Austin Real Estate ... Texas Realtor®

OPEN HOUSE in Parkside at Slaughter Creek on Sunday, October 2

Jim Gilbert — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 20:59:00 GMT

Parkside at Slaughter Creek, Austin, TX 78747

Are you looking for a lovely, spacious home in a very nice neighborhood in South Austin? We invite you to drop by our open house this Sunday, October 2, between 2 PM and 5 PM.

Date: Sunday, October 2
Location: 2500 National Park Blvd.
Time? 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Built in 2006 by Standard Pacific Homes, this 2,684 sq. ft. (TCAD), 3-bedroom, 2-story home features a large gameroom upstairs, Texas Stone on 4 sides, updated floors downstairs, SS kitchen appliances, designer paint updates and lots of other features. Click the following link to view photos, pricing, map and other Property information.

Jim Gilbert, REALTOR®, Heart of Austin Homes.
Licensed (#0536692) to sell real estate in Texas.
Mobile: (512) 913-1557

Office: (512) 342-8744

10216 Grizzly Oak in The Oak at Twin Creeks is SOLD!

Jim Gilbert — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 00:26:00 GMT

The Oak at Twin Creeks, Austin - This lovely 1-story home in South Austin's The Oak at Twin Creeks subdivision has new owners! Why? The sale of 10216 Grizzly Oak closed on September 8! If you have a home to sell in this neighborhood (or in another S/SW Austin subdivision), I would love to have the opportunity to share with you how widely we market our listings. You can catch me at (512) 913-1557.

Property information

Jim Gilbert, REALTOR®, Heart of Austin Homes.
Licensed (#0536692) to sell real estate in Texas.
Mobile: (512) 913-1557

Office: (512) 342-8744

11209 Uvalde Cv. in Shady Hollow is SOLD!

Jim Gilbert — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 21:53:00 GMT

Shady Hollow, Austin, Travis County - The sale of this single-story home at 11209 Uvalde Cv in Soutwest Austin's Shady Hollow neighborhood closed on August 26! If you are thinking about selling your home in Shady Hollow or in a nearby neighborhood, why not give me a call at (512) 913-1557? I would love to share with you our marketing plan for selling the homes we list.

Property information

Jim Gilbert, REALTOR®, e-Pro, Heart of Austin Homes.
Licensed (#0536692) to sell real estate in the state of Texas.
Mobile: (512) 913-1557

Office: (512) 342-8744

Open House in The Oak at Twin Creeks on Sunday, 7/10/2011

Jim Gilbert — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 22:48:00 GMT

The Oak at Twin Creeks, Austin - We invite everyone to visit our open house at 10216 Grizzly Oak on Sunday, July 10 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Please come and check out this lovely home. It needs a new owner and the current owner is looking for an offer that he can negotiate.

This home is located near the Southpark Meadows shopping center. It backs to the Mary Moore Searight Metro Park, meaning that you will have no neighbors on the back side. It features lots of air-conditioned living space (2,870 sq. ft., TCAD) on just one level, has brick on all sides, and is move-in ready.

For more information, to see photos, pricing, location map and a virtual tour, folow this link: 10216 Grizzly Oak Info.

This home is eligible for FHA Financing.

If this open house time is not convenient for you, please call me for an appointment to see it.

Jim Gilbert, REALTOR®, Heart of Austin Homes.
Licensed (#0536692) to sell real estate in Texas.
Mobile: (512) 913-1557

Office: (512) 342-8744

Open House in The Oak at Twin Creeks on Saturday, 7/2, 1-4 PM

Jim Gilbert — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 17:01:00 GMT

The Oak at Twin Creeks, Austin - Please drop by our open house at 10216 Grizzly Oak (78748) on Saturday, July 2 between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM. This lovely and lightly-lived-in home is located on the back side of this very nice neighborhood. It has brick on all sides, 2,870 sq. ft. of living space (TCAD) and backs to the Mary Moore Searight park (no rear neighbors!).

Click this link for more information, photos and pricing on this great home: Property information

The owner is motivated to sell and would love to consider your offer. This home is eligible for FHA Financing.

