AUSTIN REAL ESTATE NEWS from ROBIN SCOTT

For Lease in Davis Spring, Austin

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 10:24:31 -0600

16137Thatcher in Davis Spring, Austin, Texas. This white stone home has 4 bedrooms 3 bathrooms, 3 living and 2 dining areas plus a 3 car garage. It's located just north of 620 of Parmer Lane. Close to major employers and shopping. Master plus one gues room downstairs and gameroom/loft, 2 bedrooms and a bath upstairs. Lots of windows and light. Refrigerator, washer and dryer. Asking $1950/mo.

Austin, Texas. Robin Scott, BROKER. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. Amelia Bullock Realtors. 512.589.7988.

Another Successful Closing - 7708 Earp Way

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:22:58 -0600

This Pottery Barn style home in Milwood SOLD in 58 days. It's a 3/2.5/2 with 2 living, 2 dining and master down. Priced at $210,000. Congratulations to Meghann and Peter leinweber and good luck with your relocation to Denver.

Austin, Texas. Robin Scott, BROKER. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. Amelia Bullock Realtors. 512.589.7988.

Another Successful Closing - Winchester in Bastrop

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 09:41:00 -0500

Congratulations to Christina, a first-time homebuyer! Christina travels so much for her job that she wanted to live close to the airport and also wanted an acre lot. I found the perfect match with this 4 bedroom home on an acre in a Bastrop neighborhood - The Colony.

A special thanks to Leslie Alsup for the referral.

If you know anyone who would like to buy a or sell a home, please call me. I offer a high level of service and would like to demonstrate that to you. But don't take my word for it; email me for references. I have very satisfied clients and would like to add you to that list. 512.589.7988 or robin@robinscottrealtor.com.

Austin, Texas. Robin Scott, BROKER. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. Amelia Bullock Realtors. 512.589.7988.

Another Succesful Closing - Congratulations Melissa

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:30:12 -0500

First-time homebuyer Melissa has a new home and will take advantage of the first-time home buyer $8,000 tax credit. Thanks, Melissa.

If you would like to find out more about the first-time homebuyer tax credit and are interested in buying a home in the greater Austin area, call me. I'd love to help you achieve the American Dream of home ownership.

Austin, Texas. Robin Scott, BROKER. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. Amelia Bullock Realtors. 512.589.7988.

October - Breast Cancer Awarness Month Has Special Meaning for Me

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:00:02 -0500

Coincidentally, it was in October that I discovered I had Breast Cancer. That was in 2006 and today I had another of many successful checkups with my Oncologist. I was really lucky. No I did not catch it early but I did catch it in time. My doctors were great, I was determined and today I am Cancer free.

Cancer is a disease that affects both men and women and the statistics are devastating. There is still so much unknown about Breast Cancer and I don't know if I inherited it from my Mother who had it, if it's because of my ethnic background ( Ashkenazim Jew), if it was the hormones in the meat I ate, the birth control pills I took or the plastic in the water bottles.

We must all be more careful about our environment for many health reasons and we must also be conscience of our health. I found my Cancer through an irregular self-breast exam. It had been 13 months since my latest mammogram and I wasn't good about the monthly self exams you are supposed to conduct. Thankfully I did check and after 7 surgeries, 6 rounds of intense chemotherapy and 33 radiation treatments, I'm alive and well.

Most of you know someone who has had Breast Cancer. Perhaps you have. My mother, 2 of my clients, 3 people in my office and countless relatives of friends that I know have. I didn't think it would be me. My Mother was only 39 so I thought I had passed the risk zone since I was 54 but there it was.

We don't yet know how to prevent Breast Cancer but early detection is key to surviving. Please do your monthly self exams and if you don't know how, ask your doctor.

By the way, my Mother is now 82 years old and my goal is to live to be 100 years old. Oh, I'll probably still be selling real estate too.

Austin, Texas. Robin Scott, BROKER. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. Amelia Bullock Realtors. 512.589.7988.

