About Austin's West Lake Hills

Just west of the Colorado River, with quick access to Downtown Austin and encircled by Loop 360 Capital of Texas Hwy, are the communities of Rollingwood and Westlake Hills. Each incorporated as its own city in the 1950's. Older modest homes mix with newer often grand construction on larger than average lots. Davenport Ranch anchors the north end of the area with homes built mostly in the 1980's and '90's, while more modest Bee Cave Woods and Westwood--built in the '60's, '70 & '80's are the more southern neighborhoods.

Because it's hilly and wooded, many homes offer views, and because Lake Austin wraps around it, the area has some premier waterfront properties and wonderful new construction homes. Add in an exemplary Eanes ISD school system, and proximity to major employers and shopping, and you have one of Austin's most popular spots to call home.

First quarter 2011 saw 41 home sales at a median price of $714,000. Homes sold for 94% of list price on average and in about 100 days. There were 19 sales over $800,000 and 6 sales between $300,000-350,000. A wide variety of price ranges are found in the Westlake area depending on the neighborhood and whether homes are on acreage or have views or waterfront. Almost 1/3 of homes sold in less than 30 days, over half sold in less than 60 days. There are 129 active listings in these great neighborhoods in the 78746 zip code.

Contact me to buy or sell Westlake or Rollingwood Homes.

SEARCH for Westlake homes over $650,000 here.

SEARCH ALL Austin homes for sale here.

Jeff Harris, Broker, ABR

512-917-8142 direct line

My name is Russell and I am a football fan. There, I admitted it but considering where I was born and raised I never really had a chance.I grew up in West Texas, the epicenter of a state that already considers the sport just shy of a religion. You’ve seen “Friday Night Lights”, well that’s my part of the state. High School Football rules with the NFL and college ball running 2nd and a distant 3rd. As a child I remember watching the Dallas Cowboys with my Dad, early days with Don Meredith and Roger Staubach leading the team to various heights of success and on through Aikman and the current multiple year run of the the soap opera known as “Jerry’s World”! To be a fan of the dysfunctional Cowboys over the years is a weird, heavy load to bear. My fellow fan Jason Crouch and I have spent hours commiserating over the folly of our team! Not to be confused with the obvious impairment of say, Eagle’s fans but troubling none the less. Each week watching some of the best talent assembled on the field either play masterfully or lose miserably instills a horrible insecurity in a fan,constantly worried about each play wondering when they will explode or implode. I guess this is what they mean by co-dependent behavior.

And to think I mistakenly believed I had managed to break myself of the football habit for a number of years. Until that fateful day when the Westridge Middle School Track Coach and Football Coach called us up and asked if we would consider allowing our son to play football...His mom and I reluctantly agreed and that was it, off the wagon and this time, with my wife as a willing partner enabling both of us, the addiction returned full bore. As we became fans of Westlake Football my wife bought a couple of books on the subject, attended a coaches camp and really got hooked. I knew we were in over our heads when I returned from an Open House to find her sitting on the couch excitedly cheering on the Cowboys on TV. She looked up at me and said, “Hey baby, let’s get tickets to see the Cowboys in Dallas on Thanksgiving Day”! I was was shocked and could not have been more surprised if she had said, “Hey baby, would you please install a stripper pole in our bedroom?” Although we have been Cowboys fans our son, ever the contrarian (my wife says he gets it from me) has been a fan of former Westlake High School Football quarterback, Drew Brees. As quarterback at our school he won every game the year we won state and he continued to follow Brees while at San Diego and now with the New Orleans Saints. For a better idea about the his remarkable personality and career check out this recent Drew Brees Profile in the New York Times.

I believe that all football fans struggle with whom to support at the SuperBowl. After all only two teams make it, if we are lucky it’s not a couple we abhor (Did I mention the Eagles or those arrogant Patriots)? In the past I have at various times cheered for Paul Slaybaugh’s, Arizona Cardinals and *GASP* even June Lewis's, Pittsburgh Steelers. Yeah, I know, fellow Cowboys fans will be giving me a ration of S%*&;;$ for that confession). This year it’s different, this year, Drew Brees will be leading the New Orleans Saints to their first ever Superbowl. Drew Brees is a 1997 graduate of Westlake High School and as they say, Once Chap (short for Chaparral) always a Chap! But really it’s more than that, Drew Brees is a remarkable person in his own right both on and off the field. A truly decent person, he gives back to his community through the Brees Dream Foundation and the nation as well. Check out this NFL Play 60 ad as he joins other NFL personalities to support kids fitness:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXsoDx9s0j0

I rhink the video has been disabled but click on the link above for an especially inspiring video!

