Dorie Dillard's Blog

Thanksgiving Message 2009

Dorie Dillard: Canyon Creek & NW Austin Living (Coldwell Banker United) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:58:30 -0600

I have received; as all of you have, many wonderful Thanksgiving messages this season.

I received one from Stefan Swanepoel that I felt truly communicated heartfelt Thanksgiving blessings for 2009 and wanted to share with all of you:

A day when we are asked to remember our many blessings.
Freedom...
    to think, to love, to live.
Life...
    whose most valued treasures are a special gift.
Happiness...
    that doesn't come from
    what we own
    but from the love of
    family and friends.
Thanksgiving is in...
    our gratitude and attitude,
    our giving and sharing,
    our well-being and health,
    and above all our trust and belief.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU ALL!

Dorie in Austin

Canyon Creek Elementary Santa Toy Drive

Dorie Dillard: Canyon Creek & NW Austin Living (Coldwell Banker United) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:51:49 -0600

Canyon Creek is working to brighten a needy child's holiday by accepting donations of a new unwrapped toy for the annual CCE Santa Toy Drive.

Starting on Tuesday, December 1st through Tuesday, December 15th ( a two week collection time schedule) please bring toys and help fill the Brown Santa bins in the hallway by the first floor elevator!

While you're out holiday shopping don't forget the CCE tradition of generosity to help provide a toy for a child in need. Contact Teri Bender at tdodge2@austin.rr.com for any questions.

Dorie in Austin

Austin Farmers Market

Dorie Dillard: Canyon Creek & NW Austin Living (Coldwell Banker United) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:33:16 -0600

If you have never been to the Austin Farmers Market you are missing a treat! This event happens year round on Saturdays and Wednesdays. If you are looking to purchase home grown food and want to have fun while you are shopping then today is not too late to give it a try!

If you don't want to fight the stores getting ready for Thanksgiving tomorrow; Austin Farmers Market is open today, Wednesday, November 25, 2009, from 3:00pm-7:00pm at Triangle Park: 4800 Guadalupe Street, Austin,TX 78798! If you miss today's check out the events calendar below for a future fun adventure.

Every Saturday (year-round) and Wednesday (year-round) award-winning downtown farmers' market featuring local farmers with vegetables, fruits, herbs, eggs and cheeses; kindly raised poultry, pork, beef and buffalo; and beautiful Hill Country flowers. Also local bakers, honey, tea, juice, coffee, prepared foods and artisans. Celebrated chef's demos, gardening workshops, children's activities and live music from Austin's best local bands.

Saturdays from 8am to 1pm Rain or Shine, YEAR-ROUND. Free parking at 3rd & San Antonio, state parking garage. Downtown at Fourth and Guadalupe at Republic State Park.

Wednesdays from 3pm-7pm Oct.31-March 5; 4pm-8pm March 12-October at Triangle Park in The Triangle Rain or Shine; May YEAR-ROUND 46th between Lamar and Guadalupe. Free parking in the garage west of 46th and Triangle Ave. by the park.

EVENTS CALENDAR

Wednesday, November  25th                                       Saturday, December 5th
Austin Farmers Market                                                Austin Farmers Market
when: 3:00pm, Austin,TX   when: 8:00am, Austin,TX
venue: Triangle Park    venue: Republic Square Park

Saturday, November 28th                                               Wednesday, December 9th
Austin Farmers Market Austin Farmers Market
when: 8:00am, Austin,TX                                                when: 3:00pm, Austin,TX
venue: Republic Square Park                                         venue: Triangle Park

Wednesday, December 2nd
Austin Farmers Market
when: 3:00pm, Austin,TX
venue: Triangle Park

Dorie in Austin

When is Contagious Not Related To A Disease?

Dorie Dillard: Canyon Creek & NW Austin Living (Coldwell Banker United) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:50:49 -0600

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration in church Sunday at River Bend Church led by our creative arts team. What a heartwarming music extravaganza!

We all were inspired to give thanks for what we currently have and what will come in the future. Carton Dillard exuded such enthusiasm and energy while leading the creative arts team...his manner was infectious and downright contagious! His arms were pumping and waving with such force you could feel the musicians and singers respond to his movements and direction. I thought of the defensive team coordinator for UT: Will Muschamp. He runs back and forth on the sidelines and sometimes on the field constantly shouting plays and directions to his football players. He is in the game with them and they are acutely aware of his expectations.