If this open house time is not convenient for you, please call me for an appointment to see it.

Jim Gilbert, REALTOR®, Heart of Austin Homes.
Licensed (#0536692) to sell real estate in Texas.
Mobile: (512) 913-1557

Office: (512) 342-8744

OPEN HOUSE in The Oak at Twin Creeks on Sunday, 12N - 3PM

Jim Gilbert — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 18:45:00 GMT

The Oak at Twin Creeks, Austin - If you are looking for a large, relatively new single-story home in South Austin, one near Southpark Meadows shopping, we hope that you will come to our open house and check this one out. The home is larger than it looks from the front (there is plenty of room inside--2,870 sq. ft., TCAD). It backs to a greenbelt area (meaning, no rear neighbors).

Where? 10216 Grizzly Oak, Austin, TX 78748
Neighborhood? The Oak at Twin Creeks
Time? 12 Noon until 3:00 PM
Date? Sunday, June 26, 2011

Click this link for more information, photos and pricing on this great home: Property information

BTW, the seller is definitely ready to sell this home! Come take a look ... and bring us an offer! This home is eligible for FHA Financing.

Jim Gilbert, REALTOR®, Heart of Austin Homes.
Licensed (#0536692) to sell real estate in Texas.
Mobile: (512) 913-1557

Office: (512) 342-8744

Open House in The Oak at Twin Creeks on Sunday

Jim Gilbert — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 15:11:00 GMT

The Oak at Twin Creeks, Austin - We invite everyone to visit our open house at 10216 Grizzly Oak on Sunday, June 12, between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM. This is a lovely home that is ready for a new owner!

Click here for information, price and photos on this property.

Jim Gilbert, REALTOR®, Heart of Austin Homes.
Licensed (#0536692) to sell real estate in Texas.
Mobile: (512) 913-1557

Office: (512) 342-8744

Open House in The Oak at Twin Creeks on Sunday, March 6

Jim Gilbert — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 18:11:00 GMT

The Oak at Twin Creeks, Austin - If you are in the South Austin area on Sunday afternoon, please drop by our open house at 10216 Grizzly Oak, Austin, 78748. This is a lovely 4-side brick, one-story home with plenty of living space (2870 sq. ft., TCAD). Built in 2006, this move-in ready home backs to a greenbelt area, and features 9' ceilings, large family and dining rooms, kitchen with island and breakfast area, 4 bedrooms, an office/living and more!

Open House Time: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Come take a peek!

Get more information, photos, pricing, etc. via this link: Home in South Austin 10216 Grizzly Oak. Austin MLS #3206993.

Jim Gilbert, Realtor®, e-Pro
iPhone: (512) 913-1557
Licensed to Sell Real Estate in Austin TX (License 0536692)

(512) 342-8744

SOLD! Golf Course Garden Home in Horseshoe Bay West 78657

Jim Gilbert — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 03:25:00 GMT

• 2,128 sq. ft. (appraiser), 3 bedrooms, 2-1/2 baths, 1-1/2 story - MLS® $256,000

Horseshoe Bay West, Horseshoe Bay, TX 78657 - If you want to own a vacation, weekend or family home on a golf course in the Horseshoe Bay area, here is a custom-built, feature-packed garden home that you might want to consider!

Among its many appealing features, in addition to its location, are hardwood floors, elevated ceilings in the living area, recent interior and exterior paint, recent metal roof, newish Trane heat pump and three 14-SEER air conditioning units. It features a downstairs master suite with reading area, 2 bedrooms, bath and loft upstairs, and lots of windows and sky lights. The home also has lovely limestone on 3+ sides, and a 2-car garage w/room for storage. Built in 1995, it has been well maintained.

It has a great view of the 15th fairway and green of Horseshoe Bay West's Apple Rock Golf Course. You can relax or entertain friends and family on the wide, covered rear patio while watching golfers test their skills. Or, you can test your own game on this course or on one of the other ones in this resort area. You are not far from water activities at Lake Marble Falls or on one of the other area lakes. (Club membership is required for many resort activities.)

