Jim Gilbert's Austin Real Estate Blog

What Home Buyers Want in 2010

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.

4501 Spicewood Springs Rd., #1029
Austin, TX 78759
(512) 342-8744

Whispering Hollow Subdivision in Buda: Market and Development Plans

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.

4501 Spicewood Springs Rd., #1029
Austin, TX 78759
(512) 342-8744

Client Purchases South Austin Olympic Heights Home

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.

4501 Spicewood Springs Rd., #1029
Austin, TX 78759
(512) 342-8744

Avery Ranch Austin ♦ Homes ♦ Real Estate ♦ Golf

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.

4501 Spicewood Springs Rd., #1029
Austin, TX 78759

(512) 342-8744

Ranch at Brushy Creek Cedar Park ♦ Homes for Sale ♦ Ranch at Brushy Creek Real Estate

Home hunters driving north from Avery Ranch on W. Parmer Lane will pretty quickly find the entrance on the right to one of Cedar Park's premier subdivisions: The Ranch at Brushy Creek. The beautifully landscaped sign identifying the neighborhood and its displays of the American and Texas flag are give the sense of something special beyond. Those who visit the Ranch at Brushy Creek and who purchase homes there find out that this is true.

On the left not far beyond the entrance is the the Ranch at Brushy Creek community center and the 14-acre wooded Ranch Trail Park. The community center offers residents swimming and wading pools, basketball and sand volleyball courts, playscape and picnic pavilion. Outside of the neighborhood, residents have plenty of options for shopping (Lakeline Mall, the 1890 Ranch), entertainment, outdoor activities (Brushy Creek Lake Park, e.g.), golf (Avery Ranch) and more. Proximity to major area roads, like Parmer Lane, US-183A, SH-45/RR-620 and Whitestone Blvd. (FM-1431) make access to these places and Austin relatively simple.

The Ranch at Brushy Creek is not for the faint of budget. The neighborhood could well be described as upscale, at least by the standards of most Austin and Cedar Park area home buyers. Home sales in this community began in late 2005. The 65 Ranch at Brushy Creek home sales recorded in the Austin area MLS so far in 2009 have sold for an average of just under $323k.

Several well-known area builders are continuing the development of this community. These include Grand Haven, Buffington Signature, Monterrey, Meritage, Highland, Scott Felder and Sitterle Homes. Together these builders offer quite a number of floor plans, elevations, home sizes, prices and upgrades that allow you to make your home your dream home. Resale homes are also available in the Ranch at Brushy Creek. If you prefer living with more privacy, several builders also offer homes in a gated section.

Students who live in the Ranch at Brushy Creek attend schools of either the Leander or Round Rock ISDs. Before purchasing a home in the neighbrhood, parents are encouraged to verify with the respective school districts which schools their children will attend.

Click the following link for much more information about (and to see homes for sale in) the Ranch at Brushy Creek. 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 Ranch at Brushy Creek or in another 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.

4501 Spicewood Springs Rd., #1029
Austin, TX 78759

(512) 342-8744

Sage Meadow Austin ♦ New Homes-Condos for Sale ♦ Sage Meadow Real Estate

Are you looking for a new home in a convenient South Austin location? One that is close to shopping, entertainment, schools, parks and more? Sage Meadow, located just off W. Slaughter Lane between Manchaca Rd. and S. 1st St., might be your answer.

The homes in Sage Meadow, being built by well-known builder D.R. Horton, come in eight different 1-story and 2-story models that range in base price from the $160s to just over $180k. These homes offer living spaces from around 1,400 sq. ft. to almost 2,000 sq. ft.

The appearance of Sage Meadows homes is classic: a throwback to days when homes had far less stone and brick on the exteriors. The exteriors are covered by mostly Hardiplank-type siding painted in various muted pastel shades. Inside, there are plenty of standard features to help owners to save money on utilities and to enjoy owning and living in them.

First-time homebuyers and home owners who are thinking about moving up (or down) will want to know about the recent extension and expansion of the federal tax credits. Potential home buyers also should know that these homes are actually being built and sold as free-standing condos.

