Gail's Random Real Estate Blog from Austin Texas

Did you ever want to swim in an aquarium?

2008-06-29T13:33:25Z

Snorkeling is an amazing adventure suitable for any age group

Snorkeling in crystal clear blue water where the fish are a sight to behold and the temperature is moderate is an unbelieveable experience. Be sure to wear enough sunscreen though, and put it on 30-45 minutes BEFORE entering the water.

Kahalu'u Beach State Park in Kona, Hawaii... its a large bay area surrounded by black lava rock with a reef of volcanic rock making it a shallow bay for fish and people. The park has multiple shade trees on one side and a pavillion with many tables for your picnic or party.

All ages can enjoy this beautiful setting where one can walk out into the mild temp water and just look down and see the incredible bright hues of fish that one normally only sees in small aquariums. Since the fish are in an open sea venue their sizes are impressive also... angelfish I have seen in most aquariums are 3 inches or so were 10 inches in their natural state. Yellow tang as big as two hands put together. I was so impressed with the ability to swim in a natural aquarium I'm sure this will be a life lasting memory for not just me but my grandchildren who were equally awed by the sights.

Yes, we did take underwater photos and when they are developed I will post a few here. Even an endangered green sea turtle came up to visit the beach.

Mahalo for reading todays post.

Gas prices got you down?

2008-06-29T12:29:47Z

With the national average of $4.09 at the pump for a gallon of gasoline this week and the end of soaring prices not in our near future here is a concept .. Vacation at home this year.

Many communities have awesome community centers that are barely used... a pool, a tennis court, a barbeque area... some even have a night of movies in the park.

Make it a theme day/night.. an idea or two.. and I bet you all could come up with a dozen more..

Aloha night, a luau, with barbequed pork or grilled fish, fresh pineapple slices, coconut cake, Kona coffee or MaiTai's for those adult beverages? Easy to do and fun. Give prizes for the best hula dancers.

Fiesta night... tacos, frijoles, Flan, papaya and mango plus Margaritaville drinks ... have a Pinada for all... here an Ideato serve for the whole family...

Chilled Banana Latte INGREDIENTS

11/2 Tbsp. crème de banana syrup

11/2 Tbsp. coconut syrup

1 c. Oak Farms Fat Free Milk

DIRECTIONS

Mix syrups and cold milk in 20-ounce chilled stainless steel pitcher. Froth milk with whisk until airy and light. Add a shot of espresso and pour over ice. Serve in two tall glasses and enjoy! Serves 2. Recipe courtesy of the Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association

So, stay close to home this summer and put some of that savings in a fun time at home...

if you would like help in the Austin Texas area of finding a new home to enjoy that luau call me.. I will help you find the perfect new home or sell your current home! Gail Tassey. Realtor, keller Williams SWMC, 512-217-9482.

gailnttexas@gmail.com

Vacation

2008-06-18T07:58:51Z

When we are kids we look forward to every vacation, every extra day out of school.. Thanksgiving Vacation.. two days off .... yippee.. Christmas Break a whole 2 weeks off then various Holidays thru out the year are an excitement. The biggest of all was soon to come summer vacation.

It didn't matter if we had any plans to go anywhere, we just knew we would have fun doing nothing for days on end. Sleeping late, staying up late, I recall sitting outside with a circle of friends looking up at the sky and trying to name the constellations.. the Big Bear, the Big Dipper the little dipper, so on.. and giggling because one of us couldn't find the man in the moon. Simple times.

This year for the first time in many many years I'm excited about my vacation, at the end of this week we all are going to Hawaii, now thats not a big deal to alot of folks, but I'm excited, maybe because at dinner every night for 5 weeks now the 4yr old grandson, Bryce, has asked "how long til Hawaii Mom, Grandma?"

Now he sees the suitcases come out of the attic, the swim goggles getting fit, the books of Hawaii destinations, planning tours, his excitement has spread thru all of us. Truly through a childs eyes!

Now, I must make sure I have my clients affairs in order, I have a backup realtor-friend to see to anyones needs while I'm in paradise, Kristen Greenwade, the 2007 rookie of the year for our market center is taking care of business for me...Kristen is so very capable I know I can go on my vacation and feel secure that everyone is being taken care of.

