Dallas Real Estate and Short Sale Blog: Tom Branch | Broker, CDPE, SFR, ACRE | Plano TX Ambassador | 214-227-6626 (RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs)

McKinney Texas Townhome For Sale 5604 Rowlett Creek Way

5604 Rowlett Creek

2 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 2 Car Garage | 1734 SF/Builder

Luxury low-maintenance living in single story townhome. Popular Julia floor plan with huge expanded master suite. Upgraded paint color, Knotty Alder stained cabinets in kitchen, stainless steel appliances including double ovens. Hardwood floors, upgraded ceramic tile, and 8ft. doors throughout. Enjoy the many amenities of Craig Ranch!

Click here for more details, photos, virtual tour, status, and pricing on this McKinney TX Townhome For Sale.

Click here to see all townhomes for sale in McKinney TX.

Contact us at 214-705-2470 for more information or to schedule a showing.

Photo Copyright 2011 Imaged2Sell

Originally posted at
http://www.thebranchteam.com/wordpress/2012/05/20/mckinney-texas-townhome-for-sale-5604-rowlett-creek-way/

 

Tom Branch and Gina Branch, The Branch Team with RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs, service the greater North Dallas suburbs including Dallas, Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco, Lewisville, and Carrollton.  While Gina concentrates on traditional listings and buyer/tenant representation, Tom specializes in assisting distressed homeowners to avoid foreclosure.  Tom and Gina have published two books (Achieving Rock Star Status and The Field Guide to Short Sales) and are available for speaking engagements in the greater Dallas - Fort Worth Metroplex. Subscribe to The Branch Team Blog.

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Copyright 2009-2012 - The Branch Team
The Branch Team - Texas Real Estate Broker 547597 | Team Members are Texas Licensed Real Estate Professionals
Tom Branch - National Mortgage Licensing System 341963
 

Important Notice: The Branch Team with RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs is not associated with the government, and our service is not approved by the government or your lender. Even if you accept this offer and use our service, your lender may not agree to change your loan. If you stop paying your mortgage, you could lose your home and damage your credit rating.

All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Properties subject to prior sale or rental.

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Lawler Park Frisco Texas New Homes

Southeast Frisco is booming with new home construction! Just north of Richwoods sits 143 prime acres soon to be Lawler Park. This community is just a few miles north of HWY 121 between Independence Pkwy and Coit Rd.

Currently there are two highly respected new home builders slated to build in Lawler Park – Highland Homes and Darling Homes. Lot sizes vary and prices will range from the $400s to the $700s. Once built out, Lawler Park will be home to around 348 families.

Within Lawler Park will be two distinct sections – The Arbors at Lawler Park and The Crossing at Lawler Park. The Arbors will feature patio/zero lot line homes starting at roughly 2,440 square feet. The Crossing will have front entry homes beginning at just over 2,900 square feet. Both sections will be zoned to Exemplary Frisco ISD.

The model homes at Lawler Park should be ready in October, 2012. However, we can help you select your dream home site now! This premier location is close to shopping at Stonebriar Mall, the Allen Outlet Mall, and The Shops at Fairview. Numerous restaurants and entertainment venues are also close by.

Photo Copyright 2012 Imaged2Sell

Originally posted at http://www.thebranchteam.com/wordpress/2012/05/11/lawler-park-frisco-texas-new-homes/

 

Tom Branch and Gina Branch, The Branch Team with RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs, service the greater North Dallas suburbs including Dallas, Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco, Lewisville, and Carrollton.  While Gina concentrates on traditional listings and buyer/tenant representation, Tom specializes in assisting distressed homeowners to avoid foreclosure.  Tom and Gina have published two books (Achieving Rock Star Status and The Field Guide to Short Sales) and are available for speaking engagements in the greater Dallas - Fort Worth Metroplex. Subscribe to The Branch Team Blog.

Follwo Us on Facebook          View Our LinkedIn Profile         

Copyright 2009-2012 - The Branch Team
The Branch Team - Texas Real Estate Broker 547597 | Team Members are Texas Licensed Real Estate Professionals
Tom Branch - National Mortgage Licensing System 341963
 

Important Notice: The Branch Team with RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs is not associated with the government, and our service is not approved by the government or your lender. Even if you accept this offer and use our service, your lender may not agree to change your loan. If you stop paying your mortgage, you could lose your home and damage your credit rating.

All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Properties subject to prior sale or rental.

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My Air Conditioning Is Leaking

I received an email from a client this evening. It read, "My AC is leaking!"