Milwood - Curbside Clean Up

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:14:21 -0500

Saturday November 7, is the neighborhood curbside cleanup in Milwood - Rattan Creek Neighborhood Association. This event was once held at the park and you brought your large trash to them but last year the MUD implemented a change to pick up from you. This is for large items that aren't usually picked up on your regular trash day. Have your stuff at the curb before 7am

Austin, Texas. Robin Scott, BROKER. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. Amelia Bullock Realtors. 512.589.7988.

Set Your Clocks - Daylight Saving Ends

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:06:43 -0500

November 1 ar 2am daylight saving is changing again. Set your clocks back one hour. Remember Spring forward, Fall back.

Robin Scott, BROKER. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. Amelia Bullock Realtors. 512.589.7988.

Sellers - In Today's Market Your House Must Appraise

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 09:11:13 -0500

If your buyer is obtaining financing! Oh sure there are other options. The buyer could pay the difference in cash or the buyer and seller could split the difference but NOT in today's market.

This is a buyer's market.

The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the buyer doesn't pay more than the property is worth. Would you pay more than a home was worth?

The lender won't. The lender wants to make sure that the house is worth the sales price because if the buyer were to default on the loan, the lender wants to make sure they can recover their loss.

The buyer won't either. Buyers want to know that they are making a GOOD investment. One that will appreciate, build equity and supply the most money possible when they sell.

In addition, if it's an FHA buyer (and because of the recent changes in the lending rules that's what most first-time homebuyers will be because of the low downpayment requirements - 3.5% ) that appraisal will remain on the FHA records for 6 months.

In a sellers market or if the property is especially desirable a buyer may be interested in paying more than appraised value but that buyer must have the cash for the difference because the lender won't make a loan for more than appraised value minus the downpayment.

The appraisal prosses is designed to protect the buyer and the lender from over paying for a property.

Robin Scott, BROKER. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. Amelia Bullock Realtors. 512.589.7988.

MD Perferred Real Estate Provider

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 21:50:06 -0500

AMELIA BULLOCK REALTORS HAS ACHIEVED THE MD PREFERRED REAL ESTATE PROVIDER STATUS.
Awarded to fewer than 100 Realtors Nationwide by US Medical Specialties, this distinction recognizes our experience with and commitment to serve healthcare professionals and physicians in our area

Robin Scott, BROKER. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. Amelia Bullock Realtors. 512.589.7988.

AIA Austin Homes Tour

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:59:14 -0500

The AIA Austin Home Tour is October 10-11 ( Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6PM. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 the day of the tour. For tickets contact AIA Austin at 512.452.4332 or http://www.aiaaustin.org.

There will be 14 homes on the tour ranging from contemporary new homes to updated historical cottages. The tour includes areas of Central and West Austin. Featured Architechs are:

Alterstudio

Barley & Pfeiffer Architects

Black + Vernooy Architects

Designhouse

Furman + Keil Architects

Haddon + Cowan Architects

Images Of...

KRDB

Loop Design

Mell Lawrence Architects

MJ Neal Architects, LLC

Morter Architects

Tim Cuppett Architects

Webber + Studio

Have a great tour

Robin Scott, BROKER. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. Amelia Bullock Realtors. 512.589.7988.

Chapter 5 - Protesting Your Property Taxes in Texas

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:32:20 -0500

According the Texas Bar Journal, September 2009, there are some senate bills which will effect your property protest with the Texas County Tax Appraisers Office. These bills were adopted to benefit homeowners.

S.B. 771 prohibits increases for a property the year after the property's appraised value was lowered on an appeal. The exception would be if the chief appraiser can support an increase with substantial evidence.

Hopefully, if you protested in 2009, your value will not be raised in 2010 but if it is consider using this bill in your next protest. Since this is a declining market, you may wish to protest and lower your value even further next year.

H.B.1038 requires a chief appraiser to consider residential valuation of other residences in the neighborhood that have been sold in a foreclosure or declined in value due to a declining economy.

This year when I protested the appraiser wouldn't allow me to use comparatives that included foreclosure properties and they do effect your homes market value. Plus, the market is still declining as evidenced in market statistics.