So, Aloha my friends at Active Rain, I will be back June 29 and probably here June 30... I wish you all an exciting vacation this year, if its a circle of friends sitting on the lawn at 11pm and looking at the stars. OH YES the stars at night are big and bright deep in the heart of Texas!! If you are relocating to the Austin Texas area give me a call.. I would love to help you .. gail tassey 512-217-9482 mobile, keller williams realty austin texas gailnttexas@gmail.com

Point of Sale retro-fitting your home

2008-06-10T13:23:46Z

June 14th is voting day... a day that is important for anyone living in the City of Austin Texas, the City has deemed in their infinite wisdom to enact a POINT of SALE requirement for some "energy efficiency" in our homes.

This is a call for Austin Voters to make themselves heard. Its your home, your income, your future.

We need to support those City Council members who are ANTI POINT OF SALE, hey, I'm not advocating being anti-GREEN.. or enviromentally unfriendly, I'm advocating the requirement that could lead every home owner in the City of Austin Texas to doing multiple costly retrofitting of their homes BEFORE they can sell it and the home would have to be inspected and approved by an official City of Austin Inspector... at a fee of course, before a house could close escrow.

Now if that isn't scary to you let us think about the WHAT IFs of the situation....

Implementing current codes for airconditioners, vents, waterheaters, plumbing, electrical, insulation all sorts of things, could break out banks individually... how old is your home? Could it meet the standards of environmentially-friendly for today? Folks, we aren't talking about changing a light bulb here.

Many of the houses in Austin were built pre-1980, most of those downtown , Hyde Park, Clarksville, So-Co and Tarrytown just to name a few are well before that age... how many of these can afford to sell if it requires retro-fitting? What will a buyer do? Most likely look for some area outside of the city limits.

So, Kyle, Dripping Springs, Buda,Manor, Pflugerville, Round Rock, Hutto, Cedar Park will all benefit from the City of Austins new demands. Still, many folks want to live near town, for their jobs, the social activities, the lively electic feeling of downtown, but will they be priced out more-so than today? Will a seller be able to sell? at what price?

I know I don't have the answers to becoming environmentally friendly but this is NOT the way to do it people. Point of Sale? Forced inspections by city official? Added fees for all the above? Please lets all think about this in another way.

Your vote can count, June 14th.. or early voting now. Show the city that you do care about this plan of theirs.. the only way you get to vote on it is to vote for or against the members and prospective members of the city council.. they are the ones who will decide how you sell your home in the future.

if you would like to read the resolution please check at the City of Austin's website..http://www.cityofaustin.org/edims/search_results.cfm

this is just one realtors opinion... not endorsed by anyone else... just be informed, look it up.. it could affect your future immensely.

Open House, June 8, 2008 Austin TX

2008-06-07T10:57:25Z

This is a wonderful ready to move into family size home featuring

6 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 2 dining (the formal dining has new hardwood flooring), main master suite is downstairs and featuring a walkin closet the size of a boutique! Living/greatroom has a cozy fireplace and is open to the kitchen and breakfast area, speaking of the kitchen, how many cabinets do you need????this home has enough for the whole block, plus a pantry closet and new ceramic tile floors. Upstairs are 5 bedrooms with a large gameroom for the kids or homeschooler, and 2 full baths. Laundry room large enough to put all your mops and brooms!

Sellers are motivated to sell this weekend.... REDUCED to $199,743. for 2,962 sqft.

Open House Sunday June 8m,2008 11:30am-3:00pm Harris Branch Area, Austin Texas 11108 Seay St, Austin, TX 78754

Call for directions .. Gail Tassey, 512-217-9482 mobile, Keller Williams Realty, gailnttexas@gmail.com

This home is walking distance to APPLIED MATERIALS and a short commute to DELL, SAMSUNG and many other major employers, close to new tolls 130 and 45!!! Easy access to Austin International Airport with 130.

