Don't Forget....

Do you find yourself handling lots of business either personal or professional through email or text?  If so, I found a super-useful tip for you.  Why not send yourself reminders for appointments or tasks via email or text?  Check out http://www.nudgemail.com/ This site enables you to send an email alert to yourself at a later time.  The service is free and you can either create a reminder email or forward an existing email.    The second resource is http://www.ohdontforget.com/  This is a reminder service for text messages.  You can enter your mobile number, date, time, and information and a text will be sent to your phone.  It's as simple as that.  The basic service is free, but there are options to upgrade. 

Both websites and more information can be found in the November Issue of Texas Realtor Magazine. 

Stats GEEK, why yes I am!

Knowledge is power...at least that's what they always said on School House Rock!  If you agree with that statement, then according to the article, Stats Geek? from the November 2011 issue of Texas REALTOR, our Texas Comptroller has a website for YOU, http://www.texasahead.org/ .  This site is chock full of statistics and reports you can view regarding our local and statewide economy.  As your realtor, I'm able to utilize this sight to make the information work for you.  Key economic indicators such as employment, tax collections, retail sales, building permits and population trends for the entire state or any local county can provide valuable insight.  For more information specific to your county, you can visit the Texas EDGE Data Center section of the site and browse the county interactive map tool.  You can also run a report with the data indicators that most interest you. 

Hungry for more stats?  Check this out!

• 9% of Texas REALTORS have a blog
• 35% of Texas REALTORS developed or maintain a website, while 36% do not
• The gross median income among Texas REALTORS is $94,000
• 7% are high school graduates
• 37% of Texas REALTORS have some college 
• 30% of Texas REALTORS have a Bachelor's Degree
• 7% have an Associate's Degree
• 7% have some Graduate School
• 10% have a Graduate Degree

All facts and statistics come for the November 2011 issue of Texas REALTOR magazine.  The article is titled Stats Geek?

More Holiday Safety Tips

As promised,here are your next five safety tips for a safe, happy holiday season.  As my mom always said:  "It is better to be safe than sorry!"  Seasons blessings from me to you and your families.

Tips from:  It Never Hurts To Be Careful In This Crazy World We Live In

6.  A few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot, or a parking garage: 

• BE AWARE-  look around you, look into your car, at the passenger side floor, and in the back seat
• If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door.  most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars. 
• Look at the car parked on the driver's side of your vehicle, and the passenger side.  If a male is sitting alone in the vehicle nearest your car, walk back into the mall or your workplace and get a security guard to walk you back out.  That is what they are there for.

7.  Always take the elevator instead of the stairs.  Stairwells are a perfect crime spot.  This is especially true at NIGHT!
8.  If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN!  The predator will only hit a running target 4 in 100 times R-U-N!  Preferably in a zig-zag pattern.


9.  Women are always trying to be sympathetic.  STOP!  it make get you assaulted, or worse, KILLED.  Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking, well-educated man, who always played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women.  He walked with a cane, or a limp and often asked "for help"into his vehicle.  This was how he abducted his victims.


10.  Water Scam!  If you wake up in the middle of the night to hear all your taps outside running or what you think is a burst pipe, DO NOT GO OUT TO INVESTIGATE.  Predators will turn on all your outside taps full blast so that you will go out to investigate, then they attack. 

Holiday Safety Tips

We all know that crime rates increase during the holiday season each year.  Criminals wish to make an easy buck, or worse.... so let's not give them an extra opportunity.   I want my friends to be safe, so here are some helpful hints for you.  Be sure to visit my blog next week because you will get five more easy steps to insure your safety during this busy season. 

Tips from:  It Never Hurts To Be Careful In This Crazy World We Live In
1.  Tip from Tae Kwon Do Instructor:  The elbow is the strongest point on our body.  If you are close enough to use it, do!

2.  Tip from a Tour Guide:  If a robber asks for you wallet and/or purse, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM.  Toss it away from you, THEN RUN.  Chances are that he is more interested in your wallet and/or purse than you, and he will go for the money. 

3.  If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out of the hole and start waving like C-R-A-Z-Y!!!  The driver won't see you, but everybody else will.  This has saved lives.
 
4.  Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc., and start a new task, like balancing a checkbook, before driving off.    DON'T DO THIS!  This is the perfect opportunity for a predator to get in on the passenger side, put a gun to your head, and tell you where to go.  AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR, LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE!

5.   If someone is in the car with a gun to your head, DO NOT DRIVE OFF.  Instead, gun the engine and speed into anything- wrecking the car.  Your air bag will save you.  If the person is in the back seat they will get the worst of it.  As soon as the car crashes, jump out and RUN.  A totaled car is better than having them find your body in a remote location. 

