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Published: 21 April 2017

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Denton Arts & Jazz Festival

Looking for an awesome family activity to attend? Are you keeping the grandkids next weekend?  Then this event is for you. April 28, 29, & 30, 2017 The Denton Arts & Jazz Festival will be held for all you Lake Kiowa residents who are into Jazz and Art, and special Kids activities...For all Transportation questions be sure to see how to get here below.

The Denton Arts and Jazz Festival for 2017 will be a celebration of the arts in a community known for embracing and nurturing music, dance, choral, drama and the visual arts. World Renown for it's graduates in the music field, The free event is produced by the Denton Festival Foundation, Inc. with the generous support of sponsors such as the Dallas/Fort Worth American Federation of Musicians Local 72-147 and the city of Denton. This annual event will be held the last full weekend in April at Denton’s Quakertown Park, and this event features seven stages of continuous music, fine art, crafts, and food, games and information booths in a beautiful, outdoor setting. Fun for the family, friends and those who enjoy outdoor events, we invite you to join in on all the fun.

If you are not familiar with this prestigious festival and The Festival Foundation, it's a big deal. The Festival Foundation uses proceeds from booth rentals and concession sales to support the arts throughout the city of Denton, Texas.  Arts facilities, service organizations, and preservation projects have all been the recipients of the proceeds from past events, in addition to public art for the enjoyment of all. This is a great time to find out more about the historical events our great State of Texas has to offer. Come see the best that Denton has to offer – the sights, sounds and flavors that make up the Denton Arts and Jazz Festival are perfect for all ages.

Unfortunately, due to the large crowds we ask that you leave your pets at home – SERVICE DOGS ONLY, PLEASE and NO COOLERS IN THE JAZZ AREA!

Denton Arts & Jass Festival 2017 Headliners Include:

Jack DeJohnette, Ravi Coltrane & Matt Garrison - (Friday, 9:00 pm – Jazz Stage) In a career that spans five decades and includes collaborations with some of the most iconic figures in modern jazz, NEA and Grammy winner JACK DEJOHNETTE has established an unchallenged reputation as one of the greatest drummers in the history of the genre. The list of his creative associations is lengthy and diverse: John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Omette Coleman, Bill Evans, Stan Getz, Keith Jarrett, Chet Baker, George Benson, Herbie Hancock, Dave Holland and many more.

He is one of the most consistently inventive jazz percussionists in history, having emerged in the 1960's playing with John Coltrane, Charles Lloyd, Thelonius Monk, Keith Jarrett and many others. Considered one of the most influential jazz drummers of the 20th Century, DeJohnette incorporates elements of jazz, free jazz, world music and R & B, making him one of the most highly regarded and in-demand drummers. His style has been called unique; one critic wrote that he is not merely a drummer but a "percussionist, colourist and epigrammatic commentator mediating the shifting ensemble densities" and that "his drumming is always a part of the music's internal construction". Modern Drummer magazine, in a 2004 interview, called DeJohnette's drumming "beyond technique".

The list of his creative associations is lengthy and diverse: John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Omette Coleman, Bill Evans, Stan Getz, Keith Jarrett, Chet Baker, George Benson, Herbie Hancock, Dave Holland and many more. Born in Chicago to a family where music appreciation was a high priority, he first studied piano and later added drums to his repertoire when joining his high school concert band. "As a child, I listened to all kinds of music and I never put them into categories:, he recalls. "I had formal lessons on piano and listened to opera, country and western, rhythm and blues, swing, jazz, whatever. To me, it was all music and all great. I've kept that integrated feeling about music, all types of music, and just carried it with me. I've maintained that belief and feeling in spite of the ongoing trend to try and compartmentalize people and music."

The son of saxophonists John Coltrane and jazz pianist Alice Coltrane, RAVI COLTRANE is a tenor and soprano saxophonist, band leader and composer. He has fronted a variety of jazz line-ups, recorded critically-hailed albums as a leader and produced recordings by other artists, including his mother, and founded an independent record label.

Ben Ratliff of the New York Times wrote this about Ravi's 2005 album In Flux: "Mr. Coltrane avoids tired song structures and doesn't want to bore you. He's fascinated on one hand by miniatures and on the other by the idea of longer songs that sound like collective improvisation from start to finish. It's a record you can point to and say: This is what jazz sounds like now in New York."

The godson of Jack DeJohnette, MATTHEW GARRISON has been called "an electric bass virtuoso" and is considered one of the most technically gifted jazz musicians of his generation. The son of bassist Jimmy Garrison, he began to play professionally in 1994 and has performed with the likes of Joe Zawinul, Herbie Hancock, Tito Puente, John McLaughlin and toured with Whitney Houston on her Nothing But Love tour in 2010.

In 2012 Matthew, along with his business partner Fortuna Sung, opened ShapeShifter Lab which is quickly becoming one of the most important and influential music venues in New York. The Brooklyn based venue features performances by the most important artists on the music scene today and has been voted by Time Out New York (2013) as one of the best 10 venues in New York and by Downbeat (2014) as one of the best jazz venues in the world.

Aaron Neville - (Saturday, 9:00 pm – Jazz Stage) Although AARON NEVILLE is often compared to singer Sam Cooke in terms of sheer vocal refinement, he has a voice and style uniquely his own. He is well known as part of the New Orleans sound of The Neville Brothers. Musically, of course, you know Aaron as a lover, not a fighter. The strange trajectory of his recording career began in 1960 when he recorded a single with producer/writer Allen Toussaint.

In the late 1970's The Neville Brothers - Cyril, Charles, Art and Aaron - came together as a backing unit for their uncle's Wild Tchoupitoulas and finally decided to strike out as a unit on their own. The sibling group found success primarily on the touring circuit but also garnering attention for albums like their 1989 debut for A&M Records, Yellow Moon, one of the most critically acclaimed albums of that era, for reasons not the least of which was the spooky richness of the Aaron-penned title track. And when it rained, in 1989, it poured. That was a very good year for his sole career, as he had his first real hit in 23 years with Don't Know Much, a No. 2 pop smash that was one of several duets with Neville that Linda Ronstadt included on her album Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like The Wind. His work with Ronstadt netted him 2 Grammy Awards in 1989 and 1990.

For the quarter-century that followed, Neville deftly balanced the needs of dual group and solo careers. But eventually the demands of the road got to him and in 2015 The Neville Brothers held a "Nevilles Forever" all-star jam and goodbye blast in New Orleans during Jazz Fest. "There comes a time when you look at life and think about your mortality and say, 'How much have I got left?"', he said. "I wanted a chance to do some of the stuff that I'd always wanted to do, and I couldn't do all of it."

The affect of Aaron Neville's voice on people is incalculable. "I've had people tell me different things, like this lady who told me they had a 5 year old little boy who was autistic, and they had to keep him in a padded room - the only thing that would calm him down is when they put a headset on him with my voice. It gave me chills when she said that", says Neville. "All I could say is, it's the God in me touching the God in him. I can't take responsibility. I'm just a singer, you know, and I'm trying to make the tenderest notes that could heal, in some way. I used to say that I wish I could make a note so pure that it could cure cancer."

Brave Combo – (Sunday, 7:00 pm – Jazz Stage) Our own for many years, if you try to describe BRAVE COMBO's music requires a pretty extensive vocabulary- at least when it comes to musical styles. For the past three decades the Denton-based quintet has perfected a world mix music that includes salsa, meringue, rock, cumbia, conjunto, polka, zydeco, classical, cha-cha, the blues and more. They are America's premier dance band and a rollicking, rocking, rhythmic global journey­offering what one critic recently wrote: "Even if you come for the party, you'll leave with something of a musical education."

The band's catalog of recordings includes everything from Japanese pop to Latin American dance tunes, orchestral classics to rock and roll at its finest. From festivals and fairs od all varieties across the globe, rock clubs big and small, colleges, roadhouses, dances, cultural centers (including the annual Midsummer Night's Swing at Lincoln Center in New York City), Brave Combo has charmed countless listeners and won avid devotees. The band has won two Grammy Awards and has been nominated for their work a total of seven times.

