Barton Springs Trees are saved with a little help from these friends... - 07/31/09 09:47 AM
Many of you have heard by now that many of Barton Springs trees are in danger and a few have been classified as "dangerous and neeedd to be removed". They have removed only eight trees instead of the twenty-eight originally marked for removal. It has been a well publicized debate with the people of Austin and the powers that be. Thank heavens the Austin Parks Foundation has been able to garner some more support from various individuals and several businesses. The money that has been raised will allow for these remaining trees to be cared for in a way that will allow them … (4 comments)

Another homegrown Austin shop, the Groovy Dog Bakery opens a new location downtown. - 07/30/09 08:18 PM
 
 
 
 
 
Another homegrown Austin retailer, the Groovy Dog Bakery is opening a new location downtown. The first Groovy Dog Bakery is located at 4477 S. Lamar Blvd., Suite 580, in the Gateway Shopping Center by Central Market. Groovy Dog has a multitude of hand made tog treats and toys. The bakery also makes "Puppy BarkDay Cakes" (Birthday Cakes to the rest of us). The cakes are made of carob and peanut butter, and the 6" cake serves 4-5 and costs $17.99, the extra special dog bone shaped cake is $22.99 and serves 5-8.
    
The shop has many … (4 comments)

Phil's Burgers and Amy's ice cream on Burnet Road in Austin Texas - 07/29/09 11:31 PM

The founders of Amy's ice cream opened up a sister restaurant next door to the Amy's on the southwest corner of Burnet Road and RM2222. They converted an old gasoline station and mechanic shop into a little diner with an ice cream shop next door. The new place is called "Phil's Icehouse" and it is a cool retro feeling burger joint. I am not sure who Phil is, but he makes a mean burger. These burgers are what I would call "one of a kind" masterpieces. The burgers are named after various Austin neighborhoods. Some of the burger names are: Allendale, Brentwood, … (12 comments)

The 5th Annual Bat Fest is coming to Austin Texas on August 22nd 2009! - 07/29/09 10:14 AM
 

Austin holds Bat Fest every year to celebrate some of our tiniest residents. To be fair they are really residents living under the Congress Avenue Bridge. The Congress Avenue bridge was recently renamed the Ann Richards Bridge after our most exciting woman Governor of Texas. The 2009 event will be the fifth such festival in Austin. There will be a variety of food, drinks, hand made art and best of all plenty of live music! Austin is known as the live music capital of the universe, come see why we have this nick name!
The real fun starts about … (9 comments)

Travis Heights homes for sale and market statistics May/June 2009 - 07/28/09 04:02 PM
Travis Heights homes for sale and market stats for May/June 2009. There were 25 homes listed for sale, 2 Pending (under contract) homes and2 homes that sold during this period. The average home in the neighborhood was built in 1959 and has three bedrooms and two baths in 2476 square feet. The average home listed (for sale) price per square foot is $280.04.
The sold prices stack up like this: High price per square foot is $269.34, Average price per square foot is $234.67, and the low price per square foot is $200.00. Most homes remain on the market about 22 days, … (2 comments)

Senna Hills neighborhood in Bee Cave, market statistics and history - 07/28/09 03:18 PM
Senna Hills is a little neighborhood between Austin and Bee Cave. Bee Cavewas originally started back in 1850's when Deitrich Bohls moved from the hustle and bustle of Austin. Many of his descendants still live in and own homes and land in and around Austin. During the building boom of the 1980's the residents were concerned that they would get annexed. So they formed a group called "The Concerned Citizens and Land Owners Organization. Then they went to the state capital and stated their cause, thus Bee Cave was incorporated. This area has continued to be popular with both families and retired … (0 comments)

Zilker and Barton Hills neighborhoods in Austin Texas have some of the best homes for sale! - 07/27/09 11:29 PM
After living in Austin for twenty plus years I have tried living in several neighborhoods and my favorite by far is still Zilker/Barton Hills. I enjoyed living here for several years and I love working in this neighborhood. The funny thing about these two neighborhoods are they can be fairly confusing. The general area is bordered by South Lamar, South MOPAC, Barton Springs Road and WestRock to the south. Within these streets lay several "Subdivisions", now this is where it gets tricky. I am listing the subdivisions to help you see the issue. We will start with the obvious: Barton Hills, … (1 comments)

