POST: Businesses in the northwest area of Austin
The new Four Points Chamber of Commerce will be officially introduced to the Four Points area of Austin in March, with at least two opportunities to learn more about the Chamber’s purpose, the benefits of joining, and meet the initial charter members along with the newly elected leadership team during these debut events. THIS WILL BE AN EXCEPTIONAL CHAMBER EXPERIENCE. Come see to find out why.
The inaugural Four Points Chamber Luncheon will be held at River Place Country Club on Thursday, March 25, 2010, at 11:30 a.m. Details of the Chamber’s Happy Hour Launch Celebration, which will be held at a popular local establishment in early March, are expected to be finalized by mid-February. We are looking at having a happy hour on the 11th at The Oasis. Check website for confirmation.
Additional opportunities for Charter Members to take advantage of ongoing Member Networking Roundtable events are also being finalized for kick-off in March.
For more information about the benefits of joining, participating in these upcoming events and more, visit www.fourpointschamber.com or call 512-551-0390. Membership inquiries may also be sent directly to membership@FourPointsChamber.com.
A bit of mixed, yet interesting news for the RIVER NORTH area of Austin. Inventory remained virtually unchanged (+1%), while closings were down 23% from January 2009. This figure is a bit misleading as there were a heavy amount of homes that closed in December below $500k that were a reflection of the government rebate prior to its extension.
The HUGE news is that the Bartlett Real Estate Group showings for January were up a staggering 2 ½ times over December. This is a shocking and surprising number as January is usually a slower month in Austin. If all remains constant, we should see noticeable results from this increase in February for March closings. We noticed the showings increasing just after Christmas.
Here is the full report in Excel format: Jan 2010 RN Area Market Report
Inventory will be increasing over the next few months as it normally does, as we have 14 homes in the process of being put on the market. The increase in showings is an initial sign that we MAY be in a market shift, or it could be a fluke in the market. As it occurred in January, I think this is not a fluke.
The telling sign will be pending sales this month and closings in March. There were 17 closing in January and there are 37 pending sales as of today.
I just got an incredible phone call that just made my day and made me rethink my goals and aspirations for 2010. My real estate inspiration comes from a blind real estate broker-Joseph Klatt of Klatt Realty in La Jolla, CA. ( www.KlattRealty.com ) Joseph called me to tell me that he finally wrote the book that I always wanted him to write.
PLEASE read the previously post I wrote about Joseph: http://activerain.com/blogsview/823811/a-blind-man-is-outselling-you-why- . 
To make a long story short, Joseph has become an incredibly successful real estate agent, broker and mediator in one of the most expensive cities in the country, with an office on one of the most expensive streets in La Jolla. I met Joseph many years ago as I had to hear his story in person, as I could not comprehend the possiblity of what he has accomplished. Honestly, today, I still can't quite comprehend it. He, unconsciously, follows the same concept that most very successful agents follow: MINDSET. His plan was to be a successful real estate agent and he did it. My favorite line that he left with me was this: "I believe I have an advantage over sighted people". 
I had asked Joseph a while back to write a book, as very few agents believe me when I tell them his story....as it does seem to most, incomprehensible that a blind man is kicking their butt. He said that he had been thinking about writing a book but never got around to it. So I pressed him and he said that he would start thinking about it.
I really believe that he does not understand how truly remarkable he is. You talk to him and talking to him is no different than talking to any top producing agent. Many times, I felt like an idiot asking him questions as he reply was no different than most would reply. I had asked him if he had ever sold any homes outside La Jolla. He said of course; matter of fact, he just sold a home up in San Francisco recently. (Huh?) I asked him how he did that. He said that he got on a plane with his client, went to San Francisco, showed a few condos the client wanted to see, and made an offer on one. Probably the same answer you may have replied; but you are probably not blind.
