- Видео 70
- Просмотров 167 568
Randi Dukes, Dallas Fort Worth REALTOR
США
Добавлен 25 апр 2020
I'm a Dallas Fort Worth Realtor®, working in a boutique brokerage in the heart of Old Town Lewisville. I help clients buy and sell new and pre-owned homes throughout the entire metroplex, including Flower Mound, Lewisville, Highland Village, Frisco, Denton, Carrollton, and Southlake.
I love walking with clients through the real estate process, especially those who find themselves in a time of uncertainty following a divorce, family change, or relocation. Making that transition as smooth as possible is my biggest goal.
If I can offer you market information or give you information about buying or selling a house in the DFW area, please reach out!
214.223.0443 | randi@repeatre.com
I love walking with clients through the real estate process, especially those who find themselves in a time of uncertainty following a divorce, family change, or relocation. Making that transition as smooth as possible is my biggest goal.
If I can offer you market information or give you information about buying or selling a house in the DFW area, please reach out!
214.223.0443 | randi@repeatre.com
FLOWER MOUND, TEXAS | UNIQUE 1.5 STORY home with OUTDOOR LIVING
This unique home, located in Flower Mound, Texas, has the much-coveted 1.5 story layout that so many desire but can rarely find! The open concept downstairs features 4 bedrooms {one bedroom would make a great office}, 2 full bathrooms, a living room with a beautiful gas fireplace and built- cabinets, and a kitchen and dining area. The half story upstairs features a large media room with a screen and projector, a bar area, a built-in counter, and a full bathroom. Don't miss the backyard! With a pool and spa, a pergola that doubles as a carport, a covered deck, and lots of patio space, this is an area that's perfect for entertaining! {Listed by Repeat Realty.}
🗓️ BOOK A BUYER/SELLER CONSULTA...
🗓️ BOOK A BUYER/SELLER CONSULTA...
Просмотров: 410
Видео
LEWISVILLE, TEXAS Home Tour | 3 Bedroom 2 Bathroom CORNER LOT on a CUL-DE-SAC | Dallas Fort Worth
Просмотров 306 месяцев назад
This charming house, located in Lewisville, Texas, sits on a quarter acre lot on a cul-de-sac! The home features 3 bedrooms {the primary is split from the other two bedrooms}, 2 full bathrooms, a living room with a brick fireplace, and a bright kitchen with granite countertops! This home is located in central Lewisville, offering easy access to other parts of the DFW metroplex. {Listed by Repea...
FLOWER MOUND, TEXAS Home Tour | 6 Bedroom 4 Bathroom House with a LAKE VIEW | Dallas Fort Worth
Просмотров 1,7 тыс.7 месяцев назад
This beautiful New England style home, located in Flower Mound, Texas, has gorgeous sunset views over the lake! The open concept home features 6 bedrooms {the primary bedroom and one other bedroom are downstairs}, 4 full bathrooms, a living room with a beautiful stone fireplace, and a kitchen that is perfect for entertaining! This home is located a short walk from Grapevine Lake and sits on .64...
LEWISVILLE, TEXAS Home Tour | Gorgeous REMODELED 3 Bedroom 2 Bathroom House | Dallas Fort Worth
Просмотров 7610 месяцев назад
This beautiful remodeled home, located in Lewisville, Texas, will give you all the heart eyes! The open concept home features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a living space with a planked gas log fireplace, and the kitchen of your dreams! Located close to major roadways for convenient access to every part of the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex. {Listed by Repeat Realty.} 🗓️ BOOK A BUYER/SELLER CONSULTATIO...
How Much Down Payment is Needed When Buying a House?
Просмотров 2,1 тыс.Год назад
Saving a 20% down payment for a house can feel daunting. Do you really need a down payment that large or can you buy a house with less? This video discusses the options available for home buyers, why 20% may or may not be the best idea, and how you can find out exactly what's needed for your situation. 🗓️ BOOK A BUYER/SELLER or DISCOVERY CONSULTATION WITH ME ➡ calendly.com/randidukes 💻 Join the...
