Austin Property Talk

Helping People on the Move

Don and Jillian were referred to me by my sister Gretchen who works with Jillian.  Jillian mentioned in conversation that she and her husband were looking to move.  Don was starting a job in South Austin soon and because they currently lived in Pflugerville, the commute was going to be a killer.  It just so happened the Jillian was 9 months pregnant at the time too, so logically they wanted to move closer to Don's office so that he could spend that extra special time with their newborn daughter, Madison instead of on the road.  I helped them purchase a beautiful home in Circle C first.  Then after they'd moved into their new home Kristin and I staged their vacant home in Pflugerville and fortunately got it sold in just over 20 days when the market average in the neighborhood was closer to 2.5 months.  Don and Jillian briefly share their experience in working with me:

Lovely Cedar Park Home for Sale

Overview Maps Photos Features Description Virtual Tour

$369,900 Single Family Home For Sale Main Features 4 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1 Partial Bathroom Interior: 3680 sqft Lot: 0.18 acre(s) Location 515 Fallen Oaks Drive Cedar park, TX 78613 To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Is a Housing Shortgage Coming?

As the nation struggles to shrug off the worst housing crash since the Great Depression, it may be hard to believe a housing shortage could be on its way.  The nation is simply not building enough homes to keep up with potential demand. Just 672,000 new homes were started in April, an annualized rate and less than half the long-term run rate needed to meet the nation's natural population growth.  Read the article: Is a housing shortage coming?

The growth of the Austin economy will continue to outpace the rest of the nation over the next year, according to a forecast from one Texas economist.  Mark Dotzour, chief economist at Texas A&M University's Real Estate Center, predicts that the U.S. economy will slow in coming months--in part the result of forces such as increased global construction costs and the rising price of oil. But Austin is likely to add 20,800 new jobs over the next 12 months, a 2.9 percent increase in employment that will significantly outpace national job growth, he says.  Read the article: Austin will add 20,800 jobs in the next 12 months.

Real estate seller Trulia, Inc. reported 24 percent of its Austin listings reduced prices in June, which is down from 30 percent the same month in 2009. Austin was among metros with the best improvement in price depreciation, with 20 percent fewer homesellers cutting their listing price. The report compiled data from about 9,280 listings. Sellers reduced prices an average 7 percent, shaving off a total $73.2 million.  Read the article: 24% Austin home listings lowered price in June.

Summer Lawn Care Tips

When Kristin and I moved into our new house over two years ago, we had to work fervently to bring the lawn up to speed.  Lots of bags of dirt, mulch etc. . . . If the high temperatures weren't enough, we were dealing with hap-haphazardly laid sod by the builder's landscaper.  I have since found everything from large pieces of brick to huge metal rods in the dirt our yard was built upon (another story, different day).  However, after two springs and summers and a lot of sweat equity, we were able to turn the yard into a very nice looking spread. We take pride in the appearance of our landscaping.

This Spring due to crazy temperature fluctuations including actual snow accumulation, a portion of our grass decided to call it quits.  About a fourth of our backyard (the area that has struggled since day one) did not come back this year.  

Having faith that it would eventually turn around, I gave it a few months to make some progress until finally giving into the realization that it wasn't happening.  I recently removed all of the dead grass and spread new dirt in preparation for laying some new sod (whenever I get around to it).  It looks better and some of the areas have responded and started to grow again.  But, I'm having to deal with something that I haven't had to worry about in the past - persistent weeds.  When the grass isn't healthy they seem to take over and can be unrelenting.   

I recently came across a great website with all kinds of articles about lawn care and maintenance.  From How to Have a Weed Free Lawn to the cause of Brown Spots to Summer Lawn Care tips, it is full of good information. 

