Brandi Mahon - KW Realtor

100% Financing on USDA Rural Loans

2011-11-15T11:31:00.000-08:00

Here is a short video from my Mortgage Broker partner, Jesse Hardin with Flagstar Mortgage. He explains how you can still get 100% financing on a house.

Search Lexington Homes!

2011-11-03T09:35:00.000-07:00

Avoiding Foreclosure Will a Short Sale Work for You and Your Lender

2011-11-02T12:38:00.000-07:00

Alternative Foreclosure Solutions is here to help homeowners in the Lexington, Kentucky area avoid foreclosure by all means possible. Short Sale is one possibility. Here's an article I think you might enjoy. Let me know if you have any questions and call me at 859-514-8993. Check us out at http://www.alternativeforeclosuresolutions.com for more information on how I can help you avoid foreclosure.

Avoiding Foreclosure Will a Short Sale Work for You and Your Lender
By Barbara Pronin, RISMedia Columnist

A short sale in real estate is rarely a pleasant or easy transaction. But, if handled correctly, and approved by the lender, it can help avoid the embarrassment and long-term financial impairment of foreclosure. It is a worthwhile course of action to pursue for owners who can no longer afford to keep their mortgage payments current.

When lenders agree to a short sale, they are agreeing to accept less than the total amount what is owed. Because there are tax ramifications and other issues involved, homeowners should first consult with an attorney and/or tax advisor for advice, suggested real estate broker Russell Nolting in Manchester, Mo.
"At that point, sellers who believe their homes qualify for a short sale should pursue this option with their lender especially if they have an interested and qualified buyer waiting in the wings," Nolting said. "But be prepared to make the following steps along the way."

-Call the lender, but avoid delays by asking to speak directly to someone authorized to approve a short sale.

-Submit a letter of authorization to the lender, listing your name, the property address and loan number, and the names/contact numbers of your attorney, accountant, and/or participating real estate broker.

-Include a preliminary net sheet, prepared by your advisor. This is an estimated closing statement showing the sale price you expect to receive and all the costs of sale, unpaid loan balances, outstanding payments due and late fees, including real estate commissions.

-Include a hardship letter, describing how/why your ability to pay has changed, such as loss of job, dramatic medical expense, etc.

-Include proof of income and assets, as accurately and honestly as possible. Back it up with recent bank statements showing deposits and withdrawals.

-Submit a comparative market analysis, prepared by your real estate broker, showing recent sales and prices in your area.

-If a valid offer has been made on your home, the lender will want a copy of it, along with a copy of your listing agreement.

While the lender is under no obligation to agree to a short sale, said Nolting, sellers in a bind have nothing to lose by this honest attempt to avoid foreclosure.

Contact Brandi Mahon at 859-514-8993 or http://www.alternativeforeclosuresolutions.com. Keller Williams Bluegrass Realty in Lexington, Kentucky.

5 Tips to Avoid Foreclosure

2011-10-31T14:08:00.000-07:00

Foreclosure can be a scary process. Here's a video to share some tips on how to avoid foreclosure. If you need assistance, please don't hesitate to call me at 859-514-8993 or visit my short sale website at http://www.alternativeforeclosuresolutions.com for more information. I help homeowners in the Lexington Real Estate market avoid foreclosure.

5 Tips to Better Navigate the Short Sale Process

2011-10-31T13:54:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, with the economy's slow recovery and still-high unemployment rates, many homeowners continue to confront difficulties in making their mortgage payments. If you're one of these homeowners, know that you're not alone and know that there are several options to explore prior to foreclosure, such as a short sale. A short sale occurs when the outstanding loan(s) against a property are greater than what the property can be sold for.

As you've probably heard, however, short sales can be a drawn out and complicated process. Here are five tips to help you create a successful short sale:

1. Get comparable sale prices and an estimate of expected closing costs to help verify the current market value of your home.

2. Determine the amount of all loans against the property. Subtract the total amount you owe on the property from the estimated proceeds of the sale.

3. Contact your lender or lenders. Insist on speaking with someone in authority about a short sale. Remember that you are asking the lender to accept less than the total amount you owe, so be firm but cooperative.

4. Be prepared to submit the necessary documentation, including a letter of authorization giving the lender permission to talk with specific interested parties about your loan. Include your name, address, the loan number, and your agent's contact information.

5. Include a hardship letter describing how you got into a financial bind, and provide proof of your assets and income. You also may wish to include recent bank statements, with an explanation of any unusual deposits or withdrawals, and your broker's competitive market analysis.

Be sure to work with a real estate agent who has experience in short sales. Many agents have been through comprehensive short sale training and received special distressed property designations. Above all, the short sale process requires patience-even after you find a buyer. But for many homeowners, it was well worth it.

Go to http://www.alternativeforeclosuresolutions.com/ for more information about short sales.

Short Sales Can Be an Alternative to Foreclosure

2011-10-27T07:58:00.000-07:00

The Lexington Herald ran a story about a cilent that I helped with a short sale.

By Scott Sloan — ssloan@herald-leader.com

Posted: 12:00am on Jun 26, 2011; Modified: 6:27am on Jun 26, 2011

Loretta Heagy's dream of home ownership came true in October 2006, but within years, the prospect of foreclosure loomed as she became a statistic in the downfall of the American housing market. Today, though, she's part of an evolving trend — short sales — that aims to put the home-ownership world on more stable footing.
Heagy's history reads like many from the past few years. Upon buying their home on Kelsey Drive in northwest Lexington, Heagy and her partner, Shirley McDonald, took on a loan that required them to pay 20 percent of it after two years. But during those two years, Heagy's sister and niece came to live with the couple and their two children, and resources were stretched thin.

When they couldn't make the balloon payment, the only company they could find to refinance the loan required a 13.25 percent interest rate.

"Our payment doubled almost ... but we refinanced with them because we didn't want to lose our home," Heagy said recently. "We went into having to live off credit cards," she said. "We were buying groceries on credit cards and paying bills on credit cards.

"We tried for two years with the interest rate that ridiculous, and then we just couldn't do it anymore."

She and McDonald had paid about $110,000 for their home. Today, they owe $122,000 on the loan, she said, and they last made a mortgage payment in May 2010. But there's hope.
With the help of a real estate agent specializing in short sales, the couple have gotten permission from their lender to sell the property for $79,000, far less than the loan's amount, to satisfy the debt, with the lender forgiving the difference.

What is a short sale?

Short sales are an increasingly common real estate practice with a somewhat confusing name. It doesn't refer to the time the sale takes but that the selling price of the home falls short of paying off the existing loan. In fact, short sales rarely take a short time.

"Short sales take quite a bit longer than regular transactions," said Heagy's real estate agent, Brandi Mahon, a certified default resolution specialist with Keller Williams Realty Alternative Foreclosure Solutions.

The added time comes because lenders are involved in the process and must approve a sale after they have determined that the homeowners have a proven hardship and won't be able to pay the bills.

"Because it takes so long, the home's buyer may not want to wait that long, and it causes a lot of frustration," said Mahon, who has handled short sales since 2007. She moved here last year after working in Texas. "I have had some short sales that have taken over a year."

