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Austin, TX Real Estate News

By Sue Ellett, Austin, TX, Lake Travis, Dripping Springs
(Synergy Property Group | Spyglass Realty)
A new ordinance in Austin will require that homeowners have an energy efficiency audit performed prior to selling their homes (homes that are 10 years old or older).   Homeowners will be required to provide this report to any potential buyers for their property.     This is in additional to any currently provided Seller's Disclosure statements and any Building Inspection that a buyer might perform once under contract.    This audit will focus on the central heat/airconditioning systems, insulation, leakage thru doors & windows, the need for solar screens on windows, particularly west facing and other simple energy "wasters".   Basically, this new requirement is geared towards improving energy efficiency in homes in our area and thus helping to reduce utility needs and costs.  Specially ...
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By Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653)
(Austin Texas Homes, LLC)
In case you don't normally read my blog, Ken Cook and I have been hosting a one-hour show called Twitter Tuesday every week since November at 11am Central (noon Eastern, 10am Mountain, 9am Pacific) on BlogTalkRadio.  We have a guest or two each time, and we talk about various social media topics and using them to grow your business.   Sometimes, we just riff on each other and use funny sound effects and music to make each other laugh.  It pretty much depends on our mood. Recently, we have added a regular segment with Mike Mueller, called Mike's Minute!  Mike spends a few minutes per show talking about his "tech tip of the week".  What a great guy! I am please to report that we averaged 262 listeners per show for February (so far), making us one of the top social networking shows for on...
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By Perry Henderson, Your Austin REALTOR
(The Perry Henderson Group at Berkshire Hathaway Texas Realty)
www.livewelldowntown.com is a local realtor at Prudential Texas Realty. I've pulled together some help information on the new Metrorail service here in Austin. Pleaqse feel free to use this in your blogs... Capital MetroRail Fares Fares can be purchased at the ticket vending machines (TVM) located at each rail station and the Transit Store. (Scroll down to learn how to use the TVMs). Passes can also be purchased online and at other retail outlets. Two-hour Tickets (one-way) are only valid for the MetroRail trains and connector buses at Downtown (routes 460, 461, 462) and MLK, Jr. (routes 464, 465) Stations. There are two fare zones for MetroRail. The zone boundary is between the Kramer and Howard Stations. If your trip crosses the zone boundary, you pay the All Zones fare.   One Zone Al...
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By TIM MONCRIEF, Over 2,000 homes sold…..
(Tim Monciref)
Now before I start getting HATE POSTS, I know that there are terrible events that occur in people's lives that are not at all affected by this post....but not many more severe than what I am about to share.  Moreover, I know that such events CAN....I repeat CAN affect their lives long term.  I will come back to this paragraph later...... The purpose of this post is that I have noticed over my life that there are many people that seem to go through life....with everything that seems to go their way....no matter how much risk they take; yet, others, everything seems to go against them....year after year after year.  WHY? This is Dr. Joseph Klatt.  It seems that everything seems to go his way.  He started in real estate and became one of the most successful agents in San Diego...... He lat...
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By Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653)
(Austin Texas Homes, LLC)
I have four current clients who are going to be receiving the entire $8,000 tax credit offered to first-time homebuyers.  Surprisingly, I meet people every week who haven't even HEARD of this gift.  Yes, I consider it a gift, because it doesn't have to be paid back at all!  I decided to look for a comprehensive video to explain the ins and outs of this program, which is valid through the end of November 2009.  I found this one from the National Association of Home Builders which seems to cover all of the bases:   Coupled with exceptionally low interest rates and plenty of inventory to choose from, this tax credit is just one more reason to buy in the upcoming months.  Why not take advantage of this free money?
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By Robin Scott, Broker, REALTOR® - Austin Texas
(Robin Scott, REALTOR®)
Last night we went to see Monty Python's Spamalot and had the best time. It was hilarious! I'm not a Monty Python follower and wasn't expecting it to be so good but it was. Everything from the story, set design, singing, costumes, dancing and just plain silliness was great. If you get a chance and want to laugh, be sure to go. Oh, also it stared Richard Chamberlin! For those of you from the '60's he was Dr. Kildare, from the '70s and '80's he starred in TheThornbirds and Shogun.   Robin Scott, Broker. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist.
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By Robin Scott, Broker, REALTOR® - Austin Texas
(Robin Scott, REALTOR®)
Here are some quick, easy and inexpensive ways to make your home greener. 1. Look for the Energy Star. The federal government has a program that rates the energy efficiency of products. Choosing these products may lead to a significant savings in energy and expenses. 2. Switch to CFL. Compact florescent light bulbs (CFL) use up to 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs. Replacing incandescent bulbs with CFL wherever possible will make a huge difference. Yes, I know they cost more but we replaced all of our bulbs and our electric bill went down $50 a month. It was well worth it. 3. Reduce the flow. Switching to low-flow or adjustable flow showerheads and low flow toilets will reduce the amount of water you use plus the cost of heating the water. Turn off the water when brushing your tee...