It's that time of year in Texas. We've had temperatures into the low 90's and people are firing up their air conditioning systems for the first time. Some people never notice the water dripping from a pipe that exits over a window while other people think it is normal. I've ever seen one where the owner placed a large potted plant under the drip! Why waste water?

It's not normal! If you see water dripping, most likely your primary AC drain is plugged.

Basic HVAC Plumbing

The water produced by the AC normally drains into the primary drain that is attached to the home's plumbing. At the end of last season there was water in the trap that dried out leaving mold, lint, and other residue that clogs the trap. When that happens, the water overflows into the Overflow Pan and runs out through the overflow drain which usually exits the home over a window.

Don't panic! It's easy to fix.

Pour a little chlorine beach into the primary drain (the cap on the top of the drain comes off), let it sit for a few minutes, and then wash it down with plenty of clean water. This usually clears out the trap and everything is fine again.

If this does not clear the clog or you're not comfortable with this process, you should call an HVAC technician who can repair it for you.

Photo Copyright 2012 Imaged2Sell

Originally posted at http://www.thebranchteam.com/wordpress/2012/05/05/my-air-conditioning-is-leaking/

 

Tom Branch and Gina Branch, The Branch Team with RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs, service the greater North Dallas suburbs including Dallas, Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco, Lewisville, and Carrollton.  While Gina concentrates on traditional listings and buyer/tenant representation, Tom specializes in assisting distressed homeowners to avoid foreclosure.  Tom and Gina have published two books (Achieving Rock Star Status and The Field Guide to Short Sales) and are available for speaking engagements in the greater Dallas - Fort Worth Metroplex. Subscribe to The Branch Team Blog.

Follwo Us on Facebook          View Our LinkedIn Profile         

Copyright 2009-2012 - The Branch Team
The Branch Team - Texas Real Estate Broker 547597 | Team Members are Texas Licensed Real Estate Professionals
Tom Branch - National Mortgage Licensing System 341963
 

Important Notice: The Branch Team with RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs is not associated with the government, and our service is not approved by the government or your lender. Even if you accept this offer and use our service, your lender may not agree to change your loan. If you stop paying your mortgage, you could lose your home and damage your credit rating.

All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Properties subject to prior sale or rental.

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A Different Kind of ActiveRain Success Story

Today was another one of those busy days with most of it spent working out my my car. When I arrived back at the office after a 7 PM listing appointment, I had a few minutes to catch up on email.

I had received a nice email from a couple in Georgia. They had been looking for a lease and found what they thought was a great deal. Being concerned they did a Google search for the "owner's" phone number and up came a blog we wrote in June 2011 titled, "Rental Scams Hit the Area…Again" which warned people about a scam being run in the Dallas market. I guess the scammer has moved on to Atlanta.

Here's the note the couple sent me:

My husband and I have worked in the mortgage industry for years so we know about people trying to rent properties in foreclosure. We did a little research on this property just to make sure it wasn't being foreclosed on and never did we imagine it's even worse. A scam, thanks to you we didn't get scammed. Here is a copy of the email we received regarding a listing that was showing with a Real Estate agent for $1650 and the "owner" listing on craigslist was asking for $800. My husband texted back and forth a few times asking questions and things started to get a little more suspicious. Finally before I provided the information requested I Googled the +234 # and came across your web posting. Thanks again!

You have to love it when something you wrote saves people you will never meet from being scammed!

Photo licensed form iStockPhoto

 

Tom Branch and Gina Branch, The Branch Team with RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs, service the greater North Dallas suburbs including Dallas, Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco, Lewisville, and Carrollton.  While Gina concentrates on traditional listings and buyer/tenant representation, Tom specializes in assisting distressed homeowners to avoid foreclosure.  Tom and Gina have published two books (Achieving Rock Star Status and The Field Guide to Short Sales) and are available for speaking engagements in the greater Dallas - Fort Worth Metroplex. Subscribe to The Branch Team Blog.

Follwo Us on Facebook          View Our LinkedIn Profile         

Copyright 2009-2012 - The Branch Team
The Branch Team - Texas Real Estate Broker 547597 | Team Members are Texas Licensed Real Estate Professionals
Tom Branch - National Mortgage Licensing System 341963
 

Important Notice: The Branch Team with RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs is not associated with the government, and our service is not approved by the government or your lender. Even if you accept this offer and use our service, your lender may not agree to change your loan. If you stop paying your mortgage, you could lose your home and damage your credit rating.

