Dirt2Doorbell – Page 2 – Antares Homes Blotter

13 Things to Do in DFW Before the Summer Ends

As the summer draws to the close, it can begin to feel like you have done all the things there are to do! We’ve compiled a list of our favorite summer activities around the area, and hopefully they will help you make it through the final stretch of summer heat.

Sunrise Sunflowers lighten

Berry Picking

Nothing says ‘summer’ like fresh berries. They’re easy enough to find wherever you get groceries, but there’s something special about picking them yourself. Fortunately, the entire Metroplex is surrounded by farms dedicated to providing just such an experience. Click here for a list of farms by city.

Museums

Taking your children (or just yourself) to a museum provides many benefits. You’re generally out of the heat, you’re physically active, and you’re being inspired! Schools are great, but there’s no substitute for the look in a child’s eyes when their curiosity is sparked. Treat yourself and the kiddos to these awesome free museums in the area, and watch the magic of learning happen!

Animal Encounters

If you and your children are aching for a more outdoorsy learning activity, the DFW area offers a several venues for interacting with and learning about animals. For a more common experience, visit either of the acclaimed zoos in Fort Worth or Dallas. If you’re looking for something more hands-on, try the Dallas World Aquarium (try to go during the week, when it’s less crowded) or Fossil Rim (beware the ostrich).

Six Flags

The dedicated children’s park makes this ideal for outings with kids of all ages. There are adventures to be had for all, and enough souvenir shops to make the hottest day more bearable. If you go early, you can hit several rides before it gets too hot. Then you have plenty of time to shop and ride one of their water features! Plan your trip here.

Water park

If the adventure of Six Flags sounds great but you’re looking for something a little more ‘watery’, the Metroplex has an abundance of options for you. If you’re looking for the big rides, you can go across the street to Hurricane Harbor (protip: if you buy a season pass at Six Flags, Hurricane Harbor is included). For a list of the top 13 parks, look here.

Ranger’s Game

There’s a special joy that comes from hanging out in the nosebleeds at Globe Life Park. It’s shaded with the best breeze in the whole stadium, and I love being able to see everything going on from the vantage point. Our Rangers have had tough few weeks, but it feels like they’re getting their groove back! There’s no better time to catch a game! Buy tickets here.

Kayak

Something about growing up in North Texas breeds a love for being on the water. We have plenty of lakes that are great for boats and skiing, but my favorite way to enjoy the water is from a kayak. Texas State Parks have recently introduced ‘Paddling Trails’ and we have more info here. If you’re looking for a more urban experience, you can look at Panther Island in Fort Worth or White Rock Lake in Dallas.

Drive-in Movies

Feeling nostalgic? DFW is home to a growing number of Drive-In theaters! Most offer new releases with the occasional throwback. My family loves to pile up our truck with blankets and pillows and head out around 6! More information on theaters and what they offer here.

Food Trucks

Food truck are one of the best ways to sample the artistic creations of talented chefs, and the best atmosphere to experience them is definitely at a food truck park. These parks are the best place to meet up with other foodies, and let the kids play while expanding their culinary horizons.

Stargazing

‘The stars at night/Are big and bright’ and this is, indeed, the heart of Texas. If you and your kids are night owls, this could be one of the more exciting things you do this summer! Whether you drive out to one of the stargazing tours at a state park or visit one of the planetariums in the area, the stars are sure to leave you and your kids in awe. Information on great spots here.

Gardens

If you’re not into picking fruit, you can still enjoy the fruit of the earth at one of these fantastic North Texas gardens! Fort Worth and Dallas compete for best gardens, so there is plenty to enjoy. The seasonal flora and fauna are top notch at each of these locations around the Metroplex.

Pokémon Go

Sometimes, we can get too carried away with our devices, but Pokémon Go has done more than its fair share to make our smart phones good for us. Bring your kids out to one of these great spots or events. Take some time walking about and enjoying the scenery as your hatch virtual eggs and catch virtual Pokémon.

Library – Dallas, Ft. Worth and Arlington Library events

With all the adventures to be had in the Metroplex, there are a few things that you just can’t do, unless you have a book. The story times and other events at the Fort Worth, Dallas, and other Metro libraries are sure to awaken the imagination and take your kids on grand adventures (without leaving the a/c!)

