Jeff Self's Real Estate Blog for West Round Rock, Cedar Park, and Leander

PRICE REDUCTION ALERT!!! Great Deal in Forest Creek, Round Rock, Tx!

Jeff Self (Self Homes Realty) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 10:55:27 -0700

3845 Harvey Penick Dr. just got a huge price reduction!!!

Forest Creek, Round Rock - Announcing a price reduction on 3845 Harvey Penick Dr., a 2,538 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story. Now [MLS® #2847892] MLS® $219,000 USD - NO BETTER DEAL!. This home has very nice elegant features like crown molding, chair molding, decorative molding, rounded corners, art niches, built in shelves, high ceilings, and an arched theme throughout the house. Functionality is it's next best feature. An open easy flowing floor plan makes it easy to move and share space. Large windows allow light to brighten up every room. A yard for the kids and entertaining, dual side patios, and sprinkler system to maintain the lawn.

Despite all the negative news, things continue to look bright for Austin

Jeff Self (Self Homes Realty) — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 16:24:55 -0800

Austin is consistently mentioned as one of the few places in the country where home values in general are expected to continue to appreciate on a rate of 4%. It is true that there is a higher number of homes on the market than the previous year and that days on the market have increased slightly. That being said homes sales numbers continue more forward. The market does lean towards being a buyers market at present, but sellers could expect to break even as they should see a gain on a purchase where they might lose on a sell.

Builders inventory has dropped dramatically as the ones who are still in business have drastically reduced their inventory by attaching significant incentives to buyers to get their inventory reduced.

That translates into good news for existing home sales.

Here is a link to ABOR Stats that shows the reduction in numbers across the board. Remember, we have to put these numbers in context with the rest of the country and our own previous numbers.

https://www.abor.com/news_media/statistics/reports/Nov08_indicators.pdf

While tight times have sent many part Realtors looking for work, those of us who make a living practicing our trade stand firm and move on making the necessary changes to adapt to the environment.

Stay Strong and Keep on Living!

Most Realtors in Central Texas will tell you business has slowed, but things are still moving!

Jeff Self (Self Homes Realty) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 16:17:01 -0700

Williamson County Still High Growth Rate

The Texas State Data Center recently released population estimates for all cities and counties in Texas.
According to the report, the Austin-Round Rock Metropolitan Statistical Area, including Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop and Caldwell counties, grew by 39,000 residents from Jan. 1, 2007 to Jan. 1, 2008 - a growth rate of 2.5 percent. This was slower than 2006's 4.4 percent growth, but the second-highest rate in 2007 among 25 MSAs in Texas.
The TSDC also estimated Williamson County ranked fifth among Texas counties with the highest percentage of population change in 2007. The county added 21,482 residents last year, adding to its status as the county with the second-highest growth rate in Texas since 2000. -Texas State Data Center

Area Market Statistics

Home Sales Stabilize in Austin Area

October 20, 2008 - Central Texas home sales remain steady, according to the latest Multiple Listing Service (MLS) report from the Austin Board of REALTORS®. The median price for single family homes in September remained unchanged from one year ago, while the number of homes sold inched closer to 2007 sales totals.

The 1,670 homes sold in September reflect an eight percent decline from one year ago. These sales contributed $406,955,620 to the local economy, down 11 percent from 2007. Meanwhile, the median price for single family homes showed no change from last September, remaining at $182,600.

Active listings for September rose two percent from one year ago to 10,217, while pending sales dropped ten percent to 1,520 and new listings fell 11 percent to 2,617. The average amount of time these properties sat on the market rose 18 percent from 2007 to 71 days.

“National economic troubles and limited access to credit continue to impact the local housing industry,” says ABoR Chairman Socar Chatmon-Thomas. “However, Austin’s economy has avoided many of the ups and downs experienced by other parts of the U.S., and our city is poised to remain on the forefront of the country’s economic turnaround.”

September 2008 – Single Family Homes

1,670 was the number of homes sold, down 8 percent from one year ago
$182,600 was the median price, unchanged from September 2007
$406,955,620 was the total dollar volume of properties sold, down 11 percent from last year

Dog looking for a Home!

Jeff Self (Self Homes Realty) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 09:40:24 -0700

My friend Kim contacted me and found this pup who needs a home. If anyone would like to adopt this beautiful brown baby, he looks like he would be a great family dog and protector!

Hog Wild in Behrens Ranch!

Jeff Self (Self Homes Realty) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 09:28:23 -0700

So for the past few weeks, all the talk has been about sightings of feral Hogs in this and adjoining neighborhoods. I personally haven't seen any nor have I seen signs of them. Then, there was a report of a cougar seen in the neighborhood stalking the hogs. Coming home from a party the other night, I thought I saw a Polar Bear, but knowing that I'd have an my limit of drinks, I chalked it up to imagination.

