Austin Texas Real Estate Details for December 2008 - 01/30/09 02:29 PM
People often ask me what the Austin Real Estate market is doing now. How is Austin different than any other home market? All markets are the same in the respect that each real estate market is unique and constantly changing. Here is a snapshot of what happened in Austin in December of 2008 and how it relates to December 2007. So you may judge for yourself if you feel our market is depressed. in my opinion since the prices are still moving up we are not a depressed market. Certainly the number of homes sold did go down slightly, but the value of … (9 comments)

Improved safety in southwest Austin as of January 29th, 2009! - 01/30/09 12:33 PM
As a Realtor in central Austin, Lake Travis and Dripping Springs I drive quite a bit. Yesterday while showing property I saw something amazing on Highway 290West. The city of Austin had the street blocked off to traffic on highway 290 heading towards Dripping Springs. If you drive in this area, you know getting into the Scenic Brook neighborhood or Covered Bridge neighborhoods from highway 290 is like playing Russian roulette. There is no light, the street curves a bit and is a little hilly and the oncoming traffic is doing around 60 miles per hour. Did I mention there is no street light, … (4 comments)

Austin Calender of local events for 2009 - 01/27/09 08:31 PM
As an outgoing, music loving person I am always looking for interesting things to do. Luckily central Texas has a plethora of diverse music events, some are national events drawing musicians and attendees from all over the world. So here is a short list of events that interested me. Perhaps some of them will interest you as well. Maybe I will see you at one of these events in or around Austin?
January 31, 2009 Carnival Brasilaro www.SambaParty.com. This is the best Mardi Gras/Carnival celebration for the last 32 years in Austin.
Feburary 14th 2009  The International Guitar Festival is held in Round Top … (10 comments)

One of Americas great authors, John Updike passes away - 01/27/09 07:43 PM
Today marks the end of a brilliant writing career, as John Updike passes away. Many of you know me to be an avid reader, so this news really hit home. John was the recipient of numerous Pulitzer Prizes and various other award over the last fifty years. He was a prodigious author, penning over 50 books and uncounted short stories. Most of his work dealt with the issues of the 70's and 80's. A good portion of his work (short stories and poems) were published in the New Yorker and he was considered to be the voice of the magazine by many. … (6 comments)

Local Austin Texas Trivia Part VI - 01/27/09 04:06 PM
Our local neighborhood Tarrytown mentioned in the New York Times. Yes, its true. A few years ago a Houston woman named Jeanne Daniels inherited the neighborhood shopping center in the middle of Tarrytown. Now Ms. Daniels is a vegetarian, so she did not want any of the tenants to sell meat or leather. So sadly the lease was not renewed for the Holiday House. The Holiday House made the greatest hamburger and was the local coffee hangout long before Starbucks. The new tenant in Holiday House's spot was the totally "vegetarian Nu-Age Cafe" which bit the dust after less than a … (6 comments)

Is your home ready for a minor face-lift? Here are some ideas to increase the value and appeal of your home. - 01/25/09 07:56 PM
Are you looking for an effective way to add value to your home? We live in our homes on a daily basis so often we stop noticing the little things around the house. You might ask a friend to walk through your home and make some suggestions as to what would perk up your existing home. Today I will do that walk through with you on a virtual tour. Here are a few suggestions that may breathe life into a tired home.
Add a deck or redo/expand your existing deck. Adding a deck adds a virtual new room to your home … (8 comments)

Go Fly A Kite in Zilker Park! - 01/23/09 08:37 PM
 
… (9 comments)

Austin is in the top five once again for growth in: population, employment and overall growth! - 01/23/09 08:29 PM
 
Austin is in the top five once again for growth in: population, employment and overall growth!
Once again Austin is listed in the top five cities for population growth and future job growth. Even with the erratic national economy these five cities have flourished. These cities were also listed as the top cities back in 1990, so they are consistant top performers.
According to the report Las Vegas is still number one because it was the quickest growing market for: population, individual income and employment growth. Overall growth score: 37.95  Population growth:21.08%  Employment: 26.86%
#2-Raliegh NC has an over all growth … (0 comments)

