Frisco Texas Mortgages, Real Estate, Events, and more

What makes Texas unique? Some fun facts!

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:28:10 -0600

Since moving to Texas in June 2004, I've noticed that Texans have a sense of PRIDE. I have bought into this pride as well. It's easy to do!

Recently I looked up What Makes Texas Unique and found some very interesting tidbits of information that I thought I would share.

Texas is the only state to have the flags of 6 different nations fly over it - Spain, France, Mexico, Republic of Texas, Confederate States, and the United States.

Texas was an independent nation from 1836 to 1845.

Texas is the only state to enter the United States by treaty instead of territorial annexation.

By treaty, the Texas flag is the only state flag that flies at the same height as the United States flag.

The capitol in Austin opened May 16, 1888. The dome of the building stands sever feet higher than that of the nation's Capitol in Washington, D.C.

The King Ranch in Texas is bigger than the state of Rhode Island.

The first word spoken from the moon on July 20, 1969 was Houston. (the rest of the sentence is not so flattering, but that's not the point of this post)

El Paso is closer to Needles, California than it is to Dallas.

And my FAVORITE fact... On March 27, 1984, the temperature in Brownsville was 106 degrees while Amarillo reported snow and 35 degrees.

Everything is bigger in Texas!

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Are you are looking to buy or sell a home in Frisco or another city in North Texas? Perhaps you love your home but would be interested in refinancing to a lower interest rate? If so, then I can help.

I can help you get pre-approved for your a new home loan in Texas and even suggest some very knowledgeable and professional Real Estate Agents in your area of choice. If you are available to talk, I am available to listen. Give me a call any time or visit my website for more details.

Do you want to know all of your mortgage options? Call me today and let's discuss them further.

Always available for your Texas Mortgage needs!

John Cannata LegacyTexas Mortgage p#972.325.4912

www.TexasLoanGuy.com

Frisco Texas Mortgage Consultant

Frisco TX Mortgage

Texas Relocation - Part 5 (of 9) Choosing a Moving Company

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:31:14 -0600

Texas Relocation - Choosing a Moving Company

There are MANY moving companies out there. Choosing the right company is important because they are moving your things. If your company is relocating you to Texas, then they may have a moving company already. If not, then you should talk with your Real Estate Agent or Mortgage Professional for some suggestions. Remember that we have assisted many homebuyers with relocating to the area so we have heard about good and bad moving experiences.

Here are some areas to explore:

Performance Records - Ask each company for a written record of how well they have handled previous moves.
Service Reputation - First step should be to the BBB (Better Business Bureau). There you will find any claims that were filed and how the company handled them. You can also find out what type of damages they've experienced.
Claims - This is very important because its important to know the type of damage they have caused in the past and what caused it. Also, find out how they resolve these claims. Remember that not everything can be replaced or can be covered by insurance. Does this company participate in any approved arbitration program?
Place of Business - Visit their office. Whats the vibe? Is it professional and clean? Be sure to take notice of the trucks (damage, scratches, dents). Are they a local company or can they travel across state (if needed).

Compare the prices of the companies. Not all movers are created equal. Also keep in mind, that the cheapest mover does not make that company the best choice. The pricing of a move out-of-state is based on distance and weight. Some companies will off to pack the items for you, which is an extra cost and needs some preparation.

To be completely accurate, be sure to show the movers all items in your home, including the attic, under the bed, basement, closets, etc. Ask about the costs of cartons, packing, and other services. Anything omitted from the original estimate will be added later and adjust your overall costs. You will receive a 'Non-Binding Estimate' which means it could change once the truck is loaded and officially weighed. Most companies will offer a 'Binding Estimate' but you'll often pay a premium for this binding estimate.

Did the company offer you Moving Insurance? What does that cover? First, if this is a company move, your company may pay for this insurance. If you are paying yourself, you have options for coverage. Usually its something like '60 cents per pound per item'.

Two types of coverage are available:

Added Value Protection - Covers your belongings for a certain dollar amount ($1.25 per pound). Loss and damage are paid minus depreciation.
Full Value Protection - Your belongings are covered based on whatever value you place them. This can be a costly coverage. Keep in mind that you can increase your deductable to lower the costs.

Prior to moving day, take pictures and/or video of your items. Hopefully you will not need to refer to them later, but its better to be safe than sorry. Bring valuables in the car with you (jewelry, stamp/coin collections, unused tickets, precious stones, or any rare item/object)

These are good tips, but word of mouth is always the best way to find a mover. Talk with your neighbor, reral estate agent, friends, or family.

Stay in touch with this 'Texas Relocation' series here.

Part 1 - Getting Prepared

Part 2 - Finding a House in Your New Area

Part 3 - Temporary Housing

Part 4 - Countdown to Moving Day (To Do List)

Part 5 - Choosing a Moving Company

Part 6 - Moving 'Speciality' Items (pets and autos)

Part 7 - Cutting Costs

Part 8 - Are We There Yet? Road Trip Consideration

Part 9 - Congratulations, You Have Moved! Steps to Getting 'Settled In'

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Do you want to know all of your mortgage options? Call me today and let's discuss them further.

