austin homes: Southwest Austin Zip Code is #2 for "Places Where Homes are Selling the Fastest" in the Country! - 09/05/08 11:23 PM
According to a report from Business Week magazine which was released today, Austin real estate has not suffered the same ill effects that have plagued many markets around the U.S. The zip code 78749 placed SECOND (behind Sunnyvale, CA) for the lowest number of days on the market, at 68 days.
The … (7 comments)
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austin homes: Open House Sunday 1-5! West Austin! - 09/05/08 12:17 PM
Bring your horse! This Ranch Style home features 3 bedrooms, 2 baths plus a formal dining room and large sunny living room. With over 2100 square feet, a wooded lot, stable and sparkling in ground pool and close proximity to shopping, including the new Hill Country Galleria Mall, this home can … (1 comments)
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austin homes: Take the High Road! - 09/04/08 03:20 PM
In 1 Samuel 2, the Bible tells the story of the two sons of Eli the priest. These young men were charged with a solemn responsibility that they took very lightly. Their actions proved that they were "in it" for themselves. When people brought their offerings of meat to the Lord, … (0 comments)
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austin homes: Real Estate Provides Freedom, Friendships - 08/29/08 11:37 PM
Yesterday, while I was out and about, I spoke with two of my ActiveRain friends on the phone. Paul Slaybaugh called me and we chatted for awhile, then he had to go because he was busy with his two sons. I later called Adam Waldman and he had to call me … (49 comments)
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austin homes: Austin Named #5 on "Where Home Prices are Likely to Rise" - Forbes.com List - 08/27/08 12:40 PM
Once again, the Austin economy has managed to make it onto an encouraging list. Yesterday, Austin was named #5 on Forbes.com's list of places where home prices are likely to rise.
The study looked at the following criteria to develop this list:
Projected housing starts
Job growth figures
Cost structures … (10 comments)
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austin homes: Paper or Metal? (Austin) - 08/26/08 04:42 PM
According to the Austin Business Journal today, the U.S. Mint is about to begin a pilot program in Austin and in three other cities to promote the use of the new $1 presidential dollars. Efforts of the mint to get us to use other dollar coins (Sacagawea and Susan B. Anthony) have … (0 comments)
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austin homes: Gas Prices! - 08/22/08 03:23 PM
Well, well! Some stations in the Austin, TX area have dropped their prices to $3.41 a gallon! The crazy thing is thinking that I am getting a bargain. That helps to explain my theory of relativity: everything is relative. If gas had not gone up to the $4/gallon range, I would … (0 comments)
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austin homes: "I'm Not Sure if We're Ready to...." - 08/21/08 12:12 PM
I am currently 38 years old, as of this past weekend. Having been married for 15 years now, I have been around a lot of couples, both with and without children. Obviously, I also see a lot of married couples when I am trying to help them to buy or sell … (20 comments)
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austin homes: How ActiveRain Has Changed my Outlook on Referrals - 08/20/08 10:01 PM
I have been playing here in the Rain for just over a year now, and I have been fortunate enough to have received a good number of referrals from my friends here. For the past 12 years or so, I have been selling homes here in Austin, Texas. Since our primary … (85 comments)
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austin homes: Renter Insurance Lacking! - 08/20/08 05:30 PM
Here's another report by the Austin Business Journal today: An Allstate Insurance survey indicates that almost 40% of renters in the Austin, Texas area have no renters insurance to cover their property. My wife and I learned (almost the hard way) in our first apartment. We were wakened by sirens and … (0 comments)
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austin homes: "Is Everyone in Austin this Friendly?" - 08/19/08 02:15 PM
I have worked with buyers relocating to Austin, Texas for almost 12 years now. Of course, I also work with sellers and local buyers, too. Many of the people that are coming from other states are quick to note how friendly everyone seems.