What do they have in common? Their exuburance for life and their job! Both display such a strong love for what they do it is downright contagious!

Do you display this kind of passion for your work? If not why and how can you bring yourself to that level of committment?

Dorie in Austin

An Eternal Optimist

Dorie Dillard: Canyon Creek & NW Austin Living (Coldwell Banker United) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:14:48 -0600

There are many that feel they are an optimist...always looking at a glass half full...always thinking positive...always saying something good about a situation or another person.

But I believe a true optomist is one like Irv Kupcinet refers to:

"An Optimist is a person who starts a new diet on Thanksgiving Day"
... Irv Kupcinet

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Dorie in Austin

Austin's First and only China Town Center

Dorie Dillard: Canyon Creek & NW Austin Living (Coldwell Banker United) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:19:54 -0600

If you have not been to China Town Center on Lamar Ave. you need to make it a priority soon! It opened in 2006 but took awhile to open all 180,000 square feet of retail space!

They have a wide range of authentic restaurants, stores and Central Texas largest Asian supermarket "MT Supermarket".

The center is located at the intersection of Lamar and Kramer Lane (1901 N. Lamar Blvd).
We went to TC Noodle House and had the most delicious authentic Chinese food! We went back the next day to take pictures and Geno could not resist going in to get noodles for his lunch. We will be back to check out the many other restaurants.
Their 2010 Chinese New Year Festival will be Saturday - Sunday, 2/20/2010 - 2/21/2010. Their past celebrations have been exciting and greatly attended. They are taking applications for performers and vendors so make sure you check out their website at: http://www.chinatownaustin.com

Dorie in Austin

FHA Requirements as of January 1, 2010

Dorie Dillard: Canyon Creek & NW Austin Living (Coldwell Banker United) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:54:14 -0600

Marie Funston with Coldwell Banker Mortgage always keeps us updated on changes in the lending industry (which this past year has been numerous). For further information you can reach her at 512-750-7270 or marie@austinmortgageadvisor.com. Her latest advisory is about the new FHA Requirements being implemented as of January 1,2010:

Effective for FHA case numbers issue as of January 1, 2010, there are new requirements for FHA case numbers affecting all lenders originating FHA-insured mortgages:

The new FHA requirements are in line with the Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC), which became effective May 1, 2009, on conventional loans.

Here is a brief summary of the new FHA appraisal rules:

The appraisal validity period is reduced to four months for all property types. Previously, appraisals were valid for six months on existing properties and up to 12 months for new construction.
Appraisal portability. When a customer switches from one lender to the other, the first lender must transfer the appraisal to the second lender at the customer's request to prevent delays in closing.
Loan production staff is prohibited from selecting or recommending an FHA-roster appraiser. This includes anyone who is compensated for closing a loan, such as an originator (loan officer), loan processor, or anyone reporting to a member of the production staff.
Loan production staff is prohibited from communicating with the appraiser.

Dorie in Austin

Could Austin Soon Face A Housing Shortage?

Dorie Dillard: Canyon Creek & NW Austin Living (Coldwell Banker United) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:29:19 -0600

It's an interesting market in Austin. I read many articles about our local market and one newsletter I like to make time for is written by Joe Thweatt with Land Mortgage. Contact Joe at 512-583-1008 or jthweatt@landmtg.com.

Joe talks about the possibility of a housing shortage in Austin. Is he kidding? His newsletter peaked my interest. Joe talks about the money stream for Austin homebuilders slowing to a trickle. The construction of new homes has been curtailed rather dramatically. Many home builders have lost spec homes to foreclosures or are "short-selling" them for less than it costs to build them.

Meanwhile, the existing home sales are selling. The Austin Board of Realtors reported last week that existing home sales increased dramatically in October of 2009 - up 38% over October 2008. 500 more existing homes sold this year over last. Of course, last year we realize October sales were down so we had to improve to get back to a healthier market, which has transpired.

The total number of existing homes currently for sale is down 10% from last year. Even more importantly is the number of pending sales is up 47%, just waiting for closing day!