Always available for your Texas Mortgage needs!

John Cannata LegacyTexas Mortgage p#972.325.4912

www.TexasLoanGuy.com

Frisco Texas Mortgage Consultant

Frisco TX Mortgage

Soliciting Help From My Friends on AR to Help My Daughter Meet Her Goal

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 10:33:55 -0600

Good Morning AR Friends,

About 3 months ago, my daughter become a Home Schooler. It has certainly been an exciting experience thus far. My wife and I take turns being home to ensure she gets the assistance needed to complete her daily work. She is doing FANTASTIC already. Its not too surprising because she has been a straight "A"s student since starting school.

If you or someone you know is a home schooler, you know that there is a lot of time spent at home. In order to keep her active, she has started to volunteer at SPCA. Right now she is spending about 4-6 hours per week and loves every minute of it. SPCA rule is that she complete 50 hours before being able to interact with the animals. So for now, she is cleaning cages, packaging snacks, and other odds and ends.

It was just a matter of time that she found a dog that she loves... which we have since added to our family. Now we have two SPCA dogs. The first is Emma which we picked up 5 years ago. The second is Faith, who is 3 months old. Both are mixed breeds and VERY lovable!

Okay... so why am I sharing this with you? Well, she is participating in a FundRaiser called "Strut Your Mutt" which is through SPCA. The funds are used to support SPCA. Her goal is $500 by the deadline, which is March 20th.

I told my wife I was going to post about it, but she insists that I'll receive comments but not donations. So, I am asking if you would consider donating even $1 to help Sidney meet her goal.

Click here - SPCA - Strut Your Mutt Donation

Please know that I will not be calling your home and asking why you did not donate. If you can spare $1 or more, great! If you can not, then no big deal. I know there are lots of good causes out there and it is up to you on where you make your donations.

Thank you for your consideration!

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Do you want to know all of your mortgage options? Call me today and let's discuss them further.

Always available for your Texas Mortgage needs!

John Cannata LegacyTexas Mortgage p#972.325.4912

www.TexasLoanGuy.com

Frisco Texas Mortgage Consultant

Frisco TX Mortgage

Are you coming to the Austin Real Estate Barcamp? I am! It should be a blast!

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 23:56:54 -0600

Is anyone from Dallas going to attend? I have already RSVP'd, so I'll be there. Was wondering how many of my Dallas friends are going.

Via Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653) (Austin Texas Homes, LLC):

On March 11th, which is the day before SXSW Interactive starts, Austin will be hosting a very cool RE Barcamp event downtown. I plan to be there helping with check-in at the beginning, and probably hanging out at the after party, too. :)

If you don't know what a Barcamp is, you have to come and find out. Basically, it's a day to network, learn, and hang out as we discuss social media, technology, and other online tools to help your real estate business. It's also called an "unconference", which means that ANYONE can show up and lead a session.

Who should come? Realtors, lenders, title reps, escrow officers, appraisers, inspectors, virtual assistants, home stagers and anyone else in the real estate world (or any other world -- PR, Marketing, etc) who wants to improve their social media game.

There is space for up to 300 people, and so far over 60 have signed up. If you are within driving distance, you cannot miss this one. I'm thankful that it's only about 20 minutes from my house! If you have to make special arrangements and bump appointments, I still think this day will be a memorable one for you and worth the trouble. After my first Barcamp in Houston back in 2008, I have loved the concept behind these events.

One of the best parts is the cost: it's 100% FREE to participants. How can you pass this up?

If you know anyone interested in sponsoring, I think we still need 2 more sponsors to make everything happen. Sponsorships are only $250 each, and that will get you on the t-shirt, etc. The last I heard, we need to know by Friday about any additional sponsors in order to ensure that you will appear on the event shirt.

If you have any questions, let me know and I will do my best to answer them. I hope to see you there!

To RSVP today, visit http://rebarcamp.com/austin and click on the tab to register. You can also click on the "Who's Coming?" tab to see who has currently signed up to attend.

See you there!
If you enjoyed this post, why not connect with me elsewhere?

If you're looking for a home in the Austin area, you can visit my primary Austin real estate website at www.austintexashomes.com. Thanks!

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Do you want to know all of your mortgage options? Call me today and let's discuss them further.

Always available for your Texas Mortgage needs!

John Cannata LegacyTexas Mortgage p#972.325.4912

www.TexasLoanGuy.com

Frisco Texas Mortgage Consultant

Frisco TX Mortgage

Back by popular demand! We're teaching encore social media classes!

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 21:50:23 -0600

If you have not heard the buzz lately.... 210 Consulting (Jason Crouch and Jeremy Blanton) is hosting some upcoming Social Media classes. The first class is March 1st and the second class is on March 2nd.

