Neuhaus Realty Group http://www.neuhausre.com Texas Real Estate Thu, 17 May 2012 03:41:35 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 Low Mortgage Rates Holding Well For Home Buyers In 2012 http://www.neuhausre.com/2012/05/15/low-mortgage-rates/ http://www.neuhausre.com/2012/05/15/low-mortgage-rates/#comments Tue, 15 May 2012 21:25:52 +0000 Frank Montemayor http://www.neuhausre.com/?p=7031 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, which means that today’s mortgage rates are the only ones that really matter. Currently the interest rate on a 30 yr fixed mortgage is 3.83%. Generally, anywhere around the 3.75% interest mark is a great deal.

Home Buyers:

If you’re planning to buy a home in 2012, the long-term housing trend is still toward recovery. This season may be a good time to look at your options. Talk to your real estate agent to see what’s available. Low mortgage rates may persist, but low home prices may not.

Google+]]> http://www.neuhausre.com/2012/05/15/low-mortgage-rates/feed/ 1 Top 33 Austin Condos http://www.neuhausre.com/2012/05/09/top-33-austin-condos/ http://www.neuhausre.com/2012/05/09/top-33-austin-condos/#comments Wed, 09 May 2012 18:24:39 +0000 Ed Neuhaus http://www.neuhausre.com/?p=6869 The Austin Condo market is hot!  Every where you looks condos are being built.  Downtown living is taking off and Condos are leading the way.  Downtown is not the only place in Austin to find a great condo.  Condo living is not for everyone, but for those who want to be able to walk out the door and not worry about a thing, condos are the way to go.   Check a few of the top Austin condos below!

Top 33 Austin Condos

Showing properties 1 - 33 of 155. See more city of Austin real estate.
(all data current as of 5/19/2012)

  1. 2 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
    Home size: 2,340 sq ft
    Lot size: 2.00 ac
    Year built: 2012
    Parking spots: 2
  2. 2 beds, 2 full baths
    Home size: 1,280 sq ft
    Lot size: 174 sqft
    Year built: 2008
    Parking spots: 2
  3. 2 beds, 2 full baths
    Home size: 1,244 sq ft
    Lot size: 174 sqft
    Year built: 2008
    Parking spots: 2
  4. 2 beds, 2 full baths
    Home size: 1,958 sq ft
    Lot size: 20,211 sqft
    Year built: 2005
    Parking spots: 2
  5. 3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
    Home size: 1,689 sq ft
    Year built: 2007
    Parking spots: 1
  6. 2 beds, 2 full baths
    Home size: 1,399 sq ft
    Lot size: 348 sqft
    Year built: 1949
    Parking spots: 1
  7. 2 beds, 2 full baths
    Home size: 1,225 sq ft
    Lot size: 174 sqft
    Year built: 2008
  8. 2 beds, 2 full baths
    Home size: 1,244 sq ft
    Lot size: 174 sqft
    Year built: 2008
    Parking spots: 2
  9. 2 beds, 2 full baths
    Home size: 2,122 sq ft
    Lot size: 7,535 sqft
    Year built: 1991
    Parking spots: 2
  10. 3 beds, 3 full baths
    Home size: 2,651 sq ft
    Lot size: 2,090 sqft
    Year built: 1983
    Parking spots: 2
  11. 4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths
    Home size: 3,063 sq ft
    Lot size: 12,763 sqft
    Year built: 1999
    Parking spots: 2
  12. 2 beds, 2 full baths
    Home size: 1,138 sq ft
    Lot size: 740 sqft
    Year built: 2011
    Parking spots: 2
  13. 3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
    Home size: 2,747 sq ft
    Year built: 2006
    Parking spots: 2
  14. 2 beds, 3 full baths
    Home size: 1,603 sq ft
    Lot size: 87 sqft
    Year built: 2007
  15. 2 beds, 2 full baths
    Home size: 1,117 sq ft
    Lot size: 130 sqft
    Year built: 2008
  16. 1 bed, 1 full bath
    Home size: 1,068 sq ft
    Year built: 2010
    Parking spots: 1
  17. 1 bed, 1 full bath
    Home size: 765 sq ft
    Lot size: 174 sqft
    Year built: 2008
    Parking spots: 1
  18. 3 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths
    Home size: 2,871 sq ft
    Year built: 2010
    Parking spots: 2
  19. 1 bed, 1 full, 1 part baths
    Home size: 1,225 sq ft
    Lot size: 87 sqft
    Year built: 2011
    Parking spots: 1
  20. 3 beds, 2 full baths
    Home size: 1,740 sq ft
    Lot size: 1,132 sqft
    Year built: 2011
    Parking spots: 2
  21. 3 beds, 2 full baths
    Home size: 1,520 sq ft
    Lot size: 958 sqft
    Year built: 2011
    Parking spots: 2
  22. 2 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
    Home size: 1,629 sq ft
    Lot size: 2,787 sqft
    Year built: 2009
    Parking spots: 2
  23. 2 beds, 2 full baths
    Home size: 1,117 sq ft
    Lot size: 740 sqft
    Year built: 2011
    Parking spots: 2
  24. 2 beds, 2 full baths
    Home size: 2,241 sq ft
    Lot size: 522 sqft
    Year built: 2003
    Parking spots: 2
  25. 1 bed, 1 full bath
    Home size: 1,169 sq ft
    Lot size: 261 sqft
    Year built: 2010
    Parking spots: 2
  26. 3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
    Home size: 1,925 sq ft
    Lot size: 8,276 sqft
    Year built: 2007
    Parking spots: 2
  27. 3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
    Home size: 2,049 sq ft
    Lot size: 11,020 sqft
    Year built: 2007
    Parking spots: 2
  28. 4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths
    Home size: 3,163 sq ft
    Lot size: 8,712 sqft
    Year built: 2008
    Parking spots: 2
  29. 3 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths
    Home size: 2,036 sq ft
    Lot size: 3,005 sqft
    Year built: 2008
    Parking spots: 2
  30. 3 beds, 3 full baths
    Home size: 1,774 sq ft
    Lot size: 261 sqft
    Year built: 1965
    Parking spots: 1
  31. 2 beds, 2 full baths
    Home size: 1,471 sq ft
    Lot size: 348 sqft
    Year built: 2010
    Parking spots: 2
  32. 3 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths
    Home size: 2,377 sq ft
    Lot size: 12,763 sqft
    Year built: 2004
    Parking spots: 2
  33. 3 beds, 3 full baths
    Home size: 2,333 sq ft
    Lot size: 27,704 sqft
    Year built: 2012