All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Properties subject to prior sale or rental.

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Knock, Knock. Who’s There? Sellers Beware!

Door Knocker

I received a call this evening from one of my sellers. A potential buyer had showed up at her home, rang the doorbell, and asked to see the home. While this raised red flags for her, she let him into her home and showed him around.

The good news is that nothing happened.

It’s one thing to allow an agent with a keycard and who has scheduled an appointment into your home, but allowing a stranger off the street to do so could be a recipe for disaster.

Buyers off the street should always be referred to your agent. Agents generally qualify potential buyers before showing homes to them. This process tends to weed out unqualified or “buyers" with other motives.

Sellers, I know you want to sell your home, but please do not forfeit your safety in the process.

Photo licensed from iStockPhoto

Originally posted at http://www.thebranchteam.com/wordpress/2012/04/30/knock-knock-whos-there-sellers-beware/

 

Tom Branch and Gina Branch, The Branch Team with RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs, service the greater North Dallas suburbs including Dallas, Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco, Lewisville, and Carrollton.  While Gina concentrates on traditional listings and buyer/tenant representation, Tom specializes in assisting distressed homeowners to avoid foreclosure.  Tom and Gina have published two books (Achieving Rock Star Status and The Field Guide to Short Sales) and are available for speaking engagements in the greater Dallas - Fort Worth Metroplex. Subscribe to The Branch Team Blog.

Follwo Us on Facebook          View Our LinkedIn Profile         

Copyright 2009-2012 - The Branch Team
The Branch Team - Texas Real Estate Broker 547597 | Team Members are Texas Licensed Real Estate Professionals
Tom Branch - National Mortgage Licensing System 341963
 

Important Notice: The Branch Team with RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs is not associated with the government, and our service is not approved by the government or your lender. Even if you accept this offer and use our service, your lender may not agree to change your loan. If you stop paying your mortgage, you could lose your home and damage your credit rating.

All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Properties subject to prior sale or rental.

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Sorano Estates Frisco Texas

Sorano Estates Frisco Texas

If you’re looking for a NEW home in exemplary Frisco ISD, you might want to check out Sorano Estates. After you pass through the grand entrance, you’ll discover large home sites nestled along winding streets with cul-de-sacs.

First Texas Homes offers 11 luxury home designs in Sorano Estates, all Energy Star Certified, and starting in the $280s. Families will enjoy the parks within the neighborhood and the peaceful atmosphere of a smaller community.

Location is a big plus for Sorano Estates, situated just three miles north of Highway 121 on Independence. This prime location is close to three golf courses, retail, restaurants, and entertainment. There are a few homes already available, and building lots are going fast. Now’s the time to pick your perfect home site before they’re all gone!

Click here to view all homes for sale in Sorano Estates, Frisco, Texas.

Click here to search all homes for sale in Frisco, TX.

Photo Copyright 2012 Imaged2Sell

Originally posted at http://www.thebranchteam.com/wordpress/2012/04/30/sorano-estates-frisco-texas/

 

Tom Branch and Gina Branch, The Branch Team with RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs, service the greater North Dallas suburbs including Dallas, Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco, Lewisville, and Carrollton.  While Gina concentrates on traditional listings and buyer/tenant representation, Tom specializes in assisting distressed homeowners to avoid foreclosure.  Tom and Gina have published two books (Achieving Rock Star Status and The Field Guide to Short Sales) and are available for speaking engagements in the greater Dallas - Fort Worth Metroplex. Subscribe to The Branch Team Blog.

Follwo Us on Facebook          View Our LinkedIn Profile         

Copyright 2009-2012 - The Branch Team
The Branch Team - Texas Real Estate Broker 547597 | Team Members are Texas Licensed Real Estate Professionals
Tom Branch - National Mortgage Licensing System 341963
 

Important Notice: The Branch Team with RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs is not associated with the government, and our service is not approved by the government or your lender. Even if you accept this offer and use our service, your lender may not agree to change your loan. If you stop paying your mortgage, you could lose your home and damage your credit rating.

All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Properties subject to prior sale or rental.

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Thinking About a Short Sale? Tax Relief Ends in 2012

Short SalesYou may think Short Sales were created in response to the housing market meltdown in 2007, but they have been around for years.

As Gina and I wrote in our book, The Field Guide to Short Sales, “They have not been widely used in the past for two reasons:

1. The lender could seek a deficiency judgment against the borrower for the amount of the loss. Laws vary from State to State, but the lender was able to garnish wages, engage a collection agency to collect the debt, or seek other legal relief.

