Diane Thompson, Broker

10 Easy Upgrades to Add Style & Value to Your Home

Diane Thompson — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 20:31:00 GMT

10 Easy Upgrades to Add Style & Value to Your Home

Sometimes, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference in the value and appeal of your home. Whether you’re trying to sell your home of just spruce up the place, here are 10 easy ways to get started.

Update hardware on cabinets and drawers
Replace towels and rugs in the bathroom(s)
Add overhead lighting or wall sconces to brighten rooms
Declutter small spaces and closets with DIY storage kits
Wash or power wash the exterior of your home (especially windows)
Add area rugs to throw in a hint of color
Hang a mirror in small rooms to give the illusion of more space
A fresh coat of paint on walls and trim brighten any room
Try a fresh new color on your front door for character
Mow and mulch your lawn even in the cooler months

Make a plan. Set a budget. Get started!

IRS Top 10 Tax Tips for Home Sellers

Diane Thompson — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 20:59:00 GMT

IRS's top 10 tax tips for home sellers

Real Estate Tax Talk

BY STEPHEN FISHMAN, MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2011.

Inman News™

From time to time the IRS releases tips designed to help people with their taxes. Some of these are quite useful.

Last week the agency released "Ten Tax Tips for Individuals Selling Their Home," (IRS Summertime Tax Tip 2011-15).

As a real estate agent or broker, it is not your job to give home sellers tax advice. Indeed, it is advisable not to, since you could end up getting sued if you give wrong advice.

Instead, refer sellers to this list of IRS tips. It's a good starting place for them to begin to understand this often complex area of tax law. You could even print it out and hand it to anyone who asks you about these issues.

Here are the IRS's top 10 tax tips for home sellers:

1. In general, you are eligible to exclude the gain from income if you have owned and used your home as your main home for two years out of the five years prior to the date of its sale.

2. If you have a gain from the sale of your main home, you may be able to exclude up to $250,000 of the gain from your income ($500,000 on a joint return in most cases).

3. You are not eligible for the exclusion if you excluded the gain from the sale of another home during the two-year period prior to the sale of your home.

4. If you can exclude all of the gain, you do not need to report the sale on your tax return.

5. If you have a gain that cannot be excluded, it is taxable. You must report it on Form 1040, Schedule D, Capital Gains and Losses.

6. You cannot deduct a loss from the sale of your main home.

7. Worksheets are included in Publication 523, Selling Your Home, to help you figure the adjusted basis of the home you sold, the gain (or loss) on the sale, and the gain that you can exclude.

8. If you have more than one home, you can exclude a gain only from the sale of your main home. You must pay tax on the gain from selling any other home. If you have two homes and live in both of them, your main home is ordinarily the one you live in most of the time.

9. If you received the first-time homebuyer credit and within 36 months of the date of purchase, the property is no longer used as your principal residence, you are required to repay the credit. Repayment of the full credit is due with the income tax return for the year the home ceased to be your principal residence, using Form 5405, First-Time Homebuyer Credit and Repayment of the Credit. The full amount of the credit is reflected as additional tax on that year's tax return.

10. When you move, be sure to update your address with the IRS and the U.S. Postal Service to ensure you receive refunds or correspondence from the IRS. Use Form 8822, Change of Address, to notify the IRS of your address change.

These tips can be found on the IRS website at http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/content/0,,id=104608,00.html

Our Texas Governor is running, Yeah!

Diane Thompson — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 16:34:00 GMT

I am excited to hear that Governor Perry is going to put his name in the hat for President. I feel that our economy is going nowhere but down and we need stability and strong leadership for our nation. Most of all we need prayer and God at the head of our country. I am hoping a lot of people feel this way too.

Pflugerville PFall Pfootball Shirts!!

Diane Thompson — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 19:55:00 GMT

Did you know that you can get a maroon or orange T-shirt at the Pflugerville City Hall to root on your favorite football team. I didn't know it until today so wanted to share the news. That is pretty up-scale of Pflugerville to offer that to us local citizens. Thanks!

Drop by City offices or call and request your new, fall 'Rock and a Weird Place' T-shirts. Whether you root for the Burnt Orange or the Big Maroon...they have a Friday football season shirt for you.
T-shirts are available by calling 990-6101 or dropping by 100 East Main, Pflugerville, TX.

All funds raised from the sales of these shirts go to improvements at Lake Pflugerville.

GARAGE SALES PROVIDE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A LITTLE MONEY, HAVE A LITTLE FUN

Diane Thompson — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 17:08:00 GMT

Garage Sales Provide Opportunity to Make a Little Money, Have a Little Fun

By Mary Beth Breckenridge

RISMEDIA, April 27, 2009-(MCT)-Garage sales are no longer seen as a money-making opportunity anymore, they are seen as an event. Now that the good weather has arrived, homeowners across the country are taking the opportunity to clean out the house and get rid of unneeded items. Not only are garage sales a good way to put a little extra cash in your pocket, they serve as a great opportunity to enjoy the weather and catch up with neighbors.

Here are some tips for hosting a successful garage sale:

Set the date
Timing can affect a sale’s success. Many homeowners who have hosted garage sales in the past find that it is better to hold them in spring, instead of during the summer. Not only is there less competition during spring, but people are excited to get out of the house and enjoy the weather. In addition to the time of year, the time of week is important as well. Wednesdays and Thursdays often draw the biggest crowds as the weekends are full of family responsibilities.

