Feng Shui Ideas for Faster Home Sales - 10/31/08 10:14 AM
Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese concept of balance in the environment which has been available to westerners for many years and most of us are aware of the idea that following some of these ideas present a better package when trying to sell a house. Below are a few ideas to help you prepare your home for sale.
1. The front door is of special interest. In Feng Shui it is considered the "mouth of chi" through which abundance, blessings and good fortune enter your home. Along the same lines, it's what the buyer sees first and  that which begins … (2 comments)

City of Austin Lowers Property Tax Rate - 10/29/08 08:06 AM
The City of Austin has approved the most conservative budget in 5 years bringing the tax rate lower than other major Texas cities. This decision was based on evidence that the local economy will continue to grow during the current fiscal year. A $2,8 billion budget was approved by the Austin City Council for the 2009 fiscal year that began Oct. 1.
Deputy budget Officer Marisa Cortinas says the city will maintain the current level of services but must find ways to cutback. For example, the public library will close one day a week which will save $420,000 for the fiscal … (0 comments)

Halloween Events in Austin - 10/27/08 12:15 PM
  Hope you have a fun and safe Halloween. Here is a list of some things to do around Austin
Barton Springs" Haunted Cave - 10 am - 5 pm Tuesday - Saturday and Noon to 5pm Sundays though Nov. A spooky twist on the Edward's Aquifer. Free. 2201 Barton Springs.
Boo at the Zoo - 6:30-9pm Thursday & Friday, October 30 & 31. Experience the zoo at night. Wear costumes, bring picnic and flashlight. $10. 10807 Rawhide Trail.
House of Torment - 7pm - midnight until Nov. 2. Haunted house with 2 attractions. $14.99 per attraction or $19.99 plus tax … (0 comments)

More Than 800 People Dressed as Zombies and Danced to Thriller to Break the Guinness World Record - 10/27/08 11:57 AM
If you live in Austin, you won't be surprised to find out that even Mayor Will Wynn participated in the "Thriller" event  last Saturday outside the Long Center for the Performing Arts. Over 800 people of all ages showed up to dance in unison to Michael Jackson's "Thriller" and attempt to break a world record for the largest simultaneous dance. This event was also scheduled to take place in 92 other cities in 12 other countries who were competing for the same honor. Perhaps your city participated as well. It will take about a month before Austin will find out if … (1 comments)

Do You wonder why You would Need a Realtor When You Are Purchasing New Construction? - 10/25/08 06:06 PM
Oh, let me count the ways.
First of all, it's important to remember that the friendly salesman in the model home represents the builder not YOU.
Then, perhaps you think that the builder will give you a better deal if they don't have to pay the Realtors commission but did it ever occur to you that an experienced Realtor may be able to get you a better deal with the builder than you could get on your own without your agent.
And most important is having someone available who can separate the inaccuracies, misunderstandings and incorrect information.
Here are some examples:
… (1 comments)

Balcones Woods News - 10/25/08 05:43 PM
A survey taken of Balcones Woods residents showed that 63% were in favor of building a new amenity center so the Balcones woods Club board of directors is moving forward with the project which is expected to cost about $579,000 and the Building Committee determined it could be built without charging the residents a special assessment fee. the building will be paid for by homeowners fees and other usage fees but dues are expected to increase by 5% per year over the next few years.
Board of Directors meeting  November 11,  at Seton NW  Room 3A, at 7pm
If you are … (0 comments)

Which Home Did They Pick? Home #4 - 10/25/08 05:20 PM
Yes, they first picted home #2 but it had gone under contract the evening before we called, then to home #3 but the builder wouldn't negotiate with us (can you believe it?) so we found house #4.

House #4, built by Gehan, a local builder, who met all of our requests and my buyer's should be in their new home by November 20. The buyer's are happy, the Gehan representative is happy and I'm happy.
Robin Scott, Broker. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist.
… (0 comments)

House Hunters in Austin - Which One Will They Pick . . . - 10/24/08 08:27 PM
House # 1. The new, large but  affordable home in Hutto's Emory Fields. 

House # 2. The new dream home that was pushing the price limit in Star Ranch.
House # 3. or the new, smaller but affordable home in Pflugerville's Avalon.