If you are unsure of how to blog effectively, this is right up your alley. Get to the 1st page of google and drive traffic to your site. Check them out below.

Via Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653) (Austin Texas Homes, LLC):

After attending Raincamp Dallas, I received a number of requests to re-teach some of our recent classes.  Jeremy and I will be offering both of our initial 210 Consulting webinars next week once again.

"How to Chug Google Juice AND Get 15 Years of Fame" - Monday, March 1st - 1-3pm Eastern

The primary topics for our class will be:

How to write posts on your blog to increase your inquiries (and sales)

How to get Google and other search engines to pay attention to your blog

Dominating Google for your desired keywords

What a longtail keyword is, and how it can send you oodles of potential business

How to garner more subscribers and a loyal audience for your blog

In essence, your blog should serve as your "home base" online with any social media marketing plan. With that in mind, we can help you shape your blog into a cozy and fun place to hang out.

How would it feel to see other people start to spread your content and writing around to their friends?
What are your goals with regard to blogging and social media? This session is an absolute must for anyone who is new to blogging, or to anyone who feels that they aren't optimizing their efforts with their blog....yet. We promise to share what has worked well for us.

Register here: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/581158260 - Cost is $60 - use discount code "activerain" for $10 off

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"Cashing In on Your Social Media Investment" - Tuesday, March 2nd from 2-4pm Eastern

During our (approximate) two-hour session, Jeremy Blanton and I will share a number of items that will help you to better leverage your online marketing efforts.

For the upcoming class, we will be providing lots of details on specific tools that we have used to make it easier to engage with others. We can also show you some tricks using Twitter and Facebook to connect with others in your geographic area and to find potential clients. We will also cover Flickr, YouTube, and Posterous.

We will be discussing the following topics in a fun, laidback atmosphere:

How to effectively listen in order to identify potential clients

How to add valuable content to engage with those around you

Some basic "etiquette" for Twitter, Facebook, and blogging

Techniques for promoting yourself and your events

Register here: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/581176314 - Cost is $60 - use discount code "activerain" for $10 off

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If you're interested in taking both classes, we are offering a package deal for just $90 for all four hours of training. Please email me directly at jason@210consulting.com to take advantage of this deal.

If you're unsure about paying for the classes right now, but you want to get a taste for our teaching style at 210 Consulting, you can also check out our FREE 45-minute webinar this Thursday at either 12:30pm Eastern or 1:30pm Eastern.

The topic this week will be "20+ Social Media Tools for Your Business". Seating is limited to 25 people per session. If you're interested in the free sessions, simply fill out this form and we'll be in touch with more details soon:

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If you enjoyed this post, why not connect with me elsewhere?



If you're looking for a home in the Austin area, you can visit my primary Austin real estate website at www.austintexashomes.com. Thanks!

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Do you want to know all of your mortgage options? Call me today and let's discuss them further.

Always available for your Texas Mortgage needs!

John Cannata LegacyTexas Mortgage p#972.325.4912

www.TexasLoanGuy.com

Frisco Texas Mortgage Consultant

Frisco TX Mortgage

Monday Morning Motivator & Some Points to Ponder...

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 22:25:54 -0600

I know its LATE on Monday, but this was a good post worth Re-blogging and is called "Monday Morning Motivator".

My ActiveRain friend (Michael Thornton) always provides 'something to think about' on Monday Morning. If you are in need of a little motivation, I suggest you subscribe to his posts. Not only for the motivation, but for the beautiful pictures he often shares with us.

Via Michael Thornton - Nashville, TN area Home Inspector (Complete Home Inspections, Inc.):

Monday Morning Motivator & Some Points to Ponder...

     Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.

~Winston Churchill

     Attitude becomes a mirror of who we are and what we are like. The way people treat us and what we perceive, are all a part our attitude.

     It is our attitude that makes a place what it is ~ whether it be the workplace or where we live.

     Attitude eventually becomes a mirror of who we are. Do you like your reflection? Do you like what other folks see? If not, create a different image. You can change your attitude...

Complete Home Inspections/Complete Video Promotions
© 2010 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc./complete video promotions | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com
Helping YOU Help Others Live THEIR American Dream

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Do you want to know all of your mortgage options? Call me today and let's discuss them further.

Always available for your Texas Mortgage needs!

John Cannata LegacyTexas Mortgage p#972.325.4912

www.TexasLoanGuy.com

Frisco Texas Mortgage Consultant

Frisco TX Mortgage

I miss the snow... but don't worry more snow is expected in Frisco Texas

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 20:46:04 -0600

This probably sounds odd to those of you on the East Coast, but we don't get snow often. Typically, we will get snow fall and its gone within 24 hours. The below pictures were taken when the snow was still falling and it was approx 7 inches at the time. We ended up breaking a record with 12.5 inches of snow.

