Protecting Your Plants in the Winter

Plants, trees and shrubbery take a beating during the winter season in Texas. When the temperatures are on a roller coaster from 30 to 80 degrees, your plants need help.

The main cause of dying plants throughout the winter months is desiccation.  Desiccation is the drying out of plants and trees.   There are several products you can get to prevent this from happening.  Products are called anti-desiccants, available at any local hardware store.

There are a few tips when using these products:

• Choose a day when the temperatures are not extreme.  Temperatures in the 40-50s are sufficient.
• Be through when spraying your plants, as they loose water from root to leaf- make sure you spray everything.
• Do not use anti-desiccants on blue waxy conifers. These already have a natural protectant. 

 Janus Real Estate Group    *    Heather Anderson     *    972-765-3773

City of Allen Bulk Trash Removal

If you are trying to get rid of boxes and Christmas leftovers, the bulk trash removal will be December 31, 2010 for City of Allen residents.

Allen Trash & Recycling

 Janus Real Estate Group    *    Heather Anderson     *    972-765-3773

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the Janus Real Estate Group

 

 Janus Real Estate Group    *    Heather Anderson     *    972-765-3773

What is the strange black box icon on real estate signs?

Technological advances are everywhere, including real estate signs.  Real estate agents are using a new item on real estate for sale/for lease signs, websites, marketing materials and more. It is called a QR Code. 

This black box with scrambled pixels is a resource for you.  By taking a picture of this with your camera phone and letting a QR Code Reader application "read" it, you will be taken to a website, a marketing flyer for the house, a virtual tour of the home you are in front of, etc.


To try this out, you can use your phone on the QR Code pictured here. It will take you to the Janus Real Estate Group homepage.  If you do not have a QR Code reader downloaded, it is an application you can find in your store or market on your phone.

 Janus Real Estate Group    *    Heather Anderson     *    972-765-3773

4 Bedroom, 3 Bathroom Home for Lease in Plano ISD! $1595

4 bedroom, 3 bathroom home for lease in Plano ISD! 2,732 square feet for your family to love.

This home is a spacious garden home that boasts hardwood floors, ceiling fans throughout, cast stone fireplace, and 2 inch blinds.

If you love the entertain family and friends the kitchen will be to your delight: granite countertops, flat electric cooktop, built-in microwave and oven, maple cabinets, recessed lighting, and a kitchen island. 

The master bathroom provides retreat in a jetted garden tub and separate shower stall.

You are located only minutes from the DART Station, 75, Ross, Best Buy, WalMart, Sam's Club, CostCo, and plenty more!

Move in date is March 1, 2011 or possibly sooner. 

 Janus Real Estate Group    *    Heather Anderson     *    972-765-3773

Holiday Wreathes of Allen

Christmas Wreathes come in so many colors and styles. Decorating your home with whatever makes it feel like your personal touch. Here are a few from around the area:

 Janus Real Estate Group    *    Heather Anderson     *    972-765-3773

Foreclosure Rates Fall to Lowest Level in 18 Months

"The number of U.S. homes taken back by lenders dropped to the lowest level in 18 months in November, the result of foreclosure freezes enacted by several banks following allegations that evictions were handled improperly.


Home repossessions dropped 28 percent from October and 12 percent from November last year, foreclosure listing firm RealtyTrac Inc. said Thursday.

The 67,428 homes lenders took back last month were the fewest since May 2009."
~MSNBC

Janus Real Estate Group    *    Heather Anderson     *    972-765-3773

Real Estate Investment Risks: Flipping Properties

Flipping properties is one of the most enjoyable types of property investments for many 'hands on' investors. This allows the investor to roll up his or her sleeves and take an active role in creating the masterpiece that will eventually bring in revenue.  

However, this is also one of the riskier investments, particularly when trying to turn a profit in a buyer's market.

The risks are simple but often overlooked and they can have a significant impact on the overall success or failure of the project. First of all, the biggest risk is in paying too much for the property. 

Other risks include underestimating the costs of repairs, over estimating the ability of the investor to do the work him or herself, taking too much time, experiencing a down turn in the housing market, making the wrong judgment call for the neighborhood, becoming overly ambitious, and getting greedy. 

Sometimes it is much better to walk away with a lesser profit than to end up loosing money by holding out.

Janus Real Estate Group    *    Heather Anderson     *    972-765-3773

Allen Real Estate Investment Risks

While a good many millionaires will agree that their fortunes were made in real estate, the honest ones will also tell you that they've probably lost a few fortunes in real estate along the way. This is a risky business and every property purchased doesn't always pan out to become a successful investment. 

