Sherry's Austin TX Real Estate Blog

Lake LBJ Lakefront Party House

Sherry Scales, REALTOR - Austin TX Real Estate (HomeNet Realty) — Sat, 05 May 2012 07:51:05 -0700

Turn Signals, Blinkers or Directional Lights.

Sherry Scales, REALTOR - Austin TX Real Estate (HomeNet Realty) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:27:34 -0700

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

Before and After Kitchen

Sherry Scales, REALTOR - Austin TX Real Estate (HomeNet Realty) — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 15:16:08 -0700

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.

Sherry Scales, REALTOR - Austin TX Real Estate (HomeNet Realty) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 17:03:10 -0700

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!

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

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

Sherry Scales, REALTOR - Austin TX Real Estate (HomeNet Realty) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 15:50:41 -0700

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

Online Mortgage Application - It's As Easy As Ordering Pizza

Sherry Scales, REALTOR - Austin TX Real Estate (HomeNet Realty) — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 13:10:44 -0700

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

Via John Cannata - Supreme Lending Texas Home Loan Originator (214-728-0449 http://TexasLoanGuy.com):

Did you know that you can now order pizza on the internet? You simply fill out an order form and credit card information and, 30 minutes later, dinner is knocking on your door.
It’s just as easy to apply for a Texas mortgage at Supreme Lending Inc. Using our online application at www.TexasLoanGuy.com you can take your time and complete your application whenever you want. You can also print out the application and fax it to us at any time.

Everything is 100% secure and we’ll never share your information with anyone except by permission—that is. If you’re giving us information to use to get you the best loan, we use that information to tell underwriters about you and convince them to loan you money.

Once I receive your application, I’ll be able to assess the type of loan that’s best for you. Your loan approval may take a little longer than it takes to get a large pie with the works, but I’ll always keep you informed of the status via e-mail or a phone call.

I look forward to hearing from you!

*********************************************************

Are you looking to purchase a Texas home? Perhaps you love your Texas home but would be interested in refinancing your Texas mortgage to a lower interest rate?

I'll help you get pre-approved for your Texas home loan and even suggest some very knowledgeable and professional Real Estate Agents in your area of choice. If you are available to talk, I am available to listen. Give me a call or visit my website for more details.

Do you want to know all of your mortgage options? Call me today and let's discuss them further.

Always available for your Texas Mortgage and Home Loan needs!

John R Cannata    P#214.728.0449

NMLS # 322646

Texas Home Loan Expert

Frisco TX Mortgage



The views expressed on this site are mine alone and do not reflect the views of my employer.

No Wonder It Has Become A Lost Art

Sherry Scales, REALTOR - Austin TX Real Estate (HomeNet Realty) — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 17:50:14 -0800

I love to sew. I don’t sew like I used to when my daughter was little. Now it is more for fun and crafty projects. I will say I have the best pin cushions in the world. I make them myself. They are very large, heavy, and I think very pretty. I had recently made some for gifts, and thought…I will get some nice pins to put in them. I didn’t realize it had been that many years since I had purchased pins. The price just about knocked me over. 500 quilt pins in a little plastic case…$16.98. What is in a straight pin these days that makes them so expensive? The cost of patterns and fabrics has risen so much...no wonder sewing has become a lost art.

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

THE AUSTIN OPEN AIR MARKET

Sherry Scales, REALTOR - Austin TX Real Estate (HomeNet Realty) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 10:53:59 -0800

THE AUSTIN OPEN AIR MARKET

The Austin Open Air Market is an outdoor Farmers Market, Crafts Fair and Art Show. Open every Sunday 10am-3pm rain or shine at Cedar Park Center. Cedar Park Center is located at 2100 Aveneue of the Stars, Cedar Park, TX. (183A and New Hope Rd.)

Those attending will have the opportunity to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables grown locally, purchase hand made crafts and original artwork. There will be pony rides, a petting zoo, inflatable slide and carnival style treats.