Onion Creek Floodzone BUYOUT Yarrabee Bend Austin TEXAS UPDATE UPDATE

2008-05-23T06:35:14Z

As many of you know I have been following and posting news about the the Yarrabee BEND, Onion Creek Floodzone Buyout in area of Austin, Texas. The City of Austin- FEMA buyout is winding down, the US Corp of Engineers will take over the next phase of the project.

This week I spoke with one of the project managers, Melinda Ruby at the City of Austin and here is the latest news, the Project beginning has been set back about 60days at this time, The offices are not ready or occupied with staff as of now. So it looks like we could be October 2008 for a start-up time and possibly as late as January 2009 for the first round of buyouts.

The maps for the first round of buyouts have not been determined yet. What this means to people in the area is ... maybe we shouldn't go shopping for that new home this week? If I lived in the area I would just keep it all in the backburner and go about my summer plans as normal.

Some people have received an initial letter of information from the US CORP of ENGINEERS advising them of the impending buyout. If you have questions contact the person named on the letter. This buyout will affect approximately 300 homes in the area of Yarrabee Bend, Onion Creek Forest of Austin Texas. The expected time frame for the project will span about 5 years, from 2008- 2013.

Keep watching the blogs for updated information, don't hesitate to call me for information or questions and when you need a Realtor.... its my job and I'm pretty darn good at it... I would like to be your Realtor of choice when you need to make that choice. Gail Tassey, Keller Williams Realty, 512-217-9482 mobile, 512-531-2926 office/voicemail. or just shoot me an email.. gailnttexas@gmail.com

Last Minute Tax Tips

2008-04-14T06:15:59Z

Last night I realized I needed to still do my 2007 Income tax. OH MY, well I called my friendly IRS advisor, my sister and asked her where should I start. My sister has been one of those hard worker bees at the IRS for almost 15 years and she is my "go to" gal. Here is what she told me,

Go to http://www.irs.gov/ then click on EFILE, free... and you can most likely do a simple return with all the needed forms etc for free. Or, if you made too much to do it for free, you can still do it there with a charge. So off I went to check it out.

How easy it was!! I clicked all the buttons I needed to, answered the questions and got to pick which company I wanted to use to do my "efile" thru. I chose Turbo Tax. I had never used Turbo Tax before but it was truly as easy as they advertise it. I was able to do the additional Schedule C and form SE also!!

Well... not much later I had my taxes done and submitted to the IRS, no long lines at the post office either. I printed them out for my paper records then saved a copy in PDF on my computer. If you haven't done your 2007 taxes yet give it a try. Happy Tax Day ya'll.

The Texas AR gathering

2008-04-14T06:04:20Z

HI Gang,

I would like to say a huge ThANK YOU TO RICKI and CHERLI LYNN and JUDY MORGAN for all your hard work.. the POMAROSA is a lovely spot and I hope you sell it soon. THANK YOU RICKI AND CHERLI LYNN AND JUDY for all the tremendous work in getting this together and pulling off a great afternoon for everyone.

Saturday was a great time .. my friend from my office Celina Garza and I had a great trip down to Bandera, a couple of hours drive, we stopped at the Cracker Barrel for breakfast on the way and got there in plenty of time.

We met, Ricki Eickler and her office buddy CheriLynn, both lovely warm ladies, then Judy Morgan, what a warm welcome they gave us. Then we met Eduard Lui of Georgetown, very pleasant man and his beautiful wife and children.

Tom Plant from California had flown in for the gathering and was a welcome guest. Carl Winters and his charming wife Ceil, were warm and friendly folks displaying that great Texas hospitality. Soon, Debra Brooks and her husband arrived and Debra is as lovely in person as she is on AR.

Lots of good AR folks showed up but unfortunately I didn't meet them all... alot happening.. .the food was good and Judy Morgan's bread pudding was a real hit so tasty.. but I have a craving for some more of that cherry cobbler, who ever brought it it was wonderful!!

Since I had a big day scheduled for Sunday I had to leave at 6PM, we got home about 8:20 so I made it in time to get all my prep done for my Sunday tours, I met with a really nice young couple from out of town toured Kyle.

