Jeff's Blog

Welcome to the most current Housing Trends eNewsletter. This eNewsletter is specially designed for you, with national and local housing information that you may find useful whether you're in the market for a home, thinking about selling your home, or just interested in homeowner issues in general.

Please click on this link to view the JANUARY-2010 Newsletter Housing Trends eNewsletter:
http://HomeRebates.housingtrendsenewsletter.com?Newsletter_ID=239&Period_ID=181

The Housing Trends eNewsletter contains the latest information from the National Association of REALTORS®, the U.S. Census Bureau, Realtor.org reports and other sources.

It also includes press releases with charts and videos, key market indicators and real estate sales and price statistics, a video message by a nationally recognized economist, maps, mortgage rates and calculators, consumer articles, plus local neighborhood information and more.

If you are interested in determining the value of your home, click the "Home Evaluator" link for a free evaluation report:
http://HomeRebates.housingtrendsenewsletter.com?Newsletter_ID=239&Period_ID=181

Sound decisions can only be made with accurate and reliable information, and I am happy to be a trusted resource for you. Thank you for the opportunity to provide you with this monthly eNewsletter, and I look forward to answering any questions you may have and to the opportunity to be your REALTOR® in the future.<br><br>

Sincerely yours,

Jeff Kessler Austin Homes 3400 Doe Run Austin TX 78751 -- | 5128015666

For new home anywhere in Texas purchases please see http://www.RebateOnTexasHomes.com

For resale home purchases anywhere in Central Texas please see http://www.CentralTexasHomeRebates.com

Jeff Kessler | Austin Homes, Realtors | 512.801.5666 5929 Green Acres, Texas, TX Large back yard and well kept home in a quaint garden home community. 2BR/1.5BA Single Family House   offered at $139,000 Year Built 1985 Sq Footage 920 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1 full, 1 partial Floors 1 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size 3,773 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Remodeled kitchen and bathrooms with updated plumbing. Recent Exterior & Interior Paint Roof - Installed 11/09 w/20 year shingles Updated Energy Efficient Air Conditioning, Dishwasher, Hot Water heater and Toilets. Refrigerator (stays with home) Large storage shed in backyard Alarm System, ADT - motion, window & door sensors Recent hardware throughout house Weatherization around exterior doors Termite inspection w/ ABC ’08, all good Recent Tree Trimming and gutters cleaned Garage with Shelves, pegboard and workbench included in sale.   see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES - Central A/C - Central heat - Fireplace - High/Vaulted ceiling - Walk-in closet - Tile floor - Living room - Dining room - Dishwasher - Refrigerator - Stove/Oven - Attic - Laundry area - garage - Yard   ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Front Living Dining Kitchen Fireplace Door Contact info: Jeff Kessler Austin Homes, Realtors 512.801.5666 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Dec 20, 2009, 6:06am PST

http://www.CentralTexasHomeRebates.com Changing the way you see real estate. Save money on your next real estate purchase or sale

I get a lot of junk mail and was tried of always taking it to the recycling place.

I decided that I wanted to stop the junk from the source and save a few trees as well.  I did a little research and found this link  http://www.obviously.com/junkmail/  They have a lot of great ideas and ways to help you cut down on the junk.

FREE is the greatest thing about this link.  All you need is a little time and patience, it is that easy.

Please confirm all the addresses and numbers incase they may have changed.

Good luck and hopefully we can all lower our carbon footprint.

J.

Here are a few more ways to save money on your next home purchase or let a friend know how to save.
That would be a great holiday gift.

For new home anywhere in Texas purchases please see http://www.RebateOnTexasHomes.com

For resale home purchases anywhere in Central Texas please see http://www.CentralTexasHomeRebates.com

So you may have bought a new home this year, if so, congratulations.  The home buying process can be a fun and interesting process.  Hopefully you had a good experience.

Most likely when you closed on your home you went to the title co and signed a ton of paperwork.

In that paperwork is probably a form to fill out so you can get your homestead exemption. If not I will post a link for you at the bottom to find your Taxing Office.

