Sherry's Austin TX Real Estate Blog

When Your Just too Busy to Keep up with the Jones'

Sherry Scales, ABR,GRI,REALTOR (RE/MAX Austin Skyline) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:20:42 -0600

You Will See me at See’s This Season…

Sherry Scales, ABR,GRI,REALTOR (RE/MAX Austin Skyline) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:08:27 -0600

I can tell the holidays are getting close. I am just craving See’s Peanut Brittle. If you have never tried it, and you like peanut brittle, this is the best I have had anywhere in the world! It is a cross between Peanut Brittle and buttery toffee!

Last year I started off purchasing a dozen boxes and had to go back for more. When we visit our families for the holiday’s they are licking their chops for the treats we bring. This is one of their favorites! See’s doesn’t have candy stores just everywhere, but here is the link to order on line. “See’s”

These make great gifts to hand out to clients or vendors. Trust me when I say, order the big box size, and order in multiples. Men especially love these, and you know how hard they are to buy for! (Especially the ones who have everything already!)

Let's start your search for a home today! www.Luxury-Homes-in-Austin.com

Guess who is due in less than 2 months?

Sherry Scales, ABR,GRI,REALTOR (RE/MAX Austin Skyline) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:42:15 -0500

Can you believe it? I feel like I just finished cleaning up from the last year! I am getting an earlier start this year. So, I am here to remind you too. All I want for Christmas is your referrals….

Sherry Scales, REALTOR®

RE/MAX Austin Skyline

512.925.8928

sherry@sherryscales.com

www.Luxury-Homes-in-Austin.com to search for homes.

I am never too busy for your referrals.

Trick or Treat-Tick Tock…

Sherry Scales, ABR,GRI,REALTOR (RE/MAX Austin Skyline) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:24:09 -0500

Remember after you have stolen examined all your children’s candy. Eaten all the leftovers from your own stash….And everyone is headed to bed in a sugar comma….. Don’t forget to set your clocks back! Perhaps your costume this year could be Day Light Savings Time. A costume and a community reminder!

Need a reason to call someone? Remind them of the time change this weekend!

Let’s start your home search today. www.Luxury-Homes-in-Austin.com

Cute! 3/2 on Large 1/2 acre lot in Georgetown, TX

Sherry Scales, ABR,GRI,REALTOR (RE/MAX Austin Skyline) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:23 -0500

Sherry Scales | RE/MAX Austin Skyline | 512-925-8928

50210 Iron Horse Trail, Georgetown, TX

Cute and Clean on 1/2 acre corner lot. Close to Hwy 29 and 130.

3BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $159,900

Year Built	2002
Sq Footage	1,671
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	1 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Huge fenced Back Yard. 1/2 Acre, Corner Lot, Backs to Hwy 29. Near 130 for easy access. Cabinets in Garage with sealed floor. Great floor plan, well cared for property. Great location. Must See. No HOA.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Fireplace
- Walk-in closet	- Family room	- Dining room
- Breakfast nook	- Dishwasher	- Stove/Oven
- Microwave	- Laundry area - inside	- Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Nice porch area	Garage
Kitchen	Master Bedroom
Great Room	Great Room

Contact info:

Sherry Scales

RE/MAX Austin Skyline

512-925-8928

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Oct 25, 2009, 8:48pm PDT

Are Newspapers Going to the Wayside?

Sherry Scales, ABR,GRI,REALTOR (RE/MAX Austin Skyline) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 12:27:40 -0500

Are newspapers going to the wayside? So many of us go to the internet now for news, Craigslist for jobs or buys is now the classified ads… and there is a website for almost everything! I know newspapers and magazine companies are laying off people. Companies are doing away with print ads. Even real estate agents don’t advertise like we used to.

Remember how giant the newspaper was the day after Thanksgiving. Took two of us to lift it off the end of the drive way. Last year it looked like the normal Sunday paper.

Both sets of our parents have their noses in those papers first thing every morning when we go visit them. They are not computer folks, they are retired, and the newspaper is something they enjoy as the television just doesn’t give all the local news. These days if you want to enjoy the newspaper with a cup of coffee, you had better drink fast…because the papers have gotten so thin, they don’t take long to read anymore.

