Are you searching for a list of things to do in Austin this weekend? If so, you’ve come to the right place! In this article we will provide you with a list of several things that you can do this weekend (June 20-23) that are going to be both free and budget-friendly!

Chingona Fest at Hops & Grain (rescheduled from April 6)

11:30 a.m. gates June 22. $30 (children 10 and younger free). 507 Calles St. chingonafesttx.com

Storms forced the cancellation of the event earlier this year, but the festival returns with a solid roster of rocking Chingonas. El Paso-based indie rock/mariachi outfit Tribes leads a bill that includes excellent Selena tribute act Bidi Bidi Banda and rising rockers the Tiarra Girls from Austin. Latinx artisans from around the country will participate in a vendor market at the event, and there will be food trucks on site. A portion of proceeds from the event benefits Latina-focused nonprofits. And did we mention the Chingona beer? — Deborah Sengupta Stith

Toast of Texas

6 to 8:30 p.m. June 20. $65-$80. Mercury Hall, 615 Cardinal Lane facebook.com/events/431088124377417

Previously called the Toast & Roast, the Wine & Food Foundation of Texas’ annual event showcasing the year’s best Texas wine has moved from the vineyard into the city. Ticket holders will taste Texas Monthly’s top wines of 2018 paired with barbecue from LeRoy and Lewis and the sweet country sounds of Warm Sugar. At the end of the night, one winery will come away with a medal for “top Texas wine,” while another will be awarded “fan favorite.”

Cool Summer Nights at the Bullock Museum

6 to 9 p.m. June 21. Free. 1800 Congress Ave. thestoryoftexas.com

Forget about standing outside in the heat of summer — the Bullock Museum is staying open during three select evenings in June, July and August to offer far more than history. The kick-off event on the longest day of the year, themed “Identity,” has mariachis, a writing activity exploring where you come from and a wildflower-themed game of bingo. The theme is a nod to the Bullock Museum’s “Becoming Texas” exhibition exploring the nuances of Texas culture.

Austin Outdoor Living Tour

11 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 22. $25 in advance, $30 day of. Multiple locations. eventbrite.com/e/2019-austin-outdoor-living-tour-tickets-62337721804

The newly launched Austin Outdoor Living Tour is your chance to visit 10 fantastic outdoor spaces, meet the builders and designers that made it happen and maybe even ask a question or two about your own dream backyard project. It’s a quicker tour than the Modern Home Tour produced by the same group and will take you to the backyards of private homes in several Austin neighborhoods, including Tarrytown, Northwest Hills, and Rollingwood.

Paramount Summer Classic Film Series: “Jaws” and “Jurassic Park”

2 and 4:20 p.m. June 23. $8-$12. The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave. austintheatre.org

The Paramount Theatre’s next double-feature in the Summer Classic Film Series is particularly beastly. The afternoon starts with a return of “Jaws” to the big screen, and watching it that way just might scare you out of the water for good. “Jurassic Park” follows. When two movies that are screening in the same theater are grouped under the same thematic heading, one ticket is good for both features when viewed back-to-back on the same day.

Search For Homes In Austin

Are you thinking about moving to Austin or possibly selling your current home and upgrading to a bigger one? If so, you’re making a smart choice! To view homes for sale in the local area contact me today by calling (512) 944-7378 or click here to connect with me online.

4^th of July is almost here! Can you believe it? If you’re like most people, you know that the 4^th of July is one of the best times of year to be hanging out with friends and family because there’s always plenty of fun things to do, especially in Central Texas!

In this article I will provide you with a list of fun things to do in Austin and the surrounding area that will all be kicking off by July 4^th, 2019.

Free Events in Central Texas

One of many great things about living in Central Texas is that we always have a variety of fun things to do during the year, especially during holiday events.

