The Heart of Austin

Join Us At www.WestAustinMarketplace.com!

2010-05-07T16:11:42-05:00

Thank you so much for reading our blog at HeartofAustin.com! The West Austin Properties Team loves sharing information with you, and we will continue to share events, real estate news, stories and more at our new site www.WestAustinMarketplace.com. This new site will feature video blogs, as well as our traditional written blogs, enabling us to better inform you of what is going on in and around Austin, Texas! We can't wait to see you there and encourage you to leave comments and questions!

www.WestAustinMarketplace.com

Austin Market Update – Still Going Strong

2010-04-28T07:56:30-05:00

Right now, Austin has an 6.21 supply of homes. This means that if you took all the homes currently for sale--10,303. And divided by all the homes that sold last month—1,660. You get a 6 months supply of homes. Theoretically, if all the homes on the market were to sell and no more homes came on the market, it would take around 6 months to sell them all. This is a balanced market. Typically, if there is a supply less than 6 months, it’s a seller’s market. 6-7 months is a balance market and anything over that is a buyer’s market. After talking with fellow Realtors around the country, we have found that this is no typical. Most markets across the United States are working with a 8-9+ month's supply of homes. Many experts believe that the government incentives are keeping the market moving. Once these are gone (in 3 days), we will really see what our economy is made of.

Look at the charts below to see how different areas and prices ranges around Austin are doing.Don’t forget that all real estate is local. Meaning, you can’t judge how homes are selling in one neighborhood, or price range for that matter, and judge an entire market by it. That is why, when we sit down to help price your home, we not only discuss your home’s value specifically by how your neighborhood is selling, we also talk about how your target price range is selling. Very valuable information if you want to be well positioned in the market.

Submitted by Patrick Birdsong , West Austin Properties, 512-345-1252 or homes@westaustin.com.

Eeyore's Birthday Party turns "Oh, bother" into "Oh, boy!"

2010-04-19T15:33:35-05:00

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday tooo youuu, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to EEYORE!! Happy Birthday TO YOU!

Well, Austinites, it's that time of the year again....Eeyore's 47th Annual Birthday Party!! Don't worry this won't be a pity party, but a grand celebration! There will be live music in Pease Park from noon to seven this Saturday the 24th of April. Musical guests Graham Wilkinson and the Underground Township, Mystic Moot and Tavana will be there to jam out until the sun goes down. The party begins at 11AM so grab some hot or cold food (vegetarian included), and wash it down with a coke, juice, spring water or even a Texas beer!

Admission is free and all food/drink/activity proceeds will benefit non-profit groups in Austin. There will be games for children of all ages, as well as face painting and temporary tattoos. Musicians are also invited and encouraged to play their instruments. Come sing, eat, drink, play, and dance around the Maypoles at the party of the year! Costume contest is included with a chance to win some amazing prizes (gift certificates to Threadgills, Huts, and Frank and Angie's Pizzeria--YUM). Don't have a costume? Feel free to body-paint yourself and a friend and join in on the huge drum circle!

Also joining Eeyore with birthdays this month is West Austin Properties' own Laura Duggan and Austin country star Willie Nelson, both on April 30th! A grand happy birthday to you all! Let the celebration begin!

Submitted by Katy Duggan

West Austin Properties, REALTOR, Buyer's Agent

Contact me today to look at homes! 512-826-4316 or Katy@WestAustin.com

Live Life Wide Open in Belterra--Open House Sunday 1-4

2010-04-16T17:02:07-05:00

Rarely do I see a home that grabs my heart strings, but this "Pottery Barn" cute home in Belterra did just that. See it for yourself, Sunday 1-4 when we will have 260 Lexington Drive open for you to view. Located on a very private lot on the greenbelt, this home is perfect for those who want to take advantage of the $8000 tax credit and get a head turning home at the same time. Priced at $225,000 it is so affordable and one of the best buys in Belterra.

Belterra, in the rolling hills just southwest of Austin, is one of the most captivating communities in the Austin area. With a theme of "Live Life Wide Open", Belterra sports miles of hiking trails, four small parks outfitted with picnic tables and playscapes, two inviting pools with water features, baskeball courts, softball fields, and a gym for those who want to stay fit. Residents can also enjoy all kinds of great country music at Nutty Brown Cafe nearby where the outdoor ampitheater hosts some of the industry's hottest shows. This neighborhood defines the carefree lifestyle.

When it comes to schools, Dripping Springs ISD has some of the best in the area. Rooster Springs Elementary is located right in the middle of Belterra and has already drawn praise and accolades for student achievement even though it is only a few years old. With an Exemplary rating, it is home to Belterra's young scientists, scholars, poets and leaders.

Stop by this Sunday, April 18th, see this cute house and say hello! www.260Lexington.com for more information. Take 290 West to Belterra. Take a right on Lexington and the house is on the right. You will love seeing all of the magnificent bluebonnets and other wildflowers punctuating the landscape all over the community.

Submitted by Laura Duggan, West Austin Properties, 512-750-2425 or homes@westaustin.com.

The Mighty Texas Dog Walk is Mightier Than Ever!

2010-04-12T15:47:10-05:00

Calling all pooches, big and small, we need YOU to bring the Guinness World Record for "Largest Dog Walk" back to Texas! How? Simply round all the pups you know and attend Austin's 12th Annual Mighty Texas Dog Walk this Saturday, April 17th, at 9 A.M. It will take over 10,272 dogs to beat Britain's record, but I think we can do it!

The 3 mile stroll starts at the 1st street bridge and takes you through beautiful downtown Austin. There will be plenty of dog watching and vendors en-route with amazing products and services for every dog to enjoy! Let's show the rest of the country and the world why Austin, Texas is ranked in the top five cities for pets!

All proceeds benefit Texas Hearing and Service Dogs. For more information and to register check out the service dogs website. Each dog is $30 when you register the day of and $25 if you register early. Don't miss out on the chance to be part of this World Record breaking event! Can't wait to see you there!

TOP 5 PET FRIENDLIEST CITIES

Based on rankings among six different top 5 lists published by “Forbes,” “Dog Fancy,” AAA, “Men’s Health,” DogFriendly.com, and the Humane Society of the United States, WebVet.com recommends the following five cities as America’s pet friendliest:

Portland, Ore. (listed four times; ranked No. 2 twice)
Seattle, Wash. (listed three times; ranked No. 2 once)
Albuquerque, N.M. (listed three times; ranked No. 3 twice)
Austin, Texas (listed three times; ranked No. 3 once)
TIE: San Francisco and San Diego, Calif. (each listed twice; each ranked No. 1 once

Race Around Austin at the Capitol 10K

2010-04-08T12:21:29-05:00

Fellow Austin race enthusiasts, join me and the rest of the West Austin Properties team for one of my personal favorite Austin traditions, the Statesman Capitol 10,000! This Sunday, April 11, is the 33rd anniversary of the largest 10K in Texas, and the fifth largest in the country. Whether you are a competitive runner or simply want to be a part of the action, grab your tennis shoes and join over 18,000 people to support Meals on Wheels and More in this 6.2-mile loop around Austin.

Entertaining to say the least, the eccentric participants of the Capitol 10K embody our city’s motto to “Keep Austin Weird.” H-E-B will be sponsoring a Mad Hatter station where you can create fun hats using a H-E-B bag as your canvas or feel free to transform yourself into a bag monster!

Late registration begins today so head on over to the North Austin Event Center (formerly the Crockett Center) located at 10601 North Lamar Blvd. to pick up your packet and register. Can't wait to see you there!

Following the Capitol 10K, join us for our open house at 1102 Heritage Way in Central Austin by O'Henry Middle School. The National Association of Realtors has designated this weekend as National Open House Weekend, and West Austin Properties is excited to participate by holding open a house not yet on the market! We suggest you stop by before it's gone!

This is also the last opportunity to take advantage of the $8,000 Federal Tax Credit. To qualify for the tax credit, the home must be under contract by April 30th and close before June 30th. Call us today at West Austin Properties to take advantage of these low rates, low prices, and stimulating government tax credit.

Submitted by Katy Duggan, Buyer Specialist

West Austin Properties

512-826-4316 or Katy@WestAustin.com

Austin Tops List of Best Places to Live for Young People

2010-03-26T16:28:21-05:00

Once again Austin is at the top of the list. This time Austin hails as the most popular spot in the country for young people to live. What draws the young and talented to our vibrant city? Take a look and see.

CNN reports on the reasons Austin attracts top talent.

Austin's Economy Still Hot

2010-03-25T09:30:26-05:00

Austin's economy is still cooking because of all of the diversity we have in our market. Check out this 2 minute CNN video that shows why we are still hot when others are not!

If you have always wanted to live where there is lots of life, action and character, Austin is your destination. Everyone does their part to Keep Austin Weird, the city's slogo.

Real Estate’s Perfect Storm Raining Opportunity for Home Buyers

2010-03-19T13:34:47-05:00

This is the perfect storm in real estate. Low interest rates + lower home values = the perfect time to buy!

If you are considering buying a home and you don’t do it by the end of April, it will be like missing the 33% upswing in the stock market over the last year. Let me explain…

This chart shows the wide open gap between home prices and interest rates and the long term value of home ownership. Home values are down right now and so are interest rates. This is the place where dreams come true. It represents the overwhelming buying power of your dollar right now. More home for less money. More bang for your buck. And, it also shows the long term investment potential for home ownership.

Lastly, the government has its checkbook out for purchases made by April 30 and that close by June 30. Uncle Sam will pay you for buying a home. Depending on your situation and qualifications, that check can range from $6,500-$8,000!

If you’re interested in talking about buying real estate as a primary residence or for an investment, give us a call now to get the ball rolling! Time is running out to cash in big.

Brykerwoods Fringe Open House 12-2 Today

2010-03-14T11:47:24-05:00

Come see this fabulous home at 1903 W. 36th Street today between noon and 2:00 when we will be holding it open for you to experience. Recent construction with all of the bells and whistles you would find in an upscale home in Tarrytown and with a fantastic location close to Mopac and Jefferson Square, this home is a real gem. Some of the best features are the open floor plan with gourmet kitchen and commercial grade stainless appliances, center island with seating, glass front cabinetry and room to cook and entertain. The kitchen is open to the living room and convenient to the formal dining room. If you office at home, the huge home office with French doors and built in desk and closet with shelving make this an ideal spot to run a company or family. The back patio has a romantic fireplace, built in countertop and wetbar. Enter the two car garage from the alley way through an electric gate. Lots of great restaurants and shopping nearby ad to the bliss! Don't miss it! Take Mopac to 35th Street then turn north on Jackson and right on 36th Street. For more information www.1902West36th.com

Your host today will be Katy Duggan, the newest member of our Star team at West Austin Properties. Contact Katy at 512-826-4316 or Katy@WestAustin.com to see this home or any other in the area.