Best wishes with your property tax protests.

Robin Scott, BROKER. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. Amelia Bullock Realtors. 512.589.7988.

Austin Area Market Statistics

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:11:11 -0500

Austin Area Market Statistics Made Simple. The Austin Board of Realtors compares the information with the same time period of the previous year. The following statistics are for the month of August 2009 compared to August 2008.

ACTIVE LISTINGS: 9,555 down 8%. The reduced inventory is a good thing.

SOLD : 1,793 down 10%. Demonstrates our market has not declined much compared to other areas.

MEDIAN PRICE: $189,000 down 4% area wide. Another indication that the market has not declined much.

Robin Scott, BROKER. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. Amelia Bullock Realtors. 512.589.7988.

Austin, Texas - Cell Phone Use Prohibited in School Zones

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 09:23:03 -0500

If you haven't heard,in Texas it's now against the law to use your cell phone in a school zone unless you are using a hands-free device or you are stopped. exempt are drives making emergency calls to emergency responders such as EMS, fire department and law enforcement. The fine is $200 and signs are being posted this month.

BE CAREFUL OUT THERE!

Other road rules that went into effect on September 1:

• ALL car passengers must wear seatbelts no matter their age.

• Children under 8 must use a booster seat unless they are more than 4'9".

• Teenagers must pass a driving skills test AND a written test to obtain a driver's license.

• Penalties have been increased for those driving with a suspended license or without insurance.

• Motorcyclists must complete a certified training course and cannot carry passengers under 5 on the bike.

• Those suspected of drunk driving with a history of DWI cannot refuse a blood test by law enforcement.

• Golf carts cannot use public roads unless on a beach, driving to a golf course or on roads with posted 35 mile per hour sign.

• New residents to Texas may drive for 90 days before obtaining a new Texas drivers license.

• Parking violation fines at the state Capitol have increased to $25.

Robin Scott, BROKER. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. Amelia Bullock Realtors. 512.589.7988.

Selling a House In Milwood

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 21:49:41 -0500

In Popular Milwood. This cute 3/2/2 sold in 3 days and closed today. 12707 Margit Dr. Now there is a new happy owner. Asking price $135,000. If you have a home to sell, call me.I want to be your Realtor. I'd love an opportunity to discuss how I can help you achieve your goal of selling your house.

Robin Scott, BROKER. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. Amelia Bullock Realtors. 512.589.7988.

Another Successful Closing in Austin - Congratulations Tim

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 21:46:14 -0500

In Popular Milwood. This cute 3/2/2 sold in 3 days and closed today. 12707 Margit Dr. As always there were some bumps in the road but we made it through and now there is a new happy owner. Asking price $135,000.

If you have a home to sell, call me. I'd love an opportunity to discuss how I can help you achieve your goal of selling your house.

Robin Scott, BROKER. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. Amelia Bullock Realtors. 512.589.7988.

7708 Earp Way - Home for Sale in Popular Milwood

Sat, 12 Sep 2009 11:09:47 -0500

Location, location , location. Community park, pool, tennis, hike&bike plus close to major employers like Apple, Dell, IBM and Freescale and major shopping like Arboretum, Gateway, Lakeline and Domain. Pottery Barn look in this 3/2/2 home with 2 living, 2 dining. Special features include: master down, laminate wood floors in living/dining and master, builtins in loft/gameroom, recent carpet upstairs, sprinkler system front and back, security sytsem, cathedral ceilings, fireplace and more. $210,000. http://www.tourfactory.com/543126

Robin Scott, BROKER. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. Amelia Bullock Realtors. 512.589.7988.

Austin House Under Contract in 3 days

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:11:06 -0500

Is the real estate market taking a positive swing in Austin? I think so. I've noticed increased activity. The active listing count is only around 9,500 and my listing at 12707 Margit in Milwood sold in 3 days!

12707 Margit in Milwood, Austin, Texas

If you are planning on selling your house, call me. I'm a Seller's Representative Specialist and I can sell you house fast

Robin Scott, BROKER. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. Amelia Bullock Realtors. 512.589.7988.

