South Austin's Random Real Estate Blog from Gail Tassey in Austin Texas

Grandma and Grandpa from a childs eyes.

South Austin Real Estate Blog, (Sky Realty Austin) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 18:33:23 -0500

Grandparents:

1. She was in the bathroom, putting on her makeup, under the watchful eyes of her young granddaughter, as she'd
done many times before. After she applied her lipstick and started to leave, the little one said, "But Gramma, you forgot to kiss the toilet paper good-bye!"
I will probably never put lipstick on again without thinking about kissing the toilet paper good-bye....

2. My young grandson called the other day to wish me Happy Birthday. He asked me how old I was, and I told him, 62. Mygrandson was quiet for a moment, and then he asked, "Did you start at 1?"

3. After putting her grandchildren to bed, a grandmother changed into old slacks and a droopy blouse and proceeded to wash her hair. As she heard the children getting more and more rambunctious, her patience grew thin. Finally, she threw a towel around her head and stormed into their room, putting them back to bed with stern warnings. As she left the room, she heard the three-year-old say with a trembling voice, "Who was THAT?"

4. A grandmother was telling her little granddaughter what her own childhood was like: "We used to skate outside on a pond I had a swing made from a tire; it hung from a tree in our front yard. We rode our pony. We picked wild raspberries in the woods." The little girl was wide-eyed, taking this all in. At last she said, "I sure wish I'd gotten to know you sooner!"

5. My grandson was visiting one day when he asked, "Grandma, do you know how you and God are alike?" I mentally polished my halo and I said, "No, how are we alike?'' "You're both old," he replied.

6. A little girl was diligently pounding away on her grandfather's word processor. She told him she was writing a story. "What's it about?" he asked. "I don't know," she replied. "I can't read."

7. I didn't know if my granddaughter had learned her colors yet, so I decided to test her. I would point out something and ask what color it was. She would tell me and was always correct.. It was fun for me, so I continued. At last, she headed for the door, saying, "Grandma, I think you should try to figure out some of these, yourself!"

8. When my grandson Billy and I entered our vacation cabin, we kept the lights off until we were inside to keep from attracting pesky insects. Still, a few fireflies followed us i n. Noticing them before I did, Billy whispered, "It's no use Grandpa.. Now the mosquitoes are coming after us with flashlights."

9. When my grandson asked me how old I was, I teasingly replied, "I'm not sure." "Look in your underwear, Grandpa," he advised, "mine says I'm 4 to 6."

10. A second grader came home from school and said to her grandmother, grandma, guess what? We learned how to make babies today." The grandmother, more than a little surprised, tried to keep her cool. "That's interesting," she said, "how do you make babies?" "It's simple," replied the girl. "You just change 'y' to 'i' and add'es'."

11. Children's Logic: "Give me a sentence about a public servant," said a teacher. The small boy wrote: "The fireman came down the ladder pregnant." The teacher took the lad aside to correct him. "Don'tyou know what pregnant means?" she asked. "Sure," said the young boy confidently. 'It means carrying a child."

12. A grandfather was delivering his grandchildren to their home one day when a fire truck zoomed past.Sitting in the front seat of the fire truck was a Dalmatian dog. The children started discussing the dog's duties. "They use him to keep crowds back," said one child. "No," said another.. "He's just for good luck." A third child brought the argument to a close."They use the dogs," she said firmly, "to find the fire hydrants."

13. Grandpa is the smartest man on Earth! He teaches me good things, but I don't get to see him enough to get as smart as him!

14. My Grandparents are funny, when they bend over; you hear gas leaks, and they blame their dog.

Host a Creek Clean up

South Austin Real Estate Blog, (Sky Realty Austin) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 07:34:16 -0500

Here is a great idea, with the weather cooling now and the days still long enough to enjoy the outdoors, try this with friends and co workers to help Keep Austin Beautiful and feel like you have really accomplished something for your community.

HOSTING A CREEK CLEANUP

is a great way to give back to the community where you live and enjoy all the great outdoor events. Is the creek you love filled with beer cans and six-pack rings? All you have to do is gather some friends to clean it up, and Keep Austin Beautiful and Watershed Protection and Development Review will give you all the guidance and materials you need. www.keepaustinbeautiful.org For more information contact us at Jessica@KeepAustinBeautiful.org or 512.501.3633

Jessica can give you the details ...
• Guidance in the planning of your cleanup
• A Cleanup Kit that includes:
   - trash bags
   - gloves
   - pickup tools
   - poison ivy block
   - and a first aid kit
• Trash collection arranged by KAB
• Fun giveaways to thank volunteers for their participation
• Recognition of your accomplishments on the KAB website

Sounds like a really great idea for one of these fall weekends before the rainy season really kicks in.

