Austin Real Estate Blog

Realty Austin Expanding To Lake Travis

Thu, 03 May 2012 10:42:46 -0500

Realty Austin's break-out year in 2011 was unimaginable even by our own team and it's not showing signs of slowing down. "Our growth is exponential – partly to do with our efficient technology systems and effective lead generators (both online and print marketing), but mostly to do with our agents," said Brittanie Flegle, Realty Austin's Marketing Director. "There's no argument that we're starting to get noticed for recruiting the best agents in Austin, and we plan to continue that momentum into Lakeway."Realty Austin's Lake Travis office opens June 21st with a highly visible location at 620 and Lohmans Crossing. With our new location we hope to establish a stronger presence in the Lake South market where we are currently the #2 real estate office.“Our commitment to the thriving Lake Travis community shines through with the establishment of this new location. Realty Austin is already a leader in the south Lake Travis market, so it just makes sense to open an office that is convenient for our agents and clients," said Boatwright. Realty Austin’s growing reputation as a leading luxury brokerage has attracted top-producing talent to the powerhouse. The company is already home to several well established Lakeway agents; Todd Grossman, Tommy Cokins, Sherry Ellenbogen, Charla Housson and Michelle Jones. Todd Grossman was recognized by the Austin Business Journal as the #2 Residential REALTOR® in the Austin area in 2011, and is a member of 2012 Austin Elite 25. Tommy Cokins, is a 30 year Lake Travis resident, and has been a top producer in the area since 1993. Lakeway resident and longtime Realtor Jolene Weinstein was handpicked and recruited to serve as Realty Austin’s Lake Travis Office Manager.Realty Austin is thoughtfully assembling a high caliber team powered by some of the best and brightest agents in the Lakeway area. Realty Austin - Lake Travis will be located at 2418 RR 620 South, Suite 200, Lakeway, Texas 78738, in the former space of Two Hot Mammas Grill. Become a fan on Facebook.

If you're a top agent in the Lake South market and want to make the move to Realty Austin, don't hesitate to call us today or stop by our new office grand opening on June 21st. If you're selling a home in Lakeway or want to live on Lake Travis, contact one of our Lake South Real Estate Experts and they will attend to all of your needs.

Things to Do in Austin in May 2012

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:07:04 -0500

Looking for cool, Austin-y things to do this month? Check out these fun, family-friendly events in Austin this May. We have compiled a list of activities for you to easily jump into Summer.

First Thursday	May 3
Every First Thursday of the Month on South Congress there is plenty to see, buy and eat for all ages. Many stores have special sales and snacks for their customers, and it's a great event for families!
No Pants Day	May 4
Every first Friday of May, people throughout the country celebrate a new, warm month by going trouserless. Clean & appropriate undergarments encouraged!!
Cinco de Mayo Block Party at 2nd Street	May 5
Cap 2K Swim	May 5
The 10th anniversary of the annual open water race will take place at our beloved Lady Bird Lake. The race hopes to promote clean water conservation and open water swimming, while also raising money for reserach, support & awareness of prostate cancer.
Chuy's Hot to Trot 5K	May 5
Benefiting Special Olympics Texas, support a great cause and have fun running Cinco on Cinco with Chuy's this Saturday!
March of Babies	May 5
Walk together to support stronger healthier babies.
Free Comic Book Day	May 5
Simply walk into any participating comic book store (in Austin and around the world!) all day to recieve free comic books. If you can't participate this year, this event takes place the first Saturday of every May.
Pecan Street Festival	May 5-6
The bi-yearly arts & crafts festival on Sixth Street is a great way to spend the weekend being creative in the heart of Austin, Texas. A fantastic event for all ages!
World's Biggest Disc Golf Weeked	May 5-6
Fourteen cities in Texas, including Austin and Wimberley, as well as many cities around the world, will be hosts to thousands of disc golf enthusiasts who will play on more than 100 courses worldwide.
Early Voting Ends	May 8
Austin Modern Outdoor Tour*	May 12
Rain or shine, Austin's best outdoor living design experts will showcase their work in this self-paced driving tour.
Gardens on Tour	May 12
Enjoy a tour of five private gardens as well as the Wildflower Center for some ideas on how to design a garden using wildflowers and native Austin, Texas plants. Could be a great way to spend a part of Mother's Day weekend with your family!
Voting Day	May 12
Pachanga Latino Music Festival	May 12
This Latino Music Festival, at Fiesta Gardens on the shores of Lady Bird Lake in East Austin, will serve Austin with multiple grammy-award winning acts like Los Lonely Boys, for it's fifth year. Enjoy latin-inspired foods and crafts as well!
Mother's Day	May 13
Bike to Work Day	May 18
Leave out the carbon footprint today and enjoy the fresh air on your way to work. There will be numerous locations serving free breakfast to those that participate!
UT Commencement	May 19
Congrats, Class of 2012!
Kerrville Folk Festival	May 24-June 10
Enjoy music, camping and more with your family at the Quiet Valley Ranch just south of Kerrville. For almost an entire month, over 30,000 people, including 1,500 singer-songwriters come together at this mecca of music.
O. Henry Pun-Off	May 26
The 35th Annual Pun-Off, held at the O. Henry Museum, is filled with hundreds of storytellers and people ready to pun.
Fiesta Amistad	May 26-27
El Amistad club is a non-profit civic organization in Round Rock to support efforts emphasizing education, community services, recognition for veterans and Hispanic cultural awareness. This annual event features live music, food and family entertainment.
Texas Tax-Free Appliance Weekend	May 26-27
This weekend, pay no Texas taxes when you purchase any energy-efficient applainces. Go green!
Austin Wine & Music Festival	May 26-27
Experience Austin & Texas wineries while enjoying local live music. Proceeds benefitting Operation Finally Home.
Memorial Day	May 28
Capital of Texas Triathlon	May 28
Swim, bike & run with thousands of others in the heart of downtown Austin. Races for all ages and running levels, so don't be intimidated if you haven't trained!
Blues On The Green	May 30
Enjoy a free live KGSR concert with great artists every other Wednesday at Zilker Park.
Chaos in Tejas	May 31- June 3
For it's 8th year, this festival will be full of acts of many genres, including punk, metal, hip hop, indie rock and more.

