Austin Good Life

August 2011 Housing Trends Newsletter

2011-09-01T15:33:00.002-05:00

Friends, the August 2011 edition of our popular Housing Trends Newsletter is now available for viewing. We've had some interesting ups and downs in the markets this summer - and it's important for you to know that this is a GREAT time to purchase real estate. When you combine the historic low interest rates with the outstanding selection of new and resale homes available in our market today - you can really benefit from the turbulence we have experienced for the past several years.

Who do you know that deserves our help buying or selling real estate in Austin and the surrounding areas? Please, don't keep us a secret!

Pear in the air!

2011-08-31T10:04:00.002-05:00

Ok it's time for a cheesy REALTOR® recipe post. I love pears and I love Costco, so when I saw this in the Costco Connection magazine I figured it should be shared. Download the article here.

Enjoy!

Top 10 IRS Tax Tips for Home Sellers

2011-08-16T08:25:00.002-05:00

When our clients are looking to sell their home we are often asked about the tax implications of the sale. While we always explain that we are prohibited from giving tax advice because it is outside the scope of our license, we also always work to be the source of the source of helpful information, and advise them to talk with one of our strategic alliance partners that is equipped to provide the professional advice they need.

That said, here's a great article highlighting the IRS' Top 10 Tax Tips for Home Sellers. Check it out here, and remember when you have friends and loved ones that are looking to buy or sell homes in Austin or the surrounding areas, please pick up your phone and call us - because you want them to be taken care of, don't you?

Austin Road Cycling Guide

2011-07-26T09:29:00.002-05:00

Biking down the roads in Austin might not be your idea of fun during these 100+ degree days, but cooler temps will be here soon and you might decide this is something you'd like to try. Check out this great Austin Road Cycling Guide put together by our friends over at Gracy Title.

July Housing Trends Newsletter now available!

2011-07-20T08:08:00.003-05:00

Check out the latest installment of our Housing Trends Newsletter here. Full of information and tips to help you be successful in today's real estate market.

Know someone wanting to buy or sell property in or near Austin? Please, don't keep us a secret!

The June Housing Trends Newsletter is here!

2011-06-14T17:11:00.002-05:00

Check out the June edition of our Housing Trends Newsletter here! When you begin to think about buying or selling real estate, remember it is in your best interest to hire a qualified real estate professional. Pick up the phone and give us a call right away!

It's true!

2011-06-14T09:47:00.004-05:00

We have been noticing a big shift in the rental market here in Austin for the past several months. Lease inventory is down significantly, landlords and property managers are becoming more and more difficult to work with and less willing to pay agents for bringing tenants, and the good lease properties are flying off the market.

Check out this article for a national perspective on this changing market. Typically when we see this shift in the leasing market we begin to see a positive shift in the sales market. The biggest challenge at this time is that buyers are having a very difficult time getting financing.

Do you know someone that is tired of making someone else's dreams come true by paying rent? Put them in touch with us and let's see what kind of progress we can make in helping their dreams of home ownership come true! Please, don't keep us a secret!

Another reason consumers need REALTORS®

2011-06-10T13:58:00.002-05:00

It has been said that the internet would make it so REALTORS® are no longer needed. We learn every day that this simply isn't the case. The unfortunate part of this lesson, is that it usually comes at the expense of the public.

When there is a professional REALTOR® involved in a real estate transaction, whether it be a sale or a lease, you have a real person who is looking out for your best interest. As powerful as it is, the internet is just the internet. It doesn't care about your interests, your finances, your safety, or anything else having to do with you.

Check out this article from The Des Moines Register. The information posted on the internet was used to scam these folks out of nearly $2,000 dollars and could have resulted in even more problems for both the home owners and the family that wanted to least the home.

Stories like this make me consider eliminating all listing syndication from our company listings (listing syndication pushes our listings to dozens of real estate related websites). Yes the syndication gives "more exposure" for the listing, but I can tell you that in the six years of my real estate practice, not a single listing has sold because of this "exposure" - in fact, the "exposure" probably exposes our clients to scams like the one in the article.

If people would rely on the professionals, many of these scams would be avoided.

When you or someone you care about is about to buy, sell or lease a home, help them get the professional service they deserve by getting your phone out and putting them in touch with us right away. Because, they deserve to be taken care of, don't they?

The Texas Energy Star Sales Tax holiday is THIS weekend!

2011-05-25T15:33:00.002-05:00

Just in from the Comptrollers Office:

Texas' fourth-annual ENERGY STAR Sales Tax Holiday this Memorial Day weekend is a great time to purchase new energy efficient appliances without paying state or local sales taxes on qualifying items.

"When you buy an appliance that is ENERGY STAR rated, you will not only save the sales tax, you will also save on your monthly utility bills by reducing your water and energy use," Texas Comptroller Susan Combs said.

Grow Your Energy Savings The ENERGY STAR Sales Tax Holiday begins on Saturday, May 28, at 12:01 a.m. and ends on Monday, May 30 (Memorial Day) at 11:59 p.m. The tax savings apply to the following appliances and household equipment bearing the ENERGY STAR label: central or room air conditioners priced at $6,000 or less, refrigerators priced at $2,000 or less, ceiling fans, compact fluorescent light bulbs; clothes washers, dishwashers, dehumidifiers and *programmable thermostats.

More information and frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the tax holiday are available at www.texaspowerfulsmart.org. For exemption information on associated fees, please see Delivery and Installation Charge FAQs.

ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy for products that meet strict energy efficiency guidelines. Qualifying products display the ENERGY STAR logo on the appliance, the packaging or the Energy Guide label. Clothes dryers are not included in the sales tax holiday because they use similar amounts of energy; therefore, the program does not label clothes dryers. For details on products, visit www.energystar.gov.

* ENERGY STAR specification of programmable thermostats was suspended on December 31, 2009; however, any existing stock of ENERGY STAR labeled programmable thermostats offered for sale by retailers is still eligible for the exemption.

A pet friendly house

2011-05-25T10:22:00.002-05:00

Our client care coordinator, Grady, asked that we share this great article from REALTOR® magazine with 4 steps to a pet-friendly house. As a special bonus, there is a side panel in the article having to do with REALTORS® favorite staging accessories.

With the local temps already in the triple digits, Grady wants to remind everyone to keep their pets cool and well hydrated, and to NEVER leave them unattended in the car!

The May 2011 Housing Trends Report

2011-05-18T15:20:00.002-05:00

The May 2011 Housing Trends Report is now available for your review. Check out the report here - and remember - when you talk with someone you like that needs help buying or selling real estate (ANYWHERE!), think of us first, pick up your cell phone, and give us a call!

Uncommon ways to increase your credit score

2011-05-16T10:29:00.004-05:00

The all important credit score - it's always changing and the scoring methods are always being adjusted a bit. It's always great to have a few tips on how to increase your score - and this article has 5 uncommon ways that you can increase yours.

Check out the article here - and when it's time to consider buying a home, think of us first, pick up your phone, and call us!

Mean what you say when you make an offer on a property!

2011-04-29T07:52:00.002-05:00

You can probably think back to your childhood and remember an adult or mentor or friend telling you that you should mean what you say. That adage rings true when it comes to writing offers on real estate, too.

Often times buyers (and sellers for that matter) request special options be put into an offer, if X then Y, etc. Although TREC's Broker-Lawyer committee has worked very hard to make the special provisions section of the contract smaller and smaller, agents are still trying to stick something in there to modify the terms of the promulgated contract form. You may wonder what the big deal is... this article from bankrate.com does a great job in illustrating why this portion of our forms continues to get smaller. The article also helps better understand how, if you must use this section, to best protect yourself so that your intent is clear and enforceable.

What's the best way to protect yourself in a transaction? Hire a quality real estate professional to represent your interests. You know where to find us!

The 2011 cost vs value report

2011-04-12T13:11:00.002-05:00

One of the most frequent questions we get from consumers has to do with the return on investments for improvements made to their property. It's always a great question - and pretty easy to answer with this report. Check it out before you decide to make any major changes to your home. AND, remember to consider using our strategic alliance partners to do the work - contact us for details!

We're looking for an intern!

2011-04-01T10:10:00.004-05:00

Cardani Group, REALTORS® has an exciting internship opportunity for a local student.

Know a fun, talented and dependable student looking for great work experience this summer? Send this info on to them!

Cardani Group, REALTORS® is a boutique real estate company specializing in outstanding client representation in residential real estate transactions. We are a fun, energetic, creative group of professionals who believe in giving back to the community and being leaders in our industry.

We are seeking an intern to produce video content for our website. The intern will be responsible for all pre- and post-production for in-house video projects. We want our projects to be polished, exciting, and informative.

Job Description

The ideal intern will be able to work with us to create a shared vision of the scope of these video projects, then independently plan the implementation and follow them through to completion. The projects include client testimonials, agent promotions, and buyer/seller training clips that will be used to support our client education programs.

The intern will gain experience:

-independently planning and following through with the production of videos
-taking both still photos and video of our agents and clients at company events, seminars, and off-site locations
-editing raw footage into a professional, high quality finished products
-establishing and organizing an in-house video clip library for clients, agents, events and seminars
-posting finished video and photos to various sites such as facebook, youtube, blogs, etc.
-pitching ideas for video content that increase visibility and credibility of our agents and our brand
-setting goals for project completion (and meeting those goals!)

Job Requirements

To perform successfully during this internship, the ideal intern:

-is working toward completion of their degree
-has competent editing and technical skills
-has competence using iMovie and associated audio and video editing programs
-has competence of camera operation and audio techniques using consumer level hardware
-is highly creative and willing to work toward creating amazing content for consumers
-is an exceptional organizer
-is highly motivated with an ability to juggle multiple projects
-maintains a reasonably professional appearance
-relates to clients and agents with a positive attitude and enthusiasm for the projects
-has the ability to get to our office at 37th & Guadalupe

Application Instructions

To be considered for this opportunity, please submit a letter (or video!) highlighting your skills and tell us what makes you the ideal person for this opportunity.

You may submit your materials to us at intern(at)cardanigroup(dot)com or by mailing to Cardani Group, REALTORS®, 3701 Guadalupe Street Suite 105, Austin TX 78705.

Questions? Send an email to the above address or give us a call at 512(dash)436(dash)0335.

While there is no direct compensation for this internship, you will be exposed to many facets of small business ownership, be part of a cohesive and fun team, and have multiple individuals that will go out of their way to help you find work and serve as a reference for you in your educational and professional endeavors.

Choosing a paint color

2011-03-31T15:22:00.004-05:00

The other day a friend introduced me to Hulu....an online service that allows me to watch most of the programming that I want to see, only on my own schedule. As I was checking out some of the programming options available, I ran across a channel called "Howdini" and found it to be pretty interesting. You can check out the howdini website here.

One of the things that homeowners often ask us is how to go about choosing paint colors for their home. Normally the discussion is something like "how do I choose colors with so many options" with the answer being "well a great place to start is with the room sample brochures at Home Depot and Lowes." Now we can share a great video for our clients to use as a resource! Check it out below.

How to choose paint colors for your home

Remember, when it is time to buy or sell, the professionals at Cardani Group, REALTORS® are here to help. We can also hook you up with discount coupons for Lowes, saving you some money on paint (or whatever else you'd like to purchase there!).

Please, don't keep us a secret!

They way it is supposed to be...

2011-03-19T11:36:00.002-05:00

If you've talked with anyone involved in real estate lately, you've probably heard two consistent messages. The first is that business is tough these days. The second is that everything takes longer and a lot more effort than it used to.

Now, I'm not saying we shouldn't put effort in to our business. After all, we're in a service profession and the more effort we put in, typically the better service we provide for our clients. The difference these days is that we're working harder on things that shouldn't be difficult, and due to whatever it may be, ARE difficult.

As you can imagine, when things are difficult, people often start to get more difficult to work with. Clients get frustrated. Agents get frustrated. It's easy to be short and snippy with each other. But that never helps anything.

Difficult transactions are the new norm, and unfortunately along with that often comes turbulent communication and adversary relationships with cooperating agents.

This past Friday...we closed one of the most pleasant transactions in the past several years. I represented the seller. An outstanding professional with another firm represented the buyer. Both of our clients were well represented. We came to terms quickly and relatively easily. The agreement was truly a win-win for both parties.

Then the turbulence began. Not with our clients or between agents, but with the process. An appraiser that made statements that created issues the other agent and I had to combat. A lender that missed deadlines and created new obstacles. Every statement and obstacle created an increase in time and an increase in cost.

You might be wondering why I titled this "the way it is supposed to be" by now... Here's why. The cooperating agent and I worked together to overcome all these obstacles. Never a short word, never a terse moment. We worked together to represent our clients and help pilot them through the turbulence. I can't even begin to explain how fun it is to business this way. Although it is unfortunate that this type of experience is so rare, the good thing is that when you find yourself in the middle of a good experience, you often take a step back and think to yourself "wow, this is REALLY GREAT"... I know I did that several times and I'm confident that the cooperating agent did the same thing.

March Housing Trends Newsletter

2011-03-14T16:28:00.000-05:00

Friends - the latest version of our Housing Trends newsletter is available for online viewing.

Check out the latest housing statistics for our area, and see the latest real estate news. Remember, when it comes to buying and selling real estate in the central Texas area, you deserve the professional assistance of one of the fine REALTORS® at Cardani Group, REALTORS®.

A lesson in customer service

2011-02-25T15:06:00.002-06:00

Has anyone else noticed that companies are loosing sight of what "customer service" really means?

Today I started looking for prices for high speed internet at a condo I'm about to rent. As I was digging around through the time warner cable website, I noticed that there is a "Live Chat Support" feature. I thought this would be a great way to see what the prices are for various packages at the specific address. I mean, it would be GREAT to see the prices listed online, but apparently that's not a model people are using anymore - they require you to call or chat with them.

So before you can start the chat session, you are required to put in your name, email address, and SERVICE address (street, city, state and zip). Once that information is complete, you can hit "chat start session"...

Here's the transcript of what happened next....

