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Posts Tagged ‘Austin’

If you are planning on relocating to Austin, look for an Austin, TX real estate agent that specializes in helping those who are relocating to this part of the country.  You do not want to waste the time that you have when it comes to moving to Texas in looking at properties that are not what you want.  You need to find Austin, TX real estate agents that can help you narrow down your search and get you into the property that you choose. 

There is a lot to know about relocating to Austin, Texas, especially if you are from another part of the country.  Your Austin, TX real estate agent should be able to talk to you not only about the properties that are for sale in the area, but also about property laws, school districts, property taxes and other factors that may differ in the state where you are currently living.  A good Austin, TX real estate agent will work with you so that you can get settled into your new home. 

Austin, TX real estate agents should have a vast array of properties on the market from which you can choose.  They will not only let you choose from their own listings, but also off of listings from the multiple listing service (MLS) that most agents use.  This can allow you to see all of the properties that are listed in Austin, Texas. 

Your Austin, TX real estate agent should know something about the area in which the property is located.  Location is everything when it comes to real estate.   You are going to want to make sure that the property you choose is in a good location when it comes to schools and conveniences.  It is best to stay away from blighted locations as you will not get the same value out of your home.  Austin, TX real estate agents can help you with regard to finding the prime locations for real estate in the area. 

If you are relocating to the area, you most likely will want to spend some time looking for houses or condominiums that you can call home.  One way that you can cut down the time spent looking for the perfect home in Austin is to use the internet.  Good Austin, TX real estate agents understand the convenience of the internet when it comes to looking for property.  Unlike years ago, when you had to go from property to property with a listing, you can get a much clearer picture of what is available when you go online.  You should work with an Austin, TX real estate agent who will feature photos of the properties online so that you can help refine your search right from your own computer.

When you are ready to look for homes, Austin, TX real estate agents can set up appointments for you so that you are not wasting days in this type of search.  An Austin, TX real estate agent who is used to helping those who are relocating to the area understands that your time spent is valuable and will help you in this regard.  They will also help you get situated with lenders in the area so that you can get a mortgage and may even be able to recommend a real estate attorney in the Austin area who can facilitate the closing of the property for you. 

We all know it’s bad out there…With the severe credit crisis and the declining housing market, Fox, CNN, MSNBC, and even the President remind us of our struggles daily. Home foreclosures are at an all time high, even in my neighborhood in Austin Texas with many more foreclosures predicted to come. Housing resale values are at all time lows with no end in sight. Even the banks are going bankrupt as many Americans no longer qualify for credit.

Because of the recent credit crisis, many people don’t qualify for a new loan to buy a house right now, despite the incredibly low housing prices. Many home sellers can’t sell their unwanted houses because they owe more than their house is worth due to falling house prices. Many sellers can’t even rent their houses out for enough to cover their mortgage payments, taxes and insurance resulting in severe negative cash flow that bleeds then dry month after month. To make matters worse, many tenants end up trashing the house when they move out making it even more difficult and expensive to sell.

If they list their house with a real estate agent, their house will likely sit on the market for a long, long time waiting to sell since the buyers seem to have magically disappeared. Even if the house does finally sell one day at a greatly REDUCED price to get it sold, the owner has to pay a 6% real estate commission plus the majority of the closing costs. This often results in the seller writing a big, fat check at the closing table to finally get their house sold.

So what are my options to sell my house in Austin Texas fast in this depressed economy and housing market when many folks can’t get a loan? By trial and error, I discovered the following 3 alternatives to try to sell my Austin TX home quickly…

1. I tried to sell my house in Austin “For Sale by Owner” aka “FSBO”.

At first, selling my house by myself sounded easy enough, but it soon became my worst nightmare! What went wrong:

At first I didn’t know how to attract buyers that might be interested in purchasing a home in Buford Georgia…The For Sale By Owner sign in the yard wasn’t working. I ended up spending a fortune placing classifieds in the local paper which resulted in few potential buyers. Those that did respond wanted to see my house at all different hours of the day or night. I was afraid to say no in fear of losing a potential buyer. I would have to keep my house clean and all picked up, only to have them flake out and not show up! Other times I had some pretty scary people show up with their rowdy kids in tow, trampling through my home.

