Sherry's Austin TX Real Estate Blog

If you want new…buy new.

Sherry Scales, REALTOR - Austin TX Real Estate (HomeNet Realty) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:54:54 -0500

If you want new…buy new.
A good real estate agent will always advise you to get a home inspection on any home you are thinking about purchasing. Inspectors try to note everything in their report. They don’t want a customer to come back later and say you missed this, or why didn’t you note that. So they will usually even note when the light bulb in the garage is missing the safety cover. Of course they don’t mention you can pick them up for about 89 cents.

Often the buyer wants the seller to fix everything on the list. Plus they will ask for paint, carpet, flooring, etc. This is where your agent will usually jump in and tell you…if want new, buy new.

The inspection is catch things that don’t work, and sometimes gives you idea on how old the HVAC unit and
hot water heater are. They do have a life expectancy. Perhaps there is a septic system that hasn’t been
pumped in 12 years. Works now and has no problems, but this is something a buyer wants to know.
You would be hard pressed to find a resale home that came up with no problems of any kind and with
almost new appliances and HVAC and hot water heater. Few will have fresh paint and carpet and a new
roof.
Be reasonable when you ask the seller for repairs or concessions. If you are worried about
something, perhaps getting a home warranty will ease your worries. Home warranty’s will generally repair
or replace systems and some appliances in the home should they fail. This is something you could even
ask the seller to pay for.
Home warranties are all different and I advise going over what it will and will not cover very
carefully. Some will not replace the unit if the filter is found to be dirty. So read the fine print. But a
home warranty’s can be renewed yearly, and I have had people swear by them!
The homeowner can tell you they won’t fix anything and if you back out of the deal, you are still out
the cost of the inspection and the money for the option period. Most sellers want to sell, and if you are
reasonable in your requests, they will generally agree.
So, remember when purchasing a resale home...if you want new...buy new.

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

Orginally Posted: http://www.luxury-homes-in-austin.com/2012/01/28/if-want-newbuy/

Do You Have An "Emergency Kit" Prepared ? .... Yes YOU !!!

Sherry Scales, REALTOR - Austin TX Real Estate (HomeNet Realty) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 23:07:28 -0500

This is worth reposting! Some areas of the country still have winter, others are getting ready for tornado and hurricane season. Flooding can happen anytime. Be prepared. Have your family discuss a meeting place should everyone be gone from home if something happens. I always say "Prepare for the worst, and hope for the best". I hope everyone stays 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

Via Sheldon Neal ~ That British Agent ~ Bergen County NJ (Bergen County, NJ - RE/MAX Real Estate Limited):

Do You Have An "Emergency Kit" Prepared ?

Winter is upon us.

Snow has been heavy throughout so many parts of the country, and rests heavy on Power Lines, often making them buckle and blow transformers, losing power for many neighborhoods.

Hurricane Season is coming, March Winds bring down trees on Power Lines, also losing power for many homes.

Very few of us are immune to the possibility of losing power, but we can all have a contingency plan to help us if we are faced with lost power over the next few months and beyond.

I know most of us leave it to the last minute - or worse, when it's too late - to get ourselves prepared in case of Emergency, but below is a little reminder, that having the following at hand, and not having to run to a grocery store, or Home Depot when everyone else is doing the same, could be hugely beneficial if faced with loss of power to your home for any extended period of time !

Water - Obvious, but essential. Maybe store on a shelf in your basement, but you should have enough for 5-7 days, with 1 gallon per person per day (and dont forget water for your pets !!)

Food - Non-perishable - High Protein ! Eg: Energy Bars, Ready-to-eat Canned foods, and peanut butter.

Flashlights - PLUS BATTERIES IN PACKETS. It may be best not to leave the batteries in the flashlight, in case they corrode over time.

First Aid Kit - of course !

Work Gloves - to remove debris if needed.

