Jeff's Blog

4th of July ideas for Central Texas Area

Jeff Kessler ABR,GRI, Texas 512.801.5666 (Austin Homes Realtors) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:41:47 -0500

Leander LibertyFest
Saturday, July 4, 2009 - 5:00 pm - Crystal Falls Golf Course, 3400 Crystal Falls Pkwy
www.leandertx.org
    Join the residents of Leander celebrate our nation's birthday at Leander LibertyFest.

27th annual San Marcos Summerfest
Saturday, July 4, 2009 - 5:00 pm - San Marcos Plaza Park, 202 N. CM Allen Pkwy
www.summerfestsanmarcos.com
    The City of San Marcos is hosting the most exciting community independence celebration at a new location this year. This FREE event will feature live entertainment, food booths, children's activities, a patriotic program and a fireworks exhibition.

The H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4th Concert & Fireworks
Saturday, July 4, 2009 - 8:30 pm - Auditorium Shores at The Long Center
http://www.austinsymphony.org/tickets/events
   The Austin Symphony will be under the apt baton of ASO Music Director Peter Bay . The H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4th Concert and Fireworks will feature patriotic music and the ever-popular 1812 Overture--the latter punctuated by 75-millimeter Howitzer cannons, courtesy of Texas National Guard Salute Battery, and spectacular fireworks over Lady Bird Lake.

Cedar Park Fourth of July Celebration
Saturday, July 4, 2009- 4:00 pm - Milburn Park , Cedar Park , TX
http://www.cedarparktx.us/cp/pr_events_fourth.aspx
    Come celebrate with us and enjoy a dance with live music, food concessions, air castles, face painting, sack races, a washer tournament, art projects, and enjoy free watermelon sponsord by H-E-B. The fabulous day of celebration will end with a magnificent fireworks display sponsored by H-E-B. You may also cool off in Milburn Pool, which is opened from 1 - 8 pm; daily pool admission rates apply.

Sertoma 4th of July in the Park
Saturday, July 4, 2009 - 11:00 am - San Gabriel Park , Georgetown , TX
www.georgetownsertoma.org/4thofjuly.htm
    With more than 80 booths, a petting zoo, parade, live entertainment, train rides, fireworks and more (all located on the beautiful San Gabriel River ) there's only one place you should be this 4th of July.

Lago Vista Celebrates the 4th
Saturday, July 4, 2009 - 6:30 am - Bar K Park, Lago Vista , TX
www.lagovistajuly4.org
    It is a time to remember those who have served to protect us all, to celebrate our freedom, and to enjoy each other's company. It starts off with the Firecracker 5K Race and 1 Mile Fun Run. This is an opportunity to give your children the same type of memories you had of parades, barbecues, music, and paddling around in the local swimming hole.

Lakeway 4th of July Celebration
Saturday, July 4, 2009 - 8:30 am - City Park , Lakeway , TX
www.lakeway.org
    Fourth of July all day event starting with a fanciful sponsored parade/floats that make their way down Lakeway Drive . Locals then head to the park for a picnic, games for kids, music and the announcement of the float award winners. The rest of the afternoon is usually filled with games, food, drinks and many more surprises. The day is rounded out with fireworks set to music at night.

July 4th Frontier Days Celebration
Saturday, July 4, 2009 - 10:00 am - Old Settler's Park, Round Rock, TX
www.roundrocktexas.gov
    A freedom walk, parade, jalapeno pepper contest, children's games, Ballet Folklorico dancers, Sam Bass Shootout and fireworks are all part of the City of Round Rock's July 4 Frontier Days Celebration 2008.

New Braunfels Annual 4th of July Parade and Patriotic Celebration
Saturday, July 4, 2009 7:30 pm - Landa Park , New Braunfels
www.nbtexas.org
    A wonderful family tradition for many years in New Braunfels . Bring a picnic and enjoy the park, along with a special free concert and a spectacular fireworks display!

Taylor Jaycee's 4th of July Firework Display and Fajita Cook Off
Saturday, July 4, 2009 - 10:00 am - Murphy Park on Lake Drive, Taylor, TX
www.taylorjaycees.org
    Festival includes Carnival, Fajita Cook Off, Bicycle Parade, tennis tournament, and fireworks at dark.

Wimberley's 64th Annual VFW/Pro Rodeo & PBR Bull Riding
July 4th Weekend - VFW's rodeo grounds just north of town on Ranch Road 12
www.visitwimberley.com/rodeo/
   Hill country tradition, the Annual Pro-Open VFW Rodeo and PBR Bull Riding has been held for more than 60 years on the first weekend in July at the VFW's rodeo grounds just north of town on Ranch Road 12.
   Once the largest outdoor rodeo in the world, the event still ranks near the top.
   The VFW Rodeo is sponsored by VFW Post 6441, Wimberley , Texas as a not-for-profit event benefiting the community, veterans and active duty servicemen and women. Producer/stock provider for the 2009 Rodeo is Bo Davis of Gonzales , Texas .