Come Jan 1st you can then file for your homestead, but not before the 1st.  You have till April 30th to get the form in.

Now is the important part.

Watch out for scams.  You will most likely get a very official looking notice in the mail that says "company name"  will file your homestead for $25.  All this company does is fill in your information and fax the form to the Tax Office. 

THIS SERVICE IS FREE so please don't pay anyone to do this for you.  Just send in the forms yourself.

Here is the link to the Tax Appraisal offices. http://www.txcountydata.com/selectCounty.asp If your county is not in the drop down box then visit this link. http://www.txcountydata.com/links.asp  This site does not have all the counties, but it is a good start.

Enjoy saving money this Jan 1st.

Here are a few more ways to save money on your next home purchase or let a friend know how to save.
That would be a great holiday gift.

For new home anywhere in Texas purchases please see http://www.RebateOnTexasHomes.com

For resale home purchases anywhere in Central Texas please see http://www.CentralTexasHomeRebates.com

Volunteer Opportunities 2009
 
Operation Blue Santa-
Volunteers are critical to the success of Operation Blue Santa and last year almost 30,000 volunteer hours were logged during our season.  For more information on how to become an Operation Blue Santa Volunteer call us at (512) 220-BLUE (2583).     
http://www.bluesanta.org/volunteer.html

 
Operation Brown Santa -
Brown Santa gives toys to each child in the family from age 0 -16 boys and girls. Donations of books, puzzles, stuffed animals,  new toys are needed for every age group. The ages that are less donated for are Infants to toddlers (0-2) and 10-16 boys and girls.
http://www.brownsanta.org/donations.html 
 
c- Arc
Whether you want to make an on-linecontribution, become a member or make a donation in memory or in honor of someone, your support helps improve the lives of hundreds of developmentally disabled individuals and their families. Your gifts provide them with the support systems and services they need for full participation in their living, learning, work, play and worship communities. Your generosity turns their dreams of living happy, productive lives into reality. http://www.arcofthecapitalarea.org/involved.php
 
Caritas -
Caritas provides a service continuum for those experiencing poverty that begins with a safety net and links them to resources to achieve self-sufficiency.
http://caritasofaustin.org/volunteers/index.php

Any Baby Can -
Volunteering for ABC is rewarding and fun. We have positions to meet every level of commitment and experience including group project opportunities. http://www.abcaus.org/Volunteer.asp
 
Meals on Wheels - http://www.mealsonwheelsandmore.org/volunteer/
 
Capital Area Food Bank -
Donations can be dropped off at any Trinity Title Location.
 http://www.austinfoodbank.org/help/
 
Habitat for Humanity -
Help provide simple, decent shelter.
We believe that every man, woman and child should have a safe and affordable place to live. While building homes is central to our mission, it is only one piece of the puzzle.
http://www.habitat.org/cd/local/affiliate.aspx?zip=78746  
Breast Cancer Resource Center -
The BCRC provides a caring network of breast cancer survivors to answer questions and provide support. The services we offer range from a lending library to various support groups, a newsletter, even a helpline for answering questions and providing support. http://www.bcrc.org/want-to-help  
 
Hospice Austin -
http://www.hospiceaustin.org/site/pp.asp?c=bdJPITMyA&b=14556  
Ronald McDonald House-
If you would like to volunteer, please complete our online volunteer application and let us know how you would like to become involved with the Ronald McDonald House and the families we serve.
 
Toys for Tots
The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.
http://www.toysfortots.org /
 
Coats for Kids
Junior League of Austin's Coats for Kids
Distribution Day: Saturday, December 5th from 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Distribution Site: Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd.
Community Coat Drive: Monday, November 9th - Wednesday, December 2nd. Please drop your coats off at any local Jack Brown Cleaners. To find a location near you, please visit http://www.jackbrowncleaners.com/locations.htm .
 
