Dallas Area Real Estate - Susan Hopper

Ten Tax Tips for Home Sellers

2011-08-25T19:46:00.000-07:00

The IRS recently released a list of ten tax tips for those planning to sell a home which could help homeowners understand the tax implications of the home sale process. While each tip does not apply to everyone, they may be useful.

Gain exclusions
According to the IRS, the gain from a home sale can generally be excluded from taxable income as long as the home served as a primary residence for at least two of the last five years before the sale. The amount which can be excluded goes up to $250,000, or $500,000 for a jointly filed tax return.

This does not apply if the home seller has sold another home within two years and excluded the gain from that sale, and any time the gain cannot be excluded it must be reported as taxable income. The IRS also noted that the gain can only be excluded from a single home, even if a seller owns and intends to sell more than one.

The IRS publication on home sales notes that if a home is rented or used for business purposes, the tax status is significantly different. Exclusions may be permitted if the home was also a residence for at least two years out of the previous five, but an amount equal to previously claimed depreciation due to rental cannot be excluded.

Home sale tax regulations
Forbes covered the IRS announcement and reported that despite the gain exclusion, any losses from the sale of a primary home are not tax deductible. The source noted that the IRS makes worksheets available as part of its publication on selling a home, which can be used to help determine the gain or loss from a sale and the possible exclusion.

Another worksheet can be used to help track a home's basis, according to Forbes. This figure is determined by examining the purchase price for the house and the cost of subsequent changes, like remodeling, which can significantly alter the property's value.

The IRS also included a reminder that failing to file a change of address when moving may prevent recent home sellers from receiving refunds or other vital correspondence.

In all cases homeowners should consult with a professional tax advisor to be sure they are aware of updated information.

13% Increase in North Texas Home Sales in July 2011 over July 2010

2011-08-12T18:52:00.000-07:00

Per the graph shown above, one can see that the dollar volume of North Texas home sales in July 2011 exceeded July 2010 (by 13%).

This was the first time in 13 months that we have seen a year-over-year improvement. Clearly this improvement was fairly easy to attain due to the falloff that last July experienced when the first-time homebuyer tax credits ended on June 30th, 2010. However, on the other hand, those same tax credits are a primary reason that North Texas hasn’t been able to keep up with 2010 sales volume during the first half of 2011. It will be interesting to see how the local media treats this “good news”.

They should certainly mention the tax credit hangover from last July, which made the year-over-year comparisons pretty easy to beat. But if they mention it prominently in the headlines and/or opening sentences, it will once again confirm the negative bias of the news media, since they pretty much ignored the tax credits as a reason why March 2011 through June 2011 lagged behind their year-over-year comparisons.

Cobb Farm - Frisco - Sprawling One and Half Story Home for Sale

2010-10-25T23:05:00.000-07:00

Beautiful finish-out in this Standard Pacific home. You’ll love the sprawling one and one half story floor plan. Each of the four bedrooms in the home is situated separate from the others and has its own private full bathroom attached.

On the first floor is a large kitchen, breakfast nook, formal dining room, huge family room, and study. There is a bonus room off the kitchen nook with fireplace that can serve as a sitting area or additional home office.

Downstairs is master suite plus two additional bedrooms and two additional full bathrooms. Upstairs is a fourth bedroom, fourth full bathroom, computer nook, huge gameroom, and a media room.

An abundance of architectural detail including arched doorways and windows, art niches, soaring 11 foot ceilings, 8 foot doorways, and thick crown mouldings sets this home apart.

Huge kitchen is a chef’s delight with stainless steel appliances, double ovens, 5 burner cooktop, center island, massive granite, and large breakfast area.

Master features elegant brown marble countertops, see-through fireplace, split vanities, bronze framed mirrors, oversized garden tub, large glass enclosed shower, linen closet, and large walk-in closet.

4351 sqft. 5 Bedrooms. 4 Bathrooms. Built in 2008. Also Available for Lease ($2800/mo)

$364,900

Photos and additional information can be found at: http://www.callsusantoday.com/

Susan Hopper
Coldwell Banker Residential
214-306-9648

Magnificent 21st Century Contemporary Nestled in Historic and Secluded Fort Worth Enclave.

2010-10-15T11:45:00.000-07:00

Luxurious contemporary home nestled among large mature trees in a historic and secluded Fort Worth enclave. Spectacular 21st century architecture finished with a rich palet of materials that add texture and warmth.

Walls of commercial glass windows throughout the home create a light and airy feel and provide a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living areas. Designed in a U shape with a large patio area and swimming pool as focal point. The home has a definite California vibe.

All living areas, hallways and bedrooms feature Bleached Oak Wood Flooring. Kitchen and Bathrooms feature Caesarstone Quartz Countertops, Ebony Cabinetry, Brushed Nickel Hardware, Marble or Ceramic Tile Flooring, and Various Mosaic Tile Accents including River Stone, Cut Stone, and Glass.