*Date is tentative and subject to change.

State of the Economic Recovery in Austin & Texas

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:23:33 -0500

Austin and its home state of Texas continue to see real estate market improvements. Both markets enjoy higher-than-average employment rates, stable economies, continued population growth and increasing housing starts, which when combined meet the conditions necessary for a successful home buying and home selling market.

Austin is the 14th largest metro, one of the highest employment rates, an attractive city to young professionals, and burgeoning tech town. Homes in Austin are selling 20% faster than this time last year, averaging 77 days on the market. Inventory levels are 19% lower than last February and list prices have jumped up 12% in response, making it the 2nd best real estate market for investors right now.

The Texas economy added 237,100 nonagricultural jobs from March 2011 to March 2012, an annual growth rate of 2.3 percent compared with 1.5 percent for the United States. The state's nongovernment sector added 291,900 jobs, an annual growth rate of 3.4 percent compared with 2 percent for the nation's private sector.

Click here to read more about the Texas economic recovery last month.

Special thanks to Anthony Marino at Austin Area Photo for the original picture!

Austin 2nd Highest Urban Growth with 14th Biggest Population in the US

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:56:01 -0500

Austin is the second fastest growing metro area in the nation, according to data from the US Census Bureau, with the 14th biggest population, according to an analysis by the Business Journals' On Numbers. With 790,390 residents and a staggering growth rate of 51% from 2000 to 2010, Austin's rapid growth sparked concern from the City of Austin which heightened the need for a strategic plan.

Local urban planning non-profit, Imagine Austin, introduced a new comprehensive urban plan to address the rapid growth and help capture the Austin of the future. Imagine Austin's blueprint is just one of the many proposals to manage Austin's growth and remain competitive among other cities which have already adopted strict plans by which to develop. City officials understand that in order for Austin to be competitive amongst other buzz cities, Austin must be livable with solutions to traffic congestion, adequate transit to give way to sprawl, water and energy consumption and attractive amentities. Goals including density, livability, community and sustainability are part of the City of Austin's plan to manage continued growth in Austin.

Click here to read more about Imagine Austin's plan to fully optimize Austin's urban population growth. Tweet

Austin Ranks 2nd Best Real Estate Market for Investors

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:56:00 -0500

Out of 146 cities and suburbs in the US, Austin's real estate market ranked 2nd in a study by Realtor.com to find the best place to invest in real estate right now. While other cities become investment opportunities due to last recession's devastating effects, Austin is the only city in the top 10 that saw little drop in prices and ultimately maintained home prices during past years' economic turmoil. Austin's potential for price growth is one of the best in the nation, states Realtor.com.

The stability of the Austin economy plus a towering employment rate are the driving forces for Austin's successful real estate market. Since high employment drives demand for housing, Austin nutures the perfect environment for buying and selling homes. According to the National Association of Realtor's website, Austin is the 27th most searched real estate market on the web, another indicator of Austin's popularity for investors.

