Robert Nelson

Lot premiums can be significantly reduced through negotiation. I have sucessfully negotiated dramatic reductions regarding lot premiums. Many builders, Toll Brothers and Mercedes included, are very motivated right now: particularly with their inventory homes. I am a real fan of the Rimrock project with it's very short commute to downtown Austin. I know the site reps for Mercedes and make sure that the fat is out of the deal. Regarding commission structure: let's make a deal. - Wed Jun 18 2008, 11:13

Knoxville to Austin: how exciting. Austin has great established neighborhoods and you mention several excellent neighborhoods. I migrated to Austin from Seattle in 2006 and have found Austin to be very good to me in many ways....here is a link to the Austin Catholic Diocese: www.austindiocese.org. Since Austin has many exceptional homes to choose from, I would focus on a school and then begin searching in the areas surrounding that school. Bear in mind that most of the core areas have modest commutes, however why fight traffic if you don't really have to. Here is a link to one of Austin's oldest and most beautfiul Catholic churches. http://www.saintmaryscathedral.org Make a wish list and recruit a realtor who will give you a neighborhood by neighborhood tour. I think it is best to get right in and allocate enough time to really get the feel of these outstanding neighborhoods. Make sure you account for varying tax rates in Austins different neighborhoods: there are some surprises in our property tax rates, with rates varying byover 1% of assessed value: that is a huge difference! I am excited for you and your family. Let us know if we can help in any way.

Robert H. Nelson
Sotheby's International Realty
Nelson Gustafson Group
512.517.4432 - Thu May 15 2008, 07:32

Construction loans, like other loans, are factored heavily by the borrowers credit score. You will probably find financing in the upper 6's to low 7's This type of financing is a bit harder to find, right now, with most lenders looking for more "conventional" loans. . However, I have found that many smaller banks are still working with qualified borrowers for "out of the box" solutions. The key is in packaging your proposal in a professional manner, so that the underwriters have a good handle on what you are seeking to do. I would make sure that you include a value, based on area comparables, of your finished project. It would be best if your project shows an equity position at it's conclusion of at least 20% Good luck with your project! - Mon May 12 2008, 13:08

Good day to you. In that you are the first potential buyer it should be possible to negotiate some of the details of your condo regime....you or your realtor will need to approach the developer with a clear amendment to the current regime.

I too, have never encountered a minimum common element component or requirement to a condo regime in Austin. Condo regimes are becoming increasingly more common, and though it may seem simple it may be a good idea to have an attorney review the documents on your behalf!

I hope your negotiation goes as it should.... - Sat May 3 2008, 08:58

I relocated to Austin from the Seattle area in 2006 and just love Austin. The different areas of the city have significantly different "flavors" I chose a South Austin location as the home prices were moderate and yet I can be in the SoCo and downtown districts in less than twenty minutes. I would recommend dividing the city into 4 quadrants and tour each so you have a better feel for what is what. A short term rental might be your best answer....then you can research the city from within and really make a better decision......I would check out the South Congress and South Lamar areas, the areas west of the city center, and the areas just north of the Capitol. These areas are hip and cool and offer awesome shopping and dining as well as great access to Austin's parks, trails, museums and espresso....Google up a storm and then come on down for a visit, you'll love Austin!! - Mon Apr 28 2008, 17:20