Sage Meadow has a nice community park with picnic facilities and children's playscape. The Mary Moore Searight Metro Park is just down W. Slaughter from Sage Meadow. The neighbrhood is also close to Southpark Meadows, the newish and huge retail development, at I-35 and W. Slaughter Lane. There is an HEB grocery store at Manchaca Road.

• Click this link for Sage Meadow information: homes for sale, interactive map, real estate market activity and property values.
• Click this link if you are interesrted in information about other South and Southwest Austin neighborhoods.

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

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

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

4501 Spicewood Springs Rd., #1029
Austin, TX 78759

(512) 342-8744

Cold Springs Leander ♦ Homes for Sale ♦ Cold Springs Real Estate

Cold Springs is an attractive new home community on the east side of Leander that offers great neighborhood amenities and great homes. If you are looking for a home that is away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and yet close enough to schools, shopping, jobs and recreation outlets, give Cold Springs a look. The subdivision is located is Southwest Williamson County on the west side of Ronald Reagan Blvd.(W. Parmer Lane) between FM-1431 and Crystal Falls Pkwy.

Three well-known Austin area builders are developing Cold Springs: Mercedes Homes, Buffington Signature Homes and Centex Homes. Together, these firms offer 25 different home plans that range in size from 1,534 sq. ft. to almost 4,600 sq. ft. Base prices for homes with standard features and elevations vary from $170k to around $300k. You do have a number of upgrade options available on "to-be-built" homes.

The standard feature set that is included with Cold Springs homes makes the homes very nice to own and live in. These features include gourmet kitchens, masonry on all sides of the home, energy efficiency features and more. When we visited the neighborhood a few weeks ago, we found the neighborhood to be attractive, well-landscaped, and (in spite of the current economy) moving forward in development. We visited with a family living in the community and learned that they love living in Cold Springs and are well satisfied with their home purchase there.

The Cold Springs community center has a very nice neighborhood park with play equipment for children (playscapes, rock climbing feature), a covered picnic pavilion, basketball court and hike & bike trails. Future plans for ths 8.2 acre community center include a junior Olympic swimming pool. Residents also have access the 32+ acre Lake Lakewood on the west side of the property.

What about shopping? Check out the many options along FM-1431 in Cedar Park and US-183 and at Lakeside Mall. Golfers can hone their skills (and lose a few balls!) at the Avery Ranch and Crystal Falls Golf Clubs. If you are into the great outdoors, the Williamson County Regional Park, Brushy Creek Lake Park and Lake Travis are among the nearby options. Students attend schools of the Leander Independent School District.

Click the following link for much more information about Cold Springs (including a map and market data) and to browse homes for sale there.

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

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

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

4501 Spicewood Springs Rd., #1029
Austin, TX 78759

(512) 342-8744

Alta Mira | Circle C West | Homes for Sale | Real Estate

If you are looking for a very nice new-to-almost-new-home in Southwest Austin, take a gander at the homes in the Alta Mira neighborhood in the popular Circle C Ranch development. Because of its nice homes and great location, Circle C has been a draw for many families over its 21-year history. That history is continuing to unfold with the addition of homes in Alta Mira by well-known builder D.R. Horton, which began selling homes in Alta Mira in 2006. D.R. Horton is currently adding infrastructure for a new section in Alta Mira, and has several "spec" homes available for purchase.

Located on the western edge of Circle C West at FM-1826, Alta Mira has its main entrance on Spruce Canyon Dr. Alta Mira homes could be described as "ultra" modern, meaning that they have most of the energy-saving, construction and enhanced interior and exterior features that upscale home buyers want today. The standard features (too many to list) include granite countertops, 42" cabinets, ceramic tile in the kitchen and four sides masonry and wood privacy fences. Of course, you can upgrade your home's feature set if you want to do so.

Base prices currently start in the lower $350s and go up to the upper $380s. There are 10 models of homes available (three 1-story plans) with living areas ranging from 2,545 sq. ft. to 3,198 sq. ft. The homes have from 3 to 5 bedrooms and from 2.5 to 3.5 baths.

