Positive headway is being made to extend the first time home buyers tax credit. Today, the Senate tentatively agreed to extend the credit. This is great news for those buyers who could not close on a home by the original deadline date of November 30th - just a month away. Under the agreement to extend the credit, home buyers must be under contract by April 30, 2010 with a close date deadline on or before June 30th, 2010. This proposal still faces votes in the full Senate and House, and House leaders have already said they support the extension.
Washington Lawmakers also added a $6,500 tax credit for existing homeowners who have lived in their current residence for a consecutive five-year period in the past eight years. Plus, raise the qualifying income limits to $125,000 for single taxpayers and $225,000 for joint taxpayers.
This year's first-time home buyers credit has accomplished its intended purpose. Approximately 1.4 million first-time home buyers have qualified for the credit through August. The National Association of Realtors estimates that 350,000 of them would not have purchased their homes without the credit. The $8000 tax credit extension is a critical part of continued economic recovery as we begin to see a positive movement in the housing market.
If you are a looking to make a home purchase, this could be your best ever opportunity. The tax credit, low interest rates and prices of new and resale homes won't always be to your advantage.
Call or email me today and let's get you started down the path of a home purchase.
Karen Staha CRS, GRI,ABR, REALTOR (512) 217-2435 kmstaha@aol.comwww.karenstaha.comSelling Texas since 1995! Gaston & Sheehan Realty - serving Austin, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Hutto, Cedar Park, Leander and beyond!
I've written contracts in some out-of-the norm places but this past Friday was a definite first when I wrote up a contract with my buyers sitting at a kitchen table in the middle of a street cove - literally. So how did the kitchen table set get there? My clients were moving it from one vehicle to another and we spontaneously decided it was as good a place as any to sign the contract.
I just love real estate - every day brings something new.
Gaston & Sheehan Realty held our 3rd annual "We Care and Share" Food Drive this past Saturday and I'm pleased to say that it was a great success. We collected over one ton of food goods after delivering over 2500 food collection bags in several area neighborhoods a few days prior.
All food donations benefited The Storehouse Food Panty, an local community outreach center.
A sincere thanks to our co-sponsors who helped make this drive possible with their generous donations to help offset the grocery bag printing costs. And a very special thank you to all those who donated food.
My son, Ryan, helped me deliver bags from door to door and pick up the donated foods on Saturday.
Here's me with a bulging bag of food.
One of our Realtors, Sandy with a truck load of food.
Dropping off the food at The Storehouse outreach center
Tracie and Shawn
Information provided by: Karen Staha, CRS,GRI,ABR, REALTOR - Selling Texas Since 1995- Gaston & Sheehan Realty - Call me direct: 512-217-2435 email: kmstaha@aol.com website: www.karenstaha.com
Today I met with my buyer so he could do a final walk-through on the home he is purchasing. The homeowner's are moved out and the closing is scheduled for tomorrow.
Everything seemed in order until we got the master bathroom and discovered four large brown stains that mirror the outline of whatever was placed on the white vinyl tile. I've seen this type of vinyl floor discoloration in the past and knew the stains were the result of a chemical reaction from rubber backed floor mats. The discoloration is permanent and no amount of scrubbing will remove them. Moving on to the hall bath, we discovered the same type of floor discoloration.
You'd think the owner occupant would be aware of these stains yet it was not disclosed in the sellers disclosure. When my buyer and I viewed the home originally and when his inspection was done, there were floor mats in place but who would have thought to look under them.
Needless to say, this unexpected find presented an issue for my buyer and in the last hours before closing I'm on the phone with the seller's agent negotiating a floor replacement allowance. Her first comment was, "this is not something that has to be disclosed." Hmmmm....And it's okay to hide the stains from buyer view too? In the end an allowance was agreed to and my buyer will be replacing the floors after purchase.
The are two important points here. Always, always do a final walk-through on the home you will purchase to insure there are no damages or defects not previously disclosed or items removed that are to convey with the home. I once had a situation where a seller replaced an expensive light fixture for a cheaper one and again, this was discovered during a final walk-through with my buyer. It amazes me that there agents who don't impress the importance of a final walk-through to their buyers.
The second point is to ‘DISCLOSE.' Here in Texas, seller's have a legal responsibility to disclose defects and damages on the 'Seller's Disclosure Forms' along with other pertinent information about the property. Failure to disclose could potentially cause the seller to be held liable.
Today I was missing in action from my normal real estate activities, but it was still a day all about real estate. I attended Austin Board of Realtor's 'Realty Round-Up,' the largest real estate related trade show in Central Texas. This day-long event is a once a year opportunity to browse the latest industry products and services, attend a variety of well-informed seminars, and network all under one roof.