Pretty cool and this year, Westlake High School is selling T-Shirts to support the Brees Dream Foundation that does so much good in an unselfish manner. If you want one they are going fast at $10 each through Saturday. So this weekend along with a huge contingent of Westlake football fans, my family (especially our son who has been loyal for years) and who knows who else, I will be joining (at least in spirit) my friend Lisa Heindel, New Orleans Resident and Realtor and enjoying a great time rooting for a team that I actually support... at least until next year ;-)

As tour coordinator for this weeks Eanes Tour, I am posting this for your convenience. It's a great way to preview several properties at one time and to network with fellow agents about new listings, buyer needs and changes in our market. The tour meets at Thundercloud Subs at Walsh Tarleton and Bee Caves Road Wednesdays. We call for announcements and leave at 9:30 am.

Eanes Caravan Area D

4920 Barclay Heights Court - 5BR, 5BA, 3Liv & 2Din $1,650,000

Marybeth Hubenak, AvenueOne Properties

Private home site! High end finish out, amazing home with breathtaking views of the city! Minutes to Westlake high school & downtown Austin. Built by Russell Eppright Homes.

Directions: From highway 360 and Mopac,360 North, left on Scottish Woods Trail/Westbank, right on Wild Briar Pass, Left on Barclay Dr., Right on Barclay Heights Ct.

4511 Heights Drive - 5BR, 4BA, 3Liv & 2Din $639,000

Kent Redding, Prudential

Completed in 2003 this amazing Richard Bright custom built home has incredible city views and showcases 5 bedrooms , 4 full baths, 3 living areas and office all in 3500SF of living area. Features includes a chef's gourmet kitchen w/professional appliances, an incredible master suite & a relaxing pool. Extensive use of hardwoods, granite and elegant finishes create a sophisticated, yet relaxed living space.

Directions: Loop 360/Capital of TX Hwy & Westbank Drive; travel south on Loop 360 and your first RIGHT is Heights Drive.

2009 Cerca Viejo Way - 4BR, 3.5BA, 3Liv & 2Din $849,000

Cynthia Goldrick, Wilson & Goldrick

Former Parade Home designed & built by Luis Juaregui. Dramatic entry, kitchen opens to great room, master & office down. 3 bedrooms & game room up. Beautiful fenced back yard w/plays cape & sport court.

Directions: 360 South of Bee Cave Rd to Parkstone, left on Real Catorce to Cerca Viejo (R)

6507 Valley Ridge Court - 5BR, 4BA, x3Liv & 1Din $825,000

Don Sembera, Moreland Properties

Fabulous remodel in 2001; Architect Juan Miro, AIA! Spanish-influenced exterior w/soft contemporary interior. Miles-long west view. Exceptional light, great storage. Family Room converts to Home Theater with the push of a couple of buttons! Extremely flexible floor plan can be used for ideal work-at-home, artist's studio, other. One Utility in huge master closet; main Utility Room downstairs is also a mud room with a Pet Shower! Quiet cul-de-sac lot provides great privacy. Lovely pool. See at sunset!!

Directions: From 360: West on Bee Cave, Left on Knollwood, veer to right, Right on Valley Ridge Court

8857 Chalk Knoll Drive - 4BR, 4.5.5BA, 4Liv & 2Din $850,000

Sheryl Lowe, Avalar

New Price and completely re-staged! Master AND Bedroom/study w/full bath down.3 bedrooms and 2full and 1/2 baths up. New Carpet and ready to go! Shows beautifully now!

Directions: From Bee Caves Rd, S on Barton Creek Blvd, Right on Chalk Knoll

Gate Code to be announced at the meeting

8112 Navidad Drive - 4BR, 3.5BA, 3Liv & 2Din $1,350,000

Patsy Wimmer, Amelia Bullock

Extensively remodeled* stunning, exquisite, yet very chic with its special details. Custom wrought iron doors, Ann Sacks Tile Accents, travertine columns, gold and silver leaf ceilings, Venetian plaster walls, chef's granite kitchen w/6 burner DCS cook top & copper stove top, mesquite & oak floors, 3rd bay of garage is sound proof studio and can easily be restored back, resort style pool & spa on 7th tee of Fazio course w/private setting

Directions: Barton Creek Blvd to Navidad .

Gate Code to be announced at the meeting

3722 Lost Creek Blvd. - 3BR, 2.5BA, 2Liv & 2Din $639,900

Mark Warshawsky, Keller Williams

Exceptional Barton Creek Estates home on large 1 acre private wooded lot. Tastefully remodeled with modern, contemporary influence. All bedrooms & study on main level. High vaulted and coffered ceilings. Beautiful gourmet kitchen w/granite, stainless & open breakfast room. Travertine, marble, wood floors throughout. Updated baths & fireplace w/granite and stone tile. Game room up with wet bar, front and rear balconies. Multi-level decks overlooking private yard and in-ground pool w/spa. Must see!