First, it starts at their hotel (or perhaps … (11 comments)
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austin homes: Austin Home builders | Travis County Real Estate - 08/18/08 02:22 PM
Kimball Hill Homes Austin
Kimball Hill Homes Austin Texas
Austin Home Builders
… (0 comments)
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austin homes: Affordable New Homes West of I 35 in Austin, TX! - 08/15/08 10:41 AM
Parkridge Gardens, located off S Congress St near Slaughter LN, is a small neighborhood by MainStreet Homes That will have around 150 homes at completion. Prices start in the high $120,000s and go to the high $170,000s. These are energy efficient homes featuring Tech-Shield Radiant Barrier Decking, 14-Seer Air Conditioning, R-10 … (1 comments)
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austin homes: No Excuses - Why You MUST Get Pre-Approved with a Mortgage Professional! - 08/08/08 01:51 PM
As a real estate broker and co-owner of Austin Texas Homes, LLC, I always train my agents to get their clients pre-approved before they look at even one home. If you are a home buyer, you may be thinking to yourself, "Wow, that seems a bit harsh. Couldn't we just look … (21 comments)
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austin homes: The fundamentals of real estate investing - Even my seven-year old daughter "gets it" - 08/04/08 11:12 AM
My daughter Aleah loves board games. I think of some of them as "bored" games, but I do try to indulge when I can. I am usually hoping for a quick game that doesn't require too much thought, like Chutes and Ladders, or a game that I actually sort of enjoy, … (61 comments)
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austin homes: Cool House Tour 2008 - 07/31/08 01:00 PM
Like many Austinites I participated in the "Cool House Tour 2008". This is an event that allows the public to buy a ticket and see the most cutting edge innovations in Green Building. You can only buy tickets at Central Market. This year the south location was sold out by 10:15 am, … (0 comments)
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austin homes: 3406 Split Rock Trail, Austin, Texas 78739 - 07/30/08 06:05 PM
Spacious home in Shady Hollow now for sale. This lot has the most beautiful trees in all of Shady Hollow!
There are four bedrooms and two bathrooms, two dining and a large family room. There are numerous built-ins and walk in closets. This home rests on a huge .55 acre cul de … (1 comments)
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austin homes: Top 10 Most Common Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your Home - In fact, I'll throw in an extra one for you! - 07/21/08 12:05 AM
I have been selling homes in and around Austin, Texas since January 1997, and I have helped many, many sellers as a listing agent. I am also the broker and owner of a company with 16 agents, and I train others on how to sell real estate.
In a nutshell, part … (54 comments)
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austin homes: The King's English - 07/19/08 03:58 PM
English is a difficult language to master (most of us never do). Writing well is also difficult. Take this statement in an email my wife received recently about the death of a former high school teacher of hers. The author wrote that the teacher "told them that JFK was killed in the … (3 comments)
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austin homes: Good News for the Over-50 Crowd! - 07/19/08 03:45 PM
As an avid golfer who gets to play far too little, I am taking keen interest in the "British" Open this weekend. Beyond everyone's expectations, including his own, Greg Norman is leading this major tournament by two strokes after 54 holes. It is refreshing to see the former world #1 play … (1 comments)
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austin homes: Austin Texas Real Estate | Travis County Residential Homes - 07/18/08 04:16 PM
3006 HUNTAUSTIN, TX 78757
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Austin Real Estate
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austin homes: Austin Named #2 "Best Place to Buy a Home" on Forbes List - Texas Takes FOUR Spots! - 07/17/08 12:48 PM
Forbes magazine released its list of the "Top Places to Buy a Home" in the U.S., analyzing the 40 largest metro areas across the country. Austin was named the 2nd best place to buy a home right now in the nation, topped only by the Houston market. San Antonio … (6 comments)
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austin homes: Mueller Green Mixed Use Development in Austin - 07/15/08 02:54 PM
The Mueller development is centrally located in the heart of Austin, just east of IH35 between Airport Boulevard and East 51st Street. This 711 acre site was left vacant When Austin's airport relocated in 1999. Upon completion, Mueller will house over 10,000 residents in Garden Homes (Yard Houses), Row Houses, Mixed-use … (2 comments)
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austin homes: South Congress - Hip, Eclectic, Vibrant Area Near Downtown Austin - 07/11/08 12:04 PM
I remember exactly where I was the first time I heard the word "SoCo". It was the summer of 2003, and I was working with some clients who were relocating from Minnesota and looking in the downtown Austin area. We were in the driveway of a home that we had just seen … (3 comments)
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austin homes: Austin Real Estate Market Steady - 07/11/08 02:49 AM
After a rather neutral start in 2008, the real estate market for residential homes in Austin has increased its inventory of homes for sale, according to statistics from the Austin MLS. This is happening despite a continuation of one of the highest metropolitan growth rates in the country and a strong … (0 comments)
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austin homes: Austin Real Estate Market Update - 07/09/08 03:30 PM
Here's a 2 minute recap of the Austin Texas real estate market in general:
According to Alamo Title research, the number active listings are up 38% over 2007. The number of new listings are down this week by 14% (compared to the same week last year). Pendings are down as well, … (0 comments)
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austin homes: Are You Still Sitting on the Sidelines? Stop Being a Bench Warmer! - 07/02/08 11:33 PM
I am a huge NFL football fan, and I know that each team is able to carry a maximum of 53 players on its roster. Of this number, there are many who never see any playing time on the field.
