Typically, the process of selling your home will involve complete strangers entering your home during showings or open house events. While most people will tour your property with good intentions, the safety of you and your Austin real estate should always be a top priority. Though many REALTORS® will conduct showings and host open houses on behalf of their clients, remember to keep the following tips in the mind if you choose to be active in the home selling process:

Tip #1. Never agree to show anyone your home before you have verified the person’s telephone number.

Tip #2. Remove or lock away all valuables, personal documents and prescription medications before showing a home. Remember that prospective buyers will often open closets or drawers to get a feel for storage space, so remove any easily accessible objects that could serve as a temptation.

Tip #3. Consider having a sign-in sheet for those attending your open house, where visitors provide their addresses or driver license numbers. Ask your REALTOR® how he or she typically handles this situation.

Tip #4. When showing potential buyers your home, always follow them into each room instead of leading them. This helps you keep an eye on visitors and can prevent a situation in which you might become cornered without an easy exit.

Tip #5. Never disclose to potential buyers personal habits or schedules that would indicate the times you're usually away from your home.

Tip #6. Inform family, friends or neighbors that you're having an open house event, and have them call or stop by at designated times to check on you. If you're expecting a big turn-out, you may even ask family or friends to help out at the open house.

Tip #7. Keep a cell phone on you at all times, with 9-1-1 on speed dial.

Tip #8. Make sure your car is parked in a location that allows for a quick escape. Don't park it in your driveway or a place in which it may become boxed in.

Tip #9. After showing your home, make sure all rooms are empty and all windows, doors and entrances are locked.

Tip #10. If your home is vacant, stop by routinely to check on it.

Remember that your REALTOR® is there to help protect your interests and that having a REALTOR® handle all home-showing details can help prevent many situations where the safety of you or your property may become an issue. In any case, your REALTOR® can recommend additional safety tips as you discuss the marketing plan for your Austin home.

Clean floors can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of your home-especially to potential buyers who can pick up on the smallest details. While lower-traffic areas, such as guest bedrooms, can be maintained on the monthly basis, entryways, kitchens, living rooms and other high-traffic floor areas should be tended to at least once a week. Below are weekly cleaning tips for various types of flooring

For hardwood floors, first use a broom or vacuum to pick up dust and dirt. Next, go over the floor with a damp mop, as excessive water is damaging to wood. Linda Cobb, The Queen of Clean®, recommends adding several tea bags to hot mop water for a healthy, inexpensive way to clean wood.

For tile and vinyl floors, also sweep or vacuum away dust and dirt first. Then, experts recommend mixing a tablespoon of Borax with a gallon of water to use for mopping. A gallon of plain, warm water also works well. Use a micro-fiber mop on ceramic tile floors for best results and stay away from vinegar-based cleaning products, which can damage your grout.

For carpet, it's helpful to vacuum high-traffic areas more than once a week-perhaps even daily if you're in the process of showing your home. Cleaning experts recommend sectioning your carpet into quadrants and vacuuming each section entirely before moving to the next. Go over these sections multiple times, moving slowly to ensure you pick up as much dirt as possible. The most frequently used areas of carpet should be vacuumed in a criss-cross, overlapping pattern. It's also helpful to take care of spots and spills as they occur.

Tending to floors on a regular basis will help you avoid scrambling to clean up age-old stains or thick layers of dust and dirt before guests arrive in your home. Following the tips above will help you achieve flawless floors in no time!

The first quarter of 2010 put forth a solid performance from the Austin real estate market. While home sales increased modestly during January and February, year-over-year Austin home sales increased a remarkable 27 percent in March, bringing the total amount of homes sold in the first quarter to 3,749 - a 12 percent increase over the first quarter of 2009. The median price of Austin homes remained relatively unchanged from one year ago, ending the quarter at $180,000.

Pending sales, which indicate the number of homes expected to sell in the next couple of months, remained elevated during the first quarter, increasing 7 percent in January, 24 percent in February and 31 percent in March 2010. These increases bode well for the Austin real estate market.

