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Garage Doors ? Choosing a Quality Door for Your Austin Home

admin — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 16:36:00 +0000

Most of us never stop to think of how big a part a garage door plays in our Austin home, both in function and appearance. We rely on it to open and close day after day as we make our way to work or take our children to school. And while we might worry over how other parts of our house look we forget that the garage door makes up a huge portion of our home making it one of the first things people see. It is not a good area to skimp on when building a new house or replacing the door on your existing one. Let’s take a look at the different styles available and which one could be the perfect fit for your home. This could apply to everyone but especially if you are selling your home, a dented garage door immediately affects the value of your house. That giant garage door is one of the first things people see when they pull up to the front of your home. Many people put off replacing their door as long as possible but if you are ready for a new garage door then let’s get started with your choices. Choosing the Right Size This is the place to start since the size you need is the one thing that can’t be negotiated. Measure the opening and not the door itself since that is how garage doors are sized. Garage Door Styles Since the garage door on any home makes up such a huge part of your home you want to choose a door that compliments the rest of the outside appearance. So when making your choice of style begin with the panel of the door and these come in 3 main designs to choose from. Flush panels are just like they sound, panels that are flat and have a slight texture to them. This type of door is meant to blend and not attract too much attention to the door itself. Long raised panels are the next step up as far as bringing attention to the garage door as the panels provide more depth and bring a certain style. Short raised panels accomplish the same look as the long raised panels above but because the panels are shorter these are a good match for many older homes meaning homes built 75-100 years ago. Of course they can be a good match for many newer homes as well. Many times the border of the panel can be painted to match the rest of your house. Garage Door ConstructionWhat a door is made of is in most cases just as important as the appearance. Most garage doors on the market are made of either steel or wood but the quality can vary greatly. Steel is the most common material because it is less expensive than wood and they are made in mass quantity, kind of a one size fits all. They can be ordered straight from the factory with a color to match your home. As far as quality, steel doors are divided into single layer, double layer and triple layer constructions. The first is the simplest and least expensive. The double layer adds polyurethane backing which gives you insulation from both noise and cold or hot temperatures. Triple layer garage doors take it a step further by adding another layer of galvanized steel to protect the insulating. These are the sturdiest and highest rated doors for insulating your home from noise and weather. Wood garage doors are more expensive but can really make a statement on a high end home. There are dozens of ways to customize these for your home since you can decide on the type of wood, the design of the panels and the paint or stain color you choose.Cost of a New Garage Door Like most home improvement projects prices can vary widely when choosing garage doors which make this a hard question to answer. The size of your door, the material and quality of your door will all go into making up the final price. This literally can range from $700 to $10,000 or more. Installation is typically $250 for a single car door and $350 for a double garage door. You can easily shop online since most stores do not have garage doors on display and can begin with companies that only sell and install garage doors and finish with big box stores as well. Central Texas has several companies to choose from in both of these categories.

If you are looking for more ways to improve your home or if you are in the Austin, TX area and are considering selling or buying a home, get tips and advice from a top Austin realtor for all your Austin TX real estate needs.

