No Gimmick- Reduce Your Monthly Payment When Purchasing Your New Home!

July 29, 2007 | Leave a Comment

The Secret is- Strategy

A lot of folks are growing more and more concerned about their monthly payment when considering the purchase of their new home.  It is absolutely understandable.  It is one of the many factors that play into the decision to wait or buy now- after all, all your friends own, why don’t I is the question many ask themselves.

Interest rates being fluid as of late has stunned many, as the payment they calculated on the new home they were dreaming about has changed.  We had nearly reached 7% a week ago but that has come down a tad with the slow down in purchases in June.  All of this up and down has created a need for Single Pointe to pull out all the stops to make sure our first home buyers can still buy.

Buying down interest rates to affordable levels
Buying down payments to fit within in your budget
These are just two of the solutions we’re demanding of sellers to help assist our buyers in hopes that many can now see their home in the same payment range they had planned for.  We aren’t sure how long these great buyer incentives will last nor are we sure how long this lag in increasing interest rates will continue so our advice is to make your move now.

Give us a call to discuss what strategies we’re tailoring for our buyers and how they can work for you…

 Read What Our Fans Are Saying

 Pre-Qualify Now Buy Tomorrow

 Search Our Builder & Featured Homes

 Map Search All of Austin

 Spread The Buzz- We depend on you!

Posted by Benn, Single Pointe CEO | Filed Under Austin Real Estate Blog, Buying, First Time Buyers, New Construction 

The Weekly Hottie- Dig These Digs! Cedar Park/Leander, Travis County

July 29, 2007 | Leave a Comment

The Weekly Hottie! Whoa…

This weeks Hottie is so amazing inside and out, we ran over after the rain and shot a quick exterior video just for you!

The Goods…

4 Bedrooms
2.5 Baths
2 Story
60′ Lot
& A Whopping 2671 square feet of highend living
Master Down 13×16
Morning Area 10×11
Formal Dining 14×12 w/wood floors
Two Story Living Space 17×17 w/18′ Ceilings Corner Fireplace
Second Bedroom 12×11
Third Bedroom 10×12
Forth Bedroom 13×11
Family Room 15×21
Granite & Stainless Finishes
Mahogany Door w/Leaded Glass
GE Appliances
Accent walls/ Ceiling Fans / is there more? Oh yeah…
did we mention the 144 sqft covered patio & back yard landscaping?
not to mention the oaks?
Detatched garage in rear with private drive
No home directly faces yours & No Home Behind
Windows Windows Windows!
 

All of this- for only $289,900 but it gets better… $25 Thousand! Yes, 5 digits… OFF the sales price OR use some or all for your down payment & closing costs. This is a fantastic investment. This discount may not last…

 Call us for a personal showing 10am to 7pm 512-879-3741

 View Listing

 Search More Builder & Featured Homes

 Pre-Qualify Now

all details provided by & some details apply to incentives per builder

Posted by Benn, Single Pointe CEO | Filed Under Austin Real Estate Blog, Buying, Video, Weekly Hottie 

New Video - We’re Easing Your Home Search! check this out…

July 27, 2007 | Leave a Comment

The Austin Ranch Home is back with a vengeance!

This is something new we’re doing- video tours!  They aren’t perfect videos but they’re cool and hope you like them! But you can make fun, thats ok too! We’re getting better!

Check out the video!
…

Here’s the scoop on this Cedar Park Ranch Home:
only $231,763 gets you all this!

3 bedrooms
2 bathrooms
extra room in master
THREE CAR garage
2000 sf (builder)
price lowered to $231,763

The perfect move-up home with amenities you deserve:

LIT ART NICHES throughout
bay windows in dining room
corian counters
maple cabinetry
marble composite JETTED garden tub
separated shower
covered patio great for entertaining
FULL landscape package with SPRINKLERS

 Search more homes like this one

 See this listing

 Don’t just take our word- what our fans say

 Pre-qualify Now

 Spread the word - We depend on you!

Posted by Benn, Single Pointe CEO | Filed Under Austin Real Estate Blog, Buying, Video, Weekly Hottie 

The Weekly Hottie- Leander!

