Suzanne's Blog

Federal Tax Credit Info

Suzanne Gantner, GRI, E-Pro, SRES (Sky Realty, Central Texas Real Estate ) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:45:38 -0600

Below, is a link for more information regarding the Tax Credit and the extension of same. I have alot of people calling asking about it, so I found this info and thought I would pass it on to you. It is the same website I send to clients and potential clients who are interested to see if they qualify. Enjoy!!

http://federalhousingtaxcredit.com/faq1.php

Austin rebate program for toilet replacement going down the drain

Suzanne Gantner, GRI, E-Pro, SRES (Sky Realty, Central Texas Real Estate ) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:14:21 -0600

I love a good story, maybe it isn't so funny but for some reason this cracked me up (get ready for alot of puns). For many years the City of Austin has had a rebate program that gives people an incentive to replace older toilets with new ones that use 63% less water. So in keeping with the "Keep Austin Weird" theme, the City decided not only will we give homeowners a break but we will offer the rebate program to apartments, hotels and businesses. Budget what budget? This sounds stinky to me.

Guess what? Now, they are over budget and need an additional 3 million dollars. HELLO any one with a brain working there? It has to be one of those defining moments when the dah-dupe who made this decision to share toilets, hits his forehead and goes what was I thinking? I think someone needs to be flushed out!!

Austin area Home Sales up 38%

Suzanne Gantner, GRI, E-Pro, SRES (Sky Realty, Central Texas Real Estate ) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:57:09 -0600

This from the paper today...buyers taking advantage of the tax credit contributed to the big jump in October amounting to over a 38% increase in sales. This is the largest gain in over 4 years. Although, we aren't out of the woods yet, it does show alot of promise. Thank goodness for the incentives to buy are intact and will continue through next year. Not only does this tax credit help in housing but think about all of the things people have to buy to set up a home - new furniture, lawnmowers, paint, dishes, pillows, drapes, rugs and on and on.

It is great to know that hundreds of thousands of people are now homeowners and living a dream they might of not acheived without the tax credit.

Austin-Round Rock, Tx ranked #1

Suzanne Gantner, GRI, E-Pro, SRES (Sky Realty, Central Texas Real Estate ) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:20:56 -0600

The company that recommends U.S. metros and ranks them on job availability and strong economic areas has ranked Austin and the Round Rock area #1 up from #4. Killeen was #2...we have hopefully dodged some of economic bullets. This is out of a total of 200 named cities country wide. Go Central Texas!!

Do you pay attention to Buffett's stock buys?

Suzanne Gantner, GRI, E-Pro, SRES (Sky Realty, Central Texas Real Estate ) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:47:31 -0600

I have been watching the stock market for a while now to see if there are any good trends and buys that I need to pounce on while some stock prices are down. So, today I see that Warren Buffett's company buys approximately $60 million in Exxon Mobil and has over $33.6 million in Wal-Mart.

Well, does he know something we don't? I think he is betting that gasoline prices are going to go up again. Just when we need them to go down the most, you can be assured he knows something. Wal-Mart doesn't surprise me...it is where America shops. I guess I will buy some more Wal-Mart stock and buy my gas from them also.

Open Houses, do you do them? Are they successful?

Suzanne Gantner, GRI, E-Pro, SRES (Sky Realty, Central Texas Real Estate ) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:49:43 -0600

A couple of weekends ago, I was doing an Open House for a new client/listing. I don't normally do open houses because I end up sitting for a couple of hours walking around someone elses house waiting for potential buyers. Well, that doesn't work...yes, I put out signs, put it in the MLS, all of the normal things but really don't have much success.

So, I tried to shake it up a bit. Last week, I put out flyers at the entrance of the community along with the allowed signage, did the MLS stuff, but this time, I advertised Root Beer Floats. I then went to all the houses I could and left an invitation to join us for the floats and to come see their neighbors home.

Please bring a friend I encouraged. Sunday, I rolled up with my goodies, unloaded the car, put out my shingle so to speak. Opened at 2 and by 2:20 there were 26 people in the house. WOW!! This works, please share with me some of your experiences.

Round Rock, Tx expanding into Scientific Research Center

Suzanne Gantner, GRI, E-Pro, SRES (Sky Realty, Central Texas Real Estate ) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:44:18 -0600

Round Rock, Tx home to Dell, Round Rock Premier Outlets, Dell Diamond, the new Texas A & M Health Science Center, Seton Medical Center Williamson, Texas State University Center, Austin Community College, Scott and White Hospital Round Rock is soon to be graced with a proposed research center to assist in the development of medicines, scientific projects and technologies. This project is called the convergent technology center and will be located on a tract of land just east of the Medical facilities listed above.