Information deemed reliable, but subject to change.

4517 Heritage Well Ln Round Rock Texas 4 Bed 2.5 Bath 2 Story Home. This home has never been lived in.

Jeff Kessler ABR,GRI, Texas 512.801.5666 (Austin Homes Realtors) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 10:18:34 -0500

Details

No one has ever lived in this Beautiful 4/2.5 2 story home. This home is 4 side stone with Hardy Plank siding. Kitchen has Corain countertops, ceiling fans throughout. Master Bed is on the main level. Patio in back has a ceiling fan to help keep you com fortable. Loft upstairs overlooks downstairs living with a fireplace. High vaulted cieling really give this home some depth. Sprinkler system. The community has a pool and the elementary school is close by. Full price offer get Buyer 1% towards Closing Cost.

Price:		$ 239,000.00 (Negotiable)

Property Type:		House
Bedrooms:		4
Bathrooms:		2.5
Agent:		Jeff Kessler
Year:		2007
School district:		Round Rock
Broker:		Central Texas Home Rebates
Website:		www.CentralTexasHomeRebates.com

Silverado Ranch. Buy or Sell a New or Resale home and save thousands of Dollars.

Jeff Kessler ABR,GRI, Texas 512.801.5666 (Austin Homes Realtors) — Fri, 29 May 2009 10:49:42 -0500

Silverado Ranch

Silverado Ranch is a KB Home community near the Brushy Creek area of Cedar Park, about 19 miles north of downtown Austin.

Silverado Ranch is located off Vista Ridge Blvd. in Cedar Park and is bordered by East Park Street and Colonial Blvd., just south of RM 1431.

Silverado Ranch Residents have complete access to a private park with a 25-meter pool, small children pool, and clubhouse, and many more things for children and adults such as playscapes, swings, picnic areas. There is a lot of open space as well.

Since Henry Middle School and Vista Ridge High School are so close to the community it is easy for the children to traverse to. The schools are near the intersection of Vista Ridge Blvd. and East Park Street. Reagan Elementary, is scheduled to open on East Park Street in Fall 2009 and will become the primary elementry school

There are plenty of stores and shops near Silverado Ranch

Silverado Ranch is also about 20 minutes from recreation spots on Lake Travis and 25 minutes from the Austin Airport.

View New homes for sale or lease in Silverado Ranch now.

Find a Resale home in Cedar Park.

Silverado Ranch Amenities

Amenity center and clubhouse
Common Area Maintenance
25-meter pool
Private park with picnic areas
Kids pool with water toys
Covered pavilion
Whitestone Marketplace is very close by and has HEB, Starbucks, Austin's Pizza, and much more
Very close to area schools
Brushy Creek Lake Park is close by
Williamson County Regional Trail are close by as well

Silverado Ranch Schools

Rutledge Elementary and Cox Elementary (Reagan Elementary will be completed in Fall 2009 and then will be the new elementy school)
Artie Henry Middle School
Vista Ridge High School

If you are looking to buy a resale home anywhere in Central Texas and want to save thousands of dollars please hire me as your agent. Once you buy you will get up to 50% of my commission back to you at or just after closing. see www.CentralTexasHomeRebates.com

Buying a new home anywhere in Texas you can get up to 5% of the base price of the home back to you at or just after closing see www.RebateonTexashomes.com for more details.

Happenings in Austin for June 2009

Jeff Kessler ABR,GRI, Texas 512.801.5666 (Austin Homes Realtors) — Fri, 29 May 2009 10:16:34 -0500

Sports

6/7
Congress Avenue Mile
Congress Avenue
www.congressavenuemile.com

6/13, 8 am
Honor Our Heroes 5k
Southwest Williamson County Regional Park
www.honorourheroes5k.com

6/14, 11 am for clinic, 12 pm for swim
Open Water Swim #3
Pure Austin - Quarry Lake (4210 W Braker Ln)
www.runtex.com/web/2-2508.asp

6/27, 8 am
Watermelon Thump 5K Fun Run
Main Pavillion 317 E. Davis, Luling, TX
www.watermelonthump.com

6/28, 8 am
New Belgium Urban Assault Ride
Fiesta Gardens
www.urbanassaultride.com

Round Rock Express
www.roundrockexpress.com

Music

6/3, 7 pm
The Gay Divorcee
(1934) (107 min.) (B&W)
The Paramount Theatre
www.austintheatre.org

