Hello.

I am a skilled writer, communicator, creative problem-solver, and adept leader who has experienced success and fulfillment in diverse sectors. A innovative ideator, I have crafted curriculums, assisted small businesses in articulating their message, and pioneered new academic and technological programs. Nothing gives me greater delight than helping organization or individuals communicate their vision and fulfill their potential.

Promotional Video Script Script: Movie Theater

[Family walks through front door and heads to arcade with kids to purchase fun cards and play games. Shots of kids playing games, family laughing, etc]

Welcome and Gig’em, from the __________ family! Since the golden age of the silver screen, we’ve been delivering the glamour of the movies to friends and family. Thanks to ______, ________, ________ “The Movie Man” and the rest of the __________ family, we offer you a rich tradition of entertainment and good old-fashioned family fun. 

[Group of Young Adults at bowling alley bowling, eating, drinking, etc.]

Today, you’ll still find the latest motion pictures inside every __________ Theatre, but you can enjoy still more fun by challenging your friends to a game in the arcade or a round of bowling in our alley, sampling mouthwatering bites from multiple dining options, and even celebrating a special occasion in one of our private party rooms. 

[Young Couple at the bar, orders drinks, shots of them talking and then walking to box office to buy tickets]

Sound like fun? We think so. We’re proud of our heritage of entertainment excellence and our other core values: family, community, and history. Because of these values, our theaters provide the best in fun while giving back to our communities. 

[Pan of crowd in movie theatre family, young couple and young adults all sitting in the front for focus. Young adults turning off cell phone, family ordering food and drinks]

So, find your seat - yes, that one right there - pick up that menu, and try your best to choose from the tempting options - maybe you’d like a juicy triple cheese burger with applewood bacon or our marquee pizza with pepperoni and canadian bacon. Whatever you choose, you won’t be disappointed. When you’re ready, press the red button and a friendly server will be with you in a moment.

[Runners bringing food to seats, shots of coke product placement in food orders]

Forgot something? You can press that little button anytime during the show. That helpful server will sneak in and deliver your check 30 minutes before the credits roll. 

Remember, help us keep up the special tradition of the movies by turning off your cell phone. Take a break from texting, emailing, and TweetFaceSnapping. Your tiny phone is not the “silver screen” you are here to see.

Thanks for coming! We hope your time at __________ Theaters Film Alley is unforgettable. Enjoy the show!

Is Buying A Home Still A Good Investment: A Real Estate Blog

We get it. Going to the grocery store feels like a massive financial commitment these days. For some people, buying a home can feel overwhelming and maybe even impossible. In fact, you may look at the current market and wonder if buying a home is the wise investment it once was. Our quick answer to this complex question is going to be an annoying “Yes and No.” But keep reading to find out why the long version might surprise you.

Going Up

Webster’s Dictionary defines an investment as “the outlay of money usually for income or profit.” Ok, the “usually” part is not what you want to hear. We want every investment to be profitable. But if we could figure out how to control the market, then I suppose it wouldn’t be much of a market, would it? However, in contrast to many other investments, the value of homes have almost always trended upwards. Take a look at this index created by Texas A&M Real Estate Research Center. Other than a minor setback after the 2008 crash and a slight dip after the 2022 boom, prices in the DFW area have trended upwards over time.

As with all investments, you need to consider your expectations and whether or not they are reasonable. If you ask any wise investment professional the most important factor in an investment’s payoff, we are going to bet they will say time. If you expect to buy a house and turn around and sell it for a profit in one year, two years, or even three, you may be disappointed. But if you hold onto a home or investment property for years, the likelihood of you profiting off its sale will only increase. The longer you hold onto it, the higher the chances of a strong profit. In fact, did you know that we have not had a ten year period in which housing prices did not increase since the Great Depression? That’s pretty consistent data.