Hearing? Listening? There is a Difference

South Austin Real Estate Blog, (Sky Realty Austin) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 07:52:02 -0500

Hearing me? Listening? There is a difference

Yesterday we stopped at a fast food to get a snack and something cold to drink on our way home from picking up a mare, we had been out for all afternoon and it was at least an hour home so everyone was hot and a bit hungry. My daughterand two of my grandsons the 5yr old and the 11 yr old and me. The kids were being entertained by the DVD (what a great invention) so back to the fast food place.

Since we had the truck and horsetrailer its not easy to find a parking space so I told my daughter I will go inside and you go park in the Lowe's lot (which was huge and empty) .

Entering the fast food place, I stand in line and watch the young folks at the counter doing their jobs. There seems to be a bit of inefficiency going on but thats not uncommon, now its my turn. I step up to the young lady and ...

I said: I would like 3 orders of the 5 chicken strips.

Young lady says: Do you want those, small? medium? or large?

I said: Excuse me?

Young Lady says; Do you want those, Small? Medium? or Large?

I said: The 5 piece chicken strips comes in more than 5 pieces?

Young lady said: Oh, you just want chicken strips.

I said: yes please.

Young lady said: Did you want anything else?

I said: yes, 4 small drinks.

Now, that was the whole conversation except for that will be $$$ and I paid. So, was I clear in my request? I thought so. Was the young lady assuming I meant the combo meal, which would have come in Small , Medium or Large,? I do not know but I think so.

This is the very thing many of us are guilty of .. assuming we know what the customer wants because that is what everyone else wanted. This is true in real estate as well as fast food purchasing. It was a good lesson to me, to take the obvious and probe deeper into the meaning.

While we try in our professional life to really listen to the clients to hear what they are saying, are you really hearing it? Or are you jumping ahead in your mind and thinking you know what they are meaning?

A Shameless Plug for the new Group SHAMELESS PLUG

South Austin Real Estate Blog, (Sky Realty Austin) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 08:38:09 -0500

After posting to various groups about local businesses and activities and events I thought it would be a fun idea to have all those in one area, besides of course Localism.

http://activerain.com/groups/shamelessplugs

When you post to Localism its wonderful and is directed to your state, county, city and community. What about also posting those great bragging reports into a group that will easily be found by the Public, Realtors, Mortgage folks, Inspectors, Appraisers and anyone else interested.

Maybe someone is going to be traveling and you have a good local cafe, that post could easily be found in the Shameless Plugs group. So I am asking for you to post your shameless plugs to this new group as well as your local groups.

While we all have a rant or two in us, this group is for really positive news .. spread the news about your neighbors and friends and what you will get is some Google Juice back at you. Now that is a good thing, anytime.

While your at it, help me think of a new logo, phrase, or any other creative ideas you have for making this a topten group. So ActiveRain Bloggers, I am asking for your help to establish this group. Now, go post something.

We need a PHOTO LOGO for the new Group SHAMELESS PLUGS

South Austin Real Estate Blog, (Sky Realty Austin) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 10:23:44 -0500

We need a PHOTO LOGO for the new Group SHAMELESS PLUGS

If anyone has a good idea or photo for our new group, SHAMELESS PLUGS please do submit it to me and I will add it. Or if ya'll would like to submit and make a contest we can decide next Sunday, Sept 13,2009, which one has the most votes on it?

Just submit the photo or logo in a post and lets see what happens. I think the name is descriptive enough that you will have many many ideas .. I will be looking for participation from many of you!

Submit your ideas, logos, photos, what have yous. If you wish to just email me something, here it is..

gailnttexas@gmail.com

announcing the Shameless Plugs for everyone, a NEW GROUP

South Austin Real Estate Blog, (Sky Realty Austin) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 09:44:19 -0500

Announcing a new group here for all to use in Active Rain, SHAMELESS PLUGS, please join me in adding your favorite and newly found businesses, referrals, and any person who delivers what they say they will, and often exceeds your expectation of Customer Service.

We all know how easy it is to "trash talk" now lets all work on the positive side and bring it out to others, did a business or a service person go above what you expected? In this day and age of a falling off of Customer Service its time to celebrate those who remember what real customer service is and does.

Bring your blog postings here and let us all show that Customer Service is not dead but alive and well. Share the news and you will receive good Google Juice as a backlash. Not a bad deal huh!

Welcome to all, lets keep this group positive and family ratings. Thanks again to all and Welcome.

LongHorn Football is on Paid Service Only?