What is next to go to the wayside….Magazines? Yellow Pages? Land Lines? Dial up Internet? Answering Machines? Camera’s that use film? DVD players? Video stores?

Electronic Remote Weight Monitor Scale?

Sherry Scales, ABR,GRI,REALTOR (RE/MAX Austin Skyline) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 23:51:31 -0500

I was on the web tonight looking for some Christmas ideas and ran across the talking scale. Got me to thinking....How loud does it talk? Does is speak in a whisper? Is it a male or female voice? Would weighing in private now have to be done when no one else was home? When I stepped on it, would it scream "One at a time, Please!"

Then I see the Electronic Remote Weight Monitor Scale. I think, my goodness....does it weight you from a distance? No, you stand on it, and the hand help remote tells you the weight. I guess this is for pregnant women who can no longer see their feet? Well, it does go one to say there is a 550 lb weight limit. Well, I am not even going there. I am just thankful I can still see my feet.

There are some things one should never give as a gift...This idea is one of them!

Let's get you in a new home before the holidays. www.Luxury-Homes-in-Austin.com

Are You A Good HOA? Or Are You A Bad HOA?

Sherry Scales, ABR,GRI,REALTOR (RE/MAX Austin Skyline) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 23:19:30 -0500

Are you a good HOA? Or are you a bad HOA? They are not all created equal. Generally when we sell a home in a subdivision that has an HOA, the buyers don’t get all the HOA rules and regulation until after the closing. Well, they need to see them first. You need to know what you are getting into!

A couple years ago I sold a home to a first time home buyer. He worked for a heating and air conditioning company, and drove a company truck. Well in this particular subdivision, you cannot park a vehicle with advertising on it in your drive way. Well, the truck was about 10 inches too tall to get into the garage with the ladders and etc. on it. We drove around the neighborhood, and seen at least 15 vehicles sitting in driveways. Cable companies, etc. A very clean and nice looking sub-division. They knew going in what the rules were, and they wanted to buy anyway. First week after they moved in, they got the letter! They are still there, so guess they worked it out…but had me thinking.

I totally understand the reasoning behind a HOA. It is to keep the neighborhood clean and appealing to keep the home values up, and some offer amenities that the average home owner cannot afford, such as a swimming pool or tennis court, and keep the common areas looking nice. It keeps your neighbors from having the sofa on the front porch, and the toilet planter at the street, and grass a foot tall.

But saying you can’t work for a company, and drive a company car, that won’t fit into your garage? Remember, we are talking Austin and the surrounding area…Builders don’t build garages large enough for anything except small cars or small trucks generally. I can understand if you drive a semi truck, you can’t get that in a drive way, and I imagine it would block driveways parked in the street… But, I wouldn‘t mind knowing that my neighbor works for the local cable company, or is a plumber…or they know that I am a REALTOR®.

I have a client that lives in a gated community, and they are not allowed to have wreaths on their doors. Now that is brutal! No holiday wreaths!

When builders build a subdivision, generally a HOA group is assigned, and after the subdivision is built out, they will elect officers. This is the time to remember to that this is your subdivision. Rules can be added or taken away if it is put before the board and voted on at a meeting. Get involved in your community! You don’t have to be an officer if you don’t want to be, but the officers always need help, and would welcome your involvement.

Let’s start your home search today. www.Luxury-Homes-in-Austin.com

Home Owners Insurance-(What You Don’t Know).

Sherry Scales, ABR,GRI,REALTOR (RE/MAX Austin Skyline) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 00:06:12 -0500

Home Owners Insurance-What you don’t know. Did you know there are different kinds of Home Owners Insurance? Most agents don’t tell you that however. When you call and say you are buying a home and need to get insurance…they give you the basic Home Owners Policy. You are covered for most things you can think of, but they neglect to tell you that they depreciate items over time.

