Austinite You Should Know- Dan Herron

November 30, 2007 | 5 Comments

dan herron austin photographerWe are so excited to introduce you to local photographer Dan Herron- his talent is unmatched and his eye for beauty in the Hill Country is amazing!   We had the unique opportunity to interview Dan about his talents and his background so you can get to know him, so let’s get started:

What kind of photography do you specialize in?

I dabble in a little bit of everything, but my favorite subject would be landscape photography and portraits, trying to document an appealing scene in time or capture somebody’s soul on film.
Professionally, I work as photographer for an oil-field technology company and travel the world shooting our products.

How did you get started in photography?

I don’t know, I’ve always had a camera around my neck. I worked on the yearbook staff in high school. I think that’s where I first learned about assignment shooting and enjoyed it.

Would you ever move from Austin?  If so, where to?  If not, what keeps you grounded here?

Sure I would. I grew up in Marble Falls and San Angelo so I would love to own a second get away, somewhere in the high country near Marble Falls, Kingsland, Burnet, Inks or Buchanan Lake, somewhere along the Highland Lakes among the vast scenic hill country.

What is your favorite subject matter?

Right now, I’m interested in panoramic landscapes; also, I love to shoot portraits. I’ve got a series of Austin panoramics I’ve shot that I hope to unveil next summer in a gallery showing.

How do you use social media to promote yourself?

Flickr is phenomenal tool for promotion. Also, Wordpress weblogs. There’s so many software products available right now for promotion it’s mind boggling to try and sort through. With a Mac and iLife software, you’ve got unlimited creative print, video and web potential to publicize.

What do you most want readers to know about you?

I’m a hard worker, good shooter, creative, and single (females only).

Wink! Okay, readers, now you are lucky to know Dan Herron! You can reach him by going to his WEBSITE or his FLICKR site. Below is just a sampling of Dan’s skill… behold!
 congress bridge photo by dan herrondan herron portrait of a couple
congress bridge in action by dan herrondan herron country photographycountry photo by dan herronportrait by dan herron, austin photographeraustin city skyline photo by dan herron

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DAN HERRON PHOTORAPHY BIO:
Dan Herron is an award-winning still and video photographer, graphic designer, and film editor based in Austin, Texas. Raised in Marble Falls (Luckenbach on the weekends), Texas, Dan is innovative in his approach to creative marketing promotions utilizing photography and videography for clients in several industries.

Dan’s expertise ranges from specialty on-location shoots to highly energetic and vibrant studio shoots of beautiful people and products. Additionally, Dan breathes life into architectural and objects de art in any setting. Dan then utilizes his video production, motion graphics, and editing skills to package any ensemble his client can dream up.

Dan holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communication, and a master’s degree in management. Dan is a member of the prestigious, ASMP Ð American Society of Media Photographers.

OMG, Dan is a videographer; you’ve seen his work before, check out a sampling!!!

Posted by Lani, Asset Director | Filed Under About Austin, Austin People, Blog 

Listing Your Austin Home - Austin Market Perception

November 23, 2007 | Leave a Comment

confusion-thumb.gifPerception is the mother of all keywords right now in the business of Austin real estate.  Make no mistake about it, perception is the problem, and the panic many are feeling is based on the over reaction of others.  The sky is falling seems to be the rhetoric of the ill informed- they’ve been touched by a problem, therefore you must have a problem too, even if they are 5,000 miles away.

There is a way around this crisis and not allowing perception to dictate your marketability when it comes to listing your Austin home.  It is really simple and it begins with your agent being brutally honest with you.  Honest you say?  Yes, honest.  If you want honesty, and want an agent that will evaluate your market and tell you the honest truth about whether to market now, or in a few months- we’re those Realtors.  We’re not afraid to lose a listing because it’s in your best interest.  Our goal is to make sure your market is performing optimally, and put you in a position to bring the best possible offer- and if it isn’t quite performing, to fully advise you as to what now versus later may mean to your wallet. 

Marketing can only go so far, we can bring offers even in a tough market (we do it everyday), but the quality of the offer is affected by perception.  If you’re thinking of listing, give us a call, a second opinion may mean $1000s to your bottom line. 

… and by the way, the sky is not falling in Austin real estate, but buyers are affected by perception and will wait until they can buy safely, the same way you’re going to market when you can profit optimally.

Posted by Benn, Single Pointe CEO | Filed Under Blog, Selling 

Austin Real Estate Sellers - Listing Homes - MLS

November 13, 2007 | 2 Comments

Austin MLS areas are full of Austin Real Estate Statistics, but what you can be sure of is lots of homes for sale in Austin, in fact that number is up strongly.  Homes are sitting on the market a little bit longer, but what is insane is the percentage of price they’re getting even after sitting on the Market, how does 96-99% in some areas grab ya?  So, in this market, you need some tips on how to move it faster, and I’m here to give them to you.

Flyers, great signs, and fancy home marketing is all great, but any agent worth their salt will tell you that it’s not necessarily the location- it’s about the price.  If the price isn’t right, no one would even consider your location anyway.

Austin Home Sellers Tip of the YEAR in a down market….

Price it at or just below market.  Seriously.  Your listing agent should have you in a car looking at your specific comps before you list the home and before you pick your price.  Grade yourself, and let go of your love of that baby blue kitchen and get real- you need to sell and you need to sell now.  If you don’t, then stay off the market and let the inventory shrink.

