Home Stager
Kathy Streib
We take a common sense approach to Staging, Redesign, Vacant Staging, Lifestyle moves and e-Staging. Our reach is Boca, Boynton, Delray, Parkland,West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens and beyond!
Office: (561) 914-6224
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Real Estate Agent
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
As a full-time NW Austin TX Realtor®, I provide hands-on professional guidance serving residential home buyers and sellers. I have systems in place & references.. call me at 512-750-6899.
Cell: 512-750-6899
Office: dillard@reloaustin.com
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All About Texas Real Estate

By Dorie Dillard Austin TX, NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones
(Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899)
Every state is different in how property taxes are levied and due. In Texas the year your taxes are due (the current year) you will receive a notice of Appraised Value from the Appraisal District around the middle of March - April 1st and have until May 16th to protest your taxes.  If you file a protest you will receive a scheduled time from the Appraisal District. You can gather comparable sales yourself or hire a company who will handle it for you. Your notice contains 3 important values:Market value: This is the value based on what your property would sell for as of January 1.Assessed value: This is the reduced value of your property based on limitations provided having a homestead exemption.Taxable value: This is the assessed value minus the exemptions amounts. It is the value used ...
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By Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP, Selling Homes Changing Lives
(DFW FINE PROPERTIES)
"I came to Giverny as a young womanand hope that my decades of work anddedication, which I continue, contribute topreserving the beautiful legacy Monet created."---Helen Rappel Bordman You never know who on ActiveRain has a special connection to someone who is an Author who has a personal connection to a story written about someone as famous as Monet. Thanks to Adam, I learned about Aileen Bordman, an Author who wrote a beautiful book titled "Everyday Monet, A Giverny Inspired Gardening and Lifestyle Guide to Living Your Best Impressionist Life."  If you do not know him on ActiveRain by now, his name is Adam Feinberg from Manhattan, NY. Adam made an interesting comment when he read my story on July 28th, The Immersive Monet & The Impressionists stating that a friend of his is the author...
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By Dorie Dillard Austin TX, NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones
(Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899)
         It’s hard to believe school starts on August 17th for Canyon Creek Elementary. There will be a "Welcome Walk" on August 15th and on August 16th there will be a "Back to School fling!"This week-end on August 13th the Canyon Creek HOA “End of Summer Pool Party” is back! After several years of not holding this event it’s on the calendar and is going to be so much fun!         From 2 - 4pm on Saturday, August 13th, for Canyon Creek residents, come to the Canyon Creek community for fun pool games, free snow cones and summertime hits!  Thank you Canyon Creek HOA for reviving this event that so many have missed! 
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By Dorie Dillard Austin TX, NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones
(Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899)
What an incredible night with good friends at The Paramount in Austin TX! Loved our Opera Box seats. A real shout out for the second-floor bar at The Stephen F Austin for amazing martinis for girls’ night! Celeste Barber is the BEST Australian comedienne, so genuine and love her accent ….follow her on Instagram.  Keep your eyes peeled for her …..she’s traveling all over the US and Europe!We love you! Come back soon....Fine, thanks!!
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By Shayne Stone, "Your Rock Solid Choice Realtor"
(HomeSmart)
What Does the Rest of the Year Hold for Home Prices?Whether you're a potential homebuyer, seller, or both, you probably want to know: will home prices fall this year? Lets break down what's happening with home prices, where experts say they're headed, and why this matters for your homeownership goals.Last Years Rapid Home Price Growth Wasnt the NormIn 2021, home prices appreciated quickly. One reason why is that record-low mortgage rates motivated more buyers to enter the market. As a result, there were more people looking to make a purchase than there were homes available for sale. That led to competitive bidding wars which drove prices up. CoreLogic helps explain how unusual last years appreciation was:Price appreciation averaged 15% for the full year of 2021, up from the 2020 full ye...
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By Shayne Stone, "Your Rock Solid Choice Realtor"
(HomeSmart)
Help Your HVAC Do More Having a good HVAC system in your home can really help you enjoy your living space throughout the year. A solid system will keep your home cool in the summer, warm in the winter, and just plain comfortable throughout the full year. Proper maintenance can keep your HVAC system running smoothly for years, ensuring that your home’s internal climate stays exactly the way you want it as time goes by.     This doesn’t mean that things can’t be better, though. You may not realize it, but there are actually several ways that you can modify your HVAC system to improve performance and create a better overall quality of life for you and your family. Different systems may have different options available, and they can affect the function of your system in different ways.   Ai...
