EXPLAINING MLS

MLS or Multiple Listing Service is much more than a database of homes for sale through real estate brokers.

MLS is an organization managed by an association of REALTORS® and paid for by dues from member REALTORS®. It's purpose is for REALTORS® to cooperate and share information for the benefit of home buyers and sellers. Some of the information is proprietary and not intended to be available to the general public. Because of all the research and input from local REALTOR® the MLS is the most accurate and complete information on the local real estate market.

Often people ask why the public isn't allowed access to MLS. First, REALTORS® swear to a higher code of ethics by which they are held accountable.For any unethical conduct, including that related to MLS, they may be penalized or even loose their license.Those rules are in place to protect the public and if MLS was available to the general public it would be accessed by those accountable to no one and fraught with fraud contaminating all information which REALTORS® use to benefit their clients. Second, REALTORS® pay membership fees to support the system. It's not a free public service through which REALTORS® have harnessed exclusivity. Third, there is proprietary information that is not public information which REALTORS® are allowed access to for the beneit of their clients based on agreements of accountability. You may want access to that information but do you want everyone to have access to your information?

When you sign a listing agreement with a REALTOR® you may agree to allow the REALTOR® to post your listing on MLS. There is a standard format that all REALTORS® use. Then buyer's agents will access MLS to search for appropriate properties for their buyers or gain information to assist their sellers. Not all real estate agents have access to MLS. Only those agents who have become REALTORS® because a REALTOR® is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), has sworn to that higher code of ethics and pays membership fees to the association.

In Austin, the MLS also posts a home search Web site http:www.austinhomesearch.com for the consumer. It's a great tool for buyers to begin their search and familiarize themselves with nieghborhoods and prcing. The proprietary information is not included. Nationally, http://www.realtor.com serves the same purpose. It's sponsored by NAR and contains useful information for buyers and sellers.

Research shows that sellers who list with a REALTOR® and are posted on MLS achieve a 20% higher valuation on their home.

In Texas, real estate agents are required to provide a minimum level of service to clients so they may not just post your listing on MLS for a minimal fee and leave the rest to you. If a REALTOR® lists your home on MLS, they must also help you evaluate and negotiate offers you receive. There are huge benefits to using a full-service agent because their education a nd experience is working for you and they are working in your best interests.

If you are thinking of buying or selling a house, I want to be your REALTOR®. To find out more about how I can help you as a full-service agent, call me at 512.589.7988 or robin@robinscottrealtor.com and to search for properties visit http://www.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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CANCER FREE - 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

In October 2006 - Breast Cancer Awareness Month - I found I had Breast Cancer. It's been a little over a year since my chemo, surgery and radiation treatments. I just had my 3rd followup with my oncologist and the news was good. No Cancer. Four more years to go before I can say I'm truly Cancer free.

I know many of you reading this have also had Breast Cancer or know someone close to you that has. I'm grateful that everything turned out well for me and wish you all the best of luck.

For the rest of you - DO YOUR REGULAR MONTHLY SELF EXAMS! I wasn't good about it. I called it my irregular monthly exams but that is how I found the Cancer. It was stage 3! I had also been late with my mammogram. Everywhere you hear how important these check points are and I'm here to ask you to listen. It could save your life.

Also, I want to thank my surgeon, Dr. Ames Smith and my oncologist, Dr. Tom Tucker.
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp

INSECTS - THE TOP CONCERNS OF AUSTIN HOMEOWNERS

I'm often asked about the insects in the Austin area. Yes, we have them. Some are good some are annoying. Here is the breakdown, in my opinion, of what homeowners need to know about:

1. Termites. It's not so serious you have to tent your house. I'm not a pest control expert but I've been told by them that they're subterranean and can be easily treated by a licensed pest control company. When you buy a home in Austin, ask your home inspector about a termite inspection. It's about $75 and well worth it. If the home does have termites, you can use the report to negotiate for the seller having it treated.

2. Fire Ants. These little devils have a painful bite and then the area will itch like crazy for days. They also will interfere with electrical wiring at AC systems. The best way I have heard to treat them is with a product called Amdro which the soldier ants feed to the queen and it will sterilize her.

3. Roaches. The really large kind are often called water bugs. They don't live in the house but come in looking for water especially during a drought. They live in trees and ground cover outside. We had our house treated before we moved in so now even though they do come in, we usually find them dead.

