Moving To And Living In Austin

Northwest Park

We just love this park.  We went recently with some friends and the kids ended up playing for three hours.  There is a large section of woods in addition to the playscape that the kids loved.

Austin in December from our Condo

We think it is absolutely gorgeous here in the winter.

Ms. Mortgage Video

How Do You Know If You Have the Right Agent?

With all the real estate agents out there today, how do you know if  you're working with the right one?

1. For sellers, does the Realtor have a written marketing plan?

2. Does the agent implement that marketing plan?

3. Does the agent give regular feedback and consultations regarding showings?

4. For buyers and sellers, does the agent conduct a thorough consultation with you regarding your goals and dreams?

5. Does the agent really listen to you and get your needs in writing?

6.  Do you feel that you have a good rapport with your agent?

7.  Does the agent consistently and dependably call you with information from the title company, lender, and other parties?

8.  Is the agent on top of all the details to your transaction, letting you know in advance all of the paperwork and documentation you need for each step?

9.  Does the agent successfully negotiate the price of the home or any repairs for you?

10.  Does the agent show extensive knowledge of the market in your particular area, and does he or she guide you in your buying or selling plans accordingly?

Don't Forget to Apply for Homestead Exemption!

If you bought a house in 2006, and are living in it as your primary residence, you may qualify for a homestead exemption through the Texas Tax Code.  An exemption removes part of the value of your property from taxation and lowers your taxes. The person claiming the exemption
must reside at the property on January 1 and cannot claim a homestead
exemption on any other property.

There are two different ways that the state of texas uses the homestead laws.

1. Applying through the appraisal district, you can reduce your tax payments through the Texas Tax code.

2.The Texas Property Code allows homeowners to designate their home as their homestead so that they can't be forced to sell to satisfy creditors.  This law doesn't protect you from the foreclosure of your home for not paying taxes.  The appraisal district is unable to answer questions about designating your home as your homestead for this purpose.

How to Apply for the Homestead Exemption:

1. Follow this link to Travis County's application form:  http://www.traviscad.org/HomesteadExemption.pdf

or this link for Williamson County residents: www.wcad.org.  Then go to Forms on the left of the screen, and then Application for Homestead Exemption.

2.You will need your drivers license or social security number.

3. Send in your application after January 1st, but no later than April 30th.

Toll Roads...A positive addition to our city?

Austin opened it's first toll roads this past month...with mixed sentiments.

Austin has a long history of being stingy on building roads. The anti-growth attitude of the 80's and before, combined with sensitive environmental issues, have resulted in roads being low city government's priority list.

Gonzolo Barrientes and his 'CAMPO' crew changed that a couple of years ago when they rail-roaded their 'mobility' agenda forward.

So the end product is here and believe or not, the sentiment of those I've talked to seems to be mainly positive. Most are saying "Well, at least I can get around with more ease, and I don't mind if I have to pay $1 to do that".

The way I see it, there is more to gain than just 'getting around with more ease'. The bigger picture is (at least with SH130) that an entire half of Austin has been opened up for low- to mid-priced housing....and with a highway to support it. This should be a boon for affordable housing in Austin,  and that is an initiative I can get behind.

See pdf below for more info....

Download turnpike.pdf