Plano, Frisco and Allen Texas real estate listings, home buying, selling and relocation information

The Geni Manning Team, REALTORŽ, real estate agents and broker for Plano, Frisco and Allen Texas home listings, property and land for sale - NUMBER1EXPERT(tm)

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Looking for your personal home, condo, high-rise, townhouse, farm or ranch? Or are you an investor looking for properties to build your wealth? Search everything in MLS and what the internet has to offer, right here through out the entire North Texas area! Don't miss our Featured Homes.

Need local real estate information? Whether you are looking for golf course communities, master planned communities, luxury homes, country estates, or investment properties, we've summarized much of what is available and important in the Dallas, Ft.Worth, Plano, Frisco, Allen, McKinney and other surrounding areas.

DAILY NEWS RELEASE: Good news homebuyers: You can file for your $8,000 first-time buyer tax credit again.

Bad news: You still can't e-file your taxes if you want the cash. And there are long delays.

On Thursday, CNNMoney revealed that buyers who purchased their properties after Nov. 6 were unable to claim the refund because the Internal Revenue Service had yet to release a new form and instructions. But on Friday, the IRS finally posted the new form 5405.

The two-month delay was frustrating to Florida resident Charles Teschke. "We are not broke or anything, but nevertheless we were still counting on getting the tax refund to help pay for the appliances and stuff we needed for our new home," he said. "The IRS told me they estimate it will take four months for me to get my refund!"

First-time buyers were able to immediately file for the tax credit after Congress approved it last February as part of the stimulus program. All they had to do was file an amendment to their 2008 tax returns (the ones they filed last April) and claim the promised refund of 10% of the purchase price, up to $8,000.

What I did with my $8,000 tax credit
They were able to e-file, and they received their refunds promptly. One reader filed a claim the first week of August, and had the check by the third week in September.

But on Nov. 6 the rules changed. That's when Congress extended -- and expanded -- the tax credit, which was originally scheduled to expire on Nov. 30.

Now, the deadline is April 30, by when all contracts must be signed. (Closings must happen by June 30.) Plus, existing homeowners looking to trade up (or down) can qualify for a $6,500 refund.

And these new buyers can no longer file electronically. They have to mail in paper forms, including the new 5405, whether they are amending their 2008 taxes or claiming it on the 2009 taxes that are being filed this spring.

That is going to dramatically slow refunds, but taxpayers can't blame the IRS. Instead, it's people scamming the system who are at fault.

For example, in October tax preparer James Otto Price III was the first person convicted of this crime. He falsely claimed the credit for 15 clients.

So buyers must now file documentation with their taxes -- including proof of residency, a signed mortgage statement and drivers license -- which the e-file system is not equipped to handle.

"Because of the scams, the IRS started sending back the amended returns and asking for proof," said Mary Mellem of David & Mary Mellem, EAs & Ashwaubenon Tax Professionals. "The system has no way of sending along the documents they're requiring. Taxpayers must file a paper return instead."

The IRS points out that taxpayers can still use the electronic forms available on its Web site or consumer sites such as TurboTax; they just have to print them out, attach the proof and mail everything in. And that can take quite a while.

"Taxpayers are looking at another three months before they get their returns," said Mellem.

Deadly Mistake #1 . . . Not hiring a buyer's agent to represent you.

Buying property is a complex and stressful task. In fact, it is usually the biggest single investment you will make in your lifetime. At the same time, real estate transactions have become increasingly complicated. New technology, laws, procedures and competition from other buyers require Realtors to perform at an ever-increasing level of professionalism. For many homebuyers, the process turns into a terrible, stressful ordeal. In addition, making the wrong decisions can end up costing you thousands of dollars. It doesn't have to be this way.

Work with a Realtor who has a keen understanding of the real estate business and who is on your side. Realtors have a fiduciary duty to you. That means they are loyal to only you and are obligated to look out for your best interests. Realtors can help you find the best home, the best lender and the best inspectors. Best of all, your Realtor is paid by the seller even thought he or she works for you.

Trying to buy a home without your own Realtor at all is, well . . unthinkable.

Best of all, when Geni assist you with your real estate needs you are giving back to the community and around the world in many ways. See 'About Us' to discover how.

Guarantee Buy-Out Program and
Builder Move-Up Program!

If you have a home to sale before you buy another one, don't let that stop you from getting the home of your dreams. We can get you out of the one you have now with several options.

Call Geni today at 800-741-2483 and find out the details of our Guarantee Buy-Out Program ext. 8011 and our Builder Move-Up Program ext. 8031.

Lease Buy-Out Program!

If you are tied to a lease and can't buy a home now, take advantage of our Lease Buy-Out Program!

Here is how it works:

You are interested in buying another home, but your lease is not up for another 4 months. Contact us and we will take care of the remainder payments.

Here are the Advantages:

Stop throwing away money and start building EQUITY!
Buy at Todays Prices and Interest Rates!
Take Advantage of Builders Close-Out Deals!
Get the Tax Advantages of Owning a Home!
Get a New House with a Yard in a New Community!

Call NOW to find out how this applies to your situation 214-495-9100.

Bridge Loans Offer A Cash Infusion?

Definition of a Bridge Loan: An equity loan secured to solve short-term financing problems.

If you've never heard of a bridge loan, it's probably because the housing market has been so hot for so long that most people haven't needed them.

