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Thursday, September 3, 2015
Are distressed properties in Austin on the rise?
* There are 84 currently Active distressed properties in the Austin area (REO's, preforeclosures and short sales)
* Out of the 84, 30 of these Active properties were listed in the past 30 days, that's 35%!
* 86 distressed properties are Pending
* 387 distressed properties Closed since January 1st, 2015
The last time I looked, months ago, there were only 20+ distressed properties in the entire MLS. This sure is a change.
So, what do you think? Is our market shifting?
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
What you need to know during a Seller's Market
Great testimonial from a buyer
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
AWESOME testimonial from Seller
Its a great Wednesday! I received this testimonial from a client I helped sell their home. Funny, he calls my salesmanship, my "Asian Power" and was hoping he would mention it. But I just love how he started his testimony. Do you agree? Thank you John!
Pearl is awesome.
She provided insight as to where we should price our house in a competitive area and within 24 hours we had an offer. Pearl's experience and drive kept our minds as ease during the selling process as she assisted in getting matters organized around the house. Her style of communication is easy and kept us informed at every stage and we knew what to expect next. We highly recommend Pearl if you are looking for someone to make the sale of your house a seamless experience.
John L.
Monday, August 10, 2015
Home Stars of Texas Realty launches
"Don’t go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path…and leave a trail” -Ralph Waldo Emerson
I am pleased to announce to all my friends and my Realtor colleagues that I have started by own brokerage, Home Stars of Texas Realty. I am sad to leave my KWLT family, my family of over 9 years, but its time to make new trails and new dreams. I have achieved many of my BOLD goals, and after all, goals are supposed to be achieved, aren't they? After 5 years of holding my Brokers License and practicing and mentoring many agents, its time to fly. I wish to gain your continued support, your business and referrals as I continue to grow my real estate business, after all, it is my belief that this career is my purpose. Hugs to my KW colleagues and hope to see you more on the other side of my transactions and more of your short sale referrals.
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
FOR LEASE in Bee Caves 4221 Gandara Bnd, Ladera
Sunday, July 5, 2015
NOT YET IN MLS: 137 Lakota Cove, Ridge at Alta Vista 78738
FOR SALE 4509 Sharpshinned Hawk Cove, 78738
Spectacular home with resort style feel in popular Falconhead Golf Course Community. Spacious 5 bedrooms in a cul-de-sac location with Hill Country Views and overlooking the golf course. Includes salt water pool, spa, covered built in outdoor barbecue makes this home a great place for entertaining. Nice open kitchen with island and stainless appliances is open to breakfast area which looks out to the backyard. 4 upstairs bedrooms and gamerooms have great views. Master bedroom is relaxing and has room for seating area. Master bath has jetted tub, separate shower and double vanities. 5th bedroom down with full bath can be used as an office. Close to Hill Country Galleria, Lake Travis High School, Lakeway Regional Medical Center. 2014 tax rate is 2.11%. Currently offered in the high 500's.
Call me today to find out when the next Open House is scheduled and to schedule your own private showing.
Virtual tour link http://vtour.realtour.biz/4509SharpshinnedHawkCove/Austin/TX
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
PRESS RELEASE - New Certified Negotiation Expert in Austin, TX
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Enjoying Reserve at Lake Travis
My family spent the afternoon this past Sunday at the Reserve at Lake Travis. This community is located in Spicewood, has an Equestrian, condos, multi million dollar homes, cottages for rent and most of all a lazy pool, infinity pool, slide and swim up bar. The lake views are phenomenal and it was so relaxing. Membership is required to use the facilities or a member can invite you as their guest. We had so much fun! Check it out.
They are also hosting a Luxury Home Tour on June 13 to 14 and June 20 to 21st. This is your chance to visit this spectacular community.
