By Tom Branch, on February 2nd, 2011 One of our past clients dropped us a note on FaceBook this morning. She was looking for a referral for a plumber. We asked her to describe the problem. Apparently several of the cold water faucets and one of the toilets are not working.
 Licensed from iStockPhoto She’s likely going to need a plumber in a few days. The temperatures have been at record lows. We’ve had lows in the teens and highs in the 20’s for the past two days. What she is experiencing is most likely frozen water supply pipes in the exterior walls of the house. The cold water has frozen and the pipe is plugged.
Sadly the worse is yet to come in many cases. Copper is soft and as the water in the pipes freezes, it expands. This expansion will often cause the pipe to rupture. The extent of the damage will not be known until Saturday when temperatures climb above freezing for the first time in about four days.
Given the number of calls plumbers will be taking starting Saturday, we suggested that she locate the master water shut-off valve for the house. That way she can shut off the water supply and prevent extensive water damage to the house.
If you’re concerned about this happening to your home, you can leave the cabinet doors open so warm air from the house circulates under the sinks and you can crack the water faucets allowing a small trickle of water to flow. Moving water is far less likely to freeze.
As it begins to warm up, be sure to check around your home for water leaks and be prepared to take action.
By Gina Branch, on February 1st, 2011 As the old saying goes, “If you don’t like the weather in Texas, just wait 10 minutes!” The Dallas area was pounded with thunderstorms, freezing rain, sleet, snow, and blustery winds – all in a matter of hours Tuesday morning. The spring-like 77 degrees we enjoyed on Sunday has given way to temperatures in the teens and a wind chill near zero. Temperatures are expected to reach a 15-year low of 10 degrees, keeping the Metroplex in the deepfreeze through Friday afternoon.
Given the icy road conditions, most area schools and businesses are closed today. The kids in north Plano’s Ridgeview Ranch neighborhood enjoyed the day out of the classroom. Bundled up with sleds in hand, the icy street was their playground today.
Search for Ridgeview Ranch Real Estate here.
By Gina Branch, on February 1st, 2011 
There is a tremendous sale on luxury townhomes going on now at Villas of Indian Creek in Carrollton, TX. All homes include hardwood floors in the entry and family room. The gourmet kitchens feature custom maple glaze cabinets, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances. Even the fridge is included!
There are four different floor plans on sale ranging from 1,761-2,209 square feet and priced from $174,990. One plan features a unique private courtyard. There’s a full-service HOA for true low-maintenance living. Sale prices are for contracts written in February and closing by March 31, 2011. Additional incentives are available. This DR Horton community is near Highway 121 (Sam Rayburn Tollway) and Hebron Parkway – just minutes from DFW Airport, I-35, and the Dallas North Tollway.
Search for Carrollton Texas Townhomes For Sale.
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By Tom Branch, on February 1st, 2011  Copyright 2010 - Imaged2Sell 3 Bedrooms | 2.1 Baths | 2-Car Garage | 1948 SF/Tax
Plano TX Townhome For Sale – Former Portrait Model Home with lots of upgrades. Custom window coverings and bathroom shower curtains. Gourmet kitchen with breakfast bar, upgraded cabinets, Corian, black appliances, and gas range. Study with French doors. 8 ft Knotty Alder front door with wrought iron speakeasy. Enclosed private patio with gas for BBQ. Full service HOA for low maintenance living with pools, park, and playground. Easy access to 121 and Dallas North Tollway.
Plano Texas Townhome For Sale for Current Pricing, Details, Photos, and Virtual Tour.
Source: NTREIS
By Tom Branch, on February 1st, 2011  Used with Permission 16 Acres per Tax | Pond | Creek | Trees | Rolling Terrain
Farmersville TX Land For Sale – 16 Acres located on the east side of Lake Lavon. Rolling hills, trees, creek, and a pond make this a great site for your new home. Live in the country with easy access to McKinney and Wylie. Electric, phone, and water available.
Current status, pricing, and photos for this Farmersville Texas Land For Sale.
Source: NTREIS
By Tom Branch, on February 1st, 2011 The Branch Team celebrates their two-year anniversary with RE/MAX®.
Tom and Gina closed their independent brokerage in late 2008 and associated with RE/MAX Dallas Surburbs in February 2009. Susan Johnson became part of the team in the fall of 2010.
Since joining RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs, the team has been one of the top two listing teams taking second place in 2009 and first place in 2010.
Source: RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs
By Tom Branch, on January 30th, 2011 I was out driving in the neighborhood on Friday when I can upon a home with a stream of water going 10 feet in the air. No, it was not a broken water line, but a broken sprinkler head.
Since it was running during the afternoon on a weekday, the owner would not likely figure it out for some time. I left a note on the front door.
If you’re getting your sprinkler system ready for the spring, run a systems check. It’s really a simple process. Put the system in manual mode and turn on Zone 1. Go outside and check that all the heads are working properly. Go back and turn on Zone 2 and check it. Continue the process until you’ve checked all the zones.
Remember to put the system back in automatic mode and you should be good to go for the spring.
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