In the face of increasing sales volume, the Austin real estate market maintains a healthy inventory of homes. The Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University cites 6.5 months of inventory as a balanced market, meaning demand for homes is evenly balanced with inventory of homes for sale. At the end of the first quarter, Austin held a 6.4 month supply of homes.

For more information on the Austin real estate market and how it may affect your buying or selling situation, contact your Central Texas REALTOR®.

Planting flowers can be a great way to boost the curb appeal of your Austin home. While the planting process seems simple enough, there are a several important tips you should keep in mind.

1. Do your research. Above all, it is important to find out which types of flowers will grow in best in your yard and when to plant them. Some flowers need plenty of sunlight, while others must have shade at all times. Some flowers need to be watered every day, while others can survive on rainfall alone. Make sure you have the time, resources and proper environment to care for your plants.

2. Prepare the soil. After you've removed all weeds from your garden, it's time to think about enriching the soil. Mixing organic matter such as compost, manure and shredded leaves into the first one to two feet of soil can help enrich the clay-like soil found in many parts of Central Texas.

3. Plant the flowers. After you dig the holes, fill them with water and let it soak into the soil before placing the flowers in them. When planting the flowers, ignore the urge to pack down the soil or step on it to make it flat; flattening the soil cuts off the light and oxygen. Adding a few inches of mulch to the top layer of soil can be beneficial, but make sure the mulch is placed around the plants and does not touch their stems.

4. Remember to water. Watering is essential, but too much water can be deadly. Make sure you know the watering requirements for the types of flowers you have planted. Be aware that watering the leaves of plants can help diseases and mildew grow, so it's important to water plants at ground-level, closest to the roots.

For more tips, visit http://www.centraltexasgardening.net or talk to the local gardening experts in your neighborhood. Happy planting!

Presenting an attractive home to potential buyers can greatly increase your chances of selling your house quickly. Try the following tips:

1. Float the furniture. Though it may seem natural to push furniture against the walls, try "floating" the furniture to make more intimate spaces for conversation. Lisa LaPorta, designer on HGTV's Designed to Sell, recommends visualizing a figure-eight or the letter H and placing furniture in that pattern. Just remember to create clear pathways for traffic to help the flow of the room.

2. Work those windows. Window dressings can serve as the perfect accent to any room. If the room is small, consider opaque curtains, which allow more light to shine through and give the room a bigger feel. If your windows are narrow, extend the curtain rods about a foot on each side to give an illusion of width. Remember that curtains featuring vertical patterns create an elongated effect; this style compliments most windows in a home.

3. Love that color. Painting is one of the easiest and most cost effective ways to revive a home. Keep in mind that painting walls with a rich color can make the spaces more intimate, dramatic and cozy, while lighter, paler shades help rooms appear more spacious. When in doubt, go neutral.

4. Re-hang invisible art. Instead of hanging art along an invisible line encircling each room, consider hanging pieces in diagonal, triangular or vertical patterns. Michael Friedes, a stager with Nest Home Design, says this creates visual interest and can help direct the eye toward interesting features in a room, such as a bay window or high ceilings.

5. Accessorize in threes. When creating displays for table tops, shelves, walls and other spaces around your home, experts recommend accessorizing in odd numbers - especially groups of three-and grouping objects by unifying elements, such as color or texture. Display items of various heights and widths with the largest objects in the back.

6. Get some flower power. Seasonal flowers help a home appear fresh, clean and beautiful. Whether you showcase budding magnolia clippings in spring or holly branches in winter, there are beautiful arrangements to display in any season. You can't make mistakes when arranging flowers, so remember to get creative and have fun!

Know that your REALTOR® has a powerful network of industry professionals and can help find a professional stager to meet your needs, should you decide to go that route. For more tips on how to improve the appearance and increase the value of your Austin home, visit the "Consumer Tools" section of AustinHomeSearch.com.

