Kathy's Blog

512.470.4877

For sale by agent/broker

Posted: Oct 20, 2009, 8:49am PDT

NEW Listing! Spacious 3 Bedroomo Tucked Away in Fabulous Austin Neighborhood

Kathy De La Cruz, Realtor®, ABR, CRS, SRES (RE/MAX Austin Associates) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 17:50:02 -0500

Kathy De La Cruz, Realtor®, ABR, CRS, CDPE, SRES, IRES, TAHS, EcoBroker | RE/MAX Austin Associates | 512.470.4877

9812 Willers Way, Austin, TX

Spacious 3 bedroom home tucked away in a fabulous Southwest Austin
neighborhood!

3BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $179,900

Year Built	1984
Sq Footage	1,564
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	6,141 sqft
HOA/Maint	$13 per month

DESCRIPTION

Fantastic 3 bedroom 2 bathroom home nestled away in the established Southwest Austin Tanglewood Forest community. Lots of mature trees, neighborhood ammenities include pool and playground. Custom fresh paint both interior and exterior, gorgeous landscaping. This open floor plan combined with tons of natural daylighting give this home a cozy feel, ideal for entertaining!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Fireplace
- Walk-in closet	- Tile floor	- Living room
- Office/Den	- Dining room	- Breakfast nook
- Dishwasher	- Stove/Oven	- Microwave
- Laundry area - inside	- Balcony, Deck, or Patio	- Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Swimming pool(s)

- Playground

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front View of Home	Living Room
Kitchen	Sitting Room
Master Bedroom	Bedroom 2

Contact info:

Kathy De La Cruz, Realtor®, ABR, CRS, CDPE, SRES, IRES, TAHS, EcoBroker

RE/MAX Austin Associates

512.470.4877

For sale by agent/broker

Posted: Oct 6, 2009, 2:42pm PDT

GORGEOUS 4 Bedroom Home in Southwest Austin with Upgraded Paint, Carpet, and Laminate Wood Flooring

Kathy De La Cruz, Realtor®, ABR, CRS, SRES (RE/MAX Austin Associates) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:56:41 -0500

Kathy De La Cruz, Realtor®, ABR, CRS, CDPE, SRES, IRES, TAHS, EcoBroker | RE/MAX Austin Associates | 512.470.4877

9113 Frock Ct., Austin, TX

Gorgeous home with tons of space!

4BR/2.5BA Single Family House

offered at $196,900

Year Built	2001
Sq Footage	2,208
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 1 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	7,588 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Gorgeous 2 Story Home, 4 bedroom, 2.5 baths located on a great cul-de-sac lot. This quiet Southwest Austin neighborhood creates a community of its own. Fresh custom paint with laminate wood flooring and up graded carpet throughout, spacious bedrooms, 2 family areas, great for entertaining. Minutes from Southpark Meadows Shopping center. Home priced to sell! Call one hour prior to showing.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Walk-in closet
- Tile floor	- Family room	- Living room
- Bonus/Rec room	- Office/Den	- Dining room
- Breakfast nook	- Dishwasher	- Stove/Oven
- Microwave

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front View of Home	Living Room
Dining Room	Kitchen
Breakfast Area	Backyard

Contact info:

Kathy De La Cruz, Realtor®, ABR, CRS, CDPE, SRES, IRES, TAHS, EcoBroker

RE/MAX Austin Associates

512.470.4877

For sale by agent/broker

Posted: Oct 5, 2009, 1:38pm PDT

Press Release: RE/MAX Austin Associate Kathy De La Cruz Acquires Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) Designation

Kathy De La Cruz, Realtor®, ABR, CRS, SRES (RE/MAX Austin Associates) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 02:07:14 -0500

Austin, TX- Kathy De La Cruz, Realtor® with RE/MAX Austin Associates, has acquired the prestigious Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation. A CDPE is a real estate professional with specific understanding of the complex issues confronting the real estate industry, and of the options available to homeowners to avoid foreclosure. "Realtors who received the CDPE designation have had comprehensive training and experience that enables them to provide solutions for homeowners who are facing hardships in today's market. When other options have been exhausted, I often can help my clients avoid foreclosure through the efficient execution of a short sale" said De La Cruz.

For many homeowners in the current market, the prospect of foreclosure can be financially and emotionally devastating. Many proceed without guidance of any kind, but the best course of action for a homeowner in distress is to speak with a well-informed, licensed real estate professional that can help them find the best solution for their situation. Working with a CDPE ensures you are dealing with a professional trained to address your specific needs. "As a CDPE, I don't merely assist my clients in selling their home, I serve and help save those in need," said De La Cruz.

Kathy De La Cruz

RE/MAX Austin Associates

(512) 470-4877

kathydelacruz@remax.net

ATXmovenow.com

Press Release: Local Real Estate Professional Certified to Address and Encourage the Benefits of Energy Efficient and Green Features in Homes

Kathy De La Cruz, Realtor®, ABR, CRS, SRES (RE/MAX Austin Associates) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 02:03:38 -0500

Austin, TX - Kathy De La Cruz, Realtor® with RE/MAX Austin Associates, has acquired the EcoBroker^® Designation, having successfully completed an informative training program on the energy and environmental issues that affect real estate transactions. De La Cruz joins the movement of professionals pushing the real estate market toward energy-efficient, sustainable, and healthier features in homes and buildings. EcoBrokers^® like De La Cruz are building premier market presence by serving as consumer and community resources on energy and environmental issues. With national surveys indicate 9 out of 10 consumers consider energy efficiency and the environmentally sound aspects of a home to be almost as important as interior finishes, Certified EcoBrokers^® are simply in a better position to serve the savvy green-minded real estate consumer.