This home is listed for sale in the Highland Lakes MLS (#122514) and the Austin MLS (#8528859). Follow this link for 316 Sun Ray information, including photos, more details, map, etc.

Jim Gilbert, REALTOR®, Heart of Austin Homes.
Licensed (#0536692) to sell real estate in Texas.
Mobile: (512) 913-1557

Office: (512) 342-8744

Open House in The Oak at Twin Creeks on Sunday

Jim Gilbert — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 03:02:00 GMT

The Oak at Twin Creeks, Austin - Are you in the market for a large, newish single-story, 4-bedroom home in a nice subdivision in South Austin? If so, please come and take a look at this home, located at 10216 Grizzly Oak 78748,during our open house on Sunday, February 13. The hours will be from 2:00 to 4:00 PM.

Take South 1st St. south from Slaughter Lane to the entrance to The Oak at Twin Creeks. Turn into the subdivision and follow the main road all the way to Grizzly Oak. Then turn left and you will see the home on the right.

Click this 10216GrizzlyOak.com link to get more details and pricing, and to see photos, virtual tour and map. MLS #3206993.

Jim Gilbert, REALTOR®, Heart of Austin Homes.
Licensed (#0536692) to sell real estate in Texas.
Mobile: (512) 913-1557

Office: (512) 342-8744

Open House in The Oak at Twin Creeks on Sunday, January 16

Jim Gilbert — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 16:25:00 GMT

The Oak at Twin Creeks, Austin - We invite everyone to visit our open house at 10216 Grizzly Oak on Sunday, January 16 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Hosted by fellow agent Chris Williamson, this open house will showcase a very nice single-story home of 2,870 sq. ft. that backs to a greenbelt. Come, take a look.

Click to vew pricing, listing details, photos and more! MLS#3206993.

Jim Gilbert, REALTOR®, Heart of Austin Homes.
Licensed (#0536692) to sell real estate in Texas.
Mobile: (512) 913-1557

Office: (512) 342-8744

NEW PRICE on 10216 Grizzly Oak in South Austin's The Oak at Twin Creeks

Jim Gilbert — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 20:49:00 GMT

The Oak at Twin Creeks, Austin - The list price on this lovely home has been REDUCED! :Located at 10216 Grizzly Oak off South 1st St. in South Austin, this single-story home is located on greenbelt lot and has a 2,870 sq. ft. (TCAD), 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, rear deck, open floorplan and many more nice features. Click this property information link to view listing details, including the new price, other features, photos, virtual tour, etc.

I will be glad to show the home to you. Give me a call at 512.913.1557.

Jim Gilbert, REALTOR®, Heart of Austin Homes.
Licensed (#0536692) to sell real estate in Texas.
Mobile: (512) 913-1557

Office: (512) 342-8744

Clients Buy Their First Home in Amberwood Subdivision

Jim Gilbert — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 03:06:00 GMT

On Wednesday afternoon of this week, two more first-time buyer clients of mine completed the purchase of their "new-to-them" home in Kyle's Amberwood subdivision! (Click the link for learn about Amberwood and to browse homes for sale in in Amberwood or in some other featured communities in the Kyle and Buda area.) These happy campers began moving their "stuff" into the home yesterday, and were busy completing that "mission" tonight. Tonight will be their first night in their new home!!

My connection with this couple came via a referral from another satisfied client, who also happened be a first-time buyer who also purchased a home in Amberwood. We looked at a several homes in several neighborhoods, but this particular home is the one that captured their hearts. With the assistance of a very helpful and dedicated loan officer, they were able to take the home-ownership plunge. This home is a spacious, 1940 sq. ft. (TCAD) single-story home with 3 bedrooms and two living areas. Built in 2008, it is just right for their family.

Amberwood is located just off I-35 between Kyle and Buda, making commutes to the Austin area and travel to other areas handy. The neighborhood features nice homes, a small community center with pool, and access to several nearby shopping centers and the new Seton medical center. Children living in Amberwood attend schools of the Hays Consolidated ISD.

Amberwood homes were built in the years 2003-2009. Average sales prices in 2009 were around $150k. Homes in Amberwood range in size from around 1,290 sq. ft. to over 3,700 sq. ft. Chances are that you can find one in your size and price range there.

