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Austin, TX Real Estate News

By Dorie Dillard Austin TX, NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones
(Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899)
I baked some French bread yesterday, as I’ll need loaves for a few dinners I’m planning for some friends and wanted to have the bread made.There is a wonderful neighbor couple down the way, he is struggling with Parkinson’s and dementia and can be a handful. They have a sweet little dog and she is blessed with a green thumb. Her gardens, all around her house are such a treat to enjoy! I’ve been meaning to pop in and thought now would be a good time and I would take a freshly baked, half of loaf of French bread to them. I’m so glad I did! It was good to see them and she showed me all around her gardens and we visited on their new deck. When I left she said I’d like you to take a rose from one of my prized rose bushes! Then she cut fresh mint form a huge patch growing among her flowers! S...
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By Dorie Dillard Austin TX, NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones
(Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899)
Yesterday Beckett (#4) was ready to “play ball” with her Smurf’s team game at 9 am at the NAO (North Austin Optimist ) fields in Austin! A perfect day with blue sky, sun and a breeze! I love going to her games and supporting her interests! I was so proud of the girls as they are really playing well together. Practicing their plays, fielding, pitching and hitting really paid off in yesterday’s game! They were on fire and beat their opponent easily. Their excitement was evident with their cheering from the dugout during the game.The coach is one of the teammates mom and she played softball for Harvard! Hudson always comes to the games to support his sister. I looked around as he wasn’t sitting by me anymore....look where I found him! He had a bird's view by home plate! “Keep your eye on ...
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By Dorie Dillard Austin TX, NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones
(Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899)
Things About Texas You Might Not Know:u The triangular region framed in by the cities of Austin, Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio is experiencing a wave of growth of historic proportions more than anywhere in the world. u In 2020, the population of the Texas Triangle reached nearly 21 million.u The Texas Triangle contains five of the 20 largest cities in the U.S., and was home to more than 70% of all Texans: City of Dallas, City of Fort Worth, City of Austin, City of Houston and City of San Antonio.u The Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is bigger than all of Manhattan. u The University of Texas at Austin is the third largest land owner in the United States.u San Antonio is bigger than New York City and Detroit combined. u Four of the top ten metro statistical are...
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By Dorie Dillard Austin TX, NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones
(Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899)
When you are purchasing a home, it could be one of life’s most significant and impactful transactions. You’ll want a seasonal professional to guide you through the process. I work with buyers providing advocacy, support, and expertise. My commitment is to find my buyers what they are looking for, in the time frame they want and for the best price. It’s a process I take seriously. Buyers committed to my services are on my “A” list and I work tirelessly every day for them. Many other professional agents work the same way. What can you expect from me?  Don’t settle for being on an agent’s “B’ list. Make sure you are on their “A” list to get first rate service. Remember if you are not committed and on an agent's "A" list you are on a "B" list.Let’s set up a time to see if we are a good fit,...
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By Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653)
(Austin Texas Homes, LLC)
I was thinking last night about my past experiences and how they have shaped the person that I have become today.  Back in 1996, when I was last employed by someone else, I had to keep my resume updated each time I went to look for a new job.  Somehow, in the modern era, that all seems very "last century" now.  Rather than developing a resume to hand out to my clients, I decided to write this post instead.  What makes me uniquely qualified to handle your real estate business in the Austin area?  Well, let's get a couple of things out of the way quickly: I have been selling real estate full-time in this area since January 1997 I am a broker/owner of my own company, Austin Texas Homes, LLC I've sold properties of every type and in every conceivable price range (highest home sale was $3.4...
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By Stephanie Zellous (512) 971-4875, Stephanie Zellous
(Keller Williams Realty)
Circle C Ranch, is southwest Austin's most popular neighborhood and for a number of good reasons which I will explore. Location! Location! Location! Circle C is located within 15 minutes of downtown Austin via the much beloved MoPac Expy/Loop 1; tractor trailers are not allowed to take this freeway unless it is the only way to reach their destination which makes your drive a lot less stressful. You can access Circle C via Slaughter LN if you need to take IH 35, and 1826 from Hwy 290. Excellent schools! Clayton Elementary and Bailey Middle School both received the rating of Recognized, both Kiker and Mills Elementary are rated as Exemplary, the highest rating available. Bowie High is acceptable. Amenities galore! Circle C Ranch boast practically every amenity that you would need. The li...
