Selecting Interior Paint Colors

Painting is probably the easiest and least expensive way to freshen a room or whole house but making the right color choices are important for you and a potential buyer when choosing interior paint colors.
Remember when white walls were all the rage because they were clean and bright. That is no longer the case. Now they are perceived as lifeless and boring. Tan, beige or taupe are the new white as people have become more attracted to a warm, welcoming feeling.
One of the wonderful things about color on your walls is that it enhances any architectural features like window or doorway framing, crown molding, baseboards and art/photos.

There are some thoughts about how color effects ones moods as well.

RED creates energy and excitement. It's associated with passion and makes the heart beat faster.

PURPLE is thought to stimulate brain activity.

BLUE slows your pulse rate and lowers your body temperature.

GREEN is calming and represents renewal, youth and vigor.

YELLOW represents happiness and optimism. Studies show that viewing yellow actually releases more serotonin which is a hormone that makes you fell happier.

ORANGE has energy and warmth and muted tones can be very appealing.

I want to be your REALTOR. If you are thinking of selling a house, give me a call. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have about the seller's disclosure or other matters involving selling a home. 512. 589.7988.

If you are interested in finding out more about Austin, living in Austin, real estate or buying or selling a home in Austin, 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 or robin @robinscottrealtor.com

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

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Austin Market Statistics from MARCH

AREA MARKET STATISTICS

MARCH 2011 vs MARCH 2010

Homes Sold: 1,597 - DOWN 10%

Median Sales Price: $185,260 - UP 2%

Days on Market: 96 - UP 32%

Active Listings: 9,156 - DOWN 11%

Source: Austin Board of Realtors

3 Things to Consider When Buying a Home

1. Is this a Good Time to Buy? The $64,000 question! You may be too young to remember that show from the fifties but the winning answer is YES. Prices may or may not continue to fall but interest rates are projected to rise according to Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, NAR (National Association of REALTORS), PMI and the Mortgage Bankers Association. Over the lifetime of a loan, you may spend much more on interest that a small variation in purchase price. Check with your lender to find out what you may qualify for and how the rising interest rates could effect your monthly payment and lifetime commitment.

2. How Quickly Will My Home Appreciate? From time to time the real estate market experiences a sudden surge but usually it's a steady growth. According to REALTOR magazine, projections from NAR and Macro Markets LLC show prices will begin to rise nationally in the second quarter of 2011 and appreciate 10% between 2011 and 2015.

3. Is It Better to Buy Than to Rent? The Fannie Mae National Housing Survey shows that the top reasons that people purchase a home are because they want to provide a stable place to raise and educate their children, a place they will feel safe, for more living space and for control over that space. But for more practical reasons, read the blog I wrote which precedes this titled, The Benefits of Homeownership. I've been a homeowner for over 30 years so my answer would be a definite "YES."

I want to be your REALTOR. If you are thinking of selling a house, give me a call. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have about the seller's disclosure or other matters involving selling a home. 512. 589.7988.

If you are interested in finding out more about Austin, living in Austin, real estate or buying or selling a home in Austin, 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 or robin @robinscottrealtor.com

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

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The Benefits of Homeownership

1. Tax breaks. The U.S. Tax Code lets you deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, your property taxes, as well as some of the costs involved in buying your home.
2. Appreciation. Real estate has long-term, stable growth in value. While year-to-year fluctuations are normal, median existing-home sale prices have increased on average 6.5 percent each year from 1972 through 2005, and increased 88.5 percent over the last 10 years, according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. In addition, the number of U.S. households is expected to rise 15 percent over the next decade, creating continued high demand for housing.

3. Equity. Money paid for rent is money that you’ll never see again, but mortgage payments let you build equity ownership interest in your home.
4. Savings. Building equity in your home is a ready-made savings plan. And when you sell, you can generally take up to $250,000 ($500,000 for a married couple) as gain without owing any federal income tax.
5. Predictability. Unlike rent, your fixed-mortgage payments don’t rise over the years so your housing costs may actually decline as you own the home longer. However, keep in mind that property taxes and insurance costs will increase.
6. Freedom. The home is yours. You can decorate any way you want and benefit from your investment for as long as you own the home.
7. Stability. Remaining in one neighborhood for several years gives you a chance to participate in community activities, lets you and your family establish lasting friendships, and offers your children the benefit of educational continuity.

Courtesy of REALTOR magazine

I want to be your REALTOR. If you are thinking of selling a house, give me a call. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have about the seller's disclosure or other matters involving selling a home. 512. 589.7988.

If you are interested in finding out more about Austin, living in Austin, real estate or buying or selling a home in Austin, 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 or robin @robinscottrealtor.com

Austin, Texas. Robin Scott, BROKER. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. 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!

Texas Real Estate Information

Texas Real Estate information is available for consumers on a blog maintained by the Texas Association of REALTORS at http://www.texasrealestate.com/

and remember, to talk to a REALTOR who can help you on a more personal level, call or email me at 512.589.7988 or robin@robinscottrealtor.com

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

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The Blanton Museum of Art Blog

Interested in Art? The Blanton Museum of Art in Austin, Texas resides on the far south side of The University of Texas and is the largest teaching art museum in the US. As a volunteer, I fortunate to experience being part of a working art museum, I get to see all the traveling exhibits and go to the parties. Follow this link to read the Blanton blog http://utbma.blogspot.com/

Austin, Texas. Robin Scott, BROKER. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. 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!

4TH Anniversary - Cancer Free!