July 26, 2007 | Leave a Comment

HOT! HOT! HOT!

Leander Texas! 

$153,337 REDUCED! to a COOL $136,337

We Only Have Two In This Price Range!

So many of you were so disappointed in January to learn that home prices had sored and you could not get into Leander under $150- well, have we got a suprise for you!

Here are the goods on this one…

3 Bed 2 Bath
Cool upgraded cabinets
Stainless & gunbarrel finishes
Arched Entries
Modern black appliances
Vanity
Marble finished garden tub
Seperate Shower
Very nice master closet
Beautiful front wondow
Covered rear patio (wired for your fan)
You can go zero down, zero move-in on this home easially (call for details)
Are you worried about payments? Ask us how we can hold your payment up to 60 days and reduce your payment over two years!
We’re saving our clients 1000s on their new homes- it’s no wonder Builders LOVE to hate us!

 Search Austin new home builders & featured properties

 Check Out more on what we can do!

 Pre-Qualify Now to purchase your new digs!

 Credit Concerns? Get the lowdown on creative finance

 Spread the word - We depend on you!

Posted by Benn, Single Pointe CEO | Filed Under Austin Real Estate Blog, Buying, New Construction, Weekly Hottie 

WE LOVE Salt Lick 360 in Austin

July 24, 2007 | Leave a Comment

So you think you can’t get the world renowned flavor of the Salt Lick without driving out to the middle of nowhere?  FALSE!

Salt Lick Three Sixty is located on Hwy 360 in Davenport Village near Westlake.  For those of us 1.5 hours from Driftwood rejoice.  Oh, you didn’t know about SL360?  WELL, we’re here to tell you that this is the exact same food from the exact same famous pit in Driftwood.  Now, anyone can cook an animal- many of us are carnivores (sorry Vegetarians, your blog is later).  But not everyone can make your mouth melt with the super secret recipe of the Salt Lick Sauce.  Even just sopping bread with this sauce would be a full meal! MMMMM!

We took the family to Salt Lick Three Sixty this summer and absolutely loved it!  They have a beautiful full bar and feature a great happy hour, but we went strictly for the Meat Plate.  What we like about this location over the original is the relaxed uptown atmosphere, the gorgeous concrete floors, indoor seating (in REAL chairs), tables with tablecloths and proper silverware, and incredible service.  This is more our pace.  The meat was exactly what I grew up with in Driftwood- we all order the sausage+sliced beef+ribs combo with beans and potato salad.  Yes, I popped my top pants button, so what?

Our waiter Shannon was amazing- he was attentive but not irritating and somehow refilled our drinks once without us noticing!  He smiled consistently and was somehow at the front door to greet us goodbye as he left (I think he owns a teleporter).

So, when you’re hankerin’ for some of the Salt Lick but love Air Conditioning, head over to 360 and ask for Shannon!

——
3801 North Capital of Texas Hwy (that’s Hwy 360), 512.328.4957.  Mmmm!

Posted by Lani, Asset Director | Filed Under About Austin, Austin Real Estate Blog, Human Interest, Other Stuff 

Austin Has Another Reason To Toot Its Horn!

July 23, 2007 | Leave a Comment

According to The AARP Magazine, Austin is one of the top four cities to watch as a retirement-friendly community for those over the age of 50.  The Austin Business Journal notes that the cities were compared based on “new urbanism, smart growth, mixed-use development and easy-living standards,’ says Steve Slon, editor of AARP’s magazine.”

Austin is progressive in all of these areas and is a haven for people of all ages- we live in such a diverse city that there is a place for any and all!  

Single Pointe Realty names the Top 5 Reasons Austin is Retirement-Friendly:

1. Lake living is laid back and age-diverse!  Whether you’re a boat owner who wants to dock at either Lake or you just want to rent for a weekend, Austin’s got it!