Until Next Time,

Rebekah

Building in 2016

*Edited 7/26/16 to include better detail about the effect of interest rates on buying power*

We all know that there are certain advantages that come with building: customization, quality control, planned neighborhoods, etc. Less known, are the benefits of building for completion this year. Since the deadline is fast approaching to build your home for completion within the year, we decided to share some of the benefits for those of you on the fence.

Low Interest Rates

-Rates are holding steady now but this is expected to change soon. With rates at historic lows and the Fed looking to increase, rates don’t have anywhere to go but up.

-Get more home for your money now! With lower interest rates, you can afford more home. When rates rise, your hard earned dollar will be eaten by interest. The table below is from this site and illustrates the impact of rising interest on your monthly budget.

Max Principle & Interest Payment	4.50%	5.00%	6.00%
$1,000	$245,000	$235,000	$208,000
$1,200	$295,000	$280,000	$250,000
$1,400	$345,000	$325,000	$292,000
$1,600	$395,000	$372,000	$335,000
$1,800	$445,000	$420,000	$375,000
$2,000	$495,000	$465,000	$415,000

DFW on the Rise

-The cost of older homes, and home sites are on the rise, and expected to continue with the steady stream of new jobs coming to the metroplex.

-As property prices rise, rent prices rise.

First Time Buyer Advantages

-There are still funds available for First Time Buyer programs! Both the government and the banks have programs specifically for first time buyers.

-Take advantage of Down payment assistance programs with low interest rates. See a community sales counselor for qualifying details

Taxes

-Qualify for your full homestead exemption when you purchase a home before 2017!

-Take advantage of tax savings in 2016! Any Mortgage Interest, property taxes and points paid on your loan will be tax deductible for your 2016 tax return!

Sources:

Interest Rates, DFW on the Rise, First Time Homebuyer, Taxes

Until Next Time,

Rebekah

Dog Days of Summer

This week we want to use the blog as an opportunity to bring you into our family. As a family-owned company, our co-workers always feel like family even when we’re growing and building like there’s no tomorrow.

As the workers at the nearby BBQ joint can testify, food bonds us better than anything else. As much as we all love BBQ, most would prefer a good pizza. If either of those aren’t available, some good Tex-Mex is always appreciated. However, some in our clan have interests in more exotic food such as Pho and Indian food.

If we can’t agree on food, we can all agree on how much we love our pets! We love all animals large and small, and love owning some of them. Antares is home to both dog and cat lovers. The most popular breed seems to be Dachshunds and Labrador Retrievers.

Sadie Mitsy Milo

(Above are Sadie, Mitsy, and Milo)

When it comes to our hobbies and passions, the Antares Family begins to differ more. Some love to run and sing, others love to garden and read. You’ll find almost any hobby withing the Antares Family, and that ultimately represents the reason we work so well as a team. We love doing different things, but we all love Antares Homes.

Until Next Time,

Rebekah

Settlers Glen

This week, we are all abuzz about Settlers Glen in Waxahachie! The Grand Opening for the 3rd phase in this fantastic community is around the corner and amazingly we are in closeout already! We only have 8 homesites left. There is mixed anticipation and pride as we see glimpses of the amazing things to come in this area and look toward our 4th phase. We’re getting in pictures as our first homes go up, and it’s hard to focus on much else. More stunning than the final product is the knowledge that we made that happen. To give you an idea of how that feels, please enjoy some photos of said final product:

231 Frontier Drive

As if the homes themselves weren’t enough, this beautiful community is quietly nestled between I-35E and HWY-287. The location alone offers an amazing balance of big city living and country ease. A 10 minute drive south will take you to beautiful downtown Waxahachie. Featuring some of the most unique shops and dining options north of Austin, the town square is beautifully preserved around it’s famed courthouse pictured below. If you’re itching to drive north, a 30 minute drive up 35E will land you in the heart of Downtown Dallas. From there, you can explore the arts, entertainment and nightlife offered by the big city.

