Austin Texas Real Estate Blog

I think I've mentioned here a few times just how much I like to read.  In fact, if you were to visit our home and look around, you might be struck by the sheer number of books that we have here.  My wife is also a reader, as are our kids.  I have no idea how many books we have, but it's definitely thousands.

The only reason I give you this bit of background info is to illustrate why I was so stoked to get my latest gadget for Christmas - the Kindle DX by Amazon.  If you haven't heard of this latest iteration of the popular e-reader, it comes with a 9.7" screen, and it can hold up to 3,500 books!  Additionally, it has a basic web browser (not sure if I'll actually use it or not), and you can subscribe to newspapers and magazines as well, although the magazine selection is relatively slim right now.  You can also pay a small fee to subscribe to some popular blogs (99 cents to $2.99 per month), but I would have a tough time justifying the extra expense for something I know I could find for free online, unless I were going for extended periods without computer access.

It's only 1/3" thick and it weighs a mere 18 ounces, but for the relatively steep price tag ($489), it seems like it should have come with some type of case or cover.  Since it didn't, I have to be very careful not to leave it where our smaller kids can reach it, at least until I get this rectified soon.

I researched the other options on the market, but the ultimate deciding factor for me was the screen itself.  It uses a technology called "electronic ink", which makes the screen very easy on the eyes, and more like an actual book page.  Frankly, I have no idea how it really works, but it seems like magic.  It actually appears as though the text is printed on the inside of the display.  I guess it's a little tough to describe without seeing it first-hand.  The screen is essentially glare-free, which was another big factor for me.

The menu and navigation are super-easy and intuitive, and books are downloaded within 60 seconds.  The pricing for books is $9.99 or under, from what I've seen so far.  Obviously, this is terrific for any "first run" books, but I will probably continue to use eBay and/or Half-Price Books for stuff that's older.  The buttons are simple to understand and they are perfectly placed.  It also offers a "text to speech" function, which makes it possible to convert any book to audio, but without emotion, since you must choose from the male or female robot voice that is the default.

Here's a video I found that gives a nice overview, although it was posted in May 2009, before the available catalog expanded dramatically:

http://www.crunchgear.com/2009/05/06/kindle-dx-video-demo/

Overall, I would highly recommend this device for anyone who reads...a lot.  If you're a more casual reader, this one is probably overkill for you.  Just my opinion.

Thanks for reading this review!

In case you missed it, our guest today on Social Media Edge was Jeff Turner, president of Real Estate Shows, serial entrepreneur, and Renaissance man.  Jeff also reigns in my mind as the most active listener I have met in person to date.

Much of our talk today revolved around effective ways to build community around a company or brand.  Obviously, if you are marketing yourself, YOU are the brand, so this has value for everyone.

I have a lot of respect for Jeff, and I was again struck by how sharp he really is.  To give you some idea of how well-respected he has become, Chris Brogan called him a "superhero" during our recent interview with him in November.  Yes, truly.

At any rate, I just wanted to encourage you to listen if you have a chance, as there are some terrific lessons therein, and it was a somewhat high-level discussion of social media and its potential.  You can also learn about Jeff's "missing ingredient" when people speak of building community.  If you have no idea what any of this stuff means, maybe you should be listening more often.  :-)

One of my favorite statements today was when Jeff spoke of how our behavior determines our values.  This is solid truth, in my humble opinion.

Give it a listen sometime:

http://blogtalk.vo.llnwd.net/o23/shows/show_801141.mp3

Thanks for reading - and listening!

I have seen so many Christmas posts and Christmas emails this week that I figured I should throw my hat in the ring as well.  :)

But seriously, I wanted to take a minute to wish each of you a terrific and Merry Christmas.  I also hope you have a happy, safe, and healthy 2010. 

Over the past day or so, I have been praying for a friend of mine whose two small grandchildren (ages 4 and 14 months) were badly injured in a car accident on December 19th, and they're still in the hospital tonight, rather than enjoying Christmas Eve at home.  This is the kind of thing that puts my life (and any complaints I might have) in perspective very quickly.  It made me hug my wife and kids even tighter this week.  I didn't write this to bum you out, but rather to ask for your prayers, too, if you have some time to do this.  I guess I feel like part of the spirit of the season is helping others.

I am so thankful for the blessings I have in my life, and if you're reading this, YOU are among them. 

May God bless you and I hope the upcoming year brings you success both personally and professionally.  As always, thanks so much for taking the time to read my thoughts here. 

Located near the intersection of Steck and Mesa in the Northwest Hills area, this condo listing is very affordable and convenient.  Mesa Village is a well-maintained, established complex with lots of trees, and a community pool, tennis courts, and a clubhouse.

Other features:

• Just over 1000 square feet per the tax records
• 2 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms 
• Great floor plan including large closets and a utility space
• The amazing Northwest Hills location is easily accessible from 360, 183 and MoPac. 
• Top AISD schools and public transportation are within walking distance.
• Refrigerator and stackable washer and dryer convey with property!

If you are interested in seeing this condo in person, call Sylvia Christensen anytime at 512-297-3193.  If you are looking to search Austin Texas real estate, visit our site at www.austintexashomes.com. Thanks!

