How to Protect Against Rental Scams - Use a Realtor! - 05/31/11 09:05 AM
Last night I heard a news story that there are national scams going on via online real estate sites. A man searching on his own found a home to rent. He sensed the home was underpriced and recognized that it could be a scam. He began a conversation anyway via internet and was instructed to wire a cashier’s check to Nigeria. Jeepers, you’d think these scammers would get a little savvier than Nigeria!
Fortunately, the guy only engaged in a phone communication but didn’t actually mail a check. After a little research the renter found that the house is for sale, … (3 comments)

I’m Proud to Be an American! Are You? - 05/29/11 09:31 AM
As I read the names from the list of internments at Ft. Sam Houston Cemetery yesterday morning including my father’s name, I thought about the resolve toward freedom, patriotism, and service that these men, women, and their families have.
I am a military brat (colloquial term for military child) and a military wife while my husband served out his remaining 3 years of service during our marriage. I know first-hand of the personal sacrifices that our armed forces make, day in and day out, 24/7. I watched my friends bury their dads at 12 years old. I watched wives give birth … (6 comments)

Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure - 05/25/11 12:49 PM
Like Jeannie – just blink it away, right? Some municipalities are incorporating their energy policy into real estate sales. In addition to the 5 page Seller Disclosure you may also have an ECAD ordinance compliance and failure to do so is a Class C misdemeanor. Say What? Yes, it’s true. Check out what Austin is already doing.

About the Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure (ECAD) Ordinance
 
The Austin City Council approved the Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure (ECAD) ordinance, Austin City Code Chapter 6-7, to improve the energy efficiency of Austin homes and buildings that receive electricity from Austin … (0 comments)

Will Real Estate Agents Go the Way of Travel Agents? - 05/24/11 10:15 AM
Inspired by an Internet question.
 
The question: Do we really do need this service anymore? Reflecting on the 90's when travel agents went up against the Internet,  consumers realized that booking travel was just a few clicks away.
 
Is real estate that different? I wonder how many people first view the house they buy these days via online photos. Seems like some savvy agent(s) will eventually break ranks and offer an online mode of brokering for a much lower transaction fee than what is standard and change the industry.
 
Not only does this person think all we are … (4 comments)

Hello, Are You Listening? - 05/23/11 06:32 PM
I attended an event on social networking some time ago. The group leader is an awesome Realtor and social net-worker so I was very excited to hear what she had to say. There was ongoing texting by the facilitator so I asked her not to text during the discussion since it was a distraction. I shared that I am sort of old school and think it is good old fashioned manners to give undivided attention. She didn’t agree, said it is today’s way of communicating and inferred that those of us that were offended by it should learn to embrace today’s’ … (3 comments)

Do You Give OLD CARS to CLIENTS? - 05/22/11 08:31 PM
I met with a builder last week that was really impressed that I was willing to bring a buyer out that is close to making a final decision. I had shown several builders and some were paying almost double than other builders. My client has narrowed down to 2 builders but still hasn’t made a final decision. I put my thinking cap on and realized, maybe he hasn’t decided because neither homes were close enough to what he really wants.
 

 I asked Mr. Builder, “Why are you so impressed that I would throw a new builder into the mix?” … (3 comments)

I'd Like MORE THAN Salt & Pepper Please. - 05/20/11 03:42 PM
Recently while visiting a home builder I asked, what makes you green? The sales person said, we are Energy Star. I equate that response to a restaurant saying that we should choose them because they have salt and pepper on the table. I expected that. I want Splenda not yellow packet, fresh bread, and quick service. Now that’s offering somethign special. What else do you have sir? Low e vinyl windows? R38 in the attic? I’d like more than salt and pepper please.
 
The community in this scenario is a national builder and the only builder in the community. Their … (0 comments)

Can a Developer Be Entitled to a 1% Sale Fee (Free Hold Stake Holder) on a Resale Home? - 05/20/11 03:24 PM
According to the Texas A&M Real Estate Center, Austin based Freehold Capital Partners (FCP) which is signing deals with developers across the country that could forever affect the sale of a home.
 
Just what a seller needed, more hands in the cookie jar. Sellers will now be subject to having to pay 1% of the sales price back to the developer, making the developer a freehold stakeholder. Texas legislature is trying to ban this but so far all they can do is to set rules, not block. Which means, as we all know, another set of disclosure docs to the … (0 comments)

Top 10 Home Seller Pitfalls - 05/20/11 03:08 PM

10.NOT STAGING YOUR HOME– 1ST impression is everything; you only get 1 shot!
 
9. NOT PRICING YOUR HOME CORRECTLY – time is money
 
8. No being financially prepared for SELLER CONCESSIONS –It’s a dog eat dog market!
 
7. NOT CONSIDERING FORECLOSED HOMES (& poor condition) as competition
 
6. Not understanding the impact of ENERGY INEFFICIENCY & INDOOR AIR QUALITY
 
5. Accepting an offer from a buyer before they are PER-APPROVED BY A LENDER
 
4. Not considering ALL aspects of the SALE TERMS
 
3. NOT REPAIRING ITEMS that an inspector will list on his … (3 comments)

Top 10 Home Buyer Pitfalls - 05/20/11 10:56 AM
10. Not researching the NEIGHBORHOOD, COMMUNITY, CRIME, AND SCHOOLS
 
9. Not distinguishing the difference between WANTS and NEEDS
 
8. Looking for the 100% HOUSE – it doesn’t exist
 
7. Not understanding ALL your HOME COSTS (utilities & maintenance)
 
6. Not understanding ENERGY INEFFICIENCY & INDOOR AIR QUALITY
 
5. Making an offer on a property before being PRE-APPROVED BY A LENDER
 
4. Not considering your 3, 5, & 10 YEAR PLAN (resale & move up plan)
 
3. Skipping out on the HOME INSPECTION
 
2. CHOOSING A REALTOR based other than knowledge & negotiation skills
… (5 comments)

Energy Star Blue & IAQ - 05/18/11 09:48 PM
As a Texan I drink iced tea because it’s usually hot here and it’s our culture. But have you ever walked into a restaurant and noticed whether they have generic or name brand sweeteners? Well, if you are considering purchasing a new home then you should think along brand names, because it's not just about sweetening your iced tea. The brand tells you it’s quality, and the decision to use the brand (or not) tells you if the company is committed to their bottom line, or your dining satisfaction.
 
The US Department of Energy launched an energy reduction program to … (0 comments)