May 15, 2012

Low Mortgage Rates: Due to a slow but steadily recovering economy, the current historically low mortgage rates look to be hanging around for a little while longer. While today’s economic situation may prevent much up or down movement over the next couple of years the question remains, what will happen four or five years from now. Only time can tell,...

May 7, 2012

Mortgage Documentation Checklist: Now that you’re ready to buy a home you’ll need to know what your lender will require to secure your new mortgage. Here is a checklist of some documentation you will want to gather before you meet with your lender. Basic Checklist: Federal tax returns and W2′s from the past two years The most recent...

Apr 19, 2012

This article was inspired by the 2007, bill to ban the standard incandescent lightbulb that the majority of Americans still use. I was initially more interested in finding out more info about the bill, but during my research, I found some much more interesting information about energy savings just by changing your bulbs! Most information regarding this bill is...

Aug 16, 2011

Watering your foundation in dry months is something you should do no matter where in the country you live. In the City of Austin we find that to be very true. The pockets of clay found around the city really do a number on foundations. Keep that clay moist will help keep your foundation exactly where it was built. Many people don’t realize that soil...

Mar 8, 2011

This time of year most people who live in Austin are over allergies. If you are like me you never had allergies before you moved here. CBS has a good report this morning on ways to allergy proof your home. Check out the video. About Ed NeuhausBroker and founder of Neuhaus Realty Group. I started working in real estate as soon as I could push a lawnmower...

Jan 4, 2011

It’s a common misperception that the mortgage interest deduction benefits primarily the wealthy, as argued in the Washington Post’s January 1 editorial, “Trim the Excessive Tax Subsidy for Real Estate.” In fact, the MID actually benefits primarily middle- and lower income families. Sixty five percent of families who claim the MID earn less than $100,000...

Nov 21, 2010

Annual inspections keep flames burning right Creosote—combustible, tar-like droplets—is a natural byproduct of burning wood. The more wood you burn, the wetter or greener the wood, and the more often you restrict airflow by keeping your fireplace doors closed or your damper barely open, the more creosote is produced. Soot build-up, while not flammable, can...

Nov 21, 2010

Inspect light strings. Discard any that are damaged. Frayed or cracked electrical cords or broken sockets are leading fire hazards. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for connecting multiple strings. The general limit is three strings. Light strings with stacked plugs can usually accommodate greater lengths than end-to-end connections. Replace...