Pete: Thank you for contacting Time Warner Cable Online Customer Service, my name is Pete. May I have your complete name please?
Chad_: Hi Pete
Pete: Hello.
Chad_: Chad Cardani
Pete: Thank you for providing your name. How may I assist you today?
Chad_: I'm looking for high speed prices at 88XX TXXXXXXD (I put in the full address, just not wanting to post that here for the world to see. And remember, I already gave them this information)
Pete: I understand that you would like to have information on the high speed Road Runner Internet services at your desired location. Is that correct?
Chad_: Yes
Pete: Sure, I will be glad to assist you with that.
Pete: Thank you for choosing us and showing your interest in our services.
Pete: May I have your complete address along with Zip code?
Chad_: 88XX TXXXXXXD, austin tx 787XX
Pete: Thank you for providing your address.
Pete: Can you tell me little more about your internet needs so that I may provide you with specific detailed information?
Chad_: seriously? HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Chad_: what speeds and what prices, that's all I need to know
Pete: Let me check for you please.
Pete: Do you like to download pictures, movies or videos?
Chad_: what speeds are available at what price. I'll decide what I m willing to pay
Pete: Are you looking for super fast speeds to allow for gaming?
Chad_: what speeds are available at what prices. please don't ask me another question.
Pete: Sure, I would be more than happy to assist you with that. \
Pete: Please accept my apologies for the miscommunication.
Pete: Sure, I would be more than happy to assist you with that.
Pete: Road Runner Turbo Internet is priced at $39.98 plus taxes and fees per month. The package comes with an download speed of 15 Mbps and an upload speed of 2 Mbps. It includes a modem and an outlet.
Pete: Since you mentioned that you are interested in our special high speed Internet, I do believe Road Runner Turbo would be the best match for you.
Pete: Road Runner Turbo Internet is our fastest Road Runner ever - giving you the speed you need for a super fast web experience. PowerBoost is an exclusive technology that may give you an extra burst of speed when downloading big files.
Pete: Our Road Runner Internet provides true high speed connectivity, up to 100 times faster than dial up. Also, it provides you with the ability to have several computers online at once and you can use our wireless router as well.
Chad_: are you a live person, Pete?
Pete: You can place your order online by visiting https://order.timewarnercable.com/Serviceability.aspx
Pete: Sure, You are chatting with a real person.
Pete: So, are you signing up for the Road Runner Internet?
Chad_: you're giving me one option. what other options are there
Pete: Road Runner Extreme Internet is priced at $49.99 plus taxes and fees per month. The package comes with an download speed of 20 Mbps and an upload speed of 2 Mbps. It includes a modem and an outlet.
Pete: Road Runner Standard Internet is priced at $29.99 plus taxes and fees per month. The package comes with download speed of 7 Mbps and an upload speed of 512 Kbps. It includes a modem and an outlet.
Chad_: pete are you a real person or a computer?
Pete: I would like to inform you that you are chatting with a real person.
Chad_: great, thank you. Is the $29.99/mo the lowest priced service option?
Chad_: Also Pete, where are you located?
Pete:
I would like to inform you that it is the best and cheapest package at your desired location which is available online.
Chad_: are there cheaper ones available if I call?
Pete: I would like to inform you that it is the best and cheapest package at your desired location which is available online and you can get it by visiting above provided link.
Pete: I would like to inform you that we are located in India.
Pete: If you have just another moment, I would like to ask a question or two about your situation to see whether we can make your service even more enjoyable. Will that be alright?
Chad_: Ahh...thank you. No, I don't wish to do business with a company that is outsourcing jobs to other countries. Thank you for your help.
Pete: Please accept my apologies for the inconvenience caused.
Pete: We can assure you that Time Warner Cable will provide you with best quality of services at reasonable price.
Chad_: Have a nice day, Pete. I appreciate your help.
Pete: Is there anything else I may assist you with?
Chad_: no thank you
Pete: Thank you for contacting Time Warner Cable Online Customer Service. Have a nice day.

Having a seat at the table...

2011-02-18T11:59:00.004-06:00

There comes a time when professionals want to make contributions to their profession. I think that's a great thing. In fact, I think professionals who are leaders in their profession have an OBLIGATION to participate and contribute to the profession. That is one of the reasons I became involved at the Austin Board of REALTORS, and one of the reasons that I require agents at our company to contribute in some fashion to the local association.

That said...it can be frustrating. I remember the very first class I took at our local association... there was an "out of control" room monitor that thought we were getting too loud during a time in the class that we were doing group work. Now, the instructor had no issues...but this monitor...she kept honking a bike horn. You know - the goofy old fashioned bike horns?? She honked that thing at us...adults... WTF?? After a few hours of this, I was almost beside myself and marched in to the education directors office. She was on her way to the classroom to investigate because a couple other class members beat me to it.

When I went back to share the experience with my broker at the time....we discussed my options. I could sit on the outside and complain....or I could "infiltrate and destroy"....or, work to make things better.

Now, a few years later, I can pick up the phone and call ABoR, ask for the person I need to speak with, and get answers/opinions/advice nearly instantly. They know who I am. They know who my agents are. And they know we work very hard to improve our industry through our contributions to the board. They know we are their advocates. And they know we expect them to be our advocates.

But here's the deal....this has been an ongoing process. You don't get to be a "newcomer" and immediately be the chairman of the board. You have to pay your dues...contribute down at the bottom before you can contribute or influence anything at the top. Is this the way it should be? I don't think so. But that doesn't matter. That's the way it is.

So...to my colleagues out there wanting to influence change...please get involved. WE NEED YOU. We need your opinion, advice, ideas, and contributions. Please be patient...change takes a long time. I'm not saying that it is ideal, but I'm saying that's the way the game is. You want to be heard? Contribute. You want to make changes? Contribute. You want to have a seat at the table? Contribute. Just do it. And you have to start at the bottom, just like all the rest of us did.

When you DO decide to contribute, you WILL be heard. You'll be asked to participate in special task forces and work groups. You'll learn why things are the way they are, and how to influence change. You'll have connections with people at other brokerages and other associations. Your business will improve.

Want to participate? Shoot me a note or give me a call and I'll do everything I can to assist. So will any agent that is at Cardani Group. That's just how we roll....

2011-02-15T10:57:00.002-06:00

On the fence about selling your home? Our friends over at KCM Blog have put together a great article illustrating why NOW IS THE TIME to get your home listed. Check out the article here, and give us a call so we can help you navigate through the process!

Housing Trends

2011-02-14T10:33:00.002-06:00

My first public rant of 2011

2011-01-11T14:32:00.004-06:00

Ok -this has been on my mind for a while now, but the phone call I just received reminded me how goofy this situation is.

When we list a house for sale or lease, we put the property along with all the required information on the MLS. This allows other agents to find the property that may work for the clients they are working with. Additionally, some of the data we put in the system is then syndicated to affiliated websites that consumers can use to search for homes as well. The biggest here in Austin is Austin Home Search, however many people here and across the country turn to realtor.com as their search provider of choice. After all, it is REALTOR.com - affiliated with the National Association of REALTORS and therefore with all of us who are REALTORS.

Realtor.com relies on the agents, who pay a good chunk of change to belong to the local/state/national associations as well as subscribe to their local MLS, to provide them with all of the data that is contained on the website. So...we are PAYING to subscribe to the MLS, and that information is in turn GIVEN to realtor.com.

All of that is fine with me. Here's where I have a problem.

Realtor.com THEN turns around and attempts to sell us, the people who GIVE THEM ALL THE INFORMATION THAT MAKES THEIR SITE USEFUL AND VALUABLE, an "enhanced listing service" that puts the agents contact info on the "ad" containing the information on the listing. The listing that we the REALTOR secured...and GAVE to realtor.com.

Sure, you don't have to pay for enhanced listings....heck, you don't even have to allow a listing to be syndicated to any of these websites. But it certainly would not be in our clients best interest for us to make that decision.

Here's what happens. If one of my agents does not pay for this special level of service, the phone number that shows up on the consumer website is MY phone number. Now granted, all of the listings at our company technically belong to me as the broker, however, the individual agent secured the listing, knows the client, knows the property, and is best equipped to answer question about said property. Why then, would it be appropriate to publish MY number as the contact number, when the broker has a very limited amount of detail information on the property??

I think it is completely wrong for realtor.com, who has a useful site only because we as agents GIVE them the information, to then turn around and say well, yes you GAVE us the info, but we're not going to give you anything - you are actually going to have to pay us in order for a buyer to get contact information for you instead of your broker.

It's just wrong. It is wrong to treat the agents that way. It is wrong to put the brokers in that position. And it is WRONG WRONG WRONG to create a situation, routinely and by policy, that creates a cumbersome environment for the public as well as one that makes the brokers look like they are uninformed.

So there ya go....that's my first public rant of 2011.

Today's a rockin' day!

2011-01-07T08:27:00.002-06:00

Should you refinance?

2010-12-28T11:48:00.002-06:00

Have you been thinking about refinancing your mortgage? Been wondering how much you might save? Check out this great mortgage savings calculator for a glimpse at what refinancing may mean to you.

Now may be the time to refinance. It may also be the time to consider selling your home and moving to a home that better meets your needs. Give us a call - we can share what is happening in your area, and refer you to our fantastic mortgage partners for more detailed information on what a refinance might look like for your situation.

Remember your pets this holiday

2010-12-20T10:01:00.003-06:00

This is a special request from our client care coordinator, Grady. Grady wants to make sure all of our clients, friends and colleagues remember that human food isn't good for dogs - and asks that we remind all of you to remind all of your guests to please not feed the pets any human food - not even a tiny little bit. And let's be honest, can you argue with such a cute little guy??

Check out this list of foods and plants that are toxic to pets. Thanks to our friend Marilyn Nichols at Happy Puppy Tutoring for sharing. Contact us for Marilyn's contact information or check it out at the bottom of the linked article.

And remember - just because something isn't on the list does not mean that it is safe!

Wishing all of you and all of yours a safe and enjoyable holiday season!

More funds available for appliance upgrades....

2010-12-15T15:44:00.003-06:00

Reminder: The purchase period for the Texas Appliance Mail-In Rebate Program will begin on December 20, 2010.

Additional Funds Added to Mail-In Appliance Rebate Program

The Texas Comptroller's office is adding more money to the upcoming ENERGY STAR® appliance mail-in rebate program to allow more Texans to take advantage of rebates. An additional $8.5 million is being added to the initial $10 million. The money is from unused public sector energy efficiency funds transferred from the State Energy Program to the rebate program. All funds are part of the federal stimulus program. Consumers can start buying appliances on December 20 and, after installation, mail in a completed rebate application form and a copy of the receipt to apply for the rebates. The mail-in rebate program will remain open until the available funds are distributed.

Application Form is Now Available

The application form for the Texas Appliance Mail-In Rebate Program is now available. Consumers can begin to purchase eligible ENERGY STAR® appliances on or after December 20, 2010. An application form is not required at the time of purchase, but is needed at the time of installation for disposal or recycling information.

PDF icon Application Form for Texas Appliance Mail-In Rebate Program (PDF, 240KB)

Helpful Information

You may also want to review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for basic information on the new program. You can also view easy steps to follow if you plan to participate in the program. Or download a printable version of the "How to Apply" Flyer (PDF, 187KB).

Let's get rid of the riff raff......

2010-11-17T15:54:00.003-06:00

Every once in a while I think of a way to change things for the better. I actually had this thought last night - it was random but the more I thought about it the more I liked it. And then this morning I had coffee with my buddy Tony, one of the most respectable, honorable real estate brokers I know. Tony and I have similar philosophies on giving back to the profession and come from a "colleague" perspective verses a "competitor" perspective.

So here's the deal. It's too easy to get a real estate license. If you have a thousand bucks and a few days, you can take the classes you need to satisfy the TREC educational requirements and sit for the exam. And the exam? It's not hard. At all.

This setup has allowed a ton of people to become licensed to help people buy and sell real estate. But it's kind of like Spandex...just because you CAN, doesn't mean you SHOULD.

Because it is so easy to get a license, we often hear people say "oh, I don't like my job so I am going to become a REALTOR" or "oh, I got fired so I'm going to...."

Today Tony told me a story he had heard....this agent went out to meet with the seller of a 750,000 home. The seller said "I'll have to be honest with you, I don't work, and I'm thinking I should just go get my license and sell my own place, and save the commission."

Thankfully this seller was smart enough to know, that just because someone has a license to do something, it does not guarantee that they are good at it.

But anway, enough of that. The bottom line is - there are too many agents, too many part time agents, too many BAD agents. So here's my solution.

Let's increase renewal fees to $5000 per year. Yes, five THOUSAND dollars per year. Now before you have a total tizzy, let me finish.

The base charge for renewals would be $5250 bucks. Plus satisfaction of stringent educational requirements (I'll save my thoughts on the status of quality education for another post). And, for every transaction you have completed in the past 12 months, you get $1000 credit, up to a total of $5000 in credit.

So in the end, if you are actually DOING real estate, the renewal is reasonable. If you are just "playing" in the field - it's not so reasonable. My theory is this - such a change would force licensees to either be GOOD at what they do (demonstrated by doing it over and over and providing quality service), or they simply could not afford to continue to renew their licenses.

That's Plan A. Plan B is similar, only it would require the sponsoring broker to pay an exorbetant fee for each licensee they sponsor. So if the people they're sponsoring are not producing, they'd have no incentive to sponsor them. And again, with verifiable production and no claims, there could be a credit system for the brokers as well. This would eliminate the "Hang your license with me for $100 a month and don't bother me and I won't bother you" type of brokerages.

Or Plan C....do both.

Those are my 2 cents for the day.......

Action or reaction

2010-10-04T08:52:00.002-05:00

You've seen me post some messages from my friend George Kahn on this blog - and today I can't help but share the one he sent out this morning. George has a way of knowing just what I need to hear on a pretty consistent basis...

In Newton's Third Law, action and reaction are interchangeable; the distinction between action and reaction is purely arbitrary.
Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.

But in life, there is a definite difference between my actions and my reactions.
Today I choose action.
I could easily spend the day
reacting to what is given me
holding grudges,
getting mad at something that someone has done to me.

I would rather take the first step,
be pro-active
moving forward
There is an excitement in taking the first step
a sense that
I have the ability to make a difference
in my own life
as well as for others.

Contact my for George's email address and get yourself added to the Passion Party mail list!

TAR to allow anonymous Ethics Complaints

2010-10-01T07:58:00.005-05:00

This just in from my morning Texas Association of REALTORS email!

Podcast: Why anonymous ethics complaints will be allowed
Listen now to find out how the new professional standards citation policy—which streamlines complaint resolution as well as allowing anonymous complaints—will elevate the ethical standards of Texas REALTORS®. Also, get details about how your experience, income, business practices, and more compare to your colleagues.

Now I'm not really excited about the "anonymous" part of the new complaint process. I think if people want to file a complaint, they should have backbone enough to sign their name to it, but I DO support the other changes that come with the change, and here's why.

The current process, although fantastic for major complaints from consumers and other REALTORS®, requires that the complainant spend an incredible amount of time dealing with the whole process. What ends up happening is if we as Texas REALTORS® are not personally impacted by the improper actions of another Texas REALTOR, we do nothing in terms of working to "right the wrong" for the rest of the folks.

Why? Because it takes too much time. We are currently required to submit the complaint, substantiate the complaint, then sit in an actual hearing to submit the complaint to a panel (I'm way over simplifying here but you get the point). So, if one of our colleagues in the field is doing something that violates our REALTOR® Code of Ethics, and we have already (hopefully) called them or emailed them letting them know that there's a violation going on, we have to spend hours trying to get the person to comply. That's hours away from what we do to make money - helping people buy and sell Real Estate.

I'm not saying that our actions are right. I'm saying that's what we do. Unless we or our clients have a personal financial impact from the wrong doings of another REALTOR®, we often don't take the time to work to correct the issue.

And it's not that there are no issues. Give me thirty seconds on Craigslist and I can give you a list of violations. But am I going to spend time trying to correct each wrong? Absolutely not. And here's why.

Agent training is a broker responsibility. As a broker, I am responsible for the actions of my agents. If I am made aware of an issue, I guarantee you that it will be corrected immediately. I also guarantee you that if one of my agents is contacted by another REALTOR® and made aware of an issue, they will correct it immediately on their own, without my prompting. Why? Because they know that is what is expected of them.

Austin, and I'm sure many other cities, have a few brokerages that appear to write their own rules. Or maybe they just have no idea that there ARE rules. These companies and their agents do pretty much whatever they want to do. They may or may not be made aware of any problems, and if they are, they may or may not do anything about it. It is my opinion that some brokers, both large and small, have no interest or desire to make sure their agents are following the license law or our REALTOR® Code of Ethics. They either don't care, or more likely, have no idea that there is a violation because they don't know the license law or Code of Ethics themselves.

SO....that's why I think anonymous complaints are fantastic. Consumers and agents can submit a complaint and know that it will be addressed without the consumer or agent having to spend their own time doing it.

*Steps off soap box*

Give what you can - with Passion

2010-09-22T08:57:00.003-05:00

Very enlightened words from my friend and colleague in the mortgage business, George Kahn.

As we move through life
from survival to significance
the big change is in what we give.

When I was young I thought that I had to build wealth before I could give.
Then I realized that I could do service, and give my time to things I cared about.

Giving time can be the greatest gift
It actually doesn't matter what, or how much you give.
If you give what you can, with passion
you can change the world.

"We make a living with what we get,
but we make a life with what we give."
- Winston Churchill

George Kahn

Contact me for George's contact info. Do you want to be included in his daily Passion Party? Shoot me a note and I'll get you connected!