The concept has "moved to the forefront" over the past three years, as the country seeks to deal with a housing market in pain, said Rookard Real Estate Consultants' Jack Rookard, who has handled short sales in Lexington. For lenders, he said, a short sale is easier than dealing with the time involved in proceeding to foreclosure and the various fees associated with it.

In short sales, lenders sometimes forgive the difference between the home's sale price and the loan amount, but others require that borrowers repay the difference.

There are two other common options for homeowners in distress. The first, called deed in lieu, sees property owners sign the property's deed back to the lenders in exchange for the loan being canceled. The downside for the lender is that it must market the property for sale without assistance from the former owner.

The third option, which has received the most notoriety in recent years, is foreclosure, in which the property is sold to the highest bidder in an attempt to satisfy the debt.

A popular alternative Fayette County Master Commissioner James Frazier III has seen a steady flow of foreclosures since the housing downturn, but he said he is now beginning to see a lot of short sales as an alternative.

As an attorney, he has handled some himself and knows the bureaucratic pains that accompany them, but he said it's becoming the preferred option for lenders.

"They recognize they can't take any more properties back," he said, pointing out that lenders are often the buyers of foreclosed properties as they seek to protect their investments. "They've got to cut the bleeding."

So far this year, Frazier has sold 245 homes in Fayette County and has seen 181 others that were scheduled for sale but canceled. The cancellations can be for a variety of reasons, including short sales, which are not specifically tracked.

Those numbers are on pace to be down from last year, when there were 649 properties sold and 529 sales canceled. Frazier attributes some of the reduction this year to lenders issuing moratoriums on foreclosures until they can verify that they have all the necessary paperwork that shows that they indeed are the owners of the loans, which have often been sold and resold as investments.

"We're sitting on hundreds we can't process," he said. Short sales also are reducing the load, as lenders look to work with property owners to market the homes.

Mahon said she has found that about half of all homes that are eventually sold as foreclosures could have succeeded as short sales.

"A lot of times, we find that homeowners that are going through foreclosure don't know their options," she said. "A lot of my business comes from other Realtors as they go out and meet the homeowners and realize there's not a way they can sell the home for what the property owner owes."
She said some homeowners also "get intimidated by corresponding with the lender, and they may choose to ignore the phone calls and letters they're getting that give information."

Homeowners who know they have financial problems coming should seek a loan remodification first. Mahon said that even though it's the first step, it's not often that those work out. In Heagy's case, for instance, the restructured payments even on a remodified loan were too high.

If financial problems worsen, Mahon suggests seeking out a Realtor specializing in short sales "as soon as you're thinking about missing your first payment."

Rookard said the biggest hurdle for many people is recognizing that they have problems.

"If they can make the recognition that they're truly in trouble and can't resolve this on their own, that's the first step to making progress," he said. "There are a great many people who can help."

Living with a short sale

Once the process has begun, homeowners must prepare loads of paperwork to prove that they won't be able to pay back the loan. But often, their living situations won't change. In short sales, many lenders encourage homeowners to stay in the homes, even though they're not paying on the loan. For starters, it's often considered easier to sell a home that's occupied. Routine maintenance is continued without the lender having to be involved.

It's also a good way to deter theft, Rookard said. He recalled a case in which a bank placed him in charge of a property valued at $300,000. Copper thieves came into the vacant home and took the air conditioning units, gutted all the circuit breakers, severed the lines coming into them, and cut out the home's walls to remove the metal. In one night, the $300,000 home suffered a $25,000 problem.

The benefit for homeowners is that they continue to be able to live inside the home, and they can begin to save money to start anew once the home is sold. (Unfortunately for Heagy, her family moved out last year in anticipation of their home selling, but the deal fell through.)

A short sale also is considered less damaging to a person's credit score than a foreclosure. For all the advantages that short sales offer borrowers and lenders, however, there are some drawbacks. For lenders, real estate buyers are becoming conditioned to expecting deals, said Steve Kelly, executive vice president of marketing and sales at Lexington's Central Bank. "You've got folks who are trying to get unbelievable deals," he said. "Banks try to protect the value of the asset.

"In our case, no one's real happy if we sell the home at a large loss because that tends to undervalue the surrounding neighborhood, and that's not good for anyone."

For sellers, even when a short sale is successful, the paperwork doesn't end. When a lender forgives debt, that's considered implied income by the Internal Revenue Service and must be taxed. "Talk about adding insult to injury," Frazier said. "They didn't have the income to begin with." People can fill out a form with the government to have the taxes forgiven, but "it's just a nightmare." "Short sales sound good but, practically speaking, they're really hard to implement," Frazier said.

From the perspective of Heagy and McDonald, her partner, you have to make sure you're working with the right people. The couple's real estate agent before Mahon was tough to reach. Ultimately, after the potential buyer last year fell through, they found Mahon.

"If you don't have an agent who stays on top of it and working it hard, you're wasting your time," Heagy said. But the time has been well-spent, she said, because it'll be less damaging to her credit than being foreclosed upon. "I hope to own a home again someday," she said.

Read more: http://www.kentucky.com/2011/06/26/1789288/short-sale-can-be-an-alternative.html#ixzz1bzf4wh50

Get more information on short sales at http://www.alternativeforeclosuresolutions.com/.

Tips on Pricing for Sellers - Lexington Kentucky

2011-10-27T07:13:00.000-07:00

Priceing is everything in this market. Especially here in this Lexingtom, KY real estate market. Check out this video on how pricing your home right in the beginning can save you time and money.Priceing is everything in this market. Especially here in this Lexingtom, KY real estate market. Check out this video on how pricing your home right in the beginning can save you time and money.

Think foreclosure is your only option?

2011-10-26T14:43:00.000-07:00

Think Foreclosure is the only option?

Think again.

If you find yourself in a position where you can no longer afford your home and you owe more

on in it than it is worth, then an Short Sale may be your best option.

Behind in your Mortgage Payments? Facing Foreclosure? There is help!
AlternativeForeclosureSolutions.com

What reasons qualify me for an short sale?

Are you upside down on your real estate mortgage?
Do you owe more on your home than its worth?
Have you gone through a financial hardship?
Divorce, Loss of Job, Loss of Income?
Are you nearing foreclosure?
Afraid the bank is going to take back your property?
Is moving a must but you have zero equity?

All these reasons may qualify you for an short sale.

Visit AlternativeForeclosureSolutions.com or call (859) 514-8993 to learn how a short sale may help.

Buying a short sale in Kentucky

2011-08-02T13:35:00.000-07:00

859-514-8993 - http://www.lexingtonhomessearch.com - We can help. Call us to discuss short sale options. Lexington Short Sale Specialist with Keller Williams Bluegrass Realty. If you are looking to buy, feel free to use our Online Central Kentucky MLS search and Property Finder at http://www.lexingtonhomessearch.com - It's FREE and Online NOW.

LEXINGTON SHORT SALE SPECIALISTS - LEXINGTON SHORT SALE AGENTS - SHORT SALE

SO YOU WANT TO BUY A SHORT SALE IN LEXINGTON........

Here are some things you want to know before making a decision to buy a short sale in Kentucky.

·• There are frequently multiple banks involved that must give permission to short sale.

