The Good Life in Austin Texas

The sign said "OPEN HOUSE" but I felt like I was entering a Used Car Lot!

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 11:16:07 -0500

Hello...hello??? Are you open today?

I walk out from the kitchen to see the woman cautiously peering through the door and say "Sure...Come on in! There IS an Open House sign out front and several more planted at various nearby intersections so it should be obvious. The woman opens the door further and steps in followed by a man who quickly darts into an adjacent room before I can begin to introduce myself and start some kind of conversation.

This was how it used to be!

What changed everything was the day a close friend repeated the title of this post "The sign said "OPEN HOUSE" but I felt like I was entering a Used Car Lot!What is worse is the fact that it was his home I was holding open that day! He went on to explain that though I was different in almost every way from his previous experiences with Realtors, Open House's always made him feel pressured. So here I am talking to a close friend who knows and trusts me and I realize that if he feels uneasy then imagine what the general public must think! The general public has all kinds of misconceptions, fears and misgivings when it comes to Realtors on many levels and open house are no different. Some of the reasons the public is uncomfortable with the Open House are well founded. Often new agents are stationed in the open house to find buyers. Nice concept but a hungry, inexperienced new agent and a person "just looking" is a prescription for failure. Sometimes an agent will hold a house open for the seller and does not want to be there and is only doing it to get the seller off of his back. Again, another situation that is not positive for the agent or anyone who walks into the house, with a genuine interest in the home and the market!

I still do a couple of houses a month but I have a completely different attitude and expectations!

1) I do not expect to sell someone this house today! (I do not care for pushy sales persons either!)

2) I always provide a list of similar homes in the area and a description that will help the prospects when they leave and "drive by" other homes in the area. It is alsoa good way to start talking!

3) I always welcome neighbors and over the years have developed a large clientele from the folks I have met at open houses. It is an incredible referral and information base.

4) I take my work and laptop with me to stay busy in case the time goes by s l o w l y...(It's a great time to catch up on Active Rain)

5) Because of my laid back attitude I actually end up working with 2 or 3 buyers a year and at least one listing.

6) The best thing that has happened is that I now post a sign on the front door that says in big red letters "This is NOT a Used car Lot" and some verbiage to put the prospects at ease. Now, when they walk through the door they are usually laughing and the folks that want to visit are more comfortable while the "lookers" do not have to scurry around avoing any sontact with the "Realtor".

There is not a neighborhood where this will not work. My most recent open houses ranged from $970,000 to $3,875,000 so don't take anything for granted or be afraid to use some humor and always know what your talking about (don't EVER fake it).

If your searching for a different approach (or attitude) try it and send me a comment later and let me know how it works out!

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Architecture at the Umlauf Series - Thursday, March 4th, 7:O0PM

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 06:52:30 -0600

The opening program of the Fourth Season of the Architecture at the Umlauf Series takes this place Thursday, March 4th 1st. Doors open at at 7:00 pm.

The event marks the beginning of the fourth of this incredibly popular program featuring local Austin Architects in a beautifully intimate setting. The monthly series was founded and is produced by two of my associates at AvenueOne Properties; Scott Harvey and Carla Umlauf (granddaughter of the esteemed sculptor) and is sponsored by our firm, AvenueOne Properties and hosted by The Umlauf Torchbearers. The lectures take place at the beautiful Umlauf Sculpture Garden Pavilion; Robert Steinbomer, AIA is the featured speaker this month. Catering will be provided by one of Austin's coolest East Side Restaurants Blue Dahlia Bistro. There is a minimal charge of $5.00 for the event but is free to museum members. Come out and enjoy an excellent talk in this beautiful venue. You might want to show up early because this event has been at capacity at all of the previous lectures. See you on Thursday!

Thanks for supporting this great event and if have questions about architects, builders or real estate in any of Austin's finest neighborhoods, I would be happy to be of assistance. Let me put my twenty years success helping Austin upscale buyers and sellers to work for you. Call my mobile 512-657-8769 or email for a private consultation at your convenience!

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When the Pitter-Patter of Little Feet is NOT a Welcome Sound!

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 22:01:17 -0600

Wake Up...I feel something jabbing my ribs and the words...WAKE UP, whispered loudly. Wait, what? My wife whispers louder and tells me she hears "something" downstairs! I groggily get out of bed and as she motions for me to "get a move on", I listen and realize she is right, something IS moving around downstairs. I nod and whisper, "I hope I did not leave the sliding doors ajar". Slowly leaving the bedroom, I say, "Maybe I should take a stick or something" to which my wife replies, "Whatever...you need to, "Man Up"and get down there and take care of the intruder in my kitchen!" Now, I have to tell you, a challenge like that is pretty harsh especially coming from a West Texas girl. Rolling my eyes (luckily this was in the dark) I tell her that it's probably some animal from the valley behind our home but I don't want to startle a raccoon with nothing but a look of concern on my face.