Calculating ROI

Let’s look at an example to make sense of it all. Stephanie buys a house with a selling price of $450,000. She is able to make a down payment of 20% ($90,000), which makes the loan amount $360,000. Let’s say she gets a mortgage rate of 7%. Here’s the part no one loves about borrowing money: once all of the closing documents are signed and Stephanie has the keys to the house, she now owes the lender the $360,000 plus a significant amount of interest. Interest may be a necessary evil, but it doesn’t have to stop Stephanie from making a profit on her home once she decides to sell it. Side note: Did you know that mortgage interest is tax deductible? Yup, that pesky interest you have to pay does have a benefit in offsetting your annual tax burden.

Using the following chart, we are going to calculate what return on investment (ROI) Stephanie could see on this home, depending on how long she chooses to keep it. We do not know the precise increase in home value. Overall, Fort Worth has seen more than a 200% increase in home values since 2000, but we do not see that escalation continuing. Instead, using the chart above, we will select a much more conservative appreciation rate of 2% each year (our guess is that this number could be much higher, but no one knows for sure how housing values will continue to increase).

As you look at the chart, pay attention to the increase in selling price over time (again, using that conservative 2% rate of increase) and keep in mind that we are subtracting the $90,000 down payment from earnings because that was part of the initial investment that Stephanie wants to see a return on. As the years pass, you will also notice that the loan balance decreases (because of Stephanie’s monthly payments). This, of course, widens the gap between the selling price and the amount still owed on the home and therefore increases Stephanie’s return. In contrast, the amount Stephanie would pay for a rental property does not add value or profit for her. It does for the property owner, whose mortgage on the investment property is decreasing thanks to her payments. There’s nothing wrong with renting, but Stephanie prefers the long-term investment of owning a home.

*This is without including other taxes and fees (such as homeowners insurance)
**Does not include interest
***Note: You will likely not pocket all of this “profit” as some will go towards closing costs or other fees associated with selling the home.

As you can see, Stephanie may make a tiny bit of profit if she sells after only one year. But most likely the amount she earns will go towards closing fees, leaving her with not much return on investment. However, if she can hold onto the home for three, five, or ten years, she looks to experience a fantastic ROI even at these conservative increases in property value. Of course, there is the chance that home values will decrease. But, as we’ve already stated, the trend over many years (particularly in our area) has been towards a consistent increase in value.

The Invisible ROI

Let’s go back to that definition of an investment: “the outlay of money usually for income or profit.” Here’s where buying a home is a little different (in contrast to other strict investments, including investments in property for purposes other than residing in it). When you are buying a home for you and perhaps your family, there are other outcomes you are likely hoping for. The truth is, we want a home because it gives us a setting for our lives, a haven to rest and create, a place to raise a family or offer hospitality. Though it may sound a little too warm and fuzzy, buying a home has always had an emotional component. And, in this way, it is far different than a traditional investment. You are investing a large amount of money, but for more than strictly income or profit. Actually, ask most of our agents and they would likely say that real estate would be a far simpler market if it were purely about financial payout. But it’s not. And it’s why most of our agents love their work. Buying a home is an investment in the kind of life you envision, the peace of mind you long for, and the hopes you have for the future. And that’s why it’s far more than simply a good or bad investment.

What’s Next?

Does the complexity of this feel overwhelming to you? To be honest, it’s one of the reasons we think ______ agents are the best. They care about both your financial investment and the intangible investment you hope to make when buying a home. They are experienced and kind, trained experts on the real estate market and caring individuals – exactly who you want in your corner in making the best investment for you and the people you care about.

Call us today to start a conversation about what a good investment might look like for you!

Summer Fun: A Real Estate Agency’s Blog Post

The warm weather is setting in and the countdown to the last day of school has begun! The question on every parent’s mind has become: What do we do with the long days of summer? Whether you’ve packed the days with summer camps or plan to enjoy a slightly slower pace, we have some amazing suggestions for things to do right here in our own favorite city (and a few a bit further away) to beat the heat and create summer memories as a family!

