7612 Hawkeye Drive in the Village at Western Oaks is a deal that just gets better and better. Now it’s at a reduced price. It has Brazilian Hardwood Flooring in the living and dining rooms. Ceramic Tile floors are in the kitchen and half bath. Granite Countertops, Under Mount Sink, and Custom Backsplash are in the gourmet country kitchen. Kitchen appliances include a Convection Microwave. The Butler’s Pantry/Utility has 24 ft of upper and lower Cabinets for storage.
The upstairs has brand New Carpet and Decorative Ceramic Tile Flooring. A very large Media Room perfect for a HUGE TV is available for your family’s entertainment. New Marble Vanity tops and new Plumbing Fixtures are in all the baths.
The oversized garage has an Automatic Opener, is loaded with Storage Cabinets, and has a Workshop Space. Out back there is a huge Covered Porch with Three Ceiling fans which makes it perfect for entertaining and eight down lights. The private back yard has an outdoor Storage House to hold your gardening tools and mower, and there is a parking pad for your ski boat. It’s a beauty!
If you were affected by the tragic fires east of Austin, my sellers want to help you get re-started. They are willing to include ALL APPLIANCES (washer, dryer, refrigerator (in utility room), dishwasher, oven, and microwave) with a fair offer on their South Austin Move-in Ready home. It has gleaming Wood Floors that grace the living and dining rooms. Ceramic Tile floors are in the kitchen and half bath. Granite Countertops, Under Mount Sink, and Custom Backsplash are in the gourmet country kitchen. Appliances include a Convection Microwave. The Butler’s Pantry/Utility has 24 ft of upper and lower Cabinets for storage.
The upstairs has brand New Carpet and Ceramic Tile Flooring. A very large Media Room is available for your family’s entertainment, and a Whole House Fan is included for your comfort on temperate days of spring and fall. New Marble Vanity tops and new Plumbing Fixtures are in all the baths.
The oversized garage has an Automatic Opener, is loaded with Storage Cabinets, and has a Workshop Space. Out back there is a huge Covered Porch with Three Ceiling fans which makes it perfect for entertaining. The private back yard has an outdoor Storage House to hold your gardening tools and mower. The front yard has sparkling new landscaping added. This home is
Close to downtown and the airport. 7612 Hawkeye in The Village at Western Oaks. Call today for a private showing: Randy Williams, Urban Properties, 512-219-0395 0r 512-565-6227.
Why buy and then have to make repairs or updates. This South Austin beauty is Move-in Ready.
Gleaming Wood Floors grace the living and dining rooms. Ceramic Tile floors are in the kitchen and half bath. Granite Countertops, Under Mount Sink, and Custom Backsplash are in the gourmet country kitchen. Kitchen appliances include a Convection Microwave. The Butler’s Pantry/Utility has 24 ft of upper and lower Cabinets for storage.
The upstairs has brand New Carpet and Ceramic Tile Flooring. A very large Media Room is available for your family’s entertainment, and a Whole House Fan is included for your comfort on temperate days of spring and fall. New Marble Vanity tops and new Plumbing Fixtures are in all the baths.
The oversized garage has an Automatic Opener, is loaded with Storage Cabinets, and has a Workshop Space. Out back there is a huge Covered Porch with Three Ceiling fans which makes it perfect for entertaining. The private back yard has an outdoor Storage House to hold your gardening tools and mower. The front yard has sparkling new landscaping added. Open Sunday 1 to 4. Don’t miss this one!
Here’s your chance to buy a three bedroom condo in the W Residences at a spectacular price. Enjoy the finest downtown Austin living has to offer. The W Hotel and Residences is the new home of Austin City Limits and directly across the street from the new Austin City Hall complex. You may see a virtual tour of the furnished 3 BR Model by clicking this link: http://www.vrguild.net/c/star.pl?Q=1102031622467296
When you are a W resident you have 24/7 Whatever/Whenever Service, Residential Concierge, Wheels (car service and valet), Controlled Access and Security, In Home Dining, and Full Pet Service all available to you. Time is of the essence in this outstanding Real Estate play. I am prevented by contract to disclose all the details that I would like. Please contact me directly and I can tell you one on one. The clock is ticking. You may reach me at:
512-219-0395 or 512-565-62 27 or Randy@RandySellsAustin.com.
The best value in West Austin. That’s what I consider the Canyon Creek neighborhood to be. Not because I sold Standard Pacific Homes on site there for ten years, and not that I have sold many, resales there since. No it’s for a different reason. Canyon Creek had the dubious and unique honor for 20 plus years of being the only Austin subdivision with a “MUD Tax” and City of Austin taxes. How that came about is another story altogether that I will share with you if you ask me, but just know that it is true.