Personal Hygeine Products ! Toilet paper, sanitary towels, hand sanitizer etc

Plastic sheeting, duct tape and utility knife for covering broken windows

Large heavy duty plastic bags. Garbage obviously, but any possible breakages too from tree limbs etc...

Battery Operated RADIO ! ...with batteries :o)

Battery Operated Pillar Candles ! Yep ! These are great ! Nowadays the use of real candles is not encouraged because of the fire hazard aspect, but these battery operated candles give great light, and have no real flames. Most of these last for about 500 hours.

A list of Emergency Phone Numbers - Electrician, Plumber, etc... and if there's a gas leak, call 911 !

These are the basics. Pretty simple huh !

Dont leave it 'til the last minute to realize you need extra batteries !!!

Cheers !!

Follow Sheldon on these sites below !

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Investors just floor me sometimes

Sherry Scales, REALTOR - Austin TX Real Estate (HomeNet Realty) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 22:42:16 -0500

Investors just floor me sometimes.

I use the phrase "they will step over a dollar to pick up a dime."

Not everyone out there is a decorator. I see it every day. Most sellers can’t afford to have someone come in and repaint, re-carpet and refurnish a house. I understand. You can have them de-clutter the best they can, and hope for the best.

But I see empty homes, with tons of visibly needed maintenance items sell. And they selling for not much less than a home that has been taken care of, just not decorated by Martha Stewart. Have we become such a visual society, that we can’t imagine our own furniture in a home and see a home for what it “can be” instead of what “it is”?

A HUD home or foreclosure is not always the best buy. In fact, last year here in Austin, I seen HUD homes sell for more than market value by inexperienced investors. There are a lot of homes out there “priced to sell” that don’t need tons of work done to them.

I know of two homes on one block, one was a foreclosure in need of a lot of repairs. The other was well maintained, just not decorated well. The foreclosure home sold in days, and needed approx 20K worth or repairs. For the same price, they could have purchased the other home, gotten twice the square footage, larger lot size and an additional room and a higher rent. The home would have ready to go, and not needed a couple months to do all the repairs needed.

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

Orinally Posted at: http://www.luxury-homes-in-austin.com/2012/01/26/investors-just-floor-me-sometimes/

Get your central Texas home ready for the spring market

Sherry Scales, REALTOR - Austin TX Real Estate (HomeNet Realty) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:00:03 -0500

Chris has a staging company in Cedar Park, TX. She hits on the points we Realtors try to express to our clients wanting to sell a home. If you don't think you are able to get your home show ready...give her a call.

She has listed many items that are just general maintainence that you can take care of. Just create the list...and check them off as you go!

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 Chris Twing (Twing Staging & Redesign):

Ask any realtor, new or old, and they will tell you spring is the busiest time in the real estate market. While “spring” is traditionally thought of as March, April and May the spring real estate market in Central Texas really begins in early to mid-February.

Whether you have decided to put your home on the market this spring or are just considering it NOW is the time to get the ball rolling. Here are the four things you should do this month.

Declutter

         Put things away

         Remove anything that doesn’t add to the function or décor of a room

         Be sure walkways (inside) are open and you can move freely through and around every room

         Clean out storage spaces such as closets, the garage, attic and storage sheds

Clean (spring cleaning is coming early this year!)

         Windows (inside and out)

         Appliances (inside, outside, under and behind)

        Baseboards

         Cupboards (inside and out)

         Fans and light fixtures

         Air vents and filters

         Remove cobwebs from corners and ceilings

         Have carpets, furniture and tile grout steam cleaned

         Launder curtains and drapes

Honey Do’s

         Complete any small repairs such as paint touch ups, fixing leaky faucets or patching holes in the drywall

Create Curb Appeal

         Clean planting beds by pulling weeds and turning mulch or adding new mulch

         Edge, trim and mow grass

         Trim bushes (check to see if your bushes can be pruned this time of year)

         Add cold hard annuals such as pansies

With these four things out of the way you can turn your attention to the décor knowing you now have a clean, decluttered, and well repaired home.

