texas: Round Rock Goes Green - 11/30/07 06:18 PM
FROM Round Rock Community Impact Newspaper
The different shades of greenProjects blend dollar and earth-friendly values in latest building trend
By Christi Covington
Hints of support for environment-friendly development have sprouted their first shoots in Round Rock, and for more than one reason.
“Green is good business,” said Don Dungan, … (2 comments)
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texas: New Production Home Builder BUILDS GREEN - 07/19/07 10:41 PM
I'm posting this after receiving a few emails and comments wanting to know more about this builder.
Long Story short on this company, based on what I read & what I've talked to them about so far when I met with them:
Wilson Holdings is a publicly traded company who's CEO started Capital … (3 comments)
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texas: Green Builder in Austin has plenty of financial backing - 07/18/07 10:31 PM
According to the Austin Business Journal, Wilson Holdings Inc. has received up to $100 million in credit to create green-building subdivisions.
RBC Centura, Franklin Bank and IBC Bank lead the credit facility and have committed $55 million.
"We appreciate the confidence that the lenders have shown in the company … (3 comments)
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texas: Austin's losing momentum but still TOP SELLER's MARKET - 07/02/07 02:15 PM
Earlier today I posted Austin's Stats for June, in which you can see the trend...List Price UP, Sales Price UP, Price/Sqft UP, Days On Market DOWN. These are all positives, however, the number of Homes Sold is DOWN significantly. Year to date is down 5% but the month of June it … (0 comments)
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texas: Austin's still growing NOT DUE To SPECULATION - 05/24/07 01:00 PM
I've written a few times on the dangers of Investment Speculation. It's like a friend of mind said about his experience investing in the Stock Market, "No thanks, I prefer Craps or Blackjack."
The Stock Market like all investing avenues is about education. There are plenty of stocks that go up & … (1 comments)
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texas: Wireless Internet Access in AUSTIN - 05/09/07 06:17 PM
Austin already has hotspots with internet access and now it is expanding to East Austin.
The area is getting free outdoor Internet access thanks to the city of Austin's Wireless Mesh program. The city, in partnership with Cisco Systems, provides free wireless outdoor Internet connections throughout various parts of Austin. … (0 comments)
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texas: Stock Market Falling? Short Sale!...Real Estate Falling? Short...hey! It's different - 11/02/06 06:16 PM
In the Stock Market an investor can make money even if the market goes down. It's called a "SHORT SALE". It's not a technique that many people use but any savvy professional trader or investor will definitely use this technique. You can learn more detail of what Shorting Stocks is at … (1 comments)
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texas: Z'Tejas opening in Already Popular Avery Ranch - 11/01/06 08:07 PM
Z Tejas a local "Southwest" Style Restaurant here in Austin is opening a new location in late summer of 07 in Avery Ranch Subdivision.
I've only lived in Austin for about 5 years and with 2 young kids (both 3 years old until another week, when my eldest turns 4...that's 11 months … (1 comments)
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texas: Austin Area's Appreciation through Oct 2006 - 11/01/06 07:20 PM
Althouhg
Although the Austin Area continued to have more home sales YTD compared to last year at this time, there are beginning to be more homes on the market than there were last year at this time.
Once again, the second month in a row indicating a slow down of some sort … (0 comments)
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texas: Finally the Tolls are opened...well, some of them at least. - 11/01/06 06:32 PM
From Thisto This
I've been piping about it for a while and I'm one of the few who is looking forward to them opening. It will make it much easier for me being that I live in North Austin/Round Rock Area and my family lives in Cedar Park.
The Austin Business Journal writes … (2 comments)
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texas: Austin suburb town of Round Rock is SSAAAAAAFE! - 11/01/06 06:21 PM
In a recent report the Austin/ Round Rock Area has been considered a safe place to live! Austin was reported as the safest city in Texas and Round Rock, (The home to DELL, Inc.) meanwhile, was ranked the 13th safest city in the nation.
Round Rock City Manager Jim Nuse … (0 comments)
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texas: First Time Oxymoron, I mean Homebuyer. "Stop calling me a moron." - 10/26/06 08:04 AM
One of my favorite movie lines comes from Sly Stallone's "Oscar", where he's a gangster trying to turn straight arrow. A linguistics teacher (Tim Curry) visits the home to teach him how to "talk like a banker" instead of a thug. At one point the linguistics teacher begins to laugh and … (0 comments)
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texas: Unemployement Drops again in the Austin Area - 10/21/06 08:22 PM
According to the Texas Workforce Commission, the September unemployment rate for the Austin-Round Rock area totaled 3.8 percent, down from 4.2 percent in August. This rate is also lower than the September 2005 unemployment rate of 4.3 percent.