4. Carpenter Ants. These are also wood destroying insects. I don't know how prolific they are but we have a problem with them. I usually find evidence on the livingroom window sill in the form of fine saw dust. I can't explain that but no worries. I just call pest control and they treat the tree near that window where apparently they like to live and all around the exterior of the window. They show up every 2 or 3 years.

5. Silverfish.Yes. These insects will eat holes in your clothes. They like old books, magazines and the paper on the insulation in your attic. If you see them call pest control.

6. Chinch Bugs. They are in the lawn and during the summer will leave round, dead spaces in your lawn. Not everyone gets them but if you have a circular dead spot in your grass, treat for Chinch Bugs.

7. Scorpions. Buyer's are terrified of these and have heard horror stories. Yes, we have Scorpions in Texas but I've lived in Texas my whole life and never seen one.

If you'd like a referral to a pest control company in Austin, contact me at robin@robinscottrealtor.com or 512.589.7988.

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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SUCCESS STORY - 1029 Antique Heritage

This baby is closed! Things are moving slowly in Pflugerville so this home was on the market for 116 days but I successfully closed it today. It's a 4/2.5/2 with 2 living & 2 dining plus a covered patio with an asking price of $160,000.

It's the second house I've listed and sold on this street this year. Now I'm looking for another.

If you know anyone interested in selling a house in the greater Austin area including Pflugerville, Round Rock, Cedar Park and Leander, I want to be your REALTOR® and I'd love to receive a referral from you too. I'm a Certified Residential Specialist and Seller's Representative Specialist. Contact me at robin@robinscottrealtor.com or 512.589.7988.

PARKS AND RECREATION IN AUSTIN

Austin is a great outdoor community with trails for hiking, biking, walking and more in the multitude of parks. for a complete list of Austin parks visit http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/parkdirectory.htm and here's a brief rundown:

Circle C Ranch - disc golf, soccer, basketball, volleyball and 5.9 miles of trails. 6301 W. Slaughter Ln.

Emma Long - located on Lake Austin with sports boats ramps, camping, swimming, picnic, volleyball and miles of trails. $5-$15. 1600 City Park Rd.

Mary Moore Searight - Hike/bike/horse trails, basketball, tennis, disc golf, picnic, playground and fishing. 907 W. Slaughter Ln.

Lady Bird Lake - 10 miles of trails along the Colorado plus baseball, football, soccer, rugby and volleyball fields. Downtown.

Walnut Creek - mountain bile trails, basketball, volleyball, softball and picnic. 12138 N. Lamar.

Walter E. Long - fishing, boating, camping and volleyball. $8. 6614 Blue Bluff Rd.

Zilker - connects to Lady Bird Lake and Barton Creek Greenbelt, Barton Springs natural spring pool, canoeing, disc golf, train rides, playground, picnic, soccer and volleyball. Plus the Botanical Gardens and Natural History Museum. 2100 Barton Springs Road.

In addition there are 12 district parks, 24 greenbelts with hiking trails and 25 Travis County parks to download a map, 6 parks in areas of close proximity, 14 state parks in the area and 8 LCRA parks. So whatever you are looking for outdoors you will find except for snow activities. Visit http://www.austin360.com/recreationhttp://www.austin360.com/recreation.

And, I want to be your REALTOR®! If there is any information you would like regarding relocating to the Austin area, let me know. You can contact me at robin@robinscottrealtor.com, 512.589.7988 or just comment on this blog entry.

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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DIABETES 5K WALK

The American Diabetes Association is having a 5k walk to raise awareness and funds for research? You probably know someone with Diabetes so to find out more visit http://www.diabetes.org/stepout.

The Austin event is scheduled for Saturday, November 15 at Fiesta Gardens. You can get involved by participating in the walk, volunteering or becoming a sponsor. Below are the scheduled walks for Texas.

Austin November 15, 2008

Corpus Christi October 11, 2008

Dallas November 1, 2008

Houston November 22, 2008

Killeen November 15, 2008

Lubbock September 27, 2008

Midland September 20, 2008

Mission November 15, 2008

Odessa October 11, 2008

San Antonio November 1, 2008

AUSTIN WEATHER

It's true. You can acclimate to the heat in Austin. And this year it is hot! We have had over 45 days of 100 degrees or more and broken the record for the average summer high. That is when you average all the daily temperatures for the summer thus far, the total is the highest in history.

