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Austin, TX Real Estate News

By Jessica Bruehl
(JKB Realty Group)
The article below gives the basic 411 on credit scores, but most people don't understand the financial implication your score makes on a home purchase.  For example, the difference between a 680 credit score and a 650 is more that just 30 points.  That difference can increase your interest rate .25%.  On the average $250K home in Austin over a 30 year loan, it could cost you an extra $36,500 due to those 30 points.  That $36,500 could have helped you shave off just over 2 years of your loan.   Another penalty caused by that 30 point swing is that the bank won't allow you to waive your escrow account.  That means instead of you being able to save money every month for your taxes and insurance, the bank gets to hold your money, i.e. collect all of the interest!  That's another $15,000 you...
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By Dee Copeland, Principal Broker
(Copeland Group Realty)
 I normally post a community or builder spotlight each Friday, but the short week led me to try something different. This week's spotlight is about two real estate investment rock stars in Austin, Castle Hill Investments and the Crossland Team. Both Texas real estate brokers specialize in single and multi-family investment property. I chose these two companies because I respect how they do business.I'm preparing for the upcoming year-end market update, so expect to hear from both Robert Grunnah, Jr. and Steve Crossland on how they think the Austin real estate market will perform in 2008. The 3rd Quarter Austin Market Update was a huge success with over one thousand views of my audio slideshow.WHAT'S SO GREAT ABOUT STEVE CROSSLAND'S TEAM?While the Copeland Group specializes in representi...
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By Jeff Kessler, Broker,CLHMS,GRI
(Austin Homes, Realtors www.OwnAustin.com)
IT'S BACK. You can now subscribe as of January 14, 2008, Austin Energy again offers GreenChoice to the public.The GreenChoice charge of 5.5 cents per kWh is fixed until December 31, 2022. It replaces Austin Energy's fuel charge of 3.65 cents per kWh. The average residential customer consuming about 1,000 kWh per month will pay about $18.50 more per month for GreenChoice powerAustin Energy already has 665 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) in subscriptions makingGreenChoice the nation's most successful utility-sponsored green power program. GreenChoice® electricity comes from clean, renewable sources.http://austinenergy.com/Energy%20Efficiency/Programs/Green%20Choice/index.htm How awesome is this?  Just another way to keep the earth green.J.Remember if you would like a rebate on a new home in ...
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By Christopher Brooks, Austin TX
(REMAX Capital City Austin Texas)
Yesterday I offered a set of New Year's Resolutions for any Austin Home Buyer for 2008. Today the focus is aimed at Sellers who may have plans to enter their home into the Austin Real Estate Marketplace. So for those wanting a successful sale, here are some of your resolutions. 1. Learn About the Austin Housing Market: Just like a buyer, it is a good idea to for sellers to understand their local market too. Seek the facts on your specific area where your home is located. In 2006 through most of 2007, sellers were seemingly flattered with an abundance of buyers and multiple offers. The market has cooled down a little so it is a good idea to understand the speed of your neighborhood currently so your moving plans will go smoothly. Get specific facts. 2. Spend More Time With Your Home: Tod...
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By Jeff Kessler, Broker,CLHMS,GRI
(Austin Homes, Realtors www.OwnAustin.com)
In April of 07 Austin Energy and the Central Texas Clean Cities started to offer a rebate to help customers who purchase all electric vehicles.   These include cars, bicycles and scooters.  My friend took advantage of the program and saved about $100 bucks on a brand new scooter. If you buy an all electric vehicle you get $250 bucks back and on a bike you get $50.  You can go to www.cityofaustin.org/cleancities to get an application and find out more.Don't forget this is just one program there are so many more out there that can help you save a lot of money on that next new vehicle.  Have a great day.Jeff KesslerRemember if you would like a rebate on a new home in Texas see my website at http://www.rebateontexashomes.com for more info on how to get up to 5% cash back.  Just another grea...
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By Ki Gray, Austin Real Estate
So I get sick or writing about Austin real estate all the time. So I like to break up the monotony. So I'm only posting this in the goofing off club and some other groups. Everywhere you look in Austin it seems there is filming going on. From huge blockbuster movies like The Alamo and Miss Congeniality to network television series like Friday Night Lights, Austin has become a favorite location for directors and producers nationwide to create some of our favorite movies and television shows. Studios have fallen in love with Austin because of our abundance of talented actors and crew as well as the price of doing business in our town which is substantially more affordable than much larger places such as New York or Los Angeles. Every production requires and enormous amount of support from...