Stop Identity Theft Day Saturday APRIL 19, 2008 Austin Texas

2008-03-30T10:33:04Z

Stop Identity Theft

The City of Austin Texas is sponsoring a STOP IDENTITY THEFT day, Saturday APRIL 19,2008 from 7:30am-2:30pm. This is a great way to get rid of all that abundance of paperwork we all amass. You may bring up to 5 file boxes of paper records for shredding. Oh, did I say it is FREE?

Mobile shredding trucks from AUSTIN SHRED, a Balcones Resource Company, CenTex Shred and Iron Mountain will be on-site to shred the material.

Heres the scoop.

April 19,2008, Saturday 7:30Am-2:30PM

AUSTIN HIGH PARKING LOT 1715 W Cesar Chavez Austin Texas

Restrictions are.. NO WET MATERIAL, NO PLASTIC/BINDERS, NO ELECTRONIC MEDIA.

for further information contact jannette Goodall at 512-974-9045 or email Jannette.goodall@ci.austin.tx.us

The event is sponosred by ARMA, Association of Records Managers & Administrators and the City of Austin Solid Waste Services.

this information was brought to you by Gail Tassey, Realtor @ Keller Williams Realty, Austin Texas 512-217-9482, email gailnttexas@GMAIL.COM

Open House near APPLIED MATERIALS, DELL and SAMSUNG, Austin Texas

2008-03-15T08:42:41Z

Want to save on gas and live near work? Bike to work? Walk to work? walk to elementary school?

11108 Seay St, Austin, Tx 78754OPEN HOUSE TODAY 3/15/2008 1-4PM

Here is the perfect FAMILY HOME, featuring 6 bedrooms, (master suite downstairs and its enormous) 5 Bedrooms up with large closets, ceiling fans, 3.5 baths, family-living, formal dining, gameroom upstairs, and large country kitchen. Custom hardwood floor in dining, new tile floors in entry, kitchen, and breakfast area. Privacy fenced backyard... neutral colors throughout.

PRICED AT $235,900.

Walk to work at APPLIED MATERIALS, short commute to SAMSUNG and DELL... minutes to the 130 TollRoad, ez access to Austin Bergstrom Airport, Round Rock with a wonderful new Outlet Mall shopping center.

Come by or call about this spacious beauty today, Gail Tassey, 512-217-9482, gailnttexas@gmail.com

Texas licensed realtor, with Keller Williams Realty, 1801 S Mopac Expwy, Ste 100, Austin, TX

EACH OFFICE IS INDEPENDANTLY OWNED AND OPERATED.

Open House near APPLIED MATERIALS, DELL and SAMSUNG, Austin Texas

2008-03-15T08:41:41Z

Want to save on gas and live near work? Bike to work? Walk to work? walk to elementary school?

11108 Seay St, Austin, Tx 78754OPEN HOUSE TODAY 3/15/2008 1-4PM

PRICED AT $235,900.

Come by or call about this spacious beauty today, Gail Tassey, 512-217-9482, gailnttexas@gmail.com

Texas licensed realtor, with Keller Williams Realty, 1801 S Mopac Expwy, Ste 100, Austin, TX

EACH OFFICE IS INDEPENDANTLY OWNED AND OPERATED.

Austin Texas #1 in Movie Making Magazine

2008-03-13T08:28:05Z

Austin Texas has been announced this morning as the #1 city for movie making location by Magazine Movie Making in its 8th Annual list.

Austin is movie-maker friendly since the late Ann Richards enticed Hollywood to try Austin first. With property a great value and scenery worth looking at and a population of talented folks plus the condusive weather to outdoor shooting its no wonder Austin is #1!!!

Moving up from #3 position of last year, being beaten out by #1 New York City and #2 Los Angeles, this year we are #1!! Hooray for the hometeam!!

If you have real estate needs in the Austin Texas area call me, Gail Tassey of Keller Williams Realty, 512-217-9482 or email gailnttexas@gmail.com

Phone Opportunity as a source of Leads

2008-03-13T08:12:06Z

While reading Where Do All The Leads Go? by David Slavin of Katy Texas this morning it brought to my mind about where do my leads come from and I realized many come from floor duty or what we call Phone Opportunity.