Waxahachie_Courthouse

This convenient community is also masterfully planned. The quiet streets access only this community, creating a family-friendly neighborhood. The beautiful park is well landscaped, and perfect for the long summer days. The HOA in the area keeps everyone on the same page and looking great. This little community has everything you could want in a place to call home! Check out the video for more information and pictures of the awesome community.

Best Eats!

This week, we’re featuring 1 or 2 great places to eat near each of our awesome communities!

Fannin Farms – Istanbul Grill

If you’re ever in the neighborhood, Istanbul Grill is THE place for Mediterranean Cuisine! This family-run diamond in the rough offers Mediterranean favorites like kebobs and gyros. With a BYOB option, this is a great spot to sit and relax with friends when they have the space! Find them here.

Selection Studio – Savor Coffee Bar and Eatery

If you are visiting our design studio, there is no better place around to gather your thoughts. Their specialty drinks and delicious food will replenish your spirit while the beautiful atmosphere inspires your mind. Find them here.

Meadow Creek Estates – Moni’s Pasta & Pizza

Moni learned his trade working at a restaurant in Italia as a younger man. He has passed on everything he knows to his son, who has owned and operated this particular location for the last 9 years. Everything about this BYOB Italian restaurant is authentic from the pasta to the delivery! Find them here.

Settler’s Glen – Catfish Plantation

Don’t let the ghost stories keep you away! All of the spirits there are friendly, and the delicious catfish is more than worth it! Located near historic downtown Waxahachie, the Catfish Plantation is the very definition of good food, great service, and a beautiful location. Find them here.

Settler’s Glen – Lonestar Burger Bar

Texans love our burgers, and Lonestar Burger Bar is the best place to grab one near Settler’s Glen! Their Black Angus burgers are dressed up with everything from bacon and BBQ sauce to peanut butter. If it’s too early for a burger, they have great breakfast options! Find them here.

The Cove at North Grove – The Dove’s Nest

‘It’s Worth Flying South’ according to the Fort Worth Star Telegram, and certainly worth the short drive from The Cove at North Grove. This charming eatery serves New Southern Cuisine and delicious desserts! Nestled in historic downtown Waxahachie, eating at this acclaimed restaurant is both relaxing and invigorating. Find them here.

Matador Ranch – Antonio’s Homestyle Cooking

This family-owned Mexican food restaurant works hard to make every customer feel at home. From made-at-your-table guacamole to fresh flan, it’s hard to find a more authentic Mexican eating experience. Find them here.

Summer Creek South – Bonnell’s

Dedicated to working with local farmers and right off the Chisholm Trail Toll Road, Bonnell’s is both convenient and delicious. Opened in 2001 by Chef Bonnell, this restaurant combines Southwestern, Creole and Mexican flavors to create a taste that is authentically Texan. Find them here.

Summer Creek South – The Woodshed

This delicious smoke house is conveniently located just off of the Trinity Trails and the Chisholm Trail Toll Road. The ever-changing menu is a thing that must be experienced to believe. Chef Tim Love loves to bring in creative meats that can be enjoyed indoors or on the patio overlooking the river. Find them here.

Ashford Park – Bella Vita II Italian Restaurant

The second location for this family-owned Italian restaurant, this is a great option for dinner in the Burleson area. The service is excellent, and the fresh food is constantly being updated by their innovative chefs. When you walk through that door, they’ll make you feel like family. Find them here.

Chisholm Trail Ranch – Press Café

Located at the new trail head, Press Café is easily accessed from the Trinity Trails, and from Chisholm Trail Toll Road. Whether you bike, run or drive to this fantastic location, you will be treated to some of the best healthy food in the area. Their modern bar serves alcohol and coffee. You can’t go wrong relaxing and enjoying the view. Find them here.

Saginaw Springs – Boo-Ray’s

Cajun food is widely loved, and not always done well. With Boo-Ray’s zesty recipes and daily fresh fish, they do right by the owner’s Cajun heritage. Along with authentic flavor, Scott Marks brings the New Orleans atmosphere to Eagle Mountain Lake. Find them here.