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By Ki Gray, Austin Real Estate
So I get sick or writing about Austin real estate all the time. So I like to break up the monotony. So I'm only posting this in the goofing off club and some other groups. Everywhere you look in Austin it seems there is filming going on. From huge blockbuster movies like The Alamo and Miss Congeniality to network television series like Friday Night Lights, Austin has become a favorite location for directors and producers nationwide to create some of our favorite movies and television shows. Studios have fallen in love with Austin because of our abundance of talented actors and crew as well as the price of doing business in our town which is substantially more affordable than much larger places such as New York or Los Angeles. Every production requires and enormous amount of support from...
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By Christopher Brooks, Austin TX
(REMAX Capital City Austin Texas)
Now that the holidays are over, the Texas Longhorn Bowl game has been won, the champagne glasses are empty, and all the great holiday sales are coming to an end, its time to think about our New Year’s Resolutions. For most its joining Pure to get back in shape or maybe an initiative to get organized- or maybe, just trying to stick with your new resolutions longer than you did in 2007. To help, I created the Austin Home Buyer’s New Year’s Resolutions list for 2008 conveniently available below to help if you are thinking about buying a home this year in and around Austin. 1. Learn About the Austin Housing Market: What may be a surprise to you is that our market is quite different from many of the other ailing areas of the country. Even Neighborhoods are different. National media reports ...
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By Dee Copeland, Principal Broker
(Copeland Group Realty)
Last week, I wrote a much talked-about article about the controversy surrounding the Austin Board of REALTOR®'s late launch of the new MLS tool, MLXchange. Top issues included:Numerous kinks and flaws set members back during these last few weeks of the holiday season. Mac users could not access automated home reports or personalized sites. Worse, agents were told the issue "may never be resolved". I wondered why ABOR limits access by consumers to MLS statistics and data that is provided in detail by Houston and San Antonio. GOOD NEWS!Although I didn't see a press release or announcement, my own tests showed that Mac/Safari/Firefox users should be able to see properties from MLXchange as of last Thursday. I was elated and felt that ABOR escalated the browser issue after the public made i...
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By Alan Kirkpatrick, Alan in Austin
(Austin Texas Homes)
    The Capitol City of Texas, Austin is the home of Live Music, the University of Texas and so much more!   In the Heart of Hill Country you can find something to do night and day. Just click the picture to find out more!            Austin Living is indeed unique. For a taste of Austin try a tour of the famed 6th street. You will find a variety of foods and spots to listen to live music. Outdoor living is the way of the west and you can enjoy the outdoors in Central Texas year round.                 You can view the capitol at night and enjoy FREE WIFI downtown.   Here is a sample of Austin Texas Living...                                  Want to see more? Join my blog below and you can see what is going on in the Central Texas area at the click of a button.  
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By Ki Gray, Austin Real Estate
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 Hills area, which was named after his father (the first Arthur Dallas Stenger), who was also an architect. Though Stenger attended architecture school at the University of Texas after returning home from World War II, he never graduated. He did get his architecture license as an undergraduate, and began building homes for post war Austinites. Though FHA loans had design restrictions built into them, it didn’t stop Stenger from creating unique homes that were moderately priced, even if he had to help...
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By Alan Kirkpatrick, Alan in Austin
(Austin Texas Homes)
  Ready or Not here is 2008! From our family to yours we wish you a Happy and prosperous New Year! On the menu for New Years day dinner is Texas Barbecue Ribs, potato salad, corn on the cob and sweet ice tea. "It s a great time to take a closer look at Central Texas Real Estate. There are some great deals in commercial and residential. Several multi family properties look very attractive in this University town. The rental capacity is in the high 90 percentage making leasing out a rental property much easier.   There are plenty of beautiful properties to choose from. Looking for a new Home? Try Teravista in nearby Round Rock Texas.         Teravista is a master planned community with a beautiful 18 hole golf course, clubhouse, pools, basketball court. workout center and its own back-doo...
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By Shay Hargus Webb
(Austin Avenue Real Estate Company)
I don't think there is anywhere in the world that is as much fun as Austin on New Year's Eve.  Austin is quite a party town on this special night, especially along our famous 6th Street.  But there is more than just the usual New Year's Eve Party in Austin.   Here in Austin, we always work towards being the best and keeping it weird so, of course, our last night of the year is known as "First Night".  This tradition began in 1976 and, as with the Trail of Lights, it is a time of transformation.  Downtown Austin becomes a stage as the city's streets, storefronts, parks and plazas become a huge Art-Music Fest.    Most cities celebrate but with an accent on more adult pursuits which include "spirits".  Here in Austin, we celebrate with the family in mind and lots of spirits of the natural ...