Taking a broom from the upstairs closet, I make my way downstairs and warily approach the kitchen noting that the sliding doors to the deck are secured. Standing at the entrance to the kitchen, I hear the sound of cook ware moving about in a corner cabinet. I ease the door open and shove the broom handle into the space wildly flailing it within the cabinet and hear some tiny feet scurrying away. I shout upstairs that "the coast is clear and it was just a mouse". To which my wife replies, "A mouse? Well, kill it, I do NOT want any critters wandering about our home." Yeah, she actually said, "critters". As I return to bed my wife tells me to call Lawrence Benford, our friend who owns and operates Blue Light Exterminators a local pest control business that has been servicing many of my clients throughout Austin for years!

We have lived on a beautiful valley in our Lost Creek Neighborhood since 1992 and have seen a veritable Noah's Ark of "critters" making their way across our back yard but we have NEVER had a mouse! The following day (ignoring my wife's suggestion) I purchased an assortment of mouse traps from a big box store and set them around the house with all the confidence guaranteed on the packages of each trap. Two days later we hear the sound of scurrying feet in the ceiling and I realize (as my wife is adamantly pointing it out) that the guaranteed traps are NOT working. So...back to the store for several more including a particularly promising one that is supposed to "shock" the rodents.

Arriving from my second trip to the store, I happily spread the new traps about thinking that the pestilence in our home would soon be coming to an end.That very evening my son motions to me that he hears a noise in the pantry. I grab a broom and tell him to open the door and as he does a tiny field mouse rushes out causing my son (the rough & tumble football running back, Rugby Player) to leap in the air and let out a cry of distress. Swinging wildly I miss and the critter escapes beneath the stove and to parts unknown. We both look at each other incredulously and I immediately start in on him for his reaction! At that point my wife walks in and announces that we are "not much help when it comes to defending our home from unwanted intruders". As we stare at her open mouthed, she walks to the phone and calls Lawrence Benford while laughingly deriding our skills as hunters and protectors of the cave =0

Okay, you know where this is going. Lawrence showed up promptly and as we walked around the house announced to me that with the colder weather we have had this year it has been quite common for assorted rodents to try and "move in" to more comfortable and well stocked quarters.Austin is evidently going through something of an invasion of sorts at every type of property from mansions to condos to commercial spaces feeling the onslaught of the aggressive rodents! As we walked around our home, Lawrence pointed out some tiny worn spots in the little bit of siding we have on the back of our home that was an avenue where a mouse could gain entry. After scouting the area he filled any spots that could be used and set out some traps of his own. Long story short, mice gone and have not returned and all at a cost LESS than the amount of money I spent on all those traps!. So, if you have any sort of "pest" problems,I highly recommend calling Blue Light Exterminators. If you are not in the Austin area, call a LOCAL pest control business and stay with a company in your town!

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Incident at Victorias Secret and some Valentine's Day Advice

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:26:54 -0600

"If love is blind, why is lingerie so popular?" - unknown

I was at Barton Creek Square this week on my way to the Apple Retail Store when I passed by the Victoria's Secret Boutique. I stopped for a moment to do some "window shopping" and as I looked over the displays I noticed a person inside I thought I recognized. Upon closer inspection I realized that the person in question was a fellow real estate agent who was obviously shopping for a little something for Valentine's Day. As I continued to watch I noticed that he seemed to be awkwardly looking through the store and at the same time looking around with a somewhat guilty look on his face. Now I have to tell you I know this guy fairly well and he is about as straight laced as they come. To protect his identity we will call him "Bill". As I watched him stiffly lurching around the store I started chuckling and decided it would be a good time for me to do some shopping myself.

I casually strolled into the store unnoticed by "Bill" and made my way over to the "7 Sides of Sexy" section where he was sorting through some fairly racy G-Strings. One of the sales associates approached and ask him if he needed help and he nervously replied that he did not! Waiting a few moments longer and edging to within about 10 feet, I suddenly blurted out, (loud enough to be heard in 1/2 the store) "BILL"...BILL! Hey man, do you shop here too?" He turned around and as soon as he saw me the blood left his face and I thought he would faint! He was flustered and unable to speak so I just kept up a friendly banter, "This place really has lots of fun items don't you think?" He finally managed to stammer something unintelligible, gather up several garments and beat a path to the check out. As he left, I called across the store, "Hey Bill. I bet you have a good Valentine's day!"

Now I know, that was uncalled for but sometimes I just cannot help myself and I also know that lingerie and Valentine's day is a perfectly natural fit. I realize that men and women enjoy lingerie for different reasons but the point of this post is to let those of you who are shy about such matters know that it's okay. Every store I have ever patronized has had a professional staff that was very cool about the product. So don't be afraid to ask questions. For all couples I have a suggestion that my wife utilized for me after we were first married. Ladies, take a file card and write down all of your measurements and place this card in your partners billfold so that (if the lady in your life trusts you to purchase clothing items) you will have the correct measurements. Another tip when I am shopping is I try to find a sales associate who is similar in height, weight and proportion to my wife. This can be a fun shopping event event and when it comes to lingerie, you have to remember this key element, lingerie is not made to be worn for all that long ;-). As a service to shoppers in Austin, here is a list of other fine local establishments carrying Valentine's merchandise:

Underwear Petticoat Fair Tabu Lingerie Lerouge Boutique

The Bazaar Forbidden Fruit

Last but certainly not least, I realize that lingerie really is something that men probably enjoy more than women but as a friend of mine who was in the fashion business used to say, "A woman enjoys being adorned and admired by her partner, no matter the shape, size or age and it's foolish to try and look like all those models in the catalogs"! So it's fun for all with the right attitude! I am laughing as I type this because it's not what a person usually finds in a Localism post (at least not in the blogs I read). However now that I have actually posted this I hope that it in some small way contributes to a little romance on Valentine's Day. Go ahead, have some fun, I promise I won't tell and if we see ourselves in one of these places together, we will act like Baptists in a Liquor store and ignore each other! It's a good life in Austin Texas, Happy Valentines Day...Y'all!

