DO YOU KNOW A BUYER FOR ONE OF THESE HOMES?

1. 3903 Hyridge. West Central Austin near Mesa & Steck. $359,000. 4/3/2 with 2 masters and a study. Hardwoods, tile, large oaks. about 2000 sq.ft. Built in the late 60's.

2. 4006 Kandy. South Austin neat William Cannon & Brodie. $162,000. 3/2/2 with hardwoods, fresh interior paint, new carpet, deck, new garage doors. about 1300 sq.ft. Built in the 80"s

3. 5916 Kevin Kelly in NW austin near Parmer and McNeil. $122,000. 2/1.5/1 garden home with fresh interior paint and new carpet and tile. About 900 sqft. Built in the 80's.

For more information and photos visit http://www.robinscottrealtor.com and select featured listings.

2014 GOALS

My goal for the new year is to sell 3 homes a month. I need your help. If you know anyone who is interested in buying or selling a home, ask if you can provide me with their contact information and I'll followup with them to present my services. I have great search, find and negotiating tools for buyers and a wide range of marketing opportunities for sellers.

Let me know what your goals are and if I can help you.
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 AREA MARKET STATISTICS FOR OCTOBER

According to statistics gathered by the Austin Board of REALTORS, there was a 6% decline in sales year-to-date .

For October from October 2006:

Homes sold is 1,772, down 15%

Median price is $180,000, up 3%

Active listings are 9,341, up from 7,947

REAL ESTATE SCAMS ON CRAIGSLIST

Be careful using and shopping on craigslist.

One scam I've encountered several times has occurred when I've posted properties for lease. I get an email from a "doctor in the UK" who writes in very poor English that he's coming to the US in two weeks and want's to rent my property. His financial person will contact me about sending the deposit plus extra money which I will then send on to him. Every email I get has a sightly different address and the "doctor" won't fill out an application.

On the ABOR Web site I just read about a scam where legitimate for sale postings are being duplicated as for lease posting by people who don't own the property but are claiming to be the owners. They take the applicants deposit and first month rent and the leasee will notget possession of the property or have anyway to get their money back.

Be careful divulging personal information. Consult a REALTOR.
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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EVEN MORE THINGS TO DO IN AUSTIN

1. Have a chuckle at many of the comedy clubs in town.

2. Explore the National Wildflower Research Center.

3. Tour Austin’s many brewpubs.

4. Enjoy performances by Ballet Austin 476-9051.

5. Take a walking tour of the Capitol grounds 478-0098.

6. Visit the LBJ Presidential Library & Museum 482-5136.

7. Follow the path of famous Texas on the Walk of Stars 478-0098.

8. Walk trough the dinosaur tracks in Zilker Park 478-6875.

9. Tour the Governors Mansion, residence since 1856 463-5518.

10. Attend a performance at the Paramount Theater 472-5411.
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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I WANT TO BE YOUR REALTOR

If you're interested in buying or selling a house, call me. I would like an opportunity to show you what I can do for you. I offer special search features to buyers and marketing opportunities to sellers. 512.589.7988 or robin@robinscottrealtor.com

Is there a topic you'd like addressed or a real estate question you'd like answered. Let me know and I'll post it on my blog.
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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CAPITAL GAIN TAX AND SELLING A HOME

Do You Have to Pay Capital Gains Tax? If you have lived in your home for 2 of the last five years of home ownership, you may not have to pay any capital gains tax. For single homeowners the limit is $250,000 of gain and for married homeowners the limit is $500,000. The gain is the difference between what you paid for the home and what you sold it for. If you have any other questions related to residential real estate, call or email Robin at 512.589.7988 or robin@robinscottrealtor.com

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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DEFINITION OF A REALTOR

All Realtors® are real estate agents but not all real estate agents are Realtors®. In Texas, to be a real estate agent, one must fulfill educational requirements, pass a difficult licensing exam administered by Texas Real Estate Commission and be granted a license by the State of Texas. The term “Realtor®” is a registered trademark reserved solely for active members of the National Association of Realtors®. A Realtor® must swear to a higher code of ethics and this membership grants access to the local Board of Realtors® and the multiple listing service (MLS.)

