Tuesday, August 25, 2026

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.

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

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Your City: Plano

Plano, Texas

Origin & Incorporation
• First settlers arrived in the 1840s from Kentucky and Tennessee under the Peters Colony land grants.
• Name comes from the Spanish word for "flat" — the area was Blackland Prairie.
• Incorporated June 2, 1873; celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2023.
• Growth began when the Houston and Texas Central Railway arrived in 1872.

What Plano Is Known For
• Home to major corporate headquarters: Toyota Motor North America, Capital One, PepsiCo Foods, and the joint Pizza Hut/KFC HQ.
• Tech and R&D hub (Ericsson, Samsung, Intuit, USAA).
• Top-rated parks system and high-performing Plano ISD schools.
• ~292,000 residents, one of America's fastest-growing cities.

National Awards (recent)
• 2026: #2 Safest Big City in the U.S. (CultureMap)
• 2026: 6th Best City to Live in America (Niche)
• 2025: First Happiest Big City in America (SmartAsset)
• 2021: Safest City in Texas (WalletHub)
• 2019: Happiest City in America (WalletHub)
• #1 park system in Texas (Trust for Public Land)

Top 10 Employers (by employees, 2025 city report)
Employer — Approx. Employees
JPMorgan Chase — 11,261
Capital One Finance — 5,649
Toyota Motor North America — 4,938
PepsiCo — 3,759
Ericsson — 3,346
AT&T Foundry & Services — 2,500
Liberty Mutual Insurance — 2,100
JCPenney — 2,000
NTT DATA — 1,968
Samsung Electronics America — 1,711

Top Employers by Prominence/Prestige
These are the most nationally recognized, based on brand and corporate standing:
• Toyota Motor North America — US headquarters of the world's largest automaker.
• Capital One — major national bank and credit-card issuer.
• JPMorgan Chase — largest US bank by assets.
• PepsiCo Foods — global food and beverage giant.
• Ericsson — global telecom equipment leader.
• Samsung Electronics America — global electronics and tech giant.
• JCPenney — national department-store chain (historic HQ).
• Bank of America — major national bank.
• USAA — major financial services firm for military families.
• Fannie Mae — US housing-finance agency.

Famous People From Plano
• Lance Armstrong — former cyclist, seven-time Tour de France winner.
• Alan Tudyk — actor (Firefly, Rogue One, Moana); 2026 Disney Legend.
• Chace Crawford — actor (Gossip Girl, The Boys).
• Kevin McHale — actor/singer (Glee).
• Michael Irvin — Pro Football Hall of Fame receiver.
• Nastia Liukin — Olympic gold medalist gymnast (trained in Plano).
• Jake Arrieta — Cy Young Award-winning MLB pitcher.
• Anousheh Ansari — first self-funded woman in space.
• Ross Perot — billionaire businessman, two-time presidential candidate.
• Boz Scaggs — Grammy-winning musician.
• Austin Tice — journalist kidnapped in Syria.

Size
• Population: 293,028 (Census estimate, July 1, 2025).
• Land area: 71.69 sq mi = about 45,882 acres.

Distances from City Hall
• DFW Airport: ~28–29 miles driving (~21.5 mi straight-line).
• Love Field: ~20 miles driving.
• Dallas City Hall: ~19 miles driving (~17.5 mi straight-line).
• (Approximate; actual miles vary by route.)

Major Attractions & Amenities
• Legacy West — largest mixed-use district in North Texas; high-end retail, Legacy Hall food hall.
• The Shops at Legacy — open-air shopping and dining.
• Downtown Plano Arts District — historic brick streets, boutiques, DART station.
• Arbor Hills Nature Preserve — 200 acres, trails, observation tower.
• Oak Point Park — Plano's largest park (800 acres); home of the Plano Balloon Festival.
• 80+ parks and 100+ miles of trails.
• Heritage Farmstead Museum, Interurban Railway Museum, ArtCentre of Plano.
• 6 recreation centers, multiple pools, and entertainment venues.

Education Levels (age 25+)
• Less than high school: ~6%
• High school diploma / some college: ~27%
• Associate's degree: ~6%
• Bachelor's degree: ~36%
• Graduate degree: ~25%
• Verified benchmarks: 94.3% have a high school diploma; 60.5% have a bachelor's or higher.

School Districts
• Main district: Plano ISD — serves most of the city.
• Other cities served by Plano ISD: Richardson, Dallas, Murphy, Allen, Carrollton, Garland, Lucas, Parker, Wylie.
• Other districts serving small parts of Plano: Lewisville ISD (west), Frisco ISD (north), Allen ISD (east/northeast).
• TEA ratings: Plano ISD B (85/100); Allen ISD A; Frisco ISD A; Lewisville ISD B.

High Schools & UIL
• All 3 Plano senior high schools are Class 6A: Plano, Plano East, Plano West.
• State championships:
o Plano football — 7 titles (1965, 1967, 1971, 1977, 1986, 1987, 1994); only Texas school to win titles at 2A, 3A, 4A, and 5A.
• Plano girls soccer — 1986, 1988.
• Plano West team tennis — 7 titles (2001, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2016, 2021, 2023–24).
• Plano West boys basketball — 2015; girls basketball 2006; volleyball 2018–19.
• Plano East boys basketball — 2024 (perfect 38–0 season).
• Individual: Tagen Jamison (Plano West), 2019 UIL 6A wrestling champion (132 lbs).

Lakes
• Lake Lavon — borders Plano's east side; ~121 miles of shoreline (USACE reservoir).
• Lake Lewisville and Lake Ray Hubbard are nearby but outside city limits (Lewisville ~233 mi, Ray Hubbard ~111 mi shoreline).
• White Rock Creek and Rowlett Creek flow through Plano.

Highways, Tollways
• US 75 (Central Expressway) — north–south, along east side.
• Dallas North Tollway — north–south, along west side.
• President George Bush Turnpike (SH 190) — east–west arc, southern border.
• Sam Rayburn Tollway (SH 121) — east–west, northern border.
• SH 289 (Preston Road) — north–south through the city.

Bordering cities
Frisco (North), Allen (Northeast), The Colony (NW/W), Little Elm (Northwest), Carrollton (West), Dallas (Southwest), Richardson (South), Murphy (East).

Counties
Collin County (most) and Denton County (small west portion).

Airports
• No public or private airports within the city limits — the seven FAA-registered facilities are all private heliports (hospital and corporate helipads). Nearest public airports are in Addison and McKinney.

Public Transportation
• DART Red Line (light rail) — 4 Plano stations: Parker Road, Downtown Plano, Shiloh Road, 12th Street.
• DART Silver Line (regional rail, opened late 2025) — 2 Plano stations: Shiloh Road, 12th Street; runs Plano ↔ DFW Airport.
• DART buses — routes 234, 236, 239, 241, 243, 245, 247, 308.
• DART GoLink — on-demand rideshare; DART Paratransit; Plano Rides (seniors 65+).

