Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Choosing a Career in Real Estate


Robin's baby pic Why I Chose Real Estate! Baby I was Born This Way. Just as the song says. When I reflect back on my history, I realize it was in my DNA.

When my grandfather, Henry Grossman, immigrated from Russia to Corpus Christi, Texas in the early 1900's to escape the terror of Tsar Nikki, he worked hard, saved money and bought property. He owned an apartment complex and a commercial building in uptown Corpus Christi. He was a real entrepreneur.

My father who was by profession a pharmacist was also an entrepreneur owning his own pharmacy, a boutique furniture store, an acrylic bath accessory manufacturing company and an apartment complex.

My mothers favorite hobby when I was a kid was stopping at open houses while we were out running errands so at a young age, I developed an interest in real estate and becoming an independent business person.
robin as a child As a kid, my favorite game was Monopoly and I usually won. I loved buying and selling properties, building on site and collecting rent. As a teen-ager, I was so interested in houses that I would draw floorplans of homes and planned to be an architect but things change in life and since the man of my dreams was in the art department at the University of Houston, that's where I ended up - with a degree in Fine Art and a marriage that is nearing 40 years!
robin as a teenager So, although I had an interest in real estate through most of my life and considered becoming a REALTOR® many times, I pursued a career in graphic design. After making a lot of money selling my first home and loosing a lot of money selling my second home (Houston in the mid 80's,) I realized that the way to actually make money in real estate was through investment property not your home. I pleaded with my husband (yes, the one of nearly 40 years) to buy real estate but after loosing so much on our house in the 80's it was a hard sell.

In 1998 we purchased our first investment property. My agent, Cher Jordan, said to me "you seem so interested and ask so many questions, why don't you take real estate classes and if you like it you can get your license and my husband, Jimmy can be your broker." That was the pivotal point for me; when Cher provided the opportunity and encouragement I needed to pursue an interest I had all my life.

I took the classes, passed the licensing exam on the first try and Jim became my broker but I was still working as a graphic designer/art director on contract for 3M and loved it there. I got my license in February of 1999 and in May, the product I supported was discontinued and 22 people were laid off including me. I went right into real estate full time in a banner year of real estate and have not looked back.

I love everything about real estate, the business, the properties and the people. In fact, I think it's such a great career choice that when my youngest daughter graduated from The University of Texas and couldn't find a job, I said "take the real estate classes, get your license and I can be your broker." She took my offer and now she has a story to tell.
Elle Of course being from an entrepreneurial family mean I wanted my own business so in 2009 I became an independent broker and I love that too. Did I choose real estate or did real estate choose me? The reason I chose real estate was Fate.

I want to be your REALTOR. If you are thinking of selling a house, give me a call. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have about the seller's disclosure or other matters involving selling a home. 512. 589.7988.

If you are interested in finding out more about Austin, living in Austin, real estate or buying or selling a home in Austin, I want to be your REALTOR. And I appreciate your referrals as well. Call or email to find out how I can help you. 512.589.7988 or robin @robinscottrealtor.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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Saturday, July 23, 2011

Leasing in Austin

Warn those you know who are looking for a lease online that there is a lot of fraud out there.

Today a REALTOR called to ask me about a home his client was interested it that I had listed for lease last month. Tracing the links lead him to someone in the UK who had it posted for lease. He looked on MLS and found me whom he thought could notify the current tenants and/or owners that something was wrong and he also emailed the Web site on which it was posted to let them know. Thank you Don.

Actually, the tenants had complained to me that they were having a problem with people ringing their doorbell and asking about leasing the house. A Google search showed an number of ads that were illegitimate.

If you are posting leases on line, Google the address periodically so you can monitor the fraudulent ads and get them removed.

When shopping for a home to lease, be careful and make sure the party you are contacting is the party who has the authority to lease the house. My guess is the scam involves the lessee providing a deposit. Which reminds me of a story from about 12 years ago when my daughter was in college in Denton and trying to lease an apartment. She and her roommate turned over a cash deposit to a man who met them at the property and showed it to them. The proper leasing office had no idea who he was. Lesson learned. A legitimate party will have a lease application, be in a leasing office, have a business card or be the rightful owner and you can look online at tax records to confirm that.
family
For help finding a home or apartment to lease in the Austin area, call Elle Scott, REALTOR at 512.619.2598. There is no fee for a REALTOR to assist you.

