Austin Texas Real Estate

Necessity is the mother of invention, goes the old saw, and it's never been truer than in this day and age. With construction on new housing at a slow down, the real estate market in a slump, and - on a seemingly unrelated note - more and more people calling for a global policy of reduce, reuse and recycle, the building and architecture industry has had to take some interesting twists and turns to get to the goal of providing the housing that is greatly in demand.
While re-purposing buildings is not a new concept, its popularity had been on the slide as real estate investors opted for new construction. As prices have been spiraling out of control and developers are becoming reluctant to shell out the initial cost of new construction, they're turning to architects to redesign older buildings for new uses. Re-use on the grandest scale for everyone involved on these projects.
Take the Eastern Columbia Building for example. Built in 1930, just as the Great Depression was getting into full swing, the towering 13-story structure is a stunning example of the art deco period. It was first built for the Eastern Columbia Outfitting Company as a department store to the stars. In the 1950s, it was used for office space. The building is located in downtown Los Angeles, California, and offers 147 units of two bedroom condominiums to young professionals.
Much of the original features remain, including the gold leaf and turquoise terra cotta on the outside of the building. Inside, in the lobby, the terrazzo floors and antique elevator doors have been refinished. The rooftop boasts a brand new pool.
This concept is not lost on the Ballet Austin dance company. Previously, the dance company was scattered throughout the city in four locations, with offices here, production facilities there, meeting rooms and dance studios in yet another space. When renovation was finished in September of 2007, Ballet Austin found its home in the Butler Dance Education Center and Community School: a renovated building that had previously housed a printing company.
The building was a 34,000 square foot industrial metal monstrosity, but the Austin based Bommarito Group was excited about the project. Its original purpose - light industrial - was advantageous as the printing press area, which comprised about two thirds of the building, was already soundproofed. The rest had to be outfitted to accommodate a wide variety of activities - from administrative to technical and production staff, not to mention the dancers themselves and their visitors or parents.
The ballet company isn't the only organization to follow the re-purposing path. The old Palmer Auditorium, built in 1959, has been renovated to house the Long Center for the Performing Arts. The Arthouse contemporary arts organization took a building that had been used first as a theater in the 1920s, then a department store, then it became an art exhibit hall in the late 1990s.
Re-purposing fits right in with Austin's stated goal of becoming the most sustainable and environmentally friendly city in the nation.

The author writes articles on Austin Texas Real Estate Blog. For more information about Austin TX Real Estate, Lakeway TX Real Estate and Pflugerville TX Real Estate can be found on the net.

Tuition costs are ridiculous enough, but have you seen what it costs to feed and house your university student lately? There is a growing trend among parents and grandparents of those young people who are off to college to help out with housing in a pretty clever way: buy them a house near their chosen place of study.

Purchasing your student is house for the four years they attend their institute of higher education is an investment in the future - and not just a financial investment either. Usually, a parent or grandparent will purchase a small house with enough rooms that can be rented in order to cover the cost of the mortgage payments.

This is a great way to not only save on housing costs, but earn some equity as well. And the child learns some responsibility has he or she can be put in charge of basic maintenance on the property and also collect rents. As the child shares in the savings, he or she has a stake in keeping the property in good shape, also.

As for what one should look for in a student rental house, look for whatever you would if you were in the market for a house of your own with a few added features. A nicely maintained property is one obvious criterion, as well as a reasonably priced one. But also look for enough bedrooms for enough tenants to cover the mortgage cost plus a bit for maintenance, close proximity to campus or bus routes, and a low maintenance property such as a townhouse or condominium.

Austin would be an excellent area for this sort of investment. With its seven institutes of higher education, practically everywhere you turn, there are students seeking housing. If your son or daughter has chosen one of the Austin universities or colleges to further their studies, it would be a fine idea to check out the real estate market near your child's school.

