South Austin Texas Real Estate blog

A Shameless Plug for the new Group SHAMELESS PLUG

South Austin Real Estate Blog, (Sky Realty Austin) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 08:38:09 -0500

After posting to various groups about local businesses and activities and events I thought it would be a fun idea to have all those in one area, besides of course Localism.

http://activerain.com/groups/shamelessplugs

When you post to Localism its wonderful and is directed to your state, county, city and community. What about also posting those great bragging reports into a group that will easily be found by the Public, Realtors, Mortgage folks, Inspectors, Appraisers and anyone else interested.

Maybe someone is going to be traveling and you have a good local cafe, that post could easily be found in the Shameless Plugs group. So I am asking for you to post your shameless plugs to this new group as well as your local groups.

While we all have a rant or two in us, this group is for really positive news .. spread the news about your neighbors and friends and what you will get is some Google Juice back at you. Now that is a good thing, anytime.

While your at it, help me think of a new logo, phrase, or any other creative ideas you have for making this a topten group. So ActiveRain Bloggers, I am asking for your help to establish this group. Now, go post something.

Host a Creek Clean up

South Austin Real Estate Blog, (Sky Realty Austin) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 07:34:16 -0500

Here is a great idea, with the weather cooling now and the days still long enough to enjoy the outdoors, try this with friends and co workers to help Keep Austin Beautiful and feel like you have really accomplished something for your community.

HOSTING A CREEK CLEANUP

is a great way to give back to the community where you live and enjoy all the great outdoor events. Is the creek you love filled with beer cans and six-pack rings? All you have to do is gather some friends to clean it up, and Keep Austin Beautiful and Watershed Protection and Development Review will give you all the guidance and materials you need. www.keepaustinbeautiful.org For more information contact us at Jessica@KeepAustinBeautiful.org or 512.501.3633

Jessica can give you the details ...
• Guidance in the planning of your cleanup
• A Cleanup Kit that includes:
   - trash bags
   - gloves
   - pickup tools
   - poison ivy block
   - and a first aid kit
• Trash collection arranged by KAB
• Fun giveaways to thank volunteers for their participation
• Recognition of your accomplishments on the KAB website

Sounds like a really great idea for one of these fall weekends before the rainy season really kicks in.

Hearing? Listening? There is a Difference

South Austin Real Estate Blog, (Sky Realty Austin) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 07:52:02 -0500

Hearing me? Listening? There is a difference

Yesterday we stopped at a fast food to get a snack and something cold to drink on our way home from picking up a mare, we had been out for all afternoon and it was at least an hour home so everyone was hot and a bit hungry. My daughterand two of my grandsons the 5yr old and the 11 yr old and me. The kids were being entertained by the DVD (what a great invention) so back to the fast food place.

Since we had the truck and horsetrailer its not easy to find a parking space so I told my daughter I will go inside and you go park in the Lowe's lot (which was huge and empty) .

Entering the fast food place, I stand in line and watch the young folks at the counter doing their jobs. There seems to be a bit of inefficiency going on but thats not uncommon, now its my turn. I step up to the young lady and ...

I said: I would like 3 orders of the 5 chicken strips.

Young lady says: Do you want those, small? medium? or large?

I said: Excuse me?

Young Lady says; Do you want those, Small? Medium? or Large?

I said: The 5 piece chicken strips comes in more than 5 pieces?

Young lady said: Oh, you just want chicken strips.

I said: yes please.

Young lady said: Did you want anything else?

I said: yes, 4 small drinks.

Now, that was the whole conversation except for that will be $$$ and I paid. So, was I clear in my request? I thought so. Was the young lady assuming I meant the combo meal, which would have come in Small , Medium or Large,? I do not know but I think so.

This is the very thing many of us are guilty of .. assuming we know what the customer wants because that is what everyone else wanted. This is true in real estate as well as fast food purchasing. It was a good lesson to me, to take the obvious and probe deeper into the meaning.

While we try in our professional life to really listen to the clients to hear what they are saying, are you really hearing it? Or are you jumping ahead in your mind and thinking you know what they are meaning?

announcing the Shameless Plugs for everyone, a NEW GROUP

South Austin Real Estate Blog, (Sky Realty Austin) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 09:44:19 -0500

Announcing a new group here for all to use in Active Rain, SHAMELESS PLUGS, please join me in adding your favorite and newly found businesses, referrals, and any person who delivers what they say they will, and often exceeds your expectation of Customer Service.

We all know how easy it is to "trash talk" now lets all work on the positive side and bring it out to others, did a business or a service person go above what you expected? In this day and age of a falling off of Customer Service its time to celebrate those who remember what real customer service is and does.

