Historic Austin UT area home for sale. Open house on Sunday May 31, 2009 from 12-3!! - 05/31/09 01:01 AM
Historic homes continue to be highly sought after for a number of reasons. They have larger lots, more character and charm than most new construction homes and they are right in the middle of town. It is not uncommon to find original hardwood floors and double hung windows with high ceilings and other period details. Many people seek out these charming homes instead of new construction.
This Sunday I will be holding open an amazing home in the UT area from 12-3. The home is located at 1900 David Street. The lot has numerous 300+ oak trees scattered on the .44 acre lot. … (6 comments)

Miracles are ALL Around Us--- - 05/30/09 10:53 AM
I personally experienced a miracle yesterday. So when I saw Carole's post this morning I just had to share it again! It is wonderful news that Sherie's cancerous tumor is shrinking! I am happy for you and your friend! Thank you Carole for reminding us to have faith that things will work out. You are a miracle for your friends and clients in NYC!! Way to go Carole!
Via Carole Provenzale Owner, Feng Shui Long Island & New York (Feng Shui Long Island & New York City):
STILL don't believe in MIRACLES??
The "Clients" of Today might just become your treasured FRIENDS of tomorrow!
I have … (4 comments)

Why We Should All Move To Germany.... - 05/27/09 08:34 AM
Kristin Johnston just posted an awesome post about how much people work in different countries. I thought it worthy of a re-blog. It boggles the mind to see how little people in other countries work. I remember being amazed when I found out that the English get 2 months of vacation each year!! I know that I have a tendency to work too much in past "jobs" I thought I worked a lot because I averaged 50 hours a week. Since I became a Realtor I feel that number has gone up, because we are essentially on call all the time. … (7 comments)

Condo Market Statistics for the UT area in May 2009 - 05/25/09 01:51 PM
Do you have a child going to UT next semester? If so consider purchasing a condo or home for them to live in for the next four years, don't just throw away money on rent. I have prepared some current market statistics for the University of Texas area below. The Austin home market is strong and real estate is always a wise purchase.
Austin Area: UT
Comp Details used: 3 bedroom, 2 bath condo home comprised of at least 900 square feet.
Number of Active Listings for sale: 10
Number of condos that are Pending/Under Contract: 3
Number sold this month: … (2 comments)

Market Statistics for Zilker neighborhood in Austin Texas - 05/25/09 01:34 PM
I lived very close to Zilker Park for several years and loved the large lots and the short commute to downtown. The Gus Fruh trail-head was four houses down from my home. Since most of the neighborhood was developed in the 1950-1980's there are no Home Owners Associations fees or restrictions. As a Realtor it is one of my favorite neighborhoods to sell for the very same reasons.
Since there are so many new construction condos taking the place of some of the original Zilker homes I am splitting these stats into 1950-1999 and a separate category of newer condo style homes built in the last ten … (2 comments)

Market Statistics in Barton Hills neighborhood of Austin Texas for May 2009. - 05/25/09 01:02 PM
I lived in Barton Hills for several years and loved the large lots and the short commute to downtown. Since most of it was developed in the 1950-1980's there are no Home Owners Associations fees or restrictions. As a Realtor it is one of my favorite neighborhoods to sell for the very same reasons.
Since there are new construction homes and condos taking the place of some of the original Barton Hills homes I am splitting these stats into 1950-1989 and a separate category of newer condo style homes built in the last ten years. I hope this makes the information … (2 comments)

New Boating License Requirements in New Jersey... - 05/25/09 12:12 PM
Living in Austin Texas we are very close to Lake Travis and we spend a fair amount of time sailing on Travis. Compared to New Jersey our boating laws are very similar in Texas. It is good to know that every state is so proactive about maintaining public safety on the water. The local authorities are also cracking down on those who choose to drink and motor around the lake. I will feel safer sailing or boating in Jersey. Many thanks to Laura Giannotta with Keller Williams Real Estate for sharing this information!
Via Laura Giannotta Keller Williams Atlantic (Keller Williams Atlantic Shore ):
Here at … (2 comments)

