Austin TX Real Estate - Hill Country Austin Lakeway Homes for Sale: March 2009

We're still in March, but Spring weather has definitely hit already.  Remember the saying, "In like a lion and out like a lamb"?  The year has already started out with the Lions!!

Here are some pictures of Hail. I should have put something down next to them so you could see the reference of size, but these pieces of hail were HUGE!  Some were quarter sized, golf ball sized, baseball size, etc...

I actually took these pictures too early as the yard was covered with even more just a few minutes later, but I didn't go back out and take more pictures.

We had just sat down to dinner when everything let loose.  See, Dallas has mostly composition roofs with very few having ceramic tile. Many businesses have metal roofs, but you won't see that on a residential property.

However, in Austin, though composition roofs are still probably the majority of roofs, ceramic tile and metal roofs make up a big percentage.  I was at my in-laws during this hail storm and they happen to have a metal roof. 

It sounded like we were in a shoot out! Massive gunfire every direction!  As I mentioned we had just sat down to dinner, so my immediate thought was to move my daughter away from the window.  The way it was coming down, I'm surprised it didn't break through the metal roof, but no visable dents afterwards, amazing!

With the first of the Hail storms coming so early, I hope the Lamb stops by early too!  But this usually means we'll have lots of pretty flowers throughout the season!

By the way, in the first picture, just past that first group of trees is where Lake Travis is supposed to be... but it's SEVERAL feet low right now.

If you have kids, and maybe they have a birthday coming up, are doing a good job potty-trainning, or they are just special, Toys 'R Us and Babies 'R Us is having a one-day ONLINE sale tomorrow, March 24, 2009.

It's $10 off a $30 purchase.  That's more than 30% off!!  I don't care for sales that are 10% or 15% off.  Those don't make a dent in the price.  But, 30% makes a nice dent!

You must use the promo code: Twitterdeal24

If word gets around enough through this Twitter offer, they're looking at doing more sales like that through Twitter as well. 

Happy Shopping and spread the word!

This weekend, we took Alyssa to two different farms to see some cows and horses.  Yes, there are farms in the middle of big cities in Texas!

She had seen them in her books many times, and I made the sounds for her to know what they sound like.  Plus, some of her toys make some odd sounding animal sounds.  However, I figured what would put things into perspective better than taking her to see some real animals. 

When she was 11 months old, she rode a pony, but I don't think she grasped the concept at that age.  A couple of months ago, we took her near some cows, but she wouldn't even look at them.

She's now 16 months old, and I thought this would be fun!!

The Cows were first.  There was only one by the fence, but I thought that was good enough.  Within 2 minutes, there were 5 and then there were about 20 cows all right there in under 10 minutes.  It's like they had never seen a person before, much less a child.

I could not get them to moooo no matter how many times I moo'd at them.  Oh well...

Next, we took her to see some horses.  The horses were much prettier than the cows and we got a little closer to them.  One even neighed at one of the other horses and Alyssa thought that was very cool. 

Here are some more pictures of our advanture that day.  All in all, we're talking less than an hour, but it sure wore her out, she took a very long nap that day!

We'll probably have to stop by more often since she had so much fun...  If you're ever trying to think of a cheap activity for your kids, this should be on your list!

I got a call yesterday evening from a gentleman saying he was given my name and information as a referral from one of my past clients. Yeah!  We all love referrals and strive to receive them.

I spoke with this gentleman for about 10 minutes about what he was looking for and time frame and price range and everything of the sorts.

Then, the word RE/MAX comes out of my mouth, because, yes, I'm a RE/MAX agent.

"I'm Sorry, but I won't work with a RE/MAX agent."

What does me being a RE/MAX agent prevent you from working with me?

"Sam spoke very highly of you and said I would be crazy to use anyone else, but he never mentioned you were a RE/MAX agent.  I had a bad experience some umpteen years ago, and I'll never work with a RE/MAX agent again!"

Wow, that's some anger this guy has.  From what I gather, he was under contract with a property using a RE/MAX agent. Then the Seller decided not to sell so he couldn't buy the house.  Also, something about the Earnest Money wasn't returned to him because it was never put in escrow and that he had no recourse in getting it back.  Huh?