A couple of nights ago, I was happy to attend … (17 comments)
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austin homes: Am I in Golf Heaven? - 06/28/08 11:15 AM
Though there is real estate everywhere, some places are more special than others! Like Hot Springs Village. This gated community, located just north of Hot Springs, Arkansas, is home to about 15,000 retirees and other folks who want to be able to enjoy its many amenities. Amenities like nine golf courses … (0 comments)
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austin homes: Pemberton Heights in Old West Austin - 06/17/08 06:46 PM
Pemberton Heights is the name of a beautiful and historic area of Old West Austin, centrally located and convenient to downtown, the University of Texas campus, and the State Capitol complex, as well as easily accessible by the MoPac Expressway, also known as Loop One. The gateway to Pemberton Heights is … (0 comments)
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austin homes: Conserve Gas: Visit the St. Johns Landing Community Open House this SUNDAY, JUNE 8th, 1-4pm - 06/05/08 10:23 PM
With gas prices being at an all time high, I have collaborated with four other REALTORS to host a Community Open House this weekend in one of my all time favorite Seminole County communities: St. Johns Landing.
Just this morning, I wrote a post on this community in my weekly "Community Spotlight". To … (5 comments)
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austin homes: Austin Texas Home for Sale - Eanes ISD - Just $789,000 on One Acre Lot - 06/05/08 04:26 PM
This beautiful home at 2414 Demona Drive in the Bella Lago subdivision in west Austin was just listed yesterday. It is located in the acclaimed Eanes ISD.
Features:
4675 s.f. per the tax records
4 bedrooms, 3.5 … (2 comments)
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austin homes: Multiple Buyer Offers - 06/02/08 11:01 PM
I read in a recent post that buyers sometimes, with the help of their agent, make offers on more than one property at the same time. This is a something I have not done, and have not encouraged my clients to do. I believe I have been asked about doing this … (1 comments)
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austin homes: Cool Date and/or Hangout Idea in Austin, Texas - Alamo Drafthouse - 05/30/08 10:56 PM
I recently went to the Alamo Drafthouse in downtown Austin on Sixth Street with my wife to see "Iron Man" (read my movie review here - "Iron Man" = The Best Movie I have seen in awhile).
The Drafthouse is a unique moviegoing experience and I thought it would be a great idea … (7 comments)
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austin homes: Austin Texas Websites that can help - 05/27/08 05:17 PM
I have lived in Austin now for almost 20 years, but I was thinking about the types of things that I would like to learn if I were moving to a new area of the country. Many of these have already been covered in my online relocation … (14 comments)
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austin homes: Best Places to Work in Austin, Texas - 05/23/08 12:17 PM
Each year, Fortune Magazine publishes its list of America's 100 Best Companies to Work For.
Fortune's staff scrutinizes hundreds of companies, surveying employees and reviewing each company's stated philosophy, employee handbooks, and other materials in order to come up with their annual rankings.
Google was ranked #1 again this year.
… (12 comments)
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austin homes: Austin Named # 4 on Forbes.com list of "Best Cities for Home Sellers" - 05/15/08 01:17 PM
Austin was recently named the #4 city on Forbes' "Best Cities for Home Sellers", which analyzed the top 40 metropolitan areas around the country. Austin currently ranks 16th on the list of largest metro areas.
Factors used to determine this year's rankings included:
2007 unsold vacancy rate
How much the … (6 comments)
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austin homes: Forbes Magazine Article Names Austin, Texas #3 on its "recession proof cities" list - 05/14/08 04:08 PM
Once again, Austin, Texas has made national news. Forbes.com has named Austin #3 on its new list of "Recession Proof" cities. The top two cities were Oklahoma City and San Antonio, TX.
The top 50 largest metro areas were ranked on a scale using three major factors, namely:
Unemployment … (14 comments)
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austin homes: Teravista Home for Sale - Round Rock TX - Golf Course Community near IKEA and Outlet Mall - 05/08/08 11:20 PM
One of my agents, Alan Kirkpatrick, listed a great home today in his neighborhood on the north side of Round Rock (Teravista).
It is well-priced for the area at $238,000, since prices in this subdivision range up to the high $400's now.