Click here to see examples of their work.

Looking for home staging tips? Please visit the Twing Staging & Redesign Blog.

This is America…I should not have to press anything for English

Sherry Scales, REALTOR - Austin TX Real Estate (HomeNet Realty) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 23:15:32 -0500

This is America…I should not have to press anything for English!

I applaud folks who can speak more than one language. I understand that if you just moved here from another country you may need help with the language in the beginning. I appreciate a client who brings an interpreter with them, or asks for someone who speaks the language.

If I decided to move to Germany…I know that I need to learn to speak German. Same if I move to Russia, Rome, or Japan. When in Rome as the saying goes. I would expect to have to learn Italian or Japanese or Russian or whatever language that country speaks. . I understand we are a melting pot, and over 300 languages are spoken here in the US. By all means, keep the language of your country...and your heritage… in addition to the English language.

Years ago, I lived in Tulsa in an apartment complex that housed a lot of students from Venezuela. They spoke Spanish, and were anxious to learn English. When they went back home, they earned more money knowing another language. Although English is supposed to be the most difficult language to learn, they were speaking very well within just a few months. Reading and writing it also. Of course the children picked it up even quicker.

Although I know the United States does not have an Official Language… There is something called Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Although twenty seven states have declared English as their official language, in order to receive federal financial assistance those states still have to comply with Title VI, which requires that vital materials be available in the language of everyone receiving benefits subsidized by the Federal Government. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the 2000 Executive Order No. 13166 require that public entities receiving federal funds must have all vital documents available in every language that their clients speak; every language, not just Spanish. Basically, Title VI was best described by President John F. Kennedy in 1963: “Simple justice requires that public funds, to which all taxpayers of all races [colors, and national origins] contribute, not be spent in any fashion which encourages, entrenches, subsidizes or results in racial [color or national origin] discrimination.

Companies and retailers want to reach the Spanish-speaking population of the U.S. With a purchasing power in excess of 800 billion, the U.S. Hispanic population constitutes the ninth largest economy in the world, larger than Brazil, Spain or Mexico! As an example, and to see the impact of Hispanics in this country, by the year 2020, it is projected that Hispanics will outnumber Anglos in Texas alone. Similar projections exist for other states. Hospitals want to attract Hispanic patients, and at the same time they have to comply with Title VI if they are taking Medicaid and Medicare money. So everything has to be translated.

Someone who has been in the states for years and still doesn’t speak the language…I have a problem with. I don’t think Germany is going to change the official language for me. Of course I understand Japan teaches English, and it is hard to find someone there who doesn’t speak English as a second language. From my experience with the folks in Tulsa, it tells me it can be done. I had the privilege of meeting some of their parents on visits. I was amazed at how quickly they picked up the basic’s in just a short visit. I picked up a little Spanish in return. Not enough to converse, but enough I can usually follow a conversation somewhat.

If you move to the United States and plan on living here, please make the effort to learn English. 82% of the population speak it.

I have purchase my first Rosetta Stone software…and look forward to learning a couple more languages if I can.

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

First photo from Cheezeburger, Inc. Second photo from Sodahead.com

Demand Growing for Apartment Rentals in Austin

Sherry Scales, REALTOR - Austin TX Real Estate (HomeNet Realty) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 19:42:15 -0500

by JADE MINGUS / KVUE News

kvue.com

Posted on January 13, 2012 at 6:24 PM

AUSTIN -- The Austin region has a 96 percent occupancy rental rate and that means people looking for a place to rent are working hard to find affordable housing.

Darryl Thomas met with an apartment locator Friday to find help.

“I’m looking for a reasonable price,” Thomas said. “I definitely don't want to have to spend an arm and a leg just to live.”

Thomas said it has been a challenge finding the right place for the right price.

“I think the economy has a lot to do with it to be honest,” said Thomas.

According to recent census numbers, an average of 88 people move to Austin every day.