When Choosing a Roof, Color Does Matter

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 11:17:13 -0500

Have you ever given much thought about the color of your roof? I remember the first time I chose a roof color, It made no difference to me because I had never really paid any attention to how a roof looked. I advanced to understanding the esthetics of a roof color and now have an ecological and economic perspective as well.

At one time my nieghbor and I would compare electric bills (air conditioning being the biggest draw on our electric energy) because they seemed high to us, but mine was always higher than hers and she had a bigger house and more kids going in and out the door. The only conclusion we could draw from that was that her roof was a much lighter color.

The Secretary of Energy and nobel prize winning physicist Steven Chu said that painting all the roofs of all the buildings in the world white would significantly reduce global warming.

When my roof was damaged by hail and I had an opportunity to replace it, I chose a light color. Not white, but light tan. The roof went on at the end of July and with August temperatures in the 100's every day, I was concerned about my how my need for air conditioning would effect my electric bill. Surprise! My bill was $30 less than the previous month. Yes, $30 less.

Some neighborhood associations have restrictions about the kind and color of roof you may use so check with them before replacing your roof. If your HOA's choice is not energy efficient, it may be a good time to attend HOA meetings and lobby for change.

Keep cool and if you are planning to buy or sell a house, I want to be your REALTOR. If you don't live in the Austin area, I can find a reputable REALTOR for you in your area.

Robin Scott, BROKER. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. Amelia Bullock Realtors. 512.589.7988.

TEXAS ECONOMIC FACTS 2009

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 12:02:54 -0500

Below are some facts an figures that show how Texas is weathering the economic recession better than many other places around the country:

Percentage of jobs lost in Texas between June 2008 and June 2009    2.6%
Percentage of jobs lost in the US during the same time period    4.2%

Increase in Texas unemployment rate between June 2008 and June 2009        2.7%
Increase in US unemployment for same time period    3.9%

Median single family home in Texas in 2003    $154,700
Median single family home in Texas in 2009    $155,000

Source: Real Estate Center of Texas A&M University

Austin Budget and Revenue

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 10:27:53 -0500

In Mid- September the City of Austin will approve the fiscal year 2010 budget and the plan is to raise the property taxes and water bills to adjust for the projected deficit of about $31 million. The property tax rate will adjust to the highest it can without voter approval - 42.09 cents per $100 of property value.

According to the Trqavis Central Appraisal district the average value of a home in Austin has increased 4.9%!

Other charge increases include raising the water and watewater about $3.78 a month and charging 65 cents a month more for the 90- gallon garbage cans

The city’s revenue comes from:
47% Austin Energy
16% Water Utility
15% Other
13% Property taxes
5% Sales and other taxes
4% Aviation
Total anticipated revenue $2.65 billion

How the city spends money:
37% Austin Energy - city owned electric utility
22% General Fund - city services like police, fire, emergency service, parks
19% Debt Service - managing debt from bonds
14% Other
8% Water Utility - water treatment, capital improvements
Total proposed budget $2.75 billion

Sources: Impact Community Newspaper

French Speaking Realtor in Austin, Texas

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 01:50:39 -0500

Parlez-vous français? Je suis d'apprentissage. Marcia, mon ami m'a invité à un pique-nique dans la cour du Musée Blanton avec les plans que nous ne parlait le français. Elle et Cecil a très bien parlé et j'ai écouté. J'ai effectivement entendu la plupart de ce que l'ont dit mais il était trop intimidé pour parler beaucoup moi-même. J'ai eu beaucoup de plaisir et toujours du plaisir à apprendre quelque chose de nouveau. (Thank you google Translator.)

Do you speak french? I'm learning. My friend Marcia invited me to a picnic in the Blanton Museum courtyard with plans that we would only speak French. She and Cecil spoke very well and i listened. I actually understood most of what the were saying but was too intimidated to speak much myself. I had a great time and always enjoy learning something new.