Disclaimer: I received permission from my wife to write this BEFORE posting!

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Football Fans,The Superbowl and the New Orleans/Westlake Connection

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 05:57:41 -0600

My name is Russell and I am a football fan. There, I admitted it but considering where I was born and raised I never really had a chance.I grew up in West Texas, the epicenter of a state that already considers the sport just shy of a religion. You’ve seen “Friday Night Lights”, well that’s my part of the state. High School Football rules with the NFL and college ball running 2nd and a distant 3rd. As a child I remember watching the Dallas Cowboys with my Dad, early days with Don Meredith and Roger Staubach leading the team to various heights of success and on through Aikman and the current multiple year run of the the soap opera known as “Jerry’s World”! To be a fan of the dysfunctional Cowboys over the years is a weird, heavy load to bear. My fellow fan Jason Crouch and I have spent hours commiserating over the folly of our team! Not to be confused with the obvious impairment of say, Eagle’s fans but troubling none the less. Each week watching some of the best talent assembled on the field either play masterfully or lose miserably instills a horrible insecurity in a fan,constantly worried about each play wondering when they will explode or implode. I guess this is what they mean by co-dependent behavior.

And to think I mistakenly believed I had managed to break myself of the football habit for a number of years. Until that fateful day when the Westridge Middle School Track Coach and Football Coach called us up and asked if we would consider allowing our son to play football...His mom and I reluctantly agreed and that was it, off the wagon and this time, with my wife as a willing partner enabling both of us, the addiction returned full bore. As we became fans of Westlake Football my wife bought a couple of books on the subject, attended a coaches camp and really got hooked. I knew we were in over our heads when I returned from an Open House to find her sitting on the couch excitedly cheering on the Cowboys on TV. She looked up at me and said, “Hey baby, let’s get tickets to see the Cowboys in Dallas on Thanksgiving Day”! I was was shocked and could not have been more surprised if she had said, “Hey baby, would you please install a stripper pole in our bedroom?” Although we have been Cowboys fans our son, ever the contrarian (my wife says he gets it from me) has been a fan of former Westlake High School Football quarterback, Drew Brees. As quarterback at our school he won every game the year we won state and he continued to follow Brees while at San Diego and now with the New Orleans Saints. For a better idea about the his remarkable personality and career check out this recent Drew Brees Profile in the New York Times.

I believe that all football fans struggle with whom to support at the SuperBowl. After all only two teams make it, if we are lucky it’s not a couple we abhor (Did I mention the Eagles or those arrogant Patriots)? In the past I have at various times cheered for Paul Slaybaugh’s, Arizona Cardinals and *GASP* even June Lewis's, Pittsburgh Steelers. Yeah, I know, fellow Cowboys fans will be giving me a ration of S%*&;;$ for that confession). This year it’s different, this year, Drew Brees will be leading the New Orleans Saints to their first ever Superbowl. Drew Brees is a 1997 graduate of Westlake High School and as they say, Once Chap (short for Chaparral) always a Chap! But really it’s more than that, Drew Brees is a remarkable person in his own right both on and off the field. A truly decent person, he gives back to his community through the Brees Dream Foundation and the nation as well. Check out this NFL Play 60 ad as he joins other NFL personalities to support kids fitness:

Pretty cool and this year, Westlake High School is selling T-Shirts to support the Brees Dream Foundation that does so much good in an unselfish manner. If you want one they are going fast at $10 each through Saturday. So this weekend along with a huge contingent of Westlake football fans, my family (especially our son who has been loyal for years) and who knows who else, I will be joining (at least in spirit) my friend Lisa Heindel, New Orleans Resident and Realtor and enjoying a great time rooting for a team that I actually support... at least until next year ;-)

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2900 Willowbridge Circle - Featured Home - 3rd Annual Austin Modern Home Tour

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:39:50 -0600

This Saturday, January 30, 2010 in support of my associate Dana Dean at AvenueOne Properties, I will be helping her hold open 2900 Willowbridge Circle as part of the 3rd Annual Austin Modern Home Tour. As far as modern homes this house is nothing short of SPECTACULAR! Rebuilt in 2009 this Austin Luxury Home has breathtaking open expanses, site-built commercial steel doors. Complete with a huge island in an open gourmet kitchen, exposed beams, pecan built-ins, and unique texture. A private master bedroom suite includes an interior brick wall sitting area. 4th bedroom has kitchenette stubbed in wall and separate entrance from garage. Unique lighting allows for fabulous showcase for art. Very flexible and open floor plan for living/entertaining! Offered at $1,690,000 this home is not to be missed!

