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	<title>Bill Shields - Buyer's Resource</title>
	<link>http://www.billshields.com/blog</link>
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	<lastBuildDate>Thu, 12 Apr 2012 21:05:18 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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		<title>Maintaining Your AC Unit</title>
		<description><![CDATA[It&#8217;s that time of year again and most of us haven&#8217;t maintained our heat &#38; AC units properly! Oh, we intend to, but time goes so quickly and we push back the chore of changing out the filters and other AC maintenance until it&#8217;s too late and summer has already hit. If you haven&#8217;t been [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.billshields.com/blog/index.php/2012/04/12/maintaining-your-ac-unit/</link>
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		<title>Good Homes are Hard to Come By</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Fridays business section says it all.  Finding a home to meet the dreams, needs and requirements of a family, couple, or individual is a challenge today in our market.
Although there is still a lot of inventory, those homes are often distressed, over priced for their market, or in bad locations.  As exclusive buyer&#8217;s agents we [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.billshields.com/blog/index.php/2012/03/19/good-homes-are-hard-to-come-by/</link>
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		<title>Tips for Buying a New Construction Home</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Out previewing new construction homes for a couple relocating to Frisco, Texas on Saturday!
New home builders are forecasting their biggest year nationwide since 2007. Since the beginning of 2012 we have helped several buyers of new construction homes negotiate the price, quality of the lot and additional upgrades.
It is a common misconception among buyers to [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.billshields.com/blog/index.php/2012/02/29/tips-for-buying-a-new-construction-home/</link>
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		<title>How Can the HARP Program Help You?</title>
		<description><![CDATA[At Bill Shields, we care about you. The struggles of moving from one home to the next can be stressful and overwhelming. This is why we want to inform you of a wonderful opportunity to refinance your home if you had difficulties doing so before. With this, you may be eligible for a streamlined refinance [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.billshields.com/blog/index.php/2012/02/28/how-can-the-harp-program-help-you/</link>
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		<title>Why Pre-qualification Should be Your First Step</title>
		<description><![CDATA[As a buyer, it is wise to get pre-qualified before you go out looking for a home. There are many reasons, but the most important reasons are that it benefits you, your agent, and the seller.
First, the most important beneficiary, of course, is you. The mortgage pre-qualification step is a relatively simple one, but it [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.billshields.com/blog/index.php/2012/02/21/why-pre-qualification-should-be-your-first-step/</link>
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		<title>New Pet Resort Open in Carrollton</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Have you checked out this new dog boarding and doggie daycare place, Top Paw Resort? This new pet resort is fantastic, they are very conscious of their &#8220;carbon paw print,&#8221; and are committed to going green. Top Paw Resort also contributes to many local pet organizations.
These guys really do love dogs, and every pet owner [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.billshields.com/blog/index.php/2012/01/12/new-pet-resort-open-in-carrollton/</link>
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		<title>Buy Buy Buy! DFW Home Prices to Rise in 2012</title>
		<description><![CDATA[There are strong indicators that home prices in the Dallas/Fort Worth area are for forecasted to rise in 2012, and interest rates are low.  Get pre-qualified and call Bill Shields Buyer&#8217;s Resource for exclusive buyer&#8217;s representation.  We are never conflicted when we partner with our clients to navigate through the entire process of finding the [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.billshields.com/blog/index.php/2012/01/10/buy-buy-buy-dfw-home-prices-to-rise-in-2012/</link>
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		<title>A New Year, A New Market</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Wow &#8211; another year has passed and we are thinking positive! Interest rates are still low and new listings (homes being listed for sale) will be coming on the market. If you are wanting to start the home search process it&#8217;s very important that you are represented by an exclusive buyer&#8217;s agent, we have been [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.billshields.com/blog/index.php/2012/01/06/a-new-year-a-new-market/</link>
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		<title>Home Sales in the Dallas / Fort Worth Metroplex</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Home sales in the entire Metroplex are down .05%  according today’s Dallas morning News business headline, but on November 4th the News  reported many specific areas have gained in the pre-owned home sales.
The areas where home sales are up 1-10%, are the areas where we represent the majority of our buyers, Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Allen, [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.billshields.com/blog/index.php/2011/11/14/home-sales-in-the-dallas-fort-worth-metroplex/</link>
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		<title>2011 Tax Rates</title>
		<description><![CDATA[2011 Tax Rates
Collin, Dallas, Denton, and Tarrant County tax rates for 2011 are here!
Effective now until October 2012.
