Matt Layman
Buying a Home in Austin, Texas – Step One: Get Pre-Approved for Mortgage Financing
Buying a Home in Austin, Texas – Step One:
Get Pre-Approved for Mortgage Financing
This is the first post in a series designed to get you prepared for what to expect when you are considering buying a home in the Austin area. I intend to link to the other parts as soon as they have been written.
When you are ready to begin shopping for a home to buy, it is best to start by determining how much you can afford, so that you don’t waste time with properties that are out of your price range. I realize that this is not the glamorous or exciting part to buying a home in Austin, but it is a necessity and not as painful as you may think.
Mortgage
But how do you begin?
Our team works with a trusted network of mortgage professionals who can assist you in getting pre-approved for a loan so that you can comfortably begin looking at homes with the assurance that you can obtain the proper financing. Give us a call anytime and we can provide some names to get you started. But the fact of the matter is I have ONE trusted mortgage professional that I send all of my business to because I have complete trust and confidence in his services. He has proven himself to be on top of the ball, detailed, operates out of honesty and integrity, under promises and over delivers, and always beats deadlines. His name is: Chad Mullenix an Executive Mortgage banker with LeaderOne Financial.
Chad Mullenix’s Contact Information:
Mobile: 512.657.8017
Office: 512.356.9436
Email: Chadmullenix@leader1.com
Feel free to speak to any mortgage professional that you would like to – I just happen to recommend Chad since he does such an outstanding job and operates out of the same motto as me: Service based! Like I said I have a network of trusted mortgage professionals if you desire to compare apples to oranges in regards to the fees.
Pre-Approval vs. Pre-Qualification
Generally, our mortgage contacts can help you with a pre-qualification by getting some basic information (address, social security numbers, etc.) over the phone or internet. This only takes a few minutes, including pulling your credit report.
In order to get fully pre-approved, you will be required to provide all of the normal documentation required, which would include:
* Full loan application
* 2 years of tax returns, W-2 forms
* Year-to-date pay stubs
* A couple of months’ worth of bank statements
* List of monthly debt, account numbers, minimum payments, and balance
* Address of mortgage company or landlord for past 2 years
* Driver’s license
* If VA financing is wanted, you will need your VA Certificate of Eligibility (DD214)
In Austin, most lenders will require you to pay for your credit report and property appraisal upfront. This would run $400 or thereabouts. The appraisal is a third-party assessment of the value of the home you choose.
Comparing Lenders
If you choose to purchase a new home, many builders have mortgage companies that will offer large incentives to use them. Sometimes, the offer is too good to pass up. We can help you to compare “apples to apples” by looking at the estimates provided by lenders that you speak with. A GFE (good faith estimate) is the only way to easily compare quotes. Sometimes, you might get a lower interest rate from one place, but they charge exorbitant fees. We can help you to avoid potential pitfalls.
I always require that my clients begin the loan process before we begin looking actively at homes together, in order to best spend my time and yours. Believe me, it is much more productive this way. As I have said many times to potential buyers, you would hate to find “the perfect home”, only to later realize that you won’t be able to get a mortgage for it.
If you have any questions at all, please feel free to call me anytime at 512-771-0754 (cell) or email: mlatxrealestate@gmail.com
Next step – Selecting an Area of Town, including factors to consider – post coming soon!
Keep Austin Rockin’
Matthew C. Layman
Austin’s Rock’in REALTOR®
Austin Texas Homes, LLC.
Cell: 512-771-0754
mlatxrealestate@gmail.com
http://austinsrockinrealestateblog.com/
https://twitter.com/matthewclayman
Some positive News for Austin & Texas: Texas Poised to Outpace Nation (Again)
Some POSITIVE “News” for Austin and Texas in the article below. Basically the outlook is positive based on several key factors:
- Texas is a business friendly state with tax friendly policies and incentives which are enticing nation wide companies to relocate to Austin as well as the rest of Texas
- Low cost of living for the employees of the companies that are relocating to Texas
- Job growth in several key sectors in Texas
I’m so lucky to live in Texas and especially Austin. If you don’t live in Texas you should 
TEXAS POSTED TO OUTPACE NATION (AGAIN)
COLLEGE STATION (Real Estate Center) – Texas’ economic outlook for 2012 is positive. Job growth is occurring in several sectors, and a low cost of living is enticing businesses to move to the Lone Star State.
