What are my neighbors thinking when they see my next door neighbor selling their home through another broker?  I understand the reason is because they’re getting a huge discount, but do my other neighbors know this?  I work hard from my clients, price their home strategically so that it gets the most traffic possible, stage it if necessary, keep them updated on every inquiry, follow up with them whenever they call with a question or concern, negotiate the highest price possible for them with the most reasonable timeline that works for them and so much more that just goes on and on….discount firms don’t come close to offering the same customer service and yet they seem to be winning folks over left and right.  I don’t think consumers even know that a difference exists when there is such a discount on the fee for services rendered by  “discount REALTORS”.  Yes, I’m a little bitter at the edge those discount agents have right now, with times being what they are, but this won’t last forever.  Times are getting better and we’ll all get back on our feet.  We’ll all get back to a good economy when the unemployment rate is low, folks are buying and selling because they are ready to, stocks will continue to rise and everyone is back on track with a lifestyle they are comfortable with. 

Be optimistic and hopeful that times are changing for the better and make today a great day.  It’s only a short period of time in our lives and maybe we’ll all grow from this experience and walk away from it having learned something that will be with us forever.   That, of course, is something different for all of us.

There will be a few changes of the FHA guidelines effective early summer.  Some of the changes will be to increase the mortgage insurance premium (MIP); update the combination of FICO scores and down payments for new borrowers; reduce seller concessions to three percent, from six percent; and implement a series of significant measures aimed at increasing lender enforcement.  With these changes it will Address Risk and Strengthen Finances for the FHA and guarantee the FHA to be the largest source for home buying.

I find that when I’m discussing reasons to move to Round Rock, Cedar Park or any city or town in Williamson County, one of the top reasons is almost always the law enforcement.  Although I do believe officers can be a bit too tough on traffic violations (only because I’ve been cited), it’s reassuring that those with criminal intentions, are probably more reluctant to reside here because the sentences our officials and jurors hand out are a bit heavier than other counties.  I’ve actually had customers ask that I not show them properties in Williamson County because of the reputation.  I’m not claiming we never have burglaries or vandalism or murders and such, but it seems we hear more of it in other cities/counties than we do here.  So when considering where to make your next home, I think this is a great fact to consider.   I’ve seen Round Rock in the top 20 safest places to live a few times and I’m proud to be a resident here.

Forbes and Moody’s Economy.com projects Austin’s economy will grow by 32% over the five year period from 2007 to 2012. Not only is Austin’s economy growing, but it’s growth rate is nearly 50% higher than #2 ranked Fort Myers, Florida. Equally important to Austin’s economic growth is Austin’s population growth which is expected to grow by an amazing 15%.  Austin has fared better than most major cities thanks in part to the technology influence and major Universities within the city.  It it truly a good time to be in Austin to experience all that it has to offer and to maintain and even grow your Real Estate portfolio with the economic and population growth..