The Gibbs Team

512-431-2403

Blog

By

Top Websites to Get to Know Austin

ID-10044812With Austin’s continued highly ranked spot as a Top-Performing City in the U.S., it is no surprise that people flock to our area year after year to see what all of the hype is about! (To see the entire article on Austin’s ranking, please go to Austin Business Journal.)

Austin has welcomed many newcomers in the past few years and it is very likely more will come in 2015. So, I thought it would be helpful to put together a list of websites that could assist these new residents, visitors and guests to get to know our city a little better!

However, after looking at my list – it’s actually very beneficial for those of us who have lived in our area for a lifetime!!

My Top 20 Austin Websites include:

  1. The Greater Austin Newcomer Guide – www.aboutaustinrelocating.com
  2. Austin Visitors Guide – www.austintexas.org
  3. City of Austin Website – www.austintexas.gov
  4. Austin Entertainment Information – www.austin360.com
  5. Circuit of the Americas – www.circuitoftheamericas.com
  6. Austin City Limits Festival – www.aclfestival.com/
  7. SXSW – www.sxsw.com
  8. The University of Texas – www.utexas.edu
  9. The Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce – www.austinchamber.com
  10. Travis County website – www.traviscountytx.gov
  11. Williamson County website – www.wilco.org
  12. The Austin Chronicle – www.austinchronicle.com
  13. The Austin Business Journal – www.bizjournals.com/austin/
  14. Austin Entertainment Information – http://365thingsaustin.com/
  15. Austin Entertainment Information – http://do512.com/
  16. Downtown Austin Alliance – http://www.downtownaustin.com/
  17. Austin American Statesman – www.statesman.com
  18. Austin Monthly – www.austinmonthly.com
  19. Austin Food Trucks – http://roaminghunger.com/aus
  20. Community Impact – http://impactnews.com/

This is just a small sampling of websites that provide information about our unique city! However, it is a great start towards learning about Austin and enjoying what it has to offer!

I hope you will take advantage of the plethora of exciting events, sites, restaurants and entertainment options that are available in Austin, Texas!!!

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

*Image courtesy of “Words Coming Out Of Laptop” by digitalart/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

By

Goals and Objectives

930A5923_4_5_fused (1)The first week of 2015 has flown by and that means if we haven’t already mapped out our goals and objectives for this New Year, we’d better get to it.

However, as I’ve been thinking of my own aspirations for 2015, it occurred to me that many people have dreams and goals, but have no idea of how to achieve them.

I’d like to help!

As a Realtor® I can help in four obvious ways: buying, selling, investing and leasing.

Some not-so-obvious ways that I can help include: service provider referrals, area information, up-to-date local news and happenings in my weekly blog, local and national information provided daily on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+, real estate market information, home market analysis, relocation information, and much, much more!

I grew up in the Oak Hill area and have called Lakeway home for more than 30 years, so I have a vast knowledge of the neighborhoods, culture and continued change our unique city of Austin is going through.

Additionally, I diligently stay current on our economy, market and industry – all of which are ever-changing and none have a crystal ball to tell us what to expect.

It’s no surprise that Austin is a bit different than most places in the country. The biggest difference I see is that Austin was not hit as hard economically as most areas back in 2008 and it is likely because after the fall of the Dotcoms in 2001 – Austin worked hard to bring in diverse industries. Therefore, our city has continued to bring new people, jobs and growth over the past several years.

Having said all this, economic indicators do show that mortgage rates may potentially go UP in 2015, which means it will be more expensive to buy a home. AND housing prices MAY be the highest they will be in our area for the short term.

Both of these indicators bode well for selling and buying real estate, of which I can definitely help with!

Please call me at 512.431.2403 or email me at austinluxurybroker@gmail.com if you have any questions. I would love to discuss your goals and help you in any way that I can. There is absolutely no obligation if you call me! I’m here to help!

Let me assist you with your 2015 real estate goals and objectives! It would be an honor to earn your business!

By

Great Economic Trends Going into 2015

ID-1009183Recently, I read an article in the New York Times (online edition) about five economic trends that we should be grateful for as we enter into 2015.

I know, I know…it’s crazy that 2014 is already over and we are headed into a new year, but it sure has been a good one!!

Here are the five positive economic trends the article discussed.

