Austin Luxury Homes and Living

Every Neighborhood Has One, This Halloween It's ME!

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 13:42:54 -0600

Austin, Texas is really in to Halloween and frankly it's one of the biggest holidays because we do take the moniker "Keep Austin Weird" very seriously! I have lived in the Lost Creek Neighborhood here in Austin for almost sixteen years and we are no different. Situated in the Eanes School District we have a large population of children of all ages so there is usually a good crowd of "Trick or Treaters" of all ages out haunting the night beginning around dusk and continuing to the wee hours or whenever the candy finally runs out! Halloween is a fun and silly time but it's always good to be careful and here is a site with some excellent tips

safety tips from injuryboard.com

When our children were younger, my wife and I would take turns accompanying the kids around the neighborhood or staying at home to dish out the candy to the assorted goblins, ghouls, super heroes, tinker bells etc. For many years a neighbor who lived a few houses down installed a stuffed scare crow in a rocking chair with a large bowl of candy and other goodies. Bathed in a dim and spooky light, it was innocent but still a bit scary. The first year we approached the porch with some trepidation and my children carefully reached in to the bowl and scooped up some treats. Walking away to the next house, we passed a group of older kids heading up to the porch and just as we were about to knock at the house next door, we heard the group of teens all scream in unison. Puzzled...yes, but we were on a candy gathering mission so we moved on and thought nothing of it.

A year goes by and for some reason I get Trick or Treat patrol duty again so we head out together in the early evening to begin the annual romp through Lost Creek. Once again, we approach the house with the scare crow but this year both of my children are hesitant and stand at the edge of the porch carefully eyeing the bowl of candy. I finally tell them we need to get a move on because we still have a number of houses to haunt. Neither of them budge. Exasperated, I step on to the porch and reach into the bowl. All of a sudden, the scare crow grabs my hand and I am so startled that I want to scream. Here is the worst part, have you ever been scared and when your mouth opens to shriek, the only thing that comes out is a pathetic squeal? Well, that was me..and my children also screamed and then began howling with laughter. The scare crow also started cackling and eventually I did too.

A few years ago, this mischievous neighbor moved out of the area so I decided to take up the challenge. Last year I dug around in our garage and found the all time creepiest mask ever, some very large clothes, pillows for stuffing, gloves and a large sombrero. I did an excellent job of looking like an inanimate object(for those who know me, this was a herculean task). I planted myself in a lawn chair and strung some colored lights around and waited. The outfit was so creepy that I had to badger convince my daughter to join me in a chair and read a book posing as someone who was there to make sure everyone got a fair share of the candy. The outfit was so creepy that EVERYONE who walked up did so with caution! I have to say that I was very responsible and did not move a muscle when the little ones accompanied by parents approached.

Each and every group of visitors asked, "Is that real, is someone in there?" My daughter was a pro and said nothing but would also whisper the status of the groups so that I would know whether to stay perfectly still or if I could, at the right moment, scare our guests. Towards the end of the evening it got to be a lot of fun because by then it was mostly teens. My daughter knew many of them and I have to tell you took great pleasure in watching then scream as I would suddenly come to life and scare the beejeebers out of them!

This week, my wife asked me if we were going to be doing the stuffed sombrero routine again and I said yes! After all, there are some new kids on the block and there are some that were too young to scare last year so it will be their turn now. And of course, there are all of those parents I let slide, who will see the scary candy clown and still think I am just a stuffed prop! She just laughed and told me that she will be taking her place beside me as the innocent candy monitor this year. We might even set up a video camera for some interesting clips. Whatever you do this year, please remember to:

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

It's the day AFTER Halloween and at the Lewis house, the Scary Clown is bummed and starting to grouse!

Yes, due to any number of circumstances we sadly only had three groups of "trick-o-treaters" (and all too young to frighten) Soooooo....it's back to the garage with our frightening friend and another year before I will have to sit still again! I guess we will have to eat all the candy ourselves...

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At What Point Did Disagreeing with an Idea, Person or Concept Become Heresy?

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 07:08:43 -0500

I took one of those Facebook quizzes awhile back and was moderately surprised to learn that I was "Moderately Liberal" in my political leanings (If leanings is a word). Now if you were to poll a cross section of people who know me you would get some widely contradicting opinions about this statement. For those with whom I hunt and fish I am known as an avid outdoors-man, gun owner and property rights advocate. I am also considered to have a strong attitude toward fiscal policy and don't really care for an invasive and over large Government. Because of these ideas there are those who consider me more than a little conservative. On the other hand I agree with many that we live in a rich and powerful country and it's appalling that we have so much poverty and hunger in our nation. It's also apparent to me that because of the mindless greed and self serving attitude of many that we need to have regulations to curb and at least make some attempt to avoid the disastrous policies of the last eight years. Those ideas would make me a bleeding heart liberal in the eyes of many. Here is the thing, I AM NEITHER, my beliefs over the spectrum of issues in the world are very diverse and do not define me as right or left or in any way pigeon hole me with a particular ideology. In fact I believe that a large majority of the country is divided along a very narrow line and that we are actually very close to agreeing on almost all issues. Right after the election, I wrote a post entitled The Election is over...and we are still HERE! After hard fought primaries and a contentious election, it looked like we were going to experience some civility and maybe have some non-partisan attempts to compromise and even make some progress together. Unfortunately, nothing of the sort took place...

In my opinion, the attempt to divide or Balkanize the American public is the work of those who have an agenda that is not entirely in the best interests of our country as a whole. It is disturbing to me that based on one or two beliefs I find that people I know, pundits on the news, talk radio and TV "Infotainers" from both sides will excoriate me and a large part of the population for not being "American" enough to support them, no matter how ridiculous. To not agree completely and blindly with the various extreme points of view automatically demonizes anyone who does not go along. To vilify others based on a few differences of opinion is a cheap shot and reminiscent of the tactics of Joe McCarthy back in the 50's. This is absurd because issues are not black and white and that kind of thinking only exists in comic books. We live in a Democracy NOT a Theocracy. We have a separation of church and state to protect us from the same sort of ideology that resulted in the Spanish Inquisition and the Taliban. And it's just as bad when you hear the hateful ideas of any Minister or Preacher who takes something from any religious book out of context and uses it to promote a self serving agenda. Extremism is divisive and usually plays on FEAR. Unfortunately fear works, especially on those who are uninformed or find it easier to follow the claims of anyone who happens to have an"opinion du jour" without actually investigating the FACTS.

The use of distortion, obfuscation and outright lying by different groups in an attempt to manipulate the public and the elected representatives has become inexcusable. Like the man in the cartoon above, there is a lot of "yelling at clouds" and very little effort to deal with facts or work in the spirit of compromise. In fact I was always told that when the volume goes up the IQ drops exponentially! I find it alarming that the level of discourse in our debates has deteriorated to name calling, making false and misleading statements, shouting down the opposition and as my Grandmother use to note "displaying a complete lack of manners". When Rep. Joe Wilson screamed out "You lie!" I was dismayed and thought that it was, to put it simply, trashy behavior! And frankly, while I am on this soap box I am very disappointed in the so called leaders on both sides of the aisle in Congress who have failed to get anything done as well as the talking heads who continue to encourage the politics of "NO". It's as if we are witnessing the death of common sense. After all, the media hosts are in business to make money and maintain ratings. I read somewhere that Rush Limbaugh had a $400,000,000 contract. Heck I could probably keep people stirred up and would even do it for half the money?!?! And the left also has it's share of loud mouthed screamers! My cynical side wants me to think that BIG MONEY has paid EVERYONE and that as voters we are completely ignored. Think about this from a standpoint of how you live in your community, relate to your neighbors and how you conduct your business. In Texas we are known (for the most part) as having pretty good manners as well as for priding ourselves on our quality service. When a customer is not happy there are always consequences. dawdling [noun]: the deliberate act of delaying and playing instead of working. This is the kind of "service" we are getting from Congress. Click on the video below for an old school response to bad manners and "dawdling service". I admit that I get a perverse thrill out of the video but would never actually do that to anyone. It would just nullify anything I said as far as compromise and cooperation. BUT I will say that we all need to start treating each other with some RESPECT. And frankly if anyone acting like Joe Wilson showed up at my house yelling at me, I might just...well, I will leave it to your imagination. The other day I was having lunch with a very good friend who I think highly of and we were talking about some political issues about which we have very differing opinions. It was enough to make the conversation a little bit uncomfortable and we acknowledged this and actually laughed about it and went on and enjoyed a very pleasant time together. I guess it comes down to this, we just have to agree to disagree and continue to maintain friendships and working relationships based on the things we admire and respect about each other. Hopefully, in the long run, common sense will eventually return and we will NOT let media pundits, politicians and lobbyists continue to split us up so harshly. After all we may disagree on a few things but we are still neighbors, associates and citizens of a country that allows us to engage in any type of discussion in as heated a manner as we can without encouraging violence and that's something that will always make our nation great!

