November 2nd, 2014  Daylight Saving Time Begins Don't forget to set your clocks back one hour, advancing clocks back during the fall month November 2nd, 2014 allows for more daylight hours. Daylight Savings can be blamed on Benjamin Franklin who is often credited with being the inventor of DST in 1784 essay "an Economical Project for Diminishing the Cost of Light". He proposed to economize the use of candles by rising in the morning to make use of the morning sunlight. Germany was the first country to implement DST. Clocks there were first turned forward at 11:00 pm. on April 30th 1916.   Some fun facts about DST 10/07/2014

Twin Creek Neighborhood market update for October 6th, 2014 Twin Creek Neighborhood is located in Cedar Park, TX 78613 offering beautiful single family and garden style homes for sale. Currently Twin Creek offers 9 active listings priced between $310,000 to $1,095,000. 3 Pending properties listed between $315,000 to $538,900  3 Pending Backup's listed between $235,000 to $599,900  In the last six month's Twin Creek has had 76 closed sales ranging from $265,000 to $788,262 with an average 67 to 70 days on market. Recap of Market Statistics: Min list price $235,000 Min sales price $265,000 SP/LP 86.54% Max list price $1,095,000 Max sales price $788,262 SP/LP 105.09% Average list price $438,605 Average sale price $411,394 SP/LP 98.52% Median list price $399,500 Median sale price $380,000 S... 10/06/2014

Cedar Park 4 bedroom homes for sale priced between $200,000-$400,000 Currently in Cedar Park zip code of 78613 there is 72 active 4 bedroom homes for sale starting at $213,900-399,900 with square feet ranging from 2500 sqft to 4,000 sqft. 8 Pending listings priced from $324,000-$394,000 28 Pending Backups priced from $200,000-$394,000 152 sold properties in the past 90 days ranging from $199,900-$400,000 Market Analysis Summary: Min List Price $199,900 Min Sale Price $200,000 SP/LP 88.34% Max List Price $422,990 Max Sale Price $400,000 SP/LP 104.73% Average List Price $298,480 Average Sale Price$288,184 SP/LP 98.69% Median List Price $290,000 Median Sale Price $283700 SP/Lp 93.08% 43-47 Average days on the market  Cedar Park 4 bedroom homes for sale between $200,000 & $400,000 in 78613 ... 10/04/2014

The secret is out.  Cedar Park consistently has been voted as one of the best cities to raise a family. With top schools, easy commute to Austin, parks and affordable housing.. of course it is!  But let me tell you something... there is way more to Cedar Park than any demographic report can pinpoint.  As a resident of Cedar Park I am almost afraid of sharing just how great this community is. Let's face it, the more people who move here the worse the traffic is getting!   I am embarrassed to admit that when I first moved to Central Texas in 2005 I did not choose Cedar Park for my own home.  My first impression was no cute little downtown, and frankly - there really wasn't a town feel at all.  Everything looked very 80's and cookie cutter.  Oh, how my generic criteria list failed me.  Let... 10/01/2014

Today I received a email card from RE/MAX of Texas congratulating me for another year anniversary. I wanted to share the card, and let everyone know why I work for such a thoughtful real estate firm. "above the crowd"! ___________________________________________________________________ Happy Anniversary, Robert Ratliff, Jr.!We remember this day on 10/01/2004 that you first joined RE/MAX, and can’t think of a better reason to celebrate! You make us proud every day as part of the most professional real estate sales team on earth, and we’re honored to work for you in support of your goals.Congratulations on all the hard work, initiative and drive that have built your success, and the completion of yet another year owning your own business. We hope you know how much we appreciate all that ... 10/01/2014

Happy World Vegetarian Day! Even if you are not 100% vegetarian you should eat more vegetables for a healthier body and mind. Did you know that a low-fat vegetarian diet is effective preventing coronary artery disease? According to the USDA plants produce more than 10 times the amount of protein than animals per acre. USDA also estimated that humans consume more than 80 billion animals yearly. Another great fact about vegetables verses meat-protein is it only takes 150 gallons of water to produce one pound of wheat; it takes 4,000 gallons of water to produce one pound of meat.   Have a Happy World Vegetarian Day! 09/30/2014

What is a MUD? Will Buyers pay more in taxes living in a MUD? What is a MUD? A Municipal-Utility-District authorized by a political subdivision by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality providing water, sewage, drainage, and other services within its boundaries. Property owners and developers of neighborhoods will petition the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to form a MUD within the district. Disclosure of MUD notice: A homeowner/seller is required by the Texas Water Code to provide notice to buyers if their property is located in a MUD prior to buyer entering into a sales contract. In my thirteen years of real estate I rarely have known of a buyer getting a “MUD Notice to Purchaser”, prior to entering a sales contract. Often times they don’t see MUD notice until at the... 09/27/2014