I never did find my ideal buyer. Even if I did, I had no idea how to get them qualified, how to handle all the purchase and sale paperwork or how to get the house closed. I said “There has to be a better way to sell my home!” and I was determined to find it.

2. I listed my house for sale with a local Austin real estate agent.

I called an agent from a local, seemingly reputable, real estate agency and made an appointment for her to come out and see the property. The agent sounded like she really knew what she was talking about and got me really excited about the prospect of selling my home quickly. She said she would list my house in the MLS, on dozens of real estate sites throughout Texas, advertise my house in the local paper and other print publications, do multiple open houses, put out signs, balloons, flyers in an information box and went on and on about how she could sell my home and still get top dollar. How could I refuse? I didn’t.

I listed my house and waited, and waited and waited. The agent put the house on the MLS, but the market was pretty tough and, despite her best efforts, six months later, I still didn’t have a buyer. Meanwhile, my house had not only decreased in value because it would not sell for the list price, which had been reduced repeatedly, but also because of all the other listed houses and foreclosures on the market in my area of Austin. At this point, I was all out of ideas and praying for a solution. About that time, someone at my church told me about RedBuysHouses.com.

3. I contacted a local, professional home buyer from Austin, Texas.

My friend from church told me that she had similar problems selling her Austin house, but that she had contacted a local professional home buyer who bought her house in under a week! What? Is this possible? Could I sell my Austin Texas house in 7 days or less, too? She said there are professional house buyers out there, also known as “real estate investors”, who buy and sell real estate for investment purposes. You’ve probably seen their “We Buy Houses” advertisements around town but never gave them much thought. These are people who buy houses professionally and are always actively looking for more houses to buy. She gave me their phone number and web address (Locally 512-945-6006, website: www.RedBuysHouses.com) and I contacted them ASAP. A local Austin home buyer from there called me and said that if my house qualified and if I was flexible on price or terms, that they may be able to buy my house in the next 7 days or less. She said depending on my situation that they may be able to pay all cash, pay some cash now and some cash later or take over my mortgage payments giving me immediate debt relief. At this point I was definitely flexible and had nothing to lose by scheduling an appointment for them to come see my home and possibly allow me to sell my Austin Texas house fast!

So I scheduled the appointment with the Austin home buyer and she came out and inspected my home. She said it was just what they were looking for and that she had several buyers looking for a similar home. I was ecstatic! She made me several offers to buy my house as promised. I chose the offer that best suited my needs and we scheduled a closing the following week with a local real estate closing attorney. It was that fast and that simple to finally sell my house in Austin! I still can’t get over it. After waiting two years trying to sell my house on my own and through a licensed agent, I was able to sell my house in less than 7 days to a local professional home buying company!

If you have an unwanted Austin Texas house you need to sell fast, call 512-945-6006 or visit www.RedBuysHouses.com and complete their online Seller Questionnaire for a FREE, no obligation consultation. You have nothing to lose by contacting them and everything to gain. I was able to sell my Austin home fast and you can too!

When you are looking for Austin real estate agents, you need to be sure that you get those who know the real estate market in Austin and have vast experience.  Your Austin real estate agent should have a good knowledge of the market regarding foreclosures as well as pending foreclosures so that you can get the most from your experience with the agent.  They should also be able to answer any questions that you have about the neighborhoods, schools and taxes. 

One of the most important aspects you need to understand when you are looking for Austin real estate agents is that they should be on the MLS.  The multiple listing service allows them to not only sell their own listings, but also sell those belonging to others.  When you are choosing an Austin real estate agent, look for one that is part of this network of realtors. 

In addition, your Austin real estate agent should be able to tell you where the bargains are.  They should have a listing of foreclosures as well as pending foreclosures that you can get for bargain prices.  They should also be able to tell you about these homes.  Remember that when it comes to pricing, you should shoot low.  Good Austin real estate agents will encourage this. 