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By Dorie Dillard Austin TX, NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones
(Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899)
     July was another amazing month; Our NW Coldwell Banker office crushed it with an astonishing 27 agents eligible for the July Million Dollar Club by listing, writing business or closing sales of 1 Million or more! We are seeing a shift in the market with longer days on market, price reductions and increase in inventory.It’s exciting to see everyone's hard work in servicing their clients. Our office closed 50 transactions for $30 million with an average price of $582,000 and wrote 43 leases. We listed 44 homes for $37 million, with an average price of $833,000 and wrote 68 contracts for $40 million with an average price of $583,000! I love working in an office where everyone works together in a culture of awesomeness, celebrating each other's success and encouraging each other to gro...
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By Shayne Stone, "Your Rock Solid Choice Realtor"
(HomeSmart)
Why Experts Say the Housing Market Won't Crash Some Highlights Many people remember the housing crash in 2008, but experts say todays market is fundamentally different in many ways. First, there isn't an oversupply of homes for sale today. Plus, lending standards are much tighter, and homeowners have record levels of equity. That means signs say there wont be a wave of foreclosures like the last time. If you have questions about the housing market, lets connect.  
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By Bob Jablonsky, We are the Tax Specialists for Realtors
(Bob Jablonsky & Associates)
In previous articles I've explained how to get a Notice of Federal Tax Lien (NFTL) withdrawn and won't cover that again today.  While removing a levy does not necessarily mean that you no longer owe the IRS (unless you've paid the amount owed in full_, when the NFTL is withdrawn, the IRS no longer has a lien on your assets and is no longer competing with other creditors for your property, so it can be critical to making your life better if you have a lien withdrawn.  Briefly, some of the ways to get a federal tax lien withdrawn include withdrawing an NFTL filed in error by the government and entering into a qualifying Direct Debit installment agreement. Another situation is one where the lien will harm the taxpayer's ability to earn a living and their ability to pay the government. In t...
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By Dorie Dillard Austin TX, NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones
(Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899)
El Arroyo is an iconic local spot in Austin. They make the best hand-squeezed margaritas and serve Black Angus beef tacos (along with many other Tex- Mex offerings) and have since 1975! A quirky marquee is out front on the corner of West 5th and Campbell. Every day they change their billboard with a new pun (everything imaginable).This week locals have submitted their puns on their website and of course El Arroya has permission to post them. It’s one of those “Keep Austin Weird” things that we all love!You can check out their Instagram. I learned our very own Myrl Jeffcoat in Active Rain follows them! We all need some laughter or a chuckle each day! I always check out to see the new pun for the day, hope you enjoy this batch. 
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By Shayne Stone, "Your Rock Solid Choice Realtor"
(HomeSmart)
Why Are People Moving Today?Buying a home is a major life decision. Thats true whether you're purchasing for the first time or selling your house to fuel a move. And if you're planning to buy a home, you might be hearing about today's shifting market and wondering what it means for you.While mortgage rates are higher than they were at the start of the year and home prices are rising, you shouldn't put your plans on hold based solely on market factors. Instead, its necessary to consider why you want to move and how important those reasons are to you. Here are two of the biggest personal motivators driving people to buy homes today.A Need for More SpaceMoving.com looked at migration patterns to determine why people moved to specific areas. One trend that emerged was the need for additiona...
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By The Hoeke Team, Local Realtors® at EXP
(The Hoeke Team, Local Realtors® at EXP – Real Estate Agents | Listing Agents)
If you're trying to sell your house fast for cash, you may have come across a number of different options. One option is to sell it to a company that provides a cash buyer for houses. However, there are some important things to keep in mind when dealing with cash buyers of houses. Before you agree to sell your home to a cash buyer, be sure to check out the company's credentials. Always double-check contracts and work with a real estate professional.Selling your house to a company for cashThere are many advantages to selling your house to a company for cash. A cash buyer can provide many benefits to you, including a faster closing and a greater sense of certainty. You can also sell your home "as is," a feature that standard buyers don't have. Cash home buyers are more likely to be willin...