It will be tougher going for the nation, however, because of several factors. The housing market needs to clear a high number of foreclosures. Consumers need to pay off their debt. The banking system needs to write off bad debt. Small businesses need to start hiring again.
Writing for the January issue of Tierra Grande magazine, Real Estate Center Chief Economist Dr. Mark Dotzour says, “Fortunately, Texas is poised to outperform the U.S. averages. Home sales volume in Texas should show modest improvement over 2011, and prices should be stable throughout 2012.” Dotzour’s economic outlook is titled “Texas Sails On: Nation Battles Headwinds.”
If your thinking about visiting Austin and taking a closer look into to the local real estate market and considering a move I encourage you to reach out to me and give me a ring: 512.771.0754 or drop me an email: mlatxrealestate@gmail.com
It would be my pleasure being your personal Tour Guide & Ambassador to this great place we call Austin, Texas.
The only way to get a closer look is to come visit and explore this Rock ‘in town we call Austin. The term that I’m sure you have heard: “Keep Austin Weird” is a marketing slogan but it’s also who we are – were weird because we are special and different. Unlike any other city in the world. Trust me but don’t take my word for it.. come explore and find out for yourself. That’s what I did back in 1999…. I came down for a long three day weekend and three months later my bags were packed and I was officially moved in just in time to celebrate New Years in my new city! Now that I’ve lived in Austin for over 12 years I get to claim the title Austinite – it’s a title I wear proudly and so can you …. so let me help.
It would be my pleasure to serve you and your real estate needs regardless of if you are all ready living in Austin or considering the move.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Keep Austin Rock’in,
Matthew C. Layman
Austin’s Rock’in Realtor®
http://austinsrockinrealestateblog.com/
cell: 512.771.0754
https://twitter.com/#!/matthewclayman
Harris Branch & Belhaven Real Estate Market Update
Harris Branch & Belhaven Real Estate Market Update: January 2012
Theirs no need to cloud the truth or fudge the numbers. Harris Branch and Belhaven has been hit with a wave of bank foreclosures. The reality of the situation is this is great news if your a buyer in Harris Branch or Belhaven but no so much good news if your a seller. This news hits close to home because not only am I Harris Branch and Belhaven’s neighborhood Real Estate expert which effects my business but I’m also your neighbor which effects my own home value. I’ve owned a house for the last four years on Cromarty Cove with my adorable puppy Maximus.
If your not in a hurry to sell your home or not in a desperate situation now is not the time. I would encourage you to hold off, hunker down, or look to rent out your property if you have to. But if you are left with no other options and you must list your home because your moving out of state then that’s a different story.
If you are currently living in Harris Branch or Belhaven and or thinking about moving into the neighborhood I would encourage you to like the Harris Branch Neighborhood fan page: http://www.facebook.com/Harrisbranch to keep up with all the local news and what’s happening in your neighborhood! It’s a great way to keep up with your neighbors and form better relationships.
Harris Branch and Belhaven is a beautiful master-planned community in northeast Austin just off of Highway 290 and Parmer Lane. This little sleepy community features over 2,000+ homes, and has over eight subdivisions.
* Recreational facilities
* basketball and tennis courts
* Junior Olympics-sized pool
* Jogging trails
* On-site daycare
* Lots of beautiful small lakes and ponds dot the landscape
Tech-industry workers living in Harris Branch and Belhaven can look forward to easy commutes, thanks to tech industry giants like Dell, Samsung, Applied Materials, and others. You are only 11 miles away from the University of Texas campus and Texas Memorial Stadium which is home to the UT longhorns football team. Being so close to the university makes it an attractive community to call home for the University of Texas professors, students, and alumni. Also an easy drive south in little over 12.7 miles you will be enjoying all of downtown Austin’s favorite attractions such as live music, entertainment, delicious food, and all of Austins’ famous culture and nightlife.
Now to the Numbers:
Sold during the last 120 days in Harris Branch and Belhaven (Sept, Oct, Nov, & Dec) 2011:
- 5 homes sold between Sept 1st and Dec 31st
- Median sold price: $138,000
- Median days on the market: 113 days
- Most expensive home sold: $152,000
- Median Sold $ / Sq Ft price: $67 per sq ft.