Features:
4 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms100% brickCuldesac lot surrounded by lush landscapingHigh … (10 comments)
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austin homes: Golf Course Homes near Austin, Texas - One-Story Homes under $300,000 - 05/03/08 09:15 PM
The Austin, Texas area is home to a myriad of both private and public, "daily fee" golf courses. One of our more common request from those looking to retire to Austin is to find something reasonably priced backing to a golf course. With that in mind, I gathered a few current … (2 comments)
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austin homes: March Statistics for the Austin Real Estate Market - 04/30/08 06:20 AM
The stats for the Austin market are out. So what is going on. Basically the same thing as we have been seeing for several months. The Austin market is doing worse than last year. Basically it slowed down in September when the subprime issues surfaced. But the Austin market … (0 comments)
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austin homes: The University of Texas Campus Area of Austin - 04/26/08 04:03 AM
The University of Texas at Austin is one of the five largest universities in the country, and currently nearly fifty thousand students attend the university, which is home to the U.T. Longhorns. Most of the students live in the U. T. campus area, which encompasses an area from Interstate 35, which … (0 comments)
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austin homes: The Culture of South Austin - 04/22/08 12:34 AM
Austin has many colorful neighborhoods and shopping venues, but most inhabitants of the city will tell you that Austin is divided into two distinct areas: South Austin, and North Austin. The Colorado River runs directly through the central part of the city, encircling the downtown business district on its southern perimeter, … (0 comments)
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austin homes: Real Estate 101: What You Need to Know Before Closing - 04/10/08 08:24 PM
So, you have found the house of your dreams and you think you are ready to initiate the closing process. Before you give your Realtor the thumbs up for finalizing the deal, however, there are a few things you should do in order to protect yourself and make sure you … (4 comments)
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austin homes: Austin Real Estate Holds Steady - 03/23/08 04:42 PM
In their annual CEO poll, Chief Executive Magazine, ranked Texas as the "best state to do business". The CEO's were asked to consider a variety of criteria, including the education level of the population, roads, infrastructure, climate, and housing costs.
Nevada was ranked #2; North Carolina #3; Virginia #4; and Arizona #5. … (0 comments)
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austin homes: Austin Neighborhood Profiles : Travis Heights - 03/16/08 06:46 AM
Lying just west of IH-35 and south of Riverside Drive is one of Austin’s most appealing neighborhoods, Travis Heights. Its rolling hills and winding roads have long been a haven for a diverse culture, with a mixture of housing to match: perfectly kept bungalows, a few large estates and smattering of … (0 comments)
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austin homes: Austin Texas Named #3 among "Hottest Places to Get a Job" - 03/12/08 08:13 PM
With the economic uncertainties facing many areas of the country, I feel blessed to be in Austin, Texas these days. Over the past several months, Austin seems to have been on the national radar more and more often. Today, according to a story from ABC News, Austin is #3 for its … (13 comments)
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austin homes: Austin Texas Luxury Homes - Properties with over 10,000 square feet! - 03/12/08 04:40 PM
Do you need a LOT of space in your home? Perhaps enough space to play rugby, or host a small platoon of guests? Maybe you have a very large family, or you love to entertain. No matter what your needs are, there are plenty of big homes available in Austin and … (15 comments)
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austin homes: Who's on your Rubik's Cube team? Choosing the right supporting cast - 03/10/08 03:02 PM
When speaking to my clients and to agents who work for me, I have often referred to the real estate business as a jigsaw puzzle in which many pieces must fit into place in order for things to work out properly. I was mulling over this idea today, and I realized … (24 comments)
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austin homes: Is this Austin? - 03/08/08 08:55 PM
"Dear Roselind,
We are looking for a vibrant, artistic and friendly community, with lots of culture, and we are considering Austin. We have heard nothing but wonderful things. We are looking to live in a city with public transportation, shopping and cultural events outside our door, and good schools as well. We … (0 comments)
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austin homes: Austin Texas Relocation Package - 03/03/08 09:37 AM
I have written a number of articles which I hope you will find helpful as you are researching the Austin area. I tried to cover many of the major questions that I receive on a day-to-day basis as a real estate broker working with buyers who are relocating from other cities and … (26 comments)
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austin homes: Are You Considering Relocating to Austin, Texas? An Open Letter - 02/29/08 10:09 PM
Dear Potential Austin Home Buyer,
Austin is a beautiful and eclectic town with an optimistic and youthful spirit. I can understand why you would like to live here with us. I was born and raised in Dallas, but I have lived here for almost 20 years now.
