Single Pointe Closes for Ben Aaron Anglin’s Funeral
September 28, 2007 | 1 Comment
Single Pointe lost one of our own in a tragic car accident this past Sunday, and will close Friday, September 28th and Saturday, September 29th for funeral proceedings. Ben Aaron Anglin is the brother of Single Pointe’s Asset Director, Lani Anglin and is the brother in law to Brokerage Operations Chief, Benn Rosales. Broker Michael Rosales is also family to Aaron and will be with the family for both days.
Aaron is a kind, gentle, hilarious person that closely touched the entire staff at Single Pointe. Our Staff as well as Management will be in attendance of the funeral and thank you for all of the generous phone calls. In lieu of flowers, we ask everyone to donate ANY money possible to the Aaron Anglin fund which goes directly to his wife Aleisha Anglin (age 25) and their two daughters, Eleanor (1 year old today) and Mackenzie (7 weeks old)- being a single mother will be tough and any help you can give will be forever remembered. Click the green ribbon to get started. God bless and thank you for allowing us this time off with family, friends & clients to grieve.
Please contact your agent directly if you should have any questions regarding office closing. We thank you very much for your understanding.
Tase Me Remix- Gotsta Share This One!!!
September 23, 2007 | 1 Comment
(1) The phrase “Don’t tase me, bro” has been used in the office at least 2,348 times this week alone, especially if it doesn’t apply (and it rarely does)- we LOVE this new pop culture icon!
(2) One of my favorite songs of all time is MC Hammer’s “Can’t Touch This”… well, okay, I’ll admit that it’s been the ringer on my cell for a year now (nerds in the house, hey-o!).
(1) + (2) =
MicroFinance & Us -The Challenge
September 22, 2007 | 3 Comments
What is Microfinance:
Microfinance
Small loans to start or expand small businesses given to poor people who are usually not able to borrow money from commercial banks because the amount of money is too small.
Drew Meyers, someone I would like to consider a friend (even if he is someone I don’t get to speak to on a regular basis) is who turned me on to microfinance a few months back. Our conversation wasn’t a long one, more of his passion on the subject and his advice to google the issue further. I did, and I was overwhelmed with the idea of a poor guy like me being able to not only have a major impact on people, a community, an economy, but have an interactive role in contributions I make from the heart. Many people do not give to a charity unless its the check to Church on Sunday, or a major disaster. There is nothing wrong with that- that is how we’ve all been trained to give.
What’s so very different with microfinance is that it is interactive. You get to see what your money did for whatever cause you financed- how cool is that? Got $10 $20 $50 bucks? Lend it! Yes, I said $10- could finance a small business!
So here is what we’re going to do. Single Pointe is going to pick a business from the ever growing list of microfinance opportunities, and from the date of lending the money, we’re going to follow the business and report it to you.
Here is the challenge. We’re friends with hundreds of bloggers around the world, and we’re challenging these friends to find a business through whatever microfinance venue they choose, and then asking them to challenge their friends, etc… Not to brag, but to blog about it and build a network of blog love like no other that brings worthy attention to this innovative concept.
Concept breakdown through video:
More to come- stay tuned!
All Wordpressing Their Widgets in Your Facebooks!
September 21, 2007 | 18 Comments
We were sitting around tonight discussing the intense discourse going on in the real estate profession regarding technology & its marriage to the so-called normal way of doing things. Our conversation really was about how we need to remember to laugh at ourselves- all of us. Consumers love everything we do for them so long as they are our primary concern. I hope this funny Friday gets some laughs & that the future conversations we have are how the industries came together for the consumer.
without further ado: btw, if you have no funny bone or what was mentioned above is Greek to you, feel free to skip this one… ;)
Austin Hates Traffic- But Do They Like the Tollways?
September 20, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Judging by the lack of traffic on the North Austin tollways, either they’re not using them or TWs are very efficient in managing the traffic. Backups on the tollways are non-existent. Austin City leaders say the tollways will relieve the burdens on Austin roadways- I’m sure they have, at least for us anyway.