]]></description>
		<link>http://www.billshields.com/blog/index.php/2011/10/28/2011-tax-rates/</link>
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		<title>New Water Restrictions in Plano</title>
		<description><![CDATA[We all have a responsibility to help conserve our valuable water resources.  If we all follow the rules and get a little God given rain our water resources will return to normal soon.  Winter does not require much water for lawns, planting of new items should be very limited. Also, keep trees trimmed for optimum [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.billshields.com/blog/index.php/2011/10/21/new-water-restriction-in-plano/</link>
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		<title>Community Resources</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Quality of life is important to all of us, especially in times of economic uncertainty and a questionable job market. Collin County has been helping residents by offering many free or affordable service options. One of these great resources in the area is the Tom Muehlenbeck Recreational Center in Plano. My wife and I both [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.billshields.com/blog/index.php/2011/10/18/use-your-community/</link>
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		<title>How To Prevent Foundation Damage</title>
		<description><![CDATA[ Texas weather is unpredictable to say the least, and the extreme changes can wreak havoc on your home. The foundation of your home can take a beating if the soil around your home isn’t properly hydrated and maintained during hot dry periods.
To prevent this type of damage, all you need is a good soaker [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.billshields.com/blog/index.php/2011/09/22/how-to-prevent-foundation-damage/</link>
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		<title>New Property Tax Laws Effective 9-1-11</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Beginning 9-1-11, in order to qualify for a residential homestead exemption, you must provide the following to the appraisal district along with your application:
Copy of your Texas Driver&#8217;s License
Copy of you vehicle registration receipt
The addresses on both these documents must match the address on your application.
It isn&#8217;t necessary for existing homeowners to file a new [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.billshields.com/blog/index.php/2011/09/06/new-property-tax-laws-effective-9-1-11/</link>
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		<title>Mortgage rates on a 30 year fixed loan averaged 4.32% down from 4.39% from the week before.  Rates appear to be falling more soon.</title>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
		<link>http://www.billshields.com/blog/index.php/2011/08/17/mortgage-rates-on-a-30-year-fixed-loan-averaged-4-32-down-from-4-39-from-the-week-before-rates-appear-to-be-falling-more-soon/</link>
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		<title>Mortgage Rates Drop for Seventh Week</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Fixed mortgage rates dropped to a new low for the year.  The 30-year fixed rate mortgage averaged 4.55%, down from 4.60% the prior week.
]]></description>
		<link>http://www.billshields.com/blog/index.php/2011/06/17/mortgage-rates-drop-for-seventh-week/</link>
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		<title>New Homes in Plano</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Toll Brothers, an upscale homebuilder, has contracted to purchase part of the historic Haggard Farm.  They plan to build custom homes on the tract of land near Custer and Park.  Complete plans for the project and the purchase are still a ways away.  Last year, the City of Plano purchased a 51 [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.billshields.com/blog/index.php/2011/05/16/new-homes-in-plano/</link>
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		<title>Plano Has First Level II Trauma Center in County</title>
		<description><![CDATA[The Medical Center of Plano received its official designation as a Level II trauma Center.  The hospital is the first, and only, in Collin County and the third in the Metroplex capable of treating major surgical trauma cases 24 hours a day.
]]></description>
		<link>http://www.billshields.com/blog/index.php/2011/04/05/plano-has-first-level-ii-trauma-center-in-county/</link>
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		<title>Home Builders See Upturn</title>
		<description><![CDATA[New home starts in the Dallas/Ft Worth area are up more than 50% this year from the first six months of 2009.  In addition, the number of new homes sold is also rising. The northern suburbs, including Frisco and McKinney, have shown the largest increases in starts.
]]></description>
		<link>http://www.billshields.com/blog/index.php/2010/07/14/home-builders-see-upturn/</link>
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		<title>Positive News for North Texas Economy/ Plano Tx</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Plano&#8217;s economy is holding strong despite the economic challenges in 2009.  Plano ranked 5th in household spending, department store shopping, health care and restaurants.  This is not the only strong news for Plano, the latest census data shows that Plano&#8217;s median household income is $84,493, the nations highest.  Plano&#8217;s highly ranked schools, [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.billshields.com/blog/index.php/2010/03/30/positive-news-for-north-texas-economy-plano-tx/</link>
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		<title>Housing Prices Continue to Show Improvement</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Data through October 2009, released today by Standard &#38; Poor’s for its S&#38;P/Case-Shiller1 Home Price Indices, the leading measure of U.S. home prices, show that the annual rate of decline of the 10-City and 20-City Composites improved compared to last month’s reading. This marks approximately nine months of improved readings in these statistics, beginning in [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.billshields.com/blog/index.php/2010/01/12/housing-prices-continue-to-show-improvement/</link>
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		<title>10 Mistakes Made by First-Time Home Buyers</title>
		<description><![CDATA[10.  The worst mistake you can make is to not find, and use, a good Buyer&#8217;s Agent. Purchasing a home is the largest investment most people will make.  You need to have a qualified Buyer&#8217;s Agent with you every step of the way.  He can help you understand every aspect of the home buying process &#8211; [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.billshields.com/blog/index.php/2009/12/16/10-mistakes-made-by-first-time-home-buyers-10/</link>
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		<title>10 Mistakes Made by First-Time Home Buyers</title>
		<description><![CDATA[9.  Doing too much too soon.  You&#8217;ve just moved into your new home and you&#8217;re ready to put your style stamp on it.  Don&#8217;t go into debt to do so.  Instead, create a plan and budget and make those changes when you can afford it.