6/5, 9pm
Alejandro Escovedo's
Antone's night club
www.antones.net

6/7, 6 pm & 8:30 pm
Warren Hill
One World Theatre
7701 Bee Cave Road
www.oneworldtheatre.org

6/8, 6:30 pm
Gomez
Stubb's
www.stubbsaustin.com

6/9, 8 pm
Matisyahu & Les Claypool
Austin Music Hall
www.austincitymusichall.com

6/14
KGSR Live at the Lake
Mother Truckers
Lakeway Resort and Spa
www.kgsr.com

Blues on the Green
6/3 - Ruthie Foster
6/17 - Cyril Neville
Waterloo Park
www.kgsr.com

Live at the Garten 2009
6/3 - Dale Watson, 7:00 pm
6/17- Slaid Cleaves, 7:00 pm
6/24- Li'l Cap'n Travis, 7:00 pm
Scholz Garten
www.kut.org

Theatre/Culture

6/6, 8 pm - 6/7, 2 pm
Rock My Soul: A Celebration of Spirituals
The Long Center
www.thelongcenter.org

6/7
The Doyle and Debbie Show
Rollins Studio Theatre
www.thelongcenter.org

2009 Summer Film Series
The Paramount Theatre
www.austintheatre.org

6/7, 8:00pm
Romeo and Juliet
Shakespeare with a Latino Flair
Zilker Park
http://austinshakespeare.org/drupal/

6/25-28
Grease
TexARTS Kam and James Morris Theater
www.tex-arts.org

Other

Splash Party Movie Nights
Visit website for schedule
Deep Eddy Pool
www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/pools_special.htm

5/31 - 8/23, 7:30 pm
Sunday evenings
Hartman Foundation Concerts in the Park
Hartman Concert Park at the Long Center
www.austinsymphony.org

6/10 - 7/29, (except July 1) 9:30 - 11:30 am
Wednesday Mornings
Children's Day Art Park
Symphony Square Amphitheatre
www.austinsymphony.org

6/11-14
Republic of Texas Biker Rally
Travis County Expo Center
www.rotrally.com

6/23-27
Elgin Western Days Festival
Elgin, TX
www.elgintxchamber\com/5504207_46362.htm

6/25-28
56th Annual Luling Watermelon Thump
Luling, TX
www.watermelonthump.com

6/26-28
Parish Festival
Santa Cruz Catholic Church, 1100 Main St, Buda, TX
www.budachamber.com/Annuals/Events.htm#Parish_Festival

Buying a home in the Central Texas Area? Hire me and when you buy get up to 50% of my commission back to you at or just after closing.

See www.CentralTexasHomeRebates.com for more details

Here is some fun things to do in Austin you may want to include on your next newsletter to your clients.

Jeff Kessler ABR,GRI, Texas 512.801.5666 (Austin Homes Realtors) — Mon, 04 May 2009 16:43:02 -0500

April 16 - September 24Unplugged at the GroveShady Grove Restaurant (outdoors)
Thursday, April 16 begins the 16th season of Unplugged at the Grove. Get ready for 22 consecutive weeks of great music. 8 pm 4/16 - James McMurtry 4/23 - Rhett Miller 4/30 - Ryan Bingham and the Dead Horses 5/7 - Brave Combo 5/14 - Ray Wylie Hubbard 5/21 - Carolyn Wonderland 5/28 - TBA 6/4 - TBA 6/11 - Jimmy LaFave Visit kgsr.com for schedule through September

April 24 - April 26The Red Poppy FestivalDowntown Georgetown
The Red Poppy Festival marks the coming of spring and the arrival of the colorful springtime visitor, the Red Poppy Flower. These beautiful flowers have been a part of Georgetown, TX heritage and landscape for over seventy years, a fact certified by the Texas legislature in naming Georgetown as the Red Poppy Capital of Texas.

May 01 - May 02Mike Super - Magic & IllusionThe Paramount Theatre
Magic returns with the winner of the television show, Phenomenon, Mike Super. He has shattered the stereotypes and has taken magic in a very surprising direction. He transcends the "trick" and connects personally with his audience - he is pure entertainment. Tickets $20-$45. 8:00 pm

May 02 - May 03Old Pecan Street Spring FestivalE. 6th Street
31st Annual event. Enjoy over 250 arts and craft vendors, musical and performing artists on 5 stages, art classes, dance classes, a scholarship competition, international foods, a carnival, petting zoo, and much more. Free Admission Sat 11am-10 pm; Sun 11 am-8 pm

May 07First Thursday - SoCo DistrictSouth Congress Avenue
On the First Thursday of each month, merchants of the historic, pedestrian-friendly South Congress Avenue keep their doors open until 10 pm (and later in some cases), playing host to an array of events and activities. Free parking in One Texas Center, 505 Barton Springs - then walk west to Congress and catch the Orange Dillo free bus which runs every 10 minutes 6:30 - 11 pm