What began as a year with double-digit decreases in year-over-year home sales concluded with 2009 year-end totals falling only six percent short of the year prior. This comeback was made possible by the surge in home sales seen in the fourth quarter of 2009—a 38 percent increase in October and a 58 percent increase in November—possibly attributed to the original deadline for the first-time homebuyer tax credit.

Local economic conditions, housing trends and extended homeowner incentives lead most experts believe that the Austin housing market reached its bottom in 2009 and is now on the path of stabilization and recovery, though significant gains are not expected until the later part of 2010.

For a review of the Austin real estate market’s performance in the fourth quarter of 2009 and indicators as to what activity we might expect in the coming months, don’t miss the latest edition of AustinHomeSearch Live. For further information on market conditions, contact your Central Texas REALTOR®.

When the time comes to say goodbye to your current home and you’re looking for a buyer, make sure to avoid these common selling mistakes:

Mistake #1: Pricing your home incorrectly - This is possibly the biggest mistake a home seller can make. Price the home too high, and your house could be the on the market for years; price the home too low, and you could lose thousands of dollars in profit. Working with a REALTOR® who is knowledgeable on comparable sales, market trends and homebuyer demand will help you stay on target when it comes to setting an appropriate asking price.

Mistake #2: Showing your home in poor condition - Not only can potential buyers be turned off by viewing a messy home, they can be discouraged by seeing the need for too many home repairs. Make sure faucets aren't leaking and all lights and appliances are working. Keep in mind that going above and beyond to add some fresh paint and update appliances can actually boost the value of your Austin real estate.

Mistake #3: Not responding to all offers - Recognize that selling your Austin home will likely take a bit of negotiation. Receiving an offer that isn't exactly what you had in mind doesn't mean a different price can't be agreed upon. That said, be sure to distinguish serious potential buyers from those who are unqualified or simply "Looky-Loos." Your REALTOR® can help weed out unrealistic buyers and negotiate offers.

Mistake #4: Not understanding the real estate contract - Because real estate contracts are legally binding documents, it's crucial to understand what you're agreeing to when you sign the papers. Are you agreeing to cover closing costs? To make additional repairs before moving out? Having your REALTOR® explain the legalese can help you avoid costly misunderstandings.

Mistake #5: Not having proper help - The value of REALTORS® extends far beyond their access to the Multiple Listings Service (MLS)-it lies in their robust statistics packages, marketing techniques, ethical service, and knowledge of legal and financial matters. Don't go it alone. Being able to rely on help from a real estate professional can save you time, trouble and money.

If you’re debating whether to invest in home remodeling, consider this: On a national level, most remodeling projects that recouped the greatest percentage of cost in 2009 were exterior improvements that cost less than $15,000.

Results from the 2009 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report produced by Hanley Wood, LLC, show remodeling projects that boost curb appeal, increase energy efficiency and put the home in move-in condition have proved popular with buyers during trying economic times.

Nationwide the biggest returns were seen with the addition of a steel entry door (128.9 percent of costs recouped), upscale fiber-cement siding (83.6 percent of costs recouped) and a wooden deck (80.6 percent of costs recouped).

On a local level, Austin homeowners saw a return on their investments not only in smaller-scale exterior improvements, but in significant indoor renovations. What’s even better news for Central Texans is that Texas and other southwestern states outperform most of the nation in terms of remodeling costs recovered upon resale, according to the Cost vs. Value Report.

Below are some of the remodeling projects that yielded the biggest returns for Austin homeowners in 2009:

• Steel entry door replacement (120.7%)
• Attic bedroom remodel (97.4%)
• Basement remodel (92.0%)
• Vinyl window replacement (85.3%)
• Fiber-cement siding replacement (82.5%)
• Major kitchen remodel (81.3%)
• Grand Entrance (81.2%)
• Minor kitchen remodel (79.8%)
• Wood window replacement (79.3%)
• Foam-backed vinyl siding replacement (78.3%)

For more information on home remodeling, contact your Central Texas REALTOR®.

