Archive for January, 2010

Austin Neighborhood Market Spotlights

January 26, 2010
By Doreen Zelma
Austin Neighborhood Market Spotlights

I have selected some random areas in Austin, and listed some current real estate market data. If there is an area you want me to spotlight -please let me know. Tarrytown Number of Active Homes on the Market: 23 Average Days on Market: 116 Median Home Price: $589,000 Travis Heights Number of Active Homes on the Market: 25 Average Days on Market: 108 Median...
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Pools

January 26, 2010
By Doreen Zelma
Pools

If you did not already know…I teach the Sell a Home class to both new and seasoned agents who join Keller Williams. Last week, I had a student ask me what I do differently when selling homes with pools. I guess the look on my face wasn’t one that my class expected; because ‘POOL’...
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Posted in Buying a home in Austin, Selling a home in Austin | 2 Comments »

Going Green

January 26, 2010
By Doreen Zelma

After spending some green on my car last week, it was time to get out and see some green; green construction that is. I traveled from Crestview to Buda to see some interesting green building projects.First, let’s talk about Crestview. I got to watch some 5-star green modular condominiums. Modular...
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The Unforeseen

January 26, 2010
By Doreen Zelma

Have you watched The Unforeseen, the 2007 documentary about the development of Barton Springs?  Directed by Laura Dunn, and produced partially by Robert Redford, it a must see for any Austinite or anyone who loves Austin.   Redford is personally tied to Austin spending most of his childhood here, even learning to swim in Barton Springs Pool.  If...
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How to Sell It

January 26, 2010
By Doreen Zelma

I have spent some time in Western Austin.  From West Lake Hills, all the way up to Milwood.  I have to say overall, I am a little disappointed some listing agents and owners aren’t preparing a home as well as they could for sale.  Basic things like replacing the carpeting, touching up nail holes….how...
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Money Doesn’t Buy Everything

January 19, 2010
By Doreen Zelma
Money Doesn’t Buy Everything

I previewed a $3.5 million dollar home on Friday, in Tarrytown. I have several clients looking in Tarrytown, of which, this particular house turned out not to be a match for any of them. Not all of them are necessary looking in that price point, but I have clients who tell me...
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What’s your dream house doing in someone else’s dream?

January 19, 2010
By Doreen Zelma

I met my clients in the Denny’s parking lot on I-35 to sign an offer, which was then scanned and emailed to the Listing Agent, by midnight. After telling someone this, he said I was nuts. Yes, that may be true, but when my clients want a house, I don’t sit around...
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Posted in Buying a home in Austin | No Comments »

Resale vs. New Construction

January 19, 2010
By Doreen Zelma

I taught the Buyer Consultation class to new agents this week. When you are buying a home, especially in an area where there is still building going on, you need to be mindful of its resale value. If you are planning on selling in less than 3 years, you may very well...
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The Age Wave Theory

January 19, 2010
By Doreen Zelma

Downsizing; it’s a trend we hear more often then not these days. For those that buy into the concept that living with less, de-cluttering can be good for the soul. For those, that can’t part with the Christmas plates, they haven’t taken out in 15 years, the concept of downsizing is stressful....
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Do the Right Thing

January 19, 2010
By Doreen Zelma

It is now mandatory that all Realtors have their fingerprints taken to obtain my real estate license. I think it’s a good idea overall. Gone are the days of the blue inked mess on a piece of paper though. Now, you role your fingers on a scanning bed and they appear before you...
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