First, if a Seller backs out, the Buyer has A LOT of recourse!  Second, Earnest Money MUST be deposited in a separate account, in Texas we use Escrow Accounts set up by the third party Title Company, and the funds are not allowed to co-mingle in any way with anyone party to the contract.

I'm thinking his agent messed up royally on helping him get his money back, but why take it out on all "RE/MAX" agents?  Each office is independantly owned and operated, and each REALTOR® runs his or her own business under the office's umbrella for marketing purposes.

I was highly referred, and this guy was ready to get in my car immediately to look at houses, and he let one bad experience ruin a new one.

For all you buyers out there, interview your potential Buyers' Agent on their own merits, and don't put someone else's mistake onto them.  He said it himself, I came very highly recommended.  His friend had an awesome experience, why wouldn't he?  His interview skills got him a bad agent in the passed, you would think he would run wild with excitement with a referral!

Man, I thought the MEME's went away as I haven't seen them in a couple of months... Thanks to JiMaria (my nickname for Jim and Maria), I had to take a break from my hectic schedule to find some pictures... 

Here are the rules (there are always rules):

1) Type out all the Questions below and answer them with a picture. I took some questions out, and added one of my own (can you guess which one?), so do what you want as there really aren't "rules".

2) Tag 5 people and spread the love out. That is it.

1) Age at next birthday:

2) Place I want to travel

 3) Favorite Food

4) Favorite Color

5) Favorite Hobby

6) Bad Habit

7) Favorite Thing in the Entire World?

 I tag:

John Cannata

Craig Rutman

Sherry Scales

Sheldon Neal

Teresa Harris

For those I didn't tag, BE HAPPY!!  I HATE MEME's!!

Here are some crazy stats for you.  Did you know that Austin, TX is way behind the entire State of Texas in Home Ownership? 

I figured that since Austin was considered the "richest" city in the state, according to Tierra Grande January 2009, with a median household income of $77,939, that the owner occupancy rate would be through the roof, especially with all the affordable housing in the area.

This chart shocks me. Granted, Austin could be considered a "College Town", however, those same college students are considered in the median household income numbers. You can't have it one way and not the other.

Why are people in Austin not buying homes in accordance with the state averages?  They can definitely afford it.  Are they trying to stay within the city limits, yet the prices within the city have become out of their reach as they don't want to go to the 'burbs for a 3000 sqft home priced at under $250k? 

Or are the residents of Austin, TX trying to make sure they're mobile, and able to move wherever is necessary at anytime, like with a snap of a finger?

Whatever the reason Austin, TX residents have for not buying, there is an equal or better reason for buying!  Are you not tired of paying someone else's mortgage in that rental home or apartment?  Are you not tired of being told you can't take down the dated wallpaper to make that place a "home"?  Haven't you always dreamed of a fenced yard with a dog running around instead of being cooped up in that tiny apartment all day?

Let me know your concerns as to why you're not buying, and I can counter all your concerns with many more and better reasons why you should buy.  Haven't you heard that rates are well below 5% right now??

Are you packet yet?

**graphic courtesy of frontdoor.com

Alyssa had a big few days. She met her cousins for the first time, and also saw her Great Grandma for the first time since she was 6 months old.  Boy was GG surprised at how much bigger and active she was.

Here is a picture of GG (Great Grandma) with all four of her grandchildren, and yes, they just happen to be all girls. Something was in the water.  Alyssa is in the front on the left with her 7 year old cousin Lindsey behind her. They've played together many times.

On the right side are cousins Alila who is 4 and Zoie who is only 8 months old.  Alyssa had never met Alila or Zoie before. She found them quite fun.  They were in town from Nebraska. 

Here's a picture of Alyssa riding in the wagon with Zoie.  It's scary that they look about the same size, yet Alyssa is 7 months older.  They had a blast being pulled around in that thing.