The band is comprised of founder Carl Finch who was recently inducted into the Polka Hall of Fame, Finch sings vocals and plays guitar, keyboard and accordion. He is joined by Danny O'Brien on trumpet, Alan Emert of drums, Little Jack Melody on bass guitar and Robert Hokamp on guitar.

Fine Arts & Crafts - Of of the most important aspect of the Denton Arts and Jazz Festival is the juried art show. 10’ X 10’ Booth spaces are available both indoors and out, with artists and craftsmen representing Texas, New Mexico, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Colorado, Iowa, Maine, Arkansas, Oregon and beyond. Fine art is housed inside the Denton Civic Center while Fine Art and Crafts are located immediately outside the building. Arts and Crafts are located in the north end of the park. Here you will find clothing, metal and wood crafts, jewelry, paintings, candles, dolls and accessories and more.

For 2017 there will be 34 booth spaces available inside the Civic Center with approximately 60 located just outside the building.  The north park houses approximately 75 arts and crafts booth spaces.

2017 Children's Art Area - If you have kids, or are keeping grandchildren this weekend, be all means make this event. The Denton Arts and Jazz Festival is dedicated to a mission of introducing children to the arts. The Children’s Art Tent is located in the north park and children have the opportunity to experience art in many forms. The tent features 15 different stations with volunteers instructing the children in such creative outlets as Clay and Flower Sculpture, Tan gram Art, Stamp Art, Collage, Drawing and more. This is a hands-on opportunity for young people and their parents to participate.

Next to the Children’s Art Tent is the Children’s Wood Tent, with volunteers assisting in the selection of wood and the creation of anything the imagination can hold. And, rounding out the Children’s Art Area is the Percussion Petting Zoo with Steve Gryb, the Pied Piper of Percussion. This is an intriguing and hands-on interactive exhibit featuring percussion instruments from around the world for everyone to play with and explore the sounds!

2017 Has A Activity, Game, and Information Booth Area: The games, activities and information booths are always popular with attendees. Face painting, rock climbing, inflatables and a playground are all available for the young visitors. In addition, many nonprofit organizations use the opportunity to raise funds for their organization while sharing information about the services that they provide.

Food Food & More Food - Are you hungry yet? You will find 6 food courts at the Denton Arts & Jazz Festival. German sausage, hot dogs, cotton candy, funnel cakes, corn dogs, fresh squeezed lemonade, roasted corn, ice cream, egg rolls, shish kabobs, burgers, fried onion and potato dishes, salads, baked goods, turkey legs, BBQ, popcorn, Asian, Cajun, Mexican, Greek & Italian fare and much more will certainly satisfy your festival appetite. Several different beverages such as bottled water, beer, wine, soft drinks, coffees and a variety of ice drinks will also be available.

See you there!

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Published: 28 February 2017

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Longevity In Real Terms

Are you considering selling your home. Now you have made the decision, but you may have other questions. You realize that the realtor is going to ask about this home. Prepare yourself for the answers to those questions by reviewing some common sense information about how long things in that home are supposed to last. Ok, let's talk about it in real time in real terms.

Most people don't think about the things we are going to talk about. If you think like a buyer, you are getting a head start in the overall selling process, and a heads up as a potential buyer as well.  Replacing windows, appliances, roofing, or wood flooring can be very pricey. In terms of a purchase or a sale, what must you do and what not to do is probably a better discussion on both sides. That's where this article comes in. Longevity of a refrigerator or stove, or roof leaks are serious to a new home buyer; and that may determine the priorities on replacement. Do we replace Now Or Later; as the old saying goes.

An educated buyer may factor in replacement costs for aging components when making an offer. An educated seller will want to evaluate it terms of what will make the house sell fast terms. Often this type of buyer will use this type of information to replace a component before they move into a new home purchase for instance. Paint, invasive things like windows, and roof or major landscaping can be done right after close and prior to move in. Useful life statistics are out there, and the National Association of Home Builders does have insight that will help you in selling your home, deciding on a price, and consider building materials that may need replacing as well.

Longevity is a subjective term when discussing any home for sale. The "True Longevity" of a home factors in things like:

• Maintenance
• Use
• Quality of Installation
• Climate Conditions
• Insulation
• HVAC
• Electrical Wiring
• And More

Here are some standard statistics put together by the NAHB Board - The general guide or rule of thumb if you will is as follows for the question How Long Will It Usually Last? Two factors to remember all manufacturere have planned obsalesance not all construction will always be the same. Also considerations must be given to weather. Extreme heat or extreme cold will need adjustments of the figures.

100 Years or More - With General Wear & Tear

• Brick siding: Lifetime of the home
• All wooden floors: Lifetime of the home
• Cellulose insulation material: 100-plus years

50-100 Years - With General Wear & Tear

• Slate, copper, and clay and concrete roofs: 50+ years
• Copper gutters: 50+ years
• Kitchen cabinets: Up to 50 years
• Modified acrylic kitchen sinks: 50 years
• Vinyl floors: 50 years

30-50 Years - With General Wear & Tear

• Thermostats: 35 years
• Wooden windows: 30 years
• Wood shake roofs: 30 years
• French interior doors: 30–50 years

10-20 Years - - With General Wear & Tear

• Built-in audio system: 20 years
• Aluminum windows: 15–20 years
• Cultured marble countertops: 20 years
• Asphalt shingle roofs: 20 years
• Faucets, kitchen sinks: 15 years
• Gas ranges: 15 years
• Interior and exterior paints: 15+ years
• Dryers and refrigerators: 13 years
• Air conditioning units: 10–15 years
• Lighting controls: 10+ years
• Electric or gas water heaters: 10 years
• Air conditioners: 10–15 years
• Furnaces: 15–20 years

5-10 Years - - With General Wear & Tear

• Security systems: 5–10 years
• Heat and smoke detectors: 5–10 years
• Dishwashers: 9 years
• Microwave ovens: 9 years
• Carpet: 8–10 years

Remember every home is going to be different. Style is in particular a very subjective issue for most buyers. Replacement takes on a whole new perspective when you are talking about a renovation vs. a remodel. That is the reason you always have a property inspection on each and every home, along with the appraisal. These two things really determine a lot of things for both the buyer and seller. Your realtor in either position will be able to provide accurately a better evaluation of the specifics after the inspection takes place. Information is always knowledge; and can work to your advantage as both a buyer or seller as well.

Thanks to Melissa Dittmann Tracey as a contributing editor for REALTOR® Magazine who created the basis for this article. Information of this type is always appreciated by realtors, and ultimately keeps you connected to all your clients. The National Association of Realtors is always about keeping you informed in the marketplace. Appliance Longevity: How Long Should It Last? Find out how long those kitchen appliances, flooring, fixtures, and more should really last.

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Published: 23 February 2017

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Buyers Can't Be Rushed

If you are a buyer, time is a very important factor. A job transfer is a relocation that means you must report on a particular date, markets and available homes in that market, as well as the number of homes you can see are all factors real estate agents consider in the sale of a home. As a buyer, this is true as well, however the looking process may not be rushed. The varibles that truly go into purchasing a property vary just as much from buyer to buyer and smart buyers are the ones who will jump at the right deal.

Picture this, a smiling family picture stands behind a For Sale sign that has a Sold rider attached to it because they have the home of their dreams, or that met every checklist on their needs. It also means that the agent that had the listing on your new home spent the kind of time necessary to make available to you what you wanted, needed, or didn't know was out there possible. Lake Kiowa Realty wants this to be you here at Lake Kiowa TX.

The buying a home process may be same for all buyers, but the varibles surrounding that purchase may not be. Let's list some of those varibles:

• Existing Finances
• Pre-Approved Loans
• Existing Mortgage Types & Rates Options
• Competition Among Other Buyers
• Assistance Programs Available Like Veterans Loans & First Time Buyers
• Government Policies That Apply
• Consider Resale Value As Part Of The Buying Process

Setting yourself as a successful buyer means that you have complete control of as many of these elements you can to get the right deal. Working on your own finances and down payment, current housing situations, applying for federal assistance programs well ahead of time, and obtaining a pre-approved loan amount make it easy for a real estate angent to show the home of your dreams a reality.

Remember to go into the buying process with a team of professionals that can help like Lake Kiowa Realty. Be sure to have access to a good real estate attorney, contract reputable home inspectors, enjoy establishing a working relationship with a mortgage broker, and the most important be sure to research any of our agents here at Lake Kiowa Realty to help you with your purchase options in buying a Lake Kiowa Home, or a Lake Kiowa Lot.

If you are a first-time homebuyers in Texas, first make sure we know that. According to Texas Realtor Association Statistics from the 2016 Profile of Texas Homebuyers and Sellers, 71% of these said their real estate agent helped them understand the process of buying home and 51% of all buyers said they received better contract terms because of their agent. Trust is a big factor when it comes to contracting a licensed agent here at Lake Kiowa Realty. Begin your search for your Lake Kiowa homes tours with one of our qualified agents.

Lake Kiowa Realty is here to help! Call us today at 940-665-0724 for all your Real Estate needs...We care about the buyer process you need.

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Published: 23 February 2017

Hits: 3666

Little Things Mean A Lot

If you are you considering selling a Lake Kiowa investment property, or a Lake Kiowa Home, Lake Kiowa Realty invites you to learn some little ways to impress your buyer when they tour your home.  Ward Lowe from the Texas Association of Realtors also has some very interesting things to say about the prospect of selling your Lake Kiowa home or Lake Kiowa Investment Property. Learn a few tricks of the trade as we try to sell your home.

Take it from the pros, "It doesn’t take much to change a buyer’s impression of a home."

As a realtor in Lake Kiowa TX, showing a home  could be bring to the surface some negative aspects to an older home that you may not have addressed. Seeing some peeling paint, a leaky faucet, and dirty dishes in the sink of an otherwise appealing house, could suddenly put the prospect we bring to your home on the defensive. The result could be that this prospect or potential buyer crosses that property off his list. Minor imperfections can turn off a buyer, and as your agent we believe that even a few small actions you can do will make your home seem even more appealing. The subtle apple pie baking in the oven may seem like nothing to you, but to a potential buyer it may smell like home. The little things you can do may mean a lot to that next homeowner and push the house sale in your direction.

Making repairs, paint, fixing that leaking faucet, adding simple plants and beauty to the exterior curb appeal helps to remove negative aspects of this type of conspicuous problem. You may find your home stays on the buyers list as a very possible home for purchase by putting your home's best foot forward. If budget is an issue, try to at least fix obvious items that you will be sure to see as a potential buyer. For instance a buyer will notice the rotten porch railing or cracked window pane on a casual walk-through, and you may lose a sale. It simply may mean to them wonder what else haven't they taken care of in the back of their mind. As a seller, you want to make sure they know you have taken care of the property.

Here are some great ways to breeze through scrutiny of any potential buyer:

Show the owner’s manuals by providing information to them at the time they see your home in the MLS listing.

1. If you can put everything in the listing and available online to see
2. Know the model number of your oven, dishwasher, and microwave so if something breaks they know what you have already replaced
3. Show buyers that you’ve kept that information and let them know you have cared for the home
4. Pay attention outside and in the back yard, make it beautiful from the the street
5. Short grass makes bare patches less obvious or replant and fertilize a month before you list
6. Add bags of mulch around trees and in flower beds and make visible an otherwise lackluster yard
7. Add in a planter of colorful flowers by the front door and walkways, and you’ve added significantly to your curb appeal
8. Paint the front door, powerwash all the concrete around your home professionally if possible
9. Get the windows cleaned professionally. Your realtor can help by asking them to use their available sources
10. Stage your home if vacant, it helps your potential buyer visualize their furniture in your place
11. Touch up paint especially if you can in everyroom; everyone can smell right away if a home has been painted
12. Clean carpets and polish wood floors; make those floors shine
13. Change out all light bulbs inside and out that are not working

If you are selling any Lake Kiowa Lots, be aware that the potential buyer does want the lay of the land highly visible. Keep all grass, and weeds trimmed short. Remove all trash and debris. Repair any fencing, and make sure the property is clearly marked. Take care in providing all county title diminsions where possible and take professional pictures where possible.