]]></description>
		<link>http://www.billshields.com/blog/index.php/2009/12/15/10-mistakes-made-by-first-time-home-buyers-9/</link>
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		<title>10 Mistakes Made by First-Time Home Buyers</title>
		<description><![CDATA[8.  Failing to include an option period or contingency clause in the contract.  Always include a financing contingency clause in a real estate contract in case something happens and you don&#8217;t qualify for the loan or the house doesn&#8217;t appraise for the purchase price.  Also, in some states, there are option periods &#8211; typically a 7 [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.billshields.com/blog/index.php/2009/12/14/10-mistakes-made-by-first-time-home-buyers-8/</link>
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		<title>10 Mistakes Made by First-Time Home Buyers</title>
		<description><![CDATA[7.  Skipping the Inspection.  Sellers aren&#8217;t likely to tell a Buyer what&#8217;s wrong with a home.  They probably aren&#8217;t even aware of some of the things that need to be repaired  To protect yourself, hired a qualified, licensed inspector to do a thorough inspection on the home you wish to purchase.  It will be worth it.
]]></description>
		<link>http://www.billshields.com/blog/index.php/2009/12/14/10-mistakes-made-by-first-time-home-buyers-7/</link>
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		<title>10 Mistakes Made by First-Time Home Buyers</title>
		<description><![CDATA[6. Assuming your first offer will be accepted.  With home prices becoming more affordable, more people are looking to buy.  You may encounter competition for a home you want so don&#8217;t get too discouraged if you lose out on a house.
]]></description>
		<link>http://www.billshields.com/blog/index.php/2009/12/09/10-mistakes-made-by-first-time-home-buyers-6/</link>
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		<title>10 Mistakes Made by First-Time Home Buyers</title>
		<description><![CDATA[5.  Failing to budget for property taxes.  Don&#8217;t forget to factor in property taxes (and the inevitable increases) into your budget.  Do a little research - find out if the tax rates have gone up or down over the last few years, as well as the assessed property values.  Be prepared.
]]></description>
		<link>http://www.billshields.com/blog/index.php/2009/12/07/10-mistakes-made-by-first-time-home-buyers-5/</link>
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		<title>10 Mistakes Made by First-Time Home Buyers</title>
		<description><![CDATA[4.  Underestimating the cost of owning a home.  Many home buyers don&#8217;t consider the cost of repairs and maintenance when they purchase a home.  Things break and need to be fixed.  Take a look at how well previous owners have cared for the home, as well as the age, before buying.  If available, consider purchasing [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.billshields.com/blog/index.php/2009/12/04/10-mistakes-made-by-first-time-home-buyers-4/</link>
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		<title>10 Mistakes Made by First-Time Home Buyers</title>
		<description><![CDATA[3.  Showing your true feelings about a home.  Don&#8217;t let the seller&#8217;s agent know how much you love his or her listing.  That gives the Seller an advantage during negotiations.
Check back later for #4.
]]></description>
		<link>http://www.billshields.com/blog/index.php/2009/12/03/10-mistakes-made-by-first-time-home-buyers-3/</link>
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		<title>10 Mistakes Made by First-Time Home Buyers</title>
		<description><![CDATA[2.  Assuming foreclosures are great deals.  Due to the significant decline in home values, purchasing a foreclosure may not be the best choice.  The lender will still try to recoup their investment even if the home value has dropped.  You must also take into consideration possible damage to the home from the previous owners, vandals, or [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.billshields.com/blog/index.php/2009/12/02/10-mistakes-made-by-first-time-home-buyers-2/</link>
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		<title>10 Mistakes Made by First-Time Home Buyers</title>
		<description><![CDATA[1.  Not knowing how much they can afford.  Before you fall in love with a house you can&#8217;t afford, talk to a qualified lender and get pre-approved for a mortgage.  Then you&#8217;ll know in which price range to look.
