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SELLER'S REPRESENTATIVE SPECIALIST (SRS) - 07/31/08 08:56 AM
This week, I completed a course for the Seller's Representative Specialist designation. In our ever changing market it's great to have a resource specifically designed to aide agents with sellers. It was taught by Marcie Roggow who also teaches some of the CRS classes and was full of useful information.
If you are interested in selling a house in the greater Austin area, I want to be your REALTOR®. I'm a Seller's Representative Specialist, an Accredited Buyer's Representative and a Certified Residential Specialist. Visit my Web site or contact me at robin@robinscottrealtor.com or 512.589.7988. If you are outside the Austin area, … (0 comments)
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YOU'VE CLOSED ON A HOME PURCHASE. WHAT DO YOU KEEP? - 07/30/08 10:50 AM
Often when I meet with a home seller and ask for specific documents, I find they threw some or all out after closing. I personally have kept the paperwork on every house I've purchased even if I don't own it anymore. Below is a list of what the home buyer should keep after closing:
1. HUD-1 also called the settlement statement. It's the balance sheet that itemizes what the buyer pays for and what the seller pays for. Some of the buyers costs may be deductible from your income tax. Check with a tax specialist or consult the IRS Web site.
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CERTIFIED RESIDENTIAL SPECIALIST (CRS) - 07/28/08 08:19 PM
The Certified Residential Specialist designation is a credential only 4% of REALTORS® across the country have because it requires additional education and experience plus a continuing membership with the Council of Real Estate Specialists.
I worked to acquire this designation so that I could better serve my home buyers and home sellers. In addition to the information I learned from several weeks of classes, I also receive monthly updates on market trends and other information to continually be of improved service to my clients and I'm networked with CRS REALTORS® all over the country so that I can refer buyers or … (0 comments)
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AUSTIN COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES - 07/27/08 09:48 AM
Austin is a college town. The population of Austin proper is 696,529 according to the 2007 population estimates but neighboring communities include Round Rock 85,275, Cedar Park 44,054, San Marcos 43,967, Georgetown 36,878, Plugerville 27,258, Leander 16,292, Jollyville 15,235, Lakeway 8,848, Anderson Mill 7,582, Lago vista 5,640, Hudson Bend 2,984, West lake Hills 2,953, Rollingwood 1,318, Anderson Mill 7,582.Southwestern University in Georgetown Concordia University in Austin University of Texas in AustinAustin Community College in AustinHuston-Tillotson University in Austin St. Edward's University in Austin
Texas State University in San Marcos
If you are interested in finding out more about Austin, living … (0 comments)
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You Want Me to Invest in What? Bite me! - 07/25/08 05:29 PM
I'm a sucker for a real estate seminar. I almost always go hoping to gain some kind of new knowledge. Today I went to a seminar as the guest of a client. He was really excited because he thought there was so much to learn and he wanted to share the information with me since I invest in real estate myself. In the end, the REALTOR® sitting next to me and I walked out before it was over. I gave it a fair try. Even went back after lunch but I got tired of the fast talking, the freezing room temperature … (4 comments)
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AGENT EDUCATION - 07/25/08 08:04 AM
Continuing education is a requirement for being an agent and I go the extra mile by taking more classes then are required. Today, I'm attending a seminar on real estate investing and Monday and Tuesday I'll be in classes to acquire a designation for Seller Representation Specialist. Advanced education enables me to better serve the community. I'm looking forward to sharing the information I learn with you.If you are interested in buying or selling a home in the greater Austin area, I want to be your REALTOR®. If you are buying or selling out of the area, I can connect you … (0 comments)
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A FRESH START - 07/24/08 06:05 PM
Today we started renovating my home office. Moving, even moving one room is emotionally exhausting. I'm impressed that sellers and buyers do it and in such a short time like 30 days for an entire house. You see, when we moved into our house 18 years ago, we didn't have nearly as much stuff as we do now. I packed up everything I wouldn't need for a week and had to make some tough decisions about what to throw away. Some things had sentimental value like crafts my kids made but my husband actually found an empty Jalapeno jar in a … (1 comments)
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SUCCESS STORY - 7512 WINDRUSH - 07/23/08 09:38 AM
Another successful closing for 7521 Windrush Dr. Priced at $200,000 and on the market 53 days. A 4/2.5/2 with all tile downstairs, freshly painted inside, updated baths, security system, deck and backing to the greenbelt. This house is in my neighborhood so look for my blog "My Neighborhood and Why I Love It."If you have a house to sell, call me at 512.589.7988. I want to be your REALTOR®. If you are in the greater Austin area, I can represent you personally. If you are from another area, I can find a reputable REALTOR® through my REALTOR® network for you. And … (1 comments)
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AUSTIN AREA MARKET STATISTICS - MAY - 07/22/08 11:38 AM
You may wonder why these statistics are from May. It takes time for Austin Board of Realtors to compile the data so we are always a couple of months behind. These statistics are for the greater Austin area but if you would like information specific to your area please call or email me. I also can do a comparative market analysis (CMA) on your home. robin@robinscottrealtor.com or 512.589.7988. Also, visit my Web site at http://www.robinscottrealtor.com to find out more about how I can help you and to do a property search in the greater Austin area.I want to be your REALTOR®. … (0 comments)
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SUCCESS STORY - 1402 JULIET - 07/21/08 10:22 AM
Another successful closing. SOLD 1402 Juliet. Asking price $305,000. A vintage 3 bedroom, 2 bath in 78704 zip code. 54 days on market.If you have a house you'd like to sell, call me. I want to be your REALTOR. I can personally help you in the greater Austin, Texas area or connect you with a reputable REALTOR anywhere in the US. Call 512.589.7988 or email robin@robinscottrealtor.com. Visit http://www.robinscottrealtor.com to find out more about me, the services I offer and to search for properties in the greater Austin area.
Robin Scott, Broker. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist.
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Do I Need A Home Inspection? - 07/18/08 09:50 AM
ABSOLUTELY! In Texas, home inspectors are licensed and all have the same checklist form to fill out. You may want to ask your REALTOR® for names of home inspectors they like or check online with Texas Real Estate Commission who licenses inspectors or or if from another state try Google for your states home inspection association. A home inspector will check everything from the roof to whether the windows open and close to the temperature in your oven. When you buy a home, you should know what condition it's in so you will know what challenges you will face as a … (1 comments)
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What's the Option Period? - 07/17/08 02:40 PM
In Texas, the Texas Real Estate Commission has included a paragraph in the standard residential resale contract that offers home buyers the unrestricted right to terminate an offer and receive their earnest money (see previous blog entry about earnest money) back. The option period is defined by a term of days and compensation to the home seller. Usually the term is 7-10 days in which time the buyer may get a home inspection, secure final financing and make sure they can acquire home insurance. The compensation I have seen runs between $50-250.
Robin Scott, Broker. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist.
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Abstract of Title or Title Policy? - 07/16/08 04:28 PM
In some states, closings happen in an attorneys office but in Texas they most often happen at the title company.Either way, the home buyer will want to be sure that there aren't any liens or encumbrances on the property like unpaid fines, bills, taxes or another's property extending onto your property line.To accomplish this the buyer will either have an attorney of their choice examine an abstract of title or obtain a title policy insuring that the title is free and clear from the title company. In Texas, we usually submit the contract and earnest money (see previous blog entry "What … (0 comments)
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When Buying or Selling a Home, What's the Survey? - 07/15/08 04:39 PM
The survey is the document that defines the property and shows the parameters of the lot, where the house sits on the lot, where the building setback lines are, the utility easements and fences. A survey is created by a licensed surveyor and is very precise. The title company uses it to determine if there are any encroachments.At one time, Texas law didn't allow surveys to be reused but that has changed. Since it's usually a buyers expense and it costs about $450, the buyer will probably ask the seller to provide the existing survey for title company review. If there … (0 comments)
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WHAT IS EARNEST MONEY? - 07/14/08 08:59 AM
You've probably heard the term "earnest money" and wondered what it meant or how it worked. What is earnest money? Earnest money is the amount you give to the seller to show you are earnest about your intent to purchase their property. After all, if they are going to remove their property from the active market they will want assurance from you that they are not wasting precious time. When do you pay earnest money? The check is written at the time the contract offer is made. In Texas, the earnest money check is written to the title company whom you … (1 comments)
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For Lease - 1 Bedroom Condo/Gated/Pool/UT Shuttle - 07/13/08 03:11 PM
FOR LEASE. $1095/mo. Clean and bright 1 bedroom, 1 bath with covered parking and small patio. 2-story so no neighbors above or below. Large living/dining, kitchen with refrigerator, full-size washer & dryer, upstairs bedroom and bath. Large walk-in closet. Area pool, gated community between Spicewood Springs Rd and Far West Blvd. on UT shuttle and bus route. Close to MoPac, Walk to shopping (HEB, Post Office, Library, Austin Regional Clinic) and major employers. Available August 20. for more information call Robin owner/agent at 512.589.7988 or robin@robinscottrealtor.com. This is my property and not listed on MLS.
