A CAO Cigar Event - 05/31/10 06:29 PM
Up In Smoke Uptown Plaza located at 2222 McKinney Avenue in Dallas will be hosting a CAO cigar event on Friday June 4th from 4 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 
They will be some special pricing on boxes and singles.  Buy a box of twenty and get a seven cigar sampler.  Or buy three cigars and get one free. 
If you are in the area stop by for a great time.
… (3 comments)

The rights the government has in your property - 05/30/10 12:43 PM
We all know the joy of home ownership but do you know the rights that government has in your property? 
The first is know as police power.  This gives the government the right to regulate and control the use of your property for health, safety and the general welfare of the public.  The most common example of this power is zoning.  Zoning regulations are laws which control how the land is used.    
Another example of police power are the rights to regulate coastal properties, floodplains and wetlands, and environmental hazards.  
Secondly there is Eminent Domain.  This is the right of government … (7 comments)

The fundamentals of title insurance - 05/30/10 07:53 AM
The fundamentals  of title insurance.  
Before a title company will commit to issue a title insurance policy here are the steps they will take.  
Examination of public records to compile an abstract of title.  Which is a complete history of all recorded events affecting good title to the property.  
A title company attorney will reviews the abstract and provides an opinion of title.   
A title report or commitment is then prepared.  This obligates the title company to issue a policy of title when any conditions have been met by the grantor.  
Payment of premium will result in the policy being issued. … (3 comments)

Test Question Answers - 05/29/10 07:40 AM
So how did you do?  Answers are hi lighted. 
 
When MUST an existing agency relationship be disclosed to another party to a proposed
transaction?
a. During a substantive discussion.
b. Before submitting an offer.
c. At no time during negotiations.
d. At the time of licensee's first contact.
 
A single woman dies intestate. In regards to her surviving heirs, her property will
a. escheat to the State of Texas.
b. be distributed according to her will.
c. go to her parents, if they have survived her.
d. be distributed according to the law of descent and distribution.
 
A … (6 comments)

What a great way to start my day. - 05/28/10 09:22 AM
What a great way to start my day. 
This week I had the privilege of teaching a prep class for Champions School Of Real Estate.  Not all of those who were there at the beginning on Tuesday were there when the practice exam was administered on Wednesday. 
Two of the students were scheduled to take the exam yesterday, and they each sent me an email that they had passed their exam.
… (3 comments)

Could you pass your state license exam today? - 05/28/10 09:03 AM
So how well would you do on you state license exam if you had to take it today?  Here are some typical questions that a new licensee would be expected to know.  Answers tomorrow.
 
When MUST an existing agency relationship be disclosed to another party to a proposed transaction?
a. During a substantive discussion.
b. Before submitting an offer.
c. At no time during negotiations.
d. At the time of licensee's first contact.
 
A single woman dies intestate. In regards to her surviving heirs, her property will
a. escheat to the State of Texas.
b. be distributed according to … (2 comments)

Sex vs sexual orientation and changes to the Code of Ethics - 05/28/10 08:04 AM
While teaching a prep class this week as we discussed fair housing a student say while attending an open house the agent informed her that the area had a very large gay population.  I was somewhat appalled and told her that in my opinion the agent should not have made that comment.  The students response was "well it says in the book sex is a protected class, and sexual orientation is not".  My response "I still would not have made that comment." 
Ironically the NAR Board of Directors passed a change to Article 10 of the Code of Ethics that bars REALTORS® … (10 comments)

TREC to reduce budget by 5% - 05/28/10 07:51 AM
It was recently announced that TREC will take the following steps to reduce its operation budget by 5% 
(1) Planned building remodel eliminated
(2) Planned bandwidth increase eliminated
(3) Furniture/equipment for unfilled staff positions eliminated
(4) Information network "Controlled Penetration Study" eliminated
(5) New and renewal licenses to be delivered electronically
(6) License renewal notices to be delivered electronically
(7) Additional miscellaneous postage reduction
(8) Complaint status letters to be delivered electronically
(9) Contract computer programmer salary eliminated
(10) Information & Technology Services staff training eliminated
(11) Computer equipment refresh schedule reduced
(12) Agency travel funds reduced
(13) Salary lapses dues … (5 comments)

