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Austin, TX Real Estate News

By Jude Galligan
(Downtown Austin Blog)
Whole Foods made Downtown Austin what it is today. There, I said it. Without an anchor grocery store Downtown Austin would never have come so far. The Market District wouldn't exist. It helps that Whole Foods has a brand cache and a great shopping experience. Personally, I end up spending as much money at other grocery stores, so I don't believe Whole Foods is over priced. And, as big as it is today, Whole Foods was at one time a small business in Austin. When AMLI Downtown opened, Downtown Austin got its second grocer. George Scariano opened Royal Blue Grocery. It was an instant hit. Urban dwellers want to see more of those blue awnings around town. Anyone that's lived in NYC will feel at home here. It's a small bodega-style grocer that has a little bit of everything. Outside you'll f...
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By South Austin Real Estate Blog
(Sky Realty South Austin)
Austin Texas is a GREEN CITY, and Mayor Will Wynn would like Austin to be the Leading Green City in the Nation, or the World.  Mayor Wynn has been instrumental in proposing energy efficiency in our daily lives and our homes, with all that in mind here is the latest on whats happening in Austin Texas. After a long battle the Energy Efficiency Retrofit Task Force has conceded on the Point of Sale resolution that could have cost homeowners up to 1% of the sale price of their home to retrofit the home to energy standards.  I applaud the Austin Board of Realtors in their conscious fight to bring this to the public and get something so vague and potentially costly defeated, a resolution that could have snarled and tangled real estate closing to an untold mess and delay. Instead we now have a ...
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By Jude Galligan
(Downtown Austin Blog)
For a few months La Vista was turning dirt, blocking streets, and looked like a real development. Then...nothing. Radio silence. In early 2008 rumors began to trickle through the real estate community that prices for these condos would average $500psf. Some would consider that hubristic price for a location has been overlooked for years. Located at 18th & Lavaca, this project sits between three major economic zones - Downtown Austin, the Capitol, and UT. This location, historically underutilized, could be the perfect fit for lawyers, lobbyists, and [tenured] professors. I imagine the terms on this deal are pretty favorable for the new investors. This is great news for Downtown and UT. If, in fact, La Vista on Lavaca reaches completion, it has the opportunity to revitalize the area surr...
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By Jeff Kessler, Broker,CLHMS,GRI
(Austin Homes, Realtors www.OwnAustin.com)
Is your car or truck 10 years old or older? Do you have a car that failed the emmission test? Your vehicle must meet these conditions:  Failed an emissions test, and Registered in your participating county area for at least 12 months preceding application or At least 10 years old and gasoline powered, and Registered in your participating county area for at least 12 months preceding application, and Passed a DPS motor-vehicle safety inspection or safety and emissions inspection within 15 months of application Then you may qualify for vehicle-replacement assistances. Go to this website to find out more.  Looks like a great program. http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/implementation/air/mobilesource/vim/driveclean.html J. If you are buying a new home in Texas and would like to save a lot of money,...
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By Jeff Kessler, Broker,CLHMS,GRI
(Austin Homes, Realtors www.OwnAustin.com)
Austin is putting together a plan to have zero trash in the future. There are a few cities that are starting or have started the plan such as Seattle and San Francisco. Austin hired a company from California to help in this process.  They want to accomplish this by reusing and recycling everything and put nothing in a land fill. Austin's main goal is to reduce the amount of trash to 20 percent per capita by 2012.  Austin is trying to get to zero waste by 2040.     Do you want to save money when you buy a new home in Texas. See http://www.rebateontexashomes.com to find out how to get up to 5% cash back.
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By Joe Cline
(Affinity Properties, Inc)
Where you live shouldn't just be panoramic. It shouldn't just be luxurious. It should be safe - you shouldn't have to worry about your children at night; you should be confident that they are secure in their home, with no dangers nearby. And it should be environmentally clean - you shouldn't have to worry about the purity of the land and water around your property. Fortunately the developers of Vineyard Bay knew this and built a safe, gated community on the cleanest lake in the state, Lake Travis. HistoryWhen Lake Travis was formed, it set the stage for communities - communities nestled in the heart of Texas Hill Country but only moments from the bustling city of Austin. There, residents could find peace and quiet at night, away from work, yet experience the fun and activity of a true m...