Sponsor a Family - Gift Receiver
Organization: SafePlace Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault
Description: Greet and sign-in sponsors, take/label/organize/store gifts, and update Holiday Giving Program database.
Where: 1515A Grove Blvd, Austin, TX 78741
Times Available:
December 7-11 (12-6)
December 12 (12-3)
December 14-16 (3-6)
Sponsor a Family - Gift Distributor
Organization: SafePlace Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Survive
Description: Greet and sign-in SafePlace clients and advocates; find appropriate gifts, give gifts to clients, sign-out clients and update Holiday Giving Program database.
Times available:
December 17-20 (12-6)
December 21-22 (10-4)
Address: 1515A Grove Blvd, Austin, TX 78741

Wanted to Thank Paula Reid Moore with Trinity Title for giving me this great info. Please give her an e-mail with any Title Needs. (PMoore@trinitytitletx.com)

For new home anywhere in Texas purchases please see http://www.RebateOnTexasHomes.com

For resale home purchases anywhere in Central Texas please see http://www.CentralTexasHomeRebates.com

Camping is a very fun thing to do.  A lot of people may want to go camping, but may be a lackhing the experience or knowledge. So the Texas Parks department developed a program to help you have a successful camping experience.

The program is called Texas Outdoor Family and they have workshops that are hosted at state parks and other sites (such as city and county parks).

Some of the things the workshops cover.

For Questions About Texas Outdoor Family Workshops

By phone, Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. at (512) 389-8903 By email, tofsp@tpwd.state.tx.us

To learn more go to the Parks website.

See link below.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/learning/bof/

For new home anywhere in Texas purchases please see http://www.RebateOnTexasHomes.com

For resale home purchases anywhere in Central Texas please see http://www.CentralTexasHomeRebates.com

Just wanted to Honor and say Thank you to those who answered the call to service.
Wanted to thank you all for our freedom. I also wanted to thank you for defending and protecting our great country.
I am proud of all of you and hope you all have a wonderful veterans day.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.

Thank you, Thank you,

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you,  

Jeff Kessler

www.CentralTexasHomeRebates.com

www.Rebateontexashomes.com

Dear Future Homeowner,
Congress has just extended and enlarged the Homebuyer Tax Credit. Now, Now for the first time, the Tax Credit is now available to all move-up Homebuyers and first-time Homebuyers.  This is a great incentives from Uncle Sam!! 

A new $6,500 Tax Credit  along with the $8,000 first-time Homebuyer Tax Credit will continue.  The credit is now available to couples with an income up to $225,000.  That is up nearly $55,000 from last time. Also, current move-up Homebuyers who have lived in their current residence for five of the prior eight years, get up to $6,500 credit.

This temporary Tax Credit is available for Homebuyers who purchase a home by April 30, 2010, and close on or before June 30, 2010.

If you've been thinking now is the time to buy, then you are correct.

Extend that with my commission rebate and you will save a TON of money.

For new home anywhere in Texas purchases please see http://www.RebateOnTexasHomes.com

For resale home purchases anywhere in Central Texas please see http://www.CentralTexasHomeRebates.com

Hi All,

Well it is that time of year and time to say Happy Halloween and turn back your clocks.

Boy has this been a fast year or what. Hopefully everyone has a safe Halloween.

Don't forget that November 1st 2009 at 2:00am you turn back your clock.

Fall back and Spring forward.

Hope everyone has a great holiday season.

Thank you,

Jeff

Buying a new home anywhere in Texas and would like to get up to 83% of my commission back?
www.RebateOnTexasHomes.com

Buying a Resale home in the Central Texas area and want to get up to 50% of my commission back?
www.CentralTexasHomeRebates.com

I often have afavorite Title co. I like to work with as you probably do too.  Sometime listing agents insist on using their Title Co., but you can let them know that the buyer has their choice, so be sure to fight for your buyers right.

 
Section 9: Seller required title insurance

Section 9 of RESPA prohibits a seller from requiring the home buyer to use a particular title insurance company, either directly or indirectly, as a condition of sale. Buyers may sue a seller who violates this provision for an amount equal to three times all charges made for the title insurance.

http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/ramh/res/respamor.cfm#HE2

Let me know what you think.

Have a great week

J.