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

Google+]]> http://www.neuhausre.com/2012/05/09/top-33-austin-condos/feed/ 0 Box, Dropbox, or Google Drive http://www.neuhausre.com/2012/05/09/box-dropbox-google-drive/ http://www.neuhausre.com/2012/05/09/box-dropbox-google-drive/#comments Wed, 09 May 2012 17:59:19 +0000 Ed Neuhaus http://www.neuhausre.com/?p=6965 With the new addition of Google Drive to the mix of already crowded cloud storage solutions I decided I should recap the advantages and disadvantages of each so our fellow REALTORS could make an educated decision as to which is best for them. My favorites are Dropbox, Box.com, and the New Google Drive. These are just the ones I have use, I am sure there are many more great options available. I picked these three because the all take care of a very specific thing that I needed done. Not many people have Google drive yet but we are going to talk about a few of the early impressions of the product.

Google Drive

The new and improved google docs is here, they call it Google drive. While it is new, it looks like it was built on the google docs frame work and should be fairly stable from the start.  I am sure Google Drive will be rolling out new features as they go.  One important feature that they are missing is the ability to share a HTML link in an email to another user.  They do have an easy way to share files and as far was we can tell, you can share with as many people as you like.  Something Box.com charges you a lot of extra money for.

Storage is free for the first 5 gigs, and if you want to get more you can get 25 gigs for only $2.49 a month.  Need more still?  How about 100 gigs for $4.99 a month.  Google drive is also available for Google Apps, although I am a bit confused how much storage I get for the money.

The biggest thing Google Drive has going for it is Google Docs.  It is great to be able to store your files in the cloud but creating them in the cloud is even better.  Google Drive allows you to create a Document, Spreadsheet, Presentation, or draw all in the cloud.  This is handy because you can share files for other to edit without ever leaving the cloud.  Build it, edit it, share it, send it, all in one place.

Lastly, the biggest thing Google Drive has going for it is that it is a google product.  I just works with everything.  They say an iOS app is coming out but most of it already works on iOS.  Also, when I send a file to someone it says Google in the mail, not dropbox or box.com.  Everyone knows Google and I think that will help Drive take off.

Box.com

Box.com

Box.com or formerly Box.net is by far the most robust platform. Box is big on security and takes great steps to know who is viewing documents. One of my favorite things about Box.com is that it will tell you when people view documents. This is very handy when submitting an offer. I submit offers via email with an HTML link to the contract, addenda, and letter form the lender. Because I am linking to files and not sending the actual file in the email, Box will capture the IP Address and time the file was opened. You can see exactly when the offer was viewed by the listing agent, and if they forward that link, exactly when the sellers view it as well. This is handy information to have for when the sellers are playing “hard to get a hold of”.

One time I submitted an offer and the listing agent told me the sellers were “out of town”. I used whatismyip.com to look up the physical address of the ip opening the file. Sure enough the sellers were sitting in their home looking at the file. That info came in handy while negotiating.