How to Leverage Your Social Media Time to Benefit Your Google Placement - A Couple of Basic Tips - 05/25/09 12:03 PM
I just re-read Jason's post on Google placement and felt it was worthy of a re-blog. Actually much of what Jason writes is really stellar stuff. Most of his blogs are iintended to help others learn AR and obtain higher SEO and higher sales volume. If we all subscribe to Jason's blog we can learn a lot and improve our Google ranking. So Jason give yourself a pat on the back for helping all the newbies to AR and real estate. Thanks my friend!
Via Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653) (Austin Texas Homes, LLC):
I have owned and maintained a real … (2 comments)

Have You Seen These In Your Area? - 05/25/09 11:53 AM
I just had to re-blog Rich because I saw one of these Peapods in Lakeway this weekend. It is tiny. In my head I kept thinking clown car and expecting ten clowns to get out of it. It was only one person not ten. This person has taken a huge step to reduce their consumption of fossil fuels and I want to say thank you. Plus they are really cute vehicles!
Via Rich Dansereau Loan Officer Knoxville TN (Taylor, Bean & Whitaker):
I first saw the Peapod yesterday during a bout of web surfing. I thought these vehicles were very intriguing as the … (6 comments)

For Those Who Gave The Ultimate Sacrifice For Us - 05/25/09 11:43 AM
This was originally posted by Gary Wotal, a Dallas Realtor whose blogs I greatly admire. Gary always inspires and uplifts your soul. Yesterday he wrote to honor the soldiers that keep us safe and free. I felt it was appropriate to re-blog his post on this holiday. Gary thanks for helping us to remember what this holiday is really all about, the women and men who serve this country with honor. I feel the last cartoon says it best. Many thanks to all who have served and those who are on foreign soil valiantly working to keep us all from harms … (0 comments)

Capitalism vs Socialism Revisited (a bit of humor) - 05/25/09 11:34 AM
Sometimes you come across a blog that makes you laugh or maybe inspires you. I have been subscribed to Tchaka's real estate blog for about a year and I always enjoy what he writes. In fact Tchaka's recent blog inspired me to go so far as to re-blog it. It may be classified as humor, but it has a ring of truth in it. Let me know if you feel the same.
 
Via Tchaka Owen (Elite Coastal Properties):
By now most have read the alleged story of a Texas Tech economics professor who did an experiment with his class and ended up failing them … (0 comments)

Staging a Home to Sell, How About Finally Removing that Christmas Tree??? - 05/25/09 11:25 AM
Recently I listed a friends home when she re-married and moved. When I went to look at the house and take photo's I asked about the stuff in the garage. She said her 20 year old daughter Tori is going to come get it this weekend. Well its now been a month since that visit and the garage is still full. This event made me think of Russell's Christmas tree that was almost ready to celebrate a birthday party before his son disposed of it! I hope those of you that missed his initial blog will get a giggle from it. The thing … (2 comments)

Do you know your current credit score? - 05/24/09 11:37 PM
Credit can be tricky, Here are some tips to help you know the score about your credit. When you are looking to buy a home your credit score is the most important number. Here are the top five things to remember.

1.You can have more than one FICO score. Each of the credit bureau's (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) uses their own method for computing your score. You may obtain a free copy of your report once a year. You should do this every year to make sure the information they have collected is correct. Sometimes they make errors by adding information that … (4 comments)

Austin Home sales already on the rebound!! - 05/23/09 09:40 AM
The country in general is in a recession as we all know. What some people may not know is that historically Texas is the last one into a recession and the FIRST state to come out of that recession. It is one of the many things we native Texans can be proud of. We are a state full of hard working, never give up sort of people.
According to the Austin Board of Realtors the local home sales were the highest they have been since last September! The actual number of homes sold is down about 20 percent. Many people in … (0 comments)

Want to save 1/2 off Radient Barrier and save money on your energy bills! - 05/22/09 07:44 PM
Here is a great way to save some money this summer and every year. Efficient Attic Systemsin Austin is offering a great deal of 1/2 off radiant barrier and free insulation. When a radiant barrier is installed in your attic it stops about 75% of the suns radiant heat from coming into your attic. When you lower your attic temperature up to 35 degrees the barrier will reduce the amount of heat that would otherwise be transferred into your living space! 
EAS is also got other great deals:   No Money down,  12 Months No Payment, No interest Financing!!
EAS will come … (2 comments)