When researching properties for your child, it's best to find a local real estate professional to assist you. He or she knows the local market well and may be able to assist you with the legalities of leasing and becoming a landlord. It's important to make sure you cross every "t" and dot every "i" when acquiring rental properties. You should be aware of local laws concerning tenants, also, should the unpleasant task of evicting one arise.

Make sure your real estate agent knows exactly what you're looking for and why and that he or she can inform you when a suitable property becomes available. Have all your ducks in a row and ready for when the property is found - financing, any requirements the local laws may call for - so that you are able to respond quickly. Once the property is acquired, you can look forward to four rent-free years until it's time to sell when you can expect to reap a decent profit for your efforts.

The author writes articles on Austin Texas Real Estate Blog. For more information about Austin TX Real Estate, Lakeway TX Real Estate and Pflugerville TX Real Estate can be found on the net.

Lakeway is a beautiful resort community, situated just west of the major city of Austin, Texas. Appealing to both singles and families or all ages, this area has experienced tremendous growth since its early days as a vacation destination. The area has a crime rate well below the state and national averages, making this community a very safe place for its residents. Made up of a combination of middle class families and wealthy retirees, Lakeway is one of the most desirable areas in which to live, within the suburbs of Austin.

History

Lakeway was developed around an inn and resort that is still a central part of the town. The main attraction of the resort complex was and still is Lake Travis, which offered residents of nearby major cities a place to escape and vacation. In the years following the opening of the inn in 1963, the owners of the Lakeway Inn began selling the surrounding property and a small resort community sprang up. Growth has continued, making the small city a haven for retirees and families with young children. The diversity of the community has changed the area from a Mecca for the wealthy, to a community for those ranging from middle class and upwards.

Economy/Jobs

Lakeway is an affluent area, with a median family income of approximately $94,266, as of estimates in 2006. The unemployment rate is well under the national average, holding at 3.8%, according to most estimates. The majority of the area's available employment is within the Computer Information industry, with technology manufacturing and software development at the forefront of open positions. Current employment statistics show that approximately 16 percent of the Lakeway population is employed within the education and human services fields, including medical positions.

Real Estate

The median price for listed homes in the Lakeway area was $273,100, as of the end of April 2008. Major new developments in the area provide plenty of opportunities for purchasing a newly built home within reasonable price ranges. Compared to the national average, Lakeway has had very few foreclosures over the recent months and area growth has been very steady. Previously occupied homes for sale tend to be hard to find, bringing premium prices on the market. There are many homes in the area, valued at well over a million dollars, in gated communities for added security.

Attractions

The Lakeway area has much to offer its residents and visitors, in the way of local attractions. There are beautiful local parks with hiking trails, water features and activities for young and old, alike. The city has built a skate park for its younger residents to enjoy, as well. Of course, the area of Lake Travis offers fishing boating and water sports opportunities. Area shopping centers include a variety of retailers and restaurants to please all shopping habits and dining tastes. Austin is a short drive away, giving locals access to the nightlife and entertainment of the city, while continuing to live in the suburban peace and quiet.

The author writes articles on Austin Texas Real Estate Blog. For more information about Austin Real Estate, Pflugerville Real Estate and Lakeway Real Estate can be found on the net.

Green Happiness
"He who plants a garden, plants happiness" is an old saying. However, things have changed a lot nowadays. Today, the proverb could be thought of as "He who plants a garden, plants money!" When it comes to selling a house, landscaping is an important factor that determines the value of the property. Real estate gurus believe that gardens around a house can contribute more than 10% to the total value of the property. Moreover, the houses with attractive gardens, particularly mature trees, are easily saleable when compared to the other houses with limited or underdeveloped landscaping. Investing a little time in tending your garden can really pay dividends when it comes to selling your home.

Enjoying Green
Houses with gardens around them are excellent choices for those who wish to enjoy time outside, while not travelling far to do so. It is always refreshing to open the door and go out into the garden and smell the flowers, plants, and trees. Most of us spend less time enjoying the greenery in public parks and sanctuaries since they are becoming more scarce and because of urban sprawl are often far away. Since most of us will never have a chance to visit the tropical rain forests of Central America why not invest a few dollars and house and have your own piece of nature right outside your door?

