One can’t miss event that fills the pages of the local Tyler, TX newspapers is The Tyler Texas Azalea Trail Festival and it’s quickly approaching. You can already see weekly photos showing the blooms that are starting to sprout! It’s just one more reason people relocate to Tyler! For those of you who recently bought Tyler Texas real estate or maybe you’re thinking of relocating to Tyler Texas, you are in for quite a treat. Every year spring is celebrated through amazing garden shows along the Tyler Azalea Trail and a huge fun family-friendly festival celebrates the magnificent gardens.

After walking and driving the trails through the breathtaking showcased neighborhoods and homes, the Azalea Trail Festival offers even more Tyler, TX entertainment and fun!

Tyler Azalea Fest Events

This spring, you can also enjoy the following events that take place as part of the Tyler Azalea Festival:

March 19, 2010

• Tyler State Park Dogwood Days Driving & Walking Tour 8:00 am
• Prestige Estates Azalea Trail Art Exhibit 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
• Tyler Area Council of Garden Clubs 4th Annual Flower Show 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
• Tyler Civic Theatre “The Chalk Garden” 7:30 pm

March 20, 2010

• Tyler State Park Dogwood Days Driving & Walking Tour 8:00 am
• Azalea Trail Arts & Crafts Fair 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
• Prestige Estates Azalea Trail Art Exhibit 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
• Bonner-Whitaker-McClendon House Historic Tours 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Tyler Area Council of Garden Clubs 4th Annual Flower Show 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
• Concert In The Park 7:00 pm
• Tyler Rotary Chili Cook-Off 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
• Tyler Civic Theatre “The Chalk Garden” 7:30 pm
• East Texas Symphony Orchestra Concert 7:30 pm

March 21, 2010

• Tyler State Park Dogwood Days Driving & Walking Tour 8:00 am
• Azalea Trail Arts & Crafts Fair 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
• Prestige Estates Azalea Trail Art Exhibit 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
• Tyler Civic Theatre “The Chalk Garden” 2:30 pm

March 22, 2010

• Tyler State Park Dogwood Days Driving & Walking Tour 8:00 am

March 23, 2010

• Tyler State Park Dogwood Days Driving & Walking Tour 8:00 am

March 24, 2010

• Tyler State Park Dogwood Days Driving & Walking Tour 8:00 am
• Tyler Civic Theatre “The Chalk Garden” 7:30 pm

March 25, 2010

• Tyler State Park Dogwood Days Driving & Walking Tour 8:00 am

March 26, 2010

• Tyler State Park Dogwood Days Driving & Walking Tour 8:00 am
• Main Street Flower Market 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Historic Tyler on Tour Candlelight Party 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
• A Free Public Concert 7:30 pm
• Apache Belle Spring Show 7:30 pm
• Tyler Civic Theatre “The Chalk Garden” 7:30 pm

March 27, 2010

• Tyler State Park Dogwood Days Driving & Walking Tour 8:00 am
• Main Street Flower Market 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Day Tour of Historic Homes 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
• Central East Texas Orchid Society Orchid Show & Sale 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
• “Spirits of Oakwood” Walking Tour Through Historic Oakwood Cemetery 1:00 pm
• Apache Belle Spring Show 2:00 pm
• Apache Belle Spring Show 7:30 pm
• Tyler Civic Theatre “The Chalk Garden” 7:30 pm

March 28, 2010

• Tyler State Park Dogwood Days Driving & Walking Tour 8:00 am
• Central East Texas Orchid Society Orchid Show & Sale 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
• Day Tour of Historic Homes 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
• Tyler Civic Theatre “The Chalk Garden” 2:30 pm

March 29, 2010

• Tyler State Park Dogwood Days Driving & Walking Tour 8:00 am
• Roseland Plantation Annual Azalea & Spring Flower Trail Tea & Tours 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm

March 30, 2010

• Tyler State Park Dogwood Days Driving & Walking Tour 8:00 am
• Roseland Plantation Annual Azalea & Spring Flower Trail Tea & Tours 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm

March 31, 2010

• Tyler State Park Dogwood Days Driving & Walking Tour 8:00 am
• Roseland Plantation Annual Azalea & Spring Flower Trail Tea & Tours 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm

April 1, 2010

• Tyler State Park Dogwood Days Driving & Walking Tour 8:00 am
• Roseland Plantation Annual Azalea & Spring Flower Trail Tea & Tours 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
• Big Ranch Round Up 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm

April 2, 2010

• Tyler State Park Dogwood Days Driving & Walking Tour 8:00 am
• Roseland Plantation Annual Azalea & Spring Flower Trail Tea & Tours 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm

April 3, 2010

• Tyler State Park Dogwood Days Driving & Walking Tour 8:00 am
• Four Winds Renaissance Faire 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
• Rambling Roses 38th Anniversary Dance 7:00 pm

April 4, 2010

• Tyler State Park Dogwood Days Driving & Walking Tour 8:00 am
• Four Winds Renaissance Faire 10:00 am – 7:00 pm

The Tyler Texas Azalea Trails

The Azalea blooms will be the fullest right at the peak of the festival, which runs from March 19th to April 4, 2010.  To learn more, you can go here, contact Justin Turner at 903-592-1661, or you can simply contact me, Steve Winston, your expert Tyler Texas real estate agent. I am here to serve you, so feel free to ask me for information on everything and anything to do with the Tyler Texas area.

Send Your Tyler, TX Azalea Festival Photos!

Yes, email me, Steve Winston, your BEST Tyler Azalea Festival photographs and I’ll publish them on my Tyler, TX Photo Blog!

Have fun at the Festival!

Until next time,

Steve

P.S. Need Tyler Texas Homes For Sale Info?

When you are ready to buy Tyler Texas real estate, be sure to request my Tyler Home Buying Guide, as well as, my Tyler Relocation Guide.

Both are full of important information to make your home buying journey smooth and easy. When you are ready to browse the Tyler TX MLS for your perfect dream home, simply contact me, your trusted Tyler TX REALTOR to take care of your dream.

Tyler Azalea Trail

There are two trails, the original Lindsey Trail and the newer Dobbs Trail. Both trails are named for the streets they start on, and the Dobbs Trail was added on as the Azalea Trail started to add more homes, streets and neighborhoods. You can find the current trail maps here:

http://www.tylerazaleatrail.com/docs/AzaleaTrailMap.pdf

and every year the trails change as more azalea district real estate and streets participate in the event.

Navigating the Tyler Azalea Trail

Though the Azalea Trail Festival is walkable, if you have children it is far easier to drive through parts, as the trails meander through some neighborhoods that don’t have side walks. It is easiest to walk the trail area between West 4th Street and West Dobbs Street  because the streets are wider and there are plenty of sidewalks.

For areas where you will want to walk the trails, you can find parking on any of the streets EXCEPT South Broadway Ave-which is also US 69. The two best places to park are at South College Avenue, between Lindsey Lane and Dobbs Street, right near Bergfeld Park and at Belmont Drive, between First and second Streets.

Tyler TX Azalea Trail History

The Tyler Azalea Trail area is not only a breathtaking display of gardens and blooms, but it is also historically significant. The first Azalea Trail gardens started in 1929, by local nurseryman Maurice Shamburger, who had boxcar loads of the colorful azalea plants brought from Georgia.

After Shamburger completed his garden, azalea gardens took off in the neighborhoods and each community promoted showcasing yards and gardens every spring.The springtime showcases started drawing people from nearby communities every spring, and eventually The Tyler Azalea Trail was born.

You will find Shamburger’s original garden still displayed in true radiance on the Azalea Trail today. Azalea gardens are now a staple and more and more homes and neighborhoods apply to become part of the trails. Some of the thick, towering azaleas in the older home gardens on the Azalea Trail date back to the 1930’s and are truly awe inspiring!

Tyler TX Real Estate

If you happen to be visiting the Tyler area, or a job move has you relocating to Tyler Texas, you will certainly have fun enjoying the great community atmosphere and fun everyone enjoys during the annual Tyler Azalea Trail festival! You can see photos here, and even enter the Tyler Convention and Visitors Bureau amateur photography contest-you could even win cash prizes!

