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Austin, TX Real Estate News

By Robin Scott, Broker, REALTOR® - Austin Texas
(Robin Scott, REALTOR®)
  Hope you have a fun and safe Halloween. Here is a list of some things to do around Austin Barton Springs" Haunted Cave - 10 am - 5 pm Tuesday - Saturday and Noon to 5pm Sundays though Nov. A spooky twist on the Edward's Aquifer. Free. 2201 Barton Springs. Boo at the Zoo - 6:30-9pm Thursday & Friday, October 30 & 31. Experience the zoo at night. Wear costumes, bring picnic and flashlight. $10. 10807 Rawhide Trail. House of Torment - 7pm - midnight until Nov. 2. Haunted house with 2 attractions. $14.99 per attraction or $19.99 plus tax for both. 523 Highland Mall Blvd. Horror Haunted House - 7pm-1am Thursday - Saturday with 2 attractions. $13 for each or $18 for both. Not recommended for younger children. Lakeline Village Shopping Center. Mansion of Terror - 7pm - midnight most nights t...
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By Robin Scott, Broker, REALTOR® - Austin Texas
(Robin Scott, REALTOR®)
If you live in Austin, you won't be surprised to find out that even Mayor Will Wynn participated in the "Thriller" event  last Saturday outside the Long Center for the Performing Arts. Over 800 people of all ages showed up to dance in unison to Michael Jackson's "Thriller" and attempt to break a world record for the largest simultaneous dance. This event was also scheduled to take place in 92 other cities in 12 other countries who were competing for the same honor. Perhaps your city participated as well. It will take about a month before Austin will find out if they broke the record. Results to follow.
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By Phil Hutson
(Austin TX Real Estate)
For the 2008-09 fiscal year, Austin, Texas, property tax rate remains lower than other major cities across the state at $0.4012 per $100 property valuation. For the average homeowner, this means a tax bill of approximately $988 a year.  The 2008-09 fiscal year tax rate of $0.4012 per $100 of property valuation is lower than last year's rate of $0.4034, but since home values are still climbing, the average homeowner will pay around $80 more a year to the city at tax time. Tax rate decrease With city-owned utilities making transfers to the general fund and substantial sales tax revenue, Austin is able to keep the property tax rate lower than other major cities in Texas. Ransom-Nelson said the average home price in Austin is up approximately $21,000 from last year to $246,352. Based on tha...
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By Flower De Raadt, Flower De Raadt
(HomeVestors of America - Rio Grande Valley)
Back by popular demand! Attend a "Rollin" Real Estate Class taught by SUCCESSFUL Investors! THE " NO MONEY NO CREDIT" Austin Bus Tour! Jump on a bus and learn with us hands-on. This 5-hr REI (Real Estate Investing) Education bus tour takes you to actual homes in the Austin area that were bought with no money and no credit. Learn from local Expert Investors- Don Schweiters and Isaac Spencer. They have purchased over 120 homes in the past 4 years using these exact strategies.On this tour you will receive: 5 Hours of Quality Content & Education (3 in the classroom/2 on the bus) Knowledge on how to locate "Deals" in Austin, TX Knowledge on how to do a "Subject To" Deal A Take Home Class Manual Networking with Local Real Estate Investors Date: Saturday, November 8th Time: 8:00am - 1:00pm Adm...
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By Kathy De La Cruz, Realtor®, ABR, CRS, SRES
(RE/MAX Austin Associates)
I am currently doing some research to find other business people in our industry that are interested in conducting their business as"green" as possible. I am looking to find potential affiliates such as local home energy raters, energy-efficient mortage providers, green builders, green building programs, home inspectors, radon or mold mitigation specialists, etc. that share my same green values.  My plan is to create a network of service providers for my clients that are all giving the environment the care and attention it deserves. I am also in the process of creating a packet to give to my clients that will explain why being an eco-broker is so important, as well as providing them with resources to find a green alternative to each and every part of the home buying/selling experience. ...
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By Robin Scott, Broker, REALTOR® - Austin Texas
(Robin Scott, REALTOR®)
Oh, let me count the ways. First of all, it's important to remember that the friendly salesman in the model home represents the builder not YOU. Then, perhaps you think that the builder will give you a better deal if they don't have to pay the Realtors commission but did it ever occur to you that an experienced Realtor may be able to get you a better deal with the builder than you could get on your own without your agent. And most important is having someone available who can separate the inaccuracies, misunderstandings and incorrect information. Here are some examples: When the salesperson adds up the figures incorrectly and asks for more in a deposit than you should pay. When the salesperson neglects to tell you significant information about their neighborhood. When the salesperson te...
