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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)
Many ask the question, do home sellers and home buyers really use real estate agents? Well the numbers are in! The overwhelming majority of home buyers and sellers choose to work with a real estate agent. Why is that? Real estate agents help consumers successfully navigate one of life’s most expensive and impactful transactions—providing invaluable advocacy, support, and expertise.Sellers need an agent who can market their property to the widest range of buyers available and work tireless in their best interest. A buyer broker is needed for success in a transaction with their fiduciary responsibility aligned with the buyer. Fair Housing is important and both sides need representation to be in compliance for a home purchase transaction.Prioritizing my client’s needs is my utmost commitme...
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By Dorie Dillard Austin TX, NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones
(Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899)
Join Rebecca Kemp with Coldwell Banker for an exclusive Open House from 11 am - 1pm Saturday, April 27th, showcasing my condo listing at 8200 Nelly Dr. #130 in Neely's Canyon, in the heart of NW Hills.  This two-story condominium complex features unparalleled views of the picturesque hill country, canyons, panoramic landscapes, majestic trees, greenbelts, all in a tranquil wooded surrounding. Rebecca is ready to take you on a tour of this charming 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo. If you can't make it reach out to Rebecca at 443-994-3524 to schedule a private preview.This comfy condo exudes a sense of spaciousness and openness, accentuated by its high living room ceiling opening to a covered patio, affording breathtaking views of the lush canopy of trees and canyon below, all without the hassle...
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By Dorie Dillard Austin TX, NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones
(Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899)
Like so many across the world, we are celebrating Earth Day at our office building, “Plaza One” at the Arboretum from 9 am - 11am. This annual event held today on April 22, 2024 demonstrates support for environmental protection. Vendors will be on hand to accept recycled items.This year the theme for World Earth day centers on Planet vs. Plastics to bring thoughtfulness to the serious issue of plastic pollution and how it harms our environment. World Earth Day is both a grim reminder of the work that must be done and also a celebration for the progress we have made when it comes to climate change efforts. It’s amazing to me the wide range of events coordinated globally by 1 billion people in more than 193 countries!Check out Earth.org to become more informed. Their vision proclamation i...
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By Dorie Dillard Austin TX, NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones
(Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899)
Yesterday Beckett’s team, the Smurfs played despite a storm that was descending on Austin. The temperature fell to 60 degrees, the wind picked up; and at first started drizzling. With 30 minutes left in the game it started raining, the field became muddy, and the balls were slick so they called the game! Beckett took first base because she accidently was hit by a ball from the pitcher! It happens, the wind was up.Hudson and I huddled under a blanket and thank goodness he brought it! The good news is they all played well and hung in there until the game was called! It’s all just part of sports, you learn to persevere!“Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.”  Lou Holtz
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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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By Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI
(Realty Austin, Austin Texas Real Estate)
Well...the election is finally over and I can say unequivocally that I am very proud to be a citizen of this incredible experiment called Democracy. I am NOT a Red American or a Blue American but an American! Once again, we have proved that we are one of the few countries that can witness the peaceful exchange of power in spite of all the rhetoric, impassioned argument and yes even the mud-slinging. I have not spoken out much and this will be my only political post but I was very impressed by what I saw last night. Watching John McCain speak, I was impressed by his complete calm and straight forward talk about the campaign and election.His no nonsense quelling of the initial boos during his speech was an indication of his will to take his defeat with dignity and class that has rarely be...
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By Robin Scott, Broker, REALTOR® - Austin Texas
(Robin Scott, REALTOR®)
House hunting can be a big project so here are some tips to make it easier: 1. Get pre-approved through a lender. This will enable you to search for a home and neighborhood within your financial means. You don't need to commit to a lender at this point but it's helpful to know what you can afford, what your out-of-pocket expenses will be and what kind of monthly payment you may expect 2. Make some decisions before you start. Determine what features you want in a home, ie 1 or 2 story, master up or down, number of bedrooms, square footage. Drive neighborhoods to figure out which ones you like and don't like. 3. Consider your home ownership timeline. If you are expecting your life situation to change in 2-5 years or if you are expecting to settle in for 10-20 your need may be different s...
