Austin TX Real Estate - Hill Country Austin Lakeway Homes for Sale: July 2007

This is a FABULOUS House in the popular area of Richardson Heights in Richardson, TX.  It feeds into the award winning Richardson School District including Arapaho Elementary School, Richardson West Junior High Magnet School, and Richardson High School.  This 3/2/2 with 2 Living Areas can be yours for ONLY $146,500.

CLICK HERE for the Visual Tour!

The Front Living area has fresh paint and newer wood lamanate floors with a tile entry.  The front window brings in quite a bit of light.  You can also see in the second picture how it leads right back to the back area of the house.

The back of the house is a very open floorplan.  The Family Room flows right into the Dining area and the Kitchen with a bar area for stools.  This area has all fresh and decor paint, new carpet, and 2" wood blinds on the back window.  All new light fixtures as well.

The Kitchen features tile counters and backsplash and tile floors.  The cabinets have been accented with the colors from the open living areas. There is a gas cooktop and double oven.  Over the sink, there is a beautiful view of the backyard, easy to wash dishes and watch the kids on the play set.

The backyard is HUGE and has plenty of room for everyone.  The playset will remain.  There is a paved patio, great for barbeques and entertaining.  There are also two concrete slabs in the back corner which would be great for a storage shed and a hot tub.  The Beautiful, Mature Trees make it very private in the back.  There are also solor screens on those back windows to help block out some of the evening heat.

Can you imagine all this home for under $150k??  It's amazing for the city of Richardson.  The sellers are even offering a selling bonus to the buyers' agent of 4% commission.  The buyers won't be the only ones getting a deal with this house!!  Make your appointment today!

Remember, I work all of North Dallas County and Collin County including Richardson, Plano, Allen, Frisco, Carrollton, Garland, Rowlett, McKinney, etc... my car will take us anywhere you need to go!! 

 ARE YOU PACKED YET?!

Here are a three other listings that I currently have around the area:
http://activerain.com/blogsview/140446/3121-Scott-Dr-Sachse http://activerain.com/blogsview/131878/225-W-Amberway-Ln http://activerain.com/blogsview/124220/819-Miles-Ln-Cedar

Here's another update for ya...

I got a call from the doctor today to go over some of the results from my second sonogram I had on Wednesday.  My doctor is not one to change due dates because he thinks those are just basic estimates anyway, so as long as the dates are close, he doesn't like to change them...   However, he has officially changed my due date from 11/29 to 11/22.

11/22 is THANKSGIVING day!!  I imagine the day will be:  Get up, watch a parade or two, head to my mom's, get ready for the Cowboy's game, we eat around 2pm, have some Turkey, have some Apple pie, and then head to the hospital... Any side bets on if that scenerio works??

She's 494 grams which is 1 pound 1 ounce, give or take 2 ounces.  I put some cookies in a bag to weigh out 1lb1oz and had Mike hold the bag... boy was he surprised at how much that weighed and it's becoming more real.  He even smiled!

Amniotic Fluid is at 9cm. He said it's still in the "normal" range but at the low end of the normal range, so he's going to keep an eye on that.  I asked if there was anything I could do to make that number better, and he said no, but I'll drink more water and see if that helps, though I'm already floating away with all the water I drink!

Anyway, everything is going well, and it looks like I might have a Scorpio instead of a Sagatarius!!

Back in early June, I blogged about a listing appt where I was very embarrassed because I got dizzy and almost passed out.  You won't believe it, but I think BabyHarris did it again!!

She kicked and kicked for a couple of hours straight last night, and I couldn't fall asleep because she was playing soccer or something with my insides.  I had a listing appt this morning that I was very excited about because I had been in touch with these people for over a year, and they were finally ready to meet.

I get there and we start talking about the house.  As we enter the kitchen, I asked for a glass of water as I was feeling a little weird, but I was ok.  I drank some water, put the glass down, and we continued...  About 20 minutes later, we made it to the secondary bath.  All three of us were cramped inside and all of a sudden, I got really hot and sweaty, I couldn't really comprehend the words coming out of Mr. Seller's mouth, though he was pointing to the light fixtures, i was hearing ringing in my ears, my vision got very blurry, and all I could say was, "I'm a little embarrassed, but I need to sit down." 

Of course, the closest seat was the tiolet.  Mrs. Seller ran and got me a wet washcloth for my neck to cool me off.  Mr. Seller ran to get my water.  As everything calmed down, we started talking further about the updates they were going to do for the house, from my thrown, the toilet!

After a few minutes, we continued the tour, and in each room, they made me sit down.  They even opened the closet doors for me and everything.  Boy was I embarrassed, but they were so nice and concerned about everything.  They were an older couple, been married for 30 years!  Empty nesters and wanting to downsize.  She just kept telling me they had three kids and knew what I was going through... but I was still embarrassed!