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Most often when you think of preserves, you don't think of a place to live. You think of a place to visit - an area blanketed in beautiful nature that someone has thought to save from man's development. While that is generally a true assumption, it is not so in the case of the Preserve at Lakeway. This is a development that is surrounded by nature but open to man, open to you who are looking for the perfect home. HistoryWhen Austin was developed, many were unsure of how it would progress. It lacked the confidence cities such as Dallas and Houston had and the history the more Eastern cities like Philadelphia and New York had. But Austin grew and continues to grow, outpacing nearly all other metropolises in the country. As such, the outlying areas are experiencing an interest few anticipa...
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By Joe Cline
(Affinity Properties, Inc)
Allandale is one of the most relaxing and comfortable communities within the city limits of Austin. The residents take pride in their community, with a very active neighborhood association that strives for community improvement and provides ample opportunities for activities and involvement. Allandale provides for its homeowners and their families a suburban feel within a thriving urban area. History The Allandale community has roots that extend back to the 1930's, but at that time it was considered a suburb and outside the city limits. The area that is now known as Allandale was at one time owned by George W. Davis, who was given the land in 1841 by the President of the Republic of Texas. The grant of 3,154 acres was given to him for his service to the then-Republic in the battle at Sa...
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By Joe Cline
(Affinity Properties, Inc)
When you think of the highlands, you picture Scotland awash in green, rolling hills, picturesque views and residents bursting with life and possibility. The climate, weather-wise, is a little different in Westlake Highlands, Texas, (more southern United States than northern United Kingdom) but the hills, the green and the people are not. The area is situated among winding roads that lead the resident to scenic hills and beautiful views. It is the place to be for nature lovers. History Westlake is surrounded by history. Just moments away is the Austin Country Club, established in the 19th century. And as a community in the midst of the state's capital, there is no end of other historic attractions and tales near Westlake. Austin has seen many people from the Native Americans who first in...
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By Joe Cline
(Affinity Properties, Inc)
History Westfield borders Tarrytown; as such, the two share a history that is storied, diverse and ongoing. The area, then Enfield, was originally a part of the Pease Estate. The estate's mansion, home to Governor Elisha Pease, was designed to be a tribute to the Greek revival movement and was built by Abner Cook in 1853. In 1910, Enfield was subdivided making way for the smaller communities that exist in the area today. However, history persisted. You can still find numerous historic homes and tributes to its founders. When you are in Westfield, you will feel as if you have found a place that has perfectly merged the past with the present. Economy Westfield is one of the most stable communities in the city, drawing in residents with backgrounds diverse in nature but with futures alike ...
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By Joe Cline
(Affinity Properties, Inc)
Lake Living at Steiner Ranch in Austin, Texas Steiner Ranch is a beautiful community on the outskirts of Austin, situated on the shores of Lake Austin and Lake Travis. This community has much to offer its residents, with a taste of nature in their back yard, while living a 15-minute drive from the city. Spanning over 46,000 acres, this community has the best in natural features, wonderful amenities, and access to the best in shopping and dining. Those who are looking for easy access to Austin, but an escape from the chaos of city life will feel relaxed and at home in this area. History The community of Steiner Ranch was developed by Taylor Woodrow in 1988 and was one of the first major developments in this area. It was named for a well-known rodeo family from the area, who originally ow...
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By Joe Cline
(Affinity Properties, Inc)
Is the river place neighborhood in austin texas right for you? River place, tx, has a bit of a deceiving name, as it is not technically surrounded by river. It is, however, surrounded by water, lakes to be exact. The small community sits amid some of austin's most beautiful lakes, making it a blossoming garden in the northwest corner of the city. History river place's past is minimal, as the community has only seen development since the 1990s. But that doesn't mean the subdivision is lacking in history. River place's history is austin's.   Austin is a metropolis that has seen times of great growth and great decline. Through it all, it has risen to claim its rightful place among the nation's top cities. Today, students, young professionals and families flock to austin for a place to live...
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Recently Neighborhood Watch signs have begun to sprout on downtown Austin's light poles. The Downtown Austin Neighborhood Association [DANA] funded the printing and installation of 23 of signs. These signs serve two functions: first, they remind vistors that this is a neighborhood with proactive residents interested in maintaining a safe environment. Second, this is great method of informing people about what DANA stands for. These signs couldn't have been rolled out so quickly without the assistance of the DAA, which was very helpful in getting us the building contacts. Where the DAA is generally the champion for downtown businesses, DANA is considered the champion of downtown residents and you should consider attending the next DANA event. Check out the map of sign locations. via Dow...
