buying

Forgetting the MLS Key Really Stinks

January 24, 2012

No doubt every Austin Realtor has forgotten – or almost forgotten the electronic MLS key when showing a property. That really stinks when it happens. Me and Sylvia are still old school and carry around these horrible devices. The alternative would be to use an iPhone app that requires a small infrared stick that plugs [...]

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Want to Avoid an HOA Neighborhood in Austin? Be Careful

October 21, 2009

In early 2007 I got fed up with the deed restriction violations in my SW Austin neighborhood. This was a neighborhood with no Home Owner’s Association, and thus, no formal enforcement mechanism to keep bonehead neighbors in line. This all came to a head when one neighbor decided to install a mobile home on their [...]

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Austin Real Estate Market Update – May 2009 Stats

June 18, 2009

The Austin real estate market continues to chug along in a manner that would be considered unimpressive if not for the fact that it was expected to be doing so much worse by so many. Average sold prices are down about 3.5% and the Median is down about 2.25%. We’ll take take that. I’m not [...]

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Should Buyers be required to guarantee a timely close?

January 31, 2009

One of the most frustrating events that can happen in a real estate transaction is a delayed closing. Frequently, there is a domino effect that is launched when a closing is delayed. Though each party is responsible for their own contingency plans in the event of a delayed or busted deal, I’ve seen delayed closings [...]

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Responding to Unsolicited Offers to Buy Your Home

April 27, 2008

I received a call recently from an Austin homeowner looking for a place to rent. After further questioning I learned of her situation. The neighbors have offered to buy her home, and she is willing to consider selling it. The neighbors have outgrown their smaller home and would love to move up to her larger [...]

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