What's going on in the local housing market?

2010-08-18T13:18:00.002-05:00

The latest edition of our Housing Trends newsletter is now available for online viewing.

Remember, we can help you with your sale, purchase, property management and apartment locating needs. Please, don't keep us a secret!

Bathroom Remodels Becoming More Popular

2010-08-13T09:37:00.003-05:00

Two questions we are often asked by clients is "what room should I remodel first" and "how much return will I get on my remodel investment"?

Most home owners choose to remodel the kitchen first - but as we are monitoring trends, we are seeing that more and more owners are starting with the bathroom.

Check out this article for more on the current trend. And remember, when you need a referral for quality contractors, please get in touch with us and we can assist.

Please don't keep us a secret!

Texas cities hold top four job-growth spots

2010-07-29T21:20:00.001-05:00

This just in from the Austin Business Journal: Austin and the three other major Texas markets registered the nation’s strongest employment gains during the past five years, according to figures released Wednesday morning by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Austin came in No. 3 with 56,100 new private-sector jobs created between June 2005 and June 2010. Houston topped the list with 129,800 new private-sector jobs followed by Dallas, with 71,300 jobs created. San Antonio ranked No. 4, with a gain of 32,600 positions during the same time period.

Los Angeles posted the nation’s sharpest decline since 2005, losing 376,400 private-sector positions. Other big drops were reported in Detroit (down 328,800 in five years), Chicago (down 253,000) and Miami-Ft. Lauderdale (down 165,800).

Eighty-four major markets suffered declines in private-sector employment during the half-decade; only 16 finished on the upside.

The news was a bit better for the short term, with 24 markets enjoying increases between June 2009 and June 2010.

Austin had the biggest one-year gain, up 8,400 private-sector jobs. Dallas ranked third, with 4,800 private-sector jobs created between June 2009 and June 2010.

Chicago had the biggest one-year drop, down 83,400 jobs.

Read more in the Austin Business Journal.

Celebrating life

2010-07-28T01:36:00.005-05:00

Today I had a random thought about my friend Ginger from grad school. Ginger was diagnosed with ALS several years ago and has been documenting tidbits about her journey in a blog. The blog helps us know what's going on in her life. Occasionally we chat on yahoo messenger - the same way we used to chat online when we were in grad school. Ginger just turned 36.

Some things never change - even when there are all kinds of forces in the works. Ginger always smiles, and always has a way to make those near and far smile and laugh. We had so many fun times back then - she truly is one of those people who can always bring a smile to your face - even when she's ticked off and wants to smack you.

Today I thought about her. It was random. I wondered....how the heck is Ginger - it's been a while since we've chatted.

Today Ginger stepped into the next phase of her journey.

I wonder where that random thought came from. Why did I think about her today out of the blue. Was it her saying see you later (she refused to say goodbye)?

As I sit here with tears, I know Ginger would prefer that I smile, and do something nice for someone else, and celebrate her life and all that is good. So I will do that.

So Ginger, I promise I will get past the tears. I will celebrate your life and live mine in a way you'd be proud of.

THANK YOU for all that you are, and all that you have brought to those of us fortunate enough to know you.

Free Birthday Stuff

2010-07-20T15:44:00.005-05:00

This year I have adopted something I learned from a few friends. One has birthday week, another birthday month, and a third has birthday season. I'm starting with Birthday Week.

To celebrate - I want to share this list of free birthday stuff with you. A friend originally got this list off of Craigslist a few years ago, and we have added to it since then. I have no idea who started the list - but hope that you'll pass this on AND send me other items that you think should be included.

Enjoy!

Note:
It's best to call the Manager of the location that's nearest you to confirm that they still honor the specail. ALSO ***Always*** tip you wait staff even if the meal is free. ***

The General List: Some are in Austin, some are not.

ALFY'S PIZZA - free mini pizza
ALL-AMERICAN CAFE - free dessert
APPLEBEES - free dessert
AUSTIN GRILL - Register First - free meal
AUTO ZONE - Free Oil Change
BAKERS SQUARE - free pie
BANDIDO'S - free entry
BANJARA INDIAN CUISINE - free meal
BASKIN ROBBINS - free ice cream treat
BEACHES RESTAURANT - free meal
BENIHANA'S JAPANESE RESTAURANT - free dinner WITH 3 other paying guests
BENNIGANS - free dessert + song
BERN'S - free meal
BILL KNAPP'S - gives adults a % discount equal to age; plus a free bday cake (w/purchase of a meal) during the week of your B-day
BLACK BRISKEE - free meal
BOB'S BIG BOY - free hot fudge ice cream
BUFFALO WILD WINGS (BW3) - free dozen hot wings
BURGER KING - free kids meal to all kids club members
CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN - Register First - free kids meal during the month of their birthday
Canolli Joe’s – Sign up online and get a free birthday lunch plus a free buffet just for signing up!
CAPTAIN DIZZY'S CAR WASH - free car wash
CARROWS - free cake
CATTLEMEN'S - free dessert and cowboy hat
CHARLIE BROWNS RESTAURANTS - free meal for "Handshake Club" members
CHARLIE'S SEAFOOD - free meal
CHEVY'S - free dessert and sombrero
CHILI'S - free song
CHIPS N GIGGLES - free meal
CLAIM JUMPER - Free Dessert
CROWN THEATRES - Buy One Movie Ticket, Get One Free
CRAZY BUFFET - free meal
DAVE AND BUSTERS - $5 game card credit
DENNY'S - free meal (said to be only kids under 10 now)
DESPARADOS MEXICAN RESTAURANT - free meal
DOCKSIDE RESTAURANT - free meal
DUKE'S CHOWDER HOUSE - b1g1 coupons (register first). FREE dinner for your birthday!
EINSTEIN'S - free meal
EL CHICOS - free dessert
ERNIE'S STEAKHOUSE - free meal
FAMOUS DAVE'S BARBEQUE - free meal (w/advance signup)
FUDDRUCKERS - free burger
FUNNY BONE COMEDY CLUB - free cake (party of 5 min.; 2 drink min.)
GLORIA’S (Domain) – free chocolate flan
GOLDEN CORRAL - free meal to birthday Club members (not just kids!) during month of birthday
GRILLFISH - free meal
HANA JAPAN - free meal
HARD ROCK CAFE - free dessert
HOMETOWN BUFFET - free birthday cake
HOULIHAN'S RESTAURANT - free entree
HOLLYWOOD VIDEO - one free video rental
HOOTERS - free song + tshirt
HOSS'S STEAK HOUSE AND RESTAURANT - free cake + song
IHOP- free meal
JOE'S CRAB SHACK - free cake
JT WHEATFIELDS - free coupon in phone book
KING BUFFET - free meal
Krispy Kreme- Free Dozen Donuts of your choice - Contact the Manager and tell them it's your birthday. (not Round Rock)
LADONNA - free meal
LE ROUGHE - has a thong club that gives you a 20.00 gift certificate for anything in the store. Lube, toys, clothing, what ever tickles your fancy.
LOMBARDI'S IN BALLARD - Register First - free meal w/another during month of birthday
LOTUS - free meal
LUTHERS BBQ - free stuff (varies) for "Great Rewards" members
MACARONI GRILL - free dessert + OPERA-style "Happy birthday" song
MAGGIANOS - $10 Off purchase of $20 (sign up in advance), (Domain) free dessert
MARIE CALENDERS - free dessert
MAX AND ERMA - free $5 dessert
MEXICAN VILLAGE - free meal
MOONIES DINER - free meal
MUCKLESHOOT CASINO - free sushi dinner + player's club points
NEWICK'S SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS - free entry
NITTY GRITTY - free drink + souvenir glass
OKAYAMA RESTAURANT - free meal
OLD SPAGHETTI WAREHOUSE - free meal
OLIVE GARDEN - cake (some say free, most say $$)
ONAMI - free dinner WITH 3 other people paying
OUTBACK - free dessert + song
PANCAKE HOUSE - free entry
PAPPA'S RESTAURANTS - free dessert
PARADISO'S - free meal
PERKIN'S - free stack of pancakes
PF CHANGS - free cake or cheesecake
PIZZA EXPRESS - free meal
PONCHO'S - free meal, dessert & picture
PROVINO'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT - free $10.99 meal and ice cream dessert
Radisson - free entree in their 12th floor restaurant
REAL SEAFOOD COMPANY - free meal and dessert
RED LOBSTER - free slice of cake + song
RED ROBINS - Register First - free burger coupon / discount coupon
RICE & COMPANY - free meal for Robinson Rewards Club members
ROCK BOTTOM - free appetizer for Mug Club members
ROUND TABLE - free personal pizza
SCALINI'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT - up to 10.95 off pasta specialties
SHEPARD'S BUFFET - free dinner buffet w/3 other paid customers
STEAK AND ALE - free mini choco cake
STEAK-N-SHAKE - free dinner for "birthday club" kids
TACO BELL - free combo meal of your choice
TERRA TOYS - gives a free toy, even to Adults. You get to Pull it from this really cool Treasure Chest.
TGI FRIDAYS - Free birthday Dessert
THE 99 - free meal
THE BARNSIDER'S/DEPOT RESTAURANTS - 1/2 off meal + cake & song
THE LOFT - free meal
THE PALM - 3lb lobster (must be a member/register first)
THE PARADISO - free entry + sombrero & song
THE VINE TAVERN - free meal
TODAI SEAFOOD BUFFET - Free Meal or voucher for Meal Next Visit
TONY ROMA'S - free dessert, free meal
UP THE CREEK - free meal and dessert
VACCARO'S ITALIAN PASTRY SHOP - free dessert and drink
WENDY'S - free kids meal to all kids club members
Z' TEJAS - Register First - $15 coupon for the month of your birthday
ZIO'S - free dessert

12 Moving Tips For A Simple and Stress-Free Move

2010-07-16T09:42:00.002-05:00

RISMEDIA, July 13, 2010—(MCT)—Packing your belongings and moving is often fraught with high emotions and involves a to-do list a mile long. So, it’s tempting to give only passing attention to hiring a mover and the related incidental costs. That could be a mistake—for your wallet and your peace of mind. Moving can be quite expensive. A typical full-service interstate move costs about $4,300, while the same in-state move might cost about $2,500, according to the American Moving & Storage Association. And while the moving industry has many fine companies, it is notorious for fraud and dirty tactics by so-called rogue movers.

Here are 12 tips to make your move simple and avoid the hassle.

Choose a type of move: You have three basic choices: do-it-yourself, full service and a relatively new hybrid of the two. Going it alone is the cheapest alternative, costing the rental price of a truck, gasoline, packing materials and, perhaps, pizza and beer for friends you rope into helping. With full-service moves, moving within a state is charged by the hour, while moving across state lines is charged by weight and mileage.

With a hybrid move, a mover will drop off a large container at your home for you to pack. The mover will then load the container onto a truck, drive the belongings to your new location and drop off the container for you to unload. Because you’re doing the manual labor of packing and unpacking, it’s far less costly than a full-service move.

Hire a quality mover: If you hire help, get at least three price quotes and do your homework before selecting a mover. Seek recommendations by talking with family and friends, even your Facebook circle. Investigate a company’s reputation with the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org), Yelp.com and possibly the paid-membership site Angie’s List (angieslist.com). Check a company’s complaint history at the federal government site, ProtectYourMove.gov.

“People think a good reputation equals expensive, but that’s not true,” said Laura McHolm, co-founder of NorthStar Moving in Los Angeles. “You don’t get a good reputation by overcharging people.”

Look for two things when hiring a moving company: A full-service mover should visit your home in person, not give a quote over the phone or online, and should provide a written estimate, experts say.

Declutter: No matter what type of move you’re making, taking less stuff is cheaper and less hassle. Set up a staging area, perhaps in a garage, with various piles, such as throw out, recycle, donate and sell.

For many items, use the rule of thumb, ‘If you haven’t used it in a year, you probably don’t need it.’

Be flexible: Like airline fares, moving rates depend on when you book. The busiest time for movers, and thus the most expensive time for consumers, is summer weekends near the 15th and 30th of the month.

If you have time flexibility, ask what rates would be for different days or seasons. If you have extreme flexibility, ask about moving standby: waiting until the mover has extra space and needs to fill a truck.

Save on boxes: Buying new boxes from a moving company is the most expensive choice. To save some money on packing materials, ask if you can buy used boxes from your moving company.

Cheaper yet is finding free boxes, ideally from somebody who just moved. Ask your real estate agent to connect you with other clients who recently moved or look on Craigslist.org. Specialty boxes, such as wardrobe boxes, might be cheaper to purchase at a do-it-yourself moving store, such as U-Haul, than from your mover.

Save on packing materials: If you’re packing your belongings yourself, fill suitcases, laundry baskets and plastic containers with unbreakable items. Use pillows, scarves and towels to wrap fragile belongings.

Mail books: If you have a large collection of books, pack them yourself and ship them at the postal media mail rate as it might be cheaper than paying a mover—a 70-pound box would cost less than $30.

Consider consolidation: For long-distance moves, ask about consolidating your stuff on a truck with other people’s as most homeowners can’t fill a full-size moving van. You might have to be flexible on delivery dates and times, but consolidation can be cheaper.

Insure it: Check your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy to determine whether it provides coverage for your belongings while in transit. If not, you’ll probably want more than the basic free valuation coverage a full-service mover provides. The standard valuation is 60 cents per pound per item. That means breaking a 10-pound, $1,000 stereo system would net you $6. You’ll want full replacement-value insurance, which reimburses you what it will cost to replace broken items. But don’t necessarily buy that insurance from the moving company. Moving insurance is likely cheaper from a third party, but be aware that you probably cannot get insurance on boxes you packed yourself.

Be prepared: Plot out where furniture and boxes will go before moving day arrives. The less time movers spend rearranging, the less expensive it will be.

In urban areas, reserve a space or two in front of your new home for the moving truck by parking your own vehicle there ahead of time. If the movers have to park too far away to unload, you could incur a ‘long carry’ surcharge.

Stake your claim: If you’re moving for a job, negotiate the best relocation package you can. Unreimbursed expenses might be tax-deductible. For details, see Publication 521 Moving Expenses at IRS.gov.

Tip: Tipping each mover $3-$5 per hour is customary, said Stephen Coady, marketing manager for Gentle Giant Moving Co. in Somerville, Mass.

Summer grillin' ideas

2010-07-13T07:21:00.003-05:00

You've probably heard of Eat This Not That from Men's Health or maybe seen the book at Costco or Target. Each morning I get an Eat This Not That email with tips for better eating - and the tips are usually easy to implement (although if I could REMEMBER all the tips that would be a different story).

The installment today had a link to an article at Women's Health and a story about kabobs, including four recipes for quick, easy and healthy grillin.

With the beautiful days we've been having - why not fire up the grill and enjoy these great recipes??

The Ups and Downs of the Market

2010-06-29T13:54:00.003-05:00

Many of you have heard me speak highly of Steve Crosslands blog - he's one to watch here in Austin.

Steve wrote a great article about how the government's policies can influence the local real estate markets.

Check out the blog here.

Tips to Make Your House a Home

2010-06-25T22:32:00.001-05:00

RISMEDIA, June 21, 2010—After getting the keys to their new homes, many first-time home buyers are excited about finally having the opportunity to personalize and furnish their new house. From coffee tables to lamps to lawnmowers, many previous renters leap into homeownership quickly realizing they need to do a lot of shopping to truly make their house a home.

“Whether you’ve been living in an apartment with roommates or at your parents’ house, many first-time home buyers do not think about all the items they need – and want – when moving into a house,” said Janice Jones, national vice president of merchandising for Centex. “With a little advance planning and budgeting, you won’t break the bank to make your new home a reflection of your personal style and showcase your pride of homeownership.”

A typical home buyer spends $7,400 on average on their home, with more than half of that spent in the first year after purchase, according to the National Association of Home Builders.