Kitchen features top of the line KitchenAid Stainless Steel Double Ovens, 6 Burner Gas Cooktop, and two Dishwashers. Flooring is an earthy marble tile with magnificent color variation and pattern. Breakfast bar is an attractive tumbled marble that complements the countertops and marble flooring perfectly.

Master suite is situated separate from the other bedrooms and offers a beautiful view and access to the pool. Luxurious master bath with split vanities, jetted tub, large marble and glass brick shower with four heads, and two walk-in closets.

This home is perfect for entertaining whether it be a small intimate gathering or a large cocktail party. It has a “wow” factor that is sure to spark a lot of conversation.

4105 sqft. 5 Bedrooms. 5 Bathrooms.
$1,300,000
Photos and additional information can be found at
www.304Crestwood.info/

Call Susan Hopper, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage to Schedule a Showing Today! 214-306-9648

Home for Sale - Country Club Ridge - Frisco, Texas

2010-09-22T22:40:00.000-07:00

Magnificent Huntington Custom Home in Country Club Ridge at the Trails. EXCEPTIONAL finish-out! Brand new (2010) carpeting, wood flooring, and appliances.

Master suite, guest suite, formal living and dining, study, and family room downstairs. Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, game room and media room upstairs.

Dramatic two-story entry with sweeping staircase with wrought Iron Spindles and Wood Steps. Soaring ceilings and hand-scraped wood floors throughout the first floor.

Study is adjacent to entry and features richly stained mouldings, floor to ceiling built-in bookshelves, plantation shutters, double French doors, and a beautiful coffered ceiling.

Gourmet kitchen with massive granite, travertine flooring, an abundance of cabinet space, and butler’s pantry. Large center island with breakfast bar. Brand New 2010 Stainless Steel Appliances including a 5 Burner Viking Gas Cooktop and Double Ovens. Breakfast area has a beautiful view of the pool and patio area.

Backyard paradise features a Pebble-Tec Saltwater Pool with grotto, rock waterfall, beach entry, and stamped concrete patio. Parents and pet owners will appreciate the added saftety of the wrought iron fence and gate that separates the pool from the large grassy play yard.

Large master suite with sitting area. Master bath features plantation shutters, granite counters, travertine flooring, split vanities, and huge walk-in closet.

Call Susan to Schedule a Showing TODAY! 214-306-9648

Home for Sale - Villages of Preston Glen - Plano TX

2010-09-22T22:18:00.000-07:00

Stylish and well-maintained home in northwest Plano.

Great floor plan. Master bedroom and bathroom, living room, kitchen, and half bath downstairs. Two bedrooms and bathroom upstairs.

Kitchen boasts an abundance of cabinet space, breakfast bar, pantry, and spacious nook.

Amenities include plantation shutters, bay windows, crown mouldings, high ceilings, and ceramic tile in kitchen, bathrooms, and utility.

This home has been extremely well maintained and is in immaculate condition. Newly installed carpet and freshly painted interior with decorator accents. New 13 SEER Lennox R-410A High Efficiency/High Grade A/C installed August 2009 and carries 10 year parts/labor warranty!

Quiet neighborhood adjacent to a greenbelt and across from Heritage Yards Park. Conveniently located minutes from Shops of Legacy and Stonebriar Mall. Frisco Schools! Riddle Elementary. Fowler Middle. Liberty High School.

MLS: 11472504. 1560 sqft. 3 Bedrooms. 2.1 Bathrooms Only $174,900!

Photos and additional information can be found at
http://4511AspenGlen.info

Call Susan to Schedule a Showing TODAY! 214-306-9648

Shaddock Creek - Short Sale

2010-09-07T17:47:00.000-07:00

SHORT SALE. $459,000

Exceptional finish-out in this Newcastle Custom Home. Dramatic two-story entry with sweeping staircase dressed in a luxurious sculpture carpet. Soaring ceilings and hand-scraped hardwood floors throughout first floor.

Huge kitchen with stainless steel appliances, double ovens, Wolf 6 burner cooktop, center island, massive granite, butlers pantry, built-in desk and shelving, and large breakfast area.

Master suite, guest suite, and study downstairs. Master features elegant white marble floors, split vanities, granite counter-tops, upgraded gold-leaf framed mirrors, oversized jetted tub, and large master closet. Study is adjacent to entry and features richly stained mouldings and double french doors.

Three bedrooms and two bathrooms up, plus game room, media room, and second staircase. Media room features dramatic two-toned paint treatment, huge screen, built-in wet-bar and plumbing for a bar fridge.