According to a city-commissioned study this center would operate as an "accelerator" for businesses already in a middle or later phase of development whether it be products, medicines or technology and could open as soon as 2010. According to Mr. Avery (who donated the land), It's a combination of medical, bio-life science, physics, biology and chemistry to create a new form of science that merges all of these things together.

Some of the proposed facilities would include but not limited to are:

Wet Labs - chemicals and biological samples

Dry Labs - more of analyzation of data, storing materials and working with electronic components that all require a constant temperature

Clean room - which is strictly controlled atmosphere against any type of contamination

At this time, the powers at be are looking for different ways to fund this project. I must say Round Rock has come along way!!

The Inn above Onion Creek is for sale

Suzanne Gantner, GRI, E-Pro, SRES (Sky Realty, Central Texas Real Estate ) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 10:32:40 -0600

If you like Bed and Breakfasts, this wonderful property called the Inn above Onion Creek is for sale. Located just outside of Kyle, Tx, this gorgeous property is nestled on 88 acres in the Texas Hill Country south of Austin. There are two main buildings along with guest cottages and a couple of additional houses. The property and the main buildings are so gorgeous with over-sized dining areas, antiques, fireplaces with stone facades, rooms with pale neutral colors and comfy beds and chairs.

Dinner is served every night at 6:00 by an Executive Chef who uses fresh vegetables and ingredients from the gardens and markets of surrounding farmers. The Inn has been featured in Southern Living Magazine, cover of Country Living, was featured in an Emeril Lagasse segment and was noted as one of the "most Romantic Valentine's Day Getaway." Asking price is $4.1 million.

105 Pecos, Hutto Texas 1/2 Acre

Suzanne Gantner, GRI, E-Pro, SRES (Sky Realty, Central Texas Real Estate ) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:01:46 -0500

If you love country living but need to be close to the Pizza delivery guy, then 105 Pecos in Hutto, Tx just outside of Austin and Round Rock is the place you need to be. This gorgeous Texas style home has over 2,000 sq. ft, 3 bdrms plus study (which could be 4th bedroom), huge formal dining which opens to the den area and to the kitchen which makes the floorplan very expansive and open. The floors have sparkling wood laminate floors (just installed), rich designer tile in kitchen and baths, recent backsplash, stainless steel appliances, upgraded light fixtures, crown molding, fresh paint and recent landscaping. Warm and inviting, this home has such an inviting front porch, a gorgeous covered back patio and perugula topped off with an in-ground pool. Check out this fabulous home MLS# 6366402. I will have this home syndicated later this morning if you need to go to Trulia or Zillow.

Great way to get Realtors to the Title company and not just for a Closing.

Suzanne Gantner, GRI, E-Pro, SRES (Sky Realty, Central Texas Real Estate ) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:19:37 -0500

Yesterday, I got a call from one of my favorite Title Company's Marketing Rep, she said, I have something for you. I will bring it to you, leave it at your office or you can come to the office. Since I was already out and about, I swung by to pick up what turned out to be a Halloween Goodie bag. Squeal, goodies, candy corn, chocolate, etc in a cute Orange/Black and Yellow bag. How nice was that? On top of that, I was greeted by all the other employees as if it were old home week. I felt loved. LOL What a wonderful marketing ploy to get me in their office when I wasn't even closing anything this week.

So, while I am hanging around as if I needed more, a flyer caught my eye. Headline "Shop til you Drop!" Whooosh - into my hands it flew...what an event, shopping? I am there. On November 10th, they are having wine (ok now I am really there), complimentary chair massages, jewelry, candles, purses, knick knacks and food. Come one, come all and shop. Maybe you can pass this on to your Title Company as a great way to get you back in the door. Enjoy!!

What will happen if the $8,000 Tax Credit goes away?

Suzanne Gantner, GRI, E-Pro, SRES (Sky Realty, Central Texas Real Estate ) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:58:36 -0500

The National Association of Homebuilders has been tooting a big horn to the White House complimenting them on the excellent results that the up to $8,000 tax credit has created. I read the other day that it has helped over 357,000 people purchase a home and I am sure that number is higher this week. Some feel that if the tax credit is not extended, that the housing market will go back into a funk.

