Congrats to Karen on her new designation!

I am excited to announce that Karen recently earned her Accredited Staging Professional (ASP) designation.  For years, she has been assisting me with our seller clients who are looking to better position their home for sale through creative staging methods.  Now that she has added this designation to her real estate license, we are better positioned to help sellers in the future.

Since most parts of Austin are in a buyers’ market at the moment, it is more important than ever to position listings in the top third with regard to condition and price.  If you know someone who needs staging advice, please give us a call.

Karen Saenz is Pfluger Pfast

2009 Pflugerville 5K champs

I’m proud of my wife for coming in 1st female at this last weekend’s Pflugerville 5K.  She set a personal best clocking 18.09 for the 3.1 mile stretch.  Attached is a photo of her and the 1st place male finisher, Michael Budde.  I took it at the finish line after the race with my cell phone.

Karen Saenz Studio #2 Stop on E.A.S.T.

Over 150 artists with open studios this weekend in East Austin.  Karen is stop #2 (www.eastaustinstudiotour.com) and is part of a recommended short list of other top artists. 

While attending yesterday, I spoke to a number of people about real estate.  Here is a snippet of some of the topics that came up:

1) Yes, we bought Karen’s Studio at Lowe’s.  It was a 12 x 24 garden shed shell originally.  We added doors, windows, sheetrock, electricity, stained glass, insulation, A/C, and finish out.  Come see it.

2) That is Martin Jr High behind our house.  No, I don’t usually see kids exercising out there.  I don’t think Texas schools require real Physical Education anymore.  So basically we have a big open field behind our house.

3) There are alot of really good deals for buyers right now on the east side.  A mix of fixer uppers, new construction, and moderately cared for homes.  If you want character, proximity to downtown, diversity of peoples and culture, and to be on the East Austin Studio Tour, then now is a good time to buy.

4) The best way to visit studios is by bicycle.  It gives you an opportunity to get around quickly while still allowing for a full breathing in of the types of homes available. 

If you missed this year, plan to attend next years.  Thank you City of Austin for supporting artists on the east side!

Karen Saenz Studio to sponsor Run for the Water

I am pleased to announce that my lovely wife has joined an esteemed group of sponsors for this year’s Keller Williams Realty Run for the Water, benefiting the Gazelle Foundation. 

Karen Saenz Studio has signed on as a Bronze Sponsor for the 10-miler to be held on Sunday, Nov 9, 2008 in downtown Austin.  In preparation for this sponsorship, Karen has created a new logo for her studio.  See all logos at www.runforthewater.com

Karen and I are both excited to participate in this year’s Keller Williams Realty Run for the Water.  We support Gilbert Tuhabonye and the Gazelle Foundation in their ongoing efforts to make the world a better place.

Karen Saenz and “Team Amazon” win division in Zilker Relays

I am a proud husband this morning after attending the Zilker Relays in downtown Austin last night.  Karen and her team of tall and fast ladies claimed their Open Women division title.  Each member of the four-person “Team Amazon” blazed through their 2.44 mile leg in under 15 minutes,  with a sub-one hour total time for the team.  They beat out 20 other teams in their all-women division and shared the spotlight with other team division winners which included running giants like Bernard Manirakiza and Chris Kimbrough.  For complete results of the race, visit Run-Far results.  I posted Karen’s team results below:

1    Team Amazon                               100       F/31      4      58:51.6     6:02/M    9.760
            Karen Saenz, Caroline Newman, Vanessa Kelly, Anna Seals                   
                                                      Lap   1      14:34.6     5:58/M    2.440
                                                      Lap   2      14:54.0     6:06/M    4.880
                                                      Lap   3      14:52.9     6:06/M    7.320
                                                      Lap   4      14:30.0     5:57/M    9.760

The Zilker Relays is one of the uniquely Austin events which brings together Austin’s active community and serves as a kickoff to a Labor Day weekend full of Austin-area events.

Sneak Peek at Karen Saenz new artwork

OK guys, so this is a shameless plug for my lovely wife’s new show starting July 12th at Cafe Josie.  Just minutes ago she published images on her website for the world to see.  These pieces mean alot to me because they were born while we were on our honeymoon in Italy and Greece last spring. 

I am really proud of her not only because these originals are breathtakingly beautiful, but because Cafe Josie have invited her to become their resident artist.

What does artwork have to do with real estate?  Well, I can tell you from experience, that on more than one occasion, Karen’s original oil paintings have been featured in my listings.  And in these instances, her paintings made such an impact on prospective buyers’ first impressions, that the sellers and I believe that her artwork helped fetch a higher price in less time on the market.