Like many U.S. cities, the Austin area has a challenge with traffic congestion. Traffic on U.S. 290 has increased more than 78 percent since 1990 as Manor and surrounding cities increase in population.

The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority is proposing construction of the Manor Expressway to alleviate congestion. This 6.2-mile toll road would be constructed in the median of the existing highway. Construction would begin in late 2009, with the road opening in 2013. 

Residents learned the details of the Manor Expressway project last week at an Open House. A follow-up meeting to collect public input is planned for August 12. 

The Mobility Authority focus is to create the modern regional transportation network in Central Texas. Current and future projects are key elements in a carefully planned, multi-modal transportation system designed to meet the diverse mobility needs of our fast-growing region.

The first modern toll roads in Central Texas began opening in the fall of 2006. First, the Texas Turnpike Authority opened the Loop 1 extension and portions of SH 45, and SH 130. Then in March 2007, the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority opened the 183A project in Cedar Park and Leander. Throughout 2007 and 2008, the Texas Turnpike Authority continued opening segments of SH 45 and SH 130. In all more than 75 miles of new toll roads were constructed during this period at a cost of more than $4 billion.

Visit the Mobility Authority's website for maps of current and future projects, along with a new interactive tool showing what the Manor Expressway and other planned expressways in the region will look like. High speed tooled roads are planned to be built in the medians of currently congested highways. Drivers will have both tolled and un-tolled options.

Also read:
Will Light Rail Solve Downtown Austin Transit Woes?
Forbes Study Puts Austin's Growth Rate Among Best in Nation

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Austin Real Estate Today

Las Casa Verdes will be the first eco-friendly neighborhood of its kind in Texas. Designed by architect, David E Martin, this new project is located in Southwest Austin, a mile for major shopping areas, on local mass transit routes and includes one of Austin's best high schools.  

Las Casa Verdes will be comprised of twenty single family homes featuring the latest in solar, wind and water energy systems. All homes will meet the strict standards of the Austin Green Building Program, Energy Star and LEEDS certifications. Prices will fall within FHA guidelines for the area, with completion schedule for mid-2008.   Las Casas Verdes Homes   Each lot-specific, custom designed, 1800-square-foot Texas farm style cottage will have its own unique character while still maintaining the overall projects design concept and architectural detailing.  

Las Casas Verdes will stress quality over quantity, be quaint yet efficient and offer eloquent styling and the comfort features most desired in a home today, all without having to alter your lifestyle to enjoy the benefits of saving energy and money. A media room, office alcove and generous exterior decks will compliment each home.   Standard features will include a 3KW Solar Photovoltaic System for electrical generation and Solar Thermal panels for hot water. Every lot is properly oriented to obtain the most from its solar systems. The complete system includes an inverter and a reversing meter for selling excess power to the public grid. Batteries for on-site energy storage will be one of our few options.

Passive solar design will be used and orientated to best manage light from the sun. Overhangs, porches and shade trees will provide shielding to reduce heat load.Heat chimneys, operable awning windows and landscape features will combine with local breezes to move air throughout the home with little or no mechanical assistance during spring and fall months.  

A Rainwater Collection System will gather water for use in toilets and Xeriscaped plant irrigation.   The homes may offer a covered carport attached under a second floor or detached in the yard as an optional purchase. This arrangement maximizes natural ventilation through and around the home.  

Homes will be constructed with structural insulated panels or SIPS. These prefabricated wall and roof panels are used to frame the entire exterior. SIPS offer superior insulation values, tighter seals, faster construction time and most importantly less construction waste. Other energy saving features built into every Las Casas Verdes home. A properly sized 14+ SEER or higher rated heating and cooling system with air ducts sealed and pressure tested per Energy Star specifications. Heat recirculation HVAC ducts to reuse pre-heated air in the winter. An in-duct dehumidification system. A Gas fired on demand tankless water heater as backup to the solar thermal system. Multi speed fan motors and duct controllers to cool or heat only the occupied portions of the home during specific hours. Low VOC paints, Reflected metal roofs and green / recycled building materials. 

A recirculation hot water system will reduce water usage by providing immediate hot water to each tap in the home.

Reflective light wells and automatic light switches will be incorporated where applicable, a simple but effective energy saving feature.

Check out Las Casa Verdes if you are interested in living green and a reasonable cost.

Also Read:
Mueller Center Earns LEED Gold Certification For "Greenness"
Mueller Austin Among Best Green Real Estate in U.S.
Austin Real Estate Becomes Eco-Friendly With ‘Unbuilds'

Only 20 minutes to downtown Austin, Senna Hills is conveniently located in the heart of Texas Hill Country. Bee Cave Road offers access to Capital of Texas Hwy (Loop 360), a scenic loop through northwest and southwest Austin. Ten minutes away is Austin's largest and most upscale shopping mall, Barton Creek Square Mall. Less than five minutes away are the Shops at the Galleria, which are currently under construction, and coming soon, the Hill Country Galleria Mall.  

