Mortgage Fraud Trends Part 3 - 07/31/11 02:39 PM

In Part Two of the series, I presented four types of Fraud for Profit Schemes. In Part Three, I will present the final four types.
Inflated Appraisals – An appraiser purposely completes an appraisal based upon false or misleading date in order to over- or under-state the value of the property. This scheme usually involves the buyer, loan officer, or real estate agent and their knowledge of the misrepresentation.
Foreclosure Schemes – A person offers to assist an underwater or preforeclosure homeowner. The scheme almost always involves transferring the deed to the property. The homeowner is usually asked to pay … (4 comments)

Update on Craig Ranch Townhomes - 07/27/11 06:30 PM
CB JENI Homes is making progress on The Chateau Townhomes located in The Settlement at Craig Ranch. Located in the heart of Craig Ranch, the townhomes will be priced from $195k to $230k. The three new floor plans are Camille, Julia, and Natalie.
The first building (shown above) is well under way and the second building is being formed. The first building contains three single-level townhomes. Only one is still available and we expect the building to sell-out prior to completion.
See all McKinney Texas Townhomes for sale.

Source: http://www.thebranchteam.com/wordpress/2011/07/27/update-on-craig-ranch-townhomes/
The Branch Team with RE/MAX Dallas Surburbs is the exclusive listing broker … (0 comments)

Mortgage Fraud Trends Part 2 - 07/21/11 10:24 PM

In Part One of the series, I presented an overview of mortgage fraud outlining Fraud for Housing and Fraud for Profit Schemes.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has identified eight different schemes that are commonly seen in the US real estate market. Part Two will cover the first four schemes.
Property Flipping – In this scheme a property is purchased at deflated prices through false documentation, deflated Broker Price Opinions, and deflated appraisals. The property then has minor cosmetic work complete and is sold at a much higher price. This scheme usually involves several individuals. Kickbacks to the individuals … (4 comments)

My Favorite DocuSign Moment - 07/21/11 09:42 PM
We’re not new to DocuSign. We first signed up for the service in December 2007 and have loved it for the past three and one half years.
My favorite DocuSign experience goes back to the early months of 2008. We were representing an out of town buyer on the purchase of a large home in Highland Park, Texas.
We negotiated the deal for days going back-and–forth. By the time we got the deal ironed out both of the buyers and one of the sellers was out of town. And I mean out of town with one in Japan, one in Boston, … (6 comments)

McKinney TX Home For Sale 2520 Dunbar - 07/21/11 07:33 PM

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 2-Car Garage | 2039 SF/Tax McKinney TX Home For Sale - Enjoy all the Stonebridge Ranch amenities! Well-kept single-level Grand home on a corner lot. Open floorplan. Covered front porch opens to tiled entryway and stacked formals. Island kitchen overlooks the family room with wood-burning fireplace. Generous master suite is split away from the other bedroom. Master bath with separate shower, dual sinks, garden tub, and large walk-in closet. Fenced backyard and patio. Zone to McKinney-Boyd High School.
Click here for Current Pricing, Details, Photos, and Virtual Tour.
See all McKinney TX Homes … (0 comments)

Mortgage Fraud Trends Part 1 - 07/20/11 08:00 PM

As an NMLS licensed Mortgage Loan Originator, I did my eight hours of annual continuing education today. While much of it was specific to the lending community, I found the section on mortgage fraud trends to be very interesting and applicable to a broader audience of real estate professionals. This blog will be the first in a three-part series on Mortgage Fraud Trends.
There are two kinds of fraud categories: Fraud for Housing and Fraud for Profit.
Fraud for Housing takes place when a buyer commits fraud so they can purchase a home for their personal use. The fraud is … (26 comments)

Market Conditions are Up in Dallas Fort Worth - 07/17/11 04:06 PM

All the discussion in the national media about how bad the housing market is doing doesn't take into account that all real estate is local in nature. I was reviewing our local sales statistics the other day in preparation for a radio interview I was doing. Te Dallas Fort Worth market is doing very well.
Our MLS covers all of north Texas, so I looked at the numbers for the entire region and then for Collin County.
The first statistic I looked at was average sales price. The average sales price for the region is up 3.5 percent (May 2010 … (5 comments)

Coppell TX Waterfront Home for Sale - 904 Basilwood - 07/17/11 09:29 AM

4 Bedrooms | 3.1 Baths | Study | 2-Car Garage | 3321 SF/Tax Coppell TX Home For Sale - This waterfront view cannot be beat! Enjoy the sunset from your private balcony just down from the lakes lighted fountain. Relax on the extensive deck under the arbor amid the mature trees and lush landscaping. Guests are greeted by the grand two story foyer with marble entry. Bright kitchen has new granite counters, stainless dishwasher, oven and microwave as of July, 2011. New roof put on at same time. Lake views from many rooms. Must see!
Click here for Current … (3 comments)