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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REDUCED - CENTRAL AUSTIN HOME FOR SALE - $359,000

This unique 60's contemporary is located just west of MoPac and north of Steck within walking distance of Hill Elementary. It's a 4 bedroom, 3 bath, 2-car garage with 1 living, 1 dining and a study. The photographer is coming today so I'll have photos to post before the end of the week. In the meantime, I'll describe it. There's Saltillo tile in the foyer and dining. The large livingroom has a 15' ceiling, hardwood floors and a very distinctive loft feel. The kitchen is open to the diningroom and has a bar into the livingroom. There are 2 masters - one down and one up. Both guest bedrooms are down. There is also a study just off the foyer. The lot has beautiful, large oak trees and a circular drive. Refrigerator, washer & dryer are included (indoor utility room.) 2036 sq.ft. CAD. Built in 1967. Offered at $359,000.

For more information or to see this property call me at 512.589.7988



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JUST LISTED- GARDEN HOME FOR $122,000

It's in a quiet neighborhood close to shopping and major employers in the Parmer/McNeil area. Some of the special features of this 2/1.5/1 include a small yard for low maintenance, deck, refrigerator, cathedral ceilings, ceiling fans, fireplace, internet connections, and more. It has fresh interior paint, new carpet and a new garage door. 920 sq.ft. Built in 1985. Photos to come. Visit http://www.robinscottrealtor.com or email robin@robinscottrealtor.com or call robin at 512.589.7988

WHAT'S YOUR HOME WORTH?

If you are thinking of selling your home and would like an idea of what it may sell for, I offer a FREE comparative market analysis for Austin area homeowners based on actual sold homes of similar size, age and quality from your neighborhood. Call or email me with the request at 512.589.7988 or robin@robinscottrealtor.com

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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FOR SALE - STARTER HOME IN SOUTH AUSTIN

4006 Kandy Dr. FOR $160,000. This is a great opportunity to buy a starter home 20 minutes from downtown in the William Canon/Brodie area. It's close to shopping and easy access to MoPac. New on the market, this is a 3/2/2 with the master up and 2 bedrooms down. It has hardwood floors in the living area and new carpet in the bedrooms. The house has just been painted in and out and has new garage doors. Large yard with deck and cathedral ceilings add to the charm of this home. Photos to come so check http://www.robinscottrealtor.com under featured listings for photos. Built in 1984 with 1314 sq.ft. For more information call Robin at 589.7988.

WHAT FEES BUYERS CAN EXPECT TO PAY

As a home buyer, you need to know what to expect in terms of costs you will incur in purchasing a home.

You will not have to pay the REALTORS commission so use one. There are so many things a professional can help you with such as financing information, searching, negotiations and processes and procedures.

1. Earnest money - usually 1% of the offer price.

2. Option fee - about $200.

3. Whole house inspection - about $350 and up depending on the size of the home.

4. Termite inspection - about $75.

5. Appraisal - about $450.

6. Closing fees - from the lender and title company ares estimated at 3% of the cost of the purchase.

7. Other fees - depending on the terms of the loan, the lender may require prepaids.

8. Your downpayment amount.

For further explanations or help in purchasing a home contact me at 589.7988 or robin@robinscottrealtor.com

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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HOW REAL ESTATE COMMISSIONS WORK

A potential client asked me to reduce my commission because his house would probably sell in 2 weeks. What a curious thing to ask. I'm thinking, if it takes longer than 2 weeks will I get more commission? If that's how it works, should I slow the marketing process so it won't sell as quickly?

The truth is I put all the effort I can into selling a house quickly. Most of the work I do is in the first 2 weeks and negotiating after an offer is submitted. Just as the home seller wants to be compensated for the work they do at their job, so the REALTOR® wants to be compensated for their.

I charge a 6% commission which I split with the buyers agent and then split again with Amelia Bullock Realtors plus I pay for MLS membership fees, conitnuing education and the marketing of a home. If you use my services to sell your home and buy a new one, I will reduce my commission on the sale of your home to 5%.

Did you know that national statistics show that 9 out of 10 for sale by owers eventually list with a REALTOR®? As a real estate professional, I'm here to make the process as smooth and easy as possible. If you have any questions or would like a presentation on how I can help you, call or email 512.589.7988 or robin@robinscottrealtor.com

HOW A MORTGAGE PAYMENT WORKS

Generally, your mortgage payment consists of PITI - principal, interest, taxes and insurance.