If you are like me, you enjoyed having the snow around for a few days. Don't get me wrong, I have no interest in being around snow for a long period of time. I'm pretty sure I would not want to live in a place where the snow shovel was a necessity. But still, its nice when it comes for a short visit.

Have you checked your forecast lately? We are expecting MORE snow!! This year has been crazy with snow already. In previous years, we would maybe get snow once a year. This will be the third time in the first 2 months of the year.

The front of my house when it was still only about 7 inches.

From my front door to the front yard. Still coming down slowly.

Here's the forecast or the next three days. Looks like we may get some more snow. Bundle up.

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Do you want to know all of your mortgage options? Call me today and let's discuss them further.

Always available for your Texas Mortgage needs!

John Cannata LegacyTexas Mortgage p#972.325.4912

www.TexasLoanGuy.com

Frisco Texas Mortgage Consultant

Frisco TX Mortgage

Texas Relocation - Part 4 Countdown to Moving Day

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 23:16:10 -0600

Texas Relocation - Countdown to Moving Day

*** Quick disclaimer... this post is long because I tried to cover as many items as I could. Be sure to review it completely to ensure you have added your important items. And if you don't read it all today, bookmark it or print it out for future use ***

You are really moving now (no pun intended). If you completed part 3, then you found Temporary Housing so that your family is comfortable until the house is read. In this section, you will be preparing a To Do List so that you are prepared for Moving Day with little to no hiccups.

The To Do List will actually start at least 6 weeks out from your moving day. 6 weeks should give you plenty of time to complete most of your 'Moving Day' tasks. Review your list to ensure you have given yourself plenty of time for items that may take longer than 6 weeks.

Starting with your oldest items, here are some things you should focus on at least 6 weeks from your moving day

Change your address at the post office (effective ON moving day). Keep a list of the needed address changes and check them off as you notify them (cell phone, credit cards, automobile financing, magazines, etc.)
Start a file of all vital paperwork to ensure they are not lost in the move. It's very easy to lose track of the ONE box that has important documents. Typically, an accordion file works best or maybe a three-ring binder.
Get estimates from moving companies. Depending on the size of your move and time of year, you may want to start this search earlier. Trying to move during the summer is always a busy time for moving companies (June through September).

With about 5 weeks left before moving day, you can address the following items:

Select the moving company. Again, this may need to done earlier if moving during peak season. Confirm the moving date and figure out some of the details of the move - Who is packing? Professionals or yourself? If you pay professionals, they will typically come the day before moving day.
Start sorting your items. Moving is a great time to go through things you have kept for a long time. Decide what is being moved, what you can sell, what you can give away, and what you can discard. BE RUTHLESS! Remember that you are moving to a new home. Obviously some things you will keep for memories, but not everything can be a memory. Also keep in mind you will be creating NEW memories.
Sketch a floor plan of the new home. This will help you decide where furniture will be placed in the new home.
Inventory Inventory Inventory. Make a list of your valuables and the year you purchased them. This important for insurance purposes and will be used by the movers. Most professional movers will make a list of the items being moved, but will not make a note of the value. You may even consider pictures or videos.
Start on some 'do-it-yourself' packing. This is a good opportunity to start packing things like seldom used dishes, books, garage items, and off-season clothes. Establish an area to store packed boxes as you go.

Moving day is now about a month away. You have done a lot already, but there is still quite a few things to get to. Address these items when you are about 4 weeks away from moving day:

Take care of your legal contracts. There may be a few things to finish up in this section. Be sure to add in any items I have have overlooked.

Credit card statements, bank statements, other charge accounts
Utilities and telephone service - Get them turned on, off, or transferred
Memberships (new or transfered) in social, athletic, and/or religious organizations.
Update or Purchase insurance for Auto, Homeowners, Medical, and Life & Disability
Employment agreements, if applicable
Update wills, trusts, and any other financial matter
Leased products or services, such as appliances or furniture

Get W2 Form to ensure previous employer has your new address. This will still be necessary to complete if transferring with the same company. Also get letters of reference from previous employer.
Talk with a Veterinarian. Get records and make appointments if needed shots require a waiting period. This is also a good time to find out more about the area you are moving to. For example, in Texas most veterinarians will suggest placing your dog on heartworm medication.

Phew... we are getting closer. Now only about 3 weeks to go. Are you getting excited? The list for week 3 is relatively small, but there are important tasks to complete.

Arrange for your children's medical records. This includes birth certificates, medical history, and school transcripts. ** Ask your doctor and dentist if they recommend anyone in your new area **
Fill prescriptions, if applicable. You should also arrange to get a copy of your prescription from your doctor for the new pharmacist or optometrist.
Drop off dry cleaning... and remember to pick it UP!
Pick up anything currently being repaired, serviced, or on layaway. This may already be completed with your inventory list you did 2 weeks ago.