You’ll love the open floor plan and all the upgrades.
MLS: 11461096. 4705 sqft. 5 Bedrooms. 4.1 Bathrooms

Call Agent: Susan Hopper, Coldwell Banker, for showing and details. 214-306-9648

Darling Homes Among Top Home Builders in Frisco Texas

2010-05-19T10:01:00.001-07:00

JD Powers 2009 Annual Report on overall customer satisfaction with home builders and new-home quality finds Darling Homes, Drees Custom Homes, Ashton Woods, Pulte Homes, and Standard Pacific homes to be ranked in the top 5 for overall customer satisfaction.

With 1,000 being a perfect score, here is how the Dallas / Ft. Worth area builders stacked up.
1. Darling Homes (876)
2. Drees Custom Homes (865)
3. Ashton Woods (864)
4. Pulte Homes (860)
5. Standard Pacific Homes (858)
6. David Weekley Homes (850)
7. Highland Homes (849)
8. Horizon Homes(836)
9. Ryland Homes (816)
10.K Hovnanian (813)
11. Del Webb (811)
------------------------------------------
D-FW average 809
12. Lennar (805)
13. Meritage Homes (800)
14. D. R. Horton (792)
15. KB Homes (783)
16. Beazer Homes (779)
17. Centex Homes (774)
18. Grand Homes (761)
19. First Texas Homes (752)
20. Fox & Jacobs (752)
21. History Maker (749)
22. Toll Brothers (716)

SOURCE: J.D. Power and Associates 2009 New-Home Builder Customer Satisfaction Study

If you are interested in receiving listings of builder inventory homes, please contact me and I will be happy to to provide you with a current list.

Frisco Texas Luxury Home Listings - By Subdivision

2010-05-12T15:28:00.000-07:00

CLICK HERE: ★To View Frisco Luxury Listings by Subdivision.

Frisco Luxury Property Listings:

CHAPEL CREEK HOMES FOR SALE
Located in Central Frisco.
Custom Luxury Estates. 5000 to 8000sqft. Priced mid-$700K to $2.5M

COUNTRY CLUB RIDGE HOMES FOR SALE
Located in Northwest Frisco.
Custom Luxury Homes. 3900 to 5500sqft. Priced $500K to $700K

CREEKSIDE AT STONEBRIAR HOMES FOR SALE
Located in Southwest Frisco.
Custom Luxury Homes. Gated. Zero Lot Line. 2300 to 3600sqft. Priced mid-$300K to $600K

CHASE AT STONEBRIAR HOMES FOR SALE
Located in Southwest Frisco.
Custom Luxury Homes. Garden/Zero Lot Line. 2400 to 3900sqft. Priced mid-$300K to mid-$400K

ESTATES ON LEGACY DRIVE HOMES FOR SALE
Located in Southwest Frisco.
Custom Luxury Homes. 3600 to 5000sqft. Priced mid-$300K to $500K

GRIFFIN PARC HOMES FOR SALE
Located in Northwest Frisco. Custom Luxury Homes and Production Homes. 2300 to 4800sqft. Priced mid-$200K to $600K

HEATHER RIDGE HOMES FOR SALE
Located in Northwest Frisco. Custom Luxury Homes and Production Homes. 3400 to 4300sqft. Priced mid-$200K to $500K

HERITAGE GREEN HOMES FOR SALE
Located in Southwest Frisco. Custom Luxury Homes. 3900 to 4800sqft. Priced $400K to low-$600K

LAKES ON LEGACY DRIVE HOMES FOR SALE
Located in Southwest Frisco. Custom Luxury Homes - Gated. Production Homes. Custom Zero Lot Line Homes. 3300 to 6300sqft. Priced mid-$300K to $1.5M

LAKESIDE AT LONE STAR RANCH HOMES FOR SALE
Located in Southwest Frisco
Custom Luxury Homes. 3900 to 4800sqft. Priced $400K to $500K

NEWMAN VILLAGE HOMES FOR SALE
Located in Northwest Frisco. Custom Luxury Homes. 3000 to 5000sqft. Priced mid-$400K to $1M

LATERA HOMES FOR SALE
Located in North Frisco. Custom Luxury Homes. 4200 to 5600sqft. Priced $500K to $1M

PEARSON FARMS HOMES FOR SALE
Located in Southwest Frisco. Custom Luxury Homes, Production homes. 3200 to 4800sqft. Priced mid-$300K to $500K

SHADDOCK CREEK HOMES FOR SALE
Located in North Frisco. Custom Luxury Homes, Upscale Production Homes. 3900 to 6000sqft. Priced mid-$400K to $1.1M

STARWOOD HOMES FOR SALE
Located in Southwest Frisco. Custom Luxury Homes - Gated. 3000 to 7800sqft. Priced $400K to $2.5M