Gardening tips for vegetable lovers... Frienemies in the garden. - 01/23/09 08:24 PM
Gardening tips for vegetable lovers... Frienemies in the garden.
Many of you know I am an avid organic gardener in Texas. There is nothing as sweet as a home grown heirloom tomato plucked off the vine and eaten in the hot Texas sun. So I have some tips for others with the same garden oobsession. My Nana and my Mother taught me these valuable tips while I helped them with their gardens over the years. The called it "the Frienemy  List". It explains which veggies are friends and which are enemies. I feel it is only right to share that knowledge with you here … (2 comments)

Open House Sunday January 25th 1-4pm in Regents neighborhood - 01/23/09 08:17 PM
Come see this wonderful home in Regents is close to downtown Austin this Sunday from 1-4. There is a lovely pool and waterfall style hot-tub with a separate cabana in the spacious one acre yard. This stunning home has four living rooms, two dining rooms, five bedrooms and four and a half baths in 4884 square feet. This is a fabulous custom on almost 1 full acre with CITY VIEW! Numerous Custom finishes throughout: venetian plaster, custom finishes, custom antiqued cabinets and granite counters in kitchen. The yard is fully landscaped, there is a circular drive for extra parking when you entertain. Custom flagstone … (0 comments)

Whats happening around Shady Hollow, a monitored/controled vegetation burn. - 01/23/09 03:51 PM
As a resident of Shady Hollow I try to keep up with whats happening in my neighborhood. Recently I got a letter telling those of us in Shady Hollow and the families just south of us in Southland Oaks about an upcoming prescribed burn in our area. The Water Quality Protection Lands Program is going to set some fires along MOPAC and Upper Bear Creek. The burn will be managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, The Nature Conservancy and Austin's Water Utility's Wildlife Division. The fire is to help restore this land to grasslands and savannas. These are the most … (4 comments)

Referrals and honesty among Realtors - 01/23/09 10:27 AM
One day while sitting at Phone Duty I got a call from another Keller Williams agent in Houston. She had a client looking to lease a condo close to the University of Texas campus. She asked for someone that knew the area well. I told her she was in luck as I had lived there for about six years and was very familiar with the neighborhood. She and I connected because I grew up in Houston in a neighborhood close to hers.
I called the potential client and we chatted about what they wanted and I set up a search for … (9 comments)

Attention to detail can make or break you in this business. - 01/22/09 09:36 AM
 We all have finicky clients looking for a needle in a haystack from time to time. What can you do to keep them happy? You can pay attention to the details. Maybe I am over analyzing things, but I don't think so. I pay attention to everything: clients body language, facial expressions, comments about houses we have seen and what they want in the perfect home. You have to remember the little things and pay attention to clues your clients give you. You tell me if you think I go too far.

Recently while showing property I noticed my client … (18 comments)

Open House Sunday 1-4 close to Regents School - 01/21/09 12:58 PM
Come see this wonderful home in Regents is close to downtown Austin this Sunday from 1-4. There is a lovely pool and waterfall style hot-tub with a separate cabana in the spacious one acre yard. This stunning home has four living rooms, two dining rooms, five bedrooms and four and a half baths in 4884 square feet. This is a fabulous custom on almost 1 full acre with CITY VIEW! Numerous Custom finishes throughout: venetian plaster, custom finishes, custom antiqued cabinets and granite counters in kitchen. The yard is fully landscaped, there is a circular drive for extra parking when you entertain. Custom flagstone … (0 comments)

Do you ever give clients names of handymen, and if so do you ever get stuck in the middle? - 01/21/09 11:09 AM
In the normal course of my day people ask me who to use for various services related to a home. I don't usually give out names of individual services because I don't like getting involved with a transaction I am not in control of. If I am not the client then I don't want to deal with service contractors. I am a Realtor not a property manager. Of course on occasion we Realtors do get stuck in the middle.
Recently I helped a Buyer purchase a bank owned property. Well the night before closing somebody threw a large landscaping rock through the … (39 comments)

Check out what the Top Ten "most searched cities" are on Trulia.... - 01/21/09 08:33 AM
There are several sites that the public can search for homes online. One of the most popular with consumers is Trulia. I have often wondered where consumers are looking at homes. Recently I saw that Trulia had started compiling records of where people are searching for homes. So they have created a list of the top ten cities that consumers searched in 2008. Please note they did not release the actual number of visitors to the site for each city, they only posted the list of cities in order of rank. As usual Austin is solidly in the top ten!
Betina Foreman-Realtor … (9 comments)