Zip Line Adventures

I'm a little bit tardy in actually posting this, but over the Memorial Day weekend my family went zip lining to celebrate my Dad's Birthday which is actually today.  Kind of confusing, I know.  The last couple of years, instead of doing the traditional dinner and gifts we have had an experience to celebrate his birthday.  Last year we went on a wine tasting tour in the hill country - this year it was zip lining in Wimberley, TX.   My parents had previously zip lined through the Jamaican forest on a trip with my dad's company.  My Dad told us not to expect that it would be exhilarating but that we would enjoy ourselves nonetheless. 

We reserved an the earliest time in order to beat the heat.  They started us off on what they call the "bunny" run which is similar to the tamest slopes when snow skiing.  We gradually worked our way up to the longest and fastest lines culminating in the "Big Kahuna" which spans 900 feet and provides for speeds up to 30-40 mph they say. 

Before you start, they give you the whole spiel about how the lines will support weight up to 5000 lbs and that all of the gear is rigorously tested for safety.  I never once even half considered that I was in any danger. Looking back on it though, when you are soaring hundreds of feet above the canyon supported by a couple of straps, a pulley and a one inch line, I probably should have given it a bit more caution  Ignorance is bliss, I suppose.  

It was a lot of fun.  There were a couple of back to back runs where I got going pretty darn fast.  Since you are out in the open and flying through the sky with very little to use as reference for how fast you are going, you really dont realize it until you go to stop.  The last couple of lines on our way down went through the trees and using the foliage and the ground as a reference, you understand you are going much faster than you thought. 

I put together a brief video of our experience.  The last part of the video I asked one of the guides to hold the camera for me while he went down.  They wouldn't let us do that ourselves but he said they do it for people all the time.  I think it turned out pretty good.  If you want more information just google zip lining and Wimberley for the website.  

Austin Texas Picked as No. 1 Best City

Austin Texas and Real Estate news for the week . . .

Austin was picked as the No. 1 best city to live in for the next 10 years in Kiplinger's Personal Finance ranking Wednesday. The magazine cited the capital city's innovative thinking, plentiful music venues, lakes, parks, unique business climate and job-creation tendencies. The report said "arguably the country’s best crucible for small business, Austin has spawned many companies with unique twists that have gone nationwide." Kiplinger's chose cities with positive business climates, but also unique livability appeal.  Read more Austin Called Crucible for Small Business.

Austin was ranked among the top 20 Memorial Day vacation spots, according to a survey from Web booking engine Priceline.com.  The Texas capital took the No. 18 spot, ranked according to a survey of more than 30,000 hotel booking requests for May 29-31.  Austin top Memorial Day destination reflected in Americans' travel plans.

Austin home sales continued to rise last month, increasing 31 percent compared with April 2009, according to Austin Board of Realtors statistics released Thursday.  Home sales for the month totaled $486 million with 2,043 single-family homes sold, according to the Multiple Listing Service report. When compared to April 2009, the median price of real estate was unchanged in Austin at $190,700. Most promising, pending sales increased 47 percent to 2,813.  Austin Home Sales up 31% in April.

Continued instability in financial markets overseas drove U.S. fixed-rate mortgage rates lower this week, and Freddie Mac's chief economist on Thursday said the low rates could soften effects of the home-buyer tax credit's expiration. Fixed Rate mortgages continue to fall.  

Memorial Day Weekend = Tax Free Appliance Sales

If you're in the market for a new refrigerator, dishwasher or other appliance, shopping Memorial Day weekend will save you money.

During Memorial Day weekend, Texas shoppers get a break from state and local sales and use taxes on purchases of certain energy efficient products. The 2010 Energy Star sales tax holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, May 29, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 31 (Memorial Day).

You must purchase an appliance that's received the Energy Star rating. Those products not only reduce energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions, they'll also save you money in the long run. Qualifying products will display the Energy Star logo, which may appear on the appliance, the packaging or the Energy Guide label. Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. Earning the Energy Star means a product meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by these two federal agencies.

 

There is no limit on the number of qualifying items one can purchase during this sales tax holiday, and an exemption certificate is not required.