STONEBRIAR HOMES FOR SALE
Located in Southwest Frisco. Custom Luxury Estates - Gated. 3100 to 7100sqft. Priced mid-$300K to $1.5M

STONEBRIAR COUNTRY CLUB HOMES FOR SALE
Located in Southwest Frisco.
Custom Luxury Estates - Gated. 4900 to 6500sqft. Priced mid-$600K to $1.8M

STONEBRIAR CREEK HOMES FOR SALE
Located in Southwest Frisco. Custom Luxury Estates on Acreage (2-5 Acre Homesites). 4000 to 12,000sqft. Priced mid-$1M to $3.6

STONELAKE ESATES HOMES FOR SALE
Located in Northeast Frisco. Upscale Production Homes. 3800 to 4800sqft. Priced mid-$300K to $500K

THE TRAILS HOMES FOR SALE
Located in Southwest Frisco. Custom Luxury Homes, Production Homes. Large Master Planned Community. 2500 to 4800sqft. Priced mid-$200K to $700K

VILLAGES OF STONEBRIAR PARK HOMES FOR SALE
Located in Southwest Frisco.
Custom Luxury Homes. 4200 to 10,000sqft. Priced mid-$700K to $5.5M

WYNNGATE HOMES FOR SALE
Located in Northwest Frisco. Custom Luxury Homes, Upscale Production Homes. 4000 to 5300sqft. Priced mid-$300K to $500K

Call me for property questions or to schedule a showing.

Susan Hopper
Realtor
Coldwell Banker Previews International Luxury Property Specialist
Certified Negotiation Specialist (CNS)
Certified Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource (SFR)

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
214-621-0307

2010 Real Estate Property Appraisal Notices Have Been Issued. Do You Need to File a Protest?

2010-05-10T13:46:00.000-07:00

On May 1, the Collin Central Appraisal District and other area Appraisal Districts mailed 2010 Real Property Appraisal Notices to all homeowners. Please be sure to review your appraisal notice.

If you disagree with the appraised value, the deadline to protest is June 1st. For information on how to file a protest in Collin County and surrounding counties, please visit the following Web sites:

Collin County: http://www.collincad.org/
Dallas County: http://www.dallascad.org/
Denton County: http://www.dentoncad.org/
Fannin County: http://www.fannincad.org/
Grayson County: http://www.graysonappraisal.org/
Hunt County: http://www.hunt-cad.org/
Rockwall County: http://www.rockwallcad.com/

Would you like a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) Report done for your property? I'm happy to do that for you. No obligation and no charge. If you're interested, please call me or send me an email.

Susan Hopper
Realtor

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
214-306-9648

Federal Housing Administration to Accept DocuSign for Real Estate Contracts Nationwide

2010-04-19T10:42:00.000-07:00

Great News! One of the last hold-outs is finally getting on-board with recognizing electronic signatures as valid in real estate contracts and other legal documentation. See press announcement below.

Press Announcement:

Buyers, Sellers, Agents and Lenders Will Save Significant Time and Money on Mortgage Document Approvals with DocuSign eSignature Services

SEATTLE – April 8, 2010 - DocuSign®, the leader in on-demand electronic signature solutions, today announced that e-signed third-party documents, including real estate contracts, are now being accepted by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). DocuSign spearheaded an industry-wide effort to move the FHA to formally recognize e-signed third-party documents. The April 8, 2010 dated FHA mortgagee letter is the first in what is expected to be a series of responses to this initiative. With this policy statement from the nation's largest mortgage insurer, real estate professionals can use DocuSign to get real estate contracts, addenda and other documents signed electronically, and their buyers can apply for FHA insurance with confidence. The FHA mortgagee letter can be found at http://nhl.gov/offices/adm/hudclips/letters/mortgagee/files/10-14ml.pdf.

"We commend FHA's action today. By clarifying its position on electronic signatures, the process of buying, selling and financing of homes across the country will be greatly improved," said Ken Moyle, chief legal officer at DocuSign. "Buyers, sellers and agents can use DocuSign's online process to eliminate the time, expense and environmental impact of printing, delivering and signing large stacks of paper documents, and mortgage lenders can take comfort in knowing that DocuSign's e-signature process is designed for legal compliance in all 50 states and is fully evidenced by a comprehensive audit trail."

MORE...

Are you looking for a Real Estate agent that has extensive knowledge of the local real estate market, top notch negotiation skills, marketing savvy, and a full grasp of technology? Experience the difference. Call Susan Hopper today!

Behind on Your Mortgage Payments and Worried About Foreclosure?

2010-03-14T16:46:00.000-07:00

Here are the top ten things to remember:

1. Don't lose your home and damage your credit history if you can help it. There are options available to you.

2. Call or write your mortgage lender immediately. Avoiding the problem will only serve to limit the options available to you. Most lenders would prefer not to foreclose on your home and are willing and motivated to work with you.

3. Stay in your home to make sure you qualify for assistance. Do not move out.

4. There are FREE homeowner counseling services available to you through the U.S. Making Homes Affordable Program. One great resource is HOPENOW. http://www.hopenow.com/ or 888-995-HOPE.

5. Explore every alternative to losing your home.

6. BEWARE OF SCAMS.

7. Do not sign anything you do not understand. And remember that signing over the deed to someone else does not necessarily relieve you of your loan obligation.

8. If someone aproaches you with a deal that sounds too good to be true, consider that it may be just that... too good to be TRUE.

9. Seek advice from only HUD-approved homeowner counseling agencies, reputable attorneys and CPAs, and licensed Real Estate Agents with experience and specialized training in representing distressed homeowners.

10. Act now. Delaying can’t help. If you do nothing, you most certainly will lose your home and damage your credit rating.

Call me and let me help you sort through your options. I'm a Texas Realtor, Certified Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource (SFR), and a Certifed Contract Negotiation Specialist (CNS) and have the training necessary to help you navigate these challenging times.

Susan Hopper
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
214-306-9648

Dallas area foreclosure tours scheduled for March, April, and May

2010-02-19T18:28:00.000-08:00

If you’re like many home buyers in today’s real estate market, you’ve been wondering whether it makes sense for you to pursue the purchase of a bank owned property. You may have also heard about pre-foreclosure / short sale buying opportunities and are wondering if those are worth exploring. There are incredible deals out there for those who are willing to spend the extra energy and effort to get educated and do their homework.

By popular demand, our foreclosure tours are back for Spring 2010. We’ve structured the tours to be an educational and fun way for buyers to discover the viability of saving tens to hundreds of thousand dollars by purchasing a distressed property.

Tours are held on Saturday afternoons from 1-4:00pm. We’ll kick off the afternoon with a one hour "chalk talk". We’ll hear from a few key real estate experts regarding how the entire process works from property selection to contract to closing. We'll address challenges, pitfalls and situations to avoid.
We’ll then go out and tour 4-6 foreclosure listings that have been identified as “strong picks” in the designated geographic area.

Tours are currently planned for the following geographic areas:
1.) Collin County
2.) West Denton County
3.) Dallas County
4.)Far North Dallas.

More areas to be added soon. Call me for dates and more information. Or watch my website for dates and details about the upcoming dallas foreclosure tours.

30 Year Mortgage Rates dip to 4.93%

2010-02-19T18:11:00.000-08:00

Rates for 30-year home loans edged lower for the second straight week, mortgage finance company Freddie Mac said Thursday, but they remained above last year's record lows.

The average rate on a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage was 4.93 percent this week, down from 4.97 percent a week earlier, Freddie Mac said. The average rate on 15-year, fixed-rate mortgages fell to 4.33 percent from 4.34 percent.

Rates on five-year, adjustable-rate mortgages averaged 4.12 percent, down from 4.19 percent a week earlier. Rates on one-year ARMs fell to 4.23 percent from 4.33 percent.

Thirty-year fixed rates dropped to a record low of 4.71 percent in early December, pushed down by an aggressive government campaign to reduce consumers' borrowing costs. The Federal Reserve program to purchase as much as $1.25 trillion in mortgage-backed securities helped bring rates to historic lows as Congress and the Obama administration extended tax credits to some home buyers.

The central bank is set to end the mortgage bond purchases next month, a shift that may spark higher borrowing costs, said Brad Hunter, chief economist at the real estate research firm Metrostudy.

"We expect that rates are going to go up," Hunter said. "The first part of April, there could be a jump up."

full story on washingtonpost.com

Realtor.com Launches Real Estate Search iPhone Application

2010-02-17T23:52:00.000-08:00

Realtor.com launched their new iPhone application last month. I downloaded it as soon as it was announced and have been using it on a regular basis over the past several weeks. I absolutely LOVE it and I’ve been recommending it to all my buyers who use an iPhone.

The app is FREE and delivers all the search power of Realtor.com combined with GPS, social media sharing, and ratings & notes capabilities.

It offers the flexibility to sort, refine, and filter search results for every property listed on Realtor.com by price, location, property type, MLS ID number, square foot, lot size, upcoming open house events, distance from a user’s current location, and age of home so that only properties meeting the desired criteria are displayed in the map or list view.

I especially love the GPS capability. It’s so great when you’re out and about exploring neighborhoods and areas that you’re interested in. The GPS search capability is extremely handy. When my clients or I see a home that we want to know more about, we can quickly pick up all the listing details and photos right there on the spot and determine whether we need to schedule a showing.

The free Realtor.com Real Estate Search iPhone app is compatible with iPhone OS 3.0 or higher and the iPod Touch, and can be downloaded at itunes.apple.com or by going to a consumer information page on Realtor.com

Go and download it today, you'll be so glad you did!