Here are a few local events happening on the 4^th of July that you should consider adding to your schedule:

Red, White, and Buda

July 4th, 9:00 am-10:00 pm | Buda City Park

Patriotic Stroll Parade on Main Street followed by

more festivities at Buda City Park. Food, fun and fireworks! https://www.ci.buda.tx.us/211/Annual-Events

Dripping Springs Fire in the Sky

July 4th, 5:00-10:00 pm | Dripping Springs Ranch Park BBQ, family-friendly activities, fireworks & more! www.destinationdrippingsprings.com/events/2019/fire-in-the-sky– 4th-of-july-fireworks

Summer Fest San Marcos

July 4th, 6:00-10:30 pm | San Marcos Plaza Park, San Marcos Fireworks, food, activity booths, and live music from the Adam Johnson Band. Participate in the Children’s Patriotic Parade and Costume Contest. http://www.summerfestsmtx.com

Wimberley’s Annual Independence Day Parade

July 4th, 10:00 am | RR 12, Wimberley

A Texas Hill Country patriotic parade that can’t be missed! https://wimberley.org/event/independence-day-parade/

Cedar Park Fourth of July Parade and Celebration

July 4th, 10:00 am (Parade) | Discovery Blvd.

5:00 – 10:30 pm (Celebration) | Elizabeth Milburn Park Come celebrate in Cedar Park! At the celebration, enjoy live music, bingo, a washer tournament, air castles, free watermelon and a fireworks display. Fees apply for food concessions, face painting, and carnival games and rides. www.cedarparktexas.gov/departments/ parks-recreation/special-events-day-camps/4th-of-july-events-july-4

Georgetown Sertoma Annual 4th of July

July 4th, 11:00 am – 10:00 pm | San Gabriel Park

Over 60 Arts and Craft booths, 20 Food vendors. Kiddie rides, Bounce Houses and games along with a Petting Zoo are provided for the children. Musical entertainment, featuring some of the best local and central Texas talent at the Gazebo. The fun will continue all day! https://hellogeorgetown.com/4th-of-july-at-the-park-sponsored-by- sertoma/

Leander Liberty Fest

July 4th, 5:30 – 10:00 pm | US Hwy 183A S.

Between San Gabriel Parkway and Hero Way

Leander’s annual July 4th celebration featuring live music, good food and fun for the whole family! Entertainment by The Emotions. https://www.leandertx.gov/parksrec/page/liberty-fest-2019

Pflugerville Pfirecracker Festival

July 4th, 5:00 pm – 9:30 pm | Lake Pflugerville

The event features two live music stages, a children’s area on both the north and south shores of the lake, food vendors, arts and crafts vendors and businesses. https://pfirecrackerpfestival.com

Round Rock’s Sertoma

July 4th Parade & Frontier Days

July 4th, 9:00 am – 11:30 pm | Old Settler’s Park

Fireworks, carnival rides, jalapeno pepper eating contest, Swifty Swine Pig Races, children’s games, Sam Bass Shootout, skydivers and more! www.roundrocktexas.gov/event/sertoma-july-4th-parade- frontier-days/

Holiday Music Events

Nothing says 4^th of July like Willie Nelson right? The “red headed stranger” actually lives in the ATX area and will be ready to celebrate Independence Day with his 4^th of July picnic.

July 4th, 11:00 am-12:00 pm

Austin360 Amphitheater (COTA), Austin

Enjoy a full day of music with Willie and his performing friends on America’s birthday with a festival atmosphere, including a celebratory fireworks display. A Texas tradition since 1972!

http://austin360amphitheater.com/events/willie-nelsons-4th-of-july- picnic-201

Source – Texas National Title 

Searching for A Home in Austin? Contact Me

Austin Texas is a great place to live all year long. If you plan on living in Austin, contact me for help with finding a great home in the area.

If you currently live in Austin and are thinking about selling your home to upgrade to another property, I can help you sell your home for the most money possible.

To learn how I can assist you with accomplishing your real estate goals contact me at (512) 944-7378 or click here to connect with me online.

Are you thinking about buying a new garage door for your home but aren’t sure if it’s the right decision for you to make or not?

Besides investing in a kitchen and bathroom renovation, investing in a new garage door for your home is a smart move because it adds value to your home, improve curb appeal and also adds more functionality to your garage.