You have never seen a house like this before!! - 01/19/09 01:40 PM
 Check out the latest in disaster zone housing. It is called the "Universal World House" and was created by a Swiss company called The Wall AG. These homes are designed simply and are built out of corrugated PAPER!! Don't light a match anyone! The paper is actually a resin coated recycled cellulose, it resists water and being corrugated apparently gives it some level of insulation. The house has a bathroom and kitchen. The kitchen has a wall that swings out to allow fresh air to circulate and instantly increase the size of the house. The house is designed to accomodate eight people in … (12 comments)

Gardening tips for vegatable lovers... Frienemies in the garden. - 01/17/09 11:12 AM
Many of you know I am an avid organic gardener in Texas. There is nothing as sweet as a home grown heirloom tomato plucked off the vine and eaten in the hot Texas sun. So I have some tips for others with the same garden oobsession. My Nana and my Mother taught me these valuable tips while I helped them with their gardens over the years. The called it "the  Frienemy List". It explains which veggies are friends and which are enemies. I feel it is only right to share that knowledge with you here today. In an effort to have the most productive … (8 comments)

Austin is in the top five once again for growth in: population, employment and overall growth! - 01/17/09 10:31 AM
Once again Austin is listed in the top five cities for population growth and future job growth. Even with the erratic national economy these five cities have flourished. These cities were also listed as the top cities back in 1990, so they are consistant top performers.
According to the report Las Vegas is still number one because it was the quickest growing market for: population, individual income and employment growth. Overall growth score: 37.95  Population growth:21.08%  Employment: 26.86%
Raliegh NC has an over all growth score of: 31.07, Population growth rate: 21.20%, Employment: 19.38%
Cape Coral & Fort Meyers FL has a growth … (0 comments)

Austin Board of Realtors Facts and Figures for November 2008 - 01/16/09 02:45 PM
According to the Austin Board of Realtors here are the latest figures for November 2008. While our market is still strong, it has slowed slightly about 20% in the last half of 2008.
Active Number of Listings 9,000. Number of Homes Closed in November 1,000. Number of Pending Homes in November 1147. Average Number of Days on Market 80. Median Sales Price $180,000. Average Sakes Price $233,348.
 
… (4 comments)

Looking for the perfect place to buy a second home on the beach?? I have the perfect place for you...Costa Rica!! - 01/15/09 10:32 PM
Looking for the perfect place to buy a second home on the beach?? I have the perfect place for you...Costa Rica!!

Costa Rica is full of Ex-Pat's, or Ex-Patriots for many reasons. The most popular region is Guanacaste, which is located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. This region has plentiful beaches, gorgeous mountains and lovely jungle tropics full of lush tropical plants and exotic wildlife. The Guanacaste region is named after the Guanacaste tree which is only found in this specific area. It can't be found on any other part of the planet. There are huge Plumeria trees … (6 comments)

How do you live each day? Paying it forward is the only way I know how to live - 01/13/09 09:43 PM
Why am I writing this blog? Hmmm... Life as a Realtor in Austin can be isolating and downright lonely sometimes. Which is why I joined a large firm versus a smaller boutique firm. I try to live every day with a positive attitude. I like people and I like to be helpful. So Keller Williams pretty much had me at hello. Their philosophy of helping new Realtors learn the ropes was a great thing even though it seems light years ago.
I have tried to pay it forward with the Newbie Realtors and the new to KW but experienced Realtors that also … (27 comments)

Timing is everything in Real Estate. - 01/09/09 01:47 PM

Clients often ask me "when is the best time to buy a house?" I tell them it depends on a number of factors:
1. Are you prequalified?
2. Do you have time to actually go look at homes? 
3. Are you ready to commit to your Realtor?
4. Are you tired of paying another persons mortgage?
5. Are you ready to build wealth and receive a tax break?
If you answered yes to those questions, then now is the right time to buy. The best season to buy is typically from April to October. There are multiple reasons that spring/summer is the best … (0 comments)

Amazing south Austin home that is move in ready, to be held open this Sunday from 1-4 - 01/09/09 12:04 PM
I want to invite you to join me at my open house on 6809 Telluride Trail this Sunday January 11th from 1-4. This home is on a lovely greenbelt lot with mature trees and no neighbors behind. The home was built in 1998 and has been recently updated with: New tile and Moen fixtures, jetted tub and separate shower in the spacious master bath, the house has new carpet and paint, dual HVAC units. There are three bedrooms and two and a half baths in 2054 square feet. The home has three sides masonry, and it is beautiful chopped white limestone. This home is … (3 comments)