The Tour will consist of 16 homes in the Austin area and tickets to visit all 16 homes on the Tour are $10 in advance or $20 at any of the homes the day of the Tour. You may purchase tickets here. Once you have purchased tickets, you will be notified about how to pick up your wristbands and maps prior to the event. So, please check your emails.

This is a driving tour. You may download a printable map here that will help you as you navigate the town.

I will be at the 2900 Willowbridge Circle from 12:00 - 3:00 and Dana Dean will be on hand from 3:00 - 6:00 so drop by and visit with us about this incredible home and our current market!

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America Sorts its Mail over the Trash Can!

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:08:04 -0500

I do not know where I first heard that statement but caught myself doing it ten years ago (and I still do...don't you?). It was at that point that I wondered if my direct mail was ever seen before it went into the trash.

I decided years ago that I would not send any more mail to my clients in envelopes. I set began sending monthly marketing cards and yes I still do. Even with all the wonderful ways of communicating through the internet and all of the new technology, it still works for me. I keep it simple and usually send "just listed", "just sold" and market data cards. And I have been consistent every month something goes out to my SOI (the single most important source of referral business) and my geographic and professional lists. Not only do I keep it simple but I actually use an up to date picture (so people still recognize me at the grocery store and other public places). Over the years the consistency and the simplicity have paid off. Many people try this and are gung ho for several months and then stop. It takes a minimum of five times before people will even notice and after that you better follow up at least every other month. This is just another component that works with everything else we do to generate business.

The best part of the card is that when the recipient is standing over the trash can, they always look at one side to see if the mail is something that's needed and then turn it over to make sure. They see a brief message and then your name and face and then it's into the trash can but by then they have seen you and your message so the job is done. I cannot tell you the number of people whom I meet that know me just from my cards and we always manage to have something to talk about and that is all you really need; chance to make yourself known in a non threatening manner. I know this is rather "old school" but I have to tell you it has continued to pay dividends over the years!

Onward,

Russell

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Happy Holidays from Deep in the Heart of Texas!

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 11:08:56 -0600

A short while back I was running on Lady Bird Lake and passed a woman wearing a T-Shirt with the words:

God Bless The Whole World -No Exceptions

That phrase has crossed my mind almost every day since then. Now it's Christmas and whether you celebrate this event, Hannukah, Kwanza, Festivus or WHATEVER...I hope that you are blessed in ways that enrich your life and those around you. Charles Dickens is probably best known for "A Christmas Carol" and I think the following quote from the author sums up the holidays as good any I know:

I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys.

~Charles Dickens~

So I will leave you with a holiday song that is Not your usual Christmas tune... and wish the best of the season to you and yours!

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Unexpected Gifts, Giving Back During the Holidays

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 22:56:42 -0600

I went to church with my wife at Thanksgiving and on the way out came across the Angels Afoot display in the main foyer just beneath the Prodigal Son Mural. Angels Afoot is a program that helps gather and distribute presents for underprivileged children or who are in foster care and will have nothing during the holiday season. I have volunteered with the group before as a delivery person and was deeply moved because my delivery was to a place that shelters children who have had to be removed from homes for their own safety. The counselors I met were so grateful for the help because they really had no other way of contributing as far as presents. I still am amazed at this sad state of affairs but it's good that we have agencies to step in and do a very difficult but necessary job. It's always makes me think of helping out when it is not expected because more often than not there really is no hope for some folks.

Several large Christmas trees are set up by the desk with hundreds of "tags" indicating the wish list of a child the gender and age. It's very simple, you just look over the tags and pick out a couple that you would like to donate and take them to the sign up desk. We were just browsing and then really got into the spirit. I found tags for two boys, one age 8 who just wanted Pirate stuff (just my kind of kid) and another age 14 who wanted movies passes (another perfect match). My wife found two girls who wanted scrapbooking items and as she and my daughter are avid scrappers that fit the bill. Later at home our daughter surprised us and showed up with four more tags so we decided to go out that afternoon and pick up ALL of our items.

I don't know about you but I have not been to a Toys R Us in ages and it was daunting as well as fascinating and also a lot of fun. I had the hardest time finding Pirate stuff in between wandering around and looking at all the cool toys. I have to admit I played with more than a few! My wife, daughter and I basically looked at all the possibilities and tried to pick the best items we thought would be perfect. It was pretty funny as we discussed the different aspects of each toy considered. Hula Hoops, Pirate ships with or without extra cannons, puzzles, Barbies, Transformer voice altering helmets? I will say that we did go over budget without it being completely obvious. At home all the presents were wrapped along with two huge boxes of scrapping materials from the mammoth warehouse collection that my wife and daughter have assembled over the years. The next Sunday, we brought our presents wrapped and bowed to the church foyer for delivery to the different children all over Austin.

I know this is only a small thing but I think that during the holidays we are encouraged to think of others who are not as well off in our communities. This year more than ever, there are so many in need. Millions have lost their homes in foreclosure and many more will in the future. The unemployment rate is at 10% and we still have thousands of troops overseas whose families worry daily about their well being. Now I am not some sort of bleeding heart but those of us who have prospered do owe it to our communities to try and help in some small way. I did not do as well as I wanted to in my business this year but I don't have anything to gripe about...it's all gravy and who am I to whine? While writing this post I have had constant interruptions from UPS and FedEx employees delivering a stream of goodies and it's obvious that we are truly living the good life in Austin, Texas. If you have read my blog in the past you know I am an ardent supporter of several charitable organizations here in Austin including, Austin Habitat for Humanity , Mobile Loaves & Fishes , Austin Blood & Tissue Center and Salvation Army Austin . No matter where you live, just look around and you will have no problem finding something to do! Don't just think about it...do something!