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By Betina Foreman, Realtor, C.N.E., with WJK REALTY
(WJK Realty)
1. Selectionis great right now. Homes are available in just about every area and at a variety of  price ranges. The large home inventory on the market will allow you to choose specific qualities you want to find  in your perfect  home. 2. It's  presently a Buyer's Market. We all know the best time to buy is when the most people want/need  to sell. This gives you the most homes to choose from. If you buy now you will get more house for your money, and you will have much more negotiating power. 3. Homes are  now More Affordable than ever.  Texas and specifically Austin has historically been considered to be an undervalued market. Our homes are more affordable than in many parts of the country. 4. Interest Rates are currently very  low.  Mortgage interest rates are at their lowest point in...
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By John Dunham, N Central Austin
(Juice RE Group at Compass)
It is fairly amazing how much progress has been made at the Crestview Station since Austin Business Journal reported the ground breaking ceremony back in May '08.  These photos were taken along Lamar the first week in November. The article mentions 300 + apartments and 30,000+ square feet of retail space scheduled for phase I.  Read full story here:  http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2008/05/05/daily20.html This will be an easy stroll over for current Crestview residents and future dwellers at Swanee 21 or Taulbee Project, both nearing completion.    John Dunham is a Residential Consultant w/ Stout Company Realtors 
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By Donna Harris, Realtor,Mediator,Ombudsman,Property Tax Arbitrator
(Donna Homes, powered by JPAR - TexasRealEstateMediationServices.com)
Yes, we've got a slab, finally!  We've been under contract for over 3 months now, and we've finally received a slab.  Building in Austin, thus far, takes so much longer to get things rolling than anything I've seen in the Dallas area. Some builders can build a house start to finish in 90-120 days.  Granted, those are lower end homes, but the process of getting permits and clearing the land in order to put down the footprint is all the same process.  Why did it take more than 3 months? People think Texas is all about "land".  As you can see, our neighbor's house is an arm's length away.  This is VERY typical in most any master planned community.  However, as you can see, we have tons of trees behind us so the backyard will be private.  Plus, I don't think there are any windows in the ho...
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By Robin Scott, Broker, REALTOR® - Austin Texas
(Robin Scott, REALTOR®)
Whenever you are buying a new construction home that is being built it's always a good idea to remember these 3 tips: First, you should check on the construction frequently. The house is built by different contractors and mistakes are made. Most reputable homebuilders will fix anything that's wrong if they can. If you wait until it's too late . . . Recently, I visited the home site of a client of mine and when I walked in I realized the tile had not been laid in all the places my buyer wanted. The buyer's had paid to have the tile extended from the foyer to include the entire hallway, formal dining and familyroom. It had been installed in the foyer,  kitchen and breakfast which was standard. The problem was that after that had been done, you can't go back and add more tile because the g...
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By Robin Scott, Broker, REALTOR® - Austin Texas
(Robin Scott, REALTOR®)
This adorable 2-story, 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home also has 2 living areas, 1 dining and a 2-car garage. Special features include tile in wet areas, laminate in livingroom, a fireplace, garden tub, separate shower, covered patio plus it backs to a greenbelt with access to the neighborhood hike & bike. This home is in a wonderful neighborhood with park, playground, pool, tennis and more with easy access to major employers and shopping, 20 minutes to downtown and in the acclaimed Round Rock School District. $1350. LEASED. Robin Scott, Broker. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist.
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By Ki Gray, Austin Real Estate
With gas prices and a failing economy, families are not able to travel across the country to vacation as much as they used to. Instead of driving to Walt Disney World, why not try vacationing in our own backyard, Austin style. Austin and the surrounding area has many wonderful, family oriented vacations spots. Zilker Park is one of them. The park is located at 2100 Barton Springs Road and is in the heart of Austin. The park has many things to enjoy. The Botanical Gardens in Barton Hills is a great place to start. The garden has many varieties of flowers and ponds. They have also recreated a dinosaur habitat. The park also offers plenty of slides, swings and even its very own miniature train, The Zilker Zephyr. It winds through the park taking its riders through the 30 acre park. The par...
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I've been noticing a thaw in the nationwide housing market, and I wonder if it is just from my experience, or if there is actually something to all of this.  I'd love to hear your comments/thoughts/opinions.  My evidence comes from the numbers being publicized by the Bloombergs/CNBCs/Reuters of the world.  The other is from my Dad, who is a residential broker in Northwest Arkansas.   The Numbers As I mentioned, over the past 3-6 weeks, I have noticed some good news coming across the wires regarding residential real estate.  Home sales in Southern California actually increased in September compared to August, though prices continue to decline (as well they need to, they were vastly inflated in my opinion).  I think that's important because some attribute the problem in Southern Californi...
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