Let's remember the things that unite us and ignore those who would divide us for their own selfish reasons!

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Architecture at the Umlauf Series - Thursday, October 1st 7:O0PM

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:39:44 -0500

The next event of the third season of the Architecture at the Umlauf Series season takes this place Thursday, October 1st. Doors open at at 7:00 pm.

The monthly series was founded and is produced by two of my associates at AvenueOne properties; Scott Harvey and Carla Umlauf (granddaughter of the esteemed sculptor) and is sponsored by our firm, AvenueOne Properties and hosted by The Umlauf Torchbearers. The lectures take place at the beautiful Umlauf Sculpture Garden and the series is now in the second half of its hugely successful third season. J.C. Schmeil AIA is the featured speaker. Catering will be provided by WINK. There is a minimal charge of $5.00 for the event but is free to museum members. Come out and enjoy an excellent talk in this beautiful venue. You might want to show up early because this event has been at capacity at all of the previous lectures!

UPDATE: Due to ACL, there are some parking issues for tonight's lecture. We are working to get them resolved, but please note that the parking area just down the road is open (approx. 2/10 mile to the south of the Umlauf, just past the ball field) and there is also the ACL/Uncle Billy's parking on Sterzing Rd. just north of Barton Springs, which is about 1/4 mile away. We are also working on getting a shuttle service, though this is all very last minute so we apologize in advance for the inconvenience!

Thanks again for your continued interest and support!

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Too Old to Rock & Roll? Certainly NOT, Especially in Austin, Texas!

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:47:53 -0500

Too old to Rock & Roll, too young to die... Ray Lomas

A number of years ago during SXSW here in Austin, Texas I was standing outside a club with a friend who worked as an A&R guy for a large record company waiting to see a band showcase. At one point he held out his hand and in it were the two biggest pills I had ever seen in my life! I looked at him and said, "Thanks man but I don't do that sort of thing anymore"! He just laughed, shook his head and replied, "Don't be a nitwit, These are EAR PLUGS , not pills"! OOPS...and yes, I was more than a little embarrassed. I love all sorts of music but admit I am partial to Rock and Roll and every once in awhile I like to crank it up and push the volume to (as they noted in Spinal Tap) 11... Yep, we are living the good life in Austin, Texas! For those of you who may not know, Active Rain's Community Manager and blogger extraordinaire Active Brad Andersohn is an accomplished guitar wizard, click on his name and you will be treated to a scorching guitar solo!!

As an avid music fan I like all sorts of music, hitting the shuffle mode on my iPod can be a confusing experience because you will skip from Metallica to Mozart, Gospel to Soul, Reggae, old school country, Blues and well... you see what I mean! I remember exactly when I got my first taste of LOUD Rock & Roll. In high school, I skipped class with some friends and ended up at a house where there were no parents during the day! It was a pretty boring experience until one the guys put on a new record (yes, I am talking vinyl here) and the track opened with some sustained feedback that crashed into some loud chords and I had my first experience hearing Jimi Hendrix! It's funny but I still get a chill to this day when I hear Foxy Lady. Music has a huge impact on people of all generations and you would have a hard time finding anyone who did not attach some song to many significant events in their lives. I am not saying that Music can save the world but it certainly has a significant influence. Think about the collapse of the Soviet Union, I know there are lots of people who would like to take credit for that but consider the influence of the Monsters of Rock tours in Moscow during the early 90's and the effect of the full on sonic assault from Texas band Pantera who called themselves the cowboys from hell! And as my friend Mark Varien also pointed out, Mikhail Gorbachev was a ROCKER!

I began listening to all sorts of other harder edged rock bands and I have never really lost my love for a whole range Rock & Roll styles over the years. My friend, Margaret Moser, an incredibly insightful and talented music writer for the Austin Chronicle describes our segment of the baby boom generation as "SONIC BOOMERS". I have to agree that her portrayal is very accurate. The last time I was at a ZZ TOP concert, over half the people there were older than ME! I recently read a post by fellow blogger Sharon Paxson about her attendance at a recent ACDC concert, the Rolling Stones are all in their 60's, many new rock bands pay homage to old school rockers of the 70's,80's and 90's. I am amazed that Ozzy Osbourne is still around and playing before huge crowds. Face it, loud music is not just the pastime and realm of the young. To this day whenever I enter a club or show and it's between songs I seem to always shout "TURN IT UP", no matter how loud the band is already playing! Another rather juvenile stunt I often pull is when I am in the car and I have the music cranked up, I will sometimes turn it up a bit louder and crack the window some so that the cars next to me at a stop light can get a taste. I usually do this next to older folks and often much younger just to see the reaction!

As most of the music loving universe knows, Austin, Texas is Live Music Capital of the World and as such has numerous live music venues. I've listed some of my favorite Rock & Roll venues here in town and though by no means comprehensive, they are all good places to listen to GREAT MUSIC! By the way, for anyone who might get the wrong idea, Rock is not my only music love and next week I might list my favorite boot scootin' dance halls or jazz clubs but this week It's only Rock & Roll but I like it...ENJOY!

Antone's is known as one of the premier Blues Clubs in the nation and world and I can teel you the volume can get very loud at times. Home to Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jimmy Vaughn, James Cotton, and many others!

The Continental Club is another place that has been around for many years and play host to local and touring acts in a smaller more intimate venue!

Emo's is one of several clubs along Red River that cater to alternative, metal, and other fringe acts. The last time I was here was to take my son to a Butthole Surfers show. I know the lead singer Gibby Haynes and he left an envelope with passes and you guessd it Ear Plugs along with a note that said,

"WEAR THESE!"

RedEyedFly is a very cool smaller venue also in the Red River District! They just celebrated their ten year anniversary and have enjoyed a variety of shows here including a couple I've attended with my daughter! I would also like to thank the owner for helping me when I locked my keys in the car the day I took this picture!

Stubb's Don't be fooled by the quaint stone building. In the back is a large open air theater that has hosted road shows from all over the world. Stubbs was the place I took our son for his first concert when he was eleven. It was a around Thanksgiving and it only cost some canned good for the local chapter of the Food Bank. Nickelback and Saliva headlined the show; this was before they were playing arenas and my son was pretty excited by the whole experience. This is s great venue to see touring shows if you don't mind standing while you rock! They also have an incredible Gospel Brunch on Sunday's.

La Zona Rosa is a club just west of downtown that has been around since the early 80's. I have seen so many rock, reggae, blues and assorted bands here that I cannot name them all. Although it's been awhile the last show I saw here was a tour by Robin Trower !

Austin Music Hall is in a brand new remodeled building just south of the 360 Condos. A large number of road shows and tours stop here and again the music performed covers a very wide range. About 10 years ago I attended a Motley Crewshow here with a friend who is an architect. We did not have time to go home and change and just showed up wearing suits and ties much to the chagrin of many of the fans who just did not know what a couple of "suits" were doing at a heavy metal show. They must have figured we were cops or extremely bad-A fans and everyone gave us a rather wide berth!

The picture below is from the back of one of the stages currently under construction this week for a little party that happens once a year in Austin known as the ACL Music Festival where several hundred thousand music fans (OF ALL AGES) will gather to hear an enormous range of music representing almost every genre being played these days. It is one of the largest music events in the world and of course, it's right here in The Live Music Capital of the world. I am planning to catch a few shows and if possible will try and catch Pearl Jam ...another band that likes to CRANK IT UP!

Well that's about all for now but before I go I want to tell you one more thing...my daughter came home the other day and told me, "Dad, you know when you pull up next to old people and crank up the tunes?" "Sure," I replied. "Well, my friends and I like doing that too!" I guess it does run in the family, Rock on!!

It's a Good Life in Austin Texas!

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7808 West Rim Drive - Open House – Sunday, September 27th, 2-4 PM

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:15:22 -0500

Sunday, September 27^th, 2-4 PM - I will be holding open 7808 West Rim Drive in Northwest Hills; one of Austin's finest neighborhoods. This home is absolutely gorgeous and as someone who does not use that description very often you will have to believe that this is a very special home. Built to high quality standards the home has a beautifully designed open floor plan with high ceilings, wood windows, dramatic family room with two-story fireplace and large living room, beautiful island kitchen with granite and stainless and many other upgrades. Don't just take my word for it. Come by for a visit and preview this home and see for yourself!