As I've pointed out in my other blogs, this is due to an … (1 comments)
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texas: Fantastic Fitness Center Opening 2nd Location in South Austin - 10/21/06 08:06 PM
As a Proud Member of Lifetime Fitness, I am very excited to see that it was just announced that a second location will be opening in South Austin off of Mopac. The 1st location is in North West Austin off of RR 620.
Lifetime Fitness Centers all follow the same model … (2 comments)
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texas: News Alert: Agent doesn't return calls! Oh, wait, that's normal. - 10/19/06 09:26 AM
*** WARNING SARCASM PRESENT & AS THICK AS SOME BRAINS***
I read this little piece on Forbes.com, and couldn't help but sympathize with the journalist. The qoute I'm talking about in the article is this one:
"Crooner Diana Ross, 62, is selling her nine-acre Greenwich estate in the exclusive Belle View enclave. Asking … (1 comments)
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texas: New Poll shows Austin as STONGEST MARKET - 10/17/06 11:01 AM
A qoute from the recent report is that, "Austin Remained the Strongest of the Top 20 Markets On Every Metric in September"
Other notable facets of the report were that there were 17,076 single-family permits in 2005, Autin is the 19th largest market in the country.
Reasons for Austin's Market Strengthe were due … (3 comments)
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texas: Another Reason to Move to Texas!! A BIG reason for ME! - 10/16/06 08:31 PM
BUFFALO, N.Y.(AP) Residents were digging out and cleaning up Saturday after a record-breaking early snowstorm walloped the Buffalo area, leaving thousands without power and killing three people.
NO SNOW!!!!
I used to live in Rochester, just 45 min east of Buffalo and I owned a Truck that had a lift kit, … (1 comments)
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texas: How much House can you BuY? Before you Buy? - 10/16/06 08:12 PM
My sister and her new husband just bought their first home about a year ago and recently I was talking to her about some updates my wife and I are doing on our home.
She responded by saying that she wasn't prepared for how much money goes into home ownership.
We went … (2 comments)
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texas: Whew! What a Weekend! Poor clients :( - 10/16/06 07:47 PM
I'm actually looking forward to sitting down and writing after all the running around I've been doing for the past couple of days.
I have a client that I feel so bad for. They moved here a year ago on a job transfer and needed two years make sure the job was … (1 comments)
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texas: Unrealistic Expectations from an Investor - 10/13/06 08:19 PM
I have an agent that just helped a client buy a property that he wants to "flip". They were able to buy the house considerably below market value and closed on it last week. It only needs minor work to get it fixed up nice enough to flip.
They decided to put … (13 comments)
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texas: Why aren't neighbors friendly anymore? - 10/11/06 11:54 PM
I'm just wondering how neighbors have gone from this:
to this
Almost every one of my clients requires "privacy" in their back yard. 7 - 8 foot Wood Privacy Fences are a MUST, but usually not enough. "Greenbelt would be better", I hear.
Where I grew up in Tennessee, we didn't have … (4 comments)
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texas: Even the FEDS report that the Texas economy is growing. - 10/11/06 11:26 PM
There was a fantastic article in the Austin Business Journal reporting that Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas states that "Texas' economy remains strong and is continuing to outpace the national economy.
Year-to-date employment in Texas through August was 2.7 percent, an increase of 177,300 jobs. This is more than twice the national … (1 comments)
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texas: Ugly Vacant Albertsons will have New Owners - 10/11/06 11:16 PM
Ross Dress for Less is reported to have just bought the many of the Albertsons buildings and are expected to fill the stores as soon as possible.
Due to a recent buy out of Albertsons by CVS Corp, many of the stores abruptly closed and subsequently have remained boarded up, vacant and … (4 comments)
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texas: Austin Area's Appreciation through Sept 2006 - 10/10/06 09:23 AM
Here is my monthly update for the Austin Area's Appreciation YTD by MLS Area.
In the month of Sept we are beginning to see the first signs of some slowing down in the real estate market as there were 122 more new listings in Sept 06 compared to Sept 05, but 4 … (2 comments)
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texas: Your Area BOOMED, now it's BUMMED...what's up with that? - 10/09/06 09:52 AM
Throughout many parts of the country the housing industry seemed to go crazy. I have a friend that bought three brand new homes in Phoenix area and 1 year later sold them for $100K each. $300K in 1 year for median priced homes...I'm sorry, that's insane! Now it appears that many … (3 comments)
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texas: What is your value? - 10/09/06 09:28 AM
This may stir some people on AR, but this is just my opinion.
