Friday, April 10, 2020

Frisco Food To Go Group

Hutchins BBQ in Frisco remains open for business with Food To Go orders.
Mark M. Hancock / © DFWmark.com
I've started a Frisco Food To Go Group on Facebook!
This group helps Frisco residents and guest find food and supports local restaurants in Frisco, Texas. Takeout and Delivery are acceptable. Please post information and photos!

Join the conversation and post your photos!

I've Got Your Six!
DFWmark

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Staging Tips

Mark M. Hancock / © DFWmark.com
Staging a home sets an appealing scene rather than spends thousands of dollars to do so. Below are easy, simple ways to make a house more desirable to potential buyers or to turn a house into your home. The generic list of staging tips below was compiled from suggestions of professional stagers and agents to make any home more marketable. The list is designed for the Collin County market where stone counter tops and seamless glass shower enclosures are expected.
Do what you can with the budget and time you have. However, focus on the tasks and upgrades that will earn the highest return on investment (ROI).
Replacing appliances with stainless steel is appealing, but it's costly and is unlikely to have an equal ROI. Black appliances are fine if they look clean.

OUTSIDE:
To increase curb appeal, please consider these recommendations:

FRONT YARD:
•  Mow and trim the grass, and continue maintenance.
•  Deeply edge the lawn near any concrete or decorative stones. This is vital for curb appeal.
•  Maintain all sidewalks and driveways by removing leaves and spraying weed and grass killer into
    any gaps.
•  Ensure sprinkler and drip lines work. Replace any broken sprinkler heads.
•  Spruce up the mailbox.
•  Put a new, clean door mat outside the front door.
•  Always paint the front door to give a fresh first impression.
•  Paint or replace the front door frame. Ensure door moves smoothly.
•  Put a new flowering pot on the porch by the door so the color will be seen as you look up the
   sidewalk toward the house. Silk can be used due to hot weather without need to water.
•  Plant a row of Indian Hawthorne or holly bushes to cover the foundation.
•  Continue any row of miniature shrubs in the same line of sight (don’t have gaps). Fill in the Mondo
    grass or other ground vegetation until there is a consistent edge around the beds.
•  Put a layer of fresh colored mulch in all the beds.
•  Isolate and surround any exposed dirt/mud where grass won’t grow with edging. Then, place a
    layer of fresh colored mulch over the dirt.
•  Trim all plants, bushes and trees to ensure they aren't in contact with the house. Any plant touching the
    structure is considered a potential pest issue by inspectors.

BACK YARD:
•  Remove old furniture and any clutter from the patio. Either remove or paint flower box(es).
•  Attach a multi-surface outdoor cleaning solution bottle to a garden hose and spray on house
   and siding to remove mildew, moss and algae. Rinse with water afterward.
•  Power wash or otherwise clean concrete.
•  Cut hedges to present a neat, uniform front with clear views of and from windows.
•  Straighten any leaning fence.
•  Get the roof and gutters checked. Replace or repair as needed.
•  Place a small table with a colorful pot where it is seen from the house as you look toward the yard.

INSIDE THE HOUSE:
•  Declutter and depersonalize the entire house. If you're selling the house, you need to remove all
    personal items and photos from view. This allows buyers to see themselves on a blank canvas. If
    you're updating for yourself, removing clutter reveals your essence.
•  Paint the entire house with a soft gray satin color for an immediate update to modern style. White
    and cream, which adds some warmth, are also acceptable options to lighten dark rooms.
•  Contrast the baseboards, doors and door frames with a crisp white color for freshness.
•  Alternative solid schemes are white or cream.
•  Have the house, windows, inside and out, and fans professionally cleaned when prep work is
    complete.
•  Ensure all the fixtures match. The main options are brushed nickel, brass, oil-rubbed bronze, black and chrome. The faucets should match the doorknobs, door stops, fixed lights, kickplates, etc. Paint over mismatched door hinges.
•  Hang a chandelier fixture to show buyers the dining area space.
•  Hang large art pieces with a pop of color to draw the visitors' eyes to specific spaces (and away from other spaces).
•  Make the house feel welcoming. Add round design elements such as pillows, tables and mirrors to
    help achieve a relaxed vibe with minimal effort.

