Turn Signals, Blinkers or Directional Lights.

It has come to my attention that turn signals have become something that very few people use.  Have we become turn signal challenged? Do you feel it is beneath you to use them?  Has yours stopped working, but you are too cheap to get it into the Stealership to get it fixed?  Well, let me refresh memories and instruct new users how to use this device. 

Please note… using a turn signal IS THE LAW.  Failure to do so can cost you a fine, not to mention the eternal hatred of your fellow drivers.  In fact, the Uniform Vehicle Code specifies that the signal be given continuously during and not less than the last 100 feet traveled by the vehicle before turning. 

If your particular vehicle isn't equipped with "directional lights" (commonly known as turn signals or blinkers), then you are required to use the appropriate arm signal.    Note I didn’t say hand signal.  No waving of the arms…no pointing… meaning, no guess work for the other drivers.   You extend your arm straight out the window for a left turn, or extend your arm out, bend upwards at the elbow to signal a right hand turn.  Perhaps you learned this when learning how to ride a bicycle when you were younger.  (Bicycle’s came out before the game boy, play stations, etc.  This is how we kept our children from becoming over weight.  But that is another story for another date).

First…let’s find it.  The turn signal assembly or arm will be located on the left hand side of the steering wheel.  It will look like a protruding arm, or lever, a rod with a fat end on it…you know…the thingamajig, the whatchamacallit, the turny thing…..whatever you want to call it.   When you push it upwards, it will indicate you are making a right hand turn. If you push it downwards, it will notify others you are making a left hand turn.   

The turn signal blinker notifies the car behind you when you are going to turn a corner.   Besides it being the law, it is also called a “common courtesy”.  Give the driver behind you a couple extra seconds to slow down (so they are not helping you turn the corner by "pushing you with their front end" )….or this allows them to pass into another lane so they don’t have to be bothered to slow down.   

The turn signal blinker can also tell the other driver that you will be trying to move into their lane.  Or as they see it...trying to cram your car into the small wedge of space in front of my car… so by signaling…this allows them to give you a few more inches…or speed up while saying “I don’t think so!”... and will allow you to try again with the car behind them.

Drive safe and remember to use the turn signal.  It’s the law.  And if you drive a car with your advertising on it..you don't want to be remembered in a bad way.      Now, cover me. I'm changing lanes!

• Sherry Scales    Austin Real Estate Specialist
• HomeNet Realty, REALTOR, ABR, GRI
• 512-925-8928
• Contact me or Find your home here
• Serving Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Leander, Lago Vista, Lakeway, Bee Caves, Dripping Springs

This is my daughter's kitchen. She has a home built in the 30's.  I am so proud that she was able to do all the work herself in refinishing the kitchen.

This is seeing a home for what it can be instead of what it is.

Sherry Scales    Austin Real Estate Specialist

HomeNet Realty, REALTOR, ABR, GRI

512-925-8928

Contact me or Find your home here

Serving Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Leander, Lago Vista, Lakeway, Bee Caves, Dripping Springs

Why We Need You Pre-Qualified, and What You Need.

First thing a Realtor will ask you is, are you working with another agent...and have you been in touch with a mortgage person and gotten pre-Qualified.  The reason we ask is, there is no use in showing you homes you can't afford.  You may think you qualify for a certain amount, but you have probably not taken into account the taxes and insurance. You don't like people to waste your time, and we are the same way.  So be prepared when you are ready to start searching.  

If you are not working with a lender and have no idea who to contact, a Realtor will be happy to give you some options.  I never advise doing anything online.  You get lost in the www, and no one can find you, and you can't find them.  So talk to a real person!  They are going to require some documents from you.  These are the items you will need for starters. You may or may not need more, depending on your situation. 

First information is your name and Social Security number just over the phone to get them started.   They will do a quick credit score on you. If your score is low, they can usually help you in getting that number raised for a later purchase, or let you know why you won't be qualified.  But if it is high enough you will then need the following:

• Last two paycheck stubs 
• Last two years Tax Returns
• Last two years W2 or 1099, if applicable
• Proof of assets (bank statements, retirement funds, or any accounts used to show assets)
• Canceled checks indicating rent (could be used if YOU have an investment home or pay rent currently)
• Documents showing other source of income. Other income could include military pay, disability pay, second job, commissions, overtime, interest and dividend income, Social Security payments, VA and retirement benefits, alimony or child support.
• If you own another home and lease it out, you may need a copy of the lease showing you have tenants. 

Once you have found the home you want, your Realtor will supply them with the contract and disclosures.  Your Mortage Officer will then look over the documents and see if they need any additional information for your loan application.  

Financing is the process that takes so long when buying a home. So stay in touch with your lender, and get any documents they may ask for as quickly as you can.

Remember, here in the state of Texas...You may have signed all the paperwork, but until all parties have recieved funds, you don't get the keys to the house.  So don't plan on moving in the same day you close.  All paperwork is faxed to the bank and they transfer funds, so it is usually the next day, or could be over the weekend. So be prepared.