Forest Oak Neighborhood in Cedar Park Market Update September 2014 Forest Oak borders northwest boundaries of Austin, west of Lake Travis, and east of Round Rock, south of Leander; one never knows when entering out of one city and entering the other. Cedar Park was incorporated on February 24, 1973, by the citizen and today’s population is 61,238 according to the 2013 census.   Forest Oak is located in Cedar Park Texas nestled between Vista Ridge Blvd and east 183A toll and north of Brushy Creek Rd. Cedar Park Forest Oak Master planned community consist of approximately 1400+ homes varying in prices from the $200K-400’s+ and offers two community pools, play-scapes and 2.5 mile greenbelt wooded hike & bike trail that runs through the center of Forest Oak.   Forest Oak Neighborhood border... 09/26/2014

Should homeowner’s selling their home offer a “Home Warranty”? Many real estate agents will agree it is good practice for homeowners to offer their buyer a home warranty at closing. Buyers need to know a home warranty is not the same thing as homeowners insurance. Home Warranty is a contract between a homeowner and a home warranty company that provides for discounted repair and replacement service on a home's major components, such as the furnace, air conditioning, plumbing and electrical system. Two months ago our buyer moved in to their new purchased home and the hot-water heater went out, thank goodness it was covered under their sellers-home-warranty. When representing sellers we suggest they offer a home warranty and when working with buyers we suggest they ask in their offer for a... 09/23/2014

Is Jibo Robot the next new home trend for homeowners? JIBO's is a unique robot engaging in casual conversation and completing daily tasks, like taking family photos, recording stories and conversations, notifying of messages and emails.   Jibo robot can interact and react with its human counter-parts; described as a “family robot” because it is able to see, hear, speak, learn, and help families with a variety of tasks around the house.   Teaching children education, helping elderly and handicap with scheduling medication schedules, singing songs, random conversation and dancing.   Jibo, Inc. is backed by $5.59 million in venture funding from investors. Check out the video below to see this unique robot interact with humans 09/19/2014

What is a Spice Kitchen? A Spice Kitchen is a secondary kitchen usually adjacent to a main kitchen in many homes, primarily used by ethnic cultures. Spice Kitchen is a separate room from main kitchen but often found outside in many cultures, keeping the aroma of spices, oils and steam contained and vented from the main house preventing rugs, curtains and furniture absorbing the odors. Spice Kitchens in homes commonly look similar to a regular kitchen but smaller with range and vented exhaust hood, cabinets for spices, sink and refrigerator. Roasting and frying spices with such foods as chickpea masala, tandoori chicken, chutneys, oily fish dishes, kimchi, and many other pungent foods makes these small kitchens popular. Today while watching “keep it or list it”, this Indonesian couple ha... 09/19/2014

Cedar Park is known for its many neighborhoods and subdivisions located in 78613 zip codes. Cedar Park wasn’t always called Cedar Park, in the mid 1900’s it was known as Running Brushy, named after a spring on the upper Brushy Creek headwaters. George and Harriet Cluck ran their cattle up the “Chisholm Trail” in 1873 and bought 329 acres along the creek. The Cluck ranch eventually became the core of the community and would later be named Cedar Park by Emmett Cluck one of the George and Harriets children.   Cedar Park Neighborhoods began to pop up in the early 1950’s & 1960’s due to the growth of nearby Austin TX. Cedar Park was incorporated on February 24, 1973, by the citizen and today’s population is 61,238 according to the 2013 census. Cedar Park still has a small town feel with all ... 09/17/2014

Learn more about 1900 Little Elm #139 and other Cedar Park Area Homes or call 512-342-8744 for more info. NEIGHBORHOOD: Cypress Creek TownhomesSTORIES: 1BEDROOMS: 3BATHS: 2SQUARE FEET: 1330 (per tax record)YEAR BUILT: 2012GARAGE SPACES 1Fall in love with this single-story, end-unit townhome with gorgeous greenbelt views! Your fenced-in backyard is maintained by the HOA, as well as the front and side yard. HOA also includes water, sewer and trash fees! Tile floors throughout the living spaces. Upgraded kitchen includes tall cabinetry, granite counters and an extra deep pantry. Stylish light fixtures, designer paint colors and window treatments. Garden tub and walk-in closet in the master bedroom. Attached 1-car garage & plenty of parking! 09/17/2014

Find out more about 408 Cripple Creek Rd and other Cedar Park Area Homes or call 512-342-8744 for more info.NEIGHBORHOOD: Buttercup CreekSTORIES: 2BEDROOMS: 5BATHS: 3.5SQUARE FEET: 3124 (per tax record)YEAR BUILT: 1992GARAGE SPACES: 2Spacious 5 bedroom 3124 sq. ft. home in great location! No HOA. Stunning entrance with wood flooring and inviting stairway. Master down and 4 beds up. Flex or game room up separating bedrooms.  09/15/2014

 2014 Casa Superhero Run ~ Cedar Park Center ~ 9/21/14    The CASA programs of the Greater Austin Area are sponsoring the Casa Superhero Run on Sunday, September 21, 2014 at 7 am at the Cedar Park Center. 5K and 1 mile kids run.    Everyone is welcome for the superhero run..family, friends, pets, strollers..this is a day to have fun and display a positive attitude towards all children! Wear costumes and enjoy all the day has to offer.     2014 EVENT ACTIVITIES TO INCLUDE: ·        Superhero costume contest and dance party on the main stage ·        Batmobile pace car ·        Tons of superhero guest appearances ·        Photo booth to capture superhero memories ·        High-flying heroic aerial performance by Four Elements Aerial and Creative Movement students and staff!   ·        #Su... 09/14/2014

We Can’t Preach Something We Don’t Practice in Real Estate!   The majority of us in our real estate career preach what we practice, right?   Having my morning coffee I began to think “do I practice what I preach”, “or do I preach what I practice”?   We read blogs daily in the RAIN about our industry practices, suggestions, how to’s, etc and this comes to the big question; “do we practice what we preach”?   What would you Say if asked the question “Do you Practice What You Preach”?      “Don’t practice what you preach. Preach what you practice.” 09/13/2014

Giving Tenants Notice to Show A Lease Property Tenants lease is ending in two months, and their landlord puts the property on the market. Can a tenant ask the landlord to give a one days notice before agents show the property? Tenants should read and understand their lease agreements which outline the terms. Lease agreement will state Landlord will put the property on the market 60 days (less or more) prior to expiration unless lease is renewed and or if tenant has given written notice. If a tenant has signed a Residential Lease, tenant has agreed that the landlord or anyone authorized by the landlord will first attempt to contact tenant but may enter the property at reasonable times without notice to show the property to prospective tenants or buyers. If a tenant refuses to provide acc... 09/12/2014

Creating Hidden Storage Space Around Your Home For Your Stuff Homeowners often mention they don't have enough storage space in their current home for all their STUFF.    Like George Carlin say's in his video "I need a place for all my stuff".   First step before finding more storage space is to organize existing storage spaces. Most homeowners have plenty of storage hidden around their homes but often create disorganized clutter taking up space.   Determine whether you need more storage space, draw a plan and list what you want to have in each room. Each storage area should be a "one motion", meaning storage drawers are able to open easily, open cabinets easily, open closets easily without stuff falling out.   Hidden Storage Ideas: Window Wells Under Stairs Under Beds Back of Doors Wall... 09/11/2014

Early Bird Catches The Worm The early bird catches the worm! This proverbial saying, first recorded in English in 1605, is so familiar that it is often shortened to early bird, a term also used in the sense of “early riser”. I was scrolling through Face Book early am today and while conversing with a dear friend from the RAIN "Roger Mucci", who also gets up very early.  I asked Roger what I should blog about today since I was drawing a blank, probably because it was so early. He mentioned blogging about our getting up early and why I like to get up early.  I've always been an "early riser", probably from growing up in a rural community and following my grandfathers footsteps an early riser himself. One of my favorite memories of being young was to wake to birds singing early pre -sunris... 09/08/2014

Barndominium's becoming popular, affordable, & economic for homeowners.  Barn Home Living styles feature bold timber frame interiors with exposed beams creating a unique environment that stands out from traditional home styles. Barn Homes come in all styles and are being used for more than just horses and hay.  Using reclaimed historic barn frames as the “core” feature of a barn home gives a warm comfortable atmosphere, however their are many barn builders who design steel framed barns. Even if no barn exists on the land it is still possible to add an “old barn". The word Barndominium meaning: A non-traditional structure, the barndominium is a steel frame and sheet metal building, originally designed as a storage building or barn structure that has been repurposed by the addition of liv... 09/07/2014