According to an article in the May 2013 issue of Texas REALTOR magazine,
4 out of 5 smartphone users check their phone within 15 minutes of
waking up! Is that crazy? That's what I do. So much real estate business
is emailed to me after midnight (from other REALTORs and prospective
clients) that I step out of bed, walk to my my phone at night and check
my email. It helps me prepare for the day to know what priorities need
to be set based on what was sent while I slept.
Moving forward, I check email on my phone every hour so if a client,
other agent or vendor has a need, I'm available and can respond quickly
and responsibly. I try to return calls and texts as they come because
I'm the kind of person who doesn't like to wait for a response and I
imagine most are not more patient than I.
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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Friday, May 24, 2013
Thursday, May 23, 2013
When Buying a House Get an HOW
A Homeowner's Warranty (HOW.) The Texas Real Estate Commission believes so
strongly that this product reduces litigation that there is actually a
paragraph in the contract offer form in Texas to request that the seller
provide this for the first year of ownership. The buyer can renew on an
annual basis.
A Homeowner's warranty warrants most of the working parts of the house such as the HVAC, waterheater, stove, disposal and some of the electrical and plumbing. You would want to confirm with the company you chose as to what is covered and usually you can add on a refrigerator or pool at an additional expense.
The way it usually works is that when something in the house breaks,
the new homeowner calls the warranty company. For a nominal fee referred
to as the deductible (about $85), the company sends a repairman out to
repair the issue. If it can't be repaired, they are supposed to replace
it and all for that deductible fee.
If you Google warranty companies, you will probably find unhappy customers with all of them because people are more likely to take the time to complain than praise. My perspective is that it's better than paying the repair and replacement cost on your own.
So here is my experience: I've used two different companies. One subcontracts to a vendor in your area and arranges for a repairman to come out. The other has on staff repairman and can't necessarily respond as quickly but they are cheaper. I have had a stove, disposal and heat exchanger, which is the heating component of a central air and heat system, replaced. And had the air conditioner repaired several time. When the stove broke, the company tried to repair it but the appliance was so old they couldn't find the part and gave me the option of waiting 6 weeks for them to rebuild a part or accepting half the cost of a new stove and I thought it was a deal that I only had to pay for half a stove. The disposal was no problem. Repairs to Ac was no problem. The heat exhcanger required some code updating which did cost an additional $1200 but the unit which was over $2,000 was covered by the deductible so I was happy to get a new heat exchanger for only $1200 instead of $3,200.
If you are buying a new or newer home, you may not feel the need to renew this service but if you have older appliances, you might consider the risk factor and benefits.
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!
A Homeowner's warranty warrants most of the working parts of the house such as the HVAC, waterheater, stove, disposal and some of the electrical and plumbing. You would want to confirm with the company you chose as to what is covered and usually you can add on a refrigerator or pool at an additional expense.
If you Google warranty companies, you will probably find unhappy customers with all of them because people are more likely to take the time to complain than praise. My perspective is that it's better than paying the repair and replacement cost on your own.
So here is my experience: I've used two different companies. One subcontracts to a vendor in your area and arranges for a repairman to come out. The other has on staff repairman and can't necessarily respond as quickly but they are cheaper. I have had a stove, disposal and heat exchanger, which is the heating component of a central air and heat system, replaced. And had the air conditioner repaired several time. When the stove broke, the company tried to repair it but the appliance was so old they couldn't find the part and gave me the option of waiting 6 weeks for them to rebuild a part or accepting half the cost of a new stove and I thought it was a deal that I only had to pay for half a stove. The disposal was no problem. Repairs to Ac was no problem. The heat exhcanger required some code updating which did cost an additional $1200 but the unit which was over $2,000 was covered by the deductible so I was happy to get a new heat exchanger for only $1200 instead of $3,200.
If you are buying a new or newer home, you may not feel the need to renew this service but if you have older appliances, you might consider the risk factor and benefits.
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, May 22, 2013
Introducing Callan
My new grandson! And my wonderful daughter. Callan was born 5/19 and we
are excited to meet him. Here are some pictures with his proud big
sister and Daddy.
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, May 20, 2013
Austin Real Estate Market Statistics - April 2013
- Sold - 2,166 for single family home - UP 16% compared to March 2012.
- Median Price - $220,000 for single family home - UP 10% comapred to March 2012
- Active Listings 5,218 for single family homes - DOWN 28% compared to March 2012.
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, May 17, 2013
Our First Cruise
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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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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.
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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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.
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, May 15, 2013
Congratulations to Kevin and Julie! Another Successful Closing
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.
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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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.
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!
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.
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!
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Five Star Review - 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.
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!
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