If you are considering relocating … (18 comments)
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austin homes: Crazy Weather in Austin This Week! - 02/26/08 11:27 PM
There is an old saying in our state, "If you don't like the weather in Texas, wait five minutes - it'll change!". This is sometimes completely true, and never more so than this week so far.
Yesterday, my mom was in town, so we took the kids out shopping and to … (7 comments)
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austin homes: Austin Texas is Named One of the Least Stressful Places in the U.S. - 02/14/08 03:45 PM
According to a recent study conducted by bizjournals of the largest 50 metropolitan areas in the country, Austin was named among the least stressful places to live in the United States. As an Austin-area resident for the past 20 years, I am not surprised to hear this, as I have always … (20 comments)
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austin homes: A History Austin's Oldest Neighborhood Clarksville - 02/13/08 05:12 PM
One of Austin’s oldest areas is the Old West Austin neighborhood of Clarksville. Its central location, between Lady Bird Lake and Enfield, and Lamar and Mopac, makes it highly popular with those looking to live in town, without having to go the downtown condo route.
Where Clarksville sits now was … (1 comments)
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austin homes: Austin Texas Golf Courses - Private Courses - 02/12/08 06:52 PM
I did some research on private golf courses in the general Austin area, and I honestly had no idea how many courses there were around here, not to mention driving ranges. There are over 60 courses total in this area (both private and public included), which means that there is one golf … (23 comments)
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austin homes: Austin Real Estate Statistics for December 2007 - 02/10/08 01:50 PM
The statistics are out for the Austin real estate market for December 2007.
The basics are that the Austin market has been moving slower over the last few months. Compared to last year we saw the number of active properties on the market increase by 21 percent. Also when we break out … (0 comments)
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austin homes: Image Showing Central Austin Real Estate Appreciates Faster - 02/09/08 05:42 PM
For awhile I have been saying that homes in the Central Austin real estate tend to appreciate faster than the outlying areas of Austin. The below image does a good job of graphically illustrating this point.
http://www.escapesomewhere.com/blogim/mls-map.JPG
The areas in green are the mls areas of Austin that appreciated … (0 comments)
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austin homes: What Can We Learn From Bob Barker? The Price MUST Be Right! - 02/08/08 07:01 PM
When I was a kid, I watched a lot of gameshows, particularly when I was home sick from school. One of my favorites was "The Price is Right". With its over-excited audience, this program has an enthusiasm that is contagious, which is one reason why it has lasted so long (it … (46 comments)
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austin homes: Austin Neighborhood : Bryker Woods - 02/07/08 08:15 PM
Just a few miles from downtown Austin, bordered by Westover on the south, 35th street on the north, Shoal Creek on the east and Mopac on the west, lies the old Austin neighborhood of Bryker Woods.
Though the neighborhood was named in the 1930s, the origins of the area go … (0 comments)
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austin homes: Austin Neighborhoods: French Place - 02/04/08 10:38 PM
Nestled in central Austin between Airport Boulevard and Manor Road lies the quiet yet vibrant neighborhood of French Place. Austin has always been renowned for its individual personality, and while its expansion continues to dilute that sentiment over the years, these quaint houses with ample yards exemplify the type of house … (0 comments)
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austin homes: Austin Texas Named Fastest Growing Large Metro Area in the U.S. - 02/02/08 02:17 PM
This past week brought yet another national article promoting Austin, Texas as a city with a vibrant and growing economy.