Austin?s Best Coffee Shops

admin — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 16:34:37 +0000

The city of Austin, Texas, is an ideal home for those who love coffee. Whether you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up in the middle of a busy day, or a relaxing place to share a cup of coffee with friends, Austin has so many unique coffee shops that it’s impossible not to find just what you’re looking for. Take a look at some of the best spots in the city to find a fresh cup of joe.Dominican Joe’sOn a given day, you’ll find Dominican Joe’s filled with friends chatting over a cup of coffee, UT students studying, and freelancers hard at work. This locally owned coffee shop is a busy place during the daylight hours – if you’re looking for a quiet atmosphere, consider visiting in the evening. A portion of every sale at Dominican Joe’s is donated to educational and economic development in the Dominican Republic. Location: 515 South Congress AvenueThe Lift CaféAnother great locally owned shop, The Lift Café offers 100% natural smoothies, and a wide array of coffee and lunch selections. They have both indoor and outdoor seating, making it ideal for friends looking for a relaxing spot to share a cup of coffee. Location: 215 South Lamar Blvd.Café MediciCafé Medici is an upscale espresso and coffee bar with two locations in Austin. The campus location is a hot study spot for UT students – it has a large upstairs area with plenty of seating and a quiet environment. The Café Medici on West Lynn draws the Clarksville crowd and is a great choice for those wishing to chat over a cup of coffee. Location: 1101 West Lynn and 2222 GuadalupeLittle CityLittle City boasts a unique atmosphere and charm, and some of the freshest coffee in the city. Indoor seating is available, but their outdoor seating puts you in the midst of downtown’s hustle and bustle. Light sandwiches and salads are served from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day, making it a great place to grab a quick lunch. However, don’t count on staying here for an entire day – Little City doesn’t offer public restrooms. Location: 916 Congress AvenueJo’s Location: 1300 South Congress & 242 West 2nd StreetJo’s is the perfect spot for a sunny summer day. This coffee shop has two locations in Austin. The more popular original location is situated on South Congress amongst the quaint shops, and offers plenty of outdoor seating with both iced and hot drinks. Out and about with your pet? No problem – there’s plenty of room for them to relax too. Cafe MundiPerhaps one of the most unique coffee places in Austin, Café Mundi sits amongst railroad tracks and an outdoor garden in East Austin. It’s minutes from downtown and offers excellent lunch options, local art exhibits, and occasional live music. Location: 704 East 5th Street Halcyon Coffee BarHalcyon is a coffee shop by day and a bar and lounge at night – and one of the most relaxing coffee shops in Austin. During the day, grab a pick-me-up with their wide selection of coffee drinks. At night, relax on the many sofas and roast s’mores with your friends. In the warmer months, the front patio doors open for the perfect open-air atmosphere. Location: 218 W. 4th StreetProgress CoffeeLocation: 500 San Marcos StreetJust east of I-35 in East Austin, Progress Coffee serves up organic, fair-trade coffee and many lunch options created from local, organic ingredients. Their menu changes by the season, so you’re sure to find something new each time you visit. It’s proximity to downtown and comfortable, sophisticated atmosphere makes it a great place to relax and share a cup of coffee with friends.

For more information about places to go in Austin, or for a free Austin home search, contact a top Austin real estate agent.

The Value of the Open House

admin — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 04:32:07 +0000

One of the most visible and recognizable aspects of selling a home is the open house. As long as homes have been sold, the open house has been part of the sellers repertoire. And for good reason. However in today’s real estate market, the concept of the open house has changed rather dramatically. In years past the open house was a major selling tool for owners and realtors. It was used to showcase the home and draw prospective buyers in so that they could experience the home for themselves.

But, the real estate market has changed quite dramatically. I will say that the same things still happen with open houses. It is still used to showcase homes however, the target market has evolved. In a day and age where marketing has become ever more critical to home sales, the open house has evolved into more of a marketing tool. Homes are typically showcased more on the internet on the realtor’s own site and local area’s MLS listings page, whereas the open house has become a good way to market a given home to other agents. Often there are two different kinds of open houses that are held, one for the public, and one exclusively for buyer’s agents.

One of the largest problems with open houses is that not all who look are qualified buyers. Most of the people who attend the classic open house are merely “having a look.” There is also the fact that it can be a real hit and miss situation with viewers who are actually planning on buying. Far more progress is usually made at the open house held for buyer’s agents.

That being said there is still quite a bit of positives that come from the open house. It helps to gain attention for the home and the more agents that are aware of the listing, the more potential customers will have access to it. Also, of buyers ave searched the local MLS listings, then they may have already seen the home and the open house is a great opportunity to have a closer look.

Taking Emotion Out Of Remodeling

admin — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 16:32:04 +0000

Remodeling is emotionally taxing. Anything involving the expenditure of that much cash makes me want to weep from the very first down payment. But, there are other issues as well. I have seen couples argue bitterly about a choice of tile or overly festive paint color. Then there is the stress of choosing a contractor and making sure the project goes as planned. Many remodeling jobs can spiral out of control once a wall is opened or the wiring is really scrutinized.
One would think it’s easier when a remodel is planned for the purposes of resale. Theoretically, this kind of update takes the personal choices out of the equation and leads to less debate. But, I have never seen it happen that way. Designing for “the market” means designing for an unidentified subjective consumer. This unidentified purchaser will not voice their opinions about whether they prefer a tile shower surround or tub, they will not tell you if slab granite counters are worth the money over tile and they will not ask you to carpet the bedrooms. Until it is too late.
Once the work is done every prospective buyer shown the property will have an opinion. Particularly about the price.
Whether a seller is flipping a property, updating a rental, or upgrading a unit they have equity in the price of the remodel is going to be the base of this balancing act. Spend too much and the profits are lost or worse you have priced your property out of the market and will have to sit on it for a long period of time. Spend too little and your cheap materials will offend buyers who will only replace your replacements with better products.
Every remodeler understands this when they put together their budget but, then the devil is in the details. Or perhaps he just lurks the aisles at Home Depot. For somewhere along the lines there will be a raging debate on the acceptable quality of low flow toilets and whether or not that fiberglass tub truly must leave.
The experts will tell you that you will recoup the most market value out of a kitchen or bath remodel. I will tell you that flooring is key and oversized tile is a worthwhile investment. Your realtor may tell you that smooth ceilings are an absolute must have. And the guy living below you will beg you to replace the potentially leaky hot water heater. And unfortunately, you will have your own personal preferences and ideas that could lead you straight to remodeling hell.
So what’s a remodeler to do? Remember that you will not be living there. View the property as a renter or temporary guest. Remember that the average showing time is less than 20 minutes per property. The potential buyer will get an overall sense of construction quality but, will not be assessing every detail. So be sure the focal point of each room is of good quality but, do not stress on every item. If the tile surround the tub is awe inspiring then no one will notice that you replaced the towel bars with a three-pack set from Wal-mart.
I would also advise anyone preparing to remodel for the market to get in to the market. Have your realtor take you to properties similar to yours before you begin your remodel. Not only will it give you great design ideas but, will give you a better understand of your competition. These are the properties a buyer will be comparing you against. Be sure you measure up in quality but, do not inappropriately exceed in price.