The festival is a great opportunity to explore Tyler neighborhoods, tour Tyler homes for sale, and learn more about the wonderful communities and area. If you have any questions, want to learn more, or feel ready to start searching the Tyler TX MLS for your prefect dream home, then contact me, Steve Winston, your expert Tyler TX real estate agent.

Enjoy The Azalea Trails and be sure to check back here and share what aspect of The Azalea Trails was your favorite. Leave a comment and let the rest of us know what you liked best.

Until next time,
Steve

The Wings of Freedom Aviation Tour Comes to Tyler!

As a special treat, this upcoming weekend Friday, March 5th through Monday, March 8th, 2010, the Historic Aviation Memorial Museum will host the Wings of Freedom Tour! In addition to the historic military and civilian aircraft on display, this event will feature a B-17 Flying Fortress, a B-24 Liberator, and a P-51C Mustang. If you are ready to experience a “living history” event, be sure to view these exquisitely restored aircraft.  Walking tours are priced from $12 for adults and $6 for children 12 years and younger.

Take Flight in a Vintage Military Aircraft!

Ready to take flight? Yes, you can even take to the skies in the ultimate 30-minute flight aboard the bombers. For the thrill seekers you can even get some “stick time” in the world’s only Dual Control P-51C Mustang.

No Cheap Thrills Here!

For the hearty souls, you can take flight in a B-17 or B-24 for $425 per person. Half hour and full hour flight times are available on the P-51. Be sure to contact the Collings Foundation at 800-568-8924 for more information.

Wings of Freedom Tour Location Details

Historic Aviation Memorial Museum
150 Airport Drive
Tyler TX 75704 US

Wings of Freedom Tour Hours

Friday, March 5th 2:00PM-4:00PM
Saturday, March 6th 9:00AM-4:00PM
Sunday, March 7th 9:00AM-4:00PM
Monday, March 8th 9:00 AM-12:00PM

Tell Us All About It!

If you attend this event, be sure to return to this Tyler, TX Blog and let us know about your experience! Feel free to email me, Steve Winston the photos taken from the Wings of Freedom Tour event for all see!

See you this weekend at the Wings of Freedom Tour!

Steve

• Obedience
• Disclosure
• Confidentiality
• Reasonable Care and Diligence
• Accounting

Tyler TX REALTORS® Must Obey!

But what does that mean? Tyler real estate agents must create the habit of obeying their principal. It’s defined as a “dutiful compliance with a command, prohibition, or known law and rule prescribed; submission to authority”. That means you, the home buying and selling client are in authority over your agent. It’s at this point I need to remind you, “I’m not an attorney nor do I practice law”. The actions of any agent engaged in transacting real estate in the state of Texas must abide by the law and the “law of agency” passed by our legislature and governed by the Texas Real Estate Commission. The point being, don’t expect your Tyler real estate agent to break the law to obey your wishes. You actually place yourself in legal jeopardy if you do.

Disclosure of Information by Your Tyler, TX REALTOR®

This means your agent must make a full disclosure of all facts pertaining to a Tyler, TX real estate transaction. The disclosure must be prompt and it must be within your agents knowledge. Where this disclosure commonly comes into play is with zoning issues, and regarding any knowledge that may impact Tyler, TX property values. It even means when an agent offers their “opinion” to the advantages and disadvantages to any offer.

Confidentiality Between You and Your Tyler, TX Real Estate Agent

First, confidentiality is a must! This means real estate agents in Tyler must hold in confidence anything you, the client/principal may say. Basically, agents must skillfully manage information and look out for your best interest .

Reasonable Care and Diligence of Your Tyler REALTOR®

Licensed Tyler, TX real estate agents must skillfully carry out our duties. While all licensed real estate agents in Tyler are required to pass an exam to obtain a license, it doesn’t mean all agents are created equal. That means it is very important you choose your representation wisely! This doesn’t lessen the need for your agent to perform skillfully on your behalf and be knowledgeable so you make the best Tyler home buying and selling decision possible.