If you’ve been sitting on the fence about adding a new garage door, here are a few reasons to consider making the investment.

Reasons To Invest In A New Garage Door

A new garage door boosts your home value.

A good-looking garage door may impress your neighbors and make you smile every time you pull into your driveway, but it also can translate into a tidy profit when it comes time to put your home on the market. Indeed, replacing a garage door offers a solid return on investment (ROI), increasing curb appeal and—just ask any real estate agent—even a seller’s asking price. After all, if prospective buyers aren’t attracted by what they see out front, they won’t bother going inside.

Garage door replacement actually took the top spot in the 2019 Cost vs. Value Report conducted by Remodeling magazine,* which ranks home improvement projects by ROI at resale. The annual survey found that the typical cost of an upscale garage door replacement netted a hefty 98.3 percent ROI on average nationwide—and in 46 out of 100 markets, the ROI was 100 percent! That’s a much better percentage recouped than in other popular home upgrades, such as major kitchen renovations and upscale window replacements.

What’s more, a separate survey of real estate professionals found that 70 percent of Realtors agree that a new garage door helps sell a house faster and for more money. In fact, a garage door upgrade can add $8,000 to $14,000 to the purchase price.**

It can lower your energy costs.

Energy efficiency is a top priority for homeowners everywhere, and according to testing conducted by engineers at Clopay®, a company that’s been manufacturing residential garage doors for 55 years, a well-insulated door can keep your unconditioned garage 10 to 20 degrees warmer in winter and cooler in summer. If the garage is attached, this temperature advantage can translate to the house, keeping rooms above and next to the garage more comfortable year-round. That’s money saved in energy bills!

What makes a Clopay garage door so energy efficient? Its proprietary Intellicore® insulation technology, which is available in most of the company’s steel door options. This solid, continuous layer of polyurethane foam completely fills the steel door frame for maximum insulation. One Minnesota homeowner who recently upgraded to a Clopay garage door found that the temperature inside the space now stays around 40 degrees when it’s below zero outside—all without a heater.

The right garage door can even mean less work.

The last thing you want to do after completing a home improvement project is worry about constant upkeep. And traditional wooden garage doors, attractive as they are, do require regular surface maintenance to stay in shape. Homeowners must be vigilant to stave off rot, keep out pests, and remove peeling, cracked finishes before repainting or staining every couple of years.

Fortunately, you can get the warmth and character of wood without the hard work and hassle, thanks to several durability breakthroughs available on Clopay garage doors. 

Remarkably convincing faux-wood composite cladding and overlays are available in both carriage house and modern designs. Find stained options in the Canyon Ridge® Collection Limited Edition Series and the Canyon Ridge Modern Series, or a variety of paint color combinations in the Coachman® Collection.

Revolutionary Ultra-Grain®—a durable, stained woodgrain paint finish designed specifically for low-maintenance steel garage doors. Check it out in the Canyon Ridge Collection Ultra-Grain Series (pictured above), Gallery® Collection, Classic™ Collection, and Modern Steel™ Collection.

Extira®, a moisture-, rot-, and termite-resistant wood composite made of eco-friendly materials and available on Reserve® Wood Collection Custom Series and Reserve Wood Collection Limited Edition Series paint-grade doors. Extira carves, routs, and fastens like natural wood yet boasts a perfectly smooth, knot-free surface that allows for detailed craftsmanship and a fine, furniture-quality paint finish.

If you’re inspired to improve your home’s appearance, energy efficiency, and resale value, Clopay’s Door Imagination System will show you exactly how impressive your place will look with a new Clopay garage door. Simply upload a photo of your house to try out a new style, then speak to a professional garage door dealer for guidance on just how fast and easy this project can be. You can leave for work in the morning and come home that evening to wow-worthy curb appeal sure to make you the envy of the neighborhood.

Search For Homes In Austin Texas

To learn more about the benefits of adding a garage door to your home, or to speak with me about selling your home, contact me today by calling (512) 944-7378 or click here to connect with me online.

Are you planning on buying a home in Austin Texas or else were in 2019? If so, you’ve come to the right place!