And an Opportunity it is.. back when I was in retail sales we as salepersons were taught, "someone enters our store to purchase something" its our job to find out what they want to purchase. That is the same with most calls that come into a real estate office.

Someone wants to buy, sell or lease a home. Simple right? sounds like it should be but often we forget who we are talking to and what they have ultimately called us for. (yes, sometimes the phone is another agent that need MLS Directions, this blog isn't about those calls).

Phone Opportunity does not come to you at your home office (not for most of us) it comes from being in the office, taking time to do the requirements that make one eligible for phone opportunity. If we look at this as an OPPORTUNITY then it will be. I have sold several homes thru first contact on phone opportunity.

Meet the person, be personable, try to HELP. People are looking for answers, give them the answers, establish a relationship, care about their circumstances, and smile .. did you know when you smile on the phone the smile comes thru as geniune and real to the other person? Well, it does, try it and see.

If you have real estate questions or would like to sell or purchase in the Austin Texas area please don't hesitate to call on me, I'm happy to help you with your search for your dream home. Gail Tassey, Keller Williams Realty, 512-217-9482, or email gailnttexas@gmail.com

Changes of the season

2008-03-03T08:21:48Z

March Winds have arrived in Austin Texas, this morning the mild unseasonably warm morning dropped 20+ degrees in 1 hour... yep my friends that was from 71degrees to 50 degrees. Talk about running back to the house for a sweater.

March is a time of change, the lion and lamb showing changes, its also the time of the IDES OF MARCH, beware oh Mighty Caesar, March 10th Commonwealth Day in Canada, March 17th St Patricks Day, March 20th The First Day of Spring and this year the March 16th - March 24th the Holy Times of Easter for Christianity.

All my life I have heard, if March roars in like a lion it will go out like a lamb... well the Lion arrived this weekend... so Im looking forward to a nice warm spring and I am hoping for enough rain to bring on the bluebonnets... one of my favorite times of the year here in Austin Texas.

Why not start your spring out with a new home? Inventory is good, choices are plentiful, prices are great and interest is still low. Now is the time to get out and look for your new dream home.

Looking in Austin Texas or the surrounding areas of Dripping Springs, Buda? let me introduce you to the area, I specialize in matching buyers and property. Call me and lets talk real estate. Gail Tassey 512-217-9482 gailnttexas@gmail.com

waiting to buy?

2008-03-03T07:59:58Z

Dear Future Homeowner, This interesting piece of information was passed on to our real estate office last week by Gary Keller, CEO of Keller Williams Realty, the 4th largest Real Estate Company in these United States, so I sat up and listened.

Now I would like to share this information with you, so you can make an informed decision about buying your new home. This applies if its a Resale Home or a New Construction Home.

Interest Rates have increased by 0.6% points in 5 weeks.

January 24, 2008 rates: 5.48%

February 21,2008 rates: 6.04%

Homeprices have continued to decline in some areas more than others. so what does this mean to the average homebuyer? Look at these scenarios.

Today Scenario 1 Scenario 2

HOME PRICE HOME PRICE -5% HOME PRICE -10%

$218,900 207,955 $197,010

INTEREST RATE INTEREST RATE +0.5% INTEREST RATE +1.0%

6.04% 6.54% 7.04%

YOUR PAYMENT YOUR PAYMENT YOUR PAYMENT

$1,054 $1,056 $1,053

What we are seeing is there is there is no need to put off your home purchase waiting for the final drop in the housing market. Due to increasing interest rates the home price drop has most likely already happened. Take advantage of it today, start looking for your new home and grab it.. Enjoy life today!! The mortgage market is still active and alive and ready to loan with many good programs.

Mr & Mrs Seller its not all bad news for you today .. if your home is selling for less than you expected doesn't that mean the home you are buying is selling for less also? If you are selling a home that is $150,000 and moving up to a $220,000 home the buying side will have more savings for you than the loss side. Just food for thought! Maybe it is time to move-up to the home you always wanted.