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By Robin Scott, Broker, REALTOR® - Austin Texas
(Robin Scott, REALTOR®)
A survey taken of Balcones Woods residents showed that 63% were in favor of building a new amenity center so the Balcones woods Club board of directors is moving forward with the project which is expected to cost about $579,000 and the Building Committee determined it could be built without charging the residents a special assessment fee. the building will be paid for by homeowners fees and other usage fees but dues are expected to increase by 5% per year over the next few years. Board of Directors meeting  November 11,  at Seton NW  Room 3A, at 7pm If you are interested in finding out more about Austin, living in Austin, real estate or buying or selling a home, I want to be your REALTOR. And I appreciate your referrals as well. Call or email to find out how I can help you. 512.589.7988...
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By Robin Scott, Broker, REALTOR® - Austin Texas
(Robin Scott, REALTOR®)
Yes, they first picted home #2 but it had gone under contract the evening before we called, then to home #3 but the builder wouldn't negotiate with us (can you believe it?) so we found house #4. House #4, built by Gehan, a local builder, who met all of our requests and my buyer's should be in their new home by November 20. The buyer's are happy, the Gehan representative is happy and I'm happy. Robin Scott, Broker. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist.
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By Stephanie Zellous (512) 971-4875, Stephanie Zellous
(Keller Williams Realty)
  4909 Calhoun Canyon Loop. Offered at $305,000. Stylish home with wonderful street appeal and a popular floor plan.  Warm colors, arches, high ceilings and large windows provide a comfortable and spacious feel.  Lots of features include bay window, fireplace with gas logs, separate shower, garden tub, glass blocks, four-sided brick and recent DuPont Stain Master carpet.      
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By Betina Foreman, Realtor, C.N.E., with WJK REALTY
(WJK Realty)
There was some turmoil caused by a Shell gas station in south Austin temporarily dropping gas prices to $2.09 per gallon. Yes TWO dollars and nine cents a gallon! I just paid 3. 59 last week, so this is very unusual to see such a big price drop. Well you know that no good deed goes unpunished. Of course the Shell station had a bunch of people rushing to buy the cheap gas and some tempers got hot. There were several people that got into altercations about who was next in line and some of the arguments were even caught on tape and ran during the nightly news. Of course this was just more fuel for the fire (pardon the pun) as even more people came to buy the cheap gas. So there were even longer lines after the news coverage. Some people even came from Round Rock thirty miles away to take a...
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By Robin Scott, Broker, REALTOR® - Austin Texas
(Robin Scott, REALTOR®)
House # 1. The new, large but  affordable home in Hutto's Emory Fields.  House # 2. The new dream home that was pushing the price limit in Star Ranch. House # 3. or the new, smaller but affordable home in Pflugerville's Avalon. No this isn't the HGTV show. It's just your usual day in real estate. Well may not usual because this buyer is motivated and has made a decision. First they picked house number 2 but what do you know. . . between 3 PM when we looked at the house and 10 AM this morning, the salesman received two, yes two, offers on this home. So my buyers went with house number 3. It looks pretty good huh? House #3 is a 2961 sq.ft. home with 3 living areas, 2 dining, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a 2-car garage. It has all the buzzes like granite, stainless, covered patio and is the S...
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By Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI
(Realty Austin, Austin Texas Real Estate)
"Wait, what was that, I ask?  My son responds again, "its 107 degrees according to that thermometer at the starting line".  I moan and try to figure out WHY I have agreed to participate with him in the Keep Austin Weird 5K (and costume contest with each entrant issued a pair of "Elvis" sunglasses) at 6pm in the afternoon in the middle of a brutal Texas summer... The event is a benefit for the RunTex Carrozza Foundation, a nonprofit group that provides running shoes, coaching and race entry fees for people with low incomes. Paul Carrozza is also the owner of RunTex, the absolute coolest running store on the planet located here in Austin Texas! We start off together and my son says he wants to go on ahead and I quickly agree mumbling something to the effect that I will catch up later (oh ...
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By Celeste Messer, Austin Real Estate, Kyle Real Estate
(Adkor Realty)
I noticed recently that it was a lot easier to show homes lately...why you ask?  Because there are so many vacant homes in the three major counties I serve, Travis, Hays and Williamson Counties. People have moved because of transfers or unfortunately foreclosure situations and when a home is vacant I don't need to make appointments.  I can just take my clients straight away.  Now from a market perspective I don't like to see it but I have to admit it does make showing homes a lot easier.  When you see a vacant home you usually can translate that into a more motivated seller.  The seller is now likely making two mortgage payments or in the case of a pre-foreclosure or foreclosure the bank may be willing to accept a lower offer.  On one such showing day I found over half of my planned sho...
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By Victor Montalvo Bilingual Realtor Sí, hablo español
(Exit Realty Associates)
The American Nightmare is a new book written by veteran housing counselors Sylvia Alvarez and Walter Walker Jr. that offers distressed homeowners tips and strategies to prevent, survive and overcome foreclosure.  The purpose of the book is to inform homeowners about their options, show them what actions to take and the possible ways they can avoid foreclosure simply by understanding the process.  The book, which is sponsored by the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals and Freddie Mac, will be distributed at nonprofit counseling events and is available for purchase for $14.95 at www.NAHREP.org.  Researchers estimate that as many as HALF of all borrowers who go into foreclosure never took action soon enough. We're only half way through this crisis. Homeowners must l...