While many first-time home buyers may not have accounted for this level of spending, Jones offers advice on what types of items to purchase to not only properly maintain and live in the home, but also more importantly, items that help new homeowners feel like their house is a place to call home.

Furnishings
Many first-time home buyers no longer want their parents’ hand-me downs or their childhood bedroom set. From sofas to dining room sets to mattresses, many first-time home buyers take the opportunity to upgrade their furniture when moving into their new home. According to an NAHB study, furnishings take the biggest chunk of the budget, with home buyers spending about $5,300 on furnishings during the first year after buying a home. The biggest ticket item for all households is bedroom furnishings, including mattresses, followed by sofas.

Window coverings and linens
The median square footage of homes bought by first-time buyers is 1,500. So, you can only imagine the number of windows that need to be covered to ensure privacy and security in a home. According to Jones, many home buyers don’t account for this in their budget. Additionally, with the ability to now paint and decorate each room, new homeowners find that they want to purchase new bedroom and bathroom linens.

Garden tools
Since a first-time home buyer is likely to move into their home from an apartment, unless you plan on hiring a gardener, you’ll need to purchase a few basic gardening tools, including a lawnmower, garden hose, sprinkler and a shovel (for winter weather).

Flat screen TV
Let’s face it: many home buyers shop for their new home while taking into a consideration how a new, large, flat-screen television set will be situated in their new living space. So, it’s not a surprise that a hot item on the list is purchasing an entertainment system.

However, you’ll also need the basic appliances in your new home: a refrigerator, stove, and a washer/dryer. While many existing homes usually come with appliances, a home buyer needs to take inventory as to whether or not they will need to purchase these big ticket items before they purchase their new bedroom set.

Basic tool kit
Every home needs a well-stocked tool box. Many home improvement stores have sets you can purchase, but make sure it includes a hammer, screw drivers, pliers, wrenches, a tape measure and a staple gun.

“My biggest piece of advice for new home buyers is to be creative and tackle this room by room,” said Jones. “For example, after outfitting your home with the necessary items—like appliances and window coverings—move on to the kitchen and family room spaces. This area is the heart of your home where everyone gathers.

“Look for great values on the items you need that will be utilized most. Take your time and get the feel of how you want to use each space for both function and enjoyment. This strategy allows homeowners to stage their purchases and add new furnishings as the budget allows. Decorating your new home should be fun and a reflection of your personal style.”

The truest version of myself

2010-06-24T09:28:00.002-05:00

You've seen the words of my friend George Kahn in this blog before. Each day he sends out a "Passion Party" email with a positive, thought provoking message, and the message for today is no exception. Read....and think....and see what you can do to live these words today...and maybe even tomorrow too!

George writes:

Today I will be authentic
not mean or angry,
but true to my beliefs, spirit and character.
I will live by my highest standards
and offer to help.
I will not be petty or vulgar,
because that is not my truest self.
I will look for the humanity in others
and build their confidence and capabilities
by being my most authentic self.

George Kahn
Email: gkahn (at) mortgcap *dot* com

Green gadgets to keep you charged this summer

2010-06-23T09:02:00.002-05:00

Wow this is pretty stinkin cool. Anyone have experience with something like these cool gadgets?

Your outdoor gadgets used to be limited by their battery life - but no longer. These solar-powered chargers will let you play in the sun with the knowledge that you'll never be out of touch. Heather Clancy tells you how to keep charged this summer. Better Energy Systems claims its Solio Classic-i works with more than 3,200 devices for its almost 1 million customers. It costs $79.99.

See the full article here.

Architecture Coach: The Right Way to Display Artwork

2010-06-23T08:42:00.002-05:00

This just in from REALTOR® Magazine...

Artwork can add a personalized, finishing touch to any room, but too much can distract buyers from a home's architectural pluses.
By Barbara Ballinger | July 2010

Properly displayed and tasteful artwork can instantly bring life to an otherwise dull room. Whether home owners have painted or papered their walls, most want to hang some artwork on them, perhaps by displaying fine paintings, prints, or photographs, or more casual, affordable pieces from nature, travels, or favorite magazines.

"Any room looks better with some art," says saleswoman Barb St. Amant, ABR, with Harry Norman, REALTORS®, in Atlanta.

However, any artwork display should involve careful selection in choosing the right mat, frame, backing, or container, as well as determining the best location to hang the art, including how high or low it should be on a wall and whether it stands alone or as part of a group, designers say.

“Too many people hang art randomly, like they’re throwing stuff at a dartboard,” says Cambridge, Mass.–based designer Heidi Pribell. “Urge collectors to have their art form a pattern — in a grid, vertical stack, or horizontal line, or if alone relate to a piece of furniture or architectural feature.”

You can help buyers and sellers understand the impact art can make — for their own enjoyment as well as how to use it to impress buyers — with some of the following tips, from choosing what to display to how to hang it on the wall.

What to Display

Forget the notion that art has to have a fancy pedigree or exorbitant costs. Anything a home owner loves is suitable, from a museum-quality painting to child’s drawings.

Here are some other suggestions for what to display:

* The power of black and white. Designer and stager Linda Bettencourt of Center Stage in San Francisco suggests using black and white photographs, which can be framed in inexpensive frames.

* Go big. Atlanta-based designer Brian Patrick Flynn thinks one enlarged photo — as big as 20’ wide by 12’ tall — offers a huge wow. “By making the wall the star, you don’t necessarily need many other elements to complete it,” he says.

* Mirror, mirror on the walls. Pribell loves mirrors. “They offer great feng shui and bring in light and reflection. You can never have too many,” she says.

* Unique collections. Get clients to think outside the box. A childhood collection of Pez dispensers or snow globes can even become artistically encased assemblages if displayed properly.

Choosing the Proper Frame

The style, width, material, and color of picture frames are personal choices, says Chicago-area designer Mary Lou Kalmus of Designing Edge, who likes to frame works in a grouping that has the same or similar motifs.

* Don’t match too much. Sharla Kidder, president of Biddington’s Inc., an art information site, prefers different “but not too different” frames — maybe a series in the same color range. Also, designers say, don’t match a frame to the room’s décor too much; let it stand on its own.

* Complement the era. Pribell favors a style that reflects the period in the artwork, such as a 19th century “exhibition” frame for a 19th century painting. Many contemporary paintings and other works look good with a more minimal frame so that they float within, adds Kidder.

* Bring out the art with a mat. Bettencourt likes mats in ivory or white with 3-inch borders on the sides and top and a slightly wider 4-inch border on the bottom.

* Decide between glass or acrylic. “Glass is cheaper, easier to clean, and more resistant to scratches,” says Kidder. But it’s also “heavier, more breakable, sensitive to variations in temperature, and highly reflective so it often creates a glare,” she says.

How to Display It

How you display the artwork on the walls can make a big difference, too. Consider the following.

Solo or in a grouping. The size of the work usually determines this decision. A large piece can stand alone; smaller works may look visually stronger if grouped, particularly if they reflect a similar style, subject matter, or frame, says Kalmus.

Kalmus recommends first laying out a grouping on the floor to form a composition. When mounting, Kidder likes spacing of 4 to 5 inches between works, depending on how many there are and the wall’s size. She also recommends using a measuring tape and level for accuracy.

How high, low, or close together. The size of the works, height of furniture, and ceiling height need to be weighed. A good guideline is to have the center of a work or the center of the grouping at eye level to the person who is living there.

If the artwork is above a sofa, there should be enough room so that people don't bump their heads on it. Art arranged along a stairway should march up the stairs, says Kalmus.

Artwork Tips When Selling a Home

When selling a home, the number of works displayed and how they’re showcased may differ from when they’re just hung for personal enjoyment. To avoid distracting buyers, art needs to play a secondary role to the lead: the home’s architecture and significant features, such as a fireplace.

Here’s some guidance to offer your clients:

* Less is more. Don’t fill every wall with artwork, Bettencourt advises. Instead, “put one great piece in an entry, over a sideboard, or above a fireplace,” she says.
* No leaning. Even though it’s considered quite chic, avoid leaning artwork against a wall, since there’s a risk of it being knocked over.
* Use art as a solution. “Spaced along a long hallway, art can break it up so it doesn’t resemble a bowling alley, or can cover ugly electrical panels,” Bettencourt says.
* Draw inspiration. Encourage clients to look in magazines and books for more solutions. For example, Rooms to Inspire in the City (Rizzoli, 2010) by Annie Kelly provides many helpful images.

Summer Home Maintenance Tips

2010-06-18T08:51:00.001-05:00

by Carla L. Davis

Summer is a season full of many activities. Pool-side barbecues, family vacations, and children's backyard campouts are just a few. But there's another activity that sometimes gets overlooked, and that is summer home maintenance.

This season presents some prime opportunities to make sure your home is in good working order. Let's examine a few areas you should add to your activity list.

1. Decks: Even the most well-constructed deck will need to be looked over for loose nails and screws, as well as warping or rotting wood. Replace any pieces that pose a safety risk. For easy cleaning, consider using a power washer. This will get rid of the dirt and grime that naturally collects throughout the year on decks.

2. Roof. Roofs require semi-annual inspections. Wind storms, hail, and regular old wear and tear mean you need to visually inspect your roof each year. Clean debris from your roof and look for missing and loose singles. Trim back branches that overhang onto the roof. And be sure your gutter is still free of debris.

3. Water Heaters. Your tank should be drained once a year. This will help with sediment build-up that is inevitable with water heater use. By draining the water heater you can add years to its lifespan.

4. Change air filters. Filters do their job well, and as such, they need changed often. Filters are part of what keeps your home protected from pollutants and allergens. And since they are inexpensive and easy to change, there is not reason not to add this task to your summer activity list.

5. Recreation. Pools are a popular destination during the summer months. Take this time to be sure that tiles and grout are in good repair, or that linings are free from holes in the case of above ground pools. Check your pool's chemistry often. That means twice a week during the summer. And don't forget to clean the pool skimmers often to make sure you get the best circulation, a must for any healthy pool.

Have fun this summer, and remember to give your home a little TLC.

Published: June 14, 2010

See the full article here.

Ever thought about a 15 year mortgage?

2010-06-15T17:55:00.004-05:00

The newest edition of our Housing Trends Newsletter has a great interview discussing 15 year mortgages - check it out along with the other great information!

6 Backyard Improvement Ideas to Add More Value to Your Home

2010-06-11T17:56:00.004-05:00

Here's a great article courtesy of RISMedia - A Real Estate news organization.

If you’re like most homeowners, there is never a shortage of options when it comes to projects around the house. But studies have shown that some of the highest return on household improvements can come from those on the outside, not the inside.

A primary reason is that outside investments can produce curb appeal, which is especially important if you are planning to sell your home. Those same improvements can enhance the enjoyment factor if you and your family plan to stay in your home.

For example, one national industry resource—the National Association of Realtors, reported recently their experience shows a new wood deck produces the second highest return on home improvement investment of any common addition, remodel or replacement project.

However projects don’t have to be big to add value or enjoyment, according to Jimmy Rane, president of Great Southern Wood Preserving, a leading producer of pressure-treated lumber products and maker of YellaWood brand products.

The following popular outside improvement projects will increase the curb appeal or value of a home:

Adirondack chairs—Uniquely-American classic outdoor furniture is made entirely of wood and has a straight back and seat, which are set at a slant to sit comfortably on a hillside or mountain incline, but still be comfortable at any angle.

Gazebo—A gazebo can be freestanding or attached to a garden wall, roofed and open on all sizes to provide shade or shelter.

Planters and window boxes—Planters have become popular because they are both functional and ornamental. Additionally, some can be moved frequently to account for seasonal weather or just to create a change in scenery.

Picnic table—Picnic tables go well on a patio or a deck, but equally as well on the grass or under a tree in the yard. A traditional picnic table is all in one piece so that it wears well without a lot of maintenance.

Trellis—A trellis can function as a unique sun screen or it can be the framework for an outdoor hanging garden. Building it with pressure treated lumber can add life by minimizing rotting and other threats.

Trash can corral or compost bin—While many outdoor projects tend to be cosmetic in nature, here are two ideas that are both practical and pretty. With a trash can corral, you can hide unsightly trash cans and with a compost bin, you can reduce your own carbon footprint in a way that doesn’t take away from the visual appeal of the place.

For more information, visit the Great Southern Wood website.

Another note from my friend George

2010-06-09T08:39:00.002-05:00

You've seen a few of George's Passion Party writings here before - and this is another great one. (Well, he sends great messages every morning, but this one just "fit" for me today).

This morning I had an appointment to have my tires rotated at 7 a.m. - they said it would take about 30 minutes. Well at 8:30 I was on my way - not because there were problems, it just took a while....and a few things popped up - nail in one of the tires that needed repaired, inspection sticker that was expired, etc.

On the way home I was listening to NPR. I haven't been paying too much attention to the news for the past three months - because I really don't like hearing what the news has to say. And for the most part, the only impact the news has on me is that it gets me riled up or makes me feel down. Today was no different - a story about the oil spill and the birds covered in oil being cleaned with a concentrated solution of Dawn dish soap (you know - it breaks up grease, takes it out of your way) - could we clean up the ocean by dumping some Dawn in there too?? Anyway...it made me sad. Then I thought about the oil companines and oil prices and record profits and on and on and on. Yuck.

Anyway.....this being my first email check of the day, a great message from George that I wanted to share.

Would you like to be added to the daily "Passion Party"??? Just shoot George a note - contact info below.

Life is frustrating right now.
There is so much trouble in the world
News is bad
The world is broke.
Business feels like it is a Race To The Bottom
Products keep getting cheaper, not better
and we gather together
at the edge of our landfill
to throw out all our stuff
because things are just not worth fixing.

Today I do not need to fix the world
I just need to fix what is in front of me.
What isn't working?
Why isn't it working?
Is it worth fixing?
What can I do to "re-frame" the problem?
Is it something I can have control over?
If so, I will work on that part of the problem.
Otherwise, it is
just more idle chatter
more noise in a noisy world.

George Kahn
Email: gkahn@mortgcap.com

"I'm not a set of keys"

2010-06-08T10:32:00.002-05:00

One of our fantastic agents forwarded this blog entry over to me today. She and I had a discussion yesterday about how some folks call us on listings and want us to show them the property, but do not want to meet with us or give us any information about themselves. It's not that we want their life story, we're simply trying to determine if meeting them is a good use of our time. Often the question we get is "well isn't it in the best interest of your seller to show me the house?" and the true answer is "no, not necessarily."

You see, if the caller isn't qualified to buy the house, it's a waste of everybody's time. It also allows a "stranger" access to a house...they can see what's in there, who's in there, etc. What if that caller really just wants to scope out the TV or appliances? Is THAT in the best interest of our seller? No.

Anyway, here's the blog entry, courtesy of Lori Liveston from Waltham, MA:

I'm a buyer's agent not a set of keys, and yup, there's a difference.

Let me start off by saying, I'm not a high pressure sales person. It is not my intention to talk you in to purchasing a home you don't want so I can pick up my check. It IS my intention to make sure that we don't waste each other's time.

Requesting a meeting prior to showing you properties isn't just because "I'm a people person."

This meeting is to explain the home buying process to you: Even if you have done your homework (and it's great if you have!), there is information that comes with my experience and you might just find it valuable. This meeting is also to do what we call a "need assessment": This is where we talk about your needs and wants in a home, your timeline for purchasing, your price range and anything else that's important to you in the purchase of your new home. This meeting is to go over important disclosures that I am legally obligated to provide you with: At this meeting I will present you with the Agency Disclosure that I am obligated by law to provide you with. This is a two page document (In Texas it is one page) that explains the different types of agency that can be provided to individuals in a real estate transaction. I will also present you with a disclosure that explains the home inspection process (which can be daunting, particularly for first time home buyers) and the different types of inspections offered.

