HOME FOR SALE ON GREENBELT

Read my previous blog post and be my neighbor. This house is a 4/2.5/2 that backs to the greenbelt/hike&bike plus it has a great deck. The downstairs is all tile, the bathrooms have all been update and the interior has fresh paint. Lots of windows, fireplace, security system. About 1900 sq.ft. built in 1990. Photos to come. For more information visit http:www.robinscottrealtor.com or call Robin at 512.589.7988

WHY I LOVE MY NEIGHBORHOOD

I live in Milwood/Rattan Creek just north of McNeil between 183 and Parmer Ln. The neighborhood was built in the late 80's through the '90's so although it was once considered far out it's now relatively close in.

There is an incredible park system that includes a beautiful park area with huge Oak trees, picnic areas, community pool, playground, tennis, soccer fields, basketball courts, clubhouse plus a hike and bike.

The elementary school, Pond Springs, is highly rated.

It's easily accessible to 183 and from Parmer to 620 or MoPac, halfway between Lakeline Mall and the Arboretum/Gateway Shopping areas with many great restaurants in close proximity and only 30 minutes to downtown plus close to major employers like Freescale, Apple, Dell, IBM and more.

I challenge anyone to find a neighborhood this close to downtown with these kinds of amenities for a similar price per sq.ft. The average 2000 sq.ft. home would sell in the low $200's.

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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WHAT'S IN A HITS REPORT

On Tuesdays the photography company. I use to photography my listings sends me and my sellers a report on the number of hits their online advertising has received. It's a great measuring tool that helps me keep informed of market conditions of a property and keeps the seller up to date on what's going on too. The report pulls the numbers from MLS, my site, company site, realtor.com, trula, zillow, google,austinhomesearch.com and 12 misc. sites to which I post. It shows how many hits a day, a week and which photos are being viewed.

When you use my services, I use a professional photography company to photograph your house, I post your ad where the buyers are looking - online and you get a weekly activity report emailed to you.

KEEP AUSTIN AFFORDABLE & GREEN

Did you know that the Austin City Council is considering an ordinance that would require you to install energy efficient upgrades to your home before you can sell your property? This mandate would require homeowners to obtain a “Certificate of Compliance” from the City of Austin before homeowners can sell their homes.

The City’s proposal includes a “point of sale” requirement that could potentially cost homeowners thousands of dollars. REALTORS ® support energy efficiency, but we oppose this ordinance because it limits homeownership opportunities for Austin’s citizens. Instead, we encourage responsible environmental protection through educational programs and incentives, such as rebates, that assist and encourage voluntary conservation in our great city.

The city’s Energy Efficiency Retrofit Task Force is currently determining specific guidelines for the proposed ordinance through Resolution No. 20071213-064. The resolution clearly states that mandates will be enacted at the property “point of sale,” meaning upgrades would be required before homes can be sold. The Austin City Council will vote on whether or not to enact the task force recommendations this summer.

Here’s what you can do to help stop this ordinance from being enacted:
1. Support the Austin City Council candidates who understand the importance of this issue. Randi Shade (candidate for Place 3) and Cid Galindo (candidate for Place 4) both understand that energy efficiency is important and so is affordable homeownership. Let our city council know that you share these candidates’ views by voting for them during early voting (April 28 – May 6) or on Election Day (May 10). 2. Spread this message to others. Visit Keep Austin Affordable and share this information with neighbors, friends, family, and anyone else who will listen!

REAL ESTATE NEWSLETTER

One of the many ways I market my properties and myself is through a newsletter. It usually includes advise for buyers and sellers, Austin market statistics, fun area events and information about my current property listings. The same information shows up in this blog. This blog is a wonderful resource of information. If there is something you'd like for me to address in my newsletter or this bog, please comment and let me know.

I want to be your REALTOR. 512.589.7988 or robin@robinscottrealtor.com

WE'RE GOING TO FRANCE!

Yahoo! We never take a vacation but we couldn't pass this up. A researcher in France has organized a tribute to my husbands' Uncle who died in WWII defending France so we are taking the opportunity to visit Paris and have fun as well as attend the 3 days of ceremonies.

My husbands father and 3 brothers were all in the service during WWII and since two of them were killed, the history and personal events had always been a primary topic of conversation in his home so this is an especially important moment for the family.

