Most of my clients don’t know that up until 2010 I also worked as a mortgage broker. My background gives me a unique ability to as a real estate broker to also advise my clients about which mortgage loan and which mortgage company is right for them.

Often being introduced to a mortgage company that is the best fit for a client can be the difference between getting an offer accepted or being able to find a loan program that better meets the client’s needs.

This morning I received this email…

“Thanks for replying, I wanted some information/ direction on purchasing a home for the first time. What is the credit score criteria and income requirements? I currently sit at 600 and know that it has to be worked on before I can qualify. However, I…

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The popular statistic of the day is Austin’s population is growing at 110 people every day.

Brian Kelsey, the founder of Civic Analytics, a company in Austin that researches and analyzes data spoke at the 2014 Austin Board of Realtors Realty Round Up. Analyzing federal income tax returns Mr. Kelsey determined there are actually 201 people moving to the Austin metroplex each day. But, the 147 people who move out of our area every day offset that number. That leaves us with a net population growth of around 54 people every day.

The Austin area is still growing fast but perhaps not quite as fast as some of the statistics would lead you to believe.

If you are planning to be one of the 201 moving here in the future please call or text me at…

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Kopa Real Estate | Austin Market Report Jan 2015

Can you believe it’s 2015 already? Let’s talk about what I expect to happen with the Austin real estate market in 2015. Throughout the holidays people wanted to ask about the 2nd article that came out saying Austin real estate is overpriced.

Is Austin real estate overpriced? When you see a headline saying we are overpriced it makes people think we are in a bubble that’s about to burst. I don’t believe our market is overpriced and I definitely don’t believe we are about to see a bubble burst.

For there to be a bubble you need to see speculation and easy money. Instead Austin real estate prices have increased due to population and more importantly job growth along with a low supply of housing, particularly in the central Austin areas. I also…

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Lambeau-Field

Where to watch the Green Bay Packers in Austin Texas? As an Austin resident for 15 years and a Packers fan all my life I’ve been to lots of bars that show or claim to show the games. I certainly haven’t been everywhere so if there’s a good place I’ve missed let me know and I will add it to the list.

Billy’s on Burnet – 2105 Hancock Drive

Billy’s is probably the most well known bar that shows Green Bay Packers games in Austin. The atmosphere is the best of the bars that show Packers games in Austin due to the small size of the bar/restaurant and because they ONLY show Packers games while the team is playing. Billy’s has good food, try the Billy Burger if you dare, and a great selection of beers on tap. Fellow Packers fans are friendly and because…

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professional photography

An important part of our marketing program for homes in the Austin area is having pictures of your home taken by a professional photographer. Here are some important things you should do to prepare your home for the photographer to take photos that will show off your home in the best possible way to buyers.

Interior

  • Turn on all lights in the house and turn off ceiling fans.
  • Clear off end tables and coffee tables. Arrange decorative pillows and straighten sofa cushions.
  • Put away toys, magazines and any other clutter that is visible.
  • Remove small rugs, bathroom mats and doormats.
  • Remove towels, unless they are decorative.
  • Clean off kitchen countertops and bathroom countertops. Put away soap, shampoo and conditioner from the shower…

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How accurate is a Zillow Zestimate in Austin, TX? That is one of the most common questions I am asked about Austin real estate. Let’s take a look at what a Zestimate is, what their limitations are in Texas and how accurate Zillow says their Zestimates are in Texas.

What is a Zillow Zestimate?

A Zestimate is a computer generated estimate of market value. On their website Zillow makes it clear it is not an appraisal, they don’t see the home, don’t know about any upgrades and there is no ability for a human to manually alter the Zestimate for a specific property.

Zillow says it should be a starting point in determining a home’s value. On their website they recommend buyers and sellers get a market analysis from Austin real estate agent like myself…

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