For Sale in Poular Milwood, Austin

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 01:36:18 -0500

Location, location, location! Here it is - 12707 Margit - a cute home in the popular Milwood neighborhood in Austin. It's just north of McNeil Rd with easy access to major employers like Dell, Apple, IBM. Freescale and more plus close to shopping at Lakeline Mall, Arboretum or Domain. Best of all ist's walking distance to the community park, pool, tennis and hike/bike. It's a 3/2/2 with one living/dining open to kitchen. Special features include hardwood floors in living and master, fireplace, cathedral ceiling, small backyard plus the AC was replaced in '05 and it has a recent roof and water heater. 1171 sq.ft. CAd. Built in 1986 for only $135,850. for more information visit http://www.tourfactory.com/543126

Robin Scott, BROKER. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. Amelia Bullock Realtors. 512.589.7988.

Another Successful Closing - Congratulations Jason

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:55:45 -0500

Congratulations to my buyer Jason in his first home purchase. An adorable home in central Austin. If you would like an accredited buyers representative to help you with a home purchase, call me. I work with first-time homebuyers as well as experienced buyers.

Robin Scott, BROKER. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. Amelia Bullock Realtors. 512.589.7988.

Protesting Your Taxes - Chapter 4

Sat, 29 Aug 2009 11:11:42 -0500

This time I did a two-for-one. I met with the Williamson County Tax Appraiser to talk about two properties I have in the same area of about the same age and size. I thought it would be a slam dunk but regardless of your evidence and reasoning, the appraiser will come up with his own. I thought I had plenty of experience because I had previously protested three assessments this year but the county appraiser argues more than that in an hour.

I was able to get the taxes reduced on the second property but not the first. Still, I think it was worth it because I have been successful with four out of five protests.

Having access to MLS, I was able to find four good comparatives that worked for both properties which were only blocks apart. In a previous protest the appraiser wanted to use comparatives which were not as close in proximity to the subject property as the ones I had. They argued that the properties they were using were within the allowable range. This time, on property number one, they argued that their comparatives were in closer proximity to the subject property and therefore mine were not as valid.

For property number one they had assessed a value of about $155,000 and as I a REALTOR with a lot of experience in that neighborhood I know I couldn't sell it for more than $145,000 - although I wish I could. The appraiser told me his comps could price it as high as $174,000. What!!?? I could not argue him down.

Then we discussed property number two. Same appraiser, same comps, similar size, similar age, only a few blocks from property number one. Now I had him because my comparatives were closer to property number 2 than his and that was the argument he used for property number one so I was able to get the value on property number two reduced about $10,000. Yea!

One of the reasons it helps to get those values reduced aside from the obvious of reducing your taxes is that the county may only increase your taxes by 10% per year, so when values start going up again, and they will, your property will be starting from a lower tax base.

Good luck with those tax protests!

Robin Scott, BROKER. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. Amelia Bullock Realtors. 512.589.7988.

Milwood Watering Regulations

Sat, 29 Aug 2009 10:33:18 -0500

For the area of Milwood which is in the Northwest Austin Mud #1there are new mandatory watering regulations as a result of our ongoing drought conditions. These restrictions are posted at every neighborhood and park entrance.

You may water twice a week from 7PM-10AM
Even Numbered Addresses - Thursday & Sunday
Odd Numbered Addresses - Wednesday & Saturday

Washing of automobiles, trucks, motorbikes, boats & trailers or other vehicles is prohibited except on designated watering days. Washing must be done with a handheld bucket or a handheld hose equipped with a positive shutoff nozzle for quick rinses.

All outdoor water use is prohibited between the hours of 10am & 7pm except with a handheld bucket or hose equipped with a shutoff nozzle.

Failure to Comply with the Mandatory Watering Schedule May Result in Monetary Penalties and/or Water Disruption.

EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 9, 2009 the REVISED MANDATORY WATER SCHEDULE WILL CHANGE TO:

Once a week Outdoor Watering Schedule 12AM-10AM
Even Numbered Addresses -Sunday
Odd Numbered Addresses -Saturday

Robin Scott, BROKER. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. Amelia Bullock Realtors. 512.589.7988.