Kyle TX Buda TX Austin TX Real Estate — call Aaron Vaughn — 512-845-4204

A Little Bit About 'ol Aaron

Whether working for Buyers or Sellers, deal-making skills are in my blood. I have negotiated over $40 million in MLS and other real estate deals and over $200 million in vendor contracts in my career.

My career in real estate began in the early 1990s as a residential homebuilder in the Pacific Northwest working with a small custom builder before starting my own company. I built houses and developed some land on a part-time basis while working full time in an unrelated career.

It was always my driving ambition to be the best homebuilder.

I sought out the right mentors and immersed myself in the details and processes, eventually creating a speculative homebuilding company with a partner. That company grew quickly, and I eventually sold my shares and started a small, high-end, solely-owned homebuilding company.

My wife, Sherry, quit her full-time job of 20 years at a local engineering company to run the office. The building boom of the mid-2000s was great for us. But eventually the market downturn forced us to make some big decisions.

We had visited family in 2001 in Austin and fell in love with the area — especially the sunshine and friendly people. We moved here in 2008 and have enjoyed becoming part of the community. There is so much to do here, and we're just 15 minutes from downtown Austin.

Great places to hunt, fish, and boat abound in the area. Among my favorite places? Hill Country/Dripping Springs. A wonderful town!

Our home is in nearby Kyle, bordering the town of Buda.

I love helping people who are relocating to Austin, because I did it myself and all the newness of everything is still fresh in my mind. Central Texas is a wonderful place to call home. There are so many choices -- Austin offers the best of urban sophistication and modern living, or you can choose to live on a 1,000-acre ranch within 20 minutes of downtown. Choices -- Central Texas has plenty!

Real estate is a relationship business — a people business — on both sides of the contract. I conduct business in a fair and ethical manner. Whether you are a client or another REALTOR®, I will treat you the way I want to be treated — with fairness and respect.

The Vaughn Family Home Team — We Specialize in YOU!

Helpful Info for Buyers — Sellers — Builders

A REALTOR® may ask you to do some things that you really don't want to do to in order to get you moved into your new home as quickly as possible.

When REALTORS® advise you about what you can do to make the transaction work, they are acting as part coach and part business consultant. If you find the house you love and want to "sleep on" the decision for a few days, the Realtor knows that you run the risk of losing the house. If you are inclined to complicate your offer with clauses that may make the contract unattractive to the sellers, the agent may ask you to consider some modifications. Should you call the week before the closing with an attack of "buyer's remorse", your agent knows the cure. Following your Realtor's suggestions will increase your chances for a successful move!

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"Few things in life are free", right? One thing is still free — the guidance and assistance of a real estate sales professional for home buyers. In the traditional real estate sales transaction, it is the seller who pays the commission that is divided among the various sales professionals involved in the transaction when the home is sold.

You get several free services from the REALTOR®: 1) Target marketing which gives you quick, precise targeting of homes you want, in a price range you can afford. 2) Loan pre-qualification. This saves you much time and the potential disappointment of finding the perfect house (which you can't afford). 3) Guidance in obtaining the best mortgage terms. The marketing professional knows that if there is no financing, there is no purchase. Most REALTORS® have become quite knowledgeable in the mortgage market. Another old saying is "The best things in life are free."

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Are you still writing those checks every month to keep a roof over your head, but which don't gain you any equity? If you are still renting because you think you still need a fortune to get into your own home, you should investigate today's real estate market.

Interest rates are still low, which means very affordable payments, perhaps in the range of your current monthly rent. Qualifying for a loan was never easier, especially since lenders have increased in large numbers and are competing for your business. Even if you couldn't qualify to buy a home just a few years ago, you may be able to qualify today. Home prices today are relatively stable, so you might be surprised at the number of homes available in your price range. There are a number of government programs and mortgage packages which require small down payments, in the three to five percent range--and we haven't even started talking about the tax advantages! Think about it the next time you write a rent check.

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Most buyers want a home that is in tip-top condition and ready for them to occupy, but many homes go for bargain prices because they need work. Buyers love "fixer-uppers" for the obvious reasons: the price and the satisfaction of designing something attractive. Whether you are buying the property for yourself or as an investment, choose a house that is in a good location and structurally sound. It should be priced enough below market value (usually 25%) to allow plenty of room for a profitable re-sale after the work is completed.

It is important to educate yourself before taking on such a project. For example, inexpensive cosmetic improvements often give the greatest return -- paint will increase the value three times for every dollar invested. Landscaping, carpeting, and light fixtures are also relatively inexpensive improvements. Expensive structural improvements, such as a new roof, plumbing, wiring, or foundation repairs, usually add very little to the market value of a home.