Remember that a little effort goes a long way with buyers, so ensure your home makes a great first impression. BTW, it makes a good impression on your realtor as well becuase they enjoy showing a home that is ready for a buyer to purchase.

Lake Kiowa Premiere Real Estate looks forward to many years of serving the Lake Kiowa community. Please come see us for all of your real estate needs, but feel free just to stop by any time and say hello too!  Lake Kiowa Premiere Real Estate is open 7 days a week – Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

The agents of Lake Kiowa Realty are always available to help you with any questions or concerns. We invite you to contact us today 940-665-0724

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Published: 23 February 2017

Hits: 4036

Home Sales Are At An All Time High

02/21/2017 | Author: Texas Association of Realtors Editorial Staff

Did You Know? The 2016 Texas Real Estate Year in Review Report released February 21, 2017 by the Texas Association of REALTORS® reveals that home sales volume and prices reached all-time highs for the second year in a row. This is great news if you are interested in considering placing a home in Lake Kiowa Tx, on the market, or evaluating the purchase of a new home for investment purposes.

"Strong gains in end-of-year home sales activity were a key factor in making 2016 another record year for Texas real estate," said Vicki Fullerton, chairman of the Texas Association of REALTORS®. "Last year’s record home sales activity was fueled by the momentum of multiple years' strong job and population growth across the state, despite the fact that Texas job and economic growth began to slow in 2016."

For those of you who follow the real estate market on a regular basis, let us provide some additional key information that will help you make the best decision for your Lake Kiowa investment property. Regardless if your home is where you currently reside, or you are leasing a property at Lake Kiowa, have a Lake Kiowa home for rent, or have or interested in a Lake Kiowa real estate purchase for investment opportunities; you may find this information very interesting at this particular time.

• The median Texas home price in 2016 was $210,000, up 7.7% from 2015.
• Home sales volume in the same period was up 4.6%, to 324,924 homes sold.
• Low housing inventory remained constant in 2016, with 3.3 months of inventory in December.
• A balanced market has between 6 and 6.5 months of inventory, according to the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University.
• Texas homes spent an average of 58 days on the market in 2016—about the same as in 2015—and active listings increased 6% from 2015 to 2016.
• Plan accordingly for placing a home on the market and be sure to give your agent as many opportunities to show the property listings.
• Celebrate this Review Report in all your sales information book for every current listing as well.

"Rising home prices and skyrocketing property taxes are driving up the cost of homeownership at an alarming rate," Fullerton said. "Growth in property values makes homeownership a strong investment, but must be balanced by lower tax rates so that Texans are not being forced out of their homes.

This report is great news for you! Why? For all these reasons:

1. If you currently own Lake Kiowa Real Estate as a home or lot
2. If you have any Lake Kiowa Homes For Sale
3. If you have any Lake Kiowa Lots for Sale
4. If you currently own one or more Lake Kiowa Homes
5. If you currently own any Lake Kiowa Lots
6. If you have any Lake Kiowa Homes For Rent
7. If you or a family member has a home or lot as aLake Kiowa Investment Property
8. Want to consider the purchase of one or more Lake Kiowa Lakefront Homes
9. Are interested in any Lake Kiowa Golf Course Homes
10. Want to consider having any Lake Kiowa Rentals available
11. Want to live at Lake Kiowa Texas

Your interest is our first priority here at Lake Kiowa Realty. And, since  The Texas Association of REALTORS® urges state legislators to pass legislation that ensures an honest and transparent conversation occurs at the local level if more tax revenue is needed and gives property owners the right to decide when their tax rates should be raised.” you need to be in the know about Lake Kiowa. 

If you have questions about any of the information and how it concerns your property values in Dallas, or here at Lake Kiowa, please contact one of our qualified agents here on the website. We welcome referrals as well and look forward to meeting you and discussing your current investment holdings, friends looking for a new home, or business partners looking to purchase for investment purposes.