Theresa Bastian Named an Ambassador for Inman News

AUSTIN, TX October 15, 2012 -- Inman News, the real estate industry's most authoritative source of market conditions, business trends, technology, real estate and financial news, has named Theresa Bastian, Broker / Owner of Keep Austin Weird Homes to its Ambassador Program.

Ambassadors are chosen for their enthusiasm, online presence, and willingness to share their knowledge and expertise with others. These are the people who are big fans of Inman and understand the value of education in real estate.

“When selecting ambassadors, we look for professionals with a commitment to raising the bar in the industry, as well as those engaged in social technologies”, states Laura Monroe, director of the Ambassador Program at Inman News.

Socially savvy Ambassadors help Inman News get the word out about Inman events in their local market areas such as Agent Reboot, which will be held October 17^th at Austin’s Palmer Events Center. 

“I am excited to be part of the Inman Ambassador Program.  Inman News has been a part of my real estate career since 1998 and it’s nice to be recognized as someone who shares the same values that Inman News does.  I enjoy staying current on the intersection of real estate and technology, and Agent Reboot will definitely cover the latest in that topic for Austin Realtors ®,” Bastian explained.

About Theresa Bastian

Theresa Bastian is the broker and founding partner of Keep Austin Weird Homes. Bastian’s real estate career dates back to 1998 and reaches from a real estate technology startup to owning 2 large franchises with over 200 agents. She formed Keep Austin Weird Homes to help people buy, sell and invest in real estate skillfully while keeping it local and fun.

 Theresa Bastian
Keep Austin Weird Homes

512-297-3442

keepaustinweirdhomes@gmail.com

www.KeepAustinWeirdHomes.com  

The Role of Religious Art in Home Selling

The Role of Religious Art in Home Selling

512-740-6486 – http://KeepAustinWeirdHomes.com – Austin, TX Real Estate and Investment Specialists. 

As full time Austin Realtors, Rodney Campbell and I have the privilege of previewing many homes for our clients.  Every so often, a home’s décor really presents us with a stumbling block in bringing our clients to see the property. 

You may be thinking that I’m talking about homes that have ugly or outdated furniture.  While those things certainly don’t add value to a showing, they can be overlooked.  After all, clients know the furniture doesn’t stay with the home.

What I am referring to is religious art.  Yes, that’s right.  I said it.  Your prominent displays of religious art make it uncomfortable for me to show your home to people of other religions. 

For example, one Austin area home for sale featured an immense church pew in the living room instead of a sofa.  The family room windows were hung with stained glass window panels from a church and it featured several displays of multiple crosses.  There was a statue of Mother Teresa in the backyard.  Even the cookie jar displayed in the kitchen was in the shape of a friar or monk. 

My clients were Muslim.  While of course they understood that these items would be removed before a sale, they said it was difficult for them to picture themselves living in this home.   

Sellers often are advised to remove family pictures and overtly personal belongings so as to allow potential buyers to feel more at home when touring the property.  If you follow this advice, why not take it one step farther and pack up religious art as well?  It will ensure your treasures are safely stowed until they are ready for display in your new home, and it will make your house more welcoming to ALL potential buyers.

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. It’s easier than the MLS!  Search listings in Circle C Ranch, Steiner Ranch, Allandale, Austin and all surrounding areas in Central Texas at www.KeepAustinWeirdHomes.com.