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By Jude Galligan
(Downtown Austin Blog)
• Transportation is the most significant challenge facing region• Lack of mobility is affecting Downtown’s role as cultural & commercial heart of region • Lack of transportation options affects affordability & social equity • Automobile dominance impairs ability to create pedestrian-oriented Downtown • Rail provides opportunity to carry many more people in the same space compared to roads World class cities are often defined by their rail system. Austin has an opportunity to pool the economic resources from San Marcos to Round Rock with a rail system. Companies looking to establish a headquarters look to cities with good mobility for its employees and customers. Rail is an investment in our city that will provide a return in job growth, less sprawl, and less reliance on cars and foreig...
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By Ashley Whittenberger
(Ashley Whittenberger Fine Art)
For some, creating aesthetic balance comes naturally, for others, it may be a challenge.  If you're in the latter group, you will enjoy this month's column, in which I've included some quick tips and easy mathematical formulas that will help take the guesswork out of decorating your home.  Grab your note pad, calculator and measuring tape and let's get to work!   Calculating paint quantities - Take the length of all the walls of the room you're going to paint (the perimeter) and multiply it by the height of the room to get the total square feet you are going to paint. Next, take the total square feet and divide it by 400. This will give you the approximate gallons needed for one coat coverage. (Allow more for multiple coats.)   Lighting - Dining room chandelier: It's best to choose one ...
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By Robin Scott, Broker, REALTOR® - Austin Texas
(Robin Scott, REALTOR®)
My transaction just fell through and I was representing the buyer. Here is one of the things I think went wrong: The seller accepted the offer without negotiating. True, it's a buyers market and the buyer didn't offer full price but when the seller accepted without any kind of fight, the buyer decided his offer was too high. It wasn't. It was just right and it didn't matter what kind of comparatives I showed he had decided he wasn't comfortable with the situation any long. So sellers, it's great that you would accept the offer and I know you want to sell but give them something to work with so they will feel they have got a good deal. If you are interested in finding out more about Austin, living in Austin, real estate or buying or selling a home, I want to be your REALTOR. Call or emai...
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By Betina Foreman, Realtor, C.N.E., with WJK REALTY
(WJK Realty)
What to expect when you start looking for a new home In order to make this easy for "first time home buyers" I have broken the process down. You have already accomplished the first step, selecting a "Buyers Agent"; the key is finding someone that you can communicate with that is knowledgeable about the area. As your agent I will help you through the process of finding the "right home" and buying that home. The first round of Forms you need to sign The Texas Real Estate Commission requires that Realtors give potential Buyers several forms. These forms help define each participants role in the buying process. Typically these forms are signed before a Realtor shows you any property. The "Information on Broker Services" helps clarify the roles of each party and you need to sign the bottom ...
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The idea is to encourage home owners to make “green” decisions whenever possible.  But, at a time when home owners are already facing a slow down, this feels more like a tax on the home owner.  When it comes time to sell a house, the seller will be required to pay Austin Energy $200-300 for a report that gives buyers a snapshot of how energy efficient the property is.  “Any upgrades would be voluntary, although officials are hoping that the disclosures would prompt either buyers or sellers to gradually make improvements that will cut energy use in the city.” [more] [via]
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By Stephanie Zellous (512) 971-4875, Stephanie Zellous
(Keller Williams Realty)
5772 Gorham Glen, Austin, TX 78739 Offered at $349,000   Reduced $30,000 in 6 days! Nice floorplan with heated pool and hot tub in resort-like back yard! 4 beds (1dn.+bath) +3 full baths!  Soaring ceilings greet you as you enter this great home.  The master bedroom is absolutely huge, (as is the closet) has wood floors and looks through a wall-of-windows over the pool and yard with extensive landscaping. Palm trees and xeriscaping are everywhere! The kitchen looks over the family room with fireplace, to keep the cook in the party. HUGE gameroom for Kids too!