Forbes magazine has named Austin the "Fastest Growing Large Metro Area" in the United States, predicting growth of 32% GMP (Gross Metropolitan Product) over the next five years. Additionally, the article states … (6 comments)
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austin homes: Austin Texas Named as Top Place to Buy a House by Entrepreneur Magazine - 01/29/08 10:36 AM
Last week, "Entrepreneur Magazine" released its latest list of Best Places to Buy a House. Not surprisingly, the Austin metro area placed at the top of the list this time around. In the article, columnist Danielle Babb (who also co-authored a book on finding foreclosures with my friend Bill Nazur) states, … (18 comments)
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austin homes: Psst.....Ask for the business! What do you have to lose? - 01/28/08 10:11 PM
I had a sign call for one of my listings in north Austin yesterday, and we set up an appointment to take a look at the home today at 3:00. He sounded like a nice young guy on the phone when we spoke, and we had a great rapport during the … (40 comments)
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austin homes: My funny and intriguing son - 01/27/08 11:50 PM
My nine-year old son, Brandon, is one of the most interesting and witty kids that I have encountered. Sometimes, he says things while joking around with us that make my wife Pam and I double over in laughter. Other times, he is able to do this unintentionally. Over the past few … (35 comments)
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austin homes: Austin Texas Area Hospitals - An Overview - 01/26/08 06:37 PM
If you are considering relocating to the Austin, Texas area, you may have questions with regard to the medical facilities here. Basically, no matter where you live in the general Austin area, there is probably a hospital located within 10-15 minutes of your home, especially with the advent of the toll … (12 comments)
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austin homes: Austin Real Estate Update for November - 01/20/08 04:42 AM
The Austin real estate stats have been released for November. Although the market is still down from the summer and last year it has shown improvement over the last 3 months. The suburbs are moving slower than central Austin real estate market. And east Austin is moving slower than … (0 comments)
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austin homes: Do you ever feel like the Gilligan of real estate? - 01/16/08 04:26 PM
My wife and I have had a long-standing joke about Gilligan's Island (which I mentioned on a previous post): "Do you remember that episode of Gilligan's Island when they were poised to get off of the island, but then Gilligan screwed something up and they were forced to remain there?"
If you … (105 comments)
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austin homes: Profiles in Green Building: The Austin Real Estate Market - 01/14/08 11:42 PM
Austin has long been a home for friendly folk- friendly to each other, friendly to animals, and friendly to the environment. What used to be considered as only the concerns of hippies and the bohemian sect, environmentalism is now at the forefront of commercial and residential design, and "green" businesses are … (1 comments)
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austin homes: So, You're Going on a Listing Appointment? How to Win Almost Every Time - 01/13/08 03:35 PM
Over the years, I have gone on hundreds of listing appointments. These days, it seems as though I am competing less and less often, since they probably found me through a friend of mine or a past client. When I do compete, I haven't really kept track of the percentage … (143 comments)
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austin homes: Profiles in Green Building: The Austin Real Estate Market - 01/11/08 04:12 PM
Austin has long been a home for friendly folk- friendly to each other, friendly to animals, and friendly to the environment. What used to be considered as only the concerns of hippies and the bohemian sect, environmentalism is now at the forefront of commercial and residential design, and "green" businesses are … (0 comments)
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austin homes: Austin Texas New Homes - What Can You Buy for $175,000 or Under? - 01/10/08 10:49 PM
While I was showing new homes today throughout the Pflugerville and Round Rock areas (just north of Austin), I realized that many potential buyers might not realize just how many brand-new construction homes we have available here.
There are new homes available in virtually every price range in and around Austin, … (19 comments)
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austin homes: WOW! Ringing in the new year with new business (some of it is from Active Rain!) - 01/10/08 07:29 PM
I met today with another client that came from my blog here at ActiveRain. They found my blog about two months ago and called me directly. They are looking to build a home, probably in the $500-600K range. We looked at a number of builders, and I gave them a brief … (35 comments)
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austin homes: Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes! Looking back over my 11-year career in real estate - 01/07/08 03:00 PM
This month marks my eleven-year anniversary in full-time Austin real estate. When I started in January 1997, things were far different.
Here are some of the key differences, both in our market and in my life:
THEN: We about 2,700 agents in our local board.
NOW: There are over 9,700 agents in Austin.
THEN: … (55 comments)
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austin homes: This Post Contains 7 Essential Vitamins and Minerals!!! - 01/03/08 06:05 PM
A few mornings ago, I was getting some cereal for my six-year old daughter, and she said something that stuck with me, both because it seemed very observant and because it provides an interesting lesson for all of us in real estate.
"Dada, did you ever notice that every cereal box … (29 comments)
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austin homes: Austin Architect AD Stenger - 12/31/07 06:27 PM
Though AD Stenger wasn’t as prolific as Joseph Eichler, or as well known as Frank Lloyd Wright, he built some of Austin’s most unique homes that are now considered mid-century modern.