Example: You bought a home, and a hail storm comes through and you need new shingles. You think, I have a $500 deductible and insurance will pay the rest. Think again! You have 20 year shingles in the home, and they are really only good for about 15 years…the singles are 10 years old, so they are only going to pay one third the cost of the roof. So if it is $6000 to install new shingles, you have to pay $4500. HOWEVER! If you had purchased Replacement Value insurance, you would pay your $500 deductible only.

The things we learn in life lessons. My home had been broke into about 15 years ago. They stole jewelry, TV’s, etc. I had receipts, photos and those things that most folks probably don’t have. Well by the time they depreciated out the TV’s and VCR’s, etc. I didn’t get squat! Unless you have a jewelry rider on your policy, there is a small limit of usually $1000 for jewelry and computers and such. I had about $38,000 in property stolen that I had receipts and photos for, and I received a check for $1050.00 from the insurance company.

So I always let my home buyers know to ask about Replacement Value Insurance. It isn’t that much more a year, and believe me it will more than pay for itself if you only ever need it even once.

You still need Jewelry or Computer riders if you have more than the company’s allotted amount.

Also…did you know when you buy a car, and get the life insurance to pay if off if something happens to you…that the insurance company can cancel it within the first two years. So, if something were to happen to you or a spouse, all they have to do is refund the monies you paid to date and they are off the hook. It is true! It’s in the small print! (Another life experience)

Start your search for a home at www.Luxury-Homes-in-Austin.com .

Were you raised in a barn?

Sherry Scales, ABR,GRI,REALTOR (RE/MAX Austin Skyline) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 21:29:17 -0500

How can people have no pride? Isn’t concept of being clean just common sense? You don’t have to look at too many foreclosure properties to wonder about people. Folks letting their homes get so bad. No… “Bad” doesn’t even cover it…filthy, nasty, disgusting, and unsanitary.

If you can’t afford a vacuum cleaner…Don’t buy a home. If you can’t operate a cleansing pad….Don’t buy a home. If you don’t understand the term “Clean up your mess”…Don’t buy a home! If soap and water isn’t something you use on a daily basis…Don’t buy a home! And,(sniff) could you stand over there?

Homes require maintenance. You don’t call the super or the owner to fix something….That person is you! If you can’t take care of a home and do the required maintenance…then contact a real estate agent and get it on the market before you let it deteriorate. Don’t expect full price offers either. They buyer is going to have to clean up and fix your mess.

At closing…New home owners are told…You don’t pay….You don’t stay. It’s not like you didn’t have warning. Homeowners who are having money problems, and think they could lose their home, better contact an agent and get it on the market or attempt a short sale. No good comes from denying there is a problem. At this point you can always buy another home when things get back to normal. I am amazed at the denial people go through! But selling off appliances, destroying the property…down to taking off light switch plates and removing light bulbs? The mentality of a person who would do this is just so childish.

I personally believe the people who do this…should be held accountable for what they have done. I was raised to believe that no matter how much or how little you had, you always took care of it.

Start your search for a home at www.Luxury-Homes-in-Austin.com .

Arthur I. Tuss – My new friend I can’t shake….

Sherry Scales, ABR,GRI,REALTOR (RE/MAX Austin Skyline) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:31:06 -0500

Arthur I. Tuss – My new friend I can’t shake….

For anyone who doesn’t know, I was walking a dog, tripped on a sidewalk and fell and broke my elbow last December. I am still dealing with other issues that came from that fall. They recently found I also tore a tendon in my shoulder from that fall, and I have developed arthritis in my shoulder, back, hips, knees, and feet.

You don’t get arthritis just because you are old. They say arthritis can develop after any fall or injury. Symptoms of arthritis may include chronic pain and difficulty with movement. It doesn’t discriminate against age or gender either. Here are 4 symptoms if you are not familiar with them…

1. You can have swelling and redness of the skin that may get worse as you go through the day. Pain that can get worse during physical activity or from sitting in one position for too long.

2. Sleeping can be difficult as it is hard to find a comfortable sleeping position that does not worsen your pain. You may be stiff, especially when you first wake up in the morning or after you have been in one position for a long period of time.

