Dorie Dillard's Blog

Austin Real Estate Continues To Improve

Dorie Dillard: Canyon Creek & NW Austin Living (Coldwell Banker United) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:16:50 -0600

In comparing the September 2009 figures to 2008 figures the 2009 Multiple Listing Service report by the Austin Board of Realtors shows signs of improvement.

This is no news to us who are in the market and have listings selling and buyers purchasing.

There was an increase of 6% in September 2009 with 1,780 homes selling verses 1,683 homes sold in 2008. The median home price for Austin is up 2% to $185,250. Austin's quality of life, lower unemployment rate and economic growth keeps Austin in the limelight for one of the top destinations in our country. I had a student in a University interview me for a paper he is working on .

One of his questions was: "If you could do real estate anywhere where would it be? Or would you stay in Austin?" My answer was an emphatic "Absolutely in Austin!!"

Two Secrets To Success

Dorie Dillard: Canyon Creek & NW Austin Living (Coldwell Banker United) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:58:44 -0600

Success is a term that takes on varied meanings to different individuals. Some categorize and compartmentalize success into their personal lives and business. Others believe they are all encompassing and intertwined. They believe in balance and harmony in all areas of their lives.

I believe all success revolves around two major premises: Knowing what you want and making a full committment. It's no secret but many fail to identify what they want whether it's in a personal relationship or a business. You can't make a commitment or work toward a goal unless you know what you want!

Storm Drain Marking ~ Canyon Creek Earns City of Austin Credits

Dorie Dillard: Canyon Creek & NW Austin Living (Coldwell Banker United) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:27:13 -0600

Canyon Creek Community is taking seriously becoming a green neighbor! The City of Austin is challenging neighborhoods to educate their residents about pollution prevention. Canyon Creek has stepped up to the post and taken on the task to mark their storm drain outlets and is earning 10 points towards their distinction of becoming a green neighbor. The markers are placed on storm drain inlet filters to remind us that rainfall runoff can wash soil, yard waste, fertilizer, motor oil and other pollutants into our waterways. Great job residents! you are elevating our status by learning and exhibiting actions as a green neighbor. If your neighborhood would like to sponsor a storm drain making event go to: http:/www.cityofaustin.org/watershed/wq_stormdrain

Thankful Thursdays~The Watch Post ~ San Marino, Italy

Dorie Dillard: Canyon Creek & NW Austin Living (Coldwell Banker United) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:00:44 -0600

In San Marino, Italy the 13th century tower stands on the highest point of San Marino. The first tower (there are three) or Guanita guards the San Marino's hilltop. This was once the former watch post and shelter of the early inhabitants of Mount Titano. You can see where the soldiers watched over the city!

It's All in Perception

Dorie Dillard: Canyon Creek & NW Austin Living (Coldwell Banker United) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:05:38 -0600

Do you know agents who try and do the very least to get by? Who don't invest in their own business? Who don't realize they have their own business? Who like to ride on the coattails of others hard work?

When we have an open house we utilize our professionally personalized signs with our names and phone numbers on all our directional signs. We place the directional's up early in the day to receive maximum exposure and place them in MANY strategic places making it easy to find our open houses (like Hansel & Gretel dropping their crumbs to grandmother's house).

I see many competing agents holding open houses in the area on the same day just putting up one or two signs to lead the way to theirs because ours are already there and it's less work for them. Of course if they are scheduled at different times and our signs are removed...no one can find their open house! The public sees our signs up all day and thinks we are holding all the open houses. It's all in perception!

Meet Dr. Susan C. King ~ Family Practice Physician

Dorie Dillard: Canyon Creek & NW Austin Living (Coldwell Banker United) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:02:39 -0600

I've done a series of blogs as Dr. Susan King's office was under construction at 1907 Cypress Creek Rd. in Sun Chase Plaza II. Her office is now completed. She is located directly across from Cedar Park Middle School, and very close to Cedar Park High School, ACC Campus, Randall's and Lakeline Mall. If you live in Volente Hills, Bella Vista, Twin Creeks, Deer Creek, Ranch Creek, Westside of Buttercup, Buttercup, Red Oak and surrounding communities you are a short distance to her office. I've known Dr. King through her dad who is my friend and previous family physician since the early 1980's. Dr. David King retired several years ago and I made a wonderful decision to continue with the King family of doctors. I have been Dr. King's Realtor and have represented her in several home transactions as well as her current office condo. She is married, has two adorable children and is an avid runner. If you're looking for a resourceful, caring doctor give her a call. Please take a minute, play my video and meet her!

