It's called Negotiations ~ NOT WAR - 07/31/09 07:18 AM
It's called Negotiations ~ NOT WAR
This week I had to do the continuing Education classes  LEGAL and Ethics Update, you know the ones we do to stay on top of our MCE.   During the class of Ethics the instructor was speaking about how we as Realtors are held to a higher standard (due to our licensing) over a layperson and can not take advantage of another person.
Example, Mrs ZYX has lived in her home for 20 years and is not aware that the neigbhorhood has increased treble in value.  Mrs ZYX calls Real Estate agent ABC and says, I … (12 comments)

Felicia's Scrapbooks in Southwest Austin is a very cool store - 07/30/09 08:27 PM
Felicia's Scrapbooks in Southwest Austin is a very cool store, and not just because it has great air conditioning in our record breaking heat wave here in Texas   this year.Felicia's Scrapbook store has been around awhile.  I have watched it grow and expand until I thought it was going to burst out of the walls.  
Felicia's Scrapbooks Southwest Austin is in the HEB Shopping Center at the Y in Oak Hill.  Now, all you Austinites know that the "Y" means where Hwy 71 and Hwy 290 W. divide.. so go toward the HWY 71 at the Y and the Shopping Center is … (5 comments)

Lewis Mountain and the Overlook at Lewis Mountain in Southwest AUSTIN - 07/29/09 06:12 PM
Lewis Mountain and the Overlook at Lewis Mountain in Southwest AUSTIN, is such a unique area among a City made up of unique areas and enclaves of idyllic settings for homes.  Lewis Mountain and the Overlook at Lewis Mountain are two almost connecting neighborhoods that are bordered by FM 1826.
Drive thru the area early in the mornings or late afternoon til twilight and you will see the wild deer roaming and grazing across the spacious greenbelts.  Most of the homes here are set on an acre or more and few are completely fenced so it gives a wide open spacious … (4 comments)

Alta Mira another side of Circle C Ranch, Circle C West - 07/27/09 06:58 PM
Alta Mira another side of Circle C Ranch, Circle C West located off FM1826 is the beautiful DR Horton area known as West Circle C, or Alta Mira.  Impressive homes with natural stone facades, some mixed with the traditional brick or Texas Native Stone and some with the new Sandstone Look. 
Inside these Alta Mira Homes are just as gorgeous as the exteriors.  Most boast beautiful wood cabinetry,  granite countertops, awsome tiled bathrooms and the master bedroom suites are amazing.  Spacious homes starting in square footage at about 2,380 square feet up to and over 3,130 square feet. 
This part of Circle C … (3 comments)

Mundane Monday .. how to beat the blues - 07/27/09 09:22 AM
Mundane Mondays...  how to beat the blues.   Recently Richard Weisser created several new groups here in the Rain, in order to help Richard get these new groups off the ground I am doing my best to help fill the emptyness.
Mondays are not mundane for me.... see my old post about how fabulous I think Mondays are.. but today I must be in the dog days of summer because I am not motivated to move, not motivated to do much, I need to go take some fresh photos today of a couple of neighborhoods I want to blog about.  I need … (14 comments)

Villages at Western Oaks an established community in Southwest Austin - 07/26/09 10:27 AM
Village at Western Oaks an established community in Southwest Austin.  Driving down Mopac (Loop 1) if you exit at William Cannon, go west just a bit to Escarpment and turn left then just down the Escarpment past Convict Hill you enter into Village at Western Oaks.
The Village at Western Oaks has stately and modest homes that share a commonality like brick facades, Traditional Texas Stone, and many grand Oak trees.  I have been told that Austin has 7 different types of Oak Trees.  Many are a hundred years old with sprawling branches that yearn to touch the ground and spreading … (4 comments)