While the internet is an invaluable tool in finding the homes you want to see, I can help!

As a local real estate professional, I have probably been inside some of these houses already. Which means, that I can tell you why there are no pictures of the third bedroom (because it's an 8x8 cell with no light and a pet stained carpet that you are only going to be able to use for storage). Because I understand the type of financing you will be using, I know this foreclosure property isn't worth looking at (because it will never qualify for FHA financing.... and since we sat down together to go over your financing needs, I already know you are going FHA).

Presenting you with a buyer agency agreement doesn't mean that I want to trap you into working with me and then stop working hard to keep you as a client.

The buyer agency form is a commitment from BOTH OF US. It commits me to represent you and find you a property, and it commits you to not use another agent in purchasing a property. We can make this commitment for as long or short a period of time as you like. Does it help me out to know that you are serious about purchasing a home and that my time isn't wasted? Sure. Exclusive agreements have been used by on the seller's side for a long time, because we recognize that in order to sell a house in the quickest amount of time and with the best terms possible, that requires a commitment from both the seller and their agent. The same principals apply to the buying side of the transaction.

Bottom line, I don't want to work with you if you don't want to work with me.

Let's face it, you are going to be spending your free time with me looking at homes, that's a pretty big deal and I don't want to be a part of it if I am not going to improve that process for you.

Memorial Day

2010-05-30T19:09:00.003-05:00

To all who have served, are serving and will serve - thank you!

5 Tips to Save Money for First-Time Home Buyers

2010-05-27T20:57:00.001-05:00

RISMEDIA, May 25, 2010—Those who missed taking advantage of the first-time buyer tax credit but who are still planning the purchase of their first home, continue to have a wealth of opportunities in today’s marketplace. A few smart steps can save first-time buyers thousands of dollars. Here is a look at some of the ways how:

1. Don’t buy if you don’t plan to stay
If you can’t commit to remaining in one place for at least a few years, then owning is probably not for you, at least not yet. With the transaction costs of buying and selling a home, you may end up losing money if you sell any sooner – even in a rising market. When prices are falling, it’s an even worse proposition.

2. Start by shoring up your credit
Since you probably will need to get a mortgage to buy a house, you must make sure your credit history is as clean as possible. A few months before you start house hunting, get copies of your credit report. Make sure the facts are correct, and fix any problems you discover.

3. Choose carefully between points and rate
When picking a mortgage, you usually have the option of paying additional points- a portion of the interest that you pay at closing- in exchange for a lower interest rate. If you stay in the house for a long time- say three to five years or more- it’s usually a better deal to take the points. The lower interest rate will save you more in the long run.

4. Hire a home inspector
A home inspector can let you know if you’re about to buy a lemon of a house or warn you about potential problems. At best, you can move into the house confident that it’s in good shape; at worst, the inspector’s report can let you back out of the deal if the house has major, unexpected problems. Most typically, the home inspection can allow you to negotiate the home price to account for necessary repairs.

5. Get professional help
Even though the Internet gives buyers unprecedented access to home listings, most new buyers (and many more experienced ones) are better off using a professional agent. Look for an exclusive buyer agent, if possible, who will have your interests at heart and can help you with strategies during the bidding process.

6. Bonus Tip: Be patient
Buying a home is one of the largest purchases most people will make in their lifetime. The key to avoiding buyer’s remorse is to be completely comfortable before signing on the dotted line.

Know somebody that could benefit from even more professional advice when it comes to buying and selling Real Estate? Please, don't keep us a secret!

Kiplinger: Best Cities 2010: Austin, Texas

2010-05-27T08:21:00.002-05:00

This just in from Kiplinger:

Everything may be bigger in Texas, but Austin’s genius is nurturing the power of small. Just ask Rob Neville, who wants to develop his biotech firm, Savara Pharmaceuticals, into a major player in the field of inhaled-drug therapy. The firm started in Kansas, but Neville transplanted it to Austin because the city is arguably the country’s best crucible for small business.

Read the full article here.

Who do you know that needs our help buying and selling real estate in the Best City?? Please, don't keep us a secret!

Interested in the State of the Markets?

2010-05-23T14:24:00.002-05:00

Then check out the latest edition of our Housing Trends Newsletter.

Each month, our Housing Trends Newsletter is full of market information along with tips and tricks to help you benefit from the market as it is today.

Questions about what you see and hear? Be sure to give us a call, and remember, we can help the people you care about buy and sell real estate in Austin and the surrounding areas, so please, don't keep us a secret!

Austin is on the lists again....

2010-05-10T15:58:00.001-05:00

And it's more than one list this time!

RISMEDIA, May 5, 2010—The three most important things to remember when moving and buying a new home are: location, location, location. As potential home buyers start looking for new homes, RelocateAmerica.com, a leading website in providing relocating consumers access to resources for their upcoming relocation, has released its 13th annual list of “America’s Top Places to Live for 2010.”

The “Top Places to Live” list features several breakout categories such as the Top 10 Recovery Cities, Retirement Cities, ‘Earth Friendly’ Cities, Recreation Cities and Small Towns.

New for this year, the Top 10 Recovery Cities focused on areas poised for swift economic recovery. Many of these communities did not see the massive real estate bubble that formed in other areas and have a more diverse economy.

To be considered for the list, a community is nominated at RelocateAmerica.com. From the thousands of submissions, RelocateAmerica.com’s editorial team reviews the nominations and selects the top places to live, as well as the Top 10 for each smaller category, based on interviews with local leaders; feedback from residents; and economic, environmental, education, crime, employment and housing data for the past year.

“Given the tough economic times our nation is facing, home buyers have re-evaluated their priorities and are looking to relocate to communities that offer plenty of perks, but minimal hassle and cost,” said Peter Meyers, Vice President, Research and Content Development, at RelocateAmerica.com. “While some cities are facing a road to recovery that could take years, others are poised for a quick rebound – and already have seen growth. We wanted to highlight those cities that are on the road back to economic health.”

Top 10 Overall Cities:

1. Huntsville, AL
2. Washington, DC
3. Austin, TX
4. San Diego, CA
5. San Antonio, TX
6. Tulsa, OK
7. Charlotte, NC
8. Raleigh, NC
9. Boulder, CO
10. Minneapolis, MN

Top 10 Recovery Cities:

1. Huntsville, AL
2. Austin, TX
3. Las Cruces, NM
4. Washington, DC
5. San Antonio, TX
6. McAllen, TX
7. Billings, MT
8. Albuquerque, NM
9. Everett, WA
10. Boulder, CO

Top 10 Retirement Cities:

1. Ashville, NC
2. Bella Vista, AR
3. Green Valley, AZ
4. Sarasota, FL
5. Prescott, AZ
6. Tampa, FL
7. Greenville, SC
8. San Antonio, TX
9. Hot Springs Village, AR
10. Colorado Springs, CO

Top 10 ‘Earth Friendly’ Cities:

1. Portland, OR
2. Boston, MA
3. Madison, WI
4. Boulder, CO
5. Austin, TX
6. Chicago, IL
7. Minneapolis, MN
8. Fort Worth, TX
9. Ann Arbor, MI
10. Huntsville, AL

Top 10 Recreation Cities:

1. Boulder, CO
2. Santa Cruz, CA
3. Flagstaff, AZ
4. St. George, UT
5. Ithaca, NY
6. Corvallis, OR
7. Salt Lake City, UT
8. Stevens Point, WI
9. Wilmington, NC
10. Portland, OR

Top 10 Small Towns (<40K pop.):

1. Grinnell, IA
2. St. Augustine, FL
3. Fairhope, AL
4. Stillwater, MN
5. Summit, NJ
6. Ashland, OR
7. Batavia, IL
8. Ithaca, NY
9. Peachtree City, GA
10. Trumbull, CT

For more information, visit www.RelocateAmerica.com.

My birthday is on July 21.....

2010-05-06T06:41:00.003-05:00

And this is on my list...

In one of the recent issues of MacWorld there was a story about the Book Book from Twelve South (www.twelvesouth.com). This is a super cool case for a macbook - they have models for the 13 inch macbook and the 15 inch macbook pro (if you're taking notes, please note I need the one for the 15 inch macbook pro - classic black or red is fine, you can choose!).

The cover makes your laptop look like a fancy old book. This makes me think about the other product I'd really like - maybe it exists and I just haven't found it? I would love to be able to purchase simlar covers for actual books....so when you look at the book shelf it is lined with beautiful leather bound books (I don't even care if it is leather, just want it to look like it). Seems like it would be easy to have a few basic sizes available that you could just stick your ugly paperback book in and presto, a really pretty book.

ANYWAY, check out the Twelve South website and let me know what you think. And again - my birthday is July 21... ;)

10 worst ice cream treats in America

2010-05-03T07:49:00.004-05:00

I've been really trying to better my diet over the past several weeks. Occasionally I have a huge craving for ice cream. Often it has something to do with peanut butter or peanut butter cup.

This story was in my inbox today from Men's Health, so I thought I'd share with you. The link at the very bottom of the page will take you to the full article.

Ice cream is as American as apple pie (it's no wonder the two so often go hand-in-hand). Unfortunately, so is obesity—a 2009 report found that overweight and obesity rates remained steady or increased in every single state of the nation. The good news is that you can help fight this epidemic without sacrificing life's small indulgent pleasures. Learn how to indulge more often but with less damage—read The 10 Worst Ice Cream Treats in America. Avoid them, and choose their equally delicious—but much healthier—counterparts, and you'll be able to indulge AND lose weight!

See the entire Men's Health article here.

5 Costly Mistakes First-Time Buyers Make

2010-04-24T18:08:00.003-05:00

Here's a great set of pointers from CNNMoney's Les Christie. These are great things to remember - we work very hard to educate our clients, and every bit of reinforcement we can get helps.

Here's what Christie has to say:

Buying a first home can be a daunting experience. Here are five common and costly mistakes that novice home buyers make:

1. Ignoring the costs of having a low credit score. Lower-score borrowers pay thousands of dollars in increased interest rates over the life of the loan. (We can refer you to our strategic alliance partners that can help you bring your scores up, resulting in huge savings - ask us how!)

2. Muddying the waters by shopping for other things before closing. Lenders continue to check credit scores right up until the time of closing. Too much shopping could cause the lender to take back the loan.

3. Scrimping on an inspection. Being surprised by the need for expensive repairs can be financially devastating. (We always recommend an inspection. In fact, if a client chooses not to have a property inspected by a qualified inspector, we ask that they sign a waiver indicating that they have been advised otherwise and wish to skip this step.)

4. Buying without contingencies. Buyers should give themselves an out if the inspection turns up problems or the bank raises the interest rates. (In Texas, our option contract takes care of this for us. Normally we can negotiate a 7-10 day option period for $100-200 - a real steal for an unrestricted right to terminate. When we're representing sellers, we work to get a $300-500 fee for those same 7-10 days.)

5. No money for insurance. Insurance can be surprisingly pricey. Buyers who don’t budget for it can face a nasty surprise. (Again, we will refer you to several of our strategic alliance partners that can help save you tons of money on your insurance premiums.)

Source: CNNMoney.com, Les Christie (04/19/2010)

I've been looking for a computer desk...

2010-04-14T22:48:00.001-05:00

Ok not really, but - this is kind of cool.

Meet the Victorian Organ Command Desk. Bruce Rosenbaum of Massachusetts home restoration firm ModVic literally pulled out all the stops when he built this baroque computer desk out of a demolished church's 19th century organ. He gutted the pump and innards, replacing them with three monitors, a 3GHz AMD Phenom II X4 945 processor running Windows 7 Ultimate, 3GB of RAM, a 1TB HD, and lots of other goodies including a Webcam, printer, scanner, and iPhone dock. The organ pipes were placed upside-down for effect.

Check out April's Housing Trends Newsletter

2010-04-13T08:06:00.002-05:00

Check out the latest edition of our Housing Trends Newsletter for the most current information on the local and national real estate markets.

Have some questions? Be sure to give us a call or send an email!

By the way, who do you know that could use our help buying, selling, leasing or managing a property? Please, don't keep us a secret!

6 power foods.....

2010-04-09T08:16:00.002-05:00

Men's Health shares six superfoods that we should be eating. I'm not there 100% on some of these - but thought you might enjoy reading what they have to say...

Celery

This water-loaded vegetable has a rep for being all crunch and no nutrition. But ditch that mindset: Celery contains stealth nutrients that heal.

Why it's healthy: "My patients who eat four sticks of celery a day have seen modest reductions in their blood pressure—about 6 points systolic and 3 points diastolic," says Mark Houston, M. D., director of the Hypertension Institute at St. Thomas Hospital, in Nashville. It's possible that phytochemicals in celery, called phthalides, are responsible for this health boon. These compounds relax muscle tissue in artery walls and increase bloodflow, according to nutritionist Jonny Bowden, Ph. D., author of The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth. And beyond the benefits to your BP, celery also fills you up—with hardly any calories.

How to eat it: Try this low-carbohydrate, protein-packed recipe for a perfect snack any time of day.

In a bowl, mix a 4.5-ounce can of low-sodium tuna (rinsed and drained), 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion, 1/4 cup of finely chopped apple, 2 tablespoons of fat-free mayonnaise, and some fresh ground pepper. Then spoon the mixture into celery stalks. (Think tuna salad on a log.) Makes 2 servings

Per serving: 114 calories, 15 grams protein, 12 grams carbohydrates (3 grams fiber), 1 gram fat

Seaweed

While this algae is a popular health food in Japan, it rarely makes it into U. S. homes.

Why it's healthy: There are four classes of seaweeds—green, brown, red, and blue-green—and they're all packed with healthful nutrients. "Seaweeds are a great plant source of calcium," says nutritionist Alan Aragon, M.S. They're also loaded with potassium, which is essential for maintaining healthy blood-pressure levels. "Low potassium and high sodium intake can cause high blood pressure," Bowden says. "Most people know to limit sodium, but another way to combat the problem is to take in more potassium."

How to eat it: In sushi, of course. You can also buy sheets of dried seaweed at Asian groceries, specialty health stores, or online at edenfoods.com. Use a coffee grinder to grind the sheets into a powder. Then use the powder as a healthy salt substitute that's great for seasoning salads and soups

Hemp Seeds

Despite the Cannabis classification, these seeds aren't for smoking. But they may provide medicinal benefits.

Why they're healthy: "Hemp seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke," says Cassandra Forsythe, Ph. D., a nutrition researcher at the University of Connecticut. What's more, a 1-ounce serving of the seeds provides 11 grams of protein—but not the kind of incomplete protein found in most plant sources. Hemp seeds provide all the essential amino acids, meaning the protein they contain is comparable to that found in meat, eggs, and dairy.

How to eat them: Toss 2 tablespoons of the seeds into your oatmeal or stir-fry. Or add them to your postworkout shake for an extra dose of muscle-building protein.

Scallops

Perhaps these mollusks are considered guilty by association, since they often appear in decadent restaurant meals that are overloaded with calories. (But then again, so does asparagus.)

Why they're healthy: Scallops are more than 80 percent protein. "One 3-ounce serving provides 20 grams of protein and just 95 calories," says Bowden. They're also a good source of both magnesium and potassium. (Clams and oysters provide similar benefits.)

How to eat them: Sear the scallops: It's a fast and easy way to prepare this seafood.

Purchase fresh, dry-packed scallops (not the "wet-packed" kind) and place them on a large plate or cookie sheet. While you preheat a skillet on medium high, pat the scallops dry with a paper towel and season the exposed sides with sea salt and fresh cracked pepper. When the skillet is hot, add a tablespoon of olive oil to it. Being careful not to overcrowd, lay the scallops in the skillet, seasoned-side down, and then season the top sides.

Sear the scallops until the bottoms are caramelized (about 2 minutes), and then flip them to sear for another 1 to 2 minutes, depending on size and thickness. Now they're ready to eat. Pair the scallops with sauteed vegetables, or place them on a bed of brown rice.