If you are planning on relocating to the Austin area, chances are that you will be very happy with what you see. Austin has a warm climate throughout the year and the homes in this part of the country are priced lower than in other parts of the country.  You can get some good bargains when you relocate to Austin and will most likely be surprised to find the prices of the homes so low.  Look for Austin real estate agents who are familiar with Austin, have experience in the real estate industry and have multiple listings. 

Chances are that if you are relocating to Austin that you will want to work with an Austin real estate agent who is used to working with transferees and will be able to help you find what you are looking for with the use of online searches.  Austin real estate agents who work with those relocating to the area can help you reduce the amount of time that you spend looking at property that is not suitable for you.  By working with an Austin real estate agent online, you can refine your search before you travel to Austin so that you are spending time looking for properties that show promise.  Good Austin real estate agents can help those relocating by setting up appointments to allow them to see the homes so that no time is wasted during a home search in Austin. 

Those who have property to sell in Austin should look for Austin real estate agents that have experience in the business and a good track record when it comes to sales.  Look carefully to find the ideal Austin real estate agent for you, whether you are buying, selling or relocating to Austin, Texas. 

You can find a good Austin, Texas real estate agent by going online.  If you are planning a move to Austin, you should search out Austin, Texas real estate agents prior to your move.  You can do this by going online and looking for agents that will cater to those who can cater to the person who is relocating to the Austin area. 

It can be difficult to relocate to a new area.  You do not know the area, you do not know anyone living there and have no idea what to expect when it comes to homes.  A good Austin, Texas real estate agent will make this transition easy for you.  Often, the first people who you will meet when you move to another city are real estate agents who can help you get settled.   When you are looking for Austin, Texas real estate agents, you need to find those who are willing to help the person relocating find the home of their dreams and who are more than willing to help them settle every step of the way. 

Austin, Texas real estate agents do more than just list and sell homes.  They can also help someone who is planning to relocate to the Austin area get fixed up with a mortgage lender.  If you are planning on getting a mortgage to finance your property in Texas, then you are going to need to find a good mortgage lender who will be able to help you.  An Austin, Texas real estate agent will be able to help you find a lender who will be able to get you in the house. 

Another important aspect you need to consider when you are purchasing property in Austin or anywhere else for that matter is an attorney.  An experienced real estate attorney will be able to examine the title findings and survey for the property and will make sure that you are getting unclouded title.  Your Austin, Texas real estate agent will be able to lead you in the right direction when it comes to finding a good real estate attorney who can do this job.  You may even be able to close on your property without having to be present at the closing, as long as the documents are all notarized and overnighter to where they need to be.  This can give you more time to spend searching for Austin real estate. 

Of course, Austin, Texas real estate agents will make appointments for you to see the properties that you like.  You can look online at the properties that are available in the area by going to the website of the Austin, Texas real estate agent.  You can contact the agent and tell them what you are looking for so they can better assist you.  Relocating to Austin does not have to be difficult as long as you work with a good Austin, Texas real estate agent. 

Summer is finally over and Apartment communities that maintained 90-100% occupancy levels throughout the summer have now been bombarded with new fall and winter time notices to vacate. Apartment communities pre-lease apartments based on their notices to vacate which are usually given 60-90 days out from the resident’s move date or lease end date.

Most long term tenants are being pushed out of their apartments with rental increases up to 0. Many of my clients recently call me discouraged stating that they have been a perfect resident for 5 years or more and dont understand why their aparmtent community is so anxious to “stick it to them” when it comes time to renew their leases.

The first question I ask them is how much they are paying currentlly ie; a client we’ll call Leslie that I am helping move currently. Leslie told me that she is paying 5 for a 740sf apartment in a community she has lived at for 5 years and is only 7 years old, and they want to raise her rent to 5. The first thing I told her was that the community wanted to raise her rent 0 due to the fact that since she leased there 5 yrs ago the market had completely changed. Unfortunately the only people that view long term occupants at an apartment community as an asset are the occupants themselves.

The truth of the matter is that Leslie and many others around Austin whom of which have been exemplary tenants are being viewed as a loss to their apartment communities. With a shortage of available apartments in Austin the market has changed. For example 5 years ago in South Austin you could get a nice apartmnet at an A class property for between 6-0. Now you cant even get near an A class property in South Austin for less than 0 and that would be for a 1 bedroom apartment. Availability pushes pricing. If a guy has 50 apartments available they lower prices and offer up a massive upfront concession ie; 1 month free 2 months free etc. But when a management company looks down and sees that they are 96% full which has been the case most of this summer and historically most summers then their rates rise to the market rates (the highest rates they can charge for a particular unit). Long term residents are being viewed as a loss and therefore pushed out.

The good news is that in the last two or three months there have been at least twenty new apartment communities open.  There are also at least 100 more on the horizon. This type of news and the historically slow fall and winter months are forcing apartment communities to drop their prices and drop them fast. There are at least twenty communities that I can think of right now that have dropped their prices – in the last month from August pricing to compete with the new properties that have opened or are opening up in their vicinity.

For example the Wyndhaven apartments on Wells Branch. For years wyndhaven was only one of two A property options in the Wells Branch area. Their smallest 1 bdrm apartment 630sf was going for 9 a month. Then comes the Verde Oak Park apartments that opened a month or two ago right next door. The day Verde Oak Park opened their doors Wyndhaven went to 9 on the same floor plan. It still didnt help them though Verde Oak Park has a similar square footage for 0 Brand New Never Been Lived In! Then they were offering two months free upfront. Well if you average out the two months free over the lease term which was 13 months (aka a prorate) 20 is the total concession or (special) divided by the minimum lease term which was 13 months thats 20 divided by 13 months equaling 9.23. The 9.23 is your average monthly concession. You then subtract the 9.23 from the monthly rental rate. 0 minus 9.23 equals 0.77 a month for 13 months. Plus these apartments contain granite countertops, washer and Dryer etc and are BRAND NEW and have NEVER BEEN LIVED in.

So, yes rental rates are dropping dramatically with the rise of new communities you just can’t be fooled by upfront numbers anymore. My advice is that you always contact a Real Estate professional procurement of leasing transactions for the consumer are always 100% FREE. And recommended. Yes rates are higher but if you look past the first picture of the rate being 0 when you’re pricerange is 0 and you end up at Wyndhaven which is over ten years old and a much lesser quality class A property at 9 then the only one to blame is yourself. With the newer communities trying to fill up their properties they are offering great upfront concessions that will bring the rates back down.

You should always contact an apartment locator before looking at apartments on your own. If that apartment locator dosent find you the best deal available and you are not happy enough to move in then they dont get paid that is your insurance. Austin Apartment Guy would be glad to either help you find an apartment or counsel you on the leasing process. You can contact us through our website http://www.austinapartmentguy.com . 

 

Zip code 78749 in Southwest Austin is one of the few places in the United States where the real estate market is robust and booming. Recently ranked second in a Business Week magazine study on the fastest selling US zip codes, homes in this high-end neighborhood were second to only Sunnyvale, California.

Austin real estate brokers are positive about the implications such market behavior will have on Austin, TX real estate, especially for sellers. Interviewed by Business Week magazine Jay Carter, a veteran realtor with Living in Austin says, “This truly is one area of the Austin Real Estate market where sellers are still in control.”

Real estate in Texas has definitely been looking up as zip codes like Houston, Plano and economically forward areas like Portland and Oregon have been drawing homebuyers and sellers in numbers. Nonetheless, Austin real estate agents have revealed that the 78749 zip code is as exclusive as it can get in terms of prime real estate in Texas.

Where prices are concerned, the superior condition of the homes in such an elegant neighborhood commands enormous potential for profit for the seller. The high standard of the homes in this locality speak for themselves and realtors like Jay Carter cannot be any happier.