Cherry Creek off Brodie Lane is convienent to everything in South Austin - 07/25/09 07:26 AM
Cherry Creek off Brodie Lane is convienent to everything in South Austin.  This is a great part of South Austin.  Unlike the Cherry Creek off Wm Cannon, this section is newer, with very modern home, wonderful trees everywhere and access to 2 parks. Just 2 miles to Mo-Pac Expressway for easy access to downtown Austin.
Cherry Creek off Brodie Lane is just around the corner from the Randal's supermarket, Maudie's Tex Mex Restaurant, (and who doesn't like Maudie's?), and just a short hop, skip and jump up Brodie is the Lowe's Home Store, Michael's, Old Navy, Fire Bowl Cafe, TJ Maxx, and … (7 comments)

Clean House the TV show - 07/24/09 07:57 AM
Clean House the TV Show has become a real favorite of mine.  For a few reasons, Neicy Nash is a very funny and straight talking lady.  She can tell someone to get this "stuff" out of here and make them like it.
If you haven't seen Clean House, it is an incredible show ..  the cast and crew visit a viewer that is innundated with clutter.  like a worst nightmare of clutter, can't get to the bed in the bedroom clutter, stumbling over everything in the garage clutter.  (Selected homes have requested the visit).
The crew, Neicy Nash the hostess of … (16 comments)

Hillcrest homes in South Austin - 07/24/09 07:10 AM
Hillcrest homes in South Austin is a family affair.  Large homes with spacious backyards on tree lined streets, driving thru the Hillcrest neighborhood one see bright flowers in neatly trimmed flowerbeds, children playing and the pride of ownership reflects in this wonderful area.
Just minutes to Downtown Austin where the nightlife is varied with music of all sorts and kinds on the famous 6th Street, or the busy Capitol of Texas where the business of the State of Texas is conducted and tours take place daily.  The Capitol is a sight to behold for most proud Texans, it swells the heart … (3 comments)

Vintage Place is a unique part of Circle C Ranch - 07/23/09 11:09 AM
Vintage Place is a unique part of Circle C Ranch here in Austin Texas, while much of Circle C Ranch is reknown for its large brick and stone facades the homes in Vintage Place are to a throw back era, when Austin was a smaller City.
Vintage Place homes in Circle C Ranch have exteriors of Hardee Plank Siding remininsece of a day gone by of old Downtown Austin.  Drive thru the meandering streets of old Downtown Austin and you will see some of these types of homes on Castle Park Drive and nearby streets.
This enclave of homes has its … (0 comments)

Whining Wednesday first post - 07/22/09 09:59 PM
OK.. Richard set up all these new groups for us and I need to do at least one post today so I chose this one... Whining Wednesday the new group for wednesday along with Terse Tuesday and some other group names I do not recall right now.
What should I whine about?  Well it rained tonight, so after months of drought we have a drink for the lawns, can't whine about that.
Traffic is always a great subject to complain and whine about but today the traffic was exceptionally light and Deedee drove to the office, not me... nothing to whine … (25 comments)

South Austin Video Tour - 07/21/09 09:35 PM
The video tour is of many neighborhoods in South Austin, it gives you a tiny taste of what to expect or what to see in my neck of the woods. Call me if you wish to find a home in any of these or other neighborhoods in South Austin Texas. I live here, I work here and I can help you discover the South Austin flavor.
… (4 comments)

Maudies Moonlight Margarita Run coming soon - 07/21/09 01:53 PM
Maudies Moonlight Margarita Run is coming soon  August 6, 2009. 8:00PM   The 5th Annual Maudie's Moonlight Margarita Run is about to happen... now is the time to register and join the fun on August 6th.  This run supports the Trail Foundation and is from the streets along Lady Bird Lake at THE ROCK underneath Mopac and finishes at the American Legion Hall on Veterans Drive. Following the race is a post race party and Gala under the live oaks at the American Legion Hall grounds.  Dinner and Margaritas under the stars.  Quite a fun event and a great way to support … (9 comments)

A few more facts about the Austin Energy Audits - 07/21/09 09:13 AM
Energy Audits In Austin TexasJune 1, 2009 the new Ordinance became effective for many residents of Austin Texas.  I saw a post where the tip of the iceberg was covered on this subject and many readers wanted more information so here is my take.   (the orginial post was by Crystal Kilpatrick).Originally the City of Austin wanted to make these upgrades Mandatory before selling a home that was 10 years old or older.  The Austin Board of Realtors fought long and hard to compromise with the City and have Voluntary upgrades.  The new Ordinance is the resulting compromise. The  Austin Energy … (2 comments)

