Home shoppers beware of click-fix digital makeovers

http://wapo.st/fduPog

Try to picture this real estate scenario -- virtually. Like most shoppers searching for a home, you start on the Web, checking out listings and locations. You find a house that appears to be what you're after, and you tap into the photos section of the listing to see the interior shots.

Visit me anytime at http://austinlaketravisstyle.blogspot.com/

10 Things That Make Buyers Bite

http://bit.ly/gY2BdS

Impress buyers right off the bat with a beautiful entrance. "I always tell sellers to put a fresh coat of paint on the front door,"...

Visit me anytime at http://austinlaketravisstyle.blogspot.com/

Homeowners again look at remodeling, but landscape has changed after recession

http://wapo.st/ejcgXM

Those pondering a remodel are likely to find a recession-changed landscape. One in which contractors don't turn their nose up at jobs because they're too small. One in which prices are significantly lower than just a few years ago. One in which product deliveries come more slowly. And one in which everyone needs to be concerned, even more than usual, about the financial viability of the companies they deal with.

Contest, visit www.johnnyfins.com and tell me what you would like to see improved here. Winner will be announced Wednesday!

Contest, visit www.johnnyfins.com and tell me what you would like to see improved here. Winner will be announced Wednesday!

Not a bad day to go to the lake...Fins is calling. www.johnnyfins.com has all the answers.

Not a bad day to go to the lake...Fins is calling. www.johnnyfins.com has all the answers.

Not So Big turns Do It Yourself in Montopolis

http://bit.ly/hseEXH

Sarah Susanka's design philosophy draws on a Japanese aesthetic, Frank...

Visit me anytime at http://austinlaketravisstyle.blogspot.com/

My Blog

http://bit.ly/f2yTgx

Have you seen it yet. If not, I'd love some followers. Please at least visit it and let me know what you think. I will pick one lucky new follower each week for a special something at Johnny Fins, could it be you?

GDP growth in fourth quarter falls short of expectations

http://lat.ms/hsQIb7

The economy grew at a 3.2% annual rate in the fourth quarter of 2010, the Commerce Department reported, aided by stronger consumer spending and trade. Economists were expecting growth of 3.5% and don't feel the numbers suggest strong hiring.

Visit me anytime at http://austinlaketravisstyle.blogspot.com/ for great info!

It's a great day

OK, so I have been really busy this week...wrote an offer, got a contract on a listing, worked on getting Johnny Fins ready for the spring, picked up my daughter from school cause she was sick, froze to death, now I'm loving this warm austin weather today. That was my work this week.

Well, I also tried to have a social life, but it was hard. Had dinner with a great new friend on Wednesday, loved talking with an old friend and helping eachother our Thursday, went to an old neighbors house last night for some beers to celebrate a little. Now tonight, all my plans have changed. Gave up tickets to the UT Mizzou game and my plans fell through, so if you are bored and looking for something to do, I'm game.

Then, what does the rest of the week bring? Church in the morning, then, I'd love to show some houses to anyone that is interested in buying. What do you think? Call me. I have time tomorrow.

One day, I'll get to putting my Christmas decorations away and my office in order. Cheers and happy Saturday!

Love Rules

I don't know about you but when I am around someone who is incredibly happy and just exudes joy, I can't help myself but I have to smile. My day is lifted just a little bit if not a lot. I am reminded of a great saying, "Do to others as you would have them do to you." I really like that since I want good things to happen to me so I think why not make good things happen to others.
Take a moment and think about how you can bring a smile to someones face today. That you make a good little bit of difference to someone else. I am amazed as how just that small act lift my own spirits.

Try it! I think you will really like it!

Austin, Lake Travis Style

So, you want to get away from the everyday hassels of the city? Well, there is a good answer to that. You can visit Lake Travis and the many different areas it covers can accommodate just about any taste. Whether you are looking for upscale, something like Hudson's on the Bend, something casual like Johnny Fins Floatin' Bar and Grill or a little "Hole in the Wall" like Los Pinos, there is a taste for everyone.

Then, you think you enjoy your time out here and might want to find a home in the area. Well there are so many to choose from, like Lakeway, Steiner Ranch, Bee Caves, Marshal Ford, Lake Point, Marble Falls, Apache Shores, Rough Hollow and so many more. There is just about any style home, any style living and any style of restaurant or event you could want our in "Austin, Lake Travis Style".

So now what, you have to do some searches on the Internet to see some of the areas as all will do when something peaks their curiosity. OK, that's fine, but then you could call a Realtor® and have a jump start. There are many great one's at Coldwell Banker, so why not get ahead of the game. 

All In A Day's Work Of A Realtor

It seems that blogging is the latest rage, well, maybe not the latest.  Perhaps I'm a little late to the game, but I'm certainly not going to be the last one to the game.

It's All In A Day's Work....what in the world does a Realtor do all day?  Well, let me tell you!  If you're full-time and it's your profession, YOU WORK!  I start my day much like anyone else in many other professions.  Log in, check email, prioritize, look at my calendar and of course check Facebook.  It's almost 2:30pm and I haven't had one bon-bon.  For the record, I don't think I've ever made or purchased bon-bon's.  Do you bake those?