Major Future Plans
• Dallas Stars arena + entertainment district at Willow Bend — ~$3 billion project; arena possible by 2031 (demolition starts early 2027).
• Downtown Plano redevelopment — land purchases and a new Downtown Design Guide (2026).
• Collin Creek redevelopment — former mall being converted to mixed-use housing (through 2028).
• Transportation — Silver Line station-area development, road and trail projects (G Avenue, Spring Creek Corridor, Shady Brook Trail).


Sources:
City of Plano (plano.gov, planotexas.org), Visit Plano (visitplano.com), U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, TSHA Handbook of Texas, The Dallas Morning News, Plano ISD, Texas Education Agency (via Community Impact), UIL archives, Wikipedia (Plano, Texas; Plano High Schools; Lavon Lake), NTTA, DART, DCTA, GlobalAir (FAA data), Lake Lavon guide, City of Lewisville, Texas Outside.



Important Websites:
Cities
School Districts
Chambers of Commerce: includes VCBs (Visitor & Convention Bureaus) and EDCs (Economic Development Corporations)

Learn about other cities in the Your City series.

I’ve Got Your Six!

Mark M. Hancock, GRI, MRP, AHWD
REALTOR, New Build certified
KW North Country Realty
214-862-7212
dfwmark@KW.com
DFWmark.com

#DFWmark #REALTOR #Plano #CollinCounty #DentonCounty #PlanoISD #YourCity #WelcomeToTexas #Texas

Your City: Frisco

Frisco, Texas

Origin & incorporation
• Settled along the Shawnee Trail (later Preston Road); the community of Lebanon got a post office in 1860.
• In 1902 the St. Louis–San Francisco Railway ("the Frisco") built a line through the area and placed a watering stop about 4 miles west of Lebanon, on lower ground. Some Lebanon residents rolled their houses to the new spot.
• First named Emerson, then renamed Frisco City in 1904 in honor of the railroad (shortened to Frisco).
• Incorporated 1908.

What it's known for
• "Sports City USA" — Dallas Cowboys HQ at The Star, PGA of America HQ + PGA Frisco, FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium, Frisco RoughRiders, Dallas Stars HQ/Comerica Center.
• One of the fastest-growing U.S. cities (fastest-growing in 2017 and 2000–2009).
• Tree City USA since 2003.

National awards (City of Frisco list)
• #1 Best Real Estate Market (WalletHub) — 2017, 2021, 2022, 2026.
• #1 Best Place to Live in America (MONEY) — 2018.
• #1 Safest City in the U.S. (SmartAsset) — 2022, 2023.
• #1 Fastest-Growing City (U.S. Census Bureau) — 2016–17.
• #1 Best Place to Raise an Athlete (Men's Journal) — 2011.
• #9 Best Place to Live (U.S. News & World Report) — 2026–27.

Size • Population: 248,971 (City of Frisco monthly estimate); 236,955 per Census Bureau (July 2025); 200,509 in 2020 Census.
• Area: 69.1 sq mi ≈ ~44,224 acres.

Distances from City Hall
• DFW Airport: ~26 mi driving (~21.4 mi straight-line).
• Dallas Love Field: ~25 mi driving.
• Dallas City Hall: ~27.2 mi driving.

Top 10 employers (by jobs, city CAFR)
Employer - Employees
Frisco ISD — 7,442
City of Frisco — 1,628
T-Mobile USA — 1,000
Mario Sinacola & Sons — 800
Conifer Health Solutions — 615
Baylor Medical Center (Warren Pkwy) — 460
Fiserv — 460
IKEA Frisco — 423
UT Southwestern / Texas Health — 415
Baylor Scott & White (Centennial) — 400
Note: Toyota and JPMorgan Chase are headquartered in Plano (Legacy West), not Frisco.

Most prominent/prestigious employers
• TIAA — Fortune 500 firm ($1.3T assets); Corporate Center at The Star; on track to be Frisco's largest private employer.
• PGA of America — national HQ on the 660-acre PGA Frisco campus.
• Dallas Cowboys / The Star — $1.5B mixed-use HQ complex.
• Comerica, McAfee, Boingo Wireless, ExteNet, Ruiz Foods, SoFi — major HQ relocations/expansions.

Notable people
• Jaedyn Shaw — USWNT soccer; scored at 2024 Paris Olympics; Frisco-raised.
• P.J. Washington — NBA forward, Dallas Mavericks; Frisco native.
• Nick Bolton — NFL linebacker, Kansas City Chiefs; Frisco HS grad, Super Bowl champion.
• Ryan O'Hearn — MLB player (Baltimore Orioles); Frisco native.
• Marion Barber III — former NFL running back; Frisco-raised.
• Dude Perfect — YouTube group; Frisco-based.
• Maelyn Jarmon — winner of The Voice (Season 16); Frisco native.
• Jenna Davis — actress (Disney's Sydney to the Max, voice of M3GAN).
• Courtney Gibbs — Miss USA 1988.
• Anika Chebrolu — 3M Young Scientist Challenge winner (2020).

Major attractions & amenities
• Toyota Stadium — FC Dallas (MLS), National Soccer Hall of Fame, NCAA championship.
• The Star / Ford Center — Cowboys HQ, Ring of Honor Walk.
• PGA Frisco — 4 courses, Omni resort, PGA District.
• Riders Field — Double-A RoughRiders baseball.
• Comerica Center — Texas Legends, Stars practice, concerts.
• National Videogame Museum + Frisco Discovery Center (Sci-Tech, TrainTopia).
• Frisco Heritage Center — historic homes, steam locomotive.
• Stonebriar Centre — 224-store mall.
• Kaleidoscope Park — arts/culture park (opened Oct 2024).
• Frisco Athletic Center + Frisco Water Park.
• 60+ parks and a growing trail network.

Education levels (adults 25+, US Census ACS)
• Less than high school: 3.7%
• High school graduate / GED: 9.6%
• Some college / associate degree: 20.7%
• Bachelor's degree: 38.5%
• Graduate or professional degree: 27.4%

School districts
• Main: Frisco ISD — ~67,000 students; serves parts of Frisco, Little Elm, Plano, McKinney, and Prosper.
• Other districts serving parts of Frisco: Lewisville ISD (~2.47 sq mi, 903 students), Little Elm ISD, Prosper ISD (Rock Hill HS and Bill Hays MS are in Frisco).

TEA accountability ratings
• Frisco ISD: A (5th straight).
• Prosper ISD: A.
• Lewisville ISD: B.
• Little Elm ISD: C.

UIL classification (12 Frisco ISD high schools)
• 6A: 1 (Wakeland).
• 5A: 11 (Centennial, Emerson, Frisco, Heritage, Independence, Lebanon Trail, Liberty, Lone Star, Memorial, Panther Creek, Reedy).

