If you’re looking to put your North Dallas home on the market in the near future, now may be the time to consider tackling those home improvement projects you’ve been putting off.

Begin by taking a walking inventory, with pen and paper in hand, and determining what areas of your North Dallas home require attention. This can help you determine your budget and prioritize your projects. For example, if you only have “x” amount of dollars to spend, you’ll want to tackle a broken faucet before upgrading your light fixtures.

Make Freshly Painted Walls a Priority

Next, start by giving the walls a fresh coat of paint. Instead of white, consider a warm, neutral tone that will give your rooms interest and attract a wide variety of tastes. Stick to similar colors throughout the house to give it a more unified feeling.

Upgrading Fixtures and Accessories

Switching outdated light fixtures, faucets and towel bars can give any room an instant facelift. Choose basic, streamlined fixtures and accessories that will attract a wide variety of tastes, and resist the urge to purchase based on your own, personal preferences.

Flooring Options

The addition of new carpeting, ceramic tile or hardwood floors are often a smart investment in terms of selling your home. Again, stay neutral and think in terms of what potential home buyers will want to see.

Clean It Up

It may go without saying, but a clean home sells much quicker than a dirty one. However, some areas of the home which often go unnoticed by sellers include crammed closets, dirty windows and cluttered countertops. Remember that potential home buyers will be opening drawers and closets, so giving your home a thorough cleaning and de-cluttering will offer a much better first impression.

Before a showing, remember to clear the sink of dirty dishes, put away your shoes near the front door, make the beds and wipe off the kitchen counter. Add a fresh bouquet of flowers to the dining room table and get set to sell your home!

Luxury is right at your fingertips when you purchase a home in the upscale neighborhood of Alexander Court in Coppell . David Weekley Homes, the builder for Alexander Court, is offering six, new home sites available from $929,990 to $1,029,990. These exquisite, custom home sites range anywhere from 4,462 to 6,009 square feet and are the epitome of luxury and beauty.

Located in the heart of Coppell, Alexander Court is ideally situated in the center of the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area and is close to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

A beautiful, eight-foot, brick and stone entrance welcomes guests and residents into this grand neighborhood. Creek side and cul-de-sac lots are available for these custom-designed homes which are designed with Old World architecture in mind.

Residents of Alexander Court will reap the benefits of living in beautiful, vibrant Coppell. Excellent schools, a strong business sector and pristine neighborhoods have earned Coppell a top-ten ranking on “D” Magazine’s “Best Places to Live in North Texas” list. Nearby shopping is abundant at Grapevine Mills Mall and Vista Ridge Mall, and outdoor recreation of every kind is enjoyed along Lake Lewisville and Lake Grapevine.

David Weekley Homes

David Weekley Homes, a national home builder who has earned industry recognition for excellence in home building and home design since 1976, is the first home builder to earn the Triple Crown in Homebuilding awards in the industry. These include “America’s Best Builder,” “National Builder of the Year” and the “National Housing Quality Award.”

David Weekley Homes has been featured in Fortune Magazine’s video seminar entitled “Customer Driven Quality” and has been recognized by Fortune Magazine as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” six times.

David Weekley Homes offers it customers one of the industry’s best, multi-level warranties. Its custom homes offer classic exteriors with timeless appeal, nostalgic front porches, dramatic interiors, efficient spaces and floor plans which easily accommodate furniture placement.

Selling a vacant home in North Dallas can be tricky. One might think that a home free of furniture will sell quicker because it is a blank canvas of sorts. But many studies have proven that this is not the case.

Effective staging accomplishes many things. First, it gives a home warmth and character and evokes emotion from potential buyers. Secondly, it gives potential buyers an idea of possible furniture placement and allows them to better gauge the size of the room based on the furniture placed in it. Lastly, it creates an often-magnificent first impression and therefore encourages a higher asking price (which typically more than offsets the costs for staging).

Effective staging can emphasize a home’s important features and draw a potential buyer’s eye to it. New construction and larger homes especially benefit from staging, as they often feel cold and uninviting due to their large rooms and high ceilings.