“We have people moving from all over Texas, all over the country, and outside the U.S. moving to Austin,” said Elise Vaughn. She is the assistant manager of the Barrington at Park Place Apartments in North Austin.

Vaughn helps potential renters find the perfect unit at the Barrington. So far this year, demand is up.

“I'd say on average we have 25 to 30 phone calls a day, so it's very busy,” Vaughn said.

A+ Apartment Locators manager Natalie Young said several of her clients are also moving to Austin from other states.

“I think it's the job opportunities. I'm helping so many people relocate who have jobs here in Austin,” Young said.

The shortage of rentals means renters have to move fast.

“Now if they see an apartment and they wait until even the next day, the chances of it being there are slim,” Young said.

According to Capitol Market Research, a group based in Austin, a two bedroom two bathroom apartment in Austin will cost on average $1,054.

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

Shopping is not a sport anymore.

Sherry Scales, REALTOR - Austin TX Real Estate (HomeNet Realty) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 21:37:40 -0500

Shopping is not a sport anymore.

The average person probably thinks that the affluent people shop like the Housewives of Beverly Hills. Well, not exactly. 64% of high-end shoppers regularly read online reviews of products while researching. They will get recommendations from friends, clients, or colleagues. They are usually pretty strategic shoppers. It is the other 36% that give them a bad name.

Whether you fall into the 64% or the 36% or into some other kind of percentile, whenever you are ready to purchase a home, please give me a call and I will make sure you get the best buy for your money.

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

January 31st is the Deadline for filing your Homestead Exemption in Texas

Sherry Scales, REALTOR - Austin TX Real Estate (HomeNet Realty) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:06:33 -0500

January 31st is the Deadline for filing your Homestead Exemption in Texas

If you purchased a home last year in the state of Texas, you have until January 31st to file for your Homestead Exemption.

There is a new law effective September 1, 2011 that requires homeowners who apply for a new property tax homestead exemption, to provide proof that they live in the house they are going to claim as their principal residence.

It is House Bill 252, and it mandates that a copy of the homeowner’s Texas driver’s license or state ID card along with the homeowner’s vehicle registration receipt be sent with the homestead exemption application. If you don’t own a vehicle, you can send a current utility bill showing your name and address, along with an affidavit you can find with the application, for non-ownership of a vehicle.

It takes little more effort in Texas now to file for your Homestead Exemption. The State is trying to prevent people from purchasing homes they don't intend to live in from being able to take advantage of the Exemption. It is definitely worth the effort though for the savings you will receive, so be sure to apply by January 31st!

Travis County Burnet County

Hays County Llano County

Willliamson County Hays County

Remember, the last date to file in the State of Texas for a Homestead Exemption for your Property Taxes is January 31st.

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

Looking forward to Retiring and Drawing your Social Security?

Sherry Scales, REALTOR - Austin TX Real Estate (HomeNet Realty) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 22:02:45 -0500

Looking forward to Retiring and Drawing your Social Security? Have you seen how the average over 63 person lives. I know we live longer, and some were able to prepare for retirement with 401K’s and other investments made. But the majority of folks who are 63 or older now are living entirely off of social security. Are you really aware of the numbers?

I keep my ears open. I hear people say…well the house is paid for…they should be setting fine. I also hear people not happy that a brother or sister’s spouse remarried after such a short time after their sibling’s death. The same thing with adult children when one of their parents has passed. They can’t accept the fact that mom or dad wants to remarry. It probably never dawned on them…that besides being lonely…that they couldn’t make it on their own!

The average monthly Social Security benefit for a retired worker was about $1,177 at the beginning of 2011. This amount changes monthly based upon the total amount of all benefits paid and the total number of people receiving benefits. This is equivalent to minimum wage before taxes.

Note* The maximum benefit depends on the age a worker chooses to retire. For example, for a worker retiring at age 66 in 2011, the amount is $2,366. This figure is based on earnings at the maximum taxable amount for every year after age 21. This means you have been making 6 figures since you were 21 years old. Not too many fall into this bracket, so I will use the average of $1,177 for this example.