·• There are frequently other types of liens that could prevent the short sale from closing.

·• The seller must review the banks terms and agree to items such as....bringing money
to closing, signing a note, agreeing to certain deficiency language etc.

·• The bank CAN and DOES counter the sales price

·• The bank is looking for fair market value and will have the property valuated.

·• The property is most often sold *AS - IS* - You get what you get.

·• Short Sales can go to foreclosure even after everyone is under contract.

If you are considering purchasing a Kentucky Short Sale, make sure you have an experienced team of Lexington Short Sale Agents on your side. Your buyer specialist MUST be trained in short sales to truly understand the process start to finish. The Mahon Group closes Lexington Short Sales and understands the Short Sale Process from the sellers side, the banks side, and the buyers side.

OUR LINKS

FREE Short Sale Kit

SHORT SALE SPECIALIST

Featured Listings

What's YOUR home worth?

859-514-8993 - http://www.lexingtonhomessearch.com - When Ready to sell your Lexington Home - if you owe more than the mortgage, we can help. Call us to discuss short sale options. Lexington Short Sale Specialists with Keller Williams Bluegrass Realty. If you are looking to buy, feel free to use our Online Kentucky MLS search and Property Finder at http://www.lexingtonhomessearch.com - It's FREE and Online NOW.

Lexington Short Sale Expert

2011-07-27T06:49:00.000-07:00

Click here to view this email in a web browser.

Brandi Mahon
www.lexingtonhomessearch.com
859-514-8993 (Office)

Keller Williams Bluegrass Realty
2424 Harrodsburg Rd. #101
Lexington, KY 40503

Whether selling your current home to move into your dream home, or buying for the very first time, the real estate professional that you choose to work with will greatly impact your experience - and the results. I've been lucky enough to share this very personal process with many home buyers, and as a result, they have become lifetime clients, and friends!

Your experience with a real estate agent should be no different! I make it my mission to take as much of the stress off of my clients as possible - leaving them to enjoy the excitement of the process! And, I deliver great results.

If you or someone you know is thinking of making a move, I would be happy to help. I look forward to working together and helping you make your real estate dreams a reality!

As a real estate agent, I have the distinct pleasure of helping people make their dreams come true.

Sincerely,

Brandi Mahon

Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

Short Sale Special Agents on a Mission

2008-08-10T18:14:00.000-07:00

Just a cute photo of my team. The Mahon Team, aka Alternative Foreclosure Solutions, is tackling Short Sales and helping homeowners avoid foreclosure. Special Agent Mahon, Winter and Sirgo stands ready to serve homeowners who are behind on their mortgage and need assistance.

We're no Charlie's Angels... but maybe you could call us KW Angels :)

Personal Triumph!

2008-07-31T20:29:00.000-07:00

This past 6 months has been quite filled with lots of changes. I wrote a little about my growing team in my last post. Now I will share with you my shrinking me! Thats right... I have lost 20+ lbs since the beginning of this year. I did it with Weight Watchers and the support of my family and friends. I never really thought of myself overweight and I really just decided to lose the weight to see if I could. And now when I go back and look at old pictures I see that I was a little on the chunky side and am feeling great now that the weight is gone.

At Weight Watchers, you are asked to set goals and just like in my business life, I tend to go after them with gusto! My lifetime goal was reached this week and now I have to maintain it to become a Lifetime Member of Weight Watchers. My dad also is doing Weight Watchers and he has lost 40+ lbs!

Check out my before and after pics below!

BEFORE

AFTER!!!

It's amazing what you can accomplish if you put your mind to it and visualize it!

Whats up with the Mahon Team!

2008-06-28T20:40:00.000-07:00

Hey there everyone!

It's been a while since I last posted to my blog. ALOT has happened in the past few months. My team is growing by leaps and bounds! I hired a new assistant this past April. Her name is Karen Sirgo and is long time resident of Round Rock. Her and her husband owns Pure and Simple Water. Karen brings order to my business and am very grateful she has joined our team!

Kellie Winter is the lastest addition to our team. She is our buyer's agent and has been extremely busy helping our clients find their dream homes. Kellie also owns Milani Custom Interiors. She is my goto home stager when I have a listing that needs to be staged to sell.

With all of this growth, we got an office within the Keller Williams office in Round Rock. This is a big move since I have been officing out of my home my entire real estate career. You can check out these pics as we were getting the office ready for us to move in! Can I say I HATE PAINTING!!!

Another big thing that has happened is that I am now an Affiliate Short Sale Trainer/Coach with America's Home Rescue. This is the short sale program I went through last year that revolutionize my business. It taught me how to help homeowners avoid foreclosure by negioating a short sale with their lender. Because of my success with the program, they have asked me to help teach other agents how to help other homeowners.

Well thats about it for now... sorry for not posting in a while! Take care!!

Homestead Cap - Please Read

2008-05-02T20:34:00.000-07:00

I recived the following email recently about the homestead cap on property taxes and thought it might be interesting to you all!

You must vote in May to keep the Homestead tax cap for 65 and over, even if you are not 65 yet. If you are a Texas homeowner then this is VERY important to you. If not, I am sure this will be important to all your friends.

If you agree, please pass along to all on your email lists.

I am sending this email to everyone on my email address list who lives in Texas. I want to be sure you are aware of a constitutional amendment that will be on the ballot at the May election. It is an amendment to correct an error made by the lawmakers when they voted for a reduction in school property taxes in 2005.

When the lawmakers voted for a one-third reduction in school property taxes beginning in 2006 and to be completed this year, they forgot about the homestead exemption for senior citizens and people with disabilities.

The state constitution caps school property taxes for homeowners 65 years and older and those who are disabled. However, they DID NOT get the same reduction when the property tax cut for schools was voted on two years ago.

So an amendment is on the May ballot to correct this error.

The problem is that most voters who are younger than 65 or not disabled probably won't even notice the amendment or care.

PLEASE get out and vote for this amendment if not for yourself, then for your parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends. We would really appreciate your getting the word out to all your friends and families to vote for this amendment.

The fear is that with a low voter turnout, the amendment could very well not pass.

So, please, please pass the word and VOTE FOR the constitutional amendment. Early voting will take place APRIL 30 - MAY 5 from 7 AM TO 7 PM; MAY 6 FROM NOON TO 6 PM AND MAY 7 - MAY 8 FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM. ELECTION DAY IS MAY 12 FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM.

Alternative Foreclosure Solutions is hiring a buyer's agent!

2008-03-20T13:01:00.000-07:00

Alternative Foreclosure Solutions is hiring a buyer's agent. If you know anyone who is looking to jump head first in the pre-foreclosure short sale maket, please pass this email on to anyone you think might be interested. We are experiencing an overflow of leads that need a buyer's agents to take.

Requirements:

Sales Agent licensed in the State of Texas
Ability to work weekdays and weekends
Possess attention to detail
At least 6 months of real estate experience or 2 years sales experience
Well organized
Highly motivated

Desired:

Ability to speak Spanish
Ability to sign American Sign Language

Short sales are increasing in large numbers and we need agents to help homeonwers avoid foreclosure. If you, or anyone you know, might be interested in taking on this exciting career.... please have them send me their resume to blmahon@kw.com.

