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REDUCED!! 2006 Built Custom Luxury Craftsman in Hyde Park

May 19, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Just reduced $80K below already low price to $699,000!
Built custom, 100% new in 2006, energy-saving,
insurance-cost-saving, built to last, one-of-a-kind home!

4 BR | 3/5 BA | 2-Story | Nearly 1/4 Acre | 2-Car Garage

One of the best backyards in the Avenues, by far!

Austin Home Search Listing – More Photos & Details

Central Austin’s historic Hyde Park neighborhood has something extra special to offer right now in addition to the shaded, tree-line streets, front porch atmosphere, amazing restaurants, shops, and parks in walking distance, and outstanding schools like exemplary Lee Elementary, Kealing Middle School, McCallum High School, and many specially-tailored private schools. Right now, this amazing property is for sale. Built new in 2006, 4608 Avenue G offers a space-efficient, highly functional, custom designed 2712 square foot floor plan and a wonderfully detailed high quality finish out that can only be found in a home built by one of Austin’s most trusted luxury home builders, Corias Homes, Inc. (2009 Custom Builder of the Year by Austin Business Journal!). This four bedroom, 3 and a half bath home has stunningly accurate historical details blended with a modern elegance and practicality, including high ceilings, stained craftsman-style trim, oak hardwood floors, large bedrooms each with a walk-in closet, a gourmet kitchen complete with upgraded stainless appliances and granite counters, and an award-winning first-floor master suite with an incredible spa bath featuring his and her vanities, his and her walk-in closets, separate shower, mosaic glass tiles and a Bain air tub. Situated on an oversized lot, this amazing energy-efficient home has an unbelievable large, landscaped backyard filled with beloved Hyde Park pecan trees on nearly ¼ acre. A home like this on a lot like this was practically impossible to find… until now.

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In the News: What’s Selling in Austin

January 19, 2009 By Leave a Comment

The Austin-American Statesman published a story yesterday, “A closer look at what’s selling in Austin.”  This is a big question on potential seller’s minds.  Sure, you want to get in on the great deals on the buyer’s end with amazing interest rates, but will you take a hit selling your current home?

central austin hyde park bungalow homeMy advice is in a move-up situation, you’re getting ahead of the game.  Not only are you getting bigger savings on the home you’re buying than any losses in the home you’re selling, but you’re also able to lock in amazing interest rates (saving you much more for years to come).

But what pockets in Austin are holding up the strongest to today’s economic fears?  The Statesman reports that the market is still slow moving, great for buyers, frustrating for sellers.  What IS selling are those properties under $400,000.  The lower prices have less risk, and this is probably an area were professional investors and flippers are able to best take advantage of the sluggish market without over-extending themselves.  The median sales price in November was $180,000, well within reach of many novice flippers and investors who are willing to weather this storm to make a few bucks.

The Statesman also reports that on the high-end, northwest Travis county is holding the strongest.  On the low-end, it is little surprise that “fixer-uppers” are dominating, again likely with those hoping to take advantage of the current economic and emotional climate.

In the end, it appears that those who are so afraid to loose money will likely end up losing the biggest as their fears inhibit them from taking advantage of this rare Buyer’s Market in Austin’s home market.

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Austin Listing: 4608 Avenue G “Green With Envy”

January 13, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Hyde Park’s top listing is 4608 Avenue G!

Possibly the most well-thought-out home built in Hyde Park since simpler times…
2006 Elegant Custom Build in One of Austin’s Favorite Central Neighborhoods

http://www.4608AvenueG.com

Priced for the current economy at $779,000
Amazing value, this home cannot be recreated at this price!

  • Area 4, Hyde Park, MLS# 4242406
  • Exemplary Lee Elementary, Kealing Middle School, McCallum High School
  • Built 100% New in 2006 with 1930′s Historic Charm & Elegance by Corias Homes, Inc.
  • 4 Bedroom
  • 3.5 Bathroom
  • 2 Dining
  • Study
  • 1st Floor Award-Winning Master Suite
  • Over-sized .22 acre lot, 60W x 155D ft with a HUGE backyard filled with mature trees
  • Attached, over-sized 2-car garage
  • 10 ft ceilings 1st floor,
    9 ft ceilings 2nd floor,
    + vaulted ceiling in living
  • Historic-style trim

Amazing Floor Plan…

  • McMansion FAR limit allows for up to 1000+/- square feet to be added, perfect for a future guest house
  • Many Green Home features including low-e windows double-paned, zoned climate control, heavy insulation, long-lasting materials
  • Spacious 2712+/- sq. ft. custom “open but separate” floor plan feels like much more but saves money on heating/cooling costs
  • Custom, professional landscaping front and back with a fully-automatic, programmable in-ground sprinkler system
  • Built-in, owned, monitored security system
  • Large front porch perfect for taking in central Austin nights

Open, Spacious Living Room…

  • Tons of light from wood windows
  • Alder/Custom Tile framed gas/wood burning fireplace
  • Beautiful wood floors
  • Vaulted ceiling
  • Wired for surround sound
  • Stained wood trim
  • Window treatments included!

