As part of our ongoing, never-ending journey to becoming experts not only in everything Allen has to offer, but more specifically the Star Creek Community, we had the priviledge to tour The Montessori School at Star Creek in Allen, TX today.  This school offers very flexible programs for children ranging as young as 6 weeks to 12 years of age.   One of the most attractive features of this school is the teacher-to-student ratios are beyond small.  The infants have a 1:4 ratio, the toodlers have a 1:7 ratio, and 3 year olds and older have a 1:11 ratio.

The Montessori School at Star Creek in Allen, TX openeed there doors in 2009, and speaking of open doors they truly have an open door policy.  Parents, are allowed at any time to show up at the school (no appointment neccesary) and watch their child in action by standing in the hall in front of the 1 way mirrors/windows.  In other words, you can see directly into each and every classroom and your child, nor the teacher, nor anyone in that classroom will ever know you are there.  In fact, The Montessori School at Star Creek in Allen, TX hosts 2 formal viewing weeks every year, where all parents are encouraged to come view your childer and the teachers via these windows, and after these 2 weeks the school holds formal conferences for you to provide your feedback and be heard by the staff.

The Montessori School at Star Creek in Allen, TX (like most Montessori Schools) does not have what you would know as formal testing, nor do they have standarized testing.  Instead, they test students in a different fashion.  After teaching students, they then have the students present it back to the teachers to ensure they truly understand each and every topic.  So they present the teachings or topics to the child, then have the child work on it (learning by doing, touching, exploring), and will not move on until that child has mastered it.  

Some other notable facts about the school include the following:

• Uniforms are worn
• The school is not peanut free
• Lunch isn't provided by the school, but 2 snacks per day are offered
• School lets out at 2:45, but you can pick up your kids as late as 6pm
• Children get recess twice a day (30 min in morning & 30 min in afternoon)
• There is a garden outside for children as young as 18-months to work in
• Every teacher has to receive a specific Montessori Certification to work there
• The Nursery "Nest" classroom is a shoeless environment
• Toddlers start going to all of extra-ciriculum classes
• Parents receive a monthly Newslette & Calendar that gives them information on everything going on in the school as well as monthly information on the current lessons that their child is learnig & mastering
• Their is a current waiting list
• The Infant Program is designed for children from ages 6 weeks to 20 months
• The Toddler Program is designed for children from ages 18 months to 3 years
• The Primary Program is designed for children from ages 3 years to 6 years
• The Lower Elementary Program is designed for children from ages 6 years to 9 years
• The Upper Elementary Program is designed for children from ages 9 years to 12 years

These are just a few of the many benefits that The Montessori School at Star Creek in Allen, TX has to offer your children.  If you would like further information, please visit their website at http://www.montessorischool.com/allen/ or contact myself, Heather Anderson, at 214-317-1964 and I would love to share what else I learned with you!

Also, please visit our website if you are looking to buy in Star Creek.  Click this link to view active listings in this wonderful subdivision: http://www.janusregroup.com/Allen/StarCreek

Today was our second outing to the amazing community Cumberland Crossing in Allen, TX.  We are so excited that we, Janus Real Estate Group, are becoming experts of the community.  We are learning so much information and reason after reason why it's the place to be!  Cumberland Crossing in Allen, TX are building phases 2 & 3 which offer some unbelievably large lot options for a new build community in West Allen.  Furthermore, Grand Homes (which is the best builder and offers the most bang for your buck) is running a special through May that offers $24,500 worth of upgrade picks at their design center!  Of course, so much already comes standard in their homes, so you can really get the crème de la crème in your new home.  Contact us for details!

To search for homes in Cumberland Crossing in Allen, TX click here

Today, we had the pleasure of having our Tuesday meeting at one of the best neighborhoods in west Allen- Star Creek!  This is the second neighborhood that we've decided to become experts in, and we are launching our 8 point marketing campaign within this community.  Darling Homes builds such a high quality product.  That quality along with an amazing school district coupled with a convenient location and a great sense of community truly sets this community apart from others.  If you want more information than you could think of about Star Creek, please don't hesitate to contact me!  I AM AN EXPERT, and I can help YOU!

