Cedar Park Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony and Santa's Workshop   Santa's is coming to Cedar Park and would like to invite all to attend The Parks & Recreation Department tree lighting and coloring contest for the kindergartners 1st graders.   Cedar Park Christmas Live Oak Tree has over 60.000 lights illuminating to celebrate the kick off to the Holiday spirit and festivities in the Cedar Park community.   Date: Friday - December 5, 2014  Time: 6:30 pm - 9 pm  Location: Heritage Oak Park - 875 Quest Parkway  Bring your family and friends for this magical winter fun event to enjoy live music, carriage rides, games & prizes, inflatables, photos with Santa (bring your own camera), and arts & crafts projects. Bring the whole family for what promises to be a festive evening with Free Admissio... 11/15/2014

Cedar Park community businesses and organizations and the Cedar Park Police Department will help to provide families with toys for the holiday season and you can help.   Show your Cedar Park Community Spirit by helping with donation, toys, gifts and cash donations to help underprivileged families.   Toy handout day is Sunday, December 14th.   Blue Santa Information Hotline: 512-260-4850 or 512-260-4742 Para información en español, llame 512-260-4656   200 Buttercup Creek Blvd. The Commons Shopping Center at Buttercup Creek (Ste.113 )   Cash Donations can be delivered or mailed to the Cedar Park Police Department:  Cedar Park Blue Santa  911 Quest Parkway  Cedar Park, Texas 78613  Please make checks payable to the CPCPAAA  (Cedar Park Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association)    Thank ... 11/15/2014

Cedar Park TX 5-K Turkey Day Run & Kids 5-K Run is scheduled for  November 27th, 2014   Bring your unwrapped gifts and toys to be placed in the bins at race site helping out the Cedar Park Police Blue Santa   Cedar Park 5-K Run will start at the Gupton Stadium, you can pick up your race packets at the Recreation Center in Town Center at 1435 Main Street, Cedar Park, TX 78613.   Phone Number:  (512) 401-5516 Packet Pickup dates and time November 25th, 4: pm to 8: pm or November 26th, 4: pm to 8: pm   Cedar Park Turkey 5-K Run Day at the Gupton Stadium November 27, 2014  starting at 8: am.   11/15/2014

  Bob Ratliff Broker Associate RE/MAX Capital City 1903 Cypress Creek Rd ste.,101 Cedar Park, TX 78613 d. (512) 587-5689 o.(512) 646-1310 bob@bobratliff.com www.MyAustinListings.com    Bob Ratliff Has Been Awarded the Certified Residential Specialist Designation   In Cedar Park, November, 12, 2014 ¾  Bob Ratliff, of Texas, has been awarded the prestigious Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Designation by the Council of Residential Specialists, the largest not-for-profit affiliate of the National Association of REALTORS®.   REALTORS® who receive the CRS Designation have completed advanced professional training and demonstrated outstanding professional achievement in residential real estate. Only 37,000 REALTORS® nationwide have earned the credential.   Home buyers and sellers can be... 11/13/2014

The Blue Santa program, administered by the City of Cedar Park’s police department, provides underprivileged families with toys during the holiday season. This year they will serve 450 families. They look to local businesses and the community to support the idea that every child should enjoy the holidays.  For the past five years the residents of Anna Court have went above and beyond in raising funds and collecting new toys & gift cards for the program.  This year marks their sixth year and it’s going to be spectacular!   Anna Court is a cul de sac in Cedar Park that puts Clark Griswold to shame.  This year they will be displaying over 175,000 lights; mostly LED!  Come enjoy the lights, bring a new unwrapped toy or gift card (for the teens), and support your local community.  So this ye... 11/11/2014

7 Steps to be an effective negotiator   Today real estate agents must be effective negotiators not to change people’s minds, but to find the limitless possibilities for mutual satisfaction.   Prepare effectively Listen Carefully Establish an atmosphere of trust, fairness and balance Maintain Integrity Consider how all parties may be affected Offer compromise Seek multiple options 7 steps to be an effective negotiator establish trust and effective communication to achieve a win-win with our clients.   Even before we meet our clients they have most likely formed an impression of us based on how they found us, referral, internet, relocation etc. First impressions build our rapport so it’s important to set the stage early building trust.   Creating a mutual understanding will prepare our cl... 11/11/2014

Winter is just around the corner.  We enjoy relatively mild winters in Central Texas.  The best part of the winter weather here is that it gets cold... just not for too long.   Despite the recent rains we are still in a drought with Stage 3 watering restrictions and need to continue to conserve water.  Here are a couple of lawn tips to help keep your yard healthy during the winter and save water. Add mulch to your tree's.  Don't let the mulch cover up your trunk, but do place a two to three inch layer around your plants and tree's.  This will keep the soil moist. Pay attention to our pre-programmed sprinkler system.  Just because it's your day to water doesn't mean your yard needs it.  Many of our native species go dormant in the winter and require very little. If you've noticed a lot o... 11/10/2014

Do you give to a charity? My favorite two “Hope Alliance & Children’s Miracle Network.” Why I give from every commission check to my favorite charities, “Hope Alliance” and “ Dells Children Miracle Network”.   When we hear the word “charity”, we think of those who give money, food, clothes, and shelter to the needy.   When I started working with RE/MAX of Texas in 2004 I signed up to give a small donation to the Dell Children Miracle Network out of every commission check earned. For me it’s a sense of pride that makes me happy inside giving to the less fortunate who are sick or recovering from other hardships.   Dell Children Medical Network Hospital is the first hospital in the world to receive the prestigious U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Platinum designation, leading in energy &... 11/10/2014

One of the joys of living in the Texas Hill Country is the beautiful terrain.  Gorgeous hills and sweeping sunsets.  Cedar Park & Leander sit in the North West corner of Austin metro and enjoy many neighborhoods built within gorgeous hill country canyons.   A major challenge for homeowners in these communities is cell phone coverage.  There aren't enough homes to justify additional towers just to cover a drop off area.  Plus, who wants a cell tower in the middle of your small community.  Not the best thing for home values.  But, with many homeowners choosing to live without a hard wired home phone today, if your cell phone won't work at home, what do you do? I moved to one of these gorgeous communities this past summer.  The entire neighborhood drops down into the side of a preserve ca... 11/09/2014

Welcome Ranne Bray Ranee Bray started her real estate career in property management in 1992. I probably wouldn't have found Ranee if she hadn't commented on one of my blog post. Here is a short quote from Ranee last blog post, drop by and comment on her post by clicking on her photo, it will be very much appreciated. Ranee: "I am going to hold fast upon one of my favorite quotes, as I attempt to overcome my fear that I won't be as successful this round, as I was in my first." Ranee has that spirit and drive and even though she might be my competition in Cedar Park there's plenty of homes, condos, and blogging to go around for all of us and the RAIN is a good place to start. 11/05/2014

Homes, Condos, Townhouses & Land For Sale Search Home for sale here! click on the photo to start your home search on Face Book Bob Ratliff, REALTOR® (512) 587-5689 Cedar Park, Leander, Georgetown, Round Rock, and Northwest Austin. homes, condos, townhouses, land for sale helping buyers & Sellers with their real estate investing. www.myaustinlistings.com   11/05/2014

Puss caterpillars, also known as asp, have been prevalent in Austin this year.  As if the rattlers, coral snakes and scorpions weren't enough... we also have fuzzy caterpillars that are sending people to emergency rooms.  They typically are more common in summer, and in 2014 we saw a larger population than usual.   I've lived in Central Texas for nearly a decade and have never seen one of these little buggers.   Until today...  It's November?  Apparently not only are these guys rampid this year, they are sticking around.  This one is in my neighbors front yard tree.  The tree in which our sons were climbing.  Her son's hand came about 3 inches away from a trip to the ER.  Being the super paranoid critter mama I am, my seven year old twins had been shown pics and knew not to mess with th... 11/04/2014

Cedar Park TX 78613 zip code offers a variety of 4 bedroom homes for sale Cedar Park still has a small town feel with all the amenities of a large city like Austin. I’ve been selling homes and land in Cedar Park since 2001 and I would love the opportunity to show you or someone you know our many wonderful neighborhoods and subdivisions. 11/04/2014

Williamson County Parks   Their mission is to manage and operate a system of parks that will add quality to life, build community pride and spirit, promote physical fitness and self improvement, evoke an emotional and intellectual response to connections with nature, consider long term open space needs, preserve endangered species, and improve air quality. Here's a few great parks to visit in Williamson County ~ click on photos to learn more ~ Berry Springs Park and Preserve 1801 C.R. 152 Georgetown, TX 78626       Champion Park 3830 Brushy Creek Road Cedar Park, TX 78613       Southwest Williamson County Regional Park 3005 C.R. 175   Leander, TX 78641       Twin Lakes Park 2300 S Bell Blvd.   Cedar Park, TX 78613     Williamson county parks has been brought to you by Bob Ratliff, REALT... 11/04/2014