Water Fun

The Texas heat is infamous. But you don’t have to let it slow you down this summer. There are plenty of ways to stay cool around Fort Worth. The Forest Park Pool is set for a grand re-opening May 25th! From May 25-June 9, the pool will be open weekends only from 12pm-6pm. Starting June 11, the pool will be open every day except Monday from 12pm-6pm. Admission for children is $5 and $6 for each adult. The new design includes a play structure and a big water slide! Of course, there’s also the fabulous splash pad at the Fort Worth Zoo! Safari Splash is a fun and interactive water play ground that will have your kids laughing and playing for hours. Open 10am until the zoo closes (5pm on week days and 6pm on weekends), you can pack a small ice chest or buy food from concessions and there are cabanas available to rent on a first come first serve basis ($50 for 2 hours and $25 for each additional hour). Admissions is $6 for all ages (2 and under are free) or $5 for zoo members. Please note that admission price is in addition to regular zoo admissions unless you are a member. 

Learning Fun

Want to sneak in some learning this summer without your kids noticing? Fort Worth has plenty of hands-on learning opportunities. We love the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History and particularly the area called “Innovation Studios” where kids can get creative in the Doodler Studio, play with light and sound in the Designer Studio, tinker in the Inventor Studio, and more! Get wiggles out on the outdoor playground and explore the universe with a visit to the Planetarium. Admissions is $16 for adults and $12 for children (2 and under are free) or you can invest in a membership and visit over and over again! But there are plenty of other museums and learning opportunities! Did you know we have two aviation museums in Fort Worth? Visit the C.R. Smith American Airlines Museum or the Fort Worth Aviation Museum to see real planes up close and maybe try out a flight simulator! Did you know that Fort Worth is also home to The Bureau of Engraving and Printing’s Western Currency Facility? This is where more than half of the nation’s currency is printed! Tours are offered Tuesday through Friday from 8:30am-5:30pm (the last tour begins at 4:30pm). 

Movement Fun

It’s easy to get lazy over the summer, but we all know kids (and adult) need to keep moving to burn energy and stay healthy. Get out early to enjoy outdoor activities or choose indoor fun to escape the heat. Fort Worth has some amazing bike routes. You can check out a list of city bike paths here. We, of course, love biking along the beautiful Trinity River. These concrete paths are easy for riders of all experience levels and ages and there are so many fun places to hop and and off the bike. If you want to drive a little ways for other great paths, we enjoy the shady wooded paths of River Legacy Park in Arlington. This park offers 8 miles of paved bike paths as well as a 10 mile mountain bike trail. If you prefer skate parks, check out Fire Station Park in Fort Worth. This wonderful skate park opened in 2023 and is open to skaters of all ages. If you want to stay indoors but still let the kids run wild, we recommend checking out one of Fort Worth’s trampoline parks (such as Altitude Trampoline Park) or indoor playgrounds (like Kid Mania for elementary age and older or Imagination Station for infants and toddlers). 

Food Fun

Are you into food? Want to eat and let the kids play? Fort Worth has a few amazing options when it comes to active outdoor dining and play opportunities. Of course, theirs the perennial favorite, Central Market, where everyone in the family can find something yummy to eat in the grab and go department, where a large outdoor patio offers live music on a regular basis, and where the kids can run and play in the outdoor play area. We also thoroughly enjoy Zoli’s where adults can savor delicious pizza or brunch foods while the kids run and play on the outdoor play area. But perhaps the newest Fort Worth favorite is Wild Acre Brewery’s Restaurant and Beer Garden where kids (and adults) can race on four-wheeled pedal carts, climb and explore a large playground, play a round of cornhole, or jump on The Bandid Bounce inflatable bubble. Enjoy a cold beer and a delicious burger and a leisurely night out with family and friends.

