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Austin, TX Real Estate News

By Tiffany Hentrup
(KEY Mortgage)
I am writing this week to remind you that the FHA also does condo loans.  Advertising that your condo listing is FHA Approved is a terrific selling point-especially in the current mortgage market.  If you have a condo listing and aren't sure if it is FHA Approved, you can go on the HUD website at http://www.hud.gov/ or BETTER yet call me and I'll look it up for you.    Conversely,if your buyer is looking for a condo, do them a favor and find out if the ones they are looking at are FHA Approved.  Since the mortgage meltdown, fewer buyers have the ability to gain loan approval with the constant reduction of loan products available so remember FHA is a super option.  FHA loans are a lot less costly and FHA loans are no longer difficult!
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By Ki Gray, Austin Real Estate
Like most towns during the holiday season, Austin brings out their festive lights. However, there are two areas in town known for displaying an awesome array of lights- 37th Street, and the Trail of Lights in Zilker Park. Starting back in the early 80s, neighbors on 37th Street in Hyde Park came together to create a completely unique Christmas light experience that is creative, wacky, and fun- what today would be deemed as, "Keeping Austin Weird." Resident Jamie Lipman began wildly decorating his home, and his neighbors followed suit. Discarded motorcycles have been wrapped in hundreds of lights, bushes were sculpted into automobiles (including headlights), BBQ cookout scenes were created, and several strands of lights crisscrossed the street. From the rooftop of one house, massive amou...
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By Steve Aubin
(Sand Castles Realty)
Looking for land in the 620 area of Austin for commercial development, namely a lot to build a multi story hotel on. Most of the lots in this are only allow for a maximum height of 25-30 feet and we need to be in the 75-100 range. Any insight would be very helpful. Please send your information my way.
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By Steve Aubin
(Sand Castles Realty)
It seems that it is a bit difficult to locate Hotels or Hotel Sites for sale in Austin TX. Does anyone have some good sources for finding these types of Commercial Properties? I am getting leads and requests from investors who would like to purchase these types of properties in Austin. Please contact me if you can assist.
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By Jeff Kessler, Broker,CLHMS,GRI
(Austin Homes, Realtors www.OwnAustin.com)
Here are some fun events and things to do in Austin over the next few days.J. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29TH Exhibition: WorkSpace - Paul Ramirez Jonas Nov 29, 10:00am Austin, Blanton Museum of Art Mike's World - Michael Smith And Joshua White Nov 29, 10:00am Austin, Blanton Museum of Art Preschool Storytime Nov 29, 11:00am Austin, John Henry Faulk Central Library Lions Club Meeting Nov 29, 12:00pm Austin, Austin Downtown Lions Club Artwork of the Week Nov 29, 12:30pm Austin, Blanton Museum of Art Duke TIP 7th Grade Talent Search Nov 29, 4:15pm Austin, Duke University Talent Identification Program MHMR Board of Trustees Meeting Nov 29, 5:00pm Austin, City Of Austin Lecture: Beckett's Library And Manuscript Nov 29, 7:00pm Austin, Harry Ransom Center Peoples Choice Nov 29, 7:00pm Austin, Blanton...
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By Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653)
(Austin Texas Homes, LLC)
Let's Say Thanks! Let's join our voices here at Active Rain and Support our Troops and LetsSayThanks and send a quick post card from you and your families! Joan Whitebrook challenged us all to do our part and post within our own communities and send a postcard to our troops! Xerox has made this an easy challenge to do with their user friendly site.  It's easier than composing an email. I want to challenge all of Austin and surrounding areas and my blogging community to share your well wishes to those sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, husbands, wives, mothers and fathers who have spent time away from their loved ones for our freedoms! As we comfortably gather on Christmas morning or snuggle close to our families at night, let us remember them and the sacrifices they make daily. May yo...
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By Jeff Kessler, Broker,CLHMS,GRI
(Austin Homes, Realtors www.OwnAustin.com)
SAFEPLACE needs your help. This is a very worthy cause. If you are not familiar with SAFEPLACE it is a resource and shelter for abused women and their children. Many of the women and children that end up at SAFEPLACE  have nothing but the clothes they have on their backs. . Please help them to collect clothing, toys, diapers, wipes, shampoo, soap.... Anything will help. To donate Pleas click the link.I hope you can donate to this great cause.J.  