Effective Staging Evokes Emotions

Evoking emotion is perhaps the key to successful staging. Can potential buyers picture themselves cozying up on the large sofa placed beside the fireplace, or enjoying morning breakfast at the elegant kitchen table? The answer is a resounding yes! Home buying comes with a lot of emotion, and feeling the warmth and positive energy that a staged home can portray to homeowners is often the key to a quick sale and a higher sales price.

Contact local staging companies in North Dallas and get quotes on staging. You’ll likely find that home staging more than pays for itself, in terms of a higher sales price and less time on the market.

A home that is effectively staged will allow potential home buyers to imagine what life would be like in your home. Furniture, accessories and fresh flowers can add interest and character to a home and set it apart from other homes in the same price range. Don’t underestimate the power of staging!

Starting a neighborhood association in Irving helps residents unify their neighborhoods and creates an overall pride for their communities. Residents of Irving know that when they work together, they can move mountains.

Starting a Neighborhood Association

With the help of The Working for Irving’s Neighborhoods (WIN) program, residents of any Irving neighborhood can work together for the betterment of their community. A neighborhood association can be formed by homeowners, renters, business owners and representatives from local churches, schools and organizations.

Every member of a neighborhood association is entitled to voice their opinion and may vote on any neighborhood issue.

The Success of Neighborhood Associations

The establishment of neighborhood associations has been found to rehabilitate housing, encourage local development and increase Irving’s overall safety for its residents.

Neighborhood associations may accomplish several things for the community: they can provide a forum at which to discuss issues relating to both the communities and the city; they can establish a partnership with the city to help maintain adequate police protection and code enforcement; and they can keep residents informed on situations or events pertaining to their neighborhood, which therefore leads to discussions about ways to improve their community.

Neighborhood associations can be formed with as little as three or four residents. The Working for Irving’s Neighborhoods (WIN) Program will assign a Neighborhood Coordinator to help residents organize their group.

Focus Areas for Neighborhood Associations

Just some of the projects that can be taken on by a Neighborhood Association in Irving include: block parties, community gardens, crime prevention initiatives, directories and telephone trees, home tours, holiday celebrations/pot luck dinners, leadership projects, neighborhood cleanups, newsletters, paint/fix-up projects, park developments, picnics/concerts, scholarship programs, school supply drives, security lighting projects, street improvements, tree plantings, yard-of-the-month programs and youth activities.

Now is the perfect time to find the home of your dreams in Highland Park. A buyer’s market means more competitive prices, more homes on the market and plenty of anxious sellers.

Doing your homework and teaming up with a knowledgeable, Highland Park real estate agent before settling on your house hunt will eliminate stress, confusion and anxiety and will likely make the process a more enjoyable one.

Find Your Real Estate Agent

Locating a seasoned real estate agent who is knowledgeable about the area and local market conditions is an important part of the home buying process. He or she will be able to guide you through the home buying process and negotiate the best price and terms when it comes time to buying. Ask friends and neighbors for referrals and talk to several agents before making a decision.

Narrow Down Your Search

Telling your agent you want a four bedroom home in Highland Park is fine, but narrowing down your search is better in the long run. Do you want to live on a cul-de-sac? Is a big back yard important to you? Is a finished basement a necessity? The more detailed you are with your agent, the less likely that you’ll end up wasting your time visiting homes that don’t meet your expectations.

Let your agent offer suggestions, as well. If your agent has extensive knowledge about the area, then allow him or her to offer suggestions. You may just fall in love with something you’ve never considered.

Don’t Forget the Details

Hire the appropriate inspectors, get estimates from at least three contractors if repairs need to be made, and be ready to negotiate those costs with the buyers.

In addition to a general inspection, some of the other inspections you may want consider include a termite inspection, a roof inspection, an HVAC inspection, a plumbing inspection and an electrical inspection. The costs associated with these inspections are often well worth it in the long run, and should be viewed as a part of your overall investment.

The city of Irving has long realized that a city is only as strong as its weakest link. With this in mind, Irving officials have implemented a strong city program, carried out by city services and community stakeholders, which is designed to produce positive changes throughout Irving and improve the quality of life in all neighborhoods.

Gifting Grants

To accomplish this initiative, the Community Partnership Fund has awarded several neighborhoods and homeowners associations with annual grants, ranging from $250 to $1,500. These grants enable neighborhoods to take on organizational projects which improve the neighborhood as a whole.