May 08 - May 10CinderellaThe Long Center - 701 W Riverside
Directly from the pages of the enduring tale, Cinderella delights audiences with the beauty and majesty of classical ballet, wrapped in the promise of happily ever after,and generously sprinkled with a wonderful dose of humor. Complete with a fairy Godmother, a handsome prince and an unforgettable ball, the magnificent staging, music and costumes - make this production a delight for all ages. 8:00 pm Tickets $20-$25

May 12 - May 17RENTBass Concert Hall - 23rd & Robert Dedman Drive
Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp, stars of the original Broadway production and film adaptation of RENT, reprise the roles they made famous in this exciting new tour! The show that transformed how a generation feels about musicals, changed Broadway forever, and inspired a major motion picture. 8:00 pm Tickets" TBA

May 22 - May 23Crawfish FestivalFredericksburg Texas
Come celebrate with red beans and rice, boudin, gumbo, and lots of Crawfish! There will be plenty of German sausage, burgers and other foods too. There will be fun for all ages - arts and crafts and plenty of good shopping around town. Fri. 6pm - 12:00am, Sat. 11am - 12:00am Tickets: $6.00 / Kids $1.00

May 23 - June 07Parade of HomesMueller Community in central Austin
The official 56th Annual Parade of Homes^TM tour allows visitors to check out the latest in architecture, interior decorating, landscape design and green-building features. These homes, starting at approximately $1 million, are anticipated to be the first in Central Texas to earn three energy efficiency ratings: (1) a five-star rating in the nationally recognized Austin Energy Green Building program, (2) LEED® certification from the U.S. Green Building Council and (3) green building silver level certification from the National Association of Home Builders.

June 03 - August 12Blue on the Green Concert seriesWaterloo Park - 403 E 15th St
KGSR Blues on the Green will be held this year at Waterloo Park due to the renovations at Zilker. Concerts are FREE every other Wednesday from June 3rd through August 12th. Artists announced so far are: June 3 - Ruthie Foster July 1 - Jimmie Vaughan July 29 -Carolyn Wonderland

June 05 - June 07ANNIEBass Concert Hall - 23rd & Robert Dedman Drive
Leapin lizards! ANNIE is coming! The timeless tale of Little Orphan Annie is back, giving a whole new generation the chance to experience the classic musical about never giving up hope. Boasting one of Broadways most memorable scores including "Its a Hard-Knock Life," "Easy Street, N.Y.C." and the ever-optimistic "Tomorrow," ANNIE is a delightful theatrical experience for the entire family. 8:00 pm Tickets: TBA

June 21Fathers Day ConcertZilker Hillside Theatre, Zilker Park
Broadway show tunes, marches and band classics performed by the Austin Symphony Band are sure to please Dad. Bring a picnic supper and spread out a blanket under the trees at the beautiful Zilker Hillside Theater. FREE 7:30 pm

June 23 - June 28Mamma MiaBass Concert Hall
MAMMA MIA! is the ultimate feel-good show that has audiences coming back again and again to relive the thrill. Have the time of your life at this smash-hit musical that combines ABBAs greatest hits. Time: 8:00 pm Tickets: TBA

June 26 - August 09High School Musical 2Zachary Scott Theatre - Riverside Dr at S. Lamar
School is out and summer fun awaits as the smash hit Disney Channel Movie sequel High School Musical 2 comes to life in a dazzling, live stage production. Songs, dancing and contagious Wildcat Fever will sweep you away. Join Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay, Ryan and their friends from East High for an all new adventure at a rockin country club. Time 8pm; Sun-2pm, Tickets $24-$45

July 03Bastrop Patriotic FestivalFishermans Park - Bastrop TX
The Austin Symphonic Band makes its annual appearance at this slice of Americana along the banks of the Colorado River. The festival includes arts & crafts, games and lots of great food. Marches and fireworks close out the festival. Time: 8:00pm. Tickets: $ tba $

July 04July 4th Fireworks - AustinAuditorium Shores at The Long Center
On July 4th, well over 100,000 people gather at Auditorium Shores for the largest ever Independence Day celebration in Austin. Peter Bay will conduct The Austin Symphony in the patriotic music and 1812 Overture. Spectacular fireworks will fill the sky over Ladybird Lake. Orchestra will begin performing at 8:30 p.m.; fireworks at 9:30 p.m. for 30 minutes. Come early, bring a picnic. Concessions will be available on site, no alcohol

www.CentralTexasHomeRebates.com Get up to 50% of my commission back to you.

Thanks goes to Paula Moore at Austin Title for helping me get this great info. If you have any title needs please contact her.