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By Stephanie Zellous (512) 971-4875, Stephanie Zellous
(Keller Williams Realty)
The process of leasing a property that is listed by a broker is quite different than leasing at an apartment complex. My goal is to make you aware of what to expect so that your experience is as smooth as possible.   Here are few things you need to be aware of: You have to make an appointment to see the property You have to complete the entire application or else it will be rejected All monies must be paid with a money order or cashier's check! Very few Realtors® will accept cash or personal checks It can take a couple of days to review your application Pet deposits will be higher than what the average apartment complex requires The applicant who submits a deposit along with the application has a better chance at approval even if they were not the first to apply   Remembering these thin...
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By Ki Gray, Austin Real Estate
Unlike childhood birthday parties of yesteryear, which revolved around a birthday cake and a small gathering of mostly family and a friend or two, today's parties require a bit more. Generally, all of your child's acquaintances from school are invited to the party, which should at the very least have a theme if not an exotic locale. What is a parent to do when faced with the monolithic task of planning the party of the century for their toddler, without the time or even energy to begin thinking about doing so? Fear not, Austin offers plenty of kiddie-party options. If your kid is under the age of 10, Kiddie Acres makes a fun spot for birthday celebrating. Located on Howard Lane in Northern Austin, Kiddie Acres is a small amusement park with only age appropriate rides, all seemingly vint...
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These days a stroll through the Zilker Botanical Gardens could lead to an encounter with a small herd of Bambiraptors, dinosaurs with feathered wings similar to a turkey. The word "raptor" means thief and these little creatures, named after the Disney character, were known to steal the babies of other dinosaurs. The usually sedate gardens are full of all kinds of life-size dinosaurs, like the ferocious cousin to T- Rex, a Daspletosaur, standing at 33 feet tall. The 30 creatures from the DinoLand traveling exhibit will continue to have a temporary residence among the flora and fauna of the Botanical Gardens until November 30, 2008. The scientifically-accurate exhibit, created by Lost World Studio founder Guy Darrough, is a terrific reason to visit one of Austin's great outdoor venues. Th...
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A very surprising report for the OCTOBER area (River North (RN)) considering the election had yet to occur, and the stock market was bouncing like a yo-yo.  (Note that the RN area covers a box from Volente road on west side; Hwy 360 on the east side; R2222 on the north side (+Grandview Hills) and Lake Austin on the south side.) Though we are far from being out of the woods, the overall sales and inventory stats are very, very encouraging, as they are showing a movement to an improved market rather than the news our media is presenting, that our market spiraling out of control as it is in California.  Here is the link showing complete details and charts: Major positive points of interest to watch from the results of October: •·         Closings improved from last year for the 2nd time th...
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By Les Sherman, ABR, CRS, CNE
(Re/Max Austin Associates)
Under a new ordinance, begining in summer 2009, Austin Real Estate homeowners will be required to have their homes checked for energy efficiency before selling their property. Austin homeowners will also be required to share the result of their audit with potential homebuyers, a service that will cost between $200 and $300. However, Austin homeowners will not be required to make the upgrades. City officials are hoping that the disclosures will prompt either buyers or sellers to make the needed changes and cut energy use in the city. The audit "will give people a snapshot of how efficient the home is now," Mayor Will Wynn said. "The upgrades are voluntary, but I firmly believe that as people see how cost-effective certain upgrades are, people are going to do what's in their best interest...
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By Robin Scott, Broker, REALTOR® - Austin Texas
(Robin Scott, REALTOR®)
This is a  list  intended to set first-time homebuyers straight about myths circulating about the real estate industry. Myth 1. All real estate agents are the same. Of course not. Some agents have more experience than others and some are Accredited Buyer's Representatives who have demonstrated a special interest in helping buyer's through increased buyer education and experience to achieve this designation. Myth 2. The agent on the for sale sign can help. The agent on the for sale sign is representing the seller. Not you. The seller pays a buyer's agents commission so take advantage of the opportunity to have representation. Myth 3. I can find properties for sale on my own. The internet has made it possible for the consumer to search for properties but the consumer information on public...