Similarly, for a buyer interested in prime Real Estate in Austin, Jay thinks the location is ideal. A recognized realtor in the Austin real estate business, Jay explains, “It’s a high-end neighborhood surrounded by scenic hills, but it’s just a 5- or 10-minute drive to downtown.” The price you pay for real estate in Austin is the price you pay for exclusivity, convenience and aesthetically pleasing environs. Unlike other Austin, Texas real estate brokers, Jay Carter, realtor and co-owner of Living in Austin walks the talk. His views are featured regularly in magazines like the Personal Real Estate Investor and Business Week.



The Living in Austin team has established a name for themselves as one of the best firms to approach for real estate in Texas. Jay Carter is an established authority on the Austin, Texas real estate market and along with his extremely resourceful team works towards educating and enriching the Austin community and culture about smart real estate choices.



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If you wish to know more about buying and selling homes in Austin, Texas, you can visit the Living in Austin website www.livinginaustin.com or call Michelle Kim Carter at 512-997-7653.

 

Steiner Ranch, in MLS area RN, or zip code 78732, was named “Best Master-Planned Community” in the greater Austin area from the Austin Business Journal in 2004. And for good reason. This mega-community, bordered by RR 620 to the north, Lake Austin to the West and South, and neighboring River Place to the east encompasses a nature preserve-like atmosphere to complement its stellar location of rolling hills and the winding placidity of Lake Austin, which, moderated by the LCRA, retains a constant depth year round. 

With 819 acres set aside for preservation and 12 miles of trails, Steiner prides itself in fusing well with its environment. The 27,000-acre Balcones Canyonland Conservation Preserve surrounds the development, offering many homes and sites the backyard of a consistent greenbelt. The general area hosts 10 golf courses, eight boat launches, 19 marinas and 15 public parks. Water enthusiasts are within 5 minutes of either Fritz Hughes, Selma Hughes or Mary Quinlan Parks, all providing public access to Lake Austin.

Within Steiner, homeowners are required to respect the design standards and upkeep of the community by paying two installments totaling $640 in HOA dues. These dues not only include trash and recycling service, but also employ a full-time activities director who helps organize events such as summer camps and wine tastings. Gated areas within Steiner Ranch have additional fees to cover the gates and private street maintenance.

The University of Texas’ own Golf Club, a 71 – 7,225 yard championship course, sprawls over 275 acres in the middle of the neighborhood. Wincing and regrouping from a fire that downed the clubhouse at the beginning of 2008, the home course for the University’s Men’s and Women’s varsity golf programs offers very limited membership opportunity for local golfers.Lake Austin Spa, the only destination health spa in the country with a waterfront location, is located at the southern tip of Steiner Ranch. Ranked #2 by Conde Nast Traveller as the best destination spa in North America, the spa has recently renovated its rooms with an eye on the top spot. Housing an intimate 40-room resort with a new 25,000 sq foot spa facility, their laid back approach on 19 acres continues to live up to its reputation.

Not surprisingly, schools get good marks at Steiner Ranch. Served by the Leander Independent School District, students attend Recognized Steiner Ranch Elementary, and both Exemplary Laura Welch Bush Elementary and Canyon Ridge Middle Schools, all located within the community. Nearby Cedar Park High is the destination for 9th-12th grade students.

With so much to offer, Steiner Ranch still manages to offer homes for many different types of buyers. Starting in the low $200’s (and heading well over $1 million), homeowners enjoy larger homes ranging from 2,000-7,000 sq feet. 

The Deer Park at Maple Run subdivision is one of the many southwestern Austin neighborhoods comprising what is more commonly called Oak Hill.  A more recent addition to this area, Deer Park developed rather quickly from the mid to late 1990s, where nearly 150 homes popped up in just a few short years.

Deer Park’s boundaries are generally Mopac to the west, Brodie Lane to the east, Alexandria Lane to the immediate north and the Sendera subdivision to the immediate south.  Boundaries in this part of Austin though can be confusing, as it is not uncommon for neighborhoods to share streets and flow into one another.  Turn off of one street heading south or west and you may suddenly be in Sendera; go too far down Alexandria or Copano and you’re in the older Maple Run neighborhood.  Development in this part of town was fast and furious in recent years, and those abrupt transitions from one neighborhood to another are a sign of that.