Saginaw Springs – Ginger Brown’s

If you’re looking for something in Saginaw that’s a bit less spicy, Ginger Brown’s is the place for you. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, Ginger brings delicious, home-style cookin’ to your table. This laid-back bakery and diner keeps its cinnamon rolls and customers at its center. Find them here.

Until Next Time,

Rebekah

Let’s Take A Selfie

Greetings! My name is Rebekah, and this is the blog post where you get introduced to the new blogger. But first, let’s take a selfie. How can you not? There are too many pretty mirrors in our showroom, and two of them are right in front of my desk! Now, there are a few things that you HAVE to know about me. I am the oldest (read: bossiest) of four dramatically different children. We grew up in Fort Worth, and I discovered my passion for Marketing in college at East Texas Baptist University.

The thing about marketing is that even the best marketers can’t change the product. I’ve had the good fortune to work with some really exciting products in the past that made it easy to bring in customers. As a self-proclaimed home design expert (I’ve logged SO many hours of HGTV), I am happy to say that I am once again working with a product that I love. As I am looking at pictures and samples, I already feel sorry for my poor boyfriend. He’s going to have to deal with a long future of ‘Baaaaaabe! Look at the pretty thing we’re building now!’

Getting to business, though, I am the newest member of the Antares Marketing team and I’m here to continue giving you inside looks into our crazy little family and my personal point of view on our lovely communities. You’ll continue to see features on our teams and customers, along with highlights on what’s best to do in this great Metroplex!

Be sure to stop by our blog again next week. I’ll be posting about the only thing I like more than houses: local food.

Until then,

Rebekah R

Featured Sales Consultant- Sonia Kinnard

Introducing the Sales Consultant in our Saginaw Springs community, Sonia Kinnard!

Recently, our marketing team stopped by her model for a visit and a quick interview about the neighborhood. We talked about some of the new homes under construction, and we did a walk through of 737 Ravenwood Drive!

It’s safe to say, we couldn’t stop laughing once Sonia gave us the up close, and personal tour. She stepped into the shower and gave a little dance to show us how much room there was inside. Plus she shared everything she loves about this home and why she doesn’t see it staying on the market for long! Prepare to see this video on our website very soon!

Saginaw Springs has a wonderful school district called Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD. A month ago Sonia was invited to speak at their luncheon and tell everyone about the inventory homes we have in Saginaw, everybody loved her and enjoyed her enthusiasm!

Sonia’s love for people and dedication to her craft has brought her enormous success at Antares! She takes her work seriously, but knows how to be goofy and have fun as well. Sonia is an expert in the homebuilding process and can help her buyers with any questions they have. If you’re in the area, stop by our model at 937 Lost Heather Drive and say hello to miss Sonia at Saginaw Springs!

Realtors to Follow on Social Media

Looking for realtors to follow on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook who bring their A game when it comes to social networking? These people and companies have lots to say with today’s audience and they all have their special way of communicating. Whether it’s by sharing helpful articles, home listings, or tips of where to go in your local area, they’re here to serve! We want to share our list of Realtors that we think you should follow (if you’re not already) on social media!

Realtor Pages to Follow on Facebook

#1 National Association of Realtors- Facebook page

I feel like it wouldn’t make sense if I didn’t mention this Facebook page; this is a public domain for all of the Realtors out there and it celebrates them simply by posting articles, funny memes, and exciting throwbacks from the home industry! This is the place to “like” and “follow” if you’re a realtor because you can to relate and gather info from the articles they post that could help you in the home buyer business. The Realtors page has something for every Realtor!

#2 Realtor.com- Facebook Page

If you liked the previous Realtor page, this is a Facebook page that all Realtors should follow. First, because it’s a domain where you can see all of the news and updates in the Realtor universe. Second, this is a great place to network with other Realtors. Lastly, you should follow this page because they post terrific articles about how to speed up home sales, how to close, DIY house decor, and economic stats in the housing market!

#3 Maria Zambrano- facebook Page

Maria’s Facebook page has distinguished itself through some very interactive features. She consistently posts new home listings, adds comments, re-tweets, shares DIY crafts for your home, and posts relevant stats in the housing market. Plus she posts articles about the local cities activities and restaurants to visit for other Realtors and customers looking at her page.

