SINK Now, white is one of my favorite colors. It's clean, elegant, lovely.

Unfortunately, it is literally the worst color to use when nuking an uncovered lasagna in the microwave for the family. Have you ever had a pot of your grandpa's famous chili overflow all over your white range and down the oven? Your sink is constantly Page 38 | June 2020 | Real Estate and Friends Magazine

between a light yellow or deep orange.

Fingerprints of all shades and colors decorate your refrigerator handle as is if it were a piece of abstract art. And no matter how much you spent on those appliances--whether it's the newest matte white from Milan, or not, it's still on our list of items we can't stand.

More than likely you didn't choose your white appliances, they came with the house, but the time is here and now to go for the upgrade guilt-free. If you're not ready to jump straight into stainless steel, take baby steps to black first, perhaps.

MASTER BATHROOM CARPET Seriously, what were we doing here?

And I know we're all seeing homes built in the 2000+ range with carpet in the master bath, so no shame. I grew up in a home in West Plano with carpet

in the master, and even as a child, I knew it was horrid. While my parents were at work, I took the scissors to it and started pulling it up from the center. They were forced to put something normal, like tile, down. Please do choose a stunning tile and then pair it with a complimentary throw rug as an accent color to your master bath.

HOLLYWOOD LIGHTS Sounds glam, does it not? It’s not! It was in the Hollywood Golden Era, but now—let’s face it, they’re just hot, one or two are always burned out or flickering and there’s no quick fix to glam it up like spraying the base black. As a project for a beautiful makeup room, you could perhaps hire an electrician to create a massive mirror for you with these added on for when you’re having your Marilyn Monroe moments. Otherwise, it may be time for change.

POPCORN CEILINGS I'll cut to the chase, I've never heard a positive comment made about how lucky someone was to have it in their home. Before you start scraping away all your fears and bad decisions, Popcorn ceilings installed even as late as the late 80s may contain asbestos

first please note that popcorn ceilings installed even as late as the late 80s may contain asbestos. Before taking on this project, please have the material professionally tested. You can do it yourself using an EPA approved test kit available at home goods stores or have an asbestos professional do it for you. For more info on where to look for testing, go to www.epa.gov/asestos. If you do find you have asbestos, you’ll need to contact a Certified abatement contractor. Be sure to not cut any corners on this. Your health and safety are much more vital than a pretty ceiling. If you’ve tested free of asbestos and still want to do it yourself, it’ll take you a couple days, but nothing too crazy. Just some elbow grease, covering up your furniture, a scraper and some tools. Don’t be surprised when you’ll need to sand the ceiling, once dried. Popcorn is actually a great way to hide things the ceiling never wanted you to see that

may need to be smoothed out later.

Now, the most fun part? Prime and paint your ceiling! It’s like you have a brand-new home!

Demi Gandomkar A people person at heart, Demi is rarely seen without a smile on her face and an encouraging word — a genuine trait that comes naturally to her.

For over seven years, she has enthusiastically assisted clients with buying and selling their homes - carefully listening so she can fully understand their needs and lifestyles. Demi is well versed to assist with pre-owned residential, new construction and commercial properties.

Contact Demi: 214-705-7705, 214-551-3259 demi@vivorealty.com

Get our magazine DIRECT to your inbox! http://bit.ly/RealEstateFriendsDigitalMag Provide your home address to get a printed magazine mailed to you!

Text or Talk: 214.533.8945

Page 39 | June 2020 | Real Estate and Friends Magazine

u

Text or Talk: 214.533.8945

u Felicia Allen Grace and team at Grace Realty Group along with Truly Title’s Susan Podsednik and Graham Hanks v Cathy Capps-Warren, Joshua Chaffin, Aida Madison and Catana Johnson w Everyone is back at the office in Fort Worth’s William Northern Crain office including Ty Williams and Coco Fontao x SPEAKING OF Fort Worth’s William Northern Crain office! Look at the beautiful flowers they sent Nancy Holzwarth for including them in our magazine! What an amazingly kind gesture. Made my month! Thanks Ty Williams y Realtor Lucie Warfield celebrates ANOTHER closing! Thanks for including our magazine in your work fun, Lucie!

v

x

Page 40 | June 2020 | Real Estate and Friends Magazine

w

y

Follow Real Estate and Friends

Text or Talk: 214.533.8945

Realtor, Marian D’Unger with her birthday cake. Happy birthday!

Doesn’t EVERYONE get to go on a walk with Colonel West?

Natalie Woods Stanyer does!

Much needed escape!

RE/MAX Town & Country’s Michael Coburn with Aaron Chen, John Allen, and Ron Perry Congrats Aaron on the big Money Win!

Page 41 | June 2020 | Real Estate and Friends Magazine

“A lack of transparency results in distrust and a deep sense of insecurity.”

EXPERT | KNOWLEDGE Real Estate Pro

From A Real Estate Professional and Contributing Author

~ Dalai Lama

Contributing Author

Transparency Sells!

How pre-listing inspections lead to faster sales

by Lance Dunahoe, INSPECT 360

After twenty-plus years in real estate, we’ve experienced three common facts while inspecting homes: 1. No house is perfect.

2. Nobody likes surprises — home buyers, home sellers, and agents, and 3. No one has EVER sold a home for more money after a buyer’s inspection!