I'm not saying there aren't Polar Bears, eh' I mean feral Hogs. There is plenty of undeveloped land all around the subdivision that could support them. I do see alot of deer that have been hit by cars all along the sides of the roads. Also Skunks, Possums, Dogs, Cats, and Raccoons. I will be on the look a Hog as the next roadside victim.

Regardless, it's always best to safe than sorry. Never approach a wild animal as they can always be dangerous. If you do walk up on them, back away calmly until you see that you are a safe distance away then high tail it for home and post it on the Berhrans Ranch website.

I am hoping that all the chatter about the beautiful wild life we have here will help our home values to go up! :)

Kidding, all is good in the neighborhood. I have the home next door listed and we are getting good traffic. It's an awesome house and priced to sell, so we expect that it will be under contract soon.

It's early and today is my birthday, so it's time to get out there get busy and in the words of Matt McConaughey; Just Keep Living!

Behrens Ranch Neighborhood Garage Sale is today!

Jeff Self (Self Homes Realty) — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 11:58:29 -0700

Yep, the neighborhood is a buzz with folks looking for a good deal on something they want. Some of our neighbors are out in force clearing out the stuff they never use and others are not.

I find it a bit awkward haggling over stuff that I want to get rid of and yet still have some sensibility about giving it away. Funny huh! Carol on the other hand, enjoys the back and forth and more than that she likes to make a little money and come waive it in my face. I usually brush it off and then let her buy me dinner at Chuy's or somewhere good.

A nice side effect of the neighborhood garage sale is that the house I have for sale next door gets plenty of exposure. Garage sale days have always been good times for my listings. As a matter of fact it's being shown right now. That's good news! It's a beautiful day, The Horns are about to beat Missouri, and we are working.

That is reaffirming. Anyway, that's about what is happening in Behrens Ranch today. Oh, there are claims of wild hogs and now even claims of a cougar. I find that very hard to believe, but as always I try to maintain an open mind. I was thinking of posting that I saw a Polar Bear, but I guess that might be pushing it.

The only other thing I would mention is that there is an upside to the chaos in the economy. The builders in the neighborhood are no longer starting new builds without a contract in place. That means a drop in the inventory and a little less competition from the builders for the existing homes. Things are still moving even if at a slightly slower pace.

Ok, that's it. Gotta go read Gary Keller's new book "Shift." After the first chapter there is a lot of the obvious, so I am hoping there will be some info to stoke the fire and rekindle my creativity, marketing, interest, and stamina.

Have a great day and HOOK'EM HORNS!

Excellent Value For This Home in Behrens Ranch

Jeff Self (Self Homes Realty) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 17:17:56 -0700

Stunning Village Builder St. Andrews II Plan with over 3,670 Square Feet of Luxurious Living Space in Behrens Ranch! Walk through this Home with a Virtual Tour:

http://www.selfhomes.com/Listing/VirtualTour.ashx?listingid=2048655

http://jeffself.actris.mlxchange.com/

Lushly Landscaped Lot Backs to Wyoming Springs.

2 Living ~ 2 Dining Areas ~ 4 Bedrooms & 3.5 Baths!

More Upgrades than you can Imagine! Beautiful 18" Ceramic TileHardwood Floors ~ Carpeting!

Oversized Gourmet Kitchen features: Granite & Corian Countertops ~ Center Island ~ Breakfast Bar ~ Gas Cook-Top ~ Double Built-In Oven & Microwave ~ Tiled Backsplash ~ Tons of 42” Cherry Cabinetry!

Extra Large Breakfast Dining with Bay Window! Sweeping Family Room with Gas Fireplace with Logs!

Bedroom & Full Bath Down! Powder Room Down!Elegant Formal Dining! Office Down! Family Room Wired for Surround Sound!

Huge Gameroom Wired for Surround Sound! Media Room Wired for Surround Sound!

Large Owner’s Suite has Big Walk-In Closet ~ Jetted Tub & Oversized Shower!

3 Secondary Bedrooms up!

Only Some of the Additional Features are: Wrought Iron Balusters on the Staircase ~ Upgraded Lighting ~ 2” Blinds ~ Security System ~ Full Sprinkler System ~ Dramatic 2 Story Entry ~ Crown Molding!

Finished-out 3 Car Garage! Covered Front Porch & Covered Back Patio!

Highly Rated RR ISD Elementary School in Community & New Walsh Middle School. listed by Realty World, John Horton & Assoc.

YUM! If you haven't ever tasted a White Wing, check out the recipe for a Texas Treat!

