I was reading over Gene Mundt's blog "Scams..Don't Be A Tomato Ripe For The Picking" and it reminded me of some information I came across on the rise of complaints from senior citizens in 2010. 

In Central, Coastal and Southwest Texas according to the Better Business Bureau there is an 11% increase in complaints compared to 2009.  Fraud targeting senior citizens and their caregivers is a growing concern.

There are Four common Scams to watch out for:
1. Sweepstakes and Lottery Scams.
BBB advises consumers are not required to end money for lottery or sweepstakes winnings.

2. Medicare Scams
BBB advises Medicare will never call to ask for personal financial information.  Seniors who are asked for this type of information should contact their local police or the Health and Human Services    Offices of Inspector General at 800-HHS-TIPS

3. Distressed Loved Ones
BBB advises never to wire money to someone you don't know.  Call other family members to verify if story is false.

4. Deceptive Professionals
BBB advises to avoid upfront fees and high-pressure sales tactics. Take the time to research the company with BBB, get all service agreements in writing and pay only for work that is            completed.

Helping seniors become savvier in the marketplace, health and other general issues is being addressed by the partnering of BBB's Education Foundation and the Area Agency on Aging.  We can all help by paying more attention to our parents and neighbors needs as they age.

While traveling in Egypt our guide suggested we stop at Mena House for lunch.  The Mena House Oberoi is set in 40 acres of jasmine-scented gardens with the  Pyramids towering above.  It was originally a royal lodge used by Khedive Ismail, the King of Egypt, as a house for himself and his guests while on hunting trips in the desert of during visits to the Pyramids of Giza.

With the opening of the Suez Canal, he enlarged the guesthouse to receive international and royal guests visiting the Pyramids.  Empress Eugenie was one of them as was Albert, Prince of Wales.

We had a lovely lunch and I was able to capture this peaceful setting, can you smell the Jasmine?

We are so fortunate in Austin to have the capability of utilizing an Attachment Feature in our MLS system.  I love it!!  You can upload the seller's disclosure, survey, floor plan, septic addendum, any relocation addendum, brochures, virtual tours...the list is endless!

What I don't understand is why agents aren't utilizing this feature!  I've been showing a great deal of property lately and am amazed at the number of agents who do not provide information we could easily print off for our buyers when showing their listings.  Are agents just lazy or do they not know how to upload vital information on their properties they are listing?

Please take the time to make available the information we need to promote your listing as we are showing...in this information age we shouldn't  need to be calling, emailing or texting you...it should be available on line in the MLS.

I provide marketing products and services that ignite action.  From finding new customers to energizing the ones I know and love, my tools can help stimulate the sale of your home.  For more information, please visit our websites www.reloaustin.com and www.canyoncreeknews.com.

If you need to make a NW Austin move in 2010, please contact us at 512-346-1799 or email dillard@reloaustin.com.

We are your Neighborhood Real Estate Consultants "YOUR PERFECT PARTNERS".

It's been a crazy week since we returned from our exciting three week adventure through Egypt,  Jordan and Israel. This was a trip we planned last year but due to travel alerts were forced to cancel.  This year we slid in under the radar and are so glad we made the decision to go!!

We have for the past 6 years traveled with Gene's brother and wife...our traveling cronies.  What a spectacular time we had meeting people and immersing ourselves in their culture and food. We rode camels, rode in horse drawn carriages and rode mules! 

Here is a glimpse of some of what we saw in a slide show.  We took over 2,000 pictures but condensed this for you to 42!

 Red, White and Blue Will Prevail

Much anticipation has been building around U.S. Sports as we celebrate Labor Day marking the beginning of the NFL and college seasons.  

This fall there are also many anxiously awaiting the fall November elections.

Get it and go!  GOES (Global Online Enrollment System) makes re-entry to the United States a breeze.  GOES provides an alternative Passport Control process for pre-approved, pre-screened eligible travelers.

