Friday, May 17, 2013

Our First Cruise

jrdb In April, John and I went on a Bahama Cruise with our friends of over 40 years, Don and Brenda. Yes we did go on Carnival! Our wonderful travel agent, Carl Anderson of Anderson Vacations fixed everything for us when our cruise ship, Carnival Triumph failed at sea. No, we weren't on that cruise but scheduled for a future one. Since Carnival offered a 15% discount if we rescheduled; we did.
magic We went on the Carnival Magic which is only two years old and and so large there were about 3,000 people on board. Carl recommended the floor and section of the ship which would be the most pleasant in which to stay and a balcony room which was totally worth the extra expense.
waterslide There were lots of fun things to do on the ship. We didn't go down the water slide but it looked like a lot of fun. There was a casino, several bars, a gym, spa, games, 2 pools, multiple hot tubs and more. I'm not much of a drinker but his is what we did - drink! We would have Bloody Mary's with breakfast, hit our favorite on board pub which Carl recommended every day at 4 for cocktails, have wine with dinner and end the evening on our balcony with more wine. It was fun and relaxing!
at port What did we do inbetween drinking parties? There were three ports at which we stopped. First, Key West where we walked around the beautiful port area, toured the Mel Fisher Museum of ship wrecked treasure and shopped. Next we went to Freeport in the Bahamas where we went to the beach and shopped. Last we went to Nassau where we took a 45 minute Catamaran ride to a coral reef where we went snorkeling and shopped. On sea days, we laid on lounge chairs reading, watching people, watching the sea and napping and in the evenings we would listen to live music or take in a comedy show. Everyone who worked on the ship was fabulous.
group We had a GREAT time and can't wait to do it again!

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

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Thursday, May 16, 2013

What to Do if the House Doesn't Appraise

In this HOT real estate market, this is a question buyers and sellers are asking.
When a buyer gets a mortgage loan, the lender usually requires an appraisal so they can be sure they are not loaning more than they can recover if the buyer defaults. That appraisal is based on several factors and calculations and is the last word on the homes current value.
After the contract has been accepted and receipted and the appraisal comes back for a value less than the contract price; what happens? The buyer has three options:

1. The buyer can accept the home at the original agreed upon price but must make up the difference between the contract price and the appraised value in cash.
2. The buyer can terminate the contract and in most cases in Texas receive his/her earnest money back.
3. The buyer can negotiate with the seller to reach a compromise split determining a new price and the buyer will have to come up with that difference in cash.
In times past, the seller would have to come down to the appraised value because no one would buy his home for more than value but in today's market in the Austin area, there is a line of people waiting to buy any property and if this buyer doesn't want to pay more, someone else will.

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

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Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Congratulations to Kevin and Julie! Another Successful Closing

mapleridge First-time homebuyers, Kevin and Julie just closed on their home and everything went smoothly. Now for the move. Enjoy your new home in Cedar Park!

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

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Buying or selling? Hire an experienced professional. Call Robin Scott, Broker at 512.589.7988.

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Tuesday, May 14, 2013

How to compete in this "HOT" market

Yes. This is a really hot real estate market in Austin. Thinks just changed quickly at the beginning of the year. Our inventory is so low, the rules of supply and demand require something to change. There are many buyers because rates are still low and the economy is showing signs of improving but the are not many properties on the market available. That has brought us to multiple offer situations and competing bids.

As a buyer, how do you determine what to offer a seller. Until recently, your agent would create a comparative market analysis to see for what comparable properties have recently sold. The market is exploding so that no longer works. In the Austin area, if you find a house you want you will have to offer asking price. How much more? That depends on how much you want the house. How much above asking are you prepared to go?

And just because you are the first offer doesn't mean the seller will negotiate with you. Before the seller has a chance to review your offer, you can be sure there will be more.

What if the house doesn't appraise? Check my next entry to find out.

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

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Buying or selling? Hire an experienced professional. Call Robin Scott, Broker at 512.589.7988.

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Thursday, May 2, 2013

Five Star Review - 13433 Gent

13433 Gent 5 out of 5 Stars on my Review form my sellers. Plus "Robin was an amazing seller's agent. Through her diligence and attention to detail, I had several offers for more than the asking price within 48 hours of listing. I highly recommend her." Call me to sell your house. 512.589.7988.

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.

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Buying or selling? Hire an experienced professional. Call Robin Scott, Broker at 512.589.7988.

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Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Real Estate Luncheon

lunch Here we are at our Active Rain lunch at Brio's in Austin. As a member of a national real estate networking group, we get together occasionally to share ideas and build business relationships. It's great fun and informative to get together with like-minded real estate professionals. I network all over the country with friends and contacts in real estate anywhere in which you would like to be referred. So if you are planning to buy or sell a house and you are not in the Austin area, I can still help you. Just email me at robin@robinscottrealtor.com and I'll find a reputable agent in your area of interest.

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, April 3, 2013

New Look to robinscottrealtor.com

Robin Scott, REALTOR Web page Here is the new look for my Web site at robinscottrealtor.com. This shows the bridge on Capital of Texas Highway. Visit me here.

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Real Estate Newsletter Makeover

Real estate newsletter spring gardening guide My newsletter has a new look with all kinds of information about buying, selling and owning a home plus market statistics. If you would like to subscribe, email robin@robinscottrealtor.com with "add to newsletter" in the subject line and please include your name and city.

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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Monday, April 1, 2013

Sold in Rattan Creek/Milwood

13433 Gent Sold the second day on the market with multiple offers above asking price! Congratulations Chris and Cristyn!

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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