UIL state championships (verified)
• Frisco HS — Girls Cross Country 1982 (3A); Girls & Boys Track 1981–84 (2A); Softball 2002 (4A); Boys Swimming 2005, 2006, 2008 (4A); Girls Swimming 2011 (4A).
• Centennial — Boys Soccer 2016 (5A); Wrestling 2014, 2015, 2020; Team Tennis 2024, 2025, 2026 (5A).
• Liberty — Girls Basketball 2020, 2023 (5A).
• Wakeland — Girls Soccer 2022 (5A); Girls Volleyball 2024.
• Heritage — Boys Basketball 2026 (5A DI).
• Frisco ISD reports 15 team state champions since 2020.

Lakes
• Lewisville Lake — borders Frisco's northwest; 29,592 acres, 183 miles of shoreline (USACE).
• Nine small fishing ponds/lakes within the city (Warren Sports Complex, Frisco Commons, Northeast Community Park, etc.).
• Arrowhead Pond planned in Grand Park.

Highways & tollways
• Dallas North Tollway (DNT) — north–south; frontage road = Dallas Parkway.
• Sam Rayburn Tollway / SH 121 — east–west across southern Frisco.
• US 380 (University Dr.) — east–west across northern Frisco.
• SH 289 (Preston Rd.) — north–south.
• FM 423 — north–south on the west side.
• FM 720 — east–west via Little Elm and Frisco (Eldorado Pkwy).

Bordering cities
Plano (south), McKinney (east), Little Elm (northwest), Prosper (north), The Colony (southwest), Allen (southeast).

Counties
• Frisco spans Collin and Denton counties.

Airports
• No public or private airports within the city limits. Only 4 private hospital heliports (Texas Health, Medical City, Baylor Scott & White, Centennial).
• Nearest public airport: McKinney National Airport (in McKinney, ~7,000-ft runway).
• Aero Country Airport (T31) — nearest general-aviation field, in McKinney and just across the boundary from northern Frisco. Privately owned (Aero Country Property Owners Association) but open to the public. Runway 17/35, 4,352 ft asphalt/turf.

Public transportation
• Frisco is not a DART member; served by DCTA.
• GoZone Frisco — on-demand rideshare (central Frisco).
• Frisco Demand Response — paratransit for seniors/disabled.
• Rail District Boxcar — free downtown circulator (pilot, June 2026).

Major future plans
• Grand Park — 1,011-acre park (DNT to Lake Lewisville); Phase 1 completion ~Fall 2027.
• New Toyota Stadium — $182M redevelopment, coming 2028.
• 2027 PGA Championship at Fields Ranch (first men's major in DFW in 64 years).
• The Mix — $3B, 112-acre mixed-use development.
• Fields / Fields West — 2,544-acre development at US 380 & Preston.
• The Link — $1B, 240-acre addition to PGA Frisco.
• Universal Kids Resort — opened July 2026.
• Downtown Rail District — $68M redevelopment.
• Kaleidoscope Park expansion — $14M.


Sources:
 City of Frisco (friscotexas.gov — demographics, awards, parks, transit, Grand Park); U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts & ACS S1501; Dallas Morning News; Frisco EDC; Frisco Chamber of Commerce; Visit Frisco; Community Impact; Frisco ISD; Prosper ISD & Lewisville ISD official pages; Texas DOT; NTTA; DCTA; DART; GlobalAir/FAA; TSHA; rome2rio; distance-cities.com.






Important Websites:
Cities
School Districts
Chambers of Commerce: includes VCBs (Visitor & Convention Bureaus) and EDCs (Economic Development Corporations)

Learn about other cities in the Your City series.

I’ve Got Your Six!

Mark M. Hancock, GRI, MRP, AHWD
REALTOR, New Build certified
KW North Country Realty
214-862-7212
dfwmark@KW.com
DFWmark.com

#DFWmark #REALTOR #Frisco #CollinCounty #DentonCounty #FriscoISD #YourCity #WelcomeToTexas #Texas

Your City: McKinney

McKinney, Texas
Origin story
• Settlers arrived in the early 1840s as part of Peter's Colony, a land settlement program.
• Collin County was created in 1846 and named for Collin McKinney, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence.
• McKinney became the county seat on March 16, 1848.
• William Davis donated 120 acres for the townsite on March 24, 1849.
• The city was first incorporated in 1849 and incorporated again in 1859.

What the city is known for
• Historic Downtown Square, one of the largest historic downtown districts in Texas.
• Its official motto is "Unique by nature."
• It is one of the fastest-growing large cities in the U.S.
• It is a hub for corporate and defense employers.

National awards
• Money magazine #1 Best Place to Live in America, 2014.
• Most Affordable City in the U.S. (Motley Fool Money), 2025.
• Best City for Renters in America, 2025.
• #1 Housing Market in the U.S., 2025.
• Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community, 2025.
• SolSmart Bronze designation for clean energy, 2025.

Top 10 largest employers
   Employer - Sector
• Globe Life Inc. - Insurance
• SRS Distribution - Building materials
• Raytheon Intelligence & Space (RTX) - Defense
• Encore Wire (Prysmian) - Wire and cable
• McKinney ISD - Education
• Collin County - Government
• Independent Financial - Banking
• Dynacraft (PACCAR) - Automotive
• LifePath Systems - Healthcare
• Emerson - Technology

Most prominent employers and why
• Raytheon Intelligence & Space: global leader in aerospace and defense sensors and systems; runs a large advanced manufacturing center.
• Encore Wire: billed as the largest vertically integrated cable factory on the planet; acquired by Prysmian in 2024.
• Globe Life: a Fortune 500 insurance company and the city's largest private employer.
• SRS Distribution: one of the largest national roofing and building supply distributors.
• Independent Financial: one of Texas's largest community banks, with a major corporate campus.
• Emerson: a Fortune 500 global technology and engineering company.

Recognized people from the city
• Tom Kite: pro golfer, 1992 U.S. Open winner, World Golf Hall of Fame member. Raised in McKinney.
• Haystacks Calhoun: pro wrestler, WWE Hall of Fame Legacy Wing (2017). Born in McKinney in 1934.
• Hollie Cavanagh: American Idol season 11 top-5 finalist. McKinney resident.
• MO3: Dallas area rapper. Born in McKinney.
• Jason Ralph: actor, starred in The Magicians. McKinney raised.
• Quindon Tarver: singer who performed in the film Romeo + Juliet. Grew up in the McKinney area.
• Josh Duhon: actor on General Hospital. Born in McKinney.
• Deborah Crombie: bestselling crime novelist. McKinney resident.

Size
• Population: 237,130 as of January 1, 2026, per the City of McKinney.
• Total area: about 67.7 square miles, or about 43,330 acres.

Distances from McKinney City Hall
• DFW International Airport: about 36 miles.
• Dallas Love Field: about 33 miles.
• Dallas City Hall: about 33 miles.

