NEW on Market! 3 Car Garage on Nearly 1/4 acre in Round Rock!

Welcome to 1527 Shady Hillside Pass of Forest Ridge Neighborhood in Round Rock. A stylish home with a flowing, open floorplan with gorgeous dark wood floors, soaring ceilings, and massive windows. Kitchen open to the living room with granite, stainless steel appliances, & large island. Sun room off kitchen is excellent place for children play area or a quiet place to read with your morning coffee. Redone master bathroom features separate vanities with granite counters, a separate shower, and glass tile tub surrounds. Four spacious bedrooms. Huge covered patio overlooking almost a 1/4 acre corner lot! 3 Car Garage makes parking your large fleet of automobiles a breeze. For more info, pictures, and to request a showing visit here: 
https://www.austinhomeseeker.com/listing/cms/1527-shady-hillside/

New Listings on www.I-Am-Real-Estate.com!

$136,950 Amazing stunner in Hutto for a value price! Wood laminate throughout, no carpet! Never vacuum stairs again! Expansive patios! Upgraded Appliances! Granite sink! Zero Down USDA Loan Eligible! Click for more Info!

$99,750 Extremely well maintained Round Rock Condo that's cheaper than rent! Wood laminate! Built-in bookcases, cabinets, and desks! Vaulted Master Ceiling! 2006 Trane HVAC and 2007 Water Heater! Laundry in Unit! Click for more info!

$179,750 Unbelievable size for the price! Under $70/sqft in Springbrook! One of best values currently available OR sold! New upgraded carpet throughout! Upgraded enlarged hard tile! Expensive window treatments! Click for more info!

Round Rock Ranks As One of America's SAFEST Cities!

Round Rock, TX ranks as the #2 safest among cities with populations from 100,000 to 499,000 in Texas and #9 safest city in the nation according to a survey conducted by CQ Press! Texas has 32 cities with populations over 100,000 and only Frisco, TX outranked Round Rock as being "safer." In addition, Austin, TX ranked #6 lowest crime ranking of 34 cities of populations of 500,000 or more nationwide.

The crime rate rankings of the cities and metro areas are calculated using six categories: aggravated assault, burglary, motor vehicle theft, murder, rape, and robbery. Among cities with 75,000 population or greater, Round Rock ranked #25 overall in the 2010 survey.

This is the sixth consecutive year Round Rock has ranked among the 20 safest cities in the nation. In 2005, Round Rock ranked #8, in 2006 and 2007 Round Rock was #13, in 2008 it was ranked #19, and in 2009 Round Rock ranked #18 in the survey. This is a remarkable series of rankings for a city to achieve. 

The city of Round Rock conducted a survey of their own in March and April 2010 via a seven page survey administered to random residents by mail and phone. The results of the 459 residents showed that 90% said they feel "safe" or "very safe" in Round Rock and that 93% feel the city is "headed in the right direction."

Not that I associate myself with criminals, but I've heard through the grapevine that Williamson County in general, brings the hammer when sentencing punishments for crimes. Perhaps, the stiffer penalties could be a reason that criminals shy away from committing their law breaking in the county.

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www.I-Am-Real-Estate.com HAS BEEN LAUNCHED!

Today is the day. September 1st, 2010 marks the official launch day of my website www.I-Am-Real-Estate.com. This incredibly detailed real estate website has now been launched after 4 months of work practically everyday. My wife has been neglected, my social life drained, legs and brain cramping, all for the consumer. That's right. I sacrifice for you. 

This website was designed with the consumer in mind. It's goal was to become the most comprehensive real estate website in the Austin metro area and I think I've done it. The website's purpose is to make you more knowledgeable when looking to buy or sell a home. In a way it's like when the apes in 2001: A Space Odyssey started stroking that smooth obelisk (my website) and suddenly they were smarter and could do things they couldn't before! It's kind of like that except in a good way, not that you'll go around killing each other with bones and screaming at each other. Oh, and I'm definitely not referencing you all as apes. You're all way ahead of apes. My site is just a tool, so it's more like the bones that you strike each other with because it gives you an advantage over the next guy. Ok, nevermind. Horrible analogy.