If you think you cannot afford to help in some small way then you will never really have enough...will you? Helping Others is a Gift You Give to Yourself!

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Dear Diary, My Passion is for Living...and Returning the Favor!

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 23:13:06 -0600

Many years ago when I worked in the construction industry, I had a laborer on my crew who used to tell me, "Everyday, when I wake up the first thought in my mind is "thank you for another day" followed by "Damn, now I gotta go to work"! I always thought that was a funny mix of gratitude and resentment but the first part stuck with me and over the years I eventually adopted the same attitude. Each morning when I wake my first thoughts are "thank you for this day" followed by a list of the people and things for which I am grateful. No matter what is going on personally or with the universe at large, I start my day with the attitude that everything is as cool as can be in a peaceful world. I did not come to this way of thinking over night but as part of a natural process of growth. I am a person who still thinks that people are basically good and believe that hatred, greed, prejudice and a host of other human defects are learned from those around us as we grow up. Yes, yes...I am not naive and I know that mental illness and just plain bad genes may play a role but again, it's not the majority. Everyone is affected by their own circumstances but again, the good qualities are there and they are either nurtured or crushed by our own life experiences.

I believe that compassion is something that is to some degree, inherent in just about everyone and it's there from childhood. When our son was younger, he would get very upset when we would pass a homeless panhandler on the street. He always wanted to know why they were out there and what we could do to help. In February, 2003 when the Space Shuttle Columbia was destroyed entering the atmosphere over Texas, we watched in shock as it played out over the news. Our daughter came downstairs and when told of the disaster, her first words were, "We need to pray for the Astronauts and their families. This was from a little girl, ten years old and we were just blown away. I mean, we try to follow the golden rule and do our best to be a decent example but the intensity of these feelings from our children was more than something they picked up from us. I see and hear about this kind of compassion from people every day but that never makes the "NEWS" does it?

Compassion is something that is taught and revered in every culture and religious tradition and like gravity is a universal truth. Christianity has the story of The Good Samaritan and The Golden Rule. Buddha's teachings reveal that compassion is at the heart of all of the religious principles and that it enlightenment comes from relieving the suffering of all living beings everywhere. Hindu's teach that all life is considered sacred, human life is deemed the highest form of earthly existence and compassion is one of the three main virtues. In both the Jewish and Muslim traditions the act of compassion for our fellow man is expressed as a empathy caring and "Do to others as you would have done to you". Compassion is revealed as a profound human emotion and expresses itself in altruism and all of us are on the road to Shambala.

I know this is beginning to sound way too optimistic and let me assure you that I am no Pollyanna (though some of my friends might disagree) brimming with a mindlessly optimistic attitude about anything that comes along. The "up with people" types grind on my nerves too and before we go any further, you might want to watch this video: Okay, all kidding aside now, I have been the recipient of some harsh treatment over the years. Lies, deception and betrayal from others in business, friendships and even my own family. At times I have let these setbacks dominate my attitude until I finally learned that my "attitude" is the only thing over which I have any control. One thing I FINALLY learned is that when I am helping others, I am outside myself and not consumed with my own "so-called problems". People tell me all the time that they want to help out in some way but never have the time, do not know where to start or that there is so much need, it seems overwhelming. I agree and with over thirty million people in our own country living at or below the poverty line, it seems hopeless. I cannot save the world so I do one small thing when I have the time and the funny thing is, giving back is addictive in a way because you begin to make time to help and you get something back and it before you know it, it is a habit! Find something you care about and make a small effort and you will eventually discover what works for you.

I am just one of those people who was fortunate enough to realize how privileged I have been and I am grateful. I express my gratitude by helping out now and then and jump on board when I am offered the chance to Come on up for the rising, Come on up, lay your hands in mine. When my wife and I were first talking about marriage she kept telling me "We are going to have a great life together" and though we have had some ups and downs, it's been true and these days we sometimes have to remind each other "We are having a great life together". It's wonderfully accurate and I can see clearly and remember that I need to return the favor.

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Holiday Networking: Please STOP humping my leg!

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 07:55:08 -0600

I was recently listening to Jason Crouch's Social Media Edge blog talk radio show and his guest Chris Brogan actually used the phrase when discussing a very aggressive person who was vying for his time and business. The fact remains that many people don't seem to have any idea how pushy and irritating they can be (though many do intentionally) in business and social settings. Ironically while I was on office property tour with some of my associates earlier in the day I experienced the same behavior...literally. One of the homes we visited had an English Bulldog as a pet and as I am fan of the breed, I stopped to pet and scratch the happy dog and enjoyed playing for a few moments. On the way out the dog came running around the corner for some more and in the excitement got more than a little carried away. I can understand this as I am friendly, outging and attractive in a rugged sort of manner and it's obvious...you can see it in the dog's ecstatic expression BUT this was too much! So don't let this happen to you and don't YOU be this dog in social situations! (Photo by my colleague Francie Little)

This brings me to the subject of networking during the holidays. It really is an excellent time to be out and about and frankly I enjoy visiting with friends, colleagues and many new people at the numerous social functions that occur during the season. I've already been to several parties this month and though I have not suffered the same gripping behavior I have been the recipiant of several moments that don't fit the bill. Please don't shove a card in my face and tell me to call you. If I am interested, I will ask for your card and hopefully my wife will remember your name if I forget. I am not out to sell anything except maybe me as a person behind my profession. Like most folks at nearly all parties, what we do for a living will come up and we will have plenty of time to visit about work and hopefully other things too!

