The Gibbs Team

512-431-2403

Mary Lynne Gibbs

By

Holiday Stress

photo 4For many, this week is full of running around trying to get work done in record time before the kids get out of school; we leave for a holiday trip or welcome family and friends into our own homes to celebrate Thanksgiving.

Regardless of what our particular holiday plans are, many may be dealing with stress due to a plethora of reasons.

Thankfully, this year I’m so blessed not to be under much stress as we are staying in town to celebrate the holiday with family and friends in our home. I’m really looking forward to this year’s Thanksgiving!

However, I know in years past my stress level may not have been as low as it is this year and that many of my friends, family, business associates and clients may not be so fortunate.

Therefore, when I recently read an article in the Harvard Business Review titled “How to Handle Stress in the Moment” by Rebecca Knight – I knew I had to share the wonderful ideas she gave for what to do when the stress is actually happening.

Knight makes a great point in the beginning about how many of the stress pointers people give are actually long-term remedies. For example, if something is stressful at this moment, one cannot:

  1. Get more sleep immediately.
  2. Do yoga right now.
  3. Eat a healthier breakfast.
  4. Write in a journal.
  5. Figure out what causes stress in life.

These are all fabulous ideas on how to handle stress overall, but it does absolutely nothing for those dealing with a stressful situation right now.

However, through Knight’s research she found several tips that are useful in the exact moment that one might feel stress. These solutions can help anyone in their business dealings, relationships and any other stressful circumstance they might come across. The remedies include:

  1. Think of the stress as an opportunity.
  2. Refuse to think negatively and instead say positive declarations over and over.
  3. Take three deep breaths where the stomach expands and contracts.
  4. Make a list. Write down everything pertinent to the current stress to make it more manageable.
  5. Call a friend…but, choose carefully. Make sure this person is a confidant and also someone who lends thoughtful perspective.
  6. Keep your voice gentle, controlled and calm. Do not let your emotions escalate.

Everyone can use a little help keeping the stress at a minimum in our lives! Hope these ideas help you enjoy your family time during the Thanksgiving holiday.

To read the article I have referred to in its entirety, please go to How to Handle Stress in the Moment.

If you or someone you know is interested in buying or selling real estate, please contact Mary Lynne Gibbs at 512.431.2403 or austinluxurybroker@gmail.com. It would be an honor to earn your business!

By

Selling Your Home During the Holiday Season

930A5923_4_5_fused (1)Most people think that the real estate market drops off the face of the earth once summer ends and school starts. Fortunately, for a REALTOR® like me, this is just not the case.  Selling your home during the holiday season is still a viable option.

The holiday season can be an exceptionally great time to buy or sell real estate and as I have seen in the past, some agents have their best production in November and December. Surprising, isn’t it?

With over 100 people moving to Austin each day, it’s not surprising that even in the holiday months, we continue to experience a high volume of real estate transactions, but major factors do not disappear just because we are enjoying a great market.

930A6774_5_6_fusedAs with most real estate markets around the country the key ingredient to selling your home during the holiday season remains motivation. Everyone who is looking to buy or to list their home during this time of year is serious. They have a need to buy or sell and it’s likely they need to do so quickly.

Two other reasons to go forward with listing your home during the holiday months is that (1) there is less competition with fewer homes on the market and (2) people may need or benefit from the tax deductions that come with buying and selling real estate.

Of course, pricing your home at market value is critical to selling your home at ANY time of year. If you price your home too high, buyers will be turned off and you will have missed your best opportunity to sell for the best price, which is within the first six weeks of the home being on the market.

930A0860_1_2_fusedAdditionally, curb appeal and making your home look like a model home are also still very important in again, ANY type of market or ANY time of year. Buyers do not overlook mess, clutter, garbage, dirt or untidiness. The consensus is that if you don’t keep a clean home, you probably haven’t kept your home in tip-top shape and there might be something wrong with it.