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By Kathy De La Cruz, Realtor®, ABR, CRS, SRES
(RE/MAX Austin Associates)
  Mueller is a new community being built on Austin’s old airport site. It includes the development of homes that will house 10,000 new residents with approximately 4600 new dwellings. They will all be located within the town center and in the adjacent new neighborhoods. There will be 2,400 single family yard homes and at least 2,200 multi-family units.  One quarter of all units will be part of Mueller’s affordable homes program. The community will also feature a mixed-use town center district with retail, entertainment, restaurants, upper-level office and multi-family dwellings, as well as the Mueller Central Information Center and the new Lake Park. Upon completion there will be at least 3.8 million square feet of commercial office space that will be home to approximately 10,000 perman...
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By Dorie Dillard Austin TX, NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones
(Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899)
Canyon Creek Elementary, an exemplary school, is located in the prestigious NW Austin Canyon Creek community.  They are always going the extra mile for its students.  There are some wonderful Parent Workshops offered the month of November for the student's parents to learn how to help your child have stress free homework (is there such a thing?) ! There will be a  meeting at the school on November 6th, 2008, to learn great homework strategies (I'll bet they could be applied to every day living). On November 18th, they will be discussing parent involvement and how it should change during your child's education. Stay involved and on top of how to cope with the education of our children in today's world! If your child attends Canyon Creek Elementary and you are interested and want times an...
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By Les Sherman, ABR, CRS, CNE
(Re/Max Austin Associates)
Austin is the perfect escape in this economic crisis if you want to get the most for your money. Not only does Austin have extremely affordable housing, there is promising prospects for future job growth. Housing has remained affordable in areas like Austin because of the growing population, relatively lax building regulations, and an abundance of land. Economists have predicted that job growth will go up by 2% by 2012. Austin is not only ranked among the cheapest United States cities to live in, but it also offers the best value to the consumer. This value is a combination of relatively low gas prices, affordable housing, sluggish inflation, and a job market that is more vibrant than most.   Austin Texas Real Estate  
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By Sam Archer
(Juice Homes, LLC)
There was a great article in Business Week about real estate trends and looking at patterns in appreciation following artists moving into neighborhoods.   Basically, it asserts that artists can act as the forerunner for re-development of neighborhoods and are a pre-condition in many cases setting the foundation for the run-up in appreciation of an area.  The article mentions specific cities where this is the case and Austin's own eastside is among these.  Below is the link to the article.  http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/sep2008/bw20080923_944330.htm There are numerous ways to spot this trend in action, most of it just simply by driving around and being in transitional neighborhoods.  In East Austin in particular, the early signs of this change were when the East Austin St...
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Early voting began on Monday, October 20th and ran until Friday, October 31st. Travis County alone is expected to see nearly 450,000 people take advantage of casting their ballot early. In the last presidential election, about 62% of registered voters in Travis County voted early. At the time this was a near record turnout since early voting began in Travis County in 1988. The expectation is that this years numbers will be much higher than 2004. Why? The primary had a 51% turnout which was well above the average of 35% that we tend to see for primaries and gubernatorial elections. While election officials are excited to see such a turnout they are putting in long hours to deal with the flood of early voters. While official numbers will not be released for a little why early evidence poi...
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By Perry Henderson, Your Austin REALTOR
(The Perry Henderson Group at Berkshire Hathaway Texas Realty)
We invited local Artisits to the Art and Architecture event to promote awareness of the affordable condominiums at Castle hill Terrace and raise money for the Komen Breast Cancer Research. I asked them a little about their work and what they liked best about the project. This downtown Austin Condo is brought to you by www.livewelldowntown.com, a local realtor at Prudential Texas Realty. I’m looking at Castle Hill Terraces, a really cool live work space with outside entertainment areas that overlook the capital of Texas and downtown Austin. The Live Well Team would like to represent you as a buyer’s agent. Click here to search for downtown Austin Condos click here
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