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By Christopher Watters, Austin Realtor (512-829-8000)
(Watters International Realty)
Is Our Market Slowing Down?“Is the Texas market slowing down?” This seems to be the question of the hour. After all, the Federal Reserve raised rates again, and tons of buyers have already been forced out of the market. Our market might be slowing but probably not in the way you think. To learn more about our changing market, watch this short video. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------          Looking to buy a home?                                 Looking to sell a home? 
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By Shayne Stone, "Your Rock Solid Choice Realtor"
(HomeSmart)
3 Graphs To Show This Isn't a Housing BubbleWith all the headlines and buzz in the media, some consumers believe the market is in a housing bubble. As the housing market shifts, you may be wondering what'll happen next. Its only natural for concerns to creep in that it could be a repeat of what took place in 2008. The good news is, there's concrete data to show why this is nothing like the last time.There's a Shortage of Homes on the Market Today, Not a Surplus The supply of inventory needed to sustain a normal real estate market is approximately six months. Anything more than that is an overabundance and will causes prices to depreciate. Anything less than that is a shortage and will lead to continued price appreciation.For historical context, there were too many homes for sale during ...
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By David Krichmar, DaveYourMortgageGuy.com
(www.DaveYourMortgageGuy.com - Legend Lending)
Conventional 30 year Mortgage: 4.875%Credit score:740LTV:75%Loan Amount: $300kAPR: 5.05%FHA 30 year: 5% Credit Score:740LTV:96.5%loan amount: $300kAPR: 5.54%Conventional 15 year: 4.25%Credit score:740LTV:75%Loan Amount: $300kAPR: 4.35%Rates are Subject to ChangeCall me today if you are thinking of refinancing or buying a home, for the best mortgage rate possible.
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By The Hoeke Team, Local Realtors® at EXP
(The Hoeke Team, Local Realtors® at EXP – Real Estate Agents | Listing Agents)
Sell your house yourself - FSBOWhile selling your home by yourself is often less expensive than using a real estate agent, there are still some risks involved. While you can save money by selling your home by yourself, you may also run the risk of making mistakes. While many homeowners successfully sell their homes without a real estate agent, there are some important things to consider before you take the plunge. Listed below are some of the cons and benefits of selling your house yourself.Marketing is a must today. In today's competitive real estate market, homes compete for buyers' attention. Marketing your home is similar to marketing your business, and it is important to make sure that you get your name out there. Listed on popular sites such as MLS, you can also utilize flyers and...
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By Shayne Stone, "Your Rock Solid Choice Realtor"
(HomeSmart)
Age in Place With a Smart HomeAs we get older, some things that used to come easy start to get a little harder. In some cases, this isn’t that big of a deal, as some of the slow-downs and other problems associated with aging may just be little inconveniences. In other cases, though, the problems that occur as we get older can make it more difficult to maintain an independent lifestyle. This can be a big problem for people who are used to doing everything themselves, as it creates a greater dependence on other people, and in some cases may even make it difficult to live at home alone.Fortunately, there are a number of technological options which make it much easier to age in place at home. Advances in connected devices and smart home technology contribute to this significantly, with home...
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By Shayne Stone, "Your Rock Solid Choice Realtor"
(HomeSmart)
Buying a Home May Make More Financial Sense Than Renting OneIf rising home prices leave you wondering if it makes more sense to rent or buy a home in todays housing market, consider this. Its not just home prices that have risen in recent years rental prices have skyrocketed as well. As a recent article from realtor.com says:The median rent across the 50 largest US metropolitan areas reached 1,876 in June, a new record level for Realtor.com data for the 16th consecutive month.That means rising prices will likely impact your housing plans either way. But there are a few key differences that could make buying a home a more worthwhile option for you.If You Need More Space, Buying a Home May Be More AffordableWhat you may not realize is that, according to the latest data from realtor.com an...