"My EcoBroker Certified^® training helps me ensure that my customers, who are my number one priority, get the knowledge they need. From energy-efficient appliances to solar options to overall energy savings, I now have more resources at my disposal to help my buyers and sellers make informed real estate decisions. The EcoBroker Certified^® designation puts me in a position to recognize issues and convey information on the products and services available to my buyers and sellers," explained De la Cruz.

Kathy De La Cruz recently earned her EcoBroker Certified^® designation and is wasting no time putting the tools and additional expertise to work. De La Cruz has already found that being an EcoBroker^® creates added value that sets her apart from other agents.

Kathy De La Cruz

RE/MAX Austin Associates

(512) 470-4877

kathydelacruz@remax.net

ATXmovenow.com

Fed survey sees positive signs in most regions

Kathy De La Cruz, Realtor®, ABR, CRS, SRES (RE/MAX Austin Associates) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 01:54:26 -0500

Despite gains, broad growth is still lacking, central bank finds.

By Scott Lanman
BLOOMBERG NEWS
Thursday, September 10, 2009

NEW YORK - The Federal Reserve on Wednesday said 11 of its 12 regional banks reported signs of stable or improving economic conditions in July and August, adding anecdotal evidence that the worst U.S. recession in seven decades is over and that the economy has begun to grow again.

Five districts saw signs of improvement, the Fed said in its Beige Book business survey. The snapshot of economic conditions, published two weeks before Fed officials meet to set monetary policy, includes data through Aug. 31.

Activity was described as "stable or showing signs of stabilization" in a half-dozen other areas, including the Dallas region, which reported that its economic activity had "firmed." The exception was the St. Louis district, which said the contraction's pace "appeared to be moderating."

The central bank survey indicates that though the worst of the downturn might be past, the economy has yet to show broader growth.

Analysts estimate the economy to be growing in the current July-September quarter at an annual rate of between 3 and 4 percent. Most of that growth is thought to be coming from businesses that had slashed their spending during the recession.

Businesses in most Fed regions said they were "cautiously positive" about the economic outlook. That assessment was brighter than reported by the Fed in July, when most regions said the intensity of the recession was diminishing.

On the jobs front, employment conditions remained weak in all Fed regions.

A separate report Wednesday buttressed the Fed survey, as the U.S. Department of Labor found that job openings nationwide fell to the lowest level in nine years in July. Businesses and government advertised 2.4 million open positions on the last day in July, down from 2.5 million in June.

However, the Fed's survey found that staffing firms in Dallas and seven other regions reported a slight pickup in demand for temporary workers. That's an encouraging sign because employers will usually increase their use of temp workers before they hire new employees.

With the labor market weak, employers are expected to keep wages low, a force that should keep inflation in check, as the Fed report said, but also works against a recovery, given the dominant role of consumer spending in the U.S. economy.

One significant exception to the Beige Book's reports of stabilization was the commercial real estate market, in which demand for space remained weak, and construction, already at low levels, kept declining in all districts.

In contrast, the residential housing market remained weak but showed signs of improvement, including increased sales in some areas, the Fed reported.

SEARCH AUSTIN TEXAS HOMES

Upgrades that pay off: Experienced renovators share ways to realize homes' potential

Kathy De La Cruz, Realtor®, ABR, CRS, SRES (RE/MAX Austin Associates) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 01:51:11 -0500

By Shermakaye Bass
SPECIAL TO THE AMERICAN-STATESMAN
Sunday, September 13, 2009

Rule of thumb for home renovators: If you're going to redo a house in a high-dollar neighborhood, as Bill and Jill Skinner did with their four-acre Paleface Ranch spread last year, make sure you do it tastefully, thoroughly and efficiently.

And make sure you spend wisely, says Bill Skinner, whose Tara Custom Homes has built or renovated more than 20 homes in the area, including the spread on the Pedernales River near Spicewood where the couple currently live and keep two horses.

Don't overdo, but don't go cheap on core elements, either, such as flooring, counters, wall treatments, appliances and outdoor living spaces, Skinner says. And whatever you do, don't wind up having the most expensive house on the block. Keep your renovation budget at 20 percent to 30 percent of the home's cost. The Skinners bought their three-bedroom, three-bathroom split-level home for about $700,000 and spent about $250,000 for renovations.

"Always leave an equity cushion for fluctuations in the market," he says.

Last summer the Skinners bought their wooded riverfront property, added a horse shed and corral, a 1,500-square-foot garage/storage building, a negative-edge pool and spa, high-end stone patios and balconies, as well as graded, paved river access. Then they tackled the 3,720-square-foot home, built in 2001.

The property already had a covered boat dock extending into the Pedernales and, happily, an inconspicuous rainwater collection system. The home featured a grand entry, a vaulted ceiling in the living area and floor-to-ceiling windows facing the river. Its Southwestern-Mexican decor included Saltillo tile flooring, rough-hewn two-level support posts and yellow-and-blue floral tile accents throughout. The look was plain and rustic, yet oddly busy. Nothing "popped" - nothing but the land and water, Bill Skinner says.

His course of action: To start with improvement of the property's infrastructure and finish that first; leave the bones alone if possible ; create oases both indoors and outdoors (always include a pool and/or spa on a high-end property, he advises); and have the whole thing done in about three months. He carefully orchestrated workers that naturally do well together: plumbers with air-conditioning contractors and electricians, tile installers with electrical trim-out folks .