No this isn't the HGTV show. It's just your usual day in real estate. Well may not usual because this buyer is motivated and has made a decision. First they picked house number 2 but what do you know. . . between 3 PM when we looked at the house and 10 AM this morning, the salesman … (4 comments)

Davis Spring Upcoming Events and Other News - 10/23/08 06:44 PM
Upcoming Events for Davis Spring ResidentsFall Festival & SpooktacularSATURDAY, November 110-11:30AM. Meet at the Trailhead Park and wear your costume. Santa in Trailhead ParkSATURDAY, December 6Santa in Trailhead Park10-11 AM. Sit on Santa's lap and get your picture taken. Hot chocolate will be served.News - Water Retention PondThe Davis Spring developer has announced plans to transfer ownership of the water retention pond at the bend in Thatcher to the neighborhood association. This will allow for an opportunity to make improvements such as a walking path and benches. To get involved in a discussion of future improvements contact the board.
If you are … (0 comments)

Opportunity Knocks in Pflugerville - 10/22/08 10:55 AM
This charming cul-de-sac home has 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2-car garage, 2 living and 2 dining. There is tile in the  kitchen/breakfast and all baths. All bedrooms and the utility room are upstairs. Special features include, fireplace, garden tub/separate shower and security system. 2102 sq.ft. Pulte home built in 2001. • 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2-car garage• 2 living and 2 dining• Tile in kitchen and baths• Security system• Fruit trees• Built in 2001 by Pulte• 2102 sq.ft. CAD$154,900 WHAT A GREAT PRICE
Robin Scott, Broker. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative
… (2 comments)

New Construction in Central Austin - 10/22/08 10:51 AM
This is a great opportunity to live in Central Austin in new construction. See what’s walking distance from this home. Only 15 minutes to downtown plus close to Seton Medical Center, Central Market and The Triangle. This custom home boasts two master suite, one on each of the top two floors, and gorgeous master bathrooms. This is a 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath home with all the special features you’d expect in new construction such as: handscraped wood floors in the living area, Silestone counters throughout, tile in the baths, decorator colors and fixtures, vessel sinks, stainless appliances, crown molding, 6” baseboards, … (2 comments)

Luau in Austin Texas Was a Big Success for My Daughters Wedding Reception - 10/21/08 10:57 AM
This party was a long time coming because my daughter, Molly,  and her husband, Bryan, got married in May. They eloped (with everyones knowledge) to Hawaii and got married on the beautiful island of Kaua'i, Hawaiian style by one of Don Ho's exdrummers. We have beautiful photos.

Last weekend, they threw a Laua at their home on Lake Travis for all their family and friends. It was untraditional but so much fun for our friends and family to come from all over the country for this special event. And because networking is invaluable on many  levels Molly had help from … (7 comments)

Texas Plans to Keep You Safe - Mandatory Interior Sprinkler System for New Construction - 10/20/08 01:19 PM
The International Residential Code which sets the minimum standard for building will mandate that all single- and two-family houses and townhomes must have a fire sprinkler system for homes built after January 1, 2011. Evidence shows that sprinklers save lives by giving people more time to exit in the event of a fire by preventing a room from getting so hot that flammables catch fire.
Although The National Association of Homebuilders and Habitat for Humanity opposed the mandate because of the increased cost of construction, the change in code was adopted and Texas plans to follow this code change.

If … (1 comments)

Another Relocation Client Seeking Texas Heat - 10/17/08 05:23 PM
Did you know that 11,000 people moved to Austin, Texas last year?  My last two relocation clients told me they came to escape the snow. One was a retired couple from Michigan who said that last winter was more than they could bear again. The other is a twenty-something couple from Ohio with the same sentiment.
If you don't like snow and the warm weather appeals to you, Austin may be the place of your dreams. According to Austin weather history the average temperature in January is 48.8 degrees although it does freeze from time to time, lightly snows about every … (2 comments)

Forbes Magazine Ranks Austin Number 1 - 10/16/08 07:53 AM
Forbes Magazine has ranked Austin number 1 in several different categories over the years. After all, this is a great place to live. Most recently Forbes has ranked Austin number in in "the place where you can get the most bang for your bucks." The analysis was based on job growth and cost of living. Plus this is still a great place to buy and home.
If you are interested in finding out more about Austin, living in Austin, real estate or buying or selling a home, I want to be your REALTOR. Call or email to find out how I … (0 comments)

Community Mail Boxes Robbed - 10/16/08 07:36 AM
Recently, I helped a couple from Michigan relocate to Austin and they purchased a home in a new subdivision with community mailboxes. It's a great concept for the post office because the mail carrier can drive to a universal location, deliver the mail and move on. Very efficient.
My buyers were concerned because in the area they came from, community mailboxes were being pried open and robbed. I was shocked. I had not heard of such a thing and assured them that that didn't happen here. But it did. Last night on the evening news, there was as a story about … (7 comments)