Real Estate 101: Consider This Before Buying your New Home

admin — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 04:31:59 +0000

“More and more, people are deciding to buy land on which they will build their dream home. In this way, they are guaranteed that the home they buy meets all of their needs and wants as the home is built to their specifications.

When looking to buy real estate on which you will build a home, however, there are still many things to consider. Similarly, it is still beneficial to enlist in the help of a real estate agent. With the help of a realtor, you can look at several different pieces of real estate in order to find the piece that is best for you. In addition to considering the way the land looks and how nicely your dream home will fit on this piece of real estate, there are other factors you should take into consideration as well. These include:

• Checking on utilities

• Looking into easements

• Finding your boundaries

• Considering road maintenance

• Utilizing contingencies

It is easy to fall in love with a piece of real estate and to want to buy it right away. In order to make sure you are making a wise investment, however, it is essential to consider each of these factors first.

Checking on Utilities

Depending on the location of the piece of real estate, certain utilities may be unavailable. Or, you might have to pay some very high fees in order to get the utilities ran to your new home. Before you buy the piece of real estate, make sure you are aware of its limitations and what you will need to do in order to get the utilities in place.

Looking into Easements

An easement is when someone has the right to use the land for some other purpose. This may be a private individual or a company. For example, if power lines are located next to the real estate you are looking to buy, the power company may have the right to access your land in order to maintain the power lines. Find out about any easements before you make an offer to buy a piece of real estate or insist that you be able to approve easements before you finalize the sale.

Finding Your Boundaries

Many banks will require that you have a boundary survey conducted before they will loan you the money to buy your land. If the bank does not require a survey to b conducted, it is a good idea for you to request one anyway. When you make an offer to buy a piece of land, it is usually a good idea to quote a certain price per acre as determined by the survey that is to be taken.

Considering Road Maintenance

If you are looking to buy real estate that is on a private road, you will need to consider how your road will be maintained. In many cases, the bank will require you to show a recorded agreement showing that you and any other property owners on the road will assist with the upkeep of the road.

Utilizing Contingencies

There are a number of factors that can cause the land to be unusable for you. For example, if the land does not have a sewer hookup, your decision to buy the real estate will be contingent upon whether or not you can get a permit for a septic system. Similarly, your house design will need to be approved by an architectural review committee. Therefore, whether or not you buy the real estate will also be contingent upon the design getting approval.

By taking all of these factors into consideration and planning ahead, you will be sure to get the home you have always dreamed of!”

Kim Saleh Publishes San Antonio-focused Real Estate Website

admin — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 16:31:04 +0000

Kimberly (Kim) Saleh, a Keller Williams associate and board-certified Realtor® recently published her San Antonio-focused website http://www.kimsaleh.com, a sure sign that customer service has made a comeback.Kimsaleh.com is intended to help Kim Saleh and her customers connect in a way many other industries don’t allow.

“I want to allow my clients the freedom to see what’s out there,” Saleh says. “As a Keller Williams agent I have the opportunity to show my clients thousands of homes just by clicking a few buttons. It’s not my job to keep my clients from knowing what cards I’ve got in my hand. It’s my job to make sure they make the best decision they can with as much information as I can possibly give them.”

Kim Saleh, along with other Keller Williams agents, is customer service oriented, and it shows.

When asked about customer service, Kim Saleh said “my clients are important to me. Serving them is my top priority not because it’s my job, but because I know they expect nothing less than the best.”

