I heard Dr. Michael Hinojosa (Superintendent of Dallas ISD) speak  on 9/1/10  regarding a general update on current conditions within the district. Here are some highlights:


¢ They have an accountability approach toward principles and their schools requirements and advancements.
¢ TAKS is being replaced next year by an “End of Course” exam, more rigorous and consists of 12 exams. You must pass this in order  graduate.
¢ A NEW TECH High School will open Fall 2011.
¢ DISD will be opening a new all boys college prep high school Fall 2011. There is already one all girl high school.
¢ Charter Schools may be the wave of the educational future. DISD is open to progressive ideas in the future of education.
¢ DISD will be rolling out 2020 Dallas. Their new future strategic plan to take us to 2020.

All in all, it was a good session. There is approximately 23 million in Budget, a real bonus considering the financial booboo of 2008.
Good things are happening in the district. We are absorbing Hutchins, and there will be at least 3 schools opening up soon. The list goes on…

Hope this info is helpful.
~maribel

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SELLERS and BUYERS! Educate yourself on the new   Short Sale process, effective today. Watch this REALTOR TV Video.

The changes are a refreshing turn of events. Hopefully, it will streamline the short sale process so that sellers and buyers can get to the closing table… more efficiently. It will take some time to implement. Many large lenders are already on board… that’s a good sign.

Bringing Real Estate News to you,
~Maribel

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Video on Tax Credit!

 

Here is a good video on the Homebuyer Tax Credit¦ in easy to undertand terms.

Also, a great website for information on this subject.

Hope this helps answer your questions.

FYI: A tax credit of up to $8,000 is available for first-time home buyers purchasing on or after January 1, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010. In cases where a binding sales contract is signed by April 30, 2010, a home purchase completed by June 30, 2010 will qualify.

~maribel

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Here is the new UPDATED version of the credit extension: 110509updatedtax credit.pdf

~maribel hill (214)727-5754

Dallas Realtor

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The proposed bill is intended to prohibit lenders U.S. lenders from foreclosing on home owners without first having discussed reasonable modification options with the borrowers. This includes setting a “net present value” test for all seriously delinquent borrowers.    A  financial analysis would include weighing the benefits of a modification of loan terms against the benefits of foreclosure.

If you don’t qualify for this program, the bill  does create a multi-billion national fund for states to make loans or grants in order to prevent foreclosures.

What’s driving this? The frustrated   slow pace of current loan modification programs and the backlog of foreclosures this year.

The biggest perk  of this bill would be to create “mandatory mediation” requirements forcing lenders to allow mediation efforts between them and borrowers before being able to file for foreclosure.

This proposal will be an interesting debate between lenders and the government. Stay tuned…

~maribel (214)727-5754

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I had a past client call me yesterday wanting to know my thoughts on the recent buying/selling trend. It seems that most everyone wants me to tell them when the right time is… to Buy or Sell a home.

Will there be better deals tomorrow… than deals to be had today?

Well… first, it depends who you are, a buyer or seller. If you are a buyer, the market is ripe for the picking. As a city, Dallas is one of the least affected areas. Infact, the housing market remains strong in Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio despite foreclosures and short sales. In addition, the data I am reading projects more foreclosures and short sales through fourth quarter 2009. This equates to one thing: If you are First Time Homebuyer… buying has never been better, especially with the $8000 2009 First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit! In addition, your inventory to pick from is increasing. Should you wait… for what, I ask? You have until Nov. 30th, 2009, to apply the tax credit to your new home. You should be starting your next home search within the next 30 days. It leaves you roughly 3 months for house hunting, and closing.

For a seller…   it depends on whether you have a little or alot of equity. This housing shift is hurting the seller with little equity in their home. If this is you… I have one question. Do you need to sell at this moment, or can you hang on until some of this inventory gets purchased? If you are a seller with equity, then a Sale of your current home (at slightly below market value), and the potential great buy of your next home (below market value I hope) would be a good move financially speaking. You are what we call a Move Up Buyer. The market right now is great for you, too.

Back to basics is key in this market.

One final note: The Mortgage industry has gone through mega change. Credit scores have been negatively affected due to credit line decreases, closing accounts. etc. I encourage anyone who is looking to purchase a home to either connect with a Mortgage Banker, or pull a credit report to see your scores. The lending requirements have tightened up, and current credit scores are being negatively impacted… simultaneuosly. It’s tougher to get good loans at low rates.

I hope this sheds a little light on the current real estate market for you. Call or email me with any questions. And keep those questions coming…

Maribel

(214)727-5754   cell

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Here are some great Dallas and surrounding counties home market statistics for first Quarter 2009 put out by NTREIS.

Hope today is great for you!

2009 First Quarter -Dallas County Home market statistics by Zipcode

2009 First Quarter -Surrounding Counties statistics by Zipcode

~maribel


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Hi there,

 

As you can guess, many family, friends, and clients have been asking me about this incredible homebuyer tax credit deal the IRS is offering. Now, it seems, they may be allowing ˜bridge loans™ to loan the money up front at closing.

 

Enclosed is an informative link:

 

·               2009 First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit

 

We are in for another round of foreclosures in the next few months. You can access my information, and real estate related news that affects you on my Facebook page.   http://www.facebook.com/maribellopezhill

 

What a great time to BUY! The incentive expires Nov. 30th, 2009. Call or email me with any questions. As always¦ I am at your service.

 

Hope all is well with you and yours.

 

~maribel

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Welcome to Maribel Hill’s Blog! This blog will provide you with valuable information, tips, and general insight into the real estate market in Dallas.

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