There are two major reasons for this increase in pending sales:

1. Buyers wanting to take advantage of the first time home buyer tax credit. Now that the tax credit has been extended to April and it's been expanded to include more current and prospective homeowners.
2. The natural growth of the Austin area. There are more people moving to metro Austin every day and they need a place to live.

Joe could be onto something. The last few months of the year and the first couple of months in the next year are traditionally slow months for home sales. Tracking fourth quarter of 2009 and the first quarter of 2010 will give us an indication of which way the wind is blowing. If increased sales continue during a normally slow time and bank credit is still tight for the builders, the local real estate market could find itself moving to a housing shortage.

Dorie in Austin

Thanksgiving ~ A Time to Give Thanks

Dorie Dillard: Canyon Creek & NW Austin Living (Coldwell Banker United) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:48:32 -0600

There will be ActiveRain families taking off today or over the weekend to be with family over the Thanksgiving week. Many will be the destination point for other family members to come help celebrate.

Be careful and take time in the hustle and bustle to remember what the holiday is all about.

Ray Stannard Baker (David Grayson) sums it up best:

"Thanksgiving is the holiday of peace, the celebration of work and the simple life...a true folk-festival that speaks the poetry of the turn of the seasons, the beauty of seed time and harvest, and the ripe product of the fear and the deep, deep connection of all these things with God."

Happy Thanksgiving! It is wonderful to have many things to be thankful for this season.

Dorie in Austin

Age Doesn't Matter

Dorie Dillard: Canyon Creek & NW Austin Living (Coldwell Banker United) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:49:55 -0600

When we were in Athens several years ago we visited the "Theatre of Dionysus" (Dionysus means Greek baby boy). It was a major open air theatre in ancient Greece built at the foot of the Athenian Acropolis and forming part of the temenos "Dionysus Eleuthereus". This is dedicated to Dionysus the god of plays and wine (among other things). The theatre could seat as many as 17,000 and the acoustics are almost perfect, even today!

Dorie in Austin

It's A Wild Holiday!

Dorie Dillard: Canyon Creek & NW Austin Living (Coldwell Banker United) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:42:00 -0600

Thursday morning a friend and I made sure we made our trek to The Christmas Affair breakfast and shopping event the Austin Junior League sponsors each November the week before Thanksgiving. This makes their 34th production and each year they surprise us with a unique and exciting theme. With "It's A Wild Holiday" theme guests experience a magical trip back in time to a classical African Safari.

Browsing the merchant's stalls, peaking at all the baubles is a fun way to kick off the holiday season. We feel smug in the knowledge we are also supporting the Austin community as the money the league makes goes into community investments. It's a win/win!

Our eye was drawn to a classy booth in all white "Kendra Scott Design". One of the gals in the booth was wearing a gorgeous pair of dangling earrings and I suddenly realized she was one of my favorite clients ~ Heidi Harrod from a year ago!

I listed her home in Canyon Creek, got top dollar and had fun in the process! She made more cookies than any other seller but they were delicious and the buyers loved them! Heidi is in blue with my friend Roxanne and me! Don't you love her earrings? If you are going to The Christmas Affair, be sure and stop by the "Kendra Scott" booth!

The Christmas Affair is a tradition for many that feel it is the start of the holiday season in Austin. Take time and go to Palmer Events Center and join in the fun! Market will be open through Sunday, November 22nd. Photos with Santa are available.

Whether you're ready or not, the holidays are officially here!

Friday, November 20th 10am - 9pm
Saturday, November 21st 10am - 7pm
Sunday, November 22nd 12noon - 3pm

Dorie in Austin

Holidays Are Fast Approaching ~ Need Help?

Dorie Dillard: Canyon Creek & NW Austin Living (Coldwell Banker United) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:57:22 -0600

You are busy negotiating offers and repairs, checking on closings, working on your business plan for 2010 and the holidays are creeping up like a mouse trying to tease your favorite cat!

Better Homes and Gardens Online can help you out and you might win $5K...how sweet is that?? Check out their best-ever holiday pies @ BHG.com/pies. Check out their email newsletter for their free "100 Days of Holidays" giving you all kinds of holiday inspirations @ BHG.com/100days.

Need to bring your closet up to performing at maximum potential? Go to BHG.com/closet. Want to earn some extra money this holiday season? Go to BHG.com/win and enter...the more days you enter the better chance you have of winning!