3. Reduced motion and range of movement are symptoms of arthritis in your hips that make it difficult for you to climb stairs, step into a tall vehicle or exercise.

4. Arthritis can slow down your speed of movement due to inflammation and wearing down of your cartilage.

I may still have to have shots or surgery on my shoulder, but just finding out what was causing my pain has been a relief. I have tendinitis and bursitis now in that shoulder. But a very small tear, and hoping no surgery.

I have had to change the way I show homes. If the house is owner occupied, I will go upstairs with clients. However, if it is a vacant home…My client can take the stairs, I will wait down stairs. I showed 30 homes one day, 27 were 2 story homes. I could not move the next day! But, I am learning to deal with it! I have been given an anti-inflammatory drug for arthritis, so I can make it through the day much easier, and feel like I am getting more back to normal. I absolutely love what I do, and can’t let mean ole Arthur I. Tuss hold me back.

Forget short sales…we are being short sheeted!

Sherry Scales, ABR,GRI,REALTOR (RE/MAX Austin Skyline) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:30:22 -0500

We are being short sheeted! Anyone besides me happen to notice what they are doing with toilet paper? They are cutting the rolls narrower. Oh, we have just as many sheets per roll…they are just about 1 inch narrower than they used to be.

We have had to put up with all most everything being made smaller at the same cost to us so companies could save money. It was bad enough when hamburger patties were smaller than before. Then candy bars were smaller (however they didn’t make my backside any smaller). My 5 lb. bag of sugar is not 5 lbs. anymore…I think they are more like 4 lbs. But when they make toilet paper smaller….what is next? Is nothing sacred anymore?

PS: One of my most appreciated little house warming gifts, that is always at the home before they arrive…It is a fly swatter, a plunger, a roll of paper towels and at least a 4 pack of toilet paper. I usually get a phone call the following day thanking me…especially for the TP!

I need sellers who really want to sell their home.

Sherry Scales, ABR,GRI,REALTOR (RE/MAX Austin Skyline) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:25:05 -0500

I need sellers who really want to sell their home. I have some first time home buyers who are so anxious to purchase a home and hope to do so while they can still get the First Time Homes Buyers Credit… You wouldn’t think it would be that hard…Wrong!

After hearing several agents who have short sales tell me they have offers after offers turned in to the banks, it has been months and the bank has still not made a decision yet….So we have moved on…. We have submitted offers on homes that are a bit over priced, but the home owners want their price….and after already have 3 homes not appraise that should have…I am really scared to have them do that, and they look at the comps and agree…the home owner is asking too much.

We had a home owner verbally agree to our offer….Finally!!! The agent was going over that evening to get her signatures….I contacted him the next day…(hadn’t heard from him…)….Well…..she is re-thinking it. She has had her home on the market for 3 months, and she thinks she would like to wait till next spring before she sells… But, don’t worry, he is going to get her to sign…have your client lock in their rate…let them give a 30 day notice…she is going to sign….. Well….She didn’t!

Since my clients are doing a VA loan…the home they will have to buy has to practically be move in ready. The VA is obviously against anyone getting a deal on home that needs a stove and carpet and paint. I am not sure exactly what VA requires because I can’t get an appraiser to talk to me for love or money.They don't return calls and they don't answer emails.

It is amazing that we have that many homes on the market in their price range…but banks can’t make a decision.home owners that really don’t want to sell, agents are letting the homeowners overprice these listings for the sake of a listing. ….Don’t even get me started on HUD homes…I just hate that process!

I have a qualified buyer….ready to go….wanting to close as fast as they can…who is willing to do a little work if the right home needs it...but we can’t find a seller who wants to really sell a home. We are looking at 4 different cities and still can’t find one. But I will be out every day trying to help this young couple find a home.

Who put men in charge?

Sherry Scales, ABR,GRI,REALTOR (RE/MAX Austin Skyline) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 22:54:31 -0500

I am not man bashing. (That will come in perhaps the next post!) ...

