Sharon Seligman Real Estate: Our Quest is Yours!

My first trip to the Lakeway Farmers Market was 3 weeks ago. I dropped by, without any particular expectations. I left with bags of beautiful vegetables, my first visit to Blues Day Studio under my belt, and a resolve to return. The next Sunday, I was showing property to people who were relocating to the Austin area. “Let me take you to the Lakeway Farmers Market,” I told them. I had not had my quota of coffee and knew the detour would be a positive introduction for people who were leaving Colorado.

The market it not large, yet it is complete. Vegetables, from local farms, are beautifully presented. There are beautiful breads and pastries, courtesy of Artisan Bistro. Other products include Indian condiments, tamales, fresh Gulf seafood, and organic meats from Slow Food.

People wander through the three aisles, many with their dogs. Each week, we have been moved along by the lilting tunes of a talented musician.

By now, anyone with a sliver of exposure to media knows;  Austin is enjoying the very best of these challenging times. In fact, we are thriving! Austin is attracting new businesses due to our educated work force, the fun of life in Austin, and a lower cost to do business.  Ranked the third “top spot for young entrpreneurs” we are behind New York and San Francisco-just imagine how much better our cost of living is!!

Kiplinger ranks Austin as the #1 City for 2011 and CNN ranked us third on its list of the 21 strongest performing metro areas.

We rank in the top tier for safety, travel destinations, retirement and our “Wierd” status has served us well….hippies to Dellionaires live in harmony in Austin.  We have South by Southwest and a growing movie industry.  Unless you love snow and outerwear, you will also appreciate our climate.  We can enjoy our casual ambience almost year round.

Sit back and enjoy a tribute to Austin.

An economic impact report has been released and a series of presentations held, to inform the community about the projected impact the new Lakeway Regional Medical Center will have. The report states the impact on Lakeway. While Lakeway will certainly be affected, the impact is far reaching into other areas of Lake Travis and the Hill Country. Phase one of the development is slated to open April, 2012. On opening day, the development can be expected to employ 2500 individuals.

There is a multiplier factor which has to do with ancillary businesses that are needed for goods and services. To date, 176 doctors have signed on to be part of LTRMC. They come from all over, including Canada, Texas, Hawaii, California. Phase one includes 200,000 s/f of offices for doctors. Phase one is scheduled to open with 102 beds. The projection when all phases are complete is 400 beds. The ratio of jobs per hospital beds is 7 jobs per bed.

This development will create a renewed demand for housing, beginning in Summer, 2011. That is almost NOW! The demand for housing will certainly add value.  Sellers can look forward to a stronger market and buyers will benefit by buying sooner than later.

The Luxury home market will benefit from the influx of doctors and administrators. Investment property will be more valuable as the large number of services bring new renters to the area. Mid range properties will also experience positive appreciation.

There are many topics that arise when a large employer moves into the community. I plan to address them in subsequent posts. For now, this is a good news report for those who are interesting in selling or investing in real estate. The related issues and how we address them will determine the quality of life that comes with the growth.

Recently, Economic forecaster, Mark Sprague, provided encouraging stats about  Austin job growth, and also the probability that there will be a lack of developed lots in just over a year. Sellers will be cncouraged that the value of their lots should return closer to the prices they had projected. Buyers should recognize that this it the best possible time to buy. If the forecasts come true, we are looking at the end of undervalued lots.
Many individuals and investors have been paying property taxes on lots that should have already sold, but did not, due to the real estate market. Prices were lowered, in order to move the property, but the taxes did not always decrease along with the listing prices.  This is very good news.
We see light at the end of that tunnel!! Those who have bought over the past year, will,  most likely, enjoy a healthy equity increase in 2012.  Those who are considering buying a lot will be rewarded for making their move soon.

The house has been photographed, arranged to its best advantage,  and is ready to be shown. Time and money has been expended.  The property is listed and possible advertised.  Hey, it is ready!  But I’m just getting started….

Attracting other agents, buyers..

I must choose the best words to describe the property, in order to attract buyers’ agents and/or  individual buyers.  The description,  and great images,  are the keys to  cause a buyer’s agent, or individual buyer, to become interested. Great!  Success! I have generated interest for my sellers.  What next? I have found that my job really starts there. I cannot assume that the buyer’s agent has done the research and is prepared to properly represent this property. I  I am certain that many sales have flopped during the initial showing because the buyer’s agent was unprepared.  Whose fault is that?  There are different perspectives, but the one that best serves the seller is that I take responsibility. A phone discussion with the agent, prior to the showing, is sometimes adequate.  The conversation is a mini interview, to determine whether the buyer’s agent is properly prepared. That agent may have the best candidate for my property and I want that individual to be given the benefit of an excellent presentation. “God is in the details.”

The more unique the property, the more important it is that I become involved.  That can be achieved by meeting the buyer and agent for the first showing.  What sets this property apart? What are the unique features that will enhance the homeowner lifestyle?  What are the specifics about the property, the area, that make this a good investment.  Are there challenges that must be overcome?  Let’s address them now-no surprises!

What is the story of this house, or community?  Are the neighbors especially interesting?  Does the community offer special amenities?  Sales comparables are important; no doubt.  If, however, the buyer has only statistics,neither they, nor the seller, has been adequately represented. After all, quality of life is the real monitor of a successful purchase. Is the buyer happy living in this particular house?  I owe my seller the best possible representation of this home’s value….however that happens.

The media coverage, leading up to the election has been pretty disheartening. Don’t let it keep you from voting.

It is a privilege and your chance to make a positive statement.

Here’s to Tolerance, Positive Thinking, and Gratitude.

Take someone to vote.

The Austin American Statesman has published a piece about a possible moratorium on development in areas that depend on the Trinity Aquifer, which are western parts of Travis County and Burnet County. As a resident of the area, I am interested in this subject.  I am also the developer of a small community in Spicewood, Colonia Serendipity. It could seem like I feel a conflict of interest.  To the contrary, I support the importance of getting a grip on the growth.  If not, we could witness the destruction of the very things that make the area so special. Water and transportation are critical to the area and we risk having serious issues if this nothing changes.

I read the readers’ comments with interest.  I wondered if only supporters were going to respond. Then I came across a comment by someone with a very different point of view.  There were responses and it was downhill from there.  It became an ”us against them”conversation.  That goes no-where and it ends up in a lose-lose, or win-lose, situation.

Two topics here: Protecting our areas from being lost to unbridled growth and seeking a better, more constructive way to differ, with a solution in mind. I have made myself a promise to speak up when I believe it is important and to try to improve and foster positive communication with those who disagree with me.  The alternative is not a good place to be.  So often, we are all “preaching to the choir.”

An aside:  If you haven’t driven out HWY 71W lately, do yourself a favor.  The month of October is glorious.  Turn down the roads and see the beautiful grasses in bloom, the wildflowers-a riot of purple and yellow!

Texas Beauty Berry-an important food source for birds in winter.