Dark Meat

Sure, dark meat has more fat than white meat does, but have you ever considered what the actual difference is? Once you do, Thanksgiving won't be the only time you "call the drumstick."

Why it's healthy: "The extra fat in dark turkey or chicken meat raises your levels of cholecystokinin (CCK), a hormone that makes you feel fuller, longer," says Aragon. The benefit: You'll be less likely to overeat in the hours that follow your meal. What about your cholesterol? Only a third of the fat in a turkey drumstick is the saturated kind, according to the USDA food database. (The other two-thirds are heart-healthy unsaturated fats.) What's more, 86 percent of that saturated fat either has no impact on cholesterol, or raises HDL (good) cholesterol more than LDL (bad) cholesterol—a result that actually lowers your heart-disease risk.

As for calories, an ounce of dark turkey meat contains just 8 more calories than an ounce of white meat.

How to eat it: Just enjoy, but be conscious of your total portion sizes. A good rule of thumb: Limit yourself to 8 ounces or less at any one sitting, which provides up to 423 calories. Eat that with a big serving of vegetables, and you'll have a flavorful fat-loss meal.

Lentils

It's no surprise that these hearty legumes are good for you. But when was the last time you ate any?

Why they're healthy: Boiled lentils have about 16 grams of belly-filling fiber in every cup. Cooked lentils also contain 27 percent more folate per cup than cooked spinach does. And if you eat colored lentils—black, orange, red—there are compounds in the seed hulls that contain disease-fighting antioxidants, says Raymond Glahn, Ph. D., a research physiologist with Cornell University.

How to eat them: Use lentils as a bed for chicken, fish, or beef—they make a great substitute for rice or pasta.

Pour 4 cups of chicken stock into a large pot. Add 1 cup of red or brown lentils and a half cup each of onion and carrot chunks, along with 3 teaspoons of minced garlic. Bring everything to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the lentils until they're tender, about 20 minutes. Remove the lentils from the heat, add a splash of red-wine vinegar, and serve.

Read more on the Mens Health website.

10 Home Buying Mistakes

2010-04-08T19:43:00.002-05:00

Buying a home is perhaps the most arduous, expensive and, ultimately, valuable acquisition you'll ever complete

Just one mistake could mean disaster -- perhaps the worst mistake you'll ever make.

In order to avoid titanic trip ups during such a trying transaction, RealEstate.com suggests buyers get to know the most common home buying blunders.

To know them is to avoid them.

Going solo Buying a house is a complex transaction. It should be a team effort. You'll need a real estate agent, lender, inspector, insurer, perhaps a lawyer and other team members to help you through each step of the way. Team build before you start the search.

Love at first sight If you believe in fairy tales you probably shouldn't be buying a home. You won't live happily ever after if you emote your way through the home buying process. Your home should fit your real needs, not your yen for drama. Buy a home that fits your budget and your lifestyle. Be sure the home is in a community and neighborhood you desire. Visit neighborhoods several times before you buy to check out schools, noise and traffic patterns.

'Loanless' shopping Being pre-qualified gives you a general idea of how much you can afford to borrow. It's better to be pre-approved for a given loan. Sellers will take you more seriously. You'll stay on budget.

Overbuying Home buyers buying more than they could truly afford, in part, led to the collapse of the housing market. Buy more than you can afford and your dream home will become the same nightmare. Analyze all your monthly costs including debts, food, transportation, entertainment, and savings. Your total monthly debts, including your mortgage, should not exceed 36 percent of your income before taxes. Don't forget to budget closing costs (often two to five percent of the home's purchase price), plus moving, redecorating and maintenance. Look ahead and allow for increases in ongoing expenses such as utilities and taxes.

Misplaced trust You are engaged in what's likely your most valuable acquisition ever. It's a business transaction. Ask family, friends, co-workers, professionals and others you trust for referrals, but don't take their word for it. Vet your team members.

Accepting oral agreements Get it in writing. The rate lock, the home inspection, disclosures, the contract. Always. Should a dispute arise, you've got the details documented.

Skipping the fine print Understand what's really in any document before picking up a pen. Get documents in advance, take time to read them and ask questions. Get copies of your mortgage and closing papers a few days ahead of closing.

Forgetting or betting on resale Avoid buying a home that costs 50 percent more than neighboring homes. Reconsider buying the most expensive home on the block. Neighbors' lower home values will weaken yours. Buy intending to flip your investment only to have the market fail means when it's time to sell your price may not cover your costs.

Making an unconditional offer Protect yourself with these contingencies:

• Mortgage financing. You may be preapproved but is the house? A formal appraisal confirms -- or not -- that there is sufficient value in the home to warrant the loan. If the house appraises lower than the sales price, the loan may be declined.

• Inspection. Never buy an existing or new home without a thorough home inspection. Walk through the home with the inspector to learn more about the house and any concerns he or she may have.

• Insurance. Confirm you can get adequate insurance coverage. In some areas, or following certain disasters, it can be difficult to get types of hazard insurance.

by Broderick Perkins; from the Real Estate Buyers Agent Council Hotsheet

Did you miss the TX Appliance Rebate? Check out these options...

2010-04-07T19:55:00.003-05:00

If you are like me and you tried and tried and tried to make it through the on-line rebate registration process only to find out there were no more funds left, the good news is there are some other options. The City of Austin and the federal government have some ongoing programs that provide funds to qualifying energy efficient appliances.

The City of Austin has multiple energy rebates available for some appliances as well as rebates for efficient toilets.

Mark your calendars for the Energy Star Sales Tax Holiday on May 29-31, 2010.

Check into Federal tax credits for energy efficient purchases.

The US Department of Energy also has information on tax credits available.

Mobile search now available from Cardani Group, REALTORS®

2010-04-06T00:57:00.003-05:00

Have you ever been driving around town and noticed a house you'd like to know more about? Gone are the days of having to call the number on the sign, or remember the address of the house for when you get home.

Just download our new mobile app and you'll have real time access to listing information. The app is currently available for iphone/ipod touch/ipad - and we will have both blackberry and android versions available soon.

Just click the icon below, or search for "IDX" in the app store. Once the app is installed, put in the 6438 code and you'll have access to the most up to date listing information available. Pretty slick, eh?

Who do you know that needs our help buying or selling Real Estate in the Austin area? Please - don't keep us a secret!

6438

The April edition of our monthly newsletter is now available!

2010-04-05T09:48:00.005-05:00

Our April newsletter is now available for download.

Nowadays millions of people are sending billions of text messages. Texting is great fun and can be a great way to save time, but it can also be hard on your hands, wrists and arms. Check out the article on page three to help avoid “Blackberry thumb.”

If you’re a fan of poetry – and especially if you’re not – April is the perfect time to get acquainted (or renew your acquaintance) with this literary genre. Read more about National Poetry Month on page four.

Enjoy the newsletter! As always, if you have any friends or neighbors who are looking for a better way to buy a home or get their home sold, think of us first and be sure to give us a call.

One of the reasons I love my profession

2010-03-12T14:33:00.003-06:00

Just in from the mailbox today and was pleasantly surprised by this sweet card from some clients. It is always nice to get something like this - and it's even more special when it is a surprise and comes from folks you really enjoy.

Thank you Sheila and Gabe! So happy to have you in our real estate family!

The chance for FREE MONEY is ending soon!

2010-03-10T07:47:00.001-06:00

What's the difference between a client and a customer?

2010-03-08T07:37:00.005-06:00

You know it's funny....there are so many "things" to consider about real estate. Lots of folks want to consider saving some money by "representing" themselves rather than paying a professional for service. I can't tell you how many people have called me on a listing of mine and said they were going to save some money and buy the house without an agent. There are a few things they don't understand:

1- my client, in this case the property owner, is benefiting from my professional services

2- all information the individual tells me can and will be used in the best interest of my client. Although I will not ask them direct questions about their situation, my silence often leads to them disclosing much more information than they should

3- the fees for selling the property have already been negotiated. Because the buyer agent fees are paid by the seller, the buyer is not really saving anything, and the advice they will get from a professional agent will more than outweigh the perceived "savings" from representing themselves. In many of my listings, there is a very small, if any, reduction in the cost to the seller if we're working with another agent who is receiving a commission or a buyer who is "representing themselves" in the transaction. Why? Well, that's a whole different post!

So here's the deal...clients (those who have entered into a written agreement for professional representation) receive great benefit. It is important to understand that a "fiduciary relationship" is only established with a representation agreement. If you don't have one, you're a customer. If you don't have one, there is nobody working in your best interest.

Check out this chart from the Real Estate Buyers Agent Council for a better understanding of a client vs. a customer:

Who do you know that needs professional representation right now? Please, put them in touch with us!

Check out the latest edition of our Housing Trends newsletter

2010-03-05T17:29:00.003-06:00

The latest edition of our Housing Trends newsletter is ready for you to view and share with people you care about.

Want to know more about what this information means to buyers and sellers in the Austin area? Be sure and give us a call so we can make sure you fully understand what is going on, and what it means to you!

Buyers Who Wait May Lose a Lot

2010-03-05T17:06:00.000-06:00

Money Magazine say's it's so! Potential home buyers who delay have a lot to lose.

First-time home buyer and move-up tax credits worth $8,000 and $6,500, respectively, expire April 30. Buyers who qualify get a dollar-for-dollar reduction in taxes or a cash payment if they don’t pay enough taxes to cover the credit.

Other factors that should spur buyers:

Low mortgage rates. If the Federal Reserve stops buying mortgage-backed securities at the end of March, 30-year rates will almost certainly rise to more than 6 percent.

Rising prices. About 30 percent of markets are already experiencing price increases. Prices are falling in 12 percent of markets, says Fiserv (but that only helps if you want to live there).

Source: Money Magazine, Beth Braverman (03/02/2010)

The March Newsletter is here!

2010-03-01T15:49:00.002-06:00

The March Edition of our monthly newsletter is now available for download!

Filled with lots of news and tips - plus some interesting Austin market information. Who do you know that needs our help right now, so they can take advantage of the tax credit, low interest rates, and amazing housing opportunities available right now? Let's help them out!

Austin named one of Forbes' 10 best housing markets

2010-02-25T20:29:00.002-06:00

Isn't it great when Austin is on the good lists. And the good thing is, we're pretty good at getting on those good lists. That's GOOD isn't it! ;)

ANYWAY.....

From Agent Genius Magazine:

Forbes.com released their list of Top 10 Best Housing Markets based primarily on the stability of each metro area as measured by affordability rankings and foreclosure rates as an indicator of a lack of excess inventory, making the top cities what they call the best opportunities for home shoppers. Lists are a dime a dozen, but Forbes is pretty reliable with their data analysis and take a big picture view of the market.
Here are the top ten best housing markets:

1. Pittsburgh, PA
2. Louisville, KY
3. Houston, TX
4. Minneapolis, MN
5. Indianapolis, IA
6. Memphis, TN
7. Columbus, OH
8. St. Louis, MO
9. Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX
10. Austin, TX

Who do you know that could use our help right now? Please, don't keep us a secret!

February Housing Trends Newsletter

2010-02-02T21:10:00.002-06:00

The February edition of our Housing Trends Newsletter is now available for viewing!

Lots of great information here. Who do you know that would like some free money? Remember the tax credit can be combined with some other programs to make the savings even bigger. How? Give us a call and we'll explore the options together.

Enjoy the report - and remember, please don't keep us a secret!

More about computers taking over.....

2010-02-01T21:17:00.003-06:00

Installment #2 from my friend George Kahn's Blog...

Computers Run Amok, Part 2

Once the mortgage industry decided that anyone with a high credit score that was breathing deserved to buy a house, we should have known we were in trouble.

All bets were off, and we were in for a wild ride.

This fundamentally flawed concept was then multiplied by banks looking to rush in to this growing market to move more product (remember, in the upside-down world of bankers a loan is an asset and benefits the balance sheet.)

And then came the Quants:

A new breed of computer scientists and mathematicians, they were financial engineers that used super-powered computers and crazy-complex math formulas to pluck money from small discrepancies in the market and hand it to their investors. They worked for companies like “Process Driven Trading” and “Applied Quantitative Research”. They used “random walks” and “calibrated correlations”. They created CDO’s (Collateralized Debt Obligations) and CDS’s (Credit Default Swaps) and other “derivatives”, like side bets in a poker game, that were built to mitigate risk.

In reality, they just broke the risk up and made it so invisible that it began to permeate the system.

Once again the computer models, built by fallible humans, had some fatal flaws.

They were built on the “fact” that a sudden national collapse in American home prices would never happen.
They were built on the “fact” that the movement of the US housing market could not possibly trigger losses in stock portfolios that had nothing to do with housing; stock portfolios, say, of British stocks or banks based, say, in Iceland.

Oops.

For more information, I recommend two new books:
“Quants” by Scott Patterson (a writer for the Wall Street Journal) and
“I.O.U.: Why Everyone Owes Everyone and No One Can Pay” by John Lanchester (a British novelist who gives a bit of world view to this whole mess)

Our February Newsletter is now available for download

2010-01-31T13:25:00.002-06:00

Happy February, friends! The newest edition of our monthly newsletter is now available for download.

If you or someone you know is responsible for the care of an elderly family member, the article on page five may be a good reminder that caregivers need to take care of themselves, as well.

Can something as simple as a wrapper make a difference in your candy consumption? Check out the article on page four for the story of wrapped vs. unwrapped candy.

Enjoy the newsletter! As always, if you have any friends or neighbors who are looking for a better way to buy or sell a home, think of me first and be sure to give me a call.

13 small home improvements that pay back

2010-01-29T23:04:00.002-06:00

One of the questions we often get as real estate professions is "what improvements make the most sense for me to make?" - and here's a quick resource that will get you started.

These are small improvements - fairly risk free (when compared to remodeling a kitchen or making other drastic changes to your property). Remember - if you're preparing to sell, keep colors reasonably neutral. It's always hard to tell what the next user of the property will be attracted to, so help reduce the chance of objection by remaining neutral.

Remember we have a complete list of strategic alliance partners that can help advise you as well as complete work for you. It takes three home runs to get on our list and just one strike to be removed - so keep this resource in mind - it is one more way we go above and beyond and why we are your real estate consultants for life!

The homes are shrinking the homes are shrinking

2010-01-28T17:34:00.000-06:00

RISMEDIA, January 28, 2010—(MCT)—New-home buyers responded to the tough times in 2009 by opting for smaller houses, driving down the average size of a house built in the United States for the first time in 27 years.

Data recently released by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) found the average size of a new home that was completed in 2009 fell to 2,480 square feet from 2,520 square feet in 2008. The last time the average completed-home size fell by a statistically significant amount was 1982.

“You’ve heard the mantra ‘downsize me’ and ’small is the new big?’ Well, last year was definitely a downer,” said Carol Lavender, president of Lavender Design Group, a residential design firm in San Antonio, Texas.

Homeowners surveyed by Better Homes and Gardens magazine said downsizing was becoming a bigger priority: 36% said in November 2009 that they expected their next home to be “somewhat smaller” or “much smaller” than their current home versus 32% who said that in 2008. “Not surprisingly, we see a ‘cents and sensibility’ approach when it comes to buying or improving a home, with practicality and price being the top priorities,” said Eliot Nusbaum, the magazine’s executive editor of home design.

While the small-house movement in the United States has been gaining steam for a number of years, the recession has accelerated it and home builders have responded.

“The era of easy money is over. You really have to think before you go out and decide you need that five-bedroom, five-bath home,” said Rose Quint, the NAHB’s assistant vice president for survey research. “Couple that with the energy cost concerns of consumers today and I think we will continue this trend. Houses will not shrink drastically, but they will shrink.”