Major attractions
• Historic Downtown McKinney.
• Adriatica Village.
• TUPPS Brewery.
• McKinney Performing Arts Center.
• Chestnut Square Historic Village.
• Towne Lake and the city parks system.

Education pie chart
• Bachelor's degree 30.2%
• Some college no degree 21.5%
• High school graduate 16.0%
• Graduate or professional degree 14.3%
• Associate's degree 9.8%
• Less than high school 7.1%

School districts
• Main district: McKinney ISD. It also serves parts of New Hope, Allen, Fairview, Princeton, and Lowry Crossing.
• Other districts that serve parts of McKinney: Frisco ISD, Prosper ISD, Allen ISD, and Melissa ISD.
• TEA ratings for 2025-26:
o McKinney ISD: B (87 of 100).
o Frisco ISD: A.
o Prosper ISD: A.
o Allen ISD: A.
o Melissa ISD: A.

High schools and UIL classifications
• McKinney High School: 6A.
• McKinney Boyd High School: 6A.
• McKinney North High School: 5A.

UIL state championships
McKinney High
• Football (3A), team, 1979, beat Bay City 20 to 7.
• Girls wrestling (6A), individual, 2026, Riley Drennan won the 125 pound class.
McKinney Boyd
• Girls soccer (5A), team, 2011, beat Colleyville Heritage 1 to 0.
• Spirit/cheer (6A D-II), team, 2026.
McKinney North
• Girls soccer (4A), team, 2006, beat Dallas Highland Park 3 to 0.
• Girls cross country (4A), individual, 2006-07, Samantha Means.
• Girls track and field (5A), team, 2016 and 2017.
• Girls swimming (5A), individual, 2026, Courtney Cusack won the 200 and 500 yard freestyle.
• Spirit/cheer (5A D-I), team, 2026.

Lakes
• Towne Lake: about 22 acres.
• Bonnie Wenk Park lake: about 5 acres.
• Katherine B. Winniford Park pond: about 2.5 acres.
• Serenity Park pond: about 2 acres.
• Myers Park lake: size not published.
• Lake Lavon is outside city limits, about 17 miles southeast.

Highways and tollways
• US 75: runs north and south.
• US 380: runs east and west.
• SH 5: runs north and south through downtown.
• SH 121 (Sam Rayburn Tollway): runs along the south border, connects to DFW Airport.
• FM 2478: runs along the west border.
• FM 543: runs east and west in the north.

Bordering cities
• Allen, Frisco, Prosper, Princeton, Melissa, Lowry Crossing, Fairview, and Lucas.

Counties • McKinney is entirely in Collin County and is the county seat.

Airports • McKinney National Airport (KTKI): public, general aviation with a new commercial terminal. Avelo Airlines began service in late 2026 to five destinations.
• Aero Country Airport (T31): privately owned, public use. About 244 based aircraft.

Public transportation
• Collin County Transit: on demand curb to curb ride service for seniors, people with disabilities, and low income residents.
• Downtown McKinney Trolley: free service through downtown.
• Passenger rail: none currently. The only rail line is freight only.
• Proposed future: a Plano to McKinney passenger rail study and a DCTA Route 70 bus.

Major future plans
• Sports and entertainment complex in north McKinney.
• Long Branch mixed-use development, about $1.3 billion.
• Former Globe Life campus redevelopment, about $200 million.
• SH 121 corridor initiative with Allen.
• New commercial terminal at McKinney National Airport.
• East McKinney redevelopment.

Sources: City of McKinney, Local Profile, CultureMap Dallas, Office of the Texas Governor, Unique McKinney (city EDC), McKinney Chamber, CompanyData, PR Newswire, Community Impact, Globe Life, The Dallas Morning News, Visit McKinney, OpenStreetMap, McKinney ISD, txschools.net, UIL, Texas Prep Football, McKinney Parks, Collin County map, McKinney GIS, AirNav, KERA, and DCTA.

Important Websites:
Cities
School Districts
Chambers of Commerce: includes VCBs (Visitor & Convention Bureaus) and EDCs (Economic Development Corporations)

Learn about other cities in the Your City series.

I’ve Got Your Six!

Mark M. Hancock, GRI, MRP, AHWD
REALTOR, New Build certified
KW North Country Realty
214-862-7212
dfwmark@KW.com
DFWmark.com

#DFWmark #REALTOR #McKinney #CollinCounty #McKinneyISD #YourCity #WelcomeToTexas #Texas

Your City: Prosper

Prosper, Texas

Origin & incorporation
• First settlers arrived in 1846, drawn by fertile blackland prairie soil.
• Two early settlements existed: Rock Hill (2 mi south) and Richland (1 mi north).
• The St. Louis–San Francisco Railroad arrived in March 1902, forcing the two towns to merge.
• The name "Prosper" came from a postmaster's suggestion after a good harvest year ("prosperous").
• Officially incorporated in 1914 (population ~500).

What it's known for
• One of the fastest-growing, most affluent suburbs in the Dallas–Fort Worth area.
• Top-rated Prosper ISD schools.
• Master-planned communities (Windsong Ranch, Star Trail) and the Gates of Prosper retail center.
• Sits on Preston Ridge, the highest point in Collin County, along US 380 and the Dallas North Tollway.

National awards
• Niche "Best Places to Live" — overall A+ grade.
• SafeWise (2017) — ranked #12 safest city in Texas.
• Medium.com (2024) — ranked #10 safest city in Texas (announced by Prosper EDC).

Top 10 employers (Prosper EDC)
• Prosper ISD (~3,850)
• Cook Children's (~510)
• Kroger (~500)
• Town of Prosper (~384)
• Walmart (~270)
• Chick-fil-A (~240)
• Home Depot (~185)
• Target (~160)
• Lowe's (~150)
• Texas Health Resources (~120)

Most prominent/prestigious employers
• Prosper ISD — largest employer; anchor for families.
• Cook Children's — respected pediatric healthcare network.
• Texas Health Resources — major North Texas health system (Texas Health Prosper hospital).
• American Leather — luxury furniture maker headquartered in Prosper.
• Celina Insurance Group — property/casualty insurer based in Prosper.
• Jerry Jones / Blue Star Land (Gates of Prosper) — landmark retail development that drew other investment.

Notable people
• Victor Glover — NASA astronaut; first Black man to orbit the Moon (Artemis II pilot).
• Tyler Toney — co-founder of Dude Perfect (global YouTube channel).
• Chris Buescher — NASCAR Cup Series driver.
• Diana Ordóñez — pro soccer forward (NWSL, Mexico national team).
• Ayden Ames — Gatorade National Volleyball Player of the Year (2023–24).
• Ann Ward — winner of America's Next Top Model (Cycle 15).

Size
• Population: 45,605 (Census Bureau estimate, July 1, 2025).
• Land area: ~25.2 sq mi ≈ 16,100 acres.

