Wanna Live at the Lake?

Tax Free Reminder

Don't forget that this weekend is tax free shopping in Texas.

The law exempts most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks priced under $100 from sales tax. You'll save more than $8.00 on every $100 you spend.

For more details including exceptions to the rule, click here.

Three Listings provide Something for Everyone

New Listing: One Story in Avery Ranch

Gretchen has a new listing in Avery Ranch that I think you are going to like! It is a one story with tons of curb appeal- big trees, nice landscaping, green grass!

Inside, the home doesn't disappoint with lots of windows and a beautiful brick fireplace.

The gourmet ktichen is spacious with tile floors, granite counter tops, and stainless steel appliances.

Just off the kitchen is a good size breakfast nook and a large window seat.

 If you happen to be entertaining a large crowd, wow them in your formal dining room with great ceiling detail and chair molding.

 The master bedroom is spacious and features views of the lush yard, crown molding, recessed lights, and a ceiling fan. 

 Two can easily get ready in this well designed master bath.

The hall bath is a rare find featuring two sinks, perfect for a family.

 The backyard wasn't forgotten- you can entertain year round on the large covered patio. 

For more details on this Avery Ranch beauty, contact Gretchen Gullekson at gretchen@kw.com.

Back to School Supply Lists, Tax Free Weekend and More

Summer is almost over and it is time to get ready for back to school! We have the resources you need for getting ready with ease.

Click here for more information on tax free weekend coming up August 19-21.

Click here for more information about the new test facing Texas kids this Spring.

And, click here for school supply lists, holiday calendars and rankings by school district.

If you are not happy with schools assigned to your home, let us know! Our agents can help you find the perfect home in the perfect school district. 

Free Family Fun in Austin

Looking for fun and free things to do in Austin this summer- check out this list of 50 things  or this list of summer events and enjoy our beautiful and family friendly city!

Huge Lot and Mature Trees inside Austin!

You don't have to go to the country or even the suburbs to get .47 acres and tons of big mature trees on your lot. Our newest listing is just off Spicewood Springs and 183 and boasts a park like setting with a great floorplan. 

 The home features smart upgrades and remodeling projects throughout including these wonderful pendant lights and new countertops in the open kitchen. 

The kitchen opens into the living room, perfect for entertaining or talking with family while preparing dinner.

The living rooms has great natural light and wide planked wood floors.

In total the home has almost 4000 square feet including 4 bedrooms, 3 living rooms, and 2 dining rooms. The space is flexible and currently serves as a home and dance studio. The options abound to make this home fit your business and family needs.

The backyard has been cared for by the current owners and features a pool, shaded play area and garden with drought tolerant plants. You won't find a backyard like this in Northwest Austin.

To learn more about this listing, click on the interactive floorplan, click here or contact Theresa to see the home in person.

Dive In- Your Guide to Local Swimming Holes

Hot weather is coming! Are you looking for a cool place to dive in and cool off?

Barton Springs, Austin, TX - Source: www.jackarcher.com

Click here for a guide to local swimming holes, public pools and area splash pads.

Is Your Tax Assessment Fair?

According to the Austin Board of Realtors, the median price for single family homes in the Austin area rose 9% in March 2012 compared to March 2011. 

The increase in the median price indicates competition is increasing among buyers as the inventory of homes continues to shrink. Although an overall increase was seen throughout the Austin region, changes in value vary significantly from one MLS area to the next. 

For example, area RRE (Round Rock East) saw an 8% decrease in March compared to the previous year, and area 8W (Westlake region) saw an even larger 31% decrease.  Also, there are many other factors that contribute to the market value of each individual home besides the market changes in your home’s area. 

Use the information here as a guide to determine whether your tax appraisal is a fair assessment.

Know Austin

Relogroup was recently selected by a national relocation company to handle the cross-country move of a major company's employees moving to Austin. As part of that presentation, we had the privilege of sharing our amazing city that we all love so much to them.

Here is a video from our presentation to them. 

If you are moving to Austin, we'd love to handle your relocation, too! 

Stunning Home in Exclusive Santaluz of Steiner Ranch

Welcome to the exclusive gated community of Santaluz at Steiner Ranch! The homes, like ours listed below, have the most spectacular views, mature oak trees and superior amenities.

 The spectacular views carry inside this great room open to the gourmet kitchen. No detail was overlooked in the design of this home.  On top of that, the home was professionally decorated throughout and the furnishings are all for sale.

The home includes hand scrapped wood floors throughout, plantation shutters, a chef's dream of a kitchen, a game room, exercise room, oversized study pictured below, media room, 5 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms in a grand total of 4,530 square feet.

