Amy Kramer's (amykramerrealtor) Blog

Some people when buying a new construction home approach it differently than buying an existing home. Some think the process is simpler because they can just walk up to the model and talk to a sales person. But remember: "The person working in the model home works for the builder, not for you!" T...

Nestled in the hills of northwest Austin is a small boutique community located just behind the Hudson Bend Middle School called Maravilla.  The neighborhood features around 80 homes, mostly Spanish or Mediterranean in style but each home is completely unique.  As you meander around the community ...

Right as you round the bend over Mansfield Dam one of the first neighborhoods to the south of RR 620 is The Canyons at Lake Travis.  As you take the steep road up to the gates of the community, you start to get a glimpse of the beautiful tree-lined streets and hill country views accentuated in th...

As you are likely very aware, interest rates are at an all-time low which makes home buying very attractive. But interest rates will likely not stay this low for much longer. Economists agree that rate increases in the next year are eminent. In the past year mortgage interest rates have bounced b...

I met a buyer this weekend who lamented the fact that everytime she finds a home she likes and inquires about it, the home is already pending.  She asked: "Why are all the good houses gone by the time I find them on Zillow?" Good question, with an easy answer.  One popular way first-time home-buy...

One of the most common mispconceptions for first time home buyers, is that if you contact a Realtor to buy a home you will pay them.  In fact 99% of the time when you are a buyer and use a Realtor you will pay them nothing! $0!!!!!  The way real estate works is that the seller of a property agree...

In most real estate transactions there is a Realtor for the buyer and a Realtor for the Seller.  Each Realtor represents their own client. Many times when looking for a home, a first time home buyer will see a home they like and call the Realtor on the sign or the Realtor listed on-line as the Re...

We moved to Austin five years ago after a lifetime of living in the Midwest. We were in the unique position of being able to choose where we wanted to live. The only criteria for my husband was warm and my criteria was “cool”….meaning a unique and vibrant city with a myriad of things to do. Austi...

Looking to buy your first home? Here is the Top 10 List of financial Don’ts!When you are in the market to buy a home there are several things you want to keep in mind relating to your finances. 1. Don't change jobs or become      self-employed2. Don't buy a vehicle or boat3. Don't use your credit...

Canopy at Hudson Bend As you've been driving down RR 620 near Hudson Bend  you might have noticed the "Castle Rock Homes" signs near Eck Lane.  This new neighborhood is called Canopy, a truly unique new home community still developing in Hudson Bend, Austin, TX.  They officially opened this spri...