Although actual square footage of homes didn’t fall until 2009, the percent of homes with four or more bedrooms in them has been falling since 2007, NAHB data show. And in 2009, the number of homes with three or more bathrooms fell for the first time since 1992.

Two other trends in home construction are contributing to the declining square footages: The prominence of first-time buyers in the housing market and the increasing number of households with members 55 and older who are buying homes.

First-time buyers, driven into the market in good part by the availability of an $8,000 tax credit, are more likely to compromise on home size in exchange for a lower price. And the 55-plus crowd tends to purchase single-story homes, which generally are smaller because of the land costs that favor the more-efficient two-story plans.

“Barely over half of new homes today are built with two stories or more,” Quint said. Two-story homes peaked at about 55% of the market in 2006. For 2010, home builders say they will focus on lower-priced models and smaller homes. More than 95% of builders surveyed by NAHB in January said that was the way they saw their business evolving this year.

The penchant for smaller homes will necessitate some design changes. Builders, attempting to respond to those consumer demands as well as hold the line on prices, told the NAHB surveyors that they were most likely to include these features as standard in their houses this year:

-Walk-in closets in the master bedroom.
-Laundry rooms.
-Insulated front doors.
-Great rooms.
-Energy-efficient windows.
-Linen closets.
-Programmable thermostats.
-Energy-efficient appliances and lighting.
-Separate shower and tub in master bathrooms.
-Nine-foot ceilings on the first floor.

Among the things that builders said they were least likely to add to houses in 2010:

-Outdoor kitchens.
-Outdoor fireplaces.
-Sunrooms.
-Butler’s pantries.
-Media rooms.
-Desks in kitchens.
-Two-story foyers.
-Eight foot ceilings on the first floor.
-Multiple shower heads in the master bath.
-Smaller kitchens.

“You can see that builders are concentrating heavily on energy-saving features,” Quint said. “But a lot of the luxury items are on the chopping block or on hold as builders try to lower costs.”

Why use a REALTOR®

2010-01-27T07:31:00.003-06:00

You know there are a lot of people that think it's a good idea to save their X% and represent themselves in a real estate transaction. I think that the real estate community has brought this on, in large part, by making it too easy to get a real estate license and although brokers are responsible for the actions of their agents, many of them have no idea (and don't care) what the agent is doing.

Just the other night we were watching a show about first time buyers. An agent was giving incredibly bad advice to his client, and was proud of it. His poor client has no idea how badly she was represented - all she knows is that she got the condo she really wanted. I hope that when the broker watched the show that he or she spent some serious time working with that agent.

I also often think about a former client and friend who followed all of my advice in getting prequalified, accepted my education about the market and the process, then called me up to tell me he had just written an offer on a new construction home directly with the builder. He said he was going to call me but figured it would be better to save the commission. Poor fella. I could have saved him a lot of money and heart ache, but, at least he saved about $4500. (My short calculations show that I could have saved him about $18,000....roll out the 4500 I would have made, then plug it in to a mortgage calculator to see how long he'll be paying interest on what I would have saved him). I'll write an entry some day with more details and show the breakdown that puts dollars with the mistake for a better illustration.

The bottom line is the public really does benefit from the work of a talented, professional REALTOR®.

Check out this piece put together by the National Association of REALTORS® for some other things to consider about working with a professional vs. trying to represent yourself.

When computers take over (and the models aren't right!)

2010-01-26T16:44:00.003-06:00

For the past several weeks I've been following my friend George Kahn's blog. He's having a "passion party" - doing what he loves to do and inspiring others to do the same.

Today George wrote an interesting bit about computer models and the role they have played in banking. Check out the story below. And, join the Passion Party - check out George's blog here.

There is no denying that computers have taken over banking, and Wall Street in general.
As we move forward in time, past the Banking Crisis of 2008
and the Great Crash of 2009
it is becoming clear that a root cause of the mess we're in stems from faulty computer models that made people (and banks and investors) believe that a risky transaction would become risk-less if it were sliced and diced enough to become unintelligible to mortal man.

Faulty computer model #1
The Fair Issacs Company (FICO) uses computer models to create a risk-based credit score that banks take as gospel in creating loans. As The Market continued on its frothy way in the early 2000s, FICO discovered an amazing "fact" - that people with a very high credit score historically never default on a home loan, even if they borrow 100% of the purchase price to buy the house.

Viola! 100% financing for "qualified" borrowers ("qualified" at this point equaled a high FICO as the banks had already accepted computer models that allowed them to do "stated income" loans, rather than dealing with those pesky tax returns).
Then somehow, a few months AFTER real estate prices started to drop in 2007, FICO retracted this idea. It seems the computer model was flawed. They discovered that with NO equity in a house, a person with perfect credit had as much likelihood of defaulting as a person with bad credit that put 30 - 40% down to buy a home.
Of course, this was a severe case of "closing the stable door after the horse has bolted".

100% financing had snared many folks into a belief that borrowing money was a way to riches as opposed to a way to be in debt up to their eyeballs.
(to be continued...)

Still on the fence about buying?

2010-01-25T22:19:00.003-06:00

You've probably heard it over and over - historic low interest rates and a relatively flat market make this one of the best times in history to purchase real estate. And - you still have some questions. WHY is an investment a good idea at all? HOW can I make this work? WHAT am I not thinking about???

This fantastic piece was put together by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and outlines some of the why, how and what's. Check it out - and remember, when you or someone you care about are ready to take the plunge, you deserve the professional service of a qualified Real Estate Consultant. We're here to help - give us a call!

TREPAC Investors Breakfast

2010-01-20T20:26:00.007-06:00

Every once in a while it's fun to start the day a little differently. Today I was fortunate enough to participate in the Texas Real Estate Political Action Committee (TREPAC) investors breakfast held at the UT Club.

Now, I've never been to the UT club...and this shindig started at 8:30. I was a little nervous about being late, and since I'm a little nutty about being on time, I ended up there 30 minutes early - the first attendee to walk in.

The cool part about arriving early is that I had some time to run around and check things out. Here are a couple views from one of the club rooms. It was really quite a site - it was pretty foggy outside, but it was as if there was no fog what so ever in the stadium - it was picture perfect. These iphone shots give an idea, but don't do justice the the view.

You've probably read a few posts about TREPAC here in the past. TREPAC monitors, educates, and influences legislative agenda - in an effort to help protect the individual property rights of Texas property owners. You can see more about the activities at this site. Whether you are a REALTOR® or private property owner, I would like to encourage you to consider contributing to the PAC.

Feds crack down on dubious lenders

2010-01-15T12:45:00.000-06:00

This just in from the NAR newswire:

The Federal Housing Administration served subpoenas Tuesday on 15 mortgage companies with high default rates for FHA-backed loans.

The agency has previously taken action against several lenders with questionable records, including Lend America and Taylor, Bean & Whitaker Mortgage Co.

Department of Housing and Urban Development's Inspector General, Kenneth Donohue said he plans to determine why these 15 lenders had so many loans that defaulted shortly after they closed.

Troubled lenders include: First Tennessee Bank N.A, of Memphis, Tenn.; Alethese LLC, of Lakeway, Texas; Security Atlantic Mortgage Co., of Edison, N.J.; Pine State Mortgage Corp., of Atlanta; Birmingham Bancorp Mortgage Corp., of West Bloomfield, Mich.; Alacrity Financial Services LLC, of Southlake, Texas; Assurity Financial Services LLC, of Englewood, Colo.; D and R Mortgage Corp., of Farmington, Mich.; Webster Bank, of Cheshire, Conn.; Mac-Clair Mortgage Corp., of Flint, Mich.; Americare Investment Group Inc., of Arlington, Texas; 1st Advantage Mortgage, of Lombard, Ill.; American Sterling Bank, of Independence, Mo.; Sterling National Mortgage Co., Inc., of Great Neck, N.Y.; and Dell Franklin Financial LLC, of Columbia, Md.

John Courson, CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association, applauded the crackdown. "We're concerned about the viability of the program and we want to make sure that the bad apples and the bad players, frankly, are eliminated," he said.

Source: The Associated Press, Alan Zibel (01/12/2010)

New Rules Help Borrowers at Closing

2010-01-14T21:13:00.003-06:00

Check out this great Wall Street Journal article for information on the recent changes to the Good Faith Estimate as well as the new HUD-1 form.

In my years as a Real Estate Consultant I have been very fortunate to work with top notch lenders. Every time a client has chosen to work with one of the lenders from "the list" that I have provided for them, closing has happened smoothly, on time, and with no surprises.

Oddly enough, almost every (there has been ONE exception) time a client has chosen to work with a lender who is not "on the list" we have had turbulence, delays, and surprises.

These new changes are very welcome. They will benefit buyers in a very dramatic way. They also require lenders to be honest with the information that they provide our clients. One of the drawbacks of these changes is that it is forcing mortgage professionals who were not part of the problem to have many more hoops to jump through, something I certainly do not envy.

The most important thing to remember when working with both a REALTOR® and a mortgage professional is to work with highly skilled, qualified and ethical folks. You already know who to call in the Austin area - and it's important for you to know that we can help the people you like in other parts of the US and Canada by referring them to professionals that practice just like we do. Please - don't keep us a secret!

Iowa State takes its place in computer history

2010-01-08T15:50:00.003-06:00

Iowa State has a special place in my heart. Aside from loving the college/community partnership that Ames and Iowa State University are known for, it is also the institution that I completed my Master's in Educational Leadership.

This cool note just came in from the Alumni Association - I thought it was interesting enough to share with y'all - even though we're in Texas!

ISU's full-scale, working replica of the groundbreaking Atanasoff-Berry Computer (the first digital electronic computer) will be part of a major new exhibition opening fall 2010 at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, Calif. The exhibition will include more than 1,000 artifacts that tell the story of computing and computer innovation. The ABC replica, which weighs 750 pounds, is currently displayed in the lobby of the Durham Center. It will be moved by April 1. "John Vincent Atanasoff and Clifford Berry were true pioneers in electronic digital computing," ISU President Gregory Geoffroy said. "As part of the new exhibition, the Computer History Museum can tell the story of their innovations to hundreds of thousands of museum visitors and millions of online visitors every year. And so we're pleased Iowa State's working replica of the ABC will be part of the museum's ambitious exhibit. The ABC deserves a prominent place in the history of computing." Read more about the Computer History Museum online.

Get your free housing trends report now!

2010-01-08T10:21:00.002-06:00

We're happy to offer this new, free service to our clients, friends and fans! Check out our monthly Housing Trends Report for useful, up-to-date information on the housing industry.

Each month we'll provide a link to the newest report - full of information that you can use to get a better idea of what the real story is in the housing market.

Remember we're here to help you determine what this information means to you, and to help you attain the most positive position in this new market.

Feel free to share with the people you like!

Interesting cell phone comparison

2010-01-07T17:33:00.005-06:00

You probably already know I've always been a bit of a tech geek. I like to have the newest electronic gadget - but lately I've become a little more frugal.

One of the things that is always perplexing is whether or not it's a good idea to change cell phones ( and often, this includes changing carriers as well). The last phone that I had that I REALLY liked was an LG flip phone that I got at Fry's electronics back in 2002. It was a plain old phone, and didn't even have a color screen let alone camera or web browser.

The biggest thing I liked about it? IT WORKED. Every time. No software conflicts, no lag time between pushing send and the call taking place, etc. It has been a long time since I've had a similar experience.... Since that time I've had the very first Treo smart phone, a treo 600, 650, 700, LG slider, motorola razr, blackberry pearl, treo centro and appli iphone 3g. That's a lot of phones. Apparently I'm a tough guy to please when it comes to cell phones...which is odd, since my basic requirements are that it make phone calls, the software works quickly and correctly, and the carrier isn't evil (the carrier issue is a whole different story!).

Anyway, lately I've had my eyes on the new devices powered by the Google Android operating system. You may have your own opinions of google...my opinion is that google is generally good, generally cutting edge, and generally exciting. That makes me want a phone that uses their OS.

As I've been considering changes, I've been thinking it is getting more and more difficult to compare costs between carriers. That's where this exciting new chart comes in. Check it out here.

If you have some thoughts on your favorite phone or carrier - please shoot me a note or comment here and let me know!

What you need to know about the tax credit

2010-01-07T17:19:00.002-06:00

There has been lots of buzz about the Federal Tax Credit for home buyers. The most recent changes have extended the deadline as well as added a credit for folks who already own a home. As you might remember, the original credit was for first time buyers only.

Originally created in 2008, the home-buyer tax credit has evolved from a $7,500 credit, which had to be repaid by the home buyer over the course of 15 years, to an $8,000 tax credit with no repayment required in 2009. Now, for a limited time in 2010, the $8,000 home buyer tax credit will still be available to first-time home buyers and certain current homeowners will also be eligible for a $6,500 credit.

To help everyone better understand the extended and expanded home buyer tax credit, here are some highlights of the changes.

Who can claim the credit?

“First-time home buyers” who purchase homes between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010 are eligible for the credit. To qualify as a “first-time home buyer” the purchaser or his/her spouse may not have owned a residence during the three years prior to the purchase.

For current homeowners purchasing a home during the same time frame, they are also eligible for a tax credit, so long as the home being sold or vacated was their principal residence for five consecutive years within the last eight. To elaborate, it must be the same home; it is not enough that they have been homeowners for five consecutive years, they must have been in the same home for five consecutive years.

Another key point is that the existing home does not need to be sold. One must, however, occupy the new home as a principal residence and do so for three years or risk recapture of the credit. Also, the new home does not need to cost more than the old home despite the concept that it is directed at “move up” buyers.

How much is the credit and what are the income limits?

The maximum allowable credit for first-time home buyers is $8,000 or 10% of the sales price, whichever is less. For current homeowners, it is $6,500 or 10% of the sale price, whichever is less. Under the extended home buyer tax credit, single buyers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000 may receive the maximum credit.

The credit decreases for single buyers who earn between $125,000 and $145,000 and between $225,000 and $245,000 for home buyers filing jointly. The amount of the tax credit deceases as his/her income approaches the maximum limit. Home buyers earning more than the maximum qualifying income – over $145,000 for singles and over $245,000 for couples – are not eligible for the credit.

What are the deadlines for qualifying for the credit?

Under the extended home buyer tax credit, as long as a written binding contract to purchase a home is in effect on April 30, 2010, and the deal is closed by July 1, 2010, one can claim the credit.

Will the tax credit need to be repaid?

No, the buyer does not need to repay the tax credit if he/she occupies the home for three years or more. However, if the property is sold during this three-year period, the full amount of the credit will be recouped on the sale. Another provision of the law waives the recapture provisions for service members who receive orders that require them to move.

Are there any other critical provisions?

-There are three provisions people should be aware of:
-There is an $800,000 limitation on the cost of the home
-The purchaser must be at least 18 years old on the date of purchase
-For a married couple, only one spouse must meet this age requirement and dependents are not eligible to claim the credit

Finally, as an anti-fraud measure, purchasers must attach documentation of purchase to his/her tax return claiming the credit. Normally this would be a copy of the HUD-1, but could include other documents memorializing the settlement.

As with all tax matters, responsibility for complying with the tax code belongs to the taxpayer. Real estate professionals should recommend that their buyers consult their tax professionals to ensure eligibility for the credit and the proper way to claim the credit. For more information including the required IRS forms please contact the Internal Revenue Service at 800-829-1040.

Information courtesy of RISMedia - Ken Trepeta is the Director, Real Estate Services for the National Association of REALTORS® Real Estate Services program.

For more information, visit www.realtors.org/res.

Read more here.

Will 2010 be the beginning of your financial independence?

2010-01-02T21:16:00.004-06:00

Since we're already a few days in to 2010 I thought it would be good to share some tips on improving your finances. Seems like no matter how hard we work on some of our goals, there is always room for improvement. I've found a few of these tips helpful in the past and will implement a few more for 2010. Hope you'll join me!