I would like to assist you in finding your dream home in Amberwood, in the Kyle/Buda area, or in another neighorhood in the Greater Austin area. If you have a question, or want to talk about your dream, give me a call at (512) 913-1557.

Jim Gilbert, REALTOR®, Heart of Austin Homes.
Licensed (#0536692) to sell real estate in Texas.
Mobile: (512) 913-1557

Office: (512) 342-8744

Clients Purchase Home in Blackhawk Pflugerville!

Jim Gilbert — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 18:24:00 GMT

On Thursday afternoon of this week, my wife and I had the thrill and privilege of being at my clients' closing on the purchase of their new-to-them home in The Park at Blackhawk. From all evidences, they are very happy with their purchase, and are now in the process of making it their own! (Click this link to learn more about Blackhawk and to browse Blackhawk homes for sale. You will also find links to other neighborhoods near Blackhawk like Falcon Pointe, Avalon and The Commons at Rowe Lane.)

My relationship with them began with an inquiry from our Heart of Austin Homes website to see another home in Blackhawk. For several reasons that home did not work for them. As we continued our search, this home caught their eyes. It is a single-story with 3 bedrooms and almost 1600 sq. ft. of living space. It is located near the new community center and park that The Park in Blackhawk residents enjoy as part of their home ownership and lifestyle there.

Like many of the homes in Blackhawk, this home is a fairly recent build (2004). Homes in Blackhawk range in size from around 1,425 sq. ft. to over 4,400 sq. ft. 2009 sales prices in Blackhawk varied from $126k to $290k. The neighborhood amenities include the Blackhawk Golf Club (public) and several community centers and parks. New construction in Blackhawk is continuing near the end of 2010.

If you are looking for a new or resale home in the Pflugerville area, give me a call at (512) 913-1557. I would love to assist you in finding and purchasing a home in Blackhawk or another community in the area.

Jim Gilbert, REALTOR®, Heart of Austin Homes.
Licensed (#0536692) to sell real estate in Texas.
Mobile: (512) 913-1557

Office: (512) 342-8744

Home in South Austin's The Oak at Twin Creeks Subdivision MLS #3206993

Jim Gilbert — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 21:31:00 GMT

The Oak at Twin Creeks, Austin -- If you are looking for a lovely home in South Austin near Southpark Meadows, check out this new listing (MLS #3206993). Located on S. 1st St. between W. Slaughter Lane and FM-1626, The Oak at Twin Creeks subdivision is one of two quite nice KB Home communities in South-Southwest Austin!

This home at 10216 Grizzly Oak definitely has features that give it a WOW factor! It has 2,870 sq. ft. of living space on one level and features 4 bedrooms (MIL plan), 2 baths and a room near the entry that can be used as a formal sitting room or an office. It has been gently lived in since its construction in 2006. You will like the open floor plan and the fact that the home backs to a greenbelt area (no rear neighbors!).

The gourmet kitchen has upgraded Maple cabinets and a large center island. The SS refrigerator conveys with the purchase of the home. Other home features include two dining areas and a large living/family room. The master suite is on the rear of the house (greenbelt view), and has a large bathroom with both tub and shower, double vanity and an oversized walk-in closet. Other features include upgraded fixtures, lighting and door hardware, wired for surround sound, 2" faux wood blinds, 9' ceilings, ceiling fans, sprinkler system, back-side deck, radiant barrier and double-pane windows to save on utility costs, and four sides masonry. It is an Energy Star Certified home.

The Oak at Twin Creeks is located near the Southpark Meadow shopping center, and has good access to Downtown Austin and other parts of the Austin area. For more information, photos, availability and list price, click this link: Home for Sale in The Oak at Twin Creeks.