While normal real estate agents around the United States are facing trying times in today’s market, innovative agents like Kim Saleh are finding new ways to serve their customers’ needs and wants.

“This market demands service,” Saleh adds. “People expect to call you and not speak to a machine, they expect you to constantly watch out for their best interest, and they expect top-notch results and the biggest bang for their buck. Personally, I don’t know why we didn’t hold Realtors to these standards a long time ago. I’ve been operating this way for years.”

You can start your home search in the San Antonio area by visiting KimSaleh.com!

Fort Worth: New Growth, Great Investment

admin — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 04:34:42 +0000

Fort Worth, Texas has a lot of things going for it; a brisk economy, a comparatively low cost of living, a diverse business environment, an outstanding education system, and affordable real estate, all wrapped up in a fantastic temperate climate and an easy going, friendly community feel. Fort Worth continues to be ranked among the top places in the nation to live and do business.

Downtown Fort Worth is alive with new real estate developments due largely to major corporations which supply the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex with jobs. Major employers in the area include Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems, American Airlines, Bell Helicopter Textron, Radio Shack Corporation, SABRE and Pier 1 Imports. This job growth is far outpacing the rest of the nation, even with the slowdown in new jobs as compared to last year.
Fort Worth real estate may not have experienced the same price gains in past years as the rest of the nation, but Fort Worth did see modest gains in properties during that same period. Conceivably, it could be this slower, steady growth that protected the Fort Worth housing market from the national adjustment that is currently underway. Fort Worth real estate prices continue to remain steady or show slight gains while the rest of the county’s home prices are continuing to fall.

While most parts of the nation are experiencing a drop in consumer spending, driven in part by homeowners becoming overextended on home loans and other debt, the Fort Worth is still enjoying vigorous consumer spending.

Not only is the Fort Worth area experiencing a growth in new jobs and bringing an influx of new residents, but the commercial sectors remain strong as well. So whether you’re looking to buy a home or set up a retail or industrial property, there is growth in almost every aspect of the Fort Worth real estate market. In fact the Fort Worth is so strong right now compared to the rest of the nation, it is making news in many overseas markets as a prime investment opportunity.
Perhaps one of the most favorable aspects of Fort Worth homes for sale is the relative affordability compared to the median income. The median home price in Fort Worth compared to that in other major metropolitan areas is still very much in line with the median income, making Fort Worth one of the most affordable communities in the country in which to live. Whether you are looking to buy or lease commercial real estate, wish to purchase a home, or are interested in one of the many Fort Worth condos for sale, activity in all areas of the real estate market is active.

Be a Winner!

admin — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 16:32:00 +0000

The fact is, that to do anything in the world worth doing, we must not stand back shivering and thinking of the cold and danger, but jump in and scramble through as well as we can.                                                                                                ~Robert Cushing

Let us strive to improve ourselves, for we cannot remain stationary; one either progresses or retrogrades.                                                                                             ~Mme. Du Deffand

One of the first things I usually say at the start of a motivational talk is “winners and losers are predetermined but only the winner knows it”! I say this because I believe it with all my heart. A winner jumps into a situation and proceeds to deal with it by any means necessary. While a loser sits back and makes excuses as to why something can’t be done. A winner thinks on his feet and moves forward. While a loser says they need more time to look at the situation. A winner starts with a good plan and makes it better as the situation calls for it. While a loser will always be planning to do something and never start doing anything. A winner makes good “breaks” in business. While a loser hopes for a “break” in business. A winner will congratulate another winner when he is bested by them. While a loser will make excuses and cast blame. Get the picture. I thought you might. Always remember that the easiest thing to do when something goes amiss is to blame or make an excuse. Don’t do it! As my grandmother would say “put on your big girl panties and deal with it”. Have a reputation as a “can do” kind of business professional not a whiner. For years I have been known affectionately as the “trash man” and I love it. I earned this reputation in another career and it carried over into my current businesses. You see I believe that I can sell any property. So properties other Realtors would pass on because of condition or some other oddity, I get sold. You’ve got a house with a tree in the middle of it after a hurricane, call me, I can sell it. I have earned the reputation as the “trash man” and I relish it.

