Why School Zoning is Important to Consider When Buying a New Home

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One reason parents look for new homes for sale in Frisco, Texas is the public school system. The exemplary rated Frisco Independent School District is one of the fastest growing districts in the state.  It serves residents of Frisco, as well as some portions of Plano, Little Elm, and McKinney.

Even though the district has been growing at a fast pace, the boundaries haven’t changed since 1902. That means you’re not limited to looking for new homes for sale in Frisco, Texas.  Landon Homes’ Lakeview neighborhoods in Little Elm are all zoned for Frisco ISD schools. In fact, Robertson Elementary School is located right in the community.

The Frisco ISD has been able to keep boundaries the same by building new schools within the zoned area, or by modifying existing schools to accommodate new students. The district currently plans to modify its high schools in this way, to save construction and operating funds, while meeting the goals of having smaller schools and providing stability.

Small schools are an attractive feature to parents, since they allow more students to be involved in activities and for meaningful relationships to develop between students and teachers. Student test scores in the district continue to improve, and are well above state and national averages.  About 90 percent of graduating seniors plan to continue their education at a college, university, technical school, or the military as well.

The Frisco ISD is a leader in technology too; elementary and secondary schools all have computer labs and distance learning equipment for virtual field trips. Classrooms are equipped with document cameras, wireless keyboards, ‘smart tablets’ and student response systems for interaction and immediate feedback.

If you’d like to interact with one of the best home builders in North Dallas, visit the Landon Homes website. In addition to the Lakeview communities in Little Elm, Landon builds high quality, affordable new homes for sale in Frisco, Texas and McKinney. With a repertoire of more than 40,000 homes, the Landon team offers an unmatched wealth of talent, expertise, and enthusiasm. Experience the Landon difference today.

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How to Stay Organized When Planning a New Home

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Landon Homes is launching a new development of high quality, energy-efficient homes in Frisco, TX.  Richwoods is one of the biggest housing projects to be built in North Dallas in recent years, featuring 1600 homesites in a variety of lot sizes. Landon expects the first models to be available in spring 2012.

Should you decide to buy a new home in Richwoods, it’s important to get organized for the building process. Here are some tips to help you during the planning stages:

1. Assemble financial reports – Gather your bank records and other financial statements to determine just how much home you can afford.

2. Obtain financing – Once you’ve set your budget, take the time to get pre-qualified and pre-approved for a new home in Richwoods. North Dallas mortgage experts like TX Home Lending can help you through the buying process, so it goes as smoothly as possible.

3. Determine home style – Evaluate the different home styles your builder has to offer and determine which one will be right for you. For instance, do you prefer a one or two-story home? Find out what design options are available.

4. Choose floor plan –Do you want a big kitchen or something cozier?  The plan you choose factors into the overall cost and affects how well your family will live together in the years ahead.

5. Select products – When you visit the design center you can choose what fixtures, flooring and appliances you’d like for your new home in Richwoods before building begins. The professional design center staff at Landon Homes knows all the latest trends in home design and can guide you through each decision – big or small.

Contact Tanya Smith at 214-707-0347 to learn more about the Richwoods development, or to sign up for a tour of our design center and learn what the Landon Homes difference is all about.

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Choosing the Right Floor Plan for Your New Home

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Looking at homes in Frisco, TX can be helpful to see the different types of floor plans available. There are many factors that go into choosing the right floor plan for your needs. For instance, if you are newly married, do you have plans to start a family? The number of children you plan to have will dictate the number of bedrooms you need.

Other factors that go into figuring out the right floor plan include determining whether you’ll need extra rooms for overnight guests or additional living space for the care of elderly parents or grandchildren. You may want an extra bedroom to use as an office or den too.

Some people enjoy formal entertaining, while others prefer more relaxed family gatherings. Many homes in Frisco, TX feature formal dining rooms and traditional living rooms. Others include a large kitchen with a breakfast room for more casual dining.

As you plan, take into account your existing furniture to make sure the floor plan will accommodate what you have. It’s a good idea to consider seating areas and how furniture placement will affect the overall feel of the room.

At Landon Homes, we style our homes in Frisco, TX around your life. We work with you to decide which floor plan is right for you, your family and your lifestyle. We ask you questions and help you figure out what design will work best to create the home of your dreams.

Landon Homes offers a wide variety of floor plans: one or two-story models with 3, 4 or 5 bedrooms. We can customize a floor plan to best suit your needs and desires, whether that includes a media room, more storage, a covered patio or wet bar.  Visit the Landon website today to see which floor plan is right for you.

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New Home Kitchen Trends

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One of the most important features to evaluate when looking at new homes in Little Elm, TX is the kitchen. Today’s kitchens have become the focal point of the home with islands, prep areas, and seating that enable families and friends to cook together or just talk.

Here are some of the latest kitchen trends to take note of as you browse the new homes in Little Elm, TX:

Stainless Steel – White appliances are out and stainless steel or black appliances continue to be popular. Both colors blend well with Landon Homes’ granite countertops and are easy to take care of. Plus, new appliances provide a seamless, nearly germ-free surface, which is important if you have children.

Natural Elements – Natural stone countertops are also popular. Landon’s elegant granite countertop options are resistant to scratches, burns and wear. They also add a natural beauty and refinement to any kitchen.

Colors – Bold colors such as orange and yellow, and a palette of scarlet reds and dark purples are being used, reflecting a move away from the more neutral tones of the past few years. Black is also still a popular color for appliances.

One of the premier builders of new homes in Little Elm, TX, Landon Homes has a Design Center that can help you select kitchen options and designs for your new home. Design Center staff will help you find the right color of your granite counter tops, cabinet stain and matching backsplash to create the gourmet kitchen of your dreams.  Landon Homes’ Design Center is well versed in the latest trends, and is ready to help you choose among the various options available best suited to your style and budget.

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Halloween & Fall Outdoor Events

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There are many reasons why people buy new homes in Frisco, TX. It’s been rated as one of the safest cities in the nation; it has excellent schools, a variety of sports, recreation, shopping and dining options too.

But one of the main reasons why people choose to buy new homes in Frisco, TX is the town’s family-friendly atmosphere. During the fall, there are several events to take part in that capture the spirit of the season.

One of the more popular events is Frisco’s Pumpkin Patch Splash that takes place at the Frisco Athletic Center. Kids are encouraged to splash around in the FAC indoor pool to find the perfect pumpkin in the pool, decorate it and bring it home.

The Village at Eldorado shopping center hosts its annual fall festival with music provided by the David Whiteman Band, a petting zoo, pumpkin patch, face painters, balloon twister and retail tenant booths.

A couple of local churches also host fall festivals during the month of October. Frisco’s Elevate Life Church provides a free event with food, carnival games, rides, bounce houses, hayride and more. There’s more fun to be had at Stonebriar Community Church, where its fall festival includes carnival games, bounce houses, bake walks, balloon animals, climbing walls, face paintings, live entertainment, and more!

In nearby McKinney, the River Ranch Pumpkin Patch at Storybook Ranch offers hundreds of pumpkins for sale, as well as plenty of activities for children, including pony rides, bounce houses and a hay maze. After sundown on weekends, guests can ride on a haunted hayride through the “Ghost Ranch,” and the patch will also host pumpkin carving and costume contests.

One of the premier builders of new homes in Frisco, TX is Landon Homes. This visionary home builder works hand-in-hand with its architects to create homes that are both beautiful and eco-friendly. For more information about homes for sale in Frisco or to schedule a model home tour, visit the Landon Homes website or contact Tanya Smith at 866-898-3603.

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D-FW Apartment Rents are Heading Higher

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By STEVE BROWN

Real Estate Editor

stevebrown@dallasnews.com

Published: 28 September 2011 12:11 PM

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North Texas apartment renters are going to have to dig a little deeper to keep a roof over their heads.

Average apartment rents in the Dallas-Fort Worth area are up about 4 percent from a year ago and are headed even higher, industry analysts say.

Local apartment rents are now rising at the greatest rate since the 1990s, analysts with MPF Research said Wednesday.

Rent growth in the D-FW apartments “has accelerated quite a bit” during the last year, said MPF vice president Greg Willett.