Box.com has a great apps for iPAD and iPHONE. Keeping all your documents with you at all times is really nice. Box also has a sync for windows and macs. Just dump your file into the folder on your computer and off it goes to the cloud and all your connected devices.

Box.com does have a one huge problem, price.  The first 5 gigs is free, but limited use, i.e. no syncing, single sign on, or group collaboration. You really have to pay about $15 a month for a decent amount of functionality. At that price storage is a 1000GBs.  Plenty of room for anything you need to store.

Dropbox


Dropbox is to cloud storage as Mary Kay is to skin care. Everyone needs a little of it and if you tell your friend we will give you more for free. Don’t get me wrong, Multi level marketing works great. It is the best way to get some free marketing. Dropbox is great too. It does exactly as claimed.  You drop your stuff in the dropbox and it is sent out speeding across the internet to the cloud.

Like Box.com Dropbox allows you to share documents to anyone by sending them an HTML link.  However I could not find any place where it would show me who or when the file was opened.  So for the less sneaky agents this would do just fine.  I also have the feeling that security is not as good as box.com.  Sure you need a password to use either, but there is a reason more fortune 500 companies use Box over dropbox, and I think it has something to to with security.

The biggest advantage Dropbox has is that it connects with everything.  It seems that dropbox has an easy way to connect with lots of apps.  I have seen dropbox storage options in many programs and apps I use.  That makes it just a little simpler to store files in the cloud.  With one important exception for REALTORS.  Dropbox does not work with Docusign for the iPAD like Box and Google Drive do.  As a matter of fact, if you are using an iPad for real estate I think it make more sense to use Box.com’s app.  Again, it is all about security.

Lastly we have to talk about price.  Dropbox is reasonable on price, especially considering you can get extra free space for telling your friends.  But when you get to the team or brokerage level prices start going up considerably and still you don’t get all the cool reporting that you would get with box.com

Summary

As for now I use all of them.  Box.com for corporate file storage, Dropbox for some personal stuff, and Google Drive for those files we need to edit in the cloud.  Our whole operation is built on Google apps so I think we will be leaning more toward Google Drive in the long run for bulk storage of document.  The great thing about all three of these platforms is you can have all three.  They all have free versions so it should not be a big deal to try them all out.  We would love to know what is working best for you.  Comment below and let us know.

 

Google+]]> http://www.neuhausre.com/2012/05/09/box-dropbox-google-drive/feed/ 1 Lake LBJ Homes http://www.neuhausre.com/2012/05/08/lake-lbj-homes/ http://www.neuhausre.com/2012/05/08/lake-lbj-homes/#comments Tue, 08 May 2012 18:10:17 +0000 Ed Neuhaus http://www.neuhausre.com/?p=6864 Lake Lyndon B. Johnson (or Lake LBJ) is a reservoir on the Colorado River in the Texas Hill Country in the United States. The reservoir was formed in 1950 by the construction of Granite Shoals Dam by the Lower Colorado River Authority. The Colorado River and the Llano River meet in the northern portion of the lake. The lake was originally called Lake Granite Shoals. The dam would be renamed Wirtz Dam in 1952 for Alvin J. Wirtz, the first general counsel of the LCRA, and the lake was renamed to Lake Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965 in honor of U.S. President Lyndon Baines Johnson. In addition to his work to enact the Rural Electrification Act that formed the basis for building the Highland Lakes, President Johnson owned a ranch on the lake (which was separate and apart from the LBJ Ranch in Stonewall, Texas), and he and Mrs. Johnson entertained national and foreign dignitaries on the lake during his vice presidency and presidency.

The towns of Granite Shoals, Kingsland, Horseshoe Bay, Highland Haven, and Sunrise Beach are located on the lake, which is also near Marble Falls. The lake is used as a venue for aquatic recreation and provides cooling water for the Thomas J. Ferguson power plant operated by the LCRA. The boundary line separating Burnet Countyand Llano County runs down the center of the lake. Lake LBJ is located 45 miles northwest of Austin.

Showing properties 1 - 50 of 178. See more Lake Lyndon B Johnson Homes.
(all data current as of 5/19/2012)

