We have two young boys who also enjoy Japan and hoping we can all begin to learn the language and possibly enroll them into an International School during the summers.

I own Granite and Pine Properties - a Direct to Seller Marketing company that focuses on giving sellers 3 selling options. https://graniteandpinere.com/My advertising is word of mouth, social media, SEO, mailers and cold callers.

Typically, higher income areas have lower crime, more amenities, better schools.  

Focus on neighborhoods near employers or schools, and explore slightly outside Austin for more affordable options. 

Many claim they do not charge a markup, but then aren't transparent with invoices, etc. 1) If a PMC charges $x hourly, their markup is built into that hourly rate as they are NOT paying their workers that hourly rate.2) Many PMC's send you ONLY their invoice, or from their wholly owned maintenance company, not the underlying invoices from Home Depot and contractors.

The most reliable method to locate liens and their positions is to conduct a title search through a title company.

Within the first month I believe the company byte federal has a data breach.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a reliable, quality cleaning company with great communication?

@Damini Dutta I would definitely put some time and effort into finding out more about this company. 

We hired an appraisal company to do an appraisal knowing we were under the gun because now the seller is threatening to sue me and keep my earnest money.