We had the pleasure of touring and getting to know an amazing school in Allen ISD.  Kerr Elementary is an award winning, prestigious elementary school that we were so excited to learn more about.  Since we have started our rigorous marketing campaign in the Cumberland Crossing neighborhood, we have made our goal to learn all that we can about the neighborhood, which of course includes the school district, more specifically the school that parents are proud to send their kiddos to- Kerr!  As we walked through the halls, we got to peak inside almost every classroom, and not only were the kids learning but they were excited to learn.  The principal, Ardath Streitmatter, keyed us in to the main element within their teachings- engagement.  The students were actively participating in the teaching by engaging in the lesson.  Whether they were computing the math problems along with the teacher on their individual white boards, or participating in problems on the smartboard via touch screen technology, every one of them were anxiously soaking in the knowledge.  It makes so much sense.  Haven't you heard or said yourself that the best way to learn is by doing?  It's so true!  And I must say, the principal, Ardath is genuinely in love with her job.  We were so surprised that she knew every students name that we spoke to in the hallway.  That's some serious dedication and care.  My Elementary principal never knew my name- did your's?

In case your wondering what awards Kerr Elementary has earned, arguably the most notable was being named to the Texas Business and Education Coalition (TBEC) Honor Roll. Of more than 8,000 Texas public schools less than 4% earn this honor. This is Kerr’s second year to be on the honor roll.  The TBEC Honor Roll is the most prestigious academic award given in Texas.  Recipients of this award have demonstrated three years of consistent, high performance on the TAKS test in all subjects compared to other schools serving similar student populations. For more information please visit the school's website at http://www.allenisd.org/Page/3415

We can also give you so much more information about the school and what it has to offer.  Simply send me an email at at Heather.Anderson@janusregroup.com

If you would like to schedule a tour at Kerr, we would encourage you to do so.  Before you leave, you will be sold that it is indeed inKERRedible and the place to start your child's education!

Today we had our weekly sales meeting at the Grand Homes model home within a gorgeous Cumberland Crossing community tucked away in Allen.  Special thank you to the Sales Reps, Eddie & Jim, for hosting the meeting and providing such a delightful lunch!  It was a very pivotal meeting that we feel was very informative and really we just touched on the surface of what Cumberland Crossing has to offer. The topography within the neighborhood is something you just don't see very much of in North TX.    That unique feature coupled with stunning, yet functional floorplans and a quality of craftsmanship & product that is barnone to other builders within the same community.  We are very excited to get our marketing campaign rolling, with of course the first aspect being the newsletter we began in March.  We look very forward to becoming the expert Realtors of the community.  Cheers to a great & very successful year for everyone!

If you would like any information please contact myself at (214) 317-1964.  I would be happy to answer any questions you may have!

Today was such a treat!  We were so lucky that the Mayor of Allen, Steve Terrell, took time out of his busy schedule to meet with our Real Estate Group.  He filled us in on several topics and you can really sense his passion for what he does.  He has held his position as Mayor for 15 years and it's clear to see that without his vision, Allen would not be the success it is today.  I'd  like to share some interesting things we took away from our meeting.

• Overall debt is only 12%
• There are 156 restaurants in Allen
• City is 57% commercially developed
• Ms. McDermott owns the largest piece of undeveloped land in Allen at 788 acres
• The Allen Events Center cost the city 53 million to build...and it's the only Sports Arena in the metroplex that doesn't charge for parking for games
• Allen will be launching a federally funded "Reverse Commute" program in which buses will transport you around the city from hotels to shopping to restaurants to movie theaters.
• Total budget for Allen per year is about 211 million, which inclues the water & sewer fund

We also discussed the possibility of DART expanding through Allen and McKinney.  It is mindblowing to learn that it costs approximately 85 million per mile to install DART.  Also, if it was voted on today to install DART, it would take 15 years to build.

Lastly, there are only a handfull of new construction communities left so don't miss out investing in the best place on Earth....oh wait that's Disney World...well, Allen's close enough in my mind.

To search for properties in the MLS for Allen, TX click here:

Had a great meeting today with my team! We discussed the new Real Estate laws as well as changes to contracts. It seems like something's always changing so we are constantly learning. If you'd like more information please contact me! :)

Happy Valentines Day friends!  What a great day today!  We had our 'oh so informative' Tuesday meeting in which I taught all the wonderful knowledge I learned while obtaining my Buyer's Representation Accreditation.  I learned so much valuable information & I'm glad I got to pass it on to my agents!  I would love to share my wealth of knowledge with you if you are ever interested.  Please contact me if you are!

Our Job Growth cart shows that DFW has levels almost surpassing similar numbers in our expansion years in 2005, 2006, and 2007.  Now that is a good sign!