AGENTS, this is an excellent time to preview!

I will be on-site between 2pm and 4pm Sunday afternoon so please drop by for a tour of this wonderful home in a no pressure environment. If you have questions or are unable to attend or to schedule a private showing, I can be reached at my mobile number listed below. I look forward to seeing you there!

If you or anyone you know is anticipating purchasing or selling real estate in Central, West or Southwest Austin or the Westlake/Eanes School District area, I would be happy to be of assistance. Let me put my nineteen years success helping upscale buyers and sellers in Austin's finest neighborhoods to work for you. Call my mobile 512-657-8769 or email for a private consultation at your convenience!

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Working from home - Russell's Outside Office

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 07:33:33 -0500

In the middle of the Austin's longest drought since the 1950's it has been a losing battle to try and save the yard...it's fried. Water restrictions are in place and are being enforced, and so we have retreated to our back deck overlooking the valley and tried to make it an oasis against the never ending heat. Last weekend, we actually had a very good rain and the weather has cooled to the semi-tolerable 70's in the mornings so I have had the pleasure of enjoying morning coffee while working outside after my morning run. I am enjoying the good life in Austin Texas and I hope you are having a good day!

If you or anyone you know is anticipating purchasing or selling real estate anywhere in Central, West or Southwest Austin or the Westlake/Eanes School District area, I would be happy to be of assistance. Let me put my nineteen years success helping upscale buyers and sellers in Austin's finest neighborhoods to work for you. Contact me for a private consultation at your convenience! Mobile 512-657-8769

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Architecture at the Umlauf Series - Thursday September 3rd 7:00PM

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 21:21:27 -0500

The next event of the third season of the Architecture at the Umlauf Series season takes this place Thursday, September 3^rd at 7:30 pm.

The monthly series was founded and is produced by two of my associates at AvenueOne properties; Scott Harvey and Carla Umlauf (granddaughter of the esteemed sculptor) and is sponsored by our firm, AvenueOne Properties and hosted by The Umlauf Torchbearers. The lectures take place at the beautiful Umlauf Sculpture Garden and the series is now in the second half of its hugely successful third season. Rick Black is the featured speaker. Catering will be provided by The Steeping Room. There is a minimal charge of $5.00 for the event but is free to museum members. Come out and enjoy an excellent talk in this beautiful venue. You might want to show up early because this event has been at capacity at all of the previous lectures!

Thanks again for your continued support I look forward to seeing you there!

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First Day of School

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 18:31:57 -0500

Sitting on the low stone wall, our eyes meet and he flashes us a nervous grin and anxiously looks around at the other kids and parents sitting and loitering nearby. The year is 1995 and we are waiting at the bus stop for the big yellow school bus that will take our son to his very first day of school at Forest Trail Elementary. There are several other "first timers" and their parents along with a half dozen students ranging in age from 7 to 11. In a moment, we hear the roar of the bus as it heads around the corner and comes to a stop in front of us. The doors noisily slide open and the kids begin to file on one at a time. My wife squeezes my hand as we watch him climb on board as he turns and waves goodbye. Her tears begin as the bus pulls away and I gently tease her and say, "It's okay, you want to follow the bus to school?" We both laugh and then immediately run to our car and pull in behind the bus with several other like-minded parents forming a wagon train, following the bus to school! On our drive I keep telling her he will be fine and not to worry and she laughs while crying and reminds me that our "baby boy" is growing up! I'm still laughing and agree and all is well until we pull up in the school lot, park and watch him bound off the last step, smiling and so excited to be at school. Then it happens to me...big salty tears pour from my eyes as my wife and I hug and watch the scene. Yes, as intense as my business persona can be at times...I do have a soft spot for my family and the well being of others.

This week that scene will be repeated to various degrees in the Eanes School District where we call home and all over the country! Actually we moved to the Eanes School District when our son was only 3 and our daughter was about a month away from arriving in the world! At my previous real estate firm located in Westlake, I volunteered at several of the schools and was impressed with just about EVERYTHING I saw. Every school had great teachers, staff, administrators, a wonderful curriculum, healthy, active parent involvement and dedication to excellence on every level. After talking it over with my wife, we began looking for a home in the area and moved in 1992. This year the Texas Education Agency has rated every school in Eanes, EXEMPLARY and all of the schools consistently perform at the highest levels! Here is an interesting detail: Only 60% of the residents in Eanes have students in school however the rest stay because the quality of the schools contributes to keeping the property values up! As a matter of fact, our daughter is a senior at Westlake this year (something she is exceedingly proud of) and when she leaves for college next year, we also intend to stay in the district. Not JUST because of the schools but they are a major factor.

For more information on all of our excellent schools, please click on the links provided that will take you to the District Site as well as each of the individual schools where you will have access to an incredible amount of data and resources! And if you have a chance, volunteer, they can always use the help!

Eanes School District Web Site

Barton Creek Elementary Bridgepoint Elementary Cedar Creek Elementary

Eanes Elementary Forest Trail Elementary

Hill Country Middle School West Ridge Middle School

Westlake High School

Alright...now fast forward to last week. Our son asked me to accompany him as he drove back to college to begin his sophomore year. We all had a good summer together but as some of you may know about teenagers, it was T I M E for him to return to school. On the way up he mentioned that he had not really had a chance to mentally prepare for his next year and leaving home again. This came as something of a surprise to me because he has always loved travel, adventure and has an ardent streak of independence. He just said he was still something of a "homeboy" and talked about how much he loved us and being home...Anyway, after a 7 hour drive we arrived at school, unloaded and got him moved in to his fraternity house (That's another story all together!) and then it was time for us to head for the airport. As in the past everything was FINE until I took one last picture of him at the drop off area and he hugged me. When I started to relax my grip, he hugged me just a little harder and then it started...big, warm, salty tears which I tried to blink away but to no avail. I tried to mumble something and he smiled and said, "It's alright Dad, I am just on the edge myself." And so it goes, anyone who has even a modicum of love for their children must experience something like this to some extent and his Mom and I are just grateful that he and his sister have been gifts to us AND that they have the opportunity to receive a good education!

School is back so watch out for those children!!!

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The Real Tragedy of General Motors Bankruptcy

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 07:45:34 -0500

General Motors...Bankrupt? Say it ain't so...I have been reading a lot of articles and watching the talking heads go on and on about the fall of General Motors and frankly think most of them have missed a vital and key component as to WHY the company failed. That is until this morning, when I read P.J. O'Rourke's excellent treatise in the May 30th issue of the Wall Street Journal. See the article in its entirety here : The End of the Affair. The commentary reveals that Detroit lost its soul and passion when it allowed the bean counters and corporate bureaucrats to take over the business and let simple economics rule over the passion and romance that Americans have with their automobiles. I do not care what generation you are from, we all have special times, memories and emotions attached to our relationship with cars!It's part of the fabric of our society on every level!

I think everyone remembers Drives Ed. class, the first time you were allowed to take the family car, the purchase of an automobile and all of the different events that take place regarding a car while growing up. I mention this while also keeping on mind the events that can occur within the confines of a car whether it is moving or parked...Long before I was old enough to drive I enjoyed racing model "slot" cars at our local hobby shop in my West Texas town. When I was 10, my favorite model was a VERY COOL, 1963 Corvette Convertible. I remember holding it, polishing it, racing it around that local table top track and it was as real an experience as I could ever imagine without actually driving. I think that this is inherent in almost all children (certainly with boys) to some degree. When our son was between ages of 2 and 5 we would let him get behind the wheel of one of our cars (No keys, emergency brake on, windows down and one of us nearby keeping an eye out) and he would happily spend a couple of hours turning all the buttons, switches, levers and standing at the wheel "driving". All the while making assorted noises and sound effects to accompany his outing. We actually have a Ford 1996 Mustang Convertible GT (I know, it's not GM but it's an American muscle car) that, I refuse to part with because it is so much FUN to drive, but please do not ask about the gas mileage?!?!?