"Our motivation with this property was we saw a diamond in the rough and we wanted to bring it to its full potential, whether we stayed in it or sold it later. It was an opportunity I couldn't pass up; it had so many assets in a positive column," Skinner says, explaining his process.

"You just get out a piece of paper and you start listing the stuff - the positives and the negatives." Start with the lot, then the house. Then look at the neighborhood, the road noise, the raw potential that "can be converted with the best use of funds," Skinner says.

One caution, he says: Avoid anything with low ceilings. "That's the thing I look for immediately in a house. If it has low ceilings, it better have some strong compensating factors because low ceilings emotionally bring people into anxiety, I think. And you shouldn't be moving a lot of walls, or doing a lot of plumbing or electric. That's when it starts getting expensive."

Having done home transformations since 1998, the Skinners have developed a formula for investing, renovating, building and reselling. As they sell their 2413 Improver Road redo, priced at $1,097,400 and listed by Coldwell Banker United's Lynn Robin-Pitts, they're hoping the formula again will yield a win-win result for them and the eventual buyer. (Robin-Pitts will hold an open house from 2 to 4 p.m. today.)

Remember your buyer

Skinner says there are practical and specific ways to ensure that you get the best bang for your buck when renovating. You should always assume that no matter how much you love it now, you might one day decide to sell.

"To do it right, you need to complete the job in your time frame and make sure the majority of all the major finish-out is done before you sell it," Skinner says. "A lot of people that have a limited budget tend to say, 'OK, let's fix this up. We'll do the floors and paint and appliances now, and we'll put in the pool later.' But the pool is the thing makes the whole property pop."

Consider the land, he says. "The potential for the land and the house to work together will make these projects or break these projects."

Adding privacy with fences or gates is also important, Skinner says, especially in homes that are listed at more than $700,000. At that price, "you better not have neighbors looking over into your back patio," he says.

When Skinner decides to buy a property, perhaps the most important element to him is its setting, the land itself - preferably abutting or overlooking some type of water. The house and its relationship to other manmade amenities, such as pools, piers, docks and other outdoor living spaces, is also a priority.

"You always want a water feature - something on a lake or a river or creek. Those are value-added situations," he says.

He likes to pack in outdoor patios, balconies and courtyards, "anything where you can get to another space, where you can experience life from a different room or a different perspective. It adds to the owner's enjoyment," Skinner says.

Paleface Ranch face-lift

At this house, during a three-month period last summer, the Skinners refurbished the kitchen and added top-of-the-line appliances, converted a foyer coat closet into a 180-bottle wine cellar, installed travertine and hardwood flooring downstairs and added granite counters and designer wall finishes throughout. The couple redid two of the three bathrooms, leaving one in its original cheery tiled state. They also drilled a fresh-water well to supply all of the water for the home. The well still has water even in this drought.

In general, Skinner says, "when you allocate your funds to your house, make sure the house gets a total makeover. Redo the staircase to match with the rest of the house. You don't want to redo your whole house and leave the old staircase in there."

Skinner warns against going overboard or making too many exotic choices, but the reality is the renovator/investor has to make the property unique without making it too personal.

"Every house is going to have a kitchen, every house is going to have a master bath. What many don't have is those other areas - the wine room, the pergolas, the outdoor places you can see from within the house," Skinner says. "If you bought a house and all the backyard was solid woods, you would want to take advantage of that wooded area, make a living space around it.

SEARCH AUSTIN TEXAS HOMES

Cute 3 Bedroom Home in GREAT Southwest Austin Neighborhood - REDUCED

Kathy De La Cruz, Realtor®, ABR, CRS, SRES (RE/MAX Austin Associates) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 01:43:34 -0500

Kathy De La Cruz, Realtor®, ABR, CRS, CDPE, SRES, IRES, Affordable Housing Specialist, EcoBroker | RE/MAX Austin Associates | 512.470.4877

2605 Piping Rock Trail, Austin, TX

Cute 3 Bedroom home in a great area!

3BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $174,900

Year Built	1984
Sq Footage	1,503
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	5,781 sqft
HOA/Maint	$14 per month

DESCRIPTION

GREAT HOME IN A WONDERFUL COMMUNITY. THIS 3 BEDROOM 2 BATH HOME HAS RECENTLY BEEN UPDATED WITH FRESH PAINT INSIDE & OUTSIDE, ALL UPGRADED APPLIANCES, AIR AND HEATING UNIT, TILE FLOORING AND BEAUTIFULLY LANDSCAPED. QUIET AND FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD!! A MUST SEE...

