Saturday, August 23, 2025

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, Texas. I'm based in Frisco, Texas to best service the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.

To browse the most useful content or when you have a specific question, please visit the blog index (also linked as "I've Got Your Six!" in most posts). It organizes information by categories.

To search for a new, preowned or lease home anywhere in the United States, please visit my website: DFWmark.com. My site is tied directly to the multiple listing service (MLS). You have no-cost access to the most accurate, safe and up-to-date information available.

For your real estate needs, please call, text or email.

I've Got Your Six!

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

Ready to sell your property? Please watch this short video!

#REALTOR #DFWmark #ArmyVeteran #NotaryPublic #CommercialDronePilot #AwardWinningPhotojournalist #Buy #Sell #Lease

VOODOO Brewery – Frontier Opens


Video, photo & music composition by Mark M. Hancock / DFWmark.com

Y’all need to check out the new VOODOO Brewery – Frontier in Prosper. It features beer and cocktails along with a full menu including Burgers, Chicken Tikka Magic, Korean Chicken Tacos and Beer Braised Short Ribs that are smoked in-house and literally fall off the bone.

It’s located across Frontier Parkway from the Prosper High School stadium.

I’ve Got Your Six!

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

#DFWmark #REALTOR #Voodoo #VoodooBrewery #Prosper #CollinCounty #food #beer #cocktails #fun

Monday, August 18, 2025

Household Energy Ratings


  Nobody wants to pay for wasted energy. Understanding how to increase energy ratings and to decrease energy use allows homeowners and residents to save money. Several energy ratings and certifications are commonly used in households. These ratings assess how efficiently a home uses energy. This efficiency often influences property value, utility costs, and environmental impact. Below is a list of the most common energy ratings and what they mean.

⚡ HERS Index (Home Energy Rating System) is a numerical rating system developed by the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) to measure a home’s energy efficiency. A HERS score of 50 means a home uses 50% less energy than a standard new home. Low scores are more efficient on this scale.
100 = Standard new home built to 2006 IECC code (see below).
0 = Net-zero energy home (produces equal energy as it uses).

🌟 ENERGY STAR Certified homes are a certification program by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for homes to meet strict energy efficiency guidelines. ENERGY STAR homes are typically 10–20% more efficient than standard new homes.
Key Features include: effective insulation, high-performance windows, energy-efficient heating, cooling, and appliances, and third-party verification.

🏚 IECC Compliance (International Energy Conservation Code) is a model code developed by the International Code Council that sets minimum energy efficiency requirements for new buildings.
Local jurisdictions adopt the IECC, often in incremental years with modifications, as part of building codes. It ensures baseline energy performance for heating, cooling, lighting, and insulation.


❄ SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is a measurement of the cooling efficiency of an air conditioner or heat pump over a typical cooling season. It’s the ratio of the unit’s cooling output (in BTUs) to its total energy input (in watt-hours) over that time.
A higher SEER rating equates to lower energy use and lower utility bills. It is important for HVAC system selection in new construction, and it may qualify for rebates or incentives.

☃ R-Value is the Standard Rating for Insulation. R-value stands for “resistance value” and measures the thermal resistance of insulation material per inch. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating power. Blown fiberglass is low (about R-2.2) while closed cell spray foam is high (about R-7.0+). It is calculated as:
R = Thickness of material (inches) / Thermal conductivity (k).

 0  Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) is a certification by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for homes that are so energy-efficient that they could offset most or all annual energy consumption with renewable energy. The goal is high performance with low energy bills and a low carbon footprint.
The home must meet specific requirements. These include ENERGY STAR Certified, indoor air quality verified (meets EPA Indoor airPLUS), and ready for solar integration.

🍃 Indoor airPLUS is a certification by the EPA that complements ENERGY STAR by focusing on improved indoor air quality. The certification includes mold and moisture control, radon-resistant construction, and low-Volatile Organic Compounds materials. This certification is often required for ZERH certification.

🏅 LEED for Homes (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a green building certification program by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Its rating levels are: Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
The certifications include energy efficiency, indoor air quality, water conservation, and sustainable site development. LEED-H homes must meet ENERGY STAR standards and more.