Like the rest of Oak Hill, Deer Park sits at the tip of a visually beautiful but also environmentally sensitive area that is critical to the region:  the Edwards Aquifer, a massive underground layer of porous, water bearing rock 180 miles long that serves as the major groundwater system for central Texas. Much closer to home, you will find to the east of the subdivision the 18 acre Karst Preserve, a network of cave structures, rock formations and a sinkhole.  The City of Austin and the Texas Cave Management Association jointly oversee the preserve, protecting the caves and the species that inhabit them.

Children here will attend Cowan Elementary School, Covington Middle School, and Bowie High School.

Homes here are indicative of the style of 1990s construction that can be found throughout newer Austin neighborhoods:  a mix of one and two story structures spaced closely together, with brick or stone exteriors, vaulted ceilings and two car garages.  There are typically modest front and back yards with privacy fencing in the rear of the home. Because this is still a fairly young neighborhood, homes here are generally in excellent condition.  You can find homes here in a variety of sizes, on the small end at about 1,600 square feet to the 2,500 range, and in a few cases as much as 3,000 or 4,000.

Like the other neighborhoods in this immediate area, Deer Park at Maple Run makes a good first impression, due to the fact that properties are as a general rule immaculate and very well-maintained.  This owes in large part to an active homeowners association which has a strong presence here. The rules are clear, and strictly enforced:  keep your yard trimmed and free of weeds and clippings; no boats, campers, trailers or commercial vehicles parked in driveways or on the street; trash cans out of site after garbage pick-up; prior written approval before any exterior changes to your home or yard.

Deer Park’s homeowners association has what is called an “architectural control committee” which was involved in some headline-generating controversy in the late 1990s, when the subdivision was still developing.  When homebuilder Kaufman & Broad arrived here and bought up several dozen lots on which to build new homes, residents were angered and the committee was alerted to a possible problem.  Many were convinced that K&B had strong-armed its way into the area to build low-quality, ugly, shoddy prefabricated homes that would destroy the aesthetics and standards of Deer Park and drive down overall home values.  This was unacceptable to neighbors, many of whom had purchased new homes just a couple of years earlier and were worried that their new home investments would now be for nothing.

News stories of the day chronicled the intensive efforts of residents, including picket lines, yard signs and even the use of an FM radio frequency to advise buyers against doing business with K&B.  Accusations flew back and forth and it even came to dueling lawsuits between the homebuilder and residents.  By 2005 the lawsuits were settled out of court, and K&B even agreed to fund certain improvements to common areas of the neighborhood. It would appear that no long-term harm came to the subdivision, its neighbors, or property values.

Deer Park’s activism also included efforts in 2003 to turn back a move by Wal Mart to build a 200,000 square foot Supercenter at Slaughter Lane and Mopac. Much like the K&B controversy, many residents feared that increased traffic congestion and urban sprawl would negatively impact their property values.  Along with other neighborhood groups as part of the larger Oak Hill Association of Neighborhoods, Deer Park successfully defeated the plan and celebrated when it was learned that not only would the development never happen, but a large tract of the land was deeded to the city of Austin for use instead as permanent parkland.  Deer Park residents have been vigilant to make sure that no “big box” retail or other development would come here that might upset the quality of life.

It looks as if Deer Park at Maple Run has survived these early turbulent battles and has emerged as a maturing and pleasant neighborhood in which to live.

Sendera is one of the neighborhoods you will find among the cluster of multiple adjoining southwest Austin subdivisions better known collectively as Oak Hill.  This is a more recent addition to the immediate area, with construction on homes here having started in the mid 1990s and finishing around 2003.   