Consequently selling homes in the neighborhood was always difficult because every other subdivision had lower taxes…a lot lower. And as a result, property values were never what they would have been if such had not been the case. Neighborhood members warred with the City every way they knew how, but to no avail until a couple of years ago when the Canyon Creek Neighborhood and the City of Austin finally worked out their differences and the MUD (Municipal Utility District) was dissolved. Happy day…now Canyon Creek joined the other neighborhoods around it with the same relative tax base. Canyon Creek had in the passing years become one of the premier choices for west Austin homebuyers for its excellent schools. Most people buy in the neighborhood now so their children may attend those schools. But a funny thing has happened. The lingering shadow of the tax man still haunts the subdivision. Compare home prices with Steiner Ranch, Riverplace, Balcones, and other close by neighborhoods, and you will see what I mean. Minds change slowly. We often do what we do without giving it a lot of thought...just out of habit. I believe that upon serious study one will readily see that home prices in Canyon Creek with its great schools, hike and bike trails, greenbelts, pool, tennis courts, etc. are markedly low. How much too low is hard to say, but if you are looking for a bargain, you are hard pressed to beat it.
AS Good As It Gets
• 3,499 sq. ft., 4 bdrm single story - 
MLS® $439,950
Canyon Creek, Austin - AS GOOD AS IT GETS! This White Stone Two Story Home with a gleaming Heated Saltwater Pool and Hot Tub also has a Three Car Garage. The amazing Kitchen has been completely re-done. It has beautiful Granite Countertops. Outstanding Stainless Steel Appliances include: Double Stainless Steel Self Cleaning Convection Ovens, Microwave Oven, Dishwasher, and an Under Mount Sink. The Island is Faux Painted to provide counterpoint. Faux Painted Murals also grace the entry Foyer and Master Bath walls. Wood Floors are at the Entry Foyer and Hallway, and Double French Doors are at the Study. Hard Tile Floors are in all the Bath Rooms and at the Large Utility. The Rear Deck looks out over a protected Greenbelt. The Deck and Rear Windows are covered by Awnings, and the windows are Coated with "V-Cool" treatment for added comfort. A new Privacy Fence with Decorative Gates Surround the Stunning back yard. Try to find all this in one home for less than our asking price and call me when you give up.Property information
In many ways I think this modern world is absolutely the cat’s pajamas. I do however occasionally feel just a bit…actually more than a bit…completely overwhelmed by modern technology. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve no one to blame but myself. I’ve got just enough nerd in me that I can never say no to a good gadget, but alas I fear it has snowballed out of control. After all, how much time can you have left after acquiring, learning to operate, installing, programming, and maintaining the following:
A big screen HDTV, an Amplifier/Tuner, a DVD Player/Recorder, a VHS Player/Recorder, a Cable Box, an IPod, an IPod car adapter, and an IPod Stereo Adapter. A Cell Phone that texts, has voice mail, sends email, acquires ringtones, has a phone book, plays games etc. An Internet telephone, a Fax Machine, a Scanner, a digital Voice Recorder, a Camcorder, a Night Vision Scope, a programmable GPS with computer chip and software, a Laptop Computer with a GPS and software. Five Digital cameras each with multiple lenses, filters, chips etc. Two Desktop Computers each stocked with Adobe software for digital photography and Microsoft software for everything imaginable, Two Printers, and a Copier. There are assorted Computer Games, an Astronomy Program, Google Earth, Publishing Programs…not to mention Internet Explorer, a massive Email Program, two Websites built and maintained, an MLS presence as a Realtor…yes of course I have broadband. That’s just the electronics.
An SUV, a sedan, a boat, two trailers, three lawnmowers, weed eater, edger, and a leaf blower. Then power tools: two Miter Saws, a Band saw, Drills, Router, Table Saw, Chain Saw, Compressor, Nail Guns, Paint Sprayer, and Pressure Washer. I’m not bragging about all this stuff. I have it to make my life easier. Does it? I’ll let you know as soon as I get through checking my email and go get the SUV out of the shop.
