Marketing can be divided into may facets and today I covered many of them - I blogged on AR, called a few people in my database, launched a new Web site and had lunch with a couple of clients. I paired up two buyers who relocated with their husbands from the northeast to the same area in greater Austin. Both are retired women who didn't know anyone here and had a lot in common. They developed a friendship and have included me. Isn't that great. And today they invited me to lunch with them. We had a great time and strengthened our relationship.
Building relationships and being a connector are important to successful marketing. We can't click with al clients but I'm glad to have found two that click, click.
Condominiums can provide a low maintenance lifestyle and there are pros and cons to any property purchase decision. Below are some things to consider.
CONS:
Reserve funds and association fees - There are usually homeowners association fees associated with a condo that must be considered when a budget for the monthly mortgage payment is determined. The condo association takes responsibility for maintenance of the common grounds, area amenities and exterior maintenance like roofs, exterior doors and siding. Some times a special assessment must be levied because of an unexpected expense that the available funds wouldn't cover.
Condo rules - When you purchase a condo you are purchasing a share in a corporation providing you with a vote but you must comply with the condo rules. Be sure you understand the covenants, restrictions and bylaws. They will restrict your neighbors from participating in behavior you find unacceptable but those same rules will apply to you as well.
Resale - In a condo community, your resale value is more closely tied to that of the neighborhood. The number of investment properties, the condition of the grounds and the reserve of funds available in the association coffers can effect your ability to sell your condo. You don't have complete control over the situation so time and value can be effected.
Neighbors - You are in close proximity to your neighbors so your lifestyle will have a stronger effect on them and theirs on you
PROS:
Amenities - Many condos have amenities like a pool or fitness center. It eliminates the need for outside memberships and provides a convenience of ease.
Maintenance - Most condos cover maintenance in common areas like the grounds, pool and usually the exterior maintenance of the unit like roofs, siding, doors, etc. These are items that make living in a condo more care-free.
Condo rules - These regulations help to keep the area more agreeable to everyone. Remember, you are entitled to a vote so you may want to attend the association meetings.
Neighbors - The proximity provides an opportunity to get to know your neighbors, develop friendships and provide the security that neighbors provide.
is that over time it appreciates in value. So when my daughters husband asked for a divorce I insisted she ask for the house. Everyone told me that since it was his house before they married, she couldn't have it. Why not. Just ask. Or just insist. After all, he wanted the divorce and he gave her the house.
Now the sweet part is that it's right next door to me. OK, I know that sounds too close but we never interfered in their lives and after the divorce she moved on with her life. It's been about 5 years, she has had it leased and she recently married again and lives across town with her new husband. She still owns the house which is developing into a great nest egg for her future. It may provide business opportunities, college for the future kids or fund retirement.
Here's another advantage: My elderly mother is moving into it. Now my mother can be close enough for me to be of assistance, but not so close she's living with me and my daughter has a tenant she can count on to pay the rent and take care of the property. OK, my husband and I will take care of the property. Anyway, it's working out to be an advantage to everyone.
If you want to sell your home, listen to your REALTOR®. You hired a REALTOR® because she is a professional who works in the real estate market every day and probably for years and therefore has more insight into a homes value and how to sell it than you. Don't tell your REALTOR® what your home is worth. Ask. Your REALTOR® can provide you with comparative market sales and information about what is happening in the market, what prospective buyers who tour your property will want and think. You may want more for your home than the REALTOR® suggests as a price but if you do want to sell then listen to the professional. Just because you want more doesn't give the buyer any reason to pay more.
Statistics show that over pricing your home will not bring better offers. It will not put you in a better negotiating position. It will just put you in the position of having to lower your price because you aren't getting any viewers. The statistics that the National Association of REALTORs® provides show that homes that are priced right are more likely to get full-price or competing offers. LISTEN TO YOUR REALTOR®.
Often we encounter those who don't recognize the value a professional Realtor brings like the for-sale-by-owner I dropped in on yesterday. But, I have a buyer client who appreciates my value so much that she checks with me about all decisions and where some new home buyers don't even let me know when there is a final walk-thru of the property, this client wants to make sure I can be there. Through my professional abilities and experience I was able to negotiate a favorable price for the house, support the buyer in upgrade and design decisions, explain the credits and debits and find and have corrected an error on the part of the builder, provide vendor information and connect the buyer with others in her community. It's great to be appreciated and that's what will bring referrals.
I appreciate my client too and the value she brings to me. Tomorrow I'm taking her to lunch.
According to a new survey by Consumer Reports, most buyers and sellers were satisfied with the service they received from a real estate agent.
71% of sellers say they were very or completely satisfied with their real estate agent.
86% of home sellers who had their homes listed with an agent did sell their homes.
90% of listed homes that sold, the days on market were 6 months or less.
66% of buyer's had a real estate agent and on average paid less than asking price.
I'm an agent that would like to make a positive difference for you. If you are planning to buy or sell a home in the greater Austin area, please call me at 512.589.7988. Robin Scott, Broker. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist.
This morning was the STEPOUT WALK TO FIGHT DIABETES for the American Diabetes Association and my client and now friend Maureen wanted to volunteer because there is diabetes in her family so I offered to volunteer with her. I've been too busy to read the volunteer information so I waited until yesterday to find out that we had to be across town by 6am. Plus a cold front came in last night with high winds.
At 4:30 I was up and getting ready to go. Maureen and I met in a parking lot at 5:30 and we made it to Fiesta Gardens in southeast Austin by 6am. I had never been to that park before and it was a wonderful park on Lady Bird Lake.
When we got there it was dark and colder than we expected or were dressed for. Much colder. I'm guessing with the blustery winds the chill factor may have been in the high 30's which is really cold for Austin. We had so much fun. Hundreds of people turned out for the walk and other festivities which included bands, games for kids, a silent auction and off course the 5k walk.
We helped to bring the event together which benefited the association who brings awareness about diabetes to the public and the best part was that I made another friend.
LEASED! Cute and clean 2-story condo in a gated community with easy access to shopping, medical, employers, on the UT shuttle route and only 15 minutes to downtown Austin. Downstairs is a large living/dining area open to the kitchen which includes refrigerator and full-size washer & dryer. plus a private patio. Upstairs is a loft bedroom, bath and walk-in closet. Private patio and community pool. Owner/agent.
Instead a volunteer approach was adopted and the Energy Efficiency Ordinance will require some Austin homeowners to conduct energy audits of homes prior to the sale so that buyers can be better informed about the home they are purchasing.
The ordinance is expected to go into effect June 1, 2009.
Robin Scott, Broker. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative and Seller's Representative Specialist
Robin Scott - Broker CRS ABR SRS Austin Texas REALTOR® 
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