2. As stereotypical as this might sound, Austin has roughly 25 courses, many of them public!  Even if you don’t plan on taking up golf until you retire, we’ve got options!  These aren’t your average city courses- we’re talking about water features, 18 holes, and hill country splendor.  If you’re into tournament play, Austin is a PGA favorite, and there are endless Classics every month.  This is a great way to meet others who have relocated- Austin is full of transplants!

3. Austin IS laid-back.  There is a hot lounge scene downtown and around the suburbs with a core crowd around 50.  Not all clubs are geared for the teens- Austin knows that when you retire, it’s party time!

4. Hiking and biking is super popular.  The trails around Lake Austin have runners and bikers from the toddlers to the great grandparents- anyone can be fit!  Most new subdivisions are now required to have a certain amount of green space in the forms of parks or walking trails.  What a great way to start the day!

5. Shopping shopping shopping… The Hill Country Galleria opens this fall, and The Domain recently opened- both feature upscale shopping (think Tiffany’s and Neiman Marcus).  If an indoor mall is more your pace, Barton Creek Square Mall, Lakeline Mall, the Arboretum, Northcross Mall or even Highland Mall offer great retailers.  The coolest part of Austin shopping is truly all of the independent stores around town like Baubles and Beads, Book People, Spider House Coffee, Upper Crust Bakery, or Tesoros.

6. Okay, we fibbed- we HAD to add a sixth!  Who can forget development!  Austin is experiencing incredible growth and commercial retail is creating more and more destinations for those in search of shopping, golfing, hiking, etc. as mentioned before!  Austin has been in the process of developing numerous condominum projects, more high rise living towers, multi-use development (live work play concept), brownstones, rowhouses (Hill Country Galleria), affordable garden homes, impressive designer homes, McMansions or even true Lake Villas.

If you’re looking for somewhere to retire, take it from AARP- Austin’s in the Top 5 Cities to Watch!  We can help make your move possible- check out the rest of our site and start your search from your home even if you ARE in your pajamas!

Posted by Lani, Asset Director | Filed Under About Austin, Austin News, Austin Real Estate Blog, Market Conditions 

Austin- Pictures Worth 1000s of Words

July 22, 2007 | Leave a Comment

The famous Sixth Street in downtown Austin, Texas- known for live music, bars and entertainment.  The Frost Tower adds sparkle and glitz to the Austin skyline.

Austinites know that on the UT campus and around downtown that if there’s a tree, there’s a squirrel.  And they like snacks.  They’re friendly and fuzzy- don’t be scared!

We hand fed the squirrel pictured above at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum after watching an IMAX 3-d movie about sharks and taking a tour of the three level museum (which the kids thought was more fun than a “normal museum”).

Lake Austin is one of our most beautiful attractions in the city!  The public boat docks next to Hula Hut and Mozart’s down on Lake Austin Drive makes for a really nice family night cap- dip your toes in the water as you watch boats float along the uber-wealthy waterfront estates.

This view is from the other side of the dam near Barton Springs where you can watch kayakers, swimmers, canoes and ducks up and down the Colorado River!

St. David’s Episcopal Church on 7th and San Jacinto transformed an alley between their parking garage and the newly constructed building to create a peaceful Labyrinth lined with natural Texas landscaping.  This is an amazing retreat- come by and clear your mind- start at the opening and follow through to the middle (it takes longer than you might think, and you’re completely meditated when you reach the middle)!

Most photos of the Capitol are from the other side- enjoy this view featuring the Frost Tower- our newest crown jewel! 

The following photos are skyline views taken over time of Austin, TX.  Enjoy!

If you are relocating to Austin or are ready to move to a different area of town, we’re fanatical about our city and we know it well- call the experts!

512.879.3741

Posted by Lani, Asset Director | Filed Under About Austin, Austin News, Austin Real Estate Blog, Other Stuff 

Searching Austin Homes? Check this out… Why not Leander? VIDEO

July 17, 2007 | Leave a Comment

We’re always bringing you something new- videos!  We make it our business to know everything about The Greater Austin Area in order to make your Austin home search simple.  So check out our video (our first in a series)! Feel free to comment and yes, you can even make fun…  This has definitely been a learning experience!  The video viewer is also something new to us, so if you have problems, drop a comment!