The average person per year spends $270 per month on groceries. This includes paper products, cat or dog food. This is not shopping at a Whole Foods or anything fancy. For gas, electric, water & sewer, a rough starting point for preliminary budgeting purposes might be $300/month, assuming a small to average house and conservative energy use average over a year. This will vary on the part of the country you live in. Automobile maintenance should average around $500 per year. This is taking into consideration the car is paid for and no warranty. This would be for oil change, tires, brakes etc. averaged out for 10 years. Now you have to keep it licensed and insured. That is an additional $900 per year per car. Let’s even suppose your fortunate enough that your home is paid for. You still have home owners insurance, taxes, maintenance and perhaps HOA dues. We know the average home price, but for this example, let’s assume the home is paid off and market value is $150K. Average for taxes and insurance is $350 per month. We will assume you are on Medicare, but you need additional coverage to pick up where it leaves off. That averages around $130 per month. Average prescription costs is $234 per month for seniors. I know some who have just one prescription that costs that much.

At this rate, we are still short $224 dollars to make it through the month. Did you notice we haven’t bought gas for the car, No one went to get their hair cut or colored, no new clothing or shoes, no Christmas or birthday gift fund. Can’t even pay the neighbor boy to mow the yard. What if the a/c goes out, or the washer/dryer, or some other kind of repair or replacement cost? We haven't done any maintenance on the house either. And remember, there is no house or car payment. How many elderly do you know that don't own a home, but rent?

Now if you are married and both are drawing, you are setting okay. You can afford some gas for the car and such. But if you are widowed or single America…this just isn’t right. Are you afraid of growing old? And they say in 2036, Social Secuity will be out of money. Medicare's trust fund will run dry in 2024.

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

Orginally posted at: http://www.luxury-homes-in-austin.com/2012/01/08/looking-forward-retiring-drawing-your-social-security/

"I'm Mayhem, and I'm Your Worst Nightmare!"

Sherry Scales, REALTOR - Austin TX Real Estate (HomeNet Realty) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 21:41:01 -0500

I see this on a daily basis in showing homes. You hardly see a nursery or child's room that isn't personalized. Even the teenager's room have enough stuff I can figure out who is who. Remember to take your agents advise when we say to de-clutter and de-personalize your home. We want your home to sale quickly and safely. Never leave valuables out...that includes your childrens information.

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 Julia Maher, Connecticut Home Stager Staging Fairfield & New Haven Counties (Nestings: Connecticut Home Staging and Model Homes):

"I'm Mayhem, and I'm Your Worst Nightmare!"

I like small children.

I surf the internet looking for them.

I don't have to bother with social networking sites.

I can use the MLS.

I know if it's a boy or a girl.

I know approximately how old they are.

I know their address.

I KNOW THEIR NAME!!!

I know they might respond to me if I call them by their name.

I'm Mayhem, and I'm your worst nightmare!

Parents, if your house is for sale, PLEASE remove any and all references to specific information regarding your children. This may include name banners, awards, certificates, report cards, signs, etc. Don't give Mayhem a chance with with your children!

Real Estate Agents: Please encourage your listing clients to remove name signs such as the one above. While charming, they could put a child at risk. If the client won't comply, refrain from posting such photos.

This is one important piece of advice I give all my Connecticut Home Staging clients, and one that I would think all agents would too. However, every day I see new listings posted on the MLS with this kind of blatant "invitation". Let's keep the children's safety in mind!

Julia Vigneron Maher, Nestings Home Staging & Model Home Design: Award-Winning Staging for Model, Vacant and Occupied Homes in Fairfield County, CT (including Fairfield, Southport, Westport, Trumbull, Monroe, Newtown, Stratford, Easton, Weston, Wilton, Norwalk, Darien, Stamford, Greenwich) and Connecticut.