I get so frustrated in the things that I know a man has designed. I just know some guy was sitting around thinking…what could I create that I would never want to use, and would totally suck the life out of women? A Vacuum cleaner! A large heavy bulky thing…that will kill her back…and will take 5 passes to suck up a thread! Then after deciding he could use one, he invents one with a longer hose (go figure!) …that not only picks up dirt but liquids! And it has the suction to suck a dog out of a house.

I know that men are usually the architects and home builders. Only through years of women pleading for more closet room has that upgrade evolved. Women, we need you to design homes! Obviously, men do not understand the concept of storage. Since most men don’t cook, they are designing kitchens? Remember the saying, “Those who can’t …teach.” Well, they don’t have a clue…and they are designing homes!

Women, it is time to step up to the plate. You know my motto….If you want a job done right, get a woman to do it! I know most women like to decorate a home, but let’s encourage our young women to take it a step further.

We need more women architects. More women to design floor plans!

Women need to know that when we walk into the home of the future…there is a spot for the vacuum cleaner, a place to apply makeup with great lighting, storage for the Christmas tree and decorations, linen closets in every bath, no more washer and dryers in dirty garages, the ability to change the a/c filter without having to climb a ladder, pantries in every kitchen that will actually hold big box store quantities of items, a drawer deep enough in the kitchen for dish towels and pot holders….and not in just high end homes either!

Personally, I would like his and her master bathrooms…but maybe that is pushing it. (But I want that in my next house!)

He may be my husband...but he can't be my friend

Sherry Scales, ABR,GRI,REALTOR (RE/MAX Austin Skyline) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 17:22:19 -0500

My husband’s idea of a healthy meal has always been anything deep fried. Fried vegetables, anything covered in gravy or cheese. Comfort food basically. Vegetable…not on his plate! Who has whole wheat when you can have good ole non-nutritional white bread? Fruit…not even in a dessert! I don’t like hamburgers and French fries, but he could eat them everyday! But, he was my Chocoholic soul mate… The only food we could agree on.

As many of you know, we have been through about 8 episodes of kidney stones with him. Well, the last time…he ended up having to have surgery. That was followed up with a promise to find out what was causing them. We were told it is usually one of 4 things. Well, it was 3 out of the 4 things. Plus, all the testing came up with the news he also has Type 2 Diabetes.

Now, I know we are not the first or last to get this kind of news. But it is life altering. I quit cooking over 10 years ago! I am now in charge of healthy, low carb, low fat, non dairy, no salt, no sugar, low protein diet. He is going to be kicking and screaming after the first day. I had to start pulling recipes out of my butt and quick! He won’t live on apples and peanut butter like I do. His only input…no beets or carrots! He will eat any vegetable except those. Oh, great...my two favorites!

So, instead of my normal real estate stuff, I am now researching diabetes, what he can and can’t eat, reading recipe after recipe. Not only do we have to follow the diabetic diet, he also has to eliminate dairy, salt, and cut back on protein, due to the kidney stones. What’s left?

(This is part of that “for better or worse, sickness and health” line…right?)

So, I have managed in the last couple months to keep him fed and happy. And even though I don’t have diabetes, I have to eat like I do. Plus, having to go back to cooking everyday! Ugh! No convenient drive through for him anymore after a long day. We can’t have anything in the house that he can’t eat. So, I am on the diet too. Although, I have been on a diet for years anyway…it is just even more restrictive now.

My husband has lost 40 lbs as of last week…. The only thing I have lost is my temper! I told him…You may be my husband….but at this point….we can’t even be friends! He just grins…..

Perry Homes

Sherry Scales, ABR,GRI,REALTOR (RE/MAX Austin Skyline) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 23:58:15 -0500

I wanted to say something about one of my favorite builders here in the Austin area. I believe they offer exceptional value, quality and comfortable designs that fit the way you live.

Bob Perry recognized a need for quality homes at reasonable prices. With an uncompromising commitment to quality, Perry Homes has become one of the largest and most respected builders in Texas. They have been around over 42 years. They have offices in Austin, Dallas, Houston, McAllen and San Antonio.