Check community calendars for events that might keep people from your sale - or conversely, draw people to your area. It’s also a good idea to check whether your community requires permits or has sign restrictions or other regulations.

Recruit
Bigger sales attract bigger crowds, so offer to sell your friends’ and neighbors’ stuff. If more than one family is participating in the garage sale, each seller should price their own items and initial the price stickers so that items can be tracked.

Recruit several helpers, so plenty of people are around to greet customers, answer questions, straighten merchandise and make sales - and, of course, to make the event fun.

Advertise
Advertise in the local publication where you see the most garage sale ads, because you can bet that’s the place avid buyer’s check. Include the days, times and location, along with directions if the house is hard to find and highlight items that appeal to a range of buyers.

Don’t forget to advertise in free places such as Craigslist and bulletin boards in libraries, community centers, grocery stores and the like. And make sure you tell everyone you know about your sale.

Prepare
It is important to make sure the items you are selling are clean before the sale starts. Give yourself time before the sale to clean the garage, launder clothes and get other items in top condition.

Make sure the sale area is safe, too, with no loose cords or sharp objects within reach. Repair electrical items if you can, which makes them more appealing to customers and allows you to charge more. If you can’t fix them, mark them as broken.

Keep in mind that most shoppers are looking for things they can buy cheaply. You’ll probably get more money for antiques and higher-priced items by selling them through such means as classified ads or eBay.

Price to sell
If you don’t have experience with garage sale pricing, you might check thrift stores, classified ads, other garage sales or online sites such as Amazon.com, Half.com and eBay for pricing guidance. An eBay check can also flag items that are more valuable than you’d thought.

Set up
Take a cue from stores, and display like items together. People can see things more easily if they’re on tables rather than on the ground. Display clothes on hangers if you can, maybe even grouped into outfits. Display electrical items near an outlet or extension cord so shoppers can test them, and display books on tables or in boxes with the spines up. Furniture, bikes, TV sets and other big items should be placed near the street, where they’ll catch the eyes of people driving by and lure them into stopping.

Focus on service
Garage sales are social events, so it’s nice to make your shoppers feel welcome. Nice items to have on hand are a tape measure, wet wipes or tissues, scrap paper and pencils for customers’ use, a calculator, plastic grocery bags and newspapers for wrapping breakable items. If you have a cordless or cell phone, keep it outside with you in case it’s needed. Make sure you have plenty of change on hand as well.

Stay safe
Keep an eye on the cash box, or wear a fanny pack or carpenter’s apron so you can keep the cash on you. Display valuables at a table that’s always staffed. Don’t change big bills. If the customer says he has nothing smaller, direct him to a bank or store where he can get change.

Lock the doors to your house, and don’t let anyone inside - or if you do, make sure the person is accompanied. You might even make copies of directions to a nearby public bathroom so you can hand them to people who ask.

Plan for leftovers
Even the best garage sales won’t rid you of everything, so it’s smart to have a plan to get rid of what doesn’t sell.

Hwy 685 Pflugerville Shopping Strip, March 09

Diane Thompson — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 05:28:00 GMT

Well, after my last blog, I have to re-verbalize my comments. Now that Target and Best Buy have opened and Beall's will open this month, Stone Hill Town Center has gained opening status way before the shopping strip on Hwy 685. I spoke to the developer this week and the only stores slated so far are Walgreens and IBC Bank so I guess he is slowing down construction waiting on more tenants. By this Christmas, we all should be able to shop in our own home town area. I just wish we had some nice restaurants coming to fruition instead of the fast food chains that are slated to appear on the outskirts of Stone Hill Development. Maybe all of us in Blackhawk could pitch in and open one!! It probably would be a better money making proposition than the stock market right now! More later.

Ways to Go Green in your Current Home

Diane Thompson — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 04:27:00 GMT

Go Green, Save Green

You don’t have to build from scratch to have a greener home. These quick and easy home fixes will shrink your consumption and your monthly bills.

Rate it. Look for Energy Star-rated products. This government program helps people make energy-efficient choices, which can lead to savings of up to a third of energy costs.

Switch the lights. Compact fluorescent light bulbs use up to 75 percent less energy than traditional bulbs. Replace them in highly used fixtures such as porch lights, bathroom vanities and office lamps.

Go with the flow. Use low-flow showerheads and consider installing low-flow toilets to reduce water usage and save on water-heating costs.

Plug in, turn off. Use a power strip for your home office or home entertainment center. Even in standby mode, consumer electronics — which account for 15 percent of household electricity — use a little juice, so turn the power strip off when you can.

Cool it. Turn the water temperature for your washing machine or dishwasher down to 120º F to cut water-heating energy consumption.

Seal it. Search for hidden air leaks in your attic, basement or crawl space, and seal them with caulk, spray foam or weather stripping. Home sealing can be an inexpensive way to cut energy consumption by up to 10 percent.
Sources: www.energystar.gov, www.eere.energy.gov

Downsizing a Growing Trend for Condo Buyers

Diane Thompson — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 19:34:00 GMT

Excerpt by Shelley Williamson for Condolivingtv.com

Condo living is no longer just a choice for first-time home buyers struggling to get into an address of their own - more and more mature buyers are choosing the lifestyle for its peace of mind and lack of responsibility.

"Downsizing" as it has come to be known, is a popular option for retirees or anyone who prefers to leave behind the worries of caring for a single-family home, for one with everything under one roof.

"People will often start looking one to two years in advance of when they want to move or are going to retire," says Bob Carmichael, sales manager for Medican. "It is not a bad time to be buying during construction because in the time it takes to build their homes will go up considerably in price before they sell."

While some buyers choose a condominium lifestyle because its allows them to travel for months at a time without worrying about their pipes freezing or security of prized possessions, others move in and never board a plane again.

The wealth of amenities under one roof, paired with a built-in community that stems from like-minded and similarly aged residents living in close proximity, and nearness to shopping, transportation corridors and services are also attractive features that also figure into downsizing decisions, says Carmichael.

Valentine's Day - Back to the Basics - it's more Memorable, Gift Ideas

Diane Thompson — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 19:35:00 GMT

Valentine's Day Tips for a Romantic and Affordable Holiday

The hype surrounding Valentine's Day has long influenced American consumers to dig deep into their pockets for the traditional roses, chocolates, and jewelry. According to a 2008 report from the National Retail Federation, consumers expected to spend $122 on Valentine's gifts last year. But this February, in the midst of a roller-coaster economy, the flutter many Americans are feeling has more to do with financial worries than a quickened heartbeat caused by love. While times are tough, The Debt Diva, Clarky Davis, suggests we take a page from Cupid's book to have a frugal but still romantic Valentine's Day by focusing on the heart.

"Remember, Cupid inspires love with his bow and arrow, not an expensive bouquet of flowers or diamond ring," Davis says. "Don't be pressured to go overboard with expensive gifts to celebrate your love. Stay on track with your budget. There are plenty of ways to show how you feel without spending a fortune. I like to call these special moments, Debt-Free Dates"

The Debt Diva's Debt-Free Dates

1. Romantic Dinner: Have a nice candlelit dinner at home. Cooking at home costs much less than going to fancy restaurant. Dress up in something nice and make something new.

2. Treasure Hunt: Create a map and go to all your special places or favorite spots. Hide a little gift at the end to wrap it all up.

3. Day of Fun: Since Valentine's falls on a Saturday this year, you can plan a whole day of activities, which could include breakfast in bed, a day at the park, a movie marathon and a romantic dinner.

4. Movie Marathon: Movies are a great way to spend time together cuddled up on the couch. Pick movies that are special to you both or find something you each like and want to share with one another. Another idea is to watch home videos to bring back memories from your wedding or kid's younger years.

5. Live Music: Check out a concert in your town that you both enjoy. There are also local cover bands that play music of a favorite artist at an inexpensive venue or even for free.

6. Wine Tasting: Many vineyards offer a tasting for around $10. This is a romantic fun way to spend the day. If you make a purchase at the end, many vineyards will even apply the tasting fee to the product.

7. Relax: Take the day to spend relaxing together at a bookstore, a coffee shop or even at home. Sometimes you just need to rest and know you are there for each other.

8. Take a scenic drive: Drive to special place or get out of town for the day. Talk and reminisce about good times.

9. Do a second "first date": Ask all the get to know you questions. Give yourself a low budget and have some fun doing the things you did when you first met.

10. Dance: Take a slow dance at home after dinner or find somewhere free to dance the night away later in the evening.

"Your budget is probably already tight this year as you are paying down debt, adding to savings and trying to survive with current economic conditions. Your efforts will pay off," Davis says. "But if you still want to give your loved one something special, here are some gift ideas that say 'I love you' without making your piggy bank squeal."

Frugal Valentine's Day Gifts

1. Homemade card: Get creative and make a card yourself instead of spending money on a generic store bought one. Cut out heart shapes and add a loving note.

2. Sweet tooth: Make something yummy for him or her. Pull out the cookie cutters and make heart shaped cookies or brownies. Another idea is chocolate covered pretzels or cupcakes.

3. Flowers: Instead of buying an expensive bouquet from a florist, make it yourself. Check out your local big box retailer or even local grocer for great deals. Try and get creative as well. Roses are classic, but there are cheaper options that may be even more impressive. Even a single flower shows you care if you can't afford a full bouquet.

4. Express yourself: Write a poem or sentimental love note. This is something they will keep forever. Buy a sheet of scrapbook paper or parchment to write on to add a little something extra.

5. Coupons: Create coupons or vouchers for him or her to do something special at a later date and time. Some ideas include a massage, a car wash, a day with the kids, or something else that best fits them.

6. Pictures: There are lots of ways to make photos special. Make a photo album online at sites like myphotoalbum or shutterfly. Create a scrapbook of the special moments together from the year. You can also add things to the scrapbook like ticket stubs, program covers, etc.

7. Music: Create a CD full of romantic music or make a CD of your loved one's favorite music.

8. Book: If your sweetie loves to read, buy a book they have been wanting or one from a favorite author, and add a special note.

9. Spa Day: Look for discount deals on spa packages. You can probably find lots of discounts this year. Do a couple's massage or purchase a day of pampering for your loved one.

10. Wrap it all up: Create a basket or box full of great items. Add the CD, the book, a framed photo, scented candles, gourmet coffee/tea and some bubble bath.

"There are lots of ways to have a frugal and affectionate Valentine's Day," says Davis. "It just takes a little bit of creativity and planning. And most people will appreciate a special date or gift from the heart that shows you really care."

Austin Real Estate Statistics for 2008 compared to 2007

Diane Thompson — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 02:50:00 GMT

Austin Real Estate Statistics

Below are detailed Austin real estate market statistics for the year 2008.

