Crub side Pick Up for Milwood/Rattan Creek

On Saturday, April 30th, the Milwood/Rattan Creek area is getting a curbside clean up. Residents must place their large items at the curb by 7:00 am.

The trucks will be picking up until 2 pm and after that any remaining items will be collected at regular trash pickup day.
Tree limbs and branches must be cut in 4 ft. lengths and bundled.
No hazardous waste will be collected:

Paint
motor oil
toxic chemicals
any refrigerant

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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My Real Estate Investing Strategies - entry 8

We are looking good! My husband and daughter spent last week cleaning, repairing and painting. On Sunday and Monday, I helped paint and it's almost all painted. We have never painted the entire house at once before but we started we just kept going so it would look really great.

Did you know that according to Texas Property Code (TPC), you are required to return the security deposit or an explanation as to why you didn't within 30 days of the end of the lease? So yesterday I dropped a letter in the mail. They did not provide a forwarding address so I sent it to the rental property address which is all that's required. I did not return the deposit. Usually there is something left after I deduct repair expenses but this time there was nothing.


RelocateAmerica.com ranked Austin Ranked Among Best Cities to Relocate
“Austin was ranked the third best city to move to in the United States, according to a RelocateAmerica.com report. The relocating resources website listed Austin just behind Huntsville, Ala. and Washington D.C. for overall best place to move.” - Austin American-Statesman

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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Minimum Service Brokerage

The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) which was created to protect the consumer and regulates real estate licensees in Texas has ruled on a minimum amount of services which a minimum service brokerage (real estate brokers who offer a very low commission charge) must deliver.

Under 22 TAC 535.156 the real estate licensee must:
* submit all offers to the seller
* convey all known information which could affect the principle's (client's) decisions
* deal fairly and honestly with all parties and owes a duty of fiduciary to her principal
* convey accurate information

If the minimum service broker has an exclusive agency relationship, he may not instruct the buyers agent to negotiate directly with the seller nor may the buyer's agent negotiate directly with the seller.
In addition, the minimum service broker must:
* answer the clients questions related to the offer
* keep the client informed of material information
* present offers

Although a minimum service agent has a duty to provide a minimum amount of service, a real estate transaction can become a complicated affair and usually involves negotiating from beginning all the way to closing. It's a smart idea to have a professional on your side; looking out for your best interests. Although you may have bought and sold property before and can read information online, a REALTOR who has helped purchase and sell hundreds of properties can help you with negotiating, with processes and with the complications which arise during a real estate transaction.

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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My Real Estate Inveting Strategies - entry 4

Our first project for the make-ready and improvement of this rental is to put tile in the entry, kitchen, both bathrooms and replace the crummy fiberglass tub with a crack in the master with a tiled walk-in shower. I believe that improving the property makes it easier to lease, keep leased and to raise the rent. I'm really excited to see the results.

After research and consideration, I decided to use a neutral 13 x 13 inch tile for the floor, the same time in a 6 x 6 inch for the walls of the shower and a small 1 x 1 inch tile for the floor of the shower. The tile has been purchased.

My tile installer is also a tenant at another property. He did a beautiful job when he tiled my house so if you live in Austin and need a tile installer, I'll happily recommend him. Today Martin started working on installing the tile. Tile installer Martin Cerda at 512.696.1275.

RelocateAmerica.com ranked Austin Ranked Among Best Cities to Relocate
 
“Austin was ranked the third best city to move to in the United States, according to a RelocateAmerica.com report. The relocating resources website listed Austin just behind Huntsville, Ala. and Washington D.C. for overall best place to move.” - Austin American-Statesman

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.

Like us on facebook!

What is Oak Wilt?

In the photos is a house that lost all it's trees to oak wilt. On the right, You can see the stumps of trees already cut down. Oak Wilt is a deadly disease that is rapidly infecting trees in Central Texas. In the past twenty years, Austin has lost more than 10,000 oaks to this disease. Austin's Watershed Protection and Development Review Department (WPDR) has partnered with state and federal agencies, as well as neighborhood associations, to locate, treat, and prevent Oak Wilt. But home owners should also be working to protect their lovely oaks from infection.

What is Oak Wilt and which trees are affected? Oak Wilt disease is caused by the fungus Ceratocystis fagacearum, which infects the tree's vascular system. The vascular system becomes blocked by the fungus so that water cannot be adequately transported through the tree. Leaves wilt and fall prematurely, and in many cases the oak does not survive. The disease is spread by beetles that feed on the wounds of infected trees. The fungus can also travel between trees with interconnected roots. Oak Wilt spreads as wide as 75 feet per year in all directions. 