In the last five years many homes sold within days of being listed, meaning few homeowners had to worry about paying for their new homes before they'd sold the old ones. But a slowdown in a number of major housing markets in the U.S. suggests that more consumers may need a helping hand to bridge the gap between buying and selling a home.

If you're one of the unfortunate home sellers caught between two closings, a bridge loan -- also known as a swing loan or gap financing -- can provide you with the cash infusion you need. There are two types of bridge loans.

If you would like to discuss this option for your situation, call Geni at 214-495-9100.

But waitHere is another option!

If You Think You Need a Bridge Loan

Same scenarioYou're thinking of buying a house so you go out with a Realtor and find the perfect "move-up" home. You fall in love with it. If you're a married man, your wife falls in love with it. Same difference. So you present an offer. The only problem is that you need to sell your house in order to buy that house. But you haven't even put your house on the market yet.

So you make a "contingent" offer. Your offer to buy is contingent upon your ability to sell your house in time to close. You haven't even listed your house yet. That's a little bit "too" contingent for most sellers nowadays. They are likely to turn you down. Bummer.

In hindsight, you realize you should have listed your house first, got an offer (and accepted it), then gone out looking for a new home. But it's too late and you really want that home.

You remember reading about the "bridge loan. It's cheaper to borrow from your 401K (if you have enough money in it). Lenders allow that as a source of funds for down payment. Any secured loan is an acceptable source of funds for a down payment. If you have stocks or bonds or an insurance policy, you can borrow against that, too. Even a car. Any loan "secured" by a physical or financial asset.

Or you can get a "gift" from a family member to make up whatever shortfall you need.

Or...if you have enough equity and can qualify for a bridge loan, you can qualify for a home equity line. It only costs about $350 at your local bank.

Just get the loan before you list your property for sale.

For More details on these options call Geni at 214-495-9100.

The Holidays Are The Best Time To Sell My Home... Fact or Fiction?

It is understandable why you would be tempted to take your home off the market during the holidays. And the list of justifications may seem long. But wait! Most top Realtors agree that taking your home off the market during any Holiday is a mistake. The house surely isn't going to sell off the market! What is the advantage of that? So you're busy. Let your Realtor do the work. You can leave in the morning, go to work, go shopping, and let your Realtor take care of things.

HOLIDAYS are a wonderful selling period. Why? Because most people take off work sometime during those days or the season. The husband and wife are both off and want to see houses. Most agents like the holidays because the buyers have more time, and they can look at homes together.

Before you take your home off the market, consider these other points:

ˇ Although buyer activity may appear to slow down, the buyers who are actively looking during the holidays are that much more serious. Agents believe the home market is no more affected during Holidays including Christmas than during other "busy" periods. If that were so, the market would shut down throughout the year as families concentrate on spring weddings, June graduations, summer vacations, and autumn back-to-school activities.

ˇ Many buyers deliberately choose to shop for a home after the busy spring and summer rush. They know that it will be easier to look, and that negotiations will be less stressful. They may not have children, or they may have grown children, so moving to accommodate the school year isn't a consideration. However, finding the right home at the right price is important.

ˇ Relocating families often don't have a choice when they can leave for their new destination. Although 68% of transferring families have children, many families have to transfer during the middle of the school year. These families are that much more motivated to get their families settled in before either the January semester begins, or to arrange for the move during spring break in March. If you sign a contract by New Year's Eve, the timing couldn't be more perfect.

ˇ During the holidays, our culture focuses on family and the home. Preparing for the indoor activities is one of the most enjoyable periods of family life. Allowing buyers to view your home during these most hospitable of seasons lets them better picture their own family life in the attractive environment you have created.

ˇ When is your home ever more beautiful and inviting? You have cleaned and decorated, and your home looks like a picture postcard. If the results are good enough for family and friends, they will surely be good enough to impress your buyers. Get the family team on board to do a five-minute blitz pick-up every morning to keep holiday messes to a minimum.

ˇ You will find that a lot of Sellers do take their home off the market during the holidays & this is great, because you will have less competition! The buyers will have less to choose from, so they cant be as picky, therefore they will usually make higher offers.

ˇ With reduced inventories and motivated buyers; you will have all the members of the MLS on your team. You may find you have more showings than you would if you marketed your home during a busier time of the year.

ˇ If you do get a contract, you can arrange the terms to suit your needs. If moving during the holidays isn't an option, you can put in the closing date of your choice. Most people can close 30 to 60 days after a contract is written, so there is plenty of time. Possession and closings are very negotiable.

If after reading and considering these viable points, you are still considering keeping your home on the market, please give us a chance to show you our 30 Day Marketing Plan that will get you a higher price!

Call today, 214-495-9100 for a FREE presentation.

Proud To Call Dallas Our Home

According to Forbes.com, Dallas ranked seventh in a study that found the top 10 most affordable places to live well. Dallas was chosen because it is one of the fastest growing cities in the country. Dallas also has better air quality and access to public transportation than other major cities such as Houston.

Not only is Dallas affordable, it also has a very stable market!
Another study, according to Forbes.com, ranked Dallas as the fourth most stable housing market in the country. The study predicts that in 2008 there will be a 5.45% price increase (currently, the Median home price in Dallas is $156,500). In the past, this increase might not have seemed like a number worth talking about. But, in todays market it is an extremely positive change!

Why is Dallas such a stable market? Here in Big D, we have a strong, rapid job and population growth as well as an abundance of affordable housing. Because of this, Dallas market is very price-inelastic which will help shield the city from the nationwide decline in real estate values.

Serving The D/FW Area For 27 Years!