Bastrop Wildfire

This is the skyline of Downtown Austin, 3 days after the fires in Bastrop began (September 7th, 2011).  This photo was taken from Barton Creek Mall.  Typically on a clear day, you could see downtown's skyline well.  On  September 4th, the day the wildfire in Bastrop began, 3 other wildfires sparked that same day.  One was in the Steiner Ranch community, off of FM620, one in Spicewood near Hwy 71 and a third in Leander off of Hwy 183.

The cause of the Steiner Ranch and the Bastrop fires were suppossedly caused by electrical (this information was not confirmed).   The Bastrop fire was so massive, that it consumed over 1,500 homes, 34,000 acres and killed 2 people.  It is said that this fire is the most catastrophic fire in Texas history.  The fire burned continuously for the entire week.

About 3 months ago, I remember driving to Houston for a short sale seminar, driving Eastward thru Hwy 71 and noticing the tall and plush trees that cascade over the highway for miles and miles in Bastrop.  Sad to say, these trees are gone and only sticks remain.

The photos below were taken on 9/13.  Many areas are still closed off and guarded by Sheriffs.  Tahitian Village is secured.  I found several trailers before the burned area on the North side of Hwy 71, owned by insurance companies such as State Farm, Allstate, USAA, etc.

It is a very unfortunate event.  To make things worse, the people whom have lost their homes cannot find temporary housing in Bastrop, as there are none available.  If you are one of these people, please give me a call at (512)786-7355 to see how we can help.

FEMA and the Red Cross and several outreach ministries are asking for donations for these families.  I know that clothing and supplies cannot mend your pain but we offer our prayers to you.

1100 Fauntleroy Trl, Austin SHORT SALE/PREFORECLOSURE

1100 Fauntleroy Trl in Austin is currently being sold as a Short Sale/Preforeclosure.  If  you are in the market to buy a home in Area 2N of Austin, consider this home.  This home has 4 bedrooms, 1 bath, over 1,100 sq ft of living space.  Granted the home is small, but the yard is huge at .384 acre.  Think of expanding this home.  This is also great for investors as this is a good area for rentals.

The home is close to Lamar Blvd and Kramer lane. Close to shopping and public transportation. 

In case you are not familiar with Short Sales, the home will be purchased AS-IS.  The seller is still the owner BUT the lienholder needs to approve the offer that we accept.

I am the listing agent for this property.  Should you wish more information about this property. Please give me a call at (512)786-7355 before it's too late.

If you are looking for Short Sales in Austin, here is a website to search for Short Sales.

1100 Fauntleroy Trl, Austin, TX MLS #2469555, is being marketed by Keller Williams Realty of Lake Travis.

Steiner Ranch Fire of 9/4/11

Right after noon on Sunday, September 4th, Labor Day Weekend, the Steiner Ranch Community in Austin suffered an unfortunate event ... wildfires.  It was a very hot and dry day but a little windy. The fires which started on the ridge of the Canyon Glen community caused the evacuation of about 4,000 families who lived in Steiner Ranch.  Residents were stuck in a traffic jam on Quinlan Park Blvd, while they try to get out of the neighborhood.

The residents packed up what they could in the 15 minutes given to them.  They grabbed their pets, photo albums and important documents.  They did not have a chance to grab clothes or blankets.  Evacuees stayed with friends, families or some stayed at Vandergrift High School which became a shelter for residents.  The firefighters worked so hard non stop to control the fire. Helicopters fetched water from Lake Travis and poured on the fires.

The residents were kept in pins and needles trying to find out if their homes were still intact.  Residents were finally allowed to return to their homes on Tuesday, September 6th at noon.  25 homes burned during the fire and about 50 homes were damaged.

My neighborhood in Lakeway kept close eye on the fire as only a narrow Lake Austin and 7 miles of cedar trees were in between us and Steiner Ranch. The Steiner Ranch residents pulled together to help each other and the victims.  Many only lost spoiled food from the refrigerator when they lost power but many have terrible memories of that weekend.

On the same day the Steiner Ranch fire started, a fire also erupted in Spicewood by Briarcliff, in Leander and in Bastrop.  Our community donated several bags of clothing for the victims as well as gift cards to the firefighters to replenish their equipment.  If there is anything else we could do to help, please contact me.

Picture above was taken from my backyard shortly after the Steiner Ranch fire started.

P. Terry's is in Lakeway

P. Terry's has opened their Lakeway branch a week before school opened its doors in August 22nd.  P. Terry's chose a location across from the Lake Travis High School and Lake Travis Middle School on FM 620.  I am speculating that the restaurant chose this location to attract the high school traffic after school AND the Varsity football games traffic on Home Game days.  I don't know if you are like me, after a winning game LT game, all that cheering and screaming makes me hungry.  A trip to P. Terry's is just what is needed.  The restaurant is a short walk from the Cavaliers Stadium, downhill, too.

August 2011 Real Estate Statistics

The # of residential units sold in August 2011 in Austin is 1999 that is a 31% increase from last August which was 1514.  That is absolutely great news for Austin's economy. 

Unfortunately, we started September with wildfires in Steiner Ranch, Leander, Pflugerville and Bastrop.  In Steiner Ranch, 24 homes burned, while in Bastrop, about 1500 homes burned.  This unfortunate event however, will stimulate housing since 1500 families will need a place to stay.