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Fireplace
- High/Vaulted ceiling	- Walk-in closet	- Tile floor
- Living room	- Dining room	- Breakfast nook
- Dishwasher	- Refrigerator	- Stove/Oven
- Microwave	- Washer	- Dryer
- Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front View	Living Room
Kitchen	Dining Room
Bathroom	Backyard

Contact info:

Kathy De La Cruz, Realtor®, ABR, CRS, CDPE, SRES, IRES, Affordable Housing Specialist, EcoBroker

RE/MAX Austin Associates

512.470.4877

For sale by agent/broker

Posted: Aug 20, 2009, 7:51pm PDT

Reduced 3 Bedroom Home in Great Kyle Texas Neighborhood

Kathy De La Cruz, Realtor®, ABR, CRS, SRES (RE/MAX Austin Associates) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 01:37:48 -0500

Kathy De La Cruz | RE/MAX Austin Associates | kathydelacruz@remax.net | 512.470.4877

157 Ashwood S, Austin, TX

Gorgeous 3 bedroom 2 bathroom home with 2 large living areas, tile, and carpet flooring. Garage has been converted to a large family room. Ma

3BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $139,900

Year Built	2004
Sq Footage	1,793
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$28 per month

DESCRIPTION

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Fireplace
- Walk-in closet	- Tile floor	- Family room
- Living room	- Breakfast nook	- Dishwasher
- Refrigerator	- Stove/Oven	- Microwave
- Laundry area - inside	- Balcony, Deck, or Patio	- Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Swimming pool(s)

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front View	Living Room and Kitchen
Living Room	Kitchen
Breakfast Area	Laundry Room

Contact info:

Kathy De La Cruz

RE/MAX Austin Associates

512.470.4877

For sale by agent/broker

Posted: Aug 3, 2009, 11:11am PDT

Pending! 3 Bedroom Home on 5 Acres!

Kathy De La Cruz, Realtor®, ABR, CRS, SRES (RE/MAX Austin Associates) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 01:35:16 -0500

Kathy De La Cruz, Realtor®, ABR, CRS, CDPE, SRES, IRES, TAHS, EcoBroker | RE/MAX Austin Associates | kathydelacruz@remax.net | 512.470.4877

12314 Caldvis Rd., Austin, TX

Cozy Home on 2.5 Acres!

3BR/2BA Manufactured

offered at $79,900

Year Built	1996
Sq Footage	1,664
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	Unspecified
Parking	1 Car garage
Lot Size	2.5 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

2.5 acres with immaculate 3 bedroom manufactured home. Large master bedroom complete with relaxing garden tub, seperate shower, and double vanitiy. This cozy home is perfect for entertaining family and friends with its seperate dining room and kitchen island. The spacious kitchen lets in just enough natural light and has tons of cabinet space! Quiet, country living at its best!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Fireplace
- Living room	- Dining room	- Dishwasher
- Stove/Oven	- Laundry area - inside	- Balcony, Deck, or Patio
- Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front View of Home	Living Room
Kitchen	Dining Room
Master Bathroom	Garage

Contact info:

Kathy De La Cruz, Realtor®, ABR, CRS, CDPE, SRES, IRES, TAHS, EcoBroker

RE/MAX Austin Associates

512.470.4877

For sale by agent/broker

Posted: Aug 20, 2009, 7:55pm PDT

SHORT SALE! Spacious 3 Bedroom in Great Area Priced to Move!

Kathy De La Cruz, Realtor®, ABR, CRS, SRES (RE/MAX Austin Associates) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 01:31:07 -0500

Kathy De La Cruz, Realtor®, ABR, CRS, CDPE, SRES, IRES, TAHS, EcoBroker | RE/MAX Austin Associates | 512.470.4877

125 Quartz Drive, Jarrell, TX

4BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $119,900

Year Built	2007
Sq Footage	1,825
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	.142 acres
HOA/Maint	$15 per month

DESCRIPTION

SHORT SALE, offers require bank approval. Spacious 4 bedroom 2 bath open-concept home with a private master bedroom featuring a large walk-in closet and double vanity. Large backyard, great for entertaining!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Walk-in closet
- Family room	- Living room	- Dining room
- Dishwasher	- Refrigerator	- Stove/Oven
- Microwave	- Washer	- Dryer
- Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front View of Home	Living Room
Kitchen	Dining Room
Master Bedroom	Backyard

Contact info:

Kathy De La Cruz, Realtor®, ABR, CRS, CDPE, SRES, IRES, TAHS, EcoBroker

RE/MAX Austin Associates

512.470.4877

For sale by agent/broker

Posted: Sep 14, 2009, 6:24am PDT

Immaculate 4 Bedroom Home with Goegous Flooring and Paint

Kathy De La Cruz, Realtor®, ABR, CRS, SRES (RE/MAX Austin Associates) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 01:24:26 -0500

Kathy De La Cruz, Realtor®, ABR, CRS, CDPE, SRES, IRES, TAHS, EcoBroker | RE/MAX Austin Associates | 512.470.4877

347 Primavera Loop, Kyle, TX

Outstanding Home with Tons of Living Space!

4BR/3.5BA Single Family House

offered at $194,000

Year Built	2006
Sq Footage	2,126
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	3 full, 1 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$17 per month

DESCRIPTION

Gorgeous 4 bedroom 3 1/2 bathroom home with 2 large living areas with updated flooring. This home has an open floor plan and fabulous kitchen; great for family and entertaining. Master bathroom includes a double vanity, garden tub, walk-in closet, and seperate shower. This well maintained home features a nice-sized backyard and is located in a great neighborhood. Close to schools, the hospital, and outlet malls! Call first and go. Outstanding home! Want Last!!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- High/Vaulted ceiling
- Walk-in closet	- Hardwood floor	- Tile floor
- Family room	- Living room	- Bonus/Rec room
- Dining room	- Breakfast nook	- Dishwasher
- Refrigerator	- Stove/Oven	- Microwave
- Washer	- Dryer	- Laundry area - inside
- Balcony, Deck, or Patio	- Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front View of Home	Living Area
Dining Area	Breakfast Area
Master Bedroom	Bathroom

Contact info:

Kathy De La Cruz, Realtor®, ABR, CRS, CDPE, SRES, IRES, TAHS, EcoBroker

RE/MAX Austin Associates

512.470.4877

For sale by agent/broker

Posted: Sep 15, 2009, 10:14pm PDT

SHORT SALE - Priced to move! This spacious 4 Bedroom in the Austin area is a MUST see!

Kathy De La Cruz, Realtor®, ABR, CRS, SRES (RE/MAX Austin Associates) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 09:35:04 -0500

Kathy De La Cruz, Realtor®, ABR, CRS, CDPE, SRES, IRES, TAHS, EcoBroker | RE/MAX Austin Associates | 512.470.4877

125 Quartz Drive, Jarrell, TX

4BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $119,900

Year Built	2007
Sq Footage	1,825
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	.142 acres
HOA/Maint	$15 per month

DESCRIPTION

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Walk-in closet
- Family room	- Living room	- Dining room
- Dishwasher	- Refrigerator	- Stove/Oven
- Microwave	- Washer	- Dryer
- Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front View of Home	Living Room
Kitchen	Dining Room
Master Bedroom	Backyard

Contact info:

Kathy De La Cruz, Realtor®, ABR, CRS, CDPE, SRES, IRES, TAHS, EcoBroker

RE/MAX Austin Associates

512.470.4877

For sale by agent/broker

Posted: Sep 14, 2009, 6:24am PDT

$8,000 homebuyer credit: What you should know

Kathy De La Cruz, Realtor®, ABR, CRS, SRES (RE/MAX Austin Associates) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 19:08:10 -0500

A change to the tax-credit program for first-time homebuyers means that money is more readily available when it's needed. Find out if it can help you.

By U.S. News & World Report

As the historic housing plunge rumbles on, Uncle Sam is offering a fresh incentive to get first-time homebuyers off the sidelines. U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan unveiled a policy change in late May that would provide homebuyers with quicker access to a recently enacted first-time homebuyer tax credit. Buyers would be free to put the funds toward closing costs and a portion of their down payment. The federal government hopes that the measure will stimulate housing demand, something desperately needed to help mop up the glut of unsold inventory.

Here are five things you need to know about the policy change:

1. Less waiting: President Barack Obama's $787 billion economic stimulus plan - which was signed into law in mid-February - included a tax credit worth up to $8,000 for qualified first-time homebuyers. These buyers, however, couldn't get their hands on the cash until after tax season. The new HUD initiative would enable these borrowers to obtain short-term loans allowing them to tap the tax credit before going to closing. "Families will now be able to apply their anticipated tax credit toward their home purchase right away," Donovan said in a news release. "What we're doing today will not only help these families to purchase their first home but will present an enormous benefit for communities struggling to deal with an oversupply of housing."

2. Initial 3.5 percent: The measure, however, comes with several key limitations. First, it applies only to Federal Housing Administration mortgages. More importantly, the short-term loans can't be used to pay for the minimum 3.5 percent down payment that FHA loans require. Instead, the loan can be used for closing costs and to finance the portion of the down payment that exceeds the 3.5 percent threshold. The administration opted to have borrowers come up with the initial 3.5 percent themselves to ensure that buyers have "some skin in the game," which may reduce the likelihood of default, says Howard Glaser, a mortgage industry consultant and a former HUD official. In so doing, federal officials had to strike a delicate balance. "On the one hand, you want to make sure that homes are affordable to first-time homebuyers, but you don't want to set the bar so low that people who can't afford homes are buying homes," Glaser says.

3. Closing costs: Despite these limitations, the benefits of the program should not be overlooked, says Guy Cecala, publisher of the trade publication Inside Mortgage Finance. "The down payment is probably the biggest chunk of change you have got to pay (when purchasing a home), but it is not the only thing," Cecala says. "Even with a typical FHA loan, there are probably $3,000 to $4,000 in closing costs, title, insurance and (additional fees)." By chipping in toward such costs, the program "could just grease the wheels for a couple more people to get into FHA," says Keith Gumbinger of HSH.com. At the same time, borrowers who use the short-term loan to increase the size of their down payment could obtain a lower mortgage rate.

4. Impact? Cecala doesn't believe the new measure is a game changer for the battered real-estate market. "I think it will be helpful to a first-time homebuyer," he says. "Is it going to generate a lot more housing activity? No." Cecala argues that would-be buyers remain on the fence largely out of a concern that a home will lose value after the purchase. Such concerns will continue with or without the policy change.

Glaser, however, is more optimistic. "This is the missing piece," he says. "Home prices are coming down significantly in some markets, interest rates at historic lows, and now, by addressing cash on the table at closing, I think that borrowers who wouldn't have otherwise been in the market are going to feel more confident about investing in a home."

5. State efforts: The details of the HUD initiative come after several states have enacted similar programs. Missouri, for example, has had a program in place since January that enables homebuyers to put the tax credit toward closing costs or their down payment.

SEARCH AUSTIN TEXAS HOMES

Austin Watering Schedule

Kathy De La Cruz, Realtor®, ABR, CRS, SRES (RE/MAX Austin Associates) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 18:36:16 -0500

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

As of this week, new watering restrictions are in place, with fines starting at $400.

Automatic sprinkler systems can run only between midnight and 10 a.m. on the designated day. Hose-end sprinklers and soaker hoses can run only before 10 a.m. and/or after 7 p.m.

Single-family homes: Odd-numbered address: Saturday

Even-numbered address: Sunday

Commercial customers and multifamily homes: Odd-numbered address: Tuesday

Even-numbered address: Friday

For more information, go to www.ci.austin.tx.us/watercon.