South Austin Real Estate Blog, (Sky Realty Austin) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 19:34:50 -0500

Longhorn Football is on Paid Service Only.

This stinks. I have been a University of Texas at Austin Longhorns Football team fan since my youngest grandson could say, HOOK EM Gran!

That a few years ago. Last fall I heard about this was going to happen, but ya know sometimes one just has to see it happen before they believe it. In this case that is true.

First UT Longhorn Game is tonight, kickoff was at 6PM .. what am I watching on the Television? Alabama vs Virginia Tech. Not to say its not a great game, I'm sure it will be but how do I say HOOK'EM?

Don't my taxes pay for the University here? Real Estate taxes, county taxes, road taxes, retail taxes and you name it taxes? School fees and etc? Why do I have to pay a cable company to get a special channel to watch the LONGHORNS play football? This Stinks! I am one disgruntled gran.

Ban Texting when Driving in Austin

South Austin Real Estate Blog, (Sky Realty Austin) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 19:21:31 -0500

Texting while Driving IS A NO NO

The City of Austin has an Ordinance with a new proposal to ban TEXTING while driving.

The Austin Business Journal of Friday Sept 4,2009 carried an article about the proposed ban along with an informal poll of 1,048 votes in the poll. 56% voted to ban texting while driving, while another 29 percent said the use of cell phones should be banned altogether. Only 15 percent said the city should not ban texting while driving.

It is expected the Ordinance will come before the City Council this fall for confirmation. Recently it was in the Austin American Statesman that talking on a cell phone when in a school zone will be a traffic violation subject to ticketing. Sounds like Austin is getting serious about their traffic laws. From this drivers perspective, that is a good thing.

A shameless Plug for Aspen Tree Service and Landscaping

South Austin Real Estate Blog, (Sky Realty Austin) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 18:53:13 -0500

This is a Shameless Plug for Aspen Tree Service and Landscaping here in Austin Texas. This week Eddie and the crew came out and trimmed several large oak trees, removed the ball moss from many of the trees on the property, took out one maple tree and a dead oak tree. Cleaned it up into a brush pile at our direction and left everything neat and tidy.

Our property in Southwest Austin is over 2 acres and has more than 100 oak trees, of Spanish Oak, Pin Oak, Live Oak and various other trees like Maple, Sumac, Juniper and Pecan, over the past 14 years some of these have gotten beyond just a mere trim here and there.

In the photos you can easily see the before and after differences and what a big impact it made on the house viewed from the street. Don't be surprised to see more work being done soon, since now we can see what we are working on.

Aspen Tree Service and Landscaping does Residential and Commercial, they have an Certified Arborist on Staff and also do 24 hour emergency service. Call for a free onsite quote. 512-552-5966.The photo to the left was taken inside the gate/driveway area before, the right photo was after the cleaning trimming taken from another angle but the same gate post is in the photo.

Mad Cakes in Central Austin

South Austin Real Estate Blog, (Sky Realty Austin) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 17:52:09 -0500

Mad Cakes of Austin Texas is quite a unique place.

I ran into Mad Cakes of Central Austin yesterday and got the surprise of the week. I am sure this is a local secret but it's time to let the cake out of the bag! I stood in line and watch people pickup orders, place orders and take away various cookies, cookie bars and cakes.

Some stepped up and tried the various samples on the countertop and each would say,
OH YUM, OH MY, OH YES!
it was amazing to watch the reaction after tasting these 1" squares of heaven on earth.

Mad Cakes is located at 3808 Spicewood Springs Rd, Ste 102 Austin Texas.
Their phone number is 512-795-9285.

Check out the photos I took yesterday to see some of their latest designs. Of course they are not limited to these designs. Speaking to Anne Marie, one of the co-owner along with Rebecca who was working in the bakery room, Anne Marie told me they have been in business about 4 and a half years and currently also have a mobile truck for catering events and corporate functions around town.

The hours at Mad Cakes are Monday thru Friday 10am to 6pm and Saturday 10am-4pm and Closed on Sundays.

Now let me tell you about those award winning Lemon Bars, just the right tartness, perfect weight of crust, not too thin and not overthick. This was undoubtably the best Lemon Bar I have ever tasted. The sizes were generous, I took some back to the office and we cut them into 4 parts. That was more than enough if you wanted to try another flavor too. We also sampled the Bourbon Pecan, it was absolutely awesome, just a hint of a great agood southeern Bourbon in a pecan pie with the thickness of a cookie bar, it was so scrumptious those of us at the office will definitely order more of these. And the double chocolate bars... let's not even try to describe that piece of heavenly delight. All I know is when you have your next chocolate craving day you must run not walk to the Mad Cakes store and get one or two of these delights. You will not be disappointed.