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By Phil Hutson
(Austin TX Real Estate)
If you like it, and want it , and can afford it, it has never been more affordably priced! The "it" I am referring to is not a new diamond ring or a new car, it's a luxury custom home with a price tag at or exceeding $1,000,000 in Austin, Texas. There are a lot of them for sale, and not too many selling. As of today, 11/06/2008, there are 526 of them on the market in the metro area, and sales are down from last year almost 40% - 216 have sold so far this year, compared with 354 total last year. If you factor in the custom homes in the next bracket down, the $750,000 - $999,999 price range, the picture gets even bleaker. There are 413 of these homes on the market, some of them just moving into this category after being reduced by the listing Realtors. Another indicator that times are not...
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By Joe Cline
(Affinity Properties, Inc)
If you're looking for a place where you can rest your head, where you have nothing but a bed and a kitchen to tide you over until you once again leave, Senna Hills is not the place for you. If, on the other hand, you are looking for a home surrounded by pebble sidewalks, old-fashioned lampposts and stone entryways, for a place that wraps you in beauty and makes you never want to leave, Senna Hills is exactly what you were looking for. History Located near Bee Cave, Senna Hills draws its history from that somewhat larger city. Bee Cave, although not technically developed until 1987, began in the 1850s when Dietrich Bohls moved out of Austin to a quieter, more peaceful setting. The then largely uninhabited area soon became a haven for families who didn't want city life but rather a robust...
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By Garreth Wilcock, Sherlock Homes Frisco
(Sherlock Homes Frisco)
Stone the crows! Homes that are overpriced take longer to sell. That’s the upshot of a study presented in the October issue of Tierra Grande - the Journal of the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University. The study examined home sales in Southeastern Virginia between 2004 and 2007, and concluded that every 10% the listing price exceeded the final sales price translated into an extra month on market.                           Read more about the risks involved in overpricing your home . . . Garreth Wilcock is a Keller Williams Realtor®. He specializes in helping people find Central and East Austin real estate. Call 512 694 8873 or contact him at his website if you want a free CMA of your Austin home.
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By Garreth Wilcock, Sherlock Homes Frisco
(Sherlock Homes Frisco)
Solutions Oriented Living - SOL - is a new zero-net energy community being built in Central East Austin. Here’s the low down on the development: What is SOL Austin? SOL Austin is a new real estate development in East Austin focused on energy-efficient living in modern design. 40 residences are planned around a community park. What does Net Zero mean? SOL Austin is a net-zero energy community. The buildings are designed to produce as much energy as they use in a year. Read more about the new SOL community in Central East Austin . . . Garreth Wilcock is a Realtor® who can help you purchase your home at SOL Austin. He specializes in helping people find Central East Austin real estate.
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By Brian Talley
(Regent Property Group)
The Austin real estate market has amazingly maintained overall price appreciation of 1.3% for the year (January thru October 2008) for single-family homes - even in the midst of the current national economic crisis.  Between September and October of 2008 prices for single-family homes rose 1.4% compared to losses the two previous months.  The biggest hit in Austin real estate has come in the form of sales volume, with a 22% reduction in the number of single-family homes sold compared to the same time period during the previous year.  Is the worst now behind us?  With the US Presidential election over we now may experience more optimism and confidence in people across the country.  With a little time for the $700B capital infusion to take place, we might just see residential real estate ...
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By Phil Hutson
(Austin TX Real Estate)
Accolades continue from a variety of sources for the Austin, Texas metro area, as to the potential for job-seekers, opportunists, and those simply seeking a better way of life/standard of living. * Forbes magazine named Austin the 3rd city on a list of "recession-proof" cities due to its strong housing market, low unemployment rates, and growth in agriculture, energy and manufacturing, May '08 * Austin ranks 3rd Best City for Jobs in 2008 by forbes.com, Jan. '08 * Popular Science names Austin as one of the top 10 green cities in the US, Feb. '08 * Austin ranks 1st in Fastest Growing Metros in 2008 by Forbes.com, March '08 * Round Rock ranked the 7th Best Places to Live in America by Money Magazine, July '08 * Orbitz.com lists Austin as one of the Country's top 6 movie landmark destinati...
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