Life and Homes Austin

Life and

Homes

Complete Real Estate Listing Directory @ LifeandHomes.com

We’ve Got Your Home

Premier Local ListingsExclusive

House Selling Strategies

FreeFebruary 2012

Austin, Texas

Life and

HomesWelcome!Thank you for picking up this premier issue of Austin LifeandHomes™ where you'll find some of the greatest local real estate deals on the market.

LifeandHomes™ is an innovation in real estate marketing. We bring the entire community together through our Open Market Listing System™ (OMLS) where Realtors®, For Sale By Owners, investors, builders and the general public come together in one easy-to-access print piece and web site. Additionally, we offer relevant articles, real estate listings, broker information, industry related directories, online website at www.lifeandhomes.com, and lifestyle advertisers.

We're committed to promoting and supporting the local area and businesses. If we haven't yet met you, we look forward to doing so. LifeandHomes™ is distributed each month for FREE in the Austin area at many of the fine res-taurants, grocery stores, doctor offices, hospitals, personal care and other retailers. Please share our magazine with your friends and encourage them to go online at www.LifeandHomes.com/atx to view our complete inventory of real estate listings.

Whether you are buying or selling, we invite you to begin your search at LifeandHomes™ and LifeandHomes.com for local and new-to-the-market listings. If you'd like to include your real estate information in the next issue, give us a call at 940.595.0184.

Thank you for your support and for your patronage of our local advertisers.

The Most Affordable Way to Promote Your Listings Call 940-595-0184

Market All Your Listings print /onlinefor as

Low as $15

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John Zavala , RMC940-595-0184 [email protected]

Austin, tX Edition

Published ByPABLO HOLdIngS LLC

Publication FranchisordAvId P. LISI

Corporate EditorKIM LISI

[email protected]

Austin, tX Franchise

Pablo Holdings, LLC940.595.0184

[email protected]

Account Executive JOHn ZAvALA

[email protected]

distribution940.595.0184

Advertising Deadline March Issue

February 10, 2012940.595.0184

Corporate office LifeandHomes Franchise, inc.

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For franchise information call, 1-800-961-0420

Life and Homes is published monthly by Tack4 Solutions LLC.

Every effort has been made to ensure that home listings, advertisements and

information are free of errors or omissions. The publisher does not guarantee the

accuracy of the submitted information to Life and Homes Magazine and assumes no liability.

this information has been compiled from public records and other sources we believe

to be reliable, but we make no guarantee with respect to its accuracy or completeness or

the absence of restrictions on use and are not responsible for any liability, loss, or risk that subscribers may incur, directly or indirectly,

from using the contents of this site.

Copyright © 2012 Pablo Holdings LLC.

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2 We bring people and homes together.

Moisture on Windows?It is difficult to completely eliminate moisture on windows. Inefficient windows or high moisture with inadequate ventilation can result in condensation, frost, or pools of water on windows and sills.

Moisture in the air condenses when it touches a cold surface. (The same effect causes a glass of ice tea to “sweat” on a hot humid day.) Continued excess moisture can lead to mold, mildew, and deterioration of your windows and sills.

To reduce humidity levels in your home:• Use ventilation fans in kitchens and baths to control moisture.• vent clothes dryers directly to the outside. Make sure the vent is attached securely to the dryer and free of lint. Clean the vent at least once a year.• If you have single pane windows, especially with metal frames, install storm windows or consider replacing your existing windows with EnERgY STAR labeled windows.• If you can’t afford to add storm windows or replace your windows now, purchase and install a shrink film or polyethylene sheet, window insulation kit from a home center or hardware store.• If you have a humidifier, check it regularly for proper operation. It could be adding too much moisture to your indoor air. (Energystar.gov)

Join the Conversation: go to www.facebook.com/pages/LifeandHomes-Austin to leave your thoughts on this and other articles.

How To Avoid Credit Card Debt* only spend what you can afford. Remember that credit is a LOAn — not a gift. Credit card companies make their money when you don’t pay your bill in full at the end of the month. “Borrowing”

money from your credit card company can be more expensive than borrowing from a bank.

* never “max out” or exceed the limit on your credit card. Over-the-limit fees can raise your interest rate, make it difficult to paydown your debt, and will reflect negatively on your credit report.