Search Austin Texas Homes

July home sales level out, in more evidence local market is stabilizing

Kathy De La Cruz, Realtor®, ABR, CRS, SRES (RE/MAX Austin Associates) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 18:19:25 -0500

By Shonda Novak
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Friday, August 21, 2009

Existing-home sales in Central Texas last month equaled those in July 2008, the first time in more than two years that sales were not lower than in the same month the previous year.

The Austin Board of Realtors reported Thursday that there were 2,069 sales last month, compared with 2,068 in July 2008.

It was the first time since May 2007 that sales had not dropped and the strongest signal yet that the Austin-area housing market has stabilized.

The percentage declines had been shrinking since the beginning of the year, as the market got a boost in part from mortgage rates that have hovered around 5 percent and an $8,000 federal tax credit for first-time buyers.

Jay Gohil, chairman of the Board of Realtors, said the fact that the median price has held up was "even better news" than the halt of the sales slide.

The median price last month was $191,500, down just 2 percent from a year earlier. For the year to date, the median was unchanged from last year, at $190,000.

July also was a better month for other large Texas cities. Sales were up 9 percent in San Antonio, the first increase in that city in a year. In Houston, the 4.4 percent decline was the smallest since late 2007.

Real estate consultant Charles Heimsath said he hesitates to say the local decline in single-family sales is over and that the region "will be climbing back into a stronger market."

"What I'd like to see is at least one or two additional months of no declines or slight increases - and then we could talk about seeing the bottom and beginning our slow ascent into recovery," Heimsath said.

There were 1,996 pending sales in July - transactions that were under way but had not closed - down 2 percent from a year earlier.

More than half of the sales in July were for homes priced below $200,000, a market that includes first-time buyers.

The tax credit is set to expire Dec. 1, but many experts predict that Congress will extend it. Associations representing builders, real estate agents and mortgage brokers have been lobbying for an extension, and some measures have been introduced in Congress.

David Reed, senior loan officer with Integrity Home Mortgage in Austin, echoed that prediction of an extension in his weekly online newsletter.

FULL STORY

SEARCH AUSTIN TEXAS HOMES NOW

Work begins on H-E-B Plus on East Riverside

Kathy De La Cruz, Realtor®, ABR, CRS, SRES (RE/MAX Austin Associates) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 18:09:43 -0500

Great News from the Statesman!

By Shonda Novak | Tuesday, July 7, 2009, 04:02 PM

Work is under way on a new H-E-B Plus store in Southeast Austin that is set to open next spring, replacing the 25-year-old store at East Riverside Drive and South Pleasant Valley Road.

The current store will be demolished and the space will be used to more than double the parking for the new store. The existing store is among the chain's five busiest locations in Central Texas, said Jeff Thomas, senior vice president and general manager of H-E-B's Central Texas region.

The new store will have 104,000 square feet, much larger than the current store, which has about 60,000 square feet, Thomas said. H-E-B also has a store on East Seventh Street.

The new store will have a drive-through pharmacy and numerous new or expanded departments, among them baby apparel and accessories, toys, home decor, home improvement, frozen foods, speciality sections and an expanded line of organic produce, as well as a gas station.

H-E-B bought the Albertson's building across Pleasant Valley Road in 2007, and will use the former Albertson's parking lot as a staging area during construction so as not to disrupt parking at the existing store.

The new store is scheduled to open in March or April, the day after San Antonio-based H-E-B closes the existing store.

"It will be uninterrupted service," Thomas said.

The new store will have about 350 employees, an increase over the 215 people working at the current store, said Leslie Lockett, an H-E-B spokeswoman.

Thomas said the store will enable H-E-B to better serve its existing customers in that area, as well as new customers in a rapidly growing part of town.

"As the community grows, it will be an awesome facility for East Riverside and give our customers there exactly what they need," Thomas said.

In addition to a large student and immigrant population, the area is poised for more growth, with hundreds of new apartment and condominium units planned along East Riverside, which the city has targeted for redevelopment and has designated as key mass-transit route.

"As more people move in, we'll be well-positioned for that resurgence and that growth in the area," Thomas said.

Thomas declined to disclose the cost of the new store. The chain closely guards such information, along with its customer traffic counts, in the region's highly competitive grocery market. H-E-B is the market leader, holding more than a 60 percent share.

H-E-B has $14.5 billion in gross sales and more than 300 stores in Texas and Mexico.

Full Story

Search Austin Texas Homes Now

NEW LISTING!! Immaculate 3 Bedroom Home on 2.5 Acres!!

Kathy De La Cruz, Realtor®, ABR, CRS, SRES (RE/MAX Austin Associates) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 18:03:08 -0500

Kathy De La Cruz, Realtor®, ABR, CRS, CDPE, SRES, IRES, TAHS, EcoBroker | RE/MAX Austin Associates | kathydelacruz@remax.net | 512.470.4877

12314 Caldvis Rd., Austin, TX

Cozy Home on 2.5 Acres!

3BR/2BA Manufactured

offered at $79,900

Year Built	1996
Sq Footage	1,664
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	Unspecified
Parking	1 Car garage
Lot Size	2.5 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Fireplace
- Living room	- Dining room	- Dishwasher
- Stove/Oven	- Laundry area - inside	- Balcony, Deck, or Patio
- Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front View of Home	Living Room
Kitchen	Dining Room
Master Bathroom	Garage

Contact info:

Kathy De La Cruz, Realtor®, ABR, CRS, CDPE, SRES, IRES, TAHS, EcoBroker

RE/MAX Austin Associates

512.470.4877

For sale by agent/broker

Posted: Aug 20, 2009, 7:55pm PDT

JUST REDUCED!! Updated Home in Southwest Austin! A MUST See!!