Jeff Self (Self Homes Realty) — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 12:40:24 -0700

I first had this tasty chicken treat in Temple while visiting a friend. Since we have a large audience and finding things to share that are worth while can be difficult to do, I thought I'd share this recipe with you guys.

I suppose you could change out the ingredience with other things, but you have to start with trying a white wing this way first.

Hope you like it!

White Wings Recipe

Cooking time 40 min | 10 min prep

16 white wings

4 (8 ounce) boneless chicken breasts
32 slices thin sliced bacon
1 lb monterey jack cheese, cut into 1 inch cubes
16 slices pickled jalapeno peppers

Cut each chicken breast into 4 strips.
Place a cheese cube and one slice of jalapeno on each chicken strip and roll up.
Wrap one slice of bacon around each rolled up chicken slice, forming a ball; then wrap another slice of bacon the opposite way.
Tuck the bacon into the chicken ball, using toothpicks to hold in place.
Grill at medium heat for 20-30 minutes, rotating constantly to ensure the meats are cooked through.
Cheese will start to ooze out and bacon will be crispy when done.
NOTE: You can speed up the cooking process by blanching the chicken balls in a fryer first for about 3-4 minutes.
Serve with flour tortillas, salsa, sour cream, or pico de gallo.

Coldwell Banker said it is asking its sellers to cut listing prices by as much as 10 percent to kick-start U.S. home sales.

Jeff Self (Self Homes Realty) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 12:21:03 -0700

Can any of the Coldwell Banker folks tell us how they think this will work out?

I would imagine you will be hitting resistance from pretty much all sellers to give away their equity.

I was just curious as I just read this article on CNBC. http://www.cnbc.com/id/27044918

Thanks,

Jeff

Got a client looking for a job!

Jeff Self (Self Homes Realty) — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 16:21:41 -0700

Hey guys, I have a client looking for a job in the Austin area. She is a leasing agent now in College Station and wants to work with a real estate firm or maybe a title company or related business.

I hope you don't mind that I am posting this here and if you have any leads for her, I am sure she would greatly appreciate it. She does not have a license yet, so she needs to get her foot in the door and would be willing to most anything I would imagine.

Thanks in advance!

Jeff

2/2/2 Gated Century Park Condo for Lease! Austin, Tx.

Jeff Self (Self Homes Realty) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:52:57 -0700

Very nice Condo with real wood floors, ceramic tile, carpet in bedrooms. Living, half bath, kitchen and dinning downstairs. 2 Bedrooms each with full baths and living or game room upstairs. 2 car garage with opener. Owner considering short term leases making it perfect for execs visting town for short stays, anyone needing to cover temporary housing while finding or building permanent housing, etc...

Gated community with private pool. Excellent location in North Austin.

Owner asking $1350/month.

Please call Jeff for more information. 512-619-7046.

Listed and Marketed by Jeff Self, Realty World, John Horton & Assoc.

My utility bills are killing me! Let me start at home to get this under control!

Jeff Self (Self Homes Realty) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 20:09:39 -0700

Here are some tips to think about when trying to conserve energy at home.

1. Stop air leaks with caulking, sealing, or weather stripping. Check on all windows, doors, outlets or switch plates on exterior walls.

2. Maintain the heating system. Heating can account for half the average family's energy bill. Make sure heater or heat pump receives maintenance every year. The cost will be re-couped in better performance throughout year.

3. Get a programmable thermostat. A programable thermostat can also help in cutting the heating bills and oooling bills.

4. Seal & insulate heating ducts. If your system is losing its warmed or cooled air before it reaches the registerit will cost you money in wasted energy expenses.

5. Insulate everything. By insulating the attic, ceilings, exterior walls and windows, basement walls, floors, and crawlspaces.

6. Close fireplace dampers when not in use. Reduce heat loss by opening dampers in the bottom of the firebox. You can also open the nearest window a small bit and close doors to the room, and also lower thermostat setting to 50-55ºF

7. Let the sun shine in. Let the sun in by opening curtains on south facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat the home, and close them at night to reduce the chill from cold windows.

8. Cut back on the hot water. Water heating accountspart of a homes energy use. Cut back on water heating costs by lowering the water heater’s thermostat setting. Each 10ºF reduction can save between 3-5 percent in energy costs. Also insulate the hot water heater and hot water pipes.

9. Install storm windows and Energy Star qualified windows. Storm windows reduce heat loss and storm windows with low-e coating that reflect heat back into the room during the winter months save even more energy. Look for the Energy Star label to maximize savings. Can’t afford new windows just now? Tape clear plastic sheeting to the inside of window frames.

10. Save with little labels. When replacing appliances, light bulbs, electronics, or heating and cooling systems with Energy Star labeled products. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) in place of comparable incandescent bulbs.

