We love our pets

You might already know that my mom was in town for our annual Client Appreciation Party on November 10. It was also her birthday, and Rick surprised me by flying her down. She was here for 10 days, and we spent a lot of time running around to various shops and eateries - things she can't experience in my hometown of Boone, Iowa.

As we were going from place to place, she commented many times about how so many people have dogs - big dogs - and they take them everyplace. I told her one of the things that makes Austin Austin is that people enjoy their pets.

Well, yesterday I was cleaning out my stack of magazines - you know, the ones you subscribe to because you just know you'll read them, but then you end up with a whole stack that you haven't read, then you feel bad for wasting money/paper/etc? One of those for me is Austin Monthly. Don't get me wrong - I always like the content - I just don't always get it read.

One of the issues that I have kept around was the Pet Lovers Bible edition. It is several months old, and I just got around to reading it. The information and resources included in the article are great - and I figured I'd post it here for those of you who are interested.

Now I'm not sure if Austin Monthly is going to be so happy about this - so it could disappear without notice (read: download it NOW or it may be gone!). I'm hoping that providing the above links to their website along with subscription information will help.

So, enjoy the article. Consider subscribing to the magazine. And for heaven's sake - clean up after your pet! ;)

A new resource for homeowners

Brought to you by the National Association of REALTORS®, HouseLogic is full of tips and tricks to help maintain and improve your home.

Check out the site for all kinds of information - decorating, drainage, improvement, maintenance, tax benefits and tons of other stuff.

Questions about what you see? Give me a call!

By the way, who is the next person you know that could use my help buying or selling a home or condo in the Austin area? Please, don't keep me a secret!

Funny stuff....

You know how you can just be minding your own business, and then you see something that just makes you laugh? This is one of those things....

Now, I'm not sure if this is just a great marketing idea or a random fluke. Thoughts??

Black Friday is almost here

And there are some fantastic deals to be had. I myself am about to head to San Marcos to the Tommy Bahama outlet, where they have 50% off the entire store. Now that's kinda exciting.

If you're a techie, check out this site for the Black Friday offers at many retailers.

One thing to remember, though. It's not a good deal if you can't afford it! With credit card interest rates creeping into the twenties even for the best customers, all the savings can be quickly eroded should you not pay that bill off within the grace period (those are shortening too, by the way).

Enjoy! And - be good!

Holiday times....

Can you believe this week is Thanksgiving??? Wow! We're nearly to Christmas then to 2010 - amazing how time flies.

This year has been a fascinating one - lots of changes - all for the better.

One of the things I really enjoy about this time of year is making fun stuff for friends and family. This year I have been an embroidering fool. Bookmarks, polos, table covers - mostly for our new company Cardani Group, REALTORS®. We use these items as gifts and thank yous.

Recently I posted a status update on Facebook saying I was going to make some applique sweatshirts for my mom for Christmas. I got a few emails saying "ya right"....so here's the proof!

This photo is the front of the first shirt:


This is the back - centered just below the collar:


I'll post some photos of the second shirt soon....trying something "fancy" on the back. Keep yer fingers crossed for me!

The November Newsletter is available!

Check out the latest edition of my monthly newsletter.

Have you RSVP'd for the Client Party next week? We're looking forward to seeing you there!

If you've been on the fence...it's time to B U Y

This just in....the First Time Buyers Tax Credit has been extended...and enhanced to provide a credit for existing homeowners who have owned their homes for 5 years.

Who do you know that needs my help to make a residence change right now? With historic low interest rates, a relatively flat market, and now this additional tax credit - waiting shouldn't be an option!

More details.....

We are very pleased to report to you that the House of Representatives passed legislation today to extend and expand the current first-time homebuyer tax credit. The House action follows the Senate's approval on Wednesday and we anticipate President Obama will sign the bill in very short order.

The bill extends the current $8,000 first time homebuyer tax credit (which was due to expire at the end of November) through April, 2010. It also includes a tax credit of up to $6,500 for qualified move up buyers and increases the borrower income limits for both credits to $125,000 for individuals and $225,000 for couples.

Homebuyers will qualify for the full credit as long as they have entered a binding contract by April 30, 2010 and they close the transaction by June 30, 2009. The tax credit is limited to homes with a purchase price of $800,000 and below. The bill also includes anti-fraud language that gives the IRS the authority to do greater oversight during the processing of the return.

In addition, the legislation waives the recapture provision for members of the armed forces who are called on extended duty. These members of our military and uniformed services, who are out of the country for at least 90 days, will also be eligible to use the tax credit upon their return through April 30, 2011.

Voting Day is coming up....

...and there are a few propositions that are of particular importance to property owners in Texas.

You already know I'm not a big politics guy. Especially given the state of "politics" in our country at this time. HOWEVER, it IS important for you to voice your opinion on changes that impact you - especially when you are well informed and have made your opinions based on actual facts vs. scare tactics (but we won't go there today!).

Check out this article for information on the propositions important to Texas property owners. And, if you feel compelled, consider donating to the Texas REALTORS Political Action Committee. Find out more here.

TREPAC is important to at least be aware of. For many years I had no intention or desire of knowing what TREPAC was all about. I thought they were some messed up organization that promoted people I probably didn't want to be part of promoting. What I have discovered is that TREPAC supports candidates and policy that protects the rights of individual property owners in the State of Texas. If you own property, or want to own property - you need to be paying attention to the organization.

And most importantly - GO VOTE!