Dallas Real Estate and Short Sale Blog: Texas: Frisco

Investors – IRS Issues New Rules on Deducting Repair Costs

IRS Tax Returns

The Internal Revenue Service has issued a 255-page guide in the Federal Register. The new rules, which went into effect on January 1, change the way investors can deduct repair and improvement expenses.

In the past, most investors took the one-time deduction of the repair or improvement expense during the tax year in which it was done. The new rules clarify what is a repair and what is an improvement.

An ordinary business repair of an asset is generally tax-deductible in the current tax year. An improvement is usually classified as a capital expenditure and gets depreciated over time.

Eric Lucas, a principal at KPMG LLP and a former Treasury Department tax counsel, said in an interview that this one of the more significant changes" from current accounting policy and could be troublesome for businesses that took "an aggressive view" in deducting repairs.

Investors should discuss these changes with their CPAs or Tax preparers now in order to make preparing their 2012 tax returns easier next year.

Photo Licensed from iStock Photo | Blog based upon a story published in Inman News

Originally posted at http://www.thebranchteam.com/wordpress/2012/01/21/investors-irs-issues-new-rules-on-deducting-repair-costs/

 

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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15 comments • Tom Branch | Broker, CDPE, SFR, ACRE | Plano TX Ambassador | 214-227-6626 • January 21 2012 08:39AM

Frisco Texas Homes For Lease

Frisco Texas is an up and coming jewel in North Texas. Frisco was named "Best Places to Live" in 2008 by Money Magazine and "Best Places to Relocate" in 2009 by Forbes Magazine. Located north of Dallas, Frisco has something for everyone--a great school district, major shopping, fine dining, loads of entertainment opportunities, and ease of access to major roads including The Sam Rayburn and Dallas North Tollways.

North Dallas Map

Frisco has plenty of available housing. There are apartments, condos, townhomes, and single family homes available. Single family homes lease from about $1000 a month.

Frisco Texas Homes For Lease.

Please contact us at 214-227-6626 if you have questions, need information, or want to schedule a showing.

Map: ©OpenStreetMap contributors, CC-BY-SA

 

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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1 comment • Tom Branch | Broker, CDPE, SFR, ACRE | Plano TX Ambassador | 214-227-6626 • December 03 2011 08:02AM

Frisco TX Home For Sale 11775 Balch Springs

11775 Balch Spring Frisco TX Home For Sale

3 Bedrooms | 2.1 Baths | 2-Car Garage | 2345 SF/Tax

Frisco TX Home For Sale - Clean and well-maintained Mercedes home on large corner lot ready for move-in. All bedrooms and full baths are down with a huge game room and half bath up. Open kitchen has granite counters, gas cook top, breakfast bar, and stainless appliances. Master retreat includes jetted garden tub, dual sinks, and walk-in closet. Plantation shutters throughout. Extended covered patio looks out onto the large grassy back yard. Easy access to Preston Rd.

Click here for Current Pricing, Details, Photos, and Virtual Tour.

See All Frisco TX Homes For Sale

Originally Posted at www.thebranchteam.com/wordpress/2011/11/21/frisco-tx-home-for-sale-11775-balch-springs-2/

 

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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0 comments • Tom Branch | Broker, CDPE, SFR, ACRE | Plano TX Ambassador | 214-227-6626 • November 21 2011 03:05PM

The Doorstep Chef in Frisco TX

Gina is an Ambassador with the Plano Chamber of Commerce and we get to attend a lot of neat events. A couple of weeks ago, we went to the grand opening for Doorstep Chef in Frisco, Texas.

Located at 4681 Ohio, the Doorstep Chef is the brainchild of Doug and Judy Furney. Their goal was simple—to get families, like theirs, back to the dinner table. Their motto is, “Great Food. When and Where You Need It.”

The Doorstep Chef is your one-stop for ready-to-cook meal delivery, ready-to-eat lunch deliveries, catering for small or large events on-sire concessions, Care Accounts for others, and so much more.

Click Map for Larger Version

You can visit the website at www.doorstepchef.com or call them at 214-299-8106.

Tom Branch, Broker, CDPE, SFR

Photo: Used with Permission | Base Map ©OpenStreetMap contributors, CC-BY-SA

Source: http://www.thebranchteam.com/wordpress/2011/07/04/the-doorstep-chef-in-frisco-tx/

 

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 • July 04 2011 03:13PM

Another Happy Home Buyer in Frisco TX

Happy Homebuyers in Frisco Texas

Handing over the keys is one of the best parts of working with home buyers. It's the culmination of weeks or months of work.

Friday evening Gina handed the keys to a new home to her clients after a celebratory dinner at The Outback in Frisco, TX. Larry and Theresa purchased a nice home in Frisco's Saddlebrook Village.

Part of Lone Star Ranch, Saddlebrook Village is located just west of Teal Parkway and north of Lebanon Road. The location offers easy access to highways, shopping, recreation, and dining in Frisco and North Dallas.

See Saddlebrook Village Homes for Sale.

See Frisco TX Homes for Sale.

Tom Branch, Broker, CDPE, SFR

Source: http://www.thebranchteam.com/wordpress/2011/05/28/another-happy-home-buyer-in-frisco-tx/

 

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 • May 28 2011 08:49AM

Stumped at the Olive Garden Frisco TX

My daughters and I stopped into the Olive Garden in Frisco last night. I don’t care what day of the week it is, there’s a wait to get a table. Olive Garden must be doing something right!

Olive Garden Frisco TX

When the server delivered dinner, she asked us if we wanted some grated cheese on our meals. As she put it on, she asked us if we knew what kind of cheese was used. Parmesan was my guess…wrong! We tossed out a couple of quick follow-up guesses to no avail. My daughters even went online with their phones hoping Google would provide the answer. Nothing!

We eventually gave in and told her that she won. What was the correct answer? Romano cheese is used. Apparently Parmesan cheese is a bit too spicy for most people so Romano is used unless otherwise requested.

We had a good meal and some fun as well. Next time we’ll be ready!

Tom Branch, Broker, CDPE, SFR

Source: http://www.thebranchteam.com/wordpress/2011/03/30/stumped-at-olive-garden-frisco-tx/

 

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

8 comments • Tom Branch | Broker, CDPE, SFR, ACRE | Plano TX Ambassador | 214-227-6626 • March 30 2011 08:54AM

Why Using a REALTOR is Key When Buying New

New Construction

I run into more and more buyers who think they don’t need a real estate professional when buying or building a new home. Not true! Here are just some of the reasons why agent representation is key when buying a new home:

  1. A real estate agent works solely for the buyer and looks after his or her best interests.

  2. Sometimes an agent has knowledge of negotiable items that a buyer may be unaware of. The agent’s negotiating skills can often save a buyer money, time, and headaches.

  3. Sometimes builders advertise specials specifically to the real estate community. If you’re not working with an agent, you may never know about certain builder incentives that can save you money.

  4. Builders use their own individual contracts. There is no standard builder contract for the new construction industry. Agents are knowledgeable about real estate contract language and can help buyers avoid any potential pitfalls.

  5. Rather than physically going from builder to builder, an agent can gather information on builders and communities and provide it to the buyer ahead of time. This will help you narrow your search in a more efficient way.

  6. Most importantly, the vast majority of new home builders will not offer buyers a price reduction based on whether or not they are represented by a real estate agent.

When you purchase a new home, the builder pays the agent’s fee. The buyers get helpful representation at no cost to them. This is a no-brainer. If you’re thinking of buying or building a new home, contact a local real estate professional first. We’re here to help.