* Avoid using your credit card for cash advances. The fees and interest on such transactions are excessively high. Keep credit card receipts to verify the charges on your statement. Contact your credit card company immediately if there are any errors. You must dispute the errors within 60 days of the billing statement by sending copies of any documents supporting your claim. You may withholdpayment for what is in dispute while it is being investigated. (The creditor must resolve the dispute in 90 days, or within two complete billing cycles, whichever is earlier.)

* Eliminate the temptation to open a new card by calling 1-888-5-oPtout. This will remove your name from marketing lists and prevent companies from sending you prescreened and pre-approved credit offers. (dos.ny.gov)


Average Home Loan Amounts VaryWith mortgage rates continuing to be near record lows, LendingTree.com, an online lender ex-change and personal finance resource, recently released data highlighting the average loan amount on residential real estate purchases for all 50 states and Washington d.C. for the year.

Hawaii, by far, leads the nation with an average home loan amount of $677,299, followed by Washington d.C. at $393,453, new Jersey at $344,240 and new York at $340,124. The states with the lowest average home loan amounts are Mississippi at $137,182 and nebraska at $137,515. The national average for a home loan is $222,261. (RealEstateRama)

Trim the F.A.T.!!!By Nancy Kruschke McKinneyHas paper taken over your desk, shelves, table, floor, and maybe even the hallway? Does it seem to multiply over night? Then it's time to trim the F.A.T. Try this simple system: File, Act, Toss- to handle the piles of papers on your desk and watch them begin to disappear.

To use this simple system, pick up each piece of paper and take one of the following steps: File - If the paper needs to be kept for future reference, then file it. File it immediately in the correct folder or place it on the "to be filed" shelf. If you don't already have a special place to put papers "to be filed" (such as a separate shelf or folder), set one up immediately! This is an essential tool in any office or home. Act - does the paper require action? Who needs to do it? If you need to do the action and you can handle it in two minutes or less, then do it now. If it will take longer than two minutes, pull out your calendar or "To do List" and schedule time. If you don't need to handle it, pass it on to the person who does. toss - Is it junk mail? Out of date? does someone else in your workplace keep a copy? Or will you be able to retrieve the information elsewhere if you should need it in the future? If the answer is "Yes" to any or all of these questions, then toss it!

Use the F.A.T. system on a daily basis and you'll notice that suddenly YOU are controlling the papers-the papers aren't controlling you. Happy Trimming!

Nancy Kruschke, owner of Successful Organizing Solutions (S.O.S.) is an organizing coach, consultant, and speaker. Nancy can be reached at 608-441-6767 or [email protected] or visit www.SOSorganize.net.


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Before your finances fall into the bankruptcy category, you can take steps to help turn your bad credit around. Just ask James Cheslek, dean of academic affairs at Brown Mackie College - Albuquerque. Cheslek is a retired corporate and trial law attorney who helps college students with bad credit get back on track.

"If you want to be successful, it is important to not let credit card debt get out of control," Cheslek says. "Many people get frustrated because their credit is not up to par. They don't realize how easy it is to fix. It may take some time, but it is doable."

Step one: Request a free copy of your credit report. Every American is entitled to a free copy of their credit report under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Each of the three reporting agencies - Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion - is required to provide it once every 12 months, if you ask for it. To order your free copy, visit annualcreditreport.com, or call (877) 322-8228.

Step two: Read your credit report carefully for inaccuracies.

"Spend some time figuring out what all the symbols mean. Learn what's good and what's bad," Cheslek says. "Reporting companies get information from creditors. They simply take the information and add it to your report."

Step three: Dispute inaccuracies. The FCRA further states that a reporting agency must correct any inaccuracies on your report. To dispute an item, notify the reporting agency of the inaccurate information. "They must investigate by forwarding your information to the company that provided the disputed item," says Cheslek. "When any information proves incorrect, the FCRA calls for all three reporting agencies to remove it from your credit report."

Step four: Request verification of debt. The Fair debt Collection Practices Act (FdCPA) gives consumers rights against debt collectors. "Here's the deal," Cheslek continues. "debt collectors buy old debt for pennies on the dollar. They call and tell you they are collecting on behalf of another company. However, the company that originated the debt has written it off and retired the file."

This may be the best kept secret in America. The FdCPA entitles you to write to the original company and ask for verification of the debt. They have 30 days to complete the process. Usually, they can't find the file or verify the amount," says Cheslek . "You may need to send follow-up letter to the credit reporting agencies to say, 'Take this off.'"