I want to be your REALTOR. If you are thinking of selling a house, give me a call. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have about the seller's disclosure or other matters involving selling a home. 512. 589.7988.

If you are interested in finding out more about Austin, living in Austin, real estate or buying or selling a home in Austin, I want to be your REALTOR. And I appreciate your referrals as well. Call or email to find out how I can help you. 512.589.7988 or robin @robinscottrealtor.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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Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Becoming a Texas Real Estate Broker

Austin CapitolTexas has been known for having very strict licensing regulations and I think these changes to improve are for the better. The length of time in which you must gain experience as a salesperson prior to becoming a broker will increase from 2 years to 4 years as of January 1, 20012 per Senate Bill 747. In addition, a broker who sponsors a salesperson must take a 6-hour broker responsibility course which will count toward mandatory continuing education with 15 credit hours.

I had my license for 5 years prior to becoming a broker because although that was always my intention, I didn't think 2 years was enough time to have the knowledge to take that responsibility. I've been a broker for 7 years but only after 6 did I feel confident enough in my experience to take complete control, leave my broker who had been in business since 1968 and become independent. Now with over a year as an independent broker I have accepted the responsibility of sponsoring a salesperson and I'm looking forward to the broker responsibility class.

I want to be your REALTOR. If you are thinking of selling a house, give me a call. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have about the seller's disclosure or other matters involving selling a home. 512. 589.7988.

If you are interested in finding out more about Austin, living in Austin, real estate or buying or selling a home in Austin, I want to be your REALTOR. And I appreciate your referrals as well. Call or email to find out how I can help you. 512.589.7988 or robin @robinscottrealtor.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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Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Austin Market Statistics from MAY

AUSTIN AREA MARKET STATISTICS MAY 2011

Homes Sold: 1,698 - UP 10% from April

Median Sales Price: $196,400 - UP 1% from April

Days on Market: 81 - DOWN 9% from April

Active Listings: 9,744 - UP 1% from April

Source: Austin Board of Realtors

I want to be your REALTOR. If you are thinking of selling a house, give me a call. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have about the seller's disclosure or other matters involving selling a home. 512. 589.7988.

If you are interested in finding out more about Austin, living in Austin, real estate or buying or selling a home in Austin, I want to be your REALTOR. And I appreciate your referrals as well. Call or email to find out how I can help you. 512.589.7988 or robin @robinscottrealtor.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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Saturday, July 9, 2011

Boom Town, USA



Austin, TexasAUSTIN IS NO. 1 BOOM TOWN ON FORBES MAGAZINE BOOM TOWN LIST. In a recent study where growth and prosperity were analyzed by Praxis Strategy Group and Forbes, Austin was ranked Number One of the 52 major metropolitan cities.

I want to be your REALTOR. If you are thinking of selling a house, give me a call. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have about the seller's disclosure or other matters involving selling a home. 512. 589.7988.

If you are interested in finding out more about Austin, living in Austin, real estate or buying or selling a home in Austin, I want to be your REALTOR. And I appreciate your referrals as well. Call or email to find out how I can help you. 512.589.7988 or robin @robinscottrealtor.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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Friday, July 8, 2011

Austin Home for Sale - northwest

This is a charming home in a great location with lots of upgrades and updates for only $157,000.

http://www.tourfactory.com/757505

It's a 3/2/2, one story with a great open floorplan. 1509 sq.ft, built in 1997. Close to Alamo Draft House and other shopping. Easy access to Hwy 183. Upgrades include: recent roof, scrapped wood floor look in living areas, french doors in dining and master, deck in front and back plus many more features such as a fireplace, open kitchen with breakfast bar and subway tilebacksplash. Don't miss this opportunity to buy. MLS# 6912507

9614 Copper Creek9614 Copper Creek

9614 Copper Creek9614 Copper Creek

9614 Copper Creek

I want to be your REALTOR. If you are thinking of selling a house, give me a call. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have about the seller's disclosure or other matters involving selling a home. 512. 589.7988.

If you are interested in finding out more about Austin, living in Austin, real estate or buying or selling a home in Austin, I want to be your REALTOR. And I appreciate your referrals as well. Call or email to find out how I can help you. 512.589.7988 or robin @robinscottrealtor.com

Austin, Texas Homes for Sale. Robin Scott, BROKER Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. 512.589.7988.

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