City Realty-Your guide to Austin real estate and surrounding areas!

It is 19 degrees today with ice on the p

Karen Wilson — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 19:52:50 +0000

It is 19 degrees today with ice on the patio. I can stil negotiate an offer on one of my listings without going to the office.

Federal Tax Credits Over, But Texas Residents Have a New Progam

Karen Wilson — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 17:46:23 +0000

The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs has announced a program which can continue to help first time buyers of Texas find a home, up to $200,000. It could actually be more beneficial than the tax credit! Bond 77 has established $500 million available to eligible homebuyers for mortgage loan assistance — either through down payment assistance or by facilitating a lower interest rate

Mortgage Interest Rates Expected to Stay Low

Karen Wilson — Fri, 28 May 2010 15:46:50 +0000

Europe’s financial problems seem to be good for buyers here in the U.S. We have all been expecting interest rates to start climbing upward this year. They have actually dropped the past week, and it looks like interest rates will continue to stay historically low this summer. Investors are putting their money in our Treasury Bonds because of the crisis across the ocean. This keeps our interest rates down. This is good news for both buyers and sellers, which is good news for the real estate market and the U.S. economy.

Compare What You Get for the Money to Live in Austin vs. Suburbs

Karen Wilson — Wed, 12 May 2010 16:40:24 +0000

Location, Location, Location, determines the prices of homes. You always hear this saying, and it is proving to be even more true in the Austin, Round Rock, Lakeway and surrounding areas in today’s market. Reports are showing the Austin housing market is doing great. Sells are up and so are sales prices. I am even hearing about multiple offers on some properties.

As a realtor who primary sells homes in the surrounding communities, I can see the days on the market are taking longer to sell. It appears the listing inventory is higher in these areas. This means there are more homes to chose from, some really good prices for these homes, and some sellers who are more willing to negotiate.

I live and work in the Round Rock/Austin area, so I know I am previous, but I belive the quality of live is exceptional. The shopping is great, the schools are exemplary , and the amenities are plenty. Yes, I must drive 30-45 minutes to see a play, etc., but the other family opportunities far out number those occasions.

Compare apples to apples to see what you get for your money in homes in the greater Austin area and those in the surrounding areas. The closer in you get, the higher the price and the older the home. The maintenance on these homes are considerably higher as a result.

There was a building boom in the early 1990′s and most homes in the surrounding areas were built in the past 10-15 years. This means newer styles, more updated homes, and lower maintenance cost. For considerable less money, a buyer can have a larger, newer home for much less money.

The buyer must determine what is most important to them, location, price, or life style. There is plenty of choices in the Austin real estate market.

Butterscotch Brownies

Karen Wilson — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 19:36:05 +0000

It has been awhile since I shared a recipe. This has always been a favorite with my family. We lost the recipe and my daughter Rachael found it for us. Try them, you will love them. They are simple to make and you should have all the ingredients in your pantry.

Butterscotch Brownies.

Blend:

1/2 c. margarine, melted or softened

2 c. light brown sugar, packed

Add:

2 eggs

1/2 t. Mexican vanilla

Add: by dipping method or sift,

1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour

1/4 t. salt

1 t. baking powder

Optional,

1 c. chopped pecans

Spread in 9/13 pan sprayed with cooking oil. Bake 25 minutes or until the center has set. Cut bars while warm.

Do Not Call Law and Expired Listings

Karen Wilson — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 22:19:03 +0000

The Preamble to the REALTORS^® Code of Ethic’s requires real estate agents to be professional to our customers and the public and to put our customers needs first at all times. It states, “While the Code of Ethics establishes obligations that may be higher than those mandated by law, in any instance where the Code of Ethics and the law conflict, the obligations of the law must take precedence.” Agents are required to abide by all laws, including the Federal Do Not Call Laws.

Our Code expects agents to have high integrity and honor, also stated, “Realtors^®, therefore, are zealous to maintain and improve the standards of their calling and share with their fellow Realtors^® a common responsibility for its integrity and honor.”

Above all else, it also states, “In the interpretation of this obligation, Realtors^® can take no safer guide than that which has been handed down through the centuries, embodied in the Golden Rule, “Whatsoever ye would that others should do to you, do ye even so to them.”

With this said, I am hearing from numerous sellers that they are receiving call, after call, after call, from agents after their listing expired. Market Trends have changed since the Do Not Call registrary was implemented in 2004-2005. We were in a strong market and there were few expired listings. In today’s market, there are numerous expired and withdrawn listings on a daily basis. Before calling the seller’s to ask to relist their homes, agents are suppose to “scrub” the Do Not Call sensory provided by the Texas Association of Realtors^®. Unfortunately, most agents are not doing this. They are not aware that if the customer files a complaint, the agent and their broker can receive up to a $16,000 fine. Calling expired listing which are registered on the Do Not Call Registry is a violation of the federal law and our Code of Ethics.

Texas has some of the highest standareds of professionalism for real estate agents in the nation. It is up to the broker to make sure thir agents are following these standards. If your listing is about to expire, make sure your agent removes your phone number from the mls report.

Austin-Round Rock workers earnings increased.

Karen Wilson — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 19:53:00 +0000

Workers living in the Austin-Round Rock metropolitan area earned an average of $20.59 per hour in May 2009 compared with $19.92 a year before, according to survey results from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. To learn more, read this article by Austin Business Journal…

http://austin.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2010/03/22/daily23.html?ed=2010-03-23&ana=e_du_pub

Condo Near Golf Course

Karen Wilson — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:01:51 +0000

This condo is a rare find! Close to Balconies Golf Course and Hwy 183, this is the first unit on the market in almost 2 years in this community. This unit is the corner unit located in the back. The condo features 2 bedrooms and 1.5 baths, hard tile down stairs, and the kitchen is open to the living/dinning area. The owner recently enclosed the patio and the HOA painted the exterior and replaced the roof last fall. Follow this link to the Virtual Tour:

http://www.propertypanorama.com/tour.asp?id=94643

Great Investment Property

Karen Wilson — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:39:41 +0000

Investment opportunity which will go fast! This well-maintained duplex in Georgetown is in a very desirable neighborhood with single family homes across the street. Recent paint inside and out. New shingles in fall 2009, and many more upgrades. Good income to yield a positive cash flow. Both units are 3/2/1. Nice open floor plans with yards and garage. Offered at $189,950. Call Karen for more details @ 512-244-1411.

Life in the Country

Karen Wilson — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:10:03 +0000

Enjoy Country Living

This 1,700 sq.ft. 3/2/2, home sits on over 4.5 acres. There is an additional 4+ acres adjoining the property available. Conviently located to the Austin airport and major traffic. The asking price is $197,000. To view the virtual tour: http://www.propertypanorama.com/tour.asp?id=91174