#4 bob Hardie- FACEBOOK Page

Good Ol’ Bob, his Facebook page covers every aspect of social media interaction from his helpful home repair articles, local places to travel, nearby spots to get some grub, and all around insightful posts. Bob knows what his audience wants to read, and he delivers with enthusiasm in every post! Plus he likes to travel and share his adventures with everyone, and we all know living vicariously through world travelers is always fun.

#5 danny Force- FACEBOOK Page

May I say, Danny has the coolest name, it sounds like a super hero “Danny Force” so that’s pretty awesome! In my opinion, that is reason enough to follow this guy, he’s also pretty original and up-to-date with today’s audience. He made a video of the “Appraisal Process” where he goes step-by-step and discusses the process of getting a home appraisal. This is a terrific way to communicate with your followers and the video gets the message out there in a direct way. He’s also made some other videos discussing the home buying process, here’s the link to his Youtube Channel!

Realtors to follow on Twitter

#1 Jennifer Kuhlman- @jenkuhlman

Jennifer’s twitter is a perfect example of somebody who stays in touch with her audience. She knows what homebuyers are looking for, and finds important articles to share that are helpful for mortgage owners and people looking in the market (like the ones she has already posted above)! She also posts stats every chance she gets because, as we know the home buying industry, it’s changing every day and Jennifer is helping us stay aware! Jennifer is currently a Realtor with Remax Synergy.

#2 Theo Holba– @theoholba

Where do we begin with Theo’s twitter? First of all, he posts motivational quotes quite often, which are great in the competitive world of sales. Also, has makes it fun by sharing unique vacation photos!

I believe in professionals working hard and playing hard and Theo is an excellent example of that. He knows real estate but likes to have fun and share it with his followers.

#3 Tony Deziel– @tony_deziel

Currently at 24.5k followers, Tony knows how to entertain on his online platform with lots of retweets of cooking recipes, interior design, distinguished home articles and more! Tony isn’t new to Twitter and definitely knows how to engage with his followers! To top it all off, he’s a musician as well as a successful Realtor with West View Properties! Here’s a link to his album on I-Tunes, https://itun.es/i6YH9h8 #iTunes

#4 Jean Clark- @JEClarkRealtor

Jean Clark owns her Twitter account by posting about her hardcore runs should be motivation enough to follow her. You can tell she’s goal oriented and working towards getting in shape! She’s also living a healthy lifestyle by clean eating so she posts pics of her garden and shares articles of healthy grocery stores to shop! Jean is currently a realtor at REMAX DFW Associates and is a major trend setter!

#5 Hannah Gigley- @HGigley

When I stumbled across Hannah’s twitter I was immediately drawn in by her eye catching profile cover photo, her market statistics to keep Realtors updated, and the articles she shares with terrific design tips! She also points out unique ways to decorate your bathroom, closet, and more! Hannah is a realtor but has incredible taste of how a home could look and loves to share her ideas with her followers. Hannah is currently a realtor with Luxury Homes.

Realtors to follow on Instagram

#1 Brosda and Bentley Realtors- @Brosda and Bentley

Wow! I have to say when I first looked at this account I didn’t know this was a Realty company! I was blown away by the artwork, colors and gorgeous floor plans! Many of their homes are off of the beach so you get to see beautiful landscapes outside the windows, plus they have completely luxurious and spacious kitchens! These are definitely dream homes, but it never hurts to dream!

#2 Ebby Halliday Realtors- @ebbyhalliday_realtors

I like it when you can look through a company’s social page and it tells a story. This Instagram account does just that by sharing throwback pictures of their owners. Not only does this present depth, but history is considered “vintage” by today’s market and it’s a sentimental and fun way to look at a company! I also like their “freshlistingfriday” videos, it’s a new home listing that the audience has come to expect and look forward to!

#3 Raleigh Realtors- @raleighrealtors

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again! I believe that the key to life and success is to work hard and play hard! Knowing how to lay back and have fun with your career is tough to do, and these Realtors know how to do just that. It looks like they sell their good share of homes, and they share it in a fun/creative way with the realtors holding a “SOLD” happy sign. Plus, you can tell that this group of people like to laugh by posting funny quotes and making “Anchor Man” references, which is great because Anchor Man rocks!

