Officially Welcomed

When folks first move to Austin there are a few things that just have to be done before you are officially a resident.... something at Zach Scott, the Zilker Festival of Lights, check out a moon tower, enjoy catfish at the Manchaca Fire Hall, see the bats at Town Lake (yes, TOWN LAKE), have a burger at Hut's, and stuff yourself at The Salt Lick. Oh ya, registering to vote and all that stuff too... ;)

Erin and Mark moved here from Florida a couple months ago. My friend Lynn referred them to me and we found a fantastic place for them to rent while they're getting their feet wet here. Last month they attended my annual client party and got to experience the Manchaca Fire Hall.

Today, we headed to The Salt Lick. Mark admitted that although he makes a great brisket, the brisket at The Salt Lick was the best he has ever had. Then he moved on to the ribs. We had a great time and everyone left satisfied....ok...stuffed.

Oprah's Holiday Music

We were watching the Oprah show the other day, and she was gearing up for the holidays. One of the fun things she did on the show was give away copies of her Holiday Hits 2008 CD. For those of use who weren't in the audience, she made all of the recordings available for 48 hours at her website.

All of the songs that Oprah was sharing are now available for you to download on my public mac.com site. You can view the public folder by clicking this link or going to http://public.me.com/texaschad

If downloading the music and burning it to CD are a little beyond your computing abilities, just bring a blank CD by my office and I'll burn a copy for you.

I'll keep the link live until I run out of bandwidth or someone makes me take it down. :) If any of you have the ability to share the music with friends via another download site, please help reduce the bandwidth from my site by saving on your site and passing the download link on to more of your friends.

Enjoy!

Those cool little booklets

So many people are asking me how I make those "cool little booklets" that you receive in the mail periodically. It's actually a fun process for me and serves as a kind of creative outlet.

First I compile the information through a custom search template that I have set up in our MLS system. After spending a couple hours with the MLS trainer, it's now set up so with just a few clicks I can create a report custom to your property.

Next, I print the material on our fantastic multifunction copier. It's so smart it shoots the whole booklet out at once - cover pages and all.

Finally, I punch and bind the booklet with my handy booklet maker from www.mybinding.com

Now, when I was looking for this booklet maker I was a little freaked out because there were so many options and so many places to buy. When I called the great folks at mybinding.com they asked a few questions, and helped me identify the right machine for my needs now, and in the future. Great people. Great prices, too.

If you're looking to do something similar, check them out at www.mybinding.com - you'll be very happy with their service and products.

If I do XYZ to my house, how much more would it be worth.....

Many of you have asked me this question recently. Often times when markets start to slow, folks decide that it is better to go ahead and make a few improvements to their existing house versus selling, with the intent of recapturing that investment when the market sways more in favor of sellers.

Recently, an averages report was released showing about how much jobs cost to complete, what the resale value is, and what percentage of the costs are recouped at sale. Remember that these are averages, based on 4,500 respondents across the country.

The chart to the right shows both national average and regional results. It is important to note that the data is based on retail pricing. If you are handy and doing the work yourself, the results will swing a little more in your favor.

Keep this information in mind as you are determining what to do with your current property. This information is also helpful when buyers are comparing properties for purchase.

Remember that I am here to assist you, your friends and your family that you choose to refer to me when it comes to buying and selling Real Estate.

Tips on using credit cards this holiday season

This just in from our Strategic Alliance Partner Amy Krause with Mortgages Direct. This is a good read with lots of great information. Pay particular attention to the paragraph "Leave Home Without It"!

Save on Your Credit Score this Holiday Season

With the economy slowing and holidays just around the corner, many consumers may be looking to credit cards to help them get through the heavy shopping season. While that may be a good short-term solution, you want to make sure you don't overlook the long-term impact on your credit rating. After all, the actions you take today could hang over your head for years to come--and may make it tough for you to get the home loan or car loan you want in the future.

To help you make sure you manage your credit cards--and your credit score--during the upcoming holiday spending season, follow these steps:

Double-check your card limits. Many credit card companies today have started lowering credit limits. That means you have less credit available, but it also may mean that your credit score is about to take a hit. That's because approximately 30% of your credit score is based on the amount you owe in relation to your available credit. So, if a credit card company cuts back your limit, you may find that you're suddenly almost maxed out. That's not a good sign for your long-term credit score rating.

Ask, pay down, or move around. If some of your credit limits have changed or are nearly maxed out, you can take a few steps to help alleviate the problem. First, consider simply asking for a higher limit to your card...not necessarily to use up with spending, but to allow more unused credit line to be available and therefore boost your credit score. You can also pay more money to the cards that are near the credit limit, if you can. Or, if you have cards with little to no remaining credit line, transfer some of the larger balances onto the cards with lower balances. That'll give you a more... well... balanced financial picture.

Leave home without it. One of the best tips for the holiday season is to: make a budget, identify specific items, and then leave home without your credit card. Instead, bring just enough cash to purchase the items on your list. That will help you resist the urge to impulse buy, and keep your credit card balances lower.