This elegant and beautifully appointed neighborhood boasts an exceptional living environment with wonderful facilities for enjoyment by all age groups. Amenities include community center, full size pool, and wading pool, playscape, sports court, lighted tennis court, BBQ grills and picnic areas. Walking trails cut through rugged greenbelt offering year-round opportunities to enjoy a wide variety of wildlife.  

Senna Hills benefits from the award-winning schools of the Eanes Independent School District, with children attending nearby Barton Creek Elementary, West Ridge Middle School and Westlake High School. The Mission of Eanes is to provide educational excellence by engaging every student in rigorous academic experiences and enriching opportunities.  

Two Austin home builders, Drees Custom Homes and Taylor Woodrow are exclusively showcased in Senna Hills. Both builders offer homes priced from the upper $500,000s, with spectacular home sites offering glorious views of the hills.  

Taylor Woodrow Homes offer you the assurance of quality construction, superior design and award-winning customer service. Award-winning designs combine an innovative and artful use of space, along with superior craftsmanship with a keen eye for detail.  A dedication to quality in every detail makes your

Drees Home more than you ever imagined. Celebrating their 80 anniversary in 2008, Drees stands tribute to craftsmanship that endures.   If you are looking for luxury surrounded by pebble sidewalks, old-fashioned lampposts and stone entryways, for a home that is the envy of all your friends, Senna Hills is exactly what you were looking for.

You can find more about Austin real estate at Austin Real Estate Today.

Since we've been spotlighting the Mueller Austin community for a while now, we know that this planned development is one of the most eco-friendly of its kind. Featuring affordable homes and plenty of public green space, the mixed-use "urban village" is a model for sustainable community design. 

When guests and potential residents visit Mueller, they first enter through the Mueller Center which acts the community information center and the Catellus Development Group's main office. But this is no ordinary welcome center: Catellus recently announced that the Mueller Center has earned LEED® Gold Certification from the US Green Building Council (USGBC).  

The LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System^TM awards buildings points for satisfying specified green building criteria. The major areas of consideration are: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, and innovation/design. Buildings are awarded silver, gold, or platinum ratings based on the number of points they earn toward each category. 

Mueller Central earned LEED Gold certification based on a number of features, several of which relate to the facility's adaptive reuse construction. Built in the 1930s, the former airport building played many roles prior to being redesigned for its current use in 1996. Other features contributing to the certification include the building's use of sustainable bamboo flooring and doors, drought-tolerant native landscaping, regionally sourced materials, an expansive amount of natural light, individual comfort controls, and highly efficient HVAC and water use equipment.

"Mueller Central is to be commended for achieving LEED® certification. This facility is one that both the community and its visitors can be proud of," said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO and Founding Chair of the U.S. Green Building Council. "Mueller Central will be a showcase for high performance, energy-efficient buildings, and an inspiration for others." 

Be sure to stay tuned for more information about this innovative Austin community.

for more information on Austin real estate, visit Austin Real Estate Today.

Many east Austin neighbors are resting easier now that plans for an R.V. park for the homeless has been put on hold. City Council member Mike Martinez heard the neighbors' opinions and promptly asked city leaders to table to project for at least a year.

Among the many issues presented by upset citizens at an informational meeting about the park was the opinion that the deal had been "backdoored," leaving neighbors in the dark about the plans. The project aimed to provide mobile homes and manufactured housing on city-owned land - an 11-acre property off Harold Court in east Austin - in partnership with Mobile Loaves and Fishes Habitat on Wheels program.

So - where are the homeless of Austin to go? Martinez says he will remain committed through the next year to finding a place for the homeless. Whether or not they end up with housing on city property remains to be seen, but in all likelihood the subject of the RV park will not come up again for at least a year.

Read more about Austin Real Estate on my Blog.

Mueller Austin is quickly becoming an energetic community hub within Austin city limits. It's been almost a year since the first residents moved into one of the diverse neighborhoods,  Located just three miles from downtown and two miles from the University of Texas.

Robert Mueller who first envisioned the redevelopment of Municipal Airport into a mixed-use urban village. The result is an award-winning sustainable community being developed by Catellus Development Group. 

Read Also: Mueller Austin among best green real estate in the U.S.

New homes and jobs

Mueller's 711-acre site, when complete, will become home to approximately 10,000 people, 10,000 permanent employees, more than 1,100 affordable homes and approximately 140 acres of public open space, including:

• Nearly 4,600 single-family, condo or apartment homes (at least 25 percent reserved for families who qualify for affordable housing)
• More than 140 acres of parks and perimeter greenways
• A town center with cafes, shops, plazas and live/work spaces planned to include at least 30 percent locally-owned businesses
• 5 miles of new hike and bike paths
• Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas (open)
• The University of Texas Medical Research Campus
• Austin Film Studios (open)
• Connections to public transportation
• Regional retail (open)
• State-of-the-art rental apartments
• A broad variety of new home opportunities-both for rent and for sale
• Class A office space

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The buying season heated up in Central Texas in May according to the Austin Board of REALTORS® Multiple Listing Service (MLS) May 2008 sales report.  Single-family home sales in May are up slightly over April 2008 numbers, when 1,981, homes sold. Homes are spending fewer days on the market and overall, the real estate market continues to reflect conditions similar to those of 2005, before the unusual boom in 2006.