My home at 922 Berrywood Dr.

2008-02-12T16:03:00.000-08:00

Come check out my home that I am selling! This was my 1st home I ever bought! Sad to see it go... but it has to be sold so we can move on to bigger and better things!

We are having an open house this Saturday, February 16, 2008 between 1:00pm-4:00pm.

This home is NOT YET posted on the MLS, so come check out the house before all the other buyers find out about it!

Check out this flyer to get more info on the property!

My partner and I have been renovating this home by updating the interior. It is a cute home that would be perfect for 1st time home buyers or buyers with small families. 3 bedroom/2bathroom/2 car garage, 1280 sqft, .23 acres, 2 large decks out back.... perfect for entertaining! This well established neighborhood has great neighbors! State officer lives next door! We were the 3rd owners of this property and the 2nd owners had it for over 20 years!

We will have Helen Robinson, from Pathfinder Mortgage, on hand to answer any questions regarding your ability to qualify for this a loan to purchase this home or any other home. She can also answer any questions you may have about refiancing your current mortgage to get a better interest rate or a better payment.

If you are not in the market to buy a house, come by anyway! I would love to visit with ya!!

Xmas wishes to all!

2007-12-20T21:25:00.000-08:00

Hello there!

I made a couple of xmas greeting videos for you all. The lighting is not that great but you get the picture:) One video is in ASL for my deaf friends and family and the bottom one is in voice for all of my hearing folks out there! Take care and hope to see you soon in 2008!

I'm selling my own home!!

2007-11-12T14:40:00.000-08:00

I have decided to sell my rental property that is located in north east Austin. I wanted to give you first peek before it goes on the market.

I plan to list it at $149,000 with some minor cosmetic things done to it, but I will consider an as-is offer. The tenant I have in there now is paying $1125 a month. He is on a month to month and has been given his 30 days to move out notice. His last day in the house will be November 30th. If anyone wants to view the inside, please make arrangements with myself.... it will not go on lockbox until the tenant is out.

The property has 3bd/2ba with 1280 sqft,Fireplace, ceramic tile and laminate throughout. AC is approximately 4-5 years old. Large lot .22 acres. Two tier deck on back. City recently annexed in subdivsion. Neighborhood well established, located convenient to I 35 and shopping at tech ridge. Tenant has kept property up. Refrigerator conveys with property. Has lockable shed in backyard.

Feel to drive by, but please do not disturb tenant. Call me for a showing.

If you refer a buyer to me that closes on the house by December 31st... I will send you a $50 gift card of your choice of stores.

Another Successful Food Drive at Teravista

2007-11-12T14:37:00.000-08:00

This past weekend we succesfully collected about 150 bags of food from the Teravista neighborhood in Round Rock. This is my own neighborhood, so I am proud that so many of my fellow neighbors gave to this cause. Round Rock Serving Center benefited from all the food we were able to collect. If you want more infomation on the Serving Center you can go to their website at http://www.servingcenter.org/. I want to thank the following people for volunteering to make this event successful!

Mike Riggen - Real Estate Investor
Patricia Hill-Fry - Local Citizen
Marvin Heger - Real Estate Investor & Realtor
Ann Roberts - Local Citizen
Kellie Winter - Miliani Interior Designer
Olivia Gaona - Xango Distributer
Felicia Warren - Local Citizen

Cristina Miranda - Recreation Therapy Services

Powerful Opportunity!! Electricity!! Everyone uses it!

2007-10-25T18:33:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share with everyone a commercial that ran in Dallas on News 8. It talks about how folks like myself are making a residual income from electric bills. Some of you may know, but I am a Managing Director with Ignite. It's been a blessing for me and my family. If you would like to know more about it, feel free to check out my website at www.fliptheswitch.biz. We are having Greg McCord come next Tuesday to speak at our meeting. If you curious how folks are making big bucks on something everyone uses EVERYDAY..... Electricity..... then you gotta come check out what this is all about. Its's in Round Rock at the Wingate Conference Center at 1209 North IH 35, from 7:00-8:00. Hope to see you there! Call me and let me know if you need me to save you a seat! 512-565-5319

Amazing new treatment exclusive at Changes Day Salon in Round Rock, TX.

2007-10-24T14:00:00.000-07:00

You guys gotta check this out! Changes Day Salon, here in Round Rock, has this new treatment that is just amazing. They use muscle stimulation to help you lose inches and tone up. I had one treatment today and focused on my abs, hips and thighs. Cumulatively I lost 1.5 inches in a 25 minutes session. I've been told that you can lose 1.5-4 inches in one sitting! That is really cool! They say its like the equivalant of doing 3 hours of execise. WOW! Check out there website at http://www.changesaustin.com/. You can see incrediable before and after pics on their website and it is amazing!!! Give them a call at 512-773-1111 if you have any questions! Ask to speak with Jamie, she is the business owner and a good friend of mine. Tell them that I referred ya:)

Blidget Promo Badge 3

2007-10-16T10:36:00.001-07:00

Please Vote FOR Proposition 6!

2007-10-14T14:55:00.001-07:00

Do you know anyone that uses their personal car for business use? The government wants to tax small business owners on their personal vehicles they use for business use. This is unfair!

Please vote FOR Proposition 6 to make this unfair tax go away! It might not effect you personally today but it may sometime in the future! For more info go to www.VoteForProp6.org

If you are not registered to vote please do so NOW before it is too late!

I've come full circle at the TSD Homecoming Event

2007-09-23T12:21:00.000-07:00

Well this weekend I had a booth at the TSD Homecoming Event. This is my third year to attend the festivities as a vendor... promoting my real estate business to the deaf community. I saw an old friend that I hadn't seen a really long time and it made me realize how full circle I have become. My friend in this photo (I will keep his name anonymous for his privacy) is the very first deaf person I ever met. We were lab partners in my Life Science class at Travis Jr. High School in Conroe. Mr. Lee was our science teacher and was a bit of a crazy guy but fun never the less. Me and my deaf friend had an instant connection to each other that really stuck with me throughout Jr. High and High School. Back then we spoke to each other through his interpreter, Pat and I knew very little sign language but we some how were able to communicate as any other teenager would.

It was because of my friend and my interest in sign language that I decided to get into a career that had something to do with the deaf community. Right out of high school, I got a job working at the Texas School for the Deaf in Austin, TX. What a wonderful experience it was for me. Although I don't miss working for the state.... I do miss all the opprotunities I had to touch the lives of deaf children and the great people I worked with at TSD. I had the experience recently to run into on of my former students.... He said, "You remember when...." It was touching that after all these years, he would remember some activity that I provided him.

After working at TSD for 10 years, I moved on to other things and eventually worked full time as a free lance interpreter. Which I do on occasion still today. And now as a real estate professional, I am still touching the lives of deaf people through providing services with no communication barriers. And as I saw my friend this weekend, I thought to myself... it is because of him that I am able to do that. So here is my thank you to my friend.....

TSD's Homecoming event is such a great place for deaf people to get together.... although technology such as text messaging and video phones have closed the gap in distance for deaf people to feel connected.... there is nothing like having a place for them all to get together and see old friends. I am pleased that TSD year after year still continues to provide these opportunities for the deaf community to come together. I hope the will continue to come up with new and inovative ways to bring the community closer and closer together. Keep up the good job!