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By Cindy Bryant, "Houston Home Staging Pros"
(Redesign Etc. Home Staging)
                           Are there Home Stagers in the Austin area that are thinking about starting a home staging business, or have a business and need the exposure, support and networking of an organization? RESA, the Real Estate Staging Association is just that, it is a member run organization.  We believe in supporting all home stagers no matter what their affiliation, or designation, or having no affiliation at all. RESA, is the most respected Home Staging Association in the Staging Industry with a code of ethics.  So what do you think? check out the RESA website, take a look around.  You will get to use the RESA logo on all of your marketing materials, and have a profile page, much like a mini-website where home sellers and Real Estate Agents can find you, not to mention too man...
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By Perry Henderson, Your Austin REALTOR
(The Perry Henderson Group at Berkshire Hathaway Texas Realty)
www.livewelldowntown.com is a local realtor at Prudential Texas Realty viewing the Terrace Creekside Apartments in the hip part of South Austin78704. These guys are very popular in the West and south parts of Austin with several quality projects in the area. If you need a Terrace Creekside, I recommend the Live Well Team at Prudential Texas Realty. Click to start your search of thousands of apartments, lofts, condos and homes available in South Austin near Terrace Creekside. Search for a new home in Austin
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www.livewelldowntown.com is a local realtor at Prudential Texas Realty viewing The University of Texas Austin Student housing and living The Venue The Villas on Guadalupe The Castillian Willow Branch Lofts 21 Rio and the Quarters. If you need a UT Student Residence or home near UT, I recommend the Live Well Team at Prudential Texas Realty. Click to start your search of thousands of apartments, lofts, condos and homes available in Austin near the University of Texas. Search for a new home in Austin
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By Ricky Cain
(The Cain Team - Keller Williams Realty)
Did you know there may NEVER be a better time, in our lifetime, to buy an Austin area home than right now?  I originally had intended on saving this information for next week's monthly newsletter but I felt like the message was too important to wait even one more day before sending out.  Let me explain why.Whether it is a first time purchase or a move up purchase, there are usually three main fears when it comes to buying a home.  These fears are: Lack of inventory.  Buyers are concerned that they will not be able to find a home in the Austin area that meets their needs and the needs of their family.  For a limited time, Austin area inventory is much higher than it has been over the past few years.  This means more choices and MORE opportunities.  Sellers are also willing to negotiate a...
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By Les Sherman, ABR, CRS, CNE
(Re/Max Austin Associates)
Put fresh or silk flowers in principal rooms for a touch of color. Add a new shower curtain, fresh towels, and new guest soaps to every bath. Set out potpourri or fresh baked goods for a homey smell. Set the table with pretty dishes and candles. Buy a fresh doormat with a clever saying. Take one or two major pieces of furniture out of every room to create a sense of spaciousness. Put away kitchen appliances and personal bathroom items to give the illusion of more counter space. Lay a fire in the fireplace. Or put a basket of flowers there if it's not in use. Depersonalize the rooms by putting away family photos, mementos, and distinctive artwork. Turn on the sprinklers for 30 minutes to make the lawn sparkle. Taken from my website where you can search homes now
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By Les Sherman, ABR, CRS, CNE
(Re/Max Austin Associates)
When you sell a stock, you owe taxes on your gain-the difference between what you paid for the stock and what you sold it for. The same is true with selling a home (or a second home), but there are some special considerations. How to Calculate GainIn real estate, capital gains are based not on what you paid for the home, but on its adjusted cost basis. To calculate this: Take the purchase price of the home: This is the sale price, not the amount of money you actually contributed at closing. Add adjustments: Cost of the purchase-including transfer fees, attorney fees, inspections, but not points you paid on your mortgage. Cost of sale-including inspections, attorney's fee, real estate commission, and money you spent to fix up your home just prior to sale. Cost of improvements-including r...
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By Les Sherman, ABR, CRS, CNE
(Re/Max Austin Associates)
Sellers Tips & Articles Back | Printable View Remodeling That Pays Upgrading your home is always appealing, but which enhancements really get you a good return for your money when it's time to sell? The 2003 Cost vs. Value Report by Remodeling magazine and REALTOR? Magazine has the answer. To see the complete article, visit Remodeling Magazine.   2003 2002 Variance Bathroom Remodel Midrange 89.3% 87.5% 1.8% Upscale 92.6 91.0 1.6 Bathroom Addition Midrange 95.0 94.2 0.08 Upscale 84.3 81.4 2.9 Major Kitchen Remodel Midrange 74.9 66.6 8.3 Upscale 79.6 79.8 -0.2 Master Suite Midrange 76.4 75.1 1.3 Upscale 76.9 76.8 0.1 Family Room Midrange 80.6 79.5 1.1 Deck Midrange 104.2 N/A* N/A* Basement Remodel Midrange 79.3 78.7 0.6 Siding Replacement Midrange 98.1 79.1 19.0 Window Replacement Midran...
