Austin Texas Relocation Guide

Lake Travis Real Estate | Lake Pointe | 11704 Sterling Panorama Austin TX

2011-11-12T08:10:00.003-06:00

MLS #:6930963

Price: $439,000

11704 Sterling Panorama Terrace
Austin, Texas 78738

Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3 Half Baths: 1
Subdivision: Lake Pointe
Stories: 2
Square Ft: 3,398
Lot Size: .24 acres

Year Built: 2000

Elementary School: Lake Pointe
Middle School: Lake Travis
High School: Lake Travis

Description:

Great young family home in highly sought after neighborhood * Form model home with recent updates including kitchen with granite, stainless appliances and built-in clear ice maker * High ceilings * Plantation Shutters and wood blinds * Hardwood and tile floors * Air Conditioned Garage * Security system * Sprinkler system * Minutes to area shopping and Exemplary Rated Schools

Directions:

Bee Cave Road to Lake Pointe Subdivision, Turn on Resaca, left on Sterling Panorama

Lake Travis Real Estate | Lori Wakefield, Keller Williams Realty | www.LoriWakefield.com | phone 512.657.4455

Lake Travis Real Estate | Lake Travis Waterfront | 16700 Forest Way

2009-12-27T09:16:00.003-06:00

Lake Travis Real Estate Lake Travis Waterfront Home 16700 Forest Way

Imagine your perfect Lake Travis Waterfront home... is it private? with a pool? large boat dock? gentle slope to the water? room to play? That dream can be a reality!

16700 Forest Way located in the Hudson Bend area of Lake Travis has main body lake access with everything you can imagine - beautiful architecture and finish out, this custom built home on two acres features a gated rock wall entrance, outdoor living space including expansive grill, pool, spa, firepits, beautiful trees, and plenty of sitting areas to enjoy the lake views. The property features two living areas - one is considered the main house and is a 2 bedroom, 2 bath with living room and kitchen and decks along the back to take in the beautiful hill country. The second buidling on the property is the guest house which currently sleeps four, with a full bath and kitchenette. Below the sleeping quarters is a sun room fully equiped with refrigerator and ice maker, sink and counters for all of your outdoor entertaining. It even has a half bath to accomodate the pool.

This property is amazing and there is nothing else like it on the market. It is available for private showing by appointment only. For pictures of this fantastic home, visit http://www.loriwakeifeld.com/

Lori Wakefield is a real estate agent with Keller Williams Lake Travis specializing in Austin Luxury Homes and Waterfront. Contact Lori at 512.657.4455 to purchase Lake Travis Real Estate

Lake Travis Real Estate - Flintrock at Hurst Creek - 110 Desert Forest Ct Austin Texas 78738

2009-12-16T07:10:00.001-06:00

Lake Travis Real Estate - Flintrock at Hurst Creek - 110 Desert Forest Ct Austin Texas 78738

A Tuscan Home with a Prestigious Address

MLS #: 2030817
Price: $388,000
Street 110 Desert Forest Ct City Austin State Texas Zip 78738
Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Subdivision: Flintrock at Hurst Creek Stories: 1 Square Ft: 2,093 Lot Size: .39 acres
Year Built: 2007 Prop. Type: Residential Status: Active
Description:
Amazingly Beautiful Home loaded with Upgrades in a Premier Gated Golf Course Community * Mediterranean Architecture * Nice Courtyard with Fireplace * Open Floorplan with Fabulous Kitchen * Covered Patio with Built-in Grill * Backyard Perfectly Oriented to Enjoy the Afternoon Shade * Room for Pool

This Mercedes home in Flintrock Falls features Mediterranean architecture and thoughtful features such as outdoor courtyard, tile roof, rotunda, and more.

Flintrock Falls offers the amenities of a luxury vacation resort in a private community. For the golf enthusiast, enjoy a round of golf on one of four exceptional Hill Country golf courses, including the only side-by-side Nicklaus courses in central Texas. If you are a tennis buff, partake in a friendly match on one of the 16 tennis courts at World of Tennis. For the water lovers, spend the day on Lake Travis boating, wakeboarding or jet skiing.

On site amenities include 2 championship golf courses, driving ranges putting greens, 16 tennis courts and a fully equipped gym. In addition there are swimming pools, 2 country clubs and restaurants all located within the gates of this guarded community.