Foreclosed during the last 120 days in Harris Branch and Belhaven (Sept, Oct, Nov, & Dec) 2011:
- 6 homes sold between Sept 1st and Dec 31st
- Median sold price: $115,000
- Median days on the market: 74 days
- Most expensive home sold: $145,000
- Median Sold $ / Sq Ft price: $60 per sq ft.
Active Listings in Harris Branch and Belhaven:
- Currently active listings: 13 homes
(inventory levels favor the buyer currently)
- Median home list price: $166,630
- Median home features: 2,752 sq ft, 4 beds, 2 bath
- Median days on the market for active homes: 90 days
- Foreclosed/REO homes on the market: 2 homes
Note: Having a Buyers Market does not mean that Buyers can have their way with making super low ball offers, but it does mean sellers are going to have to be realistic and not over price their home from the start. The key to selling your home for top dollar is setting a realistic list price from day 1 by not getting greedy and over pricing your home for the first 6o-90 days and then having to drastically lower the price of your home by 10-20% after 90 days. The good news for the sellers of Harris Branch and Belhaven is typically you have two types of buyers: A) Those wanting a home that’s not bank owned (foreclosure) and B) Those wanting a bank owned property. Typically bank owned properties are in bad shape, foundations need repair, and left in bad shape, not always but typically many bank owned properties will require a lot of fixing up to bring up to a liveable standard.
If you are considering buying a home in Harris Branch or Belhaven or thinking of selling your home in Harris Branch or Belhaven – please do give me a call so we can discuss your Real Estate needs and goals. I’ve sold over 40+ homes in this neighborhood alone the last 5 years and also call this subdivision home. So not only would I be your Realtor but also your neighbor. You most likely found my blog via google search – I’m the highest rank website when you use Harris Branch and Belhaven search terms – so if your a home owner thinking of selling your home wouldn’t it make since to work the top Harris Branch Neighborhood Expert who’s ranked the highest on google and other search engines? Working with a realtor who has the highest Neighborhood search terms will mean your home will have the most amount of online visibility and by more buyers, which turns into more showing, then more offers, and finally an executed contract! You deserve to work with the best – call me today to discuss your Real Estate needs…
For more information on real estate in Harris Branch and other popular Austin subdivisions
contact Harris Branch #1 Neighborhood Expert,
Matthew C. Layman
Cell: 512-771-0754
Email: mlatxrealestate@gmail.com
http://austinsrockinrealestateblog.com/
http://www.facebook.com/Harrisbranch
The 7 stage progression of every Empire
My good friend and mentor Mike Dillard just re-opened The Elevation Group today and I wanted to write a blog post about the 7 stage progression that acts as a “pattern” for every major empire since the beginning of time.
No matter how things change every thing still remains the same. I’m sure you’ve heard the saying you can predict the future by studying the past. This may be partially true but Mike Dillard makes an interesting point “I am not a major student of historic events because I believe there is a more reliable predictor of future: human nature- of which I AM an avid student.
Because no matter how much our society has grown technologically or how much knowledge we have acquired, at the END of the DAY, we are still HUMAN. Our decisions, patterns, and behaviors are still dictated by the one thing from which we can never escape: our nature and our drive to AVOID PAIN and PURSUE PLEASURE.”
Mike hits the nail on the head with his assessment of the human condition. One just has to look at Black Friday where literally you had hundreds of thousands of Americans waiting hours and hours in the cold to have a shot at buying goods and electronics at a discount. You have a waffle riot at Wal-Mart where dozens of customers are fighting over a supply of $2 waffle makers. In another case you have a Wal-Mart shopper in Los Angeles use pepper spray to fend of customers in the Xbox aisle injuring about 20 people. These are perfect examples of the great lengths humans will go to bring about pleasure or to avoid pain. The fear of loss comes into play here as well but that’s a topic for another day. Experts say well we have evolved as creatures and with knowledge and technology we hold all the power to fix or prevent any challenge that may come about. But the experts are forgetting the one and only thing that matters most….
My point is simple… regardless of if it’s Rome days, Colonial days, or now here in 2011 that were still the same animal behind the wheel and that our nature has not changed. In fact, as my friend Michael Maloney documents in his recent book on the history of currencies, “Rich Dad’s Guide to Investing in Gold and Silver,” there’s a 7-stage progression that happens over and over again…
- STAGE 1: A country starts out with good money, which is either gold, or backed by gold.
- STAGE 2: As it develops economically and socially, it begins to take on more and more economic burdens, adding layer upon layer of public works and social programs.
- STAGE 3: As its economic affluence grows so does its political influence and it increases expenditures to fund a massive military.
- STAGE 4: Eventually it puts its military to use and expenditures explode.
- STAGE 5: To fund the war – the costliest of man’s endeavors – it steals the wealth of its people by replacing their money with currency that can be created in unlimited quantities.
Chart of Military Spending ($Billions)
It does this at the outbreak of war; as in the case of WWI, during the Vietnam War, or as a perceived solution to the economic ravages of previous wars as Germany did after WWI.
Despite the fact that this chart from 2005, it clearly shows the massive disparity between the military spending of the US vs. the rest of the world.
And the trend is increasing exponentially, with $711 Billion going to the military in 2008 vs. $420 Billion seen here in 2005.
- STAGE 6: Finally, the wealth transfer caused by the expansion of the currency supply is felt by the population as severe consumer price inflation, triggering a loss of faith in the countries currency.
- STAGE 7: An en masse movement out of the currency into precious metals and other tangible assets take place, the currency collapses, and massive wealth is transferred to those who had enough foresight to position their money into the right asset class before hand (example: Gold & Silver, Real Estate, Oil & Gas, etc)
Once you are registered inside Mike will demonstrate in more detail within the Elevation Group videos about how right NOW we are in the United States sitting between Stage 6 and Stage 7. It’s scary to even think about that we … the good old USA have gotten ourselves this far down the rabbit hole and we are on verge of being the next great failed Empire!
It’s important for you to know the timing of all this and what’s happening today, and also how you can profit from it…
United States: Consumer Credit Outstanding (year-over-year difference, US$ bins)
On the surface, most people think the severe recession we’re in right now is a result of the busted housing bubble, which resulted in a massive credit contraction show here.
And while that is indeed the case, what people fail to realize is that the credit crunch is only 1 of 5 challenges we’re about to face, and in fact, the other 5 are much larger.
So what are these 5 major trends you ask?!?! We’ll I’ll give you a few hints: Housing Bubble, Record amounts of New Debt, Your Parents and Grandparents … Also known as Social Entitlement Program Obligations, the Great 401K Fake-Out or Pull-Out, and Peak Oil!
But to learn about these 5 MAJOR CHALLENGES that are looking us dead in the EYE you are going to have to go watch the full presentation yourself – You will also get an opportunity to watch PART 1 of Mike Dillard’s Elevation Group “Year-In-Review,” I was 1 of the lucky 12 Elevation Group members who got to attend the live filming of the event a few weeks ago here in Austin, TX at the beautiful swanky W Hotel and Residence in downtown Austin. Since you were not able to attend The Elevation Group “Year-in-Review” in person here’s your chance to watch PART 1 and here from Mike about his economic predictions for 2012, and it’s a MUST WATCH http://bit.ly/ukPFTh
The Changing Face of Austin Demographics
Top Demographic Trends for Austin, TX
-
Total growth and population increase during the decade:
Austin’s total growth increased incrementally over the past 50 years. During the 1960s, the total growth in Austin totaled 90,000. The numbers rose to 190,000 during the 70s and 250,000 in the 80s. By the 90s, the total growth number was almost 400,000 and in 2010, hit 466,000. The total population for the Austin-Metropolitan Area was 1,720,000 in 2010. The metropolitan area is often referred to as the Austin MSA, or the Metropolitan Statistical Area. The Austin MSA ranked third in a list of top 30 metropolitan areas ranked by percentage growth. In 2010, the City of Austin ranked 14th, just under San Francisco, for Top 30 largest cities in the country.
-
A decidedly suburban tilt to the decade’s population growth:
From 2000-2010, almost 72 percent of all population growth came from the suburbs. This is a significant shift from the 1990s when the growth coming from the suburbs was only 52 percent.
-
A lumpy landscape of population growth and decline within the central city:
There are various attributions to these changes, including many middle-class families fleeing from the central city to the suburbs; a big overall drop in household size; a steep increase in the cost of central-city housing, large-scale changes in the racial and ethnic makeup of many central neighborhoods; and unequal tear-downs and rebuilds in terms of total units.