Green can be healthy
Plants not only contribute value to the property, but gardens also have great health benefits. The health benefits of gardening are impressive. According to medical experts, gardening is a great exercise for legs, shoulders, arms and neck. Gardening also helps to strengthen the joints in our body. Recent researches indicate that gardening lowers blood pressure, reduces cholesterol levels and also prevents diabetes and heart diseases. Gardening is also an ideal physical exercise for people who want to reduce their weight. Gardening helps to burn fat and as an added bonus, creates some healthy, organic fruits and vegetables for your entire family to eat.

Green in real estate
Based on a recent survey or property owners, it was noted that 95% of residential homeowners and 86% of commercial property owners believe that good landscaping adds more value to their properties. Also real estate brokers around Austin think that merely having a garden is enough to attract the buyers. Moreover, gardening has lots of benefits like offering a healthy body, fresh air, a fresh mind, fresh food, bringing birds, attracting butterflies, sustaining beneficial insects and added value to your property. Finally, gardening and makes your property look its best. So plant gardens around your home and grab the sure ticket to quick and valuable resale!

The author writes articles on Austin Texas Real Estate Blog. For more information about Round Rock Texas Homes and Cat Mountain Real Estate visit our site at http://www.affinityproperties.com.

Approximately seven miles west of downtown Austin, there is a stretch of land no bigger than 3.1 square miles. You could drive past it in a matter of moments, but if you do you'll miss one of Texas' greatest treasures. You'll miss Lost Creek.

History

Lost Creek is not a town but a census-designated place with fewer than 5,000 people. It was established in1972 when developers first realized the land's potential. They got permission from Austin and state officials, and started building. By 1976, fifty homes were built and the Lost Creek Neighborhood Association was formed. The first meetings were held in the living and dining rooms of residents' homes. However, with time the association and area grew, adding people, homes and community feeling. In the early 80s, the neighborhood association designed and built the state park, eventually including a gazebo, playground and wrought iron fence.

Today Lost Creek has 1,562 households with 1,379 families. It is a place that continues to grow and thrive, making its small size seem temporary.

Economy

It's hard to fit a multitude of employment opportunities in so few miles; therefore, much of Lost Creek's economy comes from the outside. Its residents commute the few miles to downtown Austin, relying on the city's thriving business for income and financial security. Fortunately, the metropolis is booming. Technology and defense are the primary industries, but the University of Texas, Austin and numerous other organizations help keep the economy growing, as well.

Real Estate

The small-town feel of Lost Creek coupled with the beautiful homes and surrounding landscape (the area itself is framed by stone walls) keeps homebuyers coming and hoping for a sale. There are numerous neighborhoods, each with their own take on luxury housing. Some are condominiums; some are estate homes; and some are in between. Whatever you choose, you'll find something well worth the price, which can fall anywhere between 250,000 and several million dollars.

As a bonus, it's likely you'll find yourself delightfully situated near such attractions as an 18-hole golf course and the banks of Barton Creek. In and of themselves, they make any price on any home a deal.

Attractions

The greatest attraction of Lost Creek is the city it borders. Austin is bursting with things to do, see and experience. If you like history, you can visit the Texas Memorial Museum or the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. Sixth Street, home to numerous festivals throughout the year, will keep the music lover in you satisfied, and the zoo, pool and dozens of state parks will tucker out the kids so when you return home, to Lost Creek, they fall right into bed, and you realize what you have found.

You have found a community that though small and easily missed by the uninformed, is beautiful in its values, landscape, architecture and size. It is the close-knit town you have been looking for. It is the sign that you are no longer lost, but found.

Joe Cline is a professional real estate broker, investor, and REALTOR with RE/MAX Capital City Austin, Texas.

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