This dream could be yours – An updated Clarksville condo for 325k

The location is great – no doubt. From the inside it’s pretty fantastic too. The kitchen and all three baths have been updated updated nicley. Also it has wood floors a spacious master, 2 patio areas and a 2 Car Garage.

You’ll totally love living here. Not only will you be comfortable living in luxury but you’ll be the envy of all your friends walking  to Clarksville’s best restaurants, shoping at local boutiques and being first in line at SXSW and all the other cool city events we have.

For more information – including an inspection visit the homes website at http://1300woodlawn.com/

If I can be of service – call or email me anytime.

Cheers,

The con’s

• It’s not downtown, it’s on the outskirts of downtown Austin and is a 10 minute walk to downtown. (see the little yellow dot at the SW corner of the photo to the right?)
• It has long hallways that remind me of dorms in college.
• so far there aren’t enough stores or entertainment here to support a car free life.

Hope you find this review useful. If you are curious about anything in the Milago or other Downtown Austin condo’s ask. I’ll be happy to give you my honest opinion.

Cheers

Recently an article published by KXAN’s Josh Hinkle tells the Mueller redevelopment story very well. If you want to know what’s in store for Mueller this is a good read.

Mueller bursts with major developments

H-E-B, hotel, children’s museum among projects

In Central Austin’s Westlake Hills there is a neighborhood called Davenport Ranch. It’s just South of the river, West of loop 360 (also known as Capital of Texas Highway) and really close to a small cluster of radio towers – that are great to look at in the evening.

Beyond simply being in Westlake Hills what makes the area attractive is

There are shops and restaurants close by in a shopping area referred to as Davenport Village

The elementary school is unique – in addition to academics they focus on life skills. A different one each month. You can check it out here Life Skill Learning at Bridge Point Elementary.

But what’s really cool is that they have it all planned out so you can play along at home with your kids. I went ahead and typed all this out in case you don’t get to send your child to Bridge Point but you want to play along anyway.

• September is about Responsibility. Being accountable and responsible for your work.
• October is all about Healthy choices. Figuring out what’s good for your body and brain
• November is patriotism / citizenship. Showing through your actions that you love this country
• December is about caring and having compassion. Reaching out to those who need help and understanding
• January is about respect. Treat others like they are important
• February is about integrity. Doing what’s right.
• March is about conservation. Caring for our planet
• April is about perserverance. To keep working even when it is hard.
• May – is a review of the previous 8

• DrawbacksAustin Country Club – founded in 1899 – is at the base of the neighborhood. It has a world class golf course right along the water, tennis courts (2 are clay), boat slips, dinning and everything else you could hope for. It’s a great place for families to hang out and a great place to make new friends.
• Depending on which side of the hill your on you either get a view of Downtown Austin or the hill country

• There is no close by grocery store.  There are rumors of HEB opening up in the area but haven’t seen anything come of it yet.
• Some homes are on hills that make it tough to go for regular walks.

Over the last month the market has been hard at work creating a new normal – multiple offers, back up offers and people standing in line to get a look at a fresh on the market listing. All of this is causing an urgency from buyers we haven’t seen in years. Year over year prices are on the uptick. Sellers with nice homes are starting to gain power.

All of this is familiar to Austin markets we’ve seen before. 1997-2001 and 2004-2008. Could this rally go from 2012 – 2016? The pattern would suggest it but – I’m not so sure. There are some differences between those times and now.

• Rates are coming off historic lows and some buyers are acting to take advantage of low rates.
• The pundits have declared housing is off the bottom.
• New construction in Austin is not keeping up with demand

Personally, I think the pundits are wrong – the national housing market isn’t set for recovery. Across the country we have not seen prices stabilize plus we still have a huge backlog of forclosures to deal with. Nationally we are in this muck for another year. Just my .02

Austin on the other hand has companies lining up to bring employees here. We are the darling of the top 10 lists of on just about any list you look at whether it’s for investment, a place to start a business, be single or raise a family. (guess our secret is out, did I let that slip?)

My crystal ball suggests Austin will stay hot at least until our builders build enough supply to keep up with our population growth and that might take a while.

Cheers,

For the most part I am not a fan and truth be told I would not buy one with my money. Mostly this is because of the location vs. the prices. Make me or one of my clients a good enough deal and I’m in. Sorry if this critique upsets anyone.

For most people (and I am thinking about resale for you here) the idea of living downtown goes hand in hand with the idea of taking the elevator to the ground floor, walking a block or two to a nice dinner spot or a cool place to grab a drink, being able to ditch the car and enjoy a full, fun life. The Nokonah unfortunately doesn’t offer that lifestyle and with the premiums being asked it doesn’t reflect the less attractive (relative to inner downtown) location.

If you really like the Nokona’s location –  my advice is for us to find you a nice house in Clarksville and a gym membership.

The 2600 sqft unit for 1.2 mil that I looked at today was spacious, well appointed with nice wooden floors but also dark and sorta cave like. The hallways were long and narrow and the amenities for the condominium are nice but not impressive. The conference room was a decent size as was the shared activity room. The pool was pretty tiny, not very deep and would be impossible to swim laps in. The work out room had some nice flat screen TV’s and what looked like pretty good cardio equipment.

