Sherry's Austin TX Real Estate Blog: March 2009

I wanted to say something about one of my favorite builders here in the Austin area. I believe they offer exceptional value, quality and comfortable designs that fit the way you live.

Bob Perry recognized a need for quality homes at reasonable prices. With an uncompromising commitment to quality, Perry Homes has become one of the largest and most respected builders in Texas. They have been around over 42 years. They have offices in Austin, Dallas, Houston, McAllen and San Antonio.

Most buyers, over 50 years old, are looking for a single story home. And with land being prime here in Texas, the majority of homes are 2 stories. Perry has more single story plans than any builder I have dealt with in this area.

Most of Perry Home's Standard Features are expensive add on and upgrades with other builders. I hate showing a model home and having to tell my clients that everything they are seeing is an upgrade. It is not that way when I show a Perry Home. There are generally very few upgrades in the model homes. The other thing I like about Perry is the build time. They are quality-built homes, completed on time, usually within 82 days, not the typical six months or more from other builders.

Three areas they are currently building in-

In Georgetown:       Georgetown Village 55' home sites-From the $190s

                             Georgetown Village 62' home sites From the $280s

In Round Rock:       Star Ranch From the $200s

In Leander:             The Highlands at Crystal Falls From the $260s

                             The Highlands Estates at Crystal Falls From the $430s

                             Grand Mesa at Crystal Falls From the $700s

Please contact me about other areas they are building in. I love looking at their homes! So don’t even think about looking at one without me!   I love to show them off~ Call me soon!   Buyer incentives are available on some of the inventory homes.

Here is the Buzz… It is critter time! Spring is here and time to beware of bees. Especially be aware around the Foreclosure properties. Be careful when approaching the front door. They are making their nests and especially in vacant homes, no one is there to keep them sprayed or knocked down when the nests are being started.

Here in Texas we do have killer bees. A nest was found the size of a bowling ball at a foreclosure property here in Austin hanging from a tree in the yard. I know it probably wouldn’t be a bad idea to keep a can of wasp spray around. They generally spray around 20 feet away. But a nest that size can not be dealt with by you. Call in the professionals!

We always hear things are bigger in Texas…so when someone asks if we have mosquito’s and how big do they get…I will tell them yes, and they are the size of buzzards! At least it feels that way when you get bitten!  So keep those bird baths and area’s that collect water dry. Check on your foreclosure vacant properties to keep them safe. And ask owners of vacant properties to do the same.

Enjoy the beautiful weather that is approaching…but stay safe. The wild flowers are blooming and that draws the bee's.  Let’s keep everyone safe!

www.Luxury-Homes-in-Austin.com  to Search for available homes in Austin and the surrounding areas.

Truth in Advertising.

Are you being totally truthful in your advertising? Are you doing everything you say you do? I know we try to be everything to everyone at times. But better to understate your services and overwhelm than visa versa.

We have all seen the ad for some kind of hamburger or sandwich that is a mile high and has your mouth watering… Only to order one, and feel like they short changed you. The one in the ad…you can see the meat! You can see each vegetable! On the one you got, you have to take the sandwich apart to see anything! 

The one that currently has me frustrated with their marketing is a new Mascara commercial. Promising long beautiful lashes like the model on TV. She is wearing false eyelashes!  How do they get by with it?

I am constantly reminded of this as I watch TV commercials and print ads. Don’t promise anything you can’t deliver. Remember, you are only as good as your word. Understate and Overwhelm.

Doesn't it seem like we just got all the clocks set from Falling Back...and now it is time to Spring Forward.  So Saturday night before you go to bed, roll those clocks forward!

But, it is just another great reason to stay in touch with our Sphere of Influence.  Send out your email reminders if you haven't sent out a mailing.

I am always surprised at how many folks didn't realize it was upon them.  With so many folks not taking the newspaper anymore, and just relying on the Internet and TV for the news...it just seems to slip by.

So, let's keep everyone informed and your name out there!

Austin was chosen as one of four pilot cities for the $1 Coin. The US Mint is hoping to make Austinites aware of the benefits of regularly using the $1 Coin.

When we use the $1 Coin, we are making a difference for our country. The coin is durable unlike the paper dollar bill, so it saves the Nation billions of dollars in the long run. It lasts for decades and is 100% recyclable.

Austin was chosen because it is known as a unique, yet all-American city. Upcoming events in the Austin area will encourage Austinites to appreciate the benefits of the $1 Coin.

The other three pilot cities are Portland, OR; Charlotte, NC; and Grand Rapids, MI.

$1 coins have been a part of our currency for many decades, but they have not been widely used. The US Mint issues four Presidential $1 Coins per year. They have minted more than one billion new $1 Coins since 2007.

You can visit www.usmint.gov for more information on the Presidential $1 Coin Program. They even offer a site for kids! http://www.usmint.gov/kids/

You may visit www.Luxury-Homes-in-Austin.com to search for homes in the Austin area.