So Joseph tells me that he got his book published and can be purchased at several book stores such as Barnes and Noble, or from Amazon.com. The title is "DEAL MAKER" "LESSONS FROM THE BLIND NEGOTIATOR".
http://www.amazon.com/Deal-Maker-Lessons-Master-Negotiator/dp/1449052622#noop
Read his book. Read his story. It will not only give you an incredible education on negotiations, it will be a life changing moment. To this day, I keep a copy of a newspaper ad of his in my wallet as inspiration to me going forward when all seems impossible.
I'm having problems giving directions to a house as all seem quite confused on several suggested directions:
Optimism is in the Air in Austin
Well finally 2009 is over and we can now focus on a proposed rebounding year in 2010 in Austin. Austin saw its ups and downs in the market during the past year, with the major “ups” in the lower price ranges (<$300k) coming from extremely low interest rates combined with substantial tax incentives by the national government.
The mid price range homes ($300 - $700k) saw a noticeable improvement in inventory though demand still has not seen a noticeable improvement as of the end of the year that would make a major impact.
Higher priced range homes (>$700k) still have major inventory concerns to contend with during 2010; though modest improvement in inventory has been noticed. Inventory needs to be cut in half.
Austin has weathered the storm far greater than most areas of the country as we have seen two severe recessions over the past decade whereas most areas of the country have seen but one. Thus, though this past recession has not had a disastrous impact on our community in comparison to most, if you look back over the past decade and compare this recession in combination of the “dot com recession”, you will see that our prices have had a similar impact over a 10 year period as other areas of the country.
Because we are not getting hit as hard on our second recession, Austin is getting extremely good press throughout the country as the place to move. The bottom line will be job creation. When job creation begins a noticeable movement, Austin should SUBSTANTIALLY better than most areas of the country. Because of this, Austin, arguably, may be one of the best investments in the country.
Below is the link for a report of the northwest area of Austin called the “River North” area of Austin representing home pricing from the $300’s to the multiple millions. (River Place, Steiner Ranch, Long Canyon, Glenlake, Greenshores, Shepherd Mountain, Grandview & Westminster Glen). It does not reflect much of the impact seen from the government stimulus package for first time homeowners.
River North Area Year End Market Report CLICK HERE
Sales in this area were down for the year at 10%, but the area showed increases for the last two months of the year and nine straight months of inventory decreases. Some of the decreases in inventory were reflected in homes being taken off the market or leased. The true tale of the market will be noticed in late spring when many of these homes come back on the market. i.e. Will demand increase enough to handle the projected increase in inventory?
Based on defaults, we should also see a slight increase in foreclosures this coming year from 2009. It is too early to determine if this will have a noticeable effect on the market.
Lastly, the Federal Reserve is planning to stop purchase Mortgage Back Securities at the end of the first quarter and allow the free market to take over the purchase of these securities. Over $1 trillion dollars have been purchased by the Fed by year end. This will be the most severe test of the recovery, and could easily impact interest rates negatively, if the free market is unable to handle the supply of securities in the market place.
By late spring, we should have a good feel of where the market will be headed. If we start seeing employment increases in the interim, this will be a major boost to consumer confidence and the economy should start expanding……dramatically
Optimism is in the air in Austin……
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Known as "The Mayor of River Place" specializing in luxury homes in NW Austin. #1 KW Group, Austin (nwmc,'07-'10 ) #3 Group in Austin '07'10-Austin Business Journal
Co-owner of the Bartlett Real Estate Group, (Ranked #1 in Austin NWMC) I am a native Texan, received my business degree from Baylor University in 1981 and started my real estate sales career in Houston.
I have been involved with developments from raw land to tentative mapping, to final mapping, to marketing projects at these stages, or upon completion of the infrastructure, or marketing homes on the completed homesites. My partners are Tom & Marissa Radack and Ken Bartlett; for more details on our entire group see our website at www.TopKWGroup.com
Upon relocating to San Diego in 1986, Tim operated as an independent real estate broker marketing exclusive residential homes, acre-plus estate sites and subdivision development sites (either completed or at various mapping stages).