Two years ago we applied online at www.cbp.gov.   We received a message to schedule our interview and drove to Houston to complete the process.  Since that day we've enjoyed bypassing the long lines when re-entering the U.S. by using the automated  kiosks located at select airports.  We just place our passports on the screen, touch our fingerprints for recognition, answered a few questions on the monitor and voila a receipt is printed for re-entry!  

More and more cities are being added as travelers find the pleasure in no more waiting!

Canyon Creek NW Austin - August Statistical Report

Canyon Creek, A NW Austin premier master planned community showed a 66.66% decrease in the number of homes closed in August 2010 compared to 2009.  Usually the number of homes closing in August is down compared to May, June and July due to the start of school in Austin in mid-August. Families want to close by the end of July to get settled and get kids ready for school as well as kids off to college.  Many take last minute vacations.

The stimulus package altered normally heavier selling months of May, June and July and shifted them to March, April and May; leaving our usually stronger months with fewer properties selling.  The average days on market are up 8.91% and the actual average sold price per square foot is up 2.62%.

The larger homes in Canyon Creek are getting offers and closing as they are perceived to be a very good value.  Due to historic low interest rates buyers can afford more house so are finding it a perfect time to obtain as much house as they can afford.  Consumer confidence still appears low but those with good credit scores and the ability to get a loan are cashing in.

                                                CLICK HERE TO SEARCH FOR HOMES IN AUSTIN

I provide marketing products and services that ignite action.  From finding new customers to energizing the ones I know and love, my tools can help stimulate the sale of your home.  For more information, please visit our websites www.reloaustin.com and www.canyoncreeknews.com, the interactive community website we provide for the community.

If you need to make a NW Austin move in 2010, please contact us at 512-346-1799 or email us at dillard@reloaustin.com.  We are your Neighborhood Real Estate Consultants "YOUR PERFECT PARTNERS".

Gene and I are blessed with a loving friendship with Gene's brother and wife (we affectionately refer to them as "Mr. Frankie and Kisses").

For the past six years we have enjoyed unparalleled traveling adventures throughout the world as a foursome.

From cruises to planes, trains and automobiles we have enjoyed touring delightful countries! 

We have scoured England, Italy, France, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, Turkey and Russia to now Egypt, Jordan and Israel.  I'm sure I have left some countries out but we loved every exciting escapade!!  Meeting the people of the countries we visit and immersing ourselves in their culture and food are always a priority.  Of course, we love to see the sights and Kisses and I love to shop!

We are thankful each day we have Mr. Frankie and Kisses in our lives!

HOME FOR SALE - NW AUSTIN, TX - OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, SEP. 5th 1-3pm - 10405 CHESTNUT RIDGE DR., AUSTIN TX 78726 - CANYON CREEK

                          www.10405chestnutridge.com

It's located in the heart of Canyon Creek close to the exemplary elementary school and could be the answer to your home search!  We'll be onsite and available to answer your questions about this lovely home and one of our favorite neighborhoods within the acclaimed Round Rock School District.

Canyon Creek is situated on Hwy 620 between Anderson Mill Rd. and Hwy 2222. There are 2 parks located in Canyon Creek: one is a 57 acre City of Austin park nestled right in the middle of the community called Trailhead Park with soccer & volleyball courts and much more. The other is Canyon Creek Park that offers a junior Olympic pool, tennis courts, basketball court and playgrounds. 
                     
Round Rock School District

Exemplary Canyon Creek Elementary School

Noel Grisham Middle School

Exemplary Westwood High School ~ IB Program, Top 100 in the nation

Map

I provide marketing products and services that ignite action.  From finding new customers to energizing the ones I know and love, my tools can help stimulate the sale of your home.  For more information visit our websites www.reloaustin.com and www.canyoncreeknews.com.

If you need to make a move to NW Austin in 2010 please contact me at 512 346-1799 or email me at dillard@reloaustin.com.  We are your Neighborhood Real Estate Consultants.        "Your Perfect Partners".