Step five: Once your credit is fixed, keep it fixed. Cheslek offers the following rules of thumb to follow in the interest of keeping a good credit score: * Pay bills on time. Late payments add fees to the balance owed. * Change the payment due date if the current one is inconvenient. * Pay more than the minimum due, even if just a little. * do not skip any payments. Skipped payments lead to bad credit. * do not close old accounts. Creditors look at how long you've had credit. * Keep one account with no balance. * do not apply for loans you don't need. Every loan request shows on your credit report for two years; a denial becomes a negative mark.

Fixing Your Credit is DoableIf you find yourself with less-than-good credit, you are not alone. Business In-sider, an online business news website, reports that one in 50 households owes more than $20,000 in credit card debt. Coinciding with this alarming figure, the site further states that more than 2 million Americans look to credit coun-selors each year to avoid bankruptcy.

Austin LifeandHomes™Sales Experience RequiredContact [email protected]

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House Hunting? Relax.

We’ll Deliver Your Dream Home.

Call John at 940-595-0184 or email [email protected]

to participate.

Life and

Homes™

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Relax and Get RechargedComfort Suites North is conveniently located on IH-35 North at exit 247 behind Cheddars

15112 FM 1825 Austin, Texas 78660

For Reservations call

512-251-9088

Enjoy Austin and stay a night at the beautiful Comfort Suites in Pfl ugerville

where you don’t have to spend a fortune!

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Avalar texas Real Estateshoreline texas Real Estate

texas Coastal & Hill Country Buyer’s Representation

the premier source for texas second Homes

& Vacation Property

GosecondHomes.com

(512) 610-5000

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Avalar texas Real Estateshoreline texas Real Estate

texas Coastal & Hill Country Buyer’s Representation

the premier source for texas second Homes

& Vacation Property

GosecondHomes.com

(361) 729-7900

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3411 Pearce 1+ acre Building LotAvalar AustinMarguerite Craig • 512-610-5000

Realtor • [email protected]

Visit www.LifeandHomes.comType in Quick Search #140525

Austin $209,000

4204 Love Bird LN 3 Bedrooms / 3.0 BathsAvalar AustinLou Cartwright • 512-610-5000



Austin $375,000

3102 Stardust DR 3 Bedrooms / 2.0 BathsAvalar AustinLou Cartwright • 512-610-5000



Austin $324,900

4903 Powder River RD 4 Bedrooms / 2.0 BathsAvalar AustinLou Cartwright • 512-610-5000



Austin $149,900

8102 Flashpan CV 4 Bedrooms / 3.0 BathsAvalar AustinLou Cartwright • 512-610-5000



Austin $224,900

2701 Bartons Bluff LN 5 Bedrooms / 5.0 BathsAvalar AustinLou Cartwright • 512-610-5000



Austin $2,385,000

4202 Dauphine DR 4 Bedrooms / 3.0 BathsAvalar AustinMarguerite Craig • 512-610-5000



Austin $194,900

285 Mcreynolds Ranch RD 4 Bedrooms / 3.0 BathsColdwell Banker United REALTORGeorge DeVillar • 512-930-2000



Burnet $449,000

12301 Sky Harbor DR 4 Bedrooms / 2.0 BathsTMAX International RealtyGenesis Webb • 5125016416

Real Estate Broker • [email protected]


Del Valle $150,000

2313 University Club DR 4 Bedrooms / 4.0 BathsSolutions Real Estate TexasBill Lanfer • 512-535-4472



Austin $596,900

814 Emerald Wood DR 3 Bedrooms / 1.0 BathsSolutions Real Estate TexasBill Lanfer • 512-535-4472



Austin $122,900

8910 Black Oak ST 3 Bedrooms / 2.0 BathsJoa RealtySusie Kang • 512-480-8384



Austin $154,000

LifeandHomes.com Open Market Listing Service™

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0 ALBERT VOELKER RD Building LotTMAX International RealtyGenesis Webb • 5125016416