Unfortunately, there are very few one size fits all risks for real estate investing.  Over the coming days we will discuss the various types of real estate investment opportunities and risks involved.

Rental Properties

First and foremost is the risk of failing to make a profit. If the property in question cannot achieve an adequate monthly income to cover the expenses of operating the property then it is not a solid investment. 

Other risks include the risk of getting bad tenants. This is particularly hard on first time investors. Bad tenants are costly and in some cases destructive (which leads to even greater expense). 

Vacancies are another risk for rental properties. These properties are only costing money as they sit empty rather than earning money as they were intended. Short turnovers are in your best interest as are long-term tenants. 

 Janus Real Estate Group    *    Heather Anderson     *    972-765-3773

Dallas Christmas Holiday Lights

Happy Holidays!

If you want to get into the Christmas spirit with the cooler temperatures, take a drive around Collin County to explore the Holiday lights.  Here is a map showing several of the main neighborhoods that go all out in their decorating for the holidays.

Dallas Christmas Holiday Lights

Janus Real Estate Group    *    Heather Anderson     *    972-765-3773

Reverse Mortgage FAQ for your Allen Home

Reverse mortgages are an option for older homeowners to consider if they would like to stop monthly payments on their home. However there is some confusion on what is involved in a reverse mortgage. Here are a few basic guidelines and questions, plus a website that goes into detail on how to get a reverse mortgage.

Who qualifies for a reverse mortgage?  Homeowners that are aged 62 and older

How much money can you get? This will depend on many factors, such as: age of the youngest spouse, interest rates at the time of your loan, the lending limits in the area, and the appraised value of your home. Your mortgage professional can give you a better idea of the amount available for a reverse mortgage on your home.

What payment plans are available? There are several options available to you. You can receive all of the money in one lump sum, have monthly payments paid to you for the duration of living in your home, or create a line of credit that you can draw on at any point in time. You may also make a combination of these three options.

Does my home qualify? Homes that are eligible generally include single family homes, 2-4 unit homes, condominiums, townhomes, and some manufactured homes

This is just a brief introduction to common questions on reverse mortgages. For an additional source of answers:

HUD Reverse Mortgage FAQ's 

 Janus Real Estate Group    *    Heather Anderson     *    972-765-3773

Donating to Charity Organizations - Tax Deductions

Do your research.  Just like any other financial decision, do your research ahead of time to make sure you are donating to a reputable organization that will help the community.  

Check the charity's tax status. If you itemize, you can deduct your charitable contributions — but only if the charity is tax-exempt. IRS Publication 78 provides a list of charities and non-profits that are eligible for tax-deductible contributions.

This year, nearly 265,000 organizations lost their tax exempt status.  This means you will not be able to deduct your charitable donations if they were made to one of these organizations.

This should not prevent you from contributing to your favorite charity or organization, just to be aware of the changes you may encounter come time to file for taxes.

Resources:

IRS

Charity Navigator

BBB Wise Giving Alliance

American Institute of Philanthropy 

GiveWell

  Janus Real Estate Group    *    Heather Anderson     *    972-765-3773

Calculate Your Monthly Mortgage Payment

Once you have made the decision to purchase a home, it is important to have your finances in order before going to tour homes.  While it is best to consult with a mortgage professional, there are resources online that can give you a ball park idea of what to expect before meeting with your financial adviser.  

Here is a calculator to show what your approximate monthly payment will be and the total amount in interest you will pay over the life of you 15 or 30 year note.

Mortgage Payment Calculator

 Janus Real Estate Group    *    Heather Anderson     *    972-765-3773

Janus Real Estate Agent Spotlight: Jane Joyce

Jane has over 20 years experience in the Real Estate Industry as former co-owner of Royal Dynasty Custom Homes. She currently is an active REALTOR and investor in Collin County. 

Jane specializes in assisting buyers locate and purchase or lease the home that is best suited to their specific needs. She is skilled in negotiation, transaction coordination and consistently offers personal attention to detail and professional service. 

Jane is a graduate of Texas A&M University Commerce and holds a Bachelor of Science in Health, with a background in Corporate Health and Wellness Education. 

She understands the importance of stress management and balance in life and strives to help clients have a pleasant home buying experience and smooth transaction. 

Jane also enjoys serving the community as a volunteer for the Allen Community Outreach Center and Equest Therapeutic Horsemanship Center in Wylie.

 Janus Real Estate Group    *    Heather Anderson     *    972-765-3773