Every property we inspect is unique, but whether it is a 100 year old bungalow in Kessler Park or the newest modern mansion in Frisco, they have one thing in common - they are not perfect.

Lance Dunahoe

Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI) Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES)

INSPECT 360, Owner Talk or Text: 817-754-0360 lance@Inspect360.com

Every home is subjected to day-to-day wear and tear either caused by people or natural conditions and almost always need something serviced, repaired, or replaced. However, many home buyers, sellers and agents seem to still be surprised when they don’t receive a 100% clean inspection report. Because of this misexpectation, we have seen deals fall through, contracts being totally re-negotiated, transactions go into legal dispute and client-agent relationships fall apart.

And, after witnessing thousands of transactions, we’ve learned that the best way to avoid these situations is full disclosure by having a pre-listing (or seller’s) inspection.

It’s Good Business

Transparency in business is simply a good idea and a pre-listing inspection is one of the best ways to be totally transparent, reduce liability, and set realistic expectations for everyone Page 42 | June 2020 | Real Estate and Friends Magazine

involved. There are no secrets; issues are disclosed and addressed; it’s honest, proactive, above board, and puts you and your seller in control of the information. And since the first offer (and subsequent counter-offers) are based on better, more accurate information, transparency leads to faster, more headache-free sales and fewer eleventh-hour negotiation shenanigans.

It Smooths Out the Deal

Let’s face it, buyers make purchase decisions based on emotion. In a typical transaction where there is no pre-listing inspection, the buyer orders an inspection that reveals some major and minor issues that neither the buyer nor seller were expecting. And after his initial offer (and initial shock) that new information can derail the entire deal. The buyer wants the seller to fix everything, the seller doesn't want to fix anything, and you just want to help both parties get the deal done.

At this point, the buyer typically has three options: 1. Accept the property as is 2. Negotiate corrections and/or reduced price 3. Terminate the agreement Sometimes the ensuing negotiations go smoothly and the deal is made.

But sometimes, there’s a stalemate, the deal dies and the house goes back onto the market with an ugly inspection report to disclose and a black mark on its sales history.

It Leads to Confident Buyers

A pre-listing inspection can make a buyer more comfortable, provide

If you have yet to sell a home with a pre-listing inspection, you must try it and see for yourself. peace of mind and take away much of the worry and fear that go into a major purchase decision. For example, let’s say that your pre-listing inspection reveals that there is foundation settlement, a very common condition in this market that often becomes a “deal-breaker”. But with a pre-listing home inspection you are still in control of your deal and have time to get proper evaluations and best estimates from the foundation repair company or engineer of your choice. If they recommend installing piers to reinforce the foundation, then you now have the choice to have the work performed or make a price adjustment. Either way, the information is transparent.

If the foundation is repaired it becomes a non-issue and adds value due to a transferable warranty on the work performed (Bonus!). If the foundation is not repaired, realistic expectations are set with the seller. If your seller decides not to make repairs, or in some cases cannot afford to, they at least now know that there are structural issues that will likely affect the sales price.

It Reduces Liability

Bad news doesn’t get better with time and avoiding it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Issues with a home will eventually be discovered by the buyer’s inspector and have to be disclosed and addressed at either the seller’s or buyer’s expense. And let’s face it, in the real world things can go wrong with the home after closing. When deficiencies with the home are not discovered before closing however, surprise issues can become legal issues that you and your client could be held liable for. By having a 3rd party inspector document the condition of the home with a pre-listing inspection you will be disclosing everything that is known and greatly reduce your and your seller’s liability from anything that might arise after closing.

It’s a No-Brainer

If you have yet to sell a home with a pre-listing inspection, you must try it and see for yourself. It puts you and your seller in control because you get to decide what, when, and how you want to address any issues before the house goes on the market. That means no more “reacting”. You are on your timeline to get estimates, make repairs, or consider price adjustments. And more information can help you justify the desired price point, reduce the buyers’ fear and number of negotiation problems or unpleasant surprises, while increasing the speed of sale and the level of satisfaction for all.v

Lance Dunahoe is a Native Texan and graduate of Texas State University where he studied English & Communications. After graduating he took off on a 20 yr. career as a Flight Attendant with American Airlines where he met his wife, Danielle and they began a worldwide adventure that eventually landed them back in DFW. In 2005, Lance began inspecting houses and quickly built a reputation as a thorough, personable, and professional Inspector. “My time flying around the world in a jet full of people really helped me understand the importance of customer service and personal accountability.” Lance grew his solo operation into the multi-inspector firm, INSPECT360, with a simple and clear mission, ‘Home Inspections, Done Right’. “We focus on guiding our clients through their inspection and making it the least stressful and most educational part of the home buying experience.” Lance’s love for education led him to become a TREC Instructor, MAPS Business Coach, and the 2017 Certified ONE Thing Trainer of the Year. Today, when he isn’t training, Lance spends his free time with his wife and two sons. Contact Lance: lance@Inspect360.com • 817-754-0360

Follow Real Estate and Friends

Text or Talk: 214.533.8945

Page 43 | June 2020 | Real Estate and Friends Magazine

We are proud to recognize DFW’s Top Producing Real Estate Agents

REAL ESTATE INFLUENCERS

! n o o S g n i Com

Recognizing Sales Achievements in 2020

Work With The BEST! Look for the winners soon!

Results collected from MLS sales volume data.

Please be sure you are on our list so we can present you with your award. info@realestateandfriends.com