Sherry's Austin TX Real Estate Blog: January 2011

Yes, you can buy the first house I show you

Yes, you can buy the first house I show you. I usually spend hours going through listing after listing trying to find the right match for my client. In fact yesterday I did a search which came back with 664 results. I sent my client 5 listings. I don’t want to waste their time, and I don’t want to waste my time, showing homes that don’t meet their needs.

home with poolThere is a big difference between what you want and what you would settle for. I strive to find you something you have only dreamed about… for the price of what you would have settled for. That is why I ask a lot of silly questions at the time we first meet…..but I want to know exactly what you want or wish you had.

I tell my clients, the first house I am showing you, is my #1 choice for you. If it has everything you want and need, and you know when you walk in…you love this home. Then let’s go directly to writing an offer because, the homes from here don’t get better. Then, they usually want to keep on looking, because they didn’t believe me. Then 2 houses later, they see I was right. I just hope we didn’t lose the first house, because some one else has already submitted an offer that was quickly accepted.

Occasionally, I will show several homes, all with what they want, but perhaps in a different town. We have a lot of people relocating to the Austin area. When they come, they are not aware that we have several small towns around Austin, within minutes of where they will be working, or where they want to be close to. You can drive from one town to the next and never know you crossed the city line.

Would you drive an extra 5 minutes for the home you have only dreamed about? If it is what I feel will be your dream home…then I will show it to you. To date, 90% of my clients have bought the first house I showed them. Even if they looked at more, they came back to the first one. So, yes, you can buy the first house I show you.


Sherry Scales, Austin Real Estate Specialist

HomeNet Realty, REALTOR, ABR, GRI 512-925-8928

Contact me or Start your Home Search Serving Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Leander, Lago Vista, Lakeway, Bee Caves, Dripping Springs

1 comment • Sherry Scales, REALTOR - Austin TX Real Estate • January 18 2011 09:27PM

Award shows. If we have awards to give, who deserves them?

award ribbonAward shows. If we have awards to give, who deserves them? Tonight’s Golden Globe award show on TV got me to thinking. We need an award show for people who actually did something to win an award. Not to say these aren’t talented actors, but are they really award worthy?

I know somewhere there is a fireman or policeman who went beyond the call of duty. Perhaps a engineer, doctor, scientist or even a neighbor that deserves an award more than these folks.

Our soldiers on the front lines are award worthy. Soldiers who make the service their career are award worthy. Some of us were lucky enough to have a teacher, who meant so much to us because they went that extra mile to teach their students… who deserve an award. That couple who adopts handicapped children to raise, because no one else will adopt them.

Funny thing is….I doubt our soldiers, or adoptive parents are looking for an award. They are just doing something they love, and are not looking for ribbons or statues. They don’t walk around with big ego’s, and they don’t make big money. Actors are just pretending to be someone else…Real hero’s are just being themselves.

What are your thoughts? Do you know someone who deserves an award?

 

Sherry Scales, Austin Real Estate Specialist

HomeNet Realty, REALTOR, ABR, GRI  512-925-8928

Contact me or Start your Home Search

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

1 comment • Sherry Scales, REALTOR - Austin TX Real Estate • January 16 2011 10:26PM

Ten Things Home Buyers Will Simply Not Tolerate Right Now

 

The following blog is something I couldn't have written any better myself. Claudette has hit it right on the head. Sellers read and listen. This is true for everyone... everywhere.

 

Via Claudette Millette - Metrowest Mass Buyer Broker (The Buyers' Counsel):

home buyersTen Things Home Buyers Will Simply Not Tolerate Right Now 

Anyone who can open a newspaper knows that we are currently in a buyer's market.  If your home is for sale now there are some realities that you need to accept.

With the amount of inventory available and the fact that prices have dropped significantly, buyers are being very discerning about what they will put up with.  The number choices in front of them will lead them to greener pastures if a property does not click immediately.  