KITCHEN:
•  Change all the appliances to stainless steel. Choose a range with a built-in microwave.
•  Replace the Formica countertops with granite.
•  Paint all the cabinet doors, drawer fronts and interiors with a white enamel with a satin finish. •  Match the hutch cabinets to whatever is done in the kitchen.
•  Place exactly three large lemons in a low bowl or on a decorative plate to add pop to darker areas.
•  Set kitchen table with flatware, glasses, napkins and possibly colorful placemats as if for a meal.

BATHROOMS:
•  Replace shower stall with a seamless glass shower to bring the house into a competitive bracket for
    maximum return on investment. There is no other way to disguise brass shower hardware.
•  Paint the inside and outside of all bathroom cabinets and the linen closet.
•  Replace all brass fixtures and lighting with brushed nickel.
•  Put a painted wood frame around the mirrors in baths for a higher end finished look.
•  If matching tile or wood cannot be found for a linen closet, replace that carpet with a small remnant of
    new carpet.

LIGHTS:
•  To make photos look better, save electrical cost, increase safety and breathe life into the space,
    replace all lights with 5,000 K (natural daylight) LED lights (floods, bulbs, bars or fixed lights).
    Start in the kitchen.
•  Remove fluorescent ceiling light fixtures and replace with can lights or an LED light fixture for
    brightness. Choose a more modern pendant light over the kitchen sink.

FIREPLACE
•  Ensure it is clean.
•  Replace broken ceramic logs in gas-only fireplaces. Stack unburned logs in a wood-burning
    fireplace.
•  Ensure the fireplace gas key is visible.

MUDROOM/LAUNDRY ROOM
•  Add freshly painted baseboards.
•  Move appliances out and clean well behind and beside them.
•  Paint this room.

GARAGE:
•  Repair any ceiling and wall damage. Do a basic paint job on the walls.
•  Clean out the hot water closet. If roaches are a problem, have an exterminator hit the house before
    showing.

Mark M. Hancock / © DFWmark.com
OTHER:
•  Ensure power outlets that require
    GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit
    Interrupter) electrical shock
    protection are present and
    compliant.
•  Ensure smoke detectors are
    hardwired and in all required
    locations (each bedroom, each
    corridor adjacent to a bedroom, at
    the top of any stairs, at least one
    alarm on each level of multi-level
    dwelling, plus any additional local
    ordinances).
•  Regularly change air filters to ensure
   dust doesn’t collect around vents.
•  Remove, clean and spray paint air
   vent covers with a matching color.
•  Remove and replace old caulk if
   failing, chipping or peeling. Neatly
   caulk all visible exterior gaps
   (around windows, doors and roof eaves) with matching-color caulk. Do not fill window or brick
   weep holes (these are condensation exits).

I've Got Your Six!

DFWmark.com

Tuesday, April 7, 2020

Pandemic Help

Mark M. Hancock / © DFWmark.com
I hope this information helps you, your loved ones and associates during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even if you're surviving the pandemic with only inconveniences and Zoom meetings, you are very likely to know someone who can use the information listed below.
Since you may not know who needs help, please share this page on your social media to help your friends.

Stay safe! Stay healthy!
I’ve Got Your Six!

DFWmark.com

Jump to:
Suicide Prevention
Family Crisis Center / Domestic Abuse
Federal Stimulus Packages
• Federal Stimulus Checks
• Unemployment Benefits
• Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
• Food programs
• Utility, Prescription and Medical Help
• Veterans Administration

Small Business Administration Loans
• Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) Loan Advance
• EIDL Emergency Grant

Pandemic Mortgage Relief Options
• Health and Welfare Assistance
• Mortgage and Rent Programs
• Protections for renters
• Where to get additional help

Pets (food and veterinary assistance)
401K Disbursements
IRS (tax relief)
Student loans
Report price gouging

DFW city and county websites 

Suicide Prevention
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255
suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Lifeline provides continuous, free and confidential support for people in distress. They also provide prevention and crisis resources for friends and family.