Plano TX Home For Sale 6921 Wickliff - 07/11/11 10:19 PM

3 Bedrooms | 2.1 Baths | 2-Car Garage | 1985 SF/Tax Plano TX Home For Sale - Former model in the heart of Plano is ready for move in. Main living area has stained concrete floor and wet bar. Kitchen is updated with stainless steel appliances and modern sink, and looks out to the backyard with large covered porch. The private study has bamboo flooring and wall of bookshelves. The master bath has been updated with a large frameless shower and the walk in closet has built ins. Second living area is perfect for a game room.
Click here for … (1 comments)

CCAR TREPAC Summer Fest Beer Tasting Event - 07/11/11 01:37 PM

The Collin County Association of REALTORS® will host "Summer Fest" on July 15th from 5 PM to 8 PM in the association ballroom located at 6821 Coit Road, Plano, TX. Tickets are on sale for $25 and the total amount will be donated to the Texas Real Estate Political Action Committee in your name.
The theme for the evening is "Beers from Around the World." Each ticket includes a specially engraved beer mug, food, beer, wine, a margarita machine, drawings for fabulous prixes, a silent auction, and lots of fun!
To purchase a ticket or become an advertiser, contact Diane … (4 comments)

Having Trouble Selling Your House? Consider Leasing. - 07/10/11 01:25 PM

Even with housing prices rising in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex, many homeowners are still unable to sell their houses. Many of those impacted have refinanced or did 100 percent financing, others are simply in pockets of homes that have seen a correction over the past few years.
Either way, they are unable to sell at a price high enough to cover the mortgage and the closing costs. That leaves the homeowner with a couple of choices. Take to house off the market and wait a couple of years for some more appreciation or consider leasing the house.
Leasing and … (14 comments)

Random Acts of Kindness - 07/09/11 11:36 PM

Over the course of a three-day span, I witnessed three separate random acts of kindness. I was pleasantly surprised at what a positive impact they had on my day.
It was a Friday afternoon during rush hour when I was leaving Lowe’s. As I looked out onto the highway access road from the parking lot, I noticed a truck stopped with its hazard lights on and an older gentleman picking up debris in the road. He had loaded a new grill into the back of his truck that somehow came loose and fell out onto the road. There were knobs … (12 comments)

Texas Real Estate Broker Standards to Rise - 07/05/11 08:19 PM

While Texas already has some of the highest standards for a Real Estate Broker License, it’s about to become a bit more difficult. Senate Bill 747, also known as the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) Housekeeping Bill, passed and was signed into law. One of the major changes affects those people seeking a Real Estate Broker License.
Currently a person seeking a broker license must complete 900 hours of education, have two years of experience as a real estate salesperson, and achieve a passing score on the broker examination.
Effective January 1 2012, Texas will raise the experience requirement to … (14 comments)

Plano TX Home For Sale 8723 Isaac - 07/04/11 09:05 PM

3 Bedrooms | 2.1 Baths | Study |2-Car Garage | 2474 SF/Building Plan
Plano TX Home For Sale - New floor plan in Frisco ISD. Large island kitchen with granite counters, stainless appliances, and custom cabinets. Master bath with separate vanities has garden tub and huge walk in closet. Nice covered back patio. Designer touches include crown molding, bull nose corners, and art niches. Many energy features. Ready in July or August.
Click here for Current Pricing, Details, Photos, and Virtual Tour.
See all Homes For Sale in the Estates of Willow Crest.
Source: http://www.thebranchteam.com/wordpress/2011/07/04/plano-tx-home-for-sale-8723-isaac/ … (2 comments)

The Doorstep Chef in Frisco TX - 07/04/11 03:13 PM

Gina is an Ambassador with the Plano Chamber of Commerce and we get to attend a lot of neat events. A couple of weeks ago, we went to the grand opening for Doorstep Chef in Frisco, Texas.
Located at 4681 Ohio, the Doorstep Chef is the brainchild of Doug and Judy Furney. Their goal was simple—to get families, like theirs, back to the dinner table. Their motto is, “Great Food. When and Where You Need It.”
The Doorstep Chef is your one-stop for ready-to-cook meal delivery, ready-to-eat lunch deliveries, catering for small or large events on-sire concessions, Care Accounts for … (0 comments)

Up, Up, and Away in My Beautiful (RE/MAX®) Balloon - 07/01/11 01:22 PM
J Webb’s lyrics, “Up and away, In my beautiful, My beautiful balloon” were playing in my mind on Wednesday morning as we gently lifted off in the RE/MAX® Balloon from a park in east Plano.
About 4 years ago Gina finished treatment for cancer and we had talked about taking a flight in a hot air balloon to celebrate the milestone. Life happens and it was placed on the shelf. We joined RE/MAX® in 2009 so the idea of a flight in the RE/MAX® Balloon seemed like the natural thing to do.
The morning flight started at 6 AM as we … (3 comments)

 

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