Homeowners in Alta Mira have access to the many amenities of Circle C Ranch, including the community center and pool, the Grey Rock Golf Club, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, the Veloway and the Metropolitan Park. Alta Mira residents can shop at Escarpment Village (at Escarpment & W. Slaughter), Southpark Meadows (I-35 & W. Slaughter) and the Shops at Arbor Trails (William Cannon and Mopac). Students attend Austin ISD schools.

Click this link for Alta Mira information: homes for sale, interactive map, real estate market activity and property values. Follow this link much more information on Circle C Ranch.

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

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

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

4501 Spicewood Springs Rd., #1029
Austin, TX 78759

(512) 342-8744

Creekview Cedar Park | New Homes & Real Estate

Creekview is nice D.R. Horton new home community on the east side of Cedar Park. It is located about midway between US-183A and W. Parmer Lane on E. Park Street. The well-landscaped entrance with the subdivision name and flag display (at Creek Vista Blvd.) make Creekview easy to find. A number of the 250 planned homes have already been built in Creekview. Sales of new homes in Creekview began in mid-2008.

If you are looking for a home in a growing area (Cedar Park is!), then Creekview may be the neighborhood for you and your family! One thing that makes this neighborhood attractive to families is that it is located very close to the Leander schools that Creekview students attend. Other facilities close to Creekview also show that it is being built in a convienient location for families:  

• Shopping? Check out the options at Lakeline Mall, the 1890 Ranch center and other stores on Whitestone Blvd, and those on US-183 on the drive south to Austin.
• Parks? There are a number of public parks in the area, including the Brushy Creek Lake Park and the Williamson County Regional Park.
• Golf? Try the Avery Ranch or Crystal Falls Golf Clubs.
• Boating? Creekview is a short drive from Lake Travis and Lake Austin.

Did I mention the homes in Creekview? D.R. Horton offers seven different 1-story (4) and 2-story (3) floor plans with the modern features and upgrades that todays' home buyers want. There are, of course, plenty of standard features that would allow you to buy a home at the base prices, which currently run from around $190k to $214k. Three sides masonry is standard, as are GE appliances, Moen faucets, Carrier 14.0 SEER Puron HVAC systems, low-E windows and more.

The Creekview community center is located at the front of the subdivision. Residents and their guests can enjoy the children's play equipment and the beautiful swimming pool. Membership in the Creekview HOA is required.

Click the following link for much more information about Creekview and to browse homes for sale there.

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

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

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

4501 Spicewood Springs Rd., #1029
Austin, TX 78759

(512) 342-8744

Southpark Meadows | South Austin Real Estate & Homes for Sale

When most people think of Southpark Meadows, they think of the retail development with its many major stores, banks and small businesses that have been established there in recent years. When we moved to Austin, there was so little shopping south of the river. That has certainly changed!

What many people may not know is that there is a residential section of Southpark Meadows that bears the same name. Honestly, the development of the Southpark Meadows subdivision really struggled at the start. Why? Its beginnings pretty much coincided with the economic downturn in the area and in the country. Sales were slow. That, too, is changing.

The Southpark Meadows builders are Buffington Homes and Saldana Homes. Buffington has been introducing its Texas Classic Homes series in the neighborhood and is attracting both lookers and buyers. They are currently adding a number of new homes, both "to-be-built" homes and "spec" homes for homebuyers who do not want to wait for their dream home to be constructed. These homes range in size from 1,421 sq. ft. to over 3,100 sq. ft., and in base price from the low $200s to around $250k. They are loaded with standard features and, of course, there are many upgrades available.

The Southpark Meadows neighborhood is in a great South Austin location. It is a "hop, skip and a jump" from I-35, and is about 4.5 miles from the Mopac Expressway via W. Slaughter Lane. The retail center is a favored destination for area residents and for travelers. It sports some of the best shopping, eating and entertainment options in the entire Austin area. Its anchor stores include WalMart, Target, Marshall's, and JC Penney's. Its restaurants include two of my favorites: Chili's and Jason's Deli. It also has a movie theater, several banks, furniture stores and much more.