Downtown Austin Emerging Projects

Jeff Kessler ABR,GRI, Texas 512.801.5666 (Austin Homes Realtors) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 08:44:06 -0500

Downtown Austin,Texas is really changing its look. There are over 30 different projects going up around town. Well a few of them have stopped or are going to stop. I am sure in a year or so it will start again. So maybe now is the time to get into a new condominium before the next boom. Don't wait till it is happening. I am on board to help you buy a new condo in Austin. If you are interested please send me an email. Have a great 2008.

Here is a link to all the different projects in the Austin Area.

http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/downtown/#emerging

Remember if you are buying a new Home or Condo anywhere in the State of Texas you can receive up to 5% of cash back at closing.

http://www.CentralTexasHomeRebates.com

Growthleader Update

Jeff Kessler ABR,GRI, Texas 512.801.5666 (Austin Homes Realtors) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 09:15:43 -0500

I have been busy with my Growthleader site. I am getting a few people a week and staying in touch with a lot of them.

I really like the personal feel of the site. I have had many people come to the site and just enter a bad phone number. Then after awhile they change it to or add their correct number.
I think it's because the site has a one agent feel. This means that it is not a huge corporate site that the client gets lost in.

Another thing I like about the site is the ability to keep up with clients. So many times in this business you can lose track of a clients progress, but with the site you can see the moment when a client really starts to look at more homes on your site. The client will start saving homes and fine tuning their search criteria. At that point you can re-call them and see how they are doing and move forward with them.

I hope everyone has a great week.

Thank You,

The Guaranteed Rural Housing Program

Jeff Kessler ABR,GRI, Texas 512.801.5666 (Austin Homes Realtors) — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 12:29:07 -0500

The Guaranteed Rural Housing Program is designed to assist households in obtaining adequate but modest, decent, safe and sanitary dwellings for their own use in rural areas.

The United States Department of Agriculture has made available a Guaranteed Loan Program to assist lower income families in rural areas. These are up to 100% Loan to Value, 30 year Fixed Rate mortgages with absolutely no Mortgage Insurance.

That's right...NO Mortgage Insurance is factored into the monthly payment for the borrower as all of these loans are guaranteed by the local Rural Development office.

These Mortgages are NOT restricted to a minimum credit score and also allow closing costs to be financed if they can be supported by the appraised value of the property...allowing those buyers with limited assets to qualify. Up to 6% in Seller Contributions are permitted.

This program is applicable for one-unit primary residences including Rural Development approved Condo's and PUD's.

Save money on a resale home purchase see www.CentralTexasHomeRebates.com for more info.

Growthleader Update

Jeff Kessler ABR,GRI, Texas 512.801.5666 (Austin Homes Realtors) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 09:58:56 -0600

Good morning everyone.

Sorry it has been awhile since I have updated. I went to LA for a week and was busy.

I have been keeping up with my Growthleader clients and I am happy to say I am going on my first showing.

It took a bit longer than I thought. I have been talking with clients and emailing back and forth, but no one was going out to look.

Then I get the e-mail I have been waiting for. I am showing a few homes this coming week.

I really like that Growthleader show how my clients are using my site and how many times they come to my site. The site shows me who is active and who is not.

The people that are not active usually get a call or email from me. I just want to keep them in front of me.

Well wish me luck.

Jeff

Growthleader Update 1/25/2009

Jeff Kessler ABR,GRI, Texas 512.801.5666 (Austin Homes Realtors) — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 11:32:10 -0600

This month is sure going by fast. It is going to be Feb soon. WOW. Things here are still going well. I have been working with some clients and even wrote a few offers. My Growthleader site is still getting about 1-2 clients a day now. I am still getting a lot of people just browsing.

Looks like they are waiting to see what the new Pres does and how the economy will be affected. Hopefully the new stimulus package will come through and peoples confidence will start to return.

One of the features, of GrowthLeader, that I like is the fact I can change my home page. I really like to make it more personable. There are now a million sites out there offering people the chance to look at homes and I want to try to make mine just a little bit more friendly. I have a few active people that have been coming to the site for awhile. I am hoping to show them in the next few weeks.

I am looking forward to write a few offers over the next few months.

My new toy. This is really cool

Jeff Kessler ABR,GRI, Texas 512.801.5666 (Austin Homes Realtors) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 09:07:13 -0600

Well just like everyone I am back in the swing of things after the all the New Year doings.

I have been in the market for a new laptop for about a year and finally found one. This is a very cool "tiny laptop". I wanted a laptop that was low in price, this was $350 with no tax or shipping, easy to use, and compact. That is what I got.