Are you looking in the Austin Texas area? Buda? Dripping Springs.. call me I can help you find that great family home and the right lender for the best mortgages. Gail Tassey 512-217-9482 Keller Williams Realty, 1801 S Mopac Expwy, Austin Texas gailnttexas@gmail.com

An Apology

2008-02-29T06:46:43Z

Good Morning Active Rain members, I must apologize for a post I made that was in error. The other day I was bustling around at the office and a very dear friend passed along an email to me that sounded urgent, and I made a terrible error in not checking all my facts and I posted this information regarding an item on the upcoming ballot about senior homeowners exemptions.

Well it seems that election and concern was LAST YEAR, 2007!!! Thank you Linda Box Taylor for catching that.. I have so much egg on my face you could scrape it off and feed the 7th Fleet. So, please everyone do forgive me for my lax-ness (is that a word?) and I will try to do better and not post in such a hurry.

The funny thing is of all my sphere Im normally the one who checks everything on www.snopes.com first.. Well I did not this time. I have deleted the post but I certainly did want to make a public apology to all. Can you feel my embarassment from there?

Update on Austin Flood Zone Buyout- Onion Creek Area

2008-02-27T16:43:33Z

The Onion Creek City of Austin- FEMA buyout is coming to an end. $6 million dollars had been funded to buyout homes in the Yarrabee Bend area of South Austin. Home owners were offered fair market appraisal cost and given a specific time to accept or decline the offer. Most of the homeowners did accept the offer and have relocated to other parts of Austin.

The second phase of the Onion Creek - Yarrabee Bend area buyout will be taken over by the US ARMY CORP OF ENGINEERS in June 2008 and will begin in October 2008 and expect to end June 2013. As of today I don't have further information for homeowners but I think it will follow the City of Austin - FEMA guidelines. As soon as I have definite information I will post a blog to let folks know details.

Some informational letters have gone out this month to announce the upcoming project. Please stay tuned for more information.

Feel free to call me with any questions, cares or concerns and for help in relocation to your new home, I have experience in the project of the buyout and will be glad to help you. Remember the buyer does not pay my fee, I will act honestly, fairly and confidentially with you. Gail Tassey, Realtor, Keller Williams Realty South Austin Texas, 512-217-9482, email gailnttexas@gmail.com

90day Comparables? whats up with that?

2008-02-27T16:14:48Z

Today I got to breathe a huge sigh of relief.. My buyers loan passed the underwriter. Last friday afternoon the loan officer called me to say.. "The underwriter has denied your buyers appraisal". I said SAY WHAT? the appraiser was picked by your bank.. the loan officer said, well he used comparables that were older than 90 days. I said.. HUH? Whats wrong with the Industry Standard comparable time frame of 6 months. The mortgage officer said.. well , times are different now and the underwriters are requesting more recent comps.

Now I'm just thunderstruck, I stewed over this all weekend, what to do, what to do? I wanted to bail on this lender, the buyer was willing to ride it out and see what happened next. Monday another conversation with the mortgage officer, if the underwriter doesn't approve the loan by tomorrow the bank will try to shop the loan elsewhere. Wait, Wait, wait.. Tuesday afternoon late, the underwriter approves the loan because the seller sent in copies of his contractor bills of all the renovations he had done. (which the appraiser had written in his report).

Today, Wednesday I had occasion to ask another lender in conversation about this new 90 day comparables "rule", not only did he think it was unheard of he said its nearly impossible in this time of year in a small neighborhood. Then I asked a seasoned mega agent who does over $20million a year in production, what say you about this? She had never heard of 90 day comps, especially with those months being JAN, DEC and NOV.

My question AR'ers is.. are you being asked for comparables within a 90 day time frame? Oh, the house had appraised over the negotiated sales contract price.

market Activity Report in South Austin Texas for jan 2007 and jan 2008 comparable.

2008-02-27T15:59:45Z

Market Activity Report in South Austin Texas for the month of Jan 2007 and Jan 2008

We have some cool areas in South Austin that are heavy residential areas, 10N, 10S, and SWW being the most popular in what keeps Austin weird. The areas are family oriented from all types and walks of life. Artist community is heavy in area 10N and multi cultural influences 10S while SWW is has a heavy influence of tech and professional families. Lots of parks and local flavor in all these areas.