Family Crisis Center / Domestic Abuse
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Email: nationaldeafhotline@adwas.org
thehotline.org/help
Call, chat or email.
National Domestic Violence Hotline provides continuous, free and confidential support in more than 200 languages. Advocates talk confidentially with anyone experiencing domestic violence, seeking resources or information, or questioning unhealthy relationships.

DoD Safe Helpline
877-995-5247
Chat online with a trained Department of Defense staff member who can provide you confidential crisis support. Your privacy and safety are crucial. You may use Safe Helpline anonymously.

International Domestic Violence Resource Guide: Coronavirus Update
Contact information sorted by nation and useful tips to help witnesses take action.

Federal Stimulus Packages (pandemic related)

Federal Stimulus Checks
• This is an advance on your 2020 tax return – not a grant. Learn what this means for your 2020 taxes.
• Direct payments to Taxpayers
• Based on 2019 return or 2018 if 2019 is not filed
• To qualify: Adjusted Gross Income must be under $75K single / $150K filed jointly
• $1,200 per taxpayer
• $500 for each qualifying child (17 and under)
• Payments start the week of April 13th or 20th
• It will take longer to get a payment if the IRS doesn’t have your direct deposit information

Unemployment Benefits
CARES Act provides unemployment benefits for independent contractors too
• These are federal funds and are administered by the states (such as TWC.texas.gov)
• Benefit amounts depend on your past income

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
• Provides loans to small business to help with payroll costs, rents and mortgages
• Available for independent contractors as well
• Loan amounts are based on a monthly average payroll costs X 2.5 up to $10 million
• Parts of the loan may be forgiven (most likely those paid to employees)
• Low interest rate and two-year maturity
• Visit www.sba.gov for more information
• Apply through your banker

Food programs
USDA (www.usda.gov)
Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)
• Assistance for People of All Ages
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): SNAP provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of needy families so they can purchase healthy food and move toward self-sufficiency.
• Food Help for Disaster Relief
• The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) coordinates with state, local and voluntary organizations to provide food for shelters and other mass feeding sites, distribute food packages directly to households in need in limited situations, and issue Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) benefits.
• The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP): TEFAP helps supplement the diets of low-income Americans by providing them with emergency food assistance at no cost.

Utility, Prescription and Medical Help
usa.gov/help-with-bills
Utility company help
• If you can't afford to pay your home heating or cooling bill, you may be able to get help from the government or your local social services agency or nonprofit. Prescription drug and medical help
• Government programs can help pay for prescription drugs and medical bills.

Veterans Administration
benefits.va.gov
• If you haven’t applied for veterans’ benefits and need to take advantage of them now, here’s where you can start the process.
• If you are a service member and need pandemic-related assistance with your rent or mortgage payments, contact your local Legal Assistance Office.

Small Business Administration Loans

Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) Loan Advance
• Up to $2 million loan
• Low interest rate (3.75%) with 30-year maturity
• Must provide economic hardship due to COVID-19
• Personal guarantee required or collateral
• Visit www.sba.gov for more information and to apply

EIDL Emergency Grant
• Economic Injury Disaster Loans
• $10,000 forgivable grant
• Same process as the loan
• Independent contractors included
• Must provide economic hardship due to-19
• Visit www.sba.gov for more information and to apply

Pandemic Mortgage Relief Options

Health and Welfare Assistance
Federal and state governments have announced plans to help struggling homeowners during the pandemic.
A new federal law, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, puts in place two protections for homeowners with federally backed mortgages:
1. A foreclosure moratorium
2. A right to forbearance for homeowners who are experiencing a financial hardship due to the COVID-19 emergency

Mortgage and Rent Programs
USA Today article
If you can pay your mortgage, pay your mortgage. There is no mortgage forgiveness program.
• Mortgage Forbearance – borrowers of government-backed mortgages can request up to 360-day payment forbearance without proof of hardship.
• It is vital to understand if your loan servicer will demand all funds at the end of the forbearance period or will tack them onto the end of the loan.
• It is unclear how taxes and insurance will be handled, but they will most likely be due and payable as typical for your arrangement. Only loan principal and interest are affected.