Remodeling a kitchen will rarely add more than the cost, but new appliances usually give a fine return. An extra bathroom is the best renovation from an investment point of view, often giving twice its cost in added value; the worst investment is a swimming pool.

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The REALTOR® calls with great news! Your offer has just been accepted. Congratulations -- you are about to become a homeowner!

Your initial euphoria may be short-lived, however, as you begin to have second thoughts about the purchase. First, it's the mortgage. It seems like so much money, and it will take thirty years to pay for it. You look over the cash you will need for the closing and feel like you will never be able to afford to dine out again! Finally, you stare at the inspector's report and convince yourself that the roof will blow off and every major system will fail the day after you move in. You're in a frenzy. You ask yourself, "What have I gotten into?"

The best thing to do if you begin having "second" thoughts is just relax! These feelings are so common that they have even been given a name — "Buyer's Remorse." "Buyer's Remorse" is almost always a temporary malady, but call your REALTOR® if you are having an extreme attack. We have experience in helping our clients through the home-buying jitters.

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New homes typically have a higher sales price than comparable existing homes, and buyers are usually willing to spend more on a new home because of lower maintenance costs. Builders' warranties on new homes, along with a new roof, appliances, and major systems, usually make major repairs unnecessary and help to counter a slower initial rate of appreciation.

A 1991 Census Bureau Housing Survey suggests that operating costs are lowest for brand new homes, slightly higher for relatively new existing homes, but lower on average for older existing homes. Operating costs per square foot of living space, however, are consistently higher for progressively older existing homes. Utility costs represent the largest factor in operating costs. Energy consumption per square foot depends on the size of the home, the insulation and quality of the windows, air leakage and the efficiency of the furnace.

New homes require fewer expenditures for routine maintenance. The cost of maintenance first increases with age, then declines, so you will generally spend less maintaining a home built before 1960 than for a home built between 1970 and 1975.

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Many home buyers today are investing in a professional structural inspection before they finalize their purchase of a home. You should choose an inspector carefully and be prepared to learn important facts about your new home that could save you money.

When you have a ratified sales agreement, the Realtor will set up an appointment for you to see the home with the inspector. Bring a notebook, even though you will get a written report of the inspection. Write down any questions or concerns that may occur to you as you tour the house, such as cracks in the walls, spots on the ceiling, or noises in the air conditioning system. And remember that no house is perfect. You should come away from the inspection with a good understanding of what you are buying and how much the maintenance will cost.

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My Old Builder Contract for Subcontractors Below, In Parts

1 INSURANCE: Prior to the start of work, Subcontractor should procure, and maintain throughout the work, Workers' Compensation Insurance, employers’ liability insurance, and comprehensive general liability insurance in amounts satisfactory under state law and/or GC. GC must receive Subcontractor’s Certificate of Insurance, naming GENERAL CONTRACTOR as Additional Insured, prior to Subcontractor performing any work or GC making any payments to Subcontractor. Minimum general liability insurance coverage required by GC is: $500K per occurrence, $1 million general aggregate.

2 PROPOSAL INFORMATION: Subcontractor bid will be considered to include all items for the work you are bidding unless your bid accurately describes what you intend to delete on Page One.

3 MANNER AND SCHEDULING OF WORK: All work is to be done in a prompt, thorough and workmanlike manner and following the “SCOPE OF WORK” to the satisfaction of GC, according to plans, specifications, standards of workmanship and acceptability to the building officials who inspect the work as well as the GC. Any work not meeting the above requirements will be promptly corrected by Subcontractor at his expense. The work also includes the furnishing by Subcontractor of all necessary tools, equipment, supervision, machinery, scaffolding and the incidentals thereto. Time is of the essence. Subcontractor shall comply with GC’s work schedule, recognizing that changes may be made in the work schedule and agrees to comply with such changes without additional compensation. Subcontractor shall coordinate its work with all other subcontractors and suppliers on the project so as not to delay or damage their performance on the project. In no event will the Subcontractor seek or be entitled to damage for delay. Subcontractor’s sole remedy for delay will be a reasonable extension of time to complete the work. GC may direct changes to Subcontractor’s work. Adjustments in the contract shall be set forth in a change order approved by GC.

4 TRASH AND SAFETY: Subcontractor will keep a neat and clean jobsite, free of any safety hazards. Any waste material and trash shall be cleaned up, bagged or boxed, and disposed of in approved containers or stored in a site location dictated by GC. If GC must hire a cleaning crew to clean up after Subcontractor, then a minimum charge of $100 per day will be back-charged to Subcontractor. Subcontractor will have copies of a formal Safety Plan posted on the jobsite and will Indemnify and Hold Harmless GC from any and all OSHA claims or fines imposed on GC as a result of improper safety practice by Subcontractor.

5 MODIFICATIONS: Subcontractor, upon starting work, will inspect the work site and determine if the work site is ready. Should Subcontractor determine that additional costs are required, he must declare this before starting. GC will not accept back-charges for work unless given notice in advance. No modification of the terms of this agreement shall be binding on either party unless reduced to writing and signed by an authorized representative of GC.

6 ASSIGNMENT, PAYMENT AND LIEN RELEASES: No part of the work or other obligations herein may be assigned by the Subcontractor. Invoices for completed work and supplies received by the 25th of the month and approved by GC will be paid by the 10th of the following month subject to related terms on Page One of this Agreement. No billings accepted for incomplete work. Work that is incomplete as of 5 p.m. PT on the 25th must be invoiced the following month. If and when requested by GC, Subcontractor will provide GC with final lien releases from all people or firms supplying Subcontractor with labor and/or materials as well as Subcontractor payroll records before GC is obligated to make any payment to Subcontractor. Retainage is not regularly held, but 5- to 10-percent of all invoices may be held until satisfactory completion of work. No price increases allowed in any event prior to ninety (90) days written notice by Subcontractor and approved by GC.

7 WARRANTY: Subcontractor/Supplier warrants and agrees that both the material supplied and the work performed by Subcontractor comply with the plans, specifications, all applicable building codes, FHA/VA regulations and other governmental requirements. Subcontractor warrants the fitness for intended use and merchantability of all labor and materials supplied by Subcontractor and further agrees to perform all applicable FHA/VA or GC warranty work promptly and at Subcontractor’s expense for one full year after date possession is transferred from GC to Buyer(s) and/or according to terms of RWC insurance-backed homeowners’ warranty and/or Washington State statutes. Subcontractor warranties as set forth herein are in addition to all applicable statutory or implied warranties or any additional warranties applicable to the work performed and the materials used. Subcontractor warrants that the material used and labor supplied are of sufficient quality and construction standards that GC will not incur warranty claims for poor quality and workmanship. Subcontractor further agrees to indemnify and hold GC harmless for such poor quality unless expressly agreed in writing by GC.

8 DEFAULT AND REMEDIES: Any of the following acts, actions or inactions by Subcontractor shall constitute a material default in Subcontractor’s performance under this agreement: (A) Subcontractor’s failure to perform the work under this contract or to furnish material in connection, therewith, in an expeditious and efficient manner or to keep a reasonable number of employees working at all times on said work or to keep a reasonable number and type of tools and equipment on the job; (B) Subcontractor’s failure to pay any of its bills when due, whether labor or materials; (C) Subcontractor is or is about to become insolvent, bankrupt or, in the opinion of GC, financially unable to complete the contract in accordance with its terms; (D) Subcontractor’s failure to comply with any of the terms of this contract. In the event of such default, within forty-eight hours from the time of dispatch of said notice, GC may without further notice engage other help or subcontractors. The amount paid to such other subcontractors or incurred by GC including reasonable overhead, profit and attorneys fees in completing the work to be done under this agreement shall be deducted from any sums payable to Subcontractor. Should said amount exceed the balance due to Subcontractor, then in the event of any default as specified herein, the payment schedule specified in this contract shall be of no force and effect, and no moneys whatsoever shall be due to Subcontractor until the whole of the work to be performed under this contract has been completed to GC’s satisfaction. For the purpose of completing such work, GC is hereby authorized to take possession of and use all materials on the jobsite as well as materials in the course of preparation wherever located. Nothing in this paragraph shall limit any other rights GC has under any provision of law or this contract.

9 CONFLICT IN DUAL SEPARATE PROPOSALS: When a separate work proposal is submitted by Subcontractor and such proposal is referred to in this agreement, then the price and terms that are in this agreement shall prevail under all circumstances.

10 TERMS OF AGREEMENT: The Terms and Conditions of this agreement shall remain in effect for all future work performed by Subcontractor for GC unless a specific agreement signed by both parties is entered into to change this ongoing condition of this Subcontractor Proposal and Agreement and Statement of Terms and Conditions.