Among the bedrooms is a gorgeous master suite with large bathroom and this well planned out closet with space for everything.

Look at the size of this backyard- shall I put a pool on the left or the right side!

 Of course the home wouldn't be completed without great outdoor space. Between the breeze from the trees and fans and the fireplace, this is another year-round living space to be enjoyed.

 Contact agent Liz Ott to view this stunning home in person!

2012 Central Texas Summer Camps

Are you dreading summer and the consistent "I'm Bored!" statements from your kids?

Check out the list of Central Texas summer camps on our website and see if you can make 2012 the best summer ever!

And the Eagle Goes To...

The Relogroup attended the Keller Williams Northwest (Austin) Market Center Awards Breakfast this past week and were fortunate enough to bring home a few awards!

Congratulations to The Relogroup on being the #6 (based upon gross commission income) team in the market center. Liz Ott was also recognized as a top profit sharing agent. Liz has been with Keller Williams for many many years and continues to recruit agents to the company who enjoy successful careers in real estate. Chris and Liz were also recognized for serving on the Agent Leadership Council in 2011. 

Anna, Chris, Theresa, Gretchen, and Liz

 Chris was also recognized individually with The Eagle Award. Only one of these is given out annually and recognizes an agent that exemplifies the Keller Williams culture of servant leadership. The presentation from the previous winner praised Chris for always being willing to share his knowledge with other agents. 

Chris accepting the 2011 Eagle Award 

Congratulations Chris! This award is especially meaningful as Liz (Chris' Mom) has won it previously. He learned from the best!

South by Southwest Free Music Schedule

It is almost South by Southwest week here in Austin Texas! What a fun time for the many people who visit Austin to see live music, films and more.

If you don't have tickets and would like to see free shows being planned in conjunction with the SXSW event, click here. Shows are available on March 15, 16 and 17 and include well known artist, Counting Crows.

Austin Roads with Many Names

If you have driven around Austin, you've noticed that roads can change names depending upon what part of town you are visiting. 

Click here for a detailed list and see how many you know!

New One Story Listed in Round Rock

Immaculate Kimball Hill Crestwood 1 story! Home features 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and over 1,800 square feet in a well laid out floor plan.

Model home like features include: recessed lighting, high ceilings, dark coriane type counters, tiled wet areas, rich laminate wood floors, tall bathroom vanities, grand archways, glass insert front door, black appliances & more!

 

The extended back patio plumbed for a natural gas grill and open floor plan are perfect for entertaining any time of year. 

 Beautiful and spacious master bedroom with a great view into the backyard and a grand double door entrance into the master bath. 

Contact agent Chris Ott for a showing or click here for more details. 

Refer a Friend and Give to American Heart Association

In honor of Valentine's Day, the Relogroup is offering a promotion for our favorite clients. Just refer a new client to us (think of your friends, family, co-workers, old college buddy moving back to town) before May 15th and after they close we will make a donation to The American Heart Association, here in Austin.

Just contact Liz, Gretchen, Theresa or Chris via the contact information on the left sidebar. We would LOVE to work with you and your contacts.

Happy Valentine's Day!

New Avery Ranch Listing- One Story with Great Patio

Relogroup agent, Gretchen Gullekson, has a new listing in Avery Ranch.

This back yard with the great trees and big patio is just begging for a backyard BBQ!

They didn't miss any details on the patio- well covered, spacious, great flooring, and wood railings.

The inside of this one is a clean slate- it is in great condition. You can paint, decorate and personalize or just move right in to your new home.

Don't miss the designer lighting in the dining room and the big windows looking into the backyard.

You'd never run out of room after a Costco run or have to store your small appliances in the garage. This pantry is phenomenal!

For more details and more pictures, click here. 

Contact Gretchen for a showing of this Avery Ranch beauty before it is sold! 

New Homestead Exemption Requirements

If you purchased a new home in 2011 in Texas and your home is your primary residence, you will want to file a homestead exemption to reduce your taxes. The paperwork to file an exemption changed during the last legislative session.

A homestead exemption essentially lets the county where your home is located know that you physically live in the home (as opposed to a rental property or vacation home) which reduces the taxes you owe to the county. The exemption paperwork is completed once and will auto renew each year thereafter.

The paperwork is simple and will need to be mailed or delivered to your county’s tax assessor’s office before April 30, 2012. The address and paperwork can be found online here:

Travis County

Williamson County

Along with the application, you are required to send a copy, showing your home’s address, of your:

-          Driver’s License or State Identification Card, and

-          Vehicle Registration Receipt

If you do not own a vehicle or for more details, click here.

Remember, the paperwork is due by April 30^th. If you have any questions or need any help, please let us know. We are happy to assist.