Kathy De La Cruz, Realtor®, ABR, CRS, SRES (RE/MAX Austin Associates) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:58:54 -0500

Kathy De La Cruz, Realtor®, ABR, CRS, CDPE, SRES, IRES, Affordable Housing Specialist, EcoBroker | RE/MAX Austin Associates | 512.470.4877

2605 Piping Rock Trail, Austin, TX

Cute 3 Bedroom home in a great area!

3BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $174,900

Year Built	1984
Sq Footage	1,503
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	5,781 sqft
HOA/Maint	$14 per month

DESCRIPTION

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Fireplace
- High/Vaulted ceiling	- Walk-in closet	- Tile floor
- Living room	- Dining room	- Breakfast nook
- Dishwasher	- Refrigerator	- Stove/Oven
- Microwave	- Washer	- Dryer
- Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front View	Living Room
Kitchen	Dining Room
Bathroom	Backyard

Contact info:

Kathy De La Cruz, Realtor®, ABR, CRS, CDPE, SRES, IRES, Affordable Housing Specialist, EcoBroker

RE/MAX Austin Associates

512.470.4877

For sale by agent/broker

Posted: Aug 20, 2009, 7:51pm PDT

Gorgeous 4 Bedroom Home with Tons of Space

Kathy De La Cruz, Realtor®, ABR, CRS, SRES (RE/MAX Austin Associates) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:53:24 -0500

Kathy De La Cruz, Realtor®, ABR, CRS, CDPE, SRES, IRES, TAHS, EcoBroker | RE/MAX Austin Associates | 512.470.4877

347 Primavera Loop, Kyle, TX

Outstanding Home with Tons of Living Space!

4BR/3.5BA Single Family House

offered at $194,000

Year Built	2006
Sq Footage	2,126
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	3 full, 1 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$17 per month

DESCRIPTION

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- High/Vaulted ceiling
- Walk-in closet	- Hardwood floor	- Tile floor
- Family room	- Living room	- Bonus/Rec room
- Dining room	- Breakfast nook	- Dishwasher
- Refrigerator	- Stove/Oven	- Microwave
- Washer	- Dryer	- Laundry area - inside
- Balcony, Deck, or Patio	- Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front View of Home	Living Area
Dining Area	Breakfast Area
Master Bedroom	Bathroom

Contact info:

Kathy De La Cruz, Realtor®, ABR, CRS, CDPE, SRES, IRES, TAHS, EcoBroker

RE/MAX Austin Associates

512.470.4877

For sale by agent/broker

Posted: Jul 13, 2009, 4:02pm PDT

Come Check out this Great 3 Bedroom Home Located in a Great Neighborhood!

Kathy De La Cruz, Realtor®, ABR, CRS, SRES (RE/MAX Austin Associates) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:40:11 -0500

Kathy De La Cruz | RE/MAX Austin Associates | kathydelacruz@remax.net | 512.470.4877

157 Ashwood S, Austin, TX

Gorgeous 3 bedroom 2 bathroom home with 2 large living areas, tile, and carpet flooring. Garage has been converted to a large family room. Ma

3BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $139,900

Year Built	2004
Sq Footage	1,793
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$28 per month

DESCRIPTION

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Fireplace
- Walk-in closet	- Tile floor	- Family room
- Living room	- Breakfast nook	- Dishwasher
- Refrigerator	- Stove/Oven	- Microwave
- Laundry area - inside	- Balcony, Deck, or Patio	- Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Swimming pool(s)

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front View	Living Room and Kitchen
Living Room	Kitchen
Breakfast Area	Laundry Room

Contact info:

Kathy De La Cruz

RE/MAX Austin Associates

512.470.4877

For sale by agent/broker

FULL STORY

SEARCH HOMES NOW

Posted: Aug 3, 2009, 11:11am PDT

Austin area home sales level out

Kathy De La Cruz, Realtor®, ABR, CRS, SRES (RE/MAX Austin Associates) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:32:07 -0500

Good News from the Statesman!

By Shonda Novak | Thursday, August 20, 2009, 11:22 AM

Existing home sales in Central Texas were flat last month, the first time in more than two years that they were not lower than the same month a year earlier.

The Austin Board of Realtors reported that there were 2,069 sales last month, and 2,068 in July 2008.

In a sign of a stabilizing market, the year-over-year percentage decline had been shrinking in recent months, after a string of double-digit percentage drops.

Pending sales were down 2 percent, while the number of listings was down 8 percent from a year ago. Homes are taking longer to sell, an average of 75 days, up 17 percent from a year ago.

July's median home price was $191,500, down 2 percent from July 2008.

"The sales volume momentum in Austin continues, now reaching 2008 levels," said Jay Gohil, chairman of the board. " That's good news, but I think it's even better news that we've achieved that increase while maintaining a steady median home price."

Local real estate expert Charles Heimsath has predicted the region's median would drift down this year, but not decline substantially.

So far this year, the median price fluctuated only slightly compared to 2008, Gohil said.

"Looking back further, prices have remained above 2007 levels, one of the most lucrative years of the last decade in Austin real estate," he said. "That long-term price stability, particularly in the face of market fluctuations, bodes well for Austin's future."

