After almost five years of declines, Dallas-Fort Worth home prices will edge up in 2012, according to a new forecast. The D-FW area will be among the top 10 home price gainers this year, according to a report by California-based housing analyst Clear Capital.
Overall home prices in D-FW should rise 5.8 percent by the end of 2012, Clear Capital predicts. That's higher than the nationwide forecast of a 0.2 percent price gain. About half of the 50 major U.S. cities in the Clear Capital forecast are expected to have price gains this year. "Our projections show that the current balance the market has found will continue through 2012," Clear Capital research director Alex Villacorta said in the report.
The largest price increases are forecast for Orlando, Fla., and Bakersfield, Calif. - both over 11 percent. Those markets have been among the hardest hit during the housing downturn.
Along with D-FW's increase, Clear Capital also predicts a 3 percent price gain in Houston. Major declines of home prices are forecast this year for cities including Atlanta, down 14.4 percent, and Los Angeles, down 10.3 percent.
Home prices in the D-FW area have been falling since mid-2007, down about 9 percent since then. Nationwide, home prices are down more than a third. "Dallas hasn't fallen very far and is hanging in there," Villacorta said in a recent interview. "The positive year [2011] you have is outperforming the nation."
Through the first 11 months of 2011, the median price of homes sold in North Texas through real estate agents' multiple listing services was flat compared with the same period of 2010.
Ted Wilson of Residential Strategies said that since the supply of homes on the market in North Texas is falling, it makes sense that prices would inch up. "The tighter supply of housing should help to boost prices," Wilson said. Local data shows that prices in D-FW are rising slightly in affluent areas. But prices were still falling in 2011 in low- and moderate-price neighborhoods that have seen large numbers of home foreclosures.
Clear Capital estimates that in the fourth quarter of 2011, more than 28 percent of the homes for sale in North Texas were previously foreclosed properties. That was higher than the nationwide rate of just under 25 percent of distressed properties on the market.
North Texas home prices will be negatively affected if large numbers of additional foreclosed homes hit the market, said Dr. James Gaines, an economist with the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University. "2012, though, will generally be an up year, but the up won't be all that remarkable and still not what we might call a full-on recovery," Gaines said. "That will take several more years to get to."
By STEVE BROWN
STEVE BROWN The Dallas Morning News
Real Estate Editor
stevebrown@dallasnews.com
Published: 09 January 2012 06:46 AM
Friday, January 27, 2012
The Spice of Life
All those spices and herbs in your spice rack can do more than add a little extra kick to your meals — they can rev up your metabolism and improve your health at the same time. Many spices are considered superfoods because they are full of antioxidants! Consider adding two to three spices to all your meals to make them not only taste great, but also help detoxify your body at the same time. (Don’t you just love nature!?) Here’s a list of some of the herbs and spices that will give a healthy (and flavorful) boost to your foods.
Basil is rich in antioxidants like vitamins A and C.
Black pepper increases the hydrochloric-acid production in your stomach, aiding digestion.
Cayenne pepper is a cardiovascular booster.
Crushed red-pepper flakes contain capsaicin, a potent anti-inflammatory.
Cumin primes the salivary glands and improves digestion.
Curry powder combines all the benefits of cumin and turmeric in one quick pinch.
Dill is a potent antioxidant and a good source of calcium.
Fennel boosts levels of vitamin C and contains anethole, a phytonutrient that can prevent cancer.
Garlic can help regulate the number of fat cells in your body and protect your cardiovascular system from disease.
Lemon and lime brighten up the flavor of plain water — and boost your intake of vitamin C.
Mint can help fight cancer.
Nutmeg can help you get sleepy at night.
Onion offers similar cardiovascular benefits as garlic.
Oregano is, pound for pound, one of the most antioxidant-rich foods around.
Paprika is an excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
Rosemary may be a weapon in the fight against cancer by preventing carcinogens from binding to cells.
Sage contains the same cancer-fighting compounds as rosemary.
Tarragon can aid digestion and help improve heart health.
Thyme is a relative of mint and a potent antioxidant.
Turmeric has been shown in several studies to have anti-inflammatory properties — and could help protect against degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and heart disease.
Vanilla is not only a sweet flavoring but also a stellar antioxidant.
All those spices and herbs in your spice rack can do more than add a little extra kick to your meals — they can rev up your metabolism and improve your health at the same time. Many spices are considered superfoods because they are full of antioxidants! Consider adding two to three spices to all your meals to make them not only taste great, but also help detoxify your body at the same time. (Don’t you just love nature!?) Here’s a list of some of the herbs and spices that will give a healthy (and flavorful) boost to your foods.
Basil is rich in antioxidants like vitamins A and C.
Black pepper increases the hydrochloric-acid production in your stomach, aiding digestion.
Cayenne pepper is a cardiovascular booster.
Crushed red-pepper flakes contain capsaicin, a potent anti-inflammatory.
Cumin primes the salivary glands and improves digestion.
Curry powder combines all the benefits of cumin and turmeric in one quick pinch.
Dill is a potent antioxidant and a good source of calcium.
Fennel boosts levels of vitamin C and contains anethole, a phytonutrient that can prevent cancer.
Garlic can help regulate the number of fat cells in your body and protect your cardiovascular system from disease.
Lemon and lime brighten up the flavor of plain water — and boost your intake of vitamin C.
Mint can help fight cancer.
Nutmeg can help you get sleepy at night.
Onion offers similar cardiovascular benefits as garlic.
Oregano is, pound for pound, one of the most antioxidant-rich foods around.
Paprika is an excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
Rosemary may be a weapon in the fight against cancer by preventing carcinogens from binding to cells.
Sage contains the same cancer-fighting compounds as rosemary.
Tarragon can aid digestion and help improve heart health.
Thyme is a relative of mint and a potent antioxidant.
Turmeric has been shown in several studies to have anti-inflammatory properties — and could help protect against degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and heart disease.
Vanilla is not only a sweet flavoring but also a stellar antioxidant.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Incredible Spinach and Artichoke dip (served warm)
Whenever I take this fabulous dish to a party I always come home with an empty bow.!
2 cups (8oz) Mozzarella Cheese Shredded
1/2 cup Sour Cream
1/4 cup Parmesan grated
3 Garlic Cloves crushed
14 oz Artichoke Hearts chopped and drained
16-20 oz Cream Cheese
10 oz Spinach - frozen and thawed
6 oz Feta Cheese, crumbled
Black Pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Combine 1 1/2 cup Mozzarella, Sour Cream, 2 T. Parmesan and rest of the ingredients in large bowl and stir until well blended.(if does not blend well put in oven for 5-7 minutes). Spoon mixture into 2 qt baking dish. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup Mozzarella and 2 T Parmesan. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden. Serve with tortilla chips, bread or pita chips.
2 cups (8oz) Mozzarella Cheese Shredded
1/2 cup Sour Cream
1/4 cup Parmesan grated
3 Garlic Cloves crushed
14 oz Artichoke Hearts chopped and drained
16-20 oz Cream Cheese
10 oz Spinach - frozen and thawed
6 oz Feta Cheese, crumbled
Black Pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Combine 1 1/2 cup Mozzarella, Sour Cream, 2 T. Parmesan and rest of the ingredients in large bowl and stir until well blended.(if does not blend well put in oven for 5-7 minutes). Spoon mixture into 2 qt baking dish. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup Mozzarella and 2 T Parmesan. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden. Serve with tortilla chips, bread or pita chips.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Winter care for Swimming Pools
SWIMMING POOLS
Residential Service companies do not cover pool equipment if damage is caused by freezing.
When the air temperature drops below 32 degrees and ice forms on the tile and surface of the pool, additional steps are necessary. Remember that ice expands larger than the water it comes from.
Place sealed plastic containers that float in the pool, to help keep the surface from freezing.
Break up ice as soon as it starts to form to prevent ice expansion damage.
Don't backwash a filter during freezing conditions.
Keep skimmer and skimmer doors clear of ice.
Maintain water levels (evaporation of water is normal even during the cold weather months). If water gets low in the pool, the bearings could fail and the pump could draw air or dry up - that is bad!
If you run your heater during low freezing conditions, this may cause damage to the heater.
Run the heater with discretion in the winter.
Circulate pool water for a minimum of 6 hours a day, especially during the coldest time: 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Residential Service companies do not cover pool equipment if damage is caused by freezing.
When the air temperature drops below 32 degrees and ice forms on the tile and surface of the pool, additional steps are necessary. Remember that ice expands larger than the water it comes from.
Place sealed plastic containers that float in the pool, to help keep the surface from freezing.
Break up ice as soon as it starts to form to prevent ice expansion damage.
Don't backwash a filter during freezing conditions.
Keep skimmer and skimmer doors clear of ice.
Maintain water levels (evaporation of water is normal even during the cold weather months). If water gets low in the pool, the bearings could fail and the pump could draw air or dry up - that is bad!
If you run your heater during low freezing conditions, this may cause damage to the heater.
Run the heater with discretion in the winter.
Circulate pool water for a minimum of 6 hours a day, especially during the coldest time: 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Inspiring Quote January 20, 2012
"Dictionary is the only place that success comes before work. Hard work is the price we must pay for success. I think you can accomplish anything if you're willing to pay the price." - Vince Lombardi
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Kim's Fantastic BBQ Pulled Pork Shoulder
Ingredients
Dry Rub:
2 Tbsp. kosher salt
1 Tbsp. fresh ground black pepper
1/4 Cup garlic powder
2 Tbsp. celery seed
1/4 cup paprika
2 Tbsp. cumin
2 Tbsp. coriander
1 Tbsp ginger
3-5 lbs pork shoulder roast (I prefer bone in)
4 sprigs fresh thyme
1 head of garlic, split through the equator
2 bay leafs
1 medium onion sliced
1 fresh jalapeno chopped
1/4 cup Dijon
1 quart unsweetened apple juice
1 quart low-sodium chicken stock
Directions:
To make dry rub:
Combine ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix well.
To make pork shoulder:
Rub pork shoulder all over with dry rub marinate over night wrap with plastic wrap. In the base of the slow cooker, layer with onions. Place the pork in the slow cooker and add garlic, bay leaf, thyme, jalapeno and Dijon. Pour the apple juice and chicken stock in over the pork. Set the slow cooker on low for 6 -8 hours until the pork is falling apart.
Dry Rub:
2 Tbsp. kosher salt
1 Tbsp. fresh ground black pepper
1/4 Cup garlic powder
2 Tbsp. celery seed
1/4 cup paprika
2 Tbsp. cumin
2 Tbsp. coriander
1 Tbsp ginger
3-5 lbs pork shoulder roast (I prefer bone in)
4 sprigs fresh thyme
1 head of garlic, split through the equator
2 bay leafs
1 medium onion sliced
1 fresh jalapeno chopped
1/4 cup Dijon
1 quart unsweetened apple juice
1 quart low-sodium chicken stock
Directions:
To make dry rub:
Combine ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix well.
To make pork shoulder:
Rub pork shoulder all over with dry rub marinate over night wrap with plastic wrap. In the base of the slow cooker, layer with onions. Place the pork in the slow cooker and add garlic, bay leaf, thyme, jalapeno and Dijon. Pour the apple juice and chicken stock in over the pork. Set the slow cooker on low for 6 -8 hours until the pork is falling apart.
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