News setting the HOOK? - 07/21/09 08:24 AM
This morning on the front page of the Austin American Statesman newspaper the BOLD TYPE HEADLINE says:
Will We Run Dry by 2080? HUH?  well it is definitely an eye catcher.  Around here we have been in a drought for a few months, our rainfall is not as it should be and the lakes are down, a lot.  But to sensationalize the story for the Front Page?  Not just the Metro Front Page but the FRONT PAGE.   I can't help but wonder what are they thinking?   Some people are out right now buying water to store ( I  am … (7 comments)

The Queen Bee gets the Glory and the Drones do the work - 07/20/09 11:41 AM
Long ago I learned that in the cycle of making honey the Queen Bee gets all the Glory and the Drones do all the work.  Flying in and out of hives and bringing the pollen nectars to the Queen, then back to the flowers and shrubs and warding off other insects and birds and man made threats the drones keep on working, working, working.  The sum total is the delicious sweetness that many crave, Honey.
So what does this have to do with Real Estate?  I have been reading lately blog posts about .. IF you aren't Number ONE you are … (11 comments)

Helping Buyers - 07/19/09 05:52 PM
This is a great post of Charlies and I want to share it because it illustrates so well the savings a buyer can make when using a knowledgeable Realtor® whether living in the Mountains of Georgia or the Hills of South Austin Texas. 

Via Charlie Ragonesi 706- 579-1098 (All Mountain Realty):
A Realtor saves you money. If you are buying a home and working with the listing agent you may not know to ask
1 When was this home listed? People always ask because if they think the home was on the market for a long time they can get a … (3 comments)

Just a quick update on the Austin race - 07/19/09 08:06 AM
A few folks have been following this exciting race of ours.  Tim Moncrief, Betina Foreman and myself have been battling back and forth between 1st, 2nd and 3rd place for Travis County and Austin Texas area for THIRD PLACE OVERALL.  
Jason Crouch is undisputably #1 and Donna Harris is #2 and I do not see anything changing on that front, what is changing daily, hourly sometimes is our #3 spot.  Now its Tim, then its Betina and back to Me, I had held that spot for a good while and the other two have caught up with me.
Does it matter, … (8 comments)

200,000 Points is a signpost on the highway - 07/19/09 06:54 AM
Today is a great day here in Austin Texas, the sky is blue, the sun is coming up in the east, my family is home from vacation and I have just passed (with this post) the long awaited milestone of 200,000 points here in Active Rain.
I am a real fan of Active Rain, I praise it and recommend it to everyone I can.  Some people actually come and get hooked too.  Some don't.  To each his/her own.  I love the knowledge that is here.  I wonder if you added up the years of agents in business here would it equal … (37 comments)

We really are the new age Information Please ... - 07/17/09 05:25 PM
Reading the post of my friend in Charlottesville, Charles McDonaldtoday I realized just how many different and various things we do offer the consumer...  as a Realtor® just in our daily driving we learn all the new stuff going on in a community.  Here in Austin there is always something going on... festivals, music, new food experiences, music, ball games, did I say music?
Realtors® are becoming the new age operators of Information.  Do you remember when you would call the local Information and ask, what is .. where is..  etc.  Now that we have updated websites, blog posts, twitter and … (10 comments)

Dress your Fruit for a summer taste surprise. - 07/15/09 01:20 PM
This is a simple recipe I devised to add a bit of spice to regular fruit.  The grandkids like it, I like it and it does not add calories plus it tastes so good people ask what did you put on the fruit.I call it Dressing the Fruit and its great for a side dish at brunch, lunch, or anytime for a snack.Take any fruit you like to munch on and cut into bite size pieces.  I use apples, blackberries, or blueberries, strawberries, cantaloupe or what ever melon you like and cut into pieces in a bowl.  In a one cup … (5 comments)