We recently listed a home in the Stone Canyon subdivision that features some phenomenal amenities for the price.  It was built by David Weekley Homes in 2000 (I sold it when it was brand-new), and it's had only one owner.

Offered at $314,000, this large one-story home backs to a densely wooded greenbelt area. 

Features include:

• Beautifully Landscaped Backyard
• Covered Patio
• 4 Bdr or 3Bdr+Study w/2 Closets
• 2.5 Baths
• Spacious Formal Dining/Living Area
• Open Kitchen/Breakfast/Family Area
• Granite Counters with Huge Island for Dining
• Built-in appliances
• Recent Stainless Gas Cooktop & Deep Sink
• Extensive Tile Floors
• 10'Ceilings
• Awesome Master Closet
• Huge Laundry Room
• 2.5car garage(X-Deep)
• Exemplary Fern Bluff Elementary
• Acclaimed Round Rock schools

If you would like to set up a time to take a look at this home, please call Victoria Tackett at 512-845-2084 (cell).  If you would like to search Austin real estate, visit our site at www.austintexashomes.com. 

Thanks!

My mom, Margie Wright, is the director of the Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas, which is located near downtown Dallas.  She's been working there for just over a decade, as part of a long career in social work and public service for those who really need help.  I just wanted to help get her agency more exposure, in an effort to help with their fundraising efforts.

At this time of year, and in our current economic climate, it's easy for people to slip into depression and feelings of utter helplessness.  The recession has taken a toll on our national morale, simply put.  For those who are nearing the end of their rope, the Suicide and Crisis Center provides tangible help and a stellar and well-trained group of volunteers who are ready to listen.

Ironically, when times are tough, and people have less money to give, the center's services are needed more than ever.  If you or anyone close to you has been affected by suicide, you probably wish that you could have done something more to help.  I lost two friends of mine last year, one to cancer and one to suicide.  Obviously, I couldn't do much other than pray to help my friend with cancer, but it might have only taken one conversation to save my other friend's life.  Having undergone a major depression as a teenager, I know this from first-hand experience.

The center provides a wide array of services, including:

• 24-hour crisis line
• Support groups for survivors of suicide
• "Teens Can Survive" - proactive program developed to help identify youths who are suffering from mental illness and/or contemplating suicide
• Suicide debriefings - organized within 24-48 hours to help groups cope with loss
• Crisis intervention services
• Professional in-service workshops

The 24-hour crisis hotline is 214.828.1000 or 866.672.5100 (toll free). Last year, they handled 18,696 phone calls to help others.

If this stuff gets implemented, it's one additional challenge for the real estate industry, at a time when many agents (the ones still left, of course) are struggling to stay afloat.  This makes me sick to my stomach.

I was privileged to have a chance to meet Paul Chaney last year when he was the keynote speaker at the Houston RE Barcamp.  I was impressed with his use of video and pictures to make his points about social media.  In fact, I think that might have been the first time I ever saw one of BlendTech's "Will it Blend?" videos (it did, and it was an iPhone reduced to powder - here's the link).

At any rate, I knew Paul from when he co-wrote "Realty Blogging", which was the very first book on new media that I ever purchased.  When I heard a few months ago that Paul was working on a new book, I was anxious to buy a copy.  Thankfully, Paul sent me a signed copy instead.  Cool!

Paul was a guest on our online radio show on the same day that his book was officially released (September 22nd), although I got my copy in October.  During our talk, he spoke of the book as a field guide, which is a terrific description.  The full title is "The Digital Handshake: Seven Proven Strategies to Grow Your Business Using Social Media".

This book is suitable for newbies to social media, and it gives a great view of this topic from 30,000 feet, so to speak, while also providing some very solid tips for those of us in the trenches as well.  Considering that social media is still in its relative infancy, I suppose I'm somewhere between rookie and grizzled veteran at this stage, and "Digital Handshake" definitely spoke to me.  

Based on some of the success examples that he cites, including Ines Hegedes-Garcia and Stephanie Edwards-Musa, it is clear that Paul holds the real estate industry near and dear, although the lessons therein are valuable for any industry.  

The book is served up in three sections, which are essentially as follows:

• history of media and advertising, along with trends that led to social media marketing
• current tools at your disposal 
• a pragmatic blueprint for moving forward in this arena

Included in the seven (or more) strategies are business blogging, social networks (like Facebook, LinkedIn etc.), niche communities, microblogging (Twitter), online video, podcasting, and an interesting new concept: the social media news release.

I was happy to realize that I am already using most of these tools, although I would love to expand my use of video in 2010 and beyond.  Paul gives some excellent and specific pointers on this.  I also have some ideas about building some local communities online, and this is addressed as well.

In essence, this book serves as a great reference guide for anyone who is still on the social media sidelines, while also giving a playbook for those of us who are already in the game.  Much like "Trust Agents" by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith, I have found myself referring back to "Digital Handshake" for particular websites that are mentioned therein.

I might just need to buy copies for the agents who work for me.  :-)

Thanks for reading - get the book!