From reading the article that was talking about NAHB...it also said that President Obama was considering the extension. I hope that we all rally around NAHB and the President to make that happen. I think it would jump start 2010 and the economy. What do you think?

Private Schools in Round Rock, Tx

Suzanne Gantner, GRI, E-Pro, SRES (Sky Realty, Central Texas Real Estate ) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 17:58:12 -0500

As growth has expanded Round Rock, Tx, so has the need for more places of education from all the new public schools going in currently to private schools. I was eager to learn (maybe for my own curiosity) just how many there were right here locally.

1) Applegate Adventist Junior Academy has been open since 1986 (I didn't know that) takes PK - 8th grade.

2) Round Rock Christian Academy opened in 1975 PK - 12th

3) True Vine Christian School newly opened in 2001, K- 8th

Who'duve thunk it. We also have a bunch of Montessori Schools as well but I will get to that in another blog.

Two stepping your way across Central Texas

Suzanne Gantner, GRI, E-Pro, SRES (Sky Realty, Central Texas Real Estate ) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 17:30:02 -0500

For all of you boot scooting country western dancers, I thought I would share a few of the new and old best places to go dancing or hear live music in the northern part of Travis and Williamson County, Tx

Dessau Hall - recently reopened with a new look and a presence. It is one of Austin's oldest clubs and brings back many memories of when I first moved to Austin. This month, bands like Peoples Choice and the Texas Unlimited Band brought the house down. It's a nice informal uncrowded place to hang out.

Hanovers Draught House in Pflugerville is also a great place to check out for fun. They had Radio Star, Commonwealth, Skyrocket and some Disco thrown one night. Don't know if you like karaoke but they used to have that also. In fact, I meet my husband there one night 9 years ago. He was so charmed by my Etta James rendition of At Last, he chased me down for my name and number and the rest is history. LOL.

If you have never been to a Texas Dance Hall well then the following are two destinations you must go to. Gruene Hall in Gruene, Tx (just down the road from Austin) is the best. Touted as the Oldest Dance Hall in Texas, maybe the world, I have seen Willie, Waylon and the boys there. You can see it in the movie "Michael" with John Travolta. It is where he dances to Chain, Chain, Chain of fools. It is awesome.

Next, you have to go to the Broken Spoke in South Austin. Talk about an institution OMG! If you like Ray Benson, music like the Texas Playboys, chicken fried steak and Willie Nelson, it is a must!! So hollar when you are going two stepping I will get my boots.

Sprouts comes to Round Rock, Tx

Suzanne Gantner, GRI, E-Pro, SRES (Sky Realty, Central Texas Real Estate ) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:20:07 -0500

Round Rock just got a Sprouts Farmers Market. I had never heard of this chain before but apparently they have around 30+ stores around the nation. I had to go check it out because there is nothing better than home grown tomatoes and onions to name a few.

Sprouts sells organic and natural items from vitamines, veggies, meats and even frozen foods. I was very impressed when I went to check it out. They buy from Central Texas farmers and that is a great opportunity for everyone. In addition, they didn't hike the price up like some of the other natural stores. I must say it is a nice addition to Round Rock and its residents.

Pflugerville, Tx is getting a Water Park

Suzanne Gantner, GRI, E-Pro, SRES (Sky Realty, Central Texas Real Estate ) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:09:08 -0500

That's right folks, right here in Central Texas the big city of Pflugerville . This water park is estimated to cost around $16 million dollars, draw as many as 300,000 people annually and create havoc on the Toll Roads. I added that part, it wasn't in the major news announcements. But it will.

The park is projected to open in May 2010. It will be situated on 50 acres at the corner of Toll Rd 130 and Pecan Avenue. Here are some conceptual things to expect: large wave pool, action river, lazy river, 8 to 10 water slides, hot tub and swim up bar (my personal favorite), different areas for toddlers, younger children, pavillions for partys, concession stands (of course), volleyball courts, wet walks, beaches and I am sure a lot more.

Two really good things will come of this: tourism and jobs. According to the article I read, it should yield as many as 300 jobs and bring in as much as $6.3 million in revenue. So, the town with the pfunny name has just become a point of destination. Pfabulous!!

Dive in Night at Sun City Georgetown, Tx

Suzanne Gantner, GRI, E-Pro, SRES (Sky Realty, Central Texas Real Estate ) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 17:09:40 -0500

As a Senior Real Estate Specialist, I try very hard to keep up with who and what is going on in Sun City, Georgetown, Tx. That statement in itself is exhausting because to keep up with this Fun Filled Action packed community is next to impossible. The residents out there are swamped with things to do.