I would love the opportunity to help you in selling your home or searching for a new home, so please call me if I can be of any assistance to you.  Also, call me if you know someone looking to buy or sell in the Austin area. I love referrals!

HomeNet Realty, REALTOR, ABR, GRI

512-925-8928

Contact me or Find your home here

Serving Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Leander, Lago Vista, Lakeway, Bee Caves, Dripping Springs

Relocating to Austin?  Here are some tips for a successful move

Listed as the second largest state in the US in both land size and population, Texas is known to do everything in large measure, whether it’s the size of its value-added real estate, its attention to culture and sports, or its cuisine. Widely recognized as a cultural and artistic hub in Texas, Austin is also the capital city of the state and is rapidly attracting those seeking a more subdued lifestyle mixed with access to entertainment, sports, and outdoor activities.

Everyday more and more people are packing up and moving to Austin, and it is those people that have propelled this city into one of the fastest growing in the nation. If you are thinking about calling Austin your home, there are a few things to keep in mind in order to assure that your move goes as smooth as possible.

The first, and probably the most important thing you should consider, is renting a self-storage unit. Despite what most people think, self-storage facilities are not just for people who have run out of room at home and need a permanent location to house their excess baggage. They are also an incredibly convenient way to move if you haven’t settled down yet. Temporary storage can be used to house a lifetime’s worth of belongings just long enough for you to conduct a thorough search for a new home.

The majority of self-storage facilities allow you to rent month to month, eliminating the need to rush or to find a contract that fits your short-term needs. Here are a few tips on finding the right storage company for you in Austin.

• If you have an idea of the general area or neighborhood that you want to live in, find a local self-storage facility to make your move less of a hassle.
• Weigh your options of cost versus convenience. The cheapest self-storage facility might not be located anywhere near where you intend to live, so you could end up paying more per month for convenience. But if moving out of your rental space will require more than one trip, consider paying more for a closer facility.
• Urban dwellers may also feel more confident about Austin storage facilities with high-tech security, as well as gated and alarm-activated storage units.
• Pack your unit carefully. Put non-essential items like furniture in the back, and leave items such as clothing where they can be easily reached. You might be living out of your temporary storage space for a while and you’ll want to be able to get to certain things easily.

Just because you need temporary storage to house your belongings while you look for a permanent place to live does not mean you should feel obligated to do everything yourself. Not everyone that uses a self-storage facility gets their belongings there on their own accord. Here are a few of your other options for this process.

• Have a professional moving company deliver your belongings to a pre-arranged self-storage unit. If you’re moving a fair distance, this will require that you get a good idea of exactly how much temporary storage space you’ll need. And if you have to overshoot, do so. It’s far better to have too much room than too little room.
• If you’re not moving far, look for moving storage companies that offer both movers and storage facilities. Not every self-storage company has a staff of movers and trucks at the ready, but there are some that combine services, which can significantly lessen the hassle of moving.

Renting from one of these facilities can seriously reduce the chaos that can be associated with the relocating process. Use a company like SpareFoot to guarantee you find the best deal available and also remember this is Austin, so once you are here, help us keep it weird.

This article was provided by SpareFoot, the largest online marketplace for self-storage.

Sherry Scales    Austin Real Estate Specialist

HomeNet Realty, REALTOR, ABR, GRI

512-925-8928

Contact me or Find your home here

Serving Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Leander, Lago Vista, Lakeway, Bee Caves, Dripping Springs

When you are buying a home in Texas, you must use a lender that is licensed in Texas. We have different lending laws than other states.  I typically ask my clients to not do online applications just because of this.  But I know and trust John Cannata to take care of you.

Sherry Scales    Austin Real Estate Specialist

HomeNet Realty, REALTOR, ABR, GRI

512-925-8928

Contact me or Find your home here

Serving Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Leander, Lago Vista, Lakeway, Bee Caves, Dripping Springs

Sherry Scales    Austin Real Estate Specialist

HomeNet Realty, REALTOR, ABR, GRI

512-925-8928

Contact me or Find your home here

Serving Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Leander, Lago Vista, Lakeway, Bee Caves, Dripping Springs

HomeNet Realty, REALTOR, ABR, GRI

512-925-8928

Contact me or Find your home here

Serving Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Leander, Lago Vista, Lakeway, Bee Caves, Dripping Springs

Sherry Scales    Austin Real Estate Specialist

HomeNet Realty, REALTOR, ABR, GRI

512-925-8928

Contact me or Find your home here

Serving Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Leander, Lago Vista, Lakeway, Bee Caves, Dripping Springs

HomeNet Realty, REALTOR, ABR, GRI

512-925-8928

Contact me or Find your home here

Serving Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Leander, Lago Vista, Lakeway, Bee Caves, Dripping Springs