S10-1211Ubk Netbooks

Equipped with express card slot

Lenovo IdeaPad S10-1211Ubk Intel Atom N270(1.60GHz) 10.0" WSVGA 1GB Memory 160GB HDD Netbook - Retail

Part#: 59-016575
OS Provided: Windows XP Home
CPU FSB: 533MHz
CPU L2 Cache: 512KB
Widescreen Display: Yes
Max Resolution: 1024 x 600
Display Feature: Anti-Glare LED Backlight
Graphics Processor: Intel GMA950

This is going to be great to take everywhere. It will be great for meeting with clients, Trips or just about anywhere.

Well have a good day.

If you are looking to save a lot of money on a new home please visit www.rebateontexashomes.com

Growthleader Update 1/15/2009

Jeff Kessler ABR,GRI, Texas 512.801.5666 (Austin Homes Realtors) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 08:54:19 -0600

Well the New Year is well underway. So far things have been going great. I have a lot of new clients that I am working with, I seem to be getting someone new every couple of days.

My Growthlead site contiues to receive about 1-2 clients a day now. I have a lot of clients that are just looking, but I also have them e-mailing me now.

One of the features I really like is getting texted when someone joins my site. This is such a great feature. I love being in my car or out on the town and buzzzzzzz I get a Text. I look and there is another lead. I then can't wait to get to my computer.

I like my activity button . This is such a small button, but very important to see what clients are doing on your site.

I am looking forward to write a few offers over the next few months.

Call *DPS (Department of Public Safety) in Texas for non-life threating situations

Jeff Kessler ABR,GRI, Texas 512.801.5666 (Austin Homes Realtors) — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 09:48:55 -0600

Call *DPS (Department of Public Safety) in Texas for non-life threating situations

The Texas Department for Public Safety and a four wireless carriers have worked out a deal with *DPS to use when you are in a non-life threatening situations.

If you have Verizon, Cingular, Nextel or ALLTEL you can dial *DPS or (asterisk 377) free of airtime charges. This is very similar to the DPS roadside assistance number 1.800.525.5555.

This is a great way to get a hold the DPS and they will dispatch a State Trooper or other officer to help you.

You should use the number if

You see suspicious behavior
Stranded person or vehicle
Hazardous situations
Or other roadside dangers.

This should not be confused with 911 for life threating situations.

Hope this helps.

Have a great week.

Get up to 5% cash back on a new home in Texas.

See http://www.rebateontexashomes.com

Austin Texas Energy offers a cash incentive for your old 14-to-27 cubic feet refrigerator/freezer.

Jeff Kessler ABR,GRI, Texas 512.801.5666 (Austin Homes Realtors) — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 09:47:00 -0600

Austin Texas Energy offers a cash incentive for your old 14-to-27 cubic feet refrigerator/freezer.

Did you know that Austin Energy offers a cash incentive for your old 14-to-27 cubic feet refrigerator/freezer.

They will even pick it up for Free. It does have to be working though.
So what do you get when you turn it in. You can get $50 dollars for the fridge per single family unit.

Why Recycle Refrigerators/Freezers?

First off it saves Energy.
Did you know that older models use two to three times as much energy as newer models do.
So that means you save money.

Did you also know that Austin Energy reuses 98% of the materials and they even dispose of properly the harmful refriderants.

Check out their link to learn more.

http://www.austinenergy.com/Energy%20Efficiency/Programs/Refrigerator%20Recycling/index.htm

Get up to 5% cash back on a new home in Texas.

See http://www.rebateontexashomes.com

Growthleader Update 1/5/2009

Jeff Kessler ABR,GRI, Texas 512.801.5666 (Austin Homes Realtors) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 12:36:52 -0600

Well I hope everyone is having a happy New Year.

I had a great New Year and things are looking up with Growthleader

Well I have been working with a few clients now that are continuing to come back to my site and browse for a new home. I have been talking to a few already.

I had about 8 people come and sign up last week. I knew things would pick up.

The great thing about the site is that it has Listing Alerts

These Alerts automatically send emails that notify prospects of new properties on the market that match their criteria.

This is a great tool for the clients to set up. Then when they get ready to buy I can us the MLS to help narrow down their search even more.

Here is a screen shot below

Hope everyone has a great new year.

If you have been a Realtor for 40 Years you don't have to pay anymore dues.

Jeff Kessler ABR,GRI, Texas 512.801.5666 (Austin Homes Realtors) — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 20:49:27 -0600

I was looking around on Realtor.org and found some interesting info for any person who has held membership in the National Association as a REALTOR®, REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®, or a combination of both, for a cumulative period of 40 years in one or more Associations of REALTORS®.

They are eligible for REALTOR® Emeritus status and this means that they will no longer have any Realtor dues.

To read more Click Here

Wow that is great. I only have 28 years to go.

Congratulations on anyone who has received this status.

