Greetings from Austin

You closed on your new house, congratulations! But you're not done yet. After you close, there is still a lot to do before you can take a breath, relax, and enjoy your new home. Cleaning, painting, changing locks, finding your water shut off, and much more. We go over all of the things that should be on your list to complete after closing. All important for different reasons, you shouldn't skip any of them! Some are important for your safety, some for your sanity, and others could help minimize damage in the event of an incident.  If you're in the Austin area and need real estate assistance, we'd love to help you! Schedule a time to talk with us: https://calendly.com/alisawells Are you enjoying the show? Please take a moment to share an episode with friends and family or leave us a positive rating and review.  We're located in Austin, TX and our broker is Realty Austin. Read the blog https://www.westlake-home.com/blog/ Browse Austin Real Estate- https://www.westlake-home.com/ Submit questions or topic requests to [email protected] Follow us on social: https://www.instagram.com/alisawellsatx/ https://www.facebook.com/JennyWalkerWestlake/ Disclaimers: Any information or advice provided on these episodes is only intended for educational and informative purposes. All information should be verified to ensure it is up to date. Please talk with a real estate professional, financial advisor, or applicable expert in your area to confirm the accuracy where you are.

Moving when you have another property to sell can be difficult. Whether you're transitioning to a bigger home, or downsizing. There are multiple ways to make a move successful and minimize stress when more than 1 transaction is in the mix. We'll go over a few different ways you can do this. Ending the episode by answering a few questions we're often asked in these situations. Are you in the Austin area and need real estate assistance? We'd love to help you, reach out via our contact info below or visit our website.  If you're enjoying this show, please take a moment to leave a positive rating and review. We really appreciate the support!  We're located in Austin, TX and our broker is Realty Austin. Read the blog https://www.westlake-home.com/blog/ Browse Austin Real Estate- https://www.westlake-home.com/ Contact/Submit questions or topic requests to [email protected] Follow us on social: https://www.instagram.com/alisawellsatx/ https://www.facebook.com/JennyWalkerWestlake/ Disclaimers: Any information or advice provided on these episodes is only intended for educational and informative purposes. All information should be verified to ensure it is up to date. Please talk with a real estate professional, financial advisor, or applicable expert in your area to confirm the accuracy where you are.

If you're considering purchasing land to build a home, it can be helpful to have an understanding of the process and some key details. As a builder, buyer, and homeowner, Jenny can speak personally on the subject in many ways! We'll cover what all is involved in a lot study once you've found a property that might work. Covering the steps from looking for a property and confirming usage to establishing utilities and starting your build.  Need help finding a lot to build on in the Austin area? Reach out, we'd love to help! If you aren't in the area and need a referral, we can connect you with a great agent wherever you are.  If you're enjoying the show, please take a moment to leave us a positive rating and review.  We're located in Austin, TX and our broker is Realty Austin. Read the blog https://www.westlake-home.com/blog/ Browse Austin Real Estate- https://www.westlake-home.com/ Submit questions or topic requests to [email protected] Follow us on social: https://www.instagram.com/alisawellsatx/ https://www.facebook.com/JennyWalkerWestlake/ Disclaimers: Any information or advice provided on these episodes is only intended for educational and informative purposes. All information should be verified to ensure it is up to date. Please talk with a real estate professional, financial advisor, or applicable expert in your area to confirm the accuracy where you are.

It can be hard to know where to start when tackling big things. This week we're talking about the process of buying a home in Texas and this is no exception. So, we're breaking it down for you into 12 simple steps. If you're buying for the first time, considering another move, or maybe even contemplating an investment, this episode will help you feel prepared for what's to come. We've said it before and we'll say it again, educated clients are happy clients. Our goal is to empower you to make smart and savvy real estate decisions.  If you're enjoying the show, please take a moment to leave us a (5-star!) rating and review. Need help buying or selling in the Austin area? Let's chat!! Reach out via the website, email, call, or text. You can find links to our contact info below. We're located in Austin, TX and our broker is Realty Austin. Read the blog https://www.westlake-home.com/blog/ Browse Austin Real Estate- https://www.westlake-home.com/ Submit questions or topic requests to [email protected] Follow us on social: https://www.instagram.com/alisawellsatx/ https://www.facebook.com/JennyWalkerWestlake/ Disclaimers: Any information or advice provided on these episodes is only intended for educational and informative purposes. All information should be verified to ensure it is up to date. Please talk with a real estate professional, financial advisor, or applicable expert in your area to confirm the accuracy where you are.

Are you considering selling your home? It's nice to have a clear understanding of the process before you get started. No matter if you've sold real estate many times or if this is your first time selling, this episode is for you. We take an in-depth look at each step and what is involved, clarifying tasks that your agent will be in charge of and what you'll need to be prepared to handle as the seller.  If you're enjoying the show, please take a moment to leave us a (5-star!) rating and review.  Need help selling in the Austin area? Let's chat!! Reach out via the website, email, call, or text. You can find links to our contact info below.  We're located in Austin, TX and our broker is Realty Austin. Read the blog https://www.westlake-home.com/blog/ Browse Austin Real Estate- https://www.westlake-home.com/ Submit questions or topic requests to [email protected] Follow us on social: https://www.instagram.com/alisawellsatx/ https://www.facebook.com/JennyWalkerWestlake/ Disclaimers: Any information or advice provided on these episodes is only intended for educational and informative purposes. All information should be verified to ensure it is up to date. Please talk with a real estate professional, financial advisor, or applicable expert in your area to confirm the accuracy where you are.

