Sunday, July 23, 2023

Video Updates on YouTube

Some of y’all know I was formerly a professional photojournalist. Many of my photo stories were in a format that no longer exists online. Consequently, I’ll slowly convert those photo slideshows to video format and put them on my YouTube channel (YouTube.com/DFWmark). This is one of my award-winning photo stories.

   
(Photo story by Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise)

Award winner: 2nd Place, Photo Essay, Press Club of Southeast Texas, Excellence in Media Awards 2006
Learn more at https://markhancock.blogspot.com/2005/12/ms-13-still-problem-for-pa.html

MS-13 still a problem for Port Arthur
Port Arthur's MS-13 street gang has adopted the name associated with violent Salvadorian gangs, which are rapidly spreading across America. However, this gang is not as violent or organized yet. The gang returned after Hurricane Rita and still poses a serious threat for the citizens and police of Port Arthur.

I’ve Got Your Six!

Mark M. Hancock, GRI, MRP, AHWD
REALTOR, New Build certified
214-862-7212
DFWmark.com

#DFWmark #video #PhotoJournalism #news #PhotoStory #AwardWinner #PortArthur #SoutheastTexas

Under Contract in Fate, Texas!


Congratulations!
My amazing out-of-state, veteran clients are under contract for this beautiful home in the Woodcreek community of Fate.

I’ve Got Your Six!

Mark M. Hancock, GRI, MRP, AHWD
REALTOR, New Build certified
214-862-7212
DFWmark.com


#DFWmark #REALTOR #UnderContract #Woodcreek #Fate #RockwallCounty #RoyceCityISD #veteran #MilitaryRelocationProfessional #VeteranOwned

Thursday, July 20, 2023

Leased in Villages of Lake Forest


Congratulations!
My amazing clients leased this single family home in the Villages of Lake Forest in McKinney.

I’ve Got Your Six!

Mark M. Hancock, GRI, MRP, AHWD
REALTOR, New Build certified
214-862-7212
DFWmark.com


#DFWmark #REALTOR #leased #LakeForest #McKinney #CollinCounty #McKinneyISD #veteran #IveGotYourSix #MilitaryRelocationProfessional

Tuesday, July 18, 2023

Open House in Wildridge on Saturday!


Open House
Saturday, 22 July 2023
From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
9904 Grouse Ridge Ln, Little Elm
Listed at $788,888
Listed by Nancy Floyd
MLS# 20343417

This 4,167 sq. ft. home in the Wildridge community has 4 bedrooms, 3 and a half baths, study/library, formal dining, loft/flex, game room, butler’s pantry, covered patio and 3-car garage.

This beautifully maintained home is on an oversized green-space lot near the elementary school, nature walking trails and across the street from the community pool, fire pit and fishing ponds. The house features hardwood floors, soaring ceilings and natural light. The kitchen features marble countertops, island and stainless-steel appliances. Kitchen with breakfast room opens to family room with fireplace. The large owner suite features spa-like bathroom with large shower, and dual closets. Formal office, guest ensuite, half bath and laundry complete downstairs. Full media with built-in surround sound and game-flex room are upstairs with two bedrooms and another bath. The community has lake access with free boat and paddle board rentals, miles of trails to Lewisville Lake, amenity center, events and kayak, canoe and bike rentals!

I’ve Got Your Six!

Mark M. Hancock, GRI, MRP, AHWD
REALTOR, New Build certified
214-862-7212
DFWmark.com

#DFWmark #REALTOR #OpenHouse #LittleElm #Wildridge #LakeLife #home #house #RealEstate #VeteranOwned

Summer is Smoking!


Barbecue and smoking have long been cherished culinary traditions in America, bringing together a fusion of flavors and aromas to tantalize taste buds. The choice of wood used during the cooking process is a crucial element of the distinct character of barbecued and smoked meats. Different types of wood impart unique flavors and infuse the meat with a subtle smokiness to enhance its taste and texture. From the robust flavor of mesquite to the delicate sweetness of fruitwoods, each wood variety adds a signature touch to the barbecue experience. Let’s explore some of the most popular woods used for BBQ and smoking in America.

Types of Smokers
There are different types of wood smokers for food. Traditional offset smokers use wood logs, while charcoal smokers rely on charcoal and wood chips. Electric smokers are convenient and offer temperature control. Pellet smokers use compressed wood pellets. Propane gas smokers also allow for a controlled temperature without electricity. Finally, small smoker boxes with wood chips can be added to traditional grills to infuse smoke into anything on the grill. Each type has its own advantages, allowing users to choose based on preference and desired flavor.

Smoke vegetarian dishes
Smoking isn’t limited to meat alone. It can be an excellent technique to infuse vegetarian dishes with unique flavors and aromas. Various types of wood can be used to add a smoky element that complements the ingredients and elevates the taste of vegetarian dishes. Fruitwoods, such as apple or cherry, provide a gentle and sweet smoke that pairs well with vegetables and plant-based proteins. The subtle smokiness adds depth to grilled vegetables, tofu, tempeh, or even meat substitutes like seitan, enhancing their natural flavors without overpowering them. Hardwoods like oak or maple can lend a robust, earthy and intense smokiness to vegetarian dishes. Wood choices for smoking vegetarian dishes allow for endless experimentation and the creation of unique and satisfying flavor combinations.

Types of wood smoke
Mesquite wood has a bold and robust flavor. It’s a favorite choice for Southwest barbecues. Its strong, distinct aroma infuses meat with an intense smokiness that is earthy and slightly sweet. Dense mesquite hardwood creates a steady and long-lasting burn, which provides a consistent heat source throughout the cooking process. Mesquite can easily overpower delicate cuts of meat or seafood. However, when paired with heartier meats like beef or lamb, mesquite adds a smoky essence of an authentic Southwestern barbecue.