Distances from Prosper City Hall
• DFW Airport: ~33 miles
• Dallas Love Field: ~33 miles
• Dallas City Hall: ~34–35 miles

Lakes within or bordering the city
• Town Lake — 27-acre stocked lake inside Prosper (fishing, kayaking).
• Windsong Ranch Lagoon — private 5-acre man-made lagoon (resident-only).
• No large natural lakes lie within city limits. Nearest major lakes (outside city): Ray Roberts Lake and Lewisville Lake.

Highways & tollways (in Prosper)
• US 380 — runs east–west through Prosper.
• Dallas North Tollway (DNT) — runs north–south; currently ends at First Street in Prosper.
• Preston Road / SH 289 — runs north–south through Prosper.

Counties
• Prosper sits in Collin County (primary) and Denton County.

Bordering cities
Celina (north), Frisco (south), Aubrey (west), McKinney (east)

Airports

• "There are no public or private airports within the city limits." (Nearest: Pleasure Field, a private strip ~4 mi northwest, outside city limits.)

Public transportation
• No passenger rail within the city.
• No DCTA GoZone service in Prosper.
• There are no public transportation options within the city limits except a subsidized Collin County Transit taxi voucher program for qualifying residents (seniors, disabled, low-income).

Education levels (adults 25+):
• Bachelor's degree — 39.9%
• Graduate or professional degree — 26.7%
• Some college, no degree — 14.7%
• High school graduate — 11.1%
• Associate's degree — 5.6%
• Less than high school — 2.0%

Independent school districts
• Main district: Prosper ISD, which also serves parts of Celina, Frisco, McKinney, Aubrey, and unincorporated Collin/Denton County.
• Other districts touching parts of Prosper: Celina ISD, Frisco ISD, McKinney ISD, Aubrey ISD.
• TEA rating: Prosper ISD — "A" (2024) (Student Achievement A, School Progress B, Closing the Gaps A).

High school UIL breakdown
• 1 in 5A (Richland HS), 3 in 6A (Prosper, Rock Hill, Walnut Grove). Note: Walnut Grove plays 5A in football/soccer; Richland plays 5A DII in football. UIL state championships (verified)
• Prosper HS baseball — 1984 (Class A) and 2016 (Class 5A), team.
• Prosper HS volleyball — 2017 (5A) and 2023–24 (6A), team.
• Walnut Grove HS boys' soccer — 2025 and 2026 (5A D1), team.
• Rock Hill HS — no team titles; individuals: Skylynn Townsend (6A long jump, 2023) and Gavin Hecke (wrestling gold, 2022).

Major future plans
• DNT Phase 4A extension from US 380 to FM 428 (through Prosper into Celina) — opening fall 2027.
• The Marco ("Venetian Village") — Italian-themed mixed-use with a 15-acre lagoon, retail, hotels, homes, performing arts venue.
• Bella Prosper — $240M mixed-use (shopping, offices, hotel, townhomes); groundbreaking ~2027.
• Gates of Prosper Phase 3 & 4 — adding Barnes & Noble, Total Wine, REI, Carhartt; plus a town-center phase.
• Prosper ISD $2.7B bond — new schools, a 4th high school, and a $125M Performing Arts Center.
• TIRZ No. 3 — $193M funding district for roads, parks, and a new recreation center.
• Frontier Gateway — new office/retail/restaurant development.

• Sources: townofprosper.com, Prosper EDC, Census Bureau, UIL, NTTA, Community Impact.

Important Websites:
Cities
School Districts
Chambers of Commerce: includes VCBs (Visitor & Convention Bureaus) and EDCs (Economic Development Corporations)

Learn about other cities in the Your City series.

I’ve Got Your Six!

Mark M. Hancock, GRI, MRP, AHWD
REALTOR, New Build certified
KW North Country Realty
214-862-7212
dfwmark@KW.com
DFWmark.com

#DFWmark #REALTOR #Prosper #CollinCounty #DentonCounty #ProsperISD #YourCity #WelcomeToTexas #Texas

Your City: Celina

Celina

Origin story
• Settlers arrived in the 1870s, drawn by rich blackland soil along the Preston Trail.
• A settlement formed about 1 mile south of today's location in October 1879.
• First postmaster John T. Mulkey named the town after Celina, Tennessee. A post office opened in 1881.
• In 1902, the railroad missed the town by a mile, so residents reportedly moved the whole town on rollers to the tracks. This earned the nickname "Rollertown."
• The brick Downtown Square was built in 1910.
• Official date of incorporation: 1907 (per the Handbook of Texas).

What it is known for
• The "Rollertown" relocation story.
• Historic Downtown Square (built 1910).
• "Faith, Family, Football" culture and a strong high school football tradition.
• Texas's first "Gigabit City" (citywide fiber internet, 2021).
• Very fast population growth.

National awards
• Fastest-growing city in the U.S. (Census Bureau): 2023, 2024, and 2025.
• First Gigabit City in Texas (2021), recognized by Governor Greg Abbott.
• Scenic City Platinum Certification (2020, again 2025) from Scenic Texas.
• Scenic City of the Year (2022) from Scenic Texas.
• Accredited Main Street America program (2025 and 2026).

Top employers (by employee count, per the Celina EDC)
• Celina ISD (~815)
• City of Celina (~366)
• Methodist Celina Medical Center (~220)
• Lowe's Home Improvement (~200)
Keller Williams North Country (~200)
• Settlers Ridge Care Center (~120)
• Brookshire's Groceries (~98)
• Collin College Celina Campus (~92)
• Kimley-Horn (~58)
• Southwest Erosion Control (~57)
• The Home Depot opened recently with 149 employees. Costco is expected to add 1,000 to 1,400 jobs.

Most prominent employers and why
• Celina ISD: the largest employer and a big draw for families.
• Methodist Celina Medical Center: the city's main hospital, a key healthcare anchor.
• Collin College Celina Campus: a regional higher-education provider.
• Kimley-Horn: a national engineering and planning firm.
• Costco (coming): a nationally known retailer expected to be a major jobs anchor.

Notable people (from Celina High School or Celina ties)
• Ryan Merritt: MLB pitcher, grew up in Celina, famous for his 2016 playoff start that helped Cleveland reach the World Series.
• Anthony Lynn: NFL player and former head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers.
• D'Anton Lynn: NFL player, now USC defensive coordinator, son of Anthony Lynn.
• Jamie Blatnick and Jordan Roos: former NFL players.
• Craig James: former NFL running back and sportscaster; listed with Celina but born in Jacksonville, Texas.

Size
• Population (July 1, 2025 estimate): 64,427.
• Land area: about 47.7 square miles, which equals roughly 30,528 acres.

Distances from City Hall (driving, approximate)
• DFW Airport: about 38 miles.
• Love Field: about 38 miles.
• Dallas City Hall: about 41 miles.

Attractions and amenities
• Old Celina Park (67 acres): sports fields, pond, trails, playgrounds.
• Founders Station Park: downtown park with courts and a gazebo.
• Historic Town Square.
• Celina Railroad Depot (1902), a museum on the National Register.
• Heritage Park: 1885 schoolhouse and replica 1873 jail.
• The Silos in Celina: event and dining venue.
• Two 29 on the Square: indoor event venue.