According to a report by A&M, Austinites lose 23 hours of life per year sitting in traffic and Austinites are ticked, but we happen to see it another way. With the advent of cell phone affordability and looking around in traffic, Austin looks really content visiting with Shirley (someone I made up) on the issues of the day. Folks can order dinner, kid pick-ups from their cars, and can even handle billion dollar land deals- all while sitting in traffic (even though it’s illegal to drive and yap). So go on, here’s a link to the press release- immerse yourself with the facts we already knew.
image source: University of Texas- view of i-35 near downtown (doesn’t matter what time of day)
Don’t Taze Me Bro! OW! Wow says me.
September 20, 2007 | Leave a Comment
ZAP
it had to be said.
The reality is, folks are learning they can get fame from a viral video, especially one with action. The bigger problem is, some idiots will take it to a new extreme and it just gets creepy. Andrew Meyer is the victim screaming, but the truth is he claims himself to be a journalist. Did he stage it? Should he be felt sorry for? I think a youtube.com society doesn’t really know any more than we know if the idiot screaming to leave Britney alone was serious or not. Judging by the group of people in the hall where Andrew was tazed, how they sat there and simply watched- it proves my point.
My initial reaction to the story was- if this was the 60s-70s (a time in which I was yet to be born) all hell would have broken lose in that auditorium. A room full of liberals (John Kerry was speaking, duh) watched while the kid’s speech was suppressed-ironic? Why was John Kerry gone when the kid was tazed? He witnessed the kid being drug away. Very telling.
I’m not speaking about politics, just from a nostalgic point of view. Sometimes a picture is just a picture.
-B.R.
photo from powers-point.com
Seattle Madness - Ride the S.L.U.T.
September 20, 2007 | Leave a Comment
You know, as a real estate company there is a very fine line we walk between laid back and professional. Sometimes, the item you want to talk about just is so funny that our line gets maybe a little blurry but we feel like if this story can be on the news, it can be here too.
So as you read in the title, Seattle residents are proud to stand behind and ride their S.L.U.T. Even the mayor says the citizens can call their new trolley what they want, so long as they ride it- the $50.5 million dollar street S.L.U.T that is, South Lake Union (Trolley)
A MESSAGE TO AUSTIN CITY LEADERS- Acronyms COUNT and so does the support of local residents. If they hate your project, you’d better leave no stone unturned in protecting it’s credibility.
Mayor Nickels, thank you for our SLUT. read full story here
Expanding American Homeownership Act Passes
September 18, 2007 | Leave a Comment
& Cuts Rate!
It’s TIME TO CELEBRATE!!! Within the last few hours, the Federal Reserve Board slashed rates followed by the great news that NAR’s tireless efforts to pass House Bill 1852 (also known as the Expanding American Homeownership Act) has passed! And no, it’s not my birthday, my anniversary or even a fun Friday, it’s just a critically important and historical day! When you’re old, you’ll be able to say “sonny, I remember when I found out that the fed cut rates and house bill 1852 were passed all in one day. There were parades in the street and we all wore funny hats.”
Y’all know we here at Single Pointe loooove talking about Real Estate, but I’ll spare you the bore. We know what you want, so here is what HB1852 means to you:
- The FHA (Federal Housing Administration which is a government agency who insures residential mortgage loans) now has a loss mitigation program which allows mortgage term alterations so borrowers can be put in a more affordable situation and avoid default.
- The new bill allows “partial claim” programs in which FHA lends the borrower money to cure the loan default. No interest due on this partial loan until the property is sold or paid off. This means less foreclosures and a healthier market.
- The BEST news is that there is no more government required financing of 3% for your down payment into your mortgage amount.Previously when buying under FHA many would finance the required 3% down and this is no longer necessary. You’re free to put as much or as little down as you see fit. This opens that 3% up to be used on things like further buying down rates, payment buydowns, upgrades, & more.
- This bill also allows for more flexibility to provide risk-based pricing. Yeehaw! FHA has always been pretty tight with this and the new House Bill gives them more room to stretch.
- Loan limits have been increased which allows people in high-priced markets to qualify for FHA loans that have previously been denied due to the price of the home they were purchasing. Good news to all of you looking to live near downtown Austin- SoCo, here we come!!!
So, here’s a toast to you buyers and sellers- congratulations, today is a big day!
———————
P.S: the image is NOT of a person on the Single Pointe web team. We think this dude is from Ireland (or… maybe England).
Austin’s Home Buyers Plagued By Illegal Bandit Signs
September 18, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Austin, Cedar Park & many other cities around Central Texas have passed laws in regards to bandit signs, and a very small handful of brokers have engaged in knowingly violating those very laws. The problem was before September 1, 2007, the authorities had to witness the placement of illegal bandit signs to actually fine you. They simply removed & destroyed the signs at an unauthorized cost to tax payers.
As of September 1, 2007, that law has been updated. Now all levels of Government can fine & prosecute abusive bandit sign owners. The county & state entities can prosecute you regardless if you were seen placing the sign or not, and it’s our understanding the fines are not a slap on the wrist by any means and can even be criminally prosecuted.
I’ve watched several brokerages around the city do their best to bend the laws, placing 10 or even 15 signs on a single street corner to simply test the waters. The city or county would simply remove the signs that were within their jurisdiction, leaving the ones that weren’t. Another tactic that is being used is the infamous put the sign out on Friday (as permitted) and forget to pick them up on Sunday.
Home buyers are left to wonder if the broker violating the law on one hand but promises to treat you ethically on the other is really sincere. Buyer beware.
On the bright side of all of this, there are really only three brokerages that have abused this law in Northwest, Northeast, & far Northeast Austin. There are literally 100s of law abiding brokerages that complied with the new city laws in 2005. It is unfortunate that a state law had to be passed in order to enforce rural and federal roads in order to close the loop holes on federal and rural. It is our belief that the new 2007 law will superceed the 2005 bandit sign law to cover any sign erected without proper permitting in a public right of way or on private property.
So, say no to bandit signs- these bandit signs cost the city 1000s of dollars to remove and destroy, they’re tacky, a hazard, and they’re trashy.
One homeowner in a new subdivision in Cedar Park is collecting them and plans to deliver them to the authorities- wow!
Other signs that will get you in trouble are garage sale, birthday party signs, FSBO directionals, and more. So don’t get yourself in trouble on this one!
I cannot point out the offending brokerages (you know who they are anyway), but you can. Feel free to call them and tell them to remove the signs. That would be a step in the right direction!
OMG- FED CUTS RATE 1/2 POINT!!!
September 18, 2007 | 1 Comment
There was much speculation at the water cooler about what exactly Federal Chairman Ben Bernanke (position formerly held by Alan Greenspan) would do with the rates. Some argued he’d keep it where it is while investors rallied today in anticipation that Bernanke would lower the rate.
This just in: according to Fox News, the Federal Reserve board has lowered the Federal Funds Rate to 4.75%!!! This half point cut is fantastic news for those homeowners who have adjustable rates that are about to reset, and it’s GREAT news for people who are in the market to buy- you will see better rates with this adjustment! Also benefiting are the sellers who have had trouble moving their homes- hooray!
The Federal Discount Rate (the rate which the federal reserve board lends money to banks) was ALSO cut by half a point reducing the rate to 5.25%. This means that there will be more money available to lend and will end the hemmorhaging of the market. The bottom line is that money is getting cheaper! Many of you have been holding your breath for this day and the great news is that you can now sigh in relief. So go ahead and pack- it’s a great time to move thanks to Bernanke!
5 Austin Home Buyer Tips
September 18, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Here are today’s 5 Austin home buyer tips:
- If your agent suggests a property to you and you want to make an offer - ask for a C.M.A
A Comparative Market Analysis on any neighborhood is a great idea. It gives you the opportunity to take a hard look at the neighborhood facts.
- Drive your neighborhood night & day
Why night & day? Because during the daytime folks are often off to work, it gives you a chance to look closely from the street at the lawns and driveways. What are their conditions? Driving during the evening around or just after dinner time is a great way to see how active it is. Are you okay with what you see? Are cars in the driveway or in the garage? Whats worse than a driveway you ask? The street perhaps? Where are their trash cans stored? Perhaps it might even be clever of a savvy buyer to drive it on Saturday night as well?
- Always buy with a home sellers mentality
Imagine yourself selling the home in 5-7 years, and ask yourself, where is this neighborhood heading. Will I get my money back? If the neighborhood looks run down now, chances are it may get worse before it gets better!