Nature Fun

We know it’s hot, but don’t let that stop you from getting outside and enjoying the natural world this summer. The Dream Park may be one of the best parks in the metroplex. Built to be accessible to all bodies, this park boasts a variety of swing options, a toddler climbing a play area, a zip line, and so much more. Of course, you absolutely must visit the Fort Worth Nature Center. Covering 3,621 acres and boasting more than 20 miles of hiking trails, this beautiful preserve offers tso much natural beauty. Check out their educational opportunities or go on a family hike this summer! You also don’t want to miss the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens. Did you know this incredible outdoor space in the heart of our city covers 120 acres and cultivates more than 2,500 species of plants? Get in quick to see the dinosaur exhibit before it departs on May 30th!

Gaming Fun

Whether you and your family enjoy board games, arcade games, or bowling and laser tag, there are certainly fun options for you in the city. Visit Cidercade where adults and kids can enjoy more than 275 arcade games for a flat rate of $12 a person (or check out their monthly pass) or FreePlay for a slightly smaller retro feel. Both places also offer food and drink for an afternoon or evening of fun. For bowling we love Pinstripes located in Clearfork or Main Event in south Fort Worth. Speaking of Main Event, they offer unlimited games for $18.99 as long as you show up before noon or $12.99 on Mondays after 4pm. For those who enjoy board games, check out Game Theory where you can eat and play as a family (or for a fun date night).

Further Afield

If you feel like exploring a bit further away from home this summer, you simply cannot run out of fun things to do. From lakes and zoos to wildlife refuges and world class museums, the Dallas-Fort Worth area has some of the greatest attractions in the nation. Visit Globe Life Field and take in a Ranger’s Game this summer! Yes, the same Rangers who won the World Series last year are right in our backyard! Drive or take the train to Victory Station in Dallas and walk to the Dallas Aquarium or the incredible Perot Museum for hours of fun and learning! To find more about train schedules visit the TRE website. Speaking of trains, you can also hop on a train and get of right in the heart of Grapevine, where you can eat, shop, and sip local wines and you can also grab a shuttle to the Gaylord Texan Resort or Grapevine Mills Mall. 

There is truly so much to do in Fort Worth. Whether your summer is business as usual or a time to sit back with the family, we hope you take some time to vacation here at home. Share with us your local summer favorites and let us know how we can serve you this summer!

BLUE: An Artist’s Blog

The breathtaking hue of a Texas sky. The bright domes of the Greek Isles. The cobalt patterns on white Chinese pottery. The rich glint of a sapphire. The playfulness of blue leather gloves. For some, “winter blues” might bring to mind a cold melancholy, but I invite you to take a second look at this universal favorite and warm up with the color blue this February. Did you know many scientists believe humans could not see or identify the color blue until we created blue pigment? It’s the Egyptians we have to thank for first discovering how to transform the Lapis stone imported from Afghanistan into a luxurious blue pigment that gradually became prized around the world. 

The Psychology of Blue

Tranquility

Loyalty

Creativity

Stability

Trust

Whether robin’s egg or cobalt, this popular hue is widely associated with feelings of calm. Far from cold and melancholy, blue is actually quite the cozy color. Both strong and relaxing, blue can slow the heart rate, diminish the appetite and soothe the senses. It is, after all, most often associated with the infinite and tranquil sky and sea. For many, blue conjures up feelings of trust, strength, and loyalty. Perhaps this is why blue was eventually the color assigned to the Virgin Mary by the Catholic Church. 

Navy blue, commonly chosen for uniforms, lends the wearer authority and intelligence, while lighter shades inspire both creativity and peacefulness. Sky blue is said to provide a sense of safety. Researchers have found that some shades of blue can increase productivity. And, don’t worry ladies, blue isn’t just for boys. The gendering of color didn’t exist until the post-war baby boom when clothing manufacturers figured out they could make more money by marketing separate clothing for baby boys and baby girls. We likely have the French to thank for blue ultimately being assigned to men as “blue for boys” and “pink for girls” was en vogue in France during the early 20th century. As we all know, the French tend to set the fashion rules. But we also know that fashion rules are made to be broken.

Whether you want to inspire calm, order, security, or creativity, blue is the color for you.