Pick a card... not just any card. If you can't bring cash, make a credit card plan. Identify specific items that you'll pay for on specific cards. By making a plan and spreading your purchases to different cards, you won't overspend and you won't risk running up one or two cards that are near the credit limit, which will hurt your credit rating.

Resist card offers at the counter. Retailers are famous for offering "savings" when you open a credit card. But those savings often don't outweigh the long- and short-term negatives. For one thing, opening a new account--or multiple accounts in a short period of time--can negatively impact your credit score. In addition, consumers often spend more than planned when a new card is suddenly available. So this holiday season, resist the temptation.

Stay active. If you have older cards that you don't use, make sure you keep them active. For one thing, some of those older cards help establish a longer history of positive credit. For another, the available credit on those older cards can help keep your credit score higher because it improves your overall debt-to-credit ratio. To keep those cards active, make sure you charge one or two items on them throughout the year... like, say, when you go shopping for the holidays. Then, pay them off when the bill comes in.

Always pay on time. Your payment record is a very large part of your credit score, so it's crucial that you have an idea how your holiday shopping will impact your credit card bills and that you make a plan to pay those bills on time. If you have trouble for any reason, contact your card companies right away to work out a plan that helps you pay down your debt... and save your credit rating from a huge hit.

Austin one of Top 10 Most Promising Housing Markets

This just in from our friends at the National Association of REALTORS®. This is great news for Austin.

Housing Predictor, which provides housing forecasts in 250 markets, has identified 10 markets where the regional economies are healthy and have strong potential for increasing prosperity. These housing markets have bucked the national trend in 2008 and avoided the subprime crisis, the consultancy says. Whatever the future holds for the housing market as a whole, Housing Predictor forecasts that these cities will continue to see steady, dependable growth. Top cities and the percentage sales prices have increased so far in 2008.

Biloxi, Miss., 4.9 percent
Salem, Ore., 4.7 percent
Bismarck, N.D., 4.6 percent
Spokane, Wash., 4.4 percent
Yakima, Wash., 4.1 percent
Austin, Texas, 4.0 percent
Grand Junction, Colo., 4.0 percent
Fargo, N.D., 4.0 percent
Mobile, Ala., 3.9 percent
Albuquerque, N.M., 3.5 percent

Source: Housing Predictor (11/15/08) / NAR Daily Real Estate News

Remember - when you are talking to someone who mentions they are looking to buy or sell Real Estate in Austin or the surrounding areas - give me a call so we can show them what world-class service is all about!

Mmmmm....empty bowls?!?!?

Each year 'round this time the Austin Area Food Bank hosts "The Empty Bowl Project" here in Austin. This year it will be held at the MACC - here's a map to the new location.

This is a super cool idea. Local potters have donated hundreds - maybe even thousands of hand made bowls. Each unique and different - just like all of us. Some of them may even be "special" - just like...well, you know.

Here's a short video that tells a bit more about the event. You'll notice that our very own Bill Evans is a major sponsor. Cool huh!

So for 15 bucks you buy this cool bowl, then get it filled with soup from one of Austin's fancy schmancy restaurants. All the proceeds benefit the Austin Area Food Bank - and that's a really big deal right now.

What a great way to have some fun and support a good cause.

Sounds fun, huh! Give some friends a call and get them to join you at the Empty Bowl Project THIS SUNDAY. I'll see you there!

Austin's Energy Efficiency Ordinance

For all of you asking me for updates on the City of Austin's Energy Efficiency Ordinance - here ya go.....

As you know, Mayor Will Winn charged the City Council with mandating energy efficiency upgrades to be required before a home in the city can be sold. Our friends at the Austin Board of Realtors, alone with the Texas Real Estate Political Action Committee (TREPAC) have worked very hard to make sure that such an ordinance be positive rather than prohibitive. You can see more about the history of this endeavor by looking at the Keep Austin Affordable website.

The City Council has recently approved the draft ordinance - and it looks very very different from the original suggestions that were tossed out. Homeowners in Austin should be very happy with the outcome. You can view the actual ordinance by clicking this link. As with most city ordinances, the verbiage is extremely broad and leaves a ton of opportunity for various interpretations. These change are slated to take effect June 1, 2009. Clearly there is much more work to be done - so keep your eyes peeled.

Bottom line is that upgrades will be voluntary. Homeowners WILL be required to have an energy audit and disclose the results of that audit on the MLS listing along with the regular Sellers Disclosure. This will be a small investment for sellers, but beats the heck out of being required to bring properties up to a specific code.

Where are the opportunities here, you may ask? Get the audit done NOW and start working toward completing some of the recommendations. Some of this is work you can complete on your own. Some will require professional assistance. When your house compares more favorable than your neighbors house, that will be a good thing. Remember the city has low/no interest loans available for energy upgrades - as do many of the banks and credit unions in town. Austin Energy also has lots of rebates to help offset the cost.