Elgin $175,000

204 Copper Leaf CT 4 Bedrooms / 4.0 BathsColdwell Banker United REALTORGeorge DeVillar • 512-930-2000



Georgetown $429,000

114 Mossy Rock CV 3 Bedrooms / 2.0 BathsTMAX International RealtyGenesis Webb • 5125016416



Hutto $151,000

116 Ten Oaks 4 Bedrooms / 3.0 BathsColdwell Banker United REALTORGeorge DeVillar • 512-930-2000



Georgetown $435,900

104 Katie Marie CT 4 Bedrooms / 4.0 BathsColdwell Banker United REALTORDenise Arndt • 512-930-2000



Georgetown $369,900

0 S County Rd 289 4+ Acre Building LotColdwell Banker United REALTORDenise Arndt • 512-930-2000



Georgetown $100,000

4013 E Stan Schlueter LOOP Mini Storage UnitJoa RealtySusie Kang • 512-480-8384



Killeen $1,200,000

1309 Westcott Duplex w/ CarportJoa RealtySusie Kang • 512-480-8384



Round Rock $169,000

9004 Magic Mountain LN 3 Bedrooms / 3.0 BathsAvalar AustinLou Cartwright • 512-610-5000



Round Rock $199,900

104 Nicole Cv Duplex in Cul de SacJoa RealtySusie Kang • 512-480-8384



Round Rock $179,000

1519 MISS ALLISONS WAY 3 Bedrooms / 2.0 BathsAvalar AustinLou Cartwright • 512-610-5000



Pflugerville $119,900

122 S Old County Road 180 Building LotAvalar AustinLou Cartwright • 512-610-5000



Leander $85,000

Open Market Listing Service™ LifeandHomes.com February ■

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L O N G - T E R M F I N A N C I N G F O R C O M M E R C I A L P R O P E RT I E S

We help companies fi nd fi nancing at or lower rates than what is available in the marketplace. We provide consulting services for commercial properties regarding issues of fi nance, development, acquisition,

construction, renovation and refi nancing.

• Construction Financing

• Permanent Financing

• Hospitals

• Hotels

• Retirement Centers

• Multi-Family Units

• Resorts

• Shopping Centers

• Student Housing

940-595-0184 OR EMAIL [email protected]

COMMERCIAL LENDING CONSULTANTS

ASSISTING WITH:

You've decluttered the garage and repainted the kitchen, bathroom and hallways. You took your realtor's advice about improving your house's curb appeal, and the lawn has never looked better. Yet your house still has a "For Sale" sign in front, and potential clients aren't clamoring to see the inside. What's the problem?

Probably the most common problem shared by many sellers in today's real estate market is an inflated price. It's easy to make the mistake of zealously setting an idealistic price. You know exactly what money you've spent as well as the many hours of weekend "sweat equity" over the years....but clinging to that less than practical figure can cost you in the long run.

What's the best way to set a fair price? Savvy buyers have a comparable market analysis

(CMA) conducted on the house (or houses) they are most interested in. As a seller, you should do the same so that you're prepared to negotiate. A good realtor can walk you through this step. Another strategy is to know your competition - is there an open house that's sounds similar to yours in the MLS? Check it out! Is that seller asking more or less than you? After visiting, you may discover that the other guy's floor plan doesn't compare favorably to yours. Or that family has incredible storage space that may be a huge draw for many clients.

What if I go too low? Talk to your real estate agent, but in many cases, a price that's a little lower than your competition can be a terrific strategy. More than once, I've seen such a situation generate a bidding contest that brought the price up above the original asking price.

If the price is fair, shouldn't I expect to get the asking price? The answer to that one is: it depends. In today's market, many buyers are quick to make an offer that's lower than what you're asking. don't be intimidated by a back and forth discussion, and take your time to consider your options. If you notice "For Sale" signs around town with "Price Reduced" toppers on them, you may be in the middle of a rapidly declining market, and prices may need to be reset. A good realtor can advise you of your best plan in the current situation.

Of all the potential pitfalls of selling a home, pricing the house fairly is by far the most common one - and the one issue many clients are reluctant to discuss. Yet the right price can make the difference of selling now or much, much later.

