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BUILDER FILES CHAPTER 11

The parent company for Newmark, FredrickHarris and Trophey homes filed for protection under Chapter 11.

HOW DO AGENTS MEASURE UP?

The MLS statistics from 2007 show that my company, Amelia Bullock Realtors, is the 8th largest in Austin with only 70 agents AND number one in the average of closed transactions per agent at 11.89. Personally, I closed 15 transactions in 2007. For information on what other agencies numbers were, email me at robin@robinscottrealtor.com

SUCCESS STORY - ANOTHER HOME SOLD

5916 Kevin Kelly SOLD in 23 days. Asking price $122,000. A 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 1 car-garage at 920 sq.ft.

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Buying or selling? Hire an experienced professional. Call Robin Scott, Broker at 512.589.7988.
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WHAT KIND OF GRASS IS THAT?

This is a question I'm often asked by buyers. Most often it's St. Augustine or carpet grass. It grows very think. Needs water and lies dormant in the winter. The City of Austin Texas Cooperative Extension produces a lot of free flyers and brochures about trees, plants, grasses and pests. You may also visit or call 512.974.2446.

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Buying or selling? Hire an experienced professional. Call Robin Scott, Broker at 512.589.7988.
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INTEREST RATES ARE DOWN

Yes, interest rates are down and now is the time to buy. As an Accredited Buyer's Representative, I provide a high level of service to my buyers with assistance in everything from working with a lender, through finding a home and negotiating an offer and all you need to know and do through closing the purchase. Contact me for a complete presentation of my services. 589-7988 or robin@robinscott@flash.net

I'M LOOKING FOR HOUSES TO SELL

Do you intend to sell a house in the next 6 months? 

If you are in the Austin area, I have an exceptional marketing program to sell your home and would appreciate an opportunity to present my services and show you how I can help you sell your home. In addition, I have a "move-up" program that offers a reduced commission on the sale of your home if you purchase at the same time.

If you do not live in the Austin area, I can still help. Through my Certified Residential Specialist Association, I'm networked with REALTORS all over the country and would gladly refer you to an exceptional REALTOR in your area.

To schedule a presentation or find a referral call me at 512.589.7988 or email robin@robinscottrealtor.com and type "house hunting" in the subject line.

Search for homes through Austin MLS
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Buying or selling? Hire an experienced professional. Call Robin Scott, Broker at 512.589.7988.
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BLOG SURVEY - HOW AM I DOING?

This Blog has acquired about 400 hits and I'm sure only half of them are me. I'd like to find out if the information I post is useful, timely and appropriate. Please comment on how I am doing. If there is something you'd like to know about let me know. I'd love to answer any questions you have.

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AUSTIN AREA MARKET TRENDS

The latest news is that the Austin real estate market is down for the 6th month in a row - 11%. Looks like we've been effected by the conditions in the rest of the country. I have a couple of buyers waiting for their homes to sell in slow markets in other states. That's a condition that is effecting our sales here.

The expectation is that it will level off and come back sooner rather than later. I'll keep you posted.

HOME TRENDS

What do homeowners want?

Not a formal livingroom. A survey by the National Association of Home Builders say that in 8 years the formal livingroom will vanish and turn into something else like a library or music room.

The same seems to be true for formal dining. The majority of homeowners prefer the open floorplan that includes a flow from living to dining to kitchen regardless of the size or cost of the home.

Kitchens are becoming larger because (you know this is true) when entertaining everyone congregates in the kitchen. The new buzz is all about lighting in a kitchen. Recessed, under cabinet and dimmer lights are very popular.

Master bedrooms and baths are going to be larger with emphasis on a separate living space.

Outdoor living with outdoor kitchens is also very popular. When remodeling, keep these things in mind.

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Buying or selling? Hire an experienced professional. Call Robin Scott, Broker at 512.589.7988.
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HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION

In Texas, the Homestead Exemption reduces your property taxes by about 12%. You may file for one the January after you purchased your home. To find a form, look online at the county appraisal district Web site. I always mail out to my buyers but if you have purchased a home and haven't applied - DO.

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Buying or selling? Hire an experienced professional. Call Robin Scott, Broker at 512.589.7988.
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COUNTYWIDE FORECLOSURES

Countrywide, the largest mortgage lender, said the foreclosure rate of home loans in their portfolio surged in December. About 6.96% were delinquent and 1.04% pending foreclosures. Of course this is nationwide. What does this mean to us in Austin. I don't know. What do you think?

AUSTIN RENTS ARE RISING

There was an interesting article in the Statesman about rising rent in Austin. Because of the credit industry crisis more people are leasing, unable to qualify for loans. The occupancy rate for 2007 rose to 96.6 percent. Although rents are not as high as in 2000, they have been rebounding over the last 3 years.
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Buying or selling? Hire an experienced professional. Call Robin Scott, Broker at 512.589.7988.
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AUSTIN AREA NEW HOME STARTS

According to the Austin American Statesman new home starts are at the lowest since 2004. Guess what. That doesn't mean that prices are down. They are up. The increased cost of gasoline to transport materials and the increased cost of materials has brought the cost of new construction up. The difference you will see is that builders are building fewer speculation homes and keeping their inventory low.

SOLD - ANOTHER SUCCESS STORY

After only 26 days on the market! 1036 Antique Heritage asking $160,000.

Search for homes through Austin MLS
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Buying or selling? Hire an experienced professional. Call Robin Scott, Broker at 512.589.7988.
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HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Wishing you a happy and successful new year. If buying or selling a home is part of that plan, give me a call. I'd love to visit with you about how I may help. 512.589-7988