2. The lender can elect to forgive all or a portion of the mortgage balance. However, until 2007, the amount forgiven became taxable income. The lender simply issued an IRS Form 1099 to the borrower. The tax implications were dramatic. If the lender forgave $100,000 and issued an IRS Form 1099 to the borrower for the same amount, the borrower potentially wound up owing the IRS tens of thousands of dollars depending on their tax rate.

The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act was a major piece of legislation passed by Congress and signed into law by President George W. Bush. The Act offered relief to homeowners, who, after a Short Sale, owed taxes on the forgiven mortgage debt. This relief is great news! Most homeowners no longer have to pay taxes on that forgiven debt. The Act applied to debts forgiven between 2007 and 2009, but was extended through 2012 by the Economic Stabilization Act of 2008.”

Unless Congress takes action to extend the Act, the relief from paying Federal taxes on forgiven debt will expire on December 31, 2012. This could end up costing a distressed homeowner tens of thousands of dollars in Federal taxes.

If you are considering a Short Sale, you may want to get started quickly. Given the time it takes to get the sale approved and the buyer to close, time is quickly running out.

Want to talk to a real estate team with a proved track-record and knows how to get them done? Contact us at 214-227-6626 or visit our website at www.ntxshortsales.com.

Photo licensed from iStockPhoto

Originally posted at http://www.thebranchteam.com/wordpress/2012/04/30/thinking-about-a-short-sale-tax-relief-ends-in-2012/

 

Tom Branch and Gina Branch, The Branch Team with RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs, service the greater North Dallas suburbs including Dallas, Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco, Lewisville, and Carrollton.  While Gina concentrates on traditional listings and buyer/tenant representation, Tom specializes in assisting distressed homeowners to avoid foreclosure.  Tom and Gina have published two books (Achieving Rock Star Status and The Field Guide to Short Sales) and are available for speaking engagements in the greater Dallas - Fort Worth Metroplex. Subscribe to The Branch Team Blog.

Follwo Us on Facebook          View Our LinkedIn Profile         

Copyright 2009-2012 - The Branch Team
The Branch Team - Texas Real Estate Broker 547597 | Team Members are Texas Licensed Real Estate Professionals
Tom Branch - National Mortgage Licensing System 341963
 

Important Notice: The Branch Team with RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs is not associated with the government, and our service is not approved by the government or your lender. Even if you accept this offer and use our service, your lender may not agree to change your loan. If you stop paying your mortgage, you could lose your home and damage your credit rating.

All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Properties subject to prior sale or rental.

Protected by Copyscape Web Plagiarism Tool

McKinney Texas Home For Sale 3402 Los Alamos

3402 Los Alamos Home For Sale McKinney TX

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 2 Car Garage | 1906 SF/Tax

Single level brick home with pool on treed lot. Open floor plan with lots of windows provides natural lighting. Island kitchen with light oak cabinets and ceramic tile flooring. Two living areas share see-through fireplace. Split master suite overlooks the backyard pool while the master bath has separate shower, dual vanities, garden tub, and walk-in closet. Fresh paint throughout, new hot water heater, new carpet, and recent laminate flooring.

Click here for more details, photos, virtual tour, status, and pricing on this McKinney TX Home For Sale.

Click here to see all homes for sale in McKinney TX.

Contact us at 214-705-2470 for more information or to schedule a showing.

Photo Copyright 2012 Imaged2Sell

Originally posted at http://www.thebranchteam.com/wordpress/2012/04/27/mckinney-texas-home-for-sale-3402-los-alamos/

 

Tom Branch and Gina Branch, The Branch Team with RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs, service the greater North Dallas suburbs including Dallas, Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco, Lewisville, and Carrollton.  While Gina concentrates on traditional listings and buyer/tenant representation, Tom specializes in assisting distressed homeowners to avoid foreclosure.  Tom and Gina have published two books (Achieving Rock Star Status and The Field Guide to Short Sales) and are available for speaking engagements in the greater Dallas - Fort Worth Metroplex. Subscribe to The Branch Team Blog.

Follwo Us on Facebook          View Our LinkedIn Profile         

Copyright 2009-2012 - The Branch Team
The Branch Team - Texas Real Estate Broker 547597 | Team Members are Texas Licensed Real Estate Professionals
Tom Branch - National Mortgage Licensing System 341963
 

Important Notice: The Branch Team with RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs is not associated with the government, and our service is not approved by the government or your lender. Even if you accept this offer and use our service, your lender may not agree to change your loan. If you stop paying your mortgage, you could lose your home and damage your credit rating.