I am always amazed at the fact that people are so interested in talking about real estate so I try to be prepared with statistics and a general overview of my particular market as well as current trends and opinions. Parties seem to lighten the attitude and people are genuinely interested in the real estate market in a non-threatening environment. Because of this, I take the opportunity to share with as much or little as required and nothing more! My sharing is limited to as much as is comfortable and I always keep it light and never offer my own card or press for personal information. Again, I don't enjoy high pressure sales tactics or manipulatiion by people who dominate the conversation for their own self gratification or needs. I mean really, it's a party so let's all relax and have a good time! If you would like more information about the real estate market in Austin, Texas feel free to contact me at your convenience and in the meantime:

Have a great holiday season!

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Lost Creek Open House-2207 Cypress Point East-Sunday, December 13th 2:00-4:00 PM

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:17:49 -0600

Lost Creek Open House-2207 Cypress Point East-Sunday, December 13th 2:00-4:00 PM

I list and sell homes in all parts of the Eanes School District but I particularly enjoy working in Lost Creek! Why? Because Lost Creek is where my family has called home since 1992. Lost Creek, situated south west of the intersection of Bee Caves Road and Loop 360, is an excellent neighborhood of homes ranging from $350,000 to $950,000. The neighborhood lies within the acclaimed Eanes School District and which includes Forest Trail Elementary (the home of Healthy Bear), West Ridge Middle School and Westlake High School. Lost Creek is situated comfortably near plentiful shopping, Lake Austin water sports, Wild Basin Preserve and three world class country clubs. Many of the homes sit on green belt and hill country view lots with many amenities and the area is one of Austin's premier upscale neighborhoods.

This is an awesome home BUT DON'T TAKE MY WORD FOR IT! Come on out and take a look for yourself and visit with me about any questions you might have regarding this or any other home in the Eanes School District and learn more about the many benefits of living in one of the very best areas of Austin, Texas!

AGENTS, this is an excellent time to preview!

I will be on-site between 2pm and 4pm Sunday afternoon so please drop by for a tour of this wonderful home in a no pressure environment. If you have questions or are unable to attend or if you would like to schedule a private showing, I can be reached at my mobile number listed below.

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Every Neighborhood Has One, This Halloween It's ME!

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 13:42:54 -0600

Austin, Texas is really in to Halloween and frankly it's one of the biggest holidays because we do take the moniker "Keep Austin Weird" very seriously! I have lived in the Lost Creek Neighborhood here in Austin for almost sixteen years and we are no different. Situated in the Eanes School District we have a large population of children of all ages so there is usually a good crowd of "Trick or Treaters" of all ages out haunting the night beginning around dusk and continuing to the wee hours or whenever the candy finally runs out! Halloween is a fun and silly time but it's always good to be careful and here is a site with some excellent tips

safety tips from injuryboard.com

When our children were younger, my wife and I would take turns accompanying the kids around the neighborhood or staying at home to dish out the candy to the assorted goblins, ghouls, super heroes, tinker bells etc. For many years a neighbor who lived a few houses down installed a stuffed scare crow in a rocking chair with a large bowl of candy and other goodies. Bathed in a dim and spooky light, it was innocent but still a bit scary. The first year we approached the porch with some trepidation and my children carefully reached in to the bowl and scooped up some treats. Walking away to the next house, we passed a group of older kids heading up to the porch and just as we were about to knock at the house next door, we heard the group of teens all scream in unison. Puzzled...yes, but we were on a candy gathering mission so we moved on and thought nothing of it.

A year goes by and for some reason I get Trick or Treat patrol duty again so we head out together in the early evening to begin the annual romp through Lost Creek. Once again, we approach the house with the scare crow but this year both of my children are hesitant and stand at the edge of the porch carefully eyeing the bowl of candy. I finally tell them we need to get a move on because we still have a number of houses to haunt. Neither of them budge. Exasperated, I step on to the porch and reach into the bowl. All of a sudden, the scare crow grabs my hand and I am so startled that I want to scream. Here is the worst part, have you ever been scared and when your mouth opens to shriek, the only thing that comes out is a pathetic squeal? Well, that was me..and my children also screamed and then began howling with laughter. The scare crow also started cackling and eventually I did too.