Thank You Veterans ~ We Honor Your Memory

Dorie Dillard: Canyon Creek & NW Austin Living (Coldwell Banker United) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:23:46 -0600

As we approach Veterans Day it is a shame to think we are not only grieving for our many soldiers who were killed in combat, but for those soldiers whose lives were needlessly taken in senseless killings like our recent Fort Hood situation.

I remember the cemetery featured in the beginning of the moving Steven Spielberg movie "Saving Private Ryan." A few years ago we were able to visit the cemetery and stood in awe of the miracle of the D-day invasion. Going through the museum, watching the widescreen presentations and seeing the 9,387 gravesites on the 172 acres filled me with such pride to be an American.

We need to take a moment and honor all our military: past, present and future. They have and are giving their lives to defend all of us and our freedoms in this great country of USA.

Sometimes TMI (Too Much Information)

Dorie Dillard: Canyon Creek & NW Austin Living (Coldwell Banker United) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:14:59 -0600

Whether working with a buyer or seller, honesty is always the best policy. Giving accurate information to help them reach their goal is paramount. False expectations always lead to unhappy clients.

Do you compile a comprehensive market analysis that is created from thorough research and your familiarity with the community and the current market trends?

Do you make sure you are always truthful with your seller concerning the list of items that must be done to get the home ready for market to achieve the desired price? Do you give them an accurate picture of their proceeds upon the sale of the home?

Do you compile an accurate market analysis for your buyer to help them make an informed decision? Do you show all the properties that fit their criteria even if your not crazy about an agent who has a property listed that falls within their search?

There is always a point of information overload. Remember they need the step by step process and some need more data than others. Most buyers and sellers go through this process 4 or 5 times in their lifetime...each time there have been changes. They are looking to you for help navigating through the process and are placing their trust in you. Honesty and inegrity go hand in hand fulfilling your role in any real estate transaction. The goal is to create a win/win situation for all parties.

Here is a lady in Wisconsin who took seriously the rules of the road:

http://tinyurl.com/ygbczpy

Keeping It Together

Dorie Dillard: Canyon Creek & NW Austin Living (Coldwell Banker United) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:18:17 -0600

Happiness is when what you think, what you say and what you do are in harmony. Mahatma Gandhi

A wonderful family we met on one of our trips exhibits complete harmony. The wife is a palates instructor who makes a daily practice of being in harmony with herself, her family (her husband and 2 delightful daughters) and the world.

We feel blessed to have met this family and to continue to hear from them.

This is part of her signature in her emails.

One Man's Junk is Another's Treasure ~ Canyon Creek Garage Sale

Dorie Dillard: Canyon Creek & NW Austin Living (Coldwell Banker United) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:00:10 -0600

Another successful Fall Canyon Creek garage sale took place this past weekend. Kudos to Jill Kanatzar for organizing this event and making sure the Fall garage sale remained intact!

Saturday was a beautiful, sunny day allowing plenty of visitors time to scour the streets looking for great values. It appeared most shoppers bought the lion's sahre of items on Saturday.

Probably a good thing because the rains came on Sunday causing most to close up shop!

Someone is Trying to Reach Me!

Dorie Dillard: Canyon Creek & NW Austin Living (Coldwell Banker United) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:15:52 -0600

Have you ever been on the phone talking with someone and they hear a beep on their phone and immediately say: "Oh, someone is trying to reach me, I have to go."

Is it me or does that make you feel like your call is not important? Does it sound to you like the party is telling you the other call is WAY more important, so Good-Bye!

Do you practice phone etiquette? Do you make each person you are talking with feel their call is important? Come on, tell me the truth!

