Austin Halloween Events

Hope you have a fun and safe Halloween. Here is a list of some things to do around Austin.

Barton Springs" Haunted Cave - 10 am - 5 pm Tuesday - Saturday and Noon to 5pm Sundays though Nov.
A spooky twist on the Edward's Aquifer. Free. 2201 Barton Springs.

Boo at the Zoo - 6:30-9pm Thursday & Friday, October 30 & 31. Experience the zoo at night. Wear costumes, bring picnic and flashlight. $10. 10807 Rawhide Trail.

House of Torment - 7pm - midnight until Nov. 2. Haunted house with 2 attractions. $14.99 per attraction or $19.99 plus tax for both. 523 Highland Mall Blvd.

Horror Haunted House - 7pm-1am Thursday - Saturday with 2 attractions. $13 for each or $18 for both. Not recommended for younger children. Lakeline Village Shopping Center.

Mansion of Terror - 7pm - midnight most nights through Nov. 2, except 7 - 11pm Sundays and Thursdays and 7pm - 2 am Friday with 2 attractions. $15 each or $19.50 for both. 2000 S. I-35 Round Rock.

New Contruction in Central Austin

This is a great opportunity to live in Central Austin in new construction. See what’s walking distance from this home. Only 15 minutes to downtown plus close to Seton Medical Center, Central Market and The Triangle. This custom home boasts two master suite, one on each of the top two floors, and gorgeous master bathrooms. This is a 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath home with all the special features you’d expect in new construction such as: handscraped wood floors in the living area, Silestone counters throughout, tile in the baths, decorator colors and fixtures, vessel sinks, stainless appliances, crown molding, 6” baseboards, art niches and dual AC.
• 2 master suites
• 1 living/dining, small yard for low maintenance
• Handscraped wood floors in living area, tile in baths and carpet in bedrooms
• Silestone counters and stainless appliances
• Crown molding and 6” baseboards
• Dual Ac and wired for cable and security
• 1512 sq.ft. CAD

Offered at $420,000 WHAT A GREAT PRICE!

Robin Scott, Broker. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative

This charming cul-de-sac home has 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2-car garage, 2 living and 2 dining. There is tile in the kitchen/breakfast and all baths. All bedrooms and the utility room are upstairs. Special features include, fireplace, garden tub/separate shower and security system. 2102 sq.ft. Pulte home built in 2001.
• 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2-car garage
• 2 living and 2 dining
• Tile in kitchen and baths
• Security system
• Fruit trees
• Built in 2001 by Pulte
• 2102 sq.ft. CAD

$154,900 WHAT A GREAT PRICE

Robin Scott, Broker. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative

Relocation Buyer's LOOKING FOR WARM WEATHER

Did you know that 11,000 people moved to Austin, Texas last year?

My last two relocation clients told me they came to escape the snow. One was a retired couple from Michigan who said that last winter was more than they could bear again. The other is a twenty-something couple from Ohio with the same sentiment.

If you don't like snow and the warm weather appeals to you, Austin may be the place of your dreams. According to Austin weather history the average temperature in January is 48.8 degrees although it does freeze from time to time, lightly snows about every 10 years and once a year we may have an ice storm. On the flip side, the average temperature in August is 84.4 degrees. Yes, I know all you Austinites will dispute that but it's true. Now we know it gets into the hundreds in the summer and this last summer was one of the worst but the statistics are as they are.

Here is the local weather report.

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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Austin Ranked #1 by Forbes Magazine Again

Forbes Magazine has ranked Austin Number 1 in several different categories over the years. After all, this is a great place to live. Most recently Forbes has ranked Austin Number 1 in "the place where you can get the most bang for your bucks." The analysis was based on job growth and cost of living. Plus this is still a great place to buy and home.

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.

Like us on facebook!

Seller Assulted by Man Posing as a Buyer in Austin

And this is not the first such case in Austin. Sellers: Please be safety conscious.

In 2001 a woman who had her home for sale in the Great Hills, Austin neighborhood was strangled to death by a man who knocked on her door and asked if he could come in and see the house. IF THEY AREN'T ACCOMPANIED BY AN AGENT, DON'T LET THEM IN. In addition, this same man had previously strangled 4 other women with the same rouse. One of them had survived to identify him. I don't recall why he was not in prison when the Great Hills murder happened but I do remember the eerie feeling when I toured the home a year later on a property tour.

Most recently, a woman in Austin was assaulted and robbed by a man whom she admitted to her home under the same circumstances. Her home was for sale. He knocked on the door and asked if he could see the home. She let him in.

Here is a list of safety tips for sellers:

1. If someone knocks on the door and wants to see the house, tell them to call the phone number on the for sale sign and make an appointment.

2. If you are at home when a Realtor comes, ask them to access the lockbox which electronically records their name, contact info and time of entry.

3. Remove any valuables from view or easy access. That includes account information, jewelry, prescription drugs, weapons, etc.

Robin Scott, Broker. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist.

New Restaurant in Austin - Olivia

With upscale cuisine. Recently I wrote about my friends who opened a used book store on North Lamar in Austin - Frugal Media. So now I want to tell you about the restaurant my son-in-law's sister opened in South Austin - Olivia.

Named after their adorable daughter, Olivia, James and Christina have opened a beautiful restaurant with an exotic menu created by Chef James himself. Olivia is located at 2043 South Lamar so stop in for dinner and tell Christina that Robin Scott sent you. It's really good and worth the drive if you are coming from Frugal Media.