Stay safe my friends.....

Honor-Courage-Commitment

Today is Veterans Day!  Thank you, veterans of all branches, and Happy 236th Birthday to the U.S. Marine Corps (yesterday).  As we celebrate Thanksgiving with our loved ones this year, let's say a special prayer for the members of our armed forces who are away from their families protecting us, so we can enjoy this day.  Part of the U.S. Navy SEALs creed states:  "Lead by example in all situations."  Are we doing that in our lives today-at work, and with our families?  Or are we instead being led by the media, our friends' opinions, and the Internet?  In the U.S. Marine Corps publication, 'Sustaining the Transformation', their core values are listed as Honor-Courage-Commitment.  Let's adopt their core values ourselves- lead by example during these holidays and be the kind of persons we were meant to be.  Be sure to thank at least one veteran today and let them know you REMEMBER their sacrifice, and what this day is all about. 

The Good News About Texas....Texaplex 2 - by David Winans

Are you  wondering  about the health of our economy here in Texas?    We've had plenty of reasons to worry, but take a look at this informative video, courtesy of David Winans of Better Homes & Gardens, David Winans & Associates.  It just might take a bit of  the sting out of your worry. 

I truly believe that spreading the good news about Texas is the best thing we can do to improve our economy, the housing market and our business. I look forward to your feedback!

Just a few of the exciting facts to note in the new Texaplex video:

• Nearly half of all new jobs, since 2009, we’re created in Texas.
• The annual economic output of Texas exceeds 1 trillion dollars, and that number is climbing.
• If the entire 7 billion population of the world moved to Texas, there would be more than 1100 sq feet for every man, woman, and child on the planet. That’s 4.5%  more space than what New York City dwellers are already used to.

In the 2010 census, Texas had over 25 million residents. But by 2030, Texas will grow to 40 million residents. That’s like unloading four jumbo jets every day—for the next 19 years, and no one has a return flight!  I hope this information provided you with some great insight as to our current situation in our great state.... and maybe just a little peace of mind. 

There Are No "Do-Overs"

Friends, I have just had a wake-up call about life.  I have attended two funerals and one high school reunion in the last two weeks.  It made me keenly aware of how important (and short) life can be.  I agree with this quote from Lance Armstrong:  "Time is limited, so I better wake up every morning fresh and know that I have just one chance to live this particular day right, and to string my days together into a life of action and purpose."

What about you?  There has never been another day exactly like this one, and you will never have another one exactly the same.  There are no "do-overs" in life-so why not live it as richly and positively as possible?  We must give it our best every minute we can! 

Happy living, my friends...

Don't Let Your Home Buying Experience Resemble a Carnival

You Must Be This Tall to Ride - 10/10/2011

Do you remember going to the State Fair or Six Flags as a child? There was a terrific ride your older siblings were going on but there, at the entrance gate, was a sign that read "You must be this tall to ride."
After standing in line and thinking you had just about made it, you found out that you weren't tall enough. Not only was it disappointing, it was slightly embarrassing. You never want to go through that again.
It's remarkably similar when buying a home. You can go through the entire property search process to find the right home and negotiate the contract only to find out that you don't measure up "financially." It's something that no one wants to go through if they have a choice.
Regardless of what you think you know, if you're buying a home, you need to physically visit with a trusted mortgage professional before you get serious. You'll find out your credit score which will directly affect the mortgage rate you'll pay. You'll discover possible blemishes on your credit that may be able to be corrected. You'll even get a pre-approval letter that you can submit with an offer which could dramatically affect your negotiations.

Remember how some rides didn't turn out to be as good as you thought they were going to be? You certainly don't want that disappointment with a lender involving one of the biggest decisions of your life. Contact me for a list of trusted mortgage professionals.

http://sallybartz.yourkwagent.com/

http://js.sallysellstxhomes.com/

214-448-3835

 

How to Save Time, Money, & Frustration...Not to Mention Your Sanity!

Have you ever found yourself in a dire need of someone who knows how to do something that you don't know how to do? You know, that thing you better figure out real quick...or else???  I 'm sure we  all have a story about picking a name from the phone book, Internet, etc. only to be left with an experience we wish we hadn't had.  To avoid those "uh-oh" moments take a look at this list.  While I'm not promising perfection, it certainly is better than a shot in the dark!  http://sallybartz.yourkwagent.com/atj/user/VendorsGetAction.do

This above is a link to my vendor list, which is complied by me and other Real Estate agents who have had positive experiences with these individuals. 