Here are a few stats for those folks who like to compare data .. This data reflects on the areas of 10n, 10s, and SWW, and only the months of January.. for 2007 and January 2008, its a micro slice of our real estate market.

AREA # New Listings # Pend Sales Avg LP #sold Avg Sold Price Avg DOM YEAR

10N 41 28 $$unk$$ 21 $177,384 60 2007

10N 47 37 $222,055 22 $243,967 42 2008

10S 81 58 $167,840 46 $156,575 34 2007

10S 61 71 $181,707 37 $170,684 37 2008

SWW 57 56 $280,513 41 $288,721 45 2007

SWW 52 56 $318,629 40 $312,629 54 2008

Data from the Austin Board of Realtors records. report generated 2/27/2008 3:25PM

So while we see the DOM (days on Market) look greater in 2008 than 2007 the prices are not falling, the market is not oversaturated with number of new listings and the pending sales are holding strong.

It is a goodtime to buy in Austin Texas, if you would like an excellent buyers agent, call me.. Gail Tassey 512-217-9482 or email gailnttexas@gmail.com I work with Keller Williams Realty in South Austin Texas.

Time is of the Essence

2008-02-25T06:18:30Z

When do you consider TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE? in a real estate transaction I think its when the buyer gets into my car. This morning I read a blog that said it loud and clearly. I feel sorry for the sellers!!!

When a buyer gets in my car, they are prequalified, have a time line and have signed a buyers rep with me, so they are ready to buy a house. Some times its not today, or tomorrow, I know they are going to buy.. I have learned that if I dont fulfill that dream, want, need of theirs they will either ... lose the dream, change their mind, focus on something else in their life, or find another agent. So I work as if Time is of the essence for me to find them their dream, want, need new home. I work diligently and communicate often with them.

When we find the new home, I call the listing agent and expect certain things, a response to my call would be the number 1 on my list, because Time is of the Essence, my buyers want, need, expect a response from me, I need you Mr/Mrs/Ms Listing Agent to respond, with the information, the sellers disclosure, the questions I left on your voicemail or sent in your email.

We can all help each other tremendously by treating each call, email, fax as though it were the one that is bringing us our next contract.. where TiME IS OF THE ESSENSE.

If your seeking professional real estate help in Austin Texas please call me and I will return your call !! Gail Tassey 512-217-9482 gailnttexas@gmail.com Keller Williams Realty SWMC

how cautious should a lender be?

2008-02-24T18:53:07Z

I have a sale pending. on the buyers side, its a lovely home that has been COMPLETELY renovated, first class upgrades throughout. Granite counters, stainless appliances, wood floors, new bathroom fixtures, new air conditioners, new 30yr roof, this is an outstanding redo.

Just under 2500 sq ft, on .48 acre, double decks, massive oak trees, sprinkler systems all around, side entry garage in a very very desirable South Austin neighborhood. Originally built in 1974. The appraisal came back at $2,000 over the negotiated sales price. Yes, by an independent appraiser the bank choose.

So, its all good.. .right? ALMOST... the underwriter in another city has decided we don't have enough current comparables. We have the normal 3 within 6 months, 1.5miles radius. Within 10yrs of building, 100 Sqft of build... etc..etc. The underwriter in another city has deemed we NEED comparables within 90 days.. 90 days in the worse selling months of any year?

Oh, I forgot to mention the buyers are A++ credit score, with 35% down payment.

I mention the underwriter in another city because as many of you have heard over and over from those of us here in Austin Texas, our market is not falling, it is not crashing or collapsing, according to many news sources, ie: the Wall Street Journal, Forbes Magazine, MSNBC News and Austin Business Journal our market is among one of the strongest in the nation.

The mortgage officer has offered us options, perhaps we can put more money down? Perhaps we can get a second independent appraisal, oh yes the buyers would pay for that one too.

Now, tomorrow I will know more, this bombshell was dropped on us after 4:00PM last Friday. Monday, we are speaking to the bank manager. So you all in mortgages, please explain to me what and why this has happened to us? I know the market is a scarey place for some .. and I do NOT want my buyers to be over paying for anything, but this is a good deal... I hate to see my buyers lose this house because of market conditions in other places.

