By Tom Branch, on October 18th, 2011 
“Can I apply for a Texas Homestead exemption?” This was the question asked of me by a recent past client after she received her 2011 property tax bill. She had purchased the home in May of 2011 so she was not eligible for the exception in 2011. The law requires that you own and occupy the home on January 1 of the tax year.
Many people think the primary benefit of the homestead exemption is a reduction in property taxes. While the savings is nice, the most important thing is that homestead laws prevent any creditor (except for the mortgage holder, a taxing authority, or the holder of a note created for a home improvement loan) from forcing the sale of the homestead to satisfy nonpayment of a debt.
On September 1, 2011 the state law was updated and applicants for a homestead exemption are required to provide a copy of their Texas Drivers License and a copy of a vehicle registration with the application. Note that the addresses on the two documents must match the property address on the application.
Links to local appraisal districts in the greater Dallas area:
Collin County | Dallas County | Denton County | Rockwall County
Applications for the 2012 exemption have to be received by the approriate appraisal district no earlier than January 1, 2012 and no later than April 30, 2012.
Photo: Licensed from iStockPhoto
By Tom Branch, on October 16th, 2011 
We get this question all the time from potential new home buyers. Do you really need one? No. Would retaining an agent to represent you in the transaction be a good idea? Yes, it would.
Some people believe they can get a better “deal” on a new home by working directly with the new home sales staff.
Most of the builders we know will not lower the price of the home simply because you don’t have an agent. Agent commissions are usually paid from a different fund that is not related to the sale of the home. Further, real estate professionals often know about unadvertised discounts and close-out pricing on new homes.
More importantly, there are many pitfalls in the buying process that are not related to pricing! Real Estate Professionals have the experience and knowledge to negotiate and guide you through the new home buying process.
Looking for a great deal on a new home?
Photo: Licensed from ShutterStock
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 September 30th, 2011
By Tom Branch, on September 30th, 2011 
Maybe Washington is finally getting the idea. Ben Bernanke recently said, “Historic low rates cannot solve the problem” and “strong housing policies to help the housing market recover are needed to advance a tepid U.S. economy.”
Given the current lending environment, many potential buyers either cannot or will not commit to purchasing a home. There are also thousands of investors waiting on the sidelines with deep pockets of cash to invest. There are simply too way obstacles and economic concerns.
Last year’s Federal Tax Credits spurred activity for a few months but it quickly tapered off as the deadline passed. I heard a speaker this week calling for capital gains and rental income to be tax-free for 10 years to encourage investors to come into the market and help absorb the excess inventory.
This idea has real merit. These investors do not need loans and have the resources to rehab properties so we get real cash into the economy. Further, there is a real need for quality rental properties. Rather than a tax credit that costs the taxpayers money, let’s eliminate or reduce taxes on rental income for a fixed period of time. This would encourage investing in income producing (rental) properties, increase the supply of rental properties, and reduce the inventory of properties on the market.
Housing can help lead the way out if we create an environment that encourages private sector investment.
By Tom Branch, on September 25th, 2011 
August 2011 Statistics:
Status:
Active – 56
Contingent – 4
Kick Out – 1
Under Option – 2
Pending Sales – 0
Sold – 13
Solds:
Average sales price per square foot – $113.37
Average Days on Market – 48 Days
August was a relatively slow month for real estate in the north Dallas area in general. With daily temperatures over 100 degrees, people were not out looking at homes. What the numbers do show is that homes that show well and are priced right continue to sell in any market.
See all Homes for Sale in Twin Creeks Allen Texas.
Source: NTREIS on September 25,2011
By Tom Branch, on September 22nd, 2011 
4 Bedrooms | 3 Baths | 2-Car Garage | 2682 SF/Tax
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. We work hard to make sure each client has a great buying experience.
“We were out-of-town Buyers with no local contacts and picked The Branch Team after a computer search. From the first time I spoke with Tom I had the utmost confidence in his capabilities and knowledge of current market conditions. Over the course of the Looking / Buying phases he demonstrated the highest level of professionalism and represented our interests very conscientiously. He has tremendous contacts and local contractors that we have taken advantage of and have recommended that our daughter select Tom to represent her when she becomes a Seller.”
See all Homes for Sale in Allen TX.
Looking to purchase a home? Contact us and we can set up a time for a no-hassle consultation.
By Tom Branch, on September 18th, 2011 
We’ve been through a long drought in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex. Yesterday we received the first substantial rain since May. While the cooler temperatures and the rain are a welcome sight for many of us, the fire ants hate it!
The ants will be looking to relocate their nests to higher and drier ground. Within a few hours of the rain beginning, the ants will pack up and start moving. The ants are more than happy to move in with you!
Homeowners should walk around their homes and look for any mounds or trails along their foundations. These mounds or trails are easily treated with insecticide purchased from your local Lowe’s, Home Depot, or your favorite home supply store.
We encourage homeowners to inspect their foundations every time they mow the lawn looking for fire ant mounds, carpenter ant trails, and termite tubes. While fire ants are just annoying, carpenter ants and termites can do severe structural damage to homes in a relatively short period of time. They also require professional treatment.
Looking for professional help? View our list of Dallas Pest Control Professionals.
Just say “no” to unwanted house guests!
Photo Licensed from iStockPhoto
|
|
Comments are closed 
You must be logged in to post a comment.