Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Austin Property Tax Appeal


       Keep Austin Weird Homes Taxes
Homeowners in Austin and Central Texas are feeling the impact of our area's
desirability this month. That's right - it's time for the annual Travis County
property tax valuations. Here at Keep Austin Weird Homes we've been receiving
calls from many homeowners all asking the same question: Is it really possible
that my home's value has gone up 8, 9, even 10%???
Well, the truth is that it IS possible, but it's not probable. You see, our real
estate market is moving very quickly now, with many homes going into multiple
offer situations and demand driving prices up. But this is truly a fairly recent
phenomenon in the Austin real estate market. The period of time which our most
recent assessment should be based on is January 1st, and the market wasn't
seeing the same level of activity then as it is now.
If you have questions about whether your home in Travis County is valued
correctly, and how to appeal your Austin property tax, we are here to help!
First of all, email us with your property address so we can do a brief analysis of
the comparable sales in your neighborhood. We will then schedule a time to
discuss the details of your property, and determine what other information might
impact the valuation. From there we can give you advice as to how to properly
appeal your Austin property taxes if that’s warranted.
We recently did an analysis for some neighbors in Circle C Ranch Alta Mira.
According to Travis County, their Circle C home’s value increased 9.65% from
2012 to 2013. After looking at the comparable sales, we found there had been
3 sales of similar properties (2 stories, almost 3,000 square feet) during the 3
months before and after Jan. 1st, 2012. However, 1 of these was a golf course
property with a larger lot. There had also been 7 sales of smaller, 1 story homes.
Our determination is that the Grey Rock golf course home and the 1 story homes
are in accurately driving our clients’ home value up. Since those other homes
are priced more per square foot, they shouldn’t be used as comparables for
purposes of valuation.
We were happy to share all of this information and documentation with our Circle
C neighbor and do a complimentary phone conference with you to be sure you
understand all of the steps necessary to successfully appeal your Austin property
taxes.
If you or someone you know needs help understanding their Travis County
property tax valuation, we can help! Email keepaustinweirdhomes@gmail.com
with your property address and contact information and we will go from there.
Search the MLS like a Realtor and never miss the newest lease, listing, or the latest price changes.
Search using criteria used by Realtors and brokers with multiple photos, satellite images, FULL MLS
Descriptions and more. Search Austin and the surrounding areas in Central Texas

Friday, April 19, 2013

Circle C Open House Sun. 4/21, 1-3PM


Circle C Open House Sun. 4/21, 1-3PM 
7213 Lapin CV.- S. Loop1 (Mopac). Go past Slaughter, right on LaCrosse. Go to the dead end. Left on Spruce Canyon.
View FULL DETAILS and additional photos here: SEE PROPERTY DETAILS
7213 Lapin CV
Undeniably one of the best homes in the Circle C West community; 4 bedrooms; plus office; 2 dining; 3 living; 3.5 baths; 3 car garage; quiet cul-de-sac; lot backs up to a private greenbelt; spectacular outdoor living boasts heated salt water pool; hot tub; slide and waterfall; granite countertops; master down; recently stained deck; game room; media room. Enjoy all the community benefits as well, see video below!
IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE: Although this property was available at the time of this ad creation, it is very possible that an offer has been submitted or even accepted since that time. This ad was created with the intent to sell THIS property. If you are interested in this property, Please call 512-740-6486 to check on its current availability.
Search the MLS like a Realtor and never miss the newest listings or the latest price changes. Search using criteria used by Realtors and brokers with multiple photos, satellite images, FULL MLS Descriptions and more. Search Circle C, Austin, and the surrounding areas in Central Texas.

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Community E-Waste Recycling Drive - Get Rid of Old Electronics!


       Keep Austin Weird Homes Upcycle
Having a hard time upcycling all the old computers in your home? What about that stack of old cell phones in the drawer that you swear one day you’ll do something with? I know for our kids there are only so many “play phones”/ old cell phones that they can keep in their room!  
Good news! Gorzycki Middle School in Circle C is having an E-Waste recycling drive on April 20, 2013 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM. What a better way to make sure those items don’t get tossed into a landfill and get the kids involved in the future of our environment. Join us for an Earth friendly spring cleaning!
Below we’ve got a list of acceptable and unacceptable things to bring in. See you on April 20th!
The following are ALLOWABLE ITEMS
Acceptable Electronics



These items are NOT ACCEPTED:


• CRT TV’s (Cathode Ray Tube) older model TV’s• Baking Pans
• Batteries not Integral to Computer Systems• Lawn Equipment-Blowers
• Cardboard• Lawn Mowers
• Contaminated Equipment of any type• Edger’s
• Cracked or Broken CRT Screens• Weed Whackers
• Hairdryers• CD's
• Hazardous Materials of any type• VCR Tapes
• Microwaves• Cassette Tapes
• Paper• Vacuum Cleaners
• Smoke Detectors• Hot Irons
• Styrofoam• Ironing Boards
• Refrigerators• Electric Toothbrushes
• Treadmills• Shavers
• Ovens• Curling Irons & Curlers
• Blenders• Irons
• Mixers• Auto Batteries/Rims
• Slow Cookers


