Christopher Watters, Realtor - Blog

Your kids get a TAX Rebate Check too!

Fri, 02 May 2008 23:34:10 -0500

I just read a very interesting article on Yahoo! News. As many of you know the rebate check will be sent out starting May 9th.

If you have kids or retired parents they can be expecting a check as well. Here is a great read to help you figure out where to put the money your kids will receive.

http://biz.yahoo.com/ibd/080502/funds.html?.v=1

Rutherford West Buda Texas 1.5+ Acre Lot FOR SALE

Fri, 02 May 2008 21:03:31 -0500

Rutherford West is a master planned community approx. 612 Acres. 325 Acres of
the community is to be left undisturbed, open green space.

Be sure to check out the community web site! www.RutherFordWest.com

Rutherford West is located just East of Driftwood on FM 963. It's also just down the road from the famous Salt Lick BBQ!

I have two lots for sale in this community priced at $85,000 and $95,000. They both exceed 1.5+ Acres. Both lots are very level and located on Brangus Road. There are several homes built surrounding these two lots. These are one of the few lots left for sale in this estate community.

The neighborhood is a green friendly community! You can find more information about the existing green built homes in this community at www.rutherfordwest.com.

Homes start from the $300's.

You can see in the pictures below that are very LARGE mature Live Oaks Trees throughout the two properties.

Lots 12A Below

Lots 14A Below

To get more information on these two lots please contact me. I can send you a copy of the neighborhood plat or survey if you wish.

Christopher Watters, Realtor
Texas Ranch & Home Realty

Phone: 512.567.1597

Austin Texas Chip Company posts PROFIT of $155.6 Million!

Fri, 02 May 2008 11:46:03 -0500

Job growth and the performance of employers in the Austin area directly correlates to changes in real estate prices. I assume this post will make many homeowners feel good about one of their biggest investments!

Silicon Lab Posts HUGE First Quarter Profits!

The Austin chip company reported a profit of $155.6 million! Silicon Laboratories revenue in the first quarter was $111.8 million, with a profit of $10.8 million. This revenue excludes the sale of its wireless chips divison to NXP Semiconductors (European Chip Company).

As a recent finance graduate, I would bet that more than likely the sale of this division was to help streamline its company and be more focused on its various communication equipment chips and other misc equipment the company produces. With the sale of its wireless chips division the company should in the future post high profit margins.

After the sale Silicon Labs showed about $666 million in cash and short-term securities. Silicon Labs is expected to use some of its liquidity to carefully find one or more companies in a related business to acquire.

Much of the companies growth this year is expected to come from its transmitter chips, FM Receiver chips, and other Micro-Controllers.

After NXP who acquired Silicon Labs Chip division finds new office space, Silicon Labs expects to consolidate all of its Austin operations into the downtown location off Cesar Chavez St.

To conclude this blog - keep buying real estate in Austin Texas! If you're looking to invest or buy a home for yourself, call me. I know the in and outs of the Austin area Market! 512.567.1597

Salvation Army Opening Round Rock Texas Store

Thu, 01 May 2008 23:48:11 -0500

Salvation Army opening Round Rock store.

At a really young age I had the opportunity to tour the salvation army in downtown Austin. It was eye opening to see what a difference it was making in peoples lives. Its great to hear that the Salvation Army will be opening a store in the Round Rock area.

The Austin area salvation army is opening its fifth family store and the FIRST in Round Rock Texas! The store will be located at 601 W. Louis Henna Blvd. AKA Builders will be the general contractors. The opening is expected to happen in late May.

The store is going to be over 25,000 square feet! It will sell clothing, home accessories, furniture, books and sporting goods.

If your interested in making a donation the central donation center is located at 4216 S. Congress Ave.

Donate To Salvation Army!

South Austin Texas Home For Sale

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 23:59:30 -0500

Christopher Watters | Texas Ranch & Home Realty | 512-567-1597

2005 Melissa Oaks Ln., Austin, TX

Immaculate Home - Lush Landscaping & More!