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By Suzanne Gantner, GRI, E-Pro, SRES, SRS, ABR, CNE, REDS, CPS, WCS
(Realty Texas)
written by Suzanne Gantner, GRI Sky RealtyAustin Texas ranked 39th among 100 cities.  Austin stood out as a city of innovation and intellect.  These 100 largest metro areas had 65% of the population, generates 75% of the nation's gross domestic product and accounts for 76% of high-tech and other knowledgeable jobs. There was 4.9 research and development employees per capita in Austin.  39.1% of adults have bachelor's degrees, almost 1.5 x the US Average.  We also have a high level of graduate degrees. Average annual wage in Austin was $43,083.  This according to a study done by Brookings Institution.  Interesting, since we have University of Texas right here, could it be? 
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By Jeff Kessler, Broker,CLHMS,GRI
(Austin Homes, Realtors www.OwnAustin.com)
If you are moving to the Austin Texas area or even if you live here.  I have a great gift for you.  I have a very good friend that works for Austin Title and she has set up an online Relocation Guide.  This guide will give you restaurants, places to visit, school information, hospitals, job ideas, electric and water companies and a whole lot more.  This is a very wonderful guide.  Heck even someone like me likes to use it and I have been in Austin for over 11 years.  So enjoy,J.   Get up to 5% cash back on a new home or condominium purchase in Texas see http://rebateontexashomes.com/ for more information.
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By Jeff Kessler, Broker,CLHMS,GRI
(Austin Homes, Realtors www.OwnAustin.com)
2007 Zilker Tree Lighting: Just letting you know that on Sunday, December 2 when the lights go on at the Zilker "Moon Tower" Tree. The party begins at 6 pm.   Just for future reference the Zilker Tree lighting takes place on the first Sunday in December. The tree stays lit through December 31.  So come on down and see if for yourself.  When you stand under it and spin it is really cool.  Just doing do it too long or you will be sick.The Zilker Tree Stands 155 feet tall and has over 39 streamers, each contains 81 multicolored, 25 watt bulbs, totaling 3,309 lights. At the top of the tree, a double star measures 10 feet from point to point. The double star on top has 150 frosted bulbs.  City of Austin electricians created the unique spiral.   At the base, the tree measures 380 feet.  The b...
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By Ki Gray, Austin Real Estate
Imagine a neighborhood of adorable medium houses seated comfortably on shady streets lined with trees. But then splash a rainbow across the entire area. That could get you close to what the Hyde Park neighborhood in central Austin is like. This old part of town has a lot of history, and was one of Austin's first developments north of the Capitol. Many of the houses are over fifty years old, but are lovingly cared for by tenants and successive owners, often with a heavy dose of their personality thrown in for good measure. Spanning the area from Dean Keaton street in the south to around 45th street or so to the north, and from I-35 to the east and Guadalupe street to the west, Hyde Park is a fairly large neighborhood. As it is located comfortably between many of the major thoroughfares i...
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By Dee Copeland, Principal Broker
(Copeland Group Realty)
Most Austinites are aware of Responsible Growth for Northcross (RG4N), a neighorhood group of residents around Northcross Mall that was formed in response to construction of a 24-hr Wal-Mart superstore. (Photo By John Anderson of Austin Chronicle.) NORTHCROSS MALL LAWSUIT TIMELINE 1. As originally conceived, the Wal-mart would be the second largest retail store in the state of Texas. Eventually, RG4N filed suit against the city and the developer, Lincoln Property Company, claiming that the store's site plan violates Austin's land development rules. 2. Earlier in the month, the Allandale Neighborhood Association had separately filed for a summary judgment against the development. That motion was denied, so the RG4N claims are the only ones keeping the construction from moving forward. 3...
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By Tricia Jumonville, Texas REALTOR , Agent With Horse Sense
(Bradfield Properties)
The last 2007 Citywide Garage Sale, a huge event that's been going on for decades now in Austin, Texas (it predates the building that currently houses it), is this weekend at the Parmer Events Center - if you hurry, you can make the last day today!  You can go in search of a particular item, but you never know what you might find in any of the dozens of booths there each year, from dishes to saddles, quilts to books, furniture to lighting, and everything else.  It's a great way to recycle one man's trash to another man's treasure, so I guess this could be called the original "green" event.  Christmas is coming, and this can be a great place to find that perfect, unique gift for that someone who has everything.  And, besides, it's fun!  Give it a whirl!   