All oaks are vulnerable to oak wilt, but infection strikes some species more often than others. Red Oaks, particularly Spanish Oak, Texas Red Oak, Shumard Oak, and Blackjack Oak, are extremely susceptible and are often 'patient zero' in the spread of the fungus among a group of oak trees. In some cases, the leaves of infected Red Oaks turn red and yellow in early summer and fall from their branches prematurely, just before the tree dies. In other cases, the leaves will turn pale green, then brown, but still hang onto their branches.

Live Oaks are moderately sensitive to oak wilt infection, however they create an ideal environment for the fungus to spread from tree to tree because they tend to grow from root sprouts and form extensive interconnected root systems. Once infected, Live Oaks die quickly, one area of the tree at a time. The area around the leaf veins are often brightly colored.

White Oaks, including Post Oak, Bur Oak, Mexican White Oak, White Shin Oak, Durand Oak, Lacey Oak, and Chinkapin Oak, have a natural resistance to the fungus and rarely die from oak wilt.

How to prevent and manage Oak Wilt infections: To successfully control the spread of Oak Wilt, early identification and action are crucial. Keep an eye out for discoloration of leaves, or an unseasonable shedding of leaves. Another indicator of the disease in Red Oaks is fungal mats. These are spore-producing structures that typically appear in late summer or fall. Fungal mats appear as narrow cracks in the bark which lead to hollow areas in the wood. These areas often have a distinctive odor of fermenting fruit.

These are some actions one can take to control and prevent the spread of Oak Wilt:

• Prune oak trees only in the coldest part of the winter and hottest part of the summer.

• Diseased Red Oaks should be cut down and disposed of immediately, preferably by burning the wood.

• All pruning equipment should be sterilized after use, and all wounds, pruned areas, and fresh stumps should be treated with wound paint or latex paint to prevent insects from spreading the disease.

• If you use oak firewood, only use old, dried wood.

• When possible, install a 4 foot deep trench at least 100 feet from infected and susceptible trees to sever root connections.

• Consult a licensed arborist for preventative treatment with injections of the fungicide Propiconazole (ALAMO^®).

• When planting new trees, choose a species that is resistant to Oak Wilt and are well adapted to Central Texas.

• Contact Chris Dolan, City of Austin Oak Wilt Suppression Program, at 974-1881 for more information.

If you require professional help to suppress an Oak Wilt outbreak, Texasoakwilt.org provides many resources for Central Texas at http://www.texasoakwilt.org/Assistance/assistance.html.

Sources:

City of Austin, http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/oakwilt/

Texas Oak Wilt Information Partnership, http://www.texasoakwilt.org/

RelocateAmerica.com ranked Austin Ranked Among Best Cities to Relocate
“Austin was ranked the third best city to move to in the United States, according to a RelocateAmerica.com report. The relocating resources website listed Austin just behind Huntsville, Ala. and Washington D.C. for overall best place to move.” - Austin American-Statesman

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.

Rosedale Businesses - Walkability

The popular Rosedale Neighborhood has many businesses in close proximity. To see just how close, visit http://www.walkscore.com.

Rosedale is home to several popular restaurants. Among the highest rated are Uchiko on North Lamar, a new upscale sushi bar, and the raved about food stand, Sushi A-Go-Go on Medical Pkwy. Both Torchy's Tacos on Burnet Road and Tacodeli on Lamar are great places to get quick Mexican food, while La Cocina de Consuelo on Burnet, and Fonda San Miquel on North Loop, are both sit-down Mexican restaurants that boast of their breakfast and brunch menus. Other favorite Rosedale eateries include Austin Greek Deli on Hancock Drive, Billy's on Burnet, and Sarah's Mediterranean Grill & Market on Burnet Rd.

Three of Austin's favorite bakeries reside on Burnet in Rosedale: The Upper Crust Bakery, the Middle Eastern Phoenicia Bakery, and the Mexican Mi Victoria Bakery.

The nightlife scene in Rosedale tends to be more sophisticated than what one finds downtown. Favorite neighborhood spots include the Draught House Pub and Brewery, Apothecary Cafe & Wine Bar, and Simplicity Wine & Eats, all located along Burnet.