The Lemon Bars are an old family recipe of Anne Marie and Rebecca's mothers. The new LONGHORN ORANGE is a local recipe and sure to be a real favorite with the football and fall season starting up.

Stop in at Mad Cakes and try a cookie bar, a bite of something good many good desserts and take home a surprise to your family too.

Tree trimming can make for curb appeal

South Austin Real Estate Blog, (Sky Realty Austin) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 08:16:18 -0500

We live on property that has many many oak trees, they are beautiful, wonderful shade providers, squirrel provides, cardinal refuges, many things to us. Austin is proud of its live oaks and pin oaks and spanish oaks. We love each and every one of them, so this week we did something that has made a huge improvement around here. The trees got a haircut. a tree trimming.

Since the proof is in the pudding and a picture is worth a thousand words, who wants to read all those words, here are the before and afters. Thanks to Aspen Tree Service of Austin, 512-552-5966. More to come later about that awesome company. Can you believe its the same place? before and after.

Schools and the Presidents Campaign

South Austin Real Estate Blog, (Sky Realty Austin) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:31:29 -0500

Next Tuesday, Sept 8,2009 our President Obama is planning on addressing the school children of our nation in their classrooms. This has become a very controversial event. I am unsure why but I haven't researched the event.

Last night was the Parents Meet the Teacher event at our local middle school. The event for next week was addressed during the event, the school board stated, "We only have a few limited hours with your child each day and we have much to teach, therefore we have opted out of the Presidential address".

To me that seems like a very reasonable way to avoid controversy and keep politics out of the middle school. I agree that is a wise move, people are free to think what they want, middle school is not the place to drag in right and left politics. Teach the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the Pledge of Allegiance to America.

I say HOORAY to Dripping Springs ISD for taking the lead in school is for teaching .. it is no wonder this district has multiple Exemplary Rated schools.

Keep Austin Weird 5K

South Austin Real Estate Blog, (Sky Realty Austin) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:18:50 -0500

Keep Austin Weird 5K Sept 12th, 2009

There will be a start off for the 5K run at 8:00am and a start off for the Family 1K at 9:00am, both starting from downtwon Austin Texas.

The Keep Austin Weird 5K will start at the Buford Bell Tower locted at the intersection of West Cesar Chavez St. and Colorado St. The finish will end at the same intersection. Online registration is available until Sept 10th, THursday at 6:00PM.

For more information please check the website for costs and pickup packets time. You can also find at the website information about commuting with Capitol Metro, parking, volunteers needed, family prices and sponsorships. http://www.runtex.com/web/2-2606.asp

Mark your calendar to be there Sept 12th and come out to help KEEP AUSTIN WEIRD with a fun run for all, including strollers and 4 legged family members (on a leash).

How important are photos on the MLS listing?

South Austin Real Estate Blog, (Sky Realty Austin) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 08:24:50 -0500

How important are photos on my MLS listing? Well to me they are of the utmost importance. Almost daily I speak with or email with clients looking for a home. Those clients are saving a listing or rejecting the listing due to the photos online.

I recall when we used to preview more homes, most agents still preview many homes in a month but in an area as large as Austin Texas, we can not view each one. When we have previewed a home the agent can tell a client, well, I saw that home and the photos online are not doing that home justice, its much nicer, I would like you to see it. Or we can say, that home is as the photos show, immaculate.

The downside is when we do not know that a client has rejected a home due to the poor photos or the lack of photos. I understand poor photos, the lighting is bad, the listing is not in good shape, many reasons, what I do not understand and can not explain to my clients is the lack of photos.

The Austin MLS allows a realtor to place up to 25 photos in the listing. It used to be much less, something like 12, the limit has been increased this year. SO.... if you are allowed to post up to 25 photos surely you would do one of the main living areas, the front curb appeal, the backyard, and the kitchen, and the master bedroom/bath. To me those would be the minimums. Yet, daily I see listings with one photo. Which in our MLS is required, 1 photo. Come on folks, give your home sellers listing a fair shot and let the buyers see it, they ARE judging the listing on those photos.

I am not saying each listing needs a $450 video tour and professional photographer. I am saying give us something to go on. Remember who is looking at your photos, buyers, and prospective homebuyers, this is your first impression of the home you have for sale. Show it in its best light.

If you are looking for a home in Austin Texas, Dripping Springs, South Austin, Kyle or Buda, give me a call and I can help you find the home right for you. Call me on my mobile, 512-217-9482, or shoot me an email, gailnttexas@gmail.com Gail Tassey, Realtor®, Sky Realty Austin, http://www.austincomeshome.com

Welcome to AUSTIN, Mega Camp is this week, Welcome KW'ers here are a few tips.