Susan Hopper Earns Coldwell Banker Previews International Property Specialist designation.

2010-02-17T22:48:00.000-08:00

Dallas, TX – Sales Associate Susan Hopper of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage has earned the Coldwell Banker Previews International Property Specialist designation. To date, less than 5% of more than 105,000 Coldwell Banker sales associates have been awarded this prestigious designation.

Coldwell Banker Previews International is a comprehensive marketing effort designed specifically for marketing luxury residential properties to affluent buyers worldwide. Through the success of this initiative, Coldwell Banker Previews International is a world leader in the marketing of luxury homes.

Susan previously met performance criteria based on successfully selling luxury properties, and was also required to successfully complete a prescribed certification course to earn the Previews Property Specialist designation. The coursework covers topics such as developing detailed market analysis for sellers of luxury homes and how to make use of Previews resources to implement specialized marketing plans that will expose exceptional properties to affluent buyers on a worldwide basis.

Coldwell Banker Previews Specialists handle on average of $85.5 million in luxury home sales every day, and participated in over 16,600 transaction sides of million-dollar-plus homes, which equated to $31.2 billion in sales volume in 2008 nationwide.

A Property of Distinction Deserves the Finest Global Representation

Largest Dallas-Fort Worth Corporate Employers

2010-02-17T13:26:00.000-08:00

The Dallas Morning News compiles an annual list of Top 75 Corporate Employers in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Here’s a look at the top 25 on the list:

1 Wal-Mart Stores Inc.
AMR Corp./American Airlines
Bank of America
Baylor Health Care System
Texas Health Resources
AT&T Inc.
Carlson Restaurants Worldwide
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
Verizon Communications Inc.
HCA North Texas Divison of HCA Hospital Corp. of America
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Target Corp.
Citigroup Inc.
Texas Instruments Inc.
Raytheon Co.
United Parcel Service Inc.
J.C. Penney Co.
Kroger Co.
Albertson's LLC
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Company
Methodist Health System
Children's Medical Center Dallas
Brinker International Inc.
Walgreens
Lowe's Cos.

Here’s the full list with additional information.

If you’re considering relocating to the Dallas area and are in need of a real estate agent, please give me a call. It would be my pleasure to help you and your family navigate through the whole relocation process. As someone who relocated to the Dallas area over 23 years ago, I understand your needs and requirements better than anyone. I realize that it's more than just your home you're relocating, it's also your job, school, activities, and lifestyle.

Susan Hopper
Realtor
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
214-621-0307

Electronic Signatures via DocuSign makes obtaining signatures fast and convenient.

2010-02-10T11:13:00.001-08:00

Confession: I'm allergic to fax machines. Everytime I get near one, I break out in a rash. Even the mere mention of the words "fax machine" can trigger an intense allergic reaction....

Over two years ago, I incorporated electronic signatures into my real estate practice (and my personal life) and I've never looked back.   It has added years to my life by not having to get tangled up with all the perils and pitfalls that come with using a fax machine.

Here are just a few that might sound vaguely familiar:

1. Pages get mysteriously "lost" in transmission. Manual intervention, wasted time and multiple phone conversations ensue..   "Did you get my fax?" ....    "Well, I got pages 2,5,7-11, but I'm missing 1,3,4,6, and 12" .... "Okay, well, let me resend those.... Call me and let me know you got everything okay."

2. The fax machine jams on one side or the other which once again requires manual intervention from one side or the other and usually both.

3. The document becomes illegible after a few interations of the negotiation process. This is a common complaint for title companies and lenders. Illegible contracts cause them to have to waste time trying to get clarification or request cleaner copies.

Okay. You get the picture.   Relying on fax machines for signing and finalizing real estate contracts results in a HUGE waste of time, energy, and paper for EVERYONE invovled.   So inefficient, yet why are so many real estate agents still using fax machines? I wish I knew.

Have you participated in a real estate transaction using electronic signatures yet?

Here's a short video to give you a feel for how quick and easy it is to sign a document via DocuSign.

I have personally taken on evangelizing the efficiencies and conveniences of online electronic signatures via DocuSign.   Every time I begin working a transaction with another agent, I find myself running through my DocuSign sales pitch.

(Photo: fax machine mugging scene from cult classic "Office Space")

Planning to buy a home? Are you getting the real estate representation that you deserve?

2010-02-10T08:52:00.000-08:00

Purchasing real estate is a complex and major transaction with many details to be handled.

Depending on the business arrangement you have with a licensed real estate agent, it is possible that agent may actually be negotiating for the seller and not you, the buyer.

What is a Buyer's Representative?
A real estate buyer's representative represents the buyer who is purchasing property in a real estate transaction. A buyer's representative works for, and owes fiduciary responsibilities to, the real estate buyer and has the buyer's best interests in mind throughout the entire real estate process.