Listed for Sale by Jim Gilbert, REALTOR®, Heart of Austin Homes.
Licensed (#0536692) to sell real estate in Texas.
Mobile: (512) 913-1557

Office: (512) 342-8744

SOLD! Open House in Shady Hollow on Sunday, Oct. 31, 2-4 PM (MLS #2046291)

Jim Gilbert — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 14:55:00 GMT

Shady Hollow, Southwest Austin, TX - Here is another opportunity for you to get a first-hand look at this lovely, updated Shady Hollow home. Located at 3700 Capistrano Trail (zip code 78739), this 4 BR, 2.5 BA home on a 1/2 acre lot (TCAD) features a very nice in-ground swimming pool and backs to a green area (no rear neighbors!).

View listing photos and details. We hope to see you there on Sunday, October 31 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM!

Jim Gilbert, Realtor, Heart of Austin Homes
Licensed to sell real estate in Texas (#0536692)
Mobile: (512) 913-1557

Office: (512) 342-8744

SOLD! (12/17/10) 2-Story Home with Pool For Sale in Shady Hollow

Jim Gilbert — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 03:48:00 GMT

• 2,388 sq. ft. (+/-, TCAD), 4 bedroom, 2.5 baths, 2- story. MLS® #2046291. $279,900

Shady Hollow, Austin, Travis County - Wow! Take a look at this sparkling Clean home in Southwest Austin's Shady Hollow subdivision. (Click the link to view property information, photos, virtual tour, location.)

The many upgrades in 2010 include Carpet & Tile, Paint inside/out, Popcorn removed from Ceiling, SS Appliances, Granite Counters, Tile Floors & Backsplash, Faucets, Under Mount Sinks, Dual Flush Commodes and more.

Home features include Living Room with beautiful air-circulating Stone Fireplace, Master bedroom with Cathedral Ceiling & attached Sunroom that overlooks the back yard & pool and greenbelt, Storm Windows, Lots of Trees (Shady Hollow is known for its trees) and a 1/2-acre lot (TCAD) that backs to a green area.

Jim Gilbert, Realtor, Heart of Austin Homes
Licensed to sell real estate in Texas (0536692)
Mobile: (512) 913-1557

Office: (512) 342-8744

4306 Reynosa Dr in Shady Hollow is SOLD!

Jim Gilbert — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:19:00 GMT

Shady Hollow, Southwest Austin, TX - The sale of this lovely 2-story home at 4306 Reynosa Dr. was completed today, September 2, 2010.

If you are looking for a home in Shady Hollow, here is information about another nice home that will be on the market by mid-September 2010. Property information

Jim Gilbert, REALTOR®, Heart of Austin Homes.
Licensed (#0536692) to sell real estate in Texas.
Mobile: (512) 913-1557

Office: (512) 342-8744

Clients Purchase Home in Buda’s Whispering Hollow Subdivision

Jim Gilbert — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 20:40:00 GMT

Last week (August 3, 2010), some very special clients of mine closed on the purchase of their “new-to-them” home in the lovely Whispering Hollow neighborhood in Buda. What started out as a connection made via the internet (our website) grew into a relationship between my wife and I and this young couple and their children. We count them as friends now, and enjoy attending the same church as they do.

Their home in Whispering Hollow is a roughly 1,900 sq. ft., single-story model built by Standard Pacific Homes, one of the two builders in Whispering Hollow. Homes in the neighborhood range in size from about 1,150 sq. ft. to over 3,500 sq. ft. The average selling price of homes sold in Whispering Hollow in 2009 was around $216,000 (per data from the Austin Board of Realtors). These homes are very nice, and are suitable for families or individuals who want or need to live in the “suburbs” of Austin, but still want to be close enough to Austin to take advantage of the many things Austin offers.

The construction of homes in Whispering Hollow and in the Estates of Whispering Hollow (homes built by Ryland Homes) began in 2005, and is continuing in mid-2010. A new section in the Estates of Whispering Hollow is being developed, as is a new section in the “regular” part of the community. As part of this expansion of the neighborhood, the developer has added a second entrance/exit to and from the south side of Whispering Hollow. This does a lot to help with traffic flow through the subdivision.

Whispering Hollow has an amenity center which features a gated swimming pool, picnic pavilion, and playscape for your children. Parents with elementary-school-age children should know that the elementary school (Elm Grove) is located “next door” to the subdivision.