The point I'm attempting to make is that my site is user-friendly. The site features detailed a detailed page on over 150 communities in the Austin (broken down by segment), Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Hutto, Leander, and Georgetown areas. Each page has pictures of that community, pertinent links, and a list of active homes for sale in that community. You can search the MLS and the site actually has up-to-date listings, no more searching on Trulia or Zillow and finding out the home sold 3 months ago!

I have a FREE iPhone and iPad Home Search App that will allow you to search for active listings anywhere in our area and provide pictures, descriptions, and allow you to contact me by email or phone directly with the push of a button for more info.

There is also Buyer/Seller tools that will walk you through the process that can be complicating or overwhelming for some. There is also a Financing Roadmap that will walk you through the steps of that process. Also, a Client Concierge, Austin's rankings in the news, Social Media outlets, Relocation Austin Major Employer Guide, and more!

So, I invite you to check out www.I-Am-Real-Estate.com I put an immense amount of work into it and I would be honored if you would make it your Real Estate tool of choice. Feedback and constructive criticism is welcome!

Pre-Launch www.I-Am-Real-Estate.com Numbers!

On the eve of the launch of www.I-Am-Real-Estate.com, my website taking over 4 months to create I decided to analyze the viewing numbers on my website. Even before advertising and marketing the launch, from August 1st-31st www.I-Am-Real-Estate.com has had 418 visits by 197 visitors with a low bounce rate of 16.27%! Bounce rate is the percentage of visitors who close the first page they get to on the site immediately after going to it. 16.27% shows that once visitors reach my site they are inclined to continue their search and look at other features.

The visits came from 10 different countries, including United States, Philippines, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Australia, Netherlands, Germany, United Kingdom, and Singapore. Perhaps, these are tech people from other countries going to move to Austin, only time will tell. Chris Matthews is going worldwide! 

Thank you to everyone who has viewed my site thus far. I put in the time to give you a great resource that would make the buying and selling processes easier for you. I don't pester you for a login and provide everything for free. Real estate agents get a bad name for being overly aggressive at times, while failing to be communicative once people decide to use someone. I wanted to take a different approach. I emphasize high customer service and communication, while keeping clients informed every step of the way so they don't feel alone during the transaction. My website is a tool in the search and guide for the process. Thank you!

JUST LISTED in SPRINGBROOK!

Just listed at 1607 Copperhead Cove Round Rock, TX 78664 is this fantastic gem in Springbrook! Many improvements and updates including travertine tile fireplace, updated counters, recent roof, updated fixtures, dark wood mirrors and cabinets, travertine tiled master and accented tile shower! The home has excellent curb appeal with 3-sided masonry! Located on a cute, quiet cul-de-sac with academically "recognized" schools within walking distance! Refrigerator and shed convey with sale! Gorgeous mature trees, full sprinkler system, water softener, and the list goes on! A home in this condition, with these upgrades and features, for this price is RARE! This one won't last long. Priced to sell at the unbelievable price of $149,990!

See More of This Home and Search for Others at www.I-Am-Real-Estate.com

The Most Comprehensive Real Estate Website in Austin

Forest Creek Subdivision in Round Rock MASSIVE GARAGE SALE!

This Saturday, May 1st there will be a massive neighborhood garage sale in Forest Creek subdivision in Round Rock. These community garage sales in Forest Creek only occur twice a year, once in spring and once in fall. The garage sale will be held from 8am to 12pm. It is expected to have a great turnout with at least two dozen homes participating.

If you are looking for a deal, on clothes, furniture, toys, etc. come on out to Forest Creek's Community Garage Sale this Saturday, May 1st from 8am to 12pm!! It's sure to be a blast. Even if you aren't looking for a deal, stop on by. The friendliness and bond between neighbors in the community is something not to be missed!

Forest Creek is one of Round Rock east's largest neighborhoods with over 2,000 homes. It is also home to the Forest Creek Golf Club which is nationally recognized as one of the finest public golf courses in Central Texas. In addition, the Round Rock school district, and more specifically, the schools around Forest Creek, such as Forest Creek Elementary have been repeatedly ranked as exemplary. If you are possibly interested in purchasing a new home in Forest Creek, D.R. Horton, Bowen Family Homes, and Ryland Homes, as well as a few custom home builders are the active new home builders in the community with inventory. Also, there are many previously owned homes and condos for sale in Forest Creek, as well as The Links Apartment complex. 