This is my 4th Anniversary of being Cancer FREE. Every day is a celebration.
Either your or someone you know may have experienced Cancer. So many of us have. Remember to appreciate life. Wishing all the best to all of you.

I want to be your REALTOR. If you are thinking of selling a house, give me a call. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have about the seller's disclosure or other matters involving selling a home. 512. 589.7988.

If you are interested in finding out more about Austin, living in Austin, real estate or buying or selling a home in Austin, 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 or robin @robinscottrealtor.com

Austin, Texas. Robin Scott, BROKER. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. 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!

April Issue of Housing Trends Newsletter is Ready for You

Follow this link for the latest information in housing trends in Austin, Texas or in your area.

http://robinscottrealtor.housingtrendsenewsletter.com
Austin, Texas. Robin Scott, BROKER. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. 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!

Austin Real Estate Market Heating UP

In Austin, the MLS area 1B is an area that runs vertically through the west end of the city from downtown to a north/central location. It's very popular among people who want to be close to downtown, eclectic shopping, nice restaurants, good schools, large trees and classic home architecture.

Last year the market was slow in this area but with the weather, the Austin housing market in 1B appears to be heating up. This week I have received two emails from REALTORS looking for properties for their buyers. The available inventory is very low and buyers are having trouble finding something to purchase.

As active home listings in Austin are now at around 8,500 homes for sale, down from 10,500 homes for sale, we may be seeing more competition for homes in the Austin area. Were you thinking of selling your house? This may be the right time with inventory low and interest rates climbing.
In the Austin area, call for a FREE market analysis of your home today. 512.589.7988.

I want to be your REALTOR. If you are thinking of selling a house, give me a call. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have about the seller's disclosure or other matters involving selling a home. 512. 589.7988.

If you are interested in finding out more about Austin, living in Austin, real estate or buying or selling a home in Austin, 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 or robin @robinscottrealtor.com

Austin, Texas. Robin Scott, BROKER. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. 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!

Real Estate Teamwork

That's me catching the ball. Figuratively speaking that is. I have a great team of real estate related professionals who can hoist me up so I can catch the ball and we can win as a team helping my home buyers and home sellers achieve success in homeownership.

To provide the best benifit to home buyers and home sellers, I have sought a support group of real estate professionals that work to my high standards and expectations on behalf of my clients. I work consistently with the same quality group of lenders, inspectors and title agents to make sure the transaction runs smoothly and my clients get the best.

In addition, I have a directory of everyday vendors needed to supply information and support for home maintenance, home remodeling, home repairs and home staging. Included in my list is a decorator, stager, handyman, plumber, electrician, roofer, tile installer, carpet and wood floor installer, HVAC repairman and lawn service.

I want to be your REALTOR. If you are thinking of selling a house, give me a call. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have about the seller's disclosure or other matters involving selling a home. 512. 589.7988.

If you are interested in finding out more about Austin, living in Austin, real estate or buying or selling a home in Austin, 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 or robin @robinscottrealtor.com

Austin, Texas. Robin Scott, BROKER. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. 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!

Crub side Pick Up for Milwood/Rattan Creek

On Saturday, April 30th, the Milwood/Rattan Creek area is getting a curbside clean up. Residents must place their large items at the curb by 7:00 am.

The trucks will be picking up until 2 pm and after that any remaining items will be collected at regular trash pickup day.
Tree limbs and branches must be cut in 4 ft. lengths and bundled.
No hazardous waste will be collected:

Paint
motor oil
toxic chemicals
any refrigerant

I want to be your REALTOR. If you are thinking of selling a house, give me a call. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have about the seller's disclosure or other matters involving selling a home. 512. 589.7988.

If you are interested in finding out more about Austin, living in Austin, real estate or buying or selling a home in Austin, 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 or robin @robinscottrealtor.com

Austin, Texas. Robin Scott, BROKER. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. 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!

Real Estate Newsletter for Austin Texas

Every month, I publish a Real Estate Newsletter for the Austin area. If you would like to receive this enewsletter, send your request to robin@robinscottrealtor.com

I want to be your REALTOR. If you are thinking of selling a house, give me a call. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have about the seller's disclosure or other matters involving selling a home. 512. 589.7988.
If you are interested in finding out more about Austin, living in Austin, real estate or buying or selling a home in Austin, 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 or robin @robinscottrealtor.com

Austin, Texas. Robin Scott, BROKER. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. 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!

Austin market statistics from February

AUSTIN REAL ESTATE MARKET
It looks as if the market is heating up in Austin along with the weather.
The statistics below show that the available homes on the market is low at 8,605; stimulating competition among buyers and ultimately increasing home prices.
Many home sellers have been waiting for an opportunity to put their home on the market and this is a great time because interest rates are still low and market conditions are improved.

AREA MARKET STATISTICS

FEBRUARY 2010 vs FEBRUARY 2011

Homes Sold: 1,112 - UNCHANGED

Median Sales Price: $193,000 - UP 2%

Days on Market: 98 - UP 27%

Active Listings: 8,605 - DOWN 8%

Source: Austin Board of Realtors

I want to be your REALTOR. If you are thinking of selling a house, give me a call. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have about the seller's disclosure or other matters involving selling a home. 512. 589.7988.

If you are interested in finding out more about Austin, living in Austin, real estate or buying or selling a home in Austin, 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 or robin @robinscottrealtor.com

Austin, Texas Homes for Sale. Robin Scott, BROKER Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. 512.589.7988.