"Americans saved somewhat in the neighborhood of $16 billion in their utility bills and reduced gas emissions by the equivalent of 27 million automobiles," Ronnie Volkening of the Texas Retailers Association said. "That's the results up to now and in the year 2007."

The following items will be tax-free:
-- Air conditioners priced under $6,000 (room and central units)
-- Clothes washers (but not clothes dryers*)
-- Ceiling fans
-- Dehumidifiers
-- Dishwashers
-- Light bulbs (incandescent and fluorescent)
-- Programmable thermostats
-- Refrigerators (less than $2,000)

Read this for More Information

May 2010 Better Austin Living Newsletter

The May 2010 Better Austin Living Newsletter is now posted on the Newsletter Tab.

In this month's newsletter you will learn how to de-clutter your mind, how to infuse more energy into your normal workday, and determine your problem solving style.

Did you know that in early drafts of Shakespeare's "Romeo & Juliet" the male and female leads were called "Charles" and "Diana"?    

Figure out what to do and not to do when you are planning a trip abroad.  

Enjoy the newsletter.  If you are not a subscriber to my newsletter and would like to be, shoot me an email - Ryan@BetterAustinLiving.com.  

If you would like to start receiving my bi-weekly e-zine with little quips, stories and anecdotes, you can sign up by entering your email address about half way down the left side of this page where it says E-news sign up. 

April 2010 Newsletter

The April 2010 Better Austin Living Newsletter is now posted on the Newsletter Tab. In this month's newsletter you will learn how getting fooled can be fun.  Did you know that a cat is twice as likely to be injured when it falls between two and six stories than when it falls between seven and thirty two?  Me neither. 

Learn how to avoid infection while at the doctors office and get directions for a new direction.  Find out what I'm currently reading and read all about my Surprise 30th birthday party.  Enjoy the Newsletter. 

If you are not a subscriber to my newsletter and would like to be, shoot me an email - Ryan@BetterAustinLiving.com.  Enjoy!

Our Snow Day in 2 Minutes (2/23)

I'm the first one to roll my eyes at the people in Austin that get all hyped up about a potential "snow day,"  school and work closures.  There is always a big build up for the Winter Weather Watch and it rarely, if ever materializes. In fact, I saw on the news today that there have only been 15 measurable snow accumulations in Austin Texas since 1898.  That's eighteen, not nineteen.  So you can see how rare it is for us to have any significant snowfall.  Today, surprisingly, was one of those days.  Ironically, this comes right on the heels of a Sunday when the temperatures reached almost 80 degrees. Just goes to show you how fickle the Austin climate can be sometimes.  In any event, I had to chronicle our "Snow Day."  Enjoy my video of Our Snow Day in 2 Minutes.

The Chinese Bamboo Tree

This is not a story of mine.  It may not even be attributed to the correct author here, I don't know for sure.  I do know this.  I have read this story a handful of times and each time I read it, I am struck by the simplicity of it but also the essential lesson to be learned.  Accordingly, this is the time of the year where most people have either abandoned their resolutions or promises for the New Year or are struggling to sustain them (myself included).  What this story and the greater principles of life tell us is that like the Chinese Bamboo tree, growth is more a by product of purpose than it is of instant gratification.  On a related note, I've started a personal Blog that you can read at www.RyanFrance.com (on passion, on purpose, on becoming the best version of yourself and my journey to do the same).  Check it out.

The Chinese Bamboo Tree  (By Charlie Dexter)

Zig Ziglar, the famous motivational speaker, once told the story of the Chinese Bamboo Tree. It seems that this tree when planted, watered, and nurtured for an entire growing season doesn't outwardly grow as much as an inch.

Then, after the second growing season, a season in which the farmer takes extra care to water, fertilize and care for the bamboo tree, the tree still hasn't sprouted. So it goes as the sun rises and sets for four solid years. The farmer and his wife have nothing tangible to show for all of their labor trying to grow the tree.