  1. 3 beds, 1 full, 1 part baths
    Home size: 1,430 sq ft
    Lot size: 40.00 ac
    Year built: 1970
  2. 3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
    Home size: 1,390 sq ft
    Year built: 1977
    Parking spots: 1
  3. 3 beds, 1 full bath
    Home size: 1,074 sq ft
    Lot size: 19,166 sqft
    Year built: 1975
    Parking spots: 2
  4. 3 beds, 1 full bath
    Home size: 1,296 sq ft
    Year built: 1961
  5. 0 beds, 0 baths
    Lot size: 26,136 sqft
  6. 3 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths
    Home size: 3,913 sq ft
    Lot size: 21,780 sqft
    Year built: 2004
    Parking spots: 3
  7. 0 beds, 0 baths
    Lot size: 9,583 sqft
  8. 2 beds, 1 full bath
    Home size: 1,312 sq ft
    Lot size: 10,018 sqft
    Year built: 1970
  9. 3 beds, 2 full baths
    Home size: 1,344 sq ft
    Lot size: 11,000 sqft
    Year built: 1968
    Days on market: 4
    Listed with RE/MAX Realty Center
  10. 4 beds, 4 full baths
    Home size: 2,564 sq ft
    Lot size: 13,460 sqft
    Year built: 1975
  11. 3 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths
    Home size: 1,572 sq ft
    Lot size: 1,306 sqft
    Year built: 1982
  12. 0 beds, 0 baths
    Lot size: 20,473 sqft
  13. 4 beds, 3 full baths
    Home size: 2,350 sq ft
    Lot size: 38,768 sqft
    Year built: 1972
    Parking spots: 2
  14. 3 beds, 2 full baths
    Home size: 2,411 sq ft
    Lot size: 12,196 sqft
    Year built: 2002
    Parking spots: 2
  15. 4 beds, 4 full baths
    Home size: 2,782 sq ft
    Lot size: 25,700 sqft
    Year built: 1975
    Parking spots: 2
  16. 5 beds, 6 full baths
    Home size: 4,023 sq ft
    Year built: 1986
    Parking spots: 3
  17. 3 beds, 2 full baths
    Home size: 1,500 sq ft
    Lot size: 14,810 sqft
    Year built: 1965
  18. 3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
    Home size: 2,714 sq ft
    Lot size: 29,620 sqft
    Year built: 1999
    Parking spots: 3
  19. 2 beds, 2 full baths
    Home size: 1,272 sq ft
    Lot size: 13,416 sqft
    Year built: 1968
    Parking spots: 1
  20. 3 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths
    Home size: 4,052 sq ft
    Year built: 2000
    Parking spots: 2
  21. 0 beds, 0 baths
    Lot size: 28,749 sqft
  22. 0 beds, 0 baths
    Lot size: 28,749 sqft
  23. 0 beds, 0 baths
    Year built: 1972
  24. 3 beds, 2 full baths
    Home size: 1,144 sq ft
    Lot size: 13,068 sqft
    Year built: 1975
  25. 1 bed, 1 full bath
    Home size: 641 sq ft
    Lot size: 29,185 sqft
    Year built: 1971
  26. 3 beds, 2 full baths
    Home size: 2,639 sq ft
    Lot size: 3,049 sqft
    Year built: 1971
  27. 3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
    Home size: 2,077 sq ft
    Lot size: 4,791 sqft
    Year built: 1979
    Parking spots: 1
  28. 2 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths
    Home size: 3,517 sq ft
    Lot size: 1.32 ac
    Year built: 1991
    Parking spots: 2
  29. 1 bed, 1 full bath
    Home size: 762 sq ft
    Year built: 1982
  30. 0 beds, 0 baths
    Lot size: 27,007 sqft
  31. 3 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths
    Home size: 4,360 sq ft
    Lot size: 21,780 sqft
    Year built: 1999
    Parking spots: 3
  32. 0 beds, 0 baths
    Home size: 6,908 sq ft
    Year built: 2006
  33. 4 beds, 3 full baths
    Home size: 3,758 sq ft
    Lot size: 22,651 sqft
    Year built: 1996
    Parking spots: 2
  34. 0 beds, 0 baths
    Lot size: 10,018 sqft
  35. 3 beds, 2 full baths
    Home size: 3,221 sq ft
    Year built: 1968
  36. 0 beds, 0 baths
    Lot size: 10,018 sqft
  37. 0 beds, 0 baths
    Lot size: 6,969 sqft
  38. 4 beds, 3 full baths
    Home size: 2,410 sq ft
    Lot size: 1,045 sqft
    Year built: 1996
  39. 5 beds, 5 full, 1 part baths
    Home size: 5,272 sq ft
    Lot size: 12,196 sqft
    Year built: 1995
    Parking spots: 2
  40. 3 beds, 2 full baths
    Home size: 1,110 sq ft
    Lot size: 14,810 sqft
    Year built: 2001
  41. 3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
    Home size: 2,707 sq ft
    Lot size: 10,890 sqft
    Year built: 1994
    Parking spots: 2
  42. 4 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths
    Home size: 4,074 sq ft
    Lot size: 435 sqft
    Year built: 1984
    Parking spots: 2
  43. 0 beds, 0 baths
  44. 1 bed, 1 full bath
    Home size: 448 sq ft
    Lot size: 17,424 sqft
    Year built: 1969
    Parking spots: 1
  45. 3 beds, 2 full baths
    Home size: 1,016 sq ft
    Lot size: 5,662 sqft
    Year built: 2002
    Parking spots: 3
  46. 3 beds, 3 full baths
    Home size: 2,869 sq ft
    Lot size: 10,890 sqft
    Year built: 1996
    Parking spots: 2
  47. 3 beds, 2 full baths
    Home size: 1,974 sq ft
    Lot size: 13,068 sqft
    Year built: 2002
    Parking spots: 2
  48. 4 beds, 4 full baths
    Home size: 2,899 sq ft
    Lot size: 10,890 sqft
    Year built: 1981
    Parking spots: 1
  49. 3 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths
    Home size: 3,250 sq ft
    Year built: 1996
    Parking spots: 2
  50. 2 beds, 2 full baths
    Home size: 1,196 sq ft
    Lot size: 9,583 sqft
    Year built: 1995
    Parking spots: 1