-
Deep urban pooling and suburban sprawling of working-class households:
The total population growth of whites was 176,000 compared to almost 200,000 Hispanics from 2000-2010.
-
Significant suburbanization of African-American households:
From 2000-2010, Austin was one of the top cities where African-Americans moved to its suburbs. Other cities that made the list include Atlanta, New York, Dallas, Denver, San Jose, and Los Angeles.
-
Substantial increase in international immigration:
Immigrants played a part in population growth, with 65 percent domestic migration, 28 percent natural immigration and eight percent international immigration. The domestic percentage slowed to 41 percent domestic migration, growing to 36 percent for natural immigration and 23 percent for international immigration.
-
New growth numbers for the very young, baby boomers and seniors:
In 2010, the under-five age group was 122,000; there were 60,000 boomers and 19,000 seniors. Austin was one of the metro areas with the fastest growing pre-senior (age 55-64) and senior (65 and older) population from 2000-2010. Other cities on the list are Raleigh, Madison, Salt Lake City and Portland.
-
The Asian boom:
From 1970 to 2010, the total Asian population grew to 82,000. Asians make up over six percent of the total Austin population, with Houston’s Asian population at 5.8 percent. The total Asian population includes 29.9 percent Indian; 23.1 percent Chinese, 15.2 percent Vietnamese, 13.0 percent other, 11.0 percent Korean, 5.4 percent Filipino; and 2.4 percent Japanese.
-
Hispanics now dominating the younger cohorts:
Compared to other races under age 18, Hispanics make up 50 percent; Anglos are 31.8 percent; African-Americans are 8.3 percent; Asians 5.7 percent; and 3.3 percent are other.
Austin and its suburban cities continue to boom, with an increase in African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians, as well as the baby-boomers and seniors. It will be interesting to see how Central Texas and its populations evolve over the next decade.
This data came from City of Austin Demographer Ryan Robinson, who studies data mapping and interpretation, population change, and the rise of socioeconomic inequality.
If your thinking about visiting Austin because you are attracted to one of the many different reasons people fall in LOVE with AUSTIN - and interested in getting a closer look at the local real estate market because you seriously considering a move or relocating- I would love to be your Tour Guide & Ambassador to this special place on earth we call Austin!
The only way to get a closer look is to come visit and explore this Rock ‘in town we call Austin. The term that I’m sure you have heard: “Keep Austin Weird” is a marketing slogan but it’s also who we are – were weird because we are special and different. Unlike any other city in the world. Trust me but don’t take my word for it.. come explore and find out for yourself. That’s what I did back in 1999 I came down for a long three day weekend and three months later my bags were packed and I was officially moved in just in time to celebrate New Years in my new city! Now that I’ve lived in Austin for over 10 years I get to claim the title Austinite – it’s a title I wear proudly and so can you …. so let me help.
Just call me Cell: (512) 771.0754 or email: mlatxrealestate@gmail.com Come plant your roots in Austin …we would love to have you!
If you are all ready living in this Rock ‘in town we call Austin and looking to move-up or become a first time home buyer please give me a call. I enjoy working with locals as much as I do new folks relocating to our beloved city. I would love to assist in helping you find your next dream home or condo.
Keep Austin Rock ‘in,
Matthew C. Layman
Austin’s Rock ‘in Realtor®
http://austinsrockinrealestateblog.com/
cell: 512.771.0754
https://twitter.com/#!/matthewclayman
12612 Tierra Grande
12612 TIERRA GRANDE TRL, AUSTIN, TX 78732
MLS #: 5296150
$319,900 – Active – 18 Days on Market
House for Sale in River Dance Ph 04, Steiner Ranch, in Austin, Texas
Bedrooms:3Bathrooms:2Square Ft:2045Acres:0.203Garages:2Year Built:2009
For a more detailed listing of this property, please visit:
http://www.realtyaustin.com/idx/homes/texas/austin/78732/12612-tierra-grande-trl/5296150.html
6213 TASAJILLO TRAIL AUSTIN, TX 78739
$279,900 – Active – 62 Days on Market
House for Sale in Park West At Circle C Ph 01, in Austin, Texas
Bedrooms:3Bathrooms:2Square Ft:1985Acres:0.157Garages:2Year Built:1999
MLS #: 5879047
Extraordinary & Exquisite! Most “Distinct” home in ParkWest. UPGRADES GALORE $89k Worth, Beautiful Brazilian Hard Wood Floors throughout including Master, beds: 2 & 3, upgraded Travertin Tile Kitchen & wet areas, Gorgeous Granite Countertops, Tile backsplash, Under Cabinet Windows kitchen, Recessed Lights, Custom Built out Fireplace w/ Stone, Custom Stone Bar in kitchen, NEW water heater, Gated Community, Covered porch w/ tile. Minutes to pool school & shopping. Looking in Circle C Best Buy under $300k!
The new Formula 1 race track in Austin Texas has a name: Circuit of the Americas
The pinnacle of racing championships: Formula 1 and MotoGP are global events held in the worlds premiere designations. Creating week long festivals where ever they go. Now they will go FULL THROTTLE in Austin, TX.
At a new facility designed to provide one of the greatest fan experiences in the world called:
Circuit of the Americas
At 3.4 miles long and an elevation change of 133 feet it will be one of the most challenging courses in the world for drivers and one of the most exciting for spectators. This course has been designed for any and all classes or racing from motor power to human power but it’s much more than a race track.
It’s a world class destination for:
- Performance
- Education
- Business
And it’s poised to have a major impact on the local economy and the entire region:
- Estimated annual impact over $400,000,000 Million
- 1,110 new construction jobs created
With features that extend well beyond the pit lane:
- Conference Facilities
- Executive Meeting Suites
- Trauma Center and EMS Training Facility
- Law Enforcement Training Areas
- University and School Partnership Programs
- Expansive Live Music Space
Austin Texas is perfectly situation by both American coasts along with Canada and Central America. Austin is home to thinkers, innovators, entertainers, philanthropists, to one of the countries most vital technology hubs, and to the friendliest and most welcoming folks in the state of Texas.
Austin has been recognized for being:
- Voted top 2 “Best Cities” in the U.S. (Money Magazine)
- Voted Top 3 “Hippest Cities” in the U.S. (Forbes)
- Known as “The Live Music Capital of the World”
- Voted #1 “Best City for the Next Decade” (Kiplingers)
Formula 1 is the world’s most watched sport on television annually — boasting 600,000,000 million viewers and over 180 countries.
Circuit of the Americas is the United States new home for the World Champions bringing the World to Austin and Austin to the World!
Watch this awesome video: Circuit of the Americas
If you are a Formula 1 or MotoGP racing fan thinking about visiting Austin to attend the race when it opens up – drop me a line or give me a call. Let me know how I can assist with your visit to Austin. Id be glad to point you in the right direction on where to stay, what cool places to explore, and what wonderful restaurants and local dives to eat at.
If your thinking about visiting Austin because you are attracted to one of the many different reasons people fall in LOVE with AUSTIN - and interested in getting a closer look at the local real estate market because you seriously considering a move or relocating- I would love to be your Tour Guide & Ambassador to this special place on earth we call Austin!
The only way to get a closer look is to come visit and explore this Rock ‘in town we call Austin. The term that I’m sure you have heard: “Keep Austin Weird” is a marketing slogan but it’s also who we are – were weird because we are special and different. Unlike any other city in the world. Trust me but don’t take my word for it.. come explore and find out for yourself. That’s what I did back in 1999 I came down for a long three day weekend and three months later my bags were packed and I was officially moved in just in time to celebrate New Years in my new city! Now that I’ve lived in Austin for over 10 years I get to claim the title Austinite – it’s a title I wear proudly and so can you …. so let me help.
Just call me Cell: (512) 771.0754 or email: mlatxrealestate@gmail.com Come plant your roots in Austin …we would love to have you!
If you are all ready living in this Rock ‘in town we call Austin and looking to move-up or become a first time home buyer please give me a call. I enjoy working with locals as much as I do new folks relocating to our beloved city. I would love to assist in helping you find your next dream home.
Keep Austin Rock ‘in,
Matthew C. Layman
Austin’s Rock ‘in Realtor®
http://austinsrockinrealestateblog.com/
cell: 512.771.0754
https://twitter.com/#!/matthewclayman
What makes Austin ….. Austin?!?!