Then, along comes year five. In the fifth year that Chinese bamboo tree seed finally sprouts and the bamboo tree grows up to eighty feet in just one growing season! Or so it seems….

Did the little tree lie dormant for four years only to grow exponentially in the fifth? Or, was the little tree growing underground, developing a root system strong enough to support its potential for  outward growth in the fifth year and beyond?

The answer is, of course, obvious. Had the tree not developed a strong unseen foundation

it could not have sustained its life as it grew. Had the Chinese bamboo farmer dug up his little seed every year to see if it was growing, he would have stunted the tree's growth as surely as a caterpillar is doomed to a life on the ground if it is freed from its struggle inside a cocoon prematurely.The struggle in the cocoon is what gives the future butterfly the wing power to fly.

We live in a quick-fix society. We get frustrated if we have to wait more than 2 minutes for service or a stop light to change. We want instant solutions to every complex problem and every fractured relationship. In short - we want it all now!

Maybe its time to reflect on an old, old poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow that is as true today as it was when he wrote it over 100 years ago:

"The heights by great men reached and kept 

Were not attained by sudden flight, 

But they, while their companions slept, 

Toiled ever upward through the night."

Priceless!

This video is absolute genius.  This is Rich Iacovetta who is a mortgage broker in California.  He began "Facebook Friday" (about a year ago as a platform to relay mortgage news to his network.  His videos usually involve a little or a lot of humor, but this one takes the cake.  Enjoy!

First Newsletter of the New Year

It's the time of the month again.   My first Newsletter of the New Year has been printed and posted.  I'm adding some new fun things to the mix this year.   If you haven't yet been introduced to my newsletter, its a variety of interesting tidbits, short stories, personal stories and the occasional Austin Real Estate article.  Mainly it's just a fun top keep in touch with friends, family and clients on a regular basis. 

I always post a copy of my newsletter on my Blog by the middle of the month.  However, I make sure to mail out a copy the first week of the month to an exclusive list of subscribers.  If you are not a subscriber to my newsletter and would like to be, shoot me an email - ryan@stonehavenrealty.com. 

Or, you can access my Newsletter Archives.  Enjoy!

1000 Ways to Pick the Right Realtor

As a fellow blogger, but more so as an inquiring mind, I personally subscribe to and read a number of other blogs written by other real estate professionals and entrepreneurs.  My purpose for reading other blogs is really a number of things; it starts with learning first and foremost.  It also includes coming up with good ideas to implement, share, comment on or imitate (yes, I said it, it does happen).  Every once in a while an added benefit is that I come across a blog entry written by someone else that I know I could not possibly duplicate and frankly there is no need to try because it is written too perfectly by the original writer.  I have no problem giving credit where credit is due.  

This morning I came across an entry written by Greg Nino who is a RE/MAX Realtor in Houston.   Apparently Greg is putting together a series of posts this year about 1000 Ways to Pick the Right Realtor.   Its somewhat humorous & comical but as an active participant in the business, I know that it is also very accurate.   I don't think that buyers and sellers take nearly enough time to make sure they are working with a person that understands what they are trying to accomplish. 

The truth is that as Realtors, even though we like to fool ourselves into thinking we can be all things to all people, sometimes that is not always in the best interest of the client.  Click on the link to read Greg's insight.

That is not a picture of Greg by the way or me, (just in case you were wondering).

Tips for Around the House

Rule number one of preparing your home for sale is - De-clutter!  Good Housekeeping has multiple solutions to taking control of your clutter from bathrooms to closets to attic spaces.  Enjoy their 30 Minute Clutter Solutions

Want to transform the look of your bedroom or living room in one day.  The experts at Good Housekeeping teach you the best ways to Paint a Room in one Day.  

Its about that time to think about covering up or putting away outdoor patio furniture for the late fall and early winter months.  Here are some tips on how to Clean and Stash Patio Gear.