Dorie in Austin

Leading The Way

Dorie Dillard: Canyon Creek & NW Austin Living (Coldwell Banker United) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:12:41 -0600

Canyon Creek deserves a round of applause for officially becoming one of four Austin neighborhoods to receive the coveted award from the Austin City Council for taking on the "Green Challenge" and becoming a "Green Neighborhood"!

Canyon Creek is now listed in the City of Austin website: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/watershed/greenneighbor/gn_canyon_creek.htm.

The City of Austin offers a program "The Green Neighbor Challenge" to encourage neighbors to adopt earth-wise practices to protect and improve Austin's environmental resources. Canyon Creek jumped at the chance to participate.

Kudos to Gladys Poorte for getting this project initialed and the many Canyon Creek neighbors who volunteered their time to make this possible. Just another great reason to live in Canyon Creek! Your NW Austin premier master planned community.

Call Dorie Dillard, your resident Coldwell Banker Real Estate agent, at 512 346-1799 or email her at dillard@reloaustin.com.

Dorie in Austin

It's The Experience That Counts

Dorie Dillard: Canyon Creek & NW Austin Living (Coldwell Banker United) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:23:09 -0600

While we were in Dallas we thought we'd try a spot close by our hotel called "Campisi's". The place was packed, the staff was inviting and the patrons friendly (we even shared some of our pizza with a couple as we had way too much and their kids were starving).

This restaurant has been family owned since 1946 and when they found we were from Austin they wanted us to share in the history of their business. From the warm greetings to the great service, food and the thank you for coming in; the experience was exceptional.

Isn't that what we are all looking for ~ a great experience? Keep that in mind when dealing with your clients, title companies. loan officers and fellow agents throughout a transaction. Each sale can be memorable for all particpating.

Dorie in Austin

Why is Austin Rocking and Rolling?

Dorie Dillard: Canyon Creek & NW Austin Living (Coldwell Banker United) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:20:56 -0600

Leaders in the 2009 index, which ranks U.S. metros based on their ability to create and sustain jobs gives the nod to the 2009 top 10 performers of the 200 largest metros. Why is Austin rocking and rolling? They have a favorable business climate.

Austin in particular has been helped by its strong tech industry. It is the first metro to ever be ranked number one twice on the index, the last time being in 2000. Another factor helping Texas metros move up in the rankings is that state's favorable business climate and its abillity to attract jobs and corporations away from higher-cost states. Look who's #1!

The 2009 Top 10 Performers of the 200 Largest Metros:
1. Austin-Round Rock, TX
2. Killeen-Temple-Ft.Hood, TX
3. Salt Lake City, UT
4. McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX
5. Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, TX
6. Durham, NC
7. Olympia, WA
8. Huntsville, AL
9. Lafayette, LA
10. Raleigh-Cary, NC

These are all metros that succeeded in avoiding the worst of economic declines driven by falling housing markets and job losses in manufacturing and global trades. Click here to see the full article:
http://bestcities.milkeninstitute.org/bestcities2009.taf?rankyear=2009&type=rank200

Dorie in Austin

Builders Downsize the Dream Home

Dorie Dillard: Canyon Creek & NW Austin Living (Coldwell Banker United) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:19:56 -0600

As builders draw up blueprints for the house of the post-recession future, builders are struggling to distinguish among what home buyers need, what they want and what they can live without!

Most builders say the post-crash buyers of new homes want smaller and simpler. I'm seeing they are attracted to quality not quantity. Some of the things the home buyer appears not willing to give up is 4 bedrooms, a powder room down, at least a 2 car garage, a master bedroom with its own bath (with separate shower and tub) and granite countertops!

For the first time in almost four decades in the luxury-home market executives of many builders are thinking the unthinkable: Maybe houses don't need 4,700 square feet of living area, or fireplaces or private theaters with 100-inch screens or supersized foyers!

The American housing market continues to drag, with the Mortgage Bankers Association reporting last week that applications for home-purchase loans have hit a nine-year low. U.S. home sales of newly built homes have fallen sharply as well, from 1.3 million in 2005 to 485,000 in 2008. But, people will always need to move...some to new jobs across the country, some into smaller homes now that the kids are off to college and some to larger homes with expanding family.