1. Cheaper Gas Prices – This holiday season has been a great time to take a road trip due to the cheaper gas prices. No one knows for sure how long this will last, but I’m pretty sure everyone is taking advantage while they can!

2. Job Growth – Since 2010, job growth has been improving, but in 2014 it has taken a giant leap.

The best news is that according to the Forbes Best City for Job Growth List, Austin ranks No. 1!! We have certainly had a better economic recovery than most cities since the recession, but to be No. 1 is above and beyond what we ever expected!!

3. More Americans Are Leaving Jobs Voluntarily – This economic trend bodes well with the confidence Americans have that they can find a better job and that there are actually jobs on the market to be had. In past years, people have been much more concerned with layoffs than they are today and that is a great trend to experience.

4. Home Prices Are Rising More Slowly – According to the article, “The Case-Shiller index of home prices in 20 major metropolitan areas was up 4.9 percent in the 12 months ended in September (2014), compared with more than 13 percent in 2013.” A sharp increase of home prices can cause real estate bubbles, which in effect then cause many problems in the housing market because of inflated prices.

Austin, specifically, will be interesting to watch in 2015 as it continues to deal with all areas of development, rising housing prices, population growth, its aging infrastructure and the traffic issues it is currently facing.

5. American Households Appear to Be Done Reducing Their Debt – The article said, “Across the major categories of debt, including mortgages, credit cards and the like, debt levels are now rising again. Not at the kind of rapid rates that would signal a buildup of major new risks, but decisively upward.”

Debt may not sound like a good thing to many, but for the economy it means that people are spending and have confidence that they will be able to pay off any debt they incur. Of course, I would always advise to spend wisely…no matter what kind of economy we are facing.

I hope this information will help you set your goals for 2015 and beyond! Happy New Year!!!

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!

Photo courtesy of “Pumping Fuel” by Michelle Meiklejohn/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

By

Looking After Christmas

ID-100201446Christmas is just a few days away! It’s been a wonderful season this year and certainly full of giving, sharing, joy and love…just the way I like it! So, how can we keep the spirit alive all year long? Well, it starts with looking after Christmas.

For some reason, we seem to think we have to cram all of this goodness into about six weeks and then move on after the tree comes down and the ornaments go back into the box. Sure, Christmas might be over at midnight on December 25th, but the season of helping others and spreading joy can last a lifetime.

Thankfully, we live in a fabulous area full of many philanthropic opportunities…all we have to do is find what fits our schedule and how much time we would like to give…because giving actually makes us richer.

Here are some organizations that could use our help and support throughout the next year!

Lakeway Regional Hospital can always use teens 14+ and adult volunteers to provide support for various departments throughout the hospital. Lakeway Regional Hospital Volunteer Opportunities

Mobile Loaves and Fishes has over 17,000 volunteers help feed and clothe the homeless in the Austin area all year long. Areas of opportunity include make ready teams, delivering meals, garden preparation, harvesting, canning, maintenance, and more. Mobile Loaves and Fishes Volunteering

Hands on Central Texas is the United Way of Austin’s volunteer program that helps residents help others in their community. Throughout the year there are several Days of Caring and special events that need volunteers. http://www.handsoncentraltexas.org/

Any Baby Can is a child and family resource center that provides education, therapy and support to families who are found in need by a variety of local organizations. Volunteers of all levels of experience are needed in several positions. www.anybabycan.org

Susan G. Komen Austin provides support, outreach and national research in the fight against breast cancer. Volunteers are needed to help with Race for the Cure, special events, public policy, public relations, community outreach and more. www.komenaustin.org

Special Olympics Texas provides year-round sports training and competition opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Volunteers do not need any special skills, but can help with competitions, fundraisers, coaching, and office assistance or as a Fan in the Stands. www.sotx.org

SafePlace is a local program that works to end domestic violence. Volunteers are needed to work directly with families and individuals and provide assistance in clerical or administrative roles. Opportunities include accompanying survivors to court; answer hotline calls, plan children’s birthday parties, deliver toys to SafePlace for clients for the Holiday Giving Program and many more. www.safeplace.org/volunteer

Ladies of Charity Lake Travis Thrift Shop sells donated clothing, housewares, linens, toys, jewelry, furniture, antiques and much more. Volunteers are needed to work in the store and donations are welcome. Profits support a variety of charities in the Lake Travis area. www.laketravisthrift.com

Capital Area Food Bank of Texas is the largest hunger-relief charity in Central Texas and serves more than 48,000 people each week. Volunteers are always needed to help prepare food donations for distribution, assist with the mobile food pantry, help out at the St. John’s Community Food Center and more. Visit www.austinfoodbank.org/volunteer for a complete list of volunteer opportunities.