3 Bdrm Single Family House

offered at $171,900

Year Built	2005
Sq Footage	1,686
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	6,013 sqft
HOA/Maint	$10 per month

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
High/Vaulted ceiling	Walk-in closet	Tile floor
Family room	Living room	Office/Den
Dining room	Breakfast nook	Dishwasher
Refrigerator	Stove/Oven	Microwave
Attic	Laundry area - inside	Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Garage parking

Playground

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

9 Miles From Downtown Austin

Lush Landscaping

Sprinkler System

Tile Floors

GE Black Appliances CONVEY

NEXT TO NEW South Park Meadows Shopping Center

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Christopher Watters

Texas Ranch & Home Realty

512-567-1597

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Apr 28, 2008, 7:53pm PDT

Milago Condomiunium FOR SALE - DOWNTOWN AUSTIN TEXAS

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 23:44:05 -0500

BEST PRICED CONDO IN THE MILAGO ON THE 10th FLOOR!

Unit 1015

$239,000 - Priced to SELL!

This is downtown living at its finest!

Features Include:

756 Sq. Ft. 1 Bed - 1 Bath W/ Balcony
Mohogany Flooring
Stainless Steel Appliances
Granite Countertops
Track Lighting
Large Private Balcony
Fitness Room
24 Hour Concierge Service
Wifi Lounge
Rooftop Pool

Exits from building to Lady Bird Hike & Bike Trail

Check out the virtual tour:

http://www.floorplanhost.com/54rainey1015/

If you'd like to schedule an appointment to view this condo please call me at the number listed below!

Christopher Watters, Realtor
Texas Ranch & Home Realty
Phone: 512.567.1597

Best Cities For Home Sellers

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:45:21 -0500

Great NEWS Greater Austin Texas area homeowners!!

Forbes.com rated Austin Texas as No. 3 for best cities across the country to sell your home! You can read the Top 10 list for yourself at :

Forbes Top 10 Cities for Home Sellers

Note to Austin Homeowners:

It's important you remember although Austin has been seeing appreciation in home values, the number of qualified buyers out there dropped by 13% due to the lending crisis! There are many homes sitting on the market right now. It's important you find a realtor that will use the power of the internet to advertise your home to potential buyers across the country. Especially since over 80% of buyers begin their home search online! Please contact me now so we can discuss how I can prevent your home from being one of the many sitting on the market, that won't be sold.

Why the SMART Money is BUYING!

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:10:25 -0500

Recession, Lending Crisis, Credit Crisis, Market Crash & Foreclosures!

What more can i say? When could you ever imagine a better time than NOW to be negotiating on the purchase of a home, especially with so many out there to choose from!?

Austin Texas area real estate values have been very well insulated against the broader slump experienced by millions of homeowners across the country. In Austin Texas home values continue to appreciate. But, it's important many potential buyers know that even though homes are still appreciating, the number of homes sold in Austin decreased by 13%, which means to you potential buyers - negotiating power!

So whats that mean to you as a potential homeowner? Well, homes are sitting on the market far longer than before, some of them don't even sell! They are rejected! Right now your negotiating power is at its peak! If your looking to buy in the Austin Texas area you have the opportunity to buy in a buyers market and home values are still predicted to RISE!

Your probably wondering how can the number of home sales be on the decline and real estate values continue to increase? It's important to remember that you can't correlate the number of home sales with real estate appreciation. Although the demand for homes in the area does play slightly into the equation, its important to factor in how well the local economy and job market is doing. Those two factors have a much BIGGER impact on local real estate values. If you didn't know, Austin has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country!

If your looking for a place to put your money, Austin real estate is the place to be! Rents on single family homes continue to rise , as well as the number of qualified potential tenants. The stock market is extremely Volatile. Austin Texas real estate is NOT!

Let me help you find your next home or investment property and show you how to leverage the negotiating power we have in this market! You can reach me on my cell phone at 512.567.1597

Downpayment Assistance Update

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 22:42:22 -0500

Great NEWS Everyone!

A judge in the Eastern District of California by the name of Judge Lawrence K. Karlton upheld Nehemiah's Motion for summary judgment and invalidated the U.S. Dept. Of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) rule to ban private down payment assistance programs proposed in the, "Standards for Mortgagor's Investment in Mortgaged Property"regulation published October 1, 2007

I'm very excited with the courts decision to support low and moderate income families across the country by ruling against the HUD's attempt to ban private down payment assistance programs.

Just so I'm clear - the rule can not be enforced by HUD and will not be a threat to down payment assistance programs.