Have you ever wondered what makes Austin……. Austin?!?! I have! So what is Austin’s unique equation? This is (distilled!) result of over a year’s worth of conversations and research distilled into a simple expression: Experience + Community = Scene.
Cities that have what I call Unique Ambition are:
- Boston: be smart
- Silicon Valley: be powerful
- Berkeley: live well
- NYC: be rich
- LA: be famous
- DC: be an insider
- Austin?
We have all heard Austin, TX described as: Keep Austin Weird, Live Music Capital of the World, an Open City …….
What makes Austin, TX uniquely Austin is it’s powerful social exchange!!! The scenes that make Austin are….
- Music
- Film
- Leadership
- Spirituality
- Entrepreneurship
- Fitness
- Sustainability
- Interactive
- Social Innovation
- and much more
what does all this add up to? Austin is the BE YOURSELF CITY!!! I can attest to that. When I started to follow my heart & passion a few years ago and “jump” head first into real-estate I told myself I wouldn’t be that average boring square pants Realtor ®. I would be ME!!! I’m Passionate, Unique, Driven, I’m part businessman, part nature boy …. I love music, art, fashion … I like to dress the way I want to dress! Some days I’ll throw on a suit and wear my favorite pair of chucks (converse shoes) or other days I will be wearing a comfortable pair of linen shorts or pants and a golf shirt!
I would fully commit to the person that I am and step into my Destiny …. just being me and allowing Austin to except me for me… nothing more … nothing less …. I am a faithful friend, Austin’s rock’in realtor, energetic entrepreneur, marketing maverick, passionate person, fitness fanatic, lover of life … and overall cool dude! The beauty of that experience is the city accepted me for who I am …. for what I am. And Austin will accept you for who you are …. if you want to have a tattoo, rock a mo-hawk, dye your hair pink, or wear a business suit …. Austin and it’s citizens will accept you for you … as we are the BE YOURSELF CITY!!! No judgment just acceptance!
People from all over the world are drawn and attracted to Austin because of it’s high quality of life but people also come because on a subconscious level they know they can just BE! How refreshing and empowering is that!!!
Austin is that city where your DREAMS come to LIFE! Where you truly live your dream life and career! You get to help people, make a good living, follow your passions and interests, give back to your community, and you are allowed to be yourself all at the same time without ever having to SELL out!
Watch this awesome video called: The Austin Equation by Bijoy Goswami
If your thinking about visiting Austin because you are attracted to this uplifting city motto: BE YOURSELF CITY - and interested in getting a closer look at the local real estate market because you seriously considering a move or relocating- I would love to be your Tour Guide & Ambassador to this special place on earth so please give me a call to set up an appointment to tour this wonderful place we call heaven cell: (512) 771.0754 or email: mlatxrealestate@gmail.com Come plant your roots in Austin …we would love to have you!
If you are all ready living in this Rock ‘in town we call Austin and looking to become a first time home buyer or looking to move up give me a call. I would love to assist in helping you find your next dream home.
Keep Austin Rock’in,
Matthew C. Layman
Austin’s Rock ‘in Realtor
http://austinsrockinrealestateblog.com/
cell: 512.771.0754
The quality of life is what attracts new-comers to Austin
The quality of life is what attracts new-comers to Austin, TX
A cool map of Austin, TX
Music: No matter how many things you’ve heard about the music scene in Austin, you can’t visualize its full depth and breadth. More than 150 venues offer regular musical sets. At any given time, more than 3,000 musical acts navigate this maze, and public places are a magnet for live music. Almost across the board it’s a consistently high level of musicianship that twice a year peaks in mammoth festivals: South by Southwest (SXSW) in the spring and Austin City Limits Music Festival in the fall. The SXSW Conference & Festival offer the unique convergence of original music, independent films, and emerging technologies. It’s a unique environment and experience and could only happen in Austin. You have a chance to discovery the hottest up and coming bands and artists that are coming out of the music world, you also get to gaze your eyes on some killer independent films that are on display, and take a bath in the latest innovative technologies where the brightest minds in emerging media and industry leaders share visions of the future through the latest digital tools and platforms. The SXSW is dated for March 11-20, 2011. Austin City Limits Music Festival know as ACL is a three day, eight stage event that happens in Austin every fall that will feature over 130 of the hottest and most popular bands and artists from around the world. This year the event will be held on September 16-18th 2011. If you love live music – Austin, TX is for you!