Sold: During 2008 there were 8,351 homes sold in Austin Texas compared to 10,800 during the same period of time in 2007, which is a 22.7% reduction. Overall home prices have increased slightly by .67% for the year with a median sold price of $120.84 per square foot ($245,000) in 2008 compared to $120.02 per square foot ($235,000) in 2007. In 2008 these homes have averaged 81 days on the market compared to 60 days on the market in 2007, which is a 26% increase in the time it is taking to sell a home this year compared to last.

Active: There are 3,204 single-family homes actively for sale in Austin Texas as of January 1, 2009, which are just 557 fewer homes on the market compared to a month ago. These homes average 107 days on the market with a median price of $140.60 per square foot ($319,000), which is a list price 14% higher than the median sold price in Austin during 2008.

Pending Sale: There are 562 houses pending sale in Austin as of 11/30/08, which is 13.5% less than a month ago. These 562 homes average 73 days on the market with a median price of $115.36 per square foot ($227,500), which is a list price 4.5% lower than the median sold price in Austin during 2008.

Withdrawn: There were 3,786 homes withdrawn from the Austin Texas real estate market between during 2008 as compared to 3,476 homes during the same period of time during 2007, which is an 8% increase in withdrawals. The homes withdrawn in 2008 averaged 94 days on the market and were listed for sale with a median price of $145 per square foot ($324,900).

Austin Homes (all price ranges): During December 2008 there were 432 single-family homes sold in Austin Texas compared to 674 during the same time period in 2007, which is a 36% reduction in homes sold. Between November and December of 2008 sold price have decreased by 2.9% compared to a price increase of 1.7% between October and November of 2008 and a price increase 1.4% between September and October of 2008. Overall Austin home prices per square foot are almost identical when comparing December 2008 to December 2007 with a median sold price of $116.47 per square foot ($225,000) in December 2008 compared to $119.82 per square foot ($239,900) in December 2007. 387 homes were withdrawn from the market during the same time period in 2008 compared to 270 in 2007, which is a 30% increase.

Austin Luxury Homes ($1,000,000+): During 2008 there were 184 single-family homes over $1 million that sold in Austin, a 33% decrease compared to the same period of time during 2007. During 2008 median sold prices have remained flat and time on the market has increased by 16% with a median sold price of $288.66 per square foot ($1,300,000) and an average of 123 days on the market during 2008 compared to $289.92 per square foot ($1,400,000) and an average of 103 days on the market during 2007. During December 2008 there were 15 homes over $1,000,000 sold in Austin Texas compared to 16 during the same time period in 2007. Luxury sold prices decreased by 13.6% with a median sold price of $240.94 per square foot ($1,180,000) during December 2008 compared to $278.79 per square foot ($1,347,500) in December 2007. As of 1/1/09 there are 297 single-family homes over $1 million actively for sale in Austin with a median list price of $344.48 per square foot ($1,600,000), 5,069 square feet and averaging 170 days on the market. There is a 16.2% difference between the current median list price and the median sale price ($344.48 per square foot list price versus $288.66 per square foot sold price) for Austin luxury homes. There are currently 17 luxury homes pending sale in Austin with a median list price of $452.33 per square foot ($1,595,000), 5,166 square feet, and an average of 105 days on the market. 18 luxury homes were withdrawn from the market during December 2008 compared to 18 in December 2007.

Austin Homes for sale ($500,000 to $1,000,000): During 2008 there were 853 single-family homes between $500,000 and $1,000,000 that sold in Austin, a 25% decrease compared 2007. During 2008 median sold prices decreased slightly by 1.5% and time on the market has increased by 13% with a median sold price of $187.38 per square foot ($614,010) and an average of 82 days on the market compared to $190.18 per square foot ($620,500) and an average of 71 days on the market during the same period of time in 2007. During December 2008 there were 43 homes between $500,000 and $1,000,000 sold in Austin Texas compared to 58 during December 2007, which is a 26% reduction in homes sold. 81 homes were withdrawn from the market during the same time period in 2008 compared to 55 in 2007. Sold prices decreased by 11.5% (this compares to an 18.8% decrease in our November update) with a median sold price of $173.15 per square foot ($599,276) during December 2008 compared to $195.77 per square foot ($620,000) in December 2007.

Austin Texas Real Estate ($250,000 to $500,000): During 2008 there were 2,975 single-family homes between $250,000 and $500,000 that sold in Austin, a 19% decrease compared to 2007. During 2008 median sold prices have remained flat and time on the market has increased by 24% with a median sold price of $135.96 per square foot ($325,000) and an average of 64 days on the market during 2008 compared to $136.87 per square foot ($327,000) and an average of 50 days on the market during 2007. During December 2008 there were 141 homes between $250,000 and $500,000 sold in Austin Texas compared to 252 during the same time period in 2007, which is 44% reduction in homes sold. 135 homes were withdrawn from the market during 2008 compared to 98 in 2007, which is a 27% increase. Sold prices decreased by 2.5% with a median sold price of $135.37 per square foot ($325,000) during December 2008 compared to $142.55 per square foot ($315,000) in December 2007.

Austin Home ($0 to $250,000): During 2008 there were 4,339 single-family homes between $0 and $250,000 that sold in Austin, a 24% decrease compared to the same period of time during 2007. During 2008 median sold prices have increased by 2.3% and time on the market has increased by 19% with a median sold price of $107.31 per square foot ($174,000) and an average of 48 days on the market during 2008 compared to $104.80 per square foot ($169,900) and an average of 39 days on the market during 2007. During December 2008 there were 234 homes between $0 and $250,000 sold in Austin Texas compared to 344 during 2007, which is a 32% reduction in homes sold. 129 homes were withdrawn from the market during the same period in 2008 compared to 99 in 2007, which is a 23% increase. Sold prices remained flat with a median sold price of $103.68 per square foot ($166,050) during December 2008 compared to $104.19 per square foot ($173,150) in December 2007.