But don't let that prevent you from relocating to this great city. It's not always that hot. According to weather statistics we only had 2 days at or over 100 degrees last summer but I can't remember it getting over 96 degrees.

I relocate a lot of people to our area and one of the questions I get asked a lot is what kind of weather conditions we have and if there are tornadoes. I've lived in Austin for 20 years and here's my experience:

RAIN - We either have too much or not enough. The storms are huge but don't worry about it no matter how the news media tries to scare you with the weather reports. Don't play golf if it's lightening. Low water crossings flood. Our slogan is "turn around, don't drown." Sometimes lakefront property floods. The average neighborhood is unlikely to flood. The MLS sheets have an entry to alert you if a home is in a flood plain so you don't have to buy in one. The rain keeps our lawns green and the lakes full.

SNOW - I think it snows about once every 10 years. We do often have one good ice storm in a winter. It has been know to shut down the city. Northerners laugh at us because we don't drive on ice. Keep in mind we don't have snow tires or experience since it's a once a year happening. it's a good opportunity for the kids to get a day off school and maybe you can get a day off work.

DROUGHT - Yes we have that. Almost every summer. There are scheduled watering days for your lawn. The lake levels go down and they come back up. If you are not a farmer there will be little impact.

HURRICANES - We are pretty far from the coast. There has been some wind damage from hurricanes but nothing like living on the coast.

TORNADOES - Often there are tornado watches or warnings. The only tornado I can remember was about 10 years ago in a community named Jarrell which is north of Austin. I live near the northern boarder and still don't know where Jarrell is because it's too far north for my real estate connections.

HAIL - Yes, we have that. I've seen the results of large hail storms with ripped trees, down fences, roofing company signs in yards and dented cars but I've never had more than pea-sized hail hit my house in the 18 years I've owned it.

TEMPERATURE - It's hot in the summer and warm most of the rest of the year. We do have freezing temperatures from time to time. It seems like summer is 9 months and winter from December through February. If you like outdoor activities, this is a great place to be. Most of the time the weather is great enough to be outdoors and there are is always something going on.

This is my experience. Send me yours.

Austin Smart Consumer

If you are relocating to the Austin area or are a current resident but need resources for doctors, dentists, accountants, painters and more, visit Austin Smart Consumer which is a great resource for services and I'm a featured business this week. Look for my photo on the left side. Click and read my advice column and view video interviews. I have one for real estate in general, home buying and home selling.

AUSTIN ENTERTAINMENT AND NEWS

All about Austin

Austin restaurants

Zachery Scott Theater

The Austin Ballet

Austin American Statesman

Austin Chronicle

Austin Business Journal

Austin City Guide

Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau

Austin Entrtainment 

Texas Football

UT Performing Arts Center 

Paramount Theatre and State Theatre Companies

Austin Children's Museum 

Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum 

Austin Museum of Art

The Blanton Museum of Art

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center 

Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library

Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum 

I want to be your REALTOR. To find out more about how I can help you, visit my Web site at http:www/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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I'M NOT GOING TO GIVE IT AWAY

This is something I hear from almost every seller. It generally means that they have an amount in mind that they think their home is worth and they don't want to sell it for less. Of course not. However, what is the reality of the situation?

Usually the seller has no idea what extra upgrades or improved conditions other homes in the neighborhood have and believe their home to be nicer than all the others. Sometimes they are but to price a home right - price it to sell, you must be sure.

When you hire a REALTOR, that agent should provide you with a comparative market analysis of your home comparing it to sold homes of similar age, size, condition and in proximity to yours. Looking at the numbers and charts may not be enough to help you make the best decision. If you and the REALTOR are not in agreement over the numbers, ask your agent to show you active listings which represent your competition. This will help you with an informed decision.

If your objective is to sell your home, it needs to be priced at a point where you will get offers. Over pricing a home will reduce the number of showings and the opportunity to find that right buyer. The National Association of Realtors surveys show that if a home is priced right it will sell faster and for more money than if it's over priced.

Remember, you have hired a REALTOR. He/she is an experienced expert. The REALTOR doesn't determine the price, the market determines the price. Use the information your REALTOR has and work with him/her to determine a marketable price to get your house sold.

