Robin's Nest

Is still rosy as previously reported. Up until recently, Austin has been able to boast immunity from the problems the rest of the country was facing. There has been a surplus of inventory in available real estate and even with reported layoffs,  the job market in Austin has been strong.

Today, the Austin American Statesman reported layoffs from some key Austin employers. Software maker Vignette Corp announced they would be laying off workers although their cuts plan to be in single digit percentages and they only employ 200 in the Austin area. Austin-based Guaranty Financial Group is planning it's second round of layoffs, 10% of the workforce with only 700 workers here. Dell Inc., Freescale and Advanced Mirco Devices who all have facilities in the Austin area have been cutting back over the last few months with little effect in the overall economic situation. And Austin Regional Clinic announced a 6% layoff of a workforce totaling 1,000.

Last month theunemployment rate in Austin was 5% which is still better than most cities and  the region is still creating new jobs according to the Austin American Statesman.

Robin Scott, Broker. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. 512.589.7988.

For many it's a holiday tradition to see The Nutcracker Ballet at Christmas time. We used to go every year but things change and I hadn't been in a long time. As a gift to my Mother, my brother bought her 2 tickets to Ballet Austin's 46th Annual Performance of The Nutcracker and I was fortunate to get the second ticket so that I could take her.

The cold weather made it seem seasonally special and the new Long Center was a wonderful venue. The Nutcracker was a truly delightful performance from the orchestra to the choreography, performance and costumes.

If you haven't been and you like ballet and the symphony, put it on your list for next year. I promise you'll love it. And as it sometimes seems difficult to find just that right store gift, consider tickets to performances, sporting events or even movies as a gift idea.

Just this week I went on a listing presentation that reminded me how important it is to make that great first impression. I know I'll be competing with 2 other agents so hear is my list of must dos:

1. Must dress professionally but not over dress because it's important that the seller feel comfortable showing you the home and speaking with you.

2. Must arrive on time to demonstrate a professional attitude and show respect for the sellers time.

3. Must demonstrate confidence without arrogance.

4. Must tour the home with the seller so he/she can point out any upgrades, problem areas and tell you about things that are important to him/her.

5. Must make a list of upgrades or problems and I like to take photos because as much as you think you will remember later, the list and photos are more efficient and definite.

6. Must take the time to explain your marketing program and how you differentiate yourself from the competition.

7. Must ask questions and work to develop a repor with the seller so he/she will feel comfortable working with you in the future.

8. Must make yourself available to answer questions and address concerns of the seller.

9. Must depart with a handshake and a promise to follow up.

10. Must follow up.

Robin Scott, Broker. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. 512.589.7988.

Location, location, location. This is a great opportunity to live in one of the hottest & coolest areas is Austin in a new home - no rehabbing for you. Just move in and enjoy being walking distance to Central Market, 10 minutes to the medical center and 15 minutes to downtown Austin, Zilker Park and all the special events that take place.  This is a new 3-story home with tons of upgrades: handscraped wood floors in living area, tile in baths, Siilestone countertops throughout, stainless appliances, custom doors, crown molding, 6" baseboards, designer colors and fixtures, sprinkler system and more in a 1512 sq.ft. house with 2 master bedrooms - one on each floor. $399,000.

Robin Scott, Broker. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. 512.589.7988.

A couple of years ago the bath house at the Rattan Creek Pool burned down. For a long time the park looked dismal but the Board got approval to build a community center in it's place and now the park is even better than before. If you live in the area, you may have visited the community center November 4th when it became the area polling place. Now there is going to be a Grand Opening Party December 20 4PM-8PM. Be sure to come visit and see how improved your neighborhood has become.

Robin Scott, Broker. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. 512.589.7988.

This is the second time I've been sent a referral from another Realtor because of my ABR designation and membership. How great is that! Yesterday a Realtor from Ft. Collins called with a relocation referral and told me he found me in the ABR directory. My new buyer is coming to Austin next month to find a house and I'm looking forward to showing my Ft. Collins connection what a great job I can do for him and his referrals.

Buying a home is a big commitment and having a REALTOR  who has demonstrated advanced education and experience helping home buyers can only be a plus. If you are interested in buying a home look for an ABR - Accredited Buyer's Representative. If you are planning to buy a home in the greater Austin area, I want to be your REALTOR.

Robin Scott, Broker. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyers Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. 512.589.7988.

The new construction at 1204 W. 43rd St is finally finished complete with landscaping and a sprinkler system. It's a great opportunity to live in central Austin. A 2/2.5 with 2 masters and loaded with upgrades for only $420,000. I'm including the old photo but new pictures were taken today so look for them in my revised blog later in the week.

Robin Scott, Broker. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. 512.589.7988

As closings are coming less frequently, I felt it was important to celebrate another successful one. I've been chronically my experiences with this particular buyer because it has been so great. New construction, no hitches and a new friend to boot. There are many satisfying reasons to be a REALTOR and it's not always about the money. I like meeting new people and making new friends. It's great when everything works out well too.

Robin Scott, Broker. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. 512.589.7988.

As closings are coming less frequently, I felt it was important to celebrate another successful one. I've been chronically my experiences with this particular buyer because it has been so great. New construction, no hitches and a new friend to boot. There are many satisfying reasons to be a REALTOR and it's not always about the money. I like meeting new people and making new friends. It's great when everything works out well too.

Robin Scott, Broker. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. 512.589.7988.

And the winner is Kimball Hill Homes for the category including $250,001 and $325,000. The annual award is given in recognition of excellence in home building, remodeling, sales and marketing or development. An affiliate of National Association of Home Builders, the Texas association is a non-profit group serving the needs of home builders and remodelers in Texas.

The winning entry was the Tuscany, a two-story, 3688 sq.ft. 4/3.5 home designed with the semi-customer home buyer in mind.

Robin Scott, Broker. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. 512.589,7988.