Austin Pets Alive! is a nonprofit animal rescue group committed to promoting and providing the resources, education and programs needed to eliminate the killing of homeless companion animals in Austin. The center is run almost entirely by volunteers. www.austinpetsalive.org

The Arc of the Capital Area provides individualized services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Volunteer opportunities include helping clients at the Arc of Arts Studio and assisting at monthly socialization activities such as movie night and volunteering at special events, among others. www.arcofthecapitalarea.org

These are only a few of the many occasions one can find to lend a helping hand. I truly hope you will make it a priority in 2015 to donate your time, money and resources to make the world a better place.

Merry Christmas!

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!

*Image courtesy of www.freedigitalphotos.net.

By

There Is Still Time to Help!

As we are headed into the last week before Christmas, there is still time to help others in our community have a happy, healthy and joyous holiday this year.

We are so fortunate and it just makes sense to share with others!

Many charities have already hit their deadlines for gifts and deliveries, but there are definitely some that are still open to both!

Here are a few we have found that could still use our help! We hope you will take this opportunity to donate and brighten the day of those less fortunate.

Angel Tree – The Keller Williams Lake Travis Market Center has an Angel Tree that is helping a single mother with four children. The ages and sizes of the children are age 12 (size 14-16), age 11 (size 12), age 4 (size 8-10) and a three-month-old baby. The mother is 40-years-old and a size 4. All donations can be dropped off in the lobby of the market center by end of business on December 17th.

Stocking Stuffer Drive for The Settlement Home for Children – Helps about 55-57 girls and boys, ages 13-18, in the foster program. All donations are due at the Keller Williams Lake Travis Market Center the morning of December 22 for assembling. Cash donations are due Friday the 19th. The wish list includes makeup, nail polish, books for teenage girls, gift cards to Target, Wal-Mart, Visa, Mastercard, large stuffed animals, touch screen MP3 players, slippers, board games, art and crafts, markers and crayons, gel pens, paints, beads and jewelry making kits, journals, scrapbooking kits, blow dryers and flat irons, bicycles – for boys and girls, child size to adult size, electric scooters, toy cars, trucks and super heroes figures, and Leap Pads.

Operation Blue Santa Delivery Day – December 20th 7am-1pm at the Blue Santa Warehouse, 4101 S. Industrial Dr., Suite 260, Austin, Texas 78744 – This event, headed by the Austin Police Department, is open to anyone willing to volunteer and needs assistance with getting the many deliveries that go out to the families in need this Holiday Season. Once all deliveries are made, there will be live entertainment and great food provided to all volunteers at the Warehouse.

Austin Children Services provides residential and non-residential services to children, youth, and families who have experienced abuse or neglect. From now until December 31st, gifts to ACS will be DOUBLED thanks to a generous challenge grant from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation. ACS Donation

2014 Bee Cave Community Holiday Food Drive – The Rotary Club of Bee Cave – Spicewood and the Bee Cave Police Department have joined forces to collect food that will benefit local charities including: Partners in Hope, Lake Travis Crisis Ministries and Spicewood Helping Hands. Bring non-perishable food items to Bee Cave Police Department, BBVA Compass Bank, Faraday’s Kitchen Store, Broadway Bank, Bee Cave Library and A+ Federal Credit Union until December 31st to participate in this food drive.

Lake Travis Thrift/Ladies of Charity is located at 1508 RR 620 South and supports charities and the needy, primarily in the Lake Travis area. They sell clothing, housewares, linens, toys, jewelry, furniture, antiques and those one-of-kind “finds” on Tuesday through Saturday from 10am-4pm and until 7pm on Wednesdays. Christmas items are currently 50% off, so take this opportunity to find some deals and help others all at the same time! To donate please go to http://www.laketravisthrift.com/

Hill Country Community Ministries operates a food pantry, clothes closet, and provides other assistance for approximately 400-500 families a month. To donate please go to http://www.hccm.org/index.html

We hope you have a wonderful Christmas season!

If you or anyone 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.