Arthur Dallas Stenger first began building homes in the 1940s in Austin, mostly on Arthur Lane in the Barton … (1 comments)
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austin homes: Top Employers in Austin Texas - Looking for a job? These may be worth considering - 12/27/07 09:09 PM
Occasionally, we have potential home buyers who are considering moving to Austin, and they ask about the primary employers here in this area. Each year, the Austin Relocation Guide releases a list of the top Austin employers, both public and private. Here is the latest list:
1. The State of Texas - … (26 comments)
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austin homes: What Can I Buy in the Austin, Texas area for Under $150,000? Seriously? - 12/22/07 03:23 PM
Are you considering a move to Austin? Are you looking for an investment property here in Texas? Either way, we can help. Take a look at some of the incredible values still available here when compared with other markets around the country (we have others):
This home is located in Round Rock, … (15 comments)
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austin homes: Get Your Hand Out of my Pocket! - Handling Commission Beggars - 12/18/07 10:02 PM
In the course of my real estate career, I have had many people try to reach into my pocket and ask for a piece of my paycheck. I recently wrote a post about this subject: A Lesson Learned in my Real Estate Career
Though it is not always the case, I … (152 comments)
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austin homes: A Couple of Tips when dealing with Difficult Personalities... - 12/04/07 01:03 AM
Your cell phone rings. You check the caller ID. Oh, great. It's that agent you are working with trying to get that luxury home under contract. Uh oh. Although you want to get the deal done, you already don't like talking to him, since he is almost invariably rude and abrasive. … (58 comments)
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austin homes: What Can I Buy in the Austin, Texas Area for $1 Million? - 11/23/07 06:41 PM
In this week's portion of my series about the affordability and desirability of Austin real estate, this week I focus on homes priced just under $1 Million:
This terrific Stadler custom home built in 2004 is located on a one acre lot in west Austin. It features over 5000 square feet, with 5 bedrooms, … (39 comments)
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austin homes: Austin Texas Restaurant Review - Café Mangù in Pflugerville - 11/22/07 12:09 AM
My wife wrote another restaurant review for my primary website (http://www.austintexashomes.com/) and I wanted to share it here as well:
Café Mangù is a small restaurant in Pflugerville serving "Caribbean" food. The cooks hail from the Dominican Republic. Some of the dishes, such as ropa vieja, we at Austin Texas Homes were familiar … (5 comments)
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austin homes: Austin Home in Georgetown for Sale! - 11/21/07 02:38 PM
Elegant executive home with circle drive in majestic setting tucked away in the Austin Foothills. Mature trees, 5 acre wooded tract! Original owner! Custom designed 2 story red brick home sits privately on wooded 5 acre tract! Wood floors,crown mouldings,high ceilings,large rooms, 2 fireplaces,sunroom!Inground pool!1 of a kind!
For more information, … (0 comments)
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austin homes: Southwest Austin Real Estate - New Listing - $445,000 - 11/05/07 12:52 AM
7804 Meloncon Cove - Home Just Completed Home in Southwest Austin - $445,000
•Lots of upgrades - 2879 s.f., 4BR, 3 Bath Home (NEW!!)•Hardwood and Tile floors •Granite counter tops • Downstairs guest room with Full bath • Awesome 2 story family room with views • Tiled backsplash • Wired for cable, dish, Internet … (14 comments)
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austin homes: How to Get Sued Quickly! - 11/04/07 10:13 PM
I thought the headline above would get your attention. Basically, the quickest way to get sued is to utterly ignore this article.
I have been selling real estate full-time in the Austin area for almost 11 years now, and I am happy and thankful to report that I have yet to … (53 comments)
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austin homes: What can I buy in the Austin, Texas area for $750,000 - $800,000? - 11/02/07 08:06 PM
In Austin, your money will go far. Simply put, the Austin real estate market offers a lot of bang for the buck. As part of my continuing series of posts, this week I am exploring currently available homes in the $750,000 - $800,000 ballpark. If you see anything of interest, please … (20 comments)
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austin homes: Homes & Golf at Avery Ranch - 10/31/07 10:23 AM
Avery Ranch is one of the most desireable subdivisions in or close to Austin! The homes are beautiful and still affordable and Avery Ranch is situated so that it is close to almost everything in North Austin. Now that Avery Ranch blvd is open from Parmer Lane to Highway 183 this subdivision should really … (0 comments)
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austin homes: Family Fun in Austin, Texas - 10/31/07 02:36 AM
Austin was named #1 on the list of "Best Cities for Relocating Families" last year by Worldwide ERC and Primacy Relocation, and with good reason. There is so much fun stuff for families to do here. With thanks to my beautiful wife, who helped me compile this list, I wanted to … (38 comments)
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austin homes: September Statatistics for the Austin Real Estate Market - 10/24/07 03:06 PM
While Austin seemed to escape most of the slowdown that affected other parts of the country over the last year Austin is feeling the changes in the credit markets. The amount of sales in September 2007 was 1824 or falling 22 percent from the sales in 2006 of 2341. … (0 comments)
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austin homes: My Day with Project Intercept (Helping Disadvantaged Kids in Austin) - 10/20/07 04:23 PM
One year ago this month, I began assisting through my church with an outreach program to disadvantaged kids in east Austin called Project Intercept. As a major football fan myself, I can relate to the concept of an interception, believe me. Project Intercept seeks to break the cycle of poverty by providing kids … (26 comments)
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austin homes: Round Rock Real Estate - Home for Sale - $184,500 - Cimarron - 10/17/07 07:40 PM
We have a new listing in the Round Rock area (Cimarron subdivision). It sits on a beautiful, wooded lot and it is very near the La Frontera Shopping Center. It is priced at $184,500!