What happened was that Fred was flying a mission over a railyard near Lamans. Fred was pointman in formation and he turned one way and another pilot turned the other. They collided and unfortunately Fred was killed but the other pilot survived and lived until recently just 20 minutes from us in Georgetown, Texas. His sister and nephew will also be there.

Fred was only 23 and had at one time been buried there as the unknown American soldier. My father-in-law was the keeper of Fred artifacts and since he passed away 15 years ago, my husband, John, has held his fight book and other effects. John has been corresponding with Mr. Emory from France for two years while all the data was compiled and now we've been invited to come to the commemorative event at the end of this month.

When I return, I'll post photos. A bientot!

FUN EVENTS IN JUNE - AUSTIN

Republic of Texas Biker Rally on Congress Ave
www.rotrally.com

Texas Greek Festival at Laguna Gloria , 3809 West 35th St
www.texasgreek festival.com

Juneteenth Freedom Festival at Rosewood Recreation Center
www.ci.austin.tx.us/park/juneevents.htm 512.472.6838

AUSTIN AREA MARKET STATISTICS

Statistics from March Compared to 2007
Homes Sold 1,832, down 21%
Median Sales Price $186,680, up 5%
Active Listings 9,638 up from 7,7776
Average Days on Market 73

source: Austin Board of Realtors

8 WAYS TO PREPARE FOR HOMEOWNERSHIP

1. Start saving. Ideally, you should have 3-20 percent of the purchase price saved as a down payment. And factor in closing costs which average 3 percent of the home price.

2. Decide what you can afford. Generally, you can afford a home equal in value to between two and three times your gross income.

3. Develop your home wish list. Then, prioritize the features on your list.

4. Select where you want to live. Compile a list of neighborhoods you’d like to live in, taking into account items such as schools and commute.

5. Get your credit in order. Obtain a copy of your credit report to make sure it is accurate and to correct any errors immediately.

6. Get preapproved. Organize all the documentation a lender will need to preapprove you for a loan. Such as W-2 forms, recent pay stubs, account numbers, and copies of bank or credit union statements.

7. Calculate the costs of homeownership. This should include property taxes, insurance, maintenance and utilities, and association fees, if applicable.

8. Contact a REALTOR®. Find an experienced REALTOR® who can help guide you through the process.

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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REALTORS• CELEBRATE 100 YEARS

In 1908 a group of state board of real estate brokers organized to form a national association that later became known as the National Association of REALTORS• for the purpose promoting ethics in the industry and eliminating the "riffraff."

Most people don't know that not all real estate agents are REALTORS•. To be a REALTORS• you must be a member of the National Association of REALTORS• which swears to a higher level of ethics and holds it's members accountable.

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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8 REASONS YOU SHOULD WORK WITH A REALTOR

1. Navigate a complicated process. Buying or selling a home usually requires disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds, and multipage settlement statements. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes.

2. Information and opinions. REALTORS® can provide local community information on utilities, zoning, schools, and more. They’ll also be able to provide objective information about each property. A professional will be able to help you answer these two important questions: Will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell?

3. Help finding the best property out there. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your REALTOR® to find all available properties.

4. Negotiating skills. There are many negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession, and inclusion or exclusion of repairs, furnishings, or equipment. In addition, the purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.

5. Property marketing power. Real estate doesn’t sell due to advertising alone. In fact, a large share of real estate sales comes as the result of a practitioner’s contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, and family. When a property is marketed with the help of a REALTOR®, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your REALTOR® will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.

6. Someone who speaks the language. If you don’t know a CMA from a PUD, you can understand why it’s important to work with a professional who is immersed in the industry and knows the real estate language.

7. Experience. Most people buy and sell only a few homes in a lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between each purchase. Even if you have done it before, laws and regulations change. REALTORS®, on the other hand, handle hundreds of real estate transactions over the course of their career. Having an expert on your side is critical.

8. Objective voice. A home often symbolizes family, rest, and security — it’s not just four walls and a roof. Because of this, homebuying and selling can be an emotional undertaking. And for most people, a home is the biggest purchase they’ll every make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on both the emotional and financial issues most important to 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.

Like us on facebook!