I spent this morning trying to get someone from Lakeway Code Enforcement on the phone to confirm what I knew.  As it turns out, I was right.  I can place one brochure box within the property lines of the home I have recently listed.  My client would like the box placed near the street, but if I do this, I risk being cited and fined by the City of Lakeway.  I think we'll just keep the box near her home.

Then, spent a bit of time on the phone trying to get feedback from a showing I had on Sunday.  This is basically asking the showing agent what they liked, what their client liked and how we could make this house better.  Nothing too earth shattering was uncovered with this today.  I also had the opportunity to be on the receiving-end in that I provided feedback.  I had to break it to another agent that my clients really aren't interested in living practically on top of the railroad tracks.  Someone will, but not the folks I'm working with at this time.

Was this all I did today?  Oh Lord no, but that's why I have another 360 days in the year to share!

To Diet or Not to Diet...is that the Question? by Scott Grant

Almost everyone feels guilty when the new year starts and they know they have over indulged in rich and too much food and sweets over the holidays, too much wine, beer and spirits and too little sleep or too much sleep...well some of us. That seems to put on the pounds and make us sluggish making the new year seem less than bright.  So  the new year resolutions start and you cut back on food and drink  and talk about the diet and sign up for exercise classes to trim off those extra pounds gained through the holiday. It lasts about two weeks until the resolve is dissolved!  Then you feel frustrated and the new year definitely is less than bright as work and life pressures  start to build up for the new year. If this is you, then let me tell you there is hope.

I love Zig Ziggler's saying, we have to stop the "Stinking Thinking". Losing weight and keeping it off really is all about attitude and determination and what goes on in our head.. I really do want to lose weight but that means giving up stuff I really like. So what if I come up with in my mind something I want more than food and drink.  It's not a matter of giving up something but gaining something that is sexy and appealing to me.  Something that gets my attention! I don't know about you, but being a guy, I really want to look and feel good - good muscle tone, good posture,  feel attractive to women, especially to my beautiful wife, be energetic ! I also want to come across looking professional and well kept for my clients and customers. I want to be appealing to them so they will want to do business with me. That I look energetic and fit able to handle their needs. So that is the positive thinking that I keep in my head and I don't worry about giving up stuff. And if I do eat something, like an Almond Croissant or two with a glass of milk at Artisan Bistro once a week on Thursday afternoons, who cares, as long as I keep doing the exercising and  eat right most of the time. Keeping focused on the positive goals  is what gives me the strength and determination to keep working on my fitness.

I currently exercise three times a week now at Gold’s Gym for about two hours doing weight training and cardio. I actually haven' t given up enjoying a glass of wine or two at Wine Trader or eating things I like. I just have reduced the portions, stopped the gorging and moved away from a lot of carbs (except my croissants). I've lost 15 lbs. I can't tell you what it feels like to come home and have my wife tell me how great I look, what a handsome man I am and have her run over and throw her arms around me and give me a big hug and a kiss. Wow - guys what are you waiting for. It doesn't get much better than this! Well it does, but I won't go into that!

So is the question to diet or not to diet? Or do want to be a fit and healthy person with a great body to enjoy life more with those you love?  Is that really the question?.... Your choice!

Mind, body, soul (and business) for 2011 by Jacquie Banks

If we don't take care of ourselves physically and mentally, how can we take good care of our clients? Besides ... it makes for good conversation. 

I just finished my second ZUMBA Fitness class at our local Lakeway Activity Center.  My face is flushed and I am still stoked from the adrenaline coursing through my leaner, fitter body (ho ho ho).  I went Monday but I was the only one there besides the instructor and it was my first time so we spent some time talking. Today there were more people.  (The instructor said she had to take 2.5 years of anatomy, physiology and psychiatry to be certified.)

"ZUMBA Fitness is the only Latin-inspired dance-fitness program that blends red-hot international music, created by Grammy Award-winning producers, and contagious steps to form a "fitness party" that is downright addictive."  (see attached flyer)

So .... what are YOU waiting for?

Seriously? $5.41??? by Lisa Jacobson

Ok I know that this has nothing to do with real estate or what I do everyday... but for those of you who know me, know I love my starbucks!  So imagine my surprise this morning when I walk in to MY Starbucks (yes they know me by name and yes they prepare my coffee without asking) with my $5.25 for my triple grande, 6 pump (don't judge), non fat, no whip white mocha and it is now $5.41!!!

I know it is not a huge amount but geez I need to get a second job to support my Starbucks habit!!  I get to the office and Stephanie (my office manager) tells me I need to start going to McDonalds to get my fancy coffee.  Is this what my life has become??  McDonalds for my morning coffee??

I think I might need a Starbucks intervention........

so what does that mean? by Lisa Jacobson

It is January 4th... my first day back to my office for the new year!  It was a busy day of catching up... holiday updates.... lots of files to go through and check... and new TREC rules!  Yippe!!  I know, I know... not very fun.  I decided that this was the year I would start a blog for my office.  I know, not original, but I think we all have a voice and my agents have some great stories to tell!

My agents and staff will all be taking a turn at this blog.. I wanted to keep it fresh and interesting... not that any of them aren't interesting :) but we have such a great, diverse group I thought it would be interesting to hear their stories.

So here is the first post... Happy New Year!  2011 is going to be a great year for us, I just know it!  Cheers!