In-Laws Making You Crazy? It's Time To Move... - 09/30/06 10:44 PM
I have to say that after today I am a full believer in the mother-in-law plan for home building. After spending the weekend with my inlaws, I have to say there is nothing like having them on the opposite side of the house...or city for that matter.
I found myself thinking that … (2 comments)
|
Termites are a Huge Problem...Quick Tips on How To Spot Them... - 09/30/06 10:36 PM
With so many homeowners foregoing the inspection process, I find myself more and more eager to learn about little things like this in order to help my clients avoid a potentially hazardous situation!
Spotting the following telltale termite signs could save you or your clients a bundle:
Mud Tubes: About the size of a … (3 comments)
|
Is Your Password Easily Figured Out? You May Be Surprised... - 09/30/06 10:30 PM
With internet identity theft complaints up 18.6 percent this year, keeping your password protected has become one of the leading suggestions by the FTC. Once a crook has managed to retrieve your password, they can easily gain access to your accounts and your identity.
What NOT to do:
Dont use dictionary words … (9 comments)
|
Whats Wrong With Some Friendly Competition Between Neighbors? - 09/29/06 07:22 PM
I am watching some "dueling remodeling" going on between two of the homeowners on my street.
Neighbor #1 just last week planted 3 very large, beautiful palm trees in her front yard. Not two days later Neighbor #2 plants similar palm trees, only much larger and one more in quantity.
Then, Neighbor 2 decides to … (5 comments)
|
Thank You Notes from a Loan Officer? - 09/29/06 07:04 PM
Something came to mind when reading another blog about loan officers. There are many we can choose from and most of us get used to using a handful of the loan officers that we feel comfortable with.
I have a particular loan officer that I use for many transactions, most in fact. … (7 comments)
|
Web Advice and Tools for Watching your Competitors - 09/29/06 06:45 PM
My background prior to Real Estate is in Web Design. As a result I am obesessed with rankings, other websites and SEO. The following sites are tools that I use frequently to check my stats and other fun stuff.
Incoming Links - There are a number of ways to determine who … (2 comments)
|
Tips for Living Straight from Mom.... - 09/28/06 06:02 PM
My mother is always sending me little uplifting positive messages via email or hand written note. For my birthday recently she gave me one of those tiny little pocket-sized books called "The World According to Mr. Rogers". A great book actually, he was a genius with people.
I read 90% of … (3 comments)
|
Looking for something to do in Austin? Here are a few ideas: - 09/28/06 05:51 PM
There are so many things to do in Austin. Depending on your mood, you can go from funky to upscale in about 3 blocks. There is so much to do here and some sort of festival every weekend. Perfect for families and even better if you're single!
The Congress Ave. Bat Bridge … (0 comments)
|
Austin's New Proposed Skyscrapers Forcing us to Grow Up - Literally! - 09/28/06 05:35 PM
This cool new building is the brain child of developer Tom Stacy and designed by Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects...
This is one of the many proposed buildings that a lot of firms submitted for the new Austin Museum of Art. One firm included a condominium tower over a 75,000 square foot museum. The … (0 comments)
|
Creating the Perfect Website That Fits You - 09/26/06 03:51 PM
There are so many websites out there now. I wanted one that would set me apart from my competition. I had a very long list of things I wanted to add. (Some are still being added.) The most important things I have narrowed down to the following:
Although virtual tours can be … (1 comments)
|
Remember the Lesson: Don't Judge a Book By It's Cover! - 09/26/06 03:37 PM
My mother sells Real Estate in an upscale (snobby) vacation area. The average age there I would have to guess is around 60, so when Mom ran into this couple on the beach they stood out like a sore thumb. You have to picture the scene. Not unlike a retirement community, … (20 comments)
|
New Barrage of Single, Unmarried First Time Buyers - 09/26/06 03:24 PM
Young unmarried people these days seem to be jumping right in to home ownership. When I was in college I was a bit hesitant to buy since I was not sure where I would end up once I graduated. (Now in retrospect I realize that had I purchased by my campus … (0 comments)
|
5 Tips To Help With Your Electric Bill! - 09/25/06 08:02 PM
You may already know these things, but what the heck!