Not only was the Austin housing market impervious to the drastic nationwide decline in home sales, but Austin homes are selling for more than twice the national rate, making Austin the second best investment market in the nation. With Tuscon, AZ in the lead, Austin is still ahead of 144 other cities that were ranked by Realtor.com. Fort Worth also ranked in the Top 5 best investment cities taking home fifth place for best real estate market for investors.

However, homebuyers aren't the only ones getting lucky in the Austin housing market these days. Sellers are quickly finding that Austin's price growth potential is one of the best in the nation, leading most with a median list price of $229,500 which is almost 12 percent higher than last year's market.

Click here to read more and see the full list.

2012 Austin Business Journal Top Residential Real Estate Awards

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 15:05:13 -0500

Many Realty Austin REALTORS® were nominated for the 2012 Austin Business Journal Residential Real Estate awards, but only one was awarded Top Producer. ABJ Residential Real Estate awards ranks Realtors by home sales during a 12-month period and unveils Austin’s top-selling REALTORS®. Ranking is based on the 2011 number of transactions and the 2011 dollar volume of closed sales.

Realty Austin's top producer, Todd Grossman, won 2nd place in the Individual Producer Award. Please help us congratulate him on all his hard work and dedication while selling $30 million in real estate in 2011! Congratulations as well to the other Realty Austin nominees whose hard work is also recognized:

Kat Brooks
Keri Chmelik
Mark Clausen
Tom Thornton
Cara Keenan

Cheers to a great 2011 and moving onward to a fabulous 2012! Realty Austin agents are the best of Residential Real Estate in Austin. Way to go, team!

Free SXSW Shows In Austin

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 13:55:58 -0600

One week in March, usually during Spring Break, Downtown Austin goes haywire with traffic, foot traffic and SXSW-ers crawling the streets looking for the next live show. While this can seem hectic to some who enjoy relaxing during Spring Break, they still have options to see live music in a laid back environment - and for FREE!For SXSW music lovers who are happy avoiding the lively downtown action (or just don't want to buy a SXSW badge), Auditorium Shores is a great place to see free live shows from well-known bands like Counting Crows and The Shins. Other popular bands performing at the Shores include M Ward, The Cult, and Bright Light Social Hour (see more below). Bands take the stage evenings of March 15th-17th. Head to Auditorium shores this SXSW and enjoy music without a badge or the hustle and bustle of SXSW in Downtown Austin.

SXSW lineup at Auditorium Shores

Thursday, March 15th, 5:45 PM	Little Hurricane
Thursday, March 15th, 6:45 PM	M Ward
Thursday, March 15th, 8 PM	The Shins
Friday, March 15th, 7 PM	Diamond Rugs
Friday, March 15th, 8 PM	Counting Crows
Saturday, March 15th, TBD	The Cult

Don't let the Downtown Austin chaos prevent you from getting to Auditorium Shores. There are several options for transportation to make your trip easier. Shuttles from the Austin Convention Center run everyday from 4-11pm (free for SXSW badge holders). There are also park & ride options, park & walk options, and the Mellow Johnny's bike parking near the Auditorium Shores entrance. The Shores will be open from noon to close Thursday through Saturday with festival food, vendors and many arts & crafts.

SXSW free events don't just stop at the music. The George Washington Carver Museum & Cultural Center in East Austin has several interactive events about technology and film throughout the week. In fact, several venues around downtown have other various non-music exhibits, such as the fashion expo at the Austin Convention Center and the ScreenBurn Arcade at the Palmer Events Center. There's no need to miss out on ALL of the action when there are free sxsw shows and events for all types and ages!

Click here for the full list of free SXSW shows and events.

Special thanks to Skyhigh Photography for the great photo!

Things to do in Austin in March 2012

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 15:43:30 -0600

Looking for cool, Austin-y things to do this month? Check out these fun, family-friendly events in Austin this March. We have compiled a list of activities for you to easily jump into March Madness.

