Austin Texas Real Estate News & Listings Presented By Keller Williams Realty, Austin

1709 Spiderlily View, Cedar Park 78613

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 22:03:45 GMT

Four Bedrooms in Anderson Mill West!

This is an incredible deal for a 4 bedroom home! That extra bedroom could be the perfect place for your home office, crafts room or studio. The living room/dining room combo is large enough for the whole family or for entertaining friends. Access through the living room to the back deck expands your living/entertaining space. The kitchen has warm wood cabinets, granite counters, a pantry and a cozy breakfast area with views to the front yard. The master suite is spacious and the master bath has a soaking tub plus a walk-in shower and closet. Separate from the master suite are three bedrooms with plenty of closet space and a full bath. You’ll love the level back yard with large wood deck plus a nice storage shed. Plenty of large trees to provide shade front and back. This is a great home for starting out or downsizing. Make your appointment to see it soon; it won’t last long!

27119 Waterfall Hill Parkway, Spicewood 78669

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 21:13:39 GMT

Barton Creek Lakeside is the neighborhood that offers the country club lifestyle you’ve been seeking. The setting is rolling Texas Hill Country with homes framing the Arnold Palmer 18-hole golf course. This spacious home will delight even the most particular buyers for space and amenities. The main living area is open to the dining room, has easy access to the large kitchen and makes a perfect entertaining space. A private master suite has a separate his bath and her bath and a secret room. The solarium offers the new owners a lovely space to start the day while overlooking the pool. An attached workshop could also be used as a guest suite, study or studio. The home is handicap accessible with wide halls and doorways. The kitchen amenities include granite counters, a butler’s pantry, SubZero refrigerator/freezer, Viking double ovens, Bosch dishwasher and an island with prep sink. With 6170 square feet, you will have space to grow while enjoying family and friends.

A Wooded Retreat on Two Lots

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:11:28 GMT

Custom built home in Lakeway has architectural elements with shapes and textures. The entry rotunda has a domed ceiling, rope lighting and granite inlay in the tile floor. You’ll find many arched and lit niches throughout the home for your treasures. Wide gallery hallway to hang your pictures. Columns separate and define the space between the dining room and kitchen. Walls of glass capture the beauty of the treetops, garden and Koi pond. A high, coffered ceiling in the living areas adds another geometric element. The study provides extensive built-in storage and bookcases, overlooks the garden and has French doors for privacy. The master suite is spacious, has a door to the large, covered upper deck and two completely separate baths and closets. On the lower level are large bedrooms, each with its own bath. One bedroom has a walk-in closet plus a cedar closet for your seasonal wardrobe. At this level is another covered deck. From this deck, you can access the huge storage area under the house. The landscaped yard includes three 150 year old Live Oak trees and something blooming most of the year.

5100 High Canyon PASS, Austin 78738

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:22:41 GMT

Located just a mile from every modern convenience and yet surrounded by Hill Country vistas, nature and privacy is where you find 5100 High Canyon Pass. This custom home was built in 2005 and shows like a model home. Walls of windows allow you to bring nature into your home. Neutral Travertine tile can be found throughout the main floor living areas and neutral/designer paint colors provide a soothing backdrop. This house is great for entertaining as guests can dine and socialize with expansive views from several areas and relax inside or out. The screened in spa/patio room will provide many hours of relaxation while being sheltered from the elements and yet is accessible from the deck along the back of the house. The luxurious master bedroom suite is separate and located on the main level, has private deck access to take in the views and a jetted tub for decompressing at the end of the day. A thoroughly modern kitchen has an adjoining breakfast area plus bar, granite counters, lots of cabinets and storage, gas cooking and is open to the family room. Upstairs are three bedrooms and two baths for your growing family or guests. 5100 High Canyon Pass is an oasis away from the bustling crowd and yet connected to the world and nature.

506 Copperleaf RD, Lakeway 78734

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 16:44:15 GMT

Two story soft contemporary in Lakeway with pool, spa and beautifully landscaped backyard.

Open plan between living, dining and family room.

Very private master suite with large bathroom, soaking tub, separate shower, and walk-in closet overlooking the pool and spa.

Two guest bedrooms and one full bath downstairs in addition to the master suite.

Kitchen has been completely remodeled! Stainless appliances, gas cooking, light and bright, built-in banquet seating. Travertine floor extend throughout the main level living areas.

Upstairs you have one bedroom, a bonus room that could be used as a study or playroom and a huge off season closet.

Detached office, hobby room or workshop next to the garage.

Perfect home for family fun on Lake Travis, golf or tennis and entertaining friends and family.

Call Elaine Garner today for all the details on this exceptional Lakeway property at 512.261.4422.

