HOMES SELL QUICKLY WHEN... - 12/31/11 01:43 AM
 
 
Price it right from the get-go The old-school strategy of real estate sellers crossing their arms and holding out for a better offer will be brushed off by most homebuyers. Consider that of the homes that took four months or more to sell in the past year, almost half of their owners accepted less than 90 percent of the asking price, according to the National Association of Realtors. For a gauge, have your agent produce the latest comparable sales including short sales and foreclosures as well as a recent summary of sales prices versus original list prices. But be … (3 comments)

Austin Texas Capitol Building tours... - 12/31/11 01:20 AM

 
 
  Website Add to My Notebook   The granite Texas statehouse stands as a testament to the history of the Lone Star State. Free, guided tours. Mon.-Fri. 8:30-4:30p.m.; Sat. 9:30-3:30p.m.; Sun. noon-3:30 p.m.
 
A must see when you visit Austin is the Capitol Building. Take the tour and enjoy the  history and beauty and be sure to bring your Camera! There is so much to see and do in downtown. Once the tour is over visit the famed 6th street and enjoy what makes Austin a Unique place to live. 
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AUSTIN TEXAS HISTORY - 12/30/11 06:22 PM
 
 
A little History on AUSTIN TEXAS
Our story as Texas capital began in the mid 1800s. The time brought tremendous growth to the tiny settlement formerly known as Waterloo that had been carved out of the wilderness. The 1850s saw the first building boom with the construction of the first permanent, limestone Capitol building (1853), as well as the Governor’s Mansion (1856). A second building boom occurred in the 1870s with the arrival of the railroad in 1871. After a fire destroyed the limestone Capitol, the current granite Capitol was built and, after seven years, opened in 1888. At … (3 comments)

ROUND ROCK CELEBRATES ON NEW YEARS EVE - 12/30/11 06:11 PM
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HAPPY NEW YEAR! - 12/30/11 06:04 PM
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
 
Day 13 blogging challenge
A day of corrosponcence, paperwork back and forth and inspections. All in all a fun day!
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
From our home, family and beautiful Austin Texas we wish each one of you a Happy New Year! Enjoy ushering in the great new year of promise! We are so thankful for your friendship and so thankful for family and the rich blessings of God. Hope you have … (3 comments)

EVALUATING THE YEAR...after Christmas thoughts - 12/27/11 09:14 AM
Day 13 Blogging Challenge: followup. retruing phone calls. stratigy meeting, closing files for 2011.
 

 
There is a huge gap between working Hard and working smart. I am the first to admit I have not always worked smart. There are many examples I could site but suffice to say, in the long run it cost me dealy to work hard but not smart. Age and experienc can help but only if we change our choices. 
As the last gains of sand for 2011 trickle though the glass it is a good time to evaluate how making different choices in … (1 comments)

FREE WEEK IN AUSTIN??? - 12/27/11 12:25 AM

Dec 30, 2011 - Jan 8, 2012

The first week of January is a special time for the Austin music scene, bringing with it the annual tradition known as Free Week. During Free Week, participating venues offer nightly free shows featuring some of Austin’s best local talent. The experience is like a small-scale version SXSW, with all sorts of interesting, free shows happening in every direction.
Austin is known as the Live Music Capitol of the world. Every night in Austin you can find great live music all over the downtown area. During FREE week enjoy it for FREE. 
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Safe place to raise your family...Round Rock Texas - 12/26/11 10:22 PM
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WORKING ON CHRISTMAS EVE? - 12/24/11 12:38 PM
Day 12 of the Blogging Challenge.
 
Yes, I am working today but only for a little while. Today I am putting the finishing touches on an final offer and acceptance. 
 

 
 
Hoping you have a Merry Christmas Eve! When I was young we used to open our family gifts on Christmas Eve. As a family we have always held off until Santa comes and open gifts on Christmas morning. 
Tonight we will celebrate with our church family at the GRACE PLACE
Enjoy your day and Have a Merry Christmas!
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MERRY CHRISTMAS ACTIVE RAIN! - 12/23/11 06:09 PM
Day 12: 
Email marketing and Social Network Marketing! 
 
TO ALL OUR FRIENDS AND FELLOW BLOGGERS ON ACTIVE RAIN! WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!! We are blessed to have so many great friends and mentors. Thank you for your friendship, your willingness to share your wisdom and advice. May the joy and reson for this season overwhelm you and fill you with Peace. 

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Austin Economy snapshot! - 12/20/11 11:31 AM
Day 11
Presented new offer on a property in the 1n zipcode area of Austin. Communicating with agent and clients as the process moves along. 
 
The Austin Econmy remains very strong, while cost of living is among the best in the US. If you would like to know more about Austin Texas living contact us and we will send you information and current listings in the area. Discover the beautiful Hill Country of Texas. Home of Dell, SamSung and a host of other high tech industry. 
 


   
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BLOGGING ALONG DAY 9 - 12/16/11 12:10 AM
THE BEAUTY OF LIVING THE AUSTIN LIFE!!
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IN AUSTIN WE SAY...MERRY CHRISTMAS! Join us at the Grace Place December 24th for "A Family Christmas". Special music, a candle lit celebration of JESUS. You will enjoy each moment. Everyone who attends will recieve a gift. It all starts at 7pm. 
 
1500 Royston Lane
Round Rock, Texas
 
Jesus is the Reason for the season!
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AUSTIN GOOD NEWS FOR REAL ESTATE - 12/15/11 12:19 AM
DAY NINE BLOGGING CHALLENGE
 
GETTING OUT THE GOOD WORD TDDAY...
 
U.S. Home Appreciation Down, Texas UP According to a recent report from the National Association of Realtors, the national median price of a home fell on a year-over-year basis in August 2011 by 1.7%. Contrary to this national trend, the median price of a home in Texas actually increased 4.8% over the same period. Additionally, sales are down nationally but remain strong in Texas. Clearly, it's a great time to buy or sell a home here in Austin.
 

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DEALING WITH CHALLENGES - 12/10/11 10:11 PM
DAY 6 NEGOTIATIONS
 
In business there are opportunities and challenges. Our ability to work with others is key to overcoming challenges. Today I have had to think outside the box to solve business problems from tech issues to people mid-understandings. It is important to know how to approach each situation. The printer needs a swift kick but the people need a good communicator and direct communication. 
The ability to understand how to work with people is key in any business but essential when it comes to Real Estate. I love working with people and strive to understand what they need … (5 comments)

Blogging challenge day 5 - 12/09/11 11:26 AM
Today is another offer day! Love writing contracts...I really do. Lovely home in the Millwood area, clients are making a strong offer. Will present it to the agent later today. 
 

In addition to drawing up the contract I am corrosponding with Lender, Title company, sellers agent to advise and coordinate activity going forward. 
 
Austin Texas Living is the best. Let us show you how great Austin Texas living can be. If you would live to see current listings in the Austin area contact us and we will send you home listing that fit your lifestyle. 
 
Alan Kirkpatrick
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CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE ROUND ROCK TEXAS! - 12/08/11 01:09 PM









GRACE CHRISTIAN CENTER IN ROUND ROCK
 
invites you to a family Christmas Eve Service...


Dec. 24th at 7pm 



Join the Celebration, enjoy special music a candle lit time of reflection and worship. We have a special seasonal gift for each person who attends. You will love every moment of the one hour service and enjoy how it brings the focus of Christmas back to Christ. 
click on the logo below for directions.












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CONTINUING EDUCATION a must for every profession - 12/08/11 09:17 AM

 
 
 
Day 4 Blogging Challenge...
Each Texas Realtor is required to complete 21 hours  of continuing education each year. Six of those hours deal with Legal updates to Real Estate Law and Ethics. Today I am taking a couse on Lending changes and program updates. I am looking forward to it and to using what I learn to help my clients find the best program available to help them buy their new home. 
I enjoy the classes and never fail to lean things that are helpful to my business. Continuing education is a must in every profession. We … (5 comments)

Day Two of the 30 day Blogging challenge...212 degree Christmas Xstravaganza - 12/06/11 09:41 AM

 
 
 
 
 
212 DEGREE YOUTH CHRISTMAS PARTY
Always something exciting happening in Round Rock Texas. December 11th from 5-7pm at the Grace Place in Round Rock the young people 7th through 12th grade are invited to the annual 212 degree Youth Christmas Xstravaganza.
 