Can a licensee strike out part of a contract? - 05/28/10 07:36 AM
A licensee striking part of a contract depends on the desires of the client. 
TREC rule 537.11C states in part. 
c) A licensee may not undertake to draw or prepare documents fixing and defining the legal rights of the principals to a transaction. In negotiating real estate transactions, the licensee may fill in forms for such transactions, using exclusively forms which have been approved and promulgated by the Texas Real Estate Commission or such forms as are otherwise permitted by these rules. When filling in such a form, the licensee may only fill in the blanks provided and may not add … (7 comments)

I taught a great state test prep class today. - 05/25/10 08:01 PM
Today I taught a great prep class for Champions School of Real Estate in Coppell.  
There were 36 students who are preparing for the sales person test and one for the brokers exam. 
What a great group of people, and I have confidence that tomorrow they will do well on the mock test.  And in the near future will take and pass the State exam.
… (4 comments)

In and Out Burger coming to the DFW area. - 05/25/10 07:57 PM
It was recently announced that In and Out Burgers was coming to the DFW area. 
Make me wonder how successful they will be here.  Living in east Dallas we have access to two of the best burgers I have ever had (Angry Dog and Root Burger).  
I have heard about In and Out Burgers for years but have never had one.  Reminds me on back in the 70's when Coors beer was sold in the Dallas area but not in Houston.  Anyone going to Dallas was always requested to bring back some Coors.  Probably only because it was not available.
I … (10 comments)

A new hand gun to honor Texas Governor Rick Perry - 05/25/10 07:49 PM
Texas Gov. Rick Perry recently disclosed that while jogging he came upon a coyote and killed the animal with a pistol he was packing.  Governor Perry claims the coyote was threatening his dog so he pulled out the pistol and shot the coyote.
Now gun manufacturer Stum Ruger is paying tribute to Governor Pery by selling the Coyote Speical.    On one side of the gun is engraved Texas Special and the other is Coyote Special.  The box has a label which reads  "For Sale to Texans Only".
The base price of this gun is $340.
… (6 comments)

Minimum score for brokers license changes on Sept 1 - 05/21/10 02:14 PM
If you are thinking of getting your brokers license now is the time.  Currently a score of 70 per cent is passing.  Effective September 1, 2010 the new score will be 75 per cent. 
A broker's license cost about $12 per month more then a salesperson license.  If you have been in the business a few years and have some college you are probably only one or two courses away from meeting your education requirements.
… (11 comments)

TREC Honors 50 Year License Holders - 05/20/10 08:06 AM
Earlier this week the Texas Real estate commission announced it was honoring agent who have been licensed for fifty years.  Because of internal reason the commission has not honored agents with fifty years since 2007.  
Congratulations to the following for fifty years of service. 
1953: Daniel Cutbirth of Wichita Falls
1955: Jack Fisk of Campo
1955: Dorothy Rolater of Frisco
1955: David Lewis of Houston
1955: Robert Dawson of Houston
1955: Wilber Isham of Premont
1956: John Cuiper of Corpus Christi
1956: Antonio Rivas of Los Fresnos
1957: Betty Arnold of Andrews
1957: Shirley O'Farrell of Angelton
1957: Evelyn Malone of … (6 comments)

199,999 POINTS - 05/14/10 03:49 PM
I am sitting at 199,999 points.
If you make a comment it could push me over 200k
… (23 comments)

TREC Rules Reminder for BPOs - 05/14/10 03:47 PM
As tax statements are now being delivered in the Dallas area I have heard many people complain the appraised value of their homes went up.   
Many of us will be asked to provide BPO so home owners can protest the new appraised value.  
Now is a good time to review TREC rules regarding Appraisals.  TAC 535.17 is very specific and I have included a copy as a reminder. 
§535.17. Appraisals. [Adopted January 1,
1976. Amended [April 3, 1977,] March 1, 1991;
August 19, 1991; April 14, 1998; July 1, 1999
and January 1, 2004; Ref: §1101.002(1)(A)(v)]
(a) A salesperson may make, … (5 comments)

Why delete my comments, why not just call me out? - 05/13/10 01:15 PM
I recently make comments to a blog here and the author deleted my comments.  My question is why?  You made some statements that are inaccurate and I corrected you.
The author stated that the option fee must be delivered and not mailed since the seller might not receive the check until the 3rd or 4th day.  That is not the issue.  As long as the check is mailed within the 2 day time period.
Secondly that is a contract is hand written then everything that is hand written should be initialed. They go on to state how one of the agents … (7 comments)