915 Electra, Lakeway 78734

Sat, 15 Oct 2011 16:12:53 GMT

Great 0.37 acre build site with a very small lake view. Lots of mature trees to get you started on landscaping. This lot is in the City of Lakeway and has access to Lakeway amenities; Lakeway Swim Center, Skate Park, private airport, World of Tennis and jogging trails. Youa re also just minutes from the Rough Hollow Grille. Call me to walk the lot with your builder and let's get started on the home of your dreams..

Luxury Home With A Stunning View

Sat, 01 Oct 2011 16:09:51 GMT

kitchen areas plus a covered deck. The master suite is located on the main level and is totally private from the three other bedrooms located downstairs. The huge master spa is decorated in soothing neutral colors and boasts his and hers vanities, an oversized shower with dual shower heads, a garden tub and a walk-in closet. A custom iron and wood rail leads you downstairs into the informal den that opens to a private and deck. Your guests will love the three bedrooms and a media room that share two large bathrooms. This spendid home offers a unique comfortable elegance that you and your family can easily call home.

With gorgeous views of Lake Travis from the multiple decks and most rooms in this almost new home, you will be able to enjoy all that nature has to offer whether you are inside or out. At night you will be mesmerized by the show of twinkling lights coming from the marina, Lakeway Resort and Spa and the north shore of Lake Travis. Filled with extraordinary features such as granite counters, custom cabinetry, unique ceiling details, tile flooring, an antique fireplace surround and banks of windows, this home is impressive. You enter this home on the main level through a spacious entry with art nitches and into the open floor plan of the living, dining and kitchen areas plus a covered deck. The master suite is located on the main level and is totally private from the three other bedrooms located downstairs. The huge master spa is decorated in soothing neutral colors and boasts his and hers vanities, an oversized shower with dual shower heads, a garden tub and a walk-in closet. A custom iron and wood rail leads you downstairs into the informal den that opens to a private and deck. Your guests will love the three bedrooms and a media room that share two large bathrooms. This spendid home offers a unique comfortable elegance that you and your family can easily call home.

Enjoy Lakeway Golf Course Living!

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 16:08:32 GMT

This great home backs up to the 1^st Green of Live Oak Golf Course!

Large deck on the main level to take in all the action on the golf course.

Two large living areas, one on each floor. The main floor living room is anchored by a large stone wall and fireplace and banked by a wall of windows for natural light.

The kitchen is open to the living room so the cook can host family and friends.

The spacious master suite has a private entrance to the deck.

Downstairs is another guest bedroom, full bath and a huge gameroom large enough for a pool table and big screen television.

Low maintenance yard make this a perfect lock and leave property.

Make this home your every day retreat or weekend get-away!

Live the Lake Travis Lifestyle!

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 16:02:26 GMT

Open floor plan between living room and dining room.

Spectacular staircase and soaring ceilings greets your visitors.

Four bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. One bedroom currently being used as an office has a built-in desk.

Master bedroom and bedroom/office downstairs. Two guest bedrooms upstairs.

Recently replaced tile floors throughout the living areas.

Huge covered porch along the front of the home with private entrance from master suite.

Large kitchen has stainless appliances, neutral colored granite, tons of cabinets and a walk-in pantry.

Low maintenance yard and plenty of play space in the back.

Nice lake view from the upstairs balcony.

Ideal Home for the Most Discriminating Buyer

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 16:13:13 GMT

One story with mature trees and room for a pool. Large living room and dedicated office/den. Very private master suite with large bathroom, soaking tub, separate shower, and walk-in closet. Two guest bedrooms and a shared bath. Kitchen has lots of warm wood cabinets, double ovens, refrigerator/freezer and large breakfast room with private deck perfect for grilling and entertaining. Beautiful designer paint colors throughout. Many upgrades have been added by this owner; sink cabinet added in the half bath, custom cabinetry added to the office/den as well as the living room, under counter and can lights added to the kitchen, guest bedroom ceiling fans, interior completely repainted. This gorgeous home is move-in ready!

Housing doing better?

Thu, 26 May 2011 10:34:00 GMT

Why isn't housing recovering?

Perspective: Real estate's May report card

By John Burns

By WAYNE YAMANO

Editor's note: Wayne Yamano is vice president at John Burns Real Estate Consulting. This item is republished with permission of John Burns Real Estate Consulting.

For nearly two years, corporate profits have been surging, gross domestic product has been growing, and the majority of the key indicators we track have been moving in the right direction. Yet, home sales have remained in the dumps.