If you choose to escrow, you allow the mortgage company to collect from you 1/12 of the annual taxes and insurance on the home every month as part of your payment. When the tax or insurance bills come due, the mortgage company pays those bills for you. Easy.

You may choose not to escrow and be responsible for saving and paying those bills yourself. During the year you could be collecting that money in an interest bearing account.

To decide which is best for you, consider whether you are the personality type to be organized and on top of it or if it's better to have someone else take over the responsibility for you. Just be sure to let your mortgage company know what your plans are at the beginning of the loan process.

Accredited Buyers Representative  

If you have any other questions you may post here or email me at robin@robinscottrealtor.com

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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DO YOU WANT TO SELL YOUR HOME?

Call an expert. Call me. I'm a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) and I can help you from staging your home to closing the sale. Visit my Web site or email robin@robinscottrealtor.com or call me at 512.589.7988.

Outside the Austin area? I can find and refer you to a CRS in your area.

My business is based on referrals. If you know someone who needs a REALTOR®, ask them if you can provide me with their contact information so I can contact them and be sure to include your information so I may send a Thank You.

FOR A FREE COMPARATIVE MARKET ANALYSIS ON YOUR AUSTIN AREA HOME, CALL ROBIN AT 512.589.7988 OR EMAIL:robin@robinscottrealtor.com

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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WANT TO MOVE TO AUSTIN?

If you're thinking of relocating to Austin, email me or give me a call. I'd love to provide you with the kind of information you'd like to help with your decision. I can tell you about outdoor recreation, sports, culture, museums, shopping and job opportunities.

Did you know that Austin is one of only 14 cities in the US to have a symphony, ballet and opera and also calls itself "the live music capitol of the world" with such internationally renowned annual venues as Austin City Limits and SXSW?

If there is something specific you'd like to know about, let me know. I can address it on this Blog.

Most frequently asked question by people relocating is "What do people in Austin complain about the most?" The answer is "Traffic." And that is the only complaint I hear people make about Austin.

Contact me at 512.589.7988 or email robin@robinscottrealtor.com

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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PLANNING TO SELL YOUR HOME?

I want to be your REALTOR®. Below is a list of the things I do to market your home:

• put a sign in yard and lockbox on door
• provide advice on preparing to sell
• have a professional photographer photograph your home for marketing
• create color flyers for the interior of the house
• send an email broadcast to REALTORS, client & prospect database
• post on ABOR multiple listing service the most important marketing source
• post on austinhomesearch.com
• post on REALTOR.com
• post on robinscottrealtor.com
• post on robinscottrealtor.blogspost.com
• post on tourfactory.com
• hold open house

For an appointment for a presentation of my services please call me at 512.589.7988

FOR A FREE COMPARATIVE MARKET ANALYSIS ON YOUR AUSTIN AREA HOME, CALL ROBIN AT 512.589.7988 OR EMAIL:robin@robinscottrealtor.com

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 AREA MARKET TRENDS

According to the Austin Board of REALTORS, existing-home sales have dipped for the fifth straight month. The "fall-out" front he national mortgage troubles seems to be considered the culprit. It is still believed that the market is healthy due to a strong job market, income and population growth.

WHEN PURCHASING NEW CONSTRUCTION

In the Austin area, builders expect to pay your REALTORS® commission and usually won't reduce the price of the home by the commission amount although they may negotiate on the price. Ask your REALTORS® for help in negotiating the price. Remember, the friendly sales person in the model home represents the builder, not you. Take your REALTORS® with you. He/she is there to protect your best interests and guide you through the process.

Also, keep in mind that the property taxes are based on unimproved property (before the house was built.) Once you purchase, the property will be reassessed and the taxes will go up. Be prepared by saving enough to cover the shortage in your escrow account and the increase for the following year.

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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HOUSE FOR SALE IN PFLUGERVILLE

Two-story home on cul-de-sac in Pflugerville for $160,000. Built in 2001 by Pulte, this 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath, 2-car garage is the home for you. There are 2 living areas, 2 dining areas, 2 masters, garden tub, separate shower, security system and more. For more information call Robin Scott/agent at 589-7988 or visit http:www.robinscottrealtor.com and select "featured listings" from the menu bar.

FUN THINGS TO DO IN AUSTIN

1. Watch the bats fly from under Congress Ave. bridge. 416-5700 x3636
2. Tour the State Capitol. 463-0063
3. Enjoy the nightlife on 6th street.
4. Swim in Barton Spring Pool. 68 degrees F. 478-0098
5. Enjoy the water sports and restaurants around Lake Travis. 263-3188
6. Ascend 99 steps to the top of Mt. Bonnell. 478-0098
7. Explore Austin’s 12 National Register Districts. 478-0098
8. Jog, bike, picnic & play at th 351 acre Zilker Park.499-6700
9. Take the kids to the interactive Austin’s Childrens Museum. 472-2494
10. Tour the University of Texas.

INFORMATION ON PAYING THE MORTGAGE

Rents are paid in advance and mortgages are paid in arrears. If you are buying a home, your first payment is not due until the 1st of the month after you've owned the house for one month. For example: if you close on June 20th, your first payment will be August 1st. It feels like getting a month free.

Mortgage payments are due on the 1st and late on the 15th. That doesn't mean you should wait until the 12th to send in your payment. To insure the highest credit rating, make sure your payments are in by the 1st.

To pay down your mortgage quicker, you may add $50 or more to each payment but be sure to write a separate check and mark it to be "applied to the principal. " The rule is that if you add $50 with each payment, you'll pay off your loan 15 years sooner saving a lot of money on interest.

Your mortgage company may offer a program that allows you to divide the payment in half and pay twice a month to pay down the loan fast. They charge small processing fees but you don't have to pay them extra fees and you can pay down faster at your own pace by using the method in the paragraph above.

First time home buyers: Did you know that the interest on the loan and the property taxes are tax deductible! Since most of your payment in the first 5 years is interest, that's a huge savings.

FOR A FREE COMPARATIVE MARKET ANALYSIS ON YOUR AUSTIN AREA HOME, CALL ROBIN AT 512.589.7988 OR EMAIL:robin@robinscottrealtor.com

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!

WHAT DEFINES THE TERM REALTOR

All REALTORs® are real estate agents but not all real estate agents are REALTORs®. In Texas, to be a real estate agent, one must fulfill educational requirements, pass a difficult licensing exam administered by Texas Real Estate Commission and be granted a license by the State of Texas. The term “REALTOR®” is a registered trademark reserved solely for active members of the National Association of REALTORs®. A REALTOR® must swear to a higher code of ethics and this membership grants access to the local Board of REALTOR® and the multiple listing service (MLS.)

FOR A FREE COMPARATIVE MARKET ANALYSIS ON YOUR AUSTIN AREA HOME, CALL ROBIN AT 512.589.7988 OR EMAIL:robin@robinscottrealtor.com

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!

HOW TO SELL A HOME WITH PETS

Now more than ever this information is important because there are so many homes on the market, your home must shine above the rest to be noticed. Anything making it difficult for the buyer to imagine him/herself in the home will prevent you from getting an offer.

Crate them, board them or remove them at every showing. It shouldn't be the buyers or agents responsibility to make sure your cat or dog doesn't run out the door. And buyers can't see the condition or assets of the backyard with dogs in the back. Plus many buyers are afraid of dogs or adverse to cats and you're limiting your market by excluding these opportunities. This isn't my personal opinion about pets. I'm just being honest with you about how buyers react.

PROPETIES REDUCED!

1. FOR SALE - 3910 Hyridge - Reduced to $369,000
2000 sq.ft. 4/3/2 60's contemporary in the Steck/Mesa area. To see photos more photos and information visit http://www.robinscottrealtor.com and select "Featured Properties."

2. FOR LEASE - 15737 Thatcher in Davis Springs off Parmer just north of 620. 4/3/3 Elegant home for $2050/mo. Pool and golf. To see photos more photos and information visit http://www.robinscottrealtor.com and select "Lease Properties."

3. FOR LEASE - 7122 Wood Hollow. 2-story condo in gated community with pool near MoPac and Far West. 1/1/1 with refrigerator and full-size washer & dryer. $995/mo. To see photos more photos and information visit http://www.robinscottrealtor.com and select "Lease Properties."

