Located within minutes to Downtown Austin, Zilker Park, Barton Springs, University of Texas, St. Edwards, Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail and with easy access to I-35, the Woodlands Condominiums at 2500 Burleson Rd #221 is a super-convenient place to live!  Drop yourself right into ownership of Austin in a great location within a growing community.

Invite your friends over to enjoy the community’s large swimming pool, or choose to soak up the sun in solitude. The well-kept and manicured landscaping keeps the grounds looking beautiful. Purchase this beautiful condo for only $78,900! And yes, it’s FHA approved too! Can you find a two bedroom, one bath just over 700 sqft (per seller) that compares to this one anywhere else for this price? Come take a look! You’ll be glad you did!

For more information, please contact Kathryn at 512-698-8512 or contact us today.

Pictures of 2500 Burleson Rd #221

 

I was speechless and amazed when I walked in to this beautiful “New” home at 1918 Marysol trail in Carriage Hills!!  There is not another home in the area like it!!!  The price/value is exceptional!!!
 
Location..Location…Location!!  Great community/ schools… shopping and restaurants close by…
 
I loved the stunning Italian tile flooring, the rounded corners, the brightness and feeling of clean and modern!!  The kitchen has stainless appliances and beautiful cabinets..the pantry is so big that you will not be making many trips to the grocery store!    In addition, the family room with the high ceilings and fireplace is large!!  I love the massive master bedroom and large master bathroom with big walk in closet!  The other bedrooms are great size and this home has all the custom features that you could want!!!   The fixtures are very modern!!  The back yard is large and there are trees on this homesite!!!  I truly felt like I was in over 3000 sq. ft. home because of the way this home is laid out!!!   This is a must see!!
 
I have a great Capitol Area Bond program at a 3.49% fixed rate and 4% down payment assistance for this home in Williamson County!!  The total payment yes, it will be less than rent..  Only $1175.00 to $1200.00 total monthy payment!!!
 
I have a loan officer on board today that can get you qualified over the phone and you can close on this home in February and have no payments until April!!!
 
Please call me with any questions..
 
Mary Fields
512-825-5065

If you’re looking for a beautiful home in the Cedar Park area such as this, be sure to go by today and check it out before it’s too late!

7009 Mackinaw Crossing is gorgeous in every way, and is located in the exclusive gated community of Northshore at The Hollows — which is home to the private marina, the Beach Club and many of the other amenities offered here.  7009 Mackinaw Xing is a unique luxury residence, and it must been seen in person to be truly appreciated.  You will be wowed at the finish outs and the location of this home, with exceptional views of Lake Travis from the covered patio off of the upstairs master retreat.

Features of 7009 Mackinaw Xing

• 4 bedrooms
• 4 full bathrooms (one for each bedroom, perfect for large family or corporate events)
• 2-car garage
• 2322 square feet (per TCAD)
• Built in 2007 (this home was gently used and still feels brand new)
• Gorgeous granite kitchen with undermount sink, stainless steel appliances, and high-end cabinetry
• Two enormous covered patios — one with views of Lake Travis, the other below the treetops with a built-in outdoor grill that conveys
• Being Offered For Sale FULLY FURNISHED!  Just bring your swimsuit, and enjoy!

Pictures of 7009 Mackinaw Xing

Below are over 60 pictures just taken of 7009 Mackinaw Xing.  I have over 100 on file; if you would like any additional pictures, please let me know.

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For more details about this amazing opportunity in The Hollows, or for a private showing of this home and a tour of the community, please contact me today before it’s too late!

Speakers of the event included Eldon Rude Director of the Austin Market for Metrostudy, Dr. Greg Hallman The University of Texas’ McCombs School of Business and Austin’s favorite weatherman, Jim Spencer KXAN.

From these leading analysts we learned about local and national conditions and how everything from the National GDP (gross domestic product) to the weather affects our local real estate.

New Home Sales Forecasted to Increase in Austin Area

It has been no secret, and the media has repeatedly reported that Texas overall and the Austin market has been insulated from nation’s overall depreciation and economic hard times. Coupled with the news that jobs are being created in Texas, that is perhaps a big part in why it is forecasted that 22,222 additional households will be moving to the Austin area each year until 2020.

What does that number translate to? Well, to pick apart the tons of data we were presented with today, it means that Austin will need anywhere from 11,111 to 13,333 more newly-built homes each year to accommodate for this tremendous population growth.

Remember just a few years ago when everyone was worried that the home builders were over-building? We were all right to worry then.  But, now the data shows that Austin is seeing a steadily increasing demand for new homes because builders are saying ‘no more building more than what we are selling’. In fact, the Austin market is seeing the number of new home sales (closings) exceed the amount of new home starts (construction).  This divergence in statistical trend lines is what is signaling the builders to increase inventory.