Directions: West on Bee Caves to Left on Barton Creek Blvd to Left on Lost Creek Blvd - home on left

7915 Escala Drive - 6BR, 7.5.5BA, 7Liv & 2Din $3,990,000

Lisa Foster, Avalon Realty

REDUCED 750K!Completed! Seller wants an offer!!!!This is a fabulous home at a great price, in one of the best neighborhoods in Barton Creek. Estate home in Barton Creek overlooking the Fazio canyons golf course. Over 4000 sq ft of outdoor living, great entertaining featuring media, billiards, game room, caterers kitchen, study, two master suites all on main level and nannys quarter. Ready to move in!

Directions: 2244 west to past 360, left on Barton Creek Blvd. Left on Lost Creek Left on Escala Drive

Gate Code to be announced at the meeting

1304 Falcon Ledge - 4BR, 4.5BA, 3Liv & 2Din $1,750,000

Caren Upshaw, Keller Williams

New construction by Todd Whelpley! Expansive views across Barton Creek Ready to move in!

LUNCH WILL SERVED FOLLOWING TOUR AT THIS HOME!

Directions: From Escala take Lost Creek Blvd to (L) on Whitemarsh Valley to (L) on Torrey Pines to (R) on Falcon Ledge

Compliments of Russell Lewis

The annual "Million Dollar Homes" issue of the West Austin News is out this week and as part of the event, I have featured a premier listing in one the Eanes School District's finest neighborhoods, Davenport Ranch. Located at the intersection of Westlake Drive and Capital of Texas Highway (the Loop 360), Davenport Ranch lies at the east end of the Westlake peninsula and is convenient to downtown (20 minute drive) and the business corridor along loop 360. Davenport boasts some of Austin's finest homes in a community that offers the discriminating buyer every amenity imaginable. Austin Country Club and golf course are within the area and overlook Lake Austin. Nearby dining and shopping is available along Loop 360 and at The Village at Westlake Shopping Center, 701 South Capital of Texas Highway. As is readily apparent, this home has numerous amenities and construction details that really have to be seen to be appreciated. For more information or a private showing of this exceptional home or to see any other homes located in the Eanes School District, please contact me by email or my mobile number listed below.

If you or anyone you know is anticipating purchasing or selling real estate in Central, West or Southwest Austin or the Westlake/Eanes School District area, I would be happy to be of assistance. Let me put my nineteen years success helping upscale buyers and sellers in Austin's finest neighborhoods to work for you. Call or email for a private consultation at your convenience!

I have a hard time listening or watching the news. The sky is falling so they say. Unemployment is up, home sales are down. While this is true, on a national level and somewhat on a local level, my business is up, up, up! Why is that? HMMM...let me ponder a moment on our current state of affairs, here in the music capital of the world.

Austin is by far a very energetic city. There is so much going on here with the music and film industries, the University of Texas at Austin, and the State Capitol bringing in folks. Our city has been fairly insulated from the national woes. Last quarter the chamber of commerce stated that city of Austin added 50,000 jobs to our area. Our unemployment rates are at 6%, less than the national average, and people are still moving here to escape the over inflated prices of their regions. Our town is still hopping. My listings are selling.

But, I have to help the consumer understand that while things are still moving here, things have changed from the height of the market two years ago. Right now it's all about value. There are plenty of buyers out there. They are taking advantage of the short sale markets and the foreclosures that are happening everywhere. Because of the state of the average consumers mind, and the fear of making the wrong choice, the homes that are selling are the ones that are the best value for the area. Seller's need to make this correction in their minds and we as agents need to help them understand that if they have to sell, there are two key factors that attribute to the successful sale. Pricing is the first. If seller's insist on listing their homes at last years pricing, it's our job to help them understand the dangers associated with this, mostly that there home is likely to sit for a very long period of time. Ultimately the house will likely sell at a much lower value, as the excitement on a listing lasts only for about 4 weeks. The other key to a successful sale is condition of the property. It's imperitive that the property be clean, uncluttered and staged appropriately. Take care to pay attention to the two key factors of condition and price, and your home or listing will sell.

I just got an offer and we are in negotiations on my most recent listing...only 46 days on the market. I am excited for my seller. If you need to list your home and want to understand exactly how to get it sold in this market, feel free to call me with your questions at 512.983.8556. I am happy to help.