South Austin Real Estate Blog, (Sky Realty Austin) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 07:03:36 -0500

Keller Williams is based in Austin Texas and has many many fine offices throughout the World. Every year the KW staff at the International Office here in Austin work hard to bring about a convention full of fun and learning. Intensive training, mini tech training and lots more than I could tell you about.

Welcome to Austin, this week we are still entrapped in the record breaking heat wave with no rain in sight. What that means is its 103 - 101 everyday and out night time lows are about 75. Inside the Convention Center it will be cool. But outside its awful. If you are from a much milder climate please be advised to leave most jackets and coats at home.

Also, today is the beginning of Stage 2 water shortage and conservation. Unless you ask for water at a restaurant it will not be automatically served. We have been in a drought for many months and our lakes are low so not quite as picturesque as normal.

Be sure to take a walk by Lady Bird Lake, it runs through downtown and the walking trails are very accessible.

Welcome to Austin, its a lively city, much to do, much to see and its like no other part of Texas! It is not the cactus and tumbleweeds of the Old Western movies, Austin is green and thriving. Enjoy yourself! Come back often and soon!

Stage 2 Water restrictions in Austin Texas begins today, Aug 24th.

South Austin Real Estate Blog, (Sky Realty Austin) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 05:55:34 -0500

Austin Water shortage has entered Stage 2 shortage measurements. Beginnning today, Monday, August 24,2009... the CIty of Austin is kicking into a higher gear for water conservation. here are the new rules and there will be NO WARNINGS of violations, there will be a $400 Fine for the first offense.

To read further information follow this link to the City of Austin website.

http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/watercon/stage2.htm

Stage 2 Water Use Restrictions

The City Manager has determined that Stage 2 Water Restrictions will go into effect on Monday, August 24, 2009. These restrictions will be in effect until further notice.

In Stage 2, the following additional restrictions apply to the use of potable water:

Outdoor irrigation is prohibited except on assigned days at designated times (see once-per-week schedule below)
Golf fairway irrigation is limited to assigned days before 10 a.m. and after 7 p.m.
Golf tee and green irrigation is limited to every other day
Vehicle washing is limited to designated days and times, with a hand-held bucket or a positive shut-off nozzle on a hose*
A person may not conduct or participate in a charity car wash
The use of outdoor ornamental fountains is prohibited except to provide aeration for aquatic life
A person may not fill, refill, or add water to an indoor fountain
No automatic fill valves are allowed for pools or ponds
Washing of sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, patios or other paved surfaces is prohibited*
A restaurant may not serve water to a customer unless requested by the customer

*Exceptions are made for washing necessary to protect public health, safety or welfare

The Undomestic Goddess by Sophia Kinsella A Book Review

South Austin Real Estate Blog, (Sky Realty Austin) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 21:04:00 -0500

The Undomestic Goddess by Sophia Kinsella another fun summer read. Wandering through the book aisle I picked this up and it was pretty fun, so I have discovered another fun author. I think everyone knows my favorite fun author is Janet Evanovich with her Stephanie Plum series, but Stephanie doesn't come out to play every month. So I needed something else to while away some relaxation time.

The story is light and fluffy and doesn't take itself too seriously. So I have now picked up a second book by Sophia Kinsella, it may have been a forerunner, Confessions of a Shopaholic, it has been made into a movie that I heard was pretty funny. I liked it but the book had an ending that was a bit too much fantasy, or contrived. Im sure I will rent the DVD and find out if the movie comes across the same.

Ms Kinsella is a British Author and her works are set in London and surrounding areas so the lingo is a bit different but easy to figure out and the English cottage settings are always an enjoyable retreat. Pick up one today and lose yourself in a fast and fun adventure.

Crazy Shopping weekend and I witnessed a real Random act of kindness

South Austin Real Estate Blog, (Sky Realty Austin) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 20:30:43 -0500

This is a crazy shopping weekend in Texas, its Tax Free weekend so the stores are really ringing up sales, the aisles are crowded and the parking lots are a mess. In all the humanity out and moving today I saw a real random act of kindness and it truthfully does restore my faith in young folks.

Costco, the cafe part, tables were knee deep in kids, overturned cups, hot dogs and no where to sit, my grandson found us a table as I was grabbing our cold drinks to go with the yummy pizza that is always thick with cheese and fresh at the Costco cafe (not to mention cheap) so we had just sat down.

The tables are 3 in a row and we were in the middle row, nearest the wall an older lady was in a motorized chair going by, she hit two tables in her journey, it seemed she did not have good control of the chair/cart. I watched and soon she had made a lap half around the area and was on the other outside, where she stopped, then hit another table, this one empty. I told my grandson, this poor older lady may need some help. She was sitting in the chair/cart very dazed looking but about 3 feet from the empty table, about this time a young couple, they looked like college students approached the lady and of course I could not hear what they were saying but the young man, lifted the lady out of the chair, onto the her feet, steadied her and helped her to the empty table... then he lifted the chair up and scooted it to the table, the young lady went and got the older lady a drink and some napkins.. they shook her hand and left.

This was a wonderful thing to witness, I am sure my grandson who is 11 will remember how the older lady was smiling when the young couple left. Shortly after a middle aged lady showed up with food for two and sat with the older lady. America is a great place to live. I am blessed to still be able to walk to my own table, to get my own food, but its nice to believe if I were unable someone would be kind enough to help me.

Living in Texas we still see many of the "old ways" and I am believing those values are upheld everyday in all parts of America.

Village at Western Oaks, market report June 1-Aug 21, 2009

South Austin Real Estate Blog, (Sky Realty Austin) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 09:12:21 -0500

Keeping up with the various areas here in Austin which is very diverse from neighborhood to neighborhood we can still get a glimpse of what is going on overall. These statistics are from just one neighborhood, Villages at Western Oaks, and from June 1, 3009 to current, August 21,2009. When its all tossed together it is just figures, but to see the LP (list price) versus SP (sold price) that will give the story.

Market Analysis Report

Property Type: Residential

Status: Active, Active Contingent, Pending, Pending - Taking Backups, Sold

Number of Properties: 93

BedsBathsSqFtListing PriceLP/SqFtSelling PriceSP/SqFtSP/LPSP/OLPDOM High Low Average Median

5	4	4,577	$374,900	$156.16	$375,000	$150.53	102.9%	102.9%	367
3	2	1,332	$193,500	$73.08	$193,500	$75.04	91.7%	79.3%	0
4	2	2,222	$253,539	$117.79	$246,209	$116.1	98.52%	96.41%	43
3	2	2,140	$244,500	$116.4	$236,250	$117.47	98.7%	96.8%	23

Search Criteria

Status	A , AC , P , PB , S
Area	SWW
Subdivision	contains Village at western oaks
List Price	between - 400,000
Sold/Lease Date	between 6/1/2009 -

If you wish to have more information about your specific neighborhood for the purpose of selling your home, or wish to contact a great Realtor ® to buy a new residence, call me and lets chat about your goals, Gail Tassey, Sky Realty Austin, 512-217-9482 http://www.austincomeshome.com

Information from the Austin Board of Realtors website, August 21,2009. Looking to buy a home in South Austin, Village of Western Oaks, Westcreek, Circle C, or sell your home, call me.

Good news for Austin, sales for July 2009 reached 2008 levels.

South Austin Real Estate Blog, (Sky Realty Austin) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 08:15:39 -0500

Good news for Austin Texas, residential home sales for the month of July 2009 have reached the level of July 2008 sustaining a slight 2% decrease from last year. While much of the rest of the USA is still mired in the depths of devaluing homes we seem to be a bright spot. Here is the information directly from the Austin Board of Realtors announcing the good news.

August 20, 2009 - According to the July 2009 Multiple Listing Service report by the Austin Board of REALTORS®, the volume of Austin-area home sales reached 2008 levels for the first time this year.

In July 2009, 2,069 homes were sold, statistically unchanged from the 2,068 homes sold in July 2008. The median home price for Austin in July 2009 was $191,500, a two percent decrease from the same month the prior year.

"The sales volume momentum in Austin continues, now reaching 2008 levels. That's good news, but I think it's even better news that we've achieved that increase while maintaining a steady median home price," said Jay Gohil, chairman of the Austin Board of REALTORS®. "Throughout 2009, the median price has fluctuated only slightly compared to 2008. Looking back further, prices have remained above 2007 levels, one of the most lucrative years of the last decade in Austin real estate. That long-term price stability, particularly in the face of market fluctuations, bodes well for Austin's future."

July 2009 Statistics

$508,810,549 was the dollar volume of single-family properties sold $191,500 was the median price, a two percent decrease from one year ago 2,069 was the number of homes sold, unchanged from July 2008

The Austin Board of REALTORS® is a non-profit, voluntary organization representing more than 8,000 licensed REALTORS® in Central Texas.