- Is the home you’re thinking about buying older (say 10-40 years) with a single owner?
If it is, chances are, there’s money to negotiate. If a family 25 years ago bought the home for $80k one must ask themselves how much of the sales price is market perception if they’re now selling at $225k. Add the total days on market to this equation and you may not want to participate in the sellers windfall. The county tax record and a C.M.A will help you plot your offer with your agent.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions
No one likes a know-it-all so use the knowledge you have as a springboard to ask questions of your agent about options. Very often folks walk into our office with a clear cut idea of what they want only to realize that they had even more options open to them. Knowing everything may leave your agent afraid to make suggestions. Our advice is to simply collaborate your information with your agents into a well rounded decision. (yes we know, no one likes a know-it-all realtor either!)
Austin’s Hill Country Appeal In Danger?
September 17, 2007 | Leave a Comment
I was driving along Crystal Falls & 183 today when I was dramatically reminded that a new Lowes & Starbucks (yes I had to get my Starbucks in there) as well as other shopping and eateries were coming to town. I remember being excited that Leander had attracted such a grand scale commercial development. I imagined something that would maybe rival Austin’s Arboretum- my daydream was nothing more than just a daydream. In fact, all that is left of the dense overgrowth of trees and brush is a single lonely oak tree. How pathetic. I remember having this same feeling watching The Domain being built off of Mopac & Braker. Getting shade while shopping at the Domain is a no easy feat- another concrete jungle. You see the same thing up in Lakeway at the new Hill Country Galleria, which I’ll talk about another day- just more concrete.
It’s about time that a little restraint be applied to the massive developments in and around Austin. We’re in danger of selling off what makes Austin so appealing in the first place- its dense trees, and plush woody vignettes.
Austin’s Summer New Home Builder Closeout- It’s not too late
September 16, 2007 | Leave a Comment
We really hate to advertise here but this is more of an informational blog than an ad. If you were interested in taking advantage of the Builders Year End Closeout, then might want to call us today rather than tomorrow.
Using applied new home builder incentives we’re reducing payments, interest rates, and even further reducing sales prices. These Builders are motivated and ready to get you into your new home- and we’re here to help you through the process while twisting the builders arm for even more!
Here are some of the things Austin Builders are giving up (other than the kitchen sink):
- Huge Price Reductions
- Appliance Packages Thrown in
- Payment Buydowns
- Interest Rate Buydown Reductions on Fixed FHA
- Reduced Lot Premiums on Hot Lots & more
Where?
- Cedar Park, Leander, Liberty Hill, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Hutto, Manor, Austin & more…
Who?
DR Horton, Lennar, Mainstreet, Perry, David Weekly, Morrison, Pulte, Reytex, Texas BIG, Legacy & more…
- & last but not least Builders who need to SELL NOW!
We’re working overtime to assist our buyers in getting their new homes closed, and we want to help you too. Give us a call and we’ll get you on the right track!
Feel free to check out our builder inventory
Update - on Site Move
September 15, 2007 | 1 Comment
Okay, a big sigh of relief here- emails are back up. The only issue we’re left with is our new home builder database seems to still be missing photos and floorplans. We hope to have this issue resolved soon, Monday at the very latest. Cross your fingers, we’re almost out of the woods.
Webteam
Crazy Crazy Site Moving
September 15, 2007 | Leave a Comment
It seems most things are calm on Single Pointe - we only took a small hit on users yesterday, but nothing alarming. It seems most of our shoppers got to do their shopping just fine. We’re still having a few minor issues that we’re addressing pronto:
- We’re missing pictures and floorplans on over the 200 homes in our new & featured homes database- easially recovered, but may take some time.
- Email- this is a huge issue. We’ve fixed the problem, but it may take a little time to propagate properly. This means using any of our contact forms on the site to contact us will simply bounce. So bookmark us and try again, or just give us a call. New Home database, and pre-qualify are not effected at all.
Thanks so much for being patient, we appreciate it. When calling Single Pointe, just say battle station and we’ll know exactly where to direct your calls. We’ll note here when problems are fixed.
Are You Hip Enough for the 78704?