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

 

Google+]]> http://www.neuhausre.com/2012/05/08/lake-lbj-homes/feed/ 0 Inbox Zero for Realtors http://www.neuhausre.com/2012/05/08/inbox-zero-for-realtors/ http://www.neuhausre.com/2012/05/08/inbox-zero-for-realtors/#comments Tue, 08 May 2012 14:17:02 +0000 Ed Neuhaus http://www.neuhausre.com/?p=6950 A few years ago I started hearing about an idea called Inbox Zero. A simple way to be more efficient with how you handle the mounds of email that comes into your inbox every day. Inbox Zero is not about “checking” your mail as much as it is about “processing” your mail. Im not going to try to rehash Inbox Zero specifically for REALTORs, I just want to share the idea and show you how it works for me.

The Inbox Zero Idea

In the most general terms Inbox Zero is the idea that once you read an email you should do one of five or six things with it. When I process emails I either, Respond right away, Assign a task related to that email, Act on it, archive, or delete. Your processes may vary a bit, but the important thing is to have in mind a set of responses to handle emails.

If you did not catch it above I said “I process email” not check email. Checking email is something you do on your cell phone and not on your computer. I think there is an important distinction. When I am out and about I “check” email to make sure nothing that requires my immediate attention has popped up. When I am back at the office I “process” the email down so I have as few as possible emails left in my inbox.

This helps me in a very specific way. I know when I am checking email on my phone I can get distracted, and I may not remember what the email said. When I am back at my computer, the only emails that are in my inbox are the ones I have yet to process. This makes it really easy to see what I need to reread. This way I can make sure I act on everything, and nothing falls though the cracks.

Processing to Zero

I am guessing most REALTORS live in their inbox. It holds all their appointments, documents, and transaction notes. The goal of Inbox Zero is to spend less time in your inbox rereading emails over and over again. A few quick steps to process to zero.

  • Everything older than a week, move to a folder.  Call it pre-zero or BZ (before zero)
  • Setup rules for how to handle emails. e.g. showing feedback emails all have the same subject, set up an automated rule or filter to delete them.
  • Unsubscribe to anything you don’t read everyday.  If you still want to receive that information look into the RSS feed and use google reader or Flipboard for iPad. This way it is available when you want it but not thrown in your face every time you open your email.
  • Respond to every email that needs response and then archive that email. (gmail does archiving very well)
  • Delete the junk mail
  • Emails that require you to compete a task that can not be done right now, create the task on your calendar and archive the email.
  • Emails that have documents, move to a folder called Documents

So now you should have very, very few emails left.  The only emails left are the emails that require you to do something, like call a client, make a CMA, or start a property search.  Do those items now and archive the emails once they are done.   Great, now you should have nothing left.  If you have something left, figure out why and make a plan to take care of those emails.

Living outside Inbox Zero

Keeping you head out of your inbox is very helpful for REALTORS. They should be on the phone or out meeting people in the real world. Develop a few times a day to process your email and do it everyday. I process emails about 4 times a day. 8am, 10:30, 1:30pm, and at 4:30. At the end of the day I want to make sure I have less than 10 emails in my inbox. For me they are always emails that require me do something that would be best done in the morning with a fresh set of eyes. It is pretty relaxing to be able to go to bed at night and know what tomorrow holds.

Related Inbox Zero Information

The original Inbox Zero articles
Watch the inbox zero lecture to google staff

We would love to know what tips and tricks you use to keep your inbox clean. Comment below and let me know if you have an idea to improve my system.

Google+]]> http://www.neuhausre.com/2012/05/08/inbox-zero-for-realtors/feed/ 0 Documentation Checklist When Getting a Mortgage? http://www.neuhausre.com/2012/05/07/mortgage-documentation-checklist/ http://www.neuhausre.com/2012/05/07/mortgage-documentation-checklist/#comments Mon, 07 May 2012 18:48:48 +0000 Frank Montemayor http://www.neuhausre.com/?p=6923 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 month’s worth of paycheck stubs
  • Proof of other income (2nd job, child support, retirement, etc…)
  • 2 most recent month’s worth of asset statements (bank statement, investment accounts, 401k, etc…)

Case-By-Case Checklist:

Depending on the complexity of your income, assets, and credit quality lenders may require more documentation to be provided. Here is a case-by-case checklist that many homebuyers will need to provide in addition to the above mentioned items.

