Blue Skies Here | Central Texas

Is Your Moving Company Licensed?

When you're getting ready to hire a moving company - make sure they're not illegal...  What looks like a deal might result in you losing your possessions.  Here is the site to check out companies: 

http://www.txdmv.gov/

 

When you think Central Texas Real Estate...THINK KIERSTY!

www.ThinkKiersty.com

 

Austin Metro Fastest Growing City

For those of us who live here...we have seen the growth from the 1990s bust.  Great to see our fine area touted!  http://bottomline.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/04/27/11430472-bigger-in-texas-state-has-many-of-us-fastest-growing-cities

Chicken Ordinance

Yep....you read that right.  This has to be my favorite headline of the day.  Just goes to show - GT hasn't gotten too uppity.  We're still talking turkey...I mean, chicken.

http://impactnews.com/articles/georgetown-city-staff-directed-to-draft-chicken-ordinance

Austin Home Sales Up 16 Percent

from the Austin Board of Realtors – Sales of existing single-family homes
in the Capital City were up 16 percent last month from a year ago, reports the
Austin Board of Realtors (ABoR).

According to MLS data released today by ABoR, 1,283 homes were sold in
February 2012, while the median price was $195,000, 3 percent more than the same
time last year.

“For nine months in a row, Austin has seen year-over-year increases in sales
volume," said ABoR Chair Leonard Guerrero. "In addition, we also saw a modest
increase in the median home price in February 2012, which could indicate more
competition among buyers for a shrinking inventory of homes.”

The local market had 4.2 months of inventory last month, 1.5 months less than
February 2011. The market had 9 percent more new listings, 20 percent fewer
active listings and 25 percent more pending sales than a year ago. On average,
homes spent 86 days on the market, 12 days less than February 2011.

New Development in GTW

Looks like we'll be seeing some more development along Williams Drive..  Housing, retail, possible grocery and assisted living.  Check it out - http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/blog/morning_call/2012/03/new-housing-shopping-development.html

Austin Home Sales UP 10%!

AUSTIN (Austin Board of Realtors) – Sales of existing single-family homes in Austin last month were up 10 percent over January 2011, according to the MLS report released today by the Austin Board of Realtors (ABoR).

Data showed 1,051 existing homes were sold in the area in January 2012. During the same period, the median price was $176,550, 7 percent less than a year ago.

The Austin market had 4.1 months of inventory last month, or 1.4 months less than the previous year. The figure, unchanged from December 2011, marks the lowest inventory level the Austin market has seen since the organization began tracking the statistic in January 2009.

"It is encouraging to see last year’s momentum continue into the new year," said ABoR Chairman Leonard Guerrero. "January marks the eighth straight month in which the volume of home sales in Austin has outpaced the previous year and the inventory of homes has decreased.”

 

When you Think Central Texas Real Estate...THINK KIERSTY!

Top Producing Realtor at Williamson County's #1 Brokerage

http://www.ThinkKiersty.com

 

 

Remember, real estate is a business | Inman News

Thought this was an interesting perspective on information/listing aggregation.  With the plethora of real estate sites that distribute information - where a seller's information lands and is presented can be misleading - and not in everyone's best interests.  As a listing agent I work very hard to present each of my client's homes in the best possible manner - however, there are times when the data is not presented accurately through syndication which ends up reflecting poorly on seller, agent - and resulting in the buyer feeling mislead.

Remember, real estate is a business | Inman News.

 

Kiersty Lombar

Keller Williams Realty

www.ThinkKiersty.com

 

How Can I Make Money off of OLD Electronics?

Did you know that you can make money off of your old electronics? Several online services offer quick quotes for these outdated items. If you agree to the price, you request a prepaid shipping container, send the device for examination, receive confirmation of your initial quote, and wait for payment. To expedite the process, some services have partnered with retailers to offer in-store evaluations and payments. Here are a few examples:

• Gazelle.com offers cash for your device when you use the prepaid shipping option. You can also visit participating Walmart stores for a faster trade-in; however, your payment will be a Walmart gift card.
• NextWorth.com gives you cash for your device when you use the prepaid shipping option. Or you can visit a participating Target store for an in-person trade and Target gift-card payment.
• BestBuy.com offers store credit only, regardless if you ship your device or visit a store.
• Apple.com/Recycling offers quotes for Apple devices. You must ship the device, and your only payment option is an Apple gift card.

These services also offer recycling and donation options for your item. If you can wait several weeks, you’ll often get a higher price using the shipping option—not to mention cash instead of store credit. And be sure to remove any personal data from your device before you trade it in.

Home Sale or Purchase Tax Deductions

If you bought or sold a home this year - there are some tax deductions you should be aware of! And if you bought or sold with me - I will send you the settlement documents you need to take advantage.

To give you an overview - here is a document from the IRS http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p530.pdf. Of course, always best to check with your tax consultant to ensure accuracy!

Highway 195 Expansion in Georgetown Approved

This is good news for many that travel the busy (and getting busier) Highway 195 in Georgetown. I am currently marketing a property at 1020 Highway 195 (unrestricted) - and this announcement only enhances the site's appeal. For full details, please check out the article from Community Impact News. http://impactnews.com/articles/hwy.-195-expansion-project-receives-final-environmental-clearance