Dallas Real Estate and Short Sale Blog

Acreage Homes For Sale in Lovejoy ISD

Lovejoy ISD in Collin County has become a very desirable school district. There are homes in Allen, Lucas, Fairview and McKinney zoned to Lovejoy ISD. According to the school district website, "Lovejoy ISD is an exemplary district serving students in Fairview, Lucas, and Allen, Texas. The Lovejoy Independent School District includes Lovejoy High School, Sloan Creek Middle School, and Hart, Lovejoy, and Puster elementary schools."

While the exemplary school district is a major draw, this is one of the best areas for homes on acreage located with easy access to the DFW Metroplex.

Click here to see Acreage Homes For Sale Zoned to Lovejoy ISD.

 Tom Branch, Broker, CDPE, SFR

Photo Copyright 2010 Imaged2Sell

Orignally posted at http://www.thebranchteam.com/wordpress/2012/02/04/acreage-homes-for-sale-in-lovejoy-isd/

 

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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0 comments • Tom Branch | Broker, CDPE, SFR, ACRE | Plano TX Ambassador | 214-227-6626 • February 04 2012 04:16PM

Gina Branch Selected as a 2012 Five Star Real Estate Agent

We are pleased to announce that Gina Branch was selected as a 2012 Five Star Real Estate Agent.

Texas Monthly partnered with Five Star Professional to identify the real estate agents in the Dallas Fort Worth area who provide exceptional service and overall satisfaction as indicated by clients, peers and industry experts. The 2012 Five Star Real Estate Agents are a select group of fewer than 7 percent of all real estate agents in the Dallas Fort Worth area.

Tom Branch, Broker, CDPE, SFR

Originally posted at http://www.thebranchteam.com/wordpress/2012/02/03/gina-branch-selected-as-a-2012-five-star-real-estate-agent/

 

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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0 comments • Tom Branch | Broker, CDPE, SFR, ACRE | Plano TX Ambassador | 214-227-6626 • February 04 2012 04:11PM

Jimmy's On The Pier in Galveston Texas

Jimmey's On The Pier

Gina and I recently attended the RE/MAX of Texas Convention in Galveston. While we spent 3 busy conference days, we were able to relax a little on day 4 before driving back to Dallas.

We met up with Mark Stroeh and his wife on Sunday to enjoy a nice meal in the area and catch up. Mark and I go back to the 1980's when we were both in the United States Air Force and stationed at Carswell AFB in Fort Worth. Mark suggested we try Jimmy's On The Pier for lunch.

On The Pier

Jimmy's is a cool little place located above the gift shop on one of the fishing piers on the Galveston seawall. The morning air was cool so we elected not to sit on the balcony. Had the weather been a bit warmer, I could see sitting outside enjoying the feel of the sun on my face and the breeze in my hair.

The food was tasty and the company was great! You really want to stop by and check out Jimmy's the next time you're in Galveston. For more information visit http://galvestonfishingpier.com/.

Tom Branch, Broker, CDPE, SFR

Photos Copyright 2012 Tom Branch

Originally posted at http://www.thebranchteam.com/wordpress/2012/02/01/jimmys-on-the-pier-in-galveston-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.

Protected by Copyscape Web Plagiarism Tool

3 comments • Tom Branch | Broker, CDPE, SFR, ACRE | Plano TX Ambassador | 214-227-6626 • February 01 2012 05:38AM

J.D. Power and Associates Awards

The Branch Team with JD Power Awards

We had the opportunity to have our picture taken holding RE/MAX's 2011 J.D. Power & Associates awards at the RE/MAX of Texas Convention held in Galveston, Texas.

For more information on these awards visit the J.D. Power and Associate Awards page at remax.com.

Originally posted at http://www.thebranchteam.com/wordpress/2012/01/30/j-d-power-and-associates-awards/

 

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

3 comments • Tom Branch | Broker, CDPE, SFR, ACRE | Plano TX Ambassador | 214-227-6626 • January 30 2012 05:06PM

Rain in North Texas

Raain In North Texas

Wow! It's hard to believe but it's raining in North Texas. With Stage Four Water Restrictions looming, this is a welcome sight.

