buyers agent: Trail Bandits are destroying Barton Creek Greenbelt! - 08/09/09 04:16 AM
Barton Creek Greenbelt was created many years ago to provide Austinites with a multitude of trails to walk, hike and bike around Austin. Since the beginning there have been a few people cutting out rogue trails in the park at the southwest corner of HWY360 and South MOPAC. Right now there are about 65 miles of trails and about 63% of them are not legal or not created by the parks department. The Austin Parks and Recreation Department maintains all of the authorized trails in the Austin parks.
For many years they have tried to protect the unauthorized trails from use by roping off … (4 comments)

buyers agent: Are you looking to shop at local homegrown Austin businesses? Avoid the big box headache. - 08/06/09 06:12 AM
Since I love everything Austin, I wanted to share some local business with you. These companies are born and bred south Austin and will treat you right. All of these establishments go the extra mile when it comes to customer service and being a valued part of our community. With the influx of new residents, we have seen a wave of big box stores open in the last decade. Please shop local when you are in Austin Texas. Our hip 78704 neighborhood is defined by our unique culture and our diverse community. We have everything from solar panel manufacturing and sales … (3 comments)

buyers agent: Whole Foods whole story or the little guy that grew to be the biggest player in the natural foods business. - 08/06/09 04:54 AM
Whole Foods whole story or how a little guy made a name in the natural foods business. Many of you know that John Mackie and Renee Hardy (owners of The Safer Way Grocery) and Craig Weller and Mark Skiles of the Clarksville Natural Grocery got together and started Whole Foods in Austin Texas in 1980. The first location was on Lamar at 11th Street and had a Martin Brothers Cafe inside the store. In fact my first job in Austin was making smoothies at Martin Brothers in this very store! The big flood in Austin in 1991 covered Lamar Street and flooded the Whole Foods … (2 comments)

buyers agent: Looking for a great Happy Hour in Austin TX? Here are my favorites! - 08/05/09 01:55 AM
Finding a great happy hour location is one way Austinites beat the summer heat. What better way to escape the oppressive heat than to slide into an air-conditioned establishment and have a frosty cold drink. If you like the heat there are a few places that offer an outdoor patio.
Saba Blue Water Grill-on 4th street across from Charlies. They have happy hour 4-7 with half price appetizer's and Mojitos for only $4. and Saba Martini's for $5! Their appetizer's are spectacular!
Cork & Company- on Congress next to Manuel's. Happy Hour is from 3-7 and you can have some amazing … (5 comments)

buyers agent: Homebuyers quick glossary of terms that are important to know - 08/03/09 05:45 AM
I work primarily as a Buyers Agent in Austin Texas. Through the years I have had numerous people ask about the terms used in real estate. Therefor I have compiled a list of the most common terms used in real estate. It is my hope that you find this list of real estate glossary helpful.
ARM/ Adjustable Rate Mortgage- This is a loan that has an interest rate that adjusts or changes periodically following the current index. Generally they don't jump more than 2% a year, however they can change significantly from the start date. So you should use caution before using … (7 comments)

buyers agent: Open House today from 1-4 at 3405 Split Rock Trail in sought after Shady Hollow (Austin TX) - 08/02/09 02:13 AM
This Sunday from 1-4 there will be an open house in Austin's sought after neighborhood called Shady Hollow. This neighborhood is comprised of homes on larger than average lots of .40 acre and larger. The homes tend to be one story with the occasional two story home. The neighborhood began in the mid 1970's. Shady Hollow has a wonderful community center and a pool. Shady Hollow also has a comptetive swim team called the Shady Hollow Stingrays. The neighborhood is close to plentiful shopping and dining options. Since Shady Hollow is surrounded by Austin, but outside the Austin City Limits there are no … (4 comments)

buyers agent: Barton Springs Trees are saved with a little help from these friends... - 07/31/09 02:47 AM
Many of you have heard by now that many of Barton Springs trees are in danger and a few have been classified as "dangerous and neeedd to be removed". They have removed only eight trees instead of the twenty-eight originally marked for removal. It has been a well publicized debate with the people of Austin and the powers that be. Thank heavens the Austin Parks Foundation has been able to garner some more support from various individuals and several businesses. The money that has been raised will allow for these remaining trees to be cared for in a way that will allow them … (4 comments)