O Realtor, my Realtor! - 07/27/09 01:31 PM
My friend Alan May wrote this little ditty about the trials and tribulations of being a Realtor. I could not have said it better myself. I hope it makes you giggle too!
Via Alan May, Coldwell Banker Evanston Realtor, North Shore Realtor (Evanston Real Estate, Evanston, IL):
O REALTOR! my Realtor! our fearful trip is done; The car has travell'd every road, the house we sought is found; My bladder's full, and bells I hear, my children all are grumbling, My breath could cause the paint to peel, my keys I am afumbling: But O Realtor! Realtor! Realtor! O the gooey drips of … (1 comments)

Lake Travis Market Statistics for waterfont properties for June 2009. - 07/26/09 12:35 PM
Lake Travis Market Statistics for waterfront properties for May/June 2009. There have been 36 waterfront homes on Lake Travis listed for salein the last two months. The average number of days on the market is 124, with an average listed price per square foot of $451.36. Two homes have been sold/closed recently.

Below please find the details of the market statistics for  Lake Travis homes. Please note these stats do not include condo properties.
The most affordable home is priced at $429K. This home has four bedrooms and three baths and was built in 1965, it has 2434SF and sits on a .59 acre … (7 comments)

New homes built in Tuscan Village neighborhood of Lakeway Texas - 07/25/09 09:56 AM
The new "Tuscan Village" of homes is now under construction in Lakeway, just 30-45 minutes to Austin Texas. While the groundbreaking was back in May 2009, they are moving rapidly.  The Welcome Center should be complete and operational next month (August 2009). Here you will be able to see floorplans and finishes for the homes available. The finishes will definitely be "high end" and custom. 
This uniquee subdivision is "Age-Qualified"and is the first of its kind in Lakeway. The goal is to create a resort style lifestyle for the over 55 crowd. The development will have 42 acres with a "low maintenance … (6 comments)

Quick Community News in the Shady Hollow neighborhood for July 2009 - 07/23/09 03:35 PM
Shady Hollow is comprised of six sections of homes built primarily between 1977-1990. There are the Estates of Shady Hollow, The Enclave of Shady Hollow, Shady Hollow Estates, and just plain Shady Hollow. This neighborhood is just south of Austin city limits, so we pay lower tax rates than our neighbors to the north.  We are about a 15-20 minute drive to downtown Austin. There are many shopping and dining options close to Shady Hollow. This community was developed by several custom builders like Randy Morrinie. Randy was known for his one story ranch style homes with beautiful stone floor to ceiling fireplaces and … (6 comments)

"Earth Energy Audits" in Austin Texas - 07/21/09 02:42 PM
There are a number of companies providing the new Energy Audit in Austin Texas. I found one that is very earth friendly that is called Earth Energy Audits. There materials are all printed on recycled paper and they try do leave a small footprint on the Earth. They perform the new Energy Audits that are now required by the City of Austin for all homes sold in Austin that receive their power from the City of Austin Utilities. The new audit must be performed prior to sale/closing of Austin homes. This law took effect as of June 1st, 2009.
There are a … (5 comments)

Rub a Gold Ring On It! - 07/20/09 03:03 PM
My new friend Michelle in New Jersey recently shared some handy information about some great home remedies. I am all about natural cures and old wives tales type solutions. In my experience the sillier it sounds the more effective it tends to be. I hope you find these solutions effective and please add your own to this list.
Cheers!
Via Michele Rose, Burlington County, NJ ASHSR, RESA (Weichert Realtors, Rose-Colored Staging):
I recently was the victim of a sty in my eye-ick, right?  Now, I remember my dad always said when this happens, rub a gold ring on it and it will go away.  … (0 comments)

New clinic by Circle C neighborhood has Grand Opening of the new south Austin Immediate Care clinic on July 25th! - 07/20/09 02:51 PM
Grand Opening of the new south Austin Immediate Care clinic on July 25th from 11-3! There will be food and fun for the entire family. The kids can play on the Moon-walk and grab a balloon while they have their face painted. Mom and Dad can have a free Cholesterol Screening and Blood Pressure check. The clinic will also be giving away free HEB Creamy Creations ice Cream and movie & concert tickets.
This brand new clinic will provide an alternative to a trip to the Emergency Room.  They offer Board certified physicians and ER trained staff. They will offer comprehensive on-site … (0 comments)

Grand Opening of the new south Austin Immediate Care clinic on July 25th from 11-3! - 07/20/09 02:34 PM
Grand Opening of the new south Austin Immediate Care clinic on July 25th from 11-3! There will be food and fun for the entire family. The kids can play on the Moon-walk and grab a balloon while they have their face painted. Mom and Dad can have a free Cholesterol Screening and Blood Pressure check. The clinic will also be giving away free HEB Creamy Creations ice Cream and movie & concert tickets.
This brand new clinic will provide an alternative to a trip to the Emergency Room.  They offer Board certified physicians and ER trained staff. They will offer comprehensive on-site … (0 comments)

Recent home sales statistics in June 2009 for Lake Pointe a popular neighborhood in Austin Texas. - 07/18/09 10:57 AM
Recent home sales statistics in June 2009 for Lake Pointe a popular neighborhood in Austin Texas.  Lake Pointe is a desirable neighborhood in Austin Texas. The average home used for these statistics is: 3-4 bedroom, 2+ bathroom home, built from 1990-2007 on a quarter care lot. This neighborhood is very sought after because of its LTISD schools and its close proximity to Lake Travis and the fact that it is only about 20 minutes to downtown Austin. Current prices range from very affordable at $265K-to a spectacular$729K.
In the month of June there were 32 homes listed Actively for sale, 6 homes  were … (0 comments)

Market Statistics for Austin Texas homes sold in the Lake Pointe neighborhood in May 2009. - 07/18/09 10:34 AM
Here are the monthly market statistics for home sales in the Lake Pointe subdivision of Austin Texasin May 2009. Lake Pointe is a very desirable neighborhood in Austin Texas. This neighborhood is very sought after because of its much loved schools and close proximity to Lake Travis and downtown Austin Texas. Prices range from affordable at $285K-to magnificent $700K.
 The typical home used for these statistics is: 3-4 bedroom, 2+ bathroom home, built from 1990-2003.  There were 32 homes Actively listed for sale, and six home were Pending/Under contract, and four homes sold in May 2009 in this neighborhood. Below please find … (0 comments)

"The Shops at Arbor Trails" is conveniently located close to Circle C and Shady Hollow! - 07/18/09 09:42 AM
If your looking for close shopping to Shady Hollow and Circle C and Circle C Ranch neighborhoods, look no further than the Shops at Arbor Trails!  This shopping center is located on the corner of South MOPAC and West William Cannon. There are so many shops it will be hard to decide where to go. Of course if you spend all day shopping you may enjoy lunch or dinner at one of the numerous restaurants in the shopping center. I have compiled a list of the cafes and popular shops below. There is something for everyone!
Dining
Chuy's, Baskin Robbins, Sweet … (0 comments)

Market Statistics for home sales in Lake Pointe subdivision of Austin TX for April 2009. - 07/17/09 06:28 PM
Here are the market statistics for the Lake Pointe subdivision for April 2009. Lake Pointe is a desirable neighborhood in Austin Texas. My typical home used for these statistics is: 3-4 bedroom, 2+ bathroom home, built from 1990-2003. There were 23 homes listed Actively for sale during April. Three homes closed or were sold that month. One home was listed at $108.40 per square foot and it sold well above asking price at $111.18 per square foot. This neighborhood is very sought after because of its schools and close proximity to Lake Travis and downtown Austin Texas. Prices range from affordable … (2 comments)

Do you ever take advice about finding a home from famous people? - 07/17/09 11:38 AM
Who knew that famous people have opinions about Austin area real estate? Recently Craig Rutman brought this little gem to my attention. I could not be happier. Check this out.

If you are in the market for a new home and are not presently working with a Realtor, call me.
I would be happy to help you through the process of buying a home. I specialize in Relocation
and I have a network of experts to make the process easy to navigate.
 I look forward to the opportunity to earn your business.Betina Foreman, Realtor
Keller Williams Real Estate
1801 S. … (13 comments)

