By Tom Branch, on December 9th, 2011 
Over the past 10 years or so we’ve seen townhomes make a comeback in the greater North Dallas area. Currently there are a number of new townhome communities being developed. Townhomes make a good choice for those buyers wanting a low-maintenance lifestyle. Typically, the HOA takes care of all exterior maintenance and lawn care. Townhomes are usually multi-story although we’re seeing at least one builder who builds a single-level townhomes.
If you need more information or want to know more about townhome living, contact us at 214-705-2470.
Photo: Copyright Imaged2Sell
By Tom Branch, on December 8th, 2011 
Welcome to Allen! Our residents enjoy a wholesome community atmosphere with something for everyone. The City boasts an award-winning park system featuring neighborhood and community parks, hike and bike trails, and greenbelts. City facilities include a 27-hole public golf course, a large fitness and aquatic center, a recreation center, youth center and extreme sports park, a senior recreation center and a 54,000 square feet public library.
Allen ISD offers a diversified curriculum with 13 elementary schools, three middle schools, a freshman center and a high school. The high school campus (582,000 square feet) features an on-site Collin County Community College campus.
Leases and rental homes are readily available with prices ranging from $850 to $4000+ a month.
Click here to see all Homes for Lease in Allen Texas.
For more information or to schedule a showing, contact us at 214-227-6626.
Photo: Copyright Imaged2Sell
By Tom Branch, on December 6th, 2011 
I’m a huge fan of McKinney, Texas. Nestled in the rolling hills just north of Dallas, this vibrant community has so much to offer–great schools, plentiful shopping, dining, golf, entertainment, and easy access to the Metroplex.
According to the McKinney TX Website:
Just 30 miles north of downtown Dallas, McKinney is a picturesque city with a small-town feel that is quite different from the Metroplex’s urban sprawl. Our friendly charm, green spaces and comfortable pace belied the fact that McKinney, with a population of more than 133,500, is one of the fastest-growing cities in America.
The city also has a fair number of single family homes for lease. Rental prices range from about $1000 to over $5000 a month depending upon the size and location.
Click here to search for McKinney Texas homes for lease.
If you need more information or want to schedule a showing, contact us at 214-705-2470.
Photo: Copyright 2009 – Tom Branch
By Tom Branch, on December 4th, 2011 
Another happy home buyer in Allen, TX. This 4 bedroom, 3.1 bath, 2641 square foot foreclosed home with a pool was recently purchased by our clients. We were able to negotiate a sales price that was 85% of appraisal district value and get the bank to pay almost all of the buyer’s closing costs!
Distressed properties can be a good value but you have to do the research and plenty of extra due diligence since they are almost always sold “as is” and without a sellers disclosure (foreclosures are exempt from disclosure in Texas).
Looking to purchase a foreclosure? Contact us at 214-705-2470 for a current list.
Photo: Copyright 2011 Tom Branch
By Tom Branch, on December 4th, 2011 
Gina and I celebrated our wedding anniversary last night. We love trying different dining spots and we were refered to Dakotas by one of our recent past clients.
What’s really unique about the location is that it’s actually located under the streets in downtown Dallas. According to the staff, alcohol sales were not permitted at street level at some point in the past, so the developers went “underground” so to speak. The photo above was shot looking out the window from our table. Dakotas has a great outdoor patio complete with a lighted wall of water coming down from street level.
The food was fantastic. Dakotas is a steak house and the Filet Mignon was wonderful with a nice soft texture and just the right amount of seasoning. Side dishes are served family-style and are large enough for two people. The wine list is extensive and I thought the prices were very good. The wait staff was first class–there when you needed them but not hovering all the time.
Dakotas is located at 600 North Akard. It can be hard to find because the entrance is the top of the elevator shaft sitting in the triangle created by Akard, Erway, and San Jacinto. I drove past it the first time. Parking is very limited but they have complimentary valet service so take advantage of it.
If you’re visiting Dallas or a local looking for something new to try, stop by Dakotas.
Photo: Copyright 2011 Tom Branch
By Tom Branch, on December 3rd, 2011 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.
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.
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
By Tom Branch, on December 1st, 2011  Licensed from iStockPhoto With Texas foreclosure sales set for next Tuesday, this is good news for many families:
Fannie Mae says it will suspend evictions for single-family foreclosures and two- to four-unit properties during the holiday season, from Dec. 19 through Jan. 2, 2012.
“The holidays are meant for families to spend time together, especially if they’ve gone through the stress of financial challenges and foreclosure,” Terry Edwards, executive vice president of Credit Portfolio Management for Fannie Mae, said in a statement. “No family should have to give up their home during this holiday season.”
While the holiday moratorium is in place, legal and administrative proceedings for evictions may continue, but “families living in foreclosed properties will be permitted to remain in the home,” Fannie Mae announced in a statement.
Source: Fannie Mae
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