Pst comments with any additional tips to saving energy.

Is your Central Texas House Plant Safe for your Pets?

Jeff Self (Self Homes Realty) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 16:18:00 -0700

Ok, when Carol and I got married, we considered having children, but of course with my wiley background questioned our abiity to be good parents. So, we thought, "hey, lets get a dog and see how we do with that first!"

Well, we found out our parenting skills would probably be adequate. After working at Child Protective Services for 10 years, we came to the conclusion that having children was probably not in our future. It's good for some people and not for others. That's cool.

So, here is our son Trip!

Now the reason I bring this up is to get back to the parenting skills. I have a Cedar Elm in my back yard which has alot of Mistle Toe growing in it. Trip being the 6 month old pup he is, absolutely cannot do anything without having a taste of everything he passes! Knowing that Mistle Toe is poisionous, I make sure to pick it up everytime I am outside, which is pretty often. Being so small, he has to pee alot.

Checking myself on what would be good or bad for Trip, I found the following information from a charity we support and wanted to share it with any and all of you who are also parents of the animal persuasion and this would actually even apply to young children as well. I think Carol might have picked a few things up off the ground for a taste when she was little, too. Don't tell her I mentioned that though!

Here it is. Check your house and property for dangerous plants.

"It’s Not Easy Being Green: Popular Plants Poisonous to Pets

As gardeners across the country say goodbye to summer, green thumbs and amateurs alike are scooping up houseplants to spice up the fall and winter months. They're also taking off their sunhats and dragging outdoor plants inside to protect them from upcoming dips in temperature. Plants are popular for their decorative, restorative and air-clearing properties, but many species are toxic to our curious furry friends. Soil and leaves attract dogs and cats, who like to chew on vines and romp in the dirt. The ASPCA’s garden gurus set the record straight on some of the season’s most poisonous best-sellers:

Although most common in springtime but sold year-round, lilies—including stargazer, tiger and Easter lilies—are pretty on the outside but wreak havoc on the insides of our kitty companions. “Even with very small ingestions, severe kidney damage can result,” according to Dr. Steven Hansen, veterinary toxicologist & ASPCA Senior Vice President.
English ivy creeps its way into our hearts, but its precious vines contain triterpenoid saponins, which can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, hypersalivation and diarrhea if eaten by dogs and cats.
Two of the hottest plants to hit office cubicles across the country are peace lily and pothos. Both are hearty and tolerate a fair amount of neglect, but for cats and dogs, they can cause irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue (peace lily) and swelling of the GI tract (pothos).
Oleander, a pretty shrub used as an ornamental plant in warmer regions, can also be cultivated indoors in cooler climes. One of the most poisonous plants to pets and people, it can lead to GI irritation, abnormal heart function, hypothermia and even death.

Keep the nibbler in your life safe from toxic foliage by placing all plants out of reach. Or better yet, choose a nontoxic alternative to brighten your home, soothe your soul and protect your pet. As always, if you think your pet has ingested something poisonous, please contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435. Watch our plant safety video for more information, and enjoy a safe and spicy change of season!"

The article "Its not Easy Being Green is provided by the ASPCA.The ASPCA has no liability for the information provided within this article. Copyright © 2008. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). All Rights Reserved.

Good Luck!

Jeff

Its that time of Year again for the Old Pecan Street Festival

Jeff Self (Self Homes Realty) — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 16:47:34 -0700

Its a pretty interesting event and something that anyone who is in Austin should check out at least once.

They are many artisans, live music, food, and a ton of great things you can buy all while being on Fabulous 6th street. Here is a link to the web site. Check it out and round up the family for a trip downtown.

http://www.oldpecanstreetfestival.com/

One booth in particular will be the AFS Student Exchange Organization. My wife and I are actually hosting a student right now from the Philippines. He is a very nice 15 yr old boy. He's smart and probably a bit overwhelmed being exposed to so much that our culture has to offer. He is taking it all in stride and will have lots of stories to share when he returns home. This is his first time out of his own country and he has barely even been out of his own village in the far south of the Philippine Islands.

Check it out while you're there and have a good time.

Interest Rate Drop!

Jeff Self (Self Homes Realty) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 10:26:28 -0700

Just talked to my loan officer who mentioned an interest rate drop of 1/2 point. YEAH!!!

Let's see if that will help some folks make a decision and buy themselves a home.

On another note, Hurricane Ike is heading this way and my family members who live on the coast are aready packing and heading this way. They will be here through the weekend unless things change. The storm is also projected to swing up this way and bring us some rain and wind. Central Texans should probably be thinking about and getting ready for the possibilities!!!