The grants, which are administered by the Corporate Communications Department, may be used for beautification efforts, community initiatives and neighborhood events, all with the primary goal of maintaining Irving’s beautiful surroundings and economic opportunities.

Thirteen, community partnership grants, totaling $17,237, have been awarded to neighborhoods and homeowners associations. In addition, the Neighborhood Enhancement Program, which is currently working with the South Austin Heights neighborhood, has also successfully formed the Meadow Lark, South Austin Heights and two, additional, neighborhood associations.

Other association that have been awarded grants from the Community Partnership Fund include: Arts District, Barrington Court, Barton Estates, Cardinal Village, The Collections, Grauwyler Heights, Hackberry Creek, Historic Hospital District, Hospital District South, Irving Hospital District, Irving Lake, Lakeside Landing Phase I, Lakeside Landing Phase II, Mandalay Place at Las Colinas, Nichols Way, Northwest Place, Owen Point, Sherwood Forest, The Villages and University Hills.

Making Progress One Community at a Time

The South Austin Heights neighborhood has seen several neighborhood improvements, thanks to its community partnership grant. In addition to the creation of its Neighborhood Association, South Austin Heights has fixed code violations, documented problem sites through an on-site assessment and gathered ideas for possible community improvements. Other improvements include upgrading streets, creating noise ordinances, implementing a community crime watch program and creating awareness of litter control and recycling programs.

The Neighborhood Association’s two elected co-chairs will work with the city to coordinate an overall, comprehensive development plan for South Austin Heights.

So, you’ve sold your Highland Park home and closing is just a few weeks away. Now what?

Find a Reputable Moving Company

Ask friends, family or your Highland Park real estate agent for referrals when choosing a moving company. Check the company out through your local Better Business Bureau and read the contract details carefully before signing. Some questions to ask: What do they charge per hour and what do they charge for mileage? Are packing fees separate and do they provide packing boxes and rolling closets? Are they bonded and insured for damage or loss?

You may want to move important, priceless items on your own and have them stored before moving day. Some things to pack and move yourself: antiques, artwork, jewelry, crystal, china and anything else that would devastate you to lose.

Get Ready for Moving Day

Plan ahead for moving day by packing overnight bags with clothing and essentials, such as medications, vitamins, personal care items and important paperwork.

Pack another bag full of essentials for the new home, including toilet paper, cleaning supplies and towels.

A third bag should contain emergency items, such as candles, a flashlight, first aid supplies and a pain reliever.

Finally, a small bag of drinks and snacks may prevent a mid-day meltdown amidst the chaos of moving day.

What to do on Moving Day

First, confirm the arrival of the moving company and go over the day’s schedule with your family. Bring money to tip the movers and be present at your new home when your items arrive so that you can direct the movers and check the condition of your items.

Finally, be prepared to be unprepared. The stress and excitement of moving day can be magnified if you have unrealistically high expectations and unrealistic goals. Expect that things will not go as planned and remember to take a moment and regroup if the chaos begins to wear on your nerves.

Finally, enjoy your new home!

North Dallas is one of those special areas of Texas that offer a truly spectacular quality of life for its residents. In fact, you almost have to scratch your head and ponder if there are any disadvantages to living in this exceptional area of Dallas.

Safe neighborhoods, stunning surroundings and tranquil, luxurious living are all yours in North Dallas. Whether you are searching for a Texan-sized ranch, a prestigious, gated community or for a modest home in progressive subdivision, North Dallas has something for everyone.

Some of the communities of North Dallas include Northwood Hills, Bent Tree, Estate West, Preston Trails and Preston Wood. The advantages of living in one of these residential communities are clear: quiet, suburban living with easy access to the Dallas/Forth Worth metropolitan area, as well as the neighboring cities of Plano, Carrollton, Addison and Richardson.

Recreational Opportunities Abound

The North Dallas area, which has a total population of about 66,000 residents, boasts a plethora of outdoor recreational opportunities. Golf courses, surrounded by magnificent estates, are abundant in this area, as are hiking and biking trails at Preston Ridge Trail.

A great selection of deluxe shopping centers appear throughout this area, as do restaurants, museums and other entertainment venues.