In this environment buyers do not have much patience with any of the following: 

  1. Cigarette smoke - Since so many areas are smoke free these days people have become much more sensitive to the smell of it. 
  2. Clutter or mess - It takes a special person to be able to see past piles of magazines, books, knick-knacks and too much furniture. Those buyers are usually accompanied by a construction crew. 
  3. Outdated décor - flowered wallpaper, shag carpeting and dark paneling.  These specialty items were great in their time but not many want to live with them right now. 
  4. Property that is in need of repair - I showed a home that had a huge hole in the ceiling of the garage. That was all they needed to see before moving on. Buyers worry about just what something like this may be potentially leading to. 
  5. Dark interiors - Upon entering a house the first thing I do is open all heavy drapes and let the sun in. It may be considered a person's castle, but no one wants to live in a dark home. 
  6. Overpowering colors - Paint is a small investment to make if your home has loud colors in every room.  Those colors may be your unique style but a neutral palette is something more people can work their imagination around. 
  7. Pet or cooking odors - One of the problems with odors is that the owner is usually accustomed to them. If you have any doubt, get an independent opinion.  When someone walks into a home they expect it to have a pleasant smell.   
  8. Overgrown landscaping and a poor entrance - These items will often prevent someone from ever getting through the door.  Buyers may just cross it off their list just from the drive-by. 
  9. Inflexibility with showings - If agents have a difficult time showing your home you need to know how much this can impair its potential sale.  With so many other properties available, they just may not bother to try for a second time.
  10. Dirt of any kind - Above everything, your home needs to be as immaculate as possible. People will look in closets, cupboards and in the basement. Go through every room in the house.  Hire a crew if you must.  

Now, more than ever, your home needs to shine - because you will never have another chance to make a good first impression. 

 

"Ten Things Home Buyers Will Simply Not Tolerate Right Now"

This post was written by 

Claudette Millette, Broker, Owner, The Buyers' Counsel - (508) 881-6230

An Exclusive Buyer Brokerage serving the Greater Metrowest area

MLS Property Search With No Registration Required 

Twitter Claudette Millette Claudette Millette  Facebook Claudette Millette       

 

2 comments • Sherry Scales, REALTOR - Austin TX Real Estate • January 15 2011 12:49AM

Draw my pet. Can I give up my day job?

Draw my pet. Can I give up my day job?

I haven’t drawn in years! But just before the holidays, I picked up a drawing pad and a small set of pencils. Seems like I needed something to do while waiting on a inspector, or just waiting on someone for one reason or another.

Just like trying to think of a subject to blog about...I was trying to think of what to draw. So thought I would start drawing some of my clients and friends dogs. I forgot how I loved to draw and paint! I just snapped a photo of the dogs with my iphone when I was on a visit. I know I can’t give up my day job….but I just enjoy it! And my clients and friends are thrilled to receive their drawing.

I haven’t done water color since I was in high school, so want to try that again too! I just highlighted a drawing with some water color pencils. Water color pencils were new to me,

Below is Hogan the Cocker Spaniel and Buster (My in-laws dog) and a fish that I drew and water colored.

HoganBusterHoagieFishBuster

Sherry Scales, Austin Real Estate Specialist

HomeNet Realty, REALTOR, ABR, GRI 512-925-8928

Contact me or Start your Home Search here

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

3 comments • Sherry Scales, REALTOR - Austin TX Real Estate • January 14 2011 03:39PM

Man Caves…..I want a one too!

Man Caves…..I want a one too!

Of course I don’t want the garage! They are cold and dirty and they are never big enough any way!

I want somewhere nice and clean to be off by myself, where I can watch what I want on TV, or listen to what I want. Somewhere to draw, or paint, or sew, or whatever I feel like. I enjoy all kinds of crafts, and that requires a lot of space needed for storage of supplies! And counter-space! I need room! I need an area for gift wrapping and storage for the materials. I want it decorated in all the stuff my husband turned his nose up at…floral’s, pinks, ruffle’s, polka-dots! That super soft overstuffed chair in cotton. My hide-away while he is watching the game or the race or whatever he feels like.