-From RISMedia:

What will you be looking forward to in the New Year? Buying your first home? Sending your last kid off to college? Or obsessing over your own personal mountain of debt, even more worrisome in this uncertain economy? It may feel like “Resolution Impossible,” but if you follow Eric Tyson’s advice, you’ll remember ‘10 as the year you finally took control of your financial future.

“While the situation is improving, Americans carry too much consumer debt,” says Tyson, author of Personal Finance for Dummies, 6th Edition.. “If you have credit card debt or auto loans, take some solace in the fact that you’re far from alone and that many others have overcome these hurdles. Consumer debt is not okay, particularly in a slow economy such as this one. It can damage your personal relationships and mental well-being, not to mention the stability of your financial future.”

Here are a few tips from Tyson that will help you improve your financial health in 2010:

Partake in a little self-reflection. A misaligned mindset toward spending and shopping—compulsive or otherwise—can severely affect your financial and personal well-being. If you think you might have a problem with shopping or spending, there are several questions you should ask yourself:

-Do I feel guilty about shopping?
-Is my shopping causing financial trouble?
-Is my shopping, spending, and accumulated debt leading to feelings of helplessness, anger, confusion, fear, or depression?

Make a plan and stick to it. The reason so many New Year’s resolutions fail is that we simply state the thing we want to improve and then never create a plan for helping us get from point A to point B. Most people don’t like to plan unless we’re talking about something fun, like a vacation. But actually, planning for your financial future is a little like planning a vacation. You’re organizing your money and time so that you get to do all the great things you want when you get there. Look at it that way, and you might actually enjoy the process.

Get rid of your four-wheeled debt. Too many people define necessities by what those around them have. A brand new car is not a necessity, although some people try to make it one by saying, “I need a way to get to work.” Guess what? There are plenty of far less expensive used cars out there that will also make it to your office. If you take out an auto loan to buy a car that you really can’t afford and you take a similar approach with other consumer items you don’t truly need, you’re going to have great difficulty saving money and accomplishing your goals. Moreover, you’ll probably feel stressed all the time—which is a poor trade-off for the (short-lived) “new car smell.”

Start making your purchases based on need, not emotion. It can be easy to give in to all of those advertisements telling us how much we “need” that new car, expensive gym membership, or trendy outfit. Marketers play on insecurities, fears, and guilt and suggest that you can feel better about yourself by buying their products. You won’t be able to overcome spending and consumer debt until you recognize these pressures and how they corrupt your buying decisions.

Research before you enter the store. Prior to going shopping for necessities that aren’t everyday purchases—say, a new refrigerator—do some research first. Your research will help you identify brands, models, and so on that are good values. You don’t want to make an expensive mistake.

Watch your food budget. Dine out less and keep stock of the groceries you already have. Learn to cook if you don’t know how. Try to keep a healthy inventory of groceries at home. This will minimize trips to the store and the need to impulsively dine out because your cupboard is bare. Try to do most of your shopping through discount warehouse-type stores, which offer low prices for buying in bulk, or grocery stores that offer bulk purchases. Saving on the amount you spend on food will help you put more money toward paying off your debt and eventually setting money aside for investments.

Become more energy efficient. Check out opportunities to make your home more energy efficient. Adding insulation and weather-stripping, installing water-saving devices, and reducing use of electrical appliances can pay for themselves in short order. Many utility companies will even do a free energy review or audit of your home and suggest money-saving ideas.

Watch what you are paying for insurance. Many people overspend on insurance by carrying coverage that’s unnecessary or that covers small potential losses. Coverage of small losses, such as $100 or $200, is not useful for most people since such a loss wouldn’t be a financial catastrophe.

“It won’t be easy getting out of debt, and it’s certainly not something you will be able to achieve overnight,” says Tyson. “Like losing weight, it’s something that takes constant dedication but has a great payoff in the end. Whenever you lose focus or feel like giving in, think about the wonderful benefits of financial well-being. Once you’re out of debt, the money you are able to invest will mushroom into substantial savings that will allow you to get more for your money,” concludes Tyson.

RISMEDIA, December 30, 2009

How has Real Estate changed in the past decade?

2009-12-31T17:31:00.002-06:00

In the last decade, a lot has changed in the real estate industry from how buyers go through the process to how prices have changed while some things haven’t changed like the median age of buyers, according to the National Association of REALTORS®.

So what's the scoop? Here's what NAR research has shown us:

1. 1999: 37% of buyers searched for a home online. 2009: 90% of buyers searched for a home online.
2. 1999: median home value is $137,600. 2009: median home value is $172,600 (but not that some reports reflect that when accounting for inflation, the value hasn’t changed at all this decade).
3. 1999: 82% of buyers purchased detached, single family homes. 2009: 78% of buyers purchased detached, single family homes.
4. 1999: 46% of buyers choose suburban neighborhoods. 2009: 54% of buyers choose suburban neighborhoods.
5. 1999: 68% of buyers were married couples. 2009: 60% of buyers are married couples.
6. 1999 and 2009: the median age for buyers was 39.
7. 1999 and 2009: “neighborhood quality, affordability, and convenience to work and school have consistently been top priorities.”

It is interesting that the biggest change is that most buyers now search for their home online. This can be through many different websites - some with fantastic, up to date information, others with information that is outdated or simply wrong.

What remains the same? Buyers and sellers benefit from the knowledge and skills of a REALTOR® - someone that knows how to use the information that is available to us to create the best opportunities possible in today's new world.

Who can you think of that needs our help? You know what to do next - put them in touch with us!

Rebates for Appliance Buyers in 2010

2009-12-31T13:11:00.001-06:00

The 2010 plan to encourage energy efficiency is the government rebate for appliance buyers. The plan lets people swap their old appliances for new energy-efficient models at very low prices.

Here are some things to keep in mind:
· State plans vary. For state by state specifics, check out the state-by-state javascript:void(0)rebate program.

· Is it really a deal? It may not be worth replacing appliances that are fewer than seven years old, but older models can represent a real deal. Joe McGuire, president of the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, says a 20-year-old refrigerator uses three times as much power as a new Energy Star-approved model.

· Buy now before it ends. There is only about $300 million available and some states got more money than others. It is expected to run out fast.

Source: The Associated Press, Vinnee Tong (12/30/2009)

The January 2010 Newsletter is here!

2009-12-30T23:05:00.003-06:00

One of my 2010 Resolutions is to stop procrastinating (as much anyway!) so I thought I'd get started early so that hopefully it will stick!

The January 2010 Edition of my monthly newsletter is now available for download.

Did you know that we can help you, your friends, your family and your colleagues lease apartments in Austin and the surrounding areas in addition to helping them buy and sell real estate? We can even refer your friends and colleagues to other top notch Real Estate Consultants across the United States and in Canada through our By Referral Only Referral Network. Who do you know that needs help buying, selling, renting or leasing? Please - don't keep us a secret!

Colleagues vs. Competitors

2009-12-20T22:04:00.005-06:00

As I've been teaching more and more I often find myself in a conversation about the "colleague" perspective in Real Estate.

You see, so many professionals in our industry look at one another as competitors. I remember back in pre license school, I was sitting next to a woman (we'll call her Jane) who was going to go work with her mom. Jane's mom built her own business when Jane was growing up, so she had lots of insight and ideas that many of us had not had the opportunity to gain.

Jane started to talk about some of the things she was going to do to build her real estate career....then she paused, looked at me, and said "well, I shouldn't tell you any more because then you'll steal my ideas." I can play this video back in my brain like it happened yesterday.

I think when we look at each other as competitors, it causes us to be less than kind, less than professional, and sometimes, less than honest. One of the things I always share in my classes is that if I'm sharing something that I do that has worked for me, and a participant in the class would like to try it too, I'll give them everything I have to help them be successful.

Why? Because I think it's the right thing to do. There's plenty of business to go around. And let's be honest...is it really reasonable to think that my list of 250 contacts that I regularly stay in touch with has that much (or any) overlap with anyone else's list?

Real Estate is much bigger than me, it's much bigger than you, and it's much bigger than Austin. What we do as professionals in this industry impacts so many people and so many professions it is hard to wrap your brain all the way around it. Wouldn't it be great if more of us worked from the "colleague perspective" and helped support one another as we provide amazing service to our clients?

Imagine what that would be like..... And then work to help make it a reality!

Those cool things from days gone by

2009-12-15T11:07:00.002-06:00

My earlier blog related to super cool NEW excitement.

This one is related to super cool OLD excitement.

Remember those cool "things" from years gone by? Like the cool road signs you'd see on family vacation? Or the cool t-shirts available at the diner you'd stop at on the way to Aunt Millies? Or the post cards you'd find in the visitors center right after you crossed a state line?

Vintage Roadside is working to preserve some of those memories. Check out the site for more information. They have a great collection of t-shirts as well as great stories about the fun establishments that are now few and far between.

Boeing's new Dreamliner shoudl fly today!

2009-12-15T10:40:00.003-06:00

Flight has always been fascinating. Today, Boeing will test fly the new 787 Dreamliner - filled with cool technology that we can and can not see. Check out this blog for more info.

I wonder if the seats are comfortable??? ;)

Paying attention to your credit accounts

2009-12-14T10:41:00.003-06:00

Many of you know my thoughts on credit cards (and banks in general). They're evil. There is simply no way around it.

Here's what is prompting today's post.

I have all of my recurring business expenses charged to one specific credit card. It makes my end of the year tax work much simpler. Each month anywhere from 2,000 to 3,500 bucks are put on this account. When the statement comes, I pay the balance off in full. The credit card company hates this.

The interest rate on this account was 9.9%. Not the lowest on earth, but it really doesn't matter to me since I pay the balance off every month.

A few things have recently happened.

1 - my grace period was reduced. Now instead of 30 days, it is 12 days. That means that I'm almost always paying interest on my purchases, because the grace period is up before the statement even comes.

2 - the electronic statements used to be sent 10-15 days before payment is due. That recently changed to 2-3 days. So if I'm not paying attention, it can be really easy to make a late payment.

In fact I did have a late payment...a payment was due 2 days after the statement was emailed to me. This resulted in a $39 late fee, and my interest rate going to the default rate of 28%.

I called and discussed this issue with a customer representative, who happily removed the charge from my account. She would not, however, change my interest rate back to the 9.9% that I had. She said I was late, and although she could remove the charge she could not change that I was not responsible enough to pay the bill on time.

You can imagine what was going through my mind when she said that.

I asked her how long it would take for the rate to go back down, she said 6 months. So, even after not having a late payment for six years, I had to wait 6 months for it to go back down. Now remember, they have also reduced the grace period - so now I'm paying nearly 30% interest on some portion of my balance.

So I got this great idea - I set up automatic payments of $50 every two weeks. In an effort to make sure I never have a late payment again, and to reduce any interest I am paying.

Great in theory. But, the credit card company responded by not sending statements AT ALL anymore. When I inquired about this, they indicated to me that they only send statements on accounts that have a payment due. My payments are made in advance, so I never have a payment due.

Pretty slick huh.

Does anyone really wonder why consumers are screaming for reform????

10 things I've learned in 2009

2009-12-13T14:22:00.007-06:00

2009 has been a great year for me. Lots of changes, lots of learning, lots of new connections, lots of new friends, and lots of optimism for all that 2010 holds.

As the year comes to a close, I thought it might be fun to share a few "one liners" (ok - some of them are more than one line!) that sum up a lot of the personal lessons I have had the opportunity to learn and grow from this year.

Here are the 10 Life Lessons I have learned this year.

1. It's always a good time to reconnect with old friends.

2. When you operate from a place of giving with no expectations, you get back a whole lot more.

3. I really dig strong, powerful women. It's those total bitches you need to stay away from. I really dig strong, powerful men. It's those total @$$holes you need to stay away from. How do you know who's who? See #10.

4. Doing the right thing is pretty easy to do - but watch out for some who say they "always do the right thing - even when nobody is watching"....many of them are in denial.

5. Treating the knowledge, skills, resources and abilities that you posses as if they are not valuable, makes them worthless.

6. When you take the risk and do the things other people are afraid or unwilling to do, you attract like minded people.

7. Never depend on other people or companies to "remind" you of anything - always set your own due dates and reminders on your own calendar.

8. Life is too short for grudges....sometimes it's hard, but you have to "build a bridge and get over it" (Thank you to Pat Strong for the great saying!)

9. You never know what the answer is unless you ask the question!

10. Listen to that little voice in your head.....EVERY TIME.

We're on the list

2009-12-12T17:52:00.003-06:00

And it's a good list! Check out the lists of the cities with the best drinking water. That's great news for those of us trying to drink our 8+ cups of water a day!

"Your buyers will have to understand....."

2009-12-10T11:33:00.005-06:00

I'm headed out to show some properties to a set of first time buyer clients tonight. We've been looking for quite some time, and although we have found some nice properties, we haven't found "the one" yet.

As of this morning at 11:34, there are 55 listings that meet the criteria of my buyers. This will be important as you read and process this post.

Of the five we are viewing, four are HUD properties (very smooth, reasonably easy process for agents to work with). The final is a short sale. Short sales are difficult. The last short sale I helped buyers purchase took us nearly 5 months.

When properties are occupied (as many short sales are), we as agents call to set a showing time. We also leave our business card in the property so that the occupants know that someone has been there.

Today as I spoke with the owner of the one short sale property we will view, I was reminded of something all sellers need to be aware of.

As I asked this person if a showing between 5:30 and 6 would be workable for her, she said "sure, your buyers will just have to understand that the house is a mess and I haven't finished getting it ready to show yet."

This is where the 55 listings thing comes in to play. What I would have shared with the seller had she been my client, is that in fact she needs to understand that there are 54 other properties she is competing with. These buyers have a lot of choices at this time. There really is no excuse to not have your property ready to sell when it is listed as active in the MLS.

So the lesson for the day is, when you are trying to sell your property, you already have one strike against you (you have a short sale listing), you are trying to get the most money for your property as possible in a down market, and there are 54 other properties you are competing with - you must work extremely hard to eliminate all the objections the buyer may raise when it comes to your property.

Although short sales are an unfortunate process, sellers need to remember that the bank is trying (in theory!) to help you avoid foreclosure - something that will present turbulence for you for many years to come. Although the process is irritating and cumbersome, it is better than having a foreclosure on your credit history.

Know someone that could use sound professional advice in order to be successful in today's market? Please, don't keep me a secret!

Good news for short sales

2009-12-03T20:52:00.003-06:00

Anyone who has been involved in a "short sale" transaction knows that the process can be terribly cumbersome.

Recently, the US Treasury announced new guidelines to help smooth the process.

I think these guidelines will certainly help the process - and this is a good start. We have much more work to do in order to make the short sale process a more positive one for all those involved.

Who do you know that needs help selling their house through a short sale process or navigating the short sale offer process? The agents at Cardani Group, REALTORS® are here, ready to help. Our own Greg P is a Certified Distressed Property Expert - so please don't keep us a secret!

The December newsletter is here!

2009-12-01T13:53:00.003-06:00

Check out the December edition of Chad's Chit Chat.

The new year will bring some fun changes to the newsletter - so keep your eyes peeled for the January 2010 edition as well.

By the way, who is the next person you know that could use our help buying or selling Real Estate in the Austin area? Please, don't keep us a secret!

Reducing your ecological footprint

2009-12-01T13:49:00.003-06:00

Green seems to be the new black these days. We've heard people say "Oh, I'm green" and "Oh, that's green" and "Oh, YOU should be green" - but unlike the Green Eggs and Ham book from our early years, there doesn't seem to be much more content to those statements.

This article, again from our friends at Austin Monthly, has 50 ways you can reduce your ecological footprint. Many of them very simple.

So as you're thinking about what changes you'd like to make for the new year, consider some of these ideas. Our planet with thank you!

And while you're at it, consider a subscription to Austin Monthly, full of great articles directly related to life in our fantastic city!