Saturday, June 6, 2015
Blanco Lavender Festival June 12 to 14
Next week is one of my favorite times of the year, the Blanco Lavender Festival. Its starts on Friday but Saturday is the best day as downtown Blanco has the mini markets open with lots of food vendors and lavender product vendors. Imagine Lavender and Hill Country Lavender are 2 of the participating farms. I went today to see the lavender in full bloom. The abundance of rain has contributed to this acres of beautiful scenery on hwy 281 in Blanco. This is only a short drive from Austin. Come and see it.
Congratulations Graduates
As High School students and College Students graduate in Austin and around the country, I want to commend these graduates for a job well done. Same goes to the parents, congratulations in accomplishing such a milestone, another child completing their education.
Graduation is such an emotional ceremony, hence, I just love attending them. Kinda like weddings. I will probably be that weirdo after my kiddos have flown from the coop, the one sitting in the back watching strangers say "I do" or getting their diplomas. Why not? If you feel bad, invite me then.
Congratulations once again. And Good luck to our future leaders, inventors, teachers, doctors etc etc.
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Austin suffers flooding and tornado warnings over Memorial Day weekend
Memorial Day for Austinites was rainy, windy, scarry and gloomy. It all started on Saturday around 6pm when the rain came. The problem was it just kept coming. Then came the wind. We received two close calls, 2 tornado watches. Our phones and tv screens beeped and our power shut down. I bolted into the closet under the stairs with the dog until the wind died down.
My son on his way back to San Antonio got stuck in between two quickly rising low water crossings by Blanco River. He had to wait it out for 4 hours. Wimberley was severely flooded leaving people homeless and families unfound.
Sunday gave us a break but the rain was on and off. Monday was another repeat with another 2 tornado warnings with a real close call of a funnell cloud above us. A few tornadoes touched down all around Austin but not in Austin. Finally, our Lake Travis has increased 30 ft in the past 30 days, hurray but the damages and loss of lives are huge. It is day 2 and the City is still recovering and still getting more rain. June is going to be another wet month they say. Can we sustain more damages?
I know we need the rain but not all at once please.
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Foreign Sellers Need to Know
Debra says that if the property is 300,000 or over, Gracy Title needs to withhold 10% of the sales price and send this amount to the IRS on behalf of the Seller. The Seller needs to settle with the IRS if they owe more money or get part of this money back. In addition, there are IRS forms that need to be completed at closing. If the property is under 300,000, the 10% is withheld and given to the Buyer. The Buyer is responsible for sending the money to the IRS and complete some IRS forms. This part becomes sticky as what Buyer in their right mind would want to take responsibility of this kind of money? An attorney needs to be involved.
If you are Foreign Seller, make sure you let your agent know and do your research before selling your property. If you are a Buyer, make sure your agent inquires to make sure that the Seller is a US Citizen so the Buyer is not put in this similar situation.
Otherwise, Happy Selling and Happy Buying in Austin, Texas.
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Keller Williams Red Day 2015 - Meet Lonnie
Here's the video of Lonnie's story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBg-FZsZjv8
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Search for Waterfront Homes in Austin
The above link is live and collects information from my MLS. It only includes Active properties currently in the market. Happy viewing!
If you are serious about purchasing one of these properties, please contact me so that I can represent you with your purchase. Complete the form at the bottom of the property's detail page to reach me.
JUST LISTED / ALREADY UNDER CONTRACT 183 Discovery, Kyle
I just listed this beautiful one story home with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car garage, 1,600 sq ft (per HCAD) in Kyle, TX. This home's location in Post Oak is one of a kind as it backs to green space and is walking distance to the amenity center which includes the pool, sport court and playground. The seller has done such a great job getting this property on the market. I priced it accordingly at $159,000.
Within a few hours, we were at multiple offer. I commend the sellers for their cooperation in working with me to get this done. Part of my job is also to assist in staging. Here is the link to the property. Congratulations to my sellers.
If you are thinking of selling your property anywhere in Austin, please call me. I would like the opportunity to earn your business.