Because of the rate people are moving here and because we no longer have an overabundance of new homes, the analysts are predicting a 5% increase in new home builds in 2012. In 2011, the Leander ISD area led the number of new home starts by taking 22% of the market.  Homes in the Austin ISD area took 10% of the new-home-starts pie.

If you are curious about what price range most new home sales are in, it is the $200,000 – $300,000 range. More importantly, I found it interesting to hear that there is plenty of supply and demand in the markets below that price range, but restricted lender guidelines have made it increasingly difficult for buyers in this market to qualify for loans, so the inventory has not been turning over.

Austin Rental Rates Seeing Highest Increase in 25 Years

Going back to the 22,222 people estimated that are moving to the Greater Austin Area, the data from the meeting today estimated that about half of them are renting when they get here.  Some rent for long periods of time; some rent for a year so that they can get a feel of where they’d like to live in the Austin area. This huge supply of renters has undoubtedly already caused the costs of rentals to go up.  So much so, that we’ve seen the most significant increase in apartment occupancy and rents in 25 years.  We agree with this assessment, since almost all of our leasing clients are facing stiff competition when trying to rent homes, and the top rental properties in Austin usually get multiple applications on the first day on market.

These increases in rent will make current renters ponder if it is now time to buy, which will eventually send another surge into the resale and new home market this next year.

What Do The Numbers Really Mean?

So what did the third quarter of 2011 bring Austin? As of November, we had 4.6 months of inventory – meaning we are currently in neither a buyer’s market nor a seller’s market, but a ‘normal’ healthy market. Moreover, Austin had a 1.6% annual price increase reported this quarter.

How the Weather Affects the Austin Market

Jim Spencer of KXAN spoke to us about the weather forecasts. I learned from him that we have tree-ring weather data that dates back to 1550, and this is the worst drought ever seen besides the drought of 1789. We always recover from droughts – it can take a decade, or a surprise tropical system could end the drought overnight. The biggest take away I have for my clients is that, especially with this drought, be sure you are watering your foundation evenly. I cannot stress that enough! By regularly watering your home’s foundation you are taking the right steps toward warding off pricey foundation repairs.

How is the Texas Housing Market Comparing to the Nation?

When you look at the graphs, states like California, Arizona, Nevada and Florida had soared to the top of the graph lines with significant appreciation followed by huge dips down for depreciation; Texas stayed relatively stable and in the middle of the graphs, experiencing no huge swings in either direction.

This further proves that we cannot be compared to the national news.

Additional Stats & Highlights From Today’s Housing Market Meeting

• Overall, the job market looks healthier, though it may take a while to fill the 5 million job loss void that still exists from the 7.5 million jobs that were lost in 2010. The nation is predicted to gain 200,000 jobs/month. Although this is a step in the right direction, it is a slow rate to fill the loss of those 5 million jobs.
• Corporations are making money, though focusing spending on capital goods and not labor. The nation needs more labor to really make a comeback. Banks also have less REO and are open to more real estate deals.
• Nationally, consumers are still worried about jobs and housing and are de-levering, meaning paying off debt instead of buying new things.
• Our national GDP is back to pre-recession levels! Government support should be stepping in for the lack of consumer spending, but we are not seeing that happen.
• The takeaway - the economy has less of a capital problem, and more of a consumer confidence problem.

If you’d like for me to send you more detailed information on the 2012 Housing Forecast , or to find out how the recent statistics affect your selling or buying market, contact us today!

If you are about to put your home on the market, here are 12 simple tips for getting it camera ready for the MLS (Multiple Listing Service).

It’s All About Curb Appeal

• Remove all vehicles from driveway and in front of the home
• Have the yard trimmed; leaves raked; bushes/trees trimmed
• Bright flowers aren’t a must, but they make a huge statement in pictures!
• Take away any distracting lawn ornaments – they might be cute, but we want buyers’ eyes focused on your home in the pictures!
• From the front of your home, see how your windows appear — if there are blinds or curtains that need to be straightened, be sure to fix those as well
• Do any of the light bulbs need to be replaced?

 Inside Matters

• Make all beds
• Keep floor space as clean and vacant as possible – pick up toys, clothes, boxes, etc
• Clear away the ‘clutter’ – we don’t want the buyers’ eyes focusing on your personal items, the less you have out, the better!
• Keep countertops as clean and vacant as possible – it will make them seem larger
• Take down personal photos
• Do any light bulbs need to be replaced?

Like I said above, these are simple tips that help me shoot your home on-the-spot. It certainly does not replace the value of having your home professionally staged. Also, the seller and I will have more in-depth talks about things they can do to make their home more appealing to buyer in their market. But, if I am on my way over with a camera, this list is a great way to get started! If you would like to learn more about getting your home ready for the market, contact me today!

One of the most unique features of this home is its large, corner lot that has been lovingly planted with Bradford pear and oak trees.

Inside, you will first be wowed with the laminate wood flooring and designer paint colors. Passing from the living area to the formal dining area, you are then taken to the large kitchen where you are impressed yet again! Cooks will love the cutting block center island and the undermount cast iron sink…and everyone’s favorite: sleek granite countertops!

It is an understatement that this pantry is huge! Let’s just say you’ll have no problem storing your items from Costco or Sam’s Club here!

Upstairs, the sellers have recently installed carpet with an enzyme-eating pad underneath. The master suite has a walk-in closet, double sinks and a Jacuzzi-style garden tub.

If you’d like to get a sneak peak of this gorgeous home, give us a call today!

Features of 2001 Marysol Trl

• 2252 square feet (WCAD)
• 3 bedrooms
• 2.5 baths
• Leander ISD
• Beautifully upgraded kitchen with granite counters

2001 Marysol Trl Pictures

I moved to Tarrrytown not long ago and absolutely love the area. What’s NOT to love? You’re surrounded by absolutely gorgeous homes, beautifully landscaped yards, rolling hills with streets lined with huge, shade trees…and the location rocks! I can hop on my bike and be on the Ladybird hike and bike trail in about 5 minutes! I’ve been completely enjoying living close to all that downtown has to offer yet being able to live in a cozy neighborhood where I can take a nice quiet walk with my dogs.

Last week, while on one of the above mentioned walks, I noticed they had begun construction on Forest Trail homes, so I decided to check with them to see when the homes will be available. The good news is there will be 11 detached, single family homes with private, fenced yards. The community will consist of 3 and 4 bedroom homes, which are energy efficient with 4-5 star rating under the Austin Energy Green Building Program. The homes, modern in design, are stucco with stone and cedar accents. The bad news is, they don’t have many left!

If your looking for new construction, close to downtown for under $500,000, this is an excellent option. If you would like more information about this exclusive and popular new community, give me a call at 512-944-2636 today before it’s too late.

USDA Program Available for Select Cedar Park Homes

Out of the eight homes we saw, four are eligible for the USDA loan program. If you are not familiar with the USDA loan program, it allows buyers to buy a home – in specific rural areas – with no down payment and minimal closing costs. When some buyers hear rural, they think of a home way out in the country, with no amenities or shopping nearby. However, as today’s tour showed, you can find a home that meets the USDA loan eligibility in a great subdivision in popular Cedar Park that’s near schools, shopping and dining.

1918 Marysol Trl

The home that I had on the property tour was 1918 Marysol Trl. Located in Trails at Carriage Hills, my listing was just completely rebuilt and many elements of it (roof, drywall, wiring, plumbing, flooring, cabinets, Low E3 windows, radiant barrier and more!) are brand new. So, not only can you find great homes in this area that are well priced, sometimes you can even find a home that’s been completely renovated with all of the other benefits I mentioned above!

My take-away from today’s tour was that no matter if you have money saved up for a down payment or need a government program like USDA to help you into a home, you won’t be disappointed with the homes available in Cedar Park. Let me know if you want me to send you a list of the homes on today’s property tour, or if you would like to go see them in person!

I love being a Realtor. I find joy in helping people find a place whether buying or leasing. Part of my job includes pre-qualifying people and setting their expectations. In leasing, that means educating them on the qualifying process and making sure they understand what is required of them and what could keep them from being approved. I explain the income requirement, which is usually 3 times the rent (all adults in household’s income combined before taxes). I also make sure they know they will have a background and credit check done. I routinely ask to let me know if they have any felonies or credit problems. Being informed of a potential problem allows me to call in advance and find out who will work with my client.

I completely understand why someone would not want to divulge information, especially if it is embarrassing or deemed negative, but I have seen it backfire too many times. Having to pay multiple application fees can cause added financial and emotional stress. I’ve been in the business for years, but I’m still surprised when people tell me they didn’t disclose the information because “they didn’t think anyone would find out.”

I’m writing this blog to encourage people to lay their card out on the table. It sure saves a lot of time, money and disappointment. Some secrets are just worth telling!

CASA works hard each year to make sure that these children are given something for the holidays – and this year they are focusing on gift cards so that the older children can have the experience of shopping for themselves and the ever-so-popular Pillow Pets!

Team Ensor is helping to raise awareness for this cause and we are helping to collect these items for CASA of Travis County.  If you would like to help, please contact us.  CASA is taking $30 gift cards to Target and Wal-Mart in addition to the Pillow Pets.

It’s the season for giving and there is not a better feeling than giving a child a reason to smile!