Monthly rents in projects built since the 1990s are up more than 5 percent from 2010 — if you can find any units available.

“Substantial rent growth at the top of the market reflects that vacancies in that product category are few and far between,” Willett said.

The average D-FW apartment now goes for a record $802 a month. And tenants in newer buildings will pay an average of $1,063 a month.

Average rents have gone up by more than $20 a month since midyear.

MPF Research predicts that apartment rents will rise 4.4 percent during the next year.

“The substantial rent growth occurring in the North Texas apartment market looks sustainable over the near term,” Willett said.

Tenants leased an additional 2,370 D-FW apartments during the third quarter, MPF Research said. That brings the annual leasing total up to almost 13,000 units.

But developers have added only 5,189 new apartments since last September and only 1,673 in the third quarter.

Builders are rushing to catch up with demand. There are more than 7,200 apartments being built in the D-FW area — more than in any market in the country.

“In a quarter or two, we could have 10,000 units under construction easily,” Willett said. “There is virtually nothing left to rent at the top end.”

Apartment occupancy in North Texas is now just under 93 percent — up by more than a percentage point from a year ago.

While local rent increases are high by recent measures, other U.S. apartment markets are seeing much bigger rate hikes.

Rents in Northern California are up in the third quarter by more than 13 percent from a year ago.

In Austin, apartment rents are almost 9 percent higher than in the third quarter of 2010, MPF Research said.

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Fall Home Maintenance Tips

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Buying a new home in McKinney, TX is an exciting prospect. The town has been rated number 5 among the best places to live in the U.S. by CNN Money Magazine. McKinney is surrounded by rolling hills, expansive open spaces, 42 miles of hike and bike trails and 2,000 acres of parkland.

It’s important to take care of your new home to keep your family safe and protect your investment. Following a maintenance schedule will enable you to take care of small issues as they occur, before they become big problems later on.

Here are a few things you can take care of during the fall to keep your new home in McKinney, TX in good shape.

1. Turn on the furnace to see if it’s working properly, and replace the filters.

2. Inspect and repair caulking in sinks, tubs, showers, thresholds, walls, windows and other interior areas as needed.

3. Adjust the heating registers.

4. Check the fireplace to make sure it’s clean, and open the chimney damper before first time use.

5. Perform safety tests on the following items:

  • Smoke & carbon monoxide detectors
  • Dryer vents
  • Pressure gauge in fire extinguisher
  • GFCI outlets

Maintaining the outside of your new home in McKinney, TX is also important. Autumn is an excellent time to address the following areas:

1. Clean and remove debris from the gutters; inspect the alignment of gutters, downspouts and splash-blocks to allow water to run off properly, and away from your home.

2. Inspect and repair or replace weather stripping on exterior doors as needed. A well-insulated home will keep heat in and cool out during the winter months.

3. Put up hoses and shut off outside water faucets at the cut-off valve to avoid pipes bursting.

4. Close all foundation vents in the crawl space and place insulation over the opening(s).

5. Inspect and repair caulking of windows, siding, cornice, and other exterior areas as needed to seal gaps and secure tiles.

When looking for a new home in McKinney, TX, visit Shiloh Ranch by Landon Homes.  This quiet community offers some of the largest homesites in the area, with homes priced from the $190s. Visit the Landon Homes website today for more information.

 

 

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Why the Texas Economy Continues to Outpace the U.S.

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Is it any wonder that new homes for sale in Little Elm, TX are in high demand? This Dallas suburb has been on a growth spurt the past few years, along with the rest of the state. During the past decade, Texas surpassed New York as the nation’s second largest economy.  The state has benefitted from plentiful natural resources, immigration and a successful high-tech sector.

 The low costs of living and doing business in Texas also make it attractive to workers and employers alike. In fact, the Lone Star State has more jobs today than when the recession began in 2007. Jobs and population go hand in hand, and the number of residents in Texas is booming too. The state’s population has grown more than 20 percent between 2000 and 2010, according to the Census Bureau. The Dallas/Fort Worth region has benefitted in particular due to its central location and ease of access to national and international markets.