  • Most recent month’s mortgage statement(s) (for applicants that already own a home or other real estate)
  • Property tax and insurance information (for any real estate owned)
  • Lease agreement(s) (for real estate owned that is leased to others)
  • Homeowners association information (for any real estate owned within an association community)
  • Court documentation (divorce decree, child support, bankruptcy, foreclosure, etc…)
  • Letters of explanation (for recent credit inquiries by other companies, recent large deposits on your bank statements, etc…)
  • Verification of large bank deposits (copies of the checks that made up the deposits)
  • Gift Letter (for gift funds recieved to help with the down payment)

It is important to know that not all lenders and loan programs will require all of this documentation and that in many cases, buyers with very strong income, assets, and credit will generally be asked to provide just the basics. For simplicity sake, having this documentation handy for your loan officer will prove to save valuable time and energy during the application process

Google+]]> http://www.neuhausre.com/2012/05/07/mortgage-documentation-checklist/feed/ 0 Central Texas Swimming Holes http://www.neuhausre.com/2012/05/07/central-texas-swimming-holes/ http://www.neuhausre.com/2012/05/07/central-texas-swimming-holes/#comments Mon, 07 May 2012 14:27:06 +0000 Jennifer Archambeault http://www.neuhausre.com/?p=6800 As the days become warmer and warmer and if this summer is anything like last summer, I bet you have visions of finding a places to keep cool this summer.  Central Texas has dozens and dozens of swimming holes to satisfy that need.  They range from the average swimming pool to a spring fed watering hole.  Be sure to embrace the three to four months of hot Texas sizzling weather and check out a few places around town and let me know what your favorites are.

A few of my favorites are:

Barton Springs Pool at Zilker Park

A natural spring fed into a man made swimming pool in the heart of Austin with temperature ranging from high 60′s to low 71′s year round

Deep Eddy Pool

The Oldest Swimming Pool in Texas located along the banks of the Colorado River, is not chlorinated and temperatures ranging from 65 to 75 degrees year round.

Guadalupe River State Park

You’ll enjoy four miles of river frontage perfect for canoeing, swimming, tubing and fishing.  This state park is an ideal camping spot while attending the Kerrville Folk Festival

Canyon Lake

Just a hop skip and a jump from Austin just west of Gruene, TX of HWY 306.  When you are looking for a quiet destination to jet-ski, boat or sail… consider this under utilized and well maintained lake.

Barton Springs Pool | photo courtesy of wikipedia

If those do not tickle your fancy, then check out Independence Title‘s Central Texas Swimming Hole spread featuring several dozen swimming holes from the Hill Country to the Texas coast.  Enjoy!  (featured image courtesy of Dave Wilson Photography)

 

Google+]]> http://www.neuhausre.com/2012/05/07/central-texas-swimming-holes/feed/ 0 19 Hot Houston Condos http://www.neuhausre.com/2012/05/06/19-hot-houston-condos/ http://www.neuhausre.com/2012/05/06/19-hot-houston-condos/#comments Sun, 06 May 2012 18:32:44 +0000 Ed Neuhaus http://www.neuhausre.com/?p=6873 Houston is always growing and if you want something new and don’t want to live in Katy you need to look into Condos.  Condos are pooping up all over the inter loop.   If you work and play downtown living in a condo near by maybe the way togo.  Condos required very little up keep from the owner and provide an easy way to lock and leave your place in a moments notice.  Stay carefree when you live in a Condo.  All the amenities none of the fuss.  Check out our list of Hot Houston Condos below.

Hot Houston Condos

Showing properties 1 - 19 of 199. See more city of Houston real estate.
(all data current as of 5/19/2012)