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By Les Sherman, ABR, CRS, CNE
(Re/Max Austin Associates)
Make your home more appealing for potential buyers with these quick and easy tips. Trim bushes so they don't block windows and cut down on light. Buy a new doormat. Put a pot of bright flowers (or a small evergreen in winter) on your porch. Put new doorknobs on your doors. Put a fresh coating on your driveway. Edge the grass around walks and trees. Keep your garden tools out of site. Be sure kids put away their toys. Buy a new mailbox. Upgrade the outside lighting. Use warm, incandescent light bulbs for a homey feel. Polish or replace your house numbers. Clean your gutters. Put out potpourri or burn scented candles. Buy new pillows for the sofa. Buy a flowering plant and put it in a window you pass by frequently. Make a centerpiece for your table with fruit or artificial flowers. Replac...
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By Les Sherman, ABR, CRS, CNE
(Re/Max Austin Associates)
Hold a yard sale to reduce the clutter in your home and get rid of items you don't want to move. Check with your city government to see if you need a permit or license. See if neighbors want to participate and have a "block" sale to attract more visitors. Advertise. Put an ad in free classified papers, and put up signs and balloons at major intersections and in stores near your home. Price items ahead and attach prices with removable stickers. Remember, yard sales are supposed to be bargains, so don't try to sell anything of significant value this way. Check items before the sale to be sure you haven't including something you want by mistake. Keep pets away from the sale. Display everything neatly and individually so customers don't have to dig through boxes. Have an electrical outlet s...
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By Shay Hargus Webb
(Austin Avenue Real Estate Company)
The South By Southwest 2009 Festival, more commonly known as SXSW, begins today in Austin, TX.  This is one of Austin's biggest events of the year.  Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the world and there will be more music than usual until March 22nd, when the festival ends.  Austin's Film and Music Festival Art will be presenting nearly 2,000 musical acts of all genres.  A great opportunity to hear new "up and coming bands and musicians".  SXSW also explores the art of independent filmmaking and interactive media. SXSW began as a small musical festival 23 years ago.  It is now one of the largest media events in the nation.  The Austin Art and Music Festival (SXSW) offers discussions on the newest trends and showcases all of the best of independent films and music talent.  It ...
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By Chris Rodriguez, Austin Homes and Condos (512) 921-1431
(AUSTIN REAL PROS, REALTORS - AUSTIN DOWNTOWN AND CENTRAL)
I wanted to give an update on the status of exhibitors for Realty Round Up.  Please see the updated list below.                  2009 Realty Round Up             Growing a Greener Austin The Austin Board of REALTORS® puts on an industry trade show every year where REALTORS® and REALTOR® suppliers join together for one day. I am looking for exhibitors that would like to present their products and services. Currently there are over 8,000 REALTORS® in the Austin area. In addition , we will be extending a "green thumb welcome" to our neighbor REALTORS® as far north as Waco and and as far south as San Marcos. EXHIBITOR LIST UPDATE:   1031 Exchange Corporation A+ Federal Credit Union Abundance Home Mortgage Agent List Serv.com Alamo Title Company Allied Home Warranty Alternative Green Lawn Te...
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By Chris Rodriguez, Austin Homes and Condos (512) 921-1431
(AUSTIN REAL PROS, REALTORS - AUSTIN DOWNTOWN AND CENTRAL)
Government stimulus... check. Interest rates low... check. Property values have fallen (or in the case of Austin, stabilizing)... check. Time of year, Spring time... check. I am now contemplating and visualizing... ...this may be the right time to begin putting together a real estate iNvestment and management company.  I must digest.
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By Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI
(Realty Austin, Austin Texas Real Estate)
"I will do it BEFORE I go back to school", my son promised as we looked at the once glittering tree lying forlornly in the yard. That conversation took place last December when (almost) everyone else in Austin was in the process of taking their tree to the Zilker Park recycling point under the Mopac Bridge and other places set up by the Parks Department to grind the trees into mulch. The conversation was repeated a couple of days before our son was scheduled to leave on January 9th and again I was told, "Don't worry about it, I have plenty of time and will take the tree to Zilker before I leave"! You already know where this is going and yes...our son made it back to school but the tree never made it to Zilker Park... I mention this only because I am constantly asked by all of my sellers...
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