September 15, 2007 | Leave a Comment
For those of us who don’t live in the 78704 zip code, we probably live in the ‘burbs on purpose. But, we’d be lying if we said we didn’t have a hint of jealousy as we drive through South Austin which might just be a little too hip for some of us (or okay, maybe just me). That won’t stop me from telling you about The Sycamore 78704 which I didn’t realize rhymed until well after I said it in my head for the hundredth time!
The Sycamore 78704 is South Congress cool. You’ll see people with 78704 “A Way of Life” bumper stickers rolling around this part of town. I’m not kidding. This area flaunts local shopping for those with eclectic or stylish tastes and offers countless sweet spots for eating and being entertained. The Sycamore offers three story townhomes that claim to be among the most unique in town- suitable for the coolest of the South Austin Hipsters! Enjoy the two car direct access garage, spa style master bathroom and gourmet kitchen. You have 2 Bed/2.5 Bath/Study options or a 3 Bed/3 Bath option, both of which are well planned. Starting in the $290s, this is a reasonable option for the 78704!
If skyscrapers aren’t your speed, stay close to downtown yet nestled in the trees. Some call them townhomes, others call them bungalows, but whatever you call them, they’re sure to impress any visitor. Interior features include a private terrace, granite slab counters throughout, Kohler brand fixtures, as well as CAT6 wiring for internet, phone, cable, security and surround sound. Especially attractive is the wood flooring in the kitchen, dining and living areas and the custom tiling in the bathrooms and washrooms. Of course they built The Sycamore with recessed lighting and included a stainless steel appliance package.
But what about the environment, you ask? Well, The Sycamore showcases Zoned, 13 SEER A/C (which is fancy for an efficient conditioning system), Low “e” double pane windows (which will lower your electric usage), and blown battR30 insulation (an industry term for insulation that aids in reducing energy use).
As The Sycamore folks say, “Life Has A Location- 78704.” 78704 is calling your name- answer the call by scheduling a tour today! We’re here to answer your calls at 512.879.3741.
Update on Our Move
September 14, 2007 | Leave a Comment
It seems we’re still waiting on the dns to propagate, so some folks in areas of the world will obviously pull up the older site and maybe a few pages of the new site. As crazy as it sounds, this is normal and expected. As we mentioned earlier; if we can do anything to help you around the site, please let us know, just call and mention the battle station and we’ll know exactly where to direct you.
Other issue(s) we’re dealing with are:
- misc. links around the site are still being updated
- email is coming through slowly
- contact notifications are slow going also
- no customer problems reported as of yet
Wish us luck!
Webstaff
Crazy On Moving Day
September 14, 2007 | 2 Comments
Free at last! Free at Last!
Single Pointe has finally made its last and final move in its rebrand- the new site is up and at about 80% functionality. Why only 80%? Well, because we’ve moved but the change of address form is still moving all around the world as servers update that this hot new Austin Real Estate Site is up & running. The webteam likes to think of the Star Wars movie where the emperor makes a statement like - “Now witness the firepower of this fully ARMED and OPERATIONAL battle station!” 
Although we use the sites power for good, its fun to poke fun- bare with us as we finish our clean up over here! Feel free to call the webteam if you’re having trouble getting around. We can probably help! our number is 512-879-3741 - if you mention battle station, we’ll know exactly where to direct you! 
Webteam
Hockey In Cedar Park? You Betcha!
September 5, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Recently, the city of Cedar Park received a proposal from the president of the Dallas Stars to make the new Cedar Park Entertainment Center home of the Dallas Stars’ farm team! All you hockey fans from the north that have found yourself relocated to the south, you’ll be happy to know that you may soon be able to watch the rising stars that may play for the Stars!
It has been decided that if it receives final approval, the center will seat a minimum of 6,000 spectators. According to the Austin Business Journal, development would proceed with without private sector involvement and don’t worry- the money won’t come from your property taxes, it will be through bond money approved in the past which is a good thing because the complex will cost somewhere around $45 million!
So if your kids are dreaming of playing hockey or you’re the ultimate hockey fan fish-out-of-water here in the south, be prepared- the complex is slated to open late next year!
If you’re living in south or central Austin and didn’t know Cedar Park is quickly growing into a hub of entertainment, shopping and gorgeous homes, click around our website and call us today if you’re considering moving. We’d love to show you around!
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