Education levels of residents (age 25+):
Education level Percent
Less than high school 3%
High school graduate 10%
Some college / associate 23%
Bachelor's degree 41%
Graduate or professional 23%

Schools
• Main district: Celina ISD, which also serves part of Weston.
• Prosper ISD serves southern parts of Celina.
• TEA rating for Celina ISD: B (88) for 2025-26.
• Celina High School moves to UIL Class 5A Division II for 2026-28 (up from 4A).

UIL state championships (all team titles)
• Football: 9 titles, including 1998-2001, 2005, 2007, and 2024 (4A Division I).
• Girls cross country: 4 titles.
• Girls soccer: 5 titles.
• Baseball: 1 title.
• Boys track: 5 titles.
• Girls track: 3 titles.
• Softball: 1 title.
• Cheerleading: 2 titles.
• Marching band: 4 titles.
• Total: 36 UIL state titles.

Lakes
• No lakes sit within or border Celina's city limits. Nearest lakes are 20 to 30 miles away.

Highways and tollways
• SH 289 (Preston Road): north-south, the main spine.
• Dallas North Tollway: north-south, being extended through Celina.
• US 380: east-west along the southern boundary.
• FM 428: east-west across the city.
• FM 546: east-west in the north.

Bordering cities and counties
• Bordering cities: Prosper (south), Aubrey (west), Weston (east), Gunter (north).
• Counties: Celina is in both Collin County and Denton County.

Airports
• No public or private airports exist within the Celina city limits. Nearby private turf strips sit outside the city. The nearest public airport is McKinney National, about 14 miles away.

Public transportation
• No passenger rail or fixed bus routes serve Celina.
• Collin County Transit offers on-demand, subsidized rides (a demand-response service), including reduced rates for residents 65 and older.

Future plans
• Dallas North Tollway extension (Phase 4) north through Celina, which the city calls its "golden growth corridor."
• Buildout population projected near 378,000.
• About $853 million in infrastructure spending over five years.
• Downtown redevelopment, including converting streets to concrete.
• A planned passenger rail corridor from Irving through Frisco to Celina (in study phase).

Sources: Handbook of Texas (TSHA), Celina EDC, U.S. Census Bureau, Scenic Texas, Main Street America, txschools.gov, UIL, and mapping services.

Learn about other cities in the Your City series.

Important Websites:
Cities
School Districts
Chambers of Commerce: includes VCBs (Visitor & Convention Bureaus) and EDCs (Economic Development Corporations)

I’ve Got Your Six!

Mark M. Hancock, GRI, MRP, AHWD
REALTOR, New Build certified
KW North Country Realty
214-862-7212
dfwmark@KW.com
DFWmark.com

#DFWmark #REALTOR #Prosper #CollinCounty #DentonCounty #CelinaISD #YourCity #WelcomeToTexas #Texas

Your City Series

Your City is important to new residents. This series helps future residents learn more about select North Texas cities.
We will explore the Origin & Incorporation, Size, Distances from City Hall to hubs, What it’s known for, National / notable awards, Top employers, Most prominent/prestigious employers, Notable people, Major attractions & amenities, Education levels, Schools, UIL breakdown & state titles, Lakes, Highways, Bordering cities, Airports, Public transportation, and Major future plans.

• Allen
Anna
• Aubrey
• Carrollton
Celina
• Dallas
• Denton
• Farmersville
Frisco
• Lewisville
• Little Elm
McKinney
• Melissa
Plano
• Princeton
Prosper
• Richardson
• The Colony
• Van Alstyne

I’ve Got Your Six!

Mark M. Hancock, GRI, MRP, AHWD
REALTOR, New Build certified
KW North Country Realty
214-862-7212
dfwmark@KW.com
DFWmark.com

#DFWmark #REALTOR #YourCity #WelcomeToTexas #Texas

Your City: Anna

Anna, Texas

Origin & Incorporation
• Area first settled around 1846 (Collin McKinney). John F. Greer built the first home and store in 1870.
• The Houston & Texas Central Railway came through in 1873; the town was platted in 1883; a post office opened that year; the railroad built a depot in 1885.
• Named for Miss Anna Quinlan, daughter of the railroad's superintendent.
• Official incorporation: 1913, with John F. Greer as first mayor.
• Source: City of Anna (annatexas.gov).

Size
• Population: ~35,245 (Census estimate, July 1, 2025); 2020 census count was 16,896.
• Land area: ~16.45 sq mi ≈ 10,528 acres.
• Source: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts.

Distance from City Hall (201 W 4th St)
• DFW Airport: ~46.6 miles (~43 min)
• Dallas Love Field: ~47.4 miles (~48 min)
• Dallas City Hall: ~46.1 miles (~48 min)
• Source: Google Maps.

What it's known for
• One of the fastest-growing cities in DFW — Census estimates a 105.7% population increase from 2020 to 2025.
• Home of the historic Anna Depot, described as the oldest extant railroad station in Texas.
• Tree City USA (Arbor Day Foundation) and a "Your Hometown" community identity.
• Source: Census Bureau, City of Anna.

National / notable awards
• Governor's Community Achievement Award — First Place 2025 (also 2024, 2nd Place 2023).
• Distinguished Budget Presentation Award — GFOA, 2021–2025.
• Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting — GFOA.
• Tree City USA — Arbor Day Foundation, 2022–2024.
• Texas Safest Cities — SafeWise, 2021–2022.
• Peak Performance Award — NACWA, 2023.
• Source: annatexas.gov.

Top employers
The city's EDC lists these largest employers:
• Anna ISD — ~850 staff (largest employer)
• Walmart Supercenter — ~450 employees
• City of Anna — ~185 employees
• Others: Pate Rehab, Brookshire's, Love's Travel Stop, Hurricane Creek Country Club
• Source: Anna EDC, Anna ISD.

Most prominent/prestigious employers
• HOLT CAT — one of the nation's largest Caterpillar equipment dealers; opened an Anna store Nov 2025.
• Walmart — Fortune 500 retailer.
• Kroger Marketplace — expected to open 2027.
• Bank of America, Chase Bank — national banks.
• Source: holtcat.com, Anna EDC.

Notable people from Anna
• Curley Johnson — NFL punter; Super Bowl III champion (NY Jets, 1968).
• Wally Marshall ("Mr. Crappie") — famed crappie fisherman; Texas Parks & Wildlife Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame.
• Kewpie Morgan — silent-film comedian (Buster Keaton, Laurel & Hardy films).
• Ralph Fults — Depression-era outlaw tied to the Barrow Gang.
• Jim O'Neal — pro football guard, Chicago Rockets (AAFC).
• Jambres Dubar — college football running back (Boise State, Missouri State).

