It’s time to wrap up season 2 of the Around Flower Mound Podcast, and what a fantastic season it has been! If you weren’t already convinced of the depth of character among our citizens, my hope is that these interviews have served to shed light on much of the goodness that our community has to offer. 

In fact, the fabulousness of Flower Mound hasn’t gone unnoticed by the internet community. A recent study by smartasset.com, an online personal finance company, named Flower Mound the number four most livable small city in the entire United States. This is the second year in a row Flower Mound claimed that number four spot and it is the only Texas community in the top 30. Wow! 

Statistics aside, it truly is the people of Flower Mound that make it such a wonderful place to live. My twelve guests represented many walks of life and included our Mayor Derek France, mortgage expert with a heart Stacy Lynn Schriever, our town librarian Sue Ridnour, and business owner Yvonne Stewart and others. I am so thankful for the time and energy each guest I had the pleasure to interview over the last several months. Be sure and listen to any episodes you may have missed!

As we break for the summer, I want to leave you with a thought of my own. I’ve been helping families buy and sell houses here in the Metroplex since 1995 and each transaction is truly a life-changing moment for them. This inspired me to go back and think about each house I’ve lived in, and reflect on it as a chapter of my life. After sharing this exercise with my family and seeing how impactful it can be, I created a handout to explain the process, which I would love to share with you. Please reach out to me through the links below to get a copy and explore the chapters in your own life. 

Thank you for listening and learning about the wonderful people who live right here in your community. 

Make sure to subscribe to the Around Flower Mound Podcast as well, as follow us on social media to keep in touch!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Full list of Most Livable Small Cities in the U.S. – 2022 Edition:

https://smartasset.com/data-studies/most-livable-small-cities-in-the-us-2022

Have a listen to season 2 episodes:

https://www.aroundflowermound.com/podcast

Access Town of Flower Mound Resources:

https://www.flower-mound.com/

Connect with the Town of Flower Mound

https://flower-mound.com/899/Stay-Connected

To receive the "Our Homes Create the Chapters in the Story of Our LIves" framework to help you know yourself better, or to know someone deeper, email me:

nicole@nicolesmith.net

If you’re looking to buy a house, qualifying for a mortgage is one of the most important steps. Stacy Lynn Schriever is a residential mortgage loan originator and brand manager at Premier Nationwide lending, and she is dedicated to making the dream of homeownership a reality for her clients.

Many people are overwhelmed by the process involved in qualifying for a mortgage. When considering why it seems so scary, Stacy points out that a lot of people try to be their own experts. Much like you wouldn’t go to trial without a lawyer, or attempt your own surgery, having an experienced mortgage expert in your corner will make the process more successful.

And success doesn’t always mean an immediate “yes” on a mortgage decision. Sometimes Stacy’s team needs to say, “not right now,” and provide additional guidance on how to qualify for that loan. Giving extra support is a key part of her business values, because she views each loan application as a whole person, not just a collection of numbers.

In fact, it was helping her own parents become first time homeowners that has been one of the highlights of Stacy’s career. Walking them through the process and then watching their excitement on moving day is a memory she’ll always cherish.

Whether the mortgage is for the family themselves or an investor who will rent it out to a family, Stacy makes every mortgage application decision with the people themselves in mind. As her team celebrates one year in their Flower Mound location, they are thrilled to support the community through educational programs for both Realtors and potential homebuyers.

Takeaways from this episode:

1. When looking to buy a house, whether a primary residence or investment property, it’s important to choose a mortgage loan originator who is knowledgeable and caring.
2. Stacy Lynn Schriever and her team consider each application carefully, thinking about the people behind the numbers.
3. Buying a house often makes a lot more sense than renting long term.
4. Giving back through educational programs for Realtors and potential homebuyers is helping make Flower Mound a stronger community.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Stacy Lynn Schriever

https://stacylynnschriever.com/

Hero Nation Coaching: https://www.theheronation.com/

Cross Timbers Rotary: https://crosstimbersrotary.com/

Flower Mound Chamber of Commerce: https://flowermoundchamber.com/

St. Nicholas Church: https://www.stnicksonline.org/

To get receive the framework to help you know yourself better via the homes that create the chapters in the story of your life email me:

nicole@nicolesmith.net

To listen to previous episodes, and to submit your application as a guest, please visit:

https://aroundflowermound.com/

When you think about our town mayor or other politicians, do you picture a celebrity - aloof and unapproachable? Derek France, Mayor of Flower Mound, is determined to change that perception! 

A local businessman, Mayor France's first foray into local politics was joining the Animal Services Board and Veterans Board, a route which he highly recommends. It helped him understand how much local politics matter and that local politicians are just regular people. 

Mayor France loves the numerous opportunities being Mayor gives him to connect with the community - from reading at the elementary school to speaking at business meetings. He explains Flower Mound's government is a “weak mayor system” with responsibilities split among a council.  As Mayor, he provides guidance, while the city manager handles operational decisions.  He and the council members serve as volunteers - these are not paid positions.

Positivity is inherent to his leadership style, as he encourages residents to have fun and get involved. 

Because there are so many places in the community for people to volunteer and events to enjoy, Mayor France has started his own email newsletter summarizing the options. This email combines information coming from Town departments like Parks and Recreation, with upcoming event calendars of citizen groups like the Chamber and Rotary Club. Signing up means you won’t miss any of the ways to be involved in Flower Mound, so follow the link below to get on the list!

Mayor France takes his work for the people of Flower Mound very much to heart, so next time you see him at the grocery store, don’t be afraid to stop and say “hi!”

Takeaways from this episode:

1. Local government is very important. Everyone should get involved!
2. Three easy ways to do that are through volunteering for a town council board or commission, joining a local club, and attending town council meetings. 
3. Local government officials aren’t celebrities, they work for the people of the town.
4. Making your voice heard is what keeps Flower Mound a thriving community!

What should citizens do?

1. Get educated about what's going on in the community
2. Volunteer for a Board or Commission
3. Join a local club
4. Attend Town Council meetings

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Be in the know of everything Flower Mound:

https://flower-mound.com/

https://www.facebook.com/FlowerMound

Subscribe to Derek France's newsletter:

https://derekfrance.com/

Connect to Mayor Derek France on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/MayorDerekFrance

To get receive the framework to help you know yourself better, or to know someone deeper, email me: nicole@nicolesmith.net

To listen to previous episodes, and to submit your application as a guest, please visit:

https://aroundflowermound.com/