Gourmet Kitchen…

  • Granite counters
  • Ultra-durable granite composite double sink resists stains
  • Upgraded 1hp disposal
  • Center Island with storage, built-in wine storage, custom mesquite counter, hidden GE Profile Series microwave
  • Custom, hand-built Alder cabinetry
  • Stainless appliances
  • Gas range & oven
  • Breakfast bar
  • Separate breakfast dining area
  • Opens to covered back porch
  • Full, walk-in pantry with electrical outlets for wine refrigerator, shredder, etc.
  • Desk area with elegant, built-in pin board perfect for managing household items
  • Amazing for entertaining
  • Stained Wood trim

Award-Winning Master Suite…

  • Large master suite, perfect for even a king-sized four-poster
  • Private access to back porch
  • His and Her separate walk-in closets
  • Extra-large spa-bath with glass mosaic tiles carried throughout
  • Bain Meridian air bathtub
  • His and Hers separate vanities, Hers has knee space
  • Granite Counters
  • Well-thought out with plenty of storage and even plenty of in-shower-shelving
  • Separate Water Closet
  • Window treatments included!

Amazing 2nd Floor…

  • Large Bedrooms
  • Plenty of Light
  • Separately Zoned for Energy Savings
  • Spacious Landing
  • Large, Walk-In Closets in all 3 Bedrooms

Separate Study…

  • Set up for children or adults
  • Spacious area
  • Plenty of storage
  • Wired for network
  • Plenty of outlets
  • Hide-away computer cabinetry

Huge Backyard…

  • Filled with pecan trees
  • Covered, open porch for amazing Hyde Park outdoor living
  • Fully landscaped with programmable, in-ground sprinkler system
  • Includes a garden!

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The Presidential Election’s Effects on the Real Estate Market

November 3, 2008 By Leave a Comment

It’s no secret that Presidential Election years are hard on the real estate market, even here in Austin.  We continue to see this trend this year.

It is as if we are all holding our breath, waiting for the final electoral tally on CNN, KXAN, and the other top news sites as if it has some effect on home prices.

Markets outside of Austin may be impacted slighly, but here in the ever-strong market of Austin, Texas our bated breathes do not translate to money saved when buying a home.

In fact, when you do submit an offer during the weeks leading up to an election, you are unlikely to have your offer met with competing offers, which could save you money.  Add those savings to the savings of the slow downs we typically see with election years and to the savings we are seeing in Austin currently, and deals are all around us!

The fact is, neither candidate is going to do anything, especially not immediately, that will have any major effect on our local housing market.

Buyers waiting for the bottom of the market to show will be dissapointed when it never arrives here in Austin’s steadily growing economy.  Austin is consistently ranked #1 as the best place to buy a home with the best home values, still for those of us who have grown accustomed to the strong local economy panic over national news (and they are in the business of selling news by the way, not offering facts).

Now is still an excellent time to buy with the best values we have seen in (arguably) the best market in the country!

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Austin Real Estate Market Update: July 2008

July 22, 2008 By Leave a Comment

Statistics for June 2008 were just released and we’re seeing much of the same… a general slow down but still strong prices.

Sellers…
In short, you’re not going to get screwed if you want to sell your house this year but be aware that it will take some time.  If your home is average and you have a good, smart Realtor® marketing your home, expect up to 6 months.  If you’re over-priced or there is an issue with your home (including lack of staging), it’ll be more than that.  If you’re willing to price low for a quick sale to avoid paying several months of extra interest, it may still take a couple of months.

Buyers…
So what does this mean for buyers?  It means that deals are out there but not everywhere.  You’ll have to look hard and wait patiently to find that great deal.  Instead, just take advantage of the competitive pricing.  It won’t be a steal, but it will be a good deal.  Often, if there is a steal out there, a Realtor® is likely to snatch it up themselves or for an investor before you can blink an eye.  If you’re interested in investing, take your goals and plans to a Realtor®.  If you’re in need of a family home, make your home search about value.  You’ll make money in the long run because future buyers will see the value as well.

Don’t believe me?  That’s fine.  Take a look for yourself.  The latest Austin market statistics are always available at http://liveaustinrealestate.com/statistics.

Austin Real Estate Months of Inventory Chart

Austin Home Sales Volume Real Estate Statistics Decade Chart

Austin Median Home Price Statistics Chart

Austin Real Estate Average Sales Price of Homes Chart

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What Can You Get in Austin for $2.4M?

