Understanding How Homeownership is a Good Return on Your Money - 04/17/09 09:41 AM
Often I have a conversation with home buyers about the return on their money related to homeownership and it's such an important computation for prospective homeowners to understand so here is some valuable information to help you determine if buying a home is a good investment.
According to the National Association of REALTORS a homes value appreciation average 4.5% annually. That's sounds like an acceptable rate of return but it gets even better. Since you are unlikely to be paying cash for your home the actual investment is the amount of money you invest (your downpayment.) To explain in simplified terms … (3 comments)

Protesting Your Property Taxes in Austin - 04/16/09 09:09 AM
It seems as though the county tax appraisers are usually behind the curve when property values start declining. As this has been the case, it's important to make sure that you are not being taxed for more than you home is valued. In April, you should receive notices from the county appraiser with an assigned value to your home. If you believe the value to be high, you should protest.
In Texas, taxes are paid in arrears. In other words, you will pay your property taxes for 2009 at the end of the year. However, since the taxes are for 2009, … (0 comments)

Austins Property Tax Calendar - 04/16/09 08:49 AM
Since the valuation of your home by the county tax appraiser will effect the cost of owning your home, it's important to know what's going on. Below is the schedule of events for Travis County Appraisal District:
Jan1 - All residential properties are appraised according to their value on Jan1.
January - March - County appraisers analyze the market and determine a value of every home in Travis county
Early April - The appraisal districts mails to homeowners notices of determined home value with information on how to protest.
April - May - Homeowners may file protests with the Appraisal Review … (0 comments)

Austin Traffic Statistics - 04/16/09 08:31 AM
Austin is such a great place to live and I usually hear people raving about all the wonderful amenities Austin offers. Occasionally I'm asked what people complain about and there is only one thing - traffic.
It was no surprise to me to read that according to the Texas Transportation Institutes biannual Urban Mobility Report, Austin ranks highest in traffic congestion of all Texas cities with a population less than one million with reports of 70 cars a day being added to the roadways.
Below are traffic statistics from the US Census Bureaus 2007 American Community Survey:
85% of Austinites drive … (0 comments)

On the Fence About Purchasing a Home? - 04/05/09 09:24 PM
This is your opportunity to take advantage of some positive situations in the real estate market.
First, there is a lot of inventory from which to choose has driven down the price of homes.
Second, interest rates are very low and your REALTOR® will be able to refer you to a reputable mortgage lender.
Third, the first-time homebuyer tax credit which provides a tax credit up to $8,000.Basically this credit applies to anyone who has not purchased a home in the last 3 years, is purchasing a personal residence, lives in the home  for 3 years,  is equal to 10% of … (0 comments)

Another successful closing - SOLD - 04/05/09 09:05 PM
Hooray! Another successful closing. I was the second REALTOR to represent this seller and I'm happy to say it is no longer available because it is SOLD. In Pflugerville,  a 4/2.5/2 with 2 living and 2 dining and an asking price of $154,900 which I had listed for 97 days.

Robin Scott, Broker. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. Amelia Bullock Realtors. 512.589.7988.
… (2 comments)

Lead-Based Paint and Your Home - 04/02/09 11:26 AM
Prior to 1978, latex paint didn't exist and we didn't know that lead-based paint was hazardous to your health. Now that we know, any home built before 1978 must disclose upon sale the possibility of lead-based paint.
The federal government has made it all very easy for us by providing an Addendum for Seller's Disclosure of Information on Lead-based Paint which must be signed by the buyer and seller previous to the sales contract and the pamphlet Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home  published by the EPA which explains how lead can get into your body, what harm it … (0 comments)

The Federal Fair Housing Laws and Austin, Texas - 04/02/09 11:00 AM
Are you familiar with the seven protected classes? In 1968  the Fair Housing Act was created as part of the Civil Rights Act. It was an initial attempt to penalize those who discriminated against people seeking housing on the basis of race, color, religion or national origin. In 1974 gender was added and in 1988, handicaps/disabilities and family status were added.
The seven federally protected classes are race, color, religion, national origin, gender, handicaps/disabilities and family status.
In Texas, Austin, Fort Worth and Dallas have included sexual orientation.  And in Austin, students are considered a protected class as well.
EXEMPTIONSHousing may … (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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