Building a Business Plan To Succeed in 2015   Business planning starts with attainable realistic goals, it’s should contain a set of outlined business goals and how to achieve those goals. Short and simple works best..   A Business Plan is crucial for starting and running a business successfully.   Typical structure for a business plan can consist of: cover page and table of contents executive summary mission statement business description   Where does one start when building an attainable realistic business plan? Finding a Niche Will I be working with: buyers and sellers or both? first time buyers veterans seniors relo foreclosure   Objectives & Obtaining them: what I have to offer my clients commissions dollars to reach specific daily/weekly time blocking achievements and following th... 11/03/2014

The cost of remodeling is pricey and you want to get the biggest return should you eventually sell the home.  Most everyone has heard that kitchen and bathroom projects will give you the biggest return in equity.  But there is no silver bullet.  Be cautious, as not all remodels jobs will be well received. There are many great articles about remodeling and how to save money.  I just want to dig into one very specific decision you will make.  Are you remodeling to last season, or this season? Sounds strange right?  We aren’t buying the latest jeans; we are talking about the latest counter tops, appliances, flooring, etc.  But consider that in 1992 having white washed cabinetry in your home may have been stylish.  Today it’s dated and highly undesirable.  If you move into a home in 2014 an... 11/03/2014

With Time Change comes Time Management   We all think we “multitask” well with our business and social life but in fact proven studies have shown it can reduce productivity by approximately 40-percent according to some researchers.   Multitaskers have more trouble tuning out distractions than people who focus on one task at a time. Time Blocking can increase productivity by focusing on one task at a time producing less mistakes. Begin with time management 15-20 minutes a day focusing on one task then extending it to 30-45 minutes and track your time management and productivity.   Multitasking: A Human Delusion? Daniel Weissman explains: At a lab at the University of Michigan, researchers are using an MRI scanner to photograph test subjects' brains as they take on different tasks. Click ... 11/02/2014

Cedar Park Veterans Memorial Parade and Ceremony November 8th, 2014 Cedar Park will honor its Veterans on Saturday November 8th, with parade starting 9:30 am and Events starting 11: am, come and show your patriotic pride at the Veterans Memorial Ceremony Park next to Cedar Park Dog Bark Park, 2525 W. New Hope Drive. Veterans Day, honors all American veterans, both living and dead. Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living veterans for dedicated and loyal service to their country. November 11 of each year is the day that we ensure veterans know that we deeply appreciate the sacrifices they have made in the lives to keep our country free. Fly your American flags high on Tuesday November 11th, 2014. Cedar Park Veterans Memorial Parade and Ceremony November 8th, 2014. 11/02/2014

Ranch at Brushy Creek Neighborhood of Cedar Park, TX 78613   Why Do People Live here? Ranch at Brushy Creek is just north of Austin, nestled on the east boundaries of Cedar Park and west boundaries of Round Rock. Homeowners and guest find their way to this lovely Cedar Park community taking Parmer Lane (734) north from RM 620 turning right onto Ranch Trails Ct into The Ranch at Brushy Creek subdivision.   Looking for a home in Ranch at Brushy Creek?   Interested in finding homes for sale in the Ranch at Brushy Creek Neighborhood of Cedar park, TX 78613-78630 Click the link to find all the currently available homes in this area of Cedar Park.   What's the Neighborhood Like?   Ranch at Brushy Creek has crafted a diverse set of amenity areas that blend in with nature and appeal to a multit... 10/31/2014

Internet Target Marketing   Now that we have the listing what do we do with it? One of our strategies is to target buyers and their agents with internet and social media advertising. Depending on the property and it’s unique amenities will determine the most probable buyer for the property.   According to the National Association of REALOTRS profile of home buyers and sellers 90% use the internet as one of their information sources.   Studies show 83% buyers research properties that have quality photos and property descriptions to be useful in their decision making.   Internet marketing helps promote interest for buyers surfing high quality images, virtual tours, links to schools, shopping and local amenities etc.   High quality photos with room feature descriptions target buyers emotio... 10/30/2014