BabyHarris just doesn't want a college education as she keeps sabatoging my appts... although, maybe she's trying to play the sympathy card like, "List with my Mommy because she's pregnant and I need an education!!"  Whatever it is, I can't keep passing out.  It's taken so much of my energy today to get back to 85% energy level...

I received an internet lead in October of 2005.  It turned out that the owner had just bought the house a couple of months earlier, in August.  I grunted a little, but sent him some information anyway because you just never know.  I sent him listings on a monthly basis and also had him on an automatic drip campaign for once a month contact.

Some time in 2006, he emails me asking me to update his email address.  Why not.... I guess that means he's looking at the emails and listings, so I updated his information. 

In May, I received an email saying he wanted to meet with him because they were thinking about selling.  He travels a lot so several appointments were canceled and rescheduled.  Honestly, I thought he was a flake. He then suggested that I meet with his wife since his schedule is so busy.  I tell him that I don't like meeting with just one spouce and that we should just meet the next time he's back in town.  Reluctantly, I ended up meeting with the wife without him. 

While talking with the wife, I learn that they're being relocated and will be moving July 14.  What??  That's in 3 weeks!!  I leave her my market information and tell her to call/email me with any questions or concerns.  I received an email from the husband later that day thanking me for meeting with his wife and he appreciated some of the suggestions I had made and they were going to buy paint that night.

Two weeks ago by and I don't hear from them.  On Sunday, I emailed him asking when I could come over to have him sign the paperwork and get a key from him so I could list it.  He emails me back saying Thursday morning.  I ASSUMED THE LISTING AND IT WORKED!!

I got there this morning and we spoke.  He signed the listing agreement and such, and I put a sign in the yard.  Then, I had to stand there and say, "I know we've been doing a lot of emailing back and forth, but can I have a contact phone number for you, especially since you're leaving the state?"  We both chuckled and he thought it was funny that we had never spoken before this morning.

So, my question to everyone is, do you think the phone is really that important, or are you more like me where email is your main form of communication with your clients and potential prospects? 

So far, today has been the best birthday ever!!!  I don't even care that I'm another year older though I did kinda freak out when I saw the screen.  I was like, What?  The computers automatically recalculate at midnight?  But I got over it very quickly when the images popped up!

It's a.....  wait for it, wait for it...

And you won't believe this.  I scheduled the very first appt of the morning so no one would be running late and I could get on with the day... Not only was the tech late, but I got a tech in training!!  I guess it was good because he was focusing on images longer and kept going back and forth and didn't rush anything where as the regular tech might have rushed through things...

It's a....

And I think the baby will be tall.  The femer (the leg) measured at 21 weeks, yet I'm actually only 20 weeks 2 days... I got back at 10am for all the results to be explained to me. 

Ok, enough suspense... IT'S A GIRL!!!!

In 2005, a new law was passed that stated tax offices must not only send out the tax bills to people's mortgage companies who pay taxes through the borrowers' escrow account, but also to each individual home owner as well.  Since the law was something that passed fairly quickly, many tax offices weren't completely prepared for this.

Because of that, Dallas County didn't get a chance to stamp the word "Duplicate" on the tax bills sent to home owners.  Instead, they put a separate piece of paper in with the notice that stated not to pay the bill as their lender would pay it through their escrow account...

Well, we all know how well people actually read.  MANY people ended up paying their taxes twice as they sent in payments, not even questioning why they received a bill when they never did before. 

Last year, the tax bills went out WITH the stamp on the bill saying it was a duplicate and for the home owners NOT to pay.  Guess how many people still made a payment???  Over 8,000 people made a duplicate payment.

You have three years to reclaim this over payment.  In order to obtain your overpayment, you must contact the county's office and fill out their form.  There are some companies out there who are sending out letters saying they can help get your money back by paying a certain percentage, sometimes 50%.  You do NOT need one of these companies.  Your money is waiting for you and 100% of your money is way better than paying someone else to fill out the forms.

Here is more about the STORY.

FREE immunizations are available for all Richardson children and children part of the Richardson school district.

This is a great service.  My mom probably wishes it was available when I was part of the Richardson school system.  With so many people unable to afford health care, this is an important thing to offer our children.  In order to receive this free service, you must have an appointment.  You cannot just show up out of the blue.  All children must show proper immunization records before the start of the new school year at the end of August.

For information and to schedule your appt, contact 972-744-4076.
820 W Arapaho Rd adjacent to the Richardson Senior Center.

The clinic is open from 4:30-8:30 pm on Tuesdays and 9am-1pm on Saturdays.

I recently received a referral from an out of state Realtor.  When she first mentioned the referral, I'm thinking "GREAT!"  Then she mentioned the area, and I was like, well, I don't really work all the way over there.  That's quite a drive, around 45 minutes to an hour away in good traffic. Over an hour during rush hour or any bad traffic.  She mentioned the price range and asked if I would make an exception because of the price range.  I agreed.

