Sam Chapman

I use WolfNet for the Austin home search feature on my Austin real estate website. WolfNet is a third party IDX vensor approved by the Austin Board. Why do I use it instead of rhe IDX feature from the board?

Here is an example: I mass emailed people who are registered to search for Austin homes on my website. I told them that I had a pdf of detailed MLS stats for the Austin market for June, 2009 and invited them to contact me if they wanted a copy. One guy wrote back stating that he was going to list his home soon with another agent, but he would like the stats if I felt like sending it to him. I wrote back asking why he was using my search feature rather than the one on his agent's site and here was his response:

"Sam, the reason is pretty simple. Your site has the best mls search engine I've ever seen. My agent doesn't have that tool, and it works exceptionally well. I've used it quite a bit, and hope that's OK."

My feeling is that the WolfNet search really is the best non-custom search feature. People can search by address, area, subdivision, zip code or school district. They can set up and save multiple searches. They can request that any time a new listing hits the MLS that it be emailed to them. They can save listings in a Favorites folder. They can search by map, zoom in and out, move the map around, change from map to aerial and more. It is a very cool search feature.

Tuscan Village is seeing a lot of site work. Tuscan Village will be Lakeway's first retirement community. Located on Lohman's crossing almost directly from the Keller Williams building, Tuscan Village is a 42 acre development that will contain 280 townhomes and villas. The project has been in the planning stages for several years, but site work just started around a month ago. The community will have a fitness center, walking trails, a park, clubhouse with concierge services and will also be home to the new Lakeway library. In addition to the amenities at Tuscan Village itself, residents will be able to have access to the amenities at the Rough Hollow Yacht Club. Amenities at Rough Hollow include Lake Travis access, a fitness center and a restaurant that will soon be open.

D. R. Horton is cashing in on the brisk pace of home sales in Austin. During a time when most builders have pulled way back in new home starts, Horton is actually putting specs on the ground. Homes under construction are generally in the $200,000 and under price range and this is because of the rapid rate of buying by people taking advantage of the first-time home buyer tax credit.

My question is whether or not Horton is speculating that the credit will be extended. The current tax credit expires at the end of November. In theory, Horton should be able to get homes finished in time for buyers to close before the end of November, but they are cutting it close. November should be a very busy month for title companies as the majority of closings occur at title companies.

New consturction of Austin homes in the $150,000 to $200,000 price range is down 43% from last year. If you are a buyer and are in need of an Austin REALTOR, give me a call at 512-293-2422.

I usually don't post about listings, but am doing so today as this home belongs to a good friend and I want to help her sell it. The home is just 2 blocks off of RR 620, so getting out of Lakeway and into Austiin is a breeze. The home has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, is on a cul-de-sac, has a tile roof and a low-maintenance yard. The back of the home has a very nice patio that is accessed from the living room or the master. A few photos for you.

This home is listed by the owner, who is also a licensed Austin real estate agent. See more details and photos of 1613 Flint Court, Lakeway, TX. You can also visit my Austin real estate website to search Austin homes.

I put a page on my Austin real estate website yesterday that showed a list of 82 things that make Austin such a great place to live. A few samples:

Austin is the 3rd Strongest Metro Economy in the Country. (Brookings Institution, 6/16/09)

Austin was named the 6 the best city for jobs in the overall ranking. (Forbes, 4/12/09; also New Geography, 4/15/09)

Forbes.com cites Austin's nightlife, culture and low cost of living as major reasons it appears on Forbes' list of Best Places for Singles.

Austin named one of 15 Coolest North American Cities. Famous for Tex-Mex food and its eclectic music scene, bustling Austin is also the capital of the Lone Star state. Many visitors find its laid-back atmosphere especially appealing. (MSN Travel, 1/22/09)

Austin is the most digital savvy city in the nation. (Media Daily News, May 2008)

Austin is listed among the top 10 greenest cities in the U.S. (Popular Science, Feb 2008)

Austin ranks 5th among the most educated cities in the U.S. 45.1% of the population has a college degree, or higher. (The US Census Bureau)

See the other 75 things that make Austin so great.