Anyway, getting to the point...I saw that they are having Dive-In Night on Thursday, Aug. 27th. Why do I care? Here is the great part. You bring your bathing suit, beverage, picnic and accessories, you walk the red-carpet to the outdoor pool (which is huge by the way) and you watch a movie on a big screen. Isn't that awesome? You keep cool, you enjoy other people and you watch a movie as if you were at a Drive-In.

NOW, heres the funny part (drum roll please), the movie is JAWS. I don't know about you but that is funny right there!!

Sun City, Texas should be named Fun City

Suzanne Gantner, GRI, E-Pro, SRES (Sky Realty, Central Texas Real Estate ) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 18:14:04 -0500

I just came from Sun City, Georgetown, Tx and while I was only going to check on my listing. I ended up staying all afternoon. I drove up in the driveway at 241 Crockett Loop (my listing) and out came the next door neighbors, who bought the home from me when they moved in from California.

Once the across the street neighbors saw us jibber jabbering, well out they came to visit as well. This went on for several hours, people walking, jogging, biking all stopped to say HEY and what a great time I had meeting all you guys!! Next time I will bring the wine because we had so much FUN!

Now, I don't know if any of you do this, but I am going to start doing it more often. It was better than an Open House for people just driving around. Invite the neighbors and let them do the selling for you - they all know other people who want to move to the area. IT WAS GREAT!! So, next weekend, I think I will grab Rachelle (another Sky Realtor who likes to work Fun City) and we are going to have the neighbors over for wine. woohoo.

Rachelle was so excited about it, she made a video which I have included the link to - it's great.

http://www.youtube.com:80/watch?v=PBHtrsdEH7s

You are only hurting yourself if you don't actually read the posts

Suzanne Gantner, GRI, E-Pro, SRES (Sky Realty, Central Texas Real Estate ) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 08:54:35 -0500

There it was as clear as the nose on my face....I am reading this mornings posts and every post, starting at the top...that I went to I saw the same individuals pasting the same information in a comment. It was obvious they had not even read the blog. Their pasting comment was the same for every post. Now this aggrevates me why??? Because there is so much great information from our fellow ARians....and to just want to rack up points, you are only short sheeting yourself.

Shame on you!! You are missing out.

Happy Memorial Day in Williamson County, Texas

Suzanne Gantner, GRI, E-Pro, SRES (Sky Realty, Central Texas Real Estate ) — Fri, 22 May 2009 08:58:11 -0500

I hope that everyone has a wonderful and safe Memorial Day weekend. We have so much to be thankful for and I hope that each and everyone of you can spread a positive word whatever that may mean to you. I personally am looking forward to some barbeque-in' and maybe a hot dog or two. With business as crazy as it has been maybe I will get some sleep as well. Wishing you all... Happy stars and stripes!!

Open House, buy 1/2 Duplex or both sides

Suzanne Gantner, GRI, E-Pro, SRES (Sky Realty, Central Texas Real Estate ) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 15:52:46 -0500

I don't normally like to do open houses but am going to incorporate it into my business plan this year due to the success that many of the other Realtors in my office are having with them.

So, tomorrow morning, I will set out my Open House directional signs, put the Open House sign in front of the duplex (with flags) that my seller split into Condos. I will be handing out invitations to the neighbors and surrounding neighborhoods. I have new flyers, my IBS, my buyer's rep forms, contract sample and information about the $8,000 tax credit. If you are in Georgetown, Tx from 1 to 3ish, would love for you to stop by.

Address: 600 Hedgewood, A & B. The sellers gutted the duplex and have put in new tile, carpet, cabinets, appliances, granite countertops, really cool IKEA bathroom sinks, light fixtures, fan, mantle, garage doors, doors and knobs, windows, AC units, paint and landscaping. They are adorable 2 bedrooms/2 full baths and it offers a dining area, large dining, plenty of closet space and sits next to the Emerald Park with hike and bike trails, playscape, wildlife and fresh air.

Drop by, I will have brownies!! OR BRING YOUR INVESTORS...Buy one side for $117,500 or both sides for $228,000.

Sky Realty Austin launches Community forum to outside Realtors

Suzanne Gantner, GRI, E-Pro, SRES (Sky Realty, Central Texas Real Estate ) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 15:11:47 -0500

Sky Realty, announces it's Members Only Community Forum With the magnitude and power of Active Rain and other Real Estate communities like it, Sky Realty Austin, Tx is proud to announce its Member's Only Community Forum.

This forum is scheduled to introduce its beta launch today. It is designed to assist everyday Realtors like me and you to develop their personal websites and to increase their internet marketing in a successful way. One of the forum's main focuses will be to share ideas agent 2 agent. It will be informative and instructional.

Sky Realty Austin's creator has consistently helped and encouraged its agents with the power of knowledge and know how that hasn't really been taught otherwise. Most importantly for most agents, it has been, until now...a self-taught learning process which he hopes to over come with this forum. If you would like to be a part of this Community forum go to http://skyrealtyaustin.com/forum and sign up. There is a small approval process but the knowledge you will receive will be priceless.

Forest Creek Golf Course and Neighborhood in Round Rock, Tx

Suzanne Gantner, GRI, E-Pro, SRES (Sky Realty, Central Texas Real Estate ) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 15:06:10 -0600

As I was blogging on the Sky Realty site about my neighborhood Forest Creek. I got to google-ing to see what blogs where coming up and what type of information was in them. So, I found an old out-dated one with no current information or stats. OK - I said to myself, let's get some current stuff and info on there.

First, the Forest Creek Country Club is now open and taking new members...the Swim Team is having spring registration and golf is in full swing (pardon the pun). Anyway, here are a few tidbits...Over the last 6 months, in Forest Creek there have been 30 solds, currently there are 52 homes on the market, 6 Pending and 5 Pending taking Backups. The average home sold in 87 days at $275,000, most were 4/2's and approximately 3,035 sq. feet on average. Drive thru and feel the love!!

For all you baseball fans

Suzanne Gantner, GRI, E-Pro, SRES (Sky Realty, Central Texas Real Estate ) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 09:50:22 -0600

Round Rock, Tx Dell Diamond, home of the Round Rock Express is expanding the stadium by adding a luxury addition whcih will include suites for baseball fans to attend what will be called the Intel club. It is an improvement of approx. $3.1 million. It also includes an elevator, additional shaded seating and an larger press box on the third floor. Construction should be completed before the next season which begins in April.

Now, the reason I am even blogging about this is because it is an marketing opportunity for me to get back in front of my clients. Taking them a couple of tickets to the Round Rock Express game sure makes an impression....The Dell Diamond stadium is located at 3400 E. Palm Valley (or what the locals call Hwy. 79). To find out more about the upcoming baseball season www.roundrockexpress.com

What a remarkable day

Suzanne Gantner, GRI, E-Pro, SRES (Sky Realty, Central Texas Real Estate ) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 09:51:44 -0600

As I watch the inauguration events and history being made today, I can't help but tear up a little because we have never experienced such a revolutionary day. I can remember the day Kennedy died, I was sent home from school. We all sat in complete stun mode watching our black and white tvs...Now, we have HD, Plasma and all the other latest and greatest. That was a memorable day like today...but this is different because we truly have come a long way!!

I was so proud of President elect Obama with the writing of the letter to his daughters that was published in the Parade last Sunday. It was so beautiful and heartfelt. It just confirmed my thinking that we are all the same, we have the same heart, the same emotions and feelings and we all want the best for our children. As I grab for the kleenex, I pray that 2009 is a year for all of us to reposition ourselves for the better times ahead.

Taylor, Texas Home Sales Stats

Suzanne Gantner, GRI, E-Pro, SRES (Sky Realty, Central Texas Real Estate ) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 14:19:42 -0600

Market Analysis Report for Taylor, Texas. Taylor is a small quaint town northeast of Austin. It is home to the Taylor Mighty Ducks....the ducks come from a lake in the middle of town that....you guessed it has a wide variety of Ducks. Nice drive to Taylor and while you are there eat at Louis Muellers...mmmm good barbeque.

Property Type: Residential

Status: Sold

Number of Properties: 94

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

6	3	4,093	$437,900	$194.36	$418,500	$185.75	109.1%	109.1%	519
2	1	731	$29,900	$26.27	$20,000	$23.59	57.1%	57.14%	0
3	2	1,766	$131,239	$74.65	$126,898	$72.08	96.39%	93.7%	70
3	2	1,681	$119,900	$73.03	$116,965	$73.02	97.15%	95.29%	35

Search Criteria

Status	S
Property Type	HOUSE
City	Taylor
Sold/Lease Date	between 6/1/2008 -

This information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. More information about Taylor and other Central Texas communities.