The Mahon Team Launches Alternative Foreclosure Solutions!

2007-09-19T14:11:00.000-07:00

The Mahon Team has recently launched a new part of our business..... Alternative Foreclosure Solutions. This part of our business allows us to help homeowners nationwide avoid foreclosure. If you or anyone you know is faced with foreclosure.... just know there are alternatives... and we can help! This will help save your credit, and hopefully allow you or your loved ones purchase a house again soon!

Check out our new commercial that is set to air on 10 different cable networks in the surrounding areas of Austin,TX in October. If you are not in the Austin area.... no worries... we can help you too.

SiSI... A new technology to convert hearing speech into sign language??

2007-09-14T11:38:00.000-07:00

A friend just sent me an email with a link to an interesting article on the web. It seems IBM is developing some technology to covert hearing speech to sign language on the computer. Has anyone seen this yet?

2007-08-30T19:44:00.000-07:00

Have you recieved notice of the new laws that go into effect September 1, 2007? Here a couple I thought were interesting. You can find a more exhaustive list on the Texas Department of Safety's website.

SB 502 increases the minimum liability coverage amounts for automobile insurance. The first increase applies to motor vehicle liability insurance policies issued or renewed after January 1, 2008. A second, larger increase in motor vehicle liability insurance coverage takes effect on January 1, 2011.

HB 1355, known as Lillian’s Law, requires all dog owners to properly secure their dogs on their property. The law provides that a dog owner can be held criminally responsible if the dog causes serious bodily injury or death at a location other than the owner’s property in an unprovoked attack during which the owner by criminal negligence failed to secure the dog. It exempts many dog professionals (including peace officers) who deal with dogs on a regular basis from the bill.

SB 369 prohibits the use of blurring or reflective matter on a license plate that significantly impairs the readability of the state name and license plate numbers and letters; prohibits the use of material or an apparatus that alters or obscures one-half or more of the state name; and prohibits using material that obscures the license plate number or plate color.

Hope you all are doing well!

Lake levels at Lake Travis still VERY HIGH!

2007-08-26T20:13:00.000-07:00

What do you do this weekend? I went out to my dad's property on Lake Travis. With all of the rain central Texas has been getting since the end of March, I have not spent much time out there... that and because real estate has been so busy this summer... Anyway, my dad has been real busy getting his water system in. This weekend my dad needed help building a shed for his pump.

My partner, Cristina and her father are such the handy at that kind of thing, they came out and helped dad build it. I, on the other hand.... sat back and read the rest of the last Harry Potter book. I'm not going to spoil it for any of you that haven't read it... but I will tell you that it is a GREAT book and it keeps you hanging all the way to the end.

Now for those of you who have been out to my dad's place.... you see in this picture where that dock is? That is where the water is normally... but with this flood... most of the land below is still underwater. It's amazing! We are waiting for LCRA to start letting some of the water out so we can get down there to enjoy the lake.

New law may require sellers to install hearing impaired smoke detectors!

2007-08-14T10:12:00.000-07:00

This was taken from the Texas Association of Realtors' Website:

Smoke detector requirements

The 80th Texas Legislature in 2007 made changes to seller's disclosure requirements, specifically regarding smoke detectors. What are the smoke detector requirements for homes in Texas? (Aug. 6, 2007)The legislation, which is effective Sept. 1, 2007, requires one- and two-family dwellings constructed in Texas to have working smoke detectors installed in accordance with the requirements of the building code in effect in the area in which the dwelling is located. This requirement extends to a landlord of a one- or two-family dwelling unit and satisfies the requirements of the current smoke-detector laws applicable to landlords. The law further requires that a permit issued for a home improvement include the installation of smoke detectors in accordance with the local building code if the dwelling for which the permit will be issued does not comply.

What rights do buyers have under this law? (Aug. 6, 2007)Certain purchasers may require the seller to install smoke detectors equipped for hearing-impaired persons prior to the closing date of the sale of the home. In order to impose this requirement on the seller, the purchaser must satisfy a number of requirements:

There must be a written contract in place.
It must be a sale of single-family dwelling or duplex.
The buyer or a member of the buyer’s family who will live in the dwelling must be hearing impaired.
The buyer must provide written evidence of the hearing impairment signed by a licensed physician.
The buyer must submit a written request to the seller to install the smoke detectors.
The buyer must specify in the written request where the detectors are to be installed.
The buyer must send the written request not later than the 10th day after the effective date of the contract.

The bill allows the buyer and seller to agree on the brand and which party will bear the cost of the detectors. The seller must install the detectors no later than the closing date. If the seller fails to install, as may be required, the buyer has the right to terminate the contract.

*********************************************************************************

As a realtor that works heavily in the deaf community, it is my pleasure to assist my disabled clients to understand their rights when it comes to being safe in their new home. The Mahon Team stands ready to help you! Give us a call! - Brandi Mahon

Short Sales... Alternative to Foreclosure

2007-08-13T10:19:00.000-07:00

We have all been hearing about the tsunami that approaches with the flood of foreclosures that is coming to our market. Nationwide foreclosures are widespread and unfortunately we are starting to experience some of that here in Central Texas.

Here are some statistics for you to digest:

Austin/ Round Rock had 2,733 foreclosures in Q1 of 2007.

Austin/Round Rock ranked 34 nation wide in Q1 of 2007 for foreclosures.

Zip code 78664 is ranked 182 on Money Magazine’s foreclosure list.

A majority of those homeowners could have avoided foreclosure if they were able to sell their home in a short sale.

What is a short sale? Folks who have had some kind of personal hardship such as a loss of job, illness in the family, and/or divorce and have fallen behind on their mortgage might qualify for alternatives from their lender to help them out of the situation. A short sale is when someone sells their home for less than what is owed. And that is where my team comes into play.

My team is trained to work with homeowners in this situation to negotiate with their mortgage lenders to agree to allow the homeowner sell the home for less than what is owed, so the homeowner does not need to bring any cash to closing and avoids going to foreclosure. By helping these homeowners, we are bringing the foreclosure rate down one home at a time and thus helping the overall real estate market in our area.

If you know of anyone that needs our specialized services such as a short sale, or anyone else that just wants to purchase or sell real estate, we have the team in place to help your friends and family. Please let us take care of you referrals as if they were our family!

Win a $25 gift card by subscribing to this blog!

2007-07-23T21:19:00.000-07:00

Want to win a $25 gas card? The Mahon Team is giving away a $25 gas card to a randomly selected person who subscribes to my blog between July 23rd-August 6th. Just click on the link to the left that says "Subscribe in Reader", then choose how you want to subscribe... either by a reader or by email.

I will announce the winner on Tuesday, August 14th... right here on this blog! It could be you!!

Welcome our newest member of our team!

2007-07-16T19:05:00.001-07:00

The Mahon Team recently added a new buyer's agent. Please welcome, John Cleary! John recently relocated to this area from Massachuetts about two years after a 28 year career in the soft drink industry. Wanting to try something different that would allow him to be close to his children and grandchildren... he chose Real Estate as his new career! He enjoys working with people and looks forward to helping folks find their next home.