Accounting – Another Attribute of a Tyler, TX Real Estate Agent

Mention the word and the first thing that comes to mind is managing funds… your money. Plain and simple, the laws of the Texas Real Estate Commission expect licensed real estate agents to maintain accurate records of every transaction we participate in on behalf of our home buyers and home sellers.

It’s a good reminder for all of us as Tyler, TX real estate agents to write post like this occasionally. It serves as a great reminder how important it is that we hold fast to these duties for YOU!

Until next time,

Steve Winston

Understanding the Fiduciary Responsibilities Owed to YOU, the Tyler, TX Home Buyer and Home Seller!

Over the next few blog posts, you will come to know what you should expect from your Tyler, TX real estate agent (or any agent who transacts real estate in the state of Texas). These fiduciary duties include:

• Loyalty
• Obedience
• Disclosure
• Confidentiality
• Reasonable Care and Diligence
• Accounting

Loyalty Defined in the Tyler Real Estate Transaction

The noun loyalty is defined in these terms: faithfulness; devotion; constancy

The cornerstone of an agent’s duties to a client is that of loyalty! This fiduciary duty is owed to you, the principal. A principal is a legal term for a client and this duty obligates me as your Tyler, TX real estate agent to act at all times, solely in the best interests of you, my client, excluding all other interests, including that of the broker.

Example of a Breach of Loyalty

You might be interested to know that an example of breach of loyalty is when a real estate agent purchases a Tyler, TX property listed with his/her firm, and immediately resells it at a profit. Some might consider this conduct to be perfectly above board and even lawful by persons who act “at arms length“. Within the realm of a fiduciary “relationship”, it would be considered to a “wrongful act” in which the agent would have stolen an opportunity for profit that rightfully belongs to his/her principal.

Knowing the Duties of Loyalty for a Seller’s Agent and a Buyer’s Agent

1. As your “seller’s agent”, I must do everything possible to gain an advantage for you, the Tyler, TX home seller. This means securing the absolute highest fair market value for your Tyler property as possible.
2. If you are represented as a principal buyer, your Tyler, TX real estate agent must do everything possible to gain an advantage for you, the home buyer. Meaning, I will do all that I can to help you buy your property at the lowest price possible.

Your Turn to Ask the Questions?

These real estate terms and laws of agency can be a little confusing. What questions do you have as it relates to the fiduciary duties owned to you as a Tyler, TX home buyer and seller?

Stay tuned to the next post in this series on the fiduciary term “Obedience“.

Steve

Better Site for Tyler Home Buyers

Brad Carroll-CEO of Dakno Real Estate Marketing

Brad, what’s your take on current web site designs for Real Estate Agents? Steve, the days of lean cookie-cutter real estate web sites are over. Consumers make instant decisions about a website the moment the homepage loads. If the site doesn’t reach out and engage the visitor immediately, the consumer will click the back button to filter through the rest of the search results in order to find the resource that speaks to their needs. Of course, the overwhelming majority of consumers want to search for homes. Specifically, in your market, they want to search for homes for sale in Tyler, TX. That’s why we have predetermined Tyler, TX search queries based on price,front and center, on your homepage. It’s all about making it super easy to access the information a Tyler, TX home buyer wants to find.

Bobby Carroll – Vice President of Marketing

What tips can you give a Realtor or business owner to engage and connect with others? Steve, you know me! I’m all about listening, and using social media tools to engage and show incredible value to my target audience. Anyone seeking to move their business forward should be making the most of online networks like:

• Facebook personal profiles
• Facebook Fan pages
• Twitter
• YouTube
• and to a lesser degree, Flickr and LinkedIn

People in Tyler are using these networks and it’s incumbent upon Tyler, TX real estate pros like yourself to be engaged. The reality is, people in your area are talking about real estate. The question is, are Tyler, TX Real Estate agents listening and engaged in the conversation. These tools also help agents guard their reputation by serving as listening devices. It’s also about using social media sites to connect with like minded people. The old saying is still true… people like to do business with people like themselves. That means if you enjoy horseback riding, I suggest you get involved with other people who are passionate about riding horses. And you will find these people online talking all about horses. Want to build your sphere of influence? Use social media tools to extend your reach! That way, when a consumer is ready to engage in the home buying process, the real estate agent will be “top of mind” with that consumer because of that online relationship.