A Burst of Energy

Dorie Dillard: Canyon Creek & NW Austin Living (Coldwell Banker United) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:20:35 -0600

Sitting on our balcony on the Azamara cruise ship I snapped a picture as we passed by the famous Etna volcano on the eastern side of Sicily.

I heard a swishing sound and realized as I was taking the picture Stromboli spurted an eruption!

Love my timing...Stromboli is one of the most active volcanoes on the earth.

Numbers Just Don't Lie

Dorie Dillard: Canyon Creek & NW Austin Living (Coldwell Banker United) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:25:05 -0600

WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL?

1. Pick your favorite number between 1-9
2. Multiply your favorite number by 3
3. Then add 3
4. Then multiply by 3 (I will wait while you get the calculator)
5. You should have a 2 or 3 digit number
6. Add the digits together

Now match your number, with the number on the list below, to see who your ROLE MODEL actually is:

1. Albert Einstein

2. Nelson Mandela

3. Margaret Thatcher

4. Obama

5. Bill Gates

6. Gandhi

7. Maya Angelou

8. Oprah Winfrey

9. Dorie Dillard

10. Abraham Lincoln

I know, I know...I just always seem to have that effect on people!

Priceless Jewels Are Everywhere ~ Canyon Creek ~ NW Austin ~ 78726

Dorie Dillard: Canyon Creek & NW Austin Living (Coldwell Banker United) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:53:59 -0600

It's that time of year again for our Canyon Creek Community annual fall garage sale!

Looking for bargains and early bird specials?? Come out Saturday, November 7th from 8a-1p and Sunday, November 8th from 11a-3p and check out our communities priceless jewels!

Canyon Creek is conveniently located on Hwy 620 between Hwy 2222 and Anderson Mill Rd. Follow the signs as you wind through the neighborhood and you will be sure to find great values for your dollars!

Making Good Choices

Dorie Dillard: Canyon Creek & NW Austin Living (Coldwell Banker United) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:54:58 -0600

A friend of mine was telling me how hard it was when her son, a junior in high school, left on Halloween night in his new pick-up to go to a party dressed as Rambo! Yikes....I would have been nervous.

I asked her what were her parting words and she said "Son, make good choices." Wow...great parenting skills.

This same thought applies to our business. We all have choices: from picking the company we work for, to deciding how to conduct ourselves ethically and the choice is ours!

Chore Master ~ Single Source For All Your Homeowner Needs ~ Austin, Texas

Dorie Dillard: Canyon Creek & NW Austin Living (Coldwell Banker United) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:52:28 -0600

It's that time of year when friends and family are making plans and you want to schedule events at your home! Don't let that broken front door handle, that leaky faucet in the guest bath or that new light fixture you bought on sale but, not yet installed, prevent you from firming up those plans!

Call Chore Masters conveniently located in NW Austin at 13706 N. Hwy 183 at 512-219-6159. Visit their website at http://www.mychoremasters.com or email sales@mychoremasters.com for prompt, courteous service.

Jeffrey Jackson, Founder and CEO, can take care of all your needs in short order! They are your single source for all your homeowner needs and have several service plans to address your needs.

"Spirit" For Immediate Purchase ~ Canyon Creek Elementary

Dorie Dillard: Canyon Creek & NW Austin Living (Coldwell Banker United) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:14:48 -0600

The Canyon Creek Comets are at it again! Canyon Creek Elementary Spirit Wear is available now!

Sweatshirt style hooded, zip front with CCE logo embroidered on the front are $26 and available until November 6th, limited number of T-Shirts for $15.

They are jumping on the bandwagon with Recyclable bags for $2. They are royal blue with Canyon Creek Comets lettering, similar to those sold at HEB.

Contact Cindy Kissell at kissells@austin.rr.com to purchase yours now!

It Takes All Kinds

Dorie Dillard: Canyon Creek & NW Austin Living (Coldwell Banker United) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:27:36 -0600

Don't you love old family sayings? We were recently at a family reunion and on the wall of a family member's Lake House was:

"Families are like fudge, mostly sweet with a few nuts."