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Say No to Insurance Fraud
About 2 weeks ago, West Austin sustained damages from a ten minute hail storm. Most of the roofs in the area are totaled. The streets have been littered by door knockers, storm chasers or roofers giving free service to assess if you need a new roof.
One thing that you need to beware. When a roofer or contractor says "I'll make sure your deductible is covered", run away. The vendor usually inflates the price to cover the out of pocket deductible. Example the cost to replace the roof is 10k. You have a 3k deductible. Hence, the roofer tells your insurance company the cost is 13k. But the real cost to you is 10k. That's fraudulent. If you are caught involved in this, there are consequences. So do yourself a favor, don't work with these vendors. Beware.
Sunday, May 3, 2015
Funny Real Estate Sign
I absolutely love this sign posted on Facebook by El Arroyo Mexican Restaurant on 5th street. It made me chuckle. Its partly correct as housing prices are increasing but to refer it to local resident, Willie is hilarious. Thanks El Arroyo for the funny sign.
Photo Credit: El Arroyo
Saturday, April 25, 2015
Should you choose a family relative or friend as your Realtor?
In the same token, I want to ask you if you had a friend who was a Realtor, would you do the same? Would you tell your friend that you were going to use a non-friend or another friend to sell or buy a house? Would you keep it a secret to your Realtor friend? Would you bother telling your friend about it? After all, we are on the MLS often enough to notice if your home was for sale.
Let me tell you from a perspective of a Realtor.
I can understand that friends don't want to do business with friends. It makes sense BUT it would only be fair that you approach your Realtor friend that you intend to sell your house and not use a friend PERIOD. A good Realtor friend should understand without questioning the friend's decision. I have a friend who has told me this and I supported this decision. That person in my opinion, is someone who was honest and valued our friendship.
A Realtor friend who runs a successful real estate business should at ALL times have the opportunity to earn your business PERIOD. You have heard your Realtor friend talk about their sales; you've read their successes in social media like Facebook; you should trust your friend to be able to do business with them. After all, how many times did you ask your friend for real estate advice? How many times did you consider selling your house and confiding this idea to your friend? How many times did you ask your friend for a name of a contractor, a plumber, an electrician? How many times did you ask your friend to pull comparables for you to protest your taxes? How many times did you think of moving and you asked your Realtor friend to show you a house he/she saw online? If you trust your friend enough for advice and your friend has been there for you for all your real estate needs, your Realtor friend DESERVES to be the FIRST person you interview when it comes to selling your home.
A professional Realtor should treat the transaction as a business like no other. The friend will be treated as a client and in most cases, better than a client. This is the time for the Realtor to step-up and shine given the circumstance since you know that you need your friend to rave about you in front of your common circle of friends after the transaction is over.
Do not at any case ask your Realtor friend to discount the commission because you are friends. This is a business transaction, there should be no special favors. The Realtor has to spend the same amount of marketing, time and effort as a regular transaction. If the Realtor volunteers that they want to give you a discount, so be it, but one should not ask. Our commission is our bread and butter. This is how we earn to pay our bills, to pay for our gas, our dues, mortgage just like how you or your spouse has to go to work to earn a paycheck. A friend would know this because your Realtor friend may have confided to you about their financials, etc.
The business transaction works both ways. If the Seller is self employed or works for a service industry, (whether it be a dry cleaning business, car sales, mortgage, professional cleaning, landscaping, restaurant owner, etc.) you would expect your Realtor friend to support you by sending business and referrals your way. Reciprocate by giving your Realtor friend your business.
In this business, I have seen this relationship to be one way, the lack of reciprocity, the lack of loyalty. Do not at any cost let this happen between you and your Realtor friend. I think its time you heard what its like to be on the other side of the table. Perhaps the relationship isn't a good friendship after all.
Think about it. All we are asking is your honesty and the opportunity to earn your business. Don't be selfish. Friendship is a two way street. You'll feel better about yourself in the long run.