Bring your blog postings here and let us all show that Customer Service is not dead but alive and well. Share the news and you will receive good Google Juice as a backlash. Not a bad deal huh!

Welcome to all, lets keep this group positive and family ratings. Thanks again to all and Welcome.

A shameless Plug for Aspen Tree Service and Landscaping

South Austin Real Estate Blog, (Sky Realty Austin) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 18:53:13 -0500

This is a Shameless Plug for Aspen Tree Service and Landscaping here in Austin Texas. This week Eddie and the crew came out and trimmed several large oak trees, removed the ball moss from many of the trees on the property, took out one maple tree and a dead oak tree. Cleaned it up into a brush pile at our direction and left everything neat and tidy.

Our property in Southwest Austin is over 2 acres and has more than 100 oak trees, of Spanish Oak, Pin Oak, Live Oak and various other trees like Maple, Sumac, Juniper and Pecan, over the past 14 years some of these have gotten beyond just a mere trim here and there.

In the photos you can easily see the before and after differences and what a big impact it made on the house viewed from the street. Don't be surprised to see more work being done soon, since now we can see what we are working on.

Aspen Tree Service and Landscaping does Residential and Commercial, they have an Certified Arborist on Staff and also do 24 hour emergency service. Call for a free onsite quote. 512-552-5966.The photo to the left was taken inside the gate/driveway area before, the right photo was after the cleaning trimming taken from another angle but the same gate post is in the photo.

LongHorn Football is on Paid Service Only?

South Austin Real Estate Blog, (Sky Realty Austin) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 19:34:50 -0500

Longhorn Football is on Paid Service Only.

This stinks. I have been a University of Texas at Austin Longhorns Football team fan since my youngest grandson could say, HOOK EM Gran!

That a few years ago. Last fall I heard about this was going to happen, but ya know sometimes one just has to see it happen before they believe it. In this case that is true.

First UT Longhorn Game is tonight, kickoff was at 6PM .. what am I watching on the Television? Alabama vs Virginia Tech. Not to say its not a great game, I'm sure it will be but how do I say HOOK'EM?

Don't my taxes pay for the University here? Real Estate taxes, county taxes, road taxes, retail taxes and you name it taxes? School fees and etc? Why do I have to pay a cable company to get a special channel to watch the LONGHORNS play football? This Stinks! I am one disgruntled gran.

Ban Texting when Driving in Austin

South Austin Real Estate Blog, (Sky Realty Austin) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 19:21:31 -0500

Texting while Driving IS A NO NO

The City of Austin has an Ordinance with a new proposal to ban TEXTING while driving.

The Austin Business Journal of Friday Sept 4,2009 carried an article about the proposed ban along with an informal poll of 1,048 votes in the poll. 56% voted to ban texting while driving, while another 29 percent said the use of cell phones should be banned altogether. Only 15 percent said the city should not ban texting while driving.

It is expected the Ordinance will come before the City Council this fall for confirmation. Recently it was in the Austin American Statesman that talking on a cell phone when in a school zone will be a traffic violation subject to ticketing. Sounds like Austin is getting serious about their traffic laws. From this drivers perspective, that is a good thing.

Tree trimming can make for curb appeal

South Austin Real Estate Blog, (Sky Realty Austin) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 08:16:18 -0500

We live on property that has many many oak trees, they are beautiful, wonderful shade providers, squirrel provides, cardinal refuges, many things to us. Austin is proud of its live oaks and pin oaks and spanish oaks. We love each and every one of them, so this week we did something that has made a huge improvement around here. The trees got a haircut. a tree trimming.

Since the proof is in the pudding and a picture is worth a thousand words, who wants to read all those words, here are the before and afters. Thanks to Aspen Tree Service of Austin, 512-552-5966. More to come later about that awesome company. Can you believe its the same place? before and after.

Schools and the Presidents Campaign

South Austin Real Estate Blog, (Sky Realty Austin) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:31:29 -0500

Next Tuesday, Sept 8,2009 our President Obama is planning on addressing the school children of our nation in their classrooms. This has become a very controversial event. I am unsure why but I haven't researched the event.

Last night was the Parents Meet the Teacher event at our local middle school. The event for next week was addressed during the event, the school board stated, "We only have a few limited hours with your child each day and we have much to teach, therefore we have opted out of the Presidential address".

To me that seems like a very reasonable way to avoid controversy and keep politics out of the middle school. I agree that is a wise move, people are free to think what they want, middle school is not the place to drag in right and left politics. Teach the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the Pledge of Allegiance to America.