And, as always, Alyssa likes to play "daredevil" and climb up on everything possible and then do "no hands" just to get a rise out of me... she had a blast, especially since she wasn't the youngest one and was able to do more things than the baby.

And if anyone can explain this "sticking the tongue out" phase Alyssa is going through, I would appreciate it. It's so hard to get pictures without her tongue out anymore. I'm thinking it's because she's getting more teeth and she's feeling around her mouth as they're breaking through, who knows...

If you're been following along with the previous 17 parts of this series, you'll know things haven't been going very well with the building process of my new home.  Well, it looks as though things, they are a changing...

Yes, the wrong cabinets are in the house and yes, the windows were reordered 5 times and yes, the entire front elevation of the house was wrong and yes, the exterior material we chose to use was not allowed by the HOA...

Despite all these obsticales, we're moving forward.  We met with the "new" builder on Friday morning, and I think we'll be in the house in about 30 days.

I actually smiled when I walked in the master bedroom and saw the shower was almost complete.  I love the slate, linear accent I chose.  This was the first thing that made me smile about the house the entire 8+ months!  It's funny how something so simple like a linear accent can makes things all better.

Here's another picture of the kitchen.  For the avid readers, do you notice anything?  Yes, the windows are in and these are the correct size... however, they've been moved AGAIN!  They tried to put two electrical outlets above my cooktop.  Like those would ever be used, especially when the gas/propane is turned on.  I told them the location of those two outlets were unacceptable, and the only place to put them was under the windows... but there wasn't enough room, so they had to raise the windows.  By doing this, the brickwork on the exterior was torn out and new brick has been ordered.  They're going to get those windows right one of these days!!

And look at my Balcony!!  It's awesome!  I forgot to measure it, but it's almost the entire back of the house.  18" slate flooring that matches the interior.  I can see some parties up here!

Here's a view from the back as this shows you how large, not on the balcony is, but also how large the covered patio is too.

Things are finally coming together.  Just a few more "mistakes" need to be corrected and then they can continue on to the other things.

By the way, we did receive a credit back for the "white" mortar as the sales rep is now in agreement with us that what we got and what we paid for do not match.  White should be white and not beige, but as the builder says, "But it's definitely not grey!"  Yes, you're right, it's not grey and we especially didn't want grey, but it's also not white,  thanks!

Back by popular demand are two more opportunities for coming to my class.  Many people had last minute excuses reasons for not coming, again, so I've been talked into one more batch of classes in Dallas.

I'll be teaching a TREC approved MCE class on Wednesday, March 11 from 9:30am-11:30 am and Thursday, March 12 from 1pm-3pm at Republic Title in Richardson, TX.  Please take note as to which date is the morning time, and which date is the afternoon time. 

Learn the basics of how to Create an Internet Presence in order to help capture more buyers and sellers who are doing their research online.  Learn how to convert those Cyberleads into a clo$ed $ale putting more money into your pockets!

If you still can't make either of these dates, you'll either have to come visit me in Austin, TX for a class there, or I'll let you know when I'll be back in Dallas, TX to do another one, but it probably won't be until the end of the second quarter at the earliest.

This class is open to mortgage professionals as well.  You might not get any education credit for it, but you'll learn a lot, and also invite all your Realtor partners!

Course # 02-00-120-7645
Provider # 0600
Cost $20

Presented by me, Donna Harris.

RSVP to Donna@DonnaHomes.com (972-407-3908) or Jeff Duffee jduffee@republictitle.com (972-423-8777).

Location:
Republic Title
3610 Shire Blvd #100
Richardson, TX 75082

Do you use Bojo? Have you ever heard of Bojo?  Are you wondering what kind of name like BOJO could possibly help me market myself?

I had heard of Bojo before, but never saw it implemented before, until today. I taught my Internet Presence and Converting Cyberleads class this morning, and I had to email one of the students in the class some information.

She responded back with a Bojo in her signature.  I immediately went to the sight to set up the FREE Bojo account.

I tried to copy and paste the HTML code here, but I couldn't get it to work, so the above it just a graphic. If you would like to see it actually working, send me an email, donna@donnahomes.com, and I'll respond back with it in my signature.