  1. 5 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths
    Home size: 3,392 sq ft
    Lot size: 2,560 sqft
    Year built: 1982
    Parking spots: 2
    Days on market: 2
    Listed with Martha Turner Properties
  2. 3 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths
    Home size: 2,878 sq ft
    Lot size: 2,172 sqft
    Year built: 2008
    Parking spots: 2
    Days on market: 2
    Listed with Realty Associates
  3. 3 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths
    Home size: 3,093 sq ft
    Lot size: 3,750 sqft
    Year built: 2003
    Parking spots: 2
    Days on market: 2
    Listed with Greenwood King Properties
  4. 3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
    Home size: 2,834 sq ft
    Lot size: 2,489 sqft
    Year built: 2004
    Parking spots: 2
    Days on market: 4
    Listed with Martha Turner Properties
  5. 3 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths
    Home size: 2,278 sq ft
    Year built: 2012
    Parking spots: 2
    Days on market: 4
    Listed with Sudhoff Properties
  6. 3 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths
    Home size: 2,046 sq ft
    Year built: 2012
    Parking spots: 2
    Days on market: 4
    Listed with Sudhoff Properties
  7. 3 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths
    Home size: 1,989 sq ft
    Year built: 2012
    Parking spots: 2
    Days on market: 4
    Listed with Sudhoff Properties
  8. 3 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths
    Home size: 1,989 sq ft
    Year built: 2012
    Parking spots: 2
    Days on market: 4
    Listed with Sudhoff Properties
  9. 3 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths
    Home size: 2,046 sq ft
    Year built: 2012
    Parking spots: 2
    Days on market: 4
    Listed with Sudhoff Properties
  10. 3 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths
    Home size: 2,278 sq ft
    Year built: 2012
    Parking spots: 2
    Days on market: 4
    Listed with Sudhoff Properties
  11. 3 beds, 3 full baths
    Home size: 2,754 sq ft
    Year built: 2010
    Parking spots: 3
    Days on market: 5
    Listed with Sudhoff Properties
  12. 2 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
    Home size: 2,295 sq ft
    Lot size: 2,965 sqft
    Year built: 1984
    Parking spots: 2
    Days on market: 5
    Listed with Coldwell Banker United,
  13. 2 beds, 2 full baths
    Home size: 1,593 sq ft
    Year built: 2005
    Parking spots: 2
    Days on market: 8
    Listed with Pruneda Interests
  14. 3 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths
    Home size: 3,132 sq ft
    Lot size: 3,100 sqft
    Year built: 1983
    Parking spots: 2
    Days on market: 8
    Listed with Greenwood King Properties
  15. 3 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths
    Home size: 2,718 sq ft
    Lot size: 3,690 sqft
    Year built: 1995
    Parking spots: 2
    Days on market: 8
    Listed with John Daugherty, REALTORS
  16. 3 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths
    Home size: 4,194 sq ft
    Lot size: 6,171 sqft
    Year built: 1980
    Days on market: 9
    Listed with Martha Turner Properties
  17. 3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
    Home size: 2,874 sq ft
    Lot size: 4,069 sqft
    Year built: 1995
    Parking spots: 2
    Days on market: 9
    Listed with Fitzgerald Properties
  18. 4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths
    Home size: 3,440 sq ft
    Lot size: 3,125 sqft
    Year built: 2005
    Parking spots: 2
    Days on market: 10
    Listed with Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan
  19. 4 beds, 5 full, 1 part baths
    Home size: 5,800 sq ft
    Lot size: 6,778 sqft
    Year built: 2009
    Parking spots: 2
    Days on market: 10
    Listed with Joanne Naponic Properties

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

 

Google+]]> http://www.neuhausre.com/2012/05/06/19-hot-houston-condos/feed/ 0 Lake Marble Falls Homes http://www.neuhausre.com/2012/05/06/lake-marble-falls-homes/ http://www.neuhausre.com/2012/05/06/lake-marble-falls-homes/#comments Sun, 06 May 2012 17:36:03 +0000 Ed Neuhaus http://www.neuhausre.com/?p=6860 Lake Marble Falls is a reservoir on the Colorado River in the Texas Hill Country in the United States. The reservoir was formed in 1951 by the construction of Max Starcke Dam by the Lower Colorado River Authority. Originally named Marble Falls Dam, the dam was renamed in 1962 for Max Starcke, the second general director of the LCRA. Located near the town of Marble Falls, the lake is used as a venue for aquatic recreation and for the purpose of generating hydroelectric power. It is the newest of theTexas Highland Lakes, and at 611 acres (247 ha) it is the second smallest lake in the Texas Highland Lakes behind Lady Bird Lake.

See all Marble Falls Listings here.

Showing properties 1 - 34 of 34. See more Lake Marble Falls Homes.
(all data current as of 5/19/2012)