The indicators that hit closest to home (pun intended) are the ones that housing needs the most. These are the day-to-day realities that keep us feeling glum:

Job growth is slow

Job growth is back, but it has lagged corporate profits as corporations find ways to do more with less. Worker productivity has increased eight of the last nine quarters, which is great for companies but not so great for the unemployed.
Even with recent job growth, we still have 7 million fewer people employed today than at the peak in 2008, and the unemployment rate remains high at 9 percent officially, but a whopping total of 15.9 percent are underemployed or have given up their search.

We're in a "wage-less" recovery

The median income has grown marginally in the last two quarters, but that still leaves us 6 percent below where we were in 2008.
Inflation has been squeezing our bottom line since late last year, with gas prices up 38 percent from one year ago (according to AAA).

Home values are declining ... again

Home prices are 31 percent below their peak in 2006 and are heading lower in many ZIP codes, which is the result of having 23 percent of all mortgages valued at more than the house value.

This all contributes to the lack of consumer confidence, especially when it comes to buying a house. While confidence has improved, a confidence level of 65 is 30 points below its 44-year historical average.

The good news is that confidence is on an upward trajectory. Although we believe that the road to recovery will be long, we are excited that the fundamentals for recovery are moving in the right direction.

Methodology

We collect a complete history on 70-plus variables and forecast the important ones by forecasting each metropolitan statistical area (MSA) and rolling it up.
In this monthly report, we publish the current stats along with the historical minimums, maximums and averages as a service to the industry.
Each indicator is graded based on a bell curve where an "A" is its historical best, a "C" is its historical average, and an "F" is its historical worst. The grades are designed to provide a simple tool for decision-makers to scan the data.
Each of the eight categories has a grade that is nothing more than the average of the grades under it.

Economic growth: C-

Trends were mixed this month, as several key metrics ticked up while others ticked down, resulting in an unchanged grade of C- for overall economic growth.

The employment market improved once again this month, and year-over-year employment growth has now been positive for eight consecutive months. Payrolls expanded by 244,000, the largest gain since May 2010. In addition, the average length of unemployment decreased to 38.3 weeks, and the labor force percentage of those unemployed over 27 weeks fell to 3.8 percent.

That said, the unemployment rate rose slightly from 8.8 percent to 9 percent. Retail sales declined this month, while real GDP for first-quarter 2011 came in at 1.8 percent, significantly lower than the 3.1 percent growth rate experienced in fourth-quarter 2010. The rate of inflation (both full and core) continues to increase, maintaining its steady upward trend that began in spring and summer 2010.

Leading indicators: C

The leading indicators for the economy are mixed this month, with our overall grade for this subsection of indicators remaining at a C.

The ECRI Leading Index continues to rise on a year-over-year basis, now up for the fifth consecutive month. In addition, access to credit continued to improve in second-quarter 2011, as a net total of -16 percent of large and medium firms reported tougher standards for receiving loans, which is an improvement from almost +84 percent reporting tougher standards in fourth-quarter 2008.

Among small firms, loan standards also improved as a net total of -14 percent experienced tougher standards, an improvement from nearly 75 percent reporting tougher standards in fourth-quarter 2008. Other leading indicators such as the Small Business Optimism index and ISM Manufacturing/Non-Manufacturing Business Activity indices declined versus last month.

Stocks had a stellar month for the four major indices we track, with month-to-month gains ranging from +2.6 percent for the Wilshire 5000 to +3.7 percent for the Dow Jones. The indices have all improved significantly from one year ago, climbing between 14.9 percent (S&P 500) and 16.8 percent (NASDAQ) year-over-year.

The S&P Homebuilding Index also improved this month, rising 4.1 percent month-to-month, though still down -16 percent year-over-year. Corporate bond spreads widened slightly this month to 175 basis points, while 10-year and two-year Treasury rates rose for the month. Oil prices continued to rise, marking the second consecutive month of $100+ oil.

Affordability: D+

Affordability has rarely been better for entry-level buyers, and rarely worse for move-up and move-down buyers, who need to extract equity from their existing home. As such, we continue to grade our overall affordability indicator at a D+.

Mortgage rates remain near historical lows, and home prices have dropped from unrealistic boom levels to entirely sustainable levels, with some markets like Las Vegas well into "overcorrection" territory. Our housing-cost-to-income ratio remains low, now at 23 percent, and our JBREC Affordability Index stands at a remarkable 0.1, which is near the best possible rating for affordability.

The median home price-to-income ratio has risen slightly to 2.9, which is less than the long-term historical norm and near a level conducive to market health.

Affordability continues to be bolstered by historically low mortgage rates. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate is currently at 4.78 percent and adjustable mortgage rates are at 3.15 percent, both down from last month. The Fed's overnight lending target rate remained at a range of 0 percent to 0.25 percent, which is the lowest level on record.