Most buyers, over 50 years old, are looking for a single story home. And with land being prime here in Texas, the majority of homes are 2 stories. Perry has more single story plans than any builder I have dealt with in this area.

Most of Perry Home's Standard Features are expensive add on and upgrades with other builders. I hate showing a model home and having to tell my clients that everything they are seeing is an upgrade. It is not that way when I show a Perry Home. There are generally very few upgrades in the model homes. The other thing I like about Perry is the build time. They are quality-built homes, completed on time, usually within 82 days, not the typical six months or more from other builders.

Three areas they are currently building in-

In Georgetown: Georgetown Village 55' home sites-From the $190s

Georgetown Village 62' home sites From the $280s

In Round Rock: Star Ranch From the $200s

In Leander: The Highlands at Crystal Falls From the $260s

The Highlands Estates at Crystal Falls From the $430s

Grand Mesa at Crystal Falls From the $700s

Please contact me about other areas they are building in. I love looking at their homes! So don’t even think about looking at one without me! I love to show them off~ Call me soon! Buyer incentives are available on some of the inventory homes.

Here is the Buzz.....

Sherry Scales, ABR,GRI,REALTOR (RE/MAX Austin Skyline) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 22:54:26 -0500

Here is the Buzz… It is critter time! Spring is here and time to beware of bees. Especially be aware around the Foreclosure properties. Be careful when approaching the front door. They are making their nests and especially in vacant homes, no one is there to keep them sprayed or knocked down when the nests are being started.

Here in Texas we do have killer bees. A nest was found the size of a bowling ball at a foreclosure property here in Austin hanging from a tree in the yard. I know it probably wouldn’t be a bad idea to keep a can of wasp spray around. They generally spray around 20 feet away. But a nest that size can not be dealt with by you. Call in the professionals!

We always hear things are bigger in Texas…so when someone asks if we have mosquito’s and how big do they get…I will tell them yes, and they are the size of buzzards! At least it feels that way when you get bitten! So keep those bird baths and area’s that collect water dry. Check on your foreclosure vacant properties to keep them safe. And ask owners of vacant properties to do the same.

Enjoy the beautiful weather that is approaching…but stay safe. The wild flowers are blooming and that draws the bee's. Let’s keep everyone safe!

www.Luxury-Homes-in-Austin.com to Search for available homes in Austin and the surrounding areas.

Truth in Advertising

Sherry Scales, ABR,GRI,REALTOR (RE/MAX Austin Skyline) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 17:48:59 -0500

Truth in Advertising.

Are you being totally truthful in your advertising? Are you doing everything you say you do? I know we try to be everything to everyone at times. But better to understate your services and overwhelm than visa versa.

We have all seen the ad for some kind of hamburger or sandwich that is a mile high and has your mouth watering… Only to order one, and feel like they short changed you. The one in the ad…you can see the meat! You can see each vegetable! On the one you got, you have to take the sandwich apart to see anything!

The one that currently has me frustrated with their marketing is a new Mascara commercial. Promising long beautiful lashes like the model on TV. She is wearing false eyelashes! How do they get by with it?

I am constantly reminded of this as I watch TV commercials and print ads. Don’t promise anything you can’t deliver. Remember, you are only as good as your word. Understate and Overwhelm.

Spring Forward....Time Change Again

Sherry Scales, ABR,GRI,REALTOR (RE/MAX Austin Skyline) — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 18:03:13 -0600

Doesn't it seem like we just got all the clocks set from Falling Back...and now it is time to Spring Forward. So Saturday night before you go to bed, roll those clocks forward!

But, it is just another great reason to stay in touch with our Sphere of Influence. Send out your email reminders if you haven't sent out a mailing.

I am always surprised at how many folks didn't realize it was upon them. With so many folks not taking the newspaper anymore, and just relying on the Internet and TV for the news...it just seems to slip by.

So, let's keep everyone informed and your name out there!

$1 Coin - Just do it!

Sherry Scales, ABR,GRI,REALTOR (RE/MAX Austin Skyline) — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 21:26:08 -0600

Austin was chosen as one of four pilot cities for the $1 Coin. The US Mint is hoping to make Austinites aware of the benefits of regularly using the $1 Coin.