When is the best time to buy a home in Austin Texas? - 05/21/09 08:19 AM

Clients often ask me "when is the best time to buy a house?" I tell them it depends on a number of factors:
1. Have you spoken to a lender and are you prequalified?
2. Do you have time to actually go look at homes?
3. Are you ready to commit to finding the right home with your Realtor?
4. Are you tired of paying another persons mortgage and helping a stranger build wealth?
5. Are you ready to build your own wealth and receive a tax break?
If you answered yes to those questions, then now is the right … (3 comments)

Dogs and touring homes for sale, one Austin Realtor's solution. - 05/20/09 09:04 AM
 
Yesterday morning I participated in the Keller Williams Realtor Property Tour. Thank goodness the tour coordinator took pity on me and allowed me to "host" one of the homes on tour. Some of you may know I broke a couple of toes a few weeks ago and can't walk too far in the "boot" the doctor gave me. "Stephanie Zealous" our tour coordinator and Realtor was so sweet she gave me the smallest one story home on the tour so I would not have to walk so far.
When I arrived at the house I found a note that they … (5 comments)

My favorite Shady Hollow home of the month is 12305 Red Mesa Hollow - 05/18/09 08:10 PM
There is a spectacular Shady Hollow home now for sale. This home has five bedrooms and three and a half baths. There is plenty of room for everyone and everything in this spacious home with 3370 square feet. The home rests on a full acre of land with amazing trees and privacy. The grounds have a lovely pool and a three car garage. They are asking $525K for this amazing estate home.




 
If you are in the market for a new home and are not presently working with a Realtor, call me. I would be happy … (8 comments)

Shady Hollow Homes Market Statistics for April-May 2009 - 05/18/09 07:52 PM
Shady Hollow Market Statistics for April-May 2009
The Austin home market is heating up just in time for summer. In the last month there were 41 homes listed for sale in the sought after Shady Hollow neighborhood. There are presently 23 homes Actively for sale with an average price per square foot of $124. At the moment there are 11 homes that are Pending, or under contract but not closed yet. Seven homes sold in the last month with the following stats:
High Price per square foot $127.21
Average Price per square foot $113.34
Low Price per square foot $98.84
The Average number of days … (0 comments)

Austin is a serious party town and there are festivals celebrating something every month - 05/18/09 01:50 PM
Austin throws a good party and many of our visitors come for the numerous festivals that occur year round. We celebrate the usual things like the fourth of July like the rest of the nation, but we celebrate more obscure things like Eeyore's Birthday too. So to do my part to Keep Austin Weird I want to share a few of the upcoming festivals with you. You never know who you will meet there unless you go...
Upcoming Festivals in and around Austin:  
O Henry Pun Off Word Championships- 512-472-1903 www.punpunpun.com  "Lend an ear and we'll give you more corn," was the … (4 comments)

There are a multitude of places to see art in Austin Texas if you know where to look - 05/18/09 12:48 PM
Growing up in a large metropolitan city I spent many weekends in the multitude of art galleries that Houston had to offer.  There is no better way to beat the brutal Texas summer heat, than in the cool air of an art gallery drinking in the art. Newcomers to Austin often ask where is the Austin museum district? I want to see some or purchase some art and I can't find any galleries in Austin. To them I say you just have to look for it. It is all around Austin. To make things easier for the newly relocated art lovers I have compiled a list … (0 comments)

Finding history and art in Austin Texas is easy if you know where to look. - 05/18/09 12:06 PM

Growing up in a large metropolitan city like Houston I spent many weekends in the multitude of museums Houston had to offer.  There is no better way to beat the brutal Houston summer heat, than in the cool air of a museum drinking in the art. Newcomers to Austin often ask where is the Austin museum district? I want to go see some art and there does not seem to be any in Austin. To them I say you just have to look for it. It is all around Austin. To make things easier for the newly relocated individuals I … (2 comments)