My newest listing is in Westside at Buttercup in Cedar Park. A great Family Neighborhood of Newmark, Meritage, and David Weekley Homes. It is over 2900 Square Feet with 4 bedrooms, 2 Dining Areas, 3 Living Areas, and a 2 Car Garage. There is a Study and Guest Bedroom Downstairs. It's a superb family home in quiet a neighborhood that backs to a greenbelt which contains hike and bike trails, many trees, and underground caverns. It's on a very low-traffic street which is safe for neighborhood children. Many energy features have been incorporated into this solid Newmark Home. An Air Recirculation System, HEPA Filters on the HVAC, Tech Shield Roof Decking, and Double Pane Windows make this home state of the art. Upgrades also include: Granite Counter Tops, Crown Moldings, Rounded Corners, Theater Wiring, Two Satellite Dishes, Water Filter at Sink, Direct Vent Fireplace and Gas Logs, Sprinkler System, and Wrought Iron Rear Fence. It has a Study and Guest Bedroom Downstairs. A New Elementary School is just around the corner. The Neighborhood has several Parks, Pools, and Hiking Trails. It is close to shopping, theaters, restaurants, and medical facilities...did I mention lake Travis? Come take a look.
I am STILL on an OPEN HOUSE crusade on my two Tarrytown listings (see my home page)…they are very close-in west Austin…new construction with a fabulous finish out, both have Garage Apartments that can be leased to a friend, relative, or college student. Now they are priced at $180 per square foot in a neighborhood in which $296 per square foot is the average for comparable homes. Why so low? They back to Mopac Parkway, and yes it’s pretty noisy, but consider this…the builder constructed a beautiful 10-foot high stone and stucco sound wall at the rear. He also used 2x6 studs on the back walls of the house, and expensive sound absorbing Jeld-Wen windows. Across the street is the lovely Tarrytown Park, which is filled with trees and a great place for children to play. You be the judge…take a look and see if “HALF PRICE” on a new home makes sense to you. Come on out Sunday 1:00 to 4:00 and see what I mean.
On The Barton Creek Greenbelt
• 144,184 sq. ft. lot / land "In a Private Gated Cul de Sac" - 
MLS® $439,500 - Priced to Sell
Barton Creek, Austin - Exclusive BARTON CREEK ESTATE HOME SITE. This Sprawling 3.310 Acre Heavily Wooded home site overlooks Austin's most famous and protected natural treasure, Barton Creek. You can go directly out your back gate into the Barton Creek Greenbelt. Take a short treck through the woods, meander through a grassy glen, and there you will find the year round creek with a pool and an old-fashioned tire swing. The home site rests on a private cul-d-sac and has a deep setback that provides exceptional privacy and safety for your family. It's around the corner to the prestigious St. Gabriel's School and St. Michael's Academy. Property owners in the exclusive gated Wimberley Lane enclave receive a social membership to Barton Creek Country Club without paying additional initiation fees. Membership privileges include use of the private member's pool, health club, Spa, dining facilities, and social events. Comparable acreage sites in the neighborhood are can be twice the price.
Property information
I am a big believer in OPEN HOUSES. It seems to be a solid way to get at least a dozen people through a listing even when the market is extremely slow. People are always out and about on weekends, and even if the visitor isn’t a direct prospect for the listing, he or she has their own network of friends and relatives. I am on an OPEN HOUSE crusade right now on my two Tarrytown listings (see my home page)…they are right down town Austin, Texas…brand spanking new with a fabulous finish out, both have Garage Apartments that can be leased to a friend, relative, or college student. Best of all they are priced at $194 per square foot in a neighborhood in which $300 per square foot is more common than not. Why so low? They back to Mopac Parkway, and yes it’s pretty noisy, but consider this…the builder constructed a beautiful 10-foot high stone and stucco sound wall at the rear. He also used 2x6 studs on the back walls of the house, and expensive sound absorbing Jeld-Wen windows. You really don’t sense any traffic sound from inside the home. Across the street is the lovely neighborhood Tarrytown Park, which is filled with trees and a great place for children to play. Come on out Sundays 1:00 to 4:00 and see what I mean. I believe the trade off will be worth it for some intelligent buyer who really wants Austin’s most prestigious neighborhood at a bargain price.
As I watch the seemingly endless debate about the fate of The Big Three in the halls of government and in the media, a phrase from the past haunts me… What’s good for General Bullmoose is good for the Country. This line is from Al Capp’s “L’il Abner” cartoon strip, which was famous in the fifties…about the same time General Motors was the most powerful corporation on earth. General Bullmoose is General Motors, and in many ways General Bullmoose appears to be an archetype of the USA today. The General is on the ropes and gasping for breath…hoping to ward off the next possibly fatal blow. How did it come to this? Where do we go from here?
If congress is correct, a radical re-tooling of this wheezing giant is necessary to save it. Many say that it is the legacy costs that are sinking the ship…i.e. health care costs and pensions. Many say it is the fact that they are not producing the cars that the world wants right now, but are still building gas-guzzlers that belong to a by-gone era.
