Twin Creeks’ Best Kept Secret [Rentals!]

February 4, 2008 | Leave a Comment

twin creeks golf community condos lease cedar parkWe all know Twin Creeks as the upscale golf community in Cedar Park. It’s a zip down the hill to the lake and a zip over to Anderson Mill, getting you to 183 in a snap. Until recently, I thought Twin Creeks was completed, but the back of the subdivision has just open and the views are amazing- you should take a drive back there!

The best kept secret about this neighborhood is that there are new luxury condos butting up to the country club that are available for rent- seriously! If downtown loft living isn’t your scene because you have a dog, a sweet set of golf clubs, the need for trees or don’t like elevators, parking garages or small spaces, then this is your answer! We have sold several of these luxury two-story condos and we now have two that are for lease and we don’t anticipate they’ll be available for long.

The Twin Creeks Condo Down-Low

Condo #701 is a 1530sf (per builder) brand NEW 2 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom, 2 car garage with a loft/study. My favorite part of this particular condo is that it has this incredible two story living room with windows on both floors, and the upstairs loft looks over into the first floor- you have to see it! The home has awesome upgrades and even comes with a stainless steel appliance package. It’s a great bargain for the buck and move-in specials are still available! This home even has its own website- check it out!!! [2930GrandOaksLoop.com]

Twin Creeks Condo Amenities include a fitness center access, pilates/dance/yoga studio, both of which have scheduled classes you can take, the children’s center, teen’s center, water park style junior olympic pool and soon to be built tennis courts. This neighborhood is great for jogging and walking the dog and it’s a stone’s throw to the golf course which offers reasonable rates for annual membership.

Also available is Condo #502 which is also NEW, 1749sf (per builder), 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom, 2 car garage. I love that this condo has this massive landing upstairs, big enough for a computer desk or reading area and has all roll-out windows upstairs- no more shoving windows up and down! You’ll love the granite counters, stainless steel appliances, berber carpet, upgraded cabinetry with adjustable shelves, open dining room, massive foyer and even a fenced patio. Check out the video tour below!

We know now that you’ve seen these, you’ll want to take a tour and we would *love* to show you. We’re a no pressure shop, so don’t be nervous to call or email us. If you already have a Realtor, send them the link to this article- they have access to these condos too!

Posted by Lani, Asset Director | Filed Under About Austin, Blog, Buying, First Time Buyers, Investing 

Williamson County “Top 10 Best Districts for the Buck”

January 15, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Williamson County Schools Rank Highly

school desksForbes magazine studied school districts by county in every single county in America.  Not only did Williamson county stand outin Texas, it was among the Top 10 Best in the Nation!  Williamson county comprises of Cedar Park, Leander, Round Rock and Georgetown, all suburbs just north of the Austin metropolitan area where Forbes has affirmed what we already know- the education system here is unparalleled and is a great deal for the money. 

According to Forbes:

With property taxes rising across the country, we took a look at per-pupil spending in public schools and weighed it against student performance–college entrance exam scores (SAT or ACT, depending on which is more common in the state), exam participation rates and graduation rates.

For those who don’t live here yet, Texas is a property tax state which is how our schools are funded (well, we also have the lotto, but that’s another article for another day).  While tax rates vary, Williamson county enjoys a relatively low tax rate and is growing rapidly.  There are new homes being built every day ranging from DR Horton’s garden homes to custom golf course mansions in Williamson county.  That means that whether you’re buying your first home or you’re upgrading to a new home, the school districts are a bargain, even stacked up against every county in the nation!

photo: Rob Gonyea

Posted by Lani, Asset Director | Filed Under About Austin, Austin News, Blog, Buying, First Time Buyers, New Construction 

5 Austin Home Buyer Tips

September 18, 2007 | Leave a Comment

confusion-thumb.gifHere 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!)

Posted by Benn, Single Pointe CEO | Filed Under Blog, Buying, First Time Buyers, Market Conditions 

Austin’s Summer New Home Builder Closeout- It’s not too late

September 16, 2007 | Leave a Comment

austin-home-buyer.gifWe 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

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

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 Blog, Buying, First Time Buyers, New Construction 

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 Blog, Buying, First Time Buyers, Weekly Hottie 

How to Negotiate With a New Home Builder

July 1, 2007 | Leave a 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 Blog, Buying, First Time Buyers, New Construction 

The Discount Listing Agent- Seller Beware

May 1, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Okay, here is a quote from a local discount listing agent, “List your home in the local Realtors® MLS for a flat fee as low as $399.” Now what?  A sign in your yard, some flyers, maybe a virtual tour for an additional fee- Home Sellers, you should wake up and listen to what the agent is actually saying.  This agent actually goes on to say he works dilligently to sell your home.  I am not sure how he can back that statement up.  I mean, if he dilligently sits by the phone and waits for buyers to call, I guess you could say he is being a little bit truthful.