If you are interested in selling a house in the greater Austin area, I want to be your REALTOR. I'm a Certified Residential Specialist and a Seller's Representative Specialist. To find out more about how I can help you, visit my Web site at http://www.robinscottrealtor.com and contact me 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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IN THE CONTRACT OFFER, WHAT ARE PRORATIONS

The paragraph addressing prorations is to notify the home buyer and home seller that fees related to the home which are paid for a period of time during which both parties may be in ownership will be prorated and split at closing. For instance, property taxes and homeowner association (HOA) fees.

In Texas, the property taxes are paid at the end of the year so the prorated amount is figured from January 1 through the day of closing and debited from the sellers proceeds and credited to the buyer so that at the end of the year the buyer can pay the full tax bill. The HOA fees may have been paid in advance by the seller so the buyer will be debited from the day after closing through the paid period and the seller would be credited the balance.

If you are interested in buying or selling a home, I want to be your REALTOR. To find out more about how I can help you visit my Web site at http:www.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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5 THINGS TO IMPROVE YOUR CREDIT SCORE

Credit scores range between 200 and 800, with scores above 620 considered desirable for obtaining a mortgage. The following factors affect your score:

1. Your payment history. Did you pay your credit card obligations on time? If they were late, then how late? Bankruptcy filing, liens, and collection activity also impact your history.

2. How much you owe. If you owe a great deal of money on numerous accounts, it can indicate that you are overextended. However, it’s a good thing if you have a good proportion of balances to total credit limits.

3. The length of your credit history. In general, the longer you have had accounts opened, the better. The average consumer's oldest obligation is 14 years old, indicating that he or she has been managing credit for some time, according to Fair Isaac Corp., and only one in 20 consumers have credit histories shorter than 2 years.

4. How much new credit you have. New credit, either installment payments or new credit cards, are considered more risky, even if you pay them promptly.

5. The types of credit you use. Generally, it’s desirable to have more than one type of credit — installment loans, credit cards, and a mortgage, for example.

For more on evaluating and understanding your credit score.

I want to be your REALTOR®. To find out more about how I can help you visit my Web site at http://www.robincottrealtor.com and contact me 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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REALTORS ARE GREAT RESOURCES

Yesterday a past client called to ask for two things. First a comparative market analysis (CMA) of his home and second a referral to a tile installer.

It was easy to generate at CMA and usually I do this once a year for my clients without being asked but this homeowner hadn't been in his home a full year. The good news was that the value of his home had not declined since purchase. Your REALTOR® is the best resource for finding the market value of your home and neighborhood because they are familiar with your property and have a better understanding of the area where Web sites are generic and lifting flyers in your area only gives you an idea of asking price not selling price.

A tile installer was not on my list of vendors but I was easily able to get 10 referrals from REALTORS® in my network. For my clients, I compile a list of all kinds of vendors or can get names for whatever my clients need from lawn service to job inquires.

When you are looking for someone in an industry, be sure to remember your REALTOR® has vast resources.

If you know anyone interested in buying or selling a home in the Austin area, I want to be your REALTOR®. Visit my Web site for more information on how I can help you or to search for properties http://www.robinscottrealtor.com Please call or email 512.589.7988 or robin@robinscottrealtor.com. If you know someone who is looking for a REALTOR® outside the Austin area I can referr them to a reputable agent in their area.

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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SEPTEMBER EVENTS IN AUSTIN

There are always many fun things to do in Austin so mark your calendar. Here some things in September:

Austin Salsa Music Festival with music and dancing from Puerto Rico. 512.251.8122 http://www.prfdance.org

Austin Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival - Sept. 3-7. This features films by and about gays and lesbians with various venues. 512.302.9889 http://www.afliff.org

Diez y Seis Celebration - Sept. 15-16. the 29th anniversary celebration with music and a car show at fiesta Gardens. http://www.diezyseis.org

Old Pecan Street Fall Arts Festival - Sept 20-21. Up and down 6th Street (once named Pecan Street) is live music, arts and crafts vendors and entertainment for children as well. 512.443.6179 http://www.oldpecanstreetfestival.com

Austin City Limits Music Festival - Sept 26-28. This is one of the two major musical annual events featuring bands from all over the country performing for three days. There will also be food and arts and crafts. It's at Zilker Park, 2100 Barton springs Rd. http://www.aclfest.com

Stay cool, drink water and have fun!