July 9, 2008 By Leave a Comment

517 Brandon Way, Austin, TX  78733
Listed at $2,395,000
Schools: Eanes ISD
5 Bed / 4.5 Bath

Rare luxury one story with exceptional finishes on a prime 1.6 acre lot.  Designed by James LaRue, this gorgeous home is open and flows with a functional style.


12600 Lyndon Dr, Leander, Tx 78732
Listed at $2,400,000
Schools: Leander ISD
4 Bed / 4 Bath

As-is sale of Mediterranean estate overlooking the main sailing basin of Lake Travis and surrounding hill country! Pool, spa, and 1.31 hilltop acres and views from every room; Recently updated high-end kitchen appliances! Opportunity is knocking!

8708 Calera Drive, Austin, Tx  78735
Listed at $2,399,000
Schools: Austin ISD
5 Bed / 5 Bath

Accents of terra cotta & warm golden tones highlight masterful craftsmanship. Hickory woods, stone, hand-scraped finishes. Viking dream kitchen set by a massive island, generous living spaces complete w/ detched casita. Wooded,private setting w/ pool.
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Zip Codes Matter

June 20, 2008 By Leave a Comment

Schools are very important factors in real estate investing because a home in a well-performing zip code retain their value better than those in a less-desirable school’s area.  This goes beyond zip code, but zip codes are an easy way to measure local mini-markets.  For example, in Hyde Park, a home in the 4600 block in the Lee Elementary boundary holds its value better than a home in the 4700 block where children are in the Ridgetop Elementary district.  Just like in Westlake where a home in the Eanes ISD often out-performs a home in the Austin ISD.

It’s just one of many factors that strengthen your selling power.  If you’d like to discuss this further, email me or contact me through another method listed to the right.

From the Wall Street Journal:

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Get Your Car Out of the Yard

June 13, 2008 By Leave a Comment

parking the car in the front yard is no longer allowed in most Austin neighborhoodsThe Austin City Council recently amended the Restricted Parking Area Map for Austin neighborhoods.  On May 5th, these neighborhoods were added to the Restricted Parking Area Map

…which prohibits the parking of motorized vehicles in the front yard and side yard of single-family residences, except in a driveway or paved parking space.

So if you live in these neighborhoods you can now be ticketed for parking outside of a parking area.

Neighborhood Associations and
Planning Areas Already Listed on the
Restricted Parking Area Map
As of May 25, 2008

  • Allandale NA
  • Balcones Civic Association
  • Balcones Village/Spicewood HA
  • Balcones Woods NA
  • Barton Hills NA
  • Brentwood NPA
  • Castlewood-Oak Valley NA
  • Cavalier Park NA
  • Cedar Valley NA
  • Central Austin Combined Neighborhoods
  • (CANPAC)
  • Champions Forest NA
  • Cherry Creek on Brodie Lane NA
  • Cherry Creek SW NA
  • Cherrywood NA
  • Colony Park NA
  • Coronado Hills NA
  • Courtyard HOA Inc.
  • Deer Park at Maple Run HOA
  • Dove Springs NA
  • East Congress NPA
  • East Riverside-Oltorf Combined NPA
  • Gracywoods NA
  • Hancock NPA
  • Harris Branch PUD
  • Heritage Hills NA
  • Heritage Hills/Woodbridge NA
  • Highland NPA
  • Hyde Park NA
  • Indian Oaks NA
  • Lamplight Village Area NA
  • Laurel Oaks NA
  • LBJ NA
  • Legend Oaks NA
  • Martin Luther King Jr. NA
  • McKinley Heights NA
  • Mesa Park NA
  • Mockingbird Hill NA
  • North Acres HA
  • North Austin Civic Ass
  • North Park Estates NA
  • North Shoal Creek NA
  • North University NA
  • Northwest Austin Civic Assoc
  • Northwood NA
  • Old Enfield HOA
  • Palmer/Avery Island NA
  • Pecan Springs/Springdale NA
  • River Oaks NA
  • Rosedale NA
  • South Boggy Creek NA
  • South Lamar NA
  • South River City Citizens Assoc
  • South River City NPA
  • Southwest Oaks-Shiloh NA
  • Spicewood at Bullcreek HA
  • Spicewood Estates HOA
  • St. Edwards NPA
  • St. John NA
  • Summit Oaks II NA
  • Summit Oaks NA
  • Sweetbriar NA
  • Tanglewood Forest NA
  • Texas Oaks South NA
  • Truman Heights NA
  • University Hills NA
  • Walnut Creek NA
  • Walnut Crossing NA
  • West Austin Neighborhood Group
  • West Congress NPA
  • West University NA
  • Westcreek NA
  • Westview Canyon HOA
  • Windsor Hills NA
  • Wooten NA

Fines:

  • 1st Offense: $40.00 fine that can be reduced to $20.00 if paid early
  • 2nd Offense within 24 months: $50.00
  • 3rd Offense within 24 months: $60.00

Links:

City Contacts:

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