THIS is Leander?  Enjoy!

 Click to Search Featured Homes

 Click to Map Search Austin Homes

Posted by Benn, Single Pointe CEO | Filed Under Austin Real Estate Blog, Buying, New Construction, Video 

We Caught Them Red Handed- Builders Hiding Inventory (more war stories)

July 17, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Every week, we physically go out into a minimum of five various new home communities in search of their hottest deals. What we’ve found is several builders have begun hiding inventory with SOLD signs in order to create a sense of urgency on the part of buyers. 

This is fantastic news for our new home buyers- there are even better deals to be had and we know where those better deals are!  It is not so fantastic news to buyers who have gone in alone- how would they know any better? 

We’ve added 38 new homes to our builder inventory homes and invite you to search them.  These deals will not last long now that we know they’re there, so get in on this action now! 

 Search builder inventory
 Read what our fans are saying
 Get the goods on Creative financing
 We count on you to spread the word! Tell a Friend!

Posted by Benn, Single Pointe CEO | Filed Under Austin News, Austin Real Estate Blog, Buying, New Construction 

We’re Shaking Things Up In Austin! Here’s The Buzz- Buy Sell Search

July 15, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Sweet New Features Added

We’ve launched A Sweet New Feature this weekend that will give buyers a more effective way of Map Searching Austin Homes, and Sellers equal excitement that buyers will find their homes all over Austin. You can search by map, or simply search standard listings and revert back easily to see exactly where a specific home is on the map.  Buyers can also easily update the map- streamlining their home searching process.

We continue to improve features at Single Pointe as well as your experience while browsing.  Here are a few of the features:

We’ve removed all images that slow down load times on all pages.  Honestly, they do nothing to improve the consumer’s ability to search homes, so why have them? Instead we’re using richer colors, simple text, and smarter page layouts. 

We developed our “buy sell search” motto which means to you- we’re breaking down the site in a way that takes the user directly where they want to go. Simply click one of the three buttons to do exactly what you came here to do, less all the fluff you’ll get from average search sites.

We’ve expanded the ability to save your Austin home search.  It is a much simpler way of getting and saving only the content you want as well as getting updates on new listings on only the homes you specify- this is a feature that seems well loved so far and we’re excited!

As for our Layout- you’re experiencing it for yourself right now!  So check out the links below; tour around!

Posted by Benn, Single Pointe CEO | Filed Under Austin Real Estate Blog, Buying, Selling, Single Pointe Updates 

Austin Restaurant You Must Try- Cafe 290

July 13, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Each month, we select a local restaurant to review and we want YOU to try it out with us!  There’s nothing like moving to a new area and knowing in advance where to eat.  After you try out the restaurant we’ve featured, head back to Single Pointe Realty’s Austin Blog and write your own review in the comments section of the Restaurant Review to be eligible for a $25 gift certificate to the selected restaurant. Sound good?  Let’s get started!
—-

Years ago, when my grandfather and I took a few road trips to Houston from Austin (via Hwy 290), he would always note that I should try Cafe 290 when we passed through Manor.  I was usually tired and ready to get somewhere else, but Grandpa- I finally tried Cafe 290 for the first time! 

They’ve recently  had a remodel and it’s really nicely done.  I had the soup of the day which was an interesting, non-spicy take on Chicken Tortilla Soup and I enjoyed the generosity they showed with the chunks of chicken!  My husband had their Bacon Cheeseburger and called it “overwhelming” in size and especially adored the steak fries.  Granted the service was a tad slow and the Coke needed some tweaking, we recommend this restaurant, especially if you’re moving out to Manor.

It’s a Hill Country favorite and you’ll love it to!  We’re confident that anything on the menu will put a Texas-sized grin on your face!!!  Once you’re able to button your top jean buttons back up, head on back over and give us your review- hey, your next meal could be on us!

(11011 Hwy 290 E, Manor, TX 78653, 512.272.4212)

Posted by Lani, Asset Director | Filed Under About Austin, Austin Real Estate Blog, Other Stuff 

Austin Thanksgiving In July

July 12, 2007 | Leave a Comment

So if you’re anything like me, you’re already planning for the upcoming holidays.  “Upcoming?” you ask… YES, upcoming! 

Let’s start with Thanksgiving.  Some of you study Martha Stewart dilligently as I do, and others want to make reservations to ensure no kitchen fires this year.  Either way, Austin is a great place for Thanksgiving- UT Football, great mild fall temperatures and an array of grocers specializing in your needs.

—–
Making Reservations?  The following restaurants traditionally accept reservations on Thanksgiving Day and Eve:

Threadgill’s- head on down to a Texas favorite and plump up until 10pm!  We normally order Chicken Fried Steak, but we’ll make an exception on this special day!  (6416 North Lamar Blvd, 78752, call 512.451.5440)

Hudson’s on the Bend- I grew up in the Lake Travis area and called the owner’s daughter my best friend for many years.  We had 13th birthdays there and were probably laughed at by the more sophisticated patrons.  I had the pleasure of watching Hudson’s grow into this legacy, and Jeff Blank is an amazing chef (especially off the clock!).  Bring your wallet and your appetite- you’ll need both!  Make your reservations early- like now. (3509 RR 620 North, 78734, call 512.266.1369)

Four Seasons Cafe- the ballroom is gorgeous and your entire family will enjoy a holiday buffet.  If your family will be joining you from out of town, why don’t you have them stay at the hotel and make a reservation for yourself to stay the night after you stuff your face? (98 San Jacinto Blvd, 78701, call 512.478.3117)

Driskill Grill- visit this historical setting and make reservations for the scrumptious Thanksgiving brunch buffet. (604 Brazos St, 78701, call 512.474.5911)

Main Street Grill- this is the upscale gem of Round Rock- get some Turkey made perfectly!  If you’re up north, you don’t have to drive downtown, just head over to Round Rock! (118 E. Main Ave, 78664, call 512.244.7525)

—–
What?  You can’t cook AND you don’t want to wear pants?  Make the turkey come to you- catering can be an easy and often inexpensive options!

Slab Shack- Order your cajun-fried turkey, a big fat smoked turkey, or a Turducken (not related to turd, rather related to a stuffed chicken inside a duck inside a turkey- mmm).  (11501 Manchaca, 78748, call 512.282.0614)

EatOutIn- normally we use EatOutIn when I’m too lazy or busy to cook, or we can’t stop a meeting to leave the office.  Any day of the year, EatOutIn picks up food from any restaurant on their roll for a small delivery fee… even for your Thanksgiving fiesta!!! (eatoutin.com or call 512.346.9990)

Portabla-I hear they have great tapas (and Turkey) and will prepare an awesome spread for your Thanksgiving meal, just give them 2 days’ notice! (1200 W Sixth St, 78703, call 512.481.8646)

—–
Shopping for that special ingredient?  Aiming for a healthy feast?  Impressing your friends with an alternative meal?

Whole Foods- get your tofurkey here or your umm… sugar-free guava juice?  I am not even a health food nut, but even the kids love walking around this multi-story palace!  (525 North Lamar Blvd, 78703, 512.476.1206)

HEB- can you say Combo Loco?  Just walk into any HEB store and look up front for the “buy a turkey, get all the sides and a kitten for free” Combo Loco coupon in beautiful yellow paper.  Last year, Thanksgiving was nearly free thanks to the good folks at H-E-B! (go to heb.com to find the location nearest your home)

Central Market- if you don’t have the Food Network, don’t worry- Central Market provides classes above the restaurant, you can search for your gourmet ingredients and catch some live music on Fridays and Sundays!  Get a map up front- this giganto place is a maze. (4001 North Lamar Blvd, 78756, call 512.206.1000)

Fiesta Mart- everyone knows that a cayenne-rubbed Turkey makes everyone say, “gracias”!  Many cultures move to Austin and seek spices or ingredients that are usually found only online, but click “buy” no more- just head over to IH35!  (3909 N IH 35, 78722, 512.406.3900)

Wheatsville Co-Op- if you carry your own recycled cotton bags to your grocer and you focus on local labels, bulk material (of course to save on packaging), and wear recycled hemp sandals, you’ll love it here!  Go green! (3101 Guadalupe St, 78705, 512.478.2667)

—–
Deserts can be the most difficult part of preparing for Thanksgiving, so just cut out the hassle and order your cakes or pies in advance- they’ll probably taste better, they’ll save you hours AND they’ll be gorgeous!

