Hello Vraj,
My suggestion is to drive around the neighborhoods and call the local Police Department to get information. On the pricing, there is a variety of neighborhoods to view. You can view homes online to get an idea of what is available for the price you are searching for.

Let me know if I can assist.

Gwen Snider
972-679-1567

Vraj,
Your questions are very difficult or impossible for an agent to answer:
1. Safe and secure neighborhood - Texas Realtors are not allowed to speak to such issues, as we are not the local experts on crime. Best to speak with the Frisco and Plano police departments. Call the non-emergency number for the departments and let the experts tell you for themselves. Keep in mind that comparing crime in two cities is never an apples to apples comparison, though. The size of the communities can skew the figures you can find online.
2. $150k-160k will buy you a 3-bedroom home in Plano or Frisco. Will it be a good one? Depends on what you are looking for beyond 3-bedrooms. A full buyer interview would be necessary for any buyer, so that you only see homes in a showing tour that you would really consider purchasing.
3. Average monthly utility bills will depend on your usage. We don't know you well enough to answer that question. Home insurance has become more affordable in recent years. But, if there are specific riders you add to your insurance, for foundation coverage, flood insurance, or other rides that you find of great value, insurance can rise quickly. My last buyer client in 75035 zip code Frisco purchased a 3-bedroom home under 2,000 square feet that was built in the early 1990's. They found hazard insurance for $800/year. Yours may run more or less, as it depends on the size, age, condition, location, types of payout claims in that area, additional insurance riders, and other factors.

Even though you aren't making a move that is great in distance, you need a Realtor. There are a lot of details to making a move happen smoothly, and we have the know-how to overcome issues that can arise.

Be thinking of your home loan now, rather than waiting until 2010. Go ahead and get pre-qualified with a lender, so you can optimize your credit scores and debt-to-income ratios prior to writing an offer. These days it is just critical that lending come first. I strongly recommend Rodney Anderson Lending Services in Plano, at 972-985-5208 as the first call you make. Rodney and his excellent staff have been my top lending group since 2003.

Have a blessed day!
Ronda


Ronda Allen-Realtor and Certified Purchasing Manager
CEO of comingsoonhomes.com
RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs - Keith Dobbs Team
#1 Office and #3 Team for RE/MAX in the North Texas Region at mid-year 2009!
Follow me on twitter: http://www.twitter.com/comingsoonhomes

Good questions! The best way to start is determine your priorities, price range, # bedrooms etc and determine which neighborhoods fit the bill. Then do your research. Your Realtor can steer you in the right direction to get your questions answered. And, yes, you can get a nice home in the $150 or so range. You currently live in Lake of PReston. There are 7 homes on the market ranging from $168,900 to $216,900. Just to give you an idea. Your utilitites, insurance etc will depend on the house. You can check insurance rates on line. You can also ask a seller what their average bills are when you find the right home. Looks like you are getting ready up front. That's smart! Let me know if I can be any service at all.
Helen Karuba

Vraj,

I can not warrant your safety, it'd be a legal liable risk.

I would suggest driving neighborhood's which interest you during a weekend and at nights to get a feel for the neighborhood. Stop and ask neighbors outside what they think of the neighborhood. Also, you can get crime statistics from your local area PD.

In Frisco and McKinney you can find homes for $150k, as well as Plano.

Bets of luck to you!