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By Jeff Kessler, Broker,CLHMS,GRI
(Austin Homes, Realtors www.OwnAustin.com)
I found another great article about Austin Texas.  Please see the excerpt below and click on the link to read more.While the national real estate market has retrenched, Austin bucks the trend. It may not be a bed of roses, but it's far from the news we read in national accounts. In fact, Austin's October sales volume was actually just ahead of last October. Unit sales have slipped noticeably, but Austin's market seems to be very much a market seeking equilibrium.  To continue to read more please click here.  Get up to 5% cash back on a new home or condominium purchase in Texas see http://www.rebateontexashomes.com for more information.
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By Steve Aubin
(Sand Castles Realty)
We are experts in the commercial land and commercial real estate available on south 620 near the Galleria. We have recently completed several studies of the available commercial properties in this hot growth area of Austin. If you are looking for investment property to build you commercial or mixed use site on Highway 620 Of Austin, please contact us today. 
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By Steve Aubin
(Sand Castles Realty)
Increased need for commercial real estate in Austin. With the downtown area adding over 3000 new condos in the next year the need for more commercial space will also be increasing. Let me help you find the right location for your business. The areas close to downtown will also benefit from this increase in home sites. I can locate land or buildings for use. Contact me today.
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By Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653)
(Austin Texas Homes, LLC)
In this week's portion of my series about the affordability and desirability of Austin real estate, this week I focus on homes priced just under $1 Million: This terrific Stadler custom home built in 2004 is located on a one acre lot in west Austin.  It features over 5000 square feet, with 5 bedrooms, 4 full bathrooms, awesome views, and tons of upgrades!  Offered at $999,000.       Built in 2003 and located one mile from Lake Travis, this home features almost 5600 square feet with 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, all on a 1.73 acre lot.  Ultimate privacy. Tropical landscape, pool & hot tub, many outdoor living areas. Study, Media room & gameroom + 2 more living areas.  Chef's kitchen. Lake view from upstairs. Quiet cul-de-sac. Offered at $999,000.      With almost 5000 square feet, and locat...
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By Ki Gray, Austin Real Estate
Native tribes, such as the Apache, Comanches, and Tonkawa first roamed and sometimes took camp in the bend in the Colorado River now known as Austin. The first Europeans arrived in the area in the 1830s and created the town of Waterloo. As legend has it, the tribes and the Europeans conflicted several times until Stephen F. Austin facilitated a treaty. The tree under which he supposedly signed still stands as "Treaty Oak." Texas gained its independence from Mexico in 1836. The president of the new Republic of Texas, Mirabeau B. Lamar, visited the small town on the Colorado River called, at the time, Waterloo. He was invited there on a buffalo hunt and left with the determination to make the town, which he found delightful, the new capital of Texas. If you look around Austin today you wi...
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By Jeff Kessler, Broker,CLHMS,GRI
(Austin Homes, Realtors www.OwnAustin.com)
Even though Thanksgiving is done you can still give to your local food bank.  In its 26th year of service, the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas (CAFB) currently provides food and grocery products to 370 Partner Agencies in 21 Central Texas counties. In 2006, CAFB distributed more than 16 million pounds of food. The CAFB service area covers 19,064 square miles in Central Texas.Click on the Picture below for the Austin Area Food Banks link.J. Please Give  Get up to 5% cash back on a new home or condominium purchase in Texas see http://rebateontexashomes.com/ for more information.
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The statistics for the Austin Real Estate market are out. Although the general Austin economy is strong the real estate market continues to be slower due to the credit crisis that is affecting the country. The number of listings in the Austin MLS is up 19% compared to last year going from 7947 to 9431 this year. The number of homes sold in October was 1772 compared to 2094 compared to last year. The average price is up over last year. October 2007 saw a median sales price of 180k compared to 175k. Ki Gray is a realtor in Austin Texas. His site covers the Austin real estate market. If you are looking to move to Austin his site has a search of the Austin MLS along with up to date information on his Austin real estate blog
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