Open House Sunday May 17th from 1-4 at 4401 Sarasota Drive in lovely south Austin! - 05/17/09 10:48 AM
Today I will be hosting an open house for a friend, Bill Austin. He is one of my fellow agents at Keller Williams Southwest Market Center. So if you are looking to buy a home in south Austin, please stop by. This home just hit the MLS Friday and its priced to move. It is a darling 3-2 home with a nice sized deck in backyard. Wonderful trees provide great shade for Texas summers. The home will be open from 1-4 today, Sunday May 17th. The asking price is $169,863. which equals $127.33 per square foot, a real bargain for a … (3 comments)

Open House in sought after 78749 today from 1-4! - 05/17/09 09:07 AM
Today I will be hosting an open house for a friend, Bill Austin. He is one of my fellow agents at Keller Williams Southwest Market Center. So if you are looking to buy a home in south Austin, please stop by. This home just hit the MLS Friday and its priced to move. It is a darling 3-2 home with a nice sized deck in backyard. Wonderful trees provide great shade for Texas summers. The home will be open from 1-4 today, Sunday May 17th. The asking price is $169,863. which equals $127.33 per square foot, a real bargain for a … (3 comments)

Austin flamingo Yard Art saves dogs lives in central Texas! - 05/16/09 06:19 PM
 
You can save several dogs lives with fun yard-art in Austin Texas!!
Right now you can save a dogs life by making a donation of $50 or more to the Central Texas SPCA.  When you donate $50 or more the SPCA will come and flock your yard, or your friend's yard with 20 fun and fabulous pink FLAMINGOS!  If you think 20 pink flamingos is not quite enough,  another $25 donation will double your flock to 40 flamingos. The flamingo people will place the flamingos and a sign to show the display is benefitting the Central Texas SPCA.   Of course … (6 comments)

New proposed laws in Texas regarding your pets. It's only a bill now so do what you can - 05/16/09 10:47 AM
As a pet owner for over thirty years in Texas I try to stay on top of issues that affect my pets. That said, my last three dogs came from local rescue organizations, Schnauzer Rescue of Texas to be specific. The reason I am writing is to let you know there was a recent bill (SB 1845) introduced to require all pet owners to spay and neuter their pets. When/if this is passed into a law they anticipate the permit fee will be about $300 per pet. If you don't apply for and receive a permit to keep your pet fertile, you could be … (2 comments)

Polo, it's not just for horses anymore - 05/16/09 10:16 AM
Everyone has probably seen a polo match. Several people on horseback swinging a mallet at a little ball racing to a goal. Well it is no longer just for horses and people. There will be two polo matches today in Austin for Dogs! You heard me right, the Texas Hearing and Service Dog organization is hosting the 3rd Annual "Polo for Puppies", it is a polo match to raise money for their cause. Their cause is a good one to be sure. They provide and train service dogs to assist the hearing impaired and disabled people. These dogs are provided to those … (0 comments)

Meeting tonight to discuss the trees around Barton Springs and the Zilker Sunken Garden. - 05/13/09 02:22 PM
There is a meeting tonight to discuss the trees around Barton Springs and the Zilker Sunken Garden. If you are concerned about the proposed tree cutting in Zilker Sunken Gardens and Barton Springs Pool, join us at the Barton Springs Bath house by the statue of the Thinker at 5:00 tonight. There will be several speakers talking about the city proposed tree removal. Two of the more famous speakers are: John Droomgole, owner of the Natural Gardener and TV celebrity and Don Gardner an independent arborist who has cared for the trees around the Governors Mansion and St. David's Hospitals and many other … (4 comments)

Want to ensure your child can keep you in the know when it comes to technology? Send them to "Tech Camp"!! - 05/12/09 11:03 PM
If you are like me when your pc or cell phone goes on the fritz, you call someone to help.  I call my niece as she is a whiz with technological stuff. Kids today know more about high tech technological tools than most of us. in order for them to stay on top, children are always learning. To that end we send them to summer camps so they can stay on top of the changes in technology. Austin is home to a great summer camp called "America's #1 Tech Camp".
Some of the things children will learn about are: Video Game Design, Website Design, … (4 comments)