The main ingredient changed in the buying decision is the "impression factor". We had an ego-driven market where "bigger" was considered better and now "conservative" translates to "smarter". Resale has just become the "key" in home sales. Sometimes less is more.

Dorie in Austin

AUSTIN, TX HOME FOR SALE ~ 12911 MULDOON DR ~ MILWOOD COMMUNITY ~ ROUND ROCK ISD

Dorie Dillard: Canyon Creek & NW Austin Living (Coldwell Banker United) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:16:35 -0600

NW AREA ~ MILWOOD COMMUNITY ~ BACKS TO GREEN AREA ~ ROUND ROCK ISD ~ CLOSE TO RATTAN CREEK PARK

3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, year built: 1986, sq.ft.: 1857 $178,888

*** $3,000 ALLOWANCE FOR CARPET OR CLOSING COSTS - BUYER'S CHOICE! ***

This value priced home is strategically located on a quiet interior street a stone's throw from Rattan Creek Park where the little ones will love frequent visits. Nestled behind mature oaks this lovely 2 story home sits on a flat lot. Whether choosing to watch a favorite show in the family room or spend time with the chef as dinner is being prepared in this well-designed kitchen, the lifestyle triangle of this open floor plan allows for plenty of good conversation and laughter. Step outside and experience year-round outdoor enjoyment from the spacious wrap around deck and revel in the solitude backing to a green area. Enjoy a favorite drink while grilling hamburgers on the BBQ. At the end of the day retire to the upstairs spacious master suite for a quiet moment or a soothing soak while reading a chapter in your favorite book.

Dorie Dillard is a Residential Real Estate Consultant with Coldwell Banker United. For more information, visit our website at http://www.reloaustin.com or contact Dorie at 512 346-1799 or email dillard@reloaustin.com.

Dorie in Austin

Lemons to Lemonade ~ The Joule Hotel ~ Dallas Texas

Dorie Dillard: Canyon Creek & NW Austin Living (Coldwell Banker United) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:39:10 -0600

Friday, the 13th, was not going to stop my husband from having a needed medical procedure at Baylor Hospital in Dallas. We drove from Austin on Thursday afternoon to beat the traffic and decided to stay at a fun hotel close to Baylor Hospital called The Joule. It is housed in the landmark 16-story 1920's Dallas National Bank building and adjoining 10 story tower, featuring 129 guest rooms and suites. The cutting edge design is created by Adam D. Tihany. He conceived the bold and modern lines that compliment the neo-gothic structure, as well as the Charlie Palmer restaurant and on the 10 floor the hotels most dramatic feature, the 39 foot infinity rooftop pool that cantilevers out over Main Street!

There is a fabulous slow black iron rotating gear feature in the back of the lobby serving as a focal point and generating energy to the hotel. The building's legacy of scale allow for high columns which are enhanced with the new sweeping dark lime oak beams detail which mimic the framework of the oil derrick in the fields.

The lobby offers warm, inviting, elcoming gathering places, including a lobby loung and espresso bar with WIFI access and a library.

Friday morning we saw many business types (some looked so young) freshly showered and dressed in suits looking ready to conquer the world. We wondered if they indulged in the attached restaurant/bar "Charlie Palmer" Thursday night....it was packed!

Adam Tihany commissions original art work for each guestroom and suite and all through the hotel. I was grateful to relax and absorb the gift Joule gives to each client of the chance to enjoy the art collection. It's provided to stimulate the senses and that it does!

The Eye Flower by Richard Phillips is an eye-catching piece (no pun intended). It might be seen as a satire of the fashion industry while also glorifying the pursuit of glamour.

Friday,the 13th, worked out famously for Geno ~ in and out in record time. He could not eat Friday morning before the procedure but I enjoyed a quiet moment in the Charlie Palmer and relaxed in the lobby watching a beautiful fall day emerge.

Kudos to a hip, retro, hotel with a very friendly staff who made lemonade for us when we came to town with lemons!

Dorie in Austin

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!!"

Dorie 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!

Dorie in Austin

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

Dorie in Austin

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!

Dorie in Austin

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!

Dorie in Austin

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!

Dorie in Austin

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.

Dorie in Austin