Many people have been buying new homes for sale in Little Elm, TX so they can work in Dallas, while living and raising a family in a beautiful lakeside community.  Little Elm’s town limits encompass over 23 miles of shoreline, allowing a view of Lewisville Lake from many neighborhoods and businesses.  Even though the area has been growing rapidly, Little Elm still maintains its small town charm and a real feeling of community.

One of the areas to look for new homes for sale in Little Elm, TX is the Villages at Lakeview. Landon Homes has three communities at the Villages: The Enclave, The Dominion and The Reserve. Residents of the Villages can enjoy four amenity centers, with pools, parks, trails and more. Whether you’re shopping for your first home, or an empty nester looking to downsize, Landon has the perfect home for you. Visit the Landon website for more information.

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What Makes the Frisco Independent School District Exemplary?

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Thinking of buying a new home in Frisco, TX? One of the many benefits of living in this community is the quality of education students receive here. The Frisco Independent School District (ISD) is an exemplary rated school district and one of the fastest growing in the state and nation.

School administrators and the citizens of Frisco are committed to providing their children with a quality education. The district has enough funds on hand to continue building new schools that maintain a small, personal learning environment. Having smaller schools enables more students to be involved in outside activities, and allows for meaningful relationships to develop between students and teachers.

Living in a new home in Frisco, TX means your children will have access to the latest educational technology. Computer labs are available in the elementary and secondary schools; classrooms are equipped with projectors, educational videos, wireless keyboards and smart tablets.

The Frisco ISD offers students the opportunity to push themselves academically. High school students can take Advanced Placement and Honors courses, and dual credit classes with Collin County Community College. A variety of athletic programs are also offered as well as clubs and activities including Band, National Honor Society, Drill team/Dance, Academic Decathalon, Drama, Robotics and more.

Students in the Frisco ISD score well above the state and national averages too. More than 75 percent of seniors take one or more college entrance exams, and 90 percent of graduates plan to continue their education.

Parents who buy a new home in Frisco, TX will also appreciate the safety measures school officials have taken to protect students. Digital technology and high resolution cameras capture images in common areas, parking lots and building entrances to deter poor behavior. Controlled access and advanced visitor registration systems are in place as well.

These are just some of the benefits that your family will enjoy when you buy a new home in Frisco, TX.  You’ll also find a family-friendly atmosphere, exceptional arts, entertainment, and recreation facilities. To find the perfect source for your new home, look no further than Landon Homes. Rated as one of the finest home builders in North Dallas, Landon engineers better built, affordable green homes for sale in premier Frisco neighborhoods. Contact us today to schedule your new home tour.

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How Landon Homes Helps You Save Money on Utility Bills

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Looking at new homes in Little Elm, TX? That’s a smart decision, especially if you want to save money on your utility bills.   Newly constructed homes are more energy efficient than older homes because building codes mandate stricter standards than they used to. For instance, the most recent International Energy Conservation Code came out in 2009 and required homes to be about 17% more efficient than three years earlier.

Landon Homes specializes in building energy efficient new homes in Little Elm, TX. Landon is the first major builder in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to use 2”x 6” exterior wall construction. Since the lumber is 50% thicker than the standard 2 x 4, it can hold 57% more insulation, reducing unwanted heat loss or gain, decreasing the energy demands on your home.

Landon incorporates other energy saving features too, such as a highly rated wall insulation system, and an exterior foam sheathing system that seals against outside air infiltration. The net effect allows your heating and cooling systems to work more efficiently, saving you money year-round.

The new homes in Little Elm, TX that Landon builds also feature cardinal glass windows that block out much of the sun’s heat and up to 84% of the UV rays that cause carpet and furniture fading. In addition, the A/C units in these homes exceed Energy Star standards, providing you with a more comfortable home and lower utility bills.

Energy efficient water heaters and GE appliances that meet or exceed Energy Star ratings are also included in Landon’s new homes in Little Elm, TX. Plus, low flush toilets and water saving faucets and shower heads help you conserve water and minimize utility bills.

To find out more about these energy saving features, visit the Landon Homes website or contact Tanya Smith by phone at 214-707-0347.

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