The City of Austin's Mary Moore Searight Metro Park (300+ acres) is just west of the neighborhood on W. Slaughter Lane. Among its features are picnic facilities, an 18-hole disc golf course, and basketball courts. Students living in Southpark Meadows attend schools of the Austin Independent School District.

Though this new home community in South Austin has a long way to go to achieve the dream of the developers, the future of Southpark Meadows is definitely looking up!

Click the following link for much more information about the Southpark Meadows subdivision and to browse homes for sale there.

If you are considering the purchase of a new or resale home in a South or Southwest Austin neighborhood, I would like to be your Realtor. You can reach me at (512) 913-1557.

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

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

4501 Spicewood Springs Rd., #1029
Austin, TX 78759

(512) 342-8744

Walsh Trails Subdivision | Cedar Park Real Estate & Homes for Sale

Walsh Trails is a new home community being developed on the eastern side of Cedar Park, Texas. To get to Walsh Trails, drive east on Brushy Creek Road from US-183A past Parmer Lane (FM-734) until you see the Walsh Trails entrance sign. Take the left into the subdivision and you will see a neighborhood still in process that already features many very nice homes. I recently had the privilege of helping a family that is relocating to the Austin area to lease a lovely home in this subdivision while they learn the area better.

The homes in Walsh Trails, all of which offer many standard living and energy-efficient features, are being built by David Weekley Homes, Gehan Homes and Wilshire Homes. You can choose from one of nearly 30 plans that offer homeowners from nearly 1,800 to over 3,000 sq. ft. of living space. All of the plans come with upgrade options, which of course adds to their base prices. Walsh Trails homes begin near $210,000 and stretch upward to around $293,000, and are available on 50' and 60' lots.

The Walsh Trails community is located near four publicly owned parks along Brushy Creek Road. These parks offer families many different ways to enjoy and to explore the outdoors. The neighborhood also has its own system of hike and bike trails. If you golf, Avery Ranch and Crystal Falls golf courses are nearby. Boaters are not far from Lake Travis. Students living in Walsh Trails attend schools of the Round Rock Independent School District. BTW, there are plenty of shopping outlets in the Walsh Trails area.

Click the following link for much more information about Walsh Trails and to browse homes for sale in the neighborhood.

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

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

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

4501 Spicewood Springs Rd., #1029
Austin, TX 78759

(512) 342-8744

Park Place | Circle C Ranch | Southwest Austin Homes & Real Estate

Park Place is a small and very nice "niche" section of Southwest Austin's Circle C Ranch subdivision. The Circle C Ranch real estate development is a well-known and highly desired area for many Austin families who want to enjoy the homes, the parks and green areas, neighborhood schools and other Circle C Ranch amenities, and to live close to Downtown Austin.

The Park Place neighborhood is located on the northeast side of Circle C Ranch, just to the north of W. Slaughter Lane on Beckett Road. Park Place homeowners live less than a half-mile from Mopac (Loop 1). This means easy access to this major roadway for drives to jobs, shopping, entertainment and other features of the Greater Austin area.

The homes in Park Place were built during the years 2003-2006, making it one of the newer areas in Circle C. These homes have averaged just above $300k in value over the past 3 years. The homes range in size from around 1,860 sq. ft. to almost 3,100 sq. ft. On 11/18/09, there were 2 homes for sale in Park Place.

Click on the following links for more information on Park Place and the overall Circle C Ranch development and its amenities, and to browse homes currently for sale there.

If you are considering the purchase of a new or resale home in the Circle C or another Austin 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.

4501 Spicewood Springs Rd., #1029
Austin, TX 78759

(512) 342-8744

Block House Creek | Leander Homes & Real Estate

I had the privilege about 3 months ago of helping some clients purchase a home in Block House Creek in Leander. Of all the places they considered to make their home, they chose Block House Creek because of the homes, the neighborhood amenities and the location. From my conversations with them since the closing, they are very happy with their home and subdivision choice.

Block House Creek may appeal to you also. It offers quite a variety of homes and prices, and is located right between the US-183 tollway and US-183 on the north side of New Hope Road. If you need to get to a job, a shopping center, a golf course or other locations in the Austin area, you can do it from Block House Creek.

Homes in this subdivision range in age primarily from 1983 through 2004, when D.R. Horton (Milburn) Homes completed its building there. Aspen Creek Homes is currently adding some new homes to the neighborhood homes mix.

The Block House Creek neighborhood offers its residents 2 pools, playscapes, sports courts and fields, picnic facilities, hike and bike trails, 5 community parks, green areas and much more. Other public parks (Brushy Creek Lake Park, e.g.) and two very nice golf courses (Avery Ranch, Crystal Falls) are not far from Block House Creek. The neighborhood is also adjacent to the new Cedar Park Center, which is home to a professional hockey farm team. It opened with a George Strait concert in 9/09. Students living in Block House Creek attend schools of the Leander Independent School District, one of the favored school systems in the Austin area.

Click the following link for more information on and photos of Block House Creek and to view homes currently for sale in Block House Creek.

If you are considering the purchase of a new (or resale) home in the Leander, Cedar Park or Austin area, 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.

4501 Spicewood Springs Rd., #1029
Austin, TX 78759

(512) 342-8744

Silverado Ranch | Cedar Park | New Home Community

If you are looking for a nice place to call home in the Cedar Park, Texas area, take a look at the Silverado Ranch subdivision. I toured it this week while on my way to another neighborhood next door to it. I was impressed by the homes, the prices, the Community Park, the layout and the beauty of Silverado Ranch.

The entrance to Silverado Park on N. Vista Ridge Blvd. is definitely unique. As you can see in the photo, it features both a windmill and a water tank, set beautifully on either side of a sign identifying the neighborhood as SIlverado Ranch. Just past the entrance on the right (driving south) is the beautifully landscaped Silverado Ranch Community Park, which features both a swimming and wading pools, gazebo, playscape, picnic area and more for neighborhood residents to enjoy.

Silverado Ranch has been under development by KB Home since 2005. When completed it will have around 500 homes. New home base prices start at around $160k and go up from there to near $240k. The homes range in size from 1,376 sq. ft. to over 3,700 sq. ft. The features standard in these homes are too many to list, but include 3-sides masonry, Energy Star certification, and more.

Silverado Ranch is located near Leander ISD schools, shopping, jobs, golf, parks and other things that families want near their homes. Click here for more Silverado Ranch information and to browse homes currently listed for sale.

If you are considering the purchase of a new (or resale) home in the Cedar Park or Austin area, 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.

4501 Spicewood Springs Rd., #1029
Austin, TX 78759

(512) 342-8744

Buying a New Home in Austin Texas

If you are considering the purchase of a new home in the Austin, Texas area, you might want to consider having an informed Realtor represent you.

Here are a couple of good reasons why:

1. The builder's sales agents always seek the best deal for the builder. They represent the builder, not you.
2. Not all new home sales are recorded in the Austin area MLS. Those that are listed and sold through the MLS tell at least a partial story of what is happening with home sales in new home neighborhoods. Your Realtor can research new home sales in the neighborhood for you, and can tell you what reductions in sales price and other concessions (closing costs, for example) have been granted by a builder. This kind of information can help you as you negotiate a deal on your new home.

Here is an example: While researching sales data for a new home neighborhood web page for HeartofAustinHomes.com, I found one sale that troubled me. Why? The buyer paid the full list price on this home purchase. The other new home sales in the same general price and size range showed sold prices that were $10k-$45k below the list price. While I do not know all the details of this purchase, I wonder if the buyer could have gotten a lower price. In the current Austin Texas area real estate market, getting a lower price from most builders is a difinite possibility.

Check out If you are considering the purchase of a new (or resale) home in the Austin area, I would like to assist you. You can reach me at (512) 913-1557.

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

4501 Spicewood Springs Rd., #1029
Austin, TX 78759

(512) 342-8744