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Testimonials

"Thank you so much, Aaron, for making our home purchase the stuff of dreams! We really appreciate your attention to detail, you caring, compassion, and willingness to make things work for us." (Couple in Forest Creek neighborhood)

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"Wow. Thanks for all your hard work. Thanks for returning our calls. Thanks for your uncanny memory. And thanks most of all for caring about what you do!" (Couple in Panorama neighborhood)

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"Weather delays were putting my closing date -- and my rate lock -- in danger. But you rolled up your sleeves and made sure the work got done right and we closed on time. You saved my dream." (Buyer in Forest Creek neighborhood)

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"Aaron, your wacky sense of humor belies the serious professional you really are. And it's obvious you care. You know your stuff! I would not hesitate to recommend you to family and friends alike." (Husband of family in Cougar Ridge neighborhood)

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"Why are you so mean?! I don't understand why you're leaving me. Sure, I'm a little shrill and whiny. Sure, I push your buttons. And no, I cannot cook worth a darn! But who cares, you always cook anyway. And, NO, you can't have the blue couch or the computer! And you have to pay for the divorce, since you're the one who wants it! You suck!" (My ex-wife in a little note several years ago)

And check out this great information ...

OPERATING YOUR MECHANICAL VENTILATION SYSTEM

If you have recently completed an extensive remodel, built an addition, or moved into a new home, any of which were permitted for construction after July 1, 1991, your home includes a mechanical system that may be unfamiliar to you. This is the mechanical ventilation system. This brochure offers some tips for operating your home’s system effectively.

Two Jobs

The mechanical ventilation system actually has two distinct, yet related, jobs to do. In both cases, the goal is to replace stale indoor air with fresh air from outdoors.

Spot Ventilation

First, your system must remove moisture or odor-laden air from rooms like the bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, or any other room where water vapor is produced. Exhausting stale air right at the spot where moisture or odors are generated improves the ventilation system’s effectiveness. This is called “spot ventilation.”

The Washington Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Code requires fans in bathrooms or laundry rooms be able to exhaust at least 50 cubic feet per minute (cfm). Your kitchen fan must be able to exhaust 100 cfm. If you have a spa room or a swimming pool, proper ventilation should be sized according to good engineering practice rather than using the bathroom fan size. In fact, if the bathroom is larger than 75 square feet, the Uniform Building Code (UBC) would recommend a fan larger than 50 cfm.

Whole House Ventilation

The ventilation system’s second job is to ensure regular removal of stale air and circulation of fresh air throughout the house, independent of the weather. This is called “whole house ventilation.”

There are two ways whole house ventilation is usually accomplished.

If your home has a forced air furnace or heat pump, the ventilation is probably provided through the ductwork. If your home does not have heating ducts, ventilation is provided by centrally located exhaust fan and “make-up air ports” in your outside walls or the tops of windows.

Sometimes this exhaust fan also serves as a bathroom fan.

The whole house system should run automatically, but you can manually turn it on under special conditions, such as when smokers are present, during parties, or when new carpets, furniture, or freshly dry-cleaned clothing are brought in.

Operating Your Spot Fans

· Turn on the spot fan whenever moisture or odors are produced in the room, such as when cooking or showering.

· Since moisture vapor and odors tend to linger, it is a good idea to let the fan continue running for at least 15 to 20 minutes after the activity producing them has stopped.

· If you have a simple on/off switch for a control, replace it with and electronic or a spring-loaded mechanical “twist” timer. A timer is more convenient because it doesn’t require you to return to shut off the fan and it will turn the fan off in case you forget.

Operating Your Whole House Ventilation

The most common automatic control for the whole house system is a 24-hour or 7-day timer. This timer turns on the furnace fan or the exhaust fan at regular intervals. It also has the flexibility to leave the system off for a large block of time when no one is home.

To set the mechanical timer, shift the trip pins on the dial to turn the fan on and off. The first pin turns the fan on; the second turns it off; the third, on; the fourth, off, and so forth.

Some timers will only allow two settings per day; other can give you up to forty-eight. Electronic times do not have trip pins to set. Instead you must program the settings through a series of button pushes – much as you would set a digital watch or a VCR.

When to Ventilate

· Observe when the most people are home or the most activity occurs. Then set the timer to provide ventilation at those times.

· Don’t run whole house ventilation at the same time as spot ventilation, unless the spot fan is not doing its job.

· Several shorter ventilation periods spread over the occupancy time will provide better air quality than an equal, single, long period.

· Make sure at least one of those periods is during the night. Night is usually when people are home and the thermostats are turned down – two conditions which encourage higher relative humidity in the home.

· If there are regular times when odors or moisture are generated (e.g. a weekly Cub Scout Pack meeting), make sure the ventilation system has a corresponding setting.

Also, here is my old Builder's Warranty details form; use if you wish!