Arts: Second only to music, the arts are ubiquitous in Central Texas. In a select group of cities with professional symphony, opera, ballet, and theater companies, Austin also has benefited as those offerings improved exponentially during the past decades. There’s only one large art museum – the Blanton Museum of Art – but plenty of high-quality galleries and smaller museums. Comedy is red-hot in Austin, with dozens of transient sketch , improv and hybrid comedy troupes winning international fame.
Movies: Austin has been a movie mecca, more or less, for about 20 years. Besides giants like Robert Rodriguez, Mike Judge, Richard Linklater and Elizabeth Avellan, other directors, actors, designers and technicians wander our streets every day. Austin has been nicknamed Hollywood’s third coast and is rumored to be second in movie film and production only to Hollywood. And Austin was also featured #5 out of 10 best cities in the US to live, work, and make movies in 2010. The Alamo Drafthouse phenomenon started here and if you haven’t experienced a movie at the Alamo Drafthouse you must on your next visit. Not only do you get to have the opportunity to view old movie classics but you get to eat, drink and be merry while taking in your favorite cinema. Depend on the good folks with the Austin Film Society, Austin Film Festival, SXSW film festival and other hyperactive groups to keep this city cranking out the films. The most recent box office hits: Machete and Predators were both filmed in surrounding Austin area, Bastrop, and film/edited at Robert Rodriguez studio named Troublemaker Studios located in the Mueller master plan community of Austin which is located right off I-35 five minutes from downtown Austin.
Alamo Draft House
Nightlife: As money poured into Austin during the past two or three booms, club scenesters multiplied the “going out” options. Ultra-lounges were all the rage a couple of years ago. Now the night tribes follow celebrity party planners, social media mavens, and mixologists sparking the next cocktail revolution. Newer entertainment districts include West Sixth Street, East E. Sixth Street and Rainey Street. If your looking for a point in the right direction I would be glad to share with you some of my favorite nightlife spots from pure clubs, to outside roof top bars, to lounges, to old gutted houses turned into a chill scene to meet friends for drinks after a long day of work.
West 6th Street - visit Dogwood & Molotov I know the owners!
Sports: In Austin, sports count as entertainment. Especially the University of Texas Longhorns on any field of action. They’ve been joined recently by superior minor-league teams, such as the Round Rock Express, Austin Toros, Texas Stars and the amazing freshman Austin Aztex. The University of Texas has an impressive winning record when it comes to Football, Basketball, & Baseball. The teams each respectively are always in the top 5 or 10 in the nation year in and year out. Which is very impressive considering it’s tough to keep that level of consistency going in a college program. Add to that fast-expanding local sports bar phenoms, such as Third Base, Bikinis, Cover 3, and Cuatros.
Sytle: Not long ago, the only fashion show in town was staged annually by the UT design program. Now it seems models walk the runway every night of the week. The presence of powerful national stores (Neiman Marcus, Saks, etc.) helps, but more influential are the masses of designers and boutiques that make up the backbone of the Austin fashion scene. If you are in Austin on a first Thursday – take in the sights and sounds of south Congress as all the local boutiques open up for extended hours to show off their latest fashion forward designs, sales, along with offering up cool music by some of the hottest Austin DJ’s, and delicious food and drinks.
Food: When asked what they do for entertainment, Austintes often say: “Eat out.” As you will soon discover, dining in Austin often comes with a dash of design, music, comedy, or film. Austin is home to the most restaurants and bars per capita than any other American city! So take it all in!
If your thinking about visiting Austin because you are attracted to the quality of life that this city offers - and interested in getting a closer look at the local real estate market because you seriously considering a move or relocating- please give me a call to set up an appointment to tour this wonderful place we call heaven cell: (512) 771.0754 or email: mlatxrealestate@gmail.com If you are all ready living in this Rock ‘in town we call Austin and looking to become a first time home buyer or looking to move up give me a call I would love to assist you find your next dream home.
Keep Austin Rock’in,
Matthew C. Layman
Austin’s Rock ‘in Realtor
http://austinsrockinrealestateblog.com/
cell: 512.771.0754
Copyright © 2010