The Nehemiah Program is the nations largest privately held down payment assistance program. For first time homeowners and those who meet the qualifications to apply for the Nehemiah Down Payment Assistance program, you can read more about this program on their web site http://www.nehemiahcorp.org/

I personally was able to buy my first home while in college using this program. I'm very familiar with it and if you would like, I can speak to you more about this program personally. Please don't hesitate to call me. Phone: 512.567.1597

Old Settlers Park get $18.9 Million Dollar Face Lift - Round Rock Texas

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:12:45 -0500

After recently hearing about the approval by the Round Rock City
Council to acquire funding in the amount of $18.9 Million for park
improvements I was really excited! The park gets so much use
by nearby residents that the fields are starting to show fatigue.
You can check out all of the information on the projected completion
of the improvements, as well as what all this project will include by
visiting the following web site Old Settlers Park.

In the spring time there are always patches of Blue Bonnets and
wild flowers spread out across the park. As you can see from the
pictures I took last weekend, this is the prime season for families
to head out there with their kiddos and take family photos!

The park is popular for its array of sport courts offered including soccor,
baseball, softball, tennis courts, swimming, frisbee golf, and more!
This is also a city hot spot On July 4th. (I make it a priority to see
the phenomenal fireworks display they put on at Old Settlers Park.)

As a Round Rock resident I've been going to Old Settlers Park for
over 10+ years. It has one of the longest frisbee golf courses in the
country that I enjoy year round! Not to mention it's a great place for
dogs. If you can't tell by the pictures posted next to my blog I LOVE
taking my dog there!

I hope everyone gets a chance to head over to Old Settlers Park and
enjoy the BlueBonnets! If your a tourist this is a must see place!

To Stage or NOT to Stage?

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 20:48:54 -0500

If you're in the Greater Austin Texas area I would like to first endorse Amy Jeffrey with Currant Designs. I met her right here on AR! You can find her profile at: www.activerain.com/currantdesigns

She taught me a great deal after meeting with her. She really knows her stuff! She met with me and explained in detail what to expect from the staging of my property. She stages homes from the mid-grade home up to luxurious custom-built homes by Toll Brothers. So be sure to give her a call, you will not be disappointed!

After many sleepless nights on whether I should stage a rental property I own and will be listing for sale in the next few weeks, I thought my readers would like to know the thought process I went through that helped make my final decision.

Your first question should be what should I expect to pay to have my home staged professionally?

From my research it costs about 400$-500$ per room to have it staged professionally. That means bringing in furniture, accessories, and having it staged throughout your home!

Next you have to ask yourself some pre-qualifying questions on if staging will save you money.

Is your home in a neighborhood where the average days on market exceeds 30 days?

Can you afford to have your home staged at $400-$500 per room? (Assume three room minimum)

Keep this in mind; Price, Promotion, and the Product equals the bottom line in selling your home. You need all three of these things to come together. If it's not priced well staging is not going to help. If your home is not marketed well by a realtor, staging isn't going to help.

So far you know that staging is not going to increase your homes sale price or help promote your home from a marketing standpoint.

So what is the benefit of getting your home staged?

Getting the home staged will without a doubt help a home sell faster. How does it do this? By staging a home you can help show off the features of your product (your home) and you can hide some of the flaws, for example a smaller guest bedroom. Buyers are more likely to remember a home staged vs. a home that is vacant or poorly decorated.

So if your realtor tells you the average home sells in 6 months, it could save you some money in the long haul if you pay up front to have it staged vs. making six more payments on your mortgage. In most cases over 75% of your house payment is going toward interest. SO getting it staged means quicker sale, which saves you money!

In most cases it's very important you meet with a realtor that can give you an honest opinion on whether or not your home should be staged. After all, we want your home to sell for more money because that means a happy client and a bigger commission check. The more important reason to have a realtor that knows about the staging aspect of a home is that in some cases it could save or lose you a lot of money if a realtor does a poor job of giving you realistic expectations on how long he thinks it will take for your home to sell. So make sure your realtor knows the ropes of staging, and has a great stagger like Amy Jeffrey working for them!

Until next time, Happy Staging!

What can a Generation X/Y Realtor Do For YOU?

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 20:25:21 -0500

I was born in 1983, between the end of Generation X and the beginning of Generation Y. I'm sure many of you that were part of the baby boom generation have children my age. You're probably well aware of how tech savvy your children are. We are a generation of multitaskers, juggling e-mail on our Blackberry, talking on a cell phone, and surfing the net, all at the same time!

What are the characteristics of a generation X/Y Realtor?

To start, we can be described by our endless amount of drive and energy. Couple that with a goal driven appetite, the need for ongoing education, and high expectations of ourselves, which equates to a high performing realtor.