Search the MLS like a Realtor and never miss the newest lease, listing, or the latest price changes. Search using criteria used by Realtors and brokers with multiple photos, satellite images, FULL MLS Descriptions and more. Search Austin and the surrounding areas in Central Texas

Monday, April 15, 2013

5213 Wasson Rd. Price Reduction


           5213 Wasson Rd
This is a perfect investment opportunity. An ideal location for RV parking, event parking, and/or camping site with quick access to all major Austin events such as SXSW and ACL.
             ACL                 SXSW

This lot backs up to a creek with lots of greenery, has quick access to downtown and South Congress, and a large section of the property has recently been cleared by owner. Potential comparable locations would include Pecan Grove RV Park on Barton Springs. Top all of that off with a 10% price reduction and you’ve got yourself a sweet deal! Drive on by and check it out or call us to for additional questions today, 512-297-3442.

Real Estate Fraud in Austin – Could It Happen To You?


Keep Austin Weird Homes Theresa Bastian
Recently we responded to a referral request from an agent in Houston whose client was
interested in the very same neighborhood I live in, Circle C Ranch in Austin, TX. She
described her client as “highly qualified” with no upper price limit. He wanted to lease a
home near the Grey Rock golf course in Circle C Ranch, or on Lake Travis.
After two days of touring properties with the client, the agent in Houston called to check
his progress. We noticed that the things the client told us about his real estate search in
Houston weren’t matching up with what the agent was saying. At that point we asked
the agent to forward us a copy of his lease application packet, including the background
check and financials. The other agent informed us at this time that she hadn’t actually
received these documents from the client yet. Our standard practice is to require these
things in advance of showing properties to clients, but in this case we had relaxed our
procedure because it was a referral from another agent.
We decided to do some research and found that this person had been convicted of $7
million worth of real estate fraud less than 3 years ago in another state. We contacted the
police officer listed in the news article and learned that this person operated by building
relationships with the owners of high end properties directly, gaining full access to the
properties through some pretense (such as doing some work on the property in exchange
for a month’s rent), and then posing as the property owner and entering into a fraudulent
purchase or lease contract with an unsuspecting party.
We felt sure this is what the client was attempting to do again. We contacted the agent in
Houston and she said he was already negotiating directly with at least one property owner
that she knew of.
We also learned that he was in violation of his probation simply by leaving the state
he was convicted in, but the three police agencies we contacted were not interested in
arresting him for this, due to the high cost of extradition. It was very disappointing to
know this person is plotting to scam Austin and Houston property owners and no police
agency was willing to do anything to stop him. We contacted the F.B.I. and the Austin
Board of Realtors, and both issued warnings about this type of scam.
How can you prevent being a victim of real estate fraud? One key thing is to make sure
that you as a property owner NEVER deal directly with anyone unless they present proof
of financial strength up front. If you are selling, make certain that the potential buyers
are preapproved for their loan before you let them on your property. If you are leasing,
make sure the potential tenant’s background and criminal check has already been done
before they negotiate with you or your agent.

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Lease Options for Dog Lovers


                Keep Austin Weird Homes Dog Lovers Leasing
One of the most common things we hear from leasing clients is, “but I have a dog, is that going to be an issue?” Generally speaking, no, dogs are not an issue. Most times landlords are willing to work with you and your furry member of the family. We recently helped place a renter with a lab and a hound, both over 50 lbs. Austin is after all one of the most dog friendly cities in the US. Read full article here.
Things to consider when searching for your new pet friendly home:
Who are you looking for?
Based on certain criteria of your pet, breed, weight, behavior, and history (have they every been aggressive or bitten someone?) think about what your options would be in the category of housing you prefer, whether it’s house, condo, duplex, or apartment.
I have a 10 lb. 5 year old poodle, you’re going to be fine pretty much wherever you want to rent that is pet friendly.
I have a 60 lb. 3 year old coon hound, which was the situation for our Operations Manager Sarah when moving to the Austin area. “I really didn’t have that much trouble finding a place that would allow my little man to co-inhabit with me. I had rented an apartment, a duplex, and a house in Austin before buying. In one instance the owner had a weight restriction, but I explained how well trained and well mannered my pup was and they were ok with it when accompanied with a good rental history.” Basically you’re going to narrow down your field, but you’ve still got quite a few options.  
I’ve got a 5 year pit bull mix”, here’s where things get tricky. You may find a landlord that is willing to work with you, and your easiest/quickest avenue with a breed that falls into the category of “aggressive” may be to find an apartment complex that does not restrict for this until you’re ready to buy. We’ve listed a few that we were able to find here.