Austin Texas Home Sales Market Statistics for June 2009 - 07/15/09 02:17 PM
 
If you are in the market for a new home and are not presently working with a Realtor, please call me.
I would be happy to help you through the process of buying a home. I specialize in Relocation
and I have a network of experts to make the process easy to navigate.
 I look forward to the opportunity to earn your business.Betina Foreman, Realtor
Keller Williams Real Estate
1801 S. Mopac, Suite 100   Austin, Texas 78746    512-771-6318  BetinaForemanRealtor@yahoo.com   Betina@KW.com   www.ZilkerParkHomes.com
Member: Austin Board of Realtors, Texas Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors, ActiveRain, Trulia-Top Voices, and Zillow-Neighborhood … (0 comments)

Lake Pointe keeps calling to me - 07/14/09 09:08 AM
Often we have pondered the possibility of buying a home closer to the lake. We rationalize it by saying if we are living closer to Lake Travis, we will go sailing more. Our sailboat sits on Lake Travis waiting for us in vain more often than not each weekend. So moving closer sounds reasonable right? My sister in law lives and works in the Uplands, which is closer to the lake. They go skiing a lot and love living in the Uplands. Now this is a great neighborhood, but the 4000+SF homes on one acre lots are just too much for … (0 comments)

Another Open House in Shady Hollow! One story stone ranch home on 1/2 acre only $290K!! - 07/13/09 05:05 PM
Here is a little advance notice about one of the homes in the Keller Williams Southwest Market Center property tour for this week. It is my listing and it will be on the tour tomorrow from 10-Noon. This home is in the much sought after Section 2 of Shady Hollow. So it has the larger 1/2 acre lot with many mature trees. It is a one story ranch with four bedrooms and two baths and a 2 1/2 car garage and a separate Studio/man-cave. This is a Randy Morrine custom home built in 1977 that has been partially updated. It has … (8 comments)

Progress is steady on Lakeway's new hospital on RR620. - 07/09/09 10:57 PM
The "Lakeway Regional Medical Center" is now under construction by a private developmentcompany called... what else  the "Lakeway Regional Medical Center Development, LLC". This 54 acre project is estimated to cost $250 million, and it will be 70-80% physician owned. When you drive up RR620 you will see the amazing amount of progress they have made in four short months since the ground-breaking. The estimated completion of the hospital project is 2011.
The development will also have retail stores, restaurants, day care facility, hotel, rehabilitation hospital and various medical offices. They plan to have 25 emergency beds, and 70-80 licensed beds. Their … (3 comments)

Dining out in Austin Texas - 07/05/09 12:14 PM
As a 20 year Austinite I have had the opportunity to dine out at variety of great restaurants. They run the gamut from fine dining to burgers and shakes. If you give me just one minute I may be able to help you find some of the best meals in Austin.
Evangeline Cafe - 8106 Brodie Lane- This is a great family place and the owner Curtis is almost always there. He makes a point of greeting people and making sure they have a great time. The food is authentic cajunand the portions are plentiful. Make sure you have a crawfish … (2 comments)

Fun things to do outside around Austin Texas this summer! - 07/05/09 11:44 AM
Over the years I have had many clients that are relocating to Austin ask me 'What fun things are there to do in and around Austin?' The list is far to long to write here, but I will leave you with a few of my summer time favorites.
SPLASH Party movie Nights at the Deep Eddy Pool. This event has been around forever and the movies change all the time. This is perfect for kids and or grandparents. To see what the current movies are please vist the website for deep eddy:  www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/pools_special.htm
 
Children's Day for Art in the Park is … (4 comments)

Something funny for your Sunday aftera busy holiday - 07/05/09 09:44 AM
The first person to make a mountain out of a molehill was a real estate agent.
The first thing a new employee should do on the job is learn to recognize his boss' voice on the phone. (Martin Buxbaum)
It's a thankless job but I've got a lot of Karma to burn off.
On Mondays, I rise and whine.
You should not confuse your career with your life.
There's no job too simple for me to complicate
There's a fine line between marketing and grand theft. (Scott Adams)
I think, therefore I am overqualified.
A clean desk is a sign of … (6 comments)

A few quick ideas to update your home for little or no money - 07/03/09 12:33 PM
Are you looking for an effective way to add value to your home? We live in our homes on a daily basis so often we stop noticing the little things around the house. You might ask a friend to walk through your home and make some suggestions as to what would perk up your existing home. Today I will do that walk through with you on a virtual tour. Here are a few suggestions that may breathe life into a tired home.
Add a deck or redo/expand your existing deck. Adding a deck adds a virtual new room to your home … (8 comments)

 

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