Unusual homes looking for unique buyers... - 01/08/09 01:46 PM
As a Realtor specializing as a Buyers Agent in Austin Texas I see more homes than your average human. Looking for homes fills a need for me. Because I love good architecture and unique homes help fill the void left by production builders. Now I am not saying production builders are bad, but they are like pizza. You can get the national chain to deliver a regular peperoni pizza to your home, OR you can go to a local pizzeria like Mangerie's and have a divine one of a kind pizza pie. I am sure you can guess which category of pizza … (14 comments)

One of the reasons lowball offers in Texas's large metro areas won't fly. - 01/06/09 06:02 PM
In the last year I have had more Relocation clients come to Austin to buy a reasonably priced home. They often come in with the idea that if its listed at $400K they can offer $300K or less because the national market is depressed. I try to help educate the newcomers that Austin is not Detroit and your not getting a birds-nest on the ground for a song. In fact with a seriously lowball offer you risk offending the Seller. Big deal, so you offend him, so what?!? So he may raise the price on you! I have seen it happen … (6 comments)

Listing photos can make or break a sale. - 01/04/09 11:17 AM
Let me tell you a little story about a Realtor how she saved her client (Buyer) from a multiple offer situation. A house in the perfect neighborhood (Zilker) in the right price range gets listed on MLS with zero photos. So do we look at it or skip it? If you were searching on a www.findmytruelove.com type of website would you read the profiles with no picture? Usually not, it is much the same when house hunting. In the back of your mind you think it must be pretty ugly if they won't even show you a single picture of the house. I feel the same … (15 comments)

Austin's Zilker Park Kite Festival 2009 event details! - 01/02/09 06:08 PM
                           
 
 
 
If you are in the market for a new home and are not presently working with a Realtor, call me. I would be happy to help you through the process of buying a home. I specialize in Relocation and I have a network of experts to make the process easy to navigate. I look forward to the opportunity to earn your business.Betina Foreman, Realtor C.N.E
Keller Williams Real Estate  1801 S. Mopac, Suite 100  Austin, Texas 78746   512-771-6318    Betina@BetinaForeman.com www.BetinaForeman.com
Member: Austin Board of Realtors, Texas Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors … (6 comments)

Local Austin Events in January 2009 - 01/02/09 05:26 PM
Are you ready for a little "shopping therapy" to get over your holiday hangover? Here are a few great ideas for shopping and local events to while away the days until spring.
Westlake Farmers Market
Each and every Saturday, rain or shine, the Westlake Farmers Market happens at the Westlake High School offers tons of organic and locally grown produce, organic coffee, stained glass, hand crafted gifts and clothes, baked treats, handmade jewelry, soap, flowers, living plants and more. Call (512) 280-1976 for more information.
College Baseball
Yes it is still America's favorite pass-time, NCAA baseball causes a home run frenzy at game-time. The real action starts … (0 comments)

Celebrating 101 years of Oscar Niemeyer, the father of Modern Architecture!! - 01/01/09 10:51 PM
Happy Birthday Oscar Niemeyer!

Please join me in wishing a happy birthday to a great architect and one of the fathers of modern design, Oscar Niemeyer. He was born in Brazil in December of 1907, and just celebrated his 101st birthday. He has long been considered a pioneer in modern architecture. His path began after graduating from college in 1936 and immediately began working as an architect designing buildings. Most of his designs were composed of large sections of smooth curved concrete; this was one of his signature styles. Niemeyer believed in pure, clean design and on occasion blending the … (6 comments)

Agressive driving and road rage in Texas... - 01/01/09 01:45 PM
Road rage is becoming more and more common around the US. We have all been cut off by other less careful drivers or tailgated. I don't mean the fun tailgating before/during a UT Longhorn football game. What matters most is how you handle it. Be safe and considerate of the other cars and cycelists on the road. Drive defensively not aggressively. Driving defensively safes lives. You may wish to take the driving safety course from AAA Texas if you are unfamiliar with the rules of Defensive Driving. Here are some tips for avoiding Road Rage and aggressive driving in Texas.

1. … (5 comments)

 

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