Growthleader Update 12/30/2008

Jeff Kessler ABR,GRI, Texas 512.801.5666 (Austin Homes Realtors) — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 16:44:02 -0600

Well I hope everyone is having a great Holiday season.

I have been out of town the last week or so and I have not been able to post an update.

Well I have been working with a few clients now that are continuing to come back to my site and browse for a new home.

I am looking forward to next year and I am hoping things will start picking up.

Looks like a new feature is coming our way soon and it looks pretty cool. This feature is the calling of our clients when they visit our site from Growthleader. This is a great way to find out where are clients are in the home buying process. This will make it easier to know which clients are serious and which ones are just browsing. I know I don't always have time to call right away and I feel this will really help keep our leads working with us.

This will make it easier to know which clients are serious and which ones are just browsing.

Well I hope the in the next few weeks to be meeting some of my clients in person and looking for homes.

Hope everyone has a great new year.

Facts I find interesting about Texas

Jeff Kessler ABR,GRI, Texas 512.801.5666 (Austin Homes Realtors) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 16:16:52 -0600

Facts I find interesting about Texas (edit/delete)

Texas is popularly known as The Lone Star State. The population of Texas is 22 million, not including the 16 million cattle.The armadillo is the official state mammal.
70% of the population of Texas lives within 200 miles of Austin.
The state was an independent nation from 1836 to 1845.
Texas possesses three of the Top Ten most populous cities in the U.S. - Houston, Dallas and San Antonio.
Texas comes from the Hasinai Indian word tejas meaning friends or allies.
Texas' most populous county is Harris county with 3.4 million residents in Houston. The least populated county is Loving county with 67 residents.
Jalapeno pepper jelly originated in Lake Jackson and was first marketed in 1978.
Texas has 215 cities with a population of 10,000 or more.
The Dallas-Fort Worth area has more residents - 5,221,801 - than 31 U.S. states. For example, Arizona has about 5.1 million residents.
Texas includes 267,339 square miles, or 7.4% of the nation's total area.
El Paso, Texas is closer to Needles, California (516 miles) than it is to Dallas, Texas (571 miles)
Texas' largest county is Brewster with 6,208 square miles. Connecticut (5,544 Sq Mi), Delaware (2,489 Sq Mi) and Rhode Island (1,545 Sq Mi) can fit inside this county.
The King Ranch itself near Corpus Christi is larger than the state of Rhode Island and includes 50,000 head of cattle.
Texas possesses 23,292 farms with 1,000 acres or more for a total of 132 million acres, or 80% of the state land area.
Texas has 90 mountains a mile or more high, with Guadalupe Peak in West Texas at 8,751 feet being the tallest.
Almost 10% of Texas is covered by forest which includes four national and five state forests.
More land is farmed in Texas than in any other state.
Amarillo has the world's largest helium well.

Please add more. This is just a start.

Get up to 5% cash back on a new home purchase anywhere in Texas.

See http://rebateontexashomes.com/ for more details.

Are you a Wisconsin Badger fan living in the Austin Area? Come out and meet us.

Jeff Kessler ABR,GRI, Texas 512.801.5666 (Austin Homes Realtors) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 08:41:00 -0600

Here is are some things we Badger fans will be doing over the next few weeks. Come out and meet some new friends and have fun.

With the Holidays approaching quickly, I wanted to pass along word on a few noteworthy Badger games in the upcoming weeks:

First, the Men's Basketball team will take on the Texas Longhorns at the Kohl Center on Tuesday, December 23rd at 8:30pm (ESPN2). This is part two of an already tremendous home and away series. Many of you may remember the game last year as one that featured arguably the greatest collegiate basketball play of all time and a game that the Badgers won with last second heroics by Mr. Mike Flowers. Feel free to take a quick trip back in time to Dec. 29, 2007, and check out this clip from last year's game in Austin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_DgF3GWPI4

We'll watch this year's game versus Texas at Third Base (6th and Mopac). Texas is looking strong this year, so this is not going to be an easy game.

As for football, the Badgers will cap the season with a bowl game against Florida State in the Champs Bowl-- yet another bowl game in Florida. We'll be returning to Legends Bar at the Holiday Inn in North Austin to watch the game with the FSU Alumni Club. This game kicks off at 3:30pm on Saturday, December 27th. Feel free to bring friends.

Growth Leader Update 12/16/2008

Jeff Kessler ABR,GRI, Texas 512.801.5666 (Austin Homes Realtors) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 09:12:11 -0600

Hi all,

Another great day to be selling Real Estate in Austin Texas. The weather is a bit cold today. A high in the low 30's, but looks to be back in the 70's by weeks end.

I am continuing to get a few new client every other day or so. Most see to be just looking, but what do you expect during the holidays. I am just glad they are coming to my site and registering with me.