Well if those things are true…shouldn’t we as a nation be taking a hard look in the mirror too? We are rushing headlong toward the same kind of government that appears to be sinking GM. We are staring a legacy cost of Social Security and Medicare in the face that most economists say will destroy us when the baby boomers retire. We have outsourced many segments of our manufacturing industry to others leaving us weak. We have grown fat as a people…both literally and figuratively. We cry out for some form of Socialized Medical Care that will further overburden the system. We have used our houses as a vehicle to financial well-being for decades…flipping and speculating on homes as if they were stocks or bonds. Now a burst housing bubble has become the catalyst for a financial meltdown.
The leaders of the big three are scorned for lack of vision and poor management of these huge beaucracies. Isn’t this equally true of our elected officials…once they are in office, it is nearly impossible to get them out (even if they are guilty of crimes in many cases). One wonders if any of the current crop have the interests of our nation at heart, or are merely looking toward the next election. Can General Bullmoose change if we bail him out? Can America rise to meet this financial challenge…to pay this overdue bill, which has come in the mail? Let’s see how the Big Three make out in the days ahead.
Don’t miss the Open House Weekend at my two Tarrytown listings. Both 2517 No. 1 Winsted Lane and 2517 No. 2 Winsted Lane will be open from 1:00 until 4:00 in the afternoon. They will be all lit up and lovely, so come on by. In case the addressing confuses you, here’s why it’s that way. There was one double lot with an old house in the middle that was torn down, and then the lot was officially subdivided. The houses already there on the street had the logical correct addresses, so a number one and two designations was the only solution. They are not duplexes…they are two glorious 4000 sq. ft. five bedroom homes with garage apartments to boot. Please look at the pictures on the Listings pages. SEE YOU THERE!
Let me try to reason through this…Let’s say that my wife likes to spend money and I can’t control her compulsion. I have two college-age kids in Ivy League Schools and the cash out-flow to take care of their needs is killing me. I have four foreign cars with huge payments on each one. My house has a gigantic mortgage on it, and I am a member of not one but two exclusive country clubs…my personal banker and financial advisor calls me and says, “Randy, what’s going on? You know that since you took that pay cut to stay in Austin you won’t be able to even come close to making your payments. What are you going to do? You are in so far over your head it’s absurd.” So I reason…Borrow $750K from Uncle Bill, and I will be OK. Old Randy may figure that he is going to win the lottery so he can get flush again, or maybe he is banking on a fat inheritance down the road from that rich uncle. This kind of risky financial shenanigans may not be the worst thing in the world, and we have all heard of it before, but on an individual basis.
Isn’t this what we are doing right now on the national level? To make my little comparison a bit more accurate I guess Randy would have to be borrowing closer to $5 million. How in blazes are all these borrowed money bailouts and stimulus packages going to solve this problem. This, our financial wizards say, is the way to “solve the problem now, and not keep kicking the can down the road”. Really! Does Uncle Sam have an inheritance out there that will make him flush again? The rich uncle is for the most part China. Am I just an unfortunate optimistically challenged individual, or are we stepping into what we Texans euphemistically call deep do do.
I love to fish. As a consequence, I spend a certain amount of time in boats. It you have ridden the waves, you will likely have at some time experienced being sea sick Technically, the phenomenon is caused by the body i.e. your inner ears perceiving motion, but your eyes perceiving none. When most folks are confronted with this disagreeable experience, they try to lie down and close their eyes, which exacerbates it. Standing up and looking at the horizon in the fresh air will stop it. What does this have to do with Real Estate? Current events are creating in me a slightly different form of motion sickness. I turn on the TV or read the newspaper, and I am clobbered with news that the financial sky is falling, but as I look around the room everything seems OK. I drive around in my car, look at the people, smell the air, and see no debris. The Dow goes up, and the Dow goes down…nothing new. Once again there it is…we must act NOW! If we don’t, Real Estate values will plummet, and my poorly performing retirement account will really start to stink. When buildings fall over from flaming jet fuel, or a city is flooded by a hurricane, the results are extremely tangible. Yes, some of our financial institutions have stumbled and fallen, but there seems to be a backstop. Must it be the taxpayer who has to be the lifeline? Many economists that I read take exception with this bail out plan. Is it the equivalent of lying down and closing your eyes? I think some of us may need to see more or feel more before we can accept these dire projections. Will it then be too late? Right now I am doing my best to look for the horizon and fill my lungs with fresh air.