In this article, I’ll share with you several important tips that will help you to get your offer on a home accepted.

Tip #1 – Use A High Earnest Money Deposit

The first thing that you should do when buying a home in Austin Texas is to put down a healthy earnest money deposit. This means that instead of using a low earnest money deposit of 1%, you should go as high as 3% or even 5% because, if a seller sees that you are willing to commit let’s say $5,000 earnest money deposit or more to the purchase of their home, they will view you as being a buyer who is more committed to buying their home versus another buyer who may be unwilling to put down a healthy earnest money deposit.

Tip #2 – Submit A Pre-Approval Letter

Besides applying a healthy earnest money deposit, another important thing that you should do when submitting an offer on a home is to include a pre-approval letter with your offer. These letters are important because a pre-approval letter will show a seller that you have been approved for financing and there is absolutely no question that should they accept your offer, you’re financing will go through without a hitch versus an offer from another buyer who has only been pre-qualified for financing.

Tip #3 – Make Things Easy For The Seller Whenever Possible

Last of all, but most important, another important thing that you should consider doing when buying a home in Austin Texas or else were in the United States is to make things easy for the seller whenever possible. This means that you should be willing to waive some contingencies because you never know if the seller is also someone who is buying a property at the same time and is interested in selling their home as quickly as possible.

Learn More

To learn more tips that you can use for getting your offer on an Austin Teas home accepted, or to search for homes for sale in Austin, contact me today by calling (512) 944-7378 or click here to connect with me online.

Have you been thinking about renovating your Austin Texas home but don’t know if you can make the improvements that you’ve been thinking about because you’re on a budget? In this video you will learn easy improvements that you can make to your home even if you’re on a budget.

Contact Me

To learn more about simple improvements that you can make to your home, or to speak with me about selling your house, contact me today at (512) 944-7378 or click here to connect with me online. 

Are you planning on getting started in real estate investing? If so, you’re making a smart choice! Real estate investing is still one of the very best ways to build wealth in the United States today but there are “lessons” that most investors wish they knew before they got started with investing in real estate.

In this article, we will cover the lessons that most investors wish they knew when they were getting started with investing in real estate. These lessons will ultimately help you to beat the learning curve and become a successful real estate investor from the very beginning of your career.

#1 – Learn How To Forecast Cash Flow Correctly

Forecasting cash flow, or planning for unexpected expenditures, is the first lesson that you must master when getting started with real estate investing.

Even though you may have a good period of nine months or longer where there’s a wide margin between your mortgage and rent, the reality is that unexpected expenses will occur.

As an Austin Texas real estate investor and landlord, you can expect a wide variety of expenses to come up at any time like needing a new water heater, roof, or other appliances in your investment property.

When these situations occur you don’t want to be left scrambling in search of money to fix problems at your rental property, that’s why it’s best to budget for these expenses from the very beginning. You will specifically need to budget for things like maintenance, repairs, CapEx, property management fees, property taxes, and other administrative costs.

The key to success with investing in real estate investing is choosing an Austin investment property that will cash flow well because once you find the right property and forecast your cash flow, making money in real estate investing will be easier than you imagined.

#2 – Consider “House Hacking” When You’re Just Getting Started With Real Estate Investing

House hacking is one of the oldest practices in the world because it involves buying a rental property with more than enough bedrooms that you can rent out to cover all of your housing expenses.

For example, you could buy a 4-bedroom single family home in Austin, and if you’re single, rent out 3 of the bedrooms while keeping one for yourself or you could buy a duplex and live in one half of the duplex while renting out the other half.

The good thing about house hacking is that this method enables you to eliminate all of your housing expenses since they will be covered by your renters or tenants. Once your housing expenses are nonexistent on a monthly basis you could then devote your income to savings or investment.

Most people never get the chance to do this and they spend up to 30% of their income on rent or their mortgage. If you can eliminate your housing expenses by “hacking” your house in the very beginning, you can invest in your future while accomplishing your financial goals faster than you imagined.