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By Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP, Selling Homes Changing Lives
(DFW FINE PROPERTIES)
July was a crazy month for me. I knew my daughter and her husband Marco were going off the grid to Hornstrandir, Iceland for the month of July. They planned this trip carefully and couldn't wait to embark on their month long journey. As mom, how could I not wonder how their trip was going? It is now August 8th and she made a YouTube video today which she gave me permission to post on ActiveRain.Hiking in Hornstrandir Iceland July 2022I think it is more like an educational documentary with lots of artic fox and wildlife. We have been talking regularly since they got back home to Switzerland and everyday, I learn something new. My daughter Carrie Ann and her husband are living life to the fullest! From the time she was born I believed, as she believes, every person on earth should get out...
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By Shayne Stone, "Your Rock Solid Choice Realtor"
(HomeSmart)
Why Its Still a Sellers MarketAs there's more and more talk about the real estate market cooling off from the peak frenzy it saw during the pandemic, you may be questioning what that means for your plans to sell your house. If you're thinking of making a move, you should know the market is still anything but normal.Even though the supply of homes for sale has been growing this year, there's still a shortage of homes on the market. And that means conditions continue to favor sellers today. Thats because the level of inventory of homes for sale can help determine if buyers or sellers are in the drivers seat. Think of it like this: A buyers market is when there are more homes for sale than buyers looking to buy. When that happens, buyers have the negotiation power because sellers are more ...
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By John Dunham, N Central Austin
(Juice RE Group at Compass)
Anxious. Confused. Thankful. Summer 2022 brought a lot of emotions as we faced some rather abrupt changes in our markets.  The first 5 months everything moved quickly and multiple offers were the norm, and then, the Fed jumped in raising interest rates. QUICKLY!  Buyers began to hit the pause button (but many were elated to land a home with reduced competition). Sellers started questioning why their homes were not selling in the first 48 hours, while the media fed a narrative that the sky was falling. Let's take a look at the numbers driving these emotions and headlines to see what's really going on here.ValuesJune shows a slight dip in values from April and May's peak. This is not a sharp nose dive. We are still well ahead of last year's values. Buyers have more options with inventory ...
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By Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP, Selling Homes Changing Lives
(DFW FINE PROPERTIES)
"Nothing Happens Unless We First Dream"---Carl Sandburg On December 19, 2020 a dream came true for the children of Highland Village, Texas when the City, partnered with Play by Design, LLC, and numerous volunteers completed a worthwhile community project and place where kids could play and have dreams of their own. They named it Kids Kastle. In a few weeks my Buyers moving to Texas will have a place to take their grandchildren to explore their imagination in a pristine and dreamlike castle in the park that now belongs to all the children in Highland Village, a City in Denton County, north of Flower Mound, on the south side of the far western branch of Lake Lewisville. The well thought-out design team built an area for kids 2 to 5 years old and a separate section for kids 5 to 12 years o...
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By Dorie Dillard Austin TX, NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones
(Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899)
I sat next to my colleague, Sheri Brummett, from my Coldwell Banker office. So much information and are looking forward to receiving the slide presentation used. I was thrilled to be invited to the Austin Mortgage Bankers Association luncheon this past week. I always enjoy hearing Jim Gaines, the guru of housing economics, speak. He is a Research Economist with the Texas A & M Research Center and spoke on the economic climate, inflation and how the housing market is doing in Central Texas.   Thank you, Kristin Carroll, with Sente Mortgage, for the invite. Definitely well spent time...…knowledge is power. I always love working and spending time with you! Jim Gaines has more than 35 years’ experience, primarily in real estate research and education, urban economics, land use analysis, de...
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By Shayne Stone, "Your Rock Solid Choice Realtor"
(HomeSmart)
What Can You Do With Your Home’s Equity?If you’re like a lot of long-time homeowners, you’ve probably got a great deal of home equity on your hands right now. If you’ve been considering putting it to work, it’s still a decent time to take out a second mortgage or a HELOC, even as rates are starting to rise. Having so much home equity can enable you to make some very seriously needed changes to your home, either to allow you to age-in-place or to accommodate other lifestyle needs. It’s an opportunity to make major changes or upgrades, but there are certainly some ways that are better than others to use your home’s equity. We’ve got some ideas to get you started.Freshen Up the Whole Place There’s nothing better for the value of a house that’s not had much regular care in a while than a ge...
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