FRUGALMEDIA OPENS IN AUSTIN

FrugalMedia is the largest on-line used bookstore and owned by my friends Rob Canuelle and Erik Franks. They have a fantastic system and if you have bought used books on-line you have probably purchased from FrugalMedia. They have sold over 800,000 items on-line in the last 5 years.

Now they have opened a retail store on Austin at 5400 N.Lamar. In addition to the great selection of used books, my husband John's paintings decorate the walls. The Austin American Statesman published an article about FrigalMedia you may find of interest. If you are in the Austin area, swing by and say hello to Rob and Erik. If you don't live in the Austin area, you may want to visit FrugalMedia on line.Below are photos from the Grand Opening Party.

TIPS FOR HIRING A REMODELING CONTRACTOR

 
1. Get at least three written estimates.

2. Check references. If possible, view earlier jobs the contractor completed.

3. Check with the local Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau for complaints.

4. Be sure the contract states exactly what is to be done and how change orders will be handled.

5. Make as small of a down payment as possible so you won’t lose a lot if the contractor fails to complete the job and he has the incentive to finish.

6. Be sure that the contractor has the necessary permits, licenses and insurance.

7. Check that the contract states when the work will be completed and what recourse you have if it isn’t. Also, remember that in many instances you can cancel a contract within three business days of signing it.

8. Ask if the contractor’s workers will do the entire job or whether subcontractors will be involved too.

9. Get the contractor to indemnify you if work does not meet any local building codes or regulations.

10. Be sure that the contract specifies the contractor will clean up after the job and be responsible for any damage.

11. Guarantee that the materials that will be used meet your specifications.

12. Don’t make the final payment until you’re satisfied with the work.

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.

Like us on facebook!

House for Lease in Austin

This adorable 2-story, 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home also has 2 living areas, 1 dining and a 2-car garage. Special features include tile in wet areas, laminate in livingroom, a fireplace, garden tub, separate shower, covered patio plus it backs to a greenbelt with access to the neighborhood hike & bike. This home is in a wonderful neighborhood with park, playground, pool, tennis and more with easy access to major employers and shopping, 20 minutes to downtown and in the acclaimed Round Rock School District. 1850 sq.ft. Leasing for $1350/mo. For more information call Robin/agent 512-589-7988.

FALL FUN IN AUSTIN

OCTOBER

Austin Film Festival 478-4795

Austin Record Convention 288-7288

Texas Mesquite Art Festival 830-997-8515

Mediterranean Festival 345-9514

Texas Wildlife Expo 800-792-1112

Food & Wine Fest

Dia de los Muertos 480-9373

NOVEMBER

Austin Celtic Festival

Chuy's Children Giving to Children Parade 888-439-2489

Texas Book Festival 477-4055

Austin Powwow and American Indian Heritage Festival 371-0628

Robin Scott, Broker. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist.

Hello Michigan

Last week I worked with a really nice couple who was relocating from Michigan. They had retired and chosen Austin, Texas as their new home. That is so exciting! They are looking forward to our mild winters but Austin has so much more to offer.

Weather -If you are tired of the snow this is the place. It rarely snows. Maybe one every 10 years.

Music - We call ourselves "the Live Music Capital of the World." In addition to all the live music venues across the city we are the home of Austin City Limits and SXSW which are internationally famous, annual music events.

Sports - Texas Longhorns, UT football is really BIG and we also have Round Rock Express, AAA minor league baseball team, Ice Bats Hockey Team and we are the home of Lance Armstrong so biking is really popular too.

Outdoors - No matter how hot it is there is always something going on in our community and often outdoors and on your own you could enjoy swimming, boating, hiking, biking, camping, fishing and more.

The Arts - Austin is one of only 14 cities in the US that has an Opera, Ballet and Symphony. We also have several art museums including The Blanton Museum of Art which is the 3rd largest art museum in Texas and a dedicated classical music station KFMA.

Celebrates - Yes, we have a few. Sandra Bullock bought a home here and has a restaurant downtown. Matthew McConaughey is from Austin and although his MySpace page says he's a Malibu resident he does own a home here. Dennis Quaid married the daughter of a local real estate developer and holds an annual charity golf tournament. Lance Armstong of course. Quintin Terintino of Kill Bill fame and Robert Rodriquez of Spy Kids are also here.

Anyway, my wonderful clients from Michigan bought a really nice home that is being built in Silver Leaf by Buffington and it should be ready for them to move in mid December. The temperature that day might be in the mid 70's.

If you are thinking of relocating from Michigan or anywhere else, consider Austin, Texas. It's frequently listed as one of the best places to live by a number of national publications.

Robin Scott, Broker. Certified Residential Specialist. Accredited Buyer's Representative. Seller's Representative Specialist.

AUSTIN AREA MARKET STATISTICS - from August

Here are the market statistics from AUGUST compared to AUGUST 2007 in the greater Austin area:

Homes Sold 1,992 - down 20%

Median Sales Price $195,000 - up 2%

Active Listings 10,348 - up 5%

Average Days on Market 69 - up 19%

source: Austin Board of Realtors

Robin Scott, REALTOR®. Certified Residential Specialist, Seller's Representative Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative.

BREAST CANCER AWARNESS MONTH

Yes. October is breast cancer awareness month and the 2nd anniversary of my discovery that I had breast cancer. Ironic isn't it. I'm doing great but I wouldn't want anyone to have to go through what I did and I survived. So, I'm writing to remind you how important monthly self exams and annual mammograms are. I found my cancer during a self exam. Please encourage others you know to be proactive about their health. The statistics are staggering and catching breast cancer early critical. Best wishes to you all and the best of health.

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp

Robin Scott, Broker. Certified Residential Specialist, Seller's Representative Specialist and Accredited Buyer's Representative.