Since moving back to Texas in 1995 from California, Tim has continued to focus on marketing very upscale residences, winning numerous company and national achievement awards to include the following:
I market residences in the west Austin, and is a premier specialist in the "River North" area designation, to include River Place, Westminster Glen, Glenlake Estates, Long Canyon, and Steiner Ranch as well as new home subdivision sites.
As 17 year residents of River Place, Tim lovew the variety of amenities and atmosphere that River Place and the surrounding area offers as well as the easy access to the many amenities that Austin provides. He has watched most of the homes being built in the River North area, which gives him a tremendous marketing advantage.
Tim's strength was partially derived from a real estate broker in La Jolla who was blinded at an early age, yet became an extremely successful real estate agent, broker, mediator, and real estate board president. Read the astonishing story at www.klattrealty.com. He further gains his drive from one grandfather who was a professional football player, and another who ran a very successful steel manufacturing comany and was president of the Steel Builder's Association. "I feel it is my obligation to my ancestors and to my immediate family to help as many people I can to be the best I can be."
Tim enjoys playing ice hockey, running, and enjoying exotic vacations.
Join me on Facebook
I specialize in new and resale homes valued at $300,000 to the multiple millions as well as marketing and brokerage of new-home subdivision projects from raw land through the development process, to streets, to marketing the individual homesites, homes or condominiums.
I have been marketing real estate since 1982 and has been consitantly working since my 600 home newspaper route in the 4th grade.
See our website on why we are different from the pack.
Tim Moncrief and Tom Radack did an amazing job of both selling our existing home and assisting us in the purchase of our new home. Tim listed our house in Westminster Glen and was able to sell it remarkably quickly in a very competitive market where most homes were just not moving in our area. He helped through every stage of the process, from pricing to staging, to ensure that we received a fair and equitable price for the property.
Once we were ready to move Tim and Tom were able to hone in on exactly what we were looking for in our new home and we fell in love with the second house we saw. Once again, they made the transition smooth, seamless, and simple. They were able to negotiate a fair and equitable price that afforded us the opportunity to move directly into our new home, rather than moving into an apartment first. As with all real estate deals a few very small issues arose, but both Tim and Tom were able to quickly resolve them to our complete satisfaction. They were both available to us at all times of day, and always responded in a prompt and timely manner. I would absolutely recommend them to anyone looking to buy or sell your current home.
Heather Rogers
In a van down by the river...
I used Tim Moncrief when purchasing my first home here in Austin Texas. Like any first time home buyer, I really had no idea what I was doing. Tim walked me through all the steps of buying the house, showed me multiple great places, and did all the dirty work in getting the deal done. Tim was available anytime I had a questions about ... well anything and everything. The process was so easy that I talked to and about Tim on my radio talk show. Since purchasing my house, I've contacted Tim multiple times with questions about painting, floors, and other home renovations. In every instance, without hesitation, Tim has been there for me. I couldnt have done it without him! Well, I could have but I'd probably be living in a van down by the river instead.
Bobby Bones
Morning Show Host, 96-7 Kiss Fm - Austin
Waterfront lot in River Place....sold in 1 day
We bought a waterfront lot in River Place in Austin from Tim, partner of Bartlett Real Estate Group, and are now building our dream home. Tim was there for us every step of the way and we not only recommend him but we used his team a second time when it was time to sell our existing home during the build. Terry Dailey literally sold our home the first day it was listed!"
Robert and Deborah Corbin
Riverplace on Lake Austin
...saved me $25k in tax appraisal!
Thanks for your assistance with my tax appraisal. Today I had that review, they took the informal proposal off the table and gave me $25K off. They used your 3 properties and then averaged with the 5 the computer picked and took the average.
Once again I really appreciate your help.
Joe
Repeat customer...
We worked with Tim Moncrief twice when buying properties in Austin Texas. Both times we felt he was very professional and hard working without putting any pressure on us to buy. He is very knowledgeable in the Real Estate market. We will use him again and have referred other people to him who are buying in the Austin area.
Howard Schwartz
Purchasing a home from 3 states away...