Looking for a home in South Austin Texas? Real estate in Austin is still a good value, call me and lets chat about your Real Estate Goals.. Gail Tassey, Realtor, Sky Realty Austin, 512-217-9482 http://www.austincomeshome.com

Texas Bridge Loans for the $8000 Tax Credit

South Austin Real Estate Blog, (Sky Realty Austin) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 08:02:16 -0500

Texas Bridge Loans for the $8000 Tax Credit still exists. The State of Texas has funded a pool of $5 Million dollars to be used by eligible FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS who qualify for the $8000 Tax Credit to be able to use up to $7,000 for a down payment.

This is great news for those just shy of enough to make the down payment and closing costs. The bridge loan will be in the form of a 2nd lien, and repayable in 90 days. That way the First Time HOme Buyer has time to file and receive the eligible funds back from the IRS. If the funds are not received within the 90 days the loan then becomes on a predetermined payment plan.

Definitely a way that Texas is trying to help the FIRST TIME HOME BUYER get into the home of their choice. Remember there are limitations on income and home price and a FIRST TIME HOME BUYER is one who has not owned a home within the past 3 years.

This offer won't last long so call today to get qualified for the Texas Bridge Loan and find your great new home while the money lasts, remember it's first come first served and the $8000 Tax Credit is for a limited time, it is set to end November 30,2009. Your home must be a closed purchase on that date, but I do not know if the Texas Bridge Loan will last that long.

I work with qualified lenders that will help you get the preapproval process done so we can go look where you want to live, South Austin real estate has great communities, Village of Western Oaks? Cherry Creek? Shady Hollow? Westcreek? just to name a few. Call me for more information. Gail Tassey, Realtor, Sky Realty Austin, 512-217-9482

http://www.austincomeshome.com

59 days and counting in this Texas heat

South Austin Real Estate Blog, (Sky Realty Austin) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 18:56:37 -0500

59 days and counting in this Texas heat. I will tell ya, we are all dragging around like a dog with it's tongue hanging out. Today was day 59 of 100 degrees or more of heat this summer.

The job of a Realtor is to show homes, rain, wind, snow ( I heard that one, I have no personal knowledge) during sunny days or mild. We have clients, clients want to see homes, or want us to see their home. Listing agents and buyers agents alike, we are out there getting the job done.

This is mid August, referred to as the dog days of August, because we are dog tired, it takes a lot less to tire you out when you are dragging yourself around in 100 degree heat. Trying to smile while the sweat trickles down your back and your showing the backyard, what could be an oasis but is not, its dead or dying and brown and crunches beneath your feet. But you keep on describing the paradise to be. The lofty shady trees, the lush grass, the koi pond perhaps.

This time next month, surely we will have had some rain, and the heat will be almost disappeared until next year. Hopefully we won't have two record setting years in a row, this had been the hottest since the mid 1920's... so surely it won't be repeated soon.

Maybe I will awaken tomorrow to the sound of raindrops? Oh one can dream.

So you want to be an expert

South Austin Real Estate Blog, (Sky Realty Austin) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 18:10:53 -0500

So you want to be an expert, some folks say that if you call yourself an expert you are one. Some folks say it's an earned title. A learned one. There are neighborhood specialist, specialist in the medical field, and literature and many more than I have not enough words to write about.

I have always shied away from calling myself a "neighborhood specialist" because it was stated by a past Chairman of our local board that designation will put you higher in accountability than any other Realtor® working in the area. You have decreed you are a specialist, you have more knowledge than others, you are expected to know when the next event or local change will occur.

All that legalese aside though, recently I have found another way to be an expert, things we all do like thoroughly know the area, preview the homes, read the neighborhood association newsletters, know the folks around and the shopkeepers, and bit by bit you have become an expert on the neighborhood. Any MLS member can look up stats, that doesn't make one a neigbhorhood expert, all of the things above do.

With more and more folks beginning their search on the Internet become a specialist at being found, use the tools we have such as: websites, facebook, active rain, twitter, all the good techniques you learn here at Active Rain and elsewhere. When a buyer or seller calls you have the knowledge to answer the questions, that is a neighborhood expert.

Serving South Austin Texas and surrounding areas, helping home buyers and home sellers realize their real estate goals. Call me when you are ready for real help. Gail Tassey, Realtor, Sky Realty Austin, 512-217-9482 or http://www.austincomeshome.com

Where did Summertime Go? $8000 Tax Credit alert

South Austin Real Estate Blog, (Sky Realty Austin) — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 07:39:09 -0500

Where did Summertime go? $8000 Tax Credit alert!! Summer is waning, the days are getting shorter, school is starting in many parts of the country, here school will be in full swing next week. Where is summer? The trip to the beach was too short, the drive to the mountains, in whatever way you escaped this summer it is time to get back to the everyday, the humdrum.

