Trim Those Trees Off The Roof!

Trre Limbs Touching RoofI was out showing homes in one of the older neighborhoods in Plano yesterday. What makes these areas nice are the mature trees that provide shade and character to the homes.

What caught my eye was that many homeowners had not taken care of their trees and many of them had were in direct contact with the composite shingles on the roofs. While shade can help keep the attics cooler and reduce cooling costs in the hot Texas heat, it’s a bad idea to allow the trees to come in contact with the roof.

When the tree limbs are allowed to touch the roof, the tend to move in the wind and can damage the composite shingles. This damage can allow water to penetrate the structure and cause damage to the insulation and ceilings below. It can even lead to mold if it is not detected and repaired quickly.

Climbing on roofs or placing ladders in trees is dangerous and we encourage homeowners to seek professional assistance in trimming trees.

Photo Copyright 2012 – Imaged2Sell

Hemingway Court Townhomes Irving TX

Hemingway Court Irving TX Townhomes for Sale

CB JENI Homes is breaking ground on Hemingway Court, a luxury townhome community, located in Iriving, Texas. These three bedroom, two-story townhomes will range in size from 1914 to 2270 square feet with starting prices in the $230’s.


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Floor Plans and Features

The builder is offering three floor plans. All three contain three bedrooms, two and one half baths, and a two car garage.  Floor plans include The Manchester (1914 SF) with a formal dining room; The Oxford (2070 SF) with a downstairs master suite and a game room; and the Bristol (2270 SF) with a downstairs master suite and a game room.

The townhomes will have nicely appointed kitchens with site-finished cabinets, granite counters, stainless steel appliances and Moen fixtures. Master bathes will have a garden tub, glass-enclosed shower, and granite counters with under-mount sinks.

Energy efficient with R38 insulation in the attic, radiant barrier, 16 SEER HVAC system, Low E double pane insulated windows, and Polyseal on all base plates and rough openings.

Schools

Hemingway Court is zoned to the Recognized Coppell Independent School District. Children attend Austin Elementary, Coppell East Middle School, and Coppell High School.

Hemingway Court Video

Home Search

Click here to search for homes for sale in Hemingway Court, Irving, TX

More Information – Contact Us

The builder is offering pre-sale pricing and other incentives. Contact us at 214-227-6626 for more information.

Photos and Video Copyright 2012 – Imaged2Sell 


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.

Brick Row Townhome – 632 Matthew Place

632 Matthew Place Richarson TX

2 Bedroom | 2.1 Baths | 2 Car Garage | 1371 SF-Building Plan

Richardson TX Townhome For Sale – Enjoy low-maintenance living in Brick Row! The Brady Plan includes an upstairs loft in addition to the two bedrooms. Large, open living area downstairs. Gourmet kitchen features stainless steel appliances, and fridge is included. Upgraded granite, cabinets, tile, and carpeting throughout. Very energy efficient with 16 SEER HVAC, Radiant Barrier, and double pane Low-E vinyl windows. Two-car rear entry attached garage with opener and remotes.

Click here for more information on this Richardson TX Townhome for sale.

Map


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Community Video

Contact us at 214-227-6626 for more information or to schedule a showing.

Photos and Video Copyright 2012 – Imaged2Sell


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.

Is There Really a 3.8 Percent Home Sales Tax in 2013?

US Federal Tax FormsThis question continues to arrive in my email box with a number of clients concerned that the new healthcare legislation imposes a 3.8 percent transfer tax on all homes sold after 2013.

According to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR),

The 3.8% tax is imposed ONLY on  those with more than $200,000 of Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) ($250,000 on a joint return).  The tax applies to investment income, defined as interest, dividends, capital gains and net rents.  These items are all included in an individual’s AGI.  A formula will determine what portion, if any, of these types of investment income would be subject to the tax.

NAR also states that this is not a transfer tax on real estate sales and that the new tax does NOT eliminate the benefits of the $250,000/$500,000 exclusion on the sale of a principal residence.  Thus, ONLY that portion of a gain above those thresholds is included in AGI and could be subject to the tax.

So while there is a new tax in the healthcare law, it is not a transfer tax and will not apply to all sellers of real estate. Sellers are encouraged to discuss their particular circumstances with a CPA or their tax preparer prior to listing their homes for sale.  


Photo Licensed from iStockPhoto

Appraisers Gone Wild?

appraiserToday I received notice from the buyer’s agent on one of my listings that the lender was requiring repairs in order to approve the buyer’s mortgage.

While lender required repairs are not common, we do see them from time-to-time if the appraiser feels there may be a foundation problem, the roof needs repair, the HVAC is not working, and a host of other things that they look at while they are appraising a property.

This time the appraiser wanted a drippy faucet repaired! The good news is that this is an easy item to take care of and we will close on-time.

That said, I can only imagine how bad this could get with appraisers acting like inspectors and the lenders happily asking for everything to be repaired or they will refuse to approve the mortgage essentially holding sellers hostage.

I’m hoping this was a case of a single “appraiser gone wild” rather than a sign of things to come.

Photo Licensed from iStockPhoto

Frisco TX Home For Sale 4609 Poppy Hills

Frisco Texas 4609 Poppy Hills

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1828 Square Feet per Tax | Built in 2000

Fabulous single-level in The Villages of Lake Brook Farms. Great drive-up appeal with lush landscaping. Inside you will find fresh paint, recent carpet, undated fixtures, blinds, designer colors and so clean! Master suite with jetted tub, separate shower and walk-in closet. Energy efficient with R49 insulation, radiant barrier, and new ductwork. Backyard has lots of trees and covered deck that is perfect for entertaining. Easy access to SRT.

Virtual Tour

Virtual Tour 4609 Poppy Hills

Click here for more information, status, and current pricing.

Click here to see all Frisco Texas Homes For Sale in the Villages of Lake Brook Farms.

Photos Copyright 2012 Imaged2Sell 

The Branch Team Hosts CB JENI Homes at the Frisco RoughRiders

CB JENI Homes at the Frisco RoughRiders

We hosted the staff from CB JENI Homes at a recent game between the Frisco RoughRiders and the San Antonio Missions.

We had a great view from a suite on the west side of the ballpark and despite the 100 degreee temperature, a nice breeze and plenty of cold beverages kept those sitting outside watching the game comfortable.

Video

Even though the RoughRiders lost the game, a good time was had by all!

Photo and Video Copyright 2012 Imaged2Sell