Protections for renters
According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, if you are renting from an owner who has a federally-backed mortgage, the CARES Act provides for a suspension or moratorium on evictions. If your landlord has a federally backed mortgage or multi-family mortgage, you cannot be evicted for nonpayment of rent for 120 days beginning on March 27, 2020, the effective date of the CARES Act. After the 120-day period is up, the landlord cannot require you, the tenant, to vacate until providing you with a 30-day notice to vacate.
If the property you rent isn’t covered by the CARES Act, many states have suspended all evictions and foreclosures due to the pandemic. Check the websites of your state government or legal aid program for details and updates. See National Center for State Courts www.ncsc.org for more information.

Where to get additional help
If you need help working with your mortgage servicer or understanding your options, you can contact a professional to help with your specific situation.
• HUD-Approved Housing Counselors. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-approved housing counselors can discuss options if you can’t pay your full mortgage loan or need a reverse mortgage loan. This may also include forbearance, deferment, or a modified payment program.
• Credit Counselors. Reputable credit counseling organizations are generally non-profit organizations that can advise you on your money and debts, and help you with a budget. Some may also help you negotiate with creditors. There are specific questions to ask to help you find a credit counseling organization to work with.
• Lawyers. If you need a lawyer, there may be resources to assist you through your local bar association, legal aid.

401K Disbursements
• CARES act allows distribution from your 401K or IRA up to $100,000 of your vested balance with no penalty.
• Distribution is taxable but tax is spread out over three years.
• Distribution can be repaid and receive a tax credit.
• Loans are also permitted based on your plan’s rules.
• Must certify that the distribution/loan is COVID-19 related.

Pets (food and veterinary assistance)
• ASPCA pandemic response page
• Humane Society aid and financial assistance:

IRS (tax relief)
Coronavirus tax relief (IRS)
• July 15th is the new tax deadline for filing your 2019 returns
• This includes quarterly tax payments

Student loans
• Suspends all payments due on federal student loans for 6 months
• Interest shall not accrue on these during this forbearance
• For the purpose of loan forgiveness, loans will be deemed paid during the forbearance.
• Prohibits negative credit reporting or involuntary debt collection during the forbearance period

Report price gouging
USPIRG.org (U.S. Public Interest Research Group)
How do I spot price gouging?
1) Extraordinarily high prices: Businesses can increase prices for critical supplies during an emergency. While laws vary by state, increases over 20% may be considered price gouging.
2) Price Comparison Between Similar Products: Some state laws prohibit significant increases in prices as compared to similar store-brand products.
3) Err on the side of caution: If you aren’t certain if a product is priced too high, report the problematic items to the company and your Attorney General.

What do I need to report price gouging?
1) The name of the store/vendor where you saw the item and their address.
2) Product details, including, but not limited to, the product type, brand, size, and price.
3) The date, time, and location you saw the product.
4) You can improve the investigation by providing a picture of the item.

Please also visit individual city and county websites in the DFW Metroplex for local help.

I’ve Got Your Six!

Mark M. Hancock
REALTOR
214-862-7212
DFWmark.com


#DFWmark #pandemic #help #COVID19 #StagingTips #FoodToGo #SucceedInPlace #UsefulNews #Frisco #DFW

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Monday, April 6, 2020

Virtual Home Showings Available

If you're ready, willing and able, I'd love to help find your ideal home any day of the week - virtually or in person. I'm open for business.

Over the weekend, I showed homes virtually through FaceTime. I wore gloves and a surgical mask for everyone's protection. After seeing three select homes, my Client decided to see one home in person. I met my Client and toured the one property. Everything else is handled digitally.

My background as a photojournalist is extremely useful. I showed the property in context and knew how to keep the phone steady through the process.