Nuke it baby! Warm up food in the microwave instead of heating up your food in the oven. This will save energy and help ease that electric bill. (As much as 30-40%)Little Things Add Up! Think about all those gadgets we keep … (3 comments)
|
Are you in the top 10 of the most overvalued housing markets? - 09/25/06 07:47 PM
We are lucky here in Austin. We were on CNN just a few months back and gloating about how great and undervalued our property is! It opened up a flood of investors looking for a great deal in Austin. We tend to forget about the rest of the US. Some markets … (4 comments)
|
How safe is your nest egg? - 09/25/06 07:38 PM
My father did everything right. Saved for college for his kids, retirement, 401k, etc. He was serious about saving and only paying for things with cash to avoid the credit card debt.
You can do everything 100% correct and still have life kick you in the butt. What will happen to … (2 comments)
|
Texas Home & Land Auction - Tax Sales Every Month! - 09/24/06 08:32 PM
Texas auctions their tax sale properties on the first Tuesday of every month. There are a few rules, and you must sign up as a buyer. Generally you myst have certified funds on hand, so no mortgages!
A list of properties to be auctioned is made available in the Austin Chronicle 21 … (0 comments)
|
Austin Unclaimed Property Site - 09/24/06 07:07 PM
Here is a great site to search for unclaimed property in Texas. There is even an unclaimed property auction on Ebay!
http://www.window.state.tx.us/up/
… (1 comments)
|
Blanton Museum adds to AUstin's Arts Scene - 09/24/06 07:01 PM
Before "Austin City Limits" hit the national airwaves in 1976, who outside Austin knew the city nurtured such a vibrant music scene?
And really, Austin didn't insist it was the Live Music Capital of World until after 1987, when the South by Southwest Music Festival attracted waves of media attention.
The … (0 comments)
|
Austin has free movies in the park on Saturdays - 09/23/06 06:16 PM
Austin Parks Foundation is proud to continue the Movies in the Park fall series. All movies will be shown at Republic Square Park (4th and Guadalupe St.) in downtown Austin. Bring your blankets and chairs and experience your favorite movies under the stars. Sponsored by AT&T with special assistance by the … (0 comments)
|
Austin is a pet friendly city! - 09/23/06 06:13 PM
If you are a dog, Austin is the place to live. We have 12 dog parks and numerous trails and lakes that are all dog friendly. Restaurants will let you hang out on the patio and even give you a few treats and a bowl of water while you hang out … (1 comments)
|
Austin Continues to Defy Cooling National Market - 09/23/06 06:01 PM
… (0 comments)
|
Austin, Texas area Market Statistics - 09/21/06 10:28 PM
I keep hearing that the Austin market is slowing down, but I have yet to have a day of fun and relaxation in about 6 weeks now! I am not complaining...Staying busy keeps me out of trouble. The August market summary is in and the results are pretty interesting.
Current Market … (1 comments)
|
Annual TREPAC Golf Tourney Register by 9-26-06 - 09/21/06 08:51 PM
Have you registered for the annual 2006 Austin Board of Realtors TREPAC Golf Tournament yet? The deadline is Monday Sept. 25.
Set in the rolling hills, twisted creeks and secluded canyons of River Place Country Club, this year’s tourney will provide excellent networking opportunities as well as a challenging round of … (0 comments)
|
Texas Association of Realtors adds Health Care Cost Reducing Benefits - 09/21/06 08:40 PM
Plans cost $49.95 a month for individuals and $59.95 for families. AmeriPlan can help REALTORS® and their families save from 20 to 80 percent on medical expenses. TAR has arranged to rebate the $30 member registration fee.
The Texas Association of Realtors has teamed up with AMeriplan. I personally have used this … (1 comments)
|
Texas Home and Garden Show in Austin Sept. 22-24 - 09/20/06 01:01 PM
If you are channeling Martha Stewart like i clearly am, this show is for you! There are tons of things to check out:
Ideas, products, servicesCooking demosHome decor tipsFurniture auctionLast year I met several great contacts including a wonderful faux finish expert who I have referred to 3 clients so far. Great … (0 comments)
|
Lack of rain and low lake levels are taking a toll on Austin! - 09/20/06 12:39 PM
We are in some serious need of rain here in Central Texas. We managed to get a little bit in the last few days. The water level on Lake Travis is dropping about a foot a week. To keep boats afloat the Marina employees had to push the boats farther out … (1 comments)
|
Shielding your MLS comments from weirdos! - 09/20/06 12:20 PM
Donna Quanrud's blog Safety Warning made me think of this:
Sometimes when searching MLS agents will put notes in the "comments" section that in this day and age I find pretty scary. Just the other day I came across comments that said "Son home from school by 4pm, he can let you in...", … (4 comments)
|
Central Texas Snakes - 09/19/06 07:11 PM
Today my son ran into the house with a small little creature screaming "My worm has a snake head". After bolting across the living room (he always brings in some sort of creature) I was forced to tell him that his "worm" was indeed a snake.