Why is working with a Generation X or Y Realtor of importance to a seasoned buyer/seller?

In a world where information is at your fingertips, you want accurate information, and you want it delivered to you now! How frustrated would you be if another buyer received the information on your future dream home, 2-3 days before you knew it existed!?

What about for you seasoned sellers? Did you know over 80% of buyers begin their search online? An Internet savvy realtor is more important now than ever before. If your looking at selling in the near future, ask me how many different home search engine sites I will submit your property too. Secondly, ask me about pod casting your property on Google and YouTube and that is just the beginning.

For those homeowners in Austin Texas, we've been very insulated against the nationwide real estate bubble. Home values continue to be on the rise. BUT one unpopular statistic is that the number of homes sold year over year has decreased by 13%! So before you list your home and it sits on the market without selling, make sure your home sticks out among the dozens listed for sale in your neighborhood. If you want to know how to make your homes "internet curb appeal" pop, just ask what all I can do for you!

10,000 Points Wahoo!

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 01:03:37 -0500

Well the past three weeks since signing up on on AR I feel like I've learned a tremendous amount, especially from my fellow Active Rain enthusiasts aka Addicts, lol.

I find myself carrying a camera with me everywhere I go. Not to mention keeping a list of potential things I can blog about.

I have faith that in the future this web site will be of great benefit to my community and the readers who read my blogs about the Greater Austin Area. It seems like it is just a matter of time. This 10,000 point mark came faster than I expected.

I think this point system is such a great idea. You know I blog because I love to tell people about why I love Austin Texas so much. But the points make things really competitive and nothing is better for business than a little friendly competition.

Thank you again to all of those who read and comment on my blog. I've been a Realtor for a little over a year now, every day I learn something new, but it feels like on AR I'm learning something new by the minute!

Upside down on your home?

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:03:38 -0500

This has been quiet a horrific time in the US economy for many homeowners. You're not alone, there are more foreclosures now than ever before! Were talking about in the millions! Don't blame yourself, it took an appraiser to come up with the value of your home, it then took a bank to validate that appraisal and underwrite the loan they gave you. The bottom line is the banks screwed up big time!

So what are your options if you owe more than you can sell your home, after broker fees and closing costs?

If you qualify you can do what is called a "Short Sale".

When a homeowner owes more than the home is worth, a realtor like myself for example, can negotiate with your lender. We can work with your lender and get them to accept a buyer's offer below the pay off amount on your mortgage.

What are the pro's to doing a "Short Sale" as a homeowner?

You're only put on a one year probationary period vs. seven years of bad credit and having to wait a heck of a long time before you'll qualify to buy another home.

You may ask yourself why would a bank do this? Well, banks are not in the business of owning real estate. They are in the business of making loans. It would cost the banks far more to hold onto the house. Not to mention the costs of keeping up with the home. Banks don't have time for this. So by doing a short sale you'll get the home in good condition and it'll be ready to sell. If your property is marketed well and you can procure a buyer at price the lender agrees on, you will be released from your mortgage.

The process itself is very complicated but could save you alot of frustration down the road. I would recommend hiring a Realtor and ensure they have past experience with short sales. I'm not a CPA or Lawyer so be sure you consult with a lawyer and CPA regarding a short sale on your property.

If you live in the Greater Austin area I would like the chance to work with you and help you through this rough time. I have been through a short sale and can help it be a smooth transition so you can get onto the next stage of your life. Please don't hesitate to call. 512.567.1597

Round Rock Texas New Home Construction Development

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 22:31:23 -0500

SILVER LEAF NOW OPEN!

On the east side of Round Rock off Gattis School Rd. there is a new construction development called,"Silver Leaf" by Gehan homes going up. The homes range in price between $170k-$210k. The four floor plans Gehan is offering range in square footage between 1,954 and 3,271.

it's located only minutes from the new toll roads SH 45 and SH 130. The Louis Henna Blvd. Dell Campus is also located less than 3 miles away! You can do all your shopping at the La Frontera of Round Rock only 5-10 mins away. If your looking for a real bargain you can be sure to check out the Outlet Malls just north of this community off I-35.

If you'd like to preview the model home you can call me for directions. 512.567.1597

The model was just recently completed and I will be taking pictures of it and the entrance to the neighborhood. Check back on my blog within the next few days. Below you will see some of the different floor plans that Gehan will be offering for the neighborhood.