The whole truth is, YOU HIRE US TO SELL YOUR HOME, NOT JUST LIST IT! Selling is an art form, it requires strategy and focus.  Are you telling me you would work for your employer full time for potentially 60, maybe 120 days for $399 bucks? Common sense tells me you said no way!  Believe me, that agent said the same thing.

In a market where profits on existing homes are up sharply, you’re going to tell me that you want an agent that will take less money to do less work?  This strategy is just insane.  My clients tell me they are looking for a sharp Agent with top notch skills, tools, and drive to SELL their home at the absolute HIGHEST possible sales price!  Are you that client?  Or is your strategy to quibble over maybe $3k when a quality agent wants to earn you 10 times that amount?  My bet is you’re going to go with a winning strategy, not a lay down agent who puts a pretty sign in your yard and lists your home (the needle) in the haystack we call the MLS.  Don’t get me wrong, the MLS is key, but it is not the end all be all of selling your home.  It’s a combination of tools that veteran SELLERS have in their portfolio.

Do yourself a favor.  Shop for an agent that can WIN.  Avoid the plastic salesman who simply lists your home and disappears, until you call him/her in desperation and buy the full service package he should have advised you to take in the first place.  Gimmicks are a nasty game when you need your home sold now and you’re counting on the profits to move from point A to B.

And trust me, this is a gimmick.  The discount MLS only fee was invented to attract a For Sale By Owner or FSBO.  Realtors knew the FSBO could only hold out so long without over 90% of the market being able to see their home- which is the case.  There is only so much exposure a FSBO can get on their own without finally giving in on day 73 to the Realtor they should have hired in the first place.  Unfortunately, regular every day sellers are getting caught up in this mess and it is unfortunate.  Don’t make the mistake some of my current clients made.  They sat on the market with a simple flat fee listing for almost 200 days before they just could not stand it anymore.  The baby they were having that created the need to up-size was now here with the crib now stationed in the living room.  This is crazy!  The photo that was on the flyer actually demonstrated this fact making the home look even smaller than it really was!  We’re in the process of putting this home in the proper light now and I feel confident I can help these sellers- but what about you?  It’s not to late.

Hire a Realtor that brags about SELLING your home, not discounting it.

That Real Estate Guy

By the way… How does one find such a Realtor that will do the job? Simple, find the Realtor that will give it to you straight, explain the risks clearly, but is aggressive and hates to lose.  Avoid anything kitchy or smarmy.  A benz does not mean “the best.”  It simply means, they have a nice car.  Simply listen to the strategy, do they understand your goals, and how important is your listing to them, personally.  Are they challenged by your home, area market, or the asking price.  This is simply a starter, I am sure by reading the above you have an idea of the type of Agent you want selling your home.

Posted by Benn, Single Pointe CEO | Filed Under Blog, First Time Buyers, RE Practice, Selling 

Top 10 Reasons Austin First Home Buyers Should NOT Buy

April 25, 2007 | Leave a Comment

My Austin Blog today is the Top 10 Reasons Austin First Home Buyers should not buy now.

Here goes…

10. You enjoy asking permission to paint walls- it reminds you of your childhood marker and crayola crayon days.

9. The sounds of the heavy couple stomping overhead at 8am on Saturday morning is your version of white noise.

8. You just can’t live without your daily walk to the overflowing community dumpster.

7. It gives you comfort when random neighbors care enough to knock on your door and ask you to roll over because you’re snoring.

6. You really like the soothing sound of the upstairs toilet flushing as you kiss your sweetheart goodnight.

5. It brings a smile to your face to open your blinds and see the neighbor’s guilty dog doing his business on your front stoop.

4. The excercise of schlepping groceries up 3 flights of stairs saves you a bundle at the gym.

3. You really like coming home only to find your smarmy neighbor double parked in your space (again) and it is pouring down rain.

2. It’s good times gathering your family around the breakfast bar for Thanksgiving dinner!

And the Number 1 Reason Austin First Home Buyers Should NOT Buy Is…

The sound of your neighbors in love (every night) brings hope to your own love life!

Queue ta da music!

If you disagreed with 1/2 of this top 10, maybe it’s your time to finally buy.

Happy Buying!

That Real Estate Guy

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