When we use the $1 Coin, we are making a difference for our country. The coin is durable unlike the paper dollar bill, so it saves the Nation billions of dollars in the long run. It lasts for decades and is 100% recyclable.

Austin was chosen because it is known as a unique, yet all-American city. Upcoming events in the Austin area will encourage Austinites to appreciate the benefits of the $1 Coin.

The other three pilot cities are Portland, OR; Charlotte, NC; and Grand Rapids, MI.

$1 coins have been a part of our currency for many decades, but they have not been widely used. The US Mint issues four Presidential $1 Coins per year. They have minted more than one billion new $1 Coins since 2007.

You can visit www.usmint.gov for more information on the Presidential $1 Coin Program. They even offer a site for kids! http://www.usmint.gov/kids/

You may visit www.Luxury-Homes-in-Austin.com to search for homes in the Austin area.

Valentine’s Day and the Best Kept Secret about Men.

Sherry Scales, ABR,GRI,REALTOR (RE/MAX Austin Skyline) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 00:44:45 -0600

Valentine’s Day and the Best Kept Secret about Men.

No matter how old, how successful, or powerful, there is a little boy who wants to be loved and made to feel he is special. He also wants to know that he matters more to you than anyone else in the world. He wants to matter to you more than your parents, your children, your friends, and more than your job.

I know Valentine's Day tends to focus more on women than men…But it shouldn’t. We are two halves that make a whole. He was once our knight in shining armor…our hero…and he still should be. He wants to be those things to us.

Looking for some idea’s for Valentines Day? See is any of these will work for you. It’s not usually how much you spend…But that you didn’t forget! We all want to be recognized and appreciated by the love of our life. Just spread the love..

Don’t have the bucks for roses, candy, cards and an evening out. Make a card and get drive-through on the way home so no one has to cook. Just spend more time together.

Not a poet? Just say that the recipient of this card is getting lucky tonight! Purchase a small candle…Cause you are going to light up his night!

To expensive to run an ad in the newspaper declaring your love? Call the radio station he listens to and declare your love on the air.

Buying them a shirt or gift certificate to their favorite store is out of the question. Just pin a few dollar bills to the crotch of a pair of sexy boxers.

Get out the video recorder…Visit your Valentine’s friends and family. Ask them to tell you why they love him or admire him. Then…Give him the video! Watch it together.

Just get naked….. Maybe you both can get away from the office for an “emergency”, or you can just consider it “Breakfast in Bed”. Or…well you know their schedule better than I do!

The German author Goethe said: “If you treat a man as he is, he’ll stay as he is, but if you treat him as if he were what he ought to be, and he could be, he will become the bigger and better man..” The way to get positive behavior is to reinforce positive behavior constantly.

Single? Practice random kindness and senseless acts of beauty. Pay the toll for the person behind you. Pay for person’s meal behind you in drive-thru. Visit your mother or grandmother or aunt or other family members. All they really want is some of your time and someone to talk to.

Buy a bag of Hershey’s kisses…and just give out kisses all day long to strangers!

Why can’t we all love one another every day like we do on Valentine’s Day?

Start everyday and end everyday by telling them you love them.

USDA Financing Available on this 17.50 acres with 4 bed 2 bath in Georgetown, TX

Sherry Scales, ABR,GRI,REALTOR (RE/MAX Austin Skyline) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 17:49:53 -0600

Sherry Scales | RE/MAX Austin Skyline | sherry@sherryscales.com | 512-925-8928

485 CR 154, Georgetown, TX

17.50 Acre Farm - Bring all offers!

4BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $289,000

Year Built	1983
Sq Footage	2,139
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	3 Uncovered spaces
Lot Size	17.50 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

17.50 Acre property with 4 bedroom/2 bath home. Great Country Kitchen with island. Large bedrooms with ceiling fans in all. Cross fenced with Barn, Shed, & Well. Sloping pasture with beautiful views. Priced to sell fast. Updating is currently being done. Ag exemption. Qualifies for USDA loan.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Walk-in closet
- Hardwood floor	- Living room	- Dining room
- Dishwasher	- Stove/Oven	- Laundry area - inside
- Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- Barn with Electric & Water - Wash Rack for horses