Are you a "Customer" or are you a "Client"?
Anyone who walks into a realtor's office is considered a "customer", and is afforded several rights under Texas law, including honesty and fairness. But a "customer's" rights are very limited, as is a realtor's obligation to that "customer."

However, when you enter into a Buyer Representation Agreement with a realtor and effectively become a "Client", you are entitled to full representation. "Client" benefits include many features and services that you would want and expect in a real estate transaction. The buyer's agent services are most always paid by the Seller or the Builder.

A Buyer's Representative will:

Evaluate your specific needs and wants and will locate properties that fit those specifications.

Assist you in determining the amount that you can afford (pre-qualify), and show properties in that price range and locale.

Assist you in viewing properties -- accompany you on the showings, or preview the properties on your behalf to ensure that the identified specifications are met.

Research the selected properties to identify any problems or issues to help you make an informed decision prior to making an offer to purchase the property.

Advise you on structuring an appropriate offer to purchase the selected property.

Present your offer to the seller's agent and the seller on your behalf.

Negotiate on your behalf to help obtain the identified property -- keeping your best interests in mind.

Assist you in securing appropriate financing for the selected property.

Provide you a list of potential qualified vendors (e.g. movers, attorneys, carpenters, etc.) if these services are needed.

And, most importantly, fully-represent you throughout the entire real estate transaction.

Benefits of buyer's agency relationship:
When a agency relationship is created between the buyer and the real estate agent, the agent must work in the client's best interests at all times. Here are a few of the important benefits you will receive from having your own personal representation when choosing to purchase a property:

Confidentiality. The agent you hire to represent you will not disclose confidential information regarding motivation, price and terms, or anything else of a personal nature to the seller or seller's gent without your permission to do so.

Loyalty. The buyer's agent must work in the buyer's best interest at all times, even if it is not in the agent's personal best interest to do so. This means that the agent will virtually do for you what they would do for themselves in the transaction.

Full disclosure. The agent you hire to represent you will fully disclose any information gained from the seller or the seller's agent that could be used by you in the transaction. In addition, the buyer's agent will undertake a level of diligence and discovery that will give you the necessary information to make a highly informed decision as to the property you wish to purchase.

Call me today for expert buyer representation.

I bring a wealth of knowledge of the local market, strength in negotiation, and wisdom and persistence in working through challenges. I leverage technology to deliver timely information and analysis so that you are always armed with all the facts necessary to make well informed decisions.

Most importantly, I LISTEN! I take the time to understand what is truly important to you. My unwavering commitment to excellence shows through my personal integrity, attention to detail, and sheer determination.

Susan Hopper
Coldwell Banker
214-306-9648

Real Estate is a Wise Investment for 2010

2010-01-11T12:29:00.000-08:00

Here's a Today Show segment discussing strong investment opportunites for 2010 among which is real estate. Financial expert, CNBC correspondent, and author Ron Insana is interviewed about his most recent book “How to Make a Fortune from the Biggest Bailout in U.S. History. A Guide to the 7 Greatest Bargains from Main Street to Wall Street.”

It's a good interview. Ron raises some excellent points.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

If you watched the entire video, you probably heard Ron Insana say now is the absolute best time to buy a home. His comments were for both buyers looking to buy their primary residences and investors looking to buy foreclosures.

Insana asserts that in this economic situation, it does not make sense to stand still. There are opportunities on the real estate front that are generational in nature. One of the few times in most lifetimes where there is an opportunity to buy at the bottom of the market. Add to that the federal government tax incentives and the historically low interest rates, you've got a great time to buy.

Visit my website to access all bank owned foreclosure listings by city. I've also got a special page set up for luxury foreclosure listings as well as short sale / pre-foreclosure listings. (Including Dallas, Frisco, Plano, Allen, McKinney, Prosper, Flower Mound, and more.) There are still great deals out there and I'd love to help you find the perfect one for you. Call me today.

Susan Hopper, Realtor
Coldwell Banker Residential - Plano
214-621-0307

Texas boasts 5 of the top 10 homebuilding markets nationwide for 2009. Dallas ranked 2nd.

2010-01-06T23:01:00.000-08:00

Texas cities account for five of the 10 biggest homebuilding markets for 2009, according to a new assessment by John Burns Real Estate Consulting.

Houston and Dallas head the list of the top U.S. building markets during the 12 months ending in October, the real estate research firm reports. The other three were Ft. Worth, Austin, and San Antonio

The Dallas and Ft. Worth Area racked up over 14,000 single family permits during the 12 month period.

Read the complete Dallas Morning News article here:

Visit my website for the hottest builder incentives, community information, and floor plans for new communities throughout Dallas and Fort Worth.