The word survey may be familiar to you but do you actually know how important this piece of paper is in real estate? This week we have special guest, Leslie Misman with Amerisurveyors here to give us a lesson on survey 101. Best practices when putting up a new fence, different types of surveys, the survey process from the time of order, wild stories from the survey trenches (Did your neighbor put a house on your property?), and so much more! It’s safe to say we’re ALL learning something new this week. Having the right real estate agent working with you is so important but don't forget about the rest of the team! Surveyors, Inspectors, and Title, all play a big part when it comes to a smooth and successful transaction. Need real estate help in the Austin area? We'd love to help you!  If you’re enjoying this podcast, please take a moment to leave a (5 Star!) rating and review! You can find AmeriSurveyors and Leslie at: www.amerisurveyors.com TikTok: @ameriwarriors Instagram @amerisurveyors We're located in Austin, TX and our broker is Realty Austin. Read the blog https://www.westlake-home.com/blog/ Browse Austin Real Estate- https://www.westlake-home.com/ Submit questions or topic requests to [email protected] Follow us on social: https://www.instagram.com/alisawellsatx/ https://www.facebook.com/JennyWalkerWestlake/ Disclaimers: Any information or advice provided on these episodes is only intended for educational and informative purposes. All information should be verified to ensure it is up to date. Please talk with a real estate professional, financial advisor, or applicable expert in your area to confirm the accuracy where you are.

If you recently purchased a primary residence, it's time to think about your homestead exemption. Filing for your homestead exemption can save you a lot on your property tax bill. But did you know that that isn't the only benefit to you as a homeowner? Learn the difference between homestead exemptions vs homestead caps, some of the different types of exemptions you might qualify for, and answers to some of the frequently asked questions we get on this subject. We aren't tax experts and you should confirm this information is accurate in your county. Keep in mind that things can change at any time. Visit the blog below for helpful links. We're located in Austin, TX and our broker is Realty Austin. Read the blog https://www.westlake-home.com/blog/ Browse Austin Real Estate- https://www.westlake-home.com/ Submit questions or topic requests to [email protected] Follow us on social: https://www.instagram.com/alisawellsatx/ https://www.facebook.com/JennyWalkerWestlake/ Disclaimers: Any information or advice provided on these episodes is only intended for educational and informative purposes. All information should be verified to ensure it is up to date. Please talk with a real estate professional, financial advisor, or applicable expert in your area to confirm the accuracy where you are.

Have you ever heard of occupied staging? Many people don't realize this is an option and assume that staging is only for those who will be moving out of their homes before listing.  Lindsay Durbin of Homecraft Staging is here to shed some light on the matter. Learn about what to expect when working with an occupied stager, tips to make your home look it's absolute best before it hits the market, and even hear some fun stories along the way. Lindsay likes to remind her clients that the goal is to sell the square footage of the rooms and space, not their belongings. If you like a satisfying before and after transformation, be sure to follow Lindsay on Instagram!  Find Lindsay at: https://www.homecraftstaging.com/ Email her at: [email protected] Follow along on social: https://www.instagram.com/homecraftstaging/ We're located in Austin, TX and our broker is Realty Austin. Read the blog https://www.westlake-home.com/blog/ Browse Austin Real Estate- https://www.westlake-home.com/ Submit questions or topic requests to [email protected] Follow us on social: https://www.instagram.com/alisawellsatx/ https://www.facebook.com/JennyWalkerWestlake/ Disclaimers: Any information or advice provided on these episodes is only intended for educational and informative purposes. All information should be verified to ensure it is up to date. Please talk with a real estate professional, financial advisor, or applicable expert in your area to confirm the accuracy where you are.

Is it okay to bring a pet along with you for a showing? How long is it appropriate to stick around when viewing a property? Should you use the bathroom at a listing or wait? Should a seller be at the property for showings? Can a property owner video during showings? Gosh, there are so many questions when it comes to showing etiquette for both buyers and sellers. We're here to answer all of these and more. It's so important to remember that the tone of the transaction can start when your agent schedules the showing. We hope these tips help make for a smooth transaction no matter what side you're on! We're located in Austin, TX and our broker is Realty Austin. Read the blog https://www.westlake-home.com/blog/ Browse Austin Real Estate- https://www.westlake-home.com/ Submit questions or topic requests to [email protected] Follow us on social: https://www.instagram.com/alisawellsatx/ https://www.facebook.com/JennyWalkerWestlake/ Disclaimers: Any information or advice provided on these episodes is only intended for educational and informative purposes. All information should be verified to ensure it is up to date. Please talk with a real estate professional, financial advisor, or applicable expert in your area to confirm the accuracy where you are. 

We keep hearing the term "Shifting Market", it's being used by industry professionals, consumers, and all over social media and the news. But what does the term really mean? And how can you successfully navigate a real estate transaction during a shift? Or more importantly, is purchasing or selling real estate even a good idea right now? We answer these questions and more in today's episode. Stick around until the end for a 2022 Austin Market Recap! We're located in Austin, TX and our broker is Realty Austin. Read the blog https://www.westlake-home.com/blog/ Browse Austin Real Estate- https://www.westlake-home.com/ Submit questions or topic requests to [email protected] Follow us on social: https://www.instagram.com/alisawellsatx/ https://www.facebook.com/JennyWalkerWestlake/ Disclaimers: Any information or advice provided on these episodes is only intended for educational and informative purposes. All information should be verified to ensure it is up to date. Please talk with a real estate professional, financial advisor, or applicable expert in your area to confirm the accuracy where you are.