If you are looking for a new or resale home in the Buda area in this price range, click the following link to get much more information about Whispering Hollow and to browse current listings of homes for sale in Whispering Hollow. Better than that, give me a call and let’s go look at what is available in Whispering Hollow. You can reach me at (512) 913-1557.

Jim Gilbert, REALTOR®, Heart of Austin Homes.
Licensed (#0536692) to sell real estate in Texas.
Mobile: (512) 913-1557

Office: (512) 342-8744

SOLD!! 4306 Reynosa Dr. in Shady Hollow.

Jim Gilbert — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 21:46:00 GMT

Shady Hollow, Southwest Austin, Texas - TOO LATE! Looking for a home in Southwest Austin's Shady Hollow subdivision? The owners of the home at 4306 Reynosa Dr. are giving you a better reason to consider their lovely home. How? By REDUCING their asking price ONCE MORE to just $254,900. At this price, this home in Shady Hollow is a GREAT VALUE!

Located in Shady Hollow, one of Austin's favorite neighborhoods, this home sports 2 stories providing 2,568 sq. ft. (+/-, TCAD) of living space, a 2-car attached garage with door openers, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a loft that can be used as another living area, an office or as a media room. It comes with a full set of kitchen appliances (including side-by-side refrigerator with in-door access to ice and water!). The kitchen, family, loft and one bedroom overlook the "greenbelt" behind the home.

The lot, as is pretty common with homes in Shady Hollow, is over 0.2 acres (0.206 acres, +/-, per TCAD records). You can find larger lots in Shady Hollow, but not very many that back to a greenbelt. This greenbelt land is acreage that is owned by the City of Austin, and is held as Water Quality Protection Land. From what I know about Austin, this green area (over the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone) is probably not going to be developed. This means that you can enjoy the view, and entertain your family and friends without neighbors to the rear. The trees, deck and playscape will enhance your enjoyment of your home!

Jim Gilbert, Realtor®, Heart of Austin Homes
Licensed (#0536692) to sell real estate in Texas
Mobile: (512) 913-1557

Office: (512) 342-8744

SOLD! 2-Story Home for Sale in Shady Hollow Austin (See update 7/21/10, 9/2/10)

Jim Gilbert — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 02:55:00 GMT

• 2,568 sq. ft. (+/-, TCAD), , 2.5 baths, 3 bedrooms, 2-story - MLS® $260,000

If you are looking for a home in South or Southwest Austin, here is a nice one with plenty of appealing characteristics and features! This Shady Hollow home is NOW listed for sale at just $260,000. The owners are relocating and are ready to sell!

With two levels and over 2550 sq. ft. of living area, there is plenty of room for most families. The three living areas include two downstairs and a loft upstairs. A beautiful stairway with decorative banister connects the two levels. The family room features a fireplace for those winter nights when you may want to cuddle by a fire. The home has a master and two other upper-level bedrooms, two and a half baths, two eating areas, and a spacious kitchen which opens to the family room.

If you want a measure of privacy, there is a wooden privacy fence on the sides and front of the home, and an open (wood/wire) fence at the green area behind the home. Enjoy the greenbelt view as you entertain on the large deck or watch your children play on the back yard playscape (it conveys with the sale of the home!). Too much stuff for the 2-car garage? Stow it in the 10’x12’ storage building in the back yard. If you are a handyman, you will find the extra outlets on the interior walls of the garage to be handy! If you have a RV, the fence at the right side of the home has roll-out gates for access to the side yard.

The Shady Hollow neighborhood is popular because of its location in South-Southwest Austin, its nice homes, its larger than normal subdivision lots (this one is just over 0.2 acres), and its many mature trees. It also has lower than average taxes for the Austin area (it is unincorporated).

Check out the very nice Capistrano Park on your way to see this home. With tennis courts, a swimming pool, play equipment for children, picnic tables and more, this park is quite the place to go in the good old summer time! The Shady Hollow Community Center is a great place for meetings, family get-togethers and other activities. There are also two other community parks and a nature preserve in Shady Hollow.

