Are you ready to see this year's Parade of Homes? This year, the Home Builder's Association of Greater Austin has chosen Rough Hollow to hold the Parade of Homes. Rough Hollow is located in Lakeway next to The World of Tennis section. These homes have views of Lake Travis but none of them are waterfront. 6 homes or builders have participated and all I can say is WOW! The homes are enourmous in size as well as the price tag. All homes have a luxury finish out, 5 of the 6 are completely furnished except home #5 which has been custom built for a specific homeowner (and it's not ME nor a client of mine). The 6 homes are as follows:
1) 226 Canyon Turn Trail by Copperleaf Property Group. 8,108 sq ft., 3 level home with 2 elevators, 4 car garage, pool, seven outdoor living areas amounting to 3,100 sq. ft. There are 2 full guest quarters (3rd floor and garage level). My favorite is the his/her bathroom suites where each master can have his/her dressing area, separate areas with sinks and toilets. The female area has a jacuzzi tub. The master bath has embedded green onyx stone. As I toured this area, there must have been 25 people just in the master bath alone and could easily fit another 10 people.
2) 231 Canyon Turn Trail by VII Homes. 6,782 sq. ft., 5 BR/6.5 baths, infinity pool with hot tub, swim up bar; 3 car garage with courtyard.
3) 229 Canyon Turn Trail by Sterling Custom Homes. Over 6,000 sq. ft. plus 4,500 of outdoor living space. I love all the seamless windows in the main living areas where you can see out to the lake. I love the living area spaces though I was not thrilled with the interior decorating. But that is of course a personal opinion or I have no taste.
4) 227 Canyon Turn Trail by New Austin Homes. 6,778 sq. ft. with 6 outdoor living areas totalling 3,300 sq. ft. with infinity pool. The outdoor living area in here is absolutely spectacular. The large area to the side with the outdoor fire place and tv had my heart. There is a koi pond next to the pool area and the views are amazing.
5) 221 Cayon Turn Trail by McCullough Gray. The design is what makes this builder different. There's alot of the barrel ceiling and the octagonal rooms that are towers. The sq. footage is a whopping 10,612 which is large enough for a royalty's vacation home. The home is unfinished but gave the spectators enough wow because of the detail put into it.
6) 219 Canyon Turn Trail by Jenkins Custom Homes. The sq. footage was not stated however, it feels the smallest of the 6 homes. There is a large sale water aquarium in the living room which turned me off automatically. Once again, a personal opinion. The kitchen was smaller but loved the hidden room behind the spice rack for caterers, etc. The home has 6 BR, 5BA and 2 half baths, 3 living areas, and a 4 car garage. At this point, since it is the last home, the spectators were tired from the sun and from walking so we hurried through the last home and couldn't wait to get on the next shuttle to sit.
All homes were definitely different from each other, including design and finish out. If asked which home do I see myself in? Probably none of the above. My personal preference would be a 2,000 sq. ft. condo with a hill country view.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
For sale: 133 Sebastians Run, Ridge at Alta Vista, Lakeway
This is another stunning home in Ridge at Alta Vista that I am marketing. I have attached the flyer for you. Please call me at (512)786-SELL to request a showing. This property is absolutely gorgeous. Check out the link to my video listing and the virtual tour and additional photos. Let me know what you think!
Ridge at Alta Vista May sales
Here are the sales statistics in the Ridge at Alta Vista Community as of 5/10/2008. The sales have been split Reserves vs. Estates collection. These numbers have been obtained from the Austin Board of Realtors and have not been verified.
Ridge at Alta Vista in Lakeway, TX
Ridge at Alta Vista is a gated community in Lakeway. The homes are built by luxury home builder Toll Brothers. I try keep a close eye on the sales in this neighborhood. Located on a ridge and surrounded by the bird preserve operated by the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve, most of these home have great views of the hill country.
The homes in this community are split into 2 sections or what Toll calls collections, the Reserves and the Estates. The basic differences are: the Estates section start at a higher price point (500's), the floor plans start at a larger square footage, 3 to 4 car garages and the lots are larger; the Reserves start at a lower price point (300's), smaller foot print on homes (some have 2 car garages), and the lots are smaller. There are more Reserves lots and some upgrades in the Reserves are standards in the Estates.
The amenities in the Ridge at Alta Vista or I always refer to RAV is what drives many homeowners to the community. The amenities include a clubhouse with kitchen, small conference room, exercise room, his/her saunas, playground, tennis/basketball courts and jr. size olympic pool with water feature. Plus, it is a gated community. The HOA's are relatively low at $85 a month.
I cannot think of another community in Lakeway that provides all these amenities. The Hills and Flintrock Falls requires that you join nearby golf courses and clubs that have these amenities.
For specific questions regarding Ridge at Alta Vista, please contact me directly at (512)786-SELL /7355. I'd be happy to give you a tour of the community, give you representation if you are thinking of building at the Ridge at Alta Vista.