Features:
4 Bedrooms, 2 Full Bathrooms1850 s.f. per tax recordsBuilt in 1982Two-tone mocha walls Recent:brushed nickel lights*planked hardwood … (11 comments)
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austin homes: What Can I Buy in the Austin Area for $600,000? - 10/17/07 01:15 PM
As part of my ongoing series demonstrating the desirability and affordability of the Austin, Texas real estate market, this week I focus on properties in the $600,000 range:
This Custom designed 2 story red brick home sits on wooded and private 5-acre tract! Wood floors, crown molding, high ceilings, large rooms, 2 … (55 comments)
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austin homes: "Getting Better" Scenes from Movies - I wish we could use them with clients - 10/15/07 07:58 PM
My wife and I developed a theory about movies back when we were dating, and it has held true over the years that we have been together. Many, many movies have what we call a "getting better" scene. If you are not familiar with a "getting better" scene in a movie, … (75 comments)
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austin homes: The Secret Ingredient is Empathy - Lessons from the Grocery Store - 10/10/07 07:50 PM
We decided to get out of the house last night for awhile. Unfortunately, we waited until it was a bit late to do much that would be fun for the kids, so we ended up doing a lot of much-needed grocery shopping instead. We tried to make it a little bit … (102 comments)
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austin homes: Austin Real Estate - What Can I Buy in the Austin area for $500,000 or less? - 10/09/07 06:20 PM
As part of my ongoing series, this week I am presenting a few homes that can be purchased in the general Austin area for a cool half million dollars (or a bit less).
This property is listed at only $485,000, and it includes approximately 4500 square feet, with 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, … (17 comments)
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austin homes: Austin Real Estate Stats for August Released - 09/30/07 12:56 AM
So the amount of inventory was up 21%. This is a pretty large increase but the amount of inventory on the market last year was insanely low. The market was slowed in August by some of the issues with subprime lending. It will be interesting to see what happens … (2 comments)
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austin homes: Please Get to the Point Already! The clock is ticking.... - 09/26/07 07:51 PM
Okay, I see that I have a call coming in from an unknown number. Is it a potential client relocating to Austin? Is it something productive? Sadly, no. It is a sales call - again. I have registered all of my numbers on all of the "do not call" lists available, … (55 comments)
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austin homes: Are you helping your clients through the maze, or are you a stumbling block? - 09/26/07 02:04 PM
I am fast closing in on my eleven year anniversary in real estate (Jan. 2008), and I am still constantly amazed by how many agents and brokers I come across who are either misinforming their clients or simply allowing the client to set their own pre-conceived expecations. We are the professionals, … (55 comments)
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austin homes: Austin Real Estate - What Can I Buy in the Austin area for $300,000 or less? - 09/26/07 12:47 AM
Last week, I wrote this post about the affordability of Austin real estate:
Austin Real Estate - What can I buy for $200,000 in the Austin area?
This week, I am "upping the ante", and I will focus on what you can purchase for $300k right now in this market. Some of … (12 comments)
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austin homes: Pflugerville Real Estate - Falcon Pointe Subdivision - 09/22/07 11:42 PM
As a 12-year resident of Pflugerville (and with 19 years in the general Austin area), I have watched this town grow from about 9,000 residents to over 30,000 presently. The Falcon Pointe subdivision is located near the intersection of two major new arteries (SH-130 and 45), which are both toll roads. I live … (0 comments)
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austin homes: Are you handling your clients like a phone company handles customers? - 09/22/07 04:52 PM
About five years ago, I was working with a buyer who was considering building in a prestigious golf course community in west Austin. My business partners and I had already taken a number of people to the community, as it is pretty unique. In fact, here is a photo of a home … (44 comments)
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