I've worked with Gehan in the past and been able to get my clients great financing on their home as well as upgrades and more!

10 Ways to Lower Your Homeowners Insurance Costs

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 22:05:27 -0500

Here are a few tips on how you can reduce your homeowners insurance. I'm sure some of them you have heard of, hopefully you get some new ideas out of this though!

Shop Around - No Brainer:

Goto the National Association of Insurance Commissioners web site - www.Naic.org - The web site has very helpful information that can assist you in choosing an insurer in your state. You can also read about complaints on there. Also be sure to check consumer guides, online quote services, and call different insurance companies listed in your local yellow pages. Be sure not to consider price alone. You can measure the quality of an insurance companies service by seeing the number of complaints they receive.

Raise Your Deductible:

Most insurance agents recommend a deductible of $500. If you have the financial ability to raise it to $1000, you could save up to 25%!

Don't get charged for the Land under your home:

You don't have to worry about someone stealing the land under your home, or the dirt catching on fire! So make sure when you look at your policy that the insurance company took the total market value of your property, minus the assessed value of the land it sits on.

Seek out other discounts:

Employer Discounts, Age 55+, and Professional Associations.

Credit Score:

Establishing a good credit history can cut insurance costs. insurers are increasingly using credit score as a measure of how much your insurance premium will be. Pay your bills on time and don't over extend yourself with credit. That includes your car loan, credit cards, etc.

Improve your home Security:

You can usually get atleast 5% off for smoke detectors or a burglar alarm. Some insurance companies offer 15-25% if you use a monitoring service similiar to ADT which notifies the police for you if there is burglar or fire.

Stay with the same insurance company:

Some insurers will decrease your premium by 5% if you stay with them between three and five years. You can even get up to a 10% discount if you are with them for more than six years.

Consider the cost of the homeowners insurance when buying your home:

Believe it or not having a home closer to the fire hydrant could save you money! Also be sure to check the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange report of the home you are thinking about buying. The report contains insurance claim history on the property and could help you judge some problems the home might have.

Buy both your homeowners and car insurance policy with the same insurance company:

You may save between 5-15% off your premium if you buy two or more policies from the insurer. But, be sure you double check that buying them together is better than if you were buying them separately from two independent insurance companies.

Make your home more disaster resistant:

Call your insurance agent and see what steps you can take to make your home more disaster resistant. For example stronger roofing material, storm shutters, and if your in an older home consider modernizing your heating, plumbing, and electrical systems to reduce the risk of fire and water damage.

2008 Parade of Homes - Notice

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 21:03:27 -0500

This is a NOTICE to all of my readers that have a passion for exquisite architecture!

For those like myself, who can't afford the $20,000 per month mortgage on one of these bad boys, keep in mind, these homes could give you some excellent remodeling ideas.

The 2008 Austin Parade of Homes is GOING ON NOW in Lakeway. The tour will run from
May 17, 2008 through June 1, 2008 in Rough Hollow - Lakeway.

It's a very short trip from downtown Austin Texas. You'll tour some of the most stunning and breath taking homes in the Greater Austin Texas Area.

Some of the featured builders will be:

1.) Copper Leaf Property Group LLC.
www.copperleafpropertygroup.com

2.) Jenkins Custom Homes, Inc.
www.newhousebuilder.com

3.) New Austin Homes

4.) Randy Rollow Homes
www.rollohomes.com

5.) Stadler Custom Homes of Austin
www.Stadlerhomesaustin.com

6.) Sterling Custom Home
www.SterlingHome.com

Most Expensive Home that SOLD in March 2008 - Austin, Texas Homes

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 18:09:44 -0500

A spectacular home in Austin Texas just recently sold for $3,225,000!

The home was built in 2004 by Wilde custom homes. The home was also listed by AvenueOne Properties.

You can check out this luxury home builder at www.wildecustomhomes.com

The home is 6,930 Square Feet! As you can see from the picture it features a negative edge pool and panoramic views of the lake!

In the month of March there were only two homes that exceeded a two million dollar sales price. Its trully amazing how much you can get for your money in the Austin, Texas market.

If your interested in seeing more of the high dollar home sales in the Austin area or if you're interested in getting periodic emails with whats for sale in the luxury real estate market for the Austin, Texas area please call or email me!

While Blogging Listen to this!

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 11:08:40 -0500

Hey Guys,

While you're busy blogging on AR, I figure you need some good tunes to listen to right? I want you guys to check out this new music video by Jonathan Clay. He is a close friend of mine who is an up and coming Music Artist home grown in Austin, Texas.

It's crazy to see this song being rated No. 1 on MTV. I remember Jon calling and telling me how frustrated he was getting with Atlantic Records. He had been recording song after song for them, and they didn't like any of it. They wanted him to write these dumb teenier bopper tunes. One night after a long day of writing, he said he was in his hotel room, he started thinking about how much he missed his g/f, and how tired he was of trying to do what Atlantic Records wanted, instead of falling his heart. A year later here is a HIT song. He's been featured on several tv series such as "The Hills". You can also buy his music on itunes if you like what you hear!

Jonathan Clay Music Video on MTV
http://www.mtvu.com/video/?id=1584242&vid=219836

www.JonathanClay.com

Let me know what you guys think!

Addict - HELP!

Sun, 30 Mar 2008 13:33:35 -0500

Hello my fellow ActiveRain Addicts!

I haven't posted a blog in over two days! I know that doesn't sound like much of an addict... But guess what I've been doing? I spent all day Friday, Saturday, and I'm going back out this afternoon taking photos of all the great places to visit in the Greater Austin Texas area.

I think I've taken enough pictures to write about 200+ blogs, lol! You know I've lived in this city all of my life. I know of all the hot spots. I could write for years about what all this city has to offer. But, I'm so scared of getting in trouble using a copyrighted photo from the internet I decided to take my own photos for the blogs I write. Well stay tuned because I'm going to be on a caffeine high for the next 30 days writing about all of these great places I had the oppurtunity to take photos of.

Until next time my fellow addicts, keep the coffee brewing and your fingers typeing! ADIOS

Why Facebook is better for your social life than business life..

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 21:41:33 -0500

I joined facebook when it opened shop exclusively to College Students. I connected to all of my old high school friends and all of my new friends in college. Over three to four years I must have been able to connect with hundreds of people I knew from highschool and college, not to mention aquaintences etc.

So I created a group about Austin Area Real Estate on Facebook. This was of course about a year ago right after I became a Realtor. I invited the 500+ friends I have on Facebook. I would say over 90% of these people I know personally. I was expecting that it would help keep my name at the top of their mind when they were interested in buying their first home. Well I invited the 500+ people in my network to join my new Austin Area Real Estate group, and I had a great turn out (200+ people). So I sent out MASS messages to people in my group inviting them to property tours, open houses, etc. The response I got was pretty WEAK.

So why were my results poor? The type of interaction between people on Facebook is totally different than that of like ActiveRain. There are all kinds of apps & games you can play on facebook now with your friends. You can upload photos from parties and what not. Then you can tag your friends in the photos. In college I must have spent atleast an hour a day looking at tagged photos and what not. My point to all of you on AR is that people go on facebook more for the "social" scene. No one I know uses Facebook to go on and talk about business, etc.. That is why I think Facebook at best is a tool to add more social events to your calender.

The great feature about Facebook is the ability to connect with old friends. And if your lucky enough for them to live in the area you work, then you can get all their contact info and maybe do business with them in the future. I think one reason for my poor response to find potential people to do business with, might be that the people I have as friends on facebook, average in age between 22-26. In that age bracket not many people are ready to buy a home. So who knows maybe in a few years my results will improve but until then it's just a great tool to socialize!

Life in the Greater Austin Texas Area as a DOG!

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 22:42:19 -0500

My Parner in Crime..

My name is Bentley Watters born on July 8, 2007. I'm a typical
Leo that can't get enough attention! I'm 100% thorough breed
Weimaraner.

I love the Greater Austin Area. I also love stuffed animals, riding in the car looking at houses with Chris, chasing leaves, and performing tricks!

My playground...

-Old Settlers Park in Round Rock, TX

-Zilker Park in Austin, TX

-The Dog Park on Riverside in Downtown Austin

I like stealing Frisbees these days. I'm super fast and would
give a greyhound a run for his money. If you're out on Zilker Park or
Old Settlers Park playing Frisbee golf be sure to keep an eye on your Frisbee, or else good luck catching me!

I love Barton Springs at Zilker Park, but jeez the waters cold! I still haven't quiet figured out how to doggy paddle yet. There are lots of dogs in the water at Barton Springs but I think I like it better on land.