In this market price it’s key and if your place isn’t as upgraded as the place up the street, account for it, you will absolutely blow your competition away in days on market and your chance of getting 100% of your asking price is a lot stronger.  Why? Because to your buyers, you can say- we already accounted for those baby blue walls, get a bucket of paint or pay us to have it painted- full retail. That probably sounds rude but it’s just me being a bit of a brat- I would probably phrase that more like- my sellers have taken into account that some updating may be needed but we’ve accounted for that and given credit already in our sales price- we’re sure you’d probably love to pick your own colors! ;)  See how that works?

So give your wallet a break, stay at or below market and watch that baby beat the odds. 

Posted by Benn, Single Pointe CEO | Filed Under Blog, Market Conditions, Selling 

Austin Real Estate Blog & Forum

November 6, 2007 | Leave a Comment

What is an Austin Real Estate Blog?

We’ve been blogging at Single Pointe since March and only recently realized that we never really gave you much instruction as to what a blog is, or how to interact with one.  It’s really really simple.  When we learn of something new in and around the City of Austin, Cedar Park, Hutto, Manor, Pflugerville, Leander, Round Rock, Downtown, Southwest, or anywhere else, we’ll simply write a short ‘blog’ about it.  We give you the gist of the information, our thoughts and opinions, in a short, easy to read blog.  It is up to you to engage the conversation.  Think of Single Pointe as an interactive website.  We start the conversation, you finish it with a comment of your own- and we can respond to you almost immediately!

What is an Austin Forum and is it a Blog?

Simply put? No.  The forum is the place for you to ask general questions- it is a living & breathing Frequently Asked Questions section of the Single Pointe website.  You ask and anyone can answer, including us.  You can talk about Austin Relocation, Rental Homes in Austin, Buying Homes in Austin, or even talk about your Austin Home Search.  It’s a conversation with Austin about Austin and you’re invited!

How do we use it to market to you?

We don’t. We invite you through the Austin Forum and the Austin Blog to engage us, no pressure, not ever. There are many ways our clients contact us through our site where we send you only the information you request, but the Austin Forum & Blog are off limits.

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

Austin Turn-Key Real Estate Investment Properties

November 6, 2007 | Leave a Comment

austin-real-estate-investment.jpgSingle Pointe’s value to its clients is one of many levels.  Not only does Single Pointe command a dominant position in the Austin Real Estate Market, we also have relationships that give Single Pointe an edge in buying real estate for our real estate investors.

We’ve always been equity strong Realtors in Austin- we simply pride ourselves on buying Austin residential real estate at sharp discounts no matter how hot or cold the market.  We deal in volume with over 30 Austin New Home Builders, such as DR Horton, Lennar, Toll Brothers, Fairway View Homes, Bowen Homes, Ryland, Perry Homes, David Weekly, and more- and these relationships in the residential home buyer market, give us instant access to Turn-Key property opportunities for our Austin real estate investors. 

If you’re in the market for real Austin Turn-Key Real Estate Investment Properties then turn your focus to Single Pointe.  We have strategies for almost every budget, master Lenders with access to rates that make other lenders jealous, portfolio lenders, as well as the inventory to suit every possible scenario imaginable.

We’re going to be talking a lot more about Austin Real Estate Investment Opportunities, so stay tuned- can’t wait?  Simply give us a call and we’ll get your investments cash flowing and growing.

***HOT DEAL***

  1. We currently have a builder offering us over 25 turn-Key investment properties that need to be moved now in Cedar Park, Leander, Hutto, Manor, Austin, Southwest Austin, Kyle, and East Austin.  We have 18 single family homes, and 9 condos, ranging in price from the low $100,000s- the mid $200,000s.  Full incentives available if contracted before December 1st.  (subject to availability and credit approval)
  2. Austin Condo Developer offering full incentive on 30 condos on Hwy. 360.  Views from every 2bed 2bath unit, wrap around patios available - pricing from the upper $100s to the mid  $200s.  This condo conversion project has an upper 90s occupancy rate and has maintained this rate for well over 5 years prior to the conversion.  These turn-Key condos come complete with granite, stainless, views, upgraded dark oak cabinets throughout, wired for security, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, floor available.  We will be selling these in blocks, so get in now, as we expect these units completely contracted by Dec. 1st. A seller carry option until leased or 90 days, which ever comes first may be available on these units- these condos are within 1 mile of lake Austin… this is HOT!!

We offer comprehensive investment services from contract to close as well as investment counseling and are ready to help you grow your wealth through aggressive investment strategies.

Posted by Benn, Single Pointe CEO | Filed Under Blog, Investing, New Construction 

Austin Is The Place To Live- Cleanliness Showcase

November 2, 2007 | 2 Comments

Lake Austin From Mount BonnellYou’ve all heard the saying, “cleanliness is next to godliness,” right?  We agree- who wants to live in a dirty, scummy, trashed out city?  Not Austinites.  We were recently named the 4th Cleanest City in America according to Travel & Leisure’s “America’s Favorite Cities 2007.”  The Keep Austin Beautiful campaign is a locally funded program promoting environmental education and events.  This program is a big part of what keeps our city among the cleanest!

So, thanks to all of you sanitation workers, street cleaners, recycling crews, private property maintainers, and especially those of you who are like us that pick up any random trash while on your daily walk. 

Posted by Lani, Asset Director | Filed Under About Austin, Austin News, Blog, Human Interest