DALLAS FORT WORTH Real Estate Market Update: 2023 Third Quarter
Просмотров 580Год назад
The Dallas Fort Worth real estate market continues to be a little bit unpredictable, fluctuating just a bit from week to week. Watch this brief video for an update on what we're seeing in the current real estate market and what you need to know if you're thinking about buying or selling a house. 🗓️ BOOK A BUYER/SELLER CONSULTATION WITH ME ➡ calendly.com/randidukes 🏆 Must Watch Videos for Home B...
LEWISVILLE, TEXAS Home Tour | 3 Bedroom 2 Bathroom RANCH STYLE Home | Dallas Fort Worth
Просмотров 667Год назад
This charming home, located in Lewisville, Texas, would make a great starter home or the perfect house for someone who wants to downsize! It features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a small yard with a covered patio. Located close to major roadways for convenient access to every part of the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex. {Listed by Repeat Realty.} 🗓️ BOOK A BUYER/SELLER CONSULTATION WITH ME ➡ calend...
Top TEN Reasons to Move to ROANOKE, TEXAS
Просмотров 1,3 тыс.Год назад
Roanoke, Texas is a small city in the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex, located west of Trophy Club and Westlake, and north of Keller. This city started as a cattle center and is now one of the fastest growing cities in Texas! Roanoke is named the Unique Dining Capital of Texas and there are nine other reasons you should check out this city if you're looking to move to or within DFW! 🗓️ BOOK A BUYER...
CORINTH, TEXAS Grand Homes MODEL HOME TOUR | Walton Ridge | Dallas Fort Worth
Просмотров 1,2 тыс.Год назад
Walton Ridge is Grand Homes’ newest community! It's located just off I-35 in Corinth, Texas, in the north part of the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex. With close access to parks, trails, and Lake Lewisville, this new subdivision is the perfect place to call home. Take a tour of this beautiful model home and contact me if you want more information about this area! 🗓️ BOOK A BUYER/SELLER CONSULTATION...
Should You KEEP OR SELL the House In a Divorce?
Просмотров 2 тыс.Год назад
Deciding whether to keep or sell the house when getting a divorce is a huge decision and it needs to be considered carefully by both parties. This video discusses the financial and emotional implications and what you need to know before you make a decision. 🗓️ BOOK A BUYER/SELLER CONSULTATION WITH ME ➡ calendly.com/randidukes 🧡 Popular Playlist for Selling a House During a Divorce 🧡 Real Estate...
Top TEN Reasons to Move to ARGYLE, TEXAS
Просмотров 1,8 тыс.Год назад
Argyle, Texas is a small city in the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex, located just south of Denton and west of Lantana. This area has blossomed in the last few years and features many styles and sizes of homes and properties, nestled in among a beautiful rural-type setting. Despite the somewhat rural feel, there's a fantastic coffee shop, great restaurants, and excellent schools. Check out the top ...
DALLAS FORT WORTH Real Estate Market Update: 2023 Second Quarter
Просмотров 911Год назад
DALLAS FORT WORTH Real Estate Market Update: 2023 Second Quarter
HOW LONG Does it Really Take to BUY A HOUSE?
Просмотров 906Год назад
HOW LONG Does it Really Take to BUY A HOUSE?
Top TEN Reasons to Move to SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS
Просмотров 793Год назад
Top TEN Reasons to Move to SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS
Do You Need a FINAL WALKTHROUGH Before Closing When Buying a House?
Просмотров 932Год назад
Do You Need a FINAL WALKTHROUGH Before Closing When Buying a House?