With rates as low as they have EVER been in my life time, the purchasing power goes so much further.  FHA loans still allow for the consumer to take a minimal out of pocket, thus only bringing 3.5% to the table in total if they are able to roll in their closing costs.  This is one graph where we want to see the downward trend continue to fall, making a perfect storm in the DFW area.

Recovery Mode + Leading National Levels of Job Growth + Lower Inventory + Historically Low Mortgage Rates = PERFECT TIME TO BUY and Consumer Confidence

For more information on the Economic Forecast for Dallas Fort Woth and how  Collin County will on the rise, please click HERE to request a copy of the presentation

For more information on Collin County Real Estate click HERE

Heather Anderson - 2012 Dallas Fort Worth Economic Forecast - 214.317.1964 c/t

www.janusREgroup.com - heather.anderson@janusREgroup.com

Just listed: 1156 Landon, Allen, TX: Our 3rd listing at the Villas of Twin Creeks!  It's listed for both sale and lease so that opens both doors for your clients.  We manage approximately 40 properties in this subdivision alone so I definitely consider myself to be  "Neighborhood Specialist!"

• Dallas Fort Worth absorbed 15,240 apartments during 2011
• Occupancy in DFW rents rose to 93% during 2011, up 2% this year
• Average rent in DFW rose 5%.  High Demand locations saw rent increases as much as 10%
• 5,417 units were delivered during 2011.   Approximately 8,000 units are currently under construction.

According to the DFW Multiple Listing Service thru December 2011 here are some stats for our metroplex:

YTD Sales:            64,249

Average Price:   $196,862

Median Price:    $147,000

Inventory:           27,058

DOM:                    90

Months Supply:  5.1

Consumer confidence and Job growth are huge indicators of the Economic Forecast for Dallas and most cities.  Texas is #2 in the nation for Job Growth as of November 2011 with a 2.2% increase totaling 227,800 jobs created.  I am glad to say that Janus Real Estate Group contributed 4  new positions in 2011 and we are proud to be a part of that number :)  And on a more micro level, Dallas Fort Worth was #2 in as a Top Job Growth Market behind Houston taking the #1 spot.  Two of Texas' largest cities take spots 1 and 2.  It is no wonder why our Texas economy is still so strong--Jobs, land and lower cost of living.   Dallas Fort Worth should see a rise in Multi Family construction, more starts pulled at the city level and all around Real Estate recovery in 2012.  We still have quite a bit of a journey to go as a Nation and as a State and local metroplex, but we are in the greatest place to invest in the county with a strong economy and growth opportunities to come our way.

For more information on the Economic Forecast for Dallas Fort Woth and how Collin County will on the rise, please click HERE to request a copy of the presentation

For more information on Collin County Real Estate click HERE

Heather Anderson - 2012 Dallas Fort Worth Economic Forecast - 214.317.1964 c/t

www.janusREgroup.com - heather.anderson@janusREgroup.com

Thank you Ray Dunlap for allowing us the opportunity to gain knowledge about Fairview and what it has to offer to our potential clients!  We learned an abundant amount of information that is sure to help us better educate our past, present, and future clients!  Please contact me if you would like any information on the town of Fairview, TX.  I'm happy to help!

Thank you Pratt, Aycock & Associates, PLLC for giving us an insight to the type of services you provide regarding short sales.  They can help you from start to finish and with no expense to you because they get paid through the title company so you still would get to keep your full commission (and your sanity). So it is very much a win-win situation for all.  We definitely learned some great information today and look forward to working with you in the future!

This property is located in Hickory Creek, which is just south of Corinth.  After sitting on the market for 278 days, this Ranch was just sold earlier this month for an estimated 15 million.  A 12,000 square foot ranch style home sits on the 116 acres.  Also included on the property is a private lake with dock, horse barn, 2 bedroom apartment, and so much more.  Take a look:

Wow what a ton of valuable information we learned today!  It was quite an experience.  Thank you to everyone that attended today, and special thanks to John for sharing such a wealth of knowledge on the tricks of the trade when it comes to doing something we all need to do more of: saving $$$!  If anyone would like to speak with John, please contact him by email john@johnpollockinc.com or phone 214-592-9700.

Today, we were so lucky to have Colin Country Commissioner Jaynes come out to share a lot of valuable information with us about Colin County. I think I can speak for everyone that came when I say I really enjoyed it! Thank you Commissioner & also thanks so much to those that attended :)