    As a winner you have to look for opportunities to excel at your chosen profession. As a winner you thrive on accomplishment and recognition from your peers. Being a winner is more than a state of mind, it is truly a way of life. To be a winner you must be driven more than the average person. Being a winner also means being respectful of everyone that doesn’t share the same goals or aspirations’ you do. A winner is not arrogant, they are confident and secure in who they are. As a winner you will always be mentoring someone to follow in your footsteps. Mentoring or teaching is one of the most rewarding things I do and I recommend it to everyone. You will learn more than the people you teach, I promise. I work with new Realtors everyday that I know will do much better in their real estate business than I have. I am proud to help them embark on their new profession. They will never hear anything but encouragement from me. You see, I sincerely want them to be as big and grand as they want to be.

Please visit http://yournowwhat.com for best and most affordable coaching, training and motivation for you or your business.

Foreclosures Increase While Homes Sales Drop

admin — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 04:31:15 +0000

It is not at all uncommon to see “For Sale” signs posted in front yards throughout a typical neighborhood in America. Unfortunately, the reason for selling the property is not usually because a family’s income has increased and they are moving into a bigger yard with a swimming pool and three-car garage nor is it due to a newly retired couple who has just purchased an RV with the intention of seeing the country. Instead, more and more people around the country are losing their homes to foreclosure.According to the Houston Association of Realtors, one in three homes that were sold last month had been in foreclosure. That is up nearly ten percent from the number of homes purchased through such circumstances last year. Of course, this number just accounts for the homes that are actually finding new owners. How many of us have seen the same house stay on the market for months on end? The number of homes sold last month fell 22.7%, with the total numbers of houses sold down more than thirty percent from the same period two years ago. This news is not good for realtors, contractors, construction workers, and anyone else involved in the housing industry.In the stimulus package that was signed by President Obama, first-time homeowners have been offered an $8000 tax credit that does not need to be repaid if the home is not sold within three years. Will this be an important step in improving consumer confidence when potential buyers are considering a home purchase? I guess we will check on the statistics at this time next year and see.At Bertolino LLP, we have Austin bankruptcy attorneys and San Antonio bankruptcy lawyers who practice Ch 7 and Ch 13 bankruptcy law and real estate law. We also have San Antonio bankruptcy lawyers who can provide the legal assistance you need if you are facing foreclosure or if you want to make sure that you are signing a fair contract when buying your first home in San Antonio. Please contact one of our attorneys in Austin, Houston, or San Antonio and let’s see how we can help. http://www.belolaw.com

Shady Lane Real Estate – A Guarantee to Finding a Home for Generations of Your Family – home

admin — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 16:32:18 +0000

Looking at Shady Lane real estate may be the thing for you if you are looking for a quiet and secluded neighborhood to raise your kids. With sprawling lawns and driveways, a large tree cover and some of the best mansions in Houston, Texas, it should definitely be on the top of your list. But before you start looking around at the houses and definitely before you finalize on any of them, here are a few tips to help you. While your requirements are unique, there are some important points that you need to consider about the location and the community. And it helps to do your research on something as important as buying a new home.

1. Location

It is important for you to know the history of the location you select and also the surrounding area. Shady Lane real estate has been built on what was earlier farmland about a hundred and fifty years ago. It still carries the spirit and serenity of the countryside though it is completely developed and houses some of the most expensive mansions in Houston. What’s more it is backed up by Buffalo Bayou that allows it to remain quiet and congestion free. It is therefore a good option if you are either looking to retire happily or to set up a well heeled home with your family.

2. The Neighborhood

It is also crucial to research the amenities in the neighborhood and the facilities that you and your family can enjoy. Another benefit of choosing from among the Shady Lane real estate available is that not only will your home be grand and comfortable, but you will also be guaranteed an upper middle class, well-bred but friendly neighborhood. You will have at close proximity the Shady Lane Community Center with its hiking and biking trails, outdoor basketball and sport field, and a playground with amenities for children. There are also a number of schools belonging to the Houston Independent School District that are a short car ride away. These include the Piney Point Elementary School, the Briarmeadow Middle School and the Lee High School. You can thus rest assured that your children will be well stimulated and educated when you stay at Shady Lane.

3. Exterior And Interiors

Not only should the house look like something you would live in, but it also needs to suit your taste. And this is for both the outside and the inside. Now taste may not be something you think as a top priority, but a few years down the line it will definitely have a bearing on how much you enjoy your home. With Shady Lane real estate all the houses have French colonial architecture and the interiors are mostly mid-century modern contemporary. Be sure that this is the kind of style you are looking for before you even start doing the rounds. If yes then you are bound to find a number of homes that you will like.

By going through these tips and then having a frank and honest conversation with your realtor, you can ensure that you spend more time looking at the right homes. It’s hard to go wrong with Shady Lane real estate what with its mix of old-world charm and the contemporary. It does exude a combination of both refinement and elegance you will find irresistible.