Admission and parking is free. Pet friendly! Bike racks are also available next to all three entrances of the Cedar Park Center.

Visit the website if interested in becoming a vendor: http://www.austinopenairmarket.com/

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

Spring is Here

Sherry Scales, REALTOR - Austin TX Real Estate (HomeNet Realty) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 17:45:20 -0800

For some of us, Spring is here, or very close. There are those few things homeowners need to do to insure their property is in no danger to expensive maintenance items.

Low areas in the yard or next to the foundation should be filled with compacted soil. Spring rains can cause yard flooding, which can lead to foundation flooding and damage. Also, when water pools in these low areas in summer, it creates a breeding ground for insects. Make sure you have no pots or containers sitting around gathering water also.

Inspect concrete slabs for signs of cracks or movement. All exterior slabs except pool decks should drain away from the home’s foundation. Fill cracks with a concrete crack filler or silicone caulk. When weather permits, power-wash and then seal the concrete. Check the exterior base of the home for cracks and call a foundation expert if you have any concerns.

Check outside hose faucets for freeze damage. Turn the water on and place your thumb or finger over the opening. If you can stop the flow of water, it is likely the pipe inside the home is damaged and will need to be replaced. While you’re at it, check your garden hose for dry rot. You don't need surprises when you turn on the water hose.

Have a qualified heating and cooling contractor clean and service the outside unit of the air conditioning system. Clean coils operate more efficiently, and an annual service call will keep the system working at peak performance levels. Change interior filters on a regular basis, to extend the life of your unit, and to keep your electric bill down.

I also use this time to check the water heater and make sure it is not leaking. Many of us have the water heater in the garage and seldom look at it...but many have the hot water heaters in the attic. Keep an eye on those as you will be having to replace a ceiling and maybe flooring if the bottom rots out of the water heater up there. Always when replacing a water heater, make sure a drip pan is installed for safety.

If you didn't check your Smoke alarm system, do it now. Also check any fire extinguishers you may have to make sure they are not expired. Stay safe!

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

Button Display

Sherry Scales, REALTOR - Austin TX Real Estate (HomeNet Realty) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 16:19:06 -0800

I thought I would share my latest project. Sinced I am an admitted "Jar-a-holic", I had gotten an idea from Pinterest, so I now have a beautiful button display. Each color has its own jar. Beats all the buttons in one jar I think.

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

Back Yard Idea's

Sherry Scales, REALTOR - Austin TX Real Estate (HomeNet Realty) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:11:25 -0800

Back Yard Idea’s.

Don’t have a lot of money to landscape your backyard. Here is an idea that is fun , pretty and under $50. A 12x12 cement paver stone is around $1.30 at your local building center. You need 32 of them. Simply remove the sod and place the stone so they are ground level so you can mow right over them. You can use simple black and white pillows for checkers or you can purchase a giant chess set if that is your game.

Cinder blocks are about $1.50 each. You can design a planter, planter wall, or a vertical garden. Just add a few at a time. They make great planter edger’s too. You could keep adding and have a vertical garden wall.

Perhaps you have had to cut down a tree due to a storm. Here is a way to re-use it.

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

Thank you to BHG for the photo of the backyard patio. Thank you to Katy Elliott for the Wood Walkway Photo.

Is your Garage Sale Legal

Sherry Scales, REALTOR - Austin TX Real Estate (HomeNet Realty) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 21:16:50 -0800

Is your Garage Sale Legal?

I overheard someone the other day saying they were going to have another garage sale. They still had stuff leftover from the last sale, and had some new stuff to get rid of.

Depending on where you live, you might want to check into the rules of having a garage sale.

Some areas out in the country have no rules. They could have one 365 days a year and never break a rule. But this usually isn’t the case in most cities.