Our experience with Bartlett Real Estate Group was absolutely outstanding. When we first decided to consider moving to Austin Texas, we spoke with an agent who listened to our needs, wants, and requirements for a new home. Not only were we unfamiliar with the area, but we were also fairly new to the home buying process. Purchasing a home from three states away was difficult enough, and finding the realtor to help us in such a dynamic situation was critical.
Bartlett Real Estate Group was recommended to us by friends in Austin, and they lived up to every single expectation we had, and then some. We were able to purchase a home in Austin with the help of Tim Moncrief. His staff was helpful in all aspects of the purchasing process. We purchased our home with his help, and would gladly recommend this real estate group to anyone wishing to have real estate assistance in Austin. Bartlett Real Estate Group went above and beyond in many ways, and their efficient work, vast amount of knowledge, and suggestions helped us settle into a home we are very grateful for.
Ganesh and Jennifer Lyer
The essence of proactivity...offer in 9 days...
We were most pleased with The Bartlett Real Estate Group, in particular Tim Moncrief. Tim is the essence of proactivity. Never once did we feel he should be doing something more than was being done. He helped us understand what the market for our house would be in Austin and what things could be done to best maximize the value we received. We had an acceptable offer within 9 days of it being listed. The buyers were qualified and the transaction went off without a hitch. We would highly recommend Tim and the Group.
Regards,
Cindy Rondini
We won our tax protest......Thanks for all your help.
We won our tax protest! THey returned our construction classification down from a 7- to a 6+ which resulted in the value going down to $588,000 instead of $722,000. They said that we put together a very strong argument to protest taxes which we detailed with photos and features of ther properties. Thanks so much for your help. Without you we would not have been able to effectively argue our case. We really appreciate the time you spent getting all that information to us.
Steve and Odette
One day.....Tim brought us an offer...
Taylor and I were referred to Tim Moncrief through a family friend. We initiated contact with Tim with regard to purchasing a lot in River Place. He immediately began emailing us information on the area as well as current lots available. We were very impressed with his knowledge of the River Place and Austin area. In short order we purchased a lot. His attention to detail in our contract negotiations and closing were excellent. One year later, we decided not to build and to sell our lot. Once again, we contacted Tim. He immediately provided us with area comps and we set our price. One day after listing our lot, Tim brought us an offer. We negotiated and sold. Our experience with Tim Moncrief and Keller Williams was exemplary.
Taylor and Beth Sherwood
Selling in a down market...
Unfortunately, we were selling a home during one of the most disadvantaged home resale markets in recent history in Austin Texas during it's down market a few years ago. This home was purchased during a sellers market when prices were high and the number of available homes was low. We had to move a few years later and the market had changed dramatically. Prices dropped and the number of homes for resale was high.
We listed this home with 2 different agents with no success. A year passed and we were discouraged. We were not getting any offers and very little feedback we could act on. Since nothing was happening, we took the home off the market. We needed new ideas and an innovative marketing program. We contacted Tim with the Bartlett Real Estate Group and after an honest, reality based discussion, listed the home again.
The home was placed on the market based on Tim's suggestions. Even though the home didn't sell immediately, we started to feel that we were on the right track. The home was shown and we received feedback from the potential buyers. Tim simply put more energy into the process and we were pleased to see activity.The market was still down, but we were able to sell the home.
We feel that if we had listed the home with Tim earlier, the home would probably have sold at the same price one year sooner. I would list with Tim Moncrief again without reservation.
Robert & Maggie Rubrecht
We would highly recommend his team...
We engaged the Bartlett Real Estate Group to sell our home in Steiner Ranch, working with Tim Moncrief as our sellers agent. Soon after listing the home, we suffered an unexpected loss in the family and had to leave town. Tim was very empathetic and handled all the showings and looked after the house while we were gone. As a standard part of their services, phenomenal full-color brochures were printed and in constant supply at the home and they developed an interactive listing on the web with fantastic 360-degree views of every room. The home sold in a matter of weeks! We were very happy with the Bartlett Group and especially our agent, Tim Moncrief. We would highly recommend his team and plan on using them again for our next personal real estate transaction.