How much do you want to pay?
Price range is going to be one of the most important when renting or buying. One thing to keep in mind when looking for you and your furry companion is the added expense of pet fees, pet deposits, and/ or pet rent. Basically in a hot rental market (like our current one) landlords can tack on additional fees to the tune of whatever amount they see fit. In most situations added deposits are refundable with the rest of your deposit at the end of the lease pending damages sustained by the animal. Still, you need to be financially prepared for these going in as they can vary and may affect the amount you’re able to afford monthly.
What does your rental history look like and are you prepared?
Your pet may not be the reason you don’t get that lease on that house you wanted. We mentioned our Operation Manager’s experience earlier in the article with a landlord making an exception for her, and she noted that it was accompanied by a good rental history. This is a big selling point for landlords. Your pet’s behavior may be impeccable, but if your history suggests that yours isn’t and they have multiple applications coming in you could easily be overlooked. Please note this doesn’t knock you out of the race. This does mean an open and up front application is better than the alternative. Our process involves our agents putting together a full package on you to give a leasing agent. This ups your chances of being top on the list.
Be ready to sign today!
We’ve already mentioned the rental market is hot right now. Our agents are seeing multiple offers on properties all the time. We’re also seeing renters that want to look and think about it. We always suggest you know what you want and be ready to apply for it today! Rentals are coming on the market for a matter of days at this point. You could fall in love today and tomorrow it’s gone.
We know looking for a new place, while exciting, can become overwhelming. Our agents have access to the MLS, can help you find exactly what you’re looking for, and can gather an application package that makes you and your four legged friend look like the perfect renters. Call today to make an appointment, 512-297-3442, or start looking online now! Browse current available leases in the Austin area now.

Monday, April 8, 2013

Need to Get Your Home Ready for a Spring Sale?


                 Keep Austin Weird Homes Spring Homes
Thinking about selling your home this spring? We’ve got some tips for you that come straight from the professionals. Charlene Storozuk, owner of Dezigner Diaz a professional home staging company, writes a feature article for the National Association of Realtors on tips to make your home ready to sale now that the weather is warming up.
5. Wash down your front door and garage door.  If you find that the previous summer’s sun has faded the paint, consider repainting.  (Your garage door should be painted a color that blends in with the brick or vinyl siding on your home.) Before painting, check with the paint manufacturer to see what the optimal outdoor temperature should be. You don’t want to paint when it’s still too cold outside.
6. Wash the windows.  If this isn’t your strong suit, hire a professional.
7. Hose down the porch and driveway to remove any excess salt left over from de-icing.” Read the full article here
While #7 may be null and void for our part of the country, the rest of these tips are good go to things for our clients here in the Austin area, if you haven’t done them already.
Have additional tips that you didn’t see on the list, or possibly a good follow up article? Please let us know. We’re always looking for things to pass along to our sellers or potential clients. 
Search the MLS like a Realtor and never miss the newest lease, listing, or the latest price changes. Search using criteria used by Realtors and brokers with multiple photos, satellite images, FULL MLS Descriptions and more. Search Austin and the surrounding areas in Central Texas

Friday, April 5, 2013

Circle C Open House Sat. 3/5, 1-3PM by Keep Austin Weird Homes


Circle C Open House Sat. 3/5, 1-3PM 
7213 Lapin CV.- S. Loop1 (Mopac). Go past Slaughter, right on LaCrosse. Go to the dead end. Left on Spruce Canyon.
View FULL DETAILS and additional photos here: SEE PROPERTY DETAILS
7213 Lapin CV
Undeniably one of the best homes in the Circle C West community; 4 bedrooms; plus office; 2 dining; 3 living; 3.5 baths; 3 car garage; quiet cul-de-sac; lot backs up to a private greenbelt; spectacular outdoor living boasts heated salt water pool; hot tub; slide and waterfall; granite countertops; master down; recently stained deck; game room; media room. Enjoy all the community benefits as well, see video below!
IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE: Although this property was available at the time of this ad creation, it is very possible that an offer has been submitted or even accepted since that time. This ad was created with the intent to sell THIS property. If you are interested in this property, Please call 512-740-6486 to check on its current availability.
Search the MLS like a Realtor and never miss the newest listings or the latest price changes. Search using criteria used by Realtors and brokers with multiple photos, satellite images, FULL MLS Descriptions and more. Search Circle C, Austin, and the surrounding areas in Central Texas.

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Did You See Hillside?


Did you see our listing at 10013 Hillside N? If not take a look, or a second look. Afraid you’ll see it and love it? No worries, we’ll give you a look in person. Just give us a call and we’d be happy to open the property for you. 


IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE: Although this property was available at the time of this ad creation, it is very possible that an offer has been submitted or even accepted since that time. This ad was created with the intent to sell THIS property. If you are interested in this property, Please call 512-740-6486 to check on its current availability.
Search the MLS like a Realtor and never miss the newest listings or the latest price changes. Search using criteria used by Realtors and brokers with multiple photos, satellite images, FULL MLS Descriptions and more. Search Austin and the surrounding areas in Central Texas.