Austin residents may only conduct two garage or yard sales within one year. In addition, signs advertising garage sales may only be posted on the property where the sale is occurring for a maximum of three consecutive days. The sign must indicate when it was posted. If you conduct more than two garage sales a year, then you are considered to be running a business from home in violation of the City Code.

Many folks say the day they have their sale, someone always comes around to see if they have a license posted, issued by the city, to have a garage sale. So check your local rules, and make sure you don’t need a garage sale license.

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

Originally posted at: http://www.luxury-homes-in-austin.com/2012/02/21/your-garage-sale-legal/

Garbage Day Etiquette

Sherry Scales, REALTOR - Austin TX Real Estate (HomeNet Realty) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 20:54:19 -0800

Garbage Day Etiquette

You can always tell garbage day in areas of town. Which subdivision, which day. We don’t hold even Realtor open houses on collection day. It is the single garbage cart that can give a subdivision a black eye. Remember, if you are going to be out of town, ask a neighbor to retrieve your garbage can.
Subdivisions usually have HOA rules as far as trash bins, and they won’t hesitate to act on it. HOA’s can get a bad reputation some times, but they are there to keep your subdivision looking its best and keeping your property values high. Check your rules, or better yet, just put them out after dark the evening before and first one home picks them up that day.

Below is the rules for most cities in Austin and surrounding area.
Garbage carts should be placed at the curb by 6:30 a.m. on collection day but not prior to 8 p.m. the evening before. Garbage carts must be returned to their storage area on private property by 10 p.m. on the designated collection day.

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

Originally posted at: http://www.luxury-homes-in-austin.com/2012/02/21/trash-day-rules/

A Day at Your Local Café and a Life Lesson.

Sherry Scales, REALTOR - Austin TX Real Estate (HomeNet Realty) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 20:45:39 -0800

A Day at Your Local Café and a Life Lesson.
Do you know how much a waitress makes an hour? I bet a lot of you think…minimum wage. Well you would be wrong. They make $2.11 an hour. They depend on our tips to make up the rest. They may be busy rolling silverware, filling up the salt and pepper shakers, replacing sugar packets, sweeping up after messy kids or adults, busing tables, washing windows or the many other things done to keep an establishment clean and presentable…and still make $2.11 an hour.

If you have ever had to work as a waiter or waitress, you know what a hard job it is. Heavy lifting, on your feet all day, and getting blamed for something the cook did, and not always getting the praise (and a tip) for correcting those errors.

Would you like to try and support a family on $2.11 an hour plus tips? Could you put yourself through college on that with no help from anywhere else? Well, they are. So, stop leaving a dollar a person, or blaming the wait staff for something the cook did. If they did an excellent job, reward them. Did they go out of their way to make sure you were taken care of? Reward them. If they didn’t, then maybe they need to find another line of work. But remember they are working hard for $2.11 an hour.

Here is the life lesson:
I often tell young women who are interested in a young man (and this goes for those that are
not too young either)… Be very observant and watch how your gentleman treats a waitress, as
this is how he will treat 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

Originally Posted at: http://www.luxury-homes-in-austin.com/2012/02/21/day-at-your-local-caf-life-lesson/trackback/

As a rule in any business

Sherry Scales, REALTOR - Austin TX Real Estate (HomeNet Realty) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 21:39:44 -0800

As a rule in any business…there are 3 things you never talk about.
Religion….Politics….Sex.

But if faced with this, I have come up with my answers.
Religion: I think everyone should have one.
Politics: I will vote. And until I pull the switch, I make no promises.
Sex: I am female.
How many of you follow that rule?
Have you had a buyer in the car with you and they started talking politics. And
given the odds of this happening…the odds are just as great…you won’t agree with
their opinion. How about the person in the office next to you?
Perhaps you have had someone in the car with you that decided now was the time
to try and convert you to their religion. Or, it could be one of the workers in your
office? Well, I won’t even think of the possibilities with the last subject.

But you might think about what you would do if this ever happens to 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