Cedar Park considers Pet Cap for Homeowners

The city of Cedar Park is considering a new ordinance to limit the number of pets a homeowner can legally have reside in their residence.  Right now there isn't a limit, but officials point to a rise in animal hoarding in Central Texas and with the advise of animal advocates are considering a limit to number of pets along with the below changes to the ordinance.  The proposed limit is a maximum of seven pets.

Residents can voice comments and concerns to officials during a community input meeting scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Cedar Park Recreation Center, 1435 Main St.

Additional changes to the ordinance:

• prohibit animals indoors at food establishments with exception of service dogs
• expand dog and cat registration opportunities
• make the language in line with existing state law
• clarify definitions of language in the laws including clearer definitions for improper treatment, cruelty to animals and dangerous animals
• provide proper legal language regarding enforcement

MLS Stat's - Austin & Cedar Park TX

Austin and the surrounding areas continue to see steady progress in home sales in the month of August. Comparing all areas feeding in to the Austin Board of REALTORS & (ACTRIS), there is no change in median price range from August 2010 to August 2011, but a slight increase in price sold (.3%). But compared to volume of listing sold from this year to last is up 21.8% & sales volume is up to 19.5%.

When compared to area CLS, which is basically 78613, or Cedar Park. The median list price is up by 2.1% to 214,250 and sold list is up 3.8% $207,500. Comparing the volume of listing sold from this year to last is up 17.3% & sales volume is up to 11.2%. We are seeing increase in sold & listing pricing in Cedar Park, even with 1 and 456 homes in Cedar Park had a foreclosure notice served.

Williamson County is one of the fasting growing counties in Texas. More people are moving in than leaving, which is great for our community. If you have any questions about the MLS statistics or about real estate in general, please feel free to contact me.

What Homeowners Affected by the Fires in Central Texas Can Do Now

Fires in Central Texas have devastated many families in the last few days. Many consumers may be searching for the necessary steps to either find a new home or continue selling their home. Officials reported that more than 1,000 homes and 100,000 acres have been destroyed in at least 57 wildfires across Texas. The Austin Board of Realtors, through their site www.austinhomesearch, is offering a guide for homeowners, homebuyers and home sellers in the Greater Austin-area and Bastrop County.

Austin Home Search has created a link that provides those affected by the wildfires assistance on finding the resource to help, and resource for those of us who want to help out.

Down Payment Help for First Time Home Buyers

"Water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink." Rime of the Ancient Mariner 

If you're a first time home buyer, you might be able to sympathize with this statement. Thanks to the recent economic recession, there is no shortage of affordable homes, yet due to the mortgage crisis, lending has become tight. Prior to 2007, putting no down payment on a home was a common option for first time home buyers  However, with mortgage lending practices coming under fire in recent years, the option to finance 100 percent has lost popularity. In today's market, a typical down payment can range anywhere from 10 to 20 percent; however, in this economy, few people have that much cash available to them. Fortunately, there are ways to receive down payment help for first time home buyers, either through a third party lender or private funding.

Where Can You Find Down Payment Help for First Time Home Buyers? 

Junior Loans: One option for first time home buyers who need down payment help is to apply for a Junior Loan. Many banks offer Junior Loans to help first time buyers who would otherwise be unable to meet the down payment requirements for purchasing a home. These loans are typically offered at the state level, are under $50,000, and have fixed interest rates.

Gifts and Gift Registries: Instead of using a traditional bridal registry, many couples who are also first time home buyers are opting to register for a home down payment gift registry. This allows family and friends to donate funds toward a down payment, helping newly married couples reach the goal of owning a first home. To find out more about a home down payment gift bridal registry as well as a graduation or birthday gift registry, check out myregistry.com or downpaymentdreams.com.

Other Down Payment Assistance Options

Tax Refunds: Buyers who are receiving a refund on their income taxes can choose to put the extra cash toward a down payment. It's a great way to make use of money you were not expecting to receive, and depending on how much you choose to withhold each year, can easily contribute to a large portion of your down payment.

Seller Negotiation: Another option may be to negotiate with the home seller for a donation of down payment funds. In a slow real estate market, many sellers may be willing to negotiate nontraditional payment terms or purchase agreements. Some home sellers might even consider offering you a portion of the down payment rather than lower their selling price.

First time Home Buyers Tax Credit - $8,000 of tax credit was available for first time home buyers in 2010. A $6,500 tax credit for repeat home buyers was also available, yet both of these incentives have expired. However, service members who were on official extended duty outside of the United States for at least 90 days between Jan. 1, 2009 and May 1, 2010 may qualify for a one-year extension, which could be a great opportunity to leverage funds for your down payment. 

Still Strapped for Cash? 

Consider 100% financing with mortgage lending practices coming under fire in recent years, the option to finance 100 percent has lost popularity. Yet there are still programs available to first time home buyers requiring down payment assistance who meet certain eligibility requirements.  Before you throw in the towel on your home search, see if you may qualify to purchase with no down payment.

Buying a home is without a doubt one of the biggest decisions a person can make in a lifetime. It's a large responsibility and all down payment and home financing options should be considered carefully. Before taking a loan or getting knee-deep in a large mortgage, be sure to do a thorough assessment of your financial situation and ensure that you can afford the home you have in mind. With the right financing and adequate information, you'll be able to move confidently into home ownership.

Catastrophic fires burn thousands of acres, force evacuations across Central Texas

Central Texas is suffering under the worst drought in decades. And a local cold front was expected to combine with winds from Tropical Storm Lee, causing dry, gusty weather.Catastrophic fires burn thousands of acres, force evacuations across Central Texas

And that's exactly what happened. Winds as fast as 46 mph were recorded at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Robert Blaha. In Georgetown, winds reached 38 mph; in San Marcos, 43 mph.

Homes & property from Bastrop, Spicewood, Steiner Ranch, Pflugerville & Cedar Park suffered a devastating loss. Lets all reach out to our friends & neighbors and provide assistance. You can reach out to the Red Cross for disaster assistance.

Many of our fellow central Texans are feeling the effect of the wildfires from yesterday.

Renewed trust for tough times

Does it feel like trust is one of the major casualties of the economic meltdown of 2008 – followed by the “Great Recession,” the “Jobless Recovery” and now the threat of a “Double Dip Recession?”

Weren’t we assured that home values were destined to go up and up and up?
There have been lots of promises that help is on the way—and lots of warnings of scams and schemes that have only served to confuse the matter. So where’s a homeowner who’s underwater or overleveraged to turn?

Here’s the bottom line: the choices that homeowners make when they feel they are at the end of their rope will have ramifications for years to come on their ability to qualify for credit, their job prospects, their security clearance and their overall finances. When a family’s financial trajectory is rapidly heading in a negative direction, there’s no substitute for the helping hand of a knowledgeable expert who has the integrity, the experience and the training to reverse the course—someone who is tapped into regulatory initiatives and can separate fact from fiction.

It is my mission to serve as a credible source of information and perspective to homeowners who have found themselves in a tough situation and need help sorting through their options. That’s why I sought out the Certified Distressed Property (CDPE) designation—the most renowned and recognized credential in the distressed property field, and it’s why I continue to stay on top of regulatory and industry developments that impact options available to homeowners who are struggling with their current financial situations.

My message to homeowners who do not know where to turn: there is hope. Foreclosure is not inevitable and neither the government nor your bank wants to see that happen. No one expected to find themselves on the brink of foreclosure, but I have worked with countless clients who have managed to turn their financial trajectory around and get on a path of financial recovery.

It CAN be done! And it would be my privilege to help.

Central Texas: Snakes are Hungry & on the Move

Texas has been subject to a very long and hot drought. Many of us forget that the wildlife of our state are also under much duress with the heat. Snakes & other critters find it harder and hard to find food to eat and Central Texas snake expert told a local radio station (Jim Forsyth 1200 News Radio WOAI in San Antonio), "they're very hungry right now. The hungrier they get, they start ranging the fields looking for food." Cates further warned, "residents may encounter snakes in area where they are seldom seen."

"The three most common poisonous snakes in Texas are the common rattlesnake, the Texas coral snake and the relatively rare cottonmouth", Cates said.

Residents need to remain aware that snakes may pop up in all sorts of places throughout September and advised leaving the flip flops home in favor of leather shoes or boots when walking in or around tall grass or brush, gardening or mowing the lawn.

"Anyone unfortunate enough to suffer a snake bite should get to a doctor pronto", Cates said.

Unfortunately we may be living with more of our fellow critters as they are stressed and look for more food sources. For those in the Central Texas area. We need to stress to our children about safety in wooded areas and if your property backs up to an open field to be mindful of your backyard.