I recently had a conversation with a client on my "value" to them as a "full service Realtor". I explained that I work for 3% to the buyer and 6% to the seller. I then spouted off a list … (14 comments)
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texas: Red River Shootout !! Go Horns!!!...or Work - 10/07/06 10:54 AM
UH-OH! The biggest weekend in Austin's college football schedule is here!!! The RED RIVER SHOOTOUT, between Okalahoma Sooners and THE Texas Longhorns! And what am I doing during gametime? Well, I was planning on being out in a boat listening to the game, but I had a call late last … (2 comments)
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texas: Hyper Housing Bubble or Economic Downturn? - 10/07/06 10:43 AM
There will always be a some sort of growth in real estate, but sometimes just as in the stock market, if there is high appreciation (or price increases) mainly due to hype, then there comes a time when the "market corrects itself"
This is the so-called bubble effect. It's not … (3 comments)
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texas: A couple of Well Known Companies adding stores to AUSTIN - 10/06/06 09:48 PM
I like to post article having to do with job growth, because to me jobs mean homes. More jobs mean more homes, less jobs mean less homes.
Two of the newest announcements are that Panera Bread Company and Tiffany & Company are opening sites in the Austin Area.
Panera Bread offers a variety … (1 comments)
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texas: Austin is County's MOST IMPATIENT CITY!! - 10/06/06 09:33 PM
There was an article in the Austin Business Journal on a study done which found Austin to be the "MOST IMPATIENT CITY".
A small excerpt in the article states that Austin beat out other contenders by a slim margin with the highest per capita "in and out" gyms, quick-copy centers and quick-change … (2 comments)
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texas: More medical Growth for the Round Rock Area - 10/06/06 09:10 PM
In a previous article pertaining to the growth potential and future of a subdivision in Round Rock called Teravista, I stateds as one of the factors of continued growth was the medical facilities that are being built near and around this subdivision. Another NEW development will soon be underway.
According to the … (0 comments)
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texas: I'm not a know-it-all, I'm a find-it-all! - 10/05/06 03:13 PM
My personal phrase about my personal knowledge of real estate and the market in general is, "I may not know all the answers, but I know where to find them."
I try to stress this to all of the agents on our team. I find that having knowledge is very important in … (0 comments)
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texas: Teravista Update!! Movieplex coming soon!! - 10/03/06 12:53 PM
I wrote an article yesterday on the Teravista area of Round Rock and how I think it's going to be a continued hot neighborhood because of all the growth. I don't know how I didn't know about this but Cinemark is about to open a 14 Screen Movie Theatre right next … (0 comments)
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texas: North Round Rock on Verge of EXPLODING...in my opinion - 10/02/06 12:08 PM
I often have prospects ask me my opinion about one neighborhood vs another. More & more I'm being asked, "What do you think about Teravista vs "Any Other"." Which would be a better investment if I were to move there?
Whenever the question has been brought to me for the past few … (0 comments)
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texas: Exciting Housing Opportunity for NORTH AUSTIN!!!! - 09/28/06 07:36 PM
A group of investors bought an apartment complex in North Austin with the purpose of renovating them into Townhomes, which was the property's original purpose. Today, the property owner has completed the conversion of the 76-unit Willowbrook North Townhomes in North Austin.
All of the units were completed gutted and outfitted with … (0 comments)
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texas: Pangaea Systems Inc. is picking Austin for its new headquarters. - 09/28/06 07:21 PM
According to the Austin Business Journal, Pangaea Systems Inc. will be relocating its headquarters to Austin. Pangaea is a software company specializing in Radio Frequency detection software.
This just supports the continued efforts and attraction of jobs to Austin. While the Economy throughout the country continues to decline pertaining to real estate, … (0 comments)
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texas: Best Pet Friendly Cities - 09/26/06 01:09 PM
AAA (Automobile Association of America) just came out with their top 10 best pet cities for TRAVELERS. So I wondered which cities are ranked as best pet cities for people who actually live there.
According to DOGFRIENDLY.COM, these are the top 10
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada-
San Francisco, CA
Chicago, IL
Boston, MA
Austin, TX
Seattle, WA
New York, … (2 comments)
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texas: Clean Energy News for Texas! - 09/26/06 12:52 PM
Quick! Buy a Hybrid Car fill the Tank with gas and drive out to TEXAS on 1 Tank. When you get to Texas fill it up again so you can make it through the state...when they say "great" state of Texas, that means BIG!!
Then find an energy efficient house (preferably in … (0 comments)
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texas: Investor's Already Pouring into Austin, Here's another group... - 09/22/06 12:50 PM
An LA development firm just bought 20 apartment complexes in downtown Austin. The plan on fixing them up to help them perform better.