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

buyers agent: Zilker and Barton Hills neighborhoods in Austin Texas have some of the best homes for sale! - 07/27/09 04:29 PM
After living in Austin for twenty plus years I have tried living in several neighborhoods and my favorite by far is still Zilker/Barton Hills. I enjoyed living here for several years and I love working in this neighborhood. The funny thing about these two neighborhoods are they can be fairly confusing. The general area is bordered by South Lamar, South MOPAC, Barton Springs Road and WestRock to the south. Within these streets lay several "Subdivisions", now this is where it gets tricky. I am listing the subdivisions to help you see the issue. We will start with the obvious: Barton Hills, … (1 comments)

buyers agent: New homes built in Tuscan Village neighborhood of Lakeway Texas - 07/25/09 02:56 AM
The new "Tuscan Village" of homes is now under construction in Lakeway, just 30-45 minutes to Austin Texas. While the groundbreaking was back in May 2009, they are moving rapidly.  The Welcome Center should be complete and operational next month (August 2009). Here you will be able to see floorplans and finishes for the homes available. The finishes will definitely be "high end" and custom. 
This uniquee subdivision is "Age-Qualified"and is the first of its kind in Lakeway. The goal is to create a resort style lifestyle for the over 55 crowd. The development will have 42 acres with a "low maintenance … (6 comments)

buyers agent: Quick Community News in the Shady Hollow neighborhood for July 2009 - 07/23/09 08:35 AM
Shady Hollow is comprised of six sections of homes built primarily between 1977-1990. There are the Estates of Shady Hollow, The Enclave of Shady Hollow, Shady Hollow Estates, and just plain Shady Hollow. This neighborhood is just south of Austin city limits, so we pay lower tax rates than our neighbors to the north.  We are about a 15-20 minute drive to downtown Austin. There are many shopping and dining options close to Shady Hollow. This community was developed by several custom builders like Randy Morrinie. Randy was known for his one story ranch style homes with beautiful stone floor to ceiling fireplaces and … (6 comments)

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

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

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

buyers agent: Recent home sales statistics in June 2009 for Lake Pointe a popular neighborhood in Austin Texas. - 07/18/09 03:57 AM
Recent home sales statistics in June 2009 for Lake Pointe a popular neighborhood in Austin Texas.  Lake Pointe is a desirable neighborhood in Austin Texas. The average home used for these statistics is: 3-4 bedroom, 2+ bathroom home, built from 1990-2007 on a quarter care lot. This neighborhood is very sought after because of its LTISD schools and its close proximity to Lake Travis and the fact that it is only about 20 minutes to downtown Austin. Current prices range from very affordable at $265K-to a spectacular$729K.
In the month of June there were 32 homes listed Actively for sale, 6 homes  were … (0 comments)

buyers agent: Market Statistics for Austin Texas homes sold in the Lake Pointe neighborhood in May 2009. - 07/18/09 03:34 AM
Here are the monthly market statistics for home sales in the Lake Pointe subdivision of Austin Texasin May 2009. Lake Pointe is a very desirable neighborhood in Austin Texas. This neighborhood is very sought after because of its much loved schools and close proximity to Lake Travis and downtown Austin Texas. Prices range from affordable at $285K-to magnificent $700K.
 The typical home used for these statistics is: 3-4 bedroom, 2+ bathroom home, built from 1990-2003.  There were 32 homes Actively listed for sale, and six home were Pending/Under contract, and four homes sold in May 2009 in this neighborhood. Below please find … (0 comments)

buyers agent: "The Shops at Arbor Trails" is conveniently located close to Circle C and Shady Hollow! - 07/18/09 02:42 AM
If your looking for close shopping to Shady Hollow and Circle C and Circle C Ranch neighborhoods, look no further than the Shops at Arbor Trails!  This shopping center is located on the corner of South MOPAC and West William Cannon. There are so many shops it will be hard to decide where to go. Of course if you spend all day shopping you may enjoy lunch or dinner at one of the numerous restaurants in the shopping center. I have compiled a list of the cafes and popular shops below. There is something for everyone!
Dining
Chuy's, Baskin Robbins, Sweet … (0 comments)

buyers agent: Market Statistics for home sales in Lake Pointe subdivision of Austin TX for April 2009. - 07/17/09 11:28 AM
Here are the market statistics for the Lake Pointe subdivision for April 2009. Lake Pointe is a desirable neighborhood in Austin Texas. My typical home used for these statistics is: 3-4 bedroom, 2+ bathroom home, built from 1990-2003. There were 23 homes listed Actively for sale during April. Three homes closed or were sold that month. One home was listed at $108.40 per square foot and it sold well above asking price at $111.18 per square foot. This neighborhood is very sought after because of its schools and close proximity to Lake Travis and downtown Austin Texas. Prices range from affordable … (2 comments)

buyers agent: Do you ever take advice about finding a home from famous people? - 07/17/09 04:38 AM
Who knew that famous people have opinions about Austin area real estate? Recently Craig Rutman brought this little gem to my attention. I could not be happier. Check this out.

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

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