My Opinion of the Austin Area Market

It appears we are experiencing a slow-down. I think all the bad press from around the country is effecting our market. We have a strong employment situation so I don't think prices will fall too far or for too long but we have way too much inventory and perhaps it's a market correction.

AUSTIN AREA MARKET STATISTICS FOR SEPTEMBER

All Single Family Sales 2007
1,824 DOWN 22%

All Active Single Family Listings 2007
9,979 UP 22%

Single Family Median Price 2007
$182,500 UP 9%

Single Family Pending Sales 2007
1,695 DOWN 27%

IS IT A BUYER'S OR SELLER'S MARKET

In General if there are less than 6.5 months of inventory it's a sellers market. If there are more, it's a buyer's market. Because neighborhoods vary, it's best to evaluate the market in your neighborhood. With a very simple absorption rate formula, your REALTOR® can determine how long properties are on the market in your area and what the best price approach should be.

DON'T BUY THE MOST EXPENSIVE HOME IN A NEIGHBORHOOD

Have you heard this one before? It's true. Lower valued homes can pull down the prices and higher priced homes can pull them up. If you have the nicest home in an area, all the others will pull down your homes value. If you're somewhere in the middle, the nicer properties will pull yours up. Buyer's tend to prefer a moderate home in a nicer neighborhood than a high-quality home in a lesser-quality neighborhood.

FOR A FREE COMPARATIVE MARKET ANALYSIS ON YOUR AUSTIN AREA HOME, CALL ROBIN AT 512.589.7988 OR EMAIL:robin@robinscottrealtor.com

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 INTERIOR DECORATOR

If you're looking for an interior decorator for consulting, shopping or remodeling Molly Scott is the one to call. Visit her Web site at http://www.mollyinteriors.com



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ADVICE ON SELLING A HOME

In Austin, Texas there are too many homes on the market which look good for a buyer to consider a home that is not move-in ready. Unless you are looking for an investor, your home must appeal to a buyer as a place he/she wants to live. It also must appeal to the REALTOR® who is looking at the photos in MLS and deciding which homes to show.

As a REALTOR®, I scrutinize those photos. It's hot out there and gas is expensive. I don't want to waste my buyers time or mine looking at homes that don't cut it. Clean, repair, remove and stage! And clean again.

P.S. No longer will a carpet allowance do. Replace them.

3/2.5/2 HOUSE FOR LEASE - AVAILABLE DEC.1

$1095/month. Cozy Milwood home in great family neighborhood, close to blue ribbon Pond Springs Elementry, park and pool. This house has 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and some special features which provide character such as tile in entry & kitchen, curved walls, plant shelves, fireplace, cathedral ceiling and a deck in the back yard. 1400 sq.ft. RRISD. A must see! Call Robin/owner agent at 512-589-7988 or emailrobin@robinscottrealtor.com

TOP 10 REASONS AUSTIN RANKS AS A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE

October 2007

1st among US cities in 4th Annual Mayors Challenge by Management Magazine

2nd among Top 10 Big Cities by cnn.money.com, 2006

3rd of America’s Most Innovative Cities by the Wall Street Journal

4th Best city in Overall Standard of Living by Expansion Magazine

Top 5 “Smart Places to Live” by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance

6th in Top 10 Cities for Walking by Prevention Magazine, 2006

Among the Coolest Cities for Young Professionals by Kiplinger.com, 2005

8th in America’s Cleanest Cities by Reader’s Digest, 2005

9th in Top 10 Hot Cities for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneur.com, 2005

10th in Top 10 Healthiest Cities in America by Sperling, 2006

Homes sellers are also homebuyers. If you are in the Austin, Texas area and are planing to sell and/or buy a house, contact me for a FREE home market analysis and marketing plan or help finding and purchasing your new home. Robin Scott, REALTOR® 512.589.7988 or robinscottrealtor@gmail.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!

LANDSCAPING TIPS FOR SELLERS

Curb appeal can make all the difference when a buyer drives up so here are a few ideas:

• Trees have a lot of appeal and cut down on energy costs. When Kiplinger published the 25 best ways to invest $1,000, buying a big tree was at the top of the list. Remove dead trees and be sure to prune your trees so they look their best.
• If you don't have any trees in the front, plant one. You can probably find a small one for around $100.
• Add some attractive plants around the front and maybe a large potted bloomer in the porch.