Major attractions & amenities
• Historic Anna Depot; Slayter Creek Park and trail system; Hurricane Creek Country Club; the AnaCapri lagoon community amenity; Keep Anna Beautiful green spaces.
• Source: City of Anna, annayourhometown.com.

Education levels (pie-chart data)
Education level % of adults 25+
Less than high school 6.5%
High school graduate 24.2%
Some college, no degree 22.0%
Associate's degree 12.1%
Bachelor's degree 23.8%
Graduate or professional degree 11.3%

Schools
• Main district: Anna ISD (also serves the Westminster CDP; a small section of the city is zoned to Blue Ridge ISD).
• TEA rating: Anna ISD overall "C" for 2024 (Student Achievement C, School Progress C, Closing the Gaps B).
• Source: TEA.

UIL breakdown & state titles
• Anna High School is the city's only high school, classified 5A in the 2024–2026 realignment (5A D2 football, 5A non-football). So: 5A = 1.
• State championships (team): Football 2023 (4A Division I); Boys Golf 1968 (Class B); Young Filmmakers 2021; Concert Band 2021.
• State championships (individual): Boys Singles Tennis 2023 — Abdulraheem Isa; Wrestling (5A) — Addison Hunt (Anna's first wrestling state champion).
• Source: UIL archives, Anna High School, gocoyoteu.com.

Lakes
• No natural lakes within or bordering the city limits. Slayter Creek (a creek) runs through the city. Lavon Lake is ~20 miles southeast, outside the city. The AnaCapri lagoon is a private man-made amenity.
• Source: City of Anna.

Highways / tollways (Anna)
• US-75 — north–south freeway through the west side of Anna
• SH 5 — north–south highway through the city
• SH 121 — east–west, near/through the Anna area
• FM 455 — east–west, interchanges with US-75
• Collin County Outer Loop — east–west beltway with junctions at US-75 and SH 5 in Anna (a freeway, not currently a tollway)

Bordering cities
• Van Alstyne (north), Melissa (south), Weston (west), Westminster (east) County
• Anna is entirely in Collin County
• Source: City of Anna, Collin County.

Airports
• No public or commercial airport within city limits. Two private-use turf-strip airfields are associated with the area: Top Fun Ranch (88XA) and Adams Field (TT47). Nearest public airports: McKinney National (~11–13 nm) and Dallas Love Field (~35 nm).
• Source: AirNav/SkyVector.

Public transportation
• No passenger rail and no fixed-route bus service in Anna (0% of workers commute by transit). The city is studying transit options for seniors/disabled via the Collin County Transit Study.
• Source: Census, city sources.

Important Websites:
Cities
School Districts
Chambers of Commerce: includes VCBs (Visitor & Convention Bureaus) and EDCs (Economic Development Corporations)

Major future plans
• Sherley Farms — $1.5 billion, ~3,000-home master-planned community near downtown (ground broke 2026).
• Liberty Hills — 1,800-home, 1,035-acre mixed-use community on US-75 (construction began fall 2025).
• Anna ISD growth — new Ora Bell Russell Elementary and L.D. Hendricks Elementary.
• Infrastructure — US-75 widening, new FM 455 interchanges, trails/bike lanes.
• Source: Dallas Morning News, Local Profile, Anna ISD.

Learn about other cities in the Your City series.

I’ve Got Your Six!

Mark M. Hancock, GRI, MRP, AHWD
REALTOR, New Build certified
KW North Country Realty
214-862-7212
dfwmark@KW.com
DFWmark.com

#DFWmark #REALTOR #CITY #COUNTY #ISD #YourCity #WelcomeToTexas #Texas

Monday, August 24, 2026

Heat Protection Priorities

North Texas summers bring prolonged periods of extreme heat. According to the National Weather Service, extreme heat kills more people annually than any other weather event — more than hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes combined. When temperatures climb into the upper 90s and 100s, it’s critical to prioritize the protection of people, pets, home systems and plants. Here are key steps for each:

Protect People
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water before you feel thirsty. The American Red Cross recommends about 3/4th of a gallon per day for an average person. Avoid sugary, caffeinated, and alcoholic beverages, which can contribute to dehydration. Replace salt and minerals lost through sweat with snacks or sports drinks.

Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Add a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses when outdoors. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) and reapply every two hours. Cover skin near lakes because water reflects sunlight.

Limit outdoor activity: Schedule outdoor work or exercise for early morning or late evening. Take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas. The CDC advises that electric fans alone won’t prevent heat-related illness when temps exceed the high 90s.

Know the warning signs of heat illness:
Heat Cramps: Heavy sweating, muscle pain/spasms.
◦ Go to a cool place, drink water. Seek help if it lasts more than 1 hour.
Heat Exhaustion: Heavy sweating, cold/clammy skin, fast weak pulse, nausea, and dizziness.
◦ Move to a cool place, loosen clothing, apply cool wet cloths, sip water. Seek help if vomiting occurs or symptoms worsen.
Heat Stroke (MEDICAL EMERGENCY — Call 911): Body temperature 104°F+, hot red skin (dry or damp), fast strong pulse, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
◦ Move to a cool place, cool the body with wet cloths or a cool bath. Do NOT give fluids.

Check on vulnerable individuals: Elderly neighbors, young children, pregnant women, people with chronic medical conditions, and those without air conditioning are at highest risk. Check on them regularly during extreme heat events. Ensure they have clean drinking water.

Know where to go: Identify local cooling centers, public libraries, shopping malls, or community centers in advance in case of air conditioner failure or power outage.

Protect Pets
Provide ample fresh water: Pets dehydrate quickly in high heat. Keep multiple water bowls filled with cool, clean water and check them frequently. Add ice cubes on especially hot days.

Never leave pets in a parked vehicle: According to the ASPCA, the temperature inside a parked car can reach 120°F in minutes — even with windows cracked. This can cause fatal heat stroke and is illegal in several states. Texas animal cruelty laws apply if pets are endangered.

Limit outdoor time and avoid hot pavement: Walk pets in the early morning or late evening when pavement is cool. If the pavement is too hot for the back of your hand for 7 seconds, it’s too hot for your pet’s paws. Air at 95°F can heat asphalt to 150°F. Dog paws can burn at 125°F.

Know the signs of overheating: Excessive panting, difficulty breathing, drooling, increased heart rate, weakness, or collapse are warning signs. Flat-faced breeds (Pugs, Persian cats), elderly pets, and overweight animals are especially vulnerable.

Provide shade and cooling options: If pets must be outside, ensure access to full shade and consider a kiddie pool, cooling mat, or damp towels for them to lie on. Bring pets indoors during the hottest hours.

Protect Home Systems
Service your AC before peak season: Have a certified professional inspect, clean and tune up your air conditioning unit. Replace or clean filters monthly during heavy-use periods — a dirty filter restricts airflow and strains the system. Ensure condensation line is clear and drains.