So, if you are thinking about buying or selling real estate during this holiday season, please contact me, Mary Lynne Gibbs, at 512.431.2403 or austinluxurybroker@gmail.com. It would be a pleasure to earn your business.

 

By

11251 Pinehurst

930A6774_5_6_fused 11251 Pinehurst (MLS #5900901) – a recently updated home due to the Halloween flooding of 2013 and located in Onion Creek in South Austin – sits on the edge of a cul-de-sac and boasts a large lot with mature trees and a private oasis in the backyard.

Offered at $359,500, this three bedroom and two and a half bathroom home is quite the find.

Built in 1978, tax records show a square footage of 2226. However, this number does not include the approximately 1400 square-foot, screened-in back porch located on the back of the home, nor does it include an air conditioned/heated office space in the side-entry, two-car garage.

930A6711_2_3_fused11251 Pinehurst is open, light, bright and airy with a lovely covered front porch to welcome residents and guests alike. Covered with a metal shingle roof, this home contains a variety of exquisite characteristics that you will be delighted to discover.

For example, a dining area just off of the front entrance leads into a sizeable living area that features a massive stacked rock fireplace flanked by built-in shelving units. This main living area has vaulted ceilings and lots of windows, which lends itself to a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. Three windows located at the top of the entrance wall offer extra sunshine in the morning.

930A6828_29_30_fused(1)Additionally, the entire home is covered with tile flooring, some of which looks like wood planks. The flooring is definitely a sight to behold and a must see!

All three bedrooms are located off of the living room on the left side of the home. The two extra bedrooms are spacious and connected by a large Jack-and-Jill type bathroom, which also possesses a few disability features.

930A6680_1_2_fusedThe master bedroom has a vaulted ceiling with a wood beam running the length of the room. This bedroom is suited for a king-sized bed, along with several more large pieces of furniture and the bathroom is absolutely magnificent! Featuring a sizeable shower area, the master bathroom contains his and her vanities, a spacious dressing area and two walk-in closets.

11251 Pinehurst boasts an eat-in kitchen with walls of white cabinets, Corian-type countertops, a convection oven, recessed lighting and an attached table countertop that seats three. The kitchen is connected with an impressive breakfast area that is currently being used as a den.

930A6631_2_3_fusedI saved the best for last! The backyard is truly an amazing outdoor retreat with a salt water pool, hot tub and gorgeous landscaping. The pool is partially covered for those who don’t want to swim in the sun and it is deep enough for a diving board. The covered patio area has space for several seating arrangements and for a dining area.

Right off of the backyard is the screened-in back porch which includes a countertop and sink-station, along with another outdoor living area and dining area – great for entertaining or just relaxing after a long day!

Other features include a sprinkler system, gas dryer connection, gas water heater, and storage building. This area is known for its great golf courses, parks, country club and tennis courts!

If you are interested in 11251 Pinehurst or buying/selling real estate in the Austin area, please contact Mary Lynne Gibbs at 512.431.2403 or austinluxurybroker@gmail.com. It would be an honor to earn your business!

By

Texas Economy and Market Update

Briarcliff.lakeviewThe Austin Board of Realtors® welcomed Dr. James P. Gaines, a research economist, from Texas A&M University Real Estate Center to the Palmer Events Center on October 15th to discuss the Texas economy and give a real estate market update.

Although I was unable to attend this event, I did obtain Dr. Gaines’ presentation and thought you might be interested to review his findings.

As we have seen in the past few years, Texas and the Austin Housing Markets have continued to lead the country’s real estate market. There have been record highs for the last five years in Texas for median home prices and 2014 has seen a 5% increase in home sales, which makes it the second best year ever recorded.

The four reasons Dr. Gaines gave for the Texas economy doing better than other states are job gains, housing prices, general business growth and population growth.

I thought it was interesting to note that Texas has added 14 million people in the last 40 years and is expected to add another 30 million people in the next 40 years. Dr. Gaines claimed that with this exponential growth Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston and Austin populations will explode.