203.257.7395

nestings@snet.net

Nestings Portfolio

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Self-Trust is the First Secret of Success

Sherry Scales, REALTOR - Austin TX Real Estate (HomeNet Realty) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 01:39:10 -0500

Self-trust is the First Secret of Success Ralph Waldo Emerson

To me, Faith and Trust are almost alike…they are both expressions of hope. Trust is to be confident that someone is honest, fair, and reliable…Or that you hope and expect that something is true. Trust denotes a feeling of certainty that a person or thing will not fail. Trust is faith based on inconclusive evidence. (Guess that would be the same thing as blind trust.) That usually leads to… I could trust you as far as I can throw you. You trust when you deposit a check, it will clear. But the first time it bounces…In God we Trust…all others pay Cash…

Trust is something that cannot be sensed by any of the five senses. You can’t see it, taste it, smell it, touch it or hear it. It must be a very important word, as the word "trust" appears 134 times in the King James Version of the Bible.

Although I always look for the good in people…I have to honestly say that I do not completely trust anyone 100%. I trust myself….that is, if I don’t forget or get too busy and can’t get something done. But, as soon as I remember… or get un-busy… I will get it done! I also trust I will do the job right or to the best of my ability.

I have a hard time relying on others. I have been let down too many times. I am probably not a good team player, as I can’t trust others on the team to get things done. I tend to do everything myself, because I want it done now and I want it done right. Life has just shown me I can’t depend on others.

Do you trust your children will never lie to you? Do you trust your spouse 100%? (You can say you do, but I trust there is always a hint of worry in that field.) Do you trust the weatherman when he says it won’t rain tomorrow? Do you trust your doctor? (Please get a second opinion.) Do you trust the guy who says he is approved for 300K, but doesn’t have a letter in hand? Do you trust all the professionals in your field are honest and ethical? I think I have made my point.

But I trust I will always do my best, do the right thing, and be honest. I never want to let someone down or not depend on me. I will do my best to “try” and trust others, but I am always on my guard. We have all had someone let us down, but I don’t ever want it to be me!

Question… If trust was a color…what color would it be?

This post is a submission to the ActiveRain / Adobe EchoSign Trust Contest. I could possibly win a prize. You can find out about the contest by clicking here

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

Most Important Lessons I Ever Learned….From My Mother

Sherry Scales, REALTOR - Austin TX Real Estate (HomeNet Realty) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:13:51 -0500

You always wonder how your children think of you…Did I do a good job in raising them? My daughter wrote a post about me last week on Facebook…I think I did a good job. I am so proud of her.

Most Important Lessons I Ever Learned….From My Mother

by JennyJo Burdine on Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at 4:16pm

1. You Can Love Someone You Have Never Even Met

I loved her first, before anyone else. Right at birth. Without even knowing the concept of anything. A touch, a voice, and I somehow knew that I belonged to her…and she was mine. I felt this too with my daughter, just from the moment I first heard her heart beat.

2. Know the Difference between WANT and NEED

We all want what’s best for our children, but I don’t ever want my daughter to ever have everything she wants. Sometimes you think you want something and you get it and it winds up biting you in the ass. If you get everything you want, you have nothing to desire or strive for. Small things get taken for granted and the true value of things begins to lose meaning. I want her to have nice things, know what it means to work for what you have, and most of all to appreciate it. I do however; never want her to have to go without anything that she NEEDS. In time, she too will come to know the difference.

3. Your Home IS Your Castle

You may not live in a big luxurious home, filled with fancy shmancy things, but what you have you work for. Every now and then you get a piece of really nice furniture or a belonging of some sort. They are yours. Take care of and be grateful for the things you do possess because there are others who have much less. Allow others into your home with graciousness. They are your guests, treat them as so. They will see the love you put into your home and feel welcomed. Also as important is to take care of and be grateful for those who share the space within those walls.