The share of adjustable-rate mortgage applications is currently at 6.7 percent, which is still far below the peak level of 35 percent of total applications in early 2005. While its growth rate is still low, household income has recovered gradually from its bottom in late 2009, rising 1.2 percent year-over-year in first-quarter 2011.

Consumer behavior: D+

Consumer behavior improved slightly this month, with several metrics rising. The Consumer Confidence Index, Consumer Sentiment Index, and Consumer Comfort Index all increased this month. However, due to rising inflation and a marginal increase in the unemployment rate, the misery index (unemployment + inflation) worsened this month.

Existing-home market: D+

The existing-home market continues to remain weak, with most indicators still grading at poor levels. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, seasonally adjusted annual resale activity fell to 5.05 million homes and median resale prices decreased month-to-month, and are down 13 percent year-over-year.

The S&P/Case-Shiller 10 and 20 market composite indices also fell this month, while existing home inventory rose and months of supply fell. The homeownership rate fell in first-quarter 2011 to its lowest level since fourth-quarter 1998. While still low compared to its historical average, the Pending Home Sales Index increased this month.

New-home market: D+

The new-home market worsened this month, as our overall grade dropped from a C- to a D+.

While new-home sales increased to 300,000 units on an annualized basis, rolling 12-month sales decreased to 305,000 transactions, which is a historical low that dates back to 1963 when the Census Bureau began tracking this data point. It should be noted, however, that the sample size used by the Census Bureau to calculate new-home sales is extremely small and the confidence interval consequently large.

The median single-family new home price increased to $213,800 this month and is currently down 4.9 percent year-over-year. The months-of-unsold-homes metric decreased to 7.3 months. Builder confidence worsened this month as the Housing Market Index dropped from 17 to 16, still far below its historical average of 50.

Repairs and remodeling: D+

Aside from residential investment, all indicators improved this month for residential repairs and remodeling. Homeowner improvement activity has actually returned to positive territory for the past four quarters, climbing 7.1 percent year-over-year.

The Remodeling Market Index (current) also rose in first-quarter 2011, increasing from 43.3 to 46.1, just below its historical average of 46.4. In addition, the Remodeling Market Index (future expectations) rose from 39.7 in fourth-quarter 2010 to 46.8 in first-quarter 2011. The Remodeling Market Index (future expectations) has now crossed above its historical average.

Residential investment as a percentage of GDP declined to 2.2 percent this quarter (new historical low), and also fell on an absolute level.

Housing supply: F

Housing supply indicators are once again poor this month, with all except one indicator grading at an F. Single-family permits decreased to 394,000 units, and single-family starts fell to 385,000 units. Both of these activity levels remain low by historical standards. Both new housing units completed and manufactured housing placements increased this month.

Vacancy rates in the U.S. have improved in recent quarters, but the majority of the U.S. remains oversupplied compared to history, with only three states undersupplied, all with small populations. The homeowner vacancy rate decreased this quarter to 2.6 percent.

New fine dining at Lakeway

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 15:17:00 GMT

Lakeway's newest restraurant, Wyland's Ocean Blue, is a wonderful combination of seafood and steaks. The wine list is very good and I was delighted to taste their own labelled wine. Located at 12921 Hill Country Blvd. at the Dillard's end of the Blvd. http://www.wylandsoceanblue.com is how you can see the menu and have a feel for the beautiful surroundings. They are open from 11:00 AM until midnight. Call 512-524-2196 for happy hour specials!! Their prices were in line with the good dishes and I look forward to going there for lunch and being able to have a nice conversation and actually hear the person I am with. Look at the special place. http://freepdfhosting.com/d30d0f2fdc.pdf

Should I Buy a Home Now?

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 10:36:00 GMT

I'm often asked if this is a good time to buy a home. Some clients are concerned that home prices may fall further than they have already. They are assuming that the best course of action is to wait for the bottom in the market and then buy. The problem with this approach is that you don't know where the bottom is until you see it in the rear view mirror, meaning until you've missed it!

Home prices are one factor in determining your cost of ownership, but so are interest rates and financing availability. Even though interest rates have gone up in the last six months, they are still near historic lows. Since your monthly mortgage payment is a combination of paying down your principal and paying the interest owed, if home prices come down a little further but interest rates up, it could cost you even more to service a mortgage on an identical home!

While a home is a major investment, it is also the center of your personal life. It's important to live in a home that reflects your taste and values, yet is within your financial "comfort zone." To that end, it may be more important to lock in today's relatively low interest rates and low home prices, rather than to hope for a further break in prices in the future.

Please give me a call if I can be of any assistance in determining how much home you can afford in today's market.