By Tom Branch, on February 26th, 2012 
The past couple of months have been crazy! Homes that are in good condition, show ready, and priced right are flying off the greater Dallas market. It’s almost like the good old days. Two of our recent listings had multiple offers within a week of going on the market and several of our buyers had to pay list or above in order to secure a contract. The buyer’s market in north Dallas area is over in the under $200k price range.
There’s been a lot of speculation as to the reasons but many first-time home buyers have been sitting on the fence waiting for rates to bottom out or the economy to stabilize.
This may last well into the normal spring sales season unless something bad happens to the economy. The run-up in oil prices and the impact on fuel prices could send them back on fence.
If you’ve been thinking about selling your home and moving up this may be one of the best times in history to do so. Homes under $200k are moving, prices are likely at the bottom, and interest rates are insanely low. We closed a home a couple of weeks ago with a 15 year mortgage at 3.00 percent and another recent closing had a 30 year FHA mortgage at 3.875 percent.
We have many resources on our website:
Home Value Request – What’s my home worth?
Seller Tips
Are You Show Ready?
Looking for an experienced team of agents with a proven track-record to sell your home? Click here.
Feel free to contact us if you have questions or need more information.
By Tom Branch, on February 25th, 2012 
This is always a hot topic and so many people are not aware of the laws and rules which govern it.
Texas attorneys can represent both sellers and buyers. Given that few attorneys are also brokers or salespersons, they don’t usually represent sellers who need to have a property marketed. The most common situation is an attorney representing a buyer. While the attorney can represent them, it is illegal for a Texas broker to share a commission with an unlicensed person or entity (other than a party to the transaction). Texas attorneys can collect a fee from the client they represent or even the seller if the parties agree (TRELA §1101.651(a) and §1101.652(b)(11) respectively). Listing brokers can reduce their commission so that the seller can pay the attorney directly without violating the Act.
The same rules apply to the referral fees. Brokers cannot pay referral fee (valuable consideration) to unlicensed persons or entities. There is an exception found in TREC Rule 535.20(a) which allows brokers and salespersons to provide gifts of merchandise with a retail value of $50 or less. Such gifts are not considered valuable consideration.
Photo licensed from iStockPhoto
Originally posted at http://www.referralagentsoftexas.com/2012/02/25/can-texas-attorneys-collect-referral-fees/
By Tom Branch, on February 24th, 2012 
It’s that time of year again. It always seems to catch me by surprise. As I drove into Ridgeview Ranch last night, I noted the Bradford Pear trees are just beginning to bloom. For me, that’s the first sign that colder winter weather is about to give way to spring.
It’s also time to get out and do that first work on your lawn. With warmer temperatures come the weeds so it’s time to get your pre and post emergent down. You can purchase these at your local home supply store or you can have it handled professionally. Click here for our directory of lawncare professionals.
Photo Copyright 2012 Tom Branch
By Tom Branch, on February 22nd, 2012 
Immaculate single-level Centex home with brick-stone exterior is ready for new owners. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2073 square feet per tax, built in 2005.
Stacked formals lead to open kitchen with black appliances and walk-in pantry. Family room with wood-burning fireplace overlooks the private backyard and patio.
Master suite is split away and includes a garden tub, separate shower, and a walk-in closet. Large secondary bedrooms and main bath. 4th bedroom can be used as a study. Enjoy the community amenities.
Video Tour
Click here for more information, photos, current pricing, virtual tour and status on this Frisco TX Home For Sale.
Photos licensed from Shoot2Sell
By Tom Branch, on February 17th, 2012 
We were in McKinney this morning meeting with a past client. As we drove up US75, we suddenly had a hankering (it’s a Texas thing) for a Culver’s pot roast sandwich. As we exited, we noted the store was already closed. We are friends with Jim Kuntz, the owner, and we knew he was opening a new location on Eldorado Parkway so we drove over there to see if the new location was open.
The windows were still covered but we saw his car in the lot. I stuck my head in the front door hoping to say “hello” only to find Jim and his staff training for the Grand Reopening on Monday, February 20th. We were invited in to have lunch. No pot roast, but I had a tasty prime rib sandwich, onion rings, and a serving of custard. Yummy!
  
The new store looks great. It has a nice upscale look that compliments the upscale food and desserts that they serve. Culver’s reopens on February 20th so make sure to stop by and try out their new location.
Photos Copyright 2012 Imaged2Sell | Base Map ©OpenStreetMap contributors, CC-BY-SA
By Tom Branch, on February 16th, 2012 
Location, location, location! CB JENI Homes has just announced a new townhome community in Richardson, Texas. Located just east of the Spring Valley DART Station (click on map below for larger version), these modern townhomes are going to sell quickly!
We met with the builder yesterday and were told that sizes will range from 1300 to 1800 square feet and prices will start in the mid-$140’s! This will include granite counters, site built cabinets and much more.
We hope to have copies of the floorplans and more details in a week or so.
Click here to see all our posts about the Brick Row Townhomes.
Photo used with permission | Base Map ©OpenStreetMap contributors, CC-BY-SA
New Home Rebate
Purchase a new home through us and we'll help you with your closing costs! We'll give you a credit of 1.5% of the price of the home at closing to use towards your closing costs.
Click here for our New Home Rebates page.
By Tom Branch, on February 15th, 2012 
Looking for a great single level townhome in the heart of Carrollton? Here it is! This 2 bedroom, 2 Bath, 1528 square foot townhome is ready for new owners who want to live a low-maintenance lifestyle. Built in 2004 there are extensive hardwoods and fresh carpet.
The well-appointed kitchen has light cabinets, black appliances, granite counters, and lots of storage space.
Live the good life. The HOA dues include full use a facilities, lawn care, sprinkler system, blanket insurance, and full exterior maintenance. Relax and read a book on the sundeck or take a refreshing dip in the pool.
Click here for more information, photos, current status, and pricing on this Carrollton Texas townhome for sale.
Video Tour
Click here to see all townhomes for sale in Carrollton TX.
Feel free to contact us if you need more information or want to schedule a showing.
Listing and Photos Courtesy Lance Talkington, RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs
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