Call me and I can set up new home property searches that are specific to your needs.

Did you buy a new home in Texas last year? It's time to file your real estate tax homestead exemption. It's easy and FREE.

2010-01-05T15:20:00.000-08:00

Homeowners will need to file their exemption status between January 1st and April 15th of the current tax year. For example if you owned your home on January 1st of the tax year 2010, then you'll want to file your homestead exemption designations by April 15, 2010.

PLEASE, DO NOT BE SUCKERED!

Filing your Homestead Exemption in Collin County, Denton, County, Dallas County, and Tarrant Counties should cost you no than a 42 cent first class postage stamp.

You may have received a letter from a third party "recording service" with an official looking form designed to mislead you the homeowner into thinking that you must pay a fee and file your homestead designation through them. The fee they collect is usually about $35 for their "document preparation" service.

Once this document has been "prepared", the third party offers a "recording and delivery service" for additional fees. These are unncessary (and I dare say "bogus") fees. Please do not be misled.

The reality is that if you file your exemption directly through your county taxing authority, there is no charge and it's a quick and easy process.

Here are the steps:
1.) Download the form from your county taxing authority (you'll find links to the forms below)
2.) Complete the form and sign
3.) Put a first class stamp on the envelop and drop it in the mail.

Here are links to the forms you'll need:
Denton County Homestead Exemption Form: http://www.dentoncad.com/docs/forms/2010/homestead.pdf
Collin County Homestead Exemption Form: http://www.collincad.org/collinhomesteadblank.pdf
Dallas County Homestead Exemption Form: http://www.dallascad.org/Forms/#Exempt
Tarrant County Homestead Exemption Form: http://www.tad.org/webpages/formsappsetc.cfm

That's ALL there is to it! Make sure you file by April 15th!

Susan Hopper
Realtor

Coldwell Banker Residential
214-306-9648

Visit my website for more Dallas, Collin, Denton, and Tarrant County Real Estate Tax Information

Coldwell Banker Real Estate ranked "Highest Overall Satisfaction For Home Sellers according to the J.D. Powers 2009 Study

2009-10-12T21:58:00.000-07:00

Coldwell Banker Real Estate ranked "Highest Overall Satisfaction For Home Sellers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms" according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Buyer/Seller StudySM.

So what does this mean to you?

It means that when you side with Coldwell Banker Real Estate, you will be with a brand that has built a legacy on being an industry leader, with a commitment to innovation and a network of experienced and extremely successful Sales Associates ready and willing to help through any step in your real estate process.

About the J.D. Power and Associates Study

The independently administered study measures customer satisfaction of homebuyers and sellers among the largest national real estate firms. it incorporates more than 3,100 evaluations from 2,801 respondents who bought or sold a home between April 2008 and June 2009. The survey was fielded between April and June 2009.

J.D. Power and Associates examines four factors in the home-selling experience including: agent; marketing; office; and packaging of additional services. Among home sellers, Coldwell Banker Real Estate ranks highest with a score of 815 compared to the industry average of 786.
More information about the study can be found here

Long Term Mortgage Rates Have Risen Into the 5% Range

2009-10-12T11:35:00.000-07:00

Mortgage rates rose sharply on Friday, due in large part to the 10-year treasury yield dramatically spiking almost a quarter point. As mortgage rates were down in the mid-to-upper 4% range earlier in the week, many lenders have adjusted their pricing into the 5% range.

According to Freddie Mac, the average mortgage rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was 4.87% Monday through Wednesday last week. Accordingly, an increase of 16% in mortgage applications occurred.

If you’ve been considering purchasing a home or refinancing your existing mortgage, now is the time to act before rates deteriorate any further.

Renovation of a North Dallas Mid-Century Ranch

2009-10-08T21:32:00.000-07:00

Tonight I stumbled upon a fabulous redo of a 1950's North Dallas Ranch Style home and just had to share.

The mid-century ranch style home has the perfect bones for a stunning makeover! Check out the photos of this redo published in the Sept-Oct 2009 issue of D Home. D Home : North Dallas Ranch Redo

As a Realtor in the Dallas area, I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing the revival of the ranch style home. Over the past several years, there has been a surge in makeovers on the traditional ranch. It’s an exciting trend - I absolutely love the results I've seen. I might sum it up as “mid-century modern meets urban loft with a decidedly eclectic touch”.

I feel fairly certain I've got a personal home renovation project much like this one in my not so distant future! It's one of those things that I simply "must" do!

Does this idea inspire you? If you'd like help locating a candidate for your own redo, please give me a call. There are hundreds to choose from. I would be thrilled to help you locate the perfect property. There are several ranch style homes in distressed (foreclosure and pre-foreclosure) status. This might be the right time to snatch one up and put yourself in a strong home equity position.