Another cool feature with the Bojo is the Text Messaging option. I sent myself a test text.  Not only did I receive the text, but I received an email with the text message in it, the person's name, phone number, the message, and everything entered, and I also received an email that confirmed I received the text when I opened it.

Now that I've seen it in action, I wish I had signed up for Bojo a whlie ago. There are a couple of paid versions where you can actually track your stats.  If I can see some interest in the FREE version, I'll probably upgrade in the future.

And, there are many templates for other industries. This is not real estate specific.

What do you think?  Would you Bojo?

Did you know today was "Square Root Day".  Have you ever heard of Square Root Day?  The square root of 9 is 3 and today is March 3.

I love little things like this.

Square Root Day was actually started by a high school teacher in California on Sept 9, 1981 (9/9/81).  It has since gained a lot of popularity.  After today, the next time you'll get to celebrate will be April 4, 2016 (4/4/16).

However, if you don't want to wait to celebrate the next Square Root Day and you want another math day to celebrate, "Pi Day" is coming in just a few days, March 14 (3.14).

I would have loved to do something special on 7/7/07 a couple of years ago. The Olympics was on 8/8/08 this past year.  What is scheduled for 9/9/09 this year?  I'm sure someone's going to come up with something.

My Birthday is 7/11, like the convenience store.  My mom is 10/4, like the CB radio call.  My husband is 5/30, like Beer Thirty.

Do you have any interesting dates in your families?

Have you heard of this phrase called "Sponsored Conversation"?  I had never heard of it until today, but I've read a couple of news clips about it, and how it's becoming more and more popular.

I wanna be part of it!!  How do I become a Sponsored Conversation?

For those who are in th dark, like I was, and still kinda am, a sponsored conversation is where a company pays you, either with money, products, or incentives, for you to blog about their product for the world to see.  Sound familiar?  There's a lot of it going on within the ActiveRain community.

However, from what I'm reading, in each and every blog, you are supposed to acknowledge that you have been "paid" for your opinion.  That part, I know for a fact, is not a rule all those Growth Leader testers are doing, though some are.

With companies like Ford offering up the use of a car, and Sears giving out $500 gift cards, and HP giving out free printers... I want part of this!!

There are so many companies doing this, how do I get on the bandwagon of FREE stuff??  My opinion can be bought, to an extent... As long as I believe in the product, I have no squabbles of letting the world know how great the product is.

Any corporate people out there reading this?  I could use a new car!!

Is $800 a lot of money to you?  What does $800 mean to you?

Let me back track.  As many of you know, I am in the process of obtaining a mortgage for a new home.  I have asked the builder's lender to match a deal I was given elsewhere as his initial quote was in left field.

He came back and said, "I matched the rate that you were receiving from your broker. My fees were less than $800 higher. I am not seeing how we are not being competitive."

Well, as you can imagine, that didn't go over too well with me.  Here is part of my response:

"You only matched the rate because I sent you 2 outside GFE's, but matching a rate means nothing when you're not matching the costs to obtain the rate.

... $800 is one month of daycare for my daughter.  $800 is 20 months of a swim membership in Austin.  $800 is a 12 YEAR swim membership at a local rec center in Dallas.  $800 is 4 months worth of electric bills, on average.  $800 is 473 gallons of gas which means I could fill my tank up 21 times.  That's a lot of back and forth to visiting my family in Dallas once we move to Austin.  $800 is the amount of all your "lender" fees combined, except the application fee.

How is $800 not that much?  In my book, $800 gets a lot of things paid for day to day.  It might not be that much to you, but we're responsible people who research where we spend our money, and not one of those people that just signs the bottom line because we're told to, without reading what is being put in front of us.  We're those people that you don't see on the local news being foreclosed on because they signed paperwork for a loan they can't afford.  $800 is a lot of money!"

Put into perspective, is $800 a lot of money to you?  How would you spend $800? $800 is also 5 months worth of groceries!!  That's almost half the year!!

As I said in my response to the lender, just because you match a rate, it makes no difference if you're not going to match the fees behind that rate.