In Central Texas, we have survived much better than the rest of the country, our markets have been ok. We are continuously the subject of great reports in the media. There has been an adjustment, don't get me wrong, but people are still buying and selling.
The Community Impact is a great publication that is for residents in a specific area. Here is an example of some good news for our area.
http://impactnews.com/georgetown-hutto-taylor/143-local-news/15671-georgetown-hutto-officials-see-signs-of-life-for-2012-growth
I have two lots for sale in the Cimarron Hills subdivision mentioned in the article. It is simply a beautifully planned, Nicklaus Signature Golf community.
For more information visit the community website.
http://www.cimarronhills.com/Club/Scripts/Home/home.asp
Points of interest from a Realtor that sells residential real estate in the Central Texas area. Real estate is very dynamic and always changing. I will highlight some of my activities personally, professionally, and other things that I find just really interesting.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Friday, November 11, 2011
Awsome Clients
Don't you love it when you ask someone to do something for you and they do it perfectly? I do!
I just returned from a virtual tour shoot. I am so pleased because my clients did everything I suggested. When you put your house on the market, you have to present it at its best. Which means you must organize closets, change out light fixtures, have it professionally cleaned, spruce up the landscaping, etc. It is a big job, but what is your goal? To sell your home.
Most buyers expect to see a very clean, organized and well-kept house when they are deciding what to buy. Even though they may not live like this themselves, they like to imagine that they can. Buyers also have a hard time looking past clutter. Clutter can result in buyers looking at your "stuff" instead of at your house.
One word I use often is "pre-pack". If you are serious about getting your house sold and moving, then box up all the non-essentials. If you don't use something everyday, it can be packed up and ready to go to your next place. Editing your decor helps too. Take down most of your personal photos. You can leave out a few, but that way they will focus on the house, not the family that currently lives there.
One of the most overlooked tasks is to organize the closets and cabinets. Buyers look in closets! They open drawers and cabinets! *Gasp* Keep it looking neat.
So, kuddos to the clients on my latest listing. I applaude you! (((Clap, clap, clap)))
I just returned from a virtual tour shoot. I am so pleased because my clients did everything I suggested. When you put your house on the market, you have to present it at its best. Which means you must organize closets, change out light fixtures, have it professionally cleaned, spruce up the landscaping, etc. It is a big job, but what is your goal? To sell your home.
Most buyers expect to see a very clean, organized and well-kept house when they are deciding what to buy. Even though they may not live like this themselves, they like to imagine that they can. Buyers also have a hard time looking past clutter. Clutter can result in buyers looking at your "stuff" instead of at your house.
One word I use often is "pre-pack". If you are serious about getting your house sold and moving, then box up all the non-essentials. If you don't use something everyday, it can be packed up and ready to go to your next place. Editing your decor helps too. Take down most of your personal photos. You can leave out a few, but that way they will focus on the house, not the family that currently lives there.
One of the most overlooked tasks is to organize the closets and cabinets. Buyers look in closets! They open drawers and cabinets! *Gasp* Keep it looking neat.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Working with custom builders
Building a custom home is something that many people want to be able to do at some point in their life. Using your realtor to help you navigate through the planning process is advantageous in many ways.
1. They know what questions to ask. For example, "Is the lot included in the pricing?" or "Is that considered an upgrade?"
2. They have seen the trends. Most realtors should have a handle on what is the latest and greatest. This includes color schemes to energy efficient items.
3. They can provide a buffer if things get tense. Sometimes what we thought we wanted, turns out to be not what we wanted at all. Changes during the building process happen. Let your realtor help you keep your communication lines open with your builder.
4. Builders, most often, use their own contracts to write up to-be-built sales. You need representation. Protect yourself by knowing what you are signing. Take time to read the contract with your agent if you need it.
I am currently in the process of helping the "B" family price out a custom home. The builder has made the experience very smooth. It isn't always easy sailing, but with a little help and direction from your realtor, you can build a beautiful home.
1. They know what questions to ask. For example, "Is the lot included in the pricing?" or "Is that considered an upgrade?"