There are many home and garden shops in Rosedale along Burnet, including Miquel's Imports, Texas Hydroponics & Organics, the Futon Furniture Store, Feats of Clay, and Gypsies Antiques. Clothing stores include Top Drawer vintage store, Envie Boutique, and Sue Patrick.

Discover more Rosedale businesses on Yelp Austin.

If you are interested in finding out more about Austin, living in Austin, real estate or buying or selling a home, 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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All About Rosedale in Austin, Texas

The popular Rosedale is located in the northern region of Central Austin. The neighborhood borders are 38th Street to the south, Shoal Creek to the west, North Loop / Hancock Drive to the north, and Lamar Boulevard to the the east. Rosedale's beauty, charm, and central location makes it one of the most desirable of Austin's neighborhoods. There are over 1200 homes in the area, and a variety of parks, shops, bars, and restaurants within walking distance. Rosedale is in close proximity to downtown and the University of Texas, and is at the center of an extensive network of medical services, including Seton Hospital.

The Rosedale area was originally used as farm and dairy land in the 1860's. In the 1900s, four florists and nurseries moved into the neighborhood. Much of the nursery stock planted during that time continues to provide the neighborhood with shady trees and rich greenery.

Most of the homes in the Rosedale area were built during the 1940s and 1950s, and the well maintained houses have preserved the quaint, mid-century style of the neighborhood. New construction and renovations throughout the neighborhood help perpetuate its appeal to home buyers. Rosedale's population is a blend of young families, single professionals, and elderly residents, many of whom are original owners.

Visit the Rosedale Neighborhood Association at Rosedale-na.org. For information on Rosedale demographics, visit City-Data.com.

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

HAVE A GREAT HOLIDAY!
If you are interested in finding out more about Austin, living in Austin, real estate or buying or selling a home, 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.

Like us on facebook!

Weather in Austin, Texas

It's a dreary looking Christmas Eve in Austin, Texas today. Fifty-five degrees and drizzly. But I'm not complaining because a cold front is on the way in and hopefully we'll get rain too. Austin is in the middle of a drought and this morning as I drove down the expressway on route to show a listing, I noticed two areas along the grassy bank where a fire had burned the grass.
We don't get snow at Christmas but I'd love to have a cozy day at home with my family, good food and a fire in the fireplace.
 
HAVE A GREAT HOLIDAY!

If you are interested in finding out more about Austin, living in Austin, real estate or buying or selling a home, 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.

Like us on facebook!

Holiday Plans

It's time to stop working. That's hard because I love what I do so tomorrow morning I'm driving downtown to show my listing and happy to do it. However, following that I'll prepare for Christmas by visiting the grocery store and cleaning my house. 

Christmas Eve we have a family tradition of going to a movie. Our oldest daughter is in New Hampshire visiting her in-laws so it will just be me, my husband and youngest daughter off to see True Grit. It got great reviews and I've seen Jeff bridges and Matt Damon promoting it.
On Christmas day my daughter, sister and Mother will come over. We will cook and watch movies.

We have some favorites. Love Actually is at the top of the list.
What are your plans?
If you are interested in finding out more about Austin, living in Austin, real estate or buying or selling a home, 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.

Milwood Holidays

The Milwood Rattan Creek Neighborhood is organized.

Sunday, December 19th at 6PM there will be caroling in the Rattan Creek Park. Songbooks will be available but bring a flashlight so you can see them. Santa is scheduled to arrive in a firetruck around 6:30 and will visit for about an hour. In case of rain, go to the community center in the park for the fun and festivities.

Curbside X-mas tree pick up will be December 27 - mid-January on your normal trash pickup day. Be sure the trees are cut in 4 foot lengths and bundled for the trash collector.

Remember - NO FIREWORKS! Older residents may remember we were once allowed to shoot off fireworks in the area, but a few years ago Williamson County passed an ordinance against it. That includes no fireworks at your home, either Rattan Creek Park or Robinson Park, the greenbelts or the soccer fields.

Have a happy and safe holiday!

Do You Know a Buyer for This House?

AUSTIN HOME FOR SALE - WALKING DISTANCE TO ANNUAL ACL MUSIC FESTIVAL IN ZILKER PARK

612 Highland Ave. This is a 3/2/2 with an attached 2/1 apartment only 1/2 block from 6th Street just a few blocks west of Whole Foods and walking distance to the Annual ACL Music Festival which is one reason the owner loved it. Asking $650,000.