FOR A FREE COMPARATIVE MARKET ANALYSIS ON YOUR AUSTIN AREA HOME, CALL ROBIN AT 512.589.7988 OR EMAIL:robin@robinscottrealtor.com

Homes sellers are also homebuyers. If you are in the Austin, Texas area and are planing to sell and/or buy a house, contact me for a FREE home market analysis and marketing plan or help finding and purchasing your new home. Robin Scott, REALTOR® 512.589.7988 or robinscottrealtor@gmail.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!

GARDEN HOME FOR SALE - $125,000

UPDATE:SOLD It's in a quiet neighborhood close to shopping and major employers off Parmer near McNeil. Some of the special features of this 2/1.5/1 include a small yard, deck, refrigerator, ceiling fans, fireplace and internet connections. 920 sq.ft. Built in 1986. For more information call Robin/agent at 512.589.7988 or email robin@robinscottrealtor.com

Homes sellers are also homebuyers. If you are in the Austin, Texas area and are planing to sell and/or buy a house, contact me for a FREE home market analysis and marketing plan or help finding and purchasing your new home. Robin Scott, REALTOR® 512.589.7988 or robinscottrealtor@gmail.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!

NOVEMBER 2007 EVENTS CALENDAR

Texas Book Festival
Nov. 3-4 at The Capitol
http:www.texasbookfestival.org

Austin Powwow and American Indian Heritage Festival
Nov. 3 10-10
http://www.austinpowwow.org

Austin Celtic Festival
Nov. 3 & 4
http://www.austincelitcs.org/festival

A Christmas Affair
Nov. 14-18
http:www.jlaustin.org

Chuy's Children Giving to Children Parade
Nov. 24
http://www.chuysparade.com

Homes sellers are also homebuyers. If you are in the Austin, Texas area and are planing to sell and/or buy a house, contact me for a FREE home market analysis and marketing plan or help finding and purchasing your new home. Robin Scott, REALTOR® 512.589.7988 or robinscottrealtor@gmail.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!

HOW TO BROADEN THE APPEAL OF YOUR HOME

Here are a few tips:
• Make a list of things that would appeal to you as a buyer like fresh paint and do what you can.
• Use a rooms features, such as a fireplace, to capture a buyer’s attention.
• Remove extra furniture so the spaces fell larger.
• Remove personal things like refrigerator magnets and collectibles.
• Clear surfaces in bedrooms and bathrooms so they are less personal.
• Consider hiring a professional to improve visual appeal. The fee charged by a “stager” can be worth it if the changes bring a quicker offer or a higher sales price.

Homes sellers are also homebuyers. If you are in the Austin, Texas area and are planing to sell and/or buy a house, contact me for a FREE home market analysis and marketing plan or help finding and purchasing your new home. Robin Scott, REALTOR® 512.589.7988 or robinscottrealtor@gmail.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!

THE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION in TEXAS

The January after you purchase a home, you may apply for a homestead exemption.

It will reduce your property taxes by about 12%.

I always mail them to my new buyers in January but you may go on the county appraisal Web site and print one out. You may get mail from companies offering to do this for you for a small fee but it doesn't cost you anything but the stamp and the application is easy to understand - name address & signature.

Homes sellers are also homebuyers. If you are in the Austin, Texas area and are planing to sell and/or buy a house, contact me for a FREE home market analysis and marketing plan or help finding and purchasing your new home. Robin Scott, REALTOR® 512.589.7988 or robinscottrealtor@gmail.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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Understanding Home Ownership and Capital Gains Tax

If you have lived in your home for 2 of the last five years of home ownership, you may not have to pay any capital gains tax. For single homeowners the limit is $250,000 of gain and for married homeowners the limit is $500,000.

The gain is the difference between what you paid for the home and what you sold it for.

If you have any other questions related to residential real estate, call or email Robin at 512.589.7988 or robin@robinscottrealtor.com

Homes sellers are also homebuyers. If you are in the Austin, Texas area and are planing to sell and/or buy a house, contact me for a FREE home market analysis and marketing plan or help finding and purchasing your new home. Robin Scott, REALTOR® 512.589.7988 or robinscottrealtor@gmail.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!