  1. 3 beds, 2 full baths
    Home size: 1,494 sq ft
    Lot size: 20,037 sqft
    Year built: 1988
  2. 3 beds, 2 full baths
    Home size: 1,639 sq ft
    Lot size: 8,712 sqft
    Year built: 1983
  3. 3 beds, 2 full baths
    Home size: 1,639 sq ft
    Lot size: 8,712 sqft
    Year built: 1983
  4. 3 beds, 2 full baths
    Home size: 2,196 sq ft
    Lot size: 13,068 sqft
    Year built: 2006
  5. 3 beds, 2 full baths
    Home size: 1,910 sq ft
    Lot size: 31,363 sqft
    Year built: 2003
  6. 3 beds, 2 full baths
    Home size: 1,918 sq ft
    Lot size: 10,454 sqft
    Year built: 1996
    Parking spots: 2
  7. 3 beds, 2 full baths
    Home size: 1,192 sq ft
    Lot size: 4,791 sqft
    Year built: 1985
    Parking spots: 1
  8. 3 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths
    Home size: 2,853 sq ft
    Lot size: 2.12 ac
    Year built: 1999
    Parking spots: 3
  9. 4 beds, 3 full baths
    Home size: 2,376 sq ft
    Lot size: 10,018 sqft
    Year built: 1983
  10. 3 beds, 2 full baths
    Home size: 2,682 sq ft
    Lot size: 11,325 sqft
    Year built: 1983
    Parking spots: 2
  11. 0 beds, 0 baths
    Lot size: 3,920 sqft
  12. 3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
    Home size: 2,168 sq ft
    Lot size: 27,617 sqft
    Year built: 1975
  13. 4 beds, 3 full baths
    Home size: 2,799 sq ft
    Lot size: 1.68 ac
    Year built: 1960
    Parking spots: 2
  14. 3 beds, 2 full baths
    Home size: 1,842 sq ft
    Lot size: 10,454 sqft
    Year built: 1995
    Parking spots: 2
  15. 0 beds, 0 baths
    Lot size: 6.63 ac
  16. 4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths
    Home size: 3,404 sq ft
    Lot size: 14,374 sqft
    Year built: 1983
    Parking spots: 2
  17. 2 beds, 2 full baths
    Home size: 1,728 sq ft
    Lot size: 10,890 sqft
    Year built: 1990
    Parking spots: 2
  18. 0 beds, 0 baths
    Lot size: 4,791 sqft
  19. 2 beds, 2 full baths
    Home size: 1,288 sq ft
    Lot size: 4,791 sqft
    Year built: 2000
    Parking spots: 1
  20. 0 beds, 0 baths
    Lot size: 19,602 sqft
  21. 0 beds, 0 baths
    Year built: 1935
  22. 3 beds, 2 full, 2 part baths
    Home size: 2,977 sq ft
    Lot size: 12,196 sqft
    Year built: 1991
    Parking spots: 2
  23. 3 beds, 2 full baths
    Home size: 2,272 sq ft
    Lot size: 19,602 sqft
    Year built: 1975
    Parking spots: 2
  24. 4 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
    Home size: 3,165 sq ft
    Lot size: 10,454 sqft
    Year built: 1985
    Parking spots: 2
  25. 3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
    Home size: 2,067 sq ft
    Lot size: 9,147 sqft
    Year built: 1999
    Parking spots: 2
  26. 0 beds, 0 baths
    Year built: 1885
  27. 1 bed, 1 full bath
    Home size: 1,500 sq ft
    Lot size: 2,613 sqft
    Year built: 1885
  28. 6 beds, 5 full baths
    Home size: 4,877 sq ft
    Lot size: 1.35 ac
    Year built: 1970
  29. 4 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths
    Home size: 3,801 sq ft
    Lot size: 13,503 sqft
    Year built: 2005
    Parking spots: 2
  30. 3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
    Home size: 3,642 sq ft
    Lot size: 16,857 sqft
    Year built: 1998
    Parking spots: 2
  31. 3 beds, 3 full baths
    Home size: 2,039 sq ft
    Lot size: 13,068 sqft
    Year built: 2010
    Parking spots: 2
  32. 3 beds, 2 full baths
    Home size: 1,200 sq ft
    Lot size: 4,791 sqft
    Year built: 2007
  33. 0 beds, 0 baths
    Lot size: 8,276 sqft
  34. 0 beds, 0 baths
    Lot size: 18,730 sqft
    Days on market: 1,313
    Listed with Elite Texas Properties

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

Google+]]> http://www.neuhausre.com/2012/05/06/lake-marble-falls-homes/feed/ 0 Austin Summer Camps http://www.neuhausre.com/2012/05/03/austin-summer-camps/ http://www.neuhausre.com/2012/05/03/austin-summer-camps/#comments Thu, 03 May 2012 16:57:43 +0000 Jennifer Archambeault http://www.neuhausre.com/?p=6833 The only summer camp I had the opportunity to attend was as child was Girl Scout Camp, I think for only a year, and Volleyball Camp at Sam Houston State University every summer from 6th grade just until my junior year.  I looked forward to both each year, but when I glance through the Austin Summer Camp offerings I become a tad bit jealous of all the cool opportunities kids have during summer now.

If you are looking for interesting and/or educational activities to keep your children occupied this summer take a peek at the Austin Summer Camp calendar below provided by Independence Title Company.  There are options for every age group and even for the kid at heart adults.  Be sure to reserve your space early as summer camps tend to fill up fast.   (featured image courtesy of Independence Title Marketing Department)

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