The hiking trails and beautiful scenery in this prestigious community will take you to a peaceful place. Whatever your hobby or lifestyle you can be sure to find it at Flintrock Falls. Isn’t it time that you escaped to your own private resort inside of your own neighborhood?

Flintrock at Hurst Creek - 110 Desert Forest Ct Austin Texas 78738 - Lake Travis Real Estate

Lake Travis Select Basketball Wins First League Game of the Season

2009-12-09T14:38:00.001-06:00

By Coach Carter December 08, 2009 at 07:36 PM ESTSaturday December 5th marked the opening of the 2009-2010 season for the 6th grade boys Lake Travis Select Team. Although our tournament was postponed due to bad weather, which never arrived. We did play our first game in the Cedar Park Youth League against the TX Heat. Last season the Heat beat us twice in tournament play so we knew how tough the game was going to be.Both teams began the game in man-to-man defense. Both defenses looked good thoughout the game, (or perhaps our offenses struggled..lol). The Heat had a very tall post player who is excellent and towers over our tallest player, Michael McBride by almost 8 inches. We knew this was a huge challenge for us, but Micheal along with Hugh Robertson did a great job containing their big man. As a team, we did a tremendous job on their point guard and kept his penetration to a minimum.Jack Wakefield and McBride started us off offensively with a couple of quick scores. Although our offense is not in peak performance as of yet, we moved the ball fairly well and had decent motion. We were able to create shots off of the dribble. Late in the game, Erik Hamilton scored a couple of times to keep us in the lead. In the final seconds, up 26-24, we were able to get the ball down the floor where Collier Schatz was able to get a lay-up opportunity. As the whistle blew on the foul, the ball went in-and-out. Collier hit the 2nd free-throw to put us up 27-24. The Heat take the ball up the floor and call time-out. The Heat ran a series of picks and had a player end up with a great look at a 3-pointer just to the left of the key as the buzzer goes off. (I tell you, from my vantage point, it looked good.) The shot was missed and we were able to survive a competitive, yet semi-ugly game.We learned a lot about ourselves and I learned more about our players. Our defense got a grade of a B+. Our offense got a grade of C-. In fairness to our players, we have worked on offense, maybe a total of an hour. We have spent far more time on defense. We hope to get some quality work in this week of practice.We will play CP Cavaliers at 11:45am in League. They are 1-0 in League play. Our previously postponed tournament will be taking place this weekend. Schedule to come.Lori Wakefield is a real estate agent with Keller Williams specializing is Lake Travis Real Estate including waterfront and luxury hom

Bee Cave Texas Real Estate

2009-12-08T15:18:00.004-06:00

Bee Cave, Texas - What was once considered little more than a highway intersection is quickly being transformed into one of the most enviable communities in the beautiful Hill Country surrounding Austin. Great schools, a plethora of recreational opportunities, exceptional nightlife - all combined with the simple joys of small town living - make Bee Cave perfect for today's active family.

A wealth of outdoor fun
Lake Travis is just down the way. Hamilton Pool is a short drive away. Falconhead Golf Club is right here. Boating, swimming, golf and water-skiing... what more could anyone ask for? How about rock climbing? It's nearby as well.

See stars in your Backyard
Many of the top stars in popular music appear regularly all through the spring and summer in the Backyard at Bee Cave. Down FM 2244 (Bee Cave Road) there's more exotic fare at the One World Theatre. Prefer entertainment for the palate? Take a short ride down RR620 to Hudson's on the Bend, one of Texas's true five-star restaurants. And, don't forget the Hill Country Galleria for shopping, dining and outdoor concert events.

The highly regarded Lake Travis ISD
This is a wonderful area for children. The schools are extraordinary, and the after-school activities are boundless. Central to all of this is Lake Travis ISD. The high school and middle school border Falconhead, and the elementary school is close by.

Bee Cave Texas Real Estate includes great neighborhoods like Falconhead, the Homestead, the Uplands, Spanish Oaks, and Lake Pointe. For more information, visit www.LoriWakefield.com

Lake Travis Select Basketball Starts New Season

2009-12-01T13:43:00.000-06:00

This weekend will mark the beginning of the 2009-2010 season for the Lake Travis Select Basketball Teams. The 6th Grade will begin their Cedar Park League schedule Saturday at 11:34am vs the TX Heat. The Heat have a few fantastic Lake Travis kