The Gibbs Team

512-431-2403

Mary Lynne Gibbs

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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.

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4804 White Elm Drive

930A5923_4_5_fused (1)4804 White Elm Drive is a pristine, two-story home in the Westcreek Neighborhood that was just listed last week for $239,900. True to the strong housing market in this area, 4804 White Elm Drive is already under contract and taking back-up offers.

4804 White Elm Drive is a prime example of the quick turnaround for real estate in this area, especially when a home is well-maintained, nicely updated and the lawn is beautifully manicured! If a home looks like a model…it goes fast!

930A5790_1_2_fused (1)This greatly desired neighborhood was built in the 1970’s and 1980’s and has approximately 800 homes and is tucked south of Highway 290/71, west of Mopac and north of William Cannon. The Westcreek Neighborhood has easy access to almost anything you could want or need and is close to shopping, restaurants, outdoor activities and even downtown Austin.

However, since 4804 White Elm Drive is taking back-up offers, you might be interested to know that it is a three bedroom and two bathroom home with 1611 square feet. Built in 1979, it has a fabulous open layout with a living room and dining room combo and vaulted ceilings.

930A5829_30_31_fused (1)Gorgeous wood floors flank the living area and your eye goes immediately to the massive stone fireplace on the back wall of the home. Additionally, “Renewal by Andersen” windows and ECO by Consentino countertops, along with Whirlpool stainless steel appliances make this home stand out among others.

The bedrooms of 4804 White Elm Drive are large and the master bathroom is amazing with its updated walk-in shower, extensive counter space and loads of storage cabinets.930A0952_3_4_fused (1)

Nestled amid towering trees, 4804 White Elm Drive has a covered patio in a private backyard for much needed R&R after a busy day!  To see the virtual tour, please go to 4804 White Elm Drive Virtual Tour.

If you are interested in this home or any others 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!

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Real Estate Agent Safety

beverly carter
Beverly Carter Photo from the Internet

The recent kidnapping and subsequent murder of 49-year-old Beverly Carter, a real estate agent in Arkansas, has settled heavy on my heart. It prompts me to help others figure out how to stay safe in the world today by discussing the importance of real estate agent safety.

Not only does this horrible crime hit way to close to home with me being a real estate broker, but it also reminds me that following safety precautions are crucial in a Realtors® way of life.

Beverly Carter was last seen on last Thursday afternoon before heading out to show an “unknown” client a home that was for sale. She was never heard from again. Even though her husband did know the address of the home she was showing, when he arrived to check on her the front door was open, her car was in the driveway and her purse was in the car. Sadly, her body was later found 27 miles away in a shallow grave.

Breaks my heart.

Obviously, real estate agents meet people on a regular basis that they do not know, but that doesn’t mean caution should be thrown out the window. Realtor.com’s Top 10 Ways to Keep Safe include:

  1. Be careful with personal info
  2. Verify customer information
  3. Enlist a coworker
  4. Announce your showings
  5. Scout locations early
  6. Keep phone in hand
  7. Keep customer in sight
  8. Pay attention to exits
  9. Take a self-defense class
  10. Trust your gut

Real estate agents can also use several Apps for their smart phone that will immediately call 911 and give their GPS location, among other things. To see an article with six Apps that are great for the safety of Realtors® please click here 6 Mobile Safety Apps for Real Estate.

Technology is a beautiful thing. I found another article on the latest gadgets (i.e. jewelry, charms) that can be used to notify authorities if a Realtor® finds himself/herself in a dangerous situation. These devices also track the location of the agent. To read more about these available safety tools please click here Using Technology for Real Estate Agent Safety.

As a client, please understand when a real estate agent requests a copy of your driver’s license or asks you to meet them at the office first instead of the home you are interested in…these are not sale’s tactics or meant to inconvenience you. They are preventive measures that every Realtor® should take when they do not have a personal relationship with the client.

In the past, I have left a voicemail with a friend or fellow agent with the license plate number of client’s vehicle that I am showing homes to just to let someone know who I am with. Another easy way to identify unknown clients would be to take a picture of their driver’s license and forward to your broker, friend, agent, etc.