♨ Passive House is a rigorous energy standard focusing on extremely low energy usage for heating and cooling. It is certified by Passive House Institute US (PHIUS) or Passivhaus in Germany.
Key features are super insulation, airtight construction, and high-performance windows and ventilation systems. These homes have up to 90% reduction in heating/cooling energy needs compared to the energy use of typical homes.

You can also access my Information of Value book for free at this link.

I've Got Your Six!

Mark M. Hancock
#REALTOR, New Construction certified
214-862-7212 (call or text)
DFWmark@kw.com
DFWmark.com

#DFWmark #PriceImproved #house #home #Aubrey #DentonCounty #ArrowBrooke #DentonISD #greenbelt #TripleCar

Sunday, August 17, 2025

Condo Available in Richardson


Schedule a private showing!
333 Melrose Dr., Unit 12C
Richardson TX 75080
Listed at $180,000
MLS# 21017330
Listed by Michelle Jones

Need an affordable starter home or want to create generational wealth with a lease property? This is a great condo to help you achieve your goal. It is located in the heart of Richardson near Central Expressway and within the Pearce High School attendance zone of the Richardson ISD. It’s an ideal home for a UTD student. It has a cozy fireplace and a refrigerator included.

The well-maintained unit has many recent updates, including updated flooring, HVAC system, water heater replaced, roof, siding, fresh interior paint, updated stainless-steel appliances, toilet in powder room and garbage disposal.

I’ve Got Your Six!

Mark M. Hancock, GRI, MRP, AHWD
REALTOR, New Construction certified
214-862-7212 (call or text)
DFWmark@kw.com
DFWmark.com

#DFWmark #REALTOR #Richardson #DallasCounty #condo #RichardsonISD #investor #StarterHome #UTD #TelecomCorridor

Saturday, August 16, 2025

Leased in Little Elm!


Congratulations to the Landlord and Tenants who came to an agreement and quick move-in for this new construction home in Valencia on the Lake.

If you're an investor looking to acquire a property or lease one, I’m at your service.

As a professional photographer, FAA-licensed drone pilot and marketing specialist, I can place your lease property in its best light to get tenants. If the property is photo ready, I can put the home on the market with professional drone and interior photos within 24 hours.

As a full-time REALTOR, I can research and show any investment properties, write your offer quickly, negotiate terms, provide vendors and more to get the property in your portfolio and tenants in the property to create passive income for you.

I’ve Got Your Six!

Mark M. Hancock, GRI, MRP, AHWD
REALTOR, New Construction certified
214-862-7212 (call or text)
DFWmark@kw.com
DFWmark.com

#DFWmark #REALTOR #leased #LittleElm #Valencia #LakeLife #DentonCounty #LeaseMyHouse #landlord #luxury

Thursday, August 14, 2025

ArrowBrooke Significant Price Improvement!

Significant Price Improvement!

Open House @ 2-4 p.m. on 16 Aug 2025
MLS# 20952578
2809 Lakeside Dr.
Aubrey, Texas 76227
Listed at $450,000

Move-in ready, East-facing 3,145 sq. ft. home in the ArrowBrooke community of Aubrey backs to a greenbelt has 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, game room, media room, covered porch, and a 3-car garage.

Rare home is near the community pool and stocked fishing ponds. Home has Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring throughout the ground floor common areas and bedrooms. Bathrooms feature designer ceramic tile floors. Front downstairs bedroom is beside a guest bath. Open-concept plan includes living room, breakfast area and kitchen. The chef’s dream kitchen has a gas cooktop and oven, granite island with sink, reverse osmosis filtration system, breakfast bar, and stainless steel appliances. Primary ensuite bedroom has trayed ceiling, dual vanities, garden tub and separate shower. Primary closet has ample storage. Laundry and covered patio complete the ground floor. Upstairs features two bedrooms with walk-in closets, a full bath, a massive game room and extra-sized media room, which is wired for surround sound.

I’ve Got Your Six!

Mark M. Hancock, GRI, MRP, AHWD
REALTOR, New Construction certified
214-862-7212 (call or text)
DFWmark@kw.com
DFWmark.com

#DFWmark #REALTOR #PriceImproved #house #home #Aubrey #DentonCounty #ArrowBrooke #DentonISD #greenbelt #TripleCar

Thursday, August 7, 2025

Open House in Heritage Bend!