COPPELL, TEXAS Home Tour | 5 Bedroom 8 Bathroom LUXURY HOME with BACKYARD OASIS | Dallas Fort Worth
Просмотров 1,3 тыс.Год назад
COPPELL, TEXAS Home Tour | 5 Bedroom 8 Bathroom LUXURY HOME with BACKYARD OASIS | Dallas Fort Worth
Top TEN Reasons to Move to BISHOP ARTS, TEXAS
Просмотров 619Год назад
Top TEN Reasons to Move to BISHOP ARTS, TEXAS
Everything You Need To Know About PROPERTY TAXES In Texas
Просмотров 257Год назад
Everything You Need To Know About PROPERTY TAXES In Texas
DALLAS FORT WORTH Real Estate Market Update: 2023 First Quarter
Просмотров 539Год назад
DALLAS FORT WORTH Real Estate Market Update: 2023 First Quarter
ARLINGTON, TEXAS Home Tour | 4 Bedroom RANCH STYLE with the MOST UNIQUE Backyard | Dallas Fort Worth
Просмотров 956Год назад
ARLINGTON, TEXAS Home Tour | 4 Bedroom RANCH STYLE with the MOST UNIQUE Backyard | Dallas Fort Worth
NON-FINANCIAL BENEFITS of Buying a Home
Просмотров 711Год назад
NON-FINANCIAL BENEFITS of Buying a Home
FLOWER MOUND, TEXAS Home Tour | Tealwood Oaks | 3 Bedrooms with POOL | Dallas Fort Worth
Просмотров 393Год назад
FLOWER MOUND, TEXAS Home Tour | Tealwood Oaks | 3 Bedrooms with POOL | Dallas Fort Worth
Everything You Need to Know About SELLER CONCESSIONS
Просмотров 2 тыс.Год назад
Everything You Need to Know About SELLER CONCESSIONS
How to Decide WHERE TO LIVE in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex
Просмотров 4732 года назад
How to Decide WHERE TO LIVE in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex
The First Step When SELLING A HOUSE During DIVORCE
Просмотров 2,4 тыс.2 года назад
The First Step When SELLING A HOUSE During DIVORCE
The REAL STORY About the DFW Real Estate Market
Просмотров 9462 года назад
The REAL STORY About the DFW Real Estate Market
DALLAS FORT WORTH Real Estate Market Update July 2022
Просмотров 4942 года назад
DALLAS FORT WORTH Real Estate Market Update July 2022
RED FLAGS to Watch For When Buying a House in Dallas Fort Worth
Просмотров 1,2 тыс.2 года назад
RED FLAGS to Watch For When Buying a House in Dallas Fort Worth
DALLAS FORT WORTH Real Estate Market Update June 2022
Просмотров 9722 года назад
DALLAS FORT WORTH Real Estate Market Update June 2022
What You Need to Know About a SELLER'S DISCLOSURE
Просмотров 1,3 тыс.2 года назад
What You Need to Know About a SELLER'S DISCLOSURE
Sucess
Such annoying background music
I don’t see the information where I can hire the young lady in the video. I need help but it will need to be virtual because she obviously does not live in Chicago where I live. Please help me get her contact information. I want to declutter and downsize for a future sale and move. Thank you
The website is lastingorder.net. If you go to that site, you'll see the contact information!
Thank you Amy Payne. Fabulous advice!
I won't buy a house without concessions. Specially in this market
What kind of Degree does one require to become a 'Certified' organiser? Is it a BA, BSc, BO or what? Is there some quasi 'professional' body that oversees the vast array of organisers? I understand that there are people out there who make a living out of taking the load of companies when events have to be arranged, or helping individuals with a forthcoming wedding, one of my very best, long-term friends runs her own company doing those things although mainly within a corporate environment. I think the whole idea of certification to her would be just laughable. After all, it's the work that's done and the final achievement that's worth much more than a piece of paper. If you do a crap job, word quickly gets round and very soon you need to look for a different occupation! What good's your piece of paper then?
When my mom had to go to assisted living, I got a copy of the floor plan of her new apartment. We went room by room in her house and made 2 lists .One list was what she couldn't live without and the other of things she would like to bring if she had room. We even went through knick knacks and pictures on the wall. She stayed at my brothers while we packed up and moved her. When she came to her new place everything was set up in place even pictures were hung on the walls. She was 90 at the time and I think her not having to be there during the stress of the move, helped her to make the transition easier. It took me 2 months to sort and get rid of what was left so if there was something she missed, I could bring it to her. I think there were2 things she asked for that we hadn't brought. Before she made the move we spent the better part of a day, going through her clothes and shoes that she no longer wore or that no longer fit. Overall she has adjusted well .She now has friends, activities, and 3 balanced meals a day which has improved her health. She moved from a 2500 square foot house to a small 1 bedroom apartment with a kitchenette. After I had to go through disposing of the rest of her things I started decluttering my house ,because I never want my kids to have to go through as many things as I had too .We all have too many things that we collect through the years.
This sounds like the perfect way to handle downsizing!
What a loving and respectful way you and your siblings handled your moms move. After my parents both passed we had so much to get rid of. I did keep and pack a few things I was not able to get rid of but it's now gone because when I did go through it I really had no place for it. You did such a great job, and your mom felt heard and loved.
Thank you! I think I've watched this twice, but it's great information. I just started decluttering our home of 25 years because I know in a few years we will most likely relocate. Great information.
I'm so glad the video has been helpful!
You might find my channel helpful. I offer tips on downsizing and decluttering.
Centreport in Fort Worth is the best! There’s a free bus every 20-40 minutes, 6 days a week from the TRE station to Terminal B.
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
This is so helpful. Thank you for the Video.
What is the price for this house
This house is no longer on the market ... it sold last year.
The mice collection! My uncle collected owls and whenever I saw him, we’d talk about them, mostly because I knew it was a topic he enjoyed. When he died, he left them to me. I had no interest in the owls but felt obligated to keep and display them. Soon everyone in the family started bringing me owls. - gifts, souvenirs from travels, etc. I finally declared, “no more owls!” Years later, when I began downsizing, my daughter requested the collection. She still has them but has never displayed them. The things we’re burdened with…
It's crazy the way we accumulate certain things, isn't it?
@@randidukesrealtor yes! Sometimes against our wishes! 😆
To also have an underlining resentment to that burden comes with its own cost. For me it was furniture and glassware. Now that I’m older, I’m trying to determine what would be helpful to my children and what will become therir burden, if I don’t part with some things now.
I live at The Silverlake Apartments in grapevine which is give-or-take 8 ish minutes from the terminals. There is always an uber 1-2 minutes away and surprisingly not much jet noise
You can't get much better than that in terms of an airport commute!
It's expensive to live here because of all the drifters moving here. I meet so many people who don't have family moving here and then move back because its too expensive to live here. You can't get an apartment unless you make 3x the rent, property taxes are 11k. Mortgage rate is like 4k a month. If you listen to this person and you don't make enough, you will lose thousands of dollars quickly. The jobs out here don't pay enough to make a living. So be smart and don't move to Texas. 10 years ago it was fine to move here, now its to late. I am trying to help people from making a big financial mistake. 💯
Great video
I cannot afford a personal organizer I would love to have one come into my home and help me but I don't have the money
It is definitely an added expense. You may want to look online and see if there are any videos or blog posts made by professional organizers that give you some step by step tips.
Don't look at the whole picture which makes it easy to become overwhelmed. Start small by just sorting through a drawer at a time. You might find my channel helpful. I offer tips on downsizing and decluttering.
Interesting insights here, thanks for sharing!
Beware of going from house to apartment, apartment living can be more expensive due to the HIGH strara fees, living in an over 55s community is strata fees on steroids.
There are definitely additional management fees in certain scenarios, like condos and 55+ communities. Great point that it's something to watch out for.
No need for children to be burdened with clearing out, there are plenty of youngsters glad to earn a living doing just that. My cousin allocated the task in his Will.
Allocating that was a smart idea!
It actually makes me sick when I look at all the money I have spent on stuff!
It definitely collects over the years, doesn't it?
Background music sucks.
I agree about the background music. It’s so faint that it’s mostly a distraction - but if it were louder it would render the whole video annoying. The content of the video, however, is useful, helpful, and worthwhile, and thank you.
It is a distraction ... I apologize. It's all a bit of a learning curve to make sure viewers are getting a good experience. I'm so glad the information was helpful!
Please eliminate the background noise and re-upload.
Sorry it's such a distraction.
@@randidukesrealtor It's not a distraction. The background noise makes it very hard to hear your voice clearly. Mature aged persons, often require this consideration :)
@@scoutmockingbird3833 I really appreciate that feedback. I can't do much on this video but I'll improve that on future videos.
I'll stay in Dallas 😅 Y'all have those drag shows😅
lol
Going through this now, we've been married 50 years, sold house, downsizing, moving in with sons and family. Such amazing helpful tips. I've scheduled a coordinator to come next Tuesday. Thank you, thank you. God bless
I'm so glad this was helpful! Best of luck with your move!
old age is just another phase, you didn’t drive when you were too young, you can’t drive after a certain age, you didn’t leave your babies crib up, why hold onto other physical items, they’re just things, donate so someone else can use them. i’m going through this with my parents, they held onto everything instead moving on. My dad has model airplanes that he flew, but they’ve been hanging in his garage for 25 plus years, now the hobby doesn’t use fuel, so his are obsolete…plus all that time I doubt the plane would hold together in flight, the glue is too old….so no one else had the benefit of using them.
