Happy Fall, Y'all!

October is such a fun month. We all get to indulge that lingering inner child and let them come out to play. Everything from putting together a child's costume, planning a harvest get-together, breaking out the crock pot for soul warming soups, and actually having to put on a jacket now and then, thrills the soul a little.
 
This is the time of year when living in a community like Georgetown becomes even more enjoyable and exciting. The window dressings take on a special warmth, and kinder, gentler afternoons allow lingering on the square.

I just adore the beginning of holiday season around here. Everything to love about small town living is bigger, and more inviting. One of the main reasons I love living and serving Georgetown is

Thrill-seekers needn't tour the haunted house circuit to get spooked this season - one simply has to visit Austin's most iconic hotel, The Driskill. Many refer to the hotel as one of the most "haunted venues" in the city with an impressive list of unexplained phenomenon and paranormal activity occurring within its magnificent walls. The hotel was built in 1885 by Col. Jesse Lincoln Driskill who, some believe, remained in the hotel "spiritually" after his passing. Guests claim to feel his presence as he roams the hotel, lighting cigars and turning on lights in the rooms. His portrait in the lobby with its enduring stare, provides an even stronger presence of the proud hotelier. Whether you believe these stories or not, one thing is for certain: The

ARCHITECTURE Strauss Apartment - Strasbourg, France. September 25 2015 With a floor as beautiful as the chevron-patterned dark hardwood one in this recently renovated classic apartment, the re-imagining designers’ main job is to try to not ruin it or its harmonizing and stylish effect. In the case of the Strasbourg, France-based private apartment in question, the other defining features are the gorgeous fourth-floor corner location with the large windows, and the elegant cast-iron railings.

Lithuanian design and architecture studio YCL has used furniture to add pops of colour to the interiors of an otherwise monochromatic apartment in Strasbourg, France

Describing the renovation as "sophisticated old-fashioned elegance meets modern

Burnet Road Bites and Brews

FORK & VINE: 3010 WEST ANDERSON LANE, SUITE D http://forkvine.com/

COVER 3: 2700 WEST ANDERSON LANE # 202 http://cover-3.com/

THE GOODNIGHT: 2700 WEST ANDERSON LANE, # 101 http://thegoodnightaustin.com/

PHO THAISON: 2438 WEST ANDERSON LANE, SUITE A3 http://phothaisonaustin.com/

VERT’S KEBAP: 2438 WEST ANDERSON LANE http://www.vertskebap.com/

HOPDODDY BURGER BAR: 2438 WEST ANDERSON LANE http://www.hopdoddy.com/

BARTLETT’S: 2408 WEST ANDERSON LANE http://bartlettsaustin.com/

ENCHILADAS Y MAS: 1911 WEST ANDERSON LANE http://www.enchiladasymas.com/

TACO DELI: 7301 BURNET ROAD http://www.tacodeli.com/

AMY’S ICE CREAM: 5624 BURNET ROAD

If you're thinking about Selling but don't think September is the right time, consider this.  The home values in the Greater Austin area are very strong and Buyers consider this time a better opportunity to purchase a home. The increase in the market over the last year could make it a great time to cash in on the additional equity.

Knowing what you can afford is every bit as important in the home finding process as knowing what kind of home you want.  Affordability includes three things: how much money you will need to borrow, how much you have for a down payment, and what you can comfortably afford as a monthly payment.

Set a budget for yourself and decide how much you are comfortable with and how much you can afford to invest. Be realistic! Most lenders suggest that your payments be no more than 28 percent of your total monthly income.  

To better estimate what you can afford, use an affordability calculator, such as this one from Lending Tree.  It is wise to avoid taking out the largest loan possible because you can risk becoming “house poor” with little or no money

1. Choosing your Real Estate Agent.

2. Choosing your lender (know about different types of mortgage loans and pre-qualification).

3. Selecting your home (determine the type, the price, and the location).

4. The Offer (once you have found the property make a written offer through your real estate agent).

5. The escrow process (when you have reached an agreement with the seller, the initial good-faith deposit is given to an

   escrow representative, and the process begins).

6. The mortgage loan (a mortgage loan is requested, filling out the appropriate forms).

7. Preliminary title report (is reviewed and accepted).

8. Inspections and disclosures (the property is inspected during the period

Buying is still cheaper than Renting. even with the recent increase in the prices and rates, it's cheaper to buy than to rent in all 100 of the largest real estate markets, according to an analysis by trulia.com. Nationally it's 37% cheaper to buy than to rent, assuming the buy stays in the home for at least seven years. In fact, rates would have to more than double to over 10% for markets to tilt on favor of renting in 78 of the largest 100 real estate markets.

Prices will continue to Rise. The Home Price Expectation Survey polls a distinguished panel of over 100 economists, investment strategists, and housing market analysts. Their most recent report released projections which caused them to be to be optimistic about the housing marking and

People usually decide within two minutes whether or not they like your home. The first impression is often the last- ing impression; they start forming their opinion before they even walk in the front door! Your real estate representative will do all 

1. Invest in landscaping where it can be seen at first sight.

2. A well manicured lawn, neatly clipped shrubbery, cleanly swept walks create a good first impression. An extra shot of fertilizer, in season, will make your grass look lush and green.

3.Cut back overgrown shrubbery that looks scraggly or keeps light out of the house.

4. Paint your house if necessary. This can probably do more for sales appeal than any other factor. At least touch up front shutters and window frames.

5. In the

1: More Space and Light In real estate, dark and cramped are no good, so a little light goes a long way. If your house has small rooms that block the flow of natural light, you may want to consider knocking down some walls and opening up your floor plan. Open floor plans usually involve combining your kitchen, dining and liv- ing areas into one big space that suits a casual lifestyle. This makes a small house feel light and airy. If you're not up for taking down walls, even widening doorways 6 to 12 inches will make a noticeable difference. Adding rooms is also a big value booster. Great rooms can add square footage, and vaulted ceilings will make it feel like there's even more space.

2: Home Office Green is in, so many companies are looking for