If you're looking to sell your home in the Chapel Hill/Durham area, contact Crazy Viv Olkin at http://www.crazyvivhomes.com. She's the REALTOR who can help you say "The price is right!" and sell your home sooner instead of later.(BiggerPockets)

The Price Is Right – Your Best House Selling Strategy

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(361) 729-7900GosecondHomes.com

shoreline Real Estate - Rockport, Port Aransas, Aransas Pass

Rockport $129,900Home to be built. Nice building lot with builder plans for a 2 bedroom, 2 bath plus bonus room/study. Plans can be modified and explanded per buyer’s needs. MLS# 6550660

GoSecondHomes.com

Rockport $443,500This Bahia Bay home in Rockport, TX has been renovated with new kitchen counter tops and backsplash, new cooktop, dishwasher, tile � oors throughout except bedrooms.MLS# 3964860 GoSecondHomes.com

Rockport $185,000Here it is, furnished, just move in! Step inside to a wonderful wide open living area,beautifully renovated and tastefully furnished too .MLS# 9044311

GoSecondHomes.com

Rockport $245,0002 Bedrooms, 1,320 sq ftMLS# 3214636

GoSecondHomes.com

Rockport $349,000Wonderful home on Swan Lake has 20 ft. ceilings, walls of windows facing the lake & surrounding oak trees, and an incredible focal point � replace. MLS# 9215026

GoSecondHomes.com

Rockport $208,900We have a fully furnished 3 BR, 2 Bath Modular home available NOW…all you need is your PJ’s and toothbrush at Red� sh Bay Club Estates in Rockport, TX. MLS# 7497315

GoSecondHomes.com

Port O’Connor $399,900This To Be Built home represents the best of all - Great Subdivision, Seasoned Builder and a price that cannot be beat. If you are thinking of a house at the Texas Coast. MLS# 5335977

GoSecondHomes.com

Rockport $129,900Home to be built. Nice building lot with builder plans for a 2 bedroom, 2 bath plus bonus room/study. The plans can be modified and expanded per buyer’s needs. MLS# 5046689

GoSecondHomes.com

Rockport $189,500Watch stunning sunsets over Copano Bay from your own private deck of this charming home with water views of Copano Bay, Salt Lake and Canal. MLS# 9198304

GoSecondHomes.com

Rockport $249,900Historic building in Rockport’s downtown Heri-tage District - completely remodeled in 2007 including a new roof, � re and security system. Large front display window. MLS# 4601313

GoSecondHomes.com

Port O’Connor $377,9003 Bedrooms, 2,096 sq ft, .26 Acres, central air. MLS# 3330762

GoSecondHomes.com

Rockport $139,900The huge living room includes a wood-burning � replace, ceiling fan and laminate � ooring. Adjacent you’ll � nd a large dining area and bright kitchen. MLS# 3370950

GoSecondHomes.com

Rockport $239,90050x150 lotMLS# 5323948

GoSecondHomes.com

Rockport $279,000Key Allegro Condominiums- 3 bedrooms, 1,402 sq ft. MLS# 9151167

GoSecondHomes.com


GoSecondHomes.com

Rockport $136,900Lush trees surrounding beautiful staged home. Welcome entry w/ a bedroom or office with it’s own bath. Spacious kitchen with all appliances included. MLS# 9855238

GoSecondHomes.com

Rockport $199,000Nicely remodeled unit with that cosmopolitan feel. 1 bedroom, 1,230 sq ft.MLS# 3392119

GoSecondHomes.com

Rockport $249,9002 Bed, 1,178 sq ft. Waterfront. Central air. MLS# 5423200

GoSecondHomes.com


GoSecondHomes.com

Rockport $159,0003 Bedrooms, 1,173 sq ft. MLS# 5310624

GoSecondHomes.com

Rockport $239,90050x150 lot on Water Street near corner of Water and First. MLS# 5777223

GoSecondHomes.com


GoSecondHomes.com

Rockport $260,000Fantastic views of the Intracoastal Waterway and Redfish Bay abound from this canal front home site located in the exclusive, gated La Buena Vida subdivision. MLS# 8120684

GoSecondHomes.com

Rockport $299,900HALF ACRE LOT o¤ ering great views of the intercoastal and Estes Flats. This great beachy � oor plan o¤ ers a large covered patio to enjoy the Bayfront breeze. MLS# 3827329

GoSecondHomes.com

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Now you don’t have to settle. Build the home you’ve always wanted on your lot or ours.

From the high $200’s

Orchid Homes: Custom Homes 1805 Camino Viejo Austin TX 78758 (Tanglewild Sub)

12332 Cedar Bend Cove Austin TX 78758 ( Cedar Bend Sub)512-833-0404

Deborah YatesUrban Properties512-289-4500

[email protected]

Larry Hatzfeld Avalar Austin Real Estate

512-923-8477 [email protected]

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