2. They have seen the trends. Most realtors should have a handle on what is the latest and greatest. This includes color schemes to energy efficient items.
3. They can provide a buffer if things get tense. Sometimes what we thought we wanted, turns out to be not what we wanted at all. Changes during the building process happen. Let your realtor help you keep your communication lines open with your builder.
4. Builders, most often, use their own contracts to write up to-be-built sales. You need representation. Protect yourself by knowing what you are signing. Take time to read the contract with your agent if you need it.
I am currently in the process of helping the "B" family price out a custom home. The builder has made the experience very smooth. It isn't always easy sailing, but with a little help and direction from your realtor, you can build a beautiful home.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
The important things.
Sometimes, in the scheme of life, the things we worry about on a daily basis get put into perspective when struggles affect the ones we hold dear. Real estate is part of my everyday life, but lately, I have been preoccupied with a little girl waiting for a heart in Houston. Her name is Kayci and she is my husband's cousin's daughter.
I still fill fliers, update listings, and make phone calls everyday but when something of this magnitude surrounds your family, you realize how important it is to tell those close to you that you love them. The work will always be there in the morning.
We continue to lift her up in prayer and wait for His blessings.
We continue to lift her up in prayer and wait for His blessings.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Multiple offers.
Multiple Offer Situations.
Bottom line is that they stink. Multiple offers are problematic for many reasons.
1. Often you end up paying more than what your originally planned.
2. The property still has to appraise. This is more of an FYI for the sellers.
3. I remind people, that even in this economy, the best of the homes are being snapped up. So be prepared when you find something you like to go ahead and write up the offer. Make a decision!
4. Losing in a multiple offer situation can leave the buyers feeling defeated. There is a house out there for you, so keep looking.
5. Time is always of the essence when trying to finalize a contract, so until that last initial or signature is inked your still have the possiblity of another offer trumping yours.
Bottom line is that they stink. Multiple offers are problematic for many reasons.
1. Often you end up paying more than what your originally planned.
2. The property still has to appraise. This is more of an FYI for the sellers.
3. I remind people, that even in this economy, the best of the homes are being snapped up. So be prepared when you find something you like to go ahead and write up the offer. Make a decision!
4. Losing in a multiple offer situation can leave the buyers feeling defeated. There is a house out there for you, so keep looking.
5. Time is always of the essence when trying to finalize a contract, so until that last initial or signature is inked your still have the possiblity of another offer trumping yours.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Country Living
I got a new listing today. Nice home on just over 2 acres. 315 Copper Lane in the Silver Creek Subdivision. Highly acclaimed Liberty Hill ISD (home a Leander mailing address).
So, I spend a good portion of the day working on flyers, getting the lockbox to the house and loading info. Took a detour to have my daughter's ankle x-rayed. Poor thing doesn't even remember doing anything to it. Turned out to be just a sprain. Hooray (I think)!
By the end of the day I had the house listed so I will call the day a success!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Austin made another list
Austin and its surrounding areas have been in the news again lately. Foutune has named us one of the best weekend vacation cities. Read full article below.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/larryolmsted/2011/10/18/10-best-cities-for-weekend-vacations/
It really isn't fair to just say Austin is great. There are a lot of little towns that make a visit to central Texas so very cool. It makes living here that much better. Day trips are so much fun and you get to sleep in your own bed at night!
http://www.forbes.com/sites/larryolmsted/2011/10/18/10-best-cities-for-weekend-vacations/
It really isn't fair to just say Austin is great. There are a lot of little towns that make a visit to central Texas so very cool. It makes living here that much better. Day trips are so much fun and you get to sleep in your own bed at night!
Monday, October 24, 2011
For lease
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Mom's move.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Remodeling - Ugh!
We are also doing this remodel in stages. One side, then the other, since I just couldn't see how we could live without the kitchen entirely. I currently have no floors, a newly cut half wall, no cooktop and no oven. I will stain and seal the new cabinets myself over the weekend so we can install some of the appliances. Next step will be to get the counters figured out! Wish me luck :)
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