I spoke with the referral.  Turns out the situation was a little different than what the agent had described, but I still decided to work with her.  She does have a house to sell where she is, but she said she would entertain two mortgages.  I asked her if she would speak with one of my mortgage people to ensure proper education and information on what it takes to have two mortgages.  She readily agreed.  I passed her his information, and I also gave the mortgage person her information as well, with her permission.

Over the past month or so, she never once contacted the mortgage guy.  He left her several messages via phone and email, and nothing.  I then received a call yesterday saying she wants an apartment until her house sells.  I directed her to a great site online that will help her with an apartment, and show details of floorplans and is great for out of area apartment seekers.  I don't do apartments, I do residential real estate.  That's what apartment locators are for and there's about 2 apt locator companies on every street corner out here.  Very competetive.

I get a call from the referring agent late last night saying that the referral thought I was rude by referring her to a website for apartments when that's not what she wanted.  What?  She specifically said apartment.  The agent further explained she wanted a rental house up to $2500 a month.  $2500 a month in the DFW area??  She might as well buy a house and have the double mortgage!  I told her exactly how to find the good deals for rentals in our area, which is Craigslist.

The agent apologizes for the miscommunication.  However, the agent must not have called the referral back to explain things because I woke up this morning with a rude email from the referral about how she couldn't believe I would direct her to apartments when she wanted houses, and blah blah blah...

I responded back saying that maybe our personalities aren't a match and good luck with her move.

What would you have done?  Would you have continued to jump through hoops to please someone who can't be pleased just because it was a referral, and an above average price range?  I used to do that, because I know referrals are the blood line of our business, but I also know that I don't need to work with people that don't make an effort to work well with me.

Again, what would you have done?

Does anyone have any tips on how to increase patience?

What I tend to tell people is that before I was born, I was too impatient to stand in the line for patience so I skipped it all together... I'm paying for it now.  I'm probably the most impatient person I know. 

Working with some of the buyers I've had to work with in the past (and present) have definitely tested my patience and I do the best I can.  I smile and nod with them, and at home, I get to throw things and slam things, and vent my frustration... but that scares the dog, and it's really scaring my husband.

So, any tips on how to become more patient, besides taking a few deep breaths and counting to 10 because that just makes me light headed to breathe so much.

I'm also writing this because I have two more days until I find out the sex of my baby and it's down right killing me!!!  I had every opportunity to schedule the appt a couple of weeks ago, but I thought it was a cute idea to wait until the morning of my birthday.  Boy, was I not thinking when I made that decision.  Ever since July 1 hit, I've been counting down the days, and trying to keep busy and not think about it, but when people ask 10 times a day, it makes time go slower...

PLEASE HELP GRANT ME SOME PATIENCE!!!

What a Great house with Heated POOL & SPA! 4 Beds, Master Split, with 2 full baths and 2 car garage.  There are 3 Living areas and 2 Dining Areas. Plenty of room to spread out for everyone!  Updates include fresh paint, newer laminate wood flooring, new blinds, some new fixtures, new hardware, 8' fence with steel posts and much more. Master has double sinks, walk in closet, separate shower, and a corner garden tub. The covered patio and wood deck around the pool are great for entertaining and BBQs. Large Kitchen with Tiled Island and breakfast bar, Oversized garage, Crown moldings, Picture frame moldings in the formals, security sys...  so much more...

ALL THIS FOR ONLY $177,000!!   Click here for the VISUAL TOUR!

This house is in Collin County and Wylie schools and not Dallas County and Garland schools.  Lower Taxes and higher rated school district... what more could you ask for??  Make your appointment today!

Remember, I work all of North Dallas County and Collin County including Richardson, Plano, Allen, Frisco, Carrollton, Garland, Rowlett, McKinney, etc... my car will take us anywhere you need to go!! 

 ARE YOU PACKED YET?!

There have been many blogs about pictures of properties in the MLS and I am always on the side where the pictures should be posted immediately with the listing.  If you don't have the pictures taken yet, or the house is not in showing condition yet, do NOT list it in the MLS.

Well, I'm in a pickle right now, and good thing my seller is very understanding and definitely understands why I'm waiting.  It took about a month to get his house in showing condition.  We painted some rooms, we changed out the blinds, we rearranged furniture, we made the pool sparkling, etc.... My listing agreement is set to start tomorrow.  I finally scheduled today as the day to go take all the pictures since it's been raining so much... Does the weather agree with me??  NOOOOO!!!  It's been raining all day!!

I cannot and will not take pictures of a house that has a pool with raindrops landing in the water. That would look obsurd.  I cannot and will not take pictures of houses that have wet driveways and sidewalks, as that doesn't portray the house to the best of its ability.

I cannot and will not take pictures of a house on a day that is so gloomy that even photoshop wouldn't be able to make the sky blue and the colors in the landscaping pop...

If it doesn't stop raining for tomorrow, it looks like we might not actually get the house on the market until next week.  I will NOT allow the listing to hit the MLS without proper photos as I always want the first impression to be the best impression.

Would you agree??