So, I think any suggestions would be appreciated. Any keywords I should use tomorrow? and pertinent facts I need to have onhand?

White dog inside house may bite...

2008-02-17T21:08:38Z

Are they kidding? Some times I wonder where an agent has placed his or her common sense. Recently while searching for a particular type of home in a local neighborhood I saw this remark in the instruction area.. WHITE DOG INSIDE HOUSE MAY BITE, BE CAREFUL .. I didn't know whether to laugh at the ridiculousness of it all or send a note to the agent cautioning him about liability. I mean is this for REAL?

Unfortunately it was... why oh why would an agent open himself to that liabilitiy .. much less a homeowner? .. or a prospective buyer to the danger of it all. This has to be a case of ARE YOU KIDDING ME or WHAT as my 12 year old grandson would say.

I hereby promise to all my buyers and prospective buyers that I will NEVER NEVER take you into a home that says.. DOG INSIDE MAY BITE.

So, if you want to view safe homes do call me .. I would love to help you with all of your real estate needs here in AUSTIN Texas. Gail Tassey, 512-217-9482... A safe and sane Realtor at Keller Williams Realty, Austin Texas. gailnttexas@gmail.com

$5 A DAY PRICE REDUCTION

2008-02-12T13:30:32Z

fIRST OFF.. this IS a true story... I know, I'm at a loss for words here.. or maybe I'm behind the learning curve on pricing?

In our MLS system we use MLXChange, and with that program we can send a client automated emails of whats new on the market or price changed since their last visit. So we select a criteria, such as area, sq ft, price, bedrooms, baths and a multitude of other stuff right down to type of fencing. The narrower your search is the less results one gets.

So here is the interesting thing that I have seen lately, In order to keep a house coming up on the search criteria daily an agent is reducing the listing price.. DAILY. I have watched this listing be renewed on a search criteria for the past 20 day .. at $5. a day.. a whopping $100 reduction.

I'm of two minds about this stragety .. its annoying! or is it smart marketing? If my potential client didn't see the home the first time it came thru this constant price changing would allow the client to see the home on the list tomorrow.,.. and the next day and the next day and the next day... ANNOYING.

So now the question is.. how much lower is the seller prepared to go? Just an interesting happening at this time but what if every agent who had a listing took up this new pricing stragety?

Open House SAT 2/09/08 AUSTIN TEXAS IN SHADY HOLLOW

2008-02-07T11:56:35Z

Shady Hollow is a little tucked away part of South Austin Texas, its known for large lots and an abundance of huge spreading oak trees.. If you haven't ever visited Shady Hollow you owe it to yourself to take a short drive out there and see a really splendid neighborhood. It's often considered a treasure of quiet countrylike living right near the heart of Austin Texas.

11410 Saddle Mountain Trail is a prime example of the large oaks, on .62 of an acre, the home is 2,027sq ft, with 3 bedrooms, 2 full bath, new paint and carpet, an open kitchen lots of windows, vaulted ceilings and a big fireplace, with a screened in porch.

Stop by this Saturday Feb 09, from 1-4 and take in this great find, or call me for details, Gail Tassey 512-217-9482 email gailnttexas@gmail.com Gail Tassey Keller Williams Realty Austin Texas

listing provided by David Raez Team , Keller Williams Realty, Austin Texas

Its a Beautiful Morning

2008-02-06T07:56:35Z

The sun is shining and its a cold crisp morning here in Central Texas, about 40 degrees this morning, blue skies, cloudless day and the high will be near 70 today. Nothing to complain about at all. The past few days have been trying for me, flu, grandones sick too, a cranky client, and whine whine whine for days... and the Pats lost the superbowl. Well .. .folks.. today is a new day and in celebration of today here is my song ... I wish you all such a glorious day to enjoy. If you would like to begin your search for your dream home here in Austin Texas, give me a call and this is a perfect day to begin. Gail Tassey 512-217-9482 or email gailnttexas@gmail.com