My start in real estate came as a builder and remodeler. 3 years later, I had my real estate license because I couldn't find an agent who matched my level of enthusiasm for finding great values on the market first (I suppose I was a needy client.) Little by little, I started helping friends in real estate - then friends of friends - and then that expanded to be my full time career. I still loved building, but the market was just unpredictable enough that it was a safer bet to lay the tools down awhile.
But I've felt a shift in the market (or at least in my little pocket of South Austin), and I felt the time was right to get back to my roots and get my hands a little dirtier. The result (hopefully) will be a 5-star rated green home of 2300+ sf at 906 W Johanna in 78704.
It's been over 2 years since I've attempted a build of this magnitude and the first time I've gone for a 5-star green rating, having built a couple 4-star homes before. The ratings have gotten stricter every year so this is a real trial by fire - but it's a great exercise in really learning about the latest techniques & technologies of green building.
A lot of friends & fellow agents have asked me what it's like to build a green home from concept to completion, so I thought I'd start a blog on 906 W Johanna for anyone wanting to check in. It's www.906wjohanna.com and we've already broken ground...so follow along, comment if you wish, and see what it takes to build green. To my current & future clients: don't worry, I'm still a full time Realtor...I just happen to have an expensive hobby.
Rob Albertson is a Realtor and proud South Austinite for over 10 years. He specializes in South Austin Homes for Austin Fine Properties, a Private Label Realty Company, and can be reached at 512.653.8939 or rob@austinfineproperties.com.
Comments(0)