I agree. I don't have a huge connection to things I'm not using and I would rather donate them to someone that will benefit.
i’m lucky i moved so much during childhood, i’m 65 and living in my 8th home….to me they’re just shells
What a great way to look at homes. We can create a copy home anywhere we live.
Ty new sub feel like Ive been downsizing for yrs. Its difficult with illness and you live alone. My parents owned a high end antique store , Ive gotten rid of many collections. Now the last of furniture is going.
Would be better without the music in the background.
True, if someone is an auditory learner, additional sounds distract them from the words being spoken, I being one of them.
Get rid of trash and broken items first. Then work on clothes in closets and dressers. We only wear about 20% of the clothes we own. Consolidate sentimental items to one special box (unless you display some on shelves). Kitchens are full of things we don’t use. I’ve been actively downsizing for a few months now. It gets easier as you go through the process. I donate my nicer things and burn or throw away things I would not buy if thrift shopping. I’m 58 and want to enjoy a lighter retirement without all the stuff silently screaming at me in my closets, lol!
Great advice! It's definitely a process but it really does get easier as you go! Thanks for sharing your tips!
A new life and a new life style. Will need a purpose.
Well all right so I’m only starting this video but my first comment is when you go to Florida for three months you know you’re coming back to your house so you’re not gonna pick your favorite at work or your husband’s ashes or something like that so that’s me off the top makes no sense
There are definitely items that are non-negotiables and are going to go with you no matter what. When she uses the Florida example, she's talking about all of that other stuff that takes up room that maybe we don't necessarily need.
Are fixer uppers still around? Like a gem, outdated home in great area like we used to find.
They are! They often are sold as-is and occasionally are cash-only deals but we also find ones that qualify for lending. I share some of those listings in my facebook group {Where to Live in the DFW Metroplex} and on my facebook page {links in the description} but if you have specific areas/price range, send me an email {randi@repeatre.com} and I'll keep an eye out for you!
@@randidukesrealtor I will check it out. Thank you 😊
It's a Scam that's why Americans pay property taxes even WHEN your mortgage is paid off they can take your house. Absolutely ridiculous in Europe they don't do that!
Very good information and suggestions, especially the "start by identifying what you want to keep, as opposed to what you have to get rid of"....that sounds a lot more motivating! Thanks a lot!
Definitely a more fun and easier way to look at things, isn't it? I'm so glad you found the video helpful!
Great video and interview! I have 2 sets of parents with more stuff than any household should hold. Currently, my In-laws are downsizing/rightsizing into a 55 plus community and I FEAR they are still coming to their new place in SC with 6 sets of china and 100 dolls. All sentimental, passed down stuff. Ugh! I keep trying to promote Habitat for Humanity for the dishes - NO ONE cares about 'china" anymore and one of about 6 doll museums nationwide for the dolls, but I feel my suggestions are falling on deaf ears. I will say that IF I have to deal with 100 dolls made by my husband's grandma, they will be in a giant fire....on accident. I say keep ONE doll and move on. MIL is sentimental about SO MUCH which leads to nothing being special IF everything is special.
Great thought: nothing is special if everything is special. Thanks for sharing that. Sounds like it's going to fall on your shoulders in the future ... that's hard.
So sorry that your going through this and they absolutely will not get rid of this ridiculous amount of dishes! Wow! OK so now for the "dolls"! I believe they are a crutch to be obsessed with. The problem they have is so much deeper. Perhaps therapy will help or they may have to store them in a place they have to pay for. They might reconsider if they have to spend money. Lol! Keep up the good work. Remember-it's just toys. Lots of kids,yes kids not adults might like to play with them. Take them yo a museum for others to look at and they can go back to see them!? Good luck!
Everything but necessary items in my home is being downsized by me. My stuff is going out of my spaces and to charities or dumpster. I constantly work on this project daily. Not buying anything I don’t really need is a daily activity for me. I’m not pushing this onto my husband at all. He needs to reach this idea by himself. I really don’t want a storage unit at all. I feel that I’m living in a storage unit but some rooms are empty, no furniture.no clothes in closets, and the extra bathroom is not used as a storage unit . I don’t want to leave all this stuff for my adult children to remove from this house.