Take a look at May single family sales statistics compared to 2007:

No matter which city you live in, inventory is still high. Still, Texas is fairing better than the rest of the nation. Austin's current home inventory is below.

AUSTIN REAL ESTATE MARKET FORECAST- Mid Year Update 2008

The Austin Home Builder Association (HBA) held their semi-annual market update last week. Their research shows that the market is slated to remain low through Third Quarter 2008, then pick up by Winter 2008 or early 2009. Mark Sprague with Vesta Strategies thought buyers and sellers should be relieved to see a "cleansing of the market", which was overheated by real estate speculators.

Great areas to buy include the Southtown area in South Austin, but also other areas such as Round Rock, Pflugerville and Kyle due to coming Seton Hospital complexes and other large mixed-use developments.

Read Also: Austin real estate is a great buy for boomers and empty nesters.

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Who pays if we don't create affordable housing for Austin real estate? 

This question was posed at the Austin Neighborhood Housing and Community Development's Affordable Housing Forum, held last Friday (June 13). The third in the forum series on affordable housing issues for real estate in Austin featured Ken Bacon, VP for Housing and Community Development at Fannie Mae. (Fannie Mae recently reduced down-payment requirements nationwide).

Austin real estate consistently ranks among the fastest-growing metro areas in the nation. Demand continues to rise for housing. We recently wrote about the issue of affordable housing in Austin, citing  key issues facing developers and investors. One example of development problems in Central and East Austin includes the building of duplexes on infill lots.

Are the duplexed condos more affordable than regular Austin homes or are developers just going for double their money? 

Read more about the super-duplex debate in Central Austin.

Read also:Is an Affordable Austin just a pipe dream?

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The Austin Board of REALTORS sent an alert last week to encourage agents to vote for Austin city council candidate Cid Galindo.

Galindo faces Laura Morrision in a runoff that ends on June 14th. The main point of contention is the recent Point of Sale Ordinance that is part of the Mayor Wynn's Climate Protection Plan.

Read also: Austin Board of Realtors Opposition to the Point of Sale Ordinance

REALTORS support the Climate Protection plan, but oppose the specific provision that requires upgrades before an Austin home sale is completed. REALTORS think this will increase Austin real estate sales times, hampering home sales and causing grief to Austin home buyers and sellers.

Read also: Mayor Will Wynn's Climate Protection Plan.

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Austin Habitat for Humanity needs more land to build affordable homes. Austin struggles with affordability, so charities like Habitat are needed to create more home owners. Habitat for Humanity offers affordable housing to low income families. The charity uses volunteers to rehab these newly acquired foreclosed properties or in extreme cases, tears them down and rebuilds.

While many struggle to keep their homes and avoid foreclosure, rising national foreclosures have created a window of opportunity for charities like Habitat, who strive to keep home ownership costs low. This controversial topic has even reached Congress (read later).

The National Foreclosure Crisis Rescues Affordability

The national foreclosure crisis caused hundreds of thousands to lose heir home, but Habitat for Humanity, to purchase properties below market value. Many Habitat for Humanity chapters across the US are snapping up dozens of empty lots and unoccupied homes - some for as little as half price.

"The down real estate market is a wonderful opportunity for all Habitats," said Gage Yager, executive director of Trinity Habitat for Humanity in Fort Worth. "As prices drop, we have the opportunity to acquire at prices that just weren't available a few years ago."

Habitat Homes Can Help Cities Grow

Some criticize that Habitat is taking advantage of someone else's misfortune, but renovating an already vacant property is far better than leaving it abandoned, resulting in higher crime rates and lower property values.

For example, in Fort Worth, Habitat is negotiating to buy part of a 160-lot subdivision that a developer left unfinished. The plan is to purchase 50 of the remaining 100 vacant lots at a 30-40% discount and put single-family homes on them. In Dallas, a Habitat affiliate has acquired approximately 150 lots at a roughly 50 percent discount.

Legislation before Congress might help Habitat and nonprofit housing agencies take greater advantage of bargains. One bill would provide $15 billion to the hardest-hit states for the purchase and improvement of foreclosed property. States could then make those properties available to nonprofits such as Habitat. However, the Bush administration has threatened a veto.

To learn more about Austin TX real estate, please call me at 512-697-9140 or visit CopelandGroupRealty.com.  You may also begin searching for homes here!

Image Credit: Habitat for Humanity Maui