Austin Leases: During 2008 there were 7,515 homes (all types) that leased in Austin, a 9.5% increase compared to the same period of time during 2007. During 2008 median lease prices have increased by 4% and time on the market has remained flat with a median lease price of $1,200 per month and an average of 36 days on the market during 2008 compared to $1,150 per month and an average of 34 days on the market during the same period of time in 2007. During December 2008 there were 535 homes (all types) leased in Austin compared to 434 during the same time period in 2007, which is an 11% increase in the number of homes leased. Lease prices increased by 1.3% with a median lease price of $1,195 per month in December 2008 compared to $1,180 per month in December 2007.

Source: The raw data in this report was provided by the Austin Board of Realtors. The information contained herein is subject to errors, omissions and changes without notice. Any information, statistics, analytics, recommendations or opinions provided in this report are subject to errors and/or omissions and are not in any way guaranteed.

Very Good News for Austin, Round Rock, Pflugerville - we rank 10th in Job Growth and real estate is moving! Homes are selling!

Diane Thompson — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 19:06:00 GMT

Tuesday, January 6, 2009, 11:25am CST

Austin ranks 10th in the U.S. in job creation

Austin Business Journal

The Austin area added 6,200 private-sector jobs in the 12-month period between November 2007 and November 2008—the 10th biggest gain in metro employment in the country—according to figures released Tuesday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Texas is showing considerable resilience amid a crippled national economy. The two largest markets in the state—Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth—registered the nation’s biggest private-sector employment gains.

The Houston area added 42,400 jobs between November 2007 and November 2008, and Dallas-Fort Worth picked up 35,100. No other U.S. market gained more than 15,600 private-sector jobs during the 12-month period.

All four of Texas’ major metro areas ranked among the top 10 in job creation in the last year. San Antonio was No. 4 with 11,700 new jobs.

But the rest of the country isn’t faring nearly so well. Just one-fifth of the nation’s 100 largest metropolitan areas managed to add any jobs at all. Seventy-eight suffered losses, 21 posted increases, and one was unchanged.

Detroit was hit with the biggest loss of private-sector jobs, 67,700 in 12 months. November 2008 brought the 38th straight monthly decline for Detroit.

Four other markets lost more than 50,000 private-sector jobs during the past year: Atlanta, Los Angeles, Miami-Fort Lauderdale and Phoenix.

The following are the 100 biggest labor markets in America, ranked according to raw change in private-sector employment between November 2007 and November 2008:

1. Houston, up 42,400 jobs

2. Dallas-Fort Worth, up 35,100 jobs

3. Washington, up 15,600 jobs

4. San Antonio, up 11,700 jobs

5. Seattle, up 9,900 jobs

6. Virginia Beach-Norfolk, up 9,100 jobs

7. Oklahoma City, up 8,100 jobs

8. New Orleans, up 7,200 jobs

9. McAllen-Edinburg, Texas, up 6,700 jobs

10. Austin, up 6,200 jobs

11. Boston, up 4,600 jobs

11. Raleigh, up 4,600 jobs

13. El Paso, Texas, up 4,100 jobs

14. Hartford, up 3,600 jobs

15. Columbus, up 2,900 jobs

16. Baton Rouge, La., up 2,800 jobs

17. Bakersfield, Calif., up 2,000 jobs

18. Omaha, up 1,100 jobs

19. Youngstown, Ohio, up 500 jobs

20. New Haven, Conn., up 300 jobs

21. Des Moines, Iowa, up 200 jobs

22. Poughkeepsie, N.Y., no change

23. Greensboro, down 100 jobs

24. Baltimore, down 200 jobs

25. Albany, down 500 jobs

25. Syracuse, N.Y., down 500 jobs

25. Tulsa, down 500 jobs

28. Little Rock, Ark., down 1,000 jobs

28. Modesto, Calif., down 1,000 jobs

28. Pittsburgh, down 1,000 jobs

31. Wichita, Kans., down 1,300 jobs

32. Greenville, S.C., down 1,600 jobs

33. Scranton-Wilkes-Barre, Pa., down 1,700 jobs

34. Portland, Maine, down 1,900 jobs

35. Bridgeport-Stamford, Conn., down 2,000 jobs

36. Chattanooga, Tenn., down 2,300 jobs

37. Birmingham, down 2,400 jobs

37. Springfield, Mass., down 2,400 jobs

39. Akron, Ohio, down 2,500 jobs

39. Jackson, Miss., down 2,500 jobs

41. Charlotte, down 2,600 jobs

41. Grand Rapids, down 2,600 jobs

41. Stockton, Calif., down 2,600 jobs

44. Ogden, Utah, down 2,800 jobs

45. Daytona Beach, Fla., down 3,000 jobs

45. Fresno, Calif., down 3,000 jobs

47. Knoxville, Tenn., down 3,200 jobs

48. Worcester, Mass., down 3,300 jobs

49. Allentown-Bethlehem, Pa., down 3,400 jobs

49. Indianapolis, down 3,400 jobs

51. Harrisburg, Pa., down 3,500 jobs

52. Madison, Wis., down 3,600 jobs

53. Albuquerque, down 3,700 jobs

54. Colorado Springs, down 4,000 jobs

55. Charleston, S.C., down 4,100 jobs

55. Richmond, down 4,100 jobs

57. Rochester, N.Y., down 4,200 jobs

58. Augusta, Ga., down 4,300 jobs

59. Lakeland, Fla., down 4,600 jobs

60. Buffalo, down 4,700 jobs

61. Palm Bay-Melbourne, Fla., down 4,800 jobs

62. Cincinnati, down 5,000 jobs

63. Honolulu, down 6,000 jobs

64. Columbia, S.C., down 6,100 jobs

64. Denver, down 6,100 jobs

66. Salt Lake City, down 6,400 jobs

67. Oxnard-Thousand Oaks, Calif., down 6,500 jobs

68. Dayton, down 6,700 jobs

69. Nashville, down 7,100 jobs

70. San Jose, down 7,300 jobs

70. Toledo, Ohio, down 7,300 jobs

72. Orlando, down 7,600 jobs

73. Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Fla., down 9,200 jobs

74. Las Vegas, down 9,600 jobs

75. Bradenton-Sarasota, Fla., down 10,100 jobs

76. Jacksonville, down 10,700 jobs

77. Kansas City, down 11,000 jobs

78. Boise, Idaho, down 11,200 jobs

79. Cleveland, down 11,300 jobs

80. Milwaukee, down 12,400 jobs

81. Louisville, down 12,800 jobs

82. Memphis, down 13,600 jobs

83. St. Louis, down 14,200 jobs

84. Sacramento, down 14,900 jobs

85. Portland, Ore., down 15,500 jobs

86. Providence, down 16,600 jobs

86. Tucson, down 16,600 jobs

88. San Diego, down 17,500 jobs

89. Philadelphia, down 18,800 jobs

90. San Francisco-Oakland, down 21,100 jobs

91. Minneapolis-St. Paul, down 31,400 jobs

92. New York City, down 33,500 jobs

93. Chicago, down 33,600 jobs

93. Tampa-St. Petersburg, down 33,600 jobs

95. Riverside-San Bernardino, Calif., down 35,800 jobs

96. Phoenix, down 58,500 jobs

97. Miami-Fort Lauderdale, down 59,700 jobs

98. Los Angeles, down 60,700 jobs

99. Atlanta, down 66,100 jobs

100. Detroit, down 67,700 jobs

Median Price and Sold Statistics for Williamson County, Prices are Holding their Own!

Diane Thompson — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 20:17:00 GMT

Look at these prices! 2008 has run an average amount of sale this year and are at a low for November/December but look at the pricing of homes. They are managing to stay about $170,000 for an average sale price in Williamson County and higher than previous years overall. This is good news for our area and proud to live here. Aren't you??

Interest Rates in the 5's again!!

Diane Thompson — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 22:47:00 GMT

Pflugerville and Round Rock Real Estate Statistics Oct 07 to Oct 08, Listings and Solds

Diane Thompson — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 06:56:00 GMT

Here is the MLS Statistics for Round Rock and Pflugerville, Texas for a 1 year span. The percentages are down but houses are still selling and the market is not as gloomy as the media projects. At least not in our area. I will continue to update this chart monthly so you can see how we are progressing in home listings and sales. The first chart below is all of Round Rock and the second chart is Pflugerville.

Junior League Christmas Affair 2008!! Get in the Christmas Mood.

Diane Thompson — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 18:49:00 GMT

A Christmas Affair – A Christmas Experience

Each year the Junior League of Austin sponsors one of the most anticipated events in our area. A Christmas Affair is a collection of vendors from all over the country bringing to you a vast assortment of unique gift items just in time for the holidays. What makes this such a special event is that the proceeds from A Christmas Affair go to support over fifty local non-profit organizations. The Junior League of Austin has been in existence since 1934 and will donate this year over $1.2 million dollars to these organizations.

So visit A Christmas Affair in the Palmer Events Center, November 19 – 23, 2008 and get your holiday shopping taken care of as well as support non-profit organizations in our area. Shuttle buses run from Barton Creek Mall if you prefer to travel from that area. For more information go to www.jlaustin.org

New downtown Round Rock? Mayor gives meeting development.

Diane Thompson — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 19:39:00 GMT

My church had an after-church function where the Mayor of Round Rock spoke and told us about this exact place in Round Rock that a developer purchased and wanted to really make it an outstanding new development. I think this would be great because that particular corner on Mays and Palm Valley Blvd. (Hwy. 79) has a lot of vacancy since HEB moved out and it is so well traveled and a vital part of Round Rock. I don't know about a new "downtown" area but it would be a great alternative to La Frontera for local shopping and offices. See Below.

$250 million development planned for Round Rock
Mixed-use project could create new downtown, officials say

By Katie Humphrey
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Saturday, October 25, 2008

Round Rock could see a new $250 million downtown sprout along West Palm Valley Boulevard if the long-term vision of a proposed mixed-use development takes root.

The development, dubbed Citi Centre, would replace an aging, partially vacant strip mall and surrounding buildings on 13 acres between Mays Street and Interstate 35 on West Palm Valley Boulevard.

The 1.1 million-square-foot Citi Centre would include offices, apartments, townhomes, retail and restaurants, anchored by a 35,000-square-foot convention center and a nine-story hotel.

