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10 Reasons to Buy a Home
If you believe everything you read or hear in the media, you might have just given up on the “American Dream” of buying and owning your own home. When I read this article (written right on the heals of that wretched Time story), I nearly sat up and cheered! Check out the video below and then read the full article in the Wall Street Journal. If you are still unsure, talk to a trusted lender about your situation and a good Realtor. It may just turn out to be that now is one of the best opportunities to achieve the “American Dream” than you’ll see in a very long time.
Texans “Way Too Proud?”
Are Texans “way too proud?” Like I always say, I wasn’t born in Texas but I got here as soon as I could. Whether you’re a native or a transplant, its hard not to get caught up in a little bit of that Texas pride and if you’ve spent any time here on this blog you will know that I would have to plead guilty to getting caught up in it myself. But here’s a proud Texan who put his Texas pride in a video to the Bud Light radio ad “Real Men of Genius” and he has pretty much nailed it. Yes the state reptile is the Horned Toad. I had a good laugh when I saw it and thought y’all (that’s Texas talk) might enjoy it too. So to all my fellow native and non-native Texans, this is for you.
Have a great Labor Day Weekend!
Mr. Way Too Proud Texas Guy
Realtor.com iPhone App–very cool!
I have to tell you, I love my iPhone and love all the cool apps that are available. There’s an app for just about anything you can think of in the “app store,” including finding a new home. Realtor.com has one that will make looking for property fun and incredibly easy. Its amazing what a powerful tool this is right at your finger tips and whenever you need it. See a sign in the yard of a home you’d like more information on? Forget those flyers that always seem to be out anyway and lets face it, some are better than others. There’s no reason to run home to your computer for more info. You can get it right on your phone! If you like what you see, give me a call and I’ll schedule a showing. It really is that easy. Check it out!
We Live in the “Texaplex”
Okay in a recent post I referred to the Texaplex and told you to just Google it. Well, here ya go. Texas is not just a great place to live, it is the land of opportunity. And that’s saying a lot in this economy. So if you already live here, you are indeed very fortunate! If you are moving here, welcome to the land of opportunity!
Pancakes Anyone?
If you’re looking for some real down home Texas cuisine you have really got to try the 620 Cafe and Bakery.
When my parents come to town we always make a point to eat breakfast out–at least once while they’re here and the 620 Cafe is where we go. They do have lunch but I LOVE their breakfast menu and they serve it all day.
The pancakes are HUGE and I don’t think I’ve tasted any better anywhere. Be sure to have some of the country potatoes with your order–if only I could make them at home.
Other favorites are biscuits and country gravy, Southern Benedict, Tex-Mex Benedict…I could go on but just go check the menu.
Now lets talk about the bakery. You’ll want to start with desert before you’re even seated because they display all their bakery wares in a glass refrigerator case just inside the front door. If you don’t have room for their sweet confections, you can always just take a whole pie home. Hungry yet? I suggest you give the 620 Cafe and Bakery a try this weekend.
Hours are Monday – Saturday 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
910 Round Rock Avenue
Round Rock, TX 78681
Kitchen Tile Spruce Ups
Want to change up your back splash tile without the time and expense involved in re-tiling? Take a look at this video demonstration of IdeaStix. Looks easy and from what I can see, very convincing. You can even change it up whenever you want. Check it out.
Texas Wins Again!!!
Its all about jobs…isn’t it? That one big item that inspires consumer confidence, right? Well hurray for Texas because Texas takes the top 4 spots out of 10 for the most jobs created over the last 5 years. Wow…can’t shake a stick at that. Here’s the order:
#1 Houston
#2 Dallas
#3 San Antonio
#4 Austin
Are people moving here in droves?…you betcha. Can you blame them? Here’s a great video from Austin Real Estate Daily; 2 local Austin video bloggers who have the skinny. Oh yeah and what is Texaplex? Its the triangle created by these 4 cities–Austin being smack dab in the middle–deep in the heart as you know. Google it. Pretty cool.
First Time Home Buyer?
So you’re a first time home buyer…or you were until the $8000 tax credit expired. Are you still on the fence thinking you’ve missed out on the golden opportunity?
The tax credits may be gone but it there is still opportunity abounding. First of all, interest rates are still historically low. I know, we were telling everyone last year that they’d better take advantage of the low interest rates now before they start going up–way up. Well, here we are a year later, and we’re still saying it and lenders are still scratching their heads and holding their breath. But it is still true. Interest rates will go up. Without a crystal ball, no one is sure when but it is inevitable. The point is, interest rates are REALLY low and have no where to go but up from here.
The other good news is that there are still programs for first time home buyers in Texas based on your location and situation. For more information go to Texas Home Programs and search all the programs that are available to you. Chances are you’ll find one that meets will work for you.
Austin picked as top entrepreneurial center in U.S.
Austin Business Journal
Austin was picked as the nation’s most progressive and proactive entrepreneurial center, according to an article from Entrepreneur.com.
The publication identified 50 cities that best promote entrepreneurial pursuits. It touted Austin’s innovative spirit, commerce and emerging technology culture. Among those efforts, the city’s Emerging Technology Program attracts growing firms and supports established locals.
Austin is home to many successful start-up companies, as well as the growing South-by-Southwest Interactive conference, where social media giant Twitter first announced its micro-blog model. Also in the past year Facebook Inc., LegalZoom Inc. and Host Gator LLC have announced offices in Austin, while other established companies have grabbed funding, new space and people.
This year alone has seen 31 relocations and expansions in the technology-related space, representing nearly 3,000 new jobs, according to the Austin Economic Growth and Redevelopment Services Office.
”Austin is a magnet for talent and a leader in innovation which makes it an ideal location to grow your business,” Economic Growth Director Kevin Johns said.
Others on Entrepreneur.com’s list (in order) include Brooklyn, N.Y.; Seattle; Nashville, Tenn. and Providence, R.I., among others.
“Flat is the new up”
Are you nervous about buying or selling your home? If you watch the news and listen to all that is being said about the U.S. Housing Market it’s no wonder. But what you may hear in National news may not necessarily apply to your market and frankly undermines consumer confidence–especially in markets that are faring much better than the average–for instance Austin, Round Rock and other Texas cities.
The value of real estate is always based on the local, not national market. As we wait for the upturn in the economy, as Travis Kessler, CEO of the Texas Association of Realtors recently puts it, “Flat is the new up. There is nothing wrong with stability.” The Austin and Round Rock markets, contrary to much of the country has remained stable through the worst of the down turn.
With low housing costs, low interest rates, the low cost of living, strong state economy and jobs (Samsung just announced 500 new jobs at their Austin plant) the Austin and Round Rock housing market has remained high in value. So now could very well be a very good time for you to buy or sell.
The point is, don’t pay as much attention to the national talking heads on TV. Go local for your information on the market you’re interested in. You’ll get a much better picture.
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