There will be great food, games and awesome door prizes including an Xbox 360 given to registered attenders. Get an extra opportunity to win for every guest you bring with you. Celebrate Christmas in style join us at THE GRACE PLACE!
 
What's on my Calendar for Real Estate today? I am … (3 comments)

BEST OF ROUND ROCK TEXAS...COMMUNITY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE - 12/05/11 02:32 PM
 
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A BIRD IN THE HAND - 12/05/11 01:17 AM

 
 
 
 
 
 
I was with clients this weekend and we looked at 10 homes. They were ready to make a offer on one that was over priced in the current market. Asking price was about 150 per sq. ft. in a comparable market of about 118 per sq. ft. We decided to make an offer just above the comps at 120 per. sq. ft. The offer was rejected and my clients moved on to another home in the area. 
In the current real estate market it is important to take a long hard look at every … (4 comments)

TOP TEN CHRISTMAS MOVIES OF ALL TIME! - 12/05/11 12:13 AM

 
VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE. Let me know what your favorite is. Our family has several must watch movies each Christmas they include: A Christmas Story, Lampoons Christmas Vacation, Elf, the modern Grinch with Jim Carry. I am sure you have favorites as well. They may be included in the top 10 list above. We also enjoy watching some of the older Christmas Movies like "White Christmas" and of course "It's a Wonderful Life". 
The list above may provide some surprises for you. Enjoy the Season and Merry Christmas. 
 
Alan Kirkpatrick
Realtor Austin Texas HomesLLC.
fax 512-514-1926
office/cell 512-709-3336
alanmaz1@earthlink.net
WEB http://alanmaz.actris.mlxchange.com/
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CAN YOU BELIEVE CHRISTMAS IS ALMOST HERE!! - 12/02/11 04:44 PM

 
 
IT IS HARD TO BELIEVE! I still remember how busy we were last year in December and this year is no exception. Running, running, running. At my house the tree is up and the inside decorated. Today I was planning on decorating outside but we have some much needed rain coming down all around us and so i will wait till next week. 
I am looking forward to all the events fo the month and celebrating JESUS birth with my family, friends and community. Hope you are having a Merry Christmas so far. Let you Holiday Spirit show!!
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CENTRAL TEXAS CALENDAR OF EVENTS - 12/02/11 03:59 PM
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
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HUTTO TEXAS...ask about he Hippo's - 12/02/11 03:40 PM
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Cedar Park looking to improve website and you can help. - 12/02/11 03:30 PM

 
 
 
The City of Cedar Park is getting an “extreme website makeover,” and seeking input from citizens, local businesses and other City website stakeholders. The current City website is more than five years old and is in need of a technological and design overhaul. The community’s opinions will help guide the graphic design, layout and functionality of the future City website.
To encourage community participation, the City has created an easy-to-use online survey which takes only about five minutes to complete. The survey may be found atwww.surveymonkey.com/s/community_website, and is open to the public until December 30, 2011.
“Our … (3 comments)

AUSTIN TEXAS LIVING! - 12/02/11 11:38 AM
 
With a city as diverse as Austin, there’s guaranteed to be something fun for everyone. To make your trip planning a little easier, we’ve handpicked some of Austin’s truly unique destinations.
 
 

 


We would love to help you see Austin at it's very best. Email or call and we will help you plan your trip.What is the best time to see Austin? I love the early spring and summmer. The temp in Austin is mostly mild year around so you can visit anytime and really enjoy both the indoors and outdoors. 
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Alan Kirkpatrick
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AUSTIN'S MILWOOD AREA! - 12/01/11 09:08 AM

 
 
 
THE MILLWOOD AREA IN AUSTIN HAS ALWAYS BEEN A HOT SPOT FOR YOUNG FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS. Most of the homes in the area were built in the late 1960's through the early 1980's. Many of them have been completely remolded and have nice open floor plans, beautiful mature landscape. Surrounded by some great hike and bike trails, schools, shopping and situated between the 1 and the 183 freeways they are within minutes of beautiful downtown Austin. 
 
If you would like to learn more about this area or other great areas for first time home buyers … (3 comments)