Photo licensed from ShutterStock

Source: http://www.thebranchteam.com/wordpress/2011/03/05/why-using-a-realtor-is-key-when-buying-new/

 

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

8 comments • Tom Branch | Broker, CDPE, SFR, ACRE | Plano TX Ambassador | 214-227-6626 • March 05 2011 11:11PM

Newman Village Frisco TX - A Premier Gated Community

Newman Village Frisco TX

A master-planned, premier gated community located off the Dallas North Tollway and Eldorado Boulevard showcases an unmatched lifestyle for all ages. Distinctive architecture and diverse floor plans are presented in single-story and two-story homes featuring verandas, interior courtyards, guest casitas, brick patios, three-car garages, wide porches and great vistas. This community is a must see for your new home in Newman Village.

Newman Village

The architectural design choices deliver a fabulous choice of English Tudor, French Eclectic, Italian Renaissance, Mediterranean, Spanish Eclectic and Neoclassical. With this diverse design community you will find distinctive characteristics that are uniquely found. Newman Village is a “must see” including Central Plaza which serves as an anchor for the community featuring gallery-styled art displays, live music performances, movie nights, festivals, plays and other community activities.

Newman Village, presented by Darling Homes has a tradition that spans two generations of builders and craftsmen - dedicated to building not only fine homes, but also a level of customer service intended to last a lifetime. And every Darling home combines custom details, design options and flexible amenities to fit the way you want to live.

Susan L. Johnson

Photos Used with Permission

Source: http://www.thebranchteam.com/wordpress/2011/01/18/newman-village-frisco-tx-a-premier-gated-community/

 

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 18 2011 11:15AM

Cap Those Faucets Before You Move

I've been meaning to write this blog for a while but I had forgotten about it. I was showing a home today and there was water everywhere in the laundry room at one of the properties. As I looked around I noted a small trickle at one of the laundry room washing machine faucets. The water was running down the wall soaking the sheet rock and puddling up on the floor. I made a quick call to the listing agent to let her know.

Dripping and Capped Faucets

It reminded me of a listing I had had in Frisco. The owner had painted the house and put down fresh carpet so it would look nice and sell quickly. She had moved out of state and the house was vacant. It was a slow time of year and there were not many showings. I dropped by the house one day only to find the new carpet soaked in water! I traced the source back to a dripping laundry room faucet that day as well. Luckily we were able to have the carpet dried and suffered no real damage other than the several hundred dollar clean-up bill for the seller and several hours of my time making sure it was taken care of.

I used to recommend that sellers vacating a property cap off the laundry room and ice maker faucets. After that day, I started providing my sellers with the caps. I purchase them at my local hardware store and a set of three costs about $10. Not only is it an added service but it might just save the seller a bunch of money and myself a lot of time.

Cap those faucets before you move!

Tom Branch, Broker, CDPE, SFR

Photo Copyright 2010 - Imaged2Sell

Source: http://www.thebranchteam.com/wordpress/2011/01/09/cap-the-faucets-before-you-move/

 

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

67 comments • Tom Branch | Broker, CDPE, SFR, ACRE | Plano TX Ambassador | 214-227-6626 • January 09 2011 01:49AM

RE/MAX Balloon Glow Lights Up Frisco Square

RE/MAX Balloon Glow Lights Up Frisco Square This Saturday

RE/MAX of Texas is proud to sponsor this year’s the Christmas in the Square Balloon Glow. See 10 hot air balloons, including the RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon up close as these grounded balloons light up the Frisco Square horizon. Join us on the east lawn across from The Residence of Frisco for an evening of warmth in the cool air this Saturday from 5:30pm – 7:00pm.

Children of all ages await the return of Christmas in the Square; the unmatched holiday extravaganza. With 175,000 lights, 11.5 miles of wiring, and 8 miles of cords, this is the largest choreographed holiday lights and music display in Texas. Combined with family-oriented activities, Frisco Square's Christmas in the Square has become a signature destination event for Frisco and North Texas.

For more information, visit www.friscosquare.com/CITS2010.



Originally posted at RE/MAX Balloon Glow Lights Up Frisco Square

 

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 • December 08 2010 08:47PM