The key outlook for OTHER investors to learn from here stems from what one executive from the purchasing company said. "We look for markets that are improving, that … (0 comments)
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texas: New Condo/Hotel Units in Lakeway Resort Planned - 09/22/06 12:43 PM
It was reported that Behringer Harvard sold nearly six acres that are part of its Lakeway Resort and Spa west of Austin. The developer plans to construct 70 condominium units on the property. Owners of the new condominiums will be offered an opportunity to partner with Lakeway Resort and Spa to … (0 comments)
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texas: Austin's Job's Grow by 51,000 since 2003 - 09/21/06 03:17 PM
Opportunity Austin is an economic developement that was to bring 72000 jobs to the local area. Since the end of 2003 they have been key in bringing in 51000 jobs thus far.
They were instrumental in getting 76 companies have relocated to the region only 24 short of their goal in half … (1 comments)
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texas: Austin Area's Healthcare GROWING - 09/21/06 02:57 PM
Just as I've reported in past blogs, Central Texas is determined to increase the healthcare industry in this area. Central Texas' healthcare industry leaders contributed $8.8 billion to the local economy, leading to new opportunities and the need to expand the industry, according to a recent report.
The primary medical sector directly … (0 comments)
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texas: Bio-medical fields expanding in Austin, shown by new implant - 09/20/06 11:21 AM
Many of the new investments for Venture Capital Firms within the Austin area have been and are within the Bio-Medical Field. A year ago Austin didn't really have any kind of Bio-Medical influence, which was one of the economic sectors that worried economists. However, there have been many new business pouring … (0 comments)
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texas: Austin's Toll Roads to Open Nov 1st, a year ahead of schedule - 09/20/06 11:15 AM
Austin's new toll roads will open to traffic on Nov. 1 -- a year ahead of schedule, according to the Texas Department of Transportation and under budget!
Austin has traditionally had unusually high traffic congestion for a city of its size, and the 40 plus miles of extra road way will … (0 comments)
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texas: For Investor's/Property Managers: Security Deposit Limits, State by State - 09/19/06 12:44 PM
Alabama
No statutory limit
Alaska
Two months' rent, except where rent exceeds $2,000 per month
Arizona One and one-half months' rent (unless tenant voluntarily agrees to pay more)
Arkansas
Two months' rent
California
Two months' rent (unfurnished, no waterbed); two and one-half months' rent (unfurnished, tenant has … (5 comments)
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texas: Cedar Park, TX 900,000 sqft Retail Ctr about to break ground - 09/18/06 12:27 PM
Cedar Park is a beautiful town in the NW Austin Area. It has been steadily growing as better roads have slowly completed construction. With another highway, 183A, fully underway this will allow better flow to and from the Cedar Park/Leander Area. Cedar Park is the Largest city on the North … (0 comments)
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texas: Buyer's Representation Agreements Paragraph 11G - 09/18/06 11:30 AM
A Buyer's Representation Agreement is a form that when filled out by a home buyer will create a legal agency with the REALTOR® that signed it with you. The agreement is usually for a set term, say 3 months, but to protect the REALTOR® efforts, the Agent is owed a commission … (0 comments)
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texas: Dripping Spring, TX now ready for more growth with 55 Acre Retail Ctr APPROVED!! - 09/16/06 01:18 PM
Near the intersection of RR 12 and US 290 close to the center of town, a 400,000 sqft shopping ctr is proposed with potential tenants such as Home Depot and HEB coming to the area.Dripping Springs is a beautifully area southwest of Austin about 15-20 minutes. It has been rapidly growing … (1 comments)
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texas: Why does Austin/San Antonio keep Appreciating while the rest of the County Suffers? - 09/15/06 01:14 PM
In my opinion, JOB GROWTH.
A couple of years ago, Venture Capital Money spent in the Austin/San Antonio areas significantly declined. The upside to that decline was that the firms were spending the majority of their time raising additional funds.
The result is that the past year or so, they've been spending it. … (2 comments)
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texas: IKEA to OPEN Sooner than expected in Round Rock - 09/09/06 12:20 PM
According to an Article in the Austin American-Statesman Sept 8, 2006: "Round Rock's IKEA could open much sooner than planned.
The store, on University Boulevard, is on track to open in November instead of next spring as originally planned.
The 250,000-square-foot store is expected to open in time for holiday shopping.
… (2 comments)
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texas: Color Blind? You're buyers may not be! - 09/01/06 12:34 PM
When an investor looks to buy a house, they are looking to see what they'll need to do in order to sell it quickly. They are trying to determine what costs the least amount of money but will appeal to most buyers. After all, the more buyers the home appeals to, … (1 comments)
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texas: Austin/San Antonio getting HOT, HOT, HOT!!! - 08/31/06 07:02 PM
The Austin/San Antonio area is truly getting hot! Physically and metaphorically.
While the rest of the country is beginning to deal with the first signs of a slowing real estate market, namely more homes available, less buyers and the subsequent drop in price...Austin and other Texas cities are experiences just the … (2 comments)
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