Looking for an Auditor qualified to perform you City of Austin Energy Audit?? - 05/12/09 10:26 PM

The city of Austin has recently passed the ordinance to require all home sellers to have an "energy audit" prior to selling the home. This ordinance will be required on all homes sold as of June 1st, 2009. They tried to start this back in January 2009, but at that point there were only five licensed auditors. So since there are about 20,000 listings at any given time, those five people would have been overwhelmed. So they set the date back to June 1st 2009, so they had a chance to train more auditors.
There are a few homes that … (2 comments)

Where do you go to find a City of Austin Energy Audit Inspector? - 05/12/09 09:40 PM
The city of Austin has recently passed the ordinance to require all home sellers to have an "energy audit" prior to selling the home. This ordinance will be required on all homes sold as of June 1st, 2009. They tried to start this back in January 2009, but at that point there were only five licensed auditors. So they set the date back to June 1st, so they had a chance to train more auditors.
There are a few homes that are exempt from this audit: 1. New homes constructed within the last ten years, 2. Homes that have had a … (2 comments)

Lovely home for Lease in Buda Texas, only $1425! - 05/12/09 09:38 AM
Spacious newer home in Buda's sought after  Bradfield Village now for lease for $1425. This home has four large bedrooms and two full baths and one powder room downstairs. It has an open floor plan with a second living/family/game-room upstairs. The open kitchen has a huge walk-in pantry and laundry room. There is a washer and dryer, not just washer and dryer connections! There is new Berber carpet downstairs and new hard tile in the master bath! The master bath has a dual vanities, a deep garden tub and seperate shower. The color scheme is neutral and freshly painted throughout. All … (0 comments)

First time home buyers want to know when is it the best time to buy a home? I say now, interest rates are at historic lows and inventory is high! - 05/09/09 09:28 AM


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 available to actually go look at homes? 
3. Are you ready to commit to your Realtor?
4. Are you tired of paying another persons mortgage and helping a stranger build wealth?
5. Are you ready to build your own wealth and receive a tax break?
6. Are you  ready to take advantage of historic record setting low interest rates under 5%?
If you answered yes to those questions, then now … (4 comments)

Shady Hollow roads and the local MUD and annexation news - 05/09/09 09:17 AM

Recently I had a visit with John Roop the Shady Hollow Home Owners Association Manager. I went for a quick visit as I had questions about the new water main covers installed on my street. I noticed the shiny covers had "City of Austin" stamped on them. I am a mile and a half south of the Austin City Limits, so I was concerned. The old cover was just a plain slab of metal. So I got nervous that maybe Austin was taking over the Shady Hollow M.U.D. in preparation to annex Shady Hollow. 
I have lived through my town being annexed and … (4 comments)

The 78749 zip is one of the hottest zip codes in the USA, and it is is in south Austin! - 05/08/09 03:38 PM
Living and working in south Austin I read everything on our market and Austin in general. Recently Forbe's said that the 78749 zip code was one of the most active areas for buying or selling a home in the USA. So I thought I would post some market stats for a couple of the neighborhoods within that zip code.
Maple Run is a popular neighborhood with more affordable homes in the 78749 zip. The homes were mostly built in the mid to late 1980's. There is a good mix of one and two story floor-plans. Most homes are on just under a quarter acre … (6 comments)

One more post for the Runners and 5K addicts! - 05/04/09 03:49 PM
Here is a list of 5-K's and Triathilons in and around Austin Texas. I am sure I am not the only 5-K addict in Austin. So won't you join me at one of these fun filled events! I don't know about you but each summer I add to my T-shirt collection with a few more 5K run/walk T-shirts. I probably have more T-shirts than a college student.
 