Texas Independence Day Celebration	March 2
Texas turns 176! Celebrate the day Texas was born with a parade up Congress Ave, a 5K run, a golf tournament, a ceremony on the Capitol Grounds and more.
Explore UT	March 3
UT invites you to "the biggest open house in Texas." See special attractions - everything from mariachi workshops and dancing to solar cars and ice cream - open to the public for free.
It's My Park! Day	March 3
Support your local environment and volunteer March 3rd with over 2,000 Austinites to work on various park projects around Austin.
Sunshine Community Garden Plant Sale	March 3
Need vegetable starts for you summer garden? Check out Sunshine Community's Plant Sale. With over 120 varieties of tomatoes, 57 varieties of peppers, a wide selection herbs, ornamentals, fresh organic compost, and a 200-member community garden, your green-thumb won't want to miss this event.
Zilker Kite Festival	March 4 Rain Date: March 11
The nation's oldest kite festival is in Austin on March 11. Fly your favorite kite next to gigantic kites, homemade kites, crazy kites - hundreds of them in the air (and a few in the trees). Participate, join the fun or just hang out for free!
South by Southwest	Interactive: March 9-13 Film: March 9-17 Music: March 13-18
Interactive, music and film lovers can't miss this once a year melting pot of some of the hottest new bands, apps and indie flicks. This is the time of year Austin turns into a little metropolian and the world comes to Austin. Join the fun - find a free showcase, network with startup entreprenuers or enjoy a movie ususally with cast and crew in attendance.
Rodeo Austin	March 9-24
Austin indeed has its own rodeo that provides scholarships to Texas students. Just as any Texas rodeo, the Austin rodeo features bull riding, rodeo clowns and "mutton bustin'."
Texas Rockfest	March 14-17
Now in its 13th year, the Heart of Texas Rockfest features unsigned rock bands from Austin, indie artists from across America and yet-to-be-discovered talent rising from Texas music scene. This free event coincides with SXSW - no $200 wristband required.
St. Patrick's Day Austin	March 17
What American city doesn't celebrate St. Patrick's Day? But Austin hands down does it best. Check out these events - no green beer or leprechauns, simply a commitment to authentic Irish culture.
Austin Music Awards	March 17
Check out which bands will make it big at the biggest night in Austin music benefiting the SIMS Foundation.
Capital 10K	March 25
Join thousands of runners, joggers and walkers for the 35th Capital 10K, one of Austin's most popular running events and the largest 10K in Texas.
Texas Relays	March 28-31
The 85th Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays is a 4-day event that brings crowds as big as tens of thousands people to Austin to watch track and field events at Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin.
Urban Music Festival	March 30 & 31
Attend this cause-driven hip-hop and R&B fest supporting young Texas music students from Travis and Williamson Counties. Help students foster the music genre of rhythm and blues and buy tix to this family-friendly festival at Auditorium Shores.
Earth Hour	March 31
Each year, millions of people come together to save power by turning out the lights for one whole hour. Switch off the lights, spread the word and do your part to save the planet.
Texas VegFest	March 2
This event at Fiesta Gardens West End will feature vegetarian and vegan food companies, cooking demos and of course live music and more!
Zilker Garden Festival	March 31-April 1
Mark the dates for the 55th Zilker Garden Festival. Enjoy the flower show, live music, gardening talks, kids' crafts and food court - The festival offers something for everyone.

Austin 3rd Most Prosperous Metro

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 15:37:36 -0600

Have you heard? Texas is recession-proof. Need more proof? Just check out these stats.Of the nation's 100 biggest labor markets, Texas cities claimed four of the top 5 spots for most private-sector job gains since the recession in a report by On Numbers. That means Texas dominated the top labor markets that regained lost recession jobs. Business Journals’ On Numbers report used data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to compare 2011 private-sector employment levels against 2006, the last full year before the recession’s onset.

In 2011, the biggest job producers were Houston with a blow-out of 109,700 jobs gained since the recession, New Orleans ranked 2nd with 39,400 jobs, Austin ranked a close third with 37,900 jobs, Dallas-Fort Worth ranked 4th with 36,000 and San Antonio ranked 5th adding 25,200 private-sector jobs between 2006 and 2011. Only 13 of the nation’s 100 biggest labor markets regained all of the jobs that were lost during the recession which means 87 cities are still trying to break even.

The worst job-maker was LA which lost 432,000 jobs since 2006. LA might have the weather, but the jobs are here in Austin. Thinking of making a move? Ask us how we can help. Request a free relocation guide, or let one of our Austin Relocation Specialist guide you.

Read more about how Texas dominated the On Numbers report here.

Special thanks to Lone Star Strong of Lonestarstrong.com for the incredible photo!

Top-Producing Realty Austin Agents Make Platinum Top 50

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 15:43:38 -0600

Eleven Realty Austin agents were recognized as winners and finalists at the Platinum Top 50 Awards Program this January. The Platinum Top 50 Awards Program annually recognizes fifty residential REALTORS® for their outstanding achievements in sales, education, industry participation and civic leadership. Platinum Top 50 Winners exemplify initiative, involvement, success, and philanthropy through their work as Austin, TX Realtors.

Below are Realty Austin's Platinum Top 50 winners and finalists.

Winners

Cara and Joe Keenan
Lisa Munoz
Denise Bodman

Finalists

Drew Griffin
Lori Anne Goto
Sonny & Erin Bara
Tammy Elliott
Tom Thornton
Beverly M. Williams

Click here to see all the PT50 winners and finalists in Austin who participated in this year's program. Watch this short video to see the benefits of being a PT50 Austin real estate agent in the great state of Texas.