If you are interested in finding out more about Austin, living in Austin, real estate or buying or selling a home, I want to be your REALTOR. 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.

Would you like to subscribe to my monthly enewsletter? Send your name and email address to 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.

Old West Austin & Clarksville

Old West Austin is a unique and 
diverse neighborhood, which 
encompasses Clarksville, a National 
Register Historic District. It’s 
boundaries are Enfield Road to the 
north, Mopac Expressway to the 
west, Town Lake to the south and 
Lamar Boulevard to the east. Rolling 
hills, shady trees, and colorful 
homes give this neighborhood its 
character. The proximity to down-
town makes Old West Austin a 
desirable location with neighbor-
hood parks and excellent schools.


Clarksville is composed of a mixture of eclectic houses dating back to the late 1800s. The land on which the neighborhood was settled was once owned by Governor Elisha M. Pease. Rumor has it that Pease gave this land to his emancipated slaves with the arrogant expectation that if they lived close to his mansion they would remain in his service.


Clarksville was founded in 1871 as a freedman´s community, by Charles Clark, a former slave. The Sweet Home Baptist Church, now a restored historic landmark, served as the community meeting center. Elias Mayes, a black state legislator who worked to protect the rights given to African-Americans after the war, built his home on land purchased from Charles Clark in 1884. Many Clarksville residents farmed or worked in the cotton industry, while others held jobs in surrounding communities. Austin Landmarks.


In 1976, the Austin City Council approved the use a federal housing and community-development grant to finally pave streets permanently, improve drainage, and rehabilitate housing in Clarksville.

CLARKSVILLE HOME FOR SALE - $650,000 -UPDATE: SOLD

612 Highland Ave. This charming home is a 3/2/2 with a 2/1/ apartment for investment income, home office or guest quarters. Features include fireplace, covered patio, balcony deck, sprinkler system, fenced yard and security system.

For more information about this home, visit my Web site or give me a call at 512.589.7988.


If you have a home to sell or would like to buy a home in the Clarksville area, I want to be your REALTOR. Call or email to find out how I can help you.

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.

Like us on facebook!

Austin Open House/ Price Reduced

Home for Sale! 612 Highland Ave. in the popular Clarksville/downtown Austin area and just 1/2 block from 6th Street. This is a 3/2/2 with a charming walk-out basement apartment that is a 2/1. Asking $650,000. Open house 2-4 This Sunday, November 21tst. Visit my Web site for a virtual tour.

This is a great opportunity to live in the Clarksville/downtown area of Austin. It's located 1/2 block from W 6th Street between Lamar and West Lynn; steps from Matthews Elementary and West Austin Park (playscape and tree-shaded dog area). A short walk takes you to Whole Foods, restaurants, Austin High School and even Zilker Park. Visit http://www.walkscore.com/score/612-Highland-Ave-78703 to see what's available nearby.

This is a two-story home built in 1927 with many unique features. It has a ground-floor apartment with separate side entrance and a full walk-out to the backyard.

The main house has a living/dining area with wood floors, vaulted ceiling, fireplace, built-ins, 2 bedrooms with wood floors and a bath downstairs. A large kitchen opens onto a beautiful deck. The upper level is a master bedroom loft with a bath and laundry/closet. <

The apartment is a 2 bedroom, 1 bath with whirlpool spa and cute, cute, cute. Great for rental income or guests. Full architectural plans are available for an addition to the main house and apartment, and expansion of the master suite area.

In addition there is a lovely fenced yard and a 2-car garage that opens onto the alley.

If you are looking for an Austin REALTOR, contact me. I want to be your REALTOR! Contact me at 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.

WW II French Hero

When we visited France a couple of years ago we had the privilege of meeting André. He was a friend of some friends; a true gentleman and World War II hero. At the age of 15 he road his bicycle as a messenger between the French Underground cell his father headed and other underground cells whose purpose was to protect those for whom the Nazi soldiers were looking; including American soldiers and the American pilot whose plane was brought down when it crashed into my husbands uncles plane. The uncle died but the other pilot was protected by the underground until he could be rescued.

On November 11, André was named Knight of the Legion of Honour. Congratulations André!

Above are photos from the celebration and André receiving recognition and giving a speech. Now in his 80's, he lives a quiet life but is well loved and appreciated. We are hoping to be able to go back to France for another visit and I'm working on Learning French so I can better communicate.

If you are interested in buying or selling a house in the greater Austin area, 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.