UPDATE: LEASED
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Attached Conveys - 07/11/08 10:02 AM
In Texas, our real estate contract offer forms state that anything attached to the property conveys. There is a long paragraph about what is considered attached which I suspect few read.
Once, I represented a buyer and when we did the final walk-thru, the curtain rods had been removed. Put them back. The rods are attached, bolted to the wall. Also included are ceiling fans, light fixtures, speakers, gas logs. You get the picture.
What's in question and seems to differ in other states or maybe communities is appliances. In Austin, dishwasher, range, mounted microwave are considered attached. Refrigerator, washer and … (0 comments)
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Mediation/Dispute Resolution - 07/11/08 09:16 AM
In Texas, most of our written real estate agreements (buyer's representation, listing and contract offer)request or require mediation in the case of a dispute before litigation but what is mediation and where do you go to find it?Mediation is a process where a neutral person (the mediator) facilitates dispute resolution between two or more people involved in a dispute. A mediator does not judge or decide who is right or wrong but provides a program through which each party has an opportunity to state their position and helps them develop a workable solution.Recently, I attended a luncheon with a guest speaker … (0 comments)
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Real Estate Shopping Has Changed - 07/07/08 08:53 AM
Yes, in the last 9 years since I've been an agent things have changed and here are 5 ways how:1. Buyers used to depend on their REALTOR to help them identify properties of interest. Now, with so much information available, most buyers look for homes online and send me the list of what they want to see. In fact, according to the National Association of REALTORS, statistics show that 80% of buyers are looking online before they even contact an agent.2. Holding an open house used to attract buyers and sellers that could be converted to clients. Now, often no one … (0 comments)
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HOUSE FOR SALE IN MILWOOD ON WINDRUSH - 07/03/08 10:52 AM
This home is in my neighborhood and I just can't say enough great things about the area. Location, location, location. Close to shopping, employers and good schools. Also a great park system with pool, clubhouse, tennis, hike/bike, basketball and more. The house is great too. Especially since it backs to the greenbelt and has a wonderful deck in back. It's a 4/2.5/2 with 2 living/dining areas, all tile downstairs, freshly painted, large bedrooms with lots of light and updated bathrooms. About 1900 sq.ft. built in 1990. Take a look at the photos and email me or call 512.589.7988. There is a … (1 comments)
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10 Qestions to Ask When Picking a Sellers Agent - 07/01/08 08:00 PM
1. How long have you been a REALTOR®? Is it your full-time job? Experience is no guarantee of expertise but generally accounts for something.2. Do you have any designations? Designations such as ABR and CRS®, which require that agents take additional, specialized real estate training, are held only by about 14% of real estate agents.3.On average, how many days were your homes on the market? What is the average days on market in this area? This information will be available to the REALTOR® on MLS.4. What was the ratio of asking price to final sale price with your listings? This gives … (0 comments)
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Understanding Brokerage in Texas - 07/01/08 07:47 PM
The Texas Real Estate Commission provides a promulgated form presenting information about brokerage services which agents are required by law to present to their buyers and sellers at the first face to face meeting. If your agent has not presented this form, ask for it. Seller's representative The seller enters into an agreement with the seller's agent through a written agreement usually the listing agreement and owes fiduciary duties to the seller. An agent from a different brokerage office could act as a subagent, assisting the buyer but not representing the buyer. Buyer's representative The buyer may also enter into an … (0 comments)
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Robin Scott - Broker CRS ABR SRS Austin Texas REALTOR®
Austin,
TX
More about me…
Robin Scott, REALTOR®
Address: 7515 Windrush Dr., Austin, Tx , 78729
Office Phone: (512) 589-7988
Cell Phone: (512) 589-7988
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