Last year's drought left our lakes and reservoirs dangerously low. People living on Cedar Creek Lake and many of the local lakes could not get their boats in the water. A positive side was that it was a good time to do any repairs or maintenance on their retaining walls.

While low lakes may seem like an inconvenience, there's a much larger implication for those of us living here. Those lakes and reservoirs are also the source of our drinking water. When the levels are low, cities begin the various stages of water restrictions in an effort to insure we have water to drink.

The droughts also have an impact on our homes. The vast majority of our foundations are slab foundations. These foundations are sensitive to changes in the water content in our expansive soils. Last year we saw a dramatic rise in homes with foundation issues due to the drought. This cost north Texas homeowners millions of dollars.

Let it rain!

Photo Copyright 2012 Imaged2Sell

Originally posted at http://www.thebranchteam.com/wordpress/2012/01/25/rain-in-north-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.

Protected by Copyscape Web Plagiarism Tool

2 comments • Tom Branch | Broker, CDPE, SFR, ACRE | Plano TX Ambassador | 214-227-6626 • January 25 2012 10:35AM

Groundbreaking at The Preserve in Allen

The Preserve in Allen

Finally! Ashton Woods has broken ground in The Preserve in Allen. I was out visiting the site over the weekend and found the two model homes are well on their way to being completed. I also noted the lake is filled and the fountain is operating.

There are two model homes under construction near the west side enterance. While I did not speak to the sales staff, I suspect they will be open in late March 2012.

I understand that presales have been going well with about 12 homes already under contract.

Tom Branch, Broker, CDPE, SFR

Photos Copyright 2012 Imaged2Sell

Originally posted at http://www.thebranchteam.com/wordpress/2012/01/24/groundbreaking-at-the-preserve-in-allen/

 

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

1 comment • Tom Branch | Broker, CDPE, SFR, ACRE | Plano TX Ambassador | 214-227-6626 • January 24 2012 02:20AM

First Time Homebuyers Are Finding Few Homes

Seaching for a Home Online

Over the past couple of months we've seen lots of first-time homebuyers entering the market. They are enthusiastic, pre-approved, and ready to buy a home. The problem is a general lack of good homes under $150k.

Gina and I are currently working with four first-time home buyers looking in the Allen Texas area and we have only been able to find one of them a home. Don't get us wrong, there are homes on the market in this price range, but the vast majority of them are foreclosures, short sales, or are in poor condition.

If you are a home buyer, you need to move quickly when you find a home to view. You simply cannot wait because the good homes are moving quickly. Homebuyers can click here to sign up for home alerts on The Branch Team website. This free service sends you an alert as new homes come on the market that meet your needs.

If you are considering selling your home this may be a great time to list it as homes that show well and are priced right are going quickly. Further, plenty of qualified buyers and low inventories present an opportunity to sell quickly. While prices are down in some areas, Collin County and DFW in general have weathered the storm well. Click here to read "Internet Marketing - The New Curb Appeal" and click here to read "Are You Show Ready?"

Please feel free to contact us at 214-705-2470 if you have questions or need help buying or selling a home.

Photo licensed from iStockPhoto

Originally posted at http://www.thebranchteam.com/wordpress/2012/01/21/first-time-homebuyers-are-finding-few-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.

Protected by Copyscape Web Plagiarism Tool

2 comments • Tom Branch | Broker, CDPE, SFR, ACRE | Plano TX Ambassador | 214-227-6626 • January 21 2012 08:36PM

Investors, Do You Really Want The Highest Possible Rent? - Part 1

Modern Home for Rent

As a property manager I often have this conversation with my investor clients. I understand trying to get the most possible cash flow out of a property but this has to be tempered by two issues--occupancy rate and quality of tenants.

You might ask, “How are they related?”

In part one, I’ll discuss occupancy rate.

Occupancy Rate is defined as the amount of time a property is rented over a period of time. If your rental is vacant for one month out of the year you have an occupancy rate of 91.6 percent. You arrive at the occupancy rate by taking the time the rental is occupied and dividing it by the total time available.

As an investor you should never plan on a 100 percent occupancy rate. We typically use 85 or 90 percent just to be conservative in our approach.

If your rental list price is set too high the property will sit vacant for a longer period of time. Let’s assume you have a rental unit that would quickly rent for $1500 but you list it at $1600. If it takes you an additional 30 days to find a tenant willing to pay $1600, you actually lost $400. What?

While the $1600 rent generates an additional $100 in monthly revenue, you lost $1500 for the month the property could have been rented at the lower price. So, over the course of a year you generated $1100 in additional revenue but lost $1500 due to the vacant month. This results in a loss of $400 during the year!

A higher rental price is usually only profitable if you can rent the property in a similar amount of time. Otherwise you typically wind up losing money.

In part two, I’ll discuss how rental price also impacts the quality of tenants.

Have questions or want to work with an experienced real estate team on purchasing or managing investment properties? Contact us at 214-227-6626.

Photo licensed from iStockPhoto

Originally posted at http://www.thebranchteam.com/wordpress/2012/01/19/investors-do-you-really-want-the-highest-possible-rent-part-1/

 

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

2 comments • Tom Branch | Broker, CDPE, SFR, ACRE | Plano TX Ambassador | 214-227-6626 • January 19 2012 03:23PM

Golf Course Homes in Allen Texas

Twin Creeks Golf Course

I was out speaking with some buyers yesterday and they were talking about living in Allen in a home on a golf course. Allen has lots to offer but the only golf course within the city is Twin Creeks.

Located in west Allen, Twin Creeks is a wonderful master planned community. The 18 Hole championship course was designed by golf legend Arnold Palmer who wrote, "The Golf Club at Twin Creeks could be one of the best courses in the State of Texas, and the most peaceful 18-hole course I have ever designed. The golf course is of a traditional nature and is very much in harmony with the natural landscape.”

According to the course website:

The Golf Club at Twin Creeks offers an award-winning golf course that winds its way around two natural, free-flowing, tree-lined creeks. Known for its "peaceful" setting and as one of the most naturally preserved golf courses in the state, Twin Creeks has become a favorite of Collin County.

Click here to see all Golf Course Homes in Twin Creeks Allen TX

Click here to see all Homes For Sale in Twin Creeks Allen TX

Have questions or need more information? Contact us at 214-227-6626.

Photo: Copyright 2007 Realty Revolution LLC

Originally posted at http://www.thebranchteam.com/wordpress/2012/01/19/golf-course-homes-in-allen-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.

Protected by Copyscape Web Plagiarism Tool

0 comments • Tom Branch | Broker, CDPE, SFR, ACRE | Plano TX Ambassador | 214-227-6626 • January 19 2012 10:20AM

Pool Homes in Plano Texas

Pool Homes in Texas

While we're right in the middle of winter, a number of new clients have indicated they are looking for a pool home in Plano. Some buyers are telling me they will put the pool in after closing.

My best advice for buyers looking for home and want a pool is to find a home where the pool has already been installed. You can always update a kitchen or make other changes to the home. Installing a pool is a guaranteed way to lose money. A pool that costs $40k to install is worth about $17k when it's done. Let someone else take the loss.

The good news is there are plenty of pool homes currently on the market and that number should grow as we enter into the spring sales season.

Click here to see Pool Homes in Plano Texas | Click here to see all Pool Homes in Dallas Fort Worth

Have questions? Contact us at 214-227-6626.

Originally posted at http://www.thebranchteam.com/wordpress/2012/01/18/pool-homes-in-plano-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.

Protected by Copyscape Web Plagiarism Tool

0 comments • Tom Branch | Broker, CDPE, SFR, ACRE | Plano TX Ambassador | 214-227-6626 • January 18 2012 10:31AM