The unit is just a money hog. Have to pay the rent and load it in. Then someone has to unload it to another place. Most people just pay for years for a storage unit and end up rebuying what they need.
Mice always reproduce!
Nice market update Randi! Keep us updated in your area!👊🤗
I was raised in Carrollton and can't imagine living anywhere else. I used to walk to the keller springs library when I was a kid or I would take the dart bus to the Hebron library. Everything you need is off the josey ln bus and for a few years I would take the bus to Brookhaven then to work and take the green line back home. Very convenient. Ive been everywhere between Colorado and Georgia and all throughout Texas and really can't leave this city lol
It's such a great area and really is so convenient to everything. I can understand why you can't leave!
great info !
Thanks!
The fully integrated circuit (the semiconductor chip), the handheld calculator, and the automated teller machine were invented in the North Dallas suburbs (in Richardson and Irving) back in the 1950s and 1960s. Many other high-tech activities occurred during that period in the Telecom Corridor. The patents created wealth, and the wealth created jobs. While not directly related to Coppell (which I remember as farms and ranches), this explains why DFW exists with such a large population.
It's actually helpful for me to have family here because they keep reminding me they don't want it when I'm gone. I've hung on to things because of the memories connected to one child or another and come to find out that they may cherish the memory but don't want the item, and then I'm left wondering "Why have I been hanging on to this forever when they don't care about it?"
great point. Think about the trophies & school projects no one even remembers.
I'm not too sure you both are the best representation of helping seniors downsize, sounds like a lot of unnecessary patronizing and "poking fun at" how seniors act or how they determine what is best from them. Perhaps you should look at the situation of someone at any age on how they would downsize, afterall, hoarders are of all ages and all ages could have a hard time moving to another location, not just seniors. Nothing wrong with trying to help seniors, but lets treat seniors with respect just like everyone else instead of making fun of them.
Well said. We decide for ourselves, not others.
I need help with other kinds of things. My ex passed away and I inherited a couple of boxes of MY keep sakes from MY childhood that were there at his house. I get the taking pictures idea, but then what? Throw them in a dumpster? Things like my Girl Scout Sash with merit badges, cheer leading sweater letter, year book from High School... I hate filling up the landfill with STUFF but there is no other place I can think of.
I get it. My wife still had her grade school notebooks. She even kept some old fishtank from her grandmother that never saw the light of day...It all went to the dump. And there has not been a thought about it since.
Thumb drive? Photo book or CD
What about photos?
What does “let it go” mean? It’s not a very helpful statement! The problem most people have, is actually getting rid of stuff. They need permission and specifics on how to throw things away.
The permission is internal--they have to allow themselves to do this.
Minimize
New decorations are cheaper than a year of storage.
The only problem is that as a senior I do not feel like shopping for new things. Amazon can’t let you know how it will truly look
I think putting items in storage is a good idea. I have seen far too many people sell their homes downsize and end up in a living situation they regret, and will need those items when they decide to move yet again. Examples are as follows. Moving in with family and you end up not getting along. Letting family talk you into moving into a retirement home or small house to be near them and and finding out they only wanted to ease their guilty conscience, but don't want to include you in their lives. Finding out you don't want to be involved in family drama. You and your new roommate, family member, or friend just simply are incompatible. You move to help someone out, and when they get back on their feet they move on, and you are stuck living somewhere you really don't want to be. Always have a plan B in case plan A doesn't work out.
It might be a good temporary solution to keep items in storage. My parents downsized a number of years ago and then decided they had downsized too much. My Dad had gotten rid of all his tools and has now bought them all over again. 😑
My experience was different. We were downsizing and put stuff in storage. But a month after we moved into our new home, we realized we didn't need it & had no room for it so we pulled it from storage and donated it all.
family involved or not depends how old the parents are
Very wise. Selling up in order to help youngsters on the housing ladder is not a good idea. Friend of mine cashed in his pension because his son gave him a hard luck story about arrears with mortgage, and no sooner had he laid his hands on the cash, took his family on a luxury holiday.