Stephanie Zellous * (512) 971-4875

Get preapproved for a loan in advance and tell your lender that you plan to bid on a HUD, then ask them how many of these transactions they have completed. It is imperative that your lender knows what they are doing as HUD is notoriously thorough and if your lender misses anything or doesn't meet HUD's deadline you will have to pay for extensions not the lender!

Search For HUD Homes!

Contact Me. I am HUD approved and can access HUD Homes at any time.

Travis Country is one of Austin's most popular neighborhoods. With an average home price of $326,935 (based on sales from 8/1/2008-10/14/2008), and three well rated public schools, plus three parks and a pool and tennis court Travis Country offers you the good life.

Travis Country located in Southwest Austin 7.2 miles away from Downtown, which you can access via Loop 1/ MoPac. Shopping and dining is within 1.5 miles, The Hill Country Galleria is located within 10 miles.

Schools Ratings:

Oak Hill Elementary: Recognized

Clint Small Middle School: Recognized

Austin High School: Acceptable

Private Schools:

Regents School

St Andrews Episcopal

Check here often for details on Open Houses and Deal Alerts in this neighborhood.

This home features 3 bedrooms, two baths and 1782 square feet. With a large back yard, and neighborhood pool, hike/bike trails, Travis Country can fulfill your need for outdoor activities. With close proximity to MoPac/Loop1 and highway 290, your daily commute is a breeze!

Offered at $305,000.

4909 Calhoun Canyon Loop.

See you there!

The Austin Parks and Recreation Department will hold it's Annual Halloween Trick-or-Treat Trail on Sunday Oct 26 from 2-5pm. Admission is free, but you could bring a couple of non-perishable food items as a donation to the Capital Area Food Bank.

More information here...

If south Austin is where you want to be, visit the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center for Goblins In The Garden on Sunday Oct 26 from 4-7pm. This event features lots of activities for the kids plus a protrait in front of the pumpkin patch for the family.

Click here for more details...

Numerous homeowners are opting to lease their home rather lower the price if it is for sale, or sell it at all. I often wonder if they know what they are getting into.

Here are a few things to consider when contemplating becoming a landlord.

1. The rent. What are home similar to your renting for lately? Is it enough to cover your mortgage payment? If not are you able to cover the difference every month?
2. If you are leaving the area, you will need to hire a property manager, this can cost 6-10% of the rent payment every month. Have you factored that in to your budget?
3. Speaking of Property managers, have you interviewed several companies in order to find the best fit? To compare rates?
4. Listing the property for lease. The property manager will charge a commision to list the property for lease which could be from 50-100% of a full month's rent. This means that you will have to cover most or all of the mortgage payment out of pocket for at least one month.

These are very important things to take into account when considering your options. In some cases leasing may be the best option, often times lowering the price a little to entice a buyer is appropriate as you can then move on and start the next chapter of your life.