Whose on 3rd? - 07/15/09 01:04 PM
I have sat comfortably in the 3rd place position here in Austin and Travis County Texas on Active Rain for some time now.   Actually since Donna Harris relocated here from the Dallas area, (Donna is a good addition to our area and I love to read her post about her gorgeous little girl).
So, I do not mind being 3rd.  Jason Crouch is first with a megaton of points somewhere over 500,000 and Donna is second with about 450,000 of course these are not exact numbers, but close,  so here I am, comfortable in my little corner of the world doing … (18 comments)

Austin overall stats for June 2009 and compared to June 2008 - 07/15/09 12:45 PM
The statistics are out of June 2009 and when compared to June 2008 we are down a small amount.  Consider first that June 2008 the real estate market in Austin was still thriving and not peaked.  The Austin Market had not felt the downturn many other areas of the Nation has been dealing with.  Eventually our market slowed overall due to the National Economy and the overall Housing Market.
These numbers are from Gracy Title who had them provide to them by the Austin Board Of Realtors.

 
If you are looking to sell your home or to purchase a … (3 comments)

Energy Saving Tips - 07/15/09 07:47 AM
Reading the monthly issue of TEXAS REALTOR® I ran across an article that answered some questions for me, just how much does one save in some of the energy saving ideas we hear so much about.  Some of the answers were surprising to me and others not... SO here we go, according to the Texas Realtor® magazine of July 2009.
*A homeowner of a 10yr old 2 story, 2000 sq ft single family home could save up to $250 a year by upgrading the original air conditioning system.
*The annual water bill could be reduced by $50 a year by changing … (7 comments)

Driving the sprawling metropolis.. - 07/13/09 05:08 PM
Austin Texas is a sprawling city, the overall Austin area includes areas to the east Manor, to the west Dripping Springs, to the South the cities of Buda and Kyle and to the north large growing Round Rock and Pflugerville.  This doesn't even include the outlying areas of the Lakes, like Spicewood, Lago Vista and the outlying areas of Hutto, Elgin and Bastrop.  
In my first years of doing real estate sales I was all over the map. Showing homes for sale one day in Leander & Cedar Park and the next in Manor and the next in Kyle.  It was a grueling … (9 comments)

Its about teaching the old dog that new trick - 07/13/09 07:22 AM
All my life I have heard  "You can't teach an old dog new tricks!"  After this year of learning many new tricks I have come to face this is not my reality. 
 This weekend I learned to make my own video, yes its not professional, its rough around the edges, but you know it gets the point across.  So if I can get it on here properly you will get to see it in its entireity.. all 56 seconds.  But its a start, right !
Who knows I could become the next Martin Socrese..  well, probably not but one never knows … (16 comments)

South Park Meadows Home in South Austin Tx - 07/11/09 06:30 PM
South Park Meadows homes in South Austin is a developing area with currently two good builders, Buffington Homes and Saltana Homes. 
Buffington Signature Homes
9300 Bentley Garner LaneAustin, TX 78748
Buffington Homes has 6 homes available                    From $249,850 - $297,960
Pricing and availability is per the builders weblistings today, July 11,2009.  With many sites available where a custom home can be built for you.  Stop in and visit with them soon. 
Saldana Homes are also in the subdivision featuring unique exteriors and interiors.  Stop in and have a look around, close in South Austin and ready for your viewing.
… (4 comments)

USDA Loans are alive and well - 07/11/09 09:01 AM
Here in Texas we have many areas that are rural.  Some near large cities, like Austin Texas or San Antonio.   Just down the road from South Austin is a small town known as Buda then just a few miles further is the City of Kyle. South Austin real estate is a popular place for shopping and great food.
Both Buda and Kyle are growing by leaps and bounds, but still these areas are eligible for the USDA Loan Program that will give a loan of 102%.  Are you a first time home buyer and can qualify for the $8,000 Tax Credit … (4 comments)

In this Heat - 07/10/09 08:21 AM
Today is going to be just like yesterday, hot, hotter than that line in the June and Johnny Cash song, Hotter than a pepper sprout!...  OK, this is Texas and its July, its suppose to be HOT...  yesterday was the 17th day of record breaking heat here in Austin.  It was officially 105.  Today is suppose to be 105 or wait maybe 106.  The weatherman just sighed when he said that.
I hate to complain, but,  I know the but negates the meaning of the previous words, so maybe I do like to complain about the heat.  At any rate, yesterday … (10 comments)