By week two are you should be feeling pretty good about what you have accomplished. You'll start off this week by checking on some of the items you completed in previous weeks:

Check your address-change list to ensure you notified everyone. Follow-up if there is anyone left on the list that has yet to be notified.
Make hotel reservations. This task is specific to those of you traveling across many states. Be sure you know your route and you have a place to stop and rest along the way. Again, depending on the time of year, you may have a hard time just stopping anywhere. Plan ahead.
Get your car serviced. This goes along with the above bullet point. If you are driving, you want to be sure your automobile is up for the task. Be sure to get it checked out even if everything appears to be running smoothly.
Flight reservations. This can certainly be done sooner (which is also cheaper). The only reason to wait this close to moving day is to ensure you do not pay fees for changing flight plans last minute.
Collect children's games and activities. Depending on the age of your children, be sure they have something to do during the trip. Even short flights and road trips can be less stressful if your children are occupied with their favorite items. If traveling with one younger child, parents may take turns sitting with the child and playing games, coloring, etc. Make it enjoyable for everyone.
Plan farewell parties and visits. Friends and family will want to see you before the move. Be sure to plan some time to spend with them so everyone is not showing up on moving day and causing untimely delays.

We made it... only one week left. Have you forgotten anything? During your final week, you certainly want to go over your entire 'To Do List'. Have you forgotten anything or perhaps overlooked something? You still have a week to catch anything you may have overlooked, so don't worry. Remember what you have already accomplished. Be sure to include the following:

Return all borrowed items. This could be anything from Library books to your neighbors water hose. Also remember to gather items you may have lent out to neighbors, family, or friends.
Stop your paper. You may have included this in your 'change address' step, but if you are relocating to a new area then you may be getting a different paper all together. Be sure to cancel any and all deliveries to your house - Water service, Paper, Magazines, etc.
Prepare quick-fix foods for Moving Day. Remember that your pots and pans will be packed and most of your food will probably be gone in preparation of moving day. So, plan some simple meals for moving day. ** quick fact... pizza is the number 1 item consumed on moving day **
Consider having kids go to friends/sitters for moving day.
Plan to secure pets or have them go to a friends/kennel on moving day.
Turn on utilities at the new home for moving day. This is an important step. There is nothing more miserable than moving into your new home and having no electricity for the first night or two. Plus during the winter time it can get really cold.
Empty gas & oil from lawnmower and other gas powered items. You do not want these items leaking on your other personal items.

MOVING DAY IS HERE! You have done so much already and it comes down to this day. You will notice that this list is small. This is because you and/or the movers will be very busy moving items. Most of the 'To Do' items have already been completed. There are a few things that needed to wait until this day though:

Empty the refrigerator. This includes the freezer and ice trays. Clean it out and leave the door open to dry well.
Get travelers checks and empty your safe deposit box. Remember that you may not be able to use your personal checks anymore since your personal information has changed. Some companies will not accept them. Have cashier's checks to pay movers, house cleaners (if applicable), and closing funds for your new loan.
Pack suitcase with personal items to use until the moving truck shows up at your new home. You should have at least one to two days worth of items, especially if the moving van is traveling out of state. Typically, a larger moving company may pack and move more than one home heading in the same direction. This could cause small delays for arrival.
Prepare a 'Care' box of essentials. These items will be packed LAST and unloaded FIRST. Considering packing toiletries, coffee pot, dry food, light bulbs, trash bags, and sauce pan). These are items you may need when you first arrive at your home and will cut down on your "search".
Pack your favorite picnic food in the car. This will save you money on your trip so that you are not eating on the road. You may find a nice place to park and picnic with your family on the road.
Strip your beds.
Be available if the movers have questions, but try not to get in their way. You hired professionals and they have done this several times before. Also, be sure the movers know how to reach you in case of emergency. You may even supply them with a map to ensure they can locate the new home easily. Mapquest and Yahoomaps are not always 100% accurate.

Now that everything is packed and on its way to your new home, go over the home one last time. Be sure to check cupboards, closets, drawers, dishwasher, washer/dryer, and your garage. If you are moving out of a home, leave behind the appliance manuals for the new owners, and may also include some helpful instructions for the new owners like - the neighbors' names and local service companies. Within your instructions, leave behind your new address so that any stray mail can be forwarded to you.

Be sure to lock up and leave the keys and garage door opener(s) in a designated location.

Congratulations on a successful move!!

Stay in touch with this 'Texas Relocation' series here.

Part 1 - Getting Prepared

Part 2 - Finding a House in Your New Area

Part 3 - Temporary Housing

Part 4 - Countdown to Moving Day (To Do List)

Part 5 - Choosing a Moving Company

Part 6 - Moving 'Speciality' Items (pets and autos)

Part 7 - Cutting Costs

Part 8 - Are We There Yet? Road Trip Consideration

Part 9 - Congratulations, You Have Moved! Steps to Getting 'Settled In'

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Do you want to know all of your mortgage options? Call me today and let's discuss them further.

Always available for your Texas Mortgage needs!