I say HOORAY to Dripping Springs ISD for taking the lead in school is for teaching .. it is no wonder this district has multiple Exemplary Rated schools.

Keep Austin Weird 5K

South Austin Real Estate Blog, (Sky Realty Austin) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:18:50 -0500

Keep Austin Weird 5K Sept 12th, 2009

There will be a start off for the 5K run at 8:00am and a start off for the Family 1K at 9:00am, both starting from downtwon Austin Texas.

The Keep Austin Weird 5K will start at the Buford Bell Tower locted at the intersection of West Cesar Chavez St. and Colorado St. The finish will end at the same intersection. Online registration is available until Sept 10th, THursday at 6:00PM.

For more information please check the website for costs and pickup packets time. You can also find at the website information about commuting with Capitol Metro, parking, volunteers needed, family prices and sponsorships. http://www.runtex.com/web/2-2606.asp

Mark your calendar to be there Sept 12th and come out to help KEEP AUSTIN WEIRD with a fun run for all, including strollers and 4 legged family members (on a leash).

Welcome to AUSTIN, Mega Camp is this week, Welcome KW'ers here are a few tips.

South Austin Real Estate Blog, (Sky Realty Austin) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 07:03:36 -0500

Keller Williams is based in Austin Texas and has many many fine offices throughout the World. Every year the KW staff at the International Office here in Austin work hard to bring about a convention full of fun and learning. Intensive training, mini tech training and lots more than I could tell you about.

Welcome to Austin, this week we are still entrapped in the record breaking heat wave with no rain in sight. What that means is its 103 - 101 everyday and out night time lows are about 75. Inside the Convention Center it will be cool. But outside its awful. If you are from a much milder climate please be advised to leave most jackets and coats at home.

Also, today is the beginning of Stage 2 water shortage and conservation. Unless you ask for water at a restaurant it will not be automatically served. We have been in a drought for many months and our lakes are low so not quite as picturesque as normal.

Be sure to take a walk by Lady Bird Lake, it runs through downtown and the walking trails are very accessible.

Welcome to Austin, its a lively city, much to do, much to see and its like no other part of Texas! It is not the cactus and tumbleweeds of the Old Western movies, Austin is green and thriving. Enjoy yourself! Come back often and soon!

Stage 2 Water restrictions in Austin Texas begins today, Aug 24th.

South Austin Real Estate Blog, (Sky Realty Austin) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 05:55:34 -0500

Austin Water shortage has entered Stage 2 shortage measurements. Beginnning today, Monday, August 24,2009... the CIty of Austin is kicking into a higher gear for water conservation. here are the new rules and there will be NO WARNINGS of violations, there will be a $400 Fine for the first offense.

To read further information follow this link to the City of Austin website.

http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/watercon/stage2.htm

Stage 2 Water Use Restrictions

The City Manager has determined that Stage 2 Water Restrictions will go into effect on Monday, August 24, 2009. These restrictions will be in effect until further notice.

In Stage 2, the following additional restrictions apply to the use of potable water:

Outdoor irrigation is prohibited except on assigned days at designated times (see once-per-week schedule below)
Golf fairway irrigation is limited to assigned days before 10 a.m. and after 7 p.m.
Golf tee and green irrigation is limited to every other day
Vehicle washing is limited to designated days and times, with a hand-held bucket or a positive shut-off nozzle on a hose*
A person may not conduct or participate in a charity car wash
The use of outdoor ornamental fountains is prohibited except to provide aeration for aquatic life
A person may not fill, refill, or add water to an indoor fountain
No automatic fill valves are allowed for pools or ponds
Washing of sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, patios or other paved surfaces is prohibited*
A restaurant may not serve water to a customer unless requested by the customer

*Exceptions are made for washing necessary to protect public health, safety or welfare

Crazy Shopping weekend and I witnessed a real Random act of kindness

South Austin Real Estate Blog, (Sky Realty Austin) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 20:30:43 -0500

This is a crazy shopping weekend in Texas, its Tax Free weekend so the stores are really ringing up sales, the aisles are crowded and the parking lots are a mess. In all the humanity out and moving today I saw a real random act of kindness and it truthfully does restore my faith in young folks.

Costco, the cafe part, tables were knee deep in kids, overturned cups, hot dogs and no where to sit, my grandson found us a table as I was grabbing our cold drinks to go with the yummy pizza that is always thick with cheese and fresh at the Costco cafe (not to mention cheap) so we had just sat down.

The tables are 3 in a row and we were in the middle row, nearest the wall an older lady was in a motorized chair going by, she hit two tables in her journey, it seemed she did not have good control of the chair/cart. I watched and soon she had made a lap half around the area and was on the other outside, where she stopped, then hit another table, this one empty. I told my grandson, this poor older lady may need some help. She was sitting in the chair/cart very dazed looking but about 3 feet from the empty table, about this time a young couple, they looked like college students approached the lady and of course I could not hear what they were saying but the young man, lifted the lady out of the chair, onto the her feet, steadied her and helped her to the empty table... then he lifted the chair up and scooted it to the table, the young lady went and got the older lady a drink and some napkins.. they shook her hand and left.

This was a wonderful thing to witness, I am sure my grandson who is 11 will remember how the older lady was smiling when the young couple left. Shortly after a middle aged lady showed up with food for two and sat with the older lady. America is a great place to live. I am blessed to still be able to walk to my own table, to get my own food, but its nice to believe if I were unable someone would be kind enough to help me.

Living in Texas we still see many of the "old ways" and I am believing those values are upheld everyday in all parts of America.

Village at Western Oaks, market report June 1-Aug 21, 2009

South Austin Real Estate Blog, (Sky Realty Austin) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 09:12:21 -0500

Keeping up with the various areas here in Austin which is very diverse from neighborhood to neighborhood we can still get a glimpse of what is going on overall. These statistics are from just one neighborhood, Villages at Western Oaks, and from June 1, 3009 to current, August 21,2009. When its all tossed together it is just figures, but to see the LP (list price) versus SP (sold price) that will give the story.

Market Analysis Report

Property Type: Residential

Status: Active, Active Contingent, Pending, Pending - Taking Backups, Sold

Number of Properties: 93

BedsBathsSqFtListing PriceLP/SqFtSelling PriceSP/SqFtSP/LPSP/OLPDOM High Low Average Median

5	4	4,577	$374,900	$156.16	$375,000	$150.53	102.9%	102.9%	367
3	2	1,332	$193,500	$73.08	$193,500	$75.04	91.7%	79.3%	0
4	2	2,222	$253,539	$117.79	$246,209	$116.1	98.52%	96.41%	43
3	2	2,140	$244,500	$116.4	$236,250	$117.47	98.7%	96.8%	23

Search Criteria

Status	A , AC , P , PB , S
Area	SWW
Subdivision	contains Village at western oaks
List Price	between - 400,000
Sold/Lease Date	between 6/1/2009 -

If you wish to have more information about your specific neighborhood for the purpose of selling your home, or wish to contact a great Realtor ® to buy a new residence, call me and lets chat about your goals, Gail Tassey, Sky Realty Austin, 512-217-9482 http://www.austincomeshome.com

Information from the Austin Board of Realtors website, August 21,2009. Looking to buy a home in South Austin, Village of Western Oaks, Westcreek, Circle C, or sell your home, call me.

Good news for Austin, sales for July 2009 reached 2008 levels.

South Austin Real Estate Blog, (Sky Realty Austin) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 08:15:39 -0500

Good news for Austin Texas, residential home sales for the month of July 2009 have reached the level of July 2008 sustaining a slight 2% decrease from last year. While much of the rest of the USA is still mired in the depths of devaluing homes we seem to be a bright spot. Here is the information directly from the Austin Board of Realtors announcing the good news.

August 20, 2009 - According to the July 2009 Multiple Listing Service report by the Austin Board of REALTORS®, the volume of Austin-area home sales reached 2008 levels for the first time this year.

In July 2009, 2,069 homes were sold, statistically unchanged from the 2,068 homes sold in July 2008. The median home price for Austin in July 2009 was $191,500, a two percent decrease from the same month the prior year.

"The sales volume momentum in Austin continues, now reaching 2008 levels. That's good news, but I think it's even better news that we've achieved that increase while maintaining a steady median home price," said Jay Gohil, chairman of the Austin Board of REALTORS®. "Throughout 2009, the median price has fluctuated only slightly compared to 2008. Looking back further, prices have remained above 2007 levels, one of the most lucrative years of the last decade in Austin real estate. That long-term price stability, particularly in the face of market fluctuations, bodes well for Austin's future."

July 2009 Statistics

$508,810,549 was the dollar volume of single-family properties sold $191,500 was the median price, a two percent decrease from one year ago 2,069 was the number of homes sold, unchanged from July 2008

The Austin Board of REALTORS® is a non-profit, voluntary organization representing more than 8,000 licensed REALTORS® in Central Texas.

Looking for a home in South Austin Texas? Real estate in Austin is still a good value, call me and lets chat about your Real Estate Goals.. Gail Tassey, Realtor, Sky Realty Austin, 512-217-9482 http://www.austincomeshome.com