I had a great time. It was an active scene throughout the day with over 2,000 attendees toting bags full of industry related goodies collected from booth to booth and dropping business cards in plastic pumpkins for a chance to win lunches, gifts cards and more. Honestly, I think we looked much like a bunch of kids trick-or-treating on Halloween.
This years event featured a ‘Super Hero' theme and the ABOR affiliate members, sponsors and exhibitors didn't hold back embracing the concept. Superman to Catwoman and colorful decorations were plentiful throughout the exhibit hall.
The after event celebration in the grand ballroom was fun way to top off the day, sip on a favorite drink, enjoy the band and visit with colleagues.
I've attended the Realty Round-up for 17 years and looking forward to being there again next year. But until then -- back to my normal real estate business activities.
Do we look like we could be sisters? That we are! Darlene is a Realtor in Austin also.
Who is that masked man?
This gal won a change to catch $1, $5, $10 & $20's as they blew around the booth she's standing in.
Doing the locomotion train dance...."Come on baby, do the locomotion"
Excitement is growing as we count down to March 30, 2009, the scheduled date for The Capital MetroRail service to begin transporting commuters in comfort and style along the Red Line. This long awaited project, approved by voters in 2004, is a 32-mile passenger rail system built on pre-existing freight rail lines that will run between Downtown Austin and the city of Leander.
The Red Line will serve nine stationsproviding convenient service every 30 minutes during morning and afternoon rush hours. The 9 stop station locations are Leander, Lakeline, Highland, Plaza Saltillo, Howard, Burnet/Kramer, Crestview, MLK Jr., and Downtown/Convention Center Station. The two main termini are Leander Station and Park & Ride (north) and Downtown Station (south)
Stations in more suburban settings will feature special shuttle buses to whisk you to your final destination; more urban locations will be accessible by foot, bike and bus. Each station will feature an accessible platform with varying canopy designs, ticket vending machines, bike racks, and informational displays.
The MetroRail vehicles have a capacity of 200 passengers, 108 seated and 92 standing. Daily ridership is projected at 2,000 boardings per day which means about 1,000 people a day round-trip.
Priority seating areas are available for wheelchairs. A "VIP section" with room for laptop use with WiFi access is also included. Bike racks, luggage racks, high back racks, and low floor entry for easy access.
Fares as shown on the Capital Metro website:
MetroAccess 10-ride Ticket Book $7.00
MetroRail Adult (1 Zone $1.00, 2 Zones $1.50)
MetroAccess-certified individuals, seniors (65 and older), disability fare card holders, children under six: FREE
The MetroRail project costs stands at approximately $105 million. Included in the price is $32.3 million for six self-propelled diesel-electric rail cars. The entire project is funded from an existing one cent sales tax that Capital Metro reaps from the region it serves, government grants and rider fares.
The MetroRail Trains are Built by Stadler in Germany with design and engineering provided by Interfleet Technology, the GTW--2 is loosely based upon NJ Transit's RiverLINE Stadler/Bombardier GTW--but our trains are a lot bigger and features a totally new carbody.
Owner/Operator is The Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Each train runs on two 400HP diesel electric engines.
Overall length 134 feet, 1.8 inches
Overall width 9 feet, 8 inches
Projected operating speed: 60 - 75 miles per hour
With the growth in Austin and surrounding cities, it's clear future rail expansion will be necessary. Two potential future lines have been identified as being good fits for MetroRails: The Mocan Corridor could extend from Austin out to Round Rock. The Austin-Manor Station could extend from Austin as far as Elgin and Manor.
If you are relocating to our area or already hereand would like more information about neighborhoods or assistance in buying or selling a home, I welcome your call or email. I know and specialize in Austin, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Leander or Hutto.
Ever wonder what your vehicle maintenance and/or gas costs total up to be on a monthly or yearly basis or what the commute costs will be owning that new home?
This commute cost calculator will give you an estimate of your vehicle maintenance costs and/or gas costs on a monthly and annual basis.
As an example, I did a gas cost estimate on a vehicle that gets 17 mpg. at $2.79 per gallon of gas. (I excluded vehicle maintenance costs in the formula by changing the number to 0)
20 mile commute to and from work = $65.41monthly and $784.92 annually 40 mile commute to and from work = $130.82 and $1569.84 annually
Today was the Pflugerville Pfamily Pfestival & Expo and it could not have been a more perfect fall weather day for the event. The turn out was great and people really enjoyed all the happenings.
There was something for everyone including over 100 business and community organization exhibits and demonstrations featuring Classic car show, Travis County Star Flight and Texas National Guard helicopter displays, public safety displays, performances by local school, youth and church groups plus a lot more. Oh, and plenty of food from some of Pflugerville's fine restaurants.
The Greater Pflugerville Chamber of Commerce hosts the Expo each year to showcase local businesses and community organization exhibits. This year marked the 10 year event celebration. The theme for this years festival was ‘Celebrating Our Community Cultures' and celebrate we did.
I enjoyed visiting all the venue booths, making new friends and seeing so many familiar faces. Thanks for all who stopped by our Gaston & Sheehan Realty booth.
Here's me sporting my t-shirt of the unofficial Pflugerville slogan ‘between a rock and a weird place.' And the meaning behind this in case you don‘t know? Pflugerville is located between Round Rock and Austin - whose slogan is ‘Keep Austin Weird.'
My camera battery gave out early so I was only able to take a few pictures.
One of the three large exhibit tents
Kids loved sitting in the fire truck
Pflugerville's DARE Vehicle (Drug Abse Resistance Education) DARE is a police officer-led series of lessons given in our school classrooms that teaches students good decision making skills to help them avoid high-risk drug behavior. It's a great program, and I think every school should offer this.
Travis County Star Flight (Shock Trauma Air Rescue) as they were leaving the expo grounds. Star Flight is a unique public safety air rescue program that performs everything from the transport of critically ill patients to fire fighting, and rescue to law enforcement
I love the fall season. Here in Texas, with a hint of cooler air and a nice seasonal selection of vegetables, flowers and other assorted outdoor plantings, it's like spring all over again for gardeners. One of my favorite places to shop for all my landscape needs is Green N Growing located in downtown Pflugerville. On a recent visit here, I took a few pictures to share your way.
Enjoy the tour of flowers, plants and trees at this captivating garden palace - Green N Growing.
Green N Growing is a family owned Garden Centerand Nursery open year around. Tim & Rhonda Pfluger own and operate Green N Growing since 1975. Their daughter, Michelle, is also part of the day to day garden business here. The Pflugers know everything there is to know about gardening.
The indoor gift and garden center was once the parlor room of the home where Tim's great grandfather raised his family many years ago and raised cattle on the land. There's always an exciting assortment of garden items and gifts here.
Green N Growing has earned a lot of faithful customers over the years, many who drive from Georgetown, Taylor, Round Rock and Austin for the quality and selection.
All the beautiful huge oak trees you see were planted by Tim & Rhonda. Green N Growing sits on 2 acres of land. There's a variety of everything garden: Trees, shrubs, vegetables, flowers, herbs, potted plants, garden art, organic fertilizers.
Ceramic pots, garden benches, bird houses and other 'for sale' outdoors art are nestled amongst the gardens.
Behind this rustic gate are the water gardens where you'll find a wonderful selection of pond plants and goldfish.
The greenhouse is filled with an assortment of indoor and shade plants.
This path takes you down to the shrubs and beyond this is Tim & Rhonda's personal vegetable and herb garden. They actually have two vegetable gardens, the other is at their home.
Tim, Rhonda and Michelle Pfluger welcome your visit to Green N Growing.
Green N Growing is located at 601 Pecan St, Pflugerville, TX 78660. For hours call (512) 251-3262
Round Rock's first leash free dog park - opened in March 2008. Like many cities, Round Rock has a leash law which states that dogs are to be contained in a fenced yard or on a leash at all times when outdoors - so the Dog Depot is a welcome addition for non-aggressive dogs to play and interact thanks to the City of Round Rock.
Located within Round Rock's Lake Creek Park at 800 Deerfoot Drive, The Dog Depot is a 1.85 acre haven designed for off-leash play between canines of all sizes. The park is broken into three sections consisting of a large dog area, small dog area (under 40 lbs.) and an open area that serves as a rotation to allow for grass regrowth.
The fenced park features agility elements such as a tire jump, A-frame contact ramp, tunnel and some jumps. There's ample open space as well to run, roll over, work out, play and socialize with canine friends.
The park has double gates to keep dogs from escaping, water for pets and benches for owners to meet and greet other dog parents.
Future Amenities: Running water, dog water play area, benches, parking, volleyball courts in park, and trail connecting to AW Grimes and Clay Madsen Recreation Center.
For more information, contact Round Rock Parks and Recreation, (512) 218-5540 or view the website at City of Round Rock, Parks & Recreation - Dog Depot Park
Information provided courtesy of Karen Staha, CRS,GRI,ABR, REALTOR - Selling Texas Since 1995 - Gaston & Sheehan Realty Cell 512-217-2435 Email: kmstaha@aol.com Web: www.karenstaha.com
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
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