Our creek out back has quite … (6 comments)
|
Deer Resistant Plants - 09/19/06 07:04 PM
Texas hill country is full of deer. We love them when they wander up to the backyard. My question is, does anyone know of any "deer resistant" landscaping or plant ideas that will keep them from eating everything else on your lot?
I was told to use aromatic plants such as evergreen … (2 comments)
|
Please prepare your home for a showing! - 09/19/06 06:53 PM
I arrived at a home today with a client and was completely appalled at the condition of the place. Im not talking a cheap house either. This house was in the high 700's.
First of all, the pet odor upon entering was almost unbearable. Why was Fifi left inside on a … (5 comments)
|
Austin's Circle C is getting a new upscale neighbor! - 09/18/06 01:33 PM
Circle C Ranch is is one of the most sought after neighborhoods in the Austin, Texas area. It is only about 10-15 minutes from the hustle and bustle of downtown Austin, and it's 4000 acres of beautiful treed land makes you feel like you are in the country.
Circle C also is … (1 comments)
|
Helpful web resources / references for your clients - 09/18/06 01:18 PM
Many of my clients have questions related to legal issues or just some off the wall stuff I simply do not know the answer to. I learned a long time ago that if you do not know the answer to a question, the worst thing you can do is to act … (3 comments)
|
Austin's robust housing market is doing just fine! - 09/18/06 01:08 PM
Austin's robust housing market is doing just fine!
There are less homes for sale however, (listings down 7% from last year) and prices are rising. The average Austin median home price is $172,480. Austin has yet to catch up with the rest of the US as far as home values are concerned, … (0 comments)
|
Austin, Texas #5 "Best Place to Live" - 09/17/06 11:34 AM
You see a lot Austinites driving around with some of the best bumpers stickers around. "On Earth as it is in Austin", "Austin: We're all here because we're not all there", "Keep Austin Weird".
What is it about Austin that so many people love? For me it was the ability to … (4 comments)
|
Renting or Buying in Austin - 09/17/06 11:12 AM
Interest rates are on the rise and home appreciation has slowed (somewhat) in Austin, so fewer buyers are looking for new homes. There is a surge in people looking for apartments and rental properties. Austin's population is bulging at the seams, which allows for owners of local rental homes to raise their rent … (2 comments)
|
Flat fee commissions versus percentage commissions - 09/16/06 06:11 PM
Some discount Brokers are now charging a flat fee commisson rate for selling and/or listing your home. We have a 1% Realty now in Austin as well. There is also a Assist-to-Sell Broker in town which will show the home, handle negotiations, purchase agreement, paper work, financing, and anything else to … (9 comments)
|
Downsizing for Seniors - 09/16/06 11:28 AM
Downsizing and Organizing for the elderly:
This summer I had the opportunity to assist my mother with the arduous task of cleaning out my grandparent’s home. They were both placed in assisted living and the house they lived in for 25 years had to be completely cleaned out. My grandparents had … (5 comments)
|
Baby Boomers - 09/16/06 10:57 AM
Let's hear it for Baby Boomers! For the portion of baby boomers who have never owned a home, 85 percent cited financial reasons but 38 percent simply didn’t want the responsibility of homeownership.One-quarter of respondents own one or more other kinds of real estate in addition to a primary residence: 13 … (1 comments)
|
Japan has 28,395 people 100 or older - 09/16/06 10:45 AM
What it is about Japan? Our country could certainly learn a lot from them. They are among the world's healthiest folks, and some of the most intelligent.
The number of Japanese living beyond 100 has almost quadrupled in the past 10 years, with the once-exclusive centenarian club expected to surpass 28,000 this … (4 comments)
|
What do you serve at an open house? - 09/15/06 03:16 PM
Just wondering if anyone has any clever ideas or alternatives to the usual ho-hum of the open house snack menu! Food is a must! I found a site with a few ideas:
http://www.realtor.org/rmomag.NSF/pages/Feat3200606?OpenDocument
I am going to try one of the "Twilight" open houses with wine and cheese next...at least we will all … (4 comments)
|
Blanton Museum hosts "Rembrandt's Etchings" through Dec. 10th - 09/15/06 03:07 PM
The new Blanton Museum of Art opened the doors of its new building in April. Located at Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard at Congress Avenue, the Blanton's new home is an impressive 180,000 sq.-ft. two-building museum complex. This move makes the Blanton the largest university art museum in the country and … (0 comments)
|
The Don-Mar Motor Court on South Congress Avenue - 09/15/06 03:00 PM
The dilapidated Don-Mar Motor Court on South Congress Avenue is up for sale for $2.4 million after being bought in November for $1.5 million....this time for $2.4 million! The motel, which was built in 1935, is still in use.