John will be available to help clients of the Mahon Team locate property to view and make offers on. Feel free to contact John at jcleary@mac.com or 512-569-1904.

What a trip!

2007-07-14T09:27:00.000-07:00

Well we are heading back from our trip to the mountains. We finally made it to Denver, where our friends live, last Saturday, July 6th. We parked the RV in the parking lot where one of friends lived. Since our friends live in an apartment complex, we backed the RV up against a stretch of grass to get out of the way of cars coming through the parking lot. When we were packing I noticed the sprinklers were on… but didn’t think much of it since I assumed they would be not be going back on for a couple days or at the very least they would come on at the same time of the day. Well that evening as I was peacefully sleeping in my RV… next to my open window… about 3:00 AM… I am awaken by a deluge of water entering my RV. I jump to my feet to figure out what is going on… especially since I was fast asleep. After finally figuring out that it was a sprinkler loading massive amounts of water into my window… I wake enough to close the window. After which, I discover my bed, sheets, blankets, and pillows are soaking wet. I suffer with the noise of the sprinklers as I try to fall back to sleep now on all of the towels I could find. I feel relief when they turn off knowing that they will not, at least, bother me for the remaining of my sleep time through the morning. Only about 20 minutes later I hear another set of sprinklers go on that is just within reach of the RV… and it pounds on the RV with a rhythmic noise. Ahhhh will I ever get to sleep??

The next day we hang out at our friend’s house preparing for our final assent into the mountains by doing laundry and last minute grocery shopping. Monday we head up to the Rocky Mountain National Park to set up camp at a campground right outside of the park. We would normally camp inside the park but since we were without propane due to the earlier blowout… we needed a place that had direct hook up to electricity. We were able to set up and move all of the food from the cooler back into the refrigerator. It was a nice campground. Our view outside of our campsite was a gorgeous mountain side. Such awesome views. It had private hot showers, and a small coffee shop.

The first day at camp we went into Estes Park (nearest town) and did the tourist thing and shopped. The altitude was getting to me and by the afternoon I was wiped out. Came back and took a 3 hour nap! They say that you must drink lots of water while in the mountains because you get dehydrated and because there is less oxygen there. The next day we went up really early to do a long hike. We hiked 2.5 miles there and back with an elevation gain of 700 feet. We hiked up to Mills Lake which was just awesome! Pictures just can not do justice to what you see there. Going up was hard, but I think coming down was even harder. My whole body was sore and tired after that… but it was well worth it.

The next day was a lazy day for most of us as we recuperated from our prior day of pushing the limits of our bodies. That evening though we went back into the park to see the famed Elk. We drove all the way up to the top of the mountain. We were above timberline, which means you are so high that trees do not grow. And as it was becoming almost so dark you could not see…. There they were… about 30-40 females and their babies… crossing the road. They were just so beautiful. The babies seem to be whaling to their mommies. Such a small sound from such a large animal. I got to see one cow (female Elk) nurse her baby calf. Although there was not enough light to take pictures, we were excited for the opportunity to see them.

Yesterday we had to leave the campsite by noon so we packed up everything in the RV and moved off site to park the RV at a nearby parking lot. In our friends car, we went back up to timberline to see if we could see any more elk. And did we ever. There was a large bull (male Elk), with 4-5 point antlers still with the velvet on them, munching on grass. He was so regal looking. The Elk are so used to tourist in the park they let you get pretty close to take pictures. We must have watched this elk for 30 minutes to an hour. It was fascinating.

After a trip up to the visitors center at the top of the mountain, we headed back down stopping along the way to take silly group pictures at various overlooks. At one overlook, there was a woman feeding a small chipmunk/squirrel. Even though there are signs everywhere that feeding the wildlife is illegal. But the chipmunk obviously didn’t know the law and happily took the food.

We made it to our friends house last night and crawled out of bed around 9:00 am this morning. I think it is the altitude that really takes it out of ya! It's about 2:30 Texas time now, and we are finally on the highway heading home! Home sweet home!

On the way to the mountains... the funniest thing happened...

2007-07-07T22:41:00.000-07:00

Well I am finally on my way to Colorado on our long awaited vacation. It’s been a bumpy ride… and I mean that literally! We had intended to pull our jeep behind our Class C RV, but up until late afternoon on Thursday, we gave up… After taking the jeep apart to fix a non-functioning horn, we finally got it put back together only to discover now the jeep would not start. I think it was either a bad omen or a stuck of good luck that we did not take the jeep.

Somewhere along the way, in Brownwood I think, we stopped at the Walmart to get a few things we forgot in Austin. Cris checked out the RV and discovered our black water tank (the poopoo tank) had a leak in it. OH GREAT! What else can go wrong! So we attempted to patch it up as best we could, but knew we would not be able to use the toilet until we got it fixed.

So we got a late start Thursday and made it to Abilene late Thursday night. We had wanted to get to Lubbock, but since it was already 10:30 pm, we decided to look for the KOA. KOAs (Kampgrounds of America) are famously known in the RV community for having high quality campgrounds with great clean facilities. They are also known to be a little more expensive. Since we were still in texas.. and definitely needed hookups for the AC that’s where we stayed. I tell ya though… I was not the nicest KOA I have ever been in. The bathrooms were run down and the wireless internet access they advertise is nothing to speak of. I for one, would not recommend anyone going to that KOA.

Anyway, we decided to get an early start the next day to see if we could find a RV service place so we could get someone to either repair our poopoo tank or to tell us what we needed to do with it. Stopped at someplace called Jerry’s RV. The service manager was a JERK! He was very short with us and said there is no way to fix our problem… that we would need to replace it. When asked if he could take a look at it and see if there was anything we could do…. NO. Ya know when you speak to someone who doesn’t even look you in the eye… that’s the kind of disrespect this guy was giving us.

So we went down the road to Gene’s RV where we were treated a lot better although they didn’t have much better news to tell us. The service tech took a look at it… and said the best we could do is dry it out as best we could and put some epoxy on it. It might hold for a few days…. Then he let us dump our tank there… we had very little in it but needed to dump it so we could air dry it. Not that we needed anything, but we purchased something in their store as our way of saying thanks.

Then we headed toward Lubbock and then on to Amarillo. Just outside Amarillo, I was driving when all of the sudden we had a blowout. And let me tell you when you have a blowout on an RV it is no small thing. First of all we blew out at the worst possible place… on an overpass on the interstate. We kept hearing a metal scraping and we thought we were hitting rim so we pulled over as far as we could. Cris called 911 to get some help to block off traffic so no one runs into us. I called our Good Sams Roadside assistance. Soon the sheriff arrived and informed us we still had one good tire on our back dualy so we should try to drive it further up the road to get over safely. We did and it was excruciating because of the metal scapping we were hearing.

Roadside assistance came and changed the tire. It is impossible to change a tire on an RV without some kind of hydrolic jack because of the weight of the rig, so we think the Good Sam’s roadside assistance is well worth the trouble. In the course of changing the tire, we discovered that the tread coming off the bad inside tire damaged the metal frame under the RV. It appeared to be stability frame for the RV not the chassis of the truck park. But it was obvious that it was not the only thing that was damaged. So we went to the nearest RV Service (oh no here we go again) to get some advice on if the RV was safe enough to drive.