Fact or fiction? Find out which statements are complete myths when it comes to Austin’s real estate market.

1. Home prices have decreased dramatically. Wrong! Data from the Austin Board of Realtors® shows that median price levels have remained stable while gradually increasing—for example, a median price of $175,500 seen at the start of this year (January 2009) had become $185,250 by the end of the third quarter (September 2009). In addition, median prices seen throughout 2009 have fluctuated only slightly compared to 2008 while remaining above those seen in 2007.

2. It’s the wrong time to buy real estate. False! Thanks to its job market, stable home prices and affordability, Austin has the second healthiest housing market in the nation. There are plenty of homes available, and those ready to buy can take advantage of homebuyer tax credits, housing grants, low interest rates and renewable energy incentives.

3. It’s the right time for everybody to buy real estate. Nope! Whether it’s a good time to buy depends not only on the local housing market, but on the goals and unique situation of each person. Someone who is neither emotionally nor financially ready to handle homeownership should not enter into a real estate transaction—even when the market presents good opportunities. Talk to your REALTOR® to make the decision that’s right for you.

4. It’s a terrible time to sell. Wrong again! Austin real estate is sold every day to first-time and seasoned homebuyers looking to take advantage of amazing homeownership opportunities and incentives. In addition, sellers who work with a REALTOR® can usually sell their homes more quickly…in any market.

5. More homes are being sold by owners, making REALTORS® obsolete. No way! In the Austin area area, the percentage of people who planned to use a REALTOR® rose to 82 percent in 2008. According to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) the majority of For-Sale-By-Owner (FSBO) sellers are located in rural areas and small towns where the seller knows the buyer. It’s important to recognize that the value of REALTORS® goes beyond their access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)—it lies in the many other resources and services they bring to the table.

Central Texas real estate is different. Get the facts from your REALTOR® today or Find a REALTOR® on AustinHomeSearch.com.

Selling a home can be more challenging during winter months — the lawn is brown, you have fewer daylight hours to show the home and the weather is often cold and rainy. Consider the following tips to help spark buyer interest:

1. Warm the room. Before potential buyers arrive, adjust the thermostat to a slightly warmer temperature. If you have a fireplace, turn it on to add ambience and additional light and warmth. Be sure, though, to never leave the house while the fireplace is still in use — you don’t want to risk a fire!

2. Make guests feel welcome. Setting the table with good china, silver and linens makes guests feel as if they’ve been invited to a party. Displaying warm holiday cookies or cider is another wonderful way to say "welcome".

3. Wash the windows. During winter you might not think of washing windows, but this can make a huge difference in the appearance of your home. Make sure you can proudly showcase sparkling window panes when opening the curtains.

4. Add a hint of home-cooking. The scent of chocolate chip cookies, cinnamon rolls, freshly baked bread, apple pie and vanilla is popular among homebuyers. Just remember: Unless you’re actually baking these goodies, keep the fragrance subtle — overusing candles and sprays can have a negative effect.

5. Keep the holiday spirit alive. When religious holidays end and most decorations come down, you can still use winter wreaths and arrangements to add color and maintain a festive flair.

REALTORS® know the best ways to effectively market homes, so be sure to contact a REALTOR® for all your home selling needs. Find a REALTOR® today on AustinHomeSearch.com.

So it’s time to move. Instead of reaching for the panic button, form a plan of attack. The following tips can help:

1. Call the mover. If planning to use a moving company, call for estimates about six weeks in advance. This will give you time to review transportation costs and insurance plans and help ensure movers will be available.

2. Get rid of the junk. Why spend time, energy and money moving items that you’ll only throw away once you move in to your new home? Hold a garage sale to get rid of unwanted items or donate them to charity before you start packing.

3. Contact service providers. Alert gas, electric and water utility providers of your upcoming move so that you’ll have service upon arriving in your new home. Also make sure bills and any publications you receive will be forwarded to your new address.