Set your thermostat wisely: The U.S. Department of Energy recommends 78°F when you’re home and awake. Raise it 4 to 7 degrees while away to help the electrical grid and lower your bill.

Block out the sun: Close blinds, curtains, or shades during the day — especially on south- and west-facing windows. Blackout curtains or reflective window film can significantly reduce indoor heat gain.

Use fans strategically: Ceiling fans cool people (not rooms) through the wind-chill effect. Turn fans off when not in a room. Run fans counterclockwise to push cool air downward.

Seal air leaks: Check weatherstripping around doors and windows. Air leaks through cracks and openings can account for up to 30% of a cooling system’s energy consumption. Use an infrared thermometer.

Avoid adding indoor heat: Run ovens, stoves, dryers, and dishwashers in the early morning or late evening. Use a microwave or grill outdoors when possible and when an air conditioner is used.

Protect Plants
Water deeply and in the morning: Water at 5 to 9 a.m. to minimize evaporation and allow plants to hydrate before peak heat. Direct water at the soil to prevent scorching and waste. Drip lines are ideal.

Apply mulch: Spread 2 to 4 inches of mulch around the base of plants to retain soil moisture, regulate root temperature, and reduce evaporation. Keep mulch away from stems to prevent rot.

Provide temporary shade: Use shade cloth, row covers, or patio umbrellas to shield plants during the hot part of the day (2 to 6 p.m.).

Move container plants: Relocate potted plants to shaded areas or bring them indoors during extreme heat events. Containers heat up faster than in-ground soil.

Delay fertilizing and pruning: Fertilizer encourages new growth that is vulnerable to heat stress. Pruning exposes previously shaded leaves to direct sun. Save these tasks for cooler periods.

Take these proactive steps to help minimize the risks created during extreme summer heat and protect your loved ones, pets and property. Stay cool and stay safe!

I’ve Got Your Six!

Mark M. Hancock, GRI, MRP, AHWD
REALTOR, New Build certified
KW North Country
214-862-7212
dfwmark@KW.com
DFWmark.com

#DFWmark #REALTOR #heat #WelcomeToTexas #western #Texas #culture

Sunday, August 23, 2026

Free CE: Video Production


Lights, Camera, Confident!
A REALTOR's Guide to Video Presence & Visibility
24 August 2026 @ 10 a.m.
KW North Country
1212 S. Preston Rd, Training Room
(2nd floor)
Celina TX 75009
972-382-8882
(for more information)

Please join us at the KWNC Training Room for Lights, Camera, Confident! This event allows agents to unlock the power of on-camera confidence and translate it into real clients for their business. The 1-hour course provides Free CE for licensed Texas real estate agents.

The series welcomes any licensed agents and brokers from any brokerage. All others welcome for no CE credit. No strings attached. Scan the QR code to see the entire schedule or go to this link: https://dfwmark.blogspot.com/2026/02/free-ce-schedule-2026.html

I've Got Your Six!

Mark M. Hancock, GRI, MRP, AHWD
KWNC Productivity Coach,
Education Chair
214-862-7212 (call or text)
DFWmark@kw.com
DFWmark.com

#DFWmark #FreeCE #VideoProduction #RealEstate #Confidence

Thursday, August 13, 2026

Open House in Sutton Fields!


Open House in Sutton Fields!
Saturday, 15 August 2026
From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
5901 Priory Dr., Celina 75009
Listed by Martin Sun
Listed at $357,000
MLS# 21339589

This 1,900 sq. ft. single-story home in Celina has 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, a study, and covered patios in the Richland High School zone of the desired Prosper ISD.

The modern home in Sutton Fields was completed in 2021 by Stonehollow Homes. Hand-scraped hardwood flooring flows throughout the main living areas. The open floor plan connects a spacious living and dining rooms to the kitchen, which features granite countertops, a gas range, stainless steel appliances, a pantry, designer lighting and loads of counter and cabinet space.

The primary ensuite bedroom features granite countertops, dual sinks, a separate shower, a garden tub, tile flooring and a water closet. The spacious backyard features a covered patio. It still has its original foundation warranty. The HOA provides a community pool, greenbelt and playground. The master-planned community is near shopping, restaurants, sports and entertainment.

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 #ProsperISD #Celina #DentonCounty #SuttonFields

Sunday, August 9, 2026

Free CE: Electrical Systems


Electrical Systems
10 August 2026 (Monday) @ 10 a.m.
KW North Country
1212 S. Preston Rd, Training Room (2nd floor)
Celina TX 75009
972-382-8882 (for more information)

Please join us at the KWNC Training Room for “Electrical Systems.” This class qualifies agents toward a Home Evaluation Specialist certificate through Elite Inspection. The certificate requires eight CE hours within the program. The 1-hour course provides Free CE for licensed Texas real estate agents.

The series welcomes any licensed agents and brokers from any brokerage. All others welcome for no CE credit. No strings attached. Scan the QR code to see the entire schedule or go to this link: https://dfwmark.blogspot.com/2026/02/free-ce-schedule-2026.html

I've Got Your Six!

Mark M. Hancock, REALTOR
KWNC Education Chair
214-862-7212 (call or text)
DFWmark@kw.com
DFWmark.com

#DFWmark #FreeCE #ElectricalSystem #Inspector #RealEstate

Friday, August 7, 2026

National Military Monument

USAA honors all who have served!
No single comprehensive record of every U.S. service member exists that is available to the public. USAA has combined multiple public records and data sources to commemorate as many service members as possible, honoring and remembering their commitment to the United States.
The National Military Monument has screens emulating stone that carry the names of the more than 41 million U.S. service members who have answered the call across America’s 250 year history.
I'm on the list along with my father and brother. If you or a family member served you can find your/their name at USAA.com/monument250

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 #veteran #Army #OPFOR #Infantry

Thursday, August 6, 2026

Open House in Stewart Creek Estates!


Open House!
Saturday, 8 Aug. 2026
From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
4582 Rock Creek Ln, Frisco
Listed by Leslie DeLany
Listed at $476,000
MLS# 21335758

This 1,967 sq. ft. home in the Stewart Creek Estates neighborhood of Frisco has 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths, a formal dining room, and a dedicated office that can be a third bedroom or a nursery.

The open-concept floorplan features a versatile study with French doors. Floors are Luxury Vinyl Plank and ceramic tile with no carpet. The kitchen features an island sink with power and a breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances, a gas range, stone countertops, under-cabinet lighting and a pantry.

The family room features a gas fireplace and built-in entertainment center. The formal dining room can be a second office. The primary suite includes separate vanities, a garden tub, and separate shower. Replacements in 2026 include HVAC system replaced, LVP floors in baths, and a re-stained fence and solar screen on every window for added energy efficiency. The water heater was replaced in 2023. Located within the Frisco ISD. It is near Ruff Range Dog Park, Grand Park, shopping, dining, sports and entertainment.

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 #FriscoISD #Frisco #CollinCounty #StewartCreek

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...