… (0 comments)
|
Travis County Burn Ban in effect with new rules - 09/14/06 06:05 PM
Even though we have had small amounts of sporadic rain, there is currently a burn ban in effect for Travis county. The following 8-31-06 rules are from the Travis County Fire Marshal regarding outdoor burning:
The Current version of the Outdoor Burning Rule is the result of a concerted effort to produce … (1 comments)
|
Saving money for every budget - 09/14/06 03:12 PM
$10,000 and up: Whole-house rainwater harvesting and filtration system that provides clean water for cooking, drinking, lawn irrigation. Or a solar-panel system that generates all the electricity your house needs.
$1,000 and up: Stained concrete or environmentally friendly flooring such as bamboo instead of carpet.
$650-800: Solar or tankless water heaters … (1 comments)
|
Remembering Erma Bombeck - 09/14/06 02:31 PM
If I Had My Life to Live Over ... I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in … (4 comments)
|
Handy Tips... - 09/13/06 02:47 PM
How many of these did you know about?A sealed envelope - put in the freezer for a few hours, then slide a knife under the flap. The envelope can then be resealed. (hmmmmmm...)===================== =======================Use empty toilet paper rolls to store appliance cords. It keeps them neat and you can write on … (3 comments)
|
Weatherstripping / Faulty or older windows / Higher utility bills - 09/13/06 02:41 PM
In older houses, faulty windows can account for a third of the total heat loss in winter and as much as 75 percent of interior heat gain in summer. Look for the following telltale signs that a window has lost its effectiveness:
Stand inside your house on a windy day with a … (0 comments)
|
Thinking of making a claim on your homeowners insurance? - 09/13/06 02:26 PM
What happens when a simple phone call to your insurance agent ends up as a claim against your insurance policy?
It happened to one Austin woman.
Lory Donett says she recently found herself at risk of losing her home, over this homeowners' policy snafu.
Open blue sky is what Donett can … (1 comments)
|
Austin's ACL Fest coming this weekend! - 09/12/06 11:02 PM
ACL Fest is this weekend!According to the ACL Fest website a small supply of 3-day ACL Festival passes have been made available at the Festival Box Office. The box office is located on Barton Springs Road directly across the street from the festival’s main Barton Springs entrance, and the 3-day passes … (0 comments)
|
City of Austin, Texas Demographics - 09/12/06 10:46 PM
Here are the midyear 2005 demographic projections for Austin:
Population2005: 670,726Growth 2000-05: 2%2010: 690,438Growth 2005-10: 3%
GenderMale: 52%Female: 48%
Race/ethnicity*White/Caucasian: 63%Hispanic: 35%African American: 9%Asian: 5%Other race: 19%Two or more races: 3%
AgeAverage age: 33.1
Marital statusMarried (of age 15+): 47%Single, never married (of age 15+): 39%Widowed or divorced (of age 15+): … (0 comments)
|
Housing Trend - Supersize it! - 09/10/06 11:56 AM
Homes get larger as the number of occupants and the size of lots shrink.
Houses built now are bigger, but they're on smaller lots. More people are living in the suburbs, but not necessarily in a house with a yard. And the typical American home these days is constructed with more bathrooms, … (1 comments)
|
Ridiculously High Expectations? - 09/04/06 09:33 PM
After agreeing to list a cluster of properties for a good friend I was faced with the all too common dilemma of letting her down easy. My friend was sure her properties would net a certain amount....the realistic appraisal of her properties was (not kidding here) around 30% less than she was expecting.
I … (2 comments)
|
Housing Bubble? Not in Austin! - 09/04/06 09:15 PM
Austin, Texas is still one of the most undervalued cities in the United States, while also being voted one of the top 10 cities to live in America.
When a house is listed here and it is priced correctly, it tends to sell very quickly. There are a few overpriced areas, … (2 comments)
|
Is your house selling or simply sitting on the market? - 09/02/06 02:10 PM
If your house sits on the market for a long time you may be less likely to get a deal that benefits you. Avoid waiting too long to make a decision:
Listen to feedbackAsk your agent to poll colleagues who have shown your home. If location is the problem, you may not … (0 comments)
|
;)
Links;)
Tags (Tag Cloud);)
Archives