This is a repeatable pattern as long as a representation agreement is in place and Clients are judicious in their selections - absolutely no more than three-to-five properties with the intent and ability to purchase or lease.

I've Got Your Six!

DFWmark.com

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

DFW Cities and Websites


While looking from the window next to the "Sniper's Nest"
at at The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza,
Reunion Tower reflects the setting sun and a newer
version of Dallas in the upper window.
Mark M. Hancock / © DFWmark.com
Select a Metroplex county
Collin
Dallas
Denton
Ellis
Johnson
Kaufman
Rockwall
Tarrant

City names are linked to official city Web sites whenever possible.

Collin County - McKinney
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Cities:
Allen
Anna
Blue Ridge
Carrollton
Celina
Dallas
Fairview
Farmersville
Frisco
Garland
Josephine
Lavon
Lowry Crossing
Lucas
McKinney
Melissa
Murphy
Nevada
New Hope
Parker
Plano
Princeton
Prosper
Richardson
Royse City
Sachse
Saint Paul
Van Alstyne
Weston
Wylie

Dallas County - Dallas
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Cities:
Addison
Balch Springs
Carrollton
Cedar Hill
Cockrell Hill
Combine
Coppell
Dallas
DeSoto
Duncanville
Farmer's Branch
Garland
Grand Prairie
Glenn Heights
Highland Park
Hutchins
Irving
Lancaster
Mesquite
Richardson
Rowlett
Sachse
Seagoville
Sunnyvale
University Park
Wilmer


Denton County - Denton
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Argyle
Aubrey
Bartonville
Bolivar
Carrollton
Coppell
Copper Canyon
Corinth
Corral City
Cross Roads
Dallas
Denton
DISH (all caps)
Double Oak
Flower Mound
Fort Worth
Frisco
Hackberry
Haslet
Hebron
Hickory Creek
Highland Village
Justin
Krugerville
Krum
Lake Dallas
Lakewood Village
Lewisville
Little Elm
Northlake
Oak Point
Pilot Point
Plano
Ponder
Prosper
Roanoke
Sanger
Shady Shores
Southlake
The Colony
Trophy Club
Westlake


Ellis County - Waxahachie
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Alma
Avalon
Bardwell
Cedar Hill
Ennis
Forreston
Ferris
Garrett
Glenn Heights
Grand Prairie
Italy
Mansfield
Maypearl

Midlothian
Milford
Oak Leaf
Ovilla
Palmer
Pecan Hill
Red Oak
Telico
Venus
Waxahachie
Johnson County - Cleburne
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Alvarado
Briaroaks
Burleson
Cleburne
Cresson
Cross Timber
Crowley
Godley
Grandview
Joshua
Keene
Mansfield
Rio Vista
Venus

Kaufman County - Kaufman
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Combine
Cottonwood
Crandall
Forney
Grays Prairie
Kaufman
Kemp
Mabank
Oak Grove
Oak Ridge
Post Oak Bend
Rosser
Scurry
Talty
Terrell
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Rockwall County - Rockwall
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Dallas
Fate
Heath
McLendon-Chisholm
Mobile City
Rockwall
Rowlett
Royse City
Wylie
Back to Top

Tarrant County - Fort Worth
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Arlington
Azle
Bedford
Benbrook
Blue Mound
Briar
Burleson
Colleyville
Crowley
Dalworthington Gardens
Eagle Mountain
Edgecliff Village
Euless
Everman
Forest Hill
Fort Worth
Flower Mound
Grapevine
Grand Prairie
Haltom City
Haslet
Hurst
Keller
Kennedale
Lake Worth
Lakeside
Mansfield
Newark
North Richland Hills
Pantego
Pecan Acres
Pelican Bay
Rendon
Richland Hills
River Oaks
Saginaw
Sansom Park
Southlake
Trophy Club
Watauga
Westlake
Westover Hills
Westworth Village
White Settlement


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Welcome to the DFWmark Blog!

Welcome to the DFWmark Blog! This is a collection of content by Mark M. Hancock, a REALTOR with Keller Williams North County in Celina...