Another Successful Closing - Congratulations Christina!

Congratulations to Christina, a first-time homebuyer! Christina travels so much for her job that she wanted to live close to the airport and also wanted an acre lot. I found the perfect match with this 4 bedroom home on an acre in a Bastrop neighborhood - The Colony.

A special thanks to Leslie Alsup for the referral.

If you know anyone who would like to buy a or sell a home, please call me. I offer a high level of service and would like to demonstrate that to you. But don't take my word for it; email me for references. I have very satisfied clients and would like to add you to that list. 512.589.7988 or robin@robinscottrealtor.com.

Austin, Texas. Robin Scott, BROKER. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. Amelia Bullock Realtors. 512.589.7988.

Another Successful Closing - Melanie's Walk

First-time homebuyer Melissa has a new home and will take advantage of the first-time home buyer $8,000 tax credit. Thanks, Melissa.

If you would like to find out more about the first-time homebuyer tax credit and are interested in buying a home in the greater Austin area, call me. I'd love to help you achieve the American Dream of home ownership.

Austin, Texas. Robin Scott, BROKER. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. Amelia Bullock Realtors. 512.589.7988.

October, Breast Cancer and Me

Coincidentally, it was in October that I discovered I had Breast Cancer. That was in 2006 and today I had another of many successful checkups with my Oncologist. I was really lucky. No I did not catch it early but I did catch it in time. My doctors were great, I was determined and today I am Cancer free.

Cancer is a disease that affects both men and women and the statistics are devastating. There is still so much unknown about Breast Cancer and I don't know if I inherited it from my Mother who had it, if it's because of my ethnic background ( Ashkenazim Jew), if it was the hormones in the meat I ate, the birth control pills I took or the plastic in the water bottles.

We must all be more careful about our environment for many health reasons and we must also be conscience of our health. I found my Cancer through an irregular self-breast exam. It had been 13 months since my latest mammogram and I wasn't good about the monthly self exams you are supposed to conduct. Thankfully I did check and after 7 surgeries, 6 rounds of intense chemotherapy and 33 radiation treatments, I'm alive and well.

Most of you know someone who has had Breast Cancer. Perhaps you have. My mother, 2 of my clients, 3 people in my office and countless relatives of friends that I know have. I didn't think it would be me. My Mother was only 39 so I thought I had passed the risk zone since I was 54 but there it was.

We don't yet know how to prevent Breast Cancer but early detection is key to surviving. Please do your monthly self exams and if you don't know how, ask your doctor.
By the way, my Mother is now 82 years old and my goal is to live to be 100 years old. Oh, I'll probably still be selling real estate too.

Austin, Texas. Robin Scott, BROKER. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. Amelia Bullock Realtors. 512.589.7988.

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Daylight Savings Time Ends

November 1 at 2am daylight saving is changing again. Set your clocks back one hour. Remember Spring forward, Fall back.

Robin Scott, BROKER. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. Amelia Bullock Realtors. 512.589.7988.

The House Must Appraise

If your buyer is obtaining financing! Oh sure there are other options. The buyer could pay the difference in cash or the buyer and seller could split the difference but NOT in today's market.

This is a buyer's market.

The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the buyer doesn't pay more than the property is worth. Would you pay more than a home was worth?

The lender won't. The lender wants to make sure that the house is worth the sales price because if the buyer were to default on the loan, the lender wants to make sure they can recover their loss.

The buyer won't either. Buyers want to know that they are making a GOOD investment. One that will appreciate, build equity and supply the most money possible when they sell.

In addition, if it's an FHA buyer (and because of the recent changes in the lending rules that's what most first-time homebuyers will be because of the low downpayment requirements - 3.5% ) that appraisal will remain on the FHA records for 6 months.

In a sellers market or if the property is especially desirable a buyer may be interested in paying more than appraised value but that buyer must have the cash for the difference because the lender won't make a loan for more than appraised value minus the downpayment.

The appraisal prosses is designed to protect the buyer and the lender from over paying for a property.

Robin Scott, BROKER. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. Amelia Bullock Realtors. 512.589.7988.

Market Statistics for Austin Area

Austin Area Market Statistics Made Simple. The Austin Board of Realtors compares the information with the same time period of the previous year. The following statistics are for the month of August 2009 compared to August 2008.

ACTIVE LISTINGS: 9,555 down 8%. The reduced inventory is a good thing.

SOLD : 1,793 down 10%. Demonstrates our market has not declined much compared to other areas.

MEDIAN PRICE: $189,000 down 4% area wide. Another indication that the market has not declined much.

Robin Scott, BROKER. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. Amelia Bullock Realtors. 512.589.7988.

Another Successful Closing - Margit

In Popular Milwood. This cute 3/2/2 sold in 3 days and closed today. 12707 Margit Dr. As always there were some bumps in the road but we made it through and now there is a new happy owner. Asking price $135,000.

If you have a home to sell, call me. I'd love an opportunity to discuss how I can help you achieve your goal of selling your house.

Robin Scott, BROKER. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. Amelia Bullock Realtors. 512.589.7988.

New Driving Laws in Texas - No Cell Phones in School Zones

If you haven't heard, in Texas it's now against the law to use your cell phone in a school zone unless you are using a hands-free device or you are stopped. exempt are drives making emergency calls to emergency responders such as EMS, fire department and law enforcement. The fine is $200 and signs are being posted this month.
BE CAREFUL OUT THERE!
Other road rules that went into effect on September 1:
• ALL car passengers must wear seatbelts no matter their age.
• Children under 8 must use a booster seat unless they are more than 4'9".
• Teenagers must pass a driving skills test AND a written test to obtain a driver's license.
• Penalties have been increased for those driving with a suspended license or without insurance.
• Motorcyclists must complete a certified training course and cannot carry passengers under 5 on the bike.
• Those suspected of drunk driving with a history of DWI cannot refuse a blood test by law enforcement.
• Golf carts cannot use public roads unless on a beach, driving to a golf course or on roads with posted 35 mile per hour sign.
• New residents to Texas may drive for 90 days before obtaining a new Texas drivers license.
• Parking violation fines at the state Capitol have increased to $25.

Robin Scott, BROKER. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. Amelia Bullock Realtors. 512.589.7988.

Search for homes through Austin MLS
Find your home's value
Buying or selling? Hire an experienced professional. Call Robin Scott, Broker at 512.589.7988.

Like us on facebook!