A few years ago, this mischievous neighbor moved out of the area so I decided to take up the challenge. Last year I dug around in our garage and found the all time creepiest mask ever, some very large clothes, pillows for stuffing, gloves and a large sombrero. I did an excellent job of looking like an inanimate object(for those who know me, this was a herculean task). I planted myself in a lawn chair and strung some colored lights around and waited. The outfit was so creepy that I had to badger convince my daughter to join me in a chair and read a book posing as someone who was there to make sure everyone got a fair share of the candy. The outfit was so creepy that EVERYONE who walked up did so with caution! I have to say that I was very responsible and did not move a muscle when the little ones accompanied by parents approached.

Each and every group of visitors asked, "Is that real, is someone in there?" My daughter was a pro and said nothing but would also whisper the status of the groups so that I would know whether to stay perfectly still or if I could, at the right moment, scare our guests. Towards the end of the evening it got to be a lot of fun because by then it was mostly teens. My daughter knew many of them and I have to tell you took great pleasure in watching then scream as I would suddenly come to life and scare the beejeebers out of them!

This week, my wife asked me if we were going to be doing the stuffed sombrero routine again and I said yes! After all, there are some new kids on the block and there are some that were too young to scare last year so it will be their turn now. And of course, there are all of those parents I let slide, who will see the scary candy clown and still think I am just a stuffed prop! She just laughed and told me that she will be taking her place beside me as the innocent candy monitor this year. We might even set up a video camera for some interesting clips. Whatever you do this year, please remember to:

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

It's the day AFTER Halloween and at the Lewis house, the Scary Clown is bummed and starting to grouse!

Yes, due to any number of circumstances we sadly only had three groups of "trick-o-treaters" (and all too young to frighten) Soooooo....it's back to the garage with our frightening friend and another year before I will have to sit still again! I guess we will have to eat all the candy ourselves...

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At What Point Did Disagreeing with an Idea, Person or Concept Become Heresy?

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 07:08:43 -0500

I took one of those Facebook quizzes awhile back and was moderately surprised to learn that I was "Moderately Liberal" in my political leanings (If leanings is a word). Now if you were to poll a cross section of people who know me you would get some widely contradicting opinions about this statement. For those with whom I hunt and fish I am known as an avid outdoors-man, gun owner and property rights advocate. I am also considered to have a strong attitude toward fiscal policy and don't really care for an invasive and over large Government. Because of these ideas there are those who consider me more than a little conservative. On the other hand I agree with many that we live in a rich and powerful country and it's appalling that we have so much poverty and hunger in our nation. It's also apparent to me that because of the mindless greed and self serving attitude of many that we need to have regulations to curb and at least make some attempt to avoid the disastrous policies of the last eight years. Those ideas would make me a bleeding heart liberal in the eyes of many. Here is the thing, I AM NEITHER, my beliefs over the spectrum of issues in the world are very diverse and do not define me as right or left or in any way pigeon hole me with a particular ideology. In fact I believe that a large majority of the country is divided along a very narrow line and that we are actually very close to agreeing on almost all issues. Right after the election, I wrote a post entitled The Election is over...and we are still HERE! After hard fought primaries and a contentious election, it looked like we were going to experience some civility and maybe have some non-partisan attempts to compromise and even make some progress together. Unfortunately, nothing of the sort took place...

In my opinion, the attempt to divide or Balkanize the American public is the work of those who have an agenda that is not entirely in the best interests of our country as a whole. It is disturbing to me that based on one or two beliefs I find that people I know, pundits on the news, talk radio and TV "Infotainers" from both sides will excoriate me and a large part of the population for not being "American" enough to support them, no matter how ridiculous. To not agree completely and blindly with the various extreme points of view automatically demonizes anyone who does not go along. To vilify others based on a few differences of opinion is a cheap shot and reminiscent of the tactics of Joe McCarthy back in the 50's. This is absurd because issues are not black and white and that kind of thinking only exists in comic books. We live in a Democracy NOT a Theocracy. We have a separation of church and state to protect us from the same sort of ideology that resulted in the Spanish Inquisition and the Taliban. And it's just as bad when you hear the hateful ideas of any Minister or Preacher who takes something from any religious book out of context and uses it to promote a self serving agenda. Extremism is divisive and usually plays on FEAR. Unfortunately fear works, especially on those who are uninformed or find it easier to follow the claims of anyone who happens to have an"opinion du jour" without actually investigating the FACTS.