They were really nice there… although I don’t know if they were nice because they are just nice… or it was because the sheriff called them to let them know we were coming. But in any case they were nice. Unfortunately they had even worse news for us. The tire damage cause damage to the propane lines to the hot water heater and the refrigerator. Now at this point I was ready to throw in the towel and just go home. I felt like we were jinxed. Cris on the other hand felt relieved. Apparently Cris had bad vibes the whole time and didn’t say anything and now that the tire went and we had all this damage… now she felt the worse was behind us. Weird huh?!

We then went to Walmart to get some ice chest to possibily save all the food we had in the refrigerator. Then we went to discount tire to get the bad tire replaced and check out the other tires. Our warrenty covered the replacement of the bad tire at no charge and we were able to get 5 more new tires just by buying new warranties on them. New set of tires on an RV usually costs around $600-$900, but we were able to leave discount tires with 6 new tires at $125.

We decided at that point to keep on going to Colorado. We had been looking forward to this trip for a long time and had cancelled plans to visit our friends in Colorado a few years back due to me falling ill at the last minute. So now we had to deal with the fact we still have not been able to fix the leak in the poopoo tank. So off to Academy to buy a port-a-poty.

Now the idea of being in the RV with no propane is not the best… which means no refrigerator, no hot water, no propane to cook….. its like tent camping… only more expensive! So here we are… still heading to the mountains… my favorite place to be.

If you want to keep up with my trip, click on the RSS icon to the right and subscribe. It will send you an email alert when my next blog entry comes out. Take care!

Check out how NOT to be a Realtor!

2007-06-28T19:10:00.000-07:00

I saw this on a former trainer of mine's blog and thought it was hilarious! Apparently the Virginia Association of Realtors has put out this "spoof" of a website to educate consumers on REALTOR Code of Ethics. This guy on this website is soo funny! You have to check it out! Enjoy "sliming" this creepy REALTOR!

I faithfully honor our National Associate of Realtor (NAR) Code of Ethics. You want an ethical REALTOR on your side when purchasing your next real estate... and my hope is that is me standing next to you:)

Cool 2 bedroom condo close to downtown!

2007-06-11T21:47:00.000-07:00

Hello all!

Wanted to share with you a cool listing I have. 3201 S. 5th #B. It's close to downtown and is ultra-chic! Call 800-472-5510 ext. 1086 for 24 Hour Recorded info!

Robert Kiyosaki talks about owning your own business

2007-05-01T21:20:00.000-07:00

Check out this video of Robert Kiyosaki, author of Rich Dad Poor Dad. He talks about the benefits of owning your own business. Robert is also known for his education and, in particular, educating folks on real estate investing. His Rich Dad Academy is going to be here in Austin on May 11, 12, & 13. I will be in attendance at this seminar. I will share with you tibits from what I learned when I return from that seminar!

Back on the market and price reduced!!!

2007-05-01T20:43:00.000-07:00

This lovely home is back on the market and the price has reduced $10K to $309,000.

Check out this video tour of this home, located at 4013 Falling Brook in Master Planned Community of Teravista.

Contact Brandi Mahon to schedule your showing!

Looking for a REALTOR? Look no further....

2007-04-29T20:59:00.000-07:00

I just helped a good friend of mine, Michelle Wheelis, sell her home and she has been so kind as to send me the testimonial letter that I thought I would share with you! Michelle is a successful Southern Living at Home Consultant. You may visit her website at www.southernlivingathome.com/partywithmichelle

Here's her testimonial:

I just recently sold my first home in Round Rock. Being new to selling homes I was very pleased with the information and the personal attention I received from whom now not only do I call a friend but my realtor, Brandi Mahon. Brandi’s professional advice in helping me set up my home to be shown on the market quickly, and her research on pricing in the current market and still being competitive made me feel very comfortable with the entire process.

My home also sold in only 16 days in an area where new homes are currently being completed every week. I would recommend Brandi’s services to anyone out there who wants a smooth buying and selling process with personal attention. Brandi’s follow up to every single crazy question or detail you feel you need help with was also an added bonus.

Please feel free to call me if you have any questions in regards to this letter!

Thank you Brandi!

Michelle Wheelis

254.744.9963

The Week in Review

2007-04-26T18:51:00.000-07:00

The Week in Review: April 15 – April 21, 2007 (compared to the same week in 2006)

New listings up 2.97%.
Pendings down 11.56%
Solds down 26.95%.

Average Prices: April 15 – April 21, 2007 (compared to the same week in 2006)

"New Listings" average list price is up 3.49% to $306,254.
Sold average sales price increased 3.09% to $231,488.
In 2006 it was $224,551 during the same week.

Data according to Austin Board of Realtors MLS

Introducing the newest member to the Mahon Team!

2007-04-18T20:57:00.000-07:00

I would like to introduce you to the newest member of our Team... Ashley Holzer! Ashley is our new administrative assistant. With a Bachelors degree from Texas A&M, Ashley comes to us with marketing and website experience in addition to her administrative experience. Please welcome Ashley as we take our team the next level, thus allowing us to further assist our clients! Ashley will be handling a variety of tasks from the marketing of our listings to the "contract to close" of all of our clients files. Her high attention to detail will make your experience with the Mahon Team a memorable one.

You may contact Ashley directly at 512-439-6813 if you need anything.

Take care and let us know if there is anything we can do for you!

PS. Want to get email alerts when new blog enties are posted? Be sure to subscribe to the blog by clicking on the link on the right hand side of this blog.

Week in Review - MLS Stats

2007-04-10T07:18:00.000-07:00

Here are some MLS statistics provided by Alamo Title.

The Week in Review: April 1 – April 7, 2007 (compared to the same week in 2006)
New listings down 32.24%.
Pendings up 3.02%
Solds up 10.60%.
As for Average Prices: April 1 – April 7, 2007 (compared to the same week in 2006)
"New Listings" average list price is up 7.63% to $317,004.
Sold average sales price decreased by less than 1% to $256,923.
In 2006 it was $259,379 during the same week.
----------
The Month in Review: March 2007
New listings were down by 14.37%.
Solds increased by 7.80%.
As for Average Prices:
"New Listings" average list price is up 19.42% to 316,402.
Sold average sales prices increased 9.13% to $239,496 compared to $219,451 in 2006.

4013 Falling Brook

2007-04-07T17:43:00.000-07:00

Check out this video tour of my listing at 4013 Falling Brook in Teravista in Round Rock. It has 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and a 3 car tandem garage. Listed at $319,888... its a great value!

Contact me to schedule a showing!

