Carly Lister

It amazes me how many judgmental people still exist in this world. Especially in America where we are supposed to be open minded and accepting. You know, it's the "Land of the Free", right? I know many people that are so judgmental it's hard to be around them.

While I'm not like them and I've never considered myself to be a judgmental person, when I first started working with real estate clients it challenged me. I felt myself wanting to try to figure people out too quickly and that sometimes involved making assumptions. I quickly figured out that it's not smart to assume anything because you're usually wrong.

I had someone who didn't "look" like they could afford the house I was selling and it turns out they were living in a house that was completely paid off, owned their own business, and was just frugal (read: wealthy). Or how about the person that appeared to have money (had a good paying job, drove a flashy car, lived in a big house), but bought their existing house with 100% financing (no equity in their house = couldn't afford to sell it), had credit card debt out the wazoo, was borderline bankrupt, and couldn't qualify to buy a new house.

My point is that if you are going to assume anything, assume that every potential client is going to be the best client you will ever work with...until they prove otherwise. Stereotypes don't have a place in real estate and everyone deserves a fair shot to be represented, don't you think?

If you or someone you know in the Austin, Texas area needs a Realtor who won't make assumptions about them, contact me to assist you in selling or buying a house. You can find me at www.carlylister.com.

I've now lived in Manor, Texas for 3 years and when I tell people where I live, I often get a confused look in response and one of the following questions: "Where is Manor?" or "Isn't that really far out of town?" or "Oh, I think I've driven through there on the way to Houston". No, it's not far out of town and yes, you probably have driven through it on your way to Houston. I know Manor isn't that big yet (about 5,800 people), but it's growing fast and I think everyone that lives in the Austin area needs to know about Manor.

Let's start with the location:

• Just East of Austin - 9 miles East of I-35 on Highway 290
• 2 miles from the new 130 Tollway
• 12 miles to the University of Texas at Austin
• 13 miles to Downtown Austin
• 15 miles to the Austin-Bergstrom Airport
• Close to major employers - Applied Materials - 4 miles, Samsung - 5 miles, Dell - 16 miles (but fast to get to using the tollways)

Manor offers affordable homes compared to Austin and a shorter, less stressful commute than most of the surrounding towns (have you experienced the traffic on 183 heading towards Cedar Park, I-35 North to Round Rock, or I-35 South to Buda/Kyle lately?). There are a number of newer neighborhoods that offer beautiful construction at affordable prices with excellent amenities (check out the 4 acre water park in ShadowGlen).

Manor ISD is one of the fastest growing school districts in all of Texas and as a result has opened at least one brand new school every year for the past few years. With top-notch facilities, an excellent Superintendent, and a progressive approach to education (check out the Recognized New Tech High School), Manor ISD is poised to be one of the leading school districts in Central Texas.

Manor has grown a lot since I moved here in 2006 and it will continue to grow. It's great to experience the sense of community of a small town, but still have easy access to everything in Austin. The growth of Austin is moving east and now is a great time to move into Manor to enjoy all that this small Texas town has to offer!

If you are looking to buy or sell a home in the Austin area, please visit my website at www.carlylister.com. Thanks!