Excellent Educational Opportunities

Students in the North Dallas area attend the Richardson Independent School District, which has consistently posted high test scores. This school district boasts excellent facilities, as well, including satellite resource education resources, which are designed to provide their students with ample educational opportunities. There are also several private schools in this area.

A Thriving Local Economy

As home to many national companies, such as Texas Instruments, Mary Kay Cosmetics and Pizza Hut, North Dallas is a friendly, diverse community that welcomes new business and industry and has a strong, local economy to show for it.

Real Estate Statistics

As of spring 2008, the market for North Dallas includes more buyers than sellers, due to population growth. The average time on the market for a home in this area is 90 to 120 days. The market continues to see gains, and a nice supply of houses of all price ranges are generally on the market. The average home price in North Dallas is $200,000, and the greatest activity is from first-time home buyers.

Does your Irving home offer a positive, first impression? Or does it fall flat? If the old adage about potential buyers making up their minds about a home in the first 30 seconds holds true, then a home’s curb appeal is crucial.

First, the bad news: a negative, first impression from a potential home buyer can sour their feeling about your Irving home, even before they walk through the door. Now, the good news: it doesn’t take a lot of money or effort to spruce up the exterior of your home and gain maximum impact.

Take Inventory

Stand at the curb and evaluate your home. You may want to enlist the help of a friend or real estate expert for this, as they can often provide you with an objective perspective.

Ask yourself the following questions: Are there any maintenance issues that need to be taken care of, such as peeling paint, an uneven walkway or a garden full of weeds? Is there anything that sets your home apart from the others in the neighborhood? Is your yard and landscaping neat, clean and manicured? Are your home’s exterior colors neutral and welcoming?

Cleaning Up and Adding Color

Mulching beds, trimming hedges and pulling weeds often make a dramatic difference to a home’s exterior. A little bit of money and a lot of elbow grease is sure to add to your home’s overall curb appeal. Planting some inexpensive annuals will provide a splash of color to your home’s exterior, as well.

Trimming overhanging tree branches will allow for a better view of your home which will, once again, pay off when it comes to positive first impressions. Installing a new mailbox, adding a wooden bench or placing a couple of pots with colorful flowers near the front door are all inexpensive, and easy, ways to add interest to your home.

Painting your home’s trim and shutters can also offer a dramatic impact. A freshly painted exterior portrays a well-kept home and will quickly catch a home buyer’s attention.

Put some love and attention in your home’s exterior and reap the benefits!

Grand homes, stunning surroundings and exceptional amenities await you in Castle Hills, a master-planned golf course community located in North Dallas, near Carrollton and west of Plano.

Castle Hills has become one of the most sought-after communities in North Texas, and has even been named “Community of the Year” by the Dallas Homebuilders Association.

The Castle Hills Golf Club, an 18-hole golf course with a restaurant, pro shops, meeting rooms and a teaching academy, provides a picturesque backdrop to the majestic homes found here.

Other outdoor, recreational activities found throughout Castle Hills include parks, lakes, biking and hiking trails, community centers with swimming pools, basketball and tennis courts, ball fields and fitness facilities.

The Castle Hills community is ideally located in North Dallas, near major businesses, retailers, restaurants and entertainment venues.

Shopping at Castle Hills

The master planned community of Castle Hills just wouldn’t be complete without a shopping center. The Shops at Castle Hills enable residents to buy groceries for dinner, pick up the dry cleaning, meet a friend for lunch, mail a package and get a manicure!

Some of the establishments found at The Shops at Castle Hills include Avalon’s Casual Fine Dining, Village Market, Hill Brothers Cleaners, #1 Choice Nails, Liberty Postal, My Village Retreat and American Legend Homes Design Gallery.

Castle Hills has also recently announced a major expansion which will include more shopping, restaurants and amenities. The current retail space is set to double upon completion, reaching 46,000 square feet, with more than 37,000 square feet of office space.

The Builders of Castle Hills

The premier homebuilders for the Castle Hills community include American Legend Homes, Darling Homes, David Weekley Homes, Huntington Homes and Sotherby Homes.

Homes in Castle Hills range from the upper $200s to over $2 million.