Its boundaries are Davis Lane to the north, Mopac to the west, Slaughter Lane to the south (although there are homes on both sides of Slaughter) and to the east it sits adjacent to the older Deer Park at Maple Run neighborhood.  Yet as you drive the area keeping track of boundary lines could be tricky business: you may find yourself abruptly outside of the official Sendera boundaries and inside the Deer Park section.  Due to the way in which this area developed, it is not uncommon to turn off of one street and suddenly find yourself in another subdivision.  Don’t let this concern you, since the neighborhoods flow together nicely and are fairly uniform in their look and feel.

Like other neighborhoods here, you can expect Sendera to make a pleasant first impression:  it is clean, quiet and nicely landscaped; yards are neatly trimmed and exteriors and public areas well-maintained.  Some streets dead-end to cul-de-sacs and most streets are set back from busy Mopac and Slaughter Lane, giving an interior, insulated feel.

Sendera is just minutes away from downtown Austin, due to its close proximity to northbound Mopac.  It’s also a short drive from the famed Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center and the beginning of the Hill Country, and minutes from the Escarpment Village Shopping Center, opened in 2006.  That’s where HEB located a new supermarket to serve residents of all the local neighborhoods.  The center also includes several popular restaurants.

You’ll also now find some other options much closer, almost at your doorstep. As you immediately exit the subdivision toward Slaughter Lane, you will encounter a grouping of retail sites, including a Walgreen’s pharmacy, Wendy’s, Starbucks and other “fast casual” restaurants.  Slaughter Lane on this side of the neighborhood is noticeably busy, with a fairly heavy and constant flow of traffic.

Sendera is dominated by owner-occupied single family homes, although it includes the Camden Stoneleigh apartments on Sendera Mesa. The complex is fairly large with multiple buildings, but because it sits on several acres, has a gated perimeter and is positioned far from the street, it blends with its surroundings in a way as to be almost unnoticeable.

Otherwise, Sendera is a mix of one and two story dwellings, ranging in size from 1,500 square feet to 2,800.  Construction is what has come to be expected in more recently built Austin neighborhoods – brick or stone exteriors, two car garages, vaulted ceilings and modest front and back yard space, with privacy fencing separating the properties.

Sendera has its own outdoor pool facility at Sendera Mesa and Lanna Bluff, not far from the apartments.  It is a generously sized pool with up to six lanes for swimming.  The facility itself is immaculate, monitored by security cameras and surrounded by a handsomely landscaped lot with swings and a playscape for kids. In addition to the pool, a recreation committee oversees events like the annual fun run, a garage sale and a Memorial Day barbeque cook-off.  There is a playgroup for parents and small children that meets weekly at the pool.

Sendera, like the other neighborhoods in Oak Hill, is governed by an active homeowners association.  In addition to enforcing strict deed restrictions on building, property maintenance and noise, the association is also alert to crime and nuisances.  Recent discussion here concerns efforts to discourage solicitors from canvassing the neighborhood, as well as the revamping of a neighborhood watch program. 

The Sendera Homeowners Association is part of the larger Oak Hill Association of Neighborhoods, a politically active group of residents from surrounding subdivisions who have the ear of local developers, city council members and other local community leaders.  Like other Oak Hill neighborhoods, Sendera has been right in the middle of recent battles over growth, development and the environment.  In 2003 residents had a major role in helping defeat Wal Mart’s plans to build a massive Supercenter at Mopac and Slaughter, at the edge of the subdivision.  Sendera expects to remain involved in these kinds of issues, as the Austin City Council in 2005 mandated a long-range strategy for the future development of this and the rest of Oak Hill.

Neighbors have found natural allies in partnering with local environmental groups as they fight to protect the environmentally sensitive Edwards Aquifer, the massive underground porous rock formation that serves as the major groundwater supply for central Texas.  It begins here and stretches some 180 miles through several counties.  While environmentalists lobby to limit any industrial or retail development that might negatively impact the water quality, residents keep track of anything they feel might drastically increase traffic congestion and urban sprawl, ultimately driving down property values and upsetting the quality of life here.

Children here will attend Cowan Elementary School, which has been given a very good “Recognized” rating by the Texas Education Association.  Covington Middle School is rated “Academically Acceptable”, as is Bowie High School.

“A number of new projects in the state of Texas are worthy of note. In Bee Cave, a new project promises Tuscany-style homes with lots of green space. The project, undertaken by Tennessee-based Southern Land Co. will be a $160 million residential development near SH 71 and RM 620. The project, Cielo, will feature a number of residential options, including town homes, condos, and one and two bedroom homes. In addition, buyers will also be able to choose from 400 luxury flats. The designers hope to offer buyers unprecedented levels of choice. The homes alone have more than 20 floor plans. The homes will start in the high $300,000 and building is expected to be completed in 2013. At that time, homeowners will be able to enjoy the more than 28 acres of preserved green space on the 78-acre development and will have easy access to the nearby Balcones Canyonlands Preserve as well.

In Austin, the Avalon Palms apartment complex has been purchased by Los-Angeles-based Palms of Avalon Apartments Texas LLC. The 352-unit apartment complex situated just off US 183 in North Central Austin was constructed in the early 1970s and boasts 13 acres at 9001 and 9003 Northgate Blvd. According to Travis County tax records, the complex has a value of $10 million. In the sale, the buyer was represented by Los-Angeles-based Greg Salyers. The seller was represented by Hendricks & Partners.

Another new project in Austin promises to make a school more effective for children. About $110 million is being offered in state funds to The Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI). The money is earmarked for renovations. The 150-year-old campus will be modernized so that it is more child-friendly, according to TSBVI staff. TSBVI is considered one of the top schools in the nation for the visually impaired. Now, the campus will be top-flight as well, with renovations scheduled for the next four to eight years. Landscaping and security will be updated and some buildings will be demolished to make room for new construction. A new student activity center, a vocational building, eight dormitories, a new physical education and therapy building, an indoor pool, track-and-field facilities, and independent apartments will be added to the campus. New student housing will be designed by Dallas firm Halff Associates, a company that has offices in Austin. Staff and students at TSBVI are excited about the proposed renovations, which promise to make learning far more enjoyable in the future.”

Lakeway, Texas, is a city that offers excellent location alongside exceptional living. This community in west Travis County is located right on a lake for lovely views and easy access to water recreation. Located near State Highway 620 and US290/TX71 freeway, Lakeway is only a 20 minute commute from the employment opportunities and shopping and dining options in Austin.
Lakeway is more than 5 500 acres of planned development community. The neighborhood has received acclaim for its excellent planning and for its natural beauty. Residents of Lakeway enjoy lovely homes as well as easy access to green spaces, lake views, limestone cliffs, and fields. Virtually every homeowner in Lakeway has unparalleled views.
Lakeway also receives a lot of attention because the community is designed to be rich in recreation opportunities. Builders have implemented considerable amounts of green space into the community design and the over 30 years of development in the area has resulted in mature landscaped lots as well as an abundance of recreation facilities. Lakeway boasts four 18-hole golf courses. Lakeway’s tennis facility, The World of Tennis, is routinely ranked as being one of the top in the country. Nearby Lake Travis and the Lakeway Marina offer many water recreation opportunities. The Lakeway Parks and Recreation Department oversees three parks, including the 64-acre Lakeway City Park. The community has just built a new 20-acre park and is home to two greenbelts as well. Green spaces in this community offer amenities such as pools, tennis courts, recreation areas, and other facilities.
Fitting in at Lakeway is as simple as staying fit here. Lakeway is home to multiple community socials, clubs, and associations, all of which host special events such as cookouts, tours, trips, and parades. Lakeway is designed so that it is easy to meet your neighbors while the ecologically friendly design makes it easy to enjoy the outdoors while maintaining an active lifestyle.
Today, when many parents choose to buy homes based largely on education opportunities of a participator district, Lakeway is a stellar choice. Lakeway is part of the esteemed Lake Travis Independent School District. This school district is renowned for its AP classes, solid college preparation, low student to faculty ratio and abundant extracurricular offerings. Over 40% of the faculty members in the Lake Travis Independent School District have graduate degrees, ensuring enhanced learning opportunities.