BIG Tex Wants YOU!

The real hero of the State Fair of Texas is Big Tex!  He even got a new shirt this year so now he is styling!  If you haven't been to the State Fair of Texas you haven't lived! The State Fair of Texas has been a fixture in Dallas for the past 100 years - and I have gleefully attended for 50 of those years.  I guess that makes me an expert!  Here are my favorite things so be sure to try these out when you go:

• Fletcher's Corny Dogs - yummmmm.  There is no substitute - these are the BEST.
• Funnel Cakes - you can customize your own decorations
• Ice Cream Nutty Bar (hand dipped in chocolate)
• Midway - hit the rubber chicken with a mallet and it lands in a pot and you get a prize - yay!
• Midway - love the lights there - perfect way to end the night - spectacular!
• Auto show - you get to check out all the new models of cars coming out
• Dog shows, Birds of Prey, and Horse shows - excellent!
• Parades all throughout the day and evening - reminds me of small town county festivals

The best part is - you will build many happy memories!

Texting Like a Pro!!

WAN2 learn???  Are you drawing a blank every time you receive a text message?  B4 U give up or get frustrated check out the decoder in my post to help you make sense of this secret language. 

Be Seeing You = BCNU
Excellent = XLNT
Later = L8R
Tomorrow = 2MORO
Why = Y
By the Way = BTW
Got To Go = GTG
I Give Up = IGU
In My Opinion = IMO
Oh, I See = OIC

R U thinking IGU yet??? U don't have an excuse now....LOL!

Here's the Rest of the Story.....

"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others,"  I came across this scripture recently and it reminded me of the real reason that I LOVE being a Realtor.  It's not just about selling a house, but it's about helping other people achieve their dream of home ownership.  In my opinion, there is no better way to serve the interests of others than helping someone find their little corner of the world to feel safe, happy, and can live life to the fullest....and THAT'S why I love my job. 

Uh-Oh! What's that Crack?

With this summer's extreme heat and lack of rain, the integrity your home's foundation is at risk.   Many people may think they are properly caring for their home's foundation during our dry conditions, however they are doing the exact opposite.  If you are not concerned about your home's foundation....you should be.  Many of us in the business joke, "there are two kinds of homes in North Texas:  those that have had foundation repair AND those that will need foundation repair".  So, what is it you should do?  Check out the following link for The Ten Easy Steps for Maintaining Foundations  
http://www.archfoundationrepair.com/tips/10steps.php
Remember, the parched condition of your yard probably doesn't stop at your front door, it might be affecting the foundation under your house as well. As a professional Realtor, my aim is to take care of my present and future clients.   I trust this information will be helpful and hopefully save you future time and money. 

*** Please note:  I have no affiliation or relationship with this foundation repair company.  I just found this information accurate and helpful.  So I decided to share it with you. ***

Bring Me Sunshine....

This little gem landed in my inbox from a friend....it's all about a shift in perspective.  Next time you watch the ten o'clock news come back to this post to recover your "sunshine."  Enjoy... http://www.youtube.com/embed/oXvJ8UquYoo

As this video shows, it's all about how you look at your world.    We've made it through challenges before and we'll get through it again...been there, done that, smarter this time.  Here's some sunshine from me to YOU.

What is YOUR Take?

Do you think people make home buying decisions based upon price or do emotions influence their decision?  Check out Pat Zaby's blog, Down Pat, http://patzaby.com/emailtemplates/default.aspx?Id=eea70f4e-7115-42fb-9953-f22db06c3d4f&ContactId=d43a69ea-7d56-4d52-98a1-eaca2a5ccbe3 and tell me what you think.  Please leave a comment on my blog, Sally Sez.... or visit my facebook profile http://www.facebook.com/?sk=nf#!/profile.php?id=100000847771438 to share your thoughts. 

Who is Sgt. Feagin?

Do you know who Justin Feagin is?  Well, you should because we all owe him a lot.  Let me introduce you.

The Texas Sentinels Foundation Scholarship was created to benefit qualified members of the U.S. Armed Forces  severely injured in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001.  The program helps them readjust to civilian life and prosper in their hometowns or new communities. 

Through their personal sacrifice and heroic dedication, we enjoy the freedoms and security of this great nation.  The Texas Sentinels Foundation is an opportunity for all citizens to help create a better life for wounded veterans and their families.  It's an opportunity to say 'Thank YOU.'  