OK, summer isn't really over, not yet, not until Labor Day, and that is 2 weeks away, plus its still 103 degrees here. Well, folks, Labor Day is going to slip past us real fast, and the heat will ease up and it's Football Season again.

Did you mean to get a new home this summer? Get part of that $8000 Tax Credit for yourself and your family? Its not too late if you start to take action now. The IRS definition of a FIRST TIME HOME BUYER is some who has not owned a home in the past 3 years. There are a few other qualifications like, single income of under $75,000 or double income of under $150,000 and the home must be purchased by November 20,2009.

Here in South Austin the homes are plentiful, lovely, something for any family, from $100,000 to $400,000. Schools within walking distance. Tree lined streets and neighborhood parks abound. I love that part about living in Austin Texas, any where you can find a comfortable home. Did you need abig backyard for swings and dogs and kids? A condo with no maintenance? Whatever your desires we can probably find it here in Austin.

Neighborhoods like Tanglewood Forest, Cherry Creek, Hillcrest, Oak at Twin Creek, Circle C, Vintage Place, Shady Hollow, Western Trails, Covered Bridge, Westcreek, Villages at Western Oaks, Legend Oaks, Bridges of Bear Creek, Onion Creek, Travis Country or Travis Country West, just to mention a few great neighborhood with awesome schools.

It really truly is time to get serious about finding your new home, get your share of the $8000 Tax Credit! Start your home search now and call me, I can help YOU. Gail Tassey, Realtor®, 512-217-9482 visit my website to start your home search. http://www.austincomeshome.com

Tech Tuneup Coming soon... Aug 21st Round Rock Texas

South Austin Real Estate Blog, (Sky Realty Austin) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 08:11:43 -0500

Tech Tuneup Coming soon... Aug 21st Round Rock Texas

Tech Tuneup this year is August 21st, a great expo of things we can all learn from, come check it out, could be the best $15.00 you spend on your business all year!

Via Nicole Boynton (Sky Realty):

I am about to let you in on a secret...Ready? On Friday August 21st from 8-5 you will have the opportunity for an unprecented day of non-stop real estate technology learning! This event is for ALL SKILL LEVELS!www.TechTuneUp.org

The 3rd Annual Tech Tune Up hosted by the Williamson County Association of REALTORS is coming and you can spend the whole day learning, shopping, learning, eating, learning, and winning door prizes for only $15!! Possible 4 hours of MCE included!

***You DO NOT have to be a member of Williamson County Association of REALTORS to attend!***

Your $15 (in advance, $20 at the Door) gets you all of this...

Exhibitors Include:

Google

Xerox

PC Doctors

Best Buy

Time Warner Cable

AT&T

TMobile

Top Producer

Agent List Serv

Texas Association of REALTORS

MarketLinx (MLS)

Lone Star Image Design - Offering Headshots for $50

Classes Include:

2 Hour MCE - Blackberry

2 Hour MCE - Facebook and Twitter

Intro to Photography

Using Realist Tax system to Farm

Intro to Blogging

10 Top Free Real Estate Tools and Websites

Web Lead Generation

Retain your Revenue

Google Docs

Top Producer 8i

Time Warner On Demand Services

Send Out Cards - Client Follow Up Marketing

Keynote Speaker - Thom Singer | Author of 6 Books including Some Assembly Required: Real Estate

Thom is an professional speaker and expert in Social Media. Thom will be speaking on how to use Social Media in your real estate business and to marketing in the most effective manner.

Peer Panel of local real estate agents, including the legendary Avis Wukasch, offering tips on how to leverage technology with the basics of your real estate business like farming, open houses, and lead follow up.

Door Prizes including a Wii gaming system to be given away during the event!

Continental Breakfast included in ticket price along with afternoon snack of Cinnabon and Cookies!!

Tickets are available at www.TechTuneUp.org or www.WCAOR.org

Follow the event on Twitter at #TTU

Held at Wingate Williamson Conference Center: 1209 N I-35, Round Rock, TX 78664

http://www.wingateroundrock.com/

Phone: 512-341-7000 Fax: 512-341-7011

$99 Room Rates are available if you mention that you are attending the conference when you book!

FAQ's for the event and a complete schedule of events, advertisers, and exhibitors at www.TechTuneUp.org

Please repost!!

Thank you for reading this and reposting!

Nicole Boynton - REALTOR

Sky Realty, Inc

Chairperson of 2009 Tech Tune Up

www.AustinTXRealEstateAgent.com