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By Ki Gray, Austin Real Estate
Taylor, Texas, is a small city about a half hour's drive north of Austin near Interstate 35 and Highway 79, and the city was originally named Taylorville, in honor of Edward Moses Taylor, who was a well known railroad official. Taylor was founded in 1876 when the Texas Land Company auctioned lots in anticipation of the arrival of the railroad. The town was founded primarily by Czechoslovakian immigrants, along with mostly German and Austrian immigrants who purchased the land, most of which was being used by the railroad since the city was becoming a shipping point for cattle, grain and cotton. In 1882, the town was incorporated, and a public school system was built, and in the same year, the Taylor, Bastrop and Houston Railway reached the small community, allowing for more trade. The ci...
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By Robin Scott, Broker, REALTOR® - Austin Texas
(Robin Scott, REALTOR®)
Upcoming Events for Davis Spring ResidentsFall Festival & SpooktacularSATURDAY, November 110-11:30AM. Meet at the Trailhead Park and wear your costume. Santa in Trailhead ParkSATURDAY, December 6Santa in Trailhead Park10-11 AM. Sit on Santa's lap and get your picture taken. Hot chocolate will be served.News - Water Retention PondThe Davis Spring developer has announced plans to transfer ownership of the water retention pond at the bend in Thatcher to the neighborhood association. This will allow for an opportunity to make improvements such as a walking path and benches. To get involved in a discussion of future improvements contact the board. If you are interested in finding out more about Austin, living in Austin, real estate or buying or selling a home, I want to be your REALTOR. And ...
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By Karen Staha, CRS, GRI, ABR, REALTOR, Austin & Surrounding Areas Texas
(Gaston & Sheehan Realty)
Today I was missing in action from my normal real estate activities, but it was still a day all about real estate. I attended Austin Board of Realtor's 'Realty Round-Up,' the largest real estate related trade show in Central Texas. This day-long event is a once a year opportunity to browse the latest industry products and services, attend a variety of well-informed seminars, and network all under one roof. I had a great time. It was an active scene throughout the day with over 2,000 attendees toting bags full of industry related goodies collected from booth to booth and dropping business cards in plastic pumpkins for a chance to win lunches, gifts cards and more.  Honestly, I think we looked much like a bunch of kids trick-or-treating on Halloween. This years event featured a ‘Super Her...
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By Garreth Wilcock, Sherlock Homes Frisco
(Sherlock Homes Frisco)
Here is an analysis of some Austin MLS data, and my thoughts on prices now versus last year in Austin Texas. The folliowing data was compiled from the Austin Board of Realtors® monthly statistics report, covering all Austin homes.   # homes sold  in 2008 % change from 2007 median price 2008 median price 2007 % change in median price dollar volume 2008 June 2211 -20 $200,000.00 $191,050.00 4.7 $577,471,191.00 July 2071 -21 $195,000.00 $190,000.00 2.6 $534,206,166.00 August 1992 -20 $195,000.00 $192,200.00 1.5 $521,503,608.00 September 1670 -8 $182,600.00 $182,500.00 0.1 $406,955,620.00   Read more about Austin home prices... Garreth Wilcock is a real estate consultant at Keller Williams. He helps investors find Central and East Austin real estate. Call 512 694 8873 or contact him at his ...
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By Garreth Wilcock, Sherlock Homes Frisco
(Sherlock Homes Frisco)
New homes at Mueller are still available from the builders, and there are challenges if you wish to sell your home there. In this part II of the series "How Do I Sell My Home at Mueller?" I examine the market forces that you have to compete with. In part I, I discussed the current state of development at Mueller Austin - we are in phase II, with nine planned phases of residential development. In part III I look at some of the tactics you can use to compete with the builders. Why is it difficult to sell a home in a residential development under construction? Competing with the builders. The Mueller builders are selling homes in the development too, and they have a number of things on their side as the market balances supply... Read more about Selling homes at Mueller Austin... Garreth Wi...
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By Garreth Wilcock, Sherlock Homes Frisco
(Sherlock Homes Frisco)
Homes at Mueller Austin are filling fast as Phase II is well underway and new neighbors are moving in. How long will it be before development is complete, and what implications does this have if you're trying to sell your home at Mueller? This is the first part of a three part series which examines the status of development at Mueller, what the challenges for re-selling your home are, and how to compete with the builders if you need to sell in a growing development. At what stage of development is Mueller Austin? 348 Homes sold in Phase I of the Robert Mueller Airport Redevelopment in Central East Austin, with the first pioneers moving in at the end of 2007. As pioneers ourselves, we were lucky enough to win a high ranking in the pioneer lottery and close on our home in February 2008. B...
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