How important is a real estate website to the Tyler, Texas Home Buyer searching for a home? While a few traditional forms of real estate marketing still work, the most preferred tool for a home buyer is a real estate website or a blog. If home buyers are just starting their Tyler home search, the primary mission is to use an online property search tool to see what properties are available based on their search criteria. The second most popular tool for a Tyler, Texas buyer is market data. Often, real estate blogs (like this portal) are used to share market stats about a hyper-local market. One other integral piece of information buyers seek is local area information. We place a great deal of emphasis on an agent like yourself providing hyper-local information. Specifically, Tyler, TX neighborhood information. Why? Because Tyler home buyers are buying more than bricks, sticks and mortar on a piece of dirt. They want to know about the amenities of a neighborhood:

1. the local schools
2. the businesses nearby
3. does the neighborhood offer a pool, tennis courts, a golf course – we’re talking lifestyle!
4. another key ingredient for neighborhood information is a searchable map to determine how far the homeowner has to drive to their job/office

If your real estate website will answer these questions, that Tyler home buyer will come back to your website over and over again. That’s our goal for your Tyler, TX real estate website. To be THE trusted real estate resource for Tyler, TX home buyers!

My Tyler Texas Real Estate Blog

These two guys keep my site and Blog above the competition. They made my Tyler,TX Photo Blog caveman easy. I also want to give special recognition to Leslie Vegter, Marketing Director at Dakno, for her expertise. The next learning curve I have is Posterous. It’s all about learning and making connections with home buyers in Tyler.

Searching for a Tyler Home

I’m always trying to improve my real estate web site for Tyler TX. It’s all about making it super easy for you to search for a Tyler home. How can I make it better?

See you next time,

Steve

What Does This Have To Do With A Tyler TX Home Buyer?

Times are changing for Tyler TX home buying consumers and real estate agents. For real estate pros, engagement is the new networking mantra. It is called YEO-”you engaging others” to quote Real Estate Shows Founder and CEO Jeff Turner (AKA @ResPres on Twitter). As a firm believer in YEO, first, I’m actively reaching out by listening, and engaging with others via social networks but I also offer connecting points like my Tyler Texas real estate website, blog and photo blog. Of course, the #1 reason why you come to my site is to search for a Tyler TX home. But you can reach me in many other ways too.

To name a few:

• Twitter
• Facebook
• Linkedin
• Email
• Text
• Phone
• Homes for Sale in Tyler TX Real Estate Website
• Tyler TX Real Estate Blog
• Tyler TX Real Estate Photo Blog
• Tyler TX Media Blog

I want to listen, engage and show value to you as a Tyler TX home buyer and become your trusted area expert for all your Tyler TX real estate needs. Along the way we will have connect and have some fun. As an avid student of social media, I am learning and meeting awesome people right here in Tyler. What a great job!

Real Estate Technology Tools

To help me stay connected with all clients, and my network, I rely on several tools. Those tools include:

1. my iPhone
2. my video camera and my digital camera
3. a webcam
4. and of course, my laptop

Now you know why I always have a “ninja grip” on my iPhone. It’s my lifeline to my online and offline world!

It’s All Fun Here in Tyler

Tyler is a great place to live and I’m having fun selling real estate. I learn something new everyday and want to connect with you. These social media sites help me stay in constant touch with home buyers. Knowledge is the key and by interacting with everyone, I can stay on top of my A game. Are you on Facebook? Do you Tweet? Many people do! Let me know how and where you are connecting with others?

Until next time,

Steve

P.S. It Takes a Partnership to Manage My Tyler TX Real Estate Website

How do all the home buying and selling tools, Tyler TX area information and relocation resources appear on my website? Tune in next time. I am going to interview my real estate marketing partner. By the way, I think they do a great job.

Why Relocate to Tyler, TX?

As if you needed one more reason to buy a home here in Tyler, here you can pack up the kids and head southwest minutes from Tyler to the Moore Farms of Bullard for some great family fun. At the Moore Farms you can pick a pumpkin, chunk a pumpkin, carve a pumpkin, heck you can probably eat a pumpkin too.