Chisholm Trail Ranch and a Cow Herding Palette

One of our upcoming neighborhoods is in South Fort Worth, right off the Chisholm Trail Parkway. If you are a Fort Worth native, you’ve heard of the Chisholm Trail all of your life. In elementary school, we took a field trip to the Stockyards and saw the old Swift Meat Packing plant falling into ruin. The magnificent decay continued to instill a sense of pride that our little town was once a hub for cattle on the Chisholm Trail.

From 1867 to 1884 the Chisholm Trail was the route taken by cowmen to bring their cattle north in order to supply beef to the Eastern United States. They drove cattle all the way from South Texas to Abilene, Kansas where there was a cattle shipping terminal to take the livestock East. Over five million cattle traveled this route during its use. It is considered the largest man made animal migration in history.

Since Fort Worth was the last stop for rest and supplies before moving north to Abilene, it quickly became known as Cowtown. In 1876 the railroad came to Fort Worth, making Cowtown the final destination for many cowmen on the Chisholm Trail. Their cattle and other livestock could now be shipped from Fort Worth rather than continuing to drive North risking further weight loss and, in turn, value per head. In 1900 both Armour & Co. and Swift & Co. began construction of meat packing plants adjacent to the stockyards and refrigerated cars began moving meat North and East. This had a huge impact on Cowtown economics. After opening their plants, Armour and Swift were responsible for bringing over six million dollars into the local economy. The rise and fall of this industry in Fort Worth lasted through the 1960’s. Armour closed their doors in 1962 and Swift followed suit in 1971.

In honor of this heritage, which has inspired the name of Chisholm Trail Ranch, I have created a palette based on Steve Devenyns’ beautiful painting In Good Hands. Although the cows in his paintings aren’t the archetypal longhorns associated with Cowtown, the setting and tone are what I imagine a moment in time on the trail would look like. When I was speaking with Steve about this painting he told me that he has “always portrayed the cowboy in my paintings as a good steward. This painting is a good example of that. In this painting, the horse, cattle and the land are all In Good Hands.” If you like this painting as much as I do, you can view and purchase his paintings and prints on his site.

-Carrie Davis

Sources:

https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/ayc02

http://www.fortworthstockyards.org/history.aspx

http://texastimetravel.com/node/28751

Summer Creek South and Chisholm Trail Ranch- Coming Soon

Hi everybody, I hope your week has been as amazing as mine! I can’t believe April is over already! This may (no pun intended) just be me but it still feels like January. But since it is definitely May, I checked my calendar to make sure… I can share some of Antares fabulous news!

We have a bunch of new communities coming this summer, and we have two as of right now that have promo videos made to share!

First, without further ado… Here’s the promo for our Summer Creek South Phase 2 community coming soon!

Summer Creek South is South of of interstate 20 at the intersection of Summer Creek and Risinger Road. This community is BY APPOINTMENT ONLY, and it’s located minutes from shopping, entertainment, city parks, and the new Chisholm Trail Parkway.

Here’s the promo for our second community, Chisholm Trail Ranch!

We at Antares are very excited for this community as well, first because this is a brand new neighborhood and second, it’s near the new Chisholm Trail Parkway, on McPherson! This area is perfect because it gives you the advantage of living in a master planned community that will have it all! It has a country feel yet it has great amenities near by. There will be a neighborhood pool and cabana, parks and walking trails and a fishing pier. Right now homeowners can take advantage of the The Chisholm Trail Community Center which offers memberships. Viewing this neighborhood is BY APPOINTMENT ONLY as well.

As of right now, we plan to begin construction this summer. I’ll be sure to keep you guys updated on the progress of the neighborhoods as we go along and when we hope to have models built! But for now, enjoy these videos and be sure to talk to our sales consultants if you have any questions about our upcoming neighborhoods!

Summer Creek South: Sharon White 817-701-3010

Chisholm Trail Ranch: Monique Tinsley 817-701-3012

Until next time,

Alexa Katchinska