John Cannata LegacyTexas Mortgage p#972.325.4912

www.TexasLoanGuy.com

Frisco Texas Mortgage Consultant

Frisco TX Mortgage

Texas Relocation - Part 3 Temporary Housing

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:21:05 -0600

Texas Relocation - Part 3

If you have followed the other two parts, then you are mentally prepared to move and have found a home in your new area. In Part 3 of 9, we will discuss Temporary Housing. A temporary home is used when there is a gap between the date you move our of your old home/rental and when you move into your new home.

Having a gap in your move can be caused by a few things. For example, if you purchased a brand new home that is being built. The home may not be ready for another month or two, but your company needs you at the new location now. During this two month period you may find a home or apartment that is available now and will allow you to keep a short lease.

How do you find a temporary home?

Finding the right rental is very similar to finding the right home. If you are relocating for your company, check your employer's policy on rentals. In some cases, the company will pay the deposit and may pay for the termination of the lease (should there be one)

You may also consider talking with the Real Estate Agent or Relocation Specialist you worked with when finding your home. Since they are familiar with the area, they could probably find a temporary home that is in a great location, is the right size for your family, and can accommodate your short term living arrangement. In bigger cities, apartment locating services are available. Two other solutions can be the local Newspaper Classifieds which can be hit-or-miss if you don't know the territory, or a co-worker in the new area may be able to direct you.

Just like when you were looking for your home, be specific with your needs. Even though it will be temporary, you still do not want it to 100% inconvenient. How many rooms do you need? Do you need public transportation? How much rent do you want to pay? What services / amenities are important to you? The more specific you are, the easier it will be to find a home that will fit your temporary needs.

Naturally, you want as much comfort and convenience as you can find. You may not have all of the conveniences of a permanent home, but you can come close. Look for something with pleasant surroundings and sufficient space. You don't want your family to feel inconvenienced, cramped, or depressed with the decor - even if this is temporary.

Many 'Short Term' rental properties come equipped with china, linen, and some may even have maid service. You'd be surprised with how far 'temporary housing facilities' have come due to their popularity. This is especially common in newly developed areas. Look for assistance from the Relocation Specialist or Real Estate Agent. More than likely, they are familiar with these developments and point you in the right direction.

Stay in touch with this 'Texas Relocation' series here.

Part 1 - Getting Prepared

Part 2 - Finding a House in Your New Area

Part 3 - Temporary Housing

Part 4 - Countdown to Moving Day (To Do List)

Part 5 - Choosing a Moving Company

Part 6 - Moving 'Speciality' Items (pets and autos)

Part 7 - Cutting Costs

Part 8 - Are We There Yet? Road Trip Consideration

Part 9 - Congratulations, You Have Moved! Steps to Getting 'Settled In'

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Do you want to know all of your mortgage options? Call me today and let's discuss them further.

Always available for your Texas Mortgage needs!

John Cannata LegacyTexas Mortgage p#972.325.4912

www.TexasLoanGuy.com

Frisco Texas Mortgage Consultant

Frisco TX Mortgage

Daddy Daughter Dance - Frisco Texas - February 6th 2010 - Time is running out

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 12:27:11 -0600

Nothing like waiting until the last minute... but if you did, then I would highly recommend you purchase your tickets today.

The Daddy Daughter Dance in Frisco Texas is THIS WEEKEND (tomorrow actually). I officially picked up my tickets at the Frisco Recreation Center this afternoon, which I purchased previously. While I was there picking up tickets, I noticed that 2 of the time slots for the dance are sold out. I've updated the information below to reflect what is available as of 11:00 am today.

**** If you live in Frisco Texas and plan on attending, please read the following information ****

Date of Event - February 6th, 2010
Time of Event - Depends on age group, see below
Location - Frisco Conference Center (next to Dr. Pepper Arena)
Cost - $12.00 per person with no refunds

Dance Schedule:

2:00 - 3:30 = ages 4 & 5
4:00 - 5:30 = ages 6 & 7 **** SOLD OUT ****
6:00 - 7:30 = ages 8 & 9 **** SOLD OUT ****
8:00 - 9:30 = ages 10 - 12

*** Tickets are NOT sold at this event. You must purchase them online @ www.FriscoFun.org ***

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Do you want to know all of your mortgage options? Call me today and let's discuss them further.

Always available for your Texas Mortgage needs!

John Cannata LegacyTexas Mortgage p#972.325.4912

www.TexasLoanGuy.com

Frisco Texas Mortgage Consultant

Frisco TX Mortgage

If you wait to buy a home in Frisco Texas you may lose thousands of dollars!

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:22:51 -0600

If you wait a few more days or weeks to purchase a home, you could lose thousands of extra dollars. Why? Because the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is implementing several changes for loans guaranteed by the Federal Housing Authority (FHA).