One additional important note. As written today, the ordinance applies ONLY to properties that are in the Austin City Limits, AND are served by Austin Energy. If you are outside the Austin City Limits, OR are not served by Austin Energy - you have a get out of jail free card. However - this is still a great way to set your house apart from those you will be competing with when it comes time to sell.... Then there's that whole global warming thing....

Gift cards are great except when....

The stores are closing!

There have been lots of warnings rolling around the interwebs concerning gift cards this year. Seems as more and more stores are closing, there is real potential that your gift cards may be unusable.

The following companies have all started to shutter some of their stores, some have even filed for bankruptcy and will be "gone forever" very soon: Ann Taylor, Eddie Bauer, Cache, Lane Bryant, Fashion Bug, Catherines, Talbots, J. Jill, Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, foot locker, Wickies, Bombay Company, Zales, Piercing Pagoda, Disney Store, Home Depot, CompUSA, Macy's, Movie Gallery, Pacific Sunwear, Pep Boys, Sprint/Nextel, JCPenney, Lowes, Office Depot, Ethan Allen, Wilsons, Sharper Image, KB Toys, Dillards, Linens and Things.

Now there are a lot of companies here....not all of them are going completely away. Some are just shutting down a few stores. Some ARE going completely away. And the list is most likely not 100% complete.

So a few suggestions for gift giving. If you are set on giving a gift card, consider a Visa, Mastercard or American Express card. Also, remember to read the fine print concerning the fees associated with the cards, and know when the funds expire.

In the spirit of "Change"....consider something totally different for your gift giving. Do you make something your friends really dig? For example, our friend Claire makes some awesome home made salad dressing. We're looking forward to a big bottle at Christmas. Talk with your investment rep (let me know if you need a referral) about an investment you can make on behalf of someone. Maybe this is the year to give to charity. One year, each member of my family contributed 20 bucks, and we adopted a family. That was pretty rewarding. As our society continues to change, I challenge you to take a look at yourself and ask how you can change in a way that will help both yourself and those around us.

Happy Holidays! ;)

Yum!

This seems more like a post for summer...but I have the information NOW so here we go!

This is from our friends at Men's Health. You know the traditional trail mix (M&M's, peanuts, raisins) is a great little snack that hits the spot? Here is a protein packed version to try out...

1 cup popped popcorn
1/2 cup pretzel sticks
1/2 cup roasted peanuts
1/2 cup walnut halves
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup dries apricots, chopped
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup beef jerky, chopped
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt

In small bowl, combine spices and mix well. In a larger bowl, combine the remaining ingredients and mix well. In a large zip-top bag, combine the nut and spice mixture. Toss to coat.

Maybe this would be a great stocking stuff? Or just a belly stuffer......

New Programs for Austin and Central TX Homebuyers

There are some great options for you if you're thinking about buying your first home. Many of you have been asking me for some details on what is out there and how it can help you. These are just three of the options currently available. Give me a call to discuss and we can take a look at how to best position you for a purchase.

The City of Austin offers assistance to first-time homebuyers through the Austin Housing Finance Corporation's mortgage credit certificate program. To qualify, buyers must purchase a single-family home condo or townhouse within the Austin city limits with a maximum sale price of $210,375. The program offers a tax credit proportional to the total value of the mortgage and may be used in conjunction with the city's Down Payment Assistance program. For more information, visit the city site.

Homebuyers living outside Austin city limits but within Travis County can receive assistance through the Travis County Housing Finance Corporation. The fund helps low and moderate income homebuyers cover down payment and closing costs with over $8,000 in two forgivable no-interest loans. Homebuyers using this assistance must complete an eight-hour course presented by Consumer Credit Counseling (think of it like you're getting paid $1,000 an hour!). Visit this site for additional details.

Combine these options with the new Federal Tax Credit (up to $7,500) to help make your dream of home ownership a reality. Remember - when you are paying rent you are making someone else's dreams come true. When you are paying a mortgage you are actively creating your own personal long term wealth!

Whether this is your first home purchase or you are a seasoned buyer - working with a qualified Real Estate Consultant and Mortgage Consultant is extremely important. Give me a call to talk about this "new world" market and how to position yourself to be a beneficiary!

Today is a big day...

It's voting day. For any of you who have not voted yet - today is the last day to make your personal wishes heard. Don't know where to go to cast your vote? Check out this great Google site that I found on Craigslist this morning while enjoying a cup of freshly brewed Keurig coffee.

You know the other thing I'm looking forward to? No more of those politically related emails that my family has been sending! There are a few things in life that I think should remain private - and politics is one. When you have very strong feelings about XYZ, and then you get emails from family members that are very much against what you believe - it is really hard to maintain respect. Often times I start to read the emails and I think HOW AM I RELATED TO THESE PEOPLE???

Really....enough with the emails!

Regardless of who you vote for, change IS on the way. Hopefully whatever needs to happen for our country to rebound from where it is will happen. It's a long shot to think any one candidate can fix all of our problems - but let's hope at least a few of the bigger issues (in my opinion, health care, education, and the economy) get some positive momentum.

So again - if you haven't done it yet - just go do it. Regardless of your party or your persuasion or you family values - go vote!