Do Buyers know the difference in a Listing Agreement and a Sales Contract? - 07/09/09 10:19 AM
Recently there have been many instances of blog posts relating a concern about Buyers not having or understanding Representation.   I myself encountered a nice young couple who declined Buyers Representation and during the previewing tour the Mr of the couple told me he would rather work only with listing agents to save the buyers agent commission.
This attitude is not only wrong it is completely goofy.  OK, maybe not Goofy but delusional.  A listing contract with a seller and a brokerage spells out the amount of commission to be paid on the sale of the property.  It is a contract between … (13 comments)

Swimming Holes around Austin Texas - 07/09/09 08:37 AM
Central Texas and the Austin area has some incredible natural swimming pools. One of the most popular is Hamilton Pool. 
Hamilton Pool is 30 miles west of Austin on FM 3238 visit there website: www.co.travis.tx/tnr/parks/hamilton_pool.asp  Limestone outcropping create a 50 foot waterfall for beauty.  There is no lifeguard on duty.
Sculpture Falls on Barton Creek off S Mopac and Loop 360. hike from the Barton Creek Greenbelt upstream passing Twin Falls then reaching Sculpture Falls.  Deep pools make great swimming.  NO Lifeguards.
Emma Long Metropolitan Park on Lake Austin http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/emmalong.htm this park has 2 boat roamps, volleyball courts and swimming.  NO Lifeguard.
… (1 comments)

Banks are Corporations who operate by the Bottom line ~ not Morals - 07/09/09 07:50 AM
OK, I was reading a post by Jon Zolsky SHOW ME THE SOUL  this morning and all the comments, regarding banks and morals and foreclosures and ethics and soul, the comments are varied and interesting.   In writing my own comment I realized it had become a post.  So here are my 2 cents worth.
While I am no financial expert, I do believe some of what people do not see is that Banks are Corporations, and Corporations do not have souls or morals and some do not operate by a code of ethics, its the bottom line that guides a corporation.  Not people.  … (8 comments)

Hobbled by a worthless Wireless - 07/08/09 06:52 PM
A week ago I was here at my desk writing something, I do not recall if it was an email or a blog-post, it had started to rain outside, summer storms are not uncommon in this part of Texas but we were not expecting anything severe.  I looked out the window and thought, geez, it really is coming down.. a real gully washer, we definitely needed the rain.  I turned back to my computer and BANG, POW!  Crack!  Ohmygosh, it sounded like the lightening struck the tree in front of the house.  I ran outside to see if all was ok, … (11 comments)

Flying for less, Southwest leads the way - 07/08/09 05:27 PM
It was announced today in the Austin Business Journal that US Airways, American Airlines are matching the Southwest fares by offering $30, $60, and $90 fare for one way tickets.  Tickets must be purchased by by Wednesday, or midnight tonight, July 8,2009.  So hurry and get your savings now.  The special fares are for travel After Labor Day and BEFORE Thanksgiving. 
I have never seen this happen before, yes I have seen Southwest do special one way fares often, but not other major carriers step up and match it.  Perhaps I just missed those deals?  don't miss this deal for a … (3 comments)

Summer Reading is always a Joy - 07/08/09 04:58 PM
Every summer since about 4th grade I have read at least one or two books just for the pure joy of reading.  I recall as a child my friends and I would walk to the school library on Friday and it was open for checking out books, then the next Friday we would take the book back and get another. 
 This is where I first met White Fang of Jack London series.  The Nancy Drew series.  The school kept track of the summer readers and prizes were given for most books read and stuff.  I don't recall winning a prize except the … (5 comments)