The benefits of that location are that it’s within walking distance of Whole Foods, GSDM Idea City, has easy access to the rest of town.

If more buildings and cool attractions popped up around this building I would reconsider my position but for now – it is what it is.

Developed over a thirty year period, the housing options range from cozy bungalows to single family homes to sprawling lots with plenty of room to grow and develop. Luxury properties add a rich flavor to the community and are practically works of architectural art.

Located alongside the MoPac Expressway, Allandale Austin homes are in a great centralized location. It’s easy to get virtually anywhere, as you’re only minutes away from downtown Austin, Allen Memorial County Park, the Bright Leaf Preserve, and more.

Because you’re so close to major roadways that can feed right into the busy segments of Austin, it’s easy to overlook the incredibly friendly atmosphere. It’s one of the drawing points of Allandale Austin homes for sale, because the people are so open and friendly that you’ll feel accepted like a new member of their family.

Two elementary schools, a middle school, and a high school provide the fundamental education necessary to succeed in today’s world. Lamar Middle School was recently made into a Fine Arts Academy, which has the community very excited about the possibilities. Highland Park High School has a vast extracurricular program angled toward sports, academics, and even Habitat for Humanity.

The restaurant options are second to none as well. Bartlett’s Steakhouse can deliver one of the best steaks you’ll ever enjoy, but their deserts are not to be missed either (according to many positive reviews on Yelp.com). For a true family setting, visit Phil’s Icehouse for burgers, fun, games, and collectible gear.

When you aren’t taking a short drive on the MoPac Expressway to visit the surrounding areas, everything you need is within walking distance. Great shopping, mouthwatering food, fun-filled parks, water-sports, and so much more are just outside your front door. A strong sense of community flows through the wide streets, bringing neighbors closer to become fast friends that are happy to wave when they walk by.

See all Allandale Austin Homes For Sale:

Showing properties 1 - 5 of 14. See more Allandale Austin Homes.
(all data current as of 5/18/2012)

1. $449,000 : 5901 Shoalwood AVE, Austin
   
   3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 1,821 sq ft

   Lot size: 10,802 sqft

   Year built: 1950

   Parking spots: 1
2. $280,000 : 7003 Daugherty ST, Austin
   
   3 beds, 1 full bath

   Home size: 1,353 sq ft

   Lot size: 10,802 sqft

   Year built: 1955

   Parking spots: 1
3. $289,900 : 2509 Albata AVE, Austin
   
   3 beds, 1 full bath

   Home size: 1,336 sq ft

   Lot size: 9,844 sqft

   Year built: 1955
4. $330,000 : 3303 Whitepine DR, Austin
   
   3 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,583 sq ft

   Lot size: 8,929 sqft

   Year built: 1966

   Parking spots: 2
5. $469,000 : 3306 Silverleaf DR, Austin
   
   3 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 2,250 sq ft

   Lot size: 8,842 sqft

   Year built: 1965

   Parking spots: 2

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

Brentwood covers a wide area of Austin, and when coupled with Crestview, this dual community becomes an expansive area ripe for development. While both neighborhoods have similar styles, the main difference comes from their original inception: one was a cotton farm and the other was a dairy farm. Together they make up a wonderful location to discover your new home in.

The majority of homes were originally under 1,400 square feet, but newer construction and renovations have widened the options. Progressive additions have made these cozy homes larger and more economical, attracting families from all walks of life.

A tribute to the friendly environment that the community residents have developed is the Wall of Welcome. The locals have come together to tell their stories, putting them on display for the world to see. Just walking alongside the wall gives you a strong feeling of cultural interconnectivity, with history being shared openly. Each tile provided by a different resident tells a story of what life near Austin is like.

Brentwood Park is a massive nine acres located right in the heart of the community. Lots of space for kids to bounce around in also provides a comfortable picnic setting for the family. The lush landscape was developed to include trees and the general terrain to create a unique place for people to simply enjoy the great outdoors.

After you work up an appetite be sure to visit Threadgill’s. You can’t venture near Austin without sampling their legendary chicken fried steak! Amazingly, this is where Janis Joplin got her start, just as she was beginning to emerge as rock ‘n roll’s first female star.

And speaking of big starts, actor Matthew McConaughey was featured and recognized for his talent in the movie Dazed and Confused, which was filmed at a local burger joint. Top Notch, the hamburger place featured heavily in the film, is also known for its great tasting food and excellent service.

The new light rail system makes not having a car no problem at all. In fact, many people choose to leave their vehicles in the garage on weekends, opting to get around town to visit the wonderful shopping and dining facilities by way of this system, the bus, or just a casual walk.

Brentwood and Crestview Austin homes for sale have come together to become the central location for fun, family, friends, and culture.