Hickory wood is a classic choice for barbecuing and smoking. It has a strong and rich flavor with a robust smoke. The hickory aroma is pungent and sweet. Hickory wood burns relatively hot and adds a moderate smoky flavor. It pairs with a wide range of meats such as pork, poultry, and beef. It is especially popular for smoking pork ribs, as it complements and adds a savory depth to the meat.

Oak wood is widely used throughout America. It produces a moderate smoke flavor that is mellow and well-balanced. It is suitable for a wide range of meats without overpowering the natural flavors of the meat. It provides reliable and consistent smoke that complements the hearty flavor of beef. Oakwood burns slowly and evenly, which makes it excellent for longer cooking sessions, ensuring a steady heat source throughout the smoking process.

Maple wood smoke adds a touch of sweetness and complexity to a variety of dishes. This hardwood produces a slightly sweet smoke reminiscent of maple syrup. It enhances both savory and sweet dishes. It works exceptionally well with poultry, pork, and vegetables. Maple wood smoke even enhances desserts like glazed fruits or pastries. Pecan wood smoke is a hidden gem among barbecue enthusiasts. It has distinct and flavorful, mild and sweet smoke. Pecan wood aroma is rich, nutty, and slightly fruity. Pecan wood creates a unique sensory experience to enhance poultry, pork and beef. Whether used as a standalone wood or in combination with other hardwoods, pecan wood delivers a distinctive flavor.

Apple wood comes from apple trees and its smoke provides a mild and subtly sweet flavor. This fruitwood adds a delicate and fragrant smoke with a touch of sweetness without overwhelming natural flavors. Applewood is a popular choice for smoking poultry, pork and fish. Its gentle smoke enhances the meat’s tenderness and imparts a light fruity aroma. When combined with other hardwoods like hickory or oak, applewood can create an excellent balance of flavors.

Cherry wood smoke has a delicate and fruity essence. It adds a touch of sweetness and complexity to smoked meats. The hardwood brings a mild yet distinct flavor to enhance the overall taste experience. Cherry wood smoke aroma is fragrant and slightly sweet with subtle hints of cherry blossoms. Cherry wood creates a reddish hue on the meat’s surface to enhance its visual appeal. This wood is particularly well-suited for poultry, pork and fish. The versatile option works well as a standalone wood or in combination with other fruitwoods or hardwoods.

Please view or download the whole Information Of Value booklet or my other books for free.

I’ve Got Your Six!

Mark M. Hancock, GRI, MRP, AHWD
REALTOR, New Build certified
214-862-7212
DFWmark.com

#DFWmark #REALTOR #InformationOfValue #IOV #smoker #barbecue #BBQ #food #cooking #VeteranOwned

Friday, July 14, 2023

Open House in Lilyana on Sunday!

Open House!
Sunday, 16 July 2023
From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
1514 Carnation St., Celina 75078
Listed at $689,900
Listed by Nancy Floyd
MLS# 20379808

This 3,041 sq. ft. Highland Home in Celina has 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, a study, game room, media room, covered patio and porch.

This charming home is located in Lilyana and within the acclaimed Prosper ISD. Home has brick elevation and is ideal for entertainers. Hardwood floors are throughout most of the downstairs. The family room has a stone fireplace. The dining room has built-in cabinets with a wine rack. It conjoins to the bright-and-white kitchen with a large island and breakfast room. Large study features French doors. Two ensuite bedrooms are downstairs. Owners’ suite is oversized with seating area, dual sinks, garden tub and separate shower. Upstairs has a game room, media room, two bedrooms and bath. Pool-sized backyard has an extended and covered patio. The house is near the community pool and park. It is zoned for new elementary school inside the neighborhood and the new Walnut Grove High School opening in Fall 2023.

I’ve Got Your Six!

Mark M. Hancock, GRI, MRP, AHWD
REALTOR, New Build certified
214-862-7212
DFWmark.com

#DFWmark #REALTOR #OpenHouse #Celina #Lilyana #ProsperISD #home #house #RealEstate #VeteranOwned

Saturday, July 8, 2023

Fly-By a Fate, Texas House


Let’s Fly-By to check out a house in Fate, Texas for a client. There are hidden gems throughout the DFW Metroplex. Now is the ideal time to buy while there is still inventory and the cost of borrowing is somewhat stable.

I’ve Got Your Six!

Mark M. Hancock, GRI, MRP, AHWD
REALTOR, New Build certified
214-862-7212
DFWmark.com

#DFWmark #REALTOR #Fate #house #home #RockwallCounty #drone #FlyBy #Texas #BuyerRepresentative

Saturday, July 1, 2023

Market Statistics - July 2023


Prices range from a per-square-foot median price of $194 in Melissa and Anna to $248 in Prosper. Prosper continues to have the highest median listing and sold prices in these communities. 
Gunter had the highest year-over-year monthly supply increase and is the first city in this regular report to enter a balanced market in recent years.

Meanwhile, Prosper, Anna and Van Alstyle all had a reduction of housing inventory since last year (negative year-over-year inventory) with Prosper having the lowest percentage at -21.1%. Frisco was flat at 0%.
 






Here’s a breakdown by city for the three main groupings near Frisco in Collin / Grayson counties:


1) Frisco, Plano, McKinney
2) Prosper, Celina, Gunter
3) Anna, Melissa, Van Alstyne




I've Got Your Six!

Mark M. Hancock, GRI, MRP, AHWD
REALTOR, New Build certified
214-862-7212
DFWmark.com


#DFWmark #REALTOR #MarketWatch #ResidentialMarket #MarketStatistics #Stats #YOY #CollinCounty #GraysonCounty

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...