That is one of the many things I like about the Growthleader site. Growthleader tracks my clients and reports to me all the different homes they are interested in. This in turn helps me to get a better idea of what my clients needs are. The site also recommends me to send these homes through e-mail. It is a great way to follow up with the client.

I also like the feature that tells me when my client has logged in and what they are searching for. I can use this feature to see if they now want a Condo instead of a Home or maybe now they are interested in a Duplex. Really helps me to keep on top of my clients.

I still think with the Holidays coming up people will not be as active in their search for a home, but starting in January, things should really pick up.

I am looking forward to next week and to getting some more clients.

Hope you all have a great week.

Growth Leader Update 12/8/2008

Jeff Kessler ABR,GRI, Texas 512.801.5666 (Austin Homes Realtors) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 11:03:19 -0600

Well I have been using Growth Leader for about a month now and I have a some prospects going.

Looks like the advertising is starting to work. I am getting a new client every other day or so. Some of them are just looking, but the great thing about it is they are now coming to my site to look for homes.

I am hoping to start converting some of these prospects into Buyers and Seller soon. I think with the Holidays coming up people will be slowing down, but starting in January, things should really pick up.

I am looking forward to next week and to getting some more clients.

Hope you all have a great week.

Wastewater Averaging Begins in Austin So Watch Your Water!

Jeff Kessler ABR,GRI, Texas 512.801.5666 (Austin Homes Realtors) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 10:30:51 -0600

Save on Water now to Save On Your Wastewater Bill for a year!
If you Conserve your water during the wastewater averaging period you will be able to get the benefits for 12 months. The city of Austin does this by measuring your monthly water usage for 3 months over the winter time. This is done at this time, because most people don't use their outside water and they can get a good idea of how much water you really use.

So now the question is How does wastewater averaging work?
Beginning in November and ending in March your water usage will be monitored. Then the month with your highest daily usage of the three will be eliminated. They then take the water usage during the two other months add the total together then divided by the total number of days in those two months. Then they average is multiplied by 30.4 and BAM you get your average.
Then starting with Aprils billing date you will get to see the rewards.

To learn more please visit Austin Utilities website or call them.
Austin Water Utility's website or call 494-9400.

So you like to save money.
If you are in the market to buy a new home in Texas and would like to get up to 5% cash back off the price of the home then visit www.rebateontexashomes.com to find out more information.

Downtown Austin Condominiums

Jeff Kessler ABR,GRI, Texas 512.801.5666 (Austin Homes Realtors) — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 20:19:30 -0600

Downtown Austin Emerging Projects

Downtown Austin,Texas is really changing its look and is becoming a interesting place to live.

If you are looking to move downtown Austin please consider hiring me as your agent.

I give you full service at a reduced price.

Remember if you are buying a Home or Condo anywhere in Central Texas you can receive up to 50% of of my commission back to you at closing.

http://www.CentralTexasHomeRebates.com

A few more tips on lower your energy bills.

Jeff Kessler ABR,GRI, Texas 512.801.5666 (Austin Homes Realtors) — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 20:11:29 -0600

Install thermostats that allow you to heat or cool specific areas of your home. This can help you to save money if you need to heat an up stairs during nighttime hours. Think about getting a dual thermostat systems that allow you to set different temperatures for different parts of your home.

Insulate your water heater and turn the thermostat down to 120 degrees. When buying a new water heater, pay attention to the energy consumption information included.

Insulate all pipes that are exposed to the cold. This will help keep them from freezing even when you turn the thermostat down at night.

Install energy-efficient door systems that close automatically. Make sure every one in in your family keeps all doors and windows closed when heating or the air conditioning is on.

Adjust the thermostat to minimize cooling and heating costs during the changing seasons and turn off all lights that aren't in use. You may want to assign one of your children to set temperatures and shut off lights before bed time. This is a great way to get your children involved in staying green.

These are just a few things. Please add more,

Get up to 5% cash back on a new home in Texas

http://www.rebateontexashomes.com

Buyers are not required to report sold data to Appraisal District

Jeff Kessler ABR,GRI, Texas 512.801.5666 (Austin Homes Realtors) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 09:59:00 -0600

So you just bought a home and got everything in place and you get a letter from your Appraisal District. They are requesting your sold information. You are in Texas, so what is required.

As a Buyer of the home you do not have to respond to this request, because Texas is a non-disclosure state. The more you tell your taxing district the more they can change your taxes. So as home buyers it is better to keep this information to yourself.

As listing agents we are required by Article 2, section 2.5 of the ACTRIS Rules and Regulations to report sold data to ACTRIS within 24 Hours.

This is just a another great reason to live in Texas. So please tell everyone you know about this,

Have a great week,