But the grand vision would begin with a more modest first phase: 27,000 square feet of retail and restaurants on the corner of Mays Street and West Palm Valley Boulevard. If the city approves that site plan next month, construction would begin in January and be completed by August.

Two Midland-based groups, RRE Realty Partners Ltd. and BKRX Ltd. are behind the Citi Centre development.

"This will be a great draw for this new downtown area," said Kevin Flahive, an Austin-based attorney representing the developers. "There is nothing there of this nature."

The second phase will probably require city officials and developers to negotiate a planned unit development, which allows more flexible zoning for mixed uses, and an economic development agreement. No details have been drawn up.

City of Round Rock officials previously have said that the intersection of North Mays Street and West Palm Valley Boulevard is the one they most want to spruce up.

The strip mall on the northwest corner has been partially vacant for about two years since an H-E-B grocery store closed.

"That particular shopping center is going on 40 years old and has outlived its useful life," said Jim Stendebach, the city's planning director. "We actively encouraged the developer to come up with something more than a paint job on the building."

City officials said they hope that Citi Centre, designed by Round Rock-based Moman Architects, can be a focal point for the city, with mixed uses, wide sidewalks and walkable areas.

"They have got a great vision for how this city wants to grow and the image we want to portray in the future," said Joe Vining, senior vice president of the Round Rock Economic Development Partnership.

The souring economy hasn't muted discussion of the project. Flahive said the developers want to complete plans and negotiations for when conditions improve.

Round Rock City Manager Jim Nuse said he expects the first phase of the project to move forward and the balance to be completed over time.

BEST AND WORST BANG FOR THE BUCK CITIES

Diane Thompson — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 18:31:00 GMT

Abha Bhattarai, forbes.com

Oct 10th, 2008
ARTICLE TOOLS:

The economic storm sweeping the country has left Americans with few places to hide.

But those looking to hunker down might want to head to Texas, where they can get the best value for their dollar.

That's because Austin and San Antonio lead our list of places where your money goes farthest. Residents of both enjoy affordable housing and promising prospects for job growth in coming years. Houston and Dallas also land in the top 10, at Nos. 4 and 7, respectively.

In Depth: America's Best-Value Cities

"Texas, as a whole, is one of the few economies that's performing extremely well because of the energy and technology sectors," says Andrew Gledhill, an economist at Moody's Economy.com. Plus, he added, military bases in San Antonio have continued to draw a steady steam of personnel and federal employees to the city, spurring widespread job growth.

The state's manufacturing sector has also grown in recent years, and a reputation for affordable housing continues to lure people to the South. When accounting for median household income, a house in Dallas, for example--with a median price of about $150,000--is four times more affordable than a house in Los Angeles, the worst-ranked city on our list.

A house in New York is three times less affordable than in Charlotte, N.C., and four times less than in Denver, two cities where your money goes far and where the median house costs $245,000, according to the National Association of Realtors.

Housing has remained affordable in the South and Midwest, thanks to growing populations, relatively lax building regulations and "lots and lots of land," said Daniel McCue, a research analyst at Harvard's Joint Center for Housing Studies.

Plus, he added, housing in cities like Houston "grew at a more controlled pace and didn't go overboard like in Phoenix or Las Vegas," which means houses won't lose much value in coming months.

People always are looking for Foreclosures - Make sure that is what you want!

Diane Thompson — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 04:57:00 GMT

Determining if a Foreclosure Home is Right for You

Article highlights:

How a property forecloses
Short sales or pre-foreclosure buying
Cons of buying a foreclosed home

No matter where you live, the topic of purchasing a foreclosed home is bound to come up in social settings. That’s because there are so many right now, and there are so many people promoting the foreclosure investment opportunities. But are foreclosures really a good deal?

Roger Price Owens, a Realtor with Prudential Americana Group, Realtors in Las Vegas, NV, says buying foreclosures is not for everyone. “First of all, it isn’t a 30-day process. Buyers that are either relocating or need to move their families, things of that sort, and are on a timetable are definitely barking up the wrong tree in looking at this as a prospective home to live in.”

To determine if buying foreclosures is for you, you have to understand the process as well as the pros and cons of this type of sale. So let’s begin.

Foreclosing on a property

When a homeowner is delinquent on a mortgage for more than a month and the lender has not heard from the borrower, the lender will often begin the foreclosure process. The process varies from state to state. The first step is a public recording of a notice of default or a filing of a judicial lawsuit against the homeowner. The homeowner, during a specified period of time, can still reinstate the mortgage and retain the home if all past payments are brought current, as well as fees. If the homeowner can’t afford the home, the home will likely be sold in a pre-foreclosure phase by the homeowner, at an auction, directly from the lender or by some other government agency. This is when an investor can decide to purchase the distressed property.

“I think a lot of people think that foreclosure purchases are like these huge $60,000-under-market purchases, and that is not necessarily the case,” Owens says.

Despite the words of caution, Owens admits that if you have enough patience and understanding about the foreclosure process, investing in these types of properties could be advantageous.

What are the benefits?

“You are buying from the bank and properties are definitely reduced in price, let’s say generally below value,” says Owens. But, as he pointed out earlier, today’s comparables are frequently being compared to other properties that are in foreclosure so the foreclosed properties are actually setting the market value.

Even so, buying foreclosures intrigues many. Richard Geller, CEO of MortgageReliefFormula.com says there’s little risk and can be great rewards if you purchase the property in a short sale.