Sweetish Hill Bakery-head over to this sexy part of town and experience the luscious tastes of Sweetish Hill!  (1120 W. 6th St, 78703, 512.472.1347)

Upper Crust Bakery-mmm- Gateau Maria is the BEST!  Yellow cake with cream cheese frosting topped with fresh picked strawberries?  You can’t go wrong. Call well in advance because Upper Crust is a gorgeous addition to any feast! (4508 Burnet Rd, 78756, call 512.467.0102)

Tiff’s Treats-you will NOT get a better chocolate chip cookie anywhere in town than this UT original!  If you’re out of their delivery area, demand to pick a few dozen up!  In college, I survived on Tiff’s Treats many nights!  (order at cookiedelivery.com or call 512.473.2600)

1886 Bakery-this is the cafe inside the Driskill and it is absolutely beautiful!  I’m pretty sure the devil is waiting outside their doors for when you bite into their decadent chocolate cake… beware!  (604 Brazos St., 78701, call 512.474.5911)

—-
Now, if you don’t live in Austin, you have time before the Thanksgiving season starts to get here.  If our specialty grocers and award-winning bakeries haven’t convinced you, let’s try something else…
—-

Thanksgiving is a time of sharing and it is always a great kickoff to the Christmaka (yes, that’s Christmas+Hanukkah) season.  Austin has always had a great sense of camaraderie- you name the month and there are countless charity events.  You would think in Austin that we all have great calves, given all of our 5k runs that are never short of runners.  So here are our picks for the Thanksgiving season:

Chuy’s Children Giving to Children Parade- 11/24 at 11am-noon, starting at 11th and Congress (the Capitol grounds).  Bring a toy- Santa’s Helpers will help spectators donate their toy which will be distributed by Operation Blue Santa to a child in need!  You’ll love the floats, bands, cars and inflatable balloons!  OH, don’t forget Santa- he’ll be there!  (chuysparade.com for more details)

Thundercloud Turkey Trot- 11/22 all day!  This is the largest 5k in Texas!  This year marks the 17th Annual Trot and features a Kid’s Walk, a Weelchair 5k, a traditional 5k, and for my taste- the 1k!  There’s a K for everyone on Thanksgiving day- what an awesome way to work off the Turkey fat! (thundercloud.com for more info)

Austin MS Walk-11/11 from 7:30am- 2pm.  Raising money for Multiple Sclerosis is great motivation for this Walk held at the Dell Diamond for all ages.  Not a runner?  I can relate- they need volunteers too!  (wlktxh.nationalmssociety.org for all upcoming walks)

—-

Okay everyone, your November calendar is officially full with food, fun and 5Ks!  ENJOY!

Posted by Lani, Asset Director | Filed Under About Austin, Austin Events, Austin Real Estate Blog, Other Stuff 

The Weekly HOTTIE! LIVE IN GEORGETOWN TX!

July 6, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Georgetown TEXAS! 

$181,990 REDUCED! to a COOL $166,990

THIS HOME HAS IT ALL!

Georgetown is a hot spot for new homes! This area typically sells for a pretty penny, but because this home has been on the market for more than a month, the builder is ready to move it- they’ve reduced the price $15,000!

3 bedrooms
2 bathrooms
2 car garage w/ opener
1658 sf (builder)
$166,990 (reduced price)
Upgraded brushed nickel hardware
Stainless steel appliances
FRIDGE included
Sprinkler system included!
Covered rear patio with fan
Art niches
Awesome walk-in closets
Double vanity
Ceramic tile in traffic areas
Formal dining with gorgeous chandelier
Tile gas fireplace

We advertise a lot of homes, but this is by far one of the best deals out there!!! Shh- don’t tell our other ads, they’ll get jealous!