Here is some real estate advice I have received or learned over the years. - 05/11/10 09:48 AM
Here is some real estate advice I have received or learned over the years. 
Assume no one is going to do their job except you. 
Be the source of the source, don't be the source.
There is never a problem until there is a problem, and then you have a problem. 
You can not get into trouble if you over disclose. 
Document and keep good records. 
Education should not be mandatory. 
Live by the code of ethics.
… (18 comments)

If your web site in violation of the code of ethics, or do you know Standard of Practice 12-9 from Shinola - 05/08/10 11:52 AM
I have noticed many RELATOR® firm and individual web sites where the state of licensure is not included. 
Standard of Practice 12-9 states: 
"Realtor® firm websites shall disclose the firm's name and state(s) of licensure in a reasonable and readily apparent manner.
Websites of Realtors® and non-member licensees affiliated with a Realtor® firm shall disclose the firm's name and that Realtor®'s or non-member licensee's state(s) of licensure in a reasonable and readily apparent manner. (Adopted 1/07)"
… (5 comments)

A Ride with Bob- The Bob Wills Musical is coming back to Dallas - 05/07/10 10:27 AM
In The Guide section of today's Dallas Morning News was an advertisement that "A Ride with Bob- The Bob Wills Musical" will be returning to The Eisemann Center for fiver performances from July 15-18.  
The musical features Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel with special guests The Quebe Sisters band. 
Back in February the Eisemann had one performance of this musical and it sold out fast. 
If you are a fan of Bob Wills you will not want to miss this show.
 
Larry suggested I add some Bob Wills music so here we go:
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6l7rLA9Jm1I
… (9 comments)

We have some listing agents who will not pay a buyers agent. - 05/06/10 09:00 AM
I just ran an MLS query on listings that will pay a sub agent but will not pay a buyers agent.  
There are currently 35 listings in MLS like this. 
Now I wonder if the agent just entered this listing wrong, or do they understand agency?  Why would you want to only work with a sub agent?
… (13 comments)

Parmesan Sweet Onions - 05/05/10 11:56 AM
Don't know why the price of onions has gone up so much the last few weeks; however this is a great dish when those sweet varieties of onions become available. 
5 extra large sweet onions (Texas 1015 works well) 
10 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 
5 tablespoons butter 
10 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese 
Salt and pepper to taste 
Pam cooking spray 
10 sheets aluminum foil 
Preheat oven to 350. 
Peel onions and cut in half crosswise. 
Spray 10 sheets of aluminum foil 
Place ½ onion in center of foil 
Season with salt and pepper. 
Drizzle with 1 teaspoon Worcestershire
Top with ½ teaspoon … (10 comments)

Why is it called Harry Hines Blvd? - 05/05/10 11:25 AM
At today's East Dallas MLS meeting we had one of the most interesting speakers ever, Rose-Mary Rumbley.
She has been described as a humorist, teacher, actress, historian, journalist, and author.
We learned a lot of the history of Dallas from why the Texas state fair is held in our city to the naming of Harry Hines Blvd.  Mr. Hines was head of the Texas highway department and once the street was built, he decided to name it after himself.
I think I need to add some of Ms. Rumbley's books to my library.
… (5 comments)

The true origin of Cinco de Mayo. - 05/04/10 09:48 AM
It is a little known fact that the origin of Cinco de Mayo can be traced back to a US company, Kraft Foods. 
Founded in 1923 Kraft had a fleet of ocean going vessels to deliver their products world wide. 
One of their ships was off the coast of Mexico and because of a severe storm drifted into Mexico waters.  An inept Mexico Naval ship attempted to fire a warning shot over the Kraft ships bow, and accidentally hit the ship broad side and it sunk, resulting in Cinco de Mayo.
… (11 comments)

What happens to your commission and listings? - 05/01/10 09:23 AM
So what happens if you have outstanding commissions owed and active listings and you decide to change brokers? 
Are you entitled to take those listings and receive the commission that should be paid? 
Well the answer depends on what is in your independent contractor agreement you and your broker signed.  
You might want to check what is in the agreement you signed.
… (2 comments)

 

Find TX real estate agents and Dallas real estate on ActiveRain.