Don’t think that Austin Texas house hacking is something that you should only consider if you’re in your twenties because in today’s world every real estate investor (regardless of their age) is considering this method of housing.

Housing is expensive for just about everybody across the board these days and it makes sense for most investors to consider bringing aboard one or more renters to live in their property especially if they are starting out in life or are quickly approaching retirement and thinking about how they will be able to subsidize their retirement years.

#3 – Don’t Look for A Perfect Deal, Look for A Good Deal

Like most real estate investors in Austin, or elsewhere in the United States, you may be looking for the “perfect deal” when you invest in real estate but the reality is that those deals rarely exist.

Instead of looking for the perfect deal, you should be looking for a “good deal” or a property that’s in a great location, will cash flow well, and produce excellent ROI. Once you commit yourself to find good properties don’t be afraid to negotiate hard to meet your standards because these properties are out there, and you will ultimately find them if you keep searching for them.

Thankfully, in 2019 there are lots of great deals out there, especially in the Austin real estate market because, in Austin, the average home price is still low when compared with the rest of the United States and the cash-on-cash return is high.

Let Me Help You Find Investment Properties in Austin

Ready to search for investment properties in Austin Texas? Contact me at (512) 944-7378 or click here to connect with me online.

Are you planning on buying a home in Austin Texas this year but aren’t sure if you should purchase a house this summer or not? If so, here are important reasons why you should buy a home this summer!

Prices aren’t always higher

Although most people will tell you not to buy a home during the summer months because home prices are higher, the reality is that this isn’t always the case. Many times people will go on vacation during the summer months and this many force some buyers to lower their asking prices if they want to attract more buyers.

Invеntоrу іѕ brоаdеr

Yоu wоuldn’t buу a car frоm a dealer wіth оnlу twо mоdеlѕ fоr ѕаlе, so whу lіmіt your options whеn it соmеѕ tо рісkіng a hоuѕе? The ореn-рlаn kіtсhеn уоu’vе bееn уеаrnіng fоr or a hоmе іn a stellar school dіѕtrісt іѕ muсh more lіkеlу tо pop up іn a buѕіеr mаrkеtрlасе.

Thе lаrgе inventory offers ѕіgnіfісаntlу mоrе opportunities fоr рurсhаѕеrѕ tо іdеntіfу ѕресіfіс flооr plans, аmеnіtіеѕ, аnd locations.

Buуіng аnd ѕеllіng аt thе ѕаmе tіmе соuld be еаѕіеr

Do you need to buy and sell a home at the same time? Summer is the perfect time to do it because with longer days and more buyers searching for homes it’s going to be easier for you to buy and sell a home at the same time compared to if you waited until fall or winter.

Sсhооl’ѕ оut fоr ѕummеr

Anу bеlеаguеrеd раrеnt саn tell уоu why this fасtоr іѕ сruсіаl. By wаіtіng untіl ѕummеr tо mаkе уоur move, you can mіnіmіzе disruption to your kіdѕ’ lives. Plus, thеіr schedule іѕ сlеаr tо bring thеm аlоng tо showings. (Bеwаrе, though, nоt all аgеntѕ аррrесіаtе уоung kіdѕ underfoot.

Yоu’ll gеt tо know thе lау оf the land

It’ѕ easier tо dо a lіttlе detective wоrk оn your роtеntіаl hоmе when thе weather’s nice аnd the days аrе longer. Trees аnd flоwеrѕ are іn full bloom, ѕо уоu’ll gеt a better іdеа оf your рrоѕресtіvе nеw уаrd. Yоu саn ѕtер оut on thаt bасk porch аnd еnvіѕіоn what іt will rеаllу, trulу be lіkе to lіvе there аnd host уоur lоng-аntісіраtеd Mаrgаrіtа Mоndауѕ. Plus, еvеrуоnе’ѕ mоrе асtіvе, ѕо уоu’ll get a bеttеr fееl fоr the соmmunіtу.

Search For An Austin Texas Home

Summer is almost officially here in Austin! Get started with searching for a home by calling me at (512) 944-7378 or cconnect with me online.