The use of distortion, obfuscation and outright lying by different groups in an attempt to manipulate the public and the elected representatives has become inexcusable. Like the man in the cartoon above, there is a lot of "yelling at clouds" and very little effort to deal with facts or work in the spirit of compromise. In fact I was always told that when the volume goes up the IQ drops exponentially! I find it alarming that the level of discourse in our debates has deteriorated to name calling, making false and misleading statements, shouting down the opposition and as my Grandmother use to note "displaying a complete lack of manners". When Rep. Joe Wilson screamed out "You lie!" I was dismayed and thought that it was, to put it simply, trashy behavior! And frankly, while I am on this soap box I am very disappointed in the so called leaders on both sides of the aisle in Congress who have failed to get anything done as well as the talking heads who continue to encourage the politics of "NO". It's as if we are witnessing the death of common sense. After all, the media hosts are in business to make money and maintain ratings. I read somewhere that Rush Limbaugh had a $400,000,000 contract. Heck I could probably keep people stirred up and would even do it for half the money?!?! And the left also has it's share of loud mouthed screamers! My cynical side wants me to think that BIG MONEY has paid EVERYONE and that as voters we are completely ignored. Think about this from a standpoint of how you live in your community, relate to your neighbors and how you conduct your business. In Texas we are known (for the most part) as having pretty good manners as well as for priding ourselves on our quality service. When a customer is not happy there are always consequences. dawdling [noun]: the deliberate act of delaying and playing instead of working. This is the kind of "service" we are getting from Congress. Click on the video below for an old school response to bad manners and "dawdling service". I admit that I get a perverse thrill out of the video but would never actually do that to anyone. It would just nullify anything I said as far as compromise and cooperation. BUT I will say that we all need to start treating each other with some RESPECT. And frankly if anyone acting like Joe Wilson showed up at my house yelling at me, I might just...well, I will leave it to your imagination. The other day I was having lunch with a very good friend who I think highly of and we were talking about some political issues about which we have very differing opinions. It was enough to make the conversation a little bit uncomfortable and we acknowledged this and actually laughed about it and went on and enjoyed a very pleasant time together. I guess it comes down to this, we just have to agree to disagree and continue to maintain friendships and working relationships based on the things we admire and respect about each other. Hopefully, in the long run, common sense will eventually return and we will NOT let media pundits, politicians and lobbyists continue to split us up so harshly. After all we may disagree on a few things but we are still neighbors, associates and citizens of a country that allows us to engage in any type of discussion in as heated a manner as we can without encouraging violence and that's something that will always make our nation great!

Let's remember the things that unite us and ignore those who would divide us for their own selfish reasons!

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"Old Fashioned Service" Never Goes Out Of Style

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 14:36:55 -0600

I was recently listening to a friend complain about the fact that she could not get good service or even basic attention at many stores and businesses these days. You know what I mean, "Old Fashioned Service" and here is the funny thing, she is only 26 years old. I have been hearing the same thing for years and with the advent of Big Box Retail, Megastores, and Corporate empires along with a lack of personal involvement on the part of many business owners I see this happening at many businesses locally. However, after thinking about it for awhile, I realized that "old fashioned service" DOES still exist. The unfortunate fact is that you sometimes have to look around to find it!

Obviously, the key ingrediants to great service in any business are the people. My neighborhood convenience store manager, Cherie Kalaher is a great example. She is exceedingly friendly and also very mischievous. When I first began stopping there for gas, coffee and other items, I would hear her teasing others in the store and always enjoyed watching her in action (while managing to avoid any of her humorous barbs)! One day I was in a long line (yes it is a popular store) and when my turn arrived, I asked her to go easy on me. She laughed and said "Well honey, if you would just get caught up on our "child support payments" I would not have to hassle you!!" I was so shocked that I was speechless (a rare event) and all of the regulars in line broke up laughing"! I managed to recover and then began laughing myself. Since that time we have become good friends and I always make it a point to stop by just to see if she has a new story, joke or to watch her tease a "newcomer" to the neighborhood. She knows everyone and just about everything going on!

There are many other places where I do business in the community and again, the main reason is the people who work there every day. My local hardware store Breed & Company is managed by David Oltrogge. He is one of those people who has an encyclopedic mind and can help with any request in the store. If you want to know; what it takes, how it works or what will fix it, he is your man! At my favorite local restaurants, grocery stores, book stores, (yes you read that correctly - plural) gas station, music store, library, mechanic, camera shop and even at my Post Office are folks who I know and depend on to help me with whatever service I require. I wish I could list them all with a link to their respective web sites and plan to in the near future! In my profession as a real estate broker, I am keenly aware of the service aspect in my job. There are over 10,000 real estate agents in my MLS area and the only thing that differentiates us from each other is a professional approach and the level of knowledge and service we are willing to provide to our clients and customers! There are business establishments for every need and competition is fierce for business in the general public! Because of this, I avoid places where I am met with arrogance, indifference or rude treatment. I can almost always find what I need in a better environment!

Now, more than ever, in this current economic downturn it's important to patronize the folks who practice the Golden Rule and truly work for the customer!

Good service, knowledgeable and courteous assistance also comes with the responsibility to be a good customer! How many times have you watched rude, demanding patrons mistreat and abuse an employee who is trying their best? Such impatient, angry treatment is not soon forgotten and I am always amazed at the customers who act in such an inappropriate manner! On more than one occasion, I have been the next person in line and when appropriate, I usually say something funny or empathetic that in some way diffuses the situation. Over the years I have developed some good relationships; you know the type, when they see you walk in they smile and greet you and the feeling is mutual.

In Texas, we have a reputation for being friendly and though that may not ALWAYS be the case, I like to think it is true more often than not. It's really a way of life and not just an empty saying. A few years ago, a friend related the story about a European family on vacation that stopped for lunch at a small West Texas Café. After finishing their meal, they paid the bill and told the owner how much they enjoyed the meal and the friendly service. As they began to leave the owner said, "Y'all come back". The family turned around and marched back in, literally taking the man at his word. Funny story and as you know, it is just an expression in Texas but what makes people return to any business anywhere is friendly, courteous knowledgeable and professional service! So, please patronize the businesses where these options are available and you will be doing yourself and that business a favor!

Thanks for dropping by my blog today, y'all come back real soon!

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