Click the following link to see photos and a virtual tour, and to get more detailed information, including location, on this Home in Shady Hollow Austin. The home was pre-inspected before it was put on the market.

Jim Gilbert, Realtor®, Heart of Austin Homes
Licensed to sell real estate in Texas (0536692)
Mobile: (512) 913-1557

Office: (512) 342-8744

What Home Buyers Want in 2010

Jim Gilbert — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 02:03:00 GMT

At the January 2010 International Builders' Show in Las Vegas, Rose Quint (an assistant VP for the National Association of Builders Survey Research Economics and Housing Policy Group) shared the results of a survey given to new home builders. The results of the survey point to some current trends in features that will (and will not) be included in new homes built this year. The main result? Buyers want smaller, more energy-efficient homes and lower prices. Builders are adjusting what they offer.

In today's economy, this is not surprising! Higher priced homes have been more difficult to sell over the past year in the Austin area. I visited with a new home sales representative in the Round Rock area recently. Her company was unable to sell homes at their target price level and is not taking up options on available lots in that neighborhood.

Items that builders are planning to include in their new homes this year include some of the common things that are already part of Austin-area new home construction practices: walk-in closets, energy efficient windows, lighting & appliances, and tall ceilings. The survey says (sounds like an old TV game show!) that the demand for some previously popular features will diminish. Expect to see fewer outdoor fireplaces & kitchens, butler's pantries, media rooms and larger kitchens with granite countertops!

This survey results were shared by the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University. Click the link to read the whole RE Center report.

If you are looking for a new or a resale home in the Greater Austin area, let's talk! (512.913.1557) I would like to help you with that purchase. We feature a number of Austin area new home neighborhoods on our website.

Jim Gilbert, REALTOR, Heart of Austin Homes. Licensed (#0536692) to sell real estate in Texas.

(512) 342-8744

Whispering Hollow Subdivision in Buda: Market and Development Plans

Jim Gilbert — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 02:38:00 GMT

One of our favorite real estate practices is visiting area neighborhoods so we can keep up with what is happening in that local portion of the Austin area market. This afternoon, we made a return visit to the Whispering Hollow and Estates of Whispering Hollow subdivision in northern Hays County (Buda), TX.

Here are some things we noted on this trip:

1. The two builders (Standard Pacific Homes and Ryland Homes) are both still active in the community, but the number of new home starts is down significantly from the last half of last year. At one time in that period, we counted over 20 new homes in various stages of completion. This made it difficult for owners of the few resale homes on the market at the time to compete with the builder sales and concessions offered to buyers (a fairly common issue in new home communities!). Today, a few new homes were being built, and a few were awaiting buyers.

2. Whispering Hollow will soon have a second road leading into and out of the community. Middle Creek Dr. is being extended to Old Black Colony Rd. on the south side of Whispering Hollow. This extension was projected to be finished by now, but was held up by the rains that we needed so desperately. One of the new home sales reps said that completion is expected in another month or so. This new road will also allow the opening of another section of home sites in Whispering Hollow.

3. This last photo shows that the developer is also making preparations for a new section of homes in the Estates of Whispering Hollow. I don't yet know when it is expected to be opened for construction and new home sales.

If you are looking for a new or a resale home in Whispering Hollow or in the Estates of Whispering Hollow, let's talk! I would like to help you with that purchase.

Click this Whispering Hollow link to learn more about this lovely neighborhood and to browse current listings of homes for sale in Whispering Hollow.

Jim Gilbert, REALTOR, Heart of Austin Homes. Licensed (#0536692) to sell real estate in Texas.

(512) 342-8744

Client Purchases South Austin Olympic Heights Home

Jim Gilbert — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 00:15:00 GMT

Today (January 5, 2010) I was blessed to help a client close on the purchase of a home in the South Austin's Olympic Heights neighborhood. This D.R. Horton residential development offers homes that are typically smaller than in more expensive neighborhoods, and that are more affordable for many individuals and families. Homes in Olympic Heights range in size from 1,123 sq. ft. to 2,073 sq. ft. The average sales price in 2009 was $167,723, according to MLS data from the Austin Board of Realtors.

Olympic Heights is laid out well, and features not only nice, modern homes, but also a lovely gated community center and swimming pool. Another thing distinguishes Olympic Heights from other recently-built subdivisions: there are a number of 2-bedroom homes in the community. Not all homebuyers need or want 3-bedroom or larger homes, including my client. She looked at both homes and condos in several neighborhoods and decided pretty quickly that this home would meet her needs well! She was very excited to be able to begin her move-in this afternoon!

If you are looking for a very nice home in one of the newer and more modestly-priced neighborhoods in South Austin, Olympic Heights may be the neighborhood for you. Click the following link for more information on and photos of Olympic Heights, and to view homes currently for sale in Olympic Heights.

I would like to assist you in the purchase of a new or resale home in the South and Southwest Austin area, or in an Austin suburb. You can reach me at (512) 913-1557.

Jim Gilbert, REALTOR, Heart of Austin Homes. Licensed (#0536692) to sell real estate in Texas.

(512) 342-8744

Avery Ranch Austin ♦ Homes ♦ Real Estate ♦ Golf

Jim Gilbert — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 19:43:00 GMT

One of the best things about Avery Ranch is its location. Two major thoroughfares cross in the center of the neighborhood: Avery Ranch Blvd., which runs east through Avery Ranch from US-183A, and W. Parmer Lane (FM-734), which runs north/south between Texas SH-45 tollway and Brushy Creek Road. Getting to where you need to go in any direction is not difficult from Avery Ranch.

The first home sales in this 1,800-acre development were made in 2001, and are continuing in late 2009 throug the efforts of nine builders: D.R. Horton, Meritage, Ryland, Drees, Taylor Morrison, Pulte, Partners in Building, Gehan and Wilshire Homes. These new home projects are scattered throughout Avery Ranch. Residence sizes range from 1,090 sq. ft. (condo) to over 5,000 sq. ft.

Average home sale prices through most of 2009 have averaged around $253k. You can purchase your dream condominium, town home or single-family home in Avery Ranch for $150k to $700k. You can find both new and resale homes for sale in Avery Ranch.

Avery Ranch also sports one of the premier golf courses in the Central Texas area (the Avery Ranch Golf Club) within its boundaries. If you want a challenging round of golf, give this 18-hole, 7,121 yard championship course a try. As it meanders through the neighborhood and the NW Austin hillside on 226 Hill Country acres the Avery Ranch course offers lovely views ... and lots of places to hone your game and to lose a few balls! Golf course lots are available in Avery Ranch.

What about nearby shopping or dining? At Avery Ranch, you don't have to travel far (unless you want to!). There are some shops within the Avery Ranch neighborhood, and many others like Lakeline Mall, the Lake Creek & 1890 Ranch Shopping Centers, the Aboretum and many others US-183 and RR-620.

Within the Avery Ranch neighborhood there are 5 community centers with pools, sports courts, playscapes and more. Discover and enjoy the great outdoors with miles of nature trails for hiking and biking. Avery Ranch is built on the southern side of the Brushy Creek area. There are several public parks along Brushy Creek Road, including the Brushy Creek Lake Park. Boaters are not far from Lake Travis.

What about the schools? The Avery Ranch development actually lies within the boundaries of two school districts. Depending on where a home is located in Avery Ranch, students go to schools of either the Round Rock ISD or the Leander ISD. Parents will want to check the school assignments befor making their decision on where to locate in Avery Ranch.

Click the following link for much more information about (and to see homes for sale in) the Avery Ranch neighborhood. On that web page, you will also find links to several nearby Heart of Austin Homes featured neighborhood information pages.

If you are considering the purchase of a new or resale home in the Avery Ranch or in another Northwest Austin or Cedar Park area neighborhood, I would like to be your Realtor. You can reach me at (512) 913-1557.

Jim Gilbert, REALTOR, Heart of Austin Homes. Licensed (#0536692) to sell real estate in Texas.

P.S. If you discovered the Avery Ranch through this blog, and make a visit to the neighborhood, please tell the sales rep that you found the Avery Ranch through HeartofAustinHomes.com. Better than that, give me a call before you go.