These changes are coming shortly before the April 30th First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit deadline, and just after the March 31st experation of the Federal Reserve Board's mortgage backed securities purchase (which has kept home loan rates artificially low for over a year now), these FHA changes make it even more important to act now to save BIG!

In case you have not heard about these changes, here is a quick explanation:

March 30, 2010 - Federal Reserve Board is no longer purchasing Mortgage Backed Securities (MBS) which has been keeping mortgage rates at historic lows.
April 5, 2010 - HUD is implementing new requirements for Up-Front Mortgage Insurance (UFMI). Currently, the amount of UFMI is 1.75% and is increasing to 2.25%. What does this mean? For a borrower purchasing a home for $200,000 with a $7,000 down payment, the UFMI will increase by $965. Typically, this amount is financed into the loan, so the mortgage payment increase will be minimal, but overall the fee is increasing for the buyer.
Later this Sping - HUD will implement the reduction fees allowed to be paid by a seller. Currently, the seller can pay up to 6% of the buyers closing costs. This percent is decreasing to 3% maximum. Using the same example above, a home buyer purchasing a $200,000 home will lose on "seller concessions" by $6,000.

How do you avoid this loss? GET OFF THE FENCE! Submit your FHA Mortgage Application by the last week of March.

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Do you want to know all of your mortgage options? Call me today and let's discuss them further.

Always available for your Texas Mortgage needs!

John Cannata LegacyTexas Mortgage p#972.325.4912

www.TexasLoanGuy.com

Frisco Texas Mortgage Consultant

Frisco TX Mortgage

First Step to Buying a Home - Pre-Approval Letter

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:27:23 -0500

Buying a home can be a whirlwind process and can cause great questions like "Why should I get pre-approved?" You made the choice to look for a home, perhaps you have even spoke with a Real Estate Agent. Maybe you have looked at a few homes online or maybe even went to a few open houses. The Real Estate Agent may suggest that you have pre-qualified or better yet pre-approved for your home mortgage.

Did you know you can improve your purchasing power by making sure you are pre-approved for a mortgage?

A pre-approval letter gives you a competitive advantage against other buyers who have simply been pre-qualified for a loan. Sellers are more likely to accept your offer on their home because you have been guaranteed a loan. Plus, it can also speed up the closing process. Especially in today's market. Unfortunately there are many short sale properties available. When submitting an offer to lenders, they will require a pre-approval letter prior to accepting the offer. Receiving a pre-approval is more than just a Loan Officer looking over your numbers. During the pre-approval process we'll determine how much money you are eligible to borrow by reviewing debt, income and savings information. A pre-approval is where the application, credit, and supporting documentation is provided to the lender and they approve the loan prior to even knowing the home address. From this, it's just a matter of locating YOUR home, completing an appraisal, and submitting the executed contract.

You never know when you will stumble upon the perfect house during your home search. If you have to wait to be approved, your dream home could be snapped up by someone else. Why not be armed and ready to make an offer?

Another helpful read while you are searching for your dream home is 7 Common Home Buying Mistakes

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Do you want to know all of your mortgage options? Call me today and let's discuss them further.

Always available for your Texas Mortgage needs!

John Cannata LegacyTexas Mortgage p#972.325.4912

www.TexasLoanGuy.com

Frisco Texas Mortgage Consultant

Frisco TX Mortgage

Security Tips - Things Burglars Won't Tell You

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 16:40:04 -0600

Don't wait for this to hapen to you. Be careful now so you are not a victim. Below is a ist of 20 things that a burglar will not say to you...

Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.
Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.
Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste ... And taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have.
Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it.
If it snows while you're out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway.
If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don't let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it's set. That makes it too easy.
A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom-and your jewelry. It's not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too.
It's raining, you're fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door-understandable. But understand this: I don't take a day off because of bad weather.
I always knock first. If you answer, I'll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don't take me up on it.) If you don't answer, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.
Do you really think I won't look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.
Here's a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids' rooms.
You're right: I won't have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it's not bolted down, I'll take it with me.
A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. If you're reluctant to leave your TV on while you're out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television. (Find it at faketv.com.)
Sometimes, I carry a clipboard. Sometimes, I dress like a lawn guy and carry a rake. I do my best to never, ever look like a crook.
The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.
I'll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise. If your neighbor hears one loud sound, he'll stop what he's doing and wait to hear it again. If he doesn't hear it again, he'll just go back to what he was doing. It's human nature.
I'm not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it?
I love looking in your windows. I'm looking for signs that you're home, and for flat screen TVs or gaming systems I'd like. I'll drive or walk through your neighborhood at night, before you close the blinds, just to pick my targets.
Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook/MySpace/Blog pages. It's easier than you think to look up your address.
To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it's an invitation.

Take safety steps now, not aftwards.

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Do you want to know all of your mortgage options? Call me today and let's discuss them further.

Always available for your Texas Mortgage needs!