- New Shingles on home before you close

- Tack & Feed Shed

- Public Water and Well on property

- Great Views from every Room

- USDA financing available. 100% with no MIP

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front of Home	Back Porch
Dining Room	Living Room
Country Kitchen	Laundry Room

Contact info:

Sherry Scales

RE/MAX Austin Skyline

sherry@sherryscales.com

512-925-8928

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Oct 7, 2009, 6:18pm PDT

Garlick Joe's in Cedar Park

Sherry Scales, ABR,GRI,REALTOR (RE/MAX Austin Skyline) — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 19:49:28 -0600

Cedar Park is north of Austin, and you if thought Lakeline Mall was in Austin…you would be wrong. It is actually in Cedar Park. Cedar Park is growing fast and furious!

In our search for something new and different, we gave the newly opened “Garlick Joe’s” a try. I ordered it as “Take Out” for this visit. We were not disappointed! My husband ordered the Meat Lovers Pizza, and was totally surprised. Said it was one of the best he has had in the Austin area! I ordered the Lasagna, and it was fabulous! I love Italian food, and you would be surprised how hard it is to find good Italian food in the Austin area. (They tend to be a little more Tex-Mex flavored here).

I had ordered the Wedge Salad, but it was too much meat for me. Meats were served on the salad just like they went on sandwich or pizza, so be prepared to chop if you prefer that way. We ended up splitting it for supper with left over pizza. Meatiest pizza I’ve seen!

Garlick Joes is located at The Commons at Buttercup Creek, off of 183 North (Bell St. in Cedar Park), and Buttercup Creek Blvd. It is a Sport Bar flavored set-up, so you won’t miss the game!

Search for Cedar Park Real Estate at www.Luxury-Homes-in-Austin.com

Our Christmas Quilt

Sherry Scales, ABR,GRI,REALTOR (RE/MAX Austin Skyline) — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 19:38:51 -0600

I used to quilt years ago. I still like to sew, I just don’t really have the patience for full hand sewn quilts anymore. However, I got my mother-in-law, Linda, started a few years back. She loves it and is doing so well at it! She has won several ribbons, and we all look forward to seeing what she is working on for her next project and what she has done for the holidays and hope we are a recipient of something.

This year, Linda gave us a quilt! It is a hand quilted Victorian Star pattern in the colors we have chosen to decorate our home in. It came complete with a bag for storage, an appraisal, and it was valued at $1495.00. And to top it off…Linda won a ribbon on it, and she included photos of it being made! It is something we will definitely treasure for years!

Elvis's Birthday at Chuy's

Sherry Scales, ABR,GRI,REALTOR (RE/MAX Austin Skyline) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 19:48:25 -0600

In celebration of Elvis’s birthday, we go to Chuy’s each and every year. Actually if they don’t see us at least once a week, the waitress said they would call.

Of course the husband always gets the Elvis Fried Chicken. That is a chicken breast flatted out, dipped in crushed Lay’s potato chips, deep fried, and served with green chili sauce and cheddar cheese. That is served with (in my opinion) the best refried beans on this planet and green chili rice. He usually orders it with some queso in addition and some flour tortillas on the side. The tortillas are made right in the restaurant, and you can watch them being made. They are the best!

I have tried everything on the menu, and you can’t go wrong with anything. My favorite is the shrimp taco’s, on the wheat tortillas. They have a Jalepeno Ranch dressing that we swear….well we call it “Crack Jalepeno Ranch”. You just want a quart of it with a straw!

On Elvis’s birthday, Elvis usually makes at least one appearance at each store, and usually 2 visits. They have Elvis/Chuy t-shirts for sale along with some freebie give aways. Don’t forget to check out the regular Chuy’s t-shirts too!

Get there before the Twinkies are gone!

Thank you…Thank you very much…

Search for homes with a Chuy's near by go to: www.Luxury-Homes-In-Austin.com