Stumped at 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

Garland TX Broker Open 2622 Princewood

The Branch Team will take part in a multi-home Broker Open on March 30th from 11:00 AM until 1:30 PM. Lunch will be provided at 2625 Kimberly Dr and Dessert will be offered at 2622 Princewood.

Come out and take a look at these wonderfully updated homes ready for your buyers.

Tom Branch, Broker, CDPE, SFR

February Pending Home Sales Rise

Pending home sales increased in February but with notable regional variations, according to the National Association of REALTORS®.

The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator, rose 2.1 percent to 90.8, based on contracts signed in February, from 88.9 in January. The index is 8.2 percent below 98.9 recorded in February 2010. The data reflects contracts and not closings, which normally occur with a lag time of one or two months.

Read the entire story

Open House Schedule March 27 2011

The Branch Team will be holding four listings open on Sunday, March 27 2011.

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Power Hour – 2617 Cedar Falls, Little Elm, TX

2617 Cedar Falls, Little Elm, TX

4 Bedrooms | 2.1 Bathrooms | 2-Car Garage | 2810 SF/Tax | $174,900


11:30 AM to 12:30 PM – Power Hour – 3525 Monmouth, Richardson, TX

3525 Monmouth, Richardson, TX

3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 2-Car Garage | 2086 SF/Tax | $238,990


1:00 PM – 3:00 PM – 5605 Southampton, Richardson, TX

5605 Southampton, Richardson, TX

4 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 2-Car Garage | 2743 SF/Tax | $234,900


 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM – 2622 Princewood, Garland, TX

2622 Princewood, Garland, TX

3 Bedrooms | 2.1 Bathrooms | 2-Car Garage | 2351 SF/Tax | $159,900

I Received a Full Price Offer!

Sales Contract

We currently have a home listed for sale. The homeowners have been relocated to a different state and the home is vacant. We received an excited phone call from the seller this afternoon. She had received a full-price offer on her property! Since we have an exclusive right to sell listing agreement, I was curious how someone got the offer to her directly, but an offer is an offer.

We had her fax it over to us to review. Rather than a contract to purchase, it truly was just the transmission of an offer. They were offering full price with a $10 earnest money deposit. Out of the norm, but it was a starting point. I was doing okay until I read the conditions:

“Seller agrees to leave the existing financing in-place and/or finance Buyer’s assignee or successor buyer.” This one should be a huge red flag for any seller. Basically, they will deed their property to a new owner but not pay off their mortgage. Wrap mortgages can be done in some states but most modern mortgages include a Due On Sale clause which states that the balance is due when the property is sold. Some of these companies will tell you that they bank will not exercise the Due On Sale clause but I’ve actually seen it happen when a buyer transferred his rental property into a Limited Liability Company.

“Sales price is contingent upon the condition of the property, the actual Fair Market Value, and current market conditions.”  While they’re offering full-price, it can be adjusted later based upon a number of factors.

While I personally classify this as a scam, do yourself a favor and do not become involved in this type of “sale” without consulting with an attorney.

Tom Branch, Broker, CDPE, SFR

February Existing Home Sales Decline following Sustained Gains

WASHINGTON (March 21, 2011) – Existing-home sales fell in February following three straight monthly increases, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. 

Existing-home sales, which are completed transactions that include single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, dropped 9.6 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.88 million in February from an upwardly revised 5.40 million in January, and are 2.8 percent below the 5.02 million pace in February 2010.

Read the entire story.

Source: National Association of REALTORS®

Dallas TX Home For Sale 5026 Wenonah

Dallas TX Home For Sale 5026 Wenonah

3 Bedrooms | 1 Baths | 1644 SF/Appraiser

Dallas TX Home For Sale – 1940s charm with modern updates. Nice single level home has been completely updated including refinished oak floors, marble flooring in wet areas, granite countertops, stainless appliances, attic insulation, Tuff shed, steel entry doors, roof, hot water heater, fresh exterior paint, slate patios, and updated landscaping. Owner has approved plans for extended master suite and 3-car garage. Easy access to Love Field, Dallas Tollway, and downtown. 

Dallas Texas Home For Sale for Current Pricing, Details, Photos, and Virtual Tour.

Photo: Copyright ©2011 – Imaged2Sell | Source: NTREIS