Obviously, the overall real estate market reflects the economic health of any area and Dr. Gaines gave his economic outlook for Texas, which included:

  • Downside risk is a national (global) recession, but even then, Texas may do better than most other states IF energy is strong
  • Energy sector subject to global actions – not as robust
  • High tech and business services fueling job growth
  • Job growth expected to stay relatively strong
  • Population expansion continues to fuel growth
  • Local growth issues becoming more pressing, causing greater strain on state and local resources
  • Local non-residential construction strong

Additionally, he mentioned that even though the past 20 years has seen a housing roller coaster due to monetary policy, political directives and capital market manipulation which then caused a boom-bust-boom scenario; Dr. Gaines believes that housing market is “returning” to fundamentals. These include:

  • Employment-income
  • Household formations
  • Affordability: Interest rates and financing

Dr. Gaines said his top housing issues are:

  • Sustainable price increases and Affordability
  • Mortgage interest rates
  • Construction & labor costs
  • Lot inventory for new construction
  • Mortgage market changes: loan limits; variable qualifying; closing costs
  • Higher “other” costs: taxes, insurance
  • Stronger rental market
  • Return to fundamentals: employment/income, household formations, affordability.

Dr. Gaines gave his Texas housing outlook, which included:

  • Percentage slowdown from past two years
  • Emphasis in new construction on high-end price range
  • Entry-level new homes difficult to finance; Gen-Y buyers most affected
  • Labor and lot inventory shortage across the state
  • Urban-central and suburban markets both strong
  • National and local regulations and controls becoming more stringent
  • Non-residential construction leads nation
  • Future Issues: flood insurance; affordability; EPA regulations on upland wetlands; local growth management efforts

Overall, the Austin and Texas economies are better than most and continue to have considerable potential. However, there will always be pros and cons to exceptional growth. Additionally, it would do us well to remember that there can be major changes due to unforeseen challenges and uncontrollable situations.

“It’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future.” Yogi Berra

Keep in mind that each of us has an opportunity to have our voice heard by the privilege of casting our vote. So, don’t forget to either vote early (ends October 31st) or vote on Election Day, which is November 4th!

If you or someone you know is interested in buying or selling real estate in the Austin area, please contact Mary Lynne Gibbs at 512.431.2403 or austinluxurybroker@gmail.com. It would be an honor to earn your business!

By

Hill Country Galleria Halloween

ID-100277235Spend the day at the Hill Country Galleria on Saturday, October 25th for a spectacular spooky treat!! There’s a little something for everyone – of all ages – with costumes, candy and games!! Perfect for a Halloween celebration!

This family-friendly event runs from 2 p.m. until 9 p.m. with kids’ activities, free face painting, bounce houses, bungee jumping, live music and an absolute must…trick or treating!

Everyone is encouraged to wear their costumes and enjoy the festivities at the Hill Country Galleria and its 100+ participating stores and restaurants!

The schedule of events for this trick or treating extravaganza includes:

2:00p-3:00p – Kids Entertainment and music by The Sassy Spurs at the outdoor amphitheater

3:00p-6:30p – FREE Face Painting, FREE Bounce Houses, Bungee Jump

4:00p-6:00p – Trick-or-Treat at participating locations

7:00p-9:00p – Live Music by The Brewbirds with Warren Hood

The Hill Country Galleria is located on Highway 71, east of Highway 620, in Bee Cave, Texas. For more information on this event and the stores and restaurants that are located in this fabulous shopping center, please go to www.hillcountrygalleria.com.

Additionally, the city of Austin is having a busy weekend with the Texas Book Festival and the Austin Film Festival going on as well! Check out Austin October/November Events for more information on these events!

If you or someone you know is interested in buying or selling real estate in the Austin area, please do not hesitate to contact Mary Lynne Gibbs at 512.431.2403 or austinluxurybroker@gmail.com. It would be an honor to earn your business!

*Image courtesy of “Halloween Tree Represents Trick Or Treat And Environment” by Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.