2nd Annual Ranger Triathlon
www.rangertri.com/main.html
5/16/09 Austin

Trek Women's Triathlon Series Austin
www.trekwomenstriathlonseries.com
5/17/09 Austin

Capital of Texas Triathlon 
 http://www.captextri.com
5/23/09 Austin
 
Take Steps for Crohn's and Colitis Austin Walk
http://online.ccfa.org/site/TR/Walk/2009TakeSteps?fr_id=1191&pg=entry
… (6 comments)

More Austin Events in May 2009 - 05/04/09 01:56 PM
Are you looking for something special to do in May? Austin Texas has a variety of fun outdoor events for the whole family. We have live music, plays, ballet, and symphony performances. Start your summer off right with one of these fun and entertaining events!
 
May 7th There will be a Twilight broadcast of Amy Glenn and The Forgotten Heros at Stubb's on Red River.
May 8-10 Cinderella will be performed by Ballet Austin. For more details or tickets please see their website www.BalletAustin.org/flashintro.html
May 8-9 The Texas Rockibilly Festival will be held at the Nutty Brown Cafe. For more details and … (0 comments)

Runners get ready get set...RUN!! - 05/04/09 01:30 PM
Since Austin is one of the healthier cities to live in I thought I would share some tips for the runners in the crowd. We have a number of clubs or groups that run around town. There are also a number of 5K's and 10K's, allow me to share a few with you. Happy trails to you!
Running Clubs/Groups
RunTex Group / Austin
www.runtex.com/web/4-13.asp
Tri Zones Training / Austin
www.trizones.com
Rogue Programs / Austin
www.roguerunning.com
Gilbert's Gazelles / Austin
www.gilbertsgazelles.com
Strength Endurance Training 4 Runners / Austin
www.socoathleticclub.com
RunSmart Running Group / Austin
www.smartsport.info
Jeff Galloway / Austin
www.jeffgalloway.com/training_groups/austin.html
South Austin … (0 comments)

Its Summer time and the living is easy, if you choose the right Summer Camp in Austin. - 05/04/09 11:46 AM
Summer time in Texas can't be beat. We have a multitude of things to do and places to go. To make your summer time planning as easy as possible I have compiled a list of Summer Camps in the Austin area. Hopefully this will give over-worked parents a break. Here are a few of my personal favorite Austin summer camps.
Mad Scientist Camp- www.MadScience.org/austin  Phone (512) 892-1143 
They offer 8 separate camp sessions for ages 6-12. The themes include: Science Expolration, Moving with Science, Rockin Rockets, Red Hot Robots, Wings and Things, Secret Agent Lab, and Spy Academy. The cost for … (0 comments)

Did you see that Gator?? - 05/04/09 11:22 AM
That has to be a HUGE gator to have a whole deer in its mouth!   The deer was later found to be a mature stag and was measured at 11 feet! Are you ready to go skiing on Lake   Corpus Christi  ?!  If you ski at the west end of the lake, try not to fall !!!

 

This alligator was found between  FM Road 888 and Sweeny Switch , near a house!  Game wardens were forced to shoot the alligator...guess he wouldn't cooperate. Anita and Charlie Rogers could hear the bellowing in the night. Their neighbors had been telling them that they had seen a mammoth alligator in the … (14 comments)

Austin's downtown condo market update. If your considering a condo know the HOA before you buy. - 05/01/09 10:36 AM
With the recent building boom of downtown condos the face of Austin is changing. We can't go back in time and stop the building, but we can be aware of which properties charge the lowest HOA fees. If you are considering buying a downtown condo this is important information to consider. Some of these condos are charging over a thousand dollars a month in HOA fees. What you get for your money varies from project to project. I am including a breakdown of the most affordable HOA fees and the most expensive HOA fees for the downtown condos and lofts.  The HOA … (8 comments)

What to expect when you start looking for a new home - 05/01/09 10:31 AM
What to expect when you start looking for a new home
In order to make this easy for "first time home buyers" I have broken the process down. You have already accomplished the first step, selecting a "Buyers Agent"; the key is finding someone that you can communicate with, that is knowledgeable about the area. As your agent I will help you through the process of finding the "right home" and buying that home.
The first round of Forms you need to sign
The Texas Real Estate Commission requires that Realtors give potential Buyers several forms. These forms help define each … (0 comments)

 

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