Additionally, if you are a listing client never allow someone (including real estate agents) into your home that has not made an appointment or was ‘just driving by.’ Identities should always be verified and it is protocol for agents to call first before showing up on your doorstep.

Listing clients should always require the agents who show their homes to use the Lockbox so that the names of agents who have gone through the home can be tracked.

A few precautions can go a long way and they really are not that difficult to do. In fact, they could save your life.

Please join me in keeping the family and friends of Beverly Carter in our thoughts and prayers during such a sad time.

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

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1812 Collier Street

930A0860_1_2_fusedLive the life of an Austin hipster in this delightful dollhouse at 1812 Collier Street in one of the zaniest and coveted areas of the capital city! Built in 1950 with 1286 square feet, this eclectic two bedroom and two bathroom home is just a few blocks from top-rated Zilker Elementary, Zilker Park, Barton Springs Pool, Auditorium Shores, South Lamar and SoCo.

Offered at $529,000, 1812 Collier Street is nestled among pecan trees and features a long driveway for loads of parking so guests can enjoy Austin’s downtown entertainment with you. The driveway extends to behind the home where you will find a single-car garage, along with a storage shed.

930A0866_7_8_fusedThe front of 1812 Collier Street has shutters and a darling covered porch off of the quaint and generously treed yard. Upon entering the home off of this front porch, you will find a combined living and dining room area that possesses gorgeous long leaf pine wood flooring and is open, airy and bright.

Additionally, a sizeable office off of the living/dining area makes this home perfect for the career-oriented individual who wants to be in the middle of town, with the convenience of a quick commute or for working from home. On the other hand, you could add a closet or an armoire to make this study a third bedroom for a small family. This extra space makes this home suitable for many needs.

930A0777_8_9_fusedThe two bedrooms of 1812 Collier Street both have their own attached bathrooms. However, the largest of the two bedrooms is the master suite and its bathroom has a double vanity, stand-up shower and linen closet. This bedroom also has a large closet that encompasses an entire wall.

Located at the back of the home, the kitchen includes a gas range and dishwasher, along with a laundry closet that has room for a stackable washer and dryer. The kitchen also contains a breakfast area with a door leading to a wood deck in the spacious and private backyard.

930A0732_3_4_fusedTo find out more about 1812 Collier Street or other Austin area properties, please do not hesitate to contact Mary Lynne Gibbs at 512.431.2304 or austinluxurybroker@gmail.com. It would be a pleasure to earn your business.

You can see the virtual tour here 1812 Collier Street Virtual Tour.

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Fall Home Maintenance

ID-100137369We’ve already had a few cooler days, college and NFL football games grace our televisions each weekend and it’s time to accomplish several items on our To Do List for fall home maintenance projects. Sounds like work, but you’ll sure be glad you took the time once the temperatures drop in the coming weeks and months.

The first day of fall is September 23rd and that, my friends, is right around the corner!! Time flies when you’re having fun!!

Between the DIY Network, Better Homes and Gardens, Bob Villa and MSN Real Estate, we have come up with our Top 10 Fall Home Maintenance Tips to keep your home in tip top shape.

With every season, comes its own list of complications and problems to avoid. So, don’t waste any time marking these items off of your list!

TOP 10 FALL HOME MAINTENANCE TIPS:

  1. Add weather stripping to doors and windows. Caulk as necessary.
  2. Check insulation. Replace or add as needed.
  3. Examine gutters for drainage issues and clean out debris.
  4. Call an exterminator to inspect and treat areas of concern.
  5. Execute a home safety check. Check smoke detectors, carbon monoxide sensors and fire extinguishers. Recap the fire escape plan with family members.
  6. Inspect the roof and chimney for damage. Repair as necessary.
  7. Clean and vacuum dryer vent, air vents and air returns.
  8. Schedule a maintenance check on furnace equipment.
  9. Trim tree limbs away from the home or ones that are low to the ground. Clean up leaves, prune hedges and tidy landscaping to keep critters from nesting around the home.
  10. Reseed lawn in barren areas and fertilize with a high nitrogen fertilizer.

If you need a reference for any of these home remedies, please feel free to contact Mary Lynne Gibbs at 512.431.2403 or austinluxurybroker@gmail.com. Of course, if you are interested in real estate in the Austin area, it would be a pleasure to earn your business!