On the road to becoming a Broker

2007-03-30T22:29:00.000-07:00

Well I just got my education evaluation back from our state real estate board. I only have 90 more hours of education left to get my license. My next goal is to have this done by end of summer. I am forming my own real estate team within our agency (probably in the next 60 days)... and will be hiring my first assistant(in the next 2 weeks) I can not wait to have someone help me with the administrative stuff so I can focus on growing my business:)

On another note, I went to our weekly meeting this week with Ignite. Presley Swagerty was our guest speaker. He is awesome! Coming from a dirt poor background it is amazing how he has developed a extremely successful business with network marketing... Namely Ignite Powered by Stream Energy. From my understanding he has not had any network marketing experience before... and is making around $250,000 a month.... over $100K comes from residual income off electric bills. Thats amazing! Getting paid month after month on something he did once. He's been in the business for little over 2 years and is our #1 money earner in Ignite. I am blessed to have him in my upline and be able to use his inspiration to help guide and lead me through.

-later

Ignite Meeting March 28th - Randy Hedge

2007-03-26T21:10:00.000-07:00

Hello folks!

Want to invite you all to a awesome meeting we are having this week for the Ignite business. We are having guest speaker Randy Hedge come speak at our meeting, Wednesday, March 28th from 7:00p-8:00p in the BACA Center. BACA Center is located at 301 W. Bagdad Bldg 2. Click on the video below to get more info.

Click on this video to see the info in American Sign Language

Ignite is on FIRE in Round Rock!! Come see how you can get involved!!

-later

Mueller Austin

2007-03-26T19:37:00.000-07:00

Hello folks!

The past week and weekend have been extremely busy! I went to an orientation that Mueller Austin put on last week. Mueller Austin is the development that is going in on the location of our old Robert Mueller Airport. They are anticipating the new housing market to start in the next 6 months.

I went to get more information about "affordable housing" and how that process works. What I basically understand is... that folks who have household incomes below 80% Media Family Income (MFI), can apply to be eligible to be placed on the "Pioneer List" to purchase the "affordable homes".

The income limits are as follows:

Household Size
1 Person-$39,850
2 Person-$45,500
3 Person-$51,200
4 Person-$56,900
5 Person-$61,450
6 Person-$66,000

Once an applicant has had their income verified, then they proceed to register with Mueller. They will then assign random numbers to applicants and as home become available, they will go down the numbered list. It is kind of a lottery system in terms of getting access to the homes. You still need to be able to qualify for the loan to purchase the home. They also require that you work at least 25 hours a week, unless you are retired or disabled. I believe that down payment assistance can be used in conjunction with this program.

The deadline to have your income verified and your registration form turned in is April 30th.

The "affordable homes" are being built by David Weekly and start in the $120K's. If you do not qualify for the "affordable homes" then you can purchase a market rate home which start at $240K's.

I'm no expert by any means... but If you want more info on this Pioneer process... let me know. I think this is going to be a great opprotunity for folks with low to moderate incomes invest in property that I believe will gain in equity over the next few years.

Call me if you want more info!

-later

Introducing 'Mahon Enterprises Incorporated"

2007-03-20T15:12:00.000-07:00

Hello my friends!

You are now reading the blog of the President of Mahon Enterprises Incorporated! I recently incorporated my real estate business. I did it for a number of reasons, but mainly for the liability and tax savings advantages.

I filed and got my EIN and filed for my S-corp. So as of April 1st... my business will be under my corporation umbrella... pretty cool huh? I like the sound of that... Mahon Enterprises....

Also wanted to throw out there a MUST read for anyone thinking of changing their fincial lives. I am reading Robert Kioysaki's Cashflow Quadrant. This book begins to educate you on how you should look at assets and liabilities, and how what we were taught in our traditional education is not always correct. I read the first book in that series, Rich Dad/Poor Dad, couple of years ago. That was an excellant choice as well. I'm into filling my head with good stuff! If you have any recommendations, please send them my way!

-later

2007-03-14T15:14:00.000-07:00

Check out my listing at 1309 Hillridge in Round Rock, TX! Listed at $330,000 its a steal! Priced below market average in Teravista when compared to homes bigger than 3000 sqft.

Teravista is a 1,500-acre master-planned community located in Round Rock, Texas, just 15 miles northeast of downtown Austin. A wide variety of single family homes are offered by some of the area's best known builders, at prices ranging from the $170,000's to $500,000's.

The Teravista Golf Club, an award-winning, daily fee course, meanders through the community, offering views along many streets and homesites. Teravista residents currently enjoy receive priority tee times and discounted greens fees at this 18-hole championship course. The Teravista Residents’ Club provides an impressive clubhouse, Junior Olympic swimming pool, children's splash pool, playground, multi-purpose sport court, sand volleyball court , lighted tennis court, and fitness center with 24-hour access A dedicated Activities Director coordinates year-round events and activities. Other amenities include hike and bike trails.

Teravista is part of the highly rated Round Rock Independent School District, and its youngest residents attend Cactus Ranch Elementary, rated as Exemplary by the Texas Education Agency for 2005. The master plan also includes a future onsite elementary school. Teravista offers onsite services including the Round Rock Premium Outlets Mall, a future Scott and White Hospital, and a major regional shopping center. Nearby, services include an IKEA home furnishings store and the Round Rock campus of Texas State University.

Contact me at 512-565-5319 to schedule a showing!

March 2007 MLS statistics

2007-03-13T19:28:00.000-07:00

Just thought I would share some statistics with ya! These are statics for the entire Austin MLS area.

The Week in Review: Mar. 4 – Mar. 10, 2007 (compared to the same week in 2006)

New listings down 20.58%.
Pendings down 7.18%
Solds down by less than 1%.

As for Average Prices: Mar. 4 – Mar. 10, 2007 (compared to the same week in 2006)

"New Listings" average list price is up 17.08% to $299,625.
Sold average sales price increased by 12.52% to $254,548.
In 2006 it was $226,225 during the same week.

The Month in Review: February 2007 (February data coming soon!)

New listings were down by 16.32%.
Solds increased by 16.28%.

As for Average Prices:

"New Listings" average list price is up 15.65% to 298,480.
Sold average sales prices increased 6.45% to $232,259 compared to $218,188 in 2006.

What do these statistics tell me? New listings down tells me we are moving into a seller's market. Average sold prices up tell me our market is heating up.

Brand new week!

2007-03-12T07:33:00.000-07:00

Well's a brand new week... and I for one am excited for it! Yesterday I went out to my partner's parent's property on Lake Travis. They recently purchased a lot out there that needs to be cleared so I helped with some of the mowing. This will be a beautiful piece when we're done with it. Almost 3 acres on lake front! Can't wait to have some cookouts and some camp outs there!

The lack of water has me concerned though... My father owns a lot 2 lots down from this one and has been out there for 3 years. This is the lowested I have ever seen the lake levels. Makes you think if there is something to this global warming thing. We're hope for some rain in the next month or two... so we'll have enough water to enjoy the summer.

We'll I'm off to start my work week. Gotta go sell some houses! Make people's dreams come true!

-later

Your ASL Realtor!

2007-03-10T20:50:00.000-08:00

As alot of you know... I am a certified interpreter for the deaf. I currently hold a BEI Level III in the state of Texas. Click on this video to see how I can represent you! This is a video done in ASL!

Introduction

2007-03-10T20:40:00.000-08:00

Hey folks!

Here I go again... I'm discovering the world of blogging. Seems I am a little behind the curve on this latest technology, but I hope to catch up. I plan to use this space to talk about real estate in the central texas area, as well as share with you info on my listings. Feel free to email me if you have any questions:)

-later