Check back tomorrow for #2!
]]></description>
		<link>http://www.billshields.com/blog/index.php/2009/11/30/10-mistakes-made-by-first-time-home-buyers/</link>
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		<title>October Home Sales Up 10%</title>
		<description><![CDATA[According to the National Association of Realtors, home resales rose 10% from September.  It was the highest sales level since February, 2007.  This is partly attributable to the first-time buyer tax credit, which was set to expire in November but has now been extended through April 30, 2010.
]]></description>
		<link>http://www.billshields.com/blog/index.php/2009/11/24/october-home-sales-up-10/</link>
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		<title>30-Year Interest Rates Remain Below 5%</title>
		<description><![CDATA[According to Freddie Mac, interest rates on 30-year mortgages remain below 5%, averaging 4.83%.  Interest rates on 15-year fixed rate mortgages fell to 4.32% this week.  This news, together with the extension of the homebuyer&#8217;s tax credit, makes buying a home a smart decision.
]]></description>
		<link>http://www.billshields.com/blog/index.php/2009/11/20/30-year-interest-rates-remain-below-5/</link>
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		<title>Spring in Texas Usually Means Rain</title>
		<description><![CDATA[All buyers in Texas should be made aware of flood risk and have their facts straight about insuring their property.  Twenty-five persent of all flood claims come from areas considered to be a low or moderate risk.  FEMA makes a good effort at drawing flood plain bounderies, but rising water doesn&#8217;t stop at an imaginary [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.billshields.com/blog/index.php/2009/02/24/spring-in-texas-usually-means-rain/</link>
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		<title>Homebuyers Want to Buy Green</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Nine out of ten homebuyers say they want environmentally friendly homes.  The &#8220;green&#8221; features homebuyers are most interested in are as follows; 90% want reduced heating &#38; cooling costs, 73% are interested in energy efficient appliances, 70% want energy efficient lighting, 51% care about an environmentally minded community and 49% are interested in green landscaping.
]]></description>
		<link>http://www.billshields.com/blog/index.php/2009/02/18/homebuyers-want-to-buy-green/</link>
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		<title>2009 Big Opportunity</title>
		<description><![CDATA[This year and on into next year may be once in a lifetime opportunity to buy a home at the best price in the DFW Metroplex.  The Dallas area has a six month inventory which is considered a healthy market.  The number of houses on the market have fallen 14% from this time last year.
]]></description>
		<link>http://www.billshields.com/blog/index.php/2009/02/13/2009-big-opportunity/</link>
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		<title>Interest rate change</title>
		<description><![CDATA[
Major media outlets and consumer advocacy organizations have realized the value and need for this specialized type of real estate service:
    * The Wall Street Journal
    * National Association of REALTORS®
    * Consumer Federation of America
    * Consumer advocate Ralph Nader
    * American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
    * Changing Times Magazine
    * Readers’ Digest

Did [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.billshields.com/blog/index.php/2009/02/13/interest-rate-change/</link>
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		<title>Foreclosures</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Foreclosure percentages in the Dallas area are dramatically below the 1.7% of U.S, mortgages in foreclosure at the end of Decemeber 2008.  Our area is strong compared to the rest of the nation.
]]></description>
		<link>http://www.billshields.com/blog/index.php/2009/02/06/foreclosures/</link>
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		<title>Professional Endorsements: Recommendations from the Experts</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Major media outlets and consumer advocacy organizations have realized the value and need for this specialized type of real estate service:
    * The Wall Street Journal
    * National Association of REALTORS®
    * Consumer Federation of America
    * Consumer advocate Ralph Nader
    * American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
    * Changing Times Magazine
    * Readers&#8217; Digest

Did [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.billshields.com/blog/index.php/2008/11/20/professional-endorsements-recommendations-from-the-experts/</link>
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		<title>One of our favorite quotes:</title>
		<description><![CDATA[One of our favorite quotes: 
&#8220;Unlike the traditional agent who looks out for the seller, a buyer
broker acts as your advocate, helping you find the home you want and
then negotiating the lowest possible price. The best buyer brokers are
so-called exclusive agents &#8211; that is, they represent only buyers, never
sellers&#8230;&#8221;
&#8211;Money Magazine
]]></description>
		<link>http://www.billshields.com/blog/index.php/2008/11/20/one-of-our-favorite-quotes/</link>
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		<title>Welcome!</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Hi, I’m Bill Shields. Welcome to my blog!
Check back regularly, and you’ll find my thoughts on everything from real estate to Texas news to pictures of our grandkids.
]]></description>
		<link>http://www.billshields.com/blog/index.php/2008/11/20/hello-world/</link>
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