4. Always Be Nice To Everyone….Yes, Everyone

As I grew in inches, tall and wide, I learned that the world was not always fair and people, in all ages, shapes, sizes, colors…could be cruel. Be nice to everyone, even those who are not to you. Later in life, most of those people will grow up and feel bad for how they treated you, as for the others, they will become miserable people unsatisfied with themselves. That is their problem, not yours. I never hung in a “clique”, I never had a bunch of friends, and I always felt somewhat melted in the crowd. As I got older I learned that I wasn’t as forgettable as I thought, everyone I met remembered me, and because I was nice, no one had a bad word to say about me. I can live with that.

5. Be Nice to Everyone, but Learn How to Pick Your Friends

I’ve always been a softy. I don’t like to see anyone do without, be mistreated, or have a hard life. Sometimes helping some of these people can really do a number on you. You can’t fix everyone and never let anyone bring you down from who you are or walk all over you. Sometimes it’s just best to just “be nice” to those people.

6. Don’t Take Shit From No One

There is a fine line between tolerating another’s behavior and just letting them smooth mistreat you. This is a hard lesson to learn and sometimes that line gets real thin. If someone wears you down to the point you can’t even find happiness anymore, makes you feel like less than everything you are, or is plain mean to you, or anyone you love….then as Mother says it’s time for a “COME TO JESUS, MEETING”. My mother is the sweetest, most giving person I’ve ever met, but as a warning ….please don’t piss her off!

7. Money Doesn’t Buy Happiness…It Just Keeps The Lights On

We never had a lot of money, we never went anywhere extravagant, but I never went without. Mom would sell arts and crafts, teach painting classes, and sometimes that cut out of my time, but I knew she did it so that for Christmas she could get me things I couldn’t have throughout the year. This made them even more special. Happiness is not bought with dollar bills, but getting to do the small things that you enjoy. Like dancing in the rain, singing silly songs in the car, spending time doing nothing with someone you love. We did get to go to Disney World one year, whoever said it was the happiest place on earth has never been a short, fat kid in 90 degree weather with 100 percent humidity.

8. It Is Better To Give Then To Receive

If someone gives you a hundred dollars, it makes you happy. But to take that hundred dollars and give it to someone who has nothing, makes you feel like a million bucks.

9. You’re Baby is ALWAYS You’re Baby

I can’t even imagine how many sleepless nights my mother has had worrying over me. Especially as a teenager. Knowing what I was out doing and her at home with a dozen bad scenarios running through her head. Dear God if she only knew! I know she still worries today and I’m that makes me sad, but glad that someone will always love me enough to want to worry.

10. Mother Is ALWAYS Right

Lots of hard lessons could have been prevented if I’d only listened. But what teenager doesn’t know everything, right!? I’m a mother and I still don’t know everything and I’m pretty sure by the time I start to get it all down…I’ll be too old to remember dicksquat. But I know enough to start my daughter out on, of course I’m pretty sure in a few years, she’s going to know everything too.

11. All Men Are Pigs…Even the Good Ones

I really hated to have to put this down. I didn’t want a handful of perfectly decent men to get all butthurt by this statement, but if you’ve been married to, dated, or have ever met one…..ah hell, please just refer to #10.

12. You are Your Number One

When it truly comes down to it…you can’t rely on anyone but yourself and if you want something done right, well you should probably just do that yourself too. That doesn’t mean to disregard anyone else’s attempts, but always have a backup plan. Put yourself first, not selfishly of course, but take care of yourself, it’s not anyone else’s job. By being your #1, you are able to take care of #2,3,4, etc. And remember YOU ARE SPECIAL. I know this as a fact…..My mother told me so.

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/2012/01/03/most-important-lessons-i-ever-learnedfrom-my-mother/

So you Want a Luxury Home…

Sherry Scales, REALTOR - Austin TX Real Estate (HomeNet Realty) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 02:06:59 -0500

So you Want a Luxury Home…

Do you know what it costs to upkeep a luxury home? The average 11,500 sq ft home with a pool, theater room, on landscaped oversized lot….$5,000 a month. This is on top of your mortgage, taxes and insurance. This is electric, water, gas, and upkeep and maintenance.