4. Pack deliberately. Pack items of similar nature or from the same room in the same box—this will make unpacking much easier. Clearly label the contents of each box and indicate the room to which the box should be delivered.

5. Protect your goods. Keep dirt, dust and scratches off your furniture by covering it with old fitted sheets. Individually wrap breakables in paper before placing them in a box. Newspaper will work fine, although it can leave a film on your dishes that you’ll need to wash off, so you may want to consider purchasing white packing paper. Be sure to line your box and stuff open pockets with plenty of crumpled paper, towels or other linens. If you can hear a “clinking” noise as you pack or move items, you’ll need to add more padding.

6. Separate essentials. Prepare a “carry-on” box or bag containing items you’ll need access to during the trip or upon arrival. This may include toiletries, disposable plates and utensils, important papers, cell phone chargers, and so forth.

Remember: By planning ahead, staying organized and finding a way for the whole family to get involved, you can avoid some of the frustration and anxiety that often comes with such events and focus instead on the excitement of moving into your new home!

If you’re in the market to buy or sell Austin real estate, you may have heard of Austin’s energy efficiency ordinance, officially known as the Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure (ECAD) Ordinance.

Under the ECAD Ordinance, some Austin homeowners are required to have an energy audit performed on their home prior to selling it and share that audit report with potential buyers. In most cases, an audit is required for homes lying within the Austin city limits that are older than 10 years and serviced by Austin Energy. (Exceptions apply, so talk to your REALTOR® about whether the ordinance will affect you.)

Though the ECAD ordinance took effect June 1, 2009, the city’s effort to “go green” and stop manufacturing excess carbon dioxide (CO2) dates back much further.

In 2007, 70% of the city’s electricity was being used by homes and commercial buildings, with the average home generating twice the greenhouse-gas emissions as the average car (roughly 11,450 pounds of CO2 yearly, according to the Environmental Protection Agency).

With this in mind, the Austin City Council established the Austin Climate Protection Plan (ACPP) with the goal of making Austin “the most livable city in the country” and a carbon-neutral city by 2020.

As the ACPP consists of five components, each with their own specific initiatives, the ECAD Ordinance was created to address but a single part of the puzzle: how to pursue energy efficient upgrades for existing buildings. The ECAD Ordinance seeks to educate homeowners on potential for energy savings within their home in hopes that they will voluntarily opt for cost-effective upgrades.

Energy audits are good for 10 years, so consider having an audit performed on your home now to prevent a last-minute scramble and begin benefiting from the audit findings today. For more information on the ECAD Ordinance, talk to your Central Texas REALTOR®.

Thinking of buying or selling real estate in Austin, Texas? That’s fantastic!

As history has proven, Texas survives. That’s why we are ranked as the top state for business and jobs in the current economy, the second largest cyber state and fourth best tax free haven.

And located in the heart of the Lone Star State, Austin has been recognized among the top 10 best cities to live.

So what does this mean for Austin’s housing market?

Undeniably, effects of the national economic crisis have trickled into nearly every city in the nation. However, because of its location, diverse economy, and business opportunities Austin has been named the city best poised for recession recovery by Forbes, with its economy projected to grow by $5 billion by 2010.

Though Austin has taken its lumps by way of decreased sales volume along with everyone else, “the bloom is back in Austin’s yellow rose” according to Boyce Thompson of Builder, which ranked Austin the second healthiest housing market for 2009 based on its location, pricing and population trends, number of building permits and local job growth.

Austin real estate has proven a strong investment. Those who purchased a home at Austin’s median price six years ago would find that it has increased in value by 20 percent. The city continues to “hold the line” on home value because Central Texas real estate prices have not experienced periods of rapid inflation or deflation.

AustinHomeSearch.com is one of the most trusted and comprehensive online resources available to find a REALTOR®, browse properties and learn more about Austin real estate. Why not begin your Austin home search today?