Home Seller Assulted by Man Posing as Buyer - 10/16/08 07:28 AM
And this is not the first such case in Austin. Sellers: Please be safety conscious.
In 2001 a woman who had her home for sale in the Great Hills, Austin neighborhood was strangled to death by a man who knocked on her door and asked if he could come in and see the house. IF THEY AREN'T ACCOMPANIED BY AN AGENT, DON'T LET THEM IN. In addition, this same man had previously strangled 4 other women with the same rouse. One of them had survived to identify him. I don't recall why he was not in prison when the Great Hills … (3 comments)

A New Austin Restaurant - Olivia - 10/14/08 06:43 PM
With upscale cuisine. Recently I wrote about my friends who opened a used book store on North Lamar in Austin - Frugal Media. So now I want to tell you about the restaurant my son-in-law's sister opened in South Austin - Olivia.
Named after their adorable daughter, Olivia, James and Cristina Holmeshave opened a beautiful restaurant with an exotic menu created by Chef James himself. Olivia is located at 2043 South Lamar so stop in for dinner and tell Christina that Robin Scott sent you. It's really good and worth the drive if you are coming from Frugal Media. This is … (5 comments)

TIPS FOR HIRING A REMODELING CONTRACTOR - 10/13/08 08:59 AM
1. Get at least three written estimates. 2. Check references. If possible, view earlier jobs the contractor completed. 3. Check with the local Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau for complaints. 4. Be sure the contract states exactly what is to be done and how change orders will be handled. 5. Make as small of a down payment as possible so you won’t lose a lot if the contractor fails to complete the job and he has the incentive to finish. 6. Be sure that the contractor has the necessary permits, licenses and insurance. 7. Check that the contract states … (2 comments)

FRUGALMEDIA OPENS IN AUSTIN - 10/13/08 08:37 AM
FrugalMedia is the largest on-line used bookstore and owned by my friends Rob Canuelle and Erik Franks. They have a fantastic system and if you have bought used books on-line you have probably purchased from FrugalMedia. They have sold over 800,000 items on-line in the last 5 years.
Now they have opened a retail store on Austin at 5400 N.Lamar. In addition to the great selection of used books, my husband John's paintings decorate the walls. The Austin American Statesman published an article about FrigalMedia you may find of interest. If you are in the Austin area, swing by and say … (6 comments)

AVERY RANCH - Amenities - 10/11/08 10:49 AM
Did you know there are 5 community centers in the Avery Ranch neighborhood? Yes, there are and they are scattered throughout the area so wherever you live in Avery Ranch, there is something near by. At the main amenity center off Avery Ranch Blvd. is a junior olympic lap pool, playground, tennis courts, volleyball courts, basketball courts plus an amphitheater for special events.
Sprinkled throughout the area are other playgrounds, pools and there is a 8.5 mile hike and bike trail spanning between Round Rock and Cedar Park. The area also includes a kid's beach pool and a tanning pool and … (0 comments)

MILWOOD - Coming Soon House for Lease - 10/09/08 08:58 AM
If your plans include moving in the next couple of months and you would like to lease a home in a great area, this is a home you'll want to see.
This adorable 2-story, 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home also has 2 living areas, 1 dining and a 2-car garage. Special features include tile in wet areas, laminate in livingroom, a fireplace, garden tub, separate shower, covered patio plus it backs to a greenbelt with access to the neighborhood hike & bike. This home is in a wonderful neighborhood with park, playground, pool, tennis and more with easy access to major … (0 comments)

MILWOOD - National Neighbor Night Out Success - 10/09/08 08:46 AM
On Tuesday the HOA at Milwood north of McNeil celebrated the National Neighbor Night Out at Rattan Creek park. It was a great success with neighbors coming to mingle and dine on hamburgers and hotdogs that were grilled by the HOA President and his son, Adam, pictured below. The fire department was there with a truck for display and the kids played football and chased squirrels. If you didn't make it this year, be sure to watch for signs in the area posted for the event next year.
Robin Scott, Broker. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative and Seller's Representative Specialist.
… (0 comments)

AUSTIN FALL EVENTS - 10/07/08 06:17 PM
OCTOBER
Austin Film Festival 478-4795
Austin Record Convention 288-7288
Texas Mesquite Art Festival 830-997-8515
Mediterranean Festival 345-9514
Texas Wildlife Expo 800-792-1112
Food & Wine Fest
Dia de los Muertos 480-9373
 
NOVEMBER
Austin Celtic Festival
Chuy's Children Giving to Children Parade 888-439-2489
Texas Book Festival 477-4055
Austin Powwow and American Indian Heritage Festival 371-0628
If you are interested in finding out more about Austin, living in Austin, real estate or buying or selling a home, I want to be your REALTOR. Call or email to find out how I can help you. 512.589.7988 or robin @robinscottrealtor.com
Austin, Texas Homes for Sale. … (3 comments)

BALCONES WOODS - Market Statistics for September - 10/07/08 05:11 PM
The Balcones Woods statistics below reflect  information from the Austin Board of Realtors MLS system. The information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
Balcones Woods
Currently Active - 7 between $210,000 - $329,900
Pending - 1 at $299,900
SOLD in September - 1 at $245,000
Average days on market before being sold is 116
If you are interested in finding out more about Austin, living in Austin, real estate or buying or selling a home, I want to be your REALTOR. Call or email to find out how I can help you. 512.589.7988 or robin @robinscottrealtor.com
Austin, Texas Homes for … (0 comments)

DAVIS SPRING - Market Statistics for September - 10/07/08 05:05 PM
Davis Spring market statistics are reflected below and the information is compiled from the Austin Board of Realtors MLS system. The information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
DAVIS SPRING
Currently Active - 5 between $252,500 - $300,000
Pending - 3 between $245,000 - $259,900
SOLD in September - 3 between $244,000-$270,000
Average days on market before being sold is 7
 
If you are interested in buying or selling a house in the Davis Spring, I want to be your REALTOR®.
Robin Scott, Broker. Certified Residential Specialist, Seller's Representative Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative
… (0 comments)

AVERY RANCH - Market Statistics for September - 10/07/08 04:56 PM
Avery Ranch is a large area and builders are still active in the area. The statistics below reflect  information from the Austin Board of Realtors MLS system. The information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
AVERY RANCH
Currently Active - 83 between $168,000 - $327,000
Pending - 8 between $375,000 - $419,000
SOLD in September - 16 between $187,000-$517,900
Average days on market before being sold is 63
Months of available inventory is 3.7
 
If you are interested in finding out more about Austin, living in Austin, real estate or buying or selling a home, I want to be your … (0 comments)

MILWOOD MARKET STATISTICS - September - 10/07/08 04:48 PM
The Milwood area can easily be divided by Mcneil Rd as those properties south or north of McNeil so I've divided the market statistics as such. This information is compiled from Austin Board of Realtors MLS. It is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
MILWOOD - south of McNeil Rd.
Currently Active - 19 between $110,000 - $224,750
Pending - 5 between $114,900 - $229,900
SOLD in September - 4 between $156,000-$193,000
Average days on market before being sold is 47
 
MILWOOD - north of McNeil Rd.
Currently Active - 40 between $134,532 - $280,000
Pending - 9 between $199,000 - … (0 comments)

Davis Spring - Coming Events - 10/02/08 06:36 PM
October 4, Saturday is the neighborhood wide garage sale. If you live in the area, it's your opportunity to clear out the clutter. If you don't live in the area, it's your opportunity to do some shopping. The weather should be great.
October 7, Tuesday is National Neighborhood Night Out. It's a great time to get out and meet your neighbors. There should be fun down at the park.
Below is a picture of the park. There's a pool, playgorund, picnic area and tennis courts.

If you are interested in finding out more about Austin, living in Austin, real estate … (0 comments)

Parlez-vous Francais? - 10/02/08 07:40 AM
After my trip to France in May, I decided to learn French. I acquired a copy of RosettaStone Language software and joined Alliance Francaise d'Austin. It's been a great experience. My goal is to be able to go back to France in two years and speak French. In the meantime, my new friends at Alliance Francaise  have given me  language CD's  and tips on finding learning tools.  We meet every first Wednesday  at Viva Chocolate  for aperitif  and  third Thursday for conversation. If you are a member of Alliance Francaise stop by to say Bonjour. And does anyone know how to … (2 comments)

National Night Out - 10/02/08 07:17 AM
This October 7 is National Night Out and intended to be an opportunity for neighbors to hangout together and get to know one another. It's a concept to strengthen a neighborhood and bring it together as a community. In my neighborhood - Milwood- the HOA has organized a get together at Rattan Creek Park. If you live in Milwood, I hope to see you there.
If you are interested in finding out more about Austin, living in Austin, real estate or buying or selling a home, I want to be your REALTOR. Call or email to find out how I can … (0 comments)

 
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Robin Scott - Broker CRS ABR SRS Austin Texas REALTOR®

Austin, TX

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Robin Scott, REALTOR®

Address: 7515 Windrush Dr., Austin, Tx , 78729

Office Phone: (512) 589-7988

Cell Phone: (512) 589-7988

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