All things considered, owning a luxury home certainly has its perks. But just keep in mind that the home price is just the beginning of what you will expect to pay. Luxury living is not just about buying an expensive property. It’s a lifestyle that requires maintenance and responsibility.

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/2012/01/03/so-want-luxury-home/

Clean up your Act in 2012 …

Sherry Scales, REALTOR - Austin TX Real Estate (HomeNet Realty) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 01:56:58 -0500

Clean up your Act in 2012 …

Better yet…Clean up your house! Act like you are going to put your home on the market, whether you are or not. See what we are asking you’re listing clients to go through. De-clutter!
Where do you start is the biggest question I hear. Start with one drawer and keep moving. If you do one room a week….it won’t take long to do your whole house.
I have a rule….If I haven’t touched it in the last year…I don’t need it. If I haven’t worn it in the last year…I don’t need it. If it doesn’t fit…get rid of it. It will make room for things that will fit.
Be aware of the difference of need and want. We all want a lot more than we need…and a lot of wants are just junk taking up space. This is part of why we have Craigslist…Use it! They pick up and you don’t have to haul it. Someone’s trash is someone else’s treasure. Just remember the difference between trash and treasure. Don’t be afraid to throw away…and don’t forget to recycle!

Yes, there are things we need to keep. That is why they invented file cabinets. And if you put things in folders in those cabinets…they are easy to find. My husband is amazed how I can find warranty information on something we bought 15 years ago, that had a lifetime warranty. I have a folder for warranty on appliances and one on furniture. I know which plastic tub has Christmas, computer things, etc. I only keep the Holiday stuff I like and use. The rest is out of here! I do keep a lot of photo’s. Those are something that are not replaceable. However, I don’t keep out of focus pictures or bad photo’s of anyone.
Some folks are blessed with basements or places to store things. Here in the Austin area, we don’t have basements. So it can be a chore to find places to store things. Attics can get hot and melt stuff. I usually advise my home buyers to get an extra bedroom right off the bat. You need 3 bedrooms, get 4. They all thank me later. When you don’t have a pantry, linen closet in any bathroom or hall, and no basement….Where are you going to put the Christmas tree and other holiday stuff, the turkey roaster, even the vacuum cleaner? Perhaps the Sam’s or Costco bulk paper items that can really take up space?
If you don’t have room for the things you need…you need a bigger house. Call me!

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

Orginally Posted at http://www.luxury-homes-in-austin.com/2012/01/03/clean-up-your-act/

Taking Away a Parents Drivers License.

Sherry Scales, REALTOR - Austin TX Real Estate (HomeNet Realty) — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 22:02:47 -0500

Taking Away a Parents Drivers License.

A few weeks ago while driving home, I seen a motorcycle wreck. The fire trucks and ambulance were just pulling in. The minute I seen the man lying on the ground, I started to shake and tear up. I knew there was no way he could have made it. I heard later that day on the news, that he was killed in the accident. Even though I don’t even know his name…I still get upset whenever I think about it. My heart just aches for his family.

Wearing seat belts is a law in Texas, and I believe in every state. So why is it not a law for motorcycle riders to wear a helmet? I don’t know if that would have saved this man’s life, but I know there are many riders who could have been saved by wearing one.

I understand the accident was caused by an elderly man. What is your plan for your parents when you don’t feel it is safe for them to drive to any more? I really believe taking that away from them is a real blow, and probably the hardest thing to do to a parent.

They still need a way to the grocery store, doctor appointments, etc. Especially, if you live in another state and are not there to do it yourself, or there is not another family member or they are not willing to do it. And how many just don’t want the responsibility, and continue to let them drive and hope for the best? I wonder if that was the case in this accident?

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