The Collin County Association of Realtors works closely with The Texas Sentinels. We are sponsoring Sergeant Justin Feagan of Collin County.   He is only 23 years old and is married and has a 3 year old little son. He was raised in Collin County and will return here after his recovery.   He was initially deployed to Iraq for 15 months.  Afterward he was deployed to Afghanistan as a newly pinned Sergeant and was wounded in 2010 while serving as the head of an Afghan Border Police Unit.  Then he was hit by an IED that cost him his left foot, the loss of his left ear drum, several broken bones and numerous deep shrapnel lacerations including one to his femoral artery.  He is still receiving medical treatment but will be released hopefully in August.

The Feagin Family 5K Fun Run & Walk will benefit Sgt. Feagin and his family.  Our goal is to provide a nice home for them to move into when he returns to Collin County next month.  He also intends to enroll in college, since he has to Medically Retire from the military.  Please come and join us at the Feagin Fun Run!  He left part of his body in Afghanistan for us and we want to take care of our soldiers who gave so much for us here in Collin County.    

For all of the details and to register click on the link below!  Hope to see you there!!!

 https://www.texassentinels.org:444/feagin.fun_run.html

Surely there is a better way!

The update on yoga is that it is not comfortable to lay on top of a hard Styrofoam block on the floor for more than 10 seconds!  The small of my back is begging me to find a better way to stretch!  My favorite part is namaste:-)

Yoga or Yogurt??

I'm pretty good at the yogurt thing - I eat it every morning for breakfast -Yummmm!  However, I noticed that my body was not keeping up with my mind (?) so.....enters YOGA!  I am taking this through the City of Plano and I will get back at them if it kills me to take this class -hee hee hee.  By the way, there are some really worthwhile classes through the Leisure Learning catalogue (or online) via the City of Plano Parks and Recreation Department.  Most of us have no "leisure" time - but it's fun to dream and do it anyway.  Think of it this way: if you wait on all the lights to turn green you never get take your foot off the brake....time to stop revving up the engine and step on the gas pedal or you'll never get anywhere.

Check it out!  http://parks.planotx.org/econnect/Start/Start.asp?SCheck=954035779&SDT=38891.4526273148&LanguageId=1&LanguageIndex=1

Help Us Help Joplin!

As many of you may recall, Joplin Missouri was devastated by a tornado on May, 23, 2011.  Time has passed, but the destruction and heartbreak has not.   The recovery is slow, but ongoing.  The Keller Williams DFW offices are joining forces to uplift the people of Joplin, who have lost everything.  If your heart goes out to them like ours does, please join us.  Matt Hilton and Heather Garinger, KW Market Center Managers, will personally deliver the collected items. 

Below, you will find a list of needed items.  If you would like to donate, please contact me by June 20th to arrange for pick up or drop off.  My phone number is 214-448-3835.  Thank you in advance.  You will be blessed and so will the people of Joplin, MO. 

Items (new & unwrapped) to be donated to residents of Joplin:

• Socks/Shoes
• Toiletries (shampoo, bar soap, hand soap, hand sanitizer, deodorant, shaving cream, razors/blades)
• Feminine products
• Tylenol/Advil (Adult and children's)
• Oral Hygiene products (toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash)
• Water/Gatorade
• Paper products (plates, paper towels, toilet paper, facial tissue)
• Underwear/bras
• Hair accessories (brushes, clips, pony tail holders)
• Towels/washcloths

***No clothes at this time.  Clothes that have been donated in the past have been washed, sorted, and ready to distribute.  Please make all clothing donations to your local Salvation Army store.
Supplies that we will need for our trip:

• Wheelbarrows
• 5 gallon buckets with handles
• Metal rakes
• Snow shovels
• Spray sunscreen
• Work gloves
• Bandannas
• Bobcats (not animals...construction equipment) :)
• Bug spray
• Work boots

New and Improved - Such a Deal I Have for You!

I have been working on my website and here's what's new:

• Client testimonials - see why I'm the right choice for you!  By the way, I have discovered that testimonials are better than eulogies because you get to find out what people think about you before you are dead - ha!
• Preferred vendor list-mine and some recommended by my market center
• Linked this blog to my website
• Linked my YouTube channel to my website
• Figured out I couldn't do all the above by myself and got a great coach to help me (yea)

Check back next week for proof that miracles never cease. -   I am a Residential Finance Consultant now. Scary isn't it!

Here it is - your real "real estate gem"

Don't Try THIS at Home!!!

Welcome!  You found me!  Take this journey with me - if you dare!  Boldly going where no Bartz has gone before (sound familiar)?  Lily and I are writing our first my first blog entry tonight  (Lily is the dog) hahahaha!  Check back soon - there will be plenty of real estate gems for you in the future.



Lesson #1:  it's hard to blog with a dog in your lap!