I told my husband I wanted this lady cave.…he told he I already had a one…the Kitchen!

He doesn’t use his office that much-So, do I create my own ChickOvary Office Crip…Lady Lounge…wait...OVARY OFFICE!?

Ovary Office

 

I want this chair!

Or redecorate the kitchen...?

 

Pink Kitchen

Pink Stove

 


Sherry Scales, Austin Real Estate Specialist

HomeNet Realty, REALTOR, ABR, GRI 512-925-8928

Contact me or Start your Home Search

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

15 comments • Sherry Scales, REALTOR - Austin TX Real Estate • January 09 2011 09:16PM

Technology and the 3D TV

Technology and the 3D TV

3d TVA lot of us try to stay on top of all the technology available to us today, whether we choose to use it or not. I think men are really into all the toys, whether it is computer based, TV based or Automotive based.

My husband and I were at our home away from home (Best Buy) last week. He is licking his chops for a new TV. Unfortunately there isn’t anything wrong with the one he has! But it is 10 years old and he just knows it is going out any day now. (wink.wink.)Flying Pig

We are looking at all the options, LED, LCD, 3D, Plasma, etc. As interesting as the 3D TV is, I just don’t think they are going to go over that well. You sure can’t have a load of friends over to watch a movie unless you are ready to drop some money on a couple dozen sets of 3D glasses for them to wear. There are around $250 a pair. Yiks! If you don’t have a set of the glasses on, the movie doesn’t show correctly like regular TV.

Is there that much 3D out there to justify the cost? Plus, I don’t think you are going to be able to multi task like we do. You can’t wear the3D glasses and look down at your laptop or book and back up to the TV. Especially if we already require glasses of some kind. 

Some company does offer one that doesn’t require glasses, but I understand the quality just isn’t there. I think this is one technology I might pass up.

Just giving my 3 cents worth.

 

Sherry Scales, Austin Real Estate Specialist

HomeNet Realty, REALTOR, ABR, GRI   512-925-8928

Contact me or Start your Home Search  Serving Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Leander, Lago Vista, Lakeway, Bee Caves, Dripping Springs

0 comments • Sherry Scales, REALTOR - Austin TX Real Estate • January 09 2011 08:09PM

How to get a Texas Driver's License

How to get a Texas Driver’s License

As a new Texas resident, you have 30 days to register your vehicle and get your Texas driver's license. But hold up! That process isn’t going to go like you think. Before you can get your driver’s license, you have to register your vehicle, and before you can register it... it must pass the state inspections process. So in order, here are the steps to follow.

Texas Car Tag1. If your car insurance policy wasn't issued in Texas, I would advise you get it now. Even if you keep the same insurance carrier, you will still need to get a Texas Policy. You will need to show proof that you carry the minimum coverage required by the state: $25,000 bodily injury or death to one person; $50,000 bodily injury or death to two or more persons; and $25,000 injury or destruction to other property.

2. Take your vehicle to a state inspection station. You can find a list of what types of inspections are required in your county and an inspections-station locator at the Department of Public Safety Web site. Make sure you take your current driver's license and proof of insurance.

3. When your vehicle passes inspection, the inspection station will give you a verification form to bring to the county tax assessor-collector's office. This is where you obtain your Texas vehicle registration sticker and license plates. You'll need proof of ownership, such as registration or title from your previous home state, as well as proof of insurance.

Texas Drivers License4. Now- you can get that drivers license! Apply for a Texas driver's license at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in your area. Bring an ID, proof of Social Security number, proof of liability insurance, and proof of Texas vehicle registration. Expect to provide a thumbprint and surrender any valid out-of-state license you currently have. Now you are legal.

 

 

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If you haven’t already found a home… Let’s start your home search today. www.Luxury-Homes-in-Austin.com

 

0 comments • Sherry Scales, REALTOR - Austin TX Real Estate • January 03 2011 09:27PM