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Apartment leases in West Austin
I received this email today from an Apartment Complex in Bee Caves. Check out the rates in this flyer: 3 bedrooms for 2,415; 2 bedrooms for $1,537 and one bedroom for $982. WHOA!
As housing becomes on demand, apartment rates go up. Why throw away money to lease an apartment and pay more than a house? You don't build equity in a lease, no mortgage tax deduction and plus no enjoyment in home ownership. Talk to a loan officer and speak about getting prequalified. That's the first step. Next is call me so we can find a home in your budget. If you are wanting to stay on a certain monthly mortgage payment I can get help figure out how much money you need to buy.
Its time to get out of apartment renting life and move you to home ownership.
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Scorpion-zilla sighting
Oh dear. Look what I found today in my office after I showed real estate property in Spicewood. Its a Scorpion-zilla, the size of Earth, that has a sting as painful as the IRS check I wrote yesterday, on tax day. Looks like someone needs to come and spray the outside. Scorpions are a familiar TX critter (sigh).
Blue bonnets at Pacebend Park
I was showing property in Spicewood today, when I decided to take a detour to check out these famous blue bonnets. They wouldn't allow me to get past the gate without a County Permit or pay $10 for a day use, so I decided to take a photo by the sign instead. I just love the vibrant colors of our TX wildflowers. Now back to work :(
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Top Individual Producer
Pearl Jones has been named #18 Top Individual Producer for Keller Williams Realty Lake Travis. Thank you friends, family and clients for trusting me with your home. Looking for an agent? Pick me, someone with alot of experience and one of the best Realtors in Austin.
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Texas Blue bonnets
I have a Texas blue bonnet in my garden! Ok its just one but hey I have a blue bonnet! Blue bonnet is Texas' National flower and in spring they bloom. They bloom beautifully like weeds and several places have fields of them. Who knows maybe next year the seeds will spread and I'll have 2. But its a start.
I have a stick pointing to the blue bonnet in case you need to zoom in. The model pooch is Wilson, the family Golden Doodle, and we just came back from our hill country walk.
Monday, April 13, 2015
Outstanding Achievement
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Recommended Phone App for Searching Homes
Using App Store or Google Place, search for "Keller Williams Realty", once you down load the app, put this code "KWGJZA20" or search for my name "Pearl Jones". It works like any other Home Finder App but BETTER! Thank you!
File your Homestead Exemption forms Before April 30th Deadline
Testimonial from a Rough Hollow client
I would recommend Pearl Jones with the highest degree of satisfaction. She is a consummate professional who understands the unique differences in the West/SW Austin real estate market. Pearl did a wonderful job in listing and selling my home in Rough Hollow. She was also key in the purchase and construction of my first home along with helping me locate and purchase my current home here in Rough Hollow.
Chris G., Rough Hollow, Lakeway, TX
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
WHAT TO KNOW Before Buying or Selling a Home (Austin Edition)
If you are moving to Austin and want to narrow down your Austin area, this is a great book to assist you. If you are living in Austin and are thinking of selling, this is also a great book for you. For your free copy, call me at (512)786-7355. Call now as I only have limited copies, otherwise, you will have to purchase your copy on Amazon.com.
New Military Relocation Professional Designation
March 2015 Austin Real Estate Statistics
Here's March number for the entire Austin. In March 2015, residential sales units were DOWN only 1% compared to March 2014. Wow! That's not bad. In Lake Travis ISD, sales were UP a whopping 18% compared to last March. That is awesome, isn't it? That tells me, its a SELLER's market out there. Our inventory is low and now is the time to sell. Call me for a FREE market analysis today at (512)786-7355.
1st Quarter Statistics for Ridge at Alta Vista and Enclave at Alta Vista, Lakeway
1st Quarter statistics for Ridge at Alta Vista and Enclave at Alta Vista has been calculated. If you are thinking of buying or selling in this beautiful neighborhood in Lakeway, please call me. I may also have a pocket listing in the hood.