Every family has those few nuts just like in your office. They mean well, definitely have their own way of doing things and have their own following. Not everyone is going to follow the traditional roles and not everyone should!

Some say "different strokes for different folks" or "there is a seat in the house for everyone."

Be yourself and others like you will be drawn to your style. It's okay to be different...just be competent, knowledgeable and do things for the right reason.

Things to Do ~ Places to Go ~ People to See

Dorie Dillard: Canyon Creek & NW Austin Living (Coldwell Banker United) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:53:15 -0600

It's the fourth quarter of 2009 and we are busy trying to keep closings on track, getting those listings not yet under contract an offer and find a home for those buyers we are actively working.

Also on our agenda is evaluating 2009 business and how we will finish up and working on our business plan for 2010! Holidays are coming up and family and friends are making plans. We have things to do..places to go..and people to see!

Take a deep breath, take time for yourself and balance work with family and friends.

Canyon Creek ~ Halloween Personified

Dorie Dillard: Canyon Creek & NW Austin Living (Coldwell Banker United) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:29:58 -0600

We have never seen anything like it...a couple in Canyon Creek goes so far out to bring kids of all ages a Halloween extravaganza! It will set your nerves twiddling. This yard has everything from dancing goblins to a flying ghost and is enjoyed by more than 400 kids and apple cider was also served.

If you are a Halloween aficionado then next year you need to get to the corner of Canyon Vista Way and Montville in NW Austin to see for yourself! I drove by during the afternoon as they were finishing assembling their production and returned at night for you to see their ghoulish delights!

Jack and Donna you get our vote!

It Takes All Kinds ~ Be Careful ~ Have a Safe and Happy Halloween!!!

Dorie Dillard: Canyon Creek & NW Austin Living (Coldwell Banker United) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:57:48 -0500

Tomorrow is Halloween and the little ghosts and goblins will be out tomorrow night begging for treats! It could be a hair raising experience for some. Be sure and take your flashlights, go with a parent or in a group.

Don't eat any candy or treats until you get home and look through what you have collected.

Have fun but watch your surroundings...don't forget to turn your clock back and enjoy another hour of sleep on Sunday!!

It Doesn't Matter To Me ~ I am Bi-Sacksual

Dorie Dillard: Canyon Creek & NW Austin Living (Coldwell Banker United) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:12:13 -0500

The other day a friend sent us a wonderful story of a challenged senior. What is funny is that I don't think this story just applies to senior citizens!

I think there are many of us out there who can relate! I am still ROFL after reading this one... I hope you like it:

I thought about the 30 year business I ran with 1800 employees, all without a Blackberry that played music, took videos, pictures and communicated with Facebook and Twitter.

I signed up under duress for Twitter and Facebook, so my seven kids, their spouses, 13 grandkids and 2 great grand kids could communicate with me in the modern way. I figured I could handle something as simple as Twitter with only 140 characters of space.

That was before one of my grandkids hooked me up for Tweeter, Tweetree, Twhirl, Twitterfon, Tweetie and Twittererific Tweetdeck, Twitpix and something that sends every message to my cell phone and every other program within the texting world. My phone was beeping every three minutes with the details of everything except the bowel movements of the entire next generation. I am not ready to live like this. I keep my cell phone in the garage in my golf bag.

The kids bought me a GPS for my last birthday because they say I get lost every now and then going over to the grocery store or library. I keep that in a box under my tool bench with the Blue tooth (it's red) phone I am supposed to use when I drive. I wore it once and was standing in line at Barnes and Noble talking to my wife as everyone in the nearest 50 yards was glaring at me. Seems I have to take my hearing aid out to use it and I got a little loud.

I mean the GPS looked pretty smart on my dash board, but the lady inside was the most annoying, rudest person I had run into in a long time. Every 10 minutes, she would sarcastically say, "Re-calc-ul-ating". You would think that she could be nicer. It was like she could barely tolerate me. She would let go with a deep sigh and then tell me to make a U-turn at the next light. Then when I would make a right turn instead, it was not good.

