Pride of Ownership doesn’t have a Price Tag

Pride of ownership does not come at a price point.  Homes can be found that are either cared for or neglected, whether you spend $150,000 or 1 million.  Just because you are willing spend more money, doesn’t guarantee a home in better condition.  People have relationships with their homes (not unlike how they relate to other people).  If a problem arises, some choose to ignore it, while others attack it head on.  There is often a reality check for the owner, when it comes time to sell, when the problems can’t be ignored anymore.

Sellers often realize that what hasn’t been repaired or replaced, will ultimately cost them in the end.  Money makes things go away. Owners think they are simply saving money by ignoring foundation problems, roof repair or whatever else may be deficient.  In realty though, they are simply differing the payment to the sale.  The home is worth less to a buyer and will take longer to sell when systems are in need of repair or replacement.

Summertime Blues

I have been trying to preview as many properties as possible in the morning, while everyone is still busy at work.  Pictures can be deceiving for better or worse, and typically don’t show things like pantries, closets and sometimes even backyards.  Previewing properties without clients helps us rule out some things not worth seeing in the heat of the day, which happens to be when you get out of the office.  It allows us to focus on true possibilities in less time, which works out well especially with children in tow.  Children generally love looking at houses, but when they are getting in and out of their car seats in the heat, they loose interest pretty quickly which makes it a trying time for all.

Someone is watching your pets, but who is watching your house?

I have seen some houses where the owners have been away on vacation.  It is important to keep in mind when selling your home that plants need to be watered, garbage should be removed, and pools need to be tended to.  I had a reader last week whose pool turned an unappealing shade of dark green while they were away.  Just like keeping the house clean, pools need to be kept clean as well.  Buyers don’t know that people may be away, they just think there may be a problem or the pool is not being maintained.

Barton Hills Duplex Open House 8/14 12 – 3

Where will I be Saturday?

1304 Robert E Lee Road

From 12 – 3pm
Calling all investors.  One side is leased, you can live in the other, or lease it as well!
 
This is your opportunity to live a short distance from Barton Springs pool, hike & bike trail & Zilker Park.
 
 
From Barton Springs turn on to Robert E Lee.  The Duplex is located between Spring Creek and Rabb on Robert E Lee
 
$545,000 2,931 sq ft (tax record)  3/2 and 3/2.5
both units will be open for viewing
 
 
 

Travis Heights Open House Saturday 12 – 3 Aug. 7

500 E Mary Street in Travis Heights

Travis Heights area classic bungalow styled home originally built in 1935 offers classic details and updated features.  Home has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and is 1,394 square feet (tax record.)  The house sits on a large corner lot with live oaks trees and carport with storage.

Local area attractions include Stacey Pool and the SoCo (S. Congress) shopping and retail area of Austin. Travis Heights is located about 2 miles south of downtown, Austin.

 

Updates include:

  • kitchen
  • bathrooms
  • siding
  • HV/AC
  • roof
  • plumbing
  • electric

Additional features include:

  • fenced backyard
  • hardwood floors
  • built-in shelves and storage

This is a quintessential Travis Heights updated classic. Rare carport and off street parking! Large backyard with plenty of shade.

Visit Doreen in Travis Heights on Saturday from 12 – 3, August 7th

or call for a private showing

Directions to 500 E Mary:  From Congress go east on Annie, then rt on Newning, then left on Mary. On corner of Newning and East Mary -where it deadends in to Eastside Drive @ Stacey Park.

  
List Price:  $543,000
 
 I support local Austin; after all, I think it’s only neighborly.

Doreen Zelma
REALTOR, GRI
Sky Realty Austin
E: doreen@SupportLocalAustin.com
W: www.SupportLocalAustin.com
T: 512-761-0567