If you think your credit issues are holding you back, take a deep breath- we have Realtors that actually specialize in working with credit issues- they love the challenge!!! If you’re short on change, go NO MONEY DOWN!

So what are you waiting for? Call 512.879.3741 now and mention Reference #GT 1114 or click ALL 26 PICS of this home, read the Austin blog, search the MLS for other homes, or get started now by filling out the quick Pre-Qualification form!

> last week’s weekly hottie
> search builder new home inventory

Posted by Benn, Single Pointe CEO | Filed Under Austin Real Estate Blog, Buying, First Time Buyers, Weekly Hottie 

WooHoo- Cedar Park is in Top 10 Cities for Families

July 5, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Family Circle named Cedar Park as one of America’s Top 10 Cities for Families for its August 2007 issue!  According to the Austin Business Journal, the magazine joined up with a research firm to analyze 1,850 cities/towns with populations under 150,000 with an average income of $65,000. Indexes examined included green space, cost of living, jobs, health and air quality.  Other Top 10 cities include Castle Rock, CO, Chanhassen, MN, Cooper City, FL, Derby, KS, Diamond Bar, CA, Franklin, MA, Kennesaw, GA, Madison, MS, and Morton Grove, IL.

So what exactly is so awesome about Cedar Park?  Well besides the fact that several Single Pointe Realtors live there, it is an awesome alternative to the hustle and bustle of the city life.  Since the 183-A Tollway opened, life in Cedar Park has become quite convenient- a zip to the Arboretum, a dash to Lakeline Mall and a scoot to Lake Creek Alamo Drafthouse!

Cedar Park has a really laid back feel where cul-de-sacs are decorated with edged lawns, preteens on bicycles, neighbors sharing barbecue, and chatting.  People have relocated from all across the globe, giving Cedar Park a really diverse feel.  Oh, and don’t forget that the Texas wave is required when driving through neighborhoods- that’s when you smile and keep both hands on the wheel and put up your index and middle fingers of your left hand in recognition of the people walking or driving by.

If this sounds like your pace and you want to sneak a peek at Cedar Park homes, go ahead and click here to start peeking- we promise not to bug you with spam or calls! We’re no pressure, so justall us when you’re ready to see any home in Cedar Park!  We love Cedar Park, so does Family Circle, and you will too!

Happy Cedar Park-ing!
LA

Posted by Lani, Asset Director | Filed Under About Austin, Austin News, Austin Real Estate Blog, Market Conditions 

Don’t Panic! Same Great Folks, but a Totally New look!

July 2, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Yes, it’s true, you’re seeing even further changes at Single Pointe in anticipation of a fantastic new feature we’re about to release in the next week or so.  We’re in beta now working out the kinks, but we’re hoping for an early soft rollout- crossing fingers!  You just never know with technology; it can be really fussy, but it’s worth the effort as you’ll soon see.

The new logo and branding that is happening is something we are really really happy about.  We aren’t new to Austin by any means, but what we do for you is- we’re different, and we intend on keeping it that way!  We feel that it fits the personality the Brokerage has inside and out.  We really are simple folks who really love what we do for you, and in such a tough market where there are over 6,000 Realtors, we feel it is so important to just be ourselves.  Fussing over who has the stuffiest website does nothing for you (the buyer or seller) in the long run, so why not just put on the hat we’re the most comfortable wearing?!

Keep coming back over the coming days and maybe you’ll be one of the first to see what we have going on- I have no intention of letting the cat out of the bag just yet!  Stay tuned!

By the way, we would love your feedback!  If you have a comment on anything, please submit it!  We have a strict no spam policy and promise you will not be added to any type of mailout- just an email receipt.