I'm one of the most energetic dogs you'll ever meet. I guess one thing Chris and I have in common is being ADHD (Hyperactive). We're pretty good at wearing each other out. Another favorite place of mine is to go up Mt. Bonnell and race up the 100+ stairs.

The one thing I hate the most is being put in my kennel. It usually only
happens when Chris is out showing houses. I try to convince him to take
me with, but he says some homebuyers are allergic to us dogs.
How crazy is that?

Well I'm off to my training lesson for the week!

Ruff! Ruff!

Downtown Austin, TX - Milago Condominium Pre-MLS $239,000

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 21:04:35 -0500

Call me to check out one of my newest properties I will be listing for sell!

The property was appraised at $260,000 by Travis County. For sale at only $239,000!

Features:

758 Sq. Ft.
+ Balcony
1 Bed / 1 Bath
10th Floor!
Granite Countertops
Stainless Steel Appliances
Mohagany Floors

Pride of ownership really shows!

Amenities:

- Concierge

- Pool

- Gym

- Parking Garage

- Direct access to hike and bike trails around Town Lake!

- On Site Private Storage

- Community Clubroom

If your interested in viewing this property prior it to being listed in the MLS please call me. 512.567.1597

I would also be happy to send you other properties that are available in the downtown area. Please shoot me an email: CEW900@yahooo.com or call me 512.567.1597 and I'd be happy to show you what else is available in the downtown area.

Christopher Watters, Realtor
Texas Ranch & Home Realty
106. E 6th St. Suite 900
Austin, TX 78701

Premier Gehan Home - Kyle, TX $214,900

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 20:34:11 -0500

This a beautiful home in the Amberwood Community. Built in 2007! Only 20 minutes from downtown Austin! Check out the virtual tour!

http://www.EvolutionTours.com/1401amberwood

Features:
Built 2007
4 Bedroom 2 Bath 1/2 Bath
+ HUGE Upstairs Game room
2860 Sq. Ft Per Builder
Vaulted Ceilings
Upgraded Carpet & Pad
Ceramic Tile
Silestone Countertops
New Black Appliances

ANd MUCH MORE...

Be sure to check out the virtual tour link above!

Please give me a call if your interested in viewing this property! If your looking to buy I'd be also very happy to send you other properties for sale in the Kyle area! 512.567.1597

Christopher Watters, Realtor
Texas Ranch & Home Realty
106. E. 6th St. Suite 900
Austin, TX 78701

"Keep Austin Weird" - The Austin Texas Scene

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 21:52:41 -0500

So if you haven't heard or seen the bumperstickers, our city is quiet unique to say the least!

What is it that got the buzz started about "Keep Austin Weird"?

Here's why the locals say, "Keep Austin Wierd".

People:

Leslie Cochran:
Who is she?!? Well if you happen to go out on the town, maybe 5th or 6th street to hit up the nightlife scene, you'll be sure to catch this cross dresser walking around taking photos with all the tourist. She has become a sort of icon in the city. What's even more suprising about her? She ran for mayor in 2000! Check out this link to see a picture and read more about her!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leslie_Cochran

Austin Lounge Lizards:
They Perform satirical folk music in Austin and across the nation. They've been doing it for over 27 years! They song write on subjects like the abuses of the pharmaceutical industry, media conglomerates, health care, and beyond! They were recently featured in Irving Berlin's "C-U-B-A" from Michael Moore's most recent movie, "Sicko."
http://www.austinlizards.com/

Places:

Cathedral of Junk:
This is located in Soco (South Congress Area). Soco is the hub of keeping it wierd in Austin! It's open on Saturdays & Sundays to visitors. Check out the web site to see the crazy photos!
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/attract/TXAUSjunk.html

South Austin Musuem of Puplar Culture:
This non-profit musuem is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and exhibiting art reflecting Austin's eclectic contributions to popular culture worldwide!
http://www.samopc.org/

Radio Free Austin
It's conspiracy radio, very entertaining, crazy ideas and theories about the government that could be true. Nationally syndicated Austinite Alex Jones around mid-day is really good!

If your a local or tourist and interested in getting the ORIGINAL "Keep Austin Weird" bumpersticker, they are available at:
- West End Grooming, 2906 San Gabriel (they charge $1 and give the money to Animal Rescue)
- Whip In Convenience Store, 1950 S. IH 35
- Oat Willie's Campaign Headquarters, W. 29th and Guadalupe

Until next time.. Keep it weird!