Usual and Typical Closing Cost for Central Texas - 07/08/09 08:34 AM
Closing Cost 101
In todays home buying there are many terms we Realtors® use in our everyday language that maybe new to first time home buyers.  Here is a brief list of some of those terms that apply when you buy a home in Central Texas.
Of course closing costs will vary with lender charges, Title Company charges and tax prorations, the fees are pretty standard.  Also a variable will apply to different types of loans, such as Veterans, HUD owned, REO (real estate owned by lenders, usually) FHA loans and Conventional Loans.
A Buyer can be responsible for:
appraisal fees, … (7 comments)

Septic Systems in Central Texas - 07/07/09 12:58 PM
Septic Systems 101
Many of today's homes are in rural areas and rely on septic systems.  Some of these homes have antiquated systems and when buying or selling be sure to include a septic system inspection. Homes in Dripping Springs, Austin and many other areas fall into a septic system category.  It is important to find out early in a transaction if the home is in this kind of category.
In our area of Central Texas, there are numerous agencies that are helpful.  If you are near a river or lake it could be in the jurisdiction of Lower Colorado River … (7 comments)

Countdown to the $8,000 tax credit expiration date - 07/04/09 11:07 AM
OK, I know today is a holiday, this weekend is a great holiday weekend.  Time off?  How about looking for that perfect new home?  Realtors® often work holidays and weekends since that is the time that folks who work regular jobs are off.  Call your favorite Realtor® today and make some appointments. 
I have stated before the length of time it takes to buy a new home, or a resale home, I am not talking about a to be built home....  just the standard finding, previewing, really looking, writing contract, getting loan, inspections, appraisals, surveys, etc etc etc done and sitting … (9 comments)

This Land is Your Land - 07/04/09 10:00 AM
Woody Guthrie was is a legend in American Folk song .. many of his songs will never die and my favorite one that is sung throughout America this 4th of July Independence Day weekend is THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND. Enjoy the Youtube video. I'm glad I found it and could pass it on.  Happy Birthday America and Happy Holiday to all .. have a safe and sane 4th … (4 comments)

What is the Appraisal and the Inspection - 07/03/09 02:17 PM
Many first time home buyers are not familiar with the "lingo" of real estate, here are a few terms to help unravel some of the mystery.
An Appraisal is what the bank orders to determine the value of a home.  An independent appraiser is hired to do an analysis of the home, the condition of the home, the neighborhood and the recent comparable sold properties in the area.  The appraiser then forms a business decision opinion and submits that to the bank.  The buyer is charged for the appraisers fee in the lenders fee.   IF its an all cash deal the … (6 comments)

buying a Foreclosure? - 07/03/09 02:04 PM
Everywhere today there are foreclosure properties available.  in some parts of the country there are massive amounts of them, in other parts not so many but still some available ... in all price ranges.
Here in Austin Texas we have our share of foreclosures, from the HUD owned, government sales to the Bank owned REO, meaning Real Estate Owned.
A few things about foreclosures to the first time home buyer:  Have patience and endurance.  Banks are going to sell a foreclosured property, eventually.  There is a whole shebang ball game and hoop jumping that is done by agents, both the sellers … (5 comments)

Fireworks and Parades, it is a Celebration in Texas - 07/01/09 09:45 AM
Fireworks is a Grand Tradition to celebrate the Independence of America, July 4th.
This year in and around Austin Texas there will be many fireworks shows and parades, most free to all.   I have read that individual neighborhoods like Shady Hollow and the Villages at Western Oaks are having parades to show their celebration of Freedom. Below are other events, just a partial list of what is happening this weekend.

Austin Fireworks at Auditorium Shores: The HEB sponsored fireworks display to be held at Auditorium Shores at The Long Center, where more than 100,000 Austinites will attend. Plus … (4 comments)

July 4th, Let Freedom Ring, and another opportunity to touch a client - 07/01/09 08:53 AM
Every holiday gives us an opportunity to touch our clients, send out a card, put a small flag in their yard, various ways have always been available.  Sure it takes a bit of time but in some slow markets isn't this the best time to utilize that time?  Although the market has picked up somewhat with the traditional summer surge we still can do a touch.
So reach out and touch your SOI, open that database and send an email, July 4th is truly an American Holiday.  Its about Freedoms, freedom of speech, thought, religion, and so many others we all … (7 comments)

 

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