All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Properties subject to prior sale or rental.

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Allen Texas Home For Sale 1404 Kenya

Allen Texas Home For Sale 1404 Kenya

4 Bedrooms | 2.1 Baths | 2 Car Garage | 2456 SF/Tax

Nice single-level home in Lost Creek Ranch. Open floor plan with high ceilings. Kitchen has 42 inch cabinets, tile backsplash, walk-in pantry, and ceramic tile floors. Large family room with fireplace overlooks the pool-sized back yard. Split master suite has jetted tub, separate shower, dual vanities, and walk-in closet. Stacked formals. Extended patio and sprinkler system. Recent exterior paint. Minutes from the Shops in Allen and US 75.

Click here for more details, photos, virtual tour, status, and pricing on this Allen TX Home For Sale.

Click here to see all homes for sale in Allen TX.

Contact us at 214-705-2470 for more information or to schedule a showing.

Photo Copyright 2012 Imaged2Sell

Originally posted at http://www.thebranchteam.com/wordpress/2012/04/27/allen-texas-home-for-sale-1404-kenya/

 

Tom Branch and Gina Branch, The Branch Team with RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs, service the greater North Dallas suburbs including Dallas, Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco, Lewisville, and Carrollton.  While Gina concentrates on traditional listings and buyer/tenant representation, Tom specializes in assisting distressed homeowners to avoid foreclosure.  Tom and Gina have published two books (Achieving Rock Star Status and The Field Guide to Short Sales) and are available for speaking engagements in the greater Dallas - Fort Worth Metroplex. Subscribe to The Branch Team Blog.

Follwo Us on Facebook          View Our LinkedIn Profile         

Copyright 2009-2012 - The Branch Team
The Branch Team - Texas Real Estate Broker 547597 | Team Members are Texas Licensed Real Estate Professionals
Tom Branch - National Mortgage Licensing System 341963
 

Important Notice: The Branch Team with RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs is not associated with the government, and our service is not approved by the government or your lender. Even if you accept this offer and use our service, your lender may not agree to change your loan. If you stop paying your mortgage, you could lose your home and damage your credit rating.

All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Properties subject to prior sale or rental.

Protected by Copyscape Web Plagiarism Tool

25 Billion Dollar National Mortgage Settlement

Foreclosure Notice

The Federal Government and five large loan servicers (Bank of America, Chase, Citi, Ally, and Wells Fargo) have reached a settlement over the "robo-signing" of foreclosure documents. The 25 billion dollar settlement provides relief to distressed homeowners and direct payments to states and the federal government.

The Attorneys General on the Executive Committee that negotiated the settlement have created a website at www.nationalmortgagesettlement.com that provides information on the settlement.

Don't be scammed by people offering to assist you with filing a claim for a fee. Filing is easy and free to borrowers.

Below is a link to a video produced by TBWS Daily that covers this in detail.

Your Portion of the $25 Billion Settlement

We will post updates as more information becomes available.

Photo Licensed from iStockPhoto

Originally posted at http://www.thebranchteam.com/wordpress/2012/04/27/25-billion-dollar-national-mortgage-settlement/

 

Tom Branch and Gina Branch, The Branch Team with RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs, service the greater North Dallas suburbs including Dallas, Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco, Lewisville, and Carrollton.  While Gina concentrates on traditional listings and buyer/tenant representation, Tom specializes in assisting distressed homeowners to avoid foreclosure.  Tom and Gina have published two books (Achieving Rock Star Status and The Field Guide to Short Sales) and are available for speaking engagements in the greater Dallas - Fort Worth Metroplex. Subscribe to The Branch Team Blog.

Follwo Us on Facebook          View Our LinkedIn Profile         

Copyright 2009-2012 - The Branch Team
The Branch Team - Texas Real Estate Broker 547597 | Team Members are Texas Licensed Real Estate Professionals
Tom Branch - National Mortgage Licensing System 341963
 

Important Notice: The Branch Team with RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs is not associated with the government, and our service is not approved by the government or your lender. Even if you accept this offer and use our service, your lender may not agree to change your loan. If you stop paying your mortgage, you could lose your home and damage your credit rating.

All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Properties subject to prior sale or rental.

Protected by Copyscape Web Plagiarism Tool