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By Alan Kirkpatrick, Alan in Austin
(Austin Texas Homes)
 Wednesday, December 26, 2007 - 2:18 PM CSTStudy: Austin homes prices up 8.6%Austin Business JournalHome prices in Texas -- especially in Austin -- have defied the overall downward trend seen in other U.S. housing markets, according to a study by First American LoanPerformance.In the Austin market, home prices increased 8.62 percent over the 12-month period ending in October. Other Texas markets included in the study's top 30 statistical areas include Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, which increased 3.92 percent; Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, up 4.52 percent; and San Antonio, with a 7.89 percent increase.LoanPerformance Home Price Index reports 12-month home price changes by the top 30 core-based statistical areas as of October 2007.Home prices fell in 21 states over the past year, according ...
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By Jeff Kessler, Broker,CLHMS,GRI
(Austin Homes, Realtors www.OwnAustin.com)
Some Austin Texas events for Dec 31st.J.Cotillion, The Exhibit Dec 31, 9:30am Austin, George Washington Carver Museum And Cultural Center First Night Family Activities Dec 31, 3:00pm Austin, Austin Childrens Museum Duke TIP 7th Grade Talent Search Dec 31, 4:15pm Austin, Duke University Talent Identification Program AYC New Years Evening Party Dec 31, 8:00pm Austin, Austin Yacht Club Holiday Break Dec 31 Austin, Austin Waldorf School
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By Steve Aubin
(Sand Castles Realty)
I am in the market for more rental properties. I focus on the Southwest part of Austin and would like to find out about any short sales in the area. If you have any informationon 3 bed 2 bath homes about 1200-1500 sq ft in this area, that are getting sold by lenders or banks please let me know
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By Steve Aubin
(Sand Castles Realty)
I have been doins some work on the downtown Austin growing Condo market. I have created a link on my web site under featured areas that lists those condos that I have found to be valid and moving forward, please check this out when your are ready for help with finding the right downtown condo.
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By Jeff Kessler, Broker,CLHMS,GRI
(Austin Homes, Realtors www.OwnAustin.com)
Here are a few events to do in Austin this Sat.SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29TH Exhibition: Bills, Bills, Bills Dec 29, 9:00am Austin, Lyndon Baines Johnson Library And Museum Exhibition - Laguna Gloria Grounded Dec 29, 10:00am Austin, Austin Museum Of Art Exhibition - Roy Lichtenstein Prints Dec 29, 10:00am Austin, Austin Museum Of Art Exhibition: WorkSpace - Paul Ramirez Jonas Dec 29, 10:00am Austin, Blanton Museum of Art Jorge Macchi - The Anatomy of Melancholy Dec 29, 10:00am Austin, Blanton Museum of Art Mike's World - Michael Smith And Joshua White Dec 29, 10:00am Austin, Blanton Museum of Art Storytime Dec 29, 11:00am Austin, Austin Childrens Museum Discovery Time: Pixel Printing Dec 29, 12:00pm Austin, Austin Childrens Museum Cotillion, The Exhibit Dec 29, 1:00pm Austin, George Washingto...
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By Mark and Tana Hunt, Born and raised in Austin, WE KNOW THIS PLACE!
(Team Price Real Estate/Dan Price Broker)
Buyers Agent:*If you know who the buyer is going to use as their lender let the Title Company know at the time that you turn in your contract*Same with the Residential Service Agreement, if and when you know who the buyer will use, let the Title Company know so that they can order it for you.*Make sure the Buyer is getting Homeowners Insurance in place*Only certified funds are accepted over $1500.00 (in Texas) so the buyer will need to get a wire or cashiers check payable to The Title Company.*Buyer will need to bring Drivers License to closing*It is always good, and I make it a practice to attempt to get copies from the lender for the buyers review at least 24 hours in advance.  This way, for one... the papers will be READY and in ORDER for closing plus the buyers can check the interes...
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By Deb Dahlberg - Rowland, Deb Sells Texas!
(Stanberry Realtors)
Glossary of Horse TermsHock: Financial condition of all horse owners.Stall: What your rig does at rush hour in an unfamiliar city on the wayto a big horse showA Bit: What you have left in your pocket after you've been to yourfavorite tack shop.Fence: Decorative structure built to provide your horse with somethingto chew on.Horse Auction: What you think of having after your horse bucks you off.Pinto: Green coat pattern found on freshly washed light colored horsesleft unattended for 2 minutes.Well Mannered: Hasn't stepped on, bitten, or kicked anyone for a week.Rasp: Abrasive metal tool used to remove excess skin from ones knuckles.Lunging: Popular training method in which a horse exercises their ownerby spinning them in circles until dizzy.Gallop: Customary gait a horse chooses when retu...
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