All that said, I think each of us has a special relationship with our automobiles and as a Realtor, I certainly spend a lot of time in mine. Mr. O'Rourke goes on to explain that this relationship between Americans goes back to the time when horses were our means of transportation. " Politicians, journalists, financial analysts and other purveyors of banality have been looking at cars as if a convertible were a business. Fire the MBAs and hire a poet. The fate of Detroit isn't a matter of financial crisis, foreign competition, corporate greed, union intransigence, energy costs or measuring the shoe size of the footprints in the carbon. It's a tragic romance-unleashed passions, titanic clashes, lost love and wild horses." I could not agree more but as with all things a balance must beachieved. Honestly. look at cars made in China, Russia and many people recall the hapless "YUGO" ! Strictly utilitarian cars are NOT what American consumers are all about! Yes, I do understand the need for conservation and safety and a dozen other reasons why big muscle cars should be the exception and not the rule but it is clear to me that Governmental busybodies and corporate incompetence did more to bring General Motors down than anything else. I do not know what is in store with the next General Motors incarnation but I certainly have the fervent wish that creativity, artistry and a little romanticism are allowed to re-enter the equation. For heaven's sake, Germany and Italy, representing the pinnacle of both creativity and artistry have done extremely well with a line of incredibly sexy and hyper engineered designs. America can, by acknowledging a look toward the incredible minds and resources we have can make a comeback as the world leader in automobiles.

In the meantime, I will continue enjoying the guilty pleasure of driving that Mustang as I turn on my blinker, tap the gas pedal and and roar into the left lane before the psychotic driver of the tiny BMW attempts to cut me off...It's a good life here in Austin, Texas!

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Lost Creek Open House-6667 Whitemarsh Valley-Sunday,May 31st 1:30-3:30

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Sat, 30 May 2009 19:58:19 -0500

I list and sell homes in all parts of the Eanes School District but I particularly enjoy working in Lost Creek! Why? Because Lost Creek is where my family has called home since 1992. Lost Creek, situated south west of the intersection of Bee Caves Road and Loop 360, is an excellent neighborhood of homes ranging from $400,000 to $800,000. The neighborhood lies within the acclaimed Eanes School District and which includes Forest Trail Elementary (the home of Healthy Bear), West Ridge Middle School and Westlake High School. Lost Creek is situated comfortably near plentiful shopping, Lake Austin water sports, Wild Basin Preserve and three world class country clubs. Many of the homes sit on estate sized lots with many amenities and the area is definitely one of Austin's premier upscale neighborhoods.

6667 Whitemarsh Valley is a lovely one story brick home on a large, beautifully landscaped flat lot ! For an exceptional overview of the home, click on the VIRTUAL TOUR .

This is an awesome home BUT DON'T TAKE MY WORD FOR IT! Come on out and take a look for yourself and visit with me about any questions you might have regarding this or any other home in the Eanes School District. I will be at the home on Sunday May 31st from 1:30-3:30pm and I look forward to seeing you there!

Russell Lewis | AvenueOne Properties, Inc. | 512-657-8769

6667 Whitemarsh Valley Walk, Austin, TX

Rare opportunity in the Lost Creek Neighborhood! Beautiful one story home on a landscaped flat lot! Excellent condition with many upgrades!

4BR/2.5BA Single Family House

offered at $479,500

Year Built	1984
Sq Footage	2,445
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 1 partial
Floors	1
Parking	Unspecified
Lot Size	0.22 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

New on Market! Rare opportunity and the Lost Creek Neighborhood at its BEST! Beautiful one story home on a wonderfully landscaped flat lot! Excellent condition with many upgrades throughout and ready to move in! Hardwoods, granite, newer paint and roof, lighting, and many quality features! Bright open floor plan that provides for easy living in a well designed lay out. Convenient to shopping and located in the award winning Eanes School District.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
Walk-in closet	Hardwood floor	Tile floor
Family room	Living room	Dining room
Breakfast nook	Dishwasher	Stove/Oven
Laundry area - inside	Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Playground

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Fantastic neighborhood in the Eanes School District!

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Exterior Front	Living Room
Family Room	Kitchen-Breakfast
Master bedroom	Backyard

Contact info:

Russell Lewis

AvenueOne Properties, Inc.

512-657-8769

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: May 26, 2009, 1:16pm PDT

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Too Busy to Blog, But I Am Not Complaining...

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Thu, 14 May 2009 07:22:01 -0500

I have been busier than a one-legged man in a butt kickin' contest. (Author unknown)

I finished my morning run yesterday and while resting my "dogs" out on our deck, I had a few moments to relax and contemplate blogging and the real estate market here in Austin, Texas. Last July, when I first started "blogging", the real estate business in Austin, Texas was pulling back and beginning to feel the first effects of the many problems that have plagued real estate, banking and the other financial areas in all parts of the country. Through the fall and the first months of 2009, the market remained flat and actually dropped a bit as more problems surfaced.

When business is slower, it's an excellent time to reexamine our production, our business model, work on our SOI and engage in marketing in anticipation of future business. During the months since last summer, I slowly began to delve into the world of on line social networking by joining LinkedIn, Squidoo, Twitter, Face Book and most importantly, Active Rain! In that time I s-l-o-w-l-y learned to find my voice and write posts that would hopefully contribute to the Active Rain community as well as help promote my presence and relevance online in my areas of expertise here in Austin! Over time I have been pleasantly surprised at the number of friends and professional relationships I have established through my blog!

I have also been able to gain more business as a direct result of my blogging and hopefully it will continue to grow as I stay involved. And that's the challenge! I was taught by Rich and Brad that to be successful at blogging, a person needs to post regularly and maintain quality. I suppose I could post every listing in my company (as I often see from some of the real estate "teams") or just throw something -anything out to fill the void but I think in the long run folks actually do not care for this type of blog and quickly move along. If anything I do need to write about real estate more often and on a REGULAR BASIS!!

Now here is my so called "problem", Austin is experiencing dramatic activity these days (at least for my office and me personally). Austin has recently rated #1 for employment opportunities, Forbes magazine ranked Austin #8 for communities to do business, Jumbo Loan restrictions are beginning to relax a bit, and Texas for the 4^th year in a row is the number 1 state for population growth. All of these things bode well for our community and our business. As a consequence, I have had no time at all to post lately and barely enough to keep up with many of the blogs I read on a regular basis. I am flattered when I check my blog and see that people leave comments wondering if I am alive or will ever post again! Anyway, I am back to posting again but as long as the market stays busy, I will have to make an extra effort to write something at least twice a week.

In the meantime, if you or someone you know is interested in buying or selling a home in Central, West or Southwest Austin, Texas, contact me at your convenience. Real Estate is alive and well in our fair city!

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Architecture at the Umlauf Series - Thursday May,7th 7:00PM

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Thu, 07 May 2009 07:31:16 -0500

The final event of the first first half of the Architecture at the Umlauf Series season (before taking a break from the summer heat) and will take place Thursday, May 7^th.

The monthly series was founded and is produced by two of my associates at AvenueOne properties; Scott Harvey and Carla Umlauf (granddaughter of the esteemed sculptor) and is sponsored by our firm, AvenueOne Properties. The lectures take place at the beautiful Umlauf Sculpture Garden and the series is now in the middle of its hugely successful third season. Camille Urban Jobe, AIA is the featured speaker. There is a minimal charge of $5.00 for the event but is free to museum memberss.

Thanks again for your continued interest and support!

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The Trials & Trepidations of picking a…Business Card?

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Tue, 05 May 2009 18:38:45 -0500

I recently had an agent visit my office to drop off a contract offer. The receptionist called me and I went to the reception area but could not find the agent among the half dozen people in the sitting area. Returning to my desk, the receptionist called me again and said "Russell, are you going to meet with this agent?" I explained to her that I had already been up front but did not see anyone resembling the lady who was supposedly in the lobby. Our receptionist lowered her voice and said, "Well...she does not look a thing like the picture on her card!" Okay, I said, just discreetly point her out when I come back up to the reception area! Arriving again, I met a person who had no resemblance to the photo on her card, website or blog!

Business cards can be a big deal to people in any profession, especially when starting any new venture and I was reminded of this when I recently read a post by Active Rain newcomer and fellow Austinite Daren Krause about the subject of business cards. So many people (including myself many years ago) go to such extremes trying to decide what type, shape, size and style will best represent them to the world! In Daren's post he included the following YouTube clip and I have to say it is hands down the most over the top sales pitch for a business card that I have ever seen. Go ahead, it's only a couple of minutes long and you really need to see this commercial for the "ultimate" business card.

See what I mean? This guy is the most incredible huckster I’ve seen in a long time and that card?!?! OMG! (as my 16 year old daughter would say) a fold out, flip up, die cut piece of “art” at four dollars apiece and took TWENTY FIVE YEARS to develop? So cool that we would want to keep it and maybe even frame it for posterity? I still do not know what he does except that he somehow builds crowds?!?! Well…so did the Frankenstein Monster, of course those crowds were angry torch wielding villagers! There must be a market for this sort of over the top business card but I am not always the sharpest knife in the drawer and I must be missing something! I thought his statement that “Life is not about being liked” was interesting; he appears to be on the road to phenomenal success in that department!

So that brings us back to the business card that works best for an individual. For me, I do not use a picture and yes, I actually look like my photo! My card is of good stock, I guess and is designed to fit our company logo and style but it really is just for contact info. Name, numbers, email and web address all in a pleasant style and quality that reflects a positive image for me and my company. Again, I think it is an individual choice and will only say that if you do use a picture, make it one the rest of us will recognize and if you pick one of the $4 super fantastic works of art, don’t bother leaving one with me, I usually use extra business cards to mark interesting recipes in my favorite cookbooks!

In the meantime, if you or anyone you know is anticipating purchasing or selling real estate anywhere in Central, West or Southwest Austin or the Westlake/Eanes School District area, I would be happy to be of assistance. Let me put my nineteen years success helping upscale buyers and sellers in Austin's finest neighborhoods to work for you. Contact me for a private consultation at your convenience!

Mobile 512-657-8769

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WORRIED ABOUT THE SWINE FLU EPIDEMIC? Wash Your Hands...it's NO JOKE!

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 20:21:13 -0500

I watched with interest as President Obama during his first hundred days address, state that one of the main things that could help thwart the spread of the current Flu virus was to wash your hands! He said it more than once for a reason. Many people do not take it seriously but it is a FACT! The CDC in Atlanta has determined that the Number 1 way that disease is spread throughout the world is from people NOT washing their hands often and correctly!

Now, I happen to be something of an expert on this particular issue...No Really! Previously I have written about my experience when I described my work Giving Back to Your Community as a School Volunteer. I discussed my role as a health care volunteer dressing up as "Healthy Bear" and teaching classes of kindergarteners and first graders why and how to correctly wash their hands. The fact of the matter is that people everywhere take hand washing for granted.

If you really want to avoid catching any sorts of contagious diseases, here are some easy to remember steps:

1. Turn on the water, warm, not hot and rinse your hands.

2. Soap your hands thoroughly and work up a lather.

3. Vigorous scrub your palms, the tops of your hands, the fingers and finish around your wrists!

4. Do this for about 30 seconds. A good rule of thumb is to sing the chorus of Here we go round the mulberry bush. Just change the words to "This is the way we wash our hands, wash our hands, wash our hands" Or if you can think of something that works for you, sing it! Just make sure you are soaping you hands vigorously for at least 30-45 seconds!

5. Rinse hands under a stream of water pointing hands down for the water to carry away the dirt and germs down the drain.

7. Completely dry your hands with a clean dry paper towel!

OH, he also mentioned, cover your mouth when you cough! Respect yourself and others around you!

That's it, easy as pie. Just do as Healthy Bear says and as I have told the school kids since 1993; Do yourself, your friends and family a favor! Wash your hands correctly and often! Thanks for stopping by, you may now return to your regularly scheduled program!

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Rob Roy on the Lake Open House-1001 Elder Circle-Sunday, April 26 2-4PM

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 12:24:12 -0500

Rob Roy on the Lake, situated between Bee Caves Road and Lake Austin, is one of six subdivisions: with the Rob Roy name. The neighborhood lies within the acclaimed Eanes School District and which includes Barton Creek Elementary, West Ridge Middle School and Westlake High School. Rob Roy on the Lake is comfortably near plentiful shopping, Lake Austin water sports, Wild Basin Preserve and two world class country clubs. Many of the homes sit on estate sized lots with many amenities and the area is definitely one of Austin's premier upscale neighborhoods.

1001 Elder Circle is a lovely "Texas Traditional" of lime stone construction surrounded by approximately two acres of hill country land that include panoramic views of Lake Austin from nearly every room. A spacious master suite is located on the main floor along with a gourmet kitchen that includes granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. This is an awesome home BUT DON'T TAKE MY WORD FOR IT! Come on out and take a look for yourself and visit with me about any questions you might have about this or any other home in the Eanes School District. I will be at the home on Sunday April 26^th from 2-4pm and I look forward to seeing you there!

If you or anyone you know is anticipating purchasing or selling real estate in the Rob Roy Neighborhoods or anywhere in Central, West or Southwest Austin or the Westlake/Eanes School District area, I would be happy to be of assistance. Let me put my nineteen years success helping upscale buyers and sellers in Austin's finest neighborhoods to work for you. Contact me for a private consultation at your convenience! Mobile 512-657-8769

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4511 Edgemont Drive - Open House - April 19th 2-4PM

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 20:03:05 -0500

Sunday, April 19^th2009. I will be holding open another exceptional home in the Balcones area; one of Austin's finest neighborhoods. This is a wonderful and inviting one story brick home that has been renovated and updated. The floor plan offers great separation of bedrooms with the Master and beautifully appointed Master Bath located on the opposite side of the home. The remodeled kitchen features stainless appliances and a huge granite island that opens to the family room. A wall of windows overlooks the spacious backyard and gardens. The home backs to camp Mabry offering quiet and privacy.

Take advantage of this incredible value and a $70,000 MAJOR PRICE REDUCTION!

I will be on-site between 2pm and 4pm Sunday afternoon so please drop by for a tour of this exceptional property. If you have questions or are unable to attend or to schedule a private showing, I can be reached at my mobile number listed below. Thanks, I look forward to seeing you there!

If you or anyone you know is anticipating purchasing or selling real estate in the Balcones Neighborhood or anywhere in Central, West or Southwest Austin or the Westlake/Eanes School District area, I would be happy to be of assistance. Let me put my nineteen years success helping upscale buyers and sellers in Austin's finest neighborhoods to work for you. Contact me for a private consultation at your convenience! Mobile 512-657-8769

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Architecture at the Umlauf - Lecture Series - April 2nd

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:28:03 -0500

The third season of the Architecture at the Umlauf Series is underway and will the next event take place Thursday, April 2nd.The monthly series was founded and is produced by two of my associates at AvenueOne properties; Scott Harvey and Carla Umlauf (granddaughter of the esteemed sculptor) and is sponsored by our firm, AvenueOne Properties. The lectures take place at the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and takes place on the first Thursday of each month during the series. This month, Burton Baldridge is the featured speaker. Catering will be provided by The Kimber Modern & Di Lux. There is a minimal donation of $5.00 for the event but is free to museum members.

Thanks again for your continued support I look forward to seeing you there!

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Westlake Open House-4312 Rio Robles Drive -Sunday March 15th, 2-4PM

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 11:38:17 -0500

This Sunday, March 15th, 2009 I will be holding open another exceptional home in one of my favorite neighborhoods in the Eanes School District. The Westview on Lake Austin community is located along the Westlake Peninsula on Westlake Drive and is one of Austin's finest neighborhoods. The home features quality workmanship and attention to every detail which is apparent throughout this luxury property. Located at the quiet end of Rio Robles Drive, the home offers the best of everything the most discriminating buyers could want! The bright open floor plan is conveniently arranged for both living and entertaining. For those who have been searching for a home that is well designed and has 4 Bedrooms (a 5^th could be added by utilizing the media room) with 3.5 baths and 4 Living Areas your search may well end here! For more information or a private showing of this exceptional home or to see any other homes located in the Eanes School District, please contact me by email or my mobile number listed below. I will be on-site between 2pm and 4pm Sunday to show this home and discuss in more detail the many amenities of the home and the neighborhood! I look forward to seeing you there!

This home is beautifully staged and shows well, for more on the importance of preparing a home to sell and a list of helpful hints and websites, check out my recent blog post:

Staging a Home to Sell, How About Finally Removing that Christmas Tree???

If you or anyone you know is anticipating purchasing or selling real estate in Central, West or Southwest Austin or the Westlake/Eanes School District area, I would be happy to be of assistance. Let me put my nineteen years success helping upscale buyers and sellers in Austin's finest neighborhoods to work for you. Call or email for a private consultation at your convenience!

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Staging a Home to Sell, How About Finally Removing that Christmas Tree???

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 13:33:15 -0500

"I will do it BEFORE I go back to school", my son promised as we looked at the once glittering tree lying forlornly in the yard. That conversation took place last December when (almost) everyone else in Austin was in the process of taking their tree to the Zilker Park recycling point under the Mopac Bridge and other places set up by the Parks Department to grind the trees into mulch. The conversation was repeated a couple of days before our son was scheduled to leave on January 9th and again I was told, "Don't worry about it, I have plenty of time and will take the tree to Zilker before I leave"! You already know where this is going and yes...our son made it back to school but the tree never made it to Zilker Park...

I mention this only because I am constantly asked by all of my sellers about the best way to get their home ready to sell. Besides pricing the home correctly from the start, de-cluttering and staging the home is of paramount importance. No matter what neighborhood or price range, clearing out and packing up items that will be moved or sold is the first step to making a home presentable. I give each seller a list of websites to access to get them started; this one is by no means comprehensive but a good place to start:

Your moving so remove all personal items. Okay, besides that %#!*&% Christmas Tree, remove anything that you don't need or use on a regular basis. Potential buyers need to be able to imagine their own pictures and family mementos throughout the house. Allow them to see themselves living in your home...not you!
Clean UP!! Do it yourself or hire a cleaning company to go over your house with a fine comb. Do everything that you've overlooked or put off. A cleaning service can do a complete make ready for you at a reasonable cost. I tell people that if they have not used something in the last year they probably don't need it anyway. Donate, sell or throw away anything you don't really need. Rent a storage unit for any items that will be moved to the next home
Hire a handyman to make minor repairs, paint and do all of those things you've put off for years. Make minor repairs to each and every area that needs attention. Often this means repairing items that we let go and just "live with" over time. Noisy or stuck doors, holes in sheetrock, cracked windows, broken outlets and switches and a host of other "minor repairs that add up!
Hire a professional home stager to come in and do a proper job of arranging the home for optimum presentation. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of this aspect of getting a home ready to sell. A good Stager can do a very proficient job at a reasonable price depending on the size of the home and the level of work required. At the same time a seller is often more amenable to taking suggestions about removing "Aunt Ethel's horrible wall hanging" or handling other potentially delicate feelings about personal items in the home from a professional (other than you!).

I do not try and re-invent the wheel and point my sellers toward a number of online resources. Here are a few that I think are good:

realtor.com/Basics/Sell/PrepHome/GetReady

4siterealestate.com/gettingReadyToSell

realestateabc/homeselling/showing

homebuying.about.com

In an effort to practice what I preach and as you can see from the pictures, we did finally get the tree to the recycling area and yes it was not until March 10th!!! I lashed the tree to the roof of his truck before I went to the airport to retrieve him for Spring Break. All the way to the airport, I kept getting shocked and amused stares from from drivers on the freeway. It was worth it when I saw the look of astonishment on my sons face as I picked him up from the terminal and it was too funny. I laughed out loud when I saw his incredulous look and unbelieving laughter as I drove up! I only wish I could have taken that picture! He was laughing the whole time to and from Zilker Park and we had quite a few folks gawking as we drove through traffic in HIS truck.

Now here is the really strange thing, when we dropped off the tree, we saw a half dozen other Christmas trees and a park employee informed us that there were at least a dozen more left over the weekend (one with the lights still attached)! My son looked at me and said, "See, we are not so different, lots of people wait to do this". "Yeah, right," I replied," I guess we are just doing our part to keep our beloved city "weird", and we both started laughing. It's good to have him home and I am now off to give some "De-Cluttering" advice to my new clients!

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Eanes Tour Caravan March, 11th 2009

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 08:58:12 -0500

As tour coordinator for this weeks Eanes Tour, I am posting this for your convenience. It's a great way to preview several properties at one time and to network with fellow agents about new listings, buyer needs and changes in our market. The tour meets at Thundercloud Subs at Walsh Tarleton and Bee Caves Road Wednesdays. We call for announcements and leave at 9:30 am.

Eanes Caravan Area D

4920 Barclay Heights Court - 5BR, 5BA, 3Liv & 2Din $1,650,000

Marybeth Hubenak, AvenueOne Properties

Private home site! High end finish out, amazing home with breathtaking views of the city! Minutes to Westlake high school & downtown Austin. Built by Russell Eppright Homes.

Directions: From highway 360 and Mopac,360 North, left on Scottish Woods Trail/Westbank, right on Wild Briar Pass, Left on Barclay Dr., Right on Barclay Heights Ct.

4511 Heights Drive - 5BR, 4BA, 3Liv & 2Din $639,000

Kent Redding, Prudential

Completed in 2003 this amazing Richard Bright custom built home has incredible city views and showcases 5 bedrooms , 4 full baths, 3 living areas and office all in 3500SF of living area. Features includes a chef's gourmet kitchen w/professional appliances, an incredible master suite & a relaxing pool. Extensive use of hardwoods, granite and elegant finishes create a sophisticated, yet relaxed living space.

Directions: Loop 360/Capital of TX Hwy & Westbank Drive; travel south on Loop 360 and your first RIGHT is Heights Drive.

2009 Cerca Viejo Way - 4BR, 3.5BA, 3Liv & 2Din $849,000

Cynthia Goldrick, Wilson & Goldrick

Former Parade Home designed & built by Luis Juaregui. Dramatic entry, kitchen opens to great room, master & office down. 3 bedrooms & game room up. Beautiful fenced back yard w/plays cape & sport court.

Directions: 360 South of Bee Cave Rd to Parkstone, left on Real Catorce to Cerca Viejo (R)

6507 Valley Ridge Court - 5BR, 4BA, x3Liv & 1Din $825,000

Don Sembera, Moreland Properties

Fabulous remodel in 2001; Architect Juan Miro, AIA! Spanish-influenced exterior w/soft contemporary interior. Miles-long west view. Exceptional light, great storage. Family Room converts to Home Theater with the push of a couple of buttons! Extremely flexible floor plan can be used for ideal work-at-home, artist's studio, other. One Utility in huge master closet; main Utility Room downstairs is also a mud room with a Pet Shower! Quiet cul-de-sac lot provides great privacy. Lovely pool. See at sunset!!

Directions: From 360: West on Bee Cave, Left on Knollwood, veer to right, Right on Valley Ridge Court

8857 Chalk Knoll Drive - 4BR, 4.5.5BA, 4Liv & 2Din $850,000

Sheryl Lowe, Avalar

New Price and completely re-staged! Master AND Bedroom/study w/full bath down.3 bedrooms and 2full and 1/2 baths up. New Carpet and ready to go! Shows beautifully now!

Directions: From Bee Caves Rd, S on Barton Creek Blvd, Right on Chalk Knoll

Gate Code to be announced at the meeting

8112 Navidad Drive - 4BR, 3.5BA, 3Liv & 2Din $1,350,000

Patsy Wimmer, Amelia Bullock

Extensively remodeled* stunning, exquisite, yet very chic with its special details. Custom wrought iron doors, Ann Sacks Tile Accents, travertine columns, gold and silver leaf ceilings, Venetian plaster walls, chef's granite kitchen w/6 burner DCS cook top & copper stove top, mesquite & oak floors, 3rd bay of garage is sound proof studio and can easily be restored back, resort style pool & spa on 7th tee of Fazio course w/private setting

Directions: Barton Creek Blvd to Navidad .

Gate Code to be announced at the meeting

3722 Lost Creek Blvd. - 3BR, 2.5BA, 2Liv & 2Din $639,900

Mark Warshawsky, Keller Williams

Exceptional Barton Creek Estates home on large 1 acre private wooded lot. Tastefully remodeled with modern, contemporary influence. All bedrooms & study on main level. High vaulted and coffered ceilings. Beautiful gourmet kitchen w/granite, stainless & open breakfast room. Travertine, marble, wood floors throughout. Updated baths & fireplace w/granite and stone tile. Game room up with wet bar, front and rear balconies. Multi-level decks overlooking private yard and in-ground pool w/spa. Must see!

Directions: West on Bee Caves to Left on Barton Creek Blvd to Left on Lost Creek Blvd - home on left

7915 Escala Drive - 6BR, 7.5.5BA, 7Liv & 2Din $3,990,000

Lisa Foster, Avalon Realty

REDUCED 750K!Completed! Seller wants an offer!!!!This is a fabulous home at a great price, in one of the best neighborhoods in Barton Creek. Estate home in Barton Creek overlooking the Fazio canyons golf course. Over 4000 sq ft of outdoor living, great entertaining featuring media, billiards, game room, caterers kitchen, study, two master suites all on main level and nannys quarter. Ready to move in!

Directions: 2244 west to past 360, left on Barton Creek Blvd. Left on Lost Creek Left on Escala Drive

Gate Code to be announced at the meeting

1304 Falcon Ledge - 4BR, 4.5BA, 3Liv & 2Din $1,750,000

Caren Upshaw, Keller Williams

New construction by Todd Whelpley! Expansive views across Barton Creek Ready to move in!

LUNCH WILL SERVED FOLLOWING TOUR AT THIS HOME!

Directions: From Escala take Lost Creek Blvd to (L) on Whitemarsh Valley to (L) on Torrey Pines to (R) on Falcon Ledge

Compliments of Russell Lewis

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Westlake Open House-4510 Rapid Springs Cove-Sunday March 8th, 2-4PM

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 13:20:52 -0600

This Sunday, March 8th, 2009 I will be holding open an exceptional home in one of my favorite neighborhoods in the Westlake/Eanes School District. The Westview community is located along the Westlake Peninsula on Westlake Drive and is one of Austin's finest neighborhoods. The home features quality workmanship and attention to every detail which is apparent throughout this luxury property. Located on a cul-de-sac this home offers the best of everything in the Westview neighborhood to discriminating buyers! The bright open floor plan is conveniently arranged for both living and entertaining. For those who have been searching for a home that is well designed and has the flexibility to provide SIX or SEVEN bedrooms, this residence may just fit the bill. For more information or a private showing of this exceptional home or to see any other homes located in the Eanes School District, please contact me by email or my mobile number listed below. I will be on-site between 2pm and 4pm Sunday to show this home and discuss in more detail the many amenities of the home and the neighborhood! I look forward to seeing you there!

If you or anyone you know is anticipating purchasing or selling real estate in Central, West or Southwest Austin or the Westlake/Eanes School District area, I would be happy to be of assistance. Let me put my nineteen years success helping upscale buyers and sellers in Austin's finest neighborhoods to work for you. Call or email for a private consultation at your convenience!

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Keeping it Weird and Fun at Austin’s 81st Annual Zilker Park Kite Festival

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 17:08:05 -0600

Today, as a spectator, I took part in one of Austin's annual rights of the coming of spring; The Zilker Park Kite Festival and as usual it was a blast! The event features hundreds of kites of all sizes, shapes, designs and colors swirling and dancing in the sky above the Zilker Park Polo Fields. There is something for everyone; kite flying demonstrations, make your own kite workshops, kite battles, contests with many categories, trophies, and all sorts of food vendors. Kites are incredibly popular all over the world and Austin is no different and as everyone knows we have so many opportunities to have fun (and keep it weird). As a child, I remember my Dad helping me build kites, from the first old school models covered with news paper to plastic "Bat Kites" and a progression of ever evolving types and makes. The hobby stuck with me and I have always had a fondness for kites of any style. Over time I have entered the Zilker Park contest many times and in many categories through the years but when I reflect, one entry in particular comes to mind...

A number of years ago when I was building furniture, I had access to all sorts of tools, materials and a wonderful facility where I could build just about anything that I could possibly dream up. One year I got a wild hair (the day before the contest) and decided to assemble an entry in the biggest kite category. I had a design in mind for a huge octagon shaped kite covered with 12mil plastic. Pestering my friend and partner, Tom Wood (cool name for an architect/furniture builder) into helping me, we set about designing and putting the monster together from scratch. Most of the day was spent gathering materials and the evening was devoted to constructing the framework from wood and pvc pipe and covering the structure with the plastic skin that we had painstakingly melded together. Of course, like all last minute ideas and projects, there were many things that had to be "rigged" and adjusted so the work went on well into the early morning hours. The ENTIRE time, my friend kept telling me, "It will never fly". I just ignored him because after all, I still needed his help. Around 3:00am, we finished the kite, my friend went home and I decided to paint my creation. Digging through a closet of spray cans, I began splashing and spraying the kite with all manner of colors, symbols and primitive designs that would have made a DADA-Anarchist proud! The longer I worked, the more bizarre it became and by 8:00am I had done all the damage I figured possible and crashed for a nap in my office!

Knowing that it would take a major effort to get the kite airborne and with safety in mind, we called a number of other friends to help launch and control the kite during its flight. About a dozen of our friends showed up to help and fortified with a cooler full of beverages and party favors we made our way to Zilker Park. I need to mention here that Tom told each and every person on the crew that, "It will never fly". We spent most of the afternoon hanging out and watching the different kites, talking and laughing and generally enjoying the festive atmosphere! I don't have to remind you of this but about every 15-20 minutes, Tom would proclaim to anyone who would listen, "It will never fly..." Toward the end of the afternoon, our event was announced and we assembled our kite got in position and awaited the start. There were only six entries and it looked like we might have a chance IF we could launch our kite and keep it airborne for the ONE MINUTE time minimum.

We had fourteen people ready, two to hold the kite and a dozen people placed along the woven nylon line to help pull the kite along for enough time to get the thing up in the air. As the whistle blew, four of the contestants could not get up, crashed on takeoff or flew apart while the teams vainly attempted to make them fly! Down to us and one other team, we began pulling in unison running and screaming at each other to keep going and slowly our strange looking kite began to lift off. The coordination up to this point was perfect. What is important to remember is that it is crucial for everyone to release the line simultaneously so the kite can catch the wind and propel into the sky! As we were running along the kite gained altitude and I shouted for everyone to LET GO OF THE LINE! Everyone complied with the exception of, you guessed it...Tom, "Mister IT won't Fly"! Unfortunately, his position on the line was closest to the kite so he neither saw nor heard (or maybe ignored) everyone as they released the line. As the wind caught the kite, it began to pull up and twist violently pulling Tom up and down. We were all screaming at him to let go as the kite began to wildly careen up and around but he still held on. At that point the kite shot straight up and then plummeted into the earth, shattering the frame and collapsing in a huge pile of broken wooden limbs, pvc pipe and plastic shreds! All of us began yelling at Tom but he was completely nonplussed and said, "See, I told you it would not fly!" I don't know who said it first but one of our friends shouted, "DOGPILE" and we all jumped on Tom as the crowd watched in amusement breaking into applause, jeers, laughter!

That was many years ago and though I have taken my wife and children to this event many times over the years, I have yet to enter again but always enjoy the show. But you never know, maybe I will give Tom a call and see if he wants to try again...NEXT YEAR! It's still a great time for people of all ages and well worth the trip even as a spectator. I guess my favorite part is watching the thousands of adults and children running around trying to fly hundreds of kites all at the same time. It's anarchy and of course there are all sorts of mishaps, crossed lines and crashing kites along with the infamous kite eating trees mentioned so often by Charlie Brown! These days, the larger kites have taken a different tact and are now made from colorful parachute material that allows the design of all sorts of intresting creatures.The mood is always festive and there is something about taking it easy and watching hundreds of kites flying in the air that is so pleasant and relaxing and just plain fun. It's another of Austin's wonderfully simple pleasures that can be enjoyed by everyone for FREE. So...as long as there is wind, GO FLY A KITE!

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Dear Diary, My Passion is for Living...and Returning the Favor!

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 23:13:06 -0600

Many years ago when I worked in the construction industry, I had a laborer on my crew who used to tell me, "Everyday, when I wake up the first thought in my mind is "thank you for another day" followed by "Damn, now I gotta go to work"! I always thought that was a funny mix of gratitude and resentment but the first part stuck with me and over the years I eventually adopted the same attitude. Each morning when I wake my first thoughts are "thank you for this day" followed by a list of the people and things for which I am grateful. No matter what is going on personally or with the universe at large, I start my day with the attitude that everything is as cool as can be in a peaceful world. I did not come to this way of thinking over night but as part of a natural process of growth. I am a person who still thinks that people are basically good and believe that hatred, greed, prejudice and a host of other human defects are learned from those around us as we grow up. Yes, yes...I am not naive and I know that mental illness and just plain bad genes may play a role but again, it's not the majority. Everyone is affected by their own circumstances but again, the good qualities are there and they are either nurtured or crushed by our own life experiences.

I believe that compassion is something that is to some degree, inherent in just about everyone and it's there from childhood. When our son was younger, he would get very upset when we would pass a homeless panhandler on the street. He always wanted to know why they were out there and what we could do to help. In February, 2003 when the Space Shuttle Columbia was destroyed entering the atmosphere over Texas, we watched in shock as it played out over the news. Our daughter came downstairs and when told of the disaster, her first words were, "We need to pray for the Astronauts and their families. This was from a little girl, ten years old and we were just blown away. I mean, we try to follow the golden rule and do our best to be a decent example but the intensity of these feelings from our children was more than something they picked up from us. I see and hear about this kind of compassion from people every day but that never makes the "NEWS" does it?

Compassion is something that is taught and revered in every culture and religious tradition and like gravity is a universal truth. Christianity has the story of The Good Samaritan and The Golden Rule. Buddha's teachings reveal that compassion is at the heart of all of the religious principles and that it enlightenment comes from relieving the suffering of all living beings everywhere. Hindu's teach that all life is considered sacred, human life is deemed the highest form of earthly existence and compassion is one of the three main virtues. In both the Jewish and Muslim traditions the act of compassion for our fellow man is expressed as a empathy caring and "Do to others as you would have done to you". Compassion is revealed as a profound human emotion and expresses itself in altruism and all of us are on the road to Shambala.

I know this is beginning to sound way too optimistic and let me assure you that I am no Pollyanna (though some of my friends might disagree) brimming with a mindlessly optimistic attitude about anything that comes along. The "up with people" types grind on my nerves too and before we go any further, you might want to watch this video:

Okay, all kidding aside now, I have been the recipient of some harsh treatment over the years. Lies, deception and betrayal from others in business, friendships and even my own family. At times I have let these setbacks dominate my attitude until I finally learned that my "attitude" is the only thing over which I have any control. One thing I FINALLY learned is that when I am helping others, I am outside myself and not consumed with my own "so-called problems". People tell me all the time that they want to help out in some way but never have the time, do not know where to start or that there is so much need, it seems overwhelming. I agree and with over thirty million people in our own country living at or below the poverty line, it seems hopeless. I cannot save the world so I do one small thing when I have the time and the funny thing is, giving back is addictive in a way because you begin to make time to help and you get something back and it before you know it, it is a habit! Find something you care about and make a small effort and you will eventually discover what works for you.

I am just one of those people who was fortunate enough to realize how privileged I have been and I am grateful. I express my gratitude by helping out now and then and jump on board when I am offered the chance to Come on up for the rising, Come on up, lay your hands in mine. When my wife and I were first talking about marriage she kept telling me "We are going to have a great life together" and though we have had some ups and downs, it's been true and these days we sometimes have to remind each other "We are having a great life together". It's wonderfully accurate and I can see clearly and remember that I need to return the favor.

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Austin Luxury Homes - 5919 Bold Ruler Way

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 14:04:10 -0600

The annual "Million Dollar Homes" issue of the West Austin News is out this week and as part of the event, I have featured a premier listing in one the Eanes School District's finest neighborhoods, Davenport Ranch. Located at the intersection of Westlake Drive and Capital of Texas Highway (the Loop 360), Davenport Ranch lies at the east end of the Westlake peninsula and is convenient to downtown (20 minute drive) and the business corridor along loop 360. Davenport boasts some of Austin's finest homes in a community that offers the discriminating buyer every amenity imaginable. Austin Country Club and golf course are within the area and overlook Lake Austin. Nearby dining and shopping is available along Loop 360 and at The Village at Westlake Shopping Center, 701 South Capital of Texas Highway. As is readily apparent, this home has numerous amenities and construction details that really have to be seen to be appreciated. For more information or a private showing of this exceptional home or to see any other homes located in the Eanes School District, please contact me by email or my mobile number listed below.

If you or anyone you know is anticipating purchasing or selling real estate in Central, West or Southwest Austin or the Westlake/Eanes School District area, I would be happy to be of assistance. Let me put my nineteen years success helping upscale buyers and sellers in Austin's finest neighborhoods to work for you. Call or email for a private consultation at your convenience!

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Amy's Chocolate Covered Strawberries-An Austin Valentine's Tradition

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 11:05:40 -0600

Valentine's day in Austin is like any other place except we are the lucky recipients of some of the best chocolate dipped strawberries on the planet (along with outposts in San Antonio and Houston)! These delicious morsels are locally produced by our own Amy's Ice Creams to celebrate the most romantic holiday of the year. Chocolate is a Valentine's Day essential and it would be hard to find anyone who does not enjoy strawberries. Chocolate strawberries are beautiful to look at and wonderful to eat! Anyone who has ever visited Austin's own, Amy's Ice Creams for their luscious, out of this world ice cream knows that they are first and foremost about quality! Joe Morris, head of production described to me how they select the finest berries in season available. The trick is that Mother Nature has to cooperate so they have several resources available at this time of year. Amy's also uses a superior quality of dipping chocolate. And let me tell you there IS a difference. There are some vendors who use cheaper ingredients and I have seen a substance known as "candy coating" that does not even qualify as real chocolate. chocolate also contains Phenylethylamine which is the technical name for a substance often described as the "love chemical." When dealing with something that has to do with my love life and my taste buds on Valentine's Day, I don't want fake or cheap substitutes! Amy's uses a premium dipping chocolate from the heart of Belgium created by Callebaut. Excellent quality White Chocolate is also incorporated into the process creating a beautiful and mouth watering indulgence that is extraordinary to behold and consume.

As something of a fan of all things culinary, I had the chance to work a shift at the production facility and get hands on experience making some of the treats myself. In the interest of full disclosure, our son, Morgan, was an employee at the Amy's Mira Vista location until he left for college (I am a regular customer at the store and a fan of the manager, Melissa Hanson). Melissa's goal is to make the world's tallest ice cream cone and I would love to volunteer when that happens!! As an employee, Morgan worked a "strawberry" shift and invited me (along with several members of his Westlake football team) to make extra money while learning something new and having fun. We all arrived for the 4PM to Midnight shift and looked at the various tasks available at the different stages of production. Operations Managers, Mark Banks and Teresa Noll walked us through the different stations describing the tasks at hand and I have to say you will not find any two individuals as efficient and also cool as these two! They watch over the operation like shepherds over a flock, paying attention to every production detail regarding quality and efficiency including the well being of each of the employees!

The process starts with the freshly washed and scrubbed berries being sorted with the green stems sliced off and placed in trays. These trays are sent to the "Dipping" tables where each berry is individually dipped in a bowl of melted chocolate. This is not as easy as it might seem because the strawberries must be COMPLETELY enveloped in chocolate to prevent leaking from the freshly cut strawberries. As a tray of berries is completed, it must pass inspection by one of the full time pros (I think this must be the most difficult task because each berry has to be scrutinized individually!) Any berries not passing must be returned to the dipping bowls and any tiny holes filled! Upon passing this element of the procedure, the chocolate covered berries are move to a station where the are splattered and drizzled with white chocolate "Jackson Pollock" style which adds a visually pleasing finish as well as another tasty element to the creation! The berries are then sent to a station where excess chocolate is trimmed and the berries are placed in egg cartons. At this point the cartons are packed in crates and refrigerated before being shipped to the different Amy's locations!

As we began our shift, we were chosen to work at the task of dipping the strawberries and jumped right in donning our hair nets, gloves and name tags (I chose the name Tyler Durden and it gets a laugh from everyone who notices.) The entire place is filled with the intoxicating smells of melted chocolate and the sweet tangy scent of fragrant strawberries. The sound system is cranking some great music and everyone is enjoying the work. I don't have to say this but we are all competitive (especially with a group of football players) As we worked we all began to try and outdo one another at the production. It took awhile to master covering the strawberries completely (I am not kidding about this) but I eventually developed a style and rhythm and begin to make some progress. After each tray of my dipped berries was accepted, I would return to our station, raise my hands in triumph and exclaim,"I Rule!". At first, Morgan was somewhat embarrassed and his friends would laugh. I continued to outpace them and each time I returned, they would all laugh and say, "yes, we know..." YOU RULE and eventually my son joined in as we all worked together enjoying some silly and funny banter. I have to tell you that after an eight hour shift I was tired but when we got our paychecks (my first in 18 years) shortly after midnight I was pleased that I had been invited along. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience I will never forget!

Do yourself a favor this Valentine's day and treat yourself and your loved one to something sweet, delicious and romantic from Amy's. I have already purchased a dozen for my two best girls and a dozen for my office. They are available at all locations through Valentine's Day, Saturday the 14th! You may want to place an order at your nearest location to ensure there are some available when you arrive! One other noteworthy fact: they usually make extra Chocoberries to mix with into a heavenly concoction called Chocoberry Ice cream and well...just try some, straight up or with hot fudge or...do it yourself with a carton of the most luxurious chocolate dipped strawberries around!

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