South Austin Real Estate Blog,

Today is going to be just like yesterday, hot, hotter than that line in the June and Johnny Cash song, Hotter than a pepper sprout!... OK, this is Texas and its July, its suppose to be HOT... yesterday was the 17th day of record breaking heat here in Austin. It was officially 105. Today is suppose to be 105 or wait maybe 106. The weatherman just sighed when he said that.

I hate to complain, but, I know the but negates the meaning of the previous words, so maybe I do like to complain about the heat. At any rate, yesterday when I got in my car after having a great refreshing time with my friend Betina Foreman (we had a cool rita at Chuy's and snacks) my steering wheel was so hot I almost couldn't hold onto it.

Can you imagine that people actually leave babies and pets in cars that get that hot? Are they crazy? or just stupid? DO NOT LEAVE CHILDREN, PETS or FOOD that is pershiable in a hot car. NOT FOR 2 minutes!

At any rate... in our heat folks you must stay hydrated. Keep water in your car, sports drinks if you are outside exerting yourself, your body losses electrolytes quickly in this heat and that causes muscle cramps.

Be kind to yourself and drink more water, OK, an occasional 'rita or cold one to cheer you up during this heat, the one thing we know is it won't last forever. (and if this is a preview of Hell, I don't wanna go).

If you are searching for a new home in this heat let me help you. Austin is a wonderful place to live and this heat will not last forever. Shady Hollow is named for the shade trees and home searches in many areas are on tree lined cool streets, like Village at Western Oaks, Legend Oaks, Circle C ranch, many areas of South Austin or Dripping Springs, call me and let me help you find the right home at the right price. Do you need to buy a new home or sell your current home, I can help you.

Gail Tassey, Realtor® 512-217-9482 http://austincomeshome.com email austincomeshome@gmail.com southwest Austin real estate has much to offer.

Recently there have been many instances of blog posts relating a concern about Buyers not having or understanding Representation. I myself encountered a nice young couple who declined Buyers Representation and during the previewing tour the Mr of the couple told me he would rather work only with listing agents to save the buyers agent commission.

This attitude is not only wrong it is completely goofy. OK, maybe not Goofy but delusional. A listing contract with a seller and a brokerage spells out the amount of commission to be paid on the sale of the property. It is a contract between the parties of Seller and the Listing Agency.

In that Listing Agreement (at least here in Texas) there are specific terms of what constitues a sale. AND there are specific terms of how much percentage of the sale will be paid to the Listing Agency and the Selling Agency (the buyers agent).

Some agreements can say if the Listing Agent is the Selling Agent the commission can be some less. Many agreements do not say that. The agreement is between the Seller and the Agency of Brokerage, it is not a public document.

On the MLS sheet there is a Buyers Agent percentage listed that will be the buyers agent fee. Often it is 50%. Again, this amount is specified in the ORIGINAL LISTING AGREEMENT.

A sales contract is a contract with a BUYER to a Seller. In Texas, the Sales contract does not Address the commission between agents. The ratification page discusses that and it is not a part of the Sales Contract.

In essence a buyer who thinks he may save money by-passing a Buyers Representative is sadly mistaken. Somewhere there is a person getting paid that portion of the LISTING AGREEMENT. IF you are being offered representation and you decline it that is certainly your choice and it is totally legal, but do you really know that you are giving up the most powerful part of your negotiations? You are in essence showing a full hand to the Sellers Agent.

If you would like help with your Austin homebuying process give me a call.. I CAN HELP YOU.

Gail Tassey, Realtor® 512-217-9482.. http://austincomeshome.com

Central Texas and the Austin area has some incredible natural swimming pools. One of the most popular is Hamilton Pool.

Hamilton Pool is 30 miles west of Austin on FM 3238 visit there website: www.co.travis.tx/tnr/parks/hamilton_pool.asp Limestone outcropping create a 50 foot waterfall for beauty. There is no lifeguard on duty.

Sculpture Falls on Barton Creek off S Mopac and Loop 360. hike from the Barton Creek Greenbelt upstream passing Twin Falls then reaching Sculpture Falls. Deep pools make great swimming. NO Lifeguards.

Emma Long Metropolitan Park on Lake Austin http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/emmalong.htm this park has 2 boat roamps, volleyball courts and swimming. NO Lifeguard.

Barton Springs Natural Pool http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/bartonsprings.htm 1,100 ft long spring fed and non chlorinated swimming pool. Limited lifeguard.

Blue Hole in Wimberley http://www.friendsofbluehole.org Hill Country swimming, camping spring fed Cypress Creek. NO Lifeguard.

Krause Springs Http://www.krausesprings.net/ Spicewood is about 30 miles west of Austin. NO Lifeguard.

Please visit the websites for further information and availability of hours. NO LIFEGUARD at most of these so please use caution and swim at your own risk.

If you are looking for a home to buy or to sell a home in South Austin, Austin, Buda or Dripping Springs Texas call me and lets chat about your real estate goals. South Austin Real Estate one of the areas I serve. Gail Tassey 512-217-9482 or visit my website http://austincomeshome.com

It was announced today in the Austin Business Journal that US Airways, American Airlines are matching the Southwest fares by offering $30, $60, and $90 fare for one way tickets. Tickets must be purchased by by Wednesday, or midnight tonight, July 8,2009. So hurry and get your savings now. The special fares are for travel After Labor Day and BEFORE Thanksgiving.

I have never seen this happen before, yes I have seen Southwest do special one way fares often, but not other major carriers step up and match it. Perhaps I just missed those deals? don't miss this deal for a bit of rest or relaxation at another destination. Check their websites for schedules and complete details.

If you are flying into Austin let me help you find a new home. http://austincomeshome.com or call me and lets chat about your real estate goals. Gail Tassey Realtor® 512-217-9482

Closing Cost 101

In todays home buying there are many terms we Realtors® use in our everyday language that maybe new to first time home buyers. Here is a brief list of some of those terms that apply when you buy a home in Central Texas.

Of course closing costs will vary with lender charges, Title Company charges and tax prorations, the fees are pretty standard. Also a variable will apply to different types of loans, such as Veterans, HUD owned, REO (real estate owned by lenders, usually) FHA loans and Conventional Loans.

A Buyer can be responsible for:

appraisal fees, attoney's fee, escrow fee, home owners association fees, homeowners insurance for 12 months, Mortgage Title Policy (known as a T-19), Recording Fee, Courier Fee, Tax Service Fee, Terminte Inspections Fee, Flood certificate, Buyers Inspection Fee, and various Lender fees.

A Seller can be responsible for:

Attorney's Fee, Commission for the sale of property, Closing Fee, Recording Fee, Tax Certificate, Courier Fee, Tax Proration from Jan 1 to closing date, Home Warranty (optional) and Payoff to Mortgage Company.

The list is not inclusive but an overview, if you would like more information about buying or selling a home in the South Austin, Dripping Springs area please give me a call. Let's chat about your real estate goals. Gail Tassey, Realtor®, http://austincomeshome.com 512-217-9482