The Austin housing market is hot, so now is the time to sell your home if you are looking to maximize a profit and invest your finances elsewhere. But before you put the for sale sign in your front yard, it's important to be aware of what the Texas capital gains tax means for you and your home. 

WHAT ARE CAPITAL GAINS TAXES?

When you buy anything of value—such as stocks, cars, homes, or one-of-a-kind artwork—you might be subject to a long-term capital gains tax when it comes time to sell that high price tag item if the value has increased. If you bought a painting for $100,000 and later sold it for $150,000, that $50,000 profit is taxable. 

If you own an item for a short amount of time when you sell it, you may have to pay short-term capital gains,…

The Art of Feng Shui Can Improve Your Well Being, Wealth, and Property Value

Is Austin Feng Shui?

Austin became the capitol of Texas in 1839 and, in 1845, Texas became part of the United States. After 2 elections, Austin retained the title of the State Capital and, throughout the years, has been voted as the one of the most desirable cities to live in. So desirable, in fact, that many high-tech companies open branch offices or even move their entire company to Austin. Is this a coincidence or is this fate? From a Feng Shui viewpoint, this is definitely not a coincidence.

During a recent interview with Real Estate Consultant at Realty Austin and Feng Shui Specialist, Ms. Rosalia Chiu, she gave an overview of Real Estate trends in Austin, and what…

Why Protest Property Taxes?

Did you know that 30-60% of taxable property is over-assessed, and less than 30% of all taxpayers challenge their tax assessment? Protesting your Austin property tax is a great way to help keep your property tax low each year, as Texas has the nation's 7th highest property tax rate. You should make it a yearly effort to protest your property value taxes because engaging in property tax protest could save you several hundred to several thousand dollars over time.

Here’s a tip: You won’t be notified unless your appraisal value has gone up by more than $1,000, so it is a good habit to protest every year to help combat any increase.

Why Is Tax-assessed Value Different Than Market Value?

The tax-assessed value is what your…

The kitchen is the most used and important space in a home. It's where families cook, entertain, do homework, play games and more! That's why kitchens should be designed as multifunctional spaces. Because it's the most used space in the home, it's important to create a beautifully designed space that will withstand the test of time. From cabinets, backsplashes, lighting, and counters, it can be challenging to design. That's why we created a list of the top 10 design trends for kitchens to make your kitchen renovation a little less stressful!

List of Top 10 Kitchen Trends:

• Dark Countertops
• Double Islands
• Eco-Friendly Kitchen Cabinets
• Fun Light Fixtures
• Open Shelving
• Retro Appliances
• Slab Backsplash
• Steel Range Hoods
• Unique Hardware
• …

AUSTIN, TX - The challenge of brightening up a dark room is a common design hurdle for most homeowners. The good news is, bringing light into your space can be done without major renovations. Check out these 7 tips to help you turn your home interiors from dark and drabby to light and inviting.

1. Add Bright Artwork to the Walls

Adding vibrant art to the room instantly brightens up your space with pops of color against a dark or neutral wall.

2. Opt for Light Wood Flooring

If you are looking to take more drastic measures to brighten your space, consider installing light wood flooring to brighten a room and mask scratches in high traffic areas. 

3. Add a Colorful Rug

Large, colorful area rugs can help define your space and add a bright…

Austin, TX - The outdoor space is a critical place where prospective home buyers will make their decisions on where to call home. By providing premium outdoor amenities, on your property, it allows you to enhance their home value. With just the right amenities and care, residents can feel like they are in their own outdoor oasis. Check out these 4 amenities that will have any buyer putting in an offer!

1. A pool of your own

It’s no secret that summers in Texas are HOT! Pools are the top trending outdoor amenity with high demand. Buyers are looking to properties with more land simply to have more outdoor space to include their dream pool and spa. Multiple Styles of pools can be added to a variety of homes with different yard sizes. Above ground styles…

Austin, TX - It’s that special time of year when the neighborhood gets a little brighter. Homes across the country twinkle in the night as hundreds of lights line roof, windows, and landscaping. We’ll help you plan out your holiday display and give you tips on how to safely hang outdoor lights to give your home a touch of holiday magic! Not up for completing the task yourself? We’ve curated a list of local professional holiday light installers that can get the job do

Steps to Hanging Outdoor Holiday Lights

Step 1: Make a Display Plan

Plan out how you want your holiday display to look. Decide what your holiday decoration goals are. Do you want to light up the entire street? Plan for two sets of lights. Want to set the scene? Purchase your lawn decore…

Austin, TX - Thanksgiving is one of the most special meals shared with family and friends. Give your table a makeover this Thanksgiving with a beautifully styled setting that will impress your guests and make you look like an entertaining pro! Check out these table setting ideas and find what fits your style.

Find Your Color Palette

Don't be afraid to think outside of the box when it comes to choosing your table-setting color palette. While many choose to go with the traditional fall colors, step outside of your comfort zone and use pastels or bright vibrant tones to create a more playful mood.

Include a Centerpiece

No Thanksgiving table is truly set without a centerpiece. Spend time crafting your own centerpiece or invest in one that can be used…

When the bluebonnets begin to appear, that’s your cue that it’s time to start your Austin spring cleaning and home maintenance. Many checklists offer the basics of how to clean your space from top to bottom, but what works for homeowners in Central Texas isn’t the same as in other states. Here in Austin, we don’t need to get de-icing salts off of our cars or property, and it’s warm enough for us to get outside and tackle projects in the yard. 

And then there’s the sneezing. As the Austin pollen count goes up, it’s important to add things to your checklist that will make your space more comfortable as well as clean. Here are some of our best spring cleaning tips that are specific to the area we call home. 

Change Out Your Filters and Service Your HVAC