Through July, area home sales were down 18 percent from the same period of 2008.

El Niño could bring relief - this winter

Kathy De La Cruz, Realtor®, ABR, CRS, SRES (RE/MAX Austin Associates) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 16:05:51 -0500

The weather phenomenon has brought floods to the area in past years.

By Andrea Lorenz
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Monday, July 13, 2009

Relief from an almost two-year drought could arrive in Central Texas in the form of El Ni?o, meteorologists say - but probably not until November.

Scientists with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced last week that El Ni?o, the periodic warming of the Pacific Ocean, has arrived.

In the Austin area, El Ni?o usually means rain - and lots of it - in the winter months, which could mean much-needed relief from the drought, said Chris Morris , a meteorologist in the National Weather Service's New Braunfels office. El Ni?o isn't likely to bring rainfall to the area until November, Morris said, although chances of rain could increase in September.

For the rest of this week, and probably the rest of the summer, chances for rain will be extremely low, Morris said.

Although it's difficult to predict just how much rain El Ni?o will bring to Central Texas, it has previously caused major flooding. For example, from November 1991 to January 1992, Austin saw just under 20 inches of rain, nearly triple the 7-inch average for those months.

Since September 2007, Morris said, Central Texas has received a little over 34 inches of rain at Camp Mabry.

In San Antonio, the past 22 months have been the driest on record.

Because of the drought, there's about 77 percent less water entering the Highland Lakes from the Colorado River than average, and if trends continue, a record low amount will be reached , according to the Lower Colorado River Authority. About 1.1 million people get their water from Lakes Travis and Buchanan.

Although the area's water supply isn't in danger - the lakes were built to store water from rainier periods to help at times like these, according to the LCRA - recreation on the lakes has taken a hit.

The only open public boat ramp on Lake Travis, at Mansfield Dam, could be closed later this summer. The lake level must be at least 640 feet above sea level to keep it open, and the LCRA predicts Lake Travis will fall below 635 feet by Sept. 1.

Flow rates of area rivers are also below average, but that didn't stop tubers from floating the Guadalupe, Comal and San Marcos rivers Sunday.

The Lions Club Tube Rental saw a record number of customers on July 4, manager George Laktas said.

"We're staying busy; we've got water in the river," Laktas said.

The lowered levels on the Guadalupe River have driven more customers to the Comal River, said Katherine Hendrix of Texas Tubes in New Braunfels.

SEARCH AUSTIN TEXAS HOMES NOW

As waters recede, drought reveals lake relics

Kathy De La Cruz, Realtor®, ABR, CRS, SRES (RE/MAX Austin Associates) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 15:53:41 -0500

Cars found in Lake Travis are not the first time low lake levels have led to discoveries

By Asher Price
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Sunday, July 26, 2009

While waters receding because of the drought revealed this month whole vehicles submerged in Lake Travis, the episode was not the first time strange and sometimes grisly artifacts have poked their heads out of the banks of the Colorado River during severe dry spells.

The river was dammed in a series of massive projects in the first half of the last century to control flooding and provide steady water supplies for Central Texas. As a consequence, the lakes that formed swallowed up whole bits of history.

The drought "reveals things that haven't been seen in a long time," said Brian Block, executive director of Keep Austin Beautiful, which runs an annual cleanup of Lake Travis.

In August 2006, during the last drought that gripped Central Texas, an Austin man riding a watercraft on Lake Travis found a skeleton that archaeologists later estimated to be a female at least 700 years old.

The man, David Houston, had pulled onto the sloped southern bank, admiring a nearby house, when he saw a jawbone, teeth and a forearm in the clay soil less than six feet away. The site had been uncovered when the lake fell 16 feet below its August average to 649 feet above sea level.

Lake Travis has now fallen to 638 feet, down from a July average of 669.

Lake Buchanan, now at 997 feet, down from its July average of 1,014 feet, has yielded its own curiosities. The foundations of the buildings of the 19th century town of Bluffton, which was a stagecoach stop between Burnet and Llano, have reappeared. Originally formed in 1852, the town sported a blacksmith shop, a cotton gin, a hotel and saloons, according to the Handbook of Texas. When Buchanan Dam, which originally was to be called Bluffton Dam, was completed in 1937, the lake inundated the town.

Features of the site - last exposed in early 2007 during the previous drought - have again revealed themselves, including the foundations of the cotton gin, the stone rubble from the chimneys and foundations of the old hotel.

Besides the vehicles police recovered Thursday, at least two of which had been reported stolen and one at least as long ago as 1988, the lakes have offered up untoward relics.

In 2006, about a month after the discovery of the skeleton on Lake Travis, a concrete-filled barrel was found on the shore of Lake Buchanan in Burnet County. Inside was the body of a man who it was eventually determined had been killed by a blow to the head in 1990.

Police have not solved the crime, but Sheriff W.T. Smith said his office has conducted recent interviews.

Roger Wade, a spokesman for the Travis County sheriff's office, said there were at least five victims whose bodies haven't been recovered from accidents on the Highland Lakes over the past 10 years. He said there are no plans to send divers down to search for the bodies.

"The water is still treacherous, you still can't see, and there are lots of obstacles down there," he said.

But with the low lake levels, some scuba divers are able to get to sites they might not normally be able to reach.

The treetops of the old pecan orchards at Windy Point Park, normally at least 110 feet below the surface of Lake Travis, are now about 75 feet below, said Nicco Martinez, who runs Royal Scuba in Austin.

Visibility has suffered, however.