John Cannata LegacyTexas Mortgage p#972.325.4912

www.TexasLoanGuy.com

Frisco Texas Mortgage Consultant

Frisco TX Mortgage

New Badges on BLIP.FM

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 17:21:33 -0600

Do you BLIP? If you are not fmiliar with Blip.fm, it is a website that you can play music on your laptop or desktop. I've found most tracks to be available but maybe I have not searched hard enough.

I've been a member of Blip.fm (Free) since October 2008. I think I was actually introduced to it by Jason Crouch... but I may be wrong. Anyway, the site itself is easy to use and allows me to listen to music all day long. Similar to Twitter, you have the option to follow your 'favorite DJs' and listen to what they play, or you can play your own music and people will listen to your playlist. You can even send little messages with your 'blips'.

Recently, they implemented new badges. The most recent badge I received was the "Pioneer Badge". This particular badge means that I blipped a song that has never been blipped before.

There are plenty of badges to receive. Honestly, I don't play music for these badges. I play a wide variety of DJs. Its much better than listening to the same 6 sogs that are played on the radio station.

So do you blip? Check me out here - http://blip.fm/JohnCannata

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Do you want to know all of your mortgage options? Call me today and let's discuss them further.

Always available for your Texas Mortgage needs!

John Cannata LegacyTexas Mortgage p#972.325.4912

www.TexasLoanGuy.com

Frisco Texas Mortgage Consultant

Frisco TX Mortgage

Texas Relocation - Part 2 Finding a House in Your New Area

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 21:17:10 -0600

Texas Relocation - Part 2

In part 1, I discussed the importance of 'Getting Ready' for your Texas Relocation. No matter your reason for relocating to Texas (or any state for that matter), you want to be prepared and you want to narrow down your location specifically.

Part 2 Finding a House in Your New Area

Before you sell your existing home or give notice to your landlord (if you are renting), my first suggestion is to contact a Relocation Specialist in your new area. As I mentioned in my previous post, this specialist could be someone within your company (generally within your Personnel Department). Or you can ask the Real Estate Agent that is listing your current home because they will tend to have connections outside of their direct area. As a matter of fact, most agents maintain a close relationship with affiliated agents across the country who may specialize it helping out-of-town home buyers.

When you contact this specialist, be prepared with provide all of the information needed to make your search easier. This information includes, but is not limited to, the following:

A brief breakdown of your family members
- Number of members
- Children's ages
- Any needs for elderly members
What are your interest
- Golfing
- Boating
- Gardening
- Volunteering
- Religious Activities
Special Family Needs
- School Requirements
- Public Transportation
- Distance to work
Your employer and work location
What are your target dates for house hunting and moving in
- Looking at homes listed today may be a waste of time if you are not considering a relocation until the middle of next year. However, viewing homes in a specific neighborhood may still be helpful.

If you do currently own a home and have it listed for sale, you should talk with your listing agent about your financial stituation. No, not what amount is in your checking and savings account. I am talking about the amount of equity you have in your current home. This will help you determine what your downpayment will be and ultimately, what your loan balance will be on your new home. The listing agent can complete a Broker's Pricing Opinion of Value (BPO), which will help you determine your equity.

The next big question is, "what TYPE of home do you want?". You have prepared your list of 'special requests' above, but let's talk about the style, size, etc. Here are some things to consider:

Price Range
- Knowing your down payment will help you with this determination.
- When shopping for a home and ultimately for a mortgage, be sure you are comfortable with the mortgage payment. If its seems a little hight, consider lowering your price range or increasing your down payment.
Style Preference
- There are many styles to choose from, but not all home styles are offered in a specific area. Your real estate agent will be able to help you with this further.
Room Requirements
- What do you 'want' from your home? Family room, fireplace, separate and formal dining rooms, office space, three car garage, etc.

With some companies, your relocation specialist will match you with a Real Estate Agent that is familiar with your new area. Once you have updated them with your needs from above, they can guide you efficiently through the house-hunting process.

Something else to remember is to ASK questions. Remember this is a new location to you and the real estate agent you are working with is very familiar with this area. Ask about local parks, communities, home values in the area, local attractions, new constuction in empty lots, or anything else that may come to mind.

Stay in touch with this 'Texas Relocation' series here.

Part 1 - Getting Prepared

Part 2 - Finding a House in Your New Area

Part 3 - Temporary Housing

Part 4 - Countdown to Moving Day (To Do List)

Part 5 - Choosing a Moving Company

Part 6 - Moving 'Speciality' Items (pets and autos)

Part 7 - Cutting Costs

Part 8 - Are We There Yet? Road Trip Consideration

Part 9 - Congratulations, You Have Moved! Steps to Getting 'Settled In'

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Do you want to know all of your mortgage options? Call me today and let's discuss them further.

Always available for your Texas Mortgage needs!

John Cannata LegacyTexas Mortgage p#972.325.4912

www.TexasLoanGuy.com

Frisco Texas Mortgage Consultant

Frisco TX Mortgage