Go to my website at: www.I-Am-Real-Estate.com to search the MLS to find exactly what you are looking for. If exploring Forest Creek real estate is of interest to you, please contact me at the information in the side bar. I'd love to be of service. 

Will Ferrell will visit the Dell Diamond in Round Rock!

Will Ferrell, who has starred in films such as Elf, Old School, Anchorman, and Talladega Nights will make a scheduled appearance at the Dell Diamond for the Round Rock Express game on May 6th.  The Express, a minor league baseball team playing out of a suburb of Austin, are scheduled to play the Nashville Sounds at 7:05pm. Ferrell will participate in a VIP reception, interact with fans, speak with the media, and partake in the Express radio broadcast.

Ferrell is in town to host the Will Powered Golf Classic, a golf event for the charity Cancer for College. The event will take place on May 7th at the Cimarron Hills Country Club in Georgetown. Cancer for College was started by cancer survivor Craig Pollard and provides college scholarships to cancer survivors. Ferrell and Pollard had met as students at the University of Southern California and were members of the same fraternity. Ferrell has supported and hosted several events for the organization since it was founded in 1993.

I really enjoyed his film Stranger Than Fiction, which isn't as well-known as his bigger comedies, but if you haven't seen it, check it out. At any rate, if you would like a chance to meet the man who made you laugh through Saturday Night Live and countless comedies, buy a ticket to the Round Rock Express versus the Nashville Sounds scheduled for Friday, May 6th! Can't say that I'll be there, but I'll be there in spirit. Think of me as an angel in the outfield.

How's the market Chris?

One of the most common questions I get in real estate is, "How did you get eyes as blue as the sky?" Well, God gave them to me. He's nice. The other day he told me the secret of how toads got their warts and we laughed and laughed. Then we went swimming and played jokes on each other in the water. God didn't want to get in right away because it was a little chilly, so I tried to pull him in and he just hovered over the surface and walked off the water to shore. Then he parted the waves, walked down into the water valley, grabbed a fish out of the liquid wall and slapped me with it. We shared a good chuckle with that one. He can be quite a creative prankster. I love that guy.

The second most common question is, "How is the market doing?" The answer to this question depends on  whose asking. If you're a buyer, it's phenomenal. There really will not be a better time to buy in our lifetime. Interest rates are at record lows, property prices have fallen dramatically, and the government is offering tremendous incentives. The first part of the investment adage, "Buy low, sell high" is definitely good advice right now.

Real estate is cyclical. If we look at this graph showing median home prices in Austin over the past year, around August 2009 we've seen a continuous drop of about $50,000. It has now leveled out to some degree and I expect it to rise steadily over this summer again, as the summer season is traditionally the most active time for sales. More people want to sell and more people want to buy during the summer. It's warmer and easier for moving and is the optimal time to get your children into a new school.

 If we look at Round Rock things are a little more like falling down the stairs. However, both were trending downward and seem to have reached their bottoms. Round Rock had this kind of temporary level out in November because that's when there was a rush to close on homes before it was announced that the tax credit was extended. More homes sold because there was more scrambling and pressure on the buyer's to not procrastinate and be decisive on a smaller inventory of attractive homes. Hence, the sellers' of those homes were more likely to get what they were asking for. Round Rock has a lower average sale price than Austin, so it was more affordable for the majority of the first-time home buyers.

It is the same case in Cedar Park. Average home prices are lower so we see the same little leveling out in November because of the first-time home buyer prevalence.

Although median home prices have dropped, I expect them to go back up again through the summer, as is typical. Despite single family home prices dropping, properties are still selling. Make no mistake about that. The average days on the market is up, so it may take a little longer to sell your house, but properties are still selling and if the product is good and in a desirable area, we're still seeing homes sell in the first two weeks. The important thing to remember is that although things are a little down from 2006-2007 in the Austin metro area, we haven't seen nearly the drop as the rest of the country. Austin has been resilient to say the least.