See all Crestview Austin TX Homes for Sale:

Showing properties 1 - 5 of 11. See more Crestview & Allandale +.
(all data current as of 5/18/2012)

1. $449,000 : 5901 Shoalwood AVE, Austin
   
   3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 1,821 sq ft

   Lot size: 10,802 sqft

   Year built: 1950

   Parking spots: 1
2. $310,000 : 1711 Barbara ST, Austin
   
   3 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,636 sq ft

   Lot size: 8,799 sqft

   Year built: 1959

   Parking spots: 1
3. $330,000 : 3303 Whitepine DR, Austin
   
   3 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,583 sq ft

   Lot size: 8,929 sqft

   Year built: 1966

   Parking spots: 2
4. $469,000 : 3306 Silverleaf DR, Austin
   
   3 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 2,250 sq ft

   Lot size: 8,842 sqft

   Year built: 1965

   Parking spots: 2
5. $499,000 : 1714 Karen AVE, Austin
   
   4 beds, 3 full baths

   Home size: 2,387 sq ft

   Lot size: 11,369 sqft

   Year built: 2012

   Parking spots: 2

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

It’s located along Lake Austin Blvd where it intersects with Enfield Rd nestled neatly between the lake, Tarrytown and Tom Miller Dam.

There are boat docks, restaurants and several offices. Parking is pretty tight so plan on valet or park across the street where the signs direct you.

There are 3 great hang out spots here and all are worth trying. If you’ll follow along you’ll find pictures below to give you a since of the area. The restaurants all have links so if you want to check out menu’s or whatever they are there for your convenience.

1. Hula Hut Tex Mex with a surfer/Hawaiian twist

My personal favorite. Great place to sit relax, soak up the outdoors and have enjoy food that puts a spin on the normal Tex Mex food around here.

There is a nice covered eating area that is sorta like a pier going out into the lake. In my opinion probably the best seat in the house but personally I can only take so much sun.

2. Abels on The Lake  Sports bar/ Family restaurant 

Great place to go. Really large decks out on the water. These guys are able to handle really large parties. They also have a pretty good brunch

3. Mozarts Coffee Bakery and Coffee shop

A lot of people meet here and study here. The deck is always full of people working on their laptops etc. Their coffee and deserts are pretty great too.

Hope you get a chance to visit this great place.

Right beside the MoPac Expressway, Barton Hills is just minutes from downtown Austin and the Barton Creek Wilderness Park. Rollingwood is to the north, with Buckingham Estates to the south. Take a short jaunt to the lake, or take advantage of the excellent local shopping nearby as well.

Lots of water activities are common at the lake, such as kayaking and fishing. With such an emphasis placed on nature preserves in the area, many residents can’t help but be outside as much as possible to enjoy the comfortable climate.

Plus, with downtown Austin so close by it’s easy to find a new career within the stable economy. Technology and defense industry sectors are huge here, with Freescale Semiconductor, IBM, and Nvidia being some of the top employers. Not only do they help boost the economy, but they place the neighborhoods on an international playing field.

The majority of Barton Hills is residential neighborhoods, with plenty of land set aside for Mother Nature. The Barton Creek Greenbelt nature preserve is home to some wonderful trails that will keep you exploring, and the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum provides just the right amount of culture and history.

Austin also has a strong theatre culture, which is something that Barton Hills residents love to partake in. Dozens of companies produce shows throughout the entire calendar year, like the Vortex Repertory Company and the Blue Theater. The Long Center for the Performing Arts is a renowned establishment that can house over two thousand occupants, and a little known fact is it is partly built from recycled materials.

Barton Hills Elementary School and Zilker Elementary School feed up to the middle and high schools, O. Henry and Austin respectively. The Austin Independent School District collectively has been noted as a leader in education. Austin High School is actually one of the oldest public high schools west of the Mississippi, and has continued a tradition of educational excellence with various gifted programs and extracurricular activities.

Barton Hills homes for sale are referred to as eclectic collections of residences, which means finding the perfect home to match your personality is easier here than in most places! Start your journey through this Austin suburb and discover what you’ve been missing in this friendly community.

See all Barton Hills Homes For Sale:

Showing properties 1 - 5 of 29. See more Barton Hills Homes for Sale.
(all data current as of 5/18/2012)

1. $419,900 : 2407 Spring Creek DR, Austin
   
   3 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,537 sq ft

   Lot size: 10,018 sqft

   Year built: 1963

   Parking spots: 2
2. $495,000 : MLS # 7473879 in Austin
   
   5 beds, 3 full baths

   Home size: 1,948 sq ft

   Lot size: 14,984 sqft

   Year built: 1968
3. $699,900 : 2313 Westforest DR, Austin
   
   4 beds, 4 full baths

   Home size: 3,021 sq ft

   Lot size: 8,712 sqft

   Year built: 1955
4. $259,900 : 3006 Pin Oak CT, Austin
   
   3 beds, 1 full bath

   Home size: 884 sq ft

   Lot size: 6,926 sqft

   Year built: 1961
5. $408,000 : 2606 Oakhaven DR, Austin
   
   3 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,648 sq ft

   Lot size: 9,801 sqft

   Year built: 1956

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.