Blue Skies Here | Central Texas

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 Several online services offer quick quotes for these outdated items.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

Common Home Maintenance Questions...ANSWERED!

I just heard about a site with some VERY useful information for homeowners and renters... Maintenance questions, estimates on repairs and renovations, FAQs. The sponsor is an inspection company - so, keep that in mind. However, these are the folks who should know the code and the most common issues encountered. Hope it's helpful!

http://www.livingwithmyhome.com/know-your-home-101.aspx

 

When you think Central Texas real estate...THINK KIERSTY!

Kiersty Lombar | Keller Williams Realty | Top Producing Austin Metro Realtor

3535 Roberto Clemente Ln, Round Rock, TX | Powered by Postlets

3535 Roberto Clemente Ln, Round Rock, TX | Powered by Postlets.

HOA Jurisdiction...?

Some folks love HOAs - as they help to preserve their property investments. Others feel that they've gotten too dictatorial. Found this article interesting, as I have had some clients who recently found themselves in a similar situation. http://austin.ynn.com/content/top_stories/282512/round-rock-family-s-fight-with-hoa-heads-to-court

Trader Joes Coming to Austin?

For anyone who's been to California and Trader Joe's, this is good news:

http://www.bizjournals.com/mobile/austin/blog/morning_call/2012/01/grocery-chain-trader-joes-coming-to.html?ed=2012-01-14&s=article_du&ana=e_du_wknd

HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION TIME

Time for tax savings! For those of you who've not yet filed your Homestead Exemption - or just purchased your new home in 2011 and need to file - it's easy. You don't need some outside company to do it. Just follow the steps, fill out the form, and send it in.

There are some requirements you need to be aware of:

1. You must own your home on January 1. (If you are over 65,and/or
disabled the January 1 ownership and residency are not required.)

2. You must use the home as your principal residence on January 1.

3. You must show proof of residency (copy of Driver's License and copy of vehicle registration. If you do not own a vehicle... Click here for information)

 

Here are the links - let me know if you have questions:

• Travis County: http://www.traviscountytax.org/pdfs/070716ExForm.pdf
• Williamson County: http://www.wcad.org/Appraisal/PublicAccess/Forms/PublicServices/HomesteadExemptionApplication.pdf
• Hayes County: http://www.hayscad.com/PA/forms/homestead.pdf

When you think Central Texas real estate...THINK KIERSTY! www.ThinkKiersty.com