Making Tyler, TX Family Memories!

Don’t forget to bring along your digital camera or video camera to snap some awesome family memories! Other activities you’ll discover when down on the Moore Farm include a corn maze, take a hayride, even schedule a field trip for your Tyler, TX school to the Moore Farms! The fun and activities are nonstop at Moore Farms this Fall!

The Moore Farms Scoop!

Before you head to the Moore Farms, remember their business hours from the last weekend in September through October 31 are 10 am – 6 pm Saturdays and 1 pm- 5 pm Sundays!

The Moore Farm contact information:

22142 County Road 181
Bullard,Texas 75757
Phone: (903) 894-1030

What’s Your Favorite Fall Tyler Activity?

Feel free to leave a comment and tell us what Tyler activity you enjoy this time of year.

There are many wonderful reasons to live in Tyler Texas, but if you ask Tyler Texas home buyers what made them choose Tyler over any other area of Texas, you are likely to hear the Texas Rose Festival .

Enjoying the Tyler TX Rose Festival

Owning a piece of Tyler Texas real estate in Tyler is like hitting the jackpot. The Texas Rose Festival is widely considered one of Texas’ most beautiful events; and it is easy to see why!

The Tyler Texas Rose Festival is a great celebration for people of all ages. Thousands of roses are gorgeously displayed in artful arrangements at The Rose Show, displayed in the manicured growing beds in The Rose Garden, and create a bed of roses by covering hundreds of acres in The Rose Fields.

The Texas Rose Festival parade is always an exciting and fun celebration for the entire community and a great way to spend time with friends. The Texas Rose Museum showcases past Rose Festivals. Every little girl will enjoy watching the courtly costumes at the Queen’s Coronation and then enjoying ”Tea with the Queen” afterwards. The Palette of Roses Art Show showcases artisans’ touch and is open to entry from local art talent. The annual Texas Rose Festival is an event that should never be missed.

Tyler TX Rose Festival Events

The Rose Festival starts at 10 AM on Thursday, October 8th with a Ribbon Cutting at the Tyler Rose Garden Center, and numerous Rose Festival events continue everyday through the weekend Saturday, October 10th, ending with the Rose Parade. To get a brochure on the Rose Festival or get further information you can call 903-597-3130. Some for this year’s special events include:

• The Queen’s Tea
• Morning Prayer Service
• Ladies Brunch
• Men’s Luncheon
• Coronation
• Rose Parade
• The Rose Show

Buying Tyler TX Real Estate

Living in Tyler Texas not only offers fun annual events like the Rose Festival and the Azalea Trail, but you also get stunning new home sites, outstanding dining, amazing shopping, and some of the best schools in East Texas. Tyler has many great community amenities to offer and if you are interested in buying Tyler TX homes for sale, or browsing the Tyler TX MLS home search, then feel free to contact me, Steve Winston, your Tyler Texas expert Realtor.

I hope to see you at the Tyler Rose Festival!

Until next time,
Steve

Tips On Buying a Tyler Texas Area Home

The Tyler TX area  is a wonderful place to raise a family and right now you can get a lot of home for your money. The downside of the buyer’s market? There are a lot of people looking to buy Tyler real estate, and the rules for getting a Tyler home mortgage are revised. Don’t worry though, Town South Realty is  here to help!

Take advantage of these Tyler TX Home Buying Tips to ensure you have a smooth and easy road to home ownership:

• Get pre-approved
• Know how much you’re comfortable paying each month
• How long do you think you will own this home?
• In which direction are interest rates going and how quickly?
• Is your income expected to change (up or down) in the near future, which will impact how much money you can afford to pay to your mortgage?
• Make sure you understand what pre-payment privileges and payment frequency options are available to you.
• Using a mortgage expert can save you time and money so make sure you shop around for thats right one for you.

These tips only skim the surface of things to do before you buy a Tyler area property, so before you start the Tyler home buying process, or search for Tyler area homes for sale, be sure to contact me, your Tyler Texas Real Estate Expert and I will have the answers to all your Tyler home buying questions.

Until next time,

Steve