Open House in Heritage Bend!
Sunday, 10 August 2025
From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
3904 Buchanan St., McKinney
Listed at $595,000 by Oladapo Wahab
MLS# 20984980

This 3,013 sq. ft. home in Heritage Bend of McKinney has 4 bedrooms, 2 and a half baths, formal dining/office, media room, game room, and a covered patio in the McKinney ISD.

Inside the garage entry is a laundry and mud room. Beyond there, discover a bright, open-concept layout filled with natural light. The dining room near the front entry can function as an office. The kitchen has granite countertops, stainless-steel appliances, an island with a breakfast bar and a butler’s pantry. The living area has a fireplace and a nearby powder room. The primary bedroom and bath, plus a secondary bedroom are on the ground floor.

Upstairs has a spacious game room, a dedicated media room, two bedrooms and a full bath. Step outside to a covered patio that overlooks a private backyard with a peaceful greenbelt view. The house is conveniently located minutes from Highways 75 and 380, with nearby shops, dining, entertainment and more.

I’ve Got Your Six!

Mark M. Hancock, GRI, MRP, AHWD
REALTOR, New Build certified
KW North Country
214-862-7212 (call or text)
DFWmark@KW.com
DFWmark.com

#DFWmark #REALTOR #OpenHouse #McKinney #CollinCounty #McKinneyISD #HeritageBend #fireplace #CoveredPatio

Sunday, August 3, 2025

Local Market Housing Statistics - August 2025






Total Active listings have increased in most reporting cities and counties. Closed sales are mixed in the reported cities. Prices are retreating. Houses with competitive listing prices move quickly, while overpriced houses get limited or no traffic.





Melissa has joined Anna, Aubrey, Celina and Prosper as Buyers’ Markets with more than six months of housing inventory. Aubrey has the highest year-over-year (YOY) inventory increase at 108.6%. Van Alstyne has the lowest at -26.7%. All three reported counties have more inventory, averaging at 5.2 months. Many reported areas have more inventory than last month. Celina is static.





McKinney has the most Active homes at 1,490, while Van Alstyne has the fewest at 208. Prosper has the top Median List and Sold prices, plus the highest Median Price Per Square Foot (PSF) at $248 PSF. Anna has the most affordable Median PSF listings in the reported area at $172 PSF.





enton County has the lowest median price PSF this month at $204, while Dallas stayed at $207 and Collin County dropped to $205. Dallas County has the most Active properties at 8,526. All three counties had a median closed percentage of the original listed price well below list prices. Bargains are available for savvy Buyers.





Denton got the highest median percentage of the original price at 96.9%, while Celina was at 92.9%. Plano has the lowest reported median days on market at 25 days, while Celina and Aubrey are at 53 days.

I've Got Your Six!

Mark M. Hancock, GRI, MRP, AHWD
REALTOR, New Build certified
214-862-7212 (call or text)
DFWmark@kw.com
DFWmark.com


#DFWmark #REALTOR #MarketWatch #ResidentialMarket #MarketStatistics #Stats #YOY #CollinCounty #DentonCounty #DallasCounty

Friday, August 1, 2025

Open House in Celina!


Sunday, 3 August 2025
From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
1616 Bennington Ln, Celina
Listed at $394,900
Listed by Ruth Ann Robbins
MLS# 20991714

This 1,947 sq. ft. home in Celina has 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, dining room, and a covered patio in the Celina ISD.

Primary and secondary bedroom are on the ground level for multi-generational living. The flexible downstairs bedroom is also ideal as a home office or guest suite.

The open-concept design features a spacious living area centered around a cozy fireplace. The kitchen has a gas cooktop, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, subway backsplash, walk-in pantry and abundant counter space. Two bedrooms are upstairs for added space and privacy. Thoughtful touches like blinds, accent walls, and cabinets in both the laundry room and garage. Enjoy outdoor living on the covered back patio. It includes foundation and roof shingle warranties still in place, providing added peace of mind. It is located minutes from the Dallas North Tollway, top-rated schools, restaurants, and shopping.

I’ve Got Your Six!

Mark M. Hancock, GRI, MRP, AHWD
REALTOR, New Build certified
KW North Country
214-862-7212 (call or text)
DFWmark@KW.com
DFWmark.com

#DFWmark #REALTOR #OpenHouse #Celina #CollinCounty #CelinaISD #HomePlace at the Columns #fireplace #CoveredPatio

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...