When I get really lost now, I call my wife and tell her the name of the cross streets and while is starting to develop the same tone as Gypsy, the GSP lady, at least she loves me. To be perfectly frank, I am still trying to learn how to use the cordless phones in our house. We have had them for 4 years, but, I still haven't figured out how I can lose three phones all at once and have run around digging under chair cushions and checking bathrooms and the dirty laundry baskets when the phone rings.

The world is just getting too complex for me. They even mess me up every time I go to the grocery store. You would think they could settle on something themselves but this sudden "Paper or Plastic?" every time I check out just knocks me for a loop. I bought some of those cloth reusable bags to avoid looking confused but I never remember to take them with me. Now I toss it back to them. When they ask me, "Paper or Plastic?" I just say, "Doesn't matter to me. I am bi-sacksual..." Then it's their turn to stare at me with a blank look.

Canyon Creek Scores Another Successful Halloween Party!

Dorie Dillard: Canyon Creek & NW Austin Living (Coldwell Banker United) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:45:32 -0500

Saturday, October 24, 2009 turned out to be a gorgeous fall day, crisp, clear and sunny for all our witches and goblins! The rain stopped and the kids got on their costumes and flew over to Trail Head Park with their parents for the festivities!

Thanks again to Francine Galko and all her workers for pulling off another well attended tradition for Canyon Creek!

A Proud Moment in Time

Dorie Dillard: Canyon Creek & NW Austin Living (Coldwell Banker United) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:18:54 -0500

Whoaa...this month almost got away from me without reveling in my one year with ActiveRain! On October 27, 2008 I officially activated my profile and joined the ranks of bloggers on ActiveRain.

My son, John, and friend, Roxanne with Alamo Title, prodded me into joining. I spent a few days getting my picture up, copy and links.

Officially on October 31, 2008 I stepped into the fray and shot up my first post "RRISD's Westwood High School Ranked #78 in Nation."

261 posts later I find many of my posts are written for Localism on Canyon Creek, my market area. It's been a rewarding year here at ActiveRain acquiring 148,974 points to date. Establishing relationships with wonderful bloggers and learning SEO tips are invaluable for me. Anytime I need help or have questions there always has been someone ready and willing to help. Brad Andersohn and Debe Maxwell were angels when trying to establish my new signature and adding buttons! Thank you.

My day would not be complete without reading posts from all of you. From inspirational to hard core real estate it's all here and more! Thank You for a great year and on to another learning year...working through the changes of our business and how to cope.

Canyon Creek Comets ~ Orbiting in Excellence

Dorie Dillard: Canyon Creek & NW Austin Living (Coldwell Banker United) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:21:48 -0500

I have served on the On-Site Advisory Board since Canyon Creek Elementary opened 11 years ago in August 1998 as a Business and Community Member. Our board evolves every year and we are getting dads like Joe Pelayo serving as a Parent Representative to add another dimension to our board. We had a meeting yesterday and I was reminded they opened with 372 students! Now there are 511 enrolled at this time in Kindergarten through Grade 5. They hold an Exemplary rating according to the data from the Texas Education Agency. Because of the sustained excellent academic performance CCE was named to the Texas Business and Education Coalition/Just For Kids Honor Roll for 2009 for the fifth year! They were awarded Gold Acknowledgements in Reading, Mathematics, Writing and Science for their commended scores on the Spring 2008 TAKS test.

The continued parent involvement throughout all areas of the school is amazing. They average over 1600 volunteer hours monthly which equates to having 2 1/2 extra staff members on campus! The school is one of the first to be wireless! The infrastructure was already there so adaptation was a smooth transition.

The "Watch D.O.G.S (Dads of Great Students)" program involving the dads has been implemented and is a huge success! This group organizes fathers and father figures in order to provide positive male role models for the students and to enhance school security. They are considered Heroes of the Hallway!!

As Eleece Moffatt, the principal of Canyon Creek Elementary, says: "Teaching has to be about people not just academia!"

Canyon Creek Elementary is truly a community school. I feel so fortunate to live here and be a part of it.