“What you do as an investor is you purchase a property, basically at a certain price, and the property is a short sale. So, the seller doesn’t care what you the investor pay for the property. [The seller] isn’t getting any of the money anyway. The homeowner is not getting a dime; it’s all going to the lender in a short sale,” explains Geller.

A short sale is when a home is sold in the pre-foreclosure phase. The lender agrees to the sale and ends up taking less than the amount owed to the lender. Basically, the lender is letting the homeowner out of the mortgage in order to have the home be sold to a third-party buyer.

There are several other benefits to buying foreclosures, whether it’s a short sale or in any other phase of the foreclosure process. Lower purchase price equals a lower required down payment. Of course, foreclosures typically have motivated sellers who are eager to climb out from beneath the debt, and with that there can be motivated lenders who are hoping to not end up owning a property and then trying to sell it.

The disadvantages

It’s not always sunny on Foreclosure Lane. Here’s what you should consider before you leap with both feet and your pocketbook into this marketplace.

Some foreclosures have what is called a “cloud on title”. In other words, there are liens or judgments against them. Some buyers get what they think is a “steal” at an auction, only to find out later that the property has significant liens attached to it and now must be paid by the buyer which can result in taking a loss on the property.

Keep in mind, especially with properties sold at auctions, you will be taking the property sometimes “sight unseen” and “as is”. Both of these should make you think before you slap down the money to buy a foreclosure. There can be a considerable amount of work to rehabilitate the property.

“You definitely have sour-grapes issues by those who have moved out of [foreclosed] properties, and sometimes the banks do not repair the homes,” says Owens.

Foreclosed-on homeowners may sell fixtures out of the home before they are evicted. “So you may find a foreclosure home without air conditioners, dishwashers — [former homeowners] take the light fixtures — anything they can sell to a pawn shop or to builders,” says Owens.

He says buyers should be prepared to do out-of-pocket work on the home to get it to the condition they want.

Your best bet is to go into the foreclosure market knowing that while the properties may not be perfect, the end result can be the best for all — a discounted property for you, the investor, and help to a distressed seller.

By Phoebe Chongchua
Homescape.com
www.LiveFitMagazine.com

New Shopping in Pflugerville - this one's gonna beat Stone Hill Town Center Construction!

Diane Thompson — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 19:38:00 GMT

This new construction going on across from Starbucks, Taco Bell and Wal-Mart on FM 685 will give us more shopping in Pflugerville - great - it seems to be going a lot faster than the Stone Hill Town Center started more than a year ago. This one is rumored to have Walgreen's as the first occupant. That's good for our area as we need a closer drug store than all the way down on Pecan Street. More progress as it comes available.

Coca Cola Room, Coke Machine Repair Anywhere!!

Diane Thompson — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 20:22:00 GMT

Hi - here is my coke room and hopefully I can find someone to fix my coke machine soon. If anyone out there knows anyone in the Austin, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Georgetown area that can do that, I would appreciate a phone number. It is a fun room in our house where we have our formal dining room and love to have friends over to eat in it. They like to look around and see all the different items in there.

Single Story For Sale in Eagle Ridge

Diane Thompson — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 20:13:00 GMT

Awesome Floor Plan

• 2,105 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story - MLS® $158,900 - Curb Appeal! High & Dry!

Eagle Ridge, Round Rock - Fabulous MIL Floorplan, Plantation Built home on corner lot, sprinkler system front and sides, back is bricked and decked, grass in side yards only, lovely panoramic veiws from front porch or from back deck. this 3 bed, 2 bath has 2 living, 2 dining and the master is really large with a great master/SPA bath with double sinks, garden tub, separate shower with seat, all wet areas are tiled and the grand entry sports crown molding and column work. The family room feels cozy with its centrally located fireplace and space for a huge wall mounted TV unit. The very large kitchen is tiled with a huge skylight and the refrigerator stays with the home. New garage doors on the double front entry garage add the final touch to the homes' great curb appeal on a corner lot.

Property information

915 E. Meadowmere Lane in Park at Quail Creek (Condominiums) is Sold!

Diane Thompson — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 06:00:00 GMT

Park at Quail Creek (Condominiums), Austin - The 2 story at 915 E. Meadowmere Lane has been sold.

Property information

Diane Thompson, Broker

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Austin Real Estate Statistics for 2008 compared to 2007

Very Good News for Austin, Round Rock, Pflugerville - we rank 10th in Job Growth and real estate is moving! Homes are selling!

Austin ranks 10th in the U.S. in job creation

Median Price and Sold Statistics for Williamson County, Prices are Holding their Own!

Interest Rates in the 5's again!!

Pflugerville and Round Rock Real Estate Statistics Oct 07 to Oct 08, Listings and Solds

Junior League Christmas Affair 2008!! Get in the Christmas Mood.

New downtown Round Rock? Mayor gives meeting development.

$250 million development planned for Round RockMixed-use project could create new downtown, officials say

BEST AND WORST BANG FOR THE BUCK CITIES

People always are looking for Foreclosures - Make sure that is what you want!

Determining if a Foreclosure Home is Right for You

Article highlights:

Foreclosing on a property

What are the benefits?

The disadvantages

New Shopping in Pflugerville - this one's gonna beat Stone Hill Town Center Construction!

Coca Cola Room, Coke Machine Repair Anywhere!!

Single Story For Sale in Eagle Ridge

915 E. Meadowmere Lane in Park at Quail Creek (Condominiums) is Sold!

$250 million development planned for Round Rock
Mixed-use project could create new downtown, officials say