Homeowners Build Wealth!

This topic can not be addressed enough because it is so important.

Homeowners build wealth through independence, equity in their property and tax advantages.

Freedom and independence are an obvious advantage that comes with the ability to make the home your own. You can personalize it by adding, modifying and decorating in ways not allowed in rentals. Owning your own home provides stability and can boost your creditablity.
Build Equity when you pay a mortgage. You are adding to the equity and in a sense saving for the future when you make your mortgage payments. Where you have no control over rents increasing, your principal and interest on your mortgage will remain the same as long as you don't make changes to your loan. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, a typical homeowners net worth is 49% greater than a typical renters.
The tax advantages are substantial. Property taxes and mortgage interest are both deductible from you annual income tax.
Homes appreciate in value delivering a great return on your invested capital. In the time period between 2004 and 2010 Austin home prices rose 23 percent. Just in the year 2013 home prices rose 8 percent over the previous year according to the Austin Board of REALTORS. Few investments can deliver that kind of a return.

If you are considering moving to Austin, I can help you with the transition. Call my office to schedule a time to talk - 512-589-7988.

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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Austin Market Statistics - March 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.

Visit: http://robinscottrealtor.housingtrendsenewsletter.com/ for tends in the real estate market in your area and around the country.

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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Kitchen Garden Design Ideas

Build Raised Beds  

Design Plant Groupings

Add Color and Form

Include Vertical Elements

Create Enjoyment Areas 

For complete information visit my enewsletter!

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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Bathroom Transforamation

Would You Like a Bathroom Like a Luxourious Spa?

We spend a lot of time in our bathrooms and why shouldn't they be as inviting as any other room in the house? Why not more special? My latest enewsletter features ideas that can turn you bathroom into a getaway with a luxurious feel.

If you live in the greater Austin area, I want to be your REALTOR®. Call me at 512.589.7988.

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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Successful Home Transactions in the Austin Area

Many thanks to my latest clients for choosing me as their REALTOR.

 Tony and Viola relocated from the Dallas area to Cedar Park, Texas. We found just the right house with a living area large enough for their entertainment center and a beautiful backyard for entertaining.

"Very professional. Does what she says she will do."- Tony.

Marcus and Holly were looking for a duplex in Austin, Texas in which they could live and hold the other side as investment property. This duplex was a perfect fit.

"Robin was very patient and kind with my wife and I. We began the home buying process well over a year ago. Robin stuck by our sides and was instrumental in us purchasing our first home. Through all of the hurdles she was able to give us advice and keep us moving forward. Thanks to Robin we are now first time homeowners. We highly recommend her!"  - Marcus

Repeat clients Steve and Mandy selected and purchased a lot in their neighborhood in Crystal Falls in Leander, Texas for which they hired me to negotiate the purchase. Now to build the house.

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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Home Insurance Tips

5 Potential Gaps in Your Insurance Coverage

Did you know that despite the name, all-perils or comprehensive coverage insurance policies do not cover every possible risk?

Often homeowners need to add special addendums or supplement with a separate named perils policy to fill the gaps in their home insurance.

Better to find the gaps in your coverage now instead of when your claim is denied. Here are some options to consider.

Broad Coverage Exclusions — Check your current policy for specific exclusions. Common ones include war, earthquake, flood, hurricane, wear and tear, plumbing problems and government action.

Limitations on Temporary Housing — Find out if there are limits on how much or how long your policy will cover temporary housing while you repair or rebuild your home.

Replacement Cost — Confirm your coverage is adequate in the event your home is completely destroyed; policies often place a cap on replacement cost. Find out from a local builder if there have been substantial increases in materials and labor costs.

Changes to Building Codes — Consider adding ordinance and law coverage to avoid situations in which you aren’t covered for required upgrades to undamaged parts of your home to meet the current building codes.

Extended Absence Coverage — Review your policy to find out if your extended vacation could potentially void your policy. You may need to take additional steps to protect against damage while you are away or obtain special unoccupied property insurance.

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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Building a New Home - Starting Construction

After 23 years in our home, we decided it no longer was meeting our current needs. By chance I found a neighborhood that was right for us. We found a lot we liked, picked one of the builders floor plans that met our needs and signed a contract to purchase. Then we headed to the design center to select all the finishes from flooring to lighting.

It's important to check the progress of the build frequently because mistakes do happen and it's best to catch them early in the game.

First they scrapped the lot,; removing all the scrub brush and trees in the way of the foundation.

Then they built a frame for the foundation.

The lot slops down to the back so it was necessary to build up the back and fill it with bags of sand. The next photo shows the filled frame and the plumbing pipes that were added.

 It was exciting seeing the foundation poured. You can see the garage in the front.

And then the framing began!



When you stop in a model home, remember the friendly salesperson represents the builder and not you. Be sure you have a REALTOR to represent you. I want to be your REALTOR. Call me if you are buying or selling or thinking of buying in a development community.

This home is in The Reserve at Brushy Creek in Cedar Park. There are some newly completed homes for sale as well as the option to build with the builder. As an Accredited Buyer's Representative, I have the expertise to help you buy one of these houses. Call me at 512.589.7988.

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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Austin Area Housing Market Statistics for February 2014

Austin-area home sales, prices hit record high for the month of February

Austin Board of REALTORS® releases real estate statistics for February 2014

AUSTIN, Texas – March 20, 2014 – Austin-area home sales and home prices hit an all-time high in February, according to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) report released today by the Austin Board of REALTORS®. In February 2014, 1,761 single-family homes were sold in the Austin area, which is nine percent more than one year prior, and the median price for Austin-area homes was $230,530, an 11 percent gain from February 2013.

February 2014 Statistics

• 1,761 – Single-family homes sold, UP 9% from February 2013.


• $230,530 – Median price for single-family homes, UP 11% from February 2013.


• 4,724 – Active single-family home listings on the market, DOWN 8% from February 2013.

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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Ideas for Spring Cleaning or Preparing to Sell a House

A Comprehensive Spring Cleaning Checklist

Spring is finally here! This is the perfect time of year to give your home a thorough, top-to-bottom cleaning. These are great ideas for anytime and especially if you are preparing to sell your house. Use this checklist to get you started:

Often overlooked tasks:

• Wash walls and switch plates.
• Clean window coverings and screens.
• Thoroughly clean kitchen appliances.
• Wash and repair children’s toys.

Get organized:

• Empty coat closets of out-of-season clothing and gear.
• Purge the pantry, remembering to check expiration dates.
• Sort through storage areas.
• Put family photos into albums or frames.
• Sort through DVDs, books and magazines.
• Declutter bedroom closets.
• Get rid of ill-fitting or out-of-style clothing.
• Check the bathroom cabinet for expired medicine, sunscreen or cosmetics.

Dusting do’s:

• Wipe down electronics.
• Clean computer and TV screens.
• Dust or wash light fixtures.
• Clean ceiling fan blades.
• Vacuum floor registers and vent covers.

Laundry and soft surfaces:

• Wash bedding, including duvets, pillows and mattress covers.
• Spot clean upholstery.
• Launder throw pillows and blankets.
• Shampoo carpets and area rugs.

Pay attention to these details:

• Polish wood furniture.
• Sharpen knives and polish silverware.
• Reseal grout lines.
• Change smoke detector batteries.

Finish with the great outdoors:

• Wash outdoor furniture and patio decks.
• Clean windows and siding.
• Do a thorough yard and garden cleanup.
• Clear gutters and downspouts of debris.

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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