Posted by Benn, Single Pointe CEO | Filed Under Austin Real Estate Blog, Single Pointe Updates 

How to Negotiate With a New Home Builder

July 1, 2007 | 1 Comment

This is a common search phrase on Google and other search engines, and one that makes me cringe to see.  It tells me that there is a buyer at a serious disadvantage in negotiations. Why a disadvantage? Well, it’s pretty simple, really- in any negotiation, the purchasing party must be willing to walk away from the table.  Often, you’ve already searched 50 homes in 50 different areas of town.  You are possibly weary of going back out to see another 50, or your significant other is totally in love with the home in question, and walking away would put a serious dent in his or her smile.  Not being able to walk away, or having a builder sales agent who only has the builder’s interest in mind (knowing how much you actually love the house) puts you in a position of not being taken absolutely seriously when giving your terms. After all, they’ve already seen your hand.

You can overcome this-  a lot can be argued as to whether you need a Realtor or not, but the main purpose of having a Realtor completely makes the above irrelevant.  How?  Because you, the buyer can love the house to death, but the sales agent knows the Realtor is a walking, talking thorn in the builder’s side. The builder’s sales agent knows by experience that the Realtor can provide an option to the buyer that will more than likely make this particular home last on the hot list.  Having a real estate advocate places a buffer between you and the builder, allowing you to love the house, but removing the “heart of the matter” from the negotiation.  It simply all boils down to your agent and the builder, and who is more willing to walk…

Having personally worked with over 30 builders and countless sales agents, I’ve experienced all of this first hand.  My clients understand going in that your personal feelings have nothing to do with a builder’s bottom line.  A good Realtor can turn your love of the home into buying power, but their firm hand turns the conversation into something all parties can live with.

If you’re trying to negotiate with a builder on your own, there is no advice anyone can give you. Simply put, the odds are against you in really getting (or knowing you are getting) a winning deal.  You would need the type of experience I have in knowing all builders, all products, and having immediate options that remove the fear of losing the home.

Bill Cosby once did an entire episode of his show on how to handle a car dealership which began with how he dressed poorly to shield his wealth and was silent when looking at the cars as to not telegraph his excitement over a particular vehicle.  But what Bill failed to mention was that sales people such as builder associates are actually trained to watch every movement of your body, including your eyes.  They know by your sudden willingness to negotiate one house over four others and mentally comparing them can actually calculate what you obviously like over competing homes in inventory.  There is really no way to pokerface a deal on your home.  So, I guess the only practical advice I can give you is to allow yourself a buffer.  See the home only with your advocate- then the sales agent only sees what your agent wants them to see…

Posted by Benn, Single Pointe CEO | Filed Under Austin Real Estate Blog, Buying, First Time Buyers, New Construction 

First Tee Austin at Harvey Pennick Golf Course Campus

July 1, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Harvey Penick said, “if you play golf, you’re my friend.”  Penick’s legacy of teaching is what makes the Harvey Penick golf campus the perfect location for the First Tee program matching children with mentors to “help keep a kid on course” as their tagline notes. 

Golf enthusiasts of all ages have the opportunity to get involved- kids can get their golf on, volunteers can teach kids how to play golf and life skills, sponsors can keep the program running, and partners also support the program’s efforts.  First Tee mentors children that “might not typically have the opportunity to learn golf.” 

We applaud this program and hope you will find some way to get involved!  I happen to be Texas’ worst golfer, but I encourage our agents and readers to learn more about First Tee and how you can get involved!  First Tee also coordinates camps and tournaments- buy your tickets today!

First Tee Golf Calendar of Events:
Don’t forget the PGA Take Your Daughter To The Course Week July 9-12
July 14th- 2nd annual Parent/Child Tournament
July 16th-18th- Young Guns 2 introduction to golfing
July 24th-27th- I Want To Improve 2 for beginners
July 31st- August 3rd- Champions 2 for Birdie or Eagle level
August 6th-10th- Tournament Players for tournament prep and training
August 15th-17th- Fun-damentals 3 introducing golf and etiquette
August 21st-24th- I Want To Improve 3 for beginners
November 4th- “Only In Austin” Celebrity Gala
November 5th- “Captain’s Cup” Celebrity Tournament

Don’t forget to check the weather before heading out to the course!

Happy Golfing,
LA

Posted by Lani, Asset Director | Filed Under Austin Events, Austin Real Estate Blog, Human Interest, Other Stuff