Kimball & Katie Dempsey
Our advisor...
Working with Bartlett was great. We found Tim to be professional, responsive and very knowledgeable about the housing market in River Place and Austin. We felt confident in having him as our advisor in the sale of our home. Thanks Tim!
Kevin Kerner
Helped us choose the home that was right for us...
Tim´s experience with home sales and with the Austin market were exactly what we needed. He guided us to neighborhoods that were within our budget, but that were sure to maintain value. He also helped us look beyond the aesthetics of each home. As new home-buyers, we appreciated his helping us see this purchase as an investment. He carefully reviewed disclosure documents and he examined the interior and exterior of homes, making sure we noticed the good and not-so-good features. He also talked with us about the resale value of various characteristics. I appreciate that Tim helped us make an informed buying decision. As a result, the home we chose was right for us, for every reason.
Renee & Matthew Lemke
He took a special interest...
My wife and I were very pleased with the job Tim did for us. He took a special interest in our needs and work overtime to make sure we were able to close the deal. I would strongly recommend Tim and his company to anybody looking to purchase or sell their home in Austin.
Ron Schwartz
Sense of family and genuine concern...
Our experience as home sellers with The Bartlett Real Estate Group was absolutely wonderful. Our initial consultation was with Tim Moncrief; his easy-going, yet highly professional and experienced demeanor put us at ease almost immediately and it did not take us long to decide that this was the real estate team for us. During a rather tumultuous negotiating period, we received even more support and advice from other members of the Bartlett team, including Kay Sittler, Tom Radack, and Ken Bartlett himself. The sense of "family" and genuine concern for our well-being put forth by the entire organization was extraordinary. We cannot say enough good things about our home-selling experience with The Bartlett Real Estate Group; we will definitely use them again when we are in the market to buy a house."
Thank you again for everything. Please pass long our regards to Kim and Tim and the rest of the team. Take care and peace be with you.
Cheers,
David
With the help of this awesome realty group...
We have bought and sold three homes in the Austin area with the work of Keller Williams Bartlett Group. Since we consider the homes we live in as important investments we wanted to choose the right family home but also make money on the home. With the help of this awesome realty group we have gotten great advice, have made good decisions, and have had easy transactions. For an expert realtor we would recommend using Tim Moncrief and Sarah Sutfin as your agents - we would definitely want him again.
Monica and David Goodstein
Riverplace and Twin Creeks homebuyers
Amazing difference in service...
In an attempt to save money we decided to use a discount broker that promised one percent expenses but what we got was one percent effort on our behalf. After months of dissatisfactory service, we gave Tim Moncrief a call. From the moment we signed on with the Bartlett Group we noticed the amazing difference in service. The level of professionalism and proactive communication with Tim was incredible. We were well informed through out the entire listing process. His knowledge of the market is without parallel. Within a matter of weeks we had a written offer and we were able to close the deal in short order. We highly recommend, Tim Moncrief to anyone in the River North Area.
Sylvia and Daniel
Great price in a challenging market...
"Tim Moncrief and the entire team at Bartlett provided a totally professional experience. Tim's knowledge of the Riverplace area was instrumental to us quickly selling our property at a great price in a challenging market.
Tim & Margo Naramore"
Strategy that got us the price in 18 days...
We were referred to Tim Moncrief at the Bartlett Real Estate Group from a friend in Riverplace who had had a great experience selling their home. We had interviewed a number of agents and also asked them to suggest how we should price our house. What we really liked about Tim was he had a real strategy for selling our house. He told us what we needed to do to get the house ready for sale, he inspected our changes prior to listing to ensure the house was truly ready, and then he used a pricing and showing strategy that got us the price we wanted in 18 days! Tim was able to get the house sold just as the market was headed down last summer. This was key since we had just purchased a new home in Riverplace and did not need to carry two mortgages.
Tim is a real pro, and we will work with him again!
Rick and Liz Froehlich
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