The homes in this community are split into 2 sections or what Toll calls collections, the Reserves and the Estates. The basic differences are: the Estates section start at a higher price point (500's), the floor plans start at a larger square footage, 3 to 4 car garages and the lots are larger; the Reserves start at a lower price point (300's), smaller foot print on homes (some have 2 car garages), and the lots are smaller. There are more Reserves lots and some upgrades in the Reserves are standards in the Estates.
The amenities in the Ridge at Alta Vista or I always refer to RAV is what drives many homeowners to the community. The amenities include a clubhouse with kitchen, small conference room, exercise room, his/her saunas, playground, tennis/basketball courts and jr. size olympic pool with water feature. Plus, it is a gated community. The HOA's are relatively low at $85 a month.
I cannot think of another community in Lakeway that provides all these amenities. The Hills and Flintrock Falls requires that you join nearby golf courses and clubs that have these amenities.
For specific questions regarding Ridge at Alta Vista, please contact me directly at (512)786-SELL /7355. I'd be happy to give you a tour of the community, give you representation if you are thinking of building at the Ridge at Alta Vista.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Real Estate Joke on Lot Premiums
Once in a while, I come up with querky jokes and here is a sampling of that:
Advice for Seniors who are Downsizing
Moving at any time is stressful, but making a later life move can be overwhelming. Many older adults have lived in their homes for 20, 30 or even 40 years. Over these many years, possessions seem to find a way into every nook and cranny to a point that it is hard to determine where to begin. Every item brings the thought of its potential use or elicits a cherished memory. How does one begin the downsizing process?
First, you must determine what large pieces of furniture will fit into your new and often times, smaller home. Look for items that can serve a multi purpose function such as, a small chest can act as an end table or a hope chest can act as a coffee table. Next, take a realistic look at what you will need in your new home. If you are moving into a retirement center, you may not have the need for dishes or kitchen items and linens and towels may be provided. Even if you will still be responsible for meals and care for your own laundry, this is the time to reduce the burden of caring for so many items. Begin the downsizing process in rooms least used; spare bedrooms, closets, garage or attic. Beginning in these rooms will help you create an immediate feeling of success and give you the encouragement to tackle the bigger rooms later. It will also allow you to keep your normal function of life in the main parts of the house. Your bedroom, bath and kitchen should be reserved for last.
Many times we find ourselves without help. Our family is located across the country or the adult child works full time and has the responsibility of caring for their own children. Often, families find this process taxing and relationships are strained. There is hope. Individuals like Linda Carter, with Life’s Next Step, specialize in helping with these transitional moves. Linda will help you sort through the contents of your home and act as a voice of reason in helping you determine what items will be the most useful to take in your new residence. Linda will help with disbursing of items through estate sale coordinators, charities or ship to family members. She will pack and unpack, and obtain competitive pricing from moving companies. Additionally, Linda will settle your contents in your new home and make your home ready for your enjoyment. She offers additional services for closure of the residence and can make your home ready for resale. If you have a senior family member who is considering making this move, give them the gift of help and reduced stress. Have them call Linda at (512)263-9417.
First, you must determine what large pieces of furniture will fit into your new and often times, smaller home. Look for items that can serve a multi purpose function such as, a small chest can act as an end table or a hope chest can act as a coffee table. Next, take a realistic look at what you will need in your new home. If you are moving into a retirement center, you may not have the need for dishes or kitchen items and linens and towels may be provided. Even if you will still be responsible for meals and care for your own laundry, this is the time to reduce the burden of caring for so many items. Begin the downsizing process in rooms least used; spare bedrooms, closets, garage or attic. Beginning in these rooms will help you create an immediate feeling of success and give you the encouragement to tackle the bigger rooms later. It will also allow you to keep your normal function of life in the main parts of the house. Your bedroom, bath and kitchen should be reserved for last.
Many times we find ourselves without help. Our family is located across the country or the adult child works full time and has the responsibility of caring for their own children. Often, families find this process taxing and relationships are strained. There is hope. Individuals like Linda Carter, with Life’s Next Step, specialize in helping with these transitional moves. Linda will help you sort through the contents of your home and act as a voice of reason in helping you determine what items will be the most useful to take in your new residence. Linda will help with disbursing of items through estate sale coordinators, charities or ship to family members. She will pack and unpack, and obtain competitive pricing from moving companies. Additionally, Linda will settle your contents in your new home and make your home ready for your enjoyment. She offers additional services for closure of the residence and can make your home ready for resale. If you have a senior family member who is considering making this move, give them the gift of help and reduced stress. Have them call Linda at (512)263-9417.
Friday, May 9, 2008
April 2008 Austin Market Stats
Spring is finally here and so are the April numbers. Considering FORBES.COM ranks Austin as #3 in America's Recession-Proof City, even if our sales are still down, we are still in good shape.
In Central Austin, the residential sales are down 15% compared to last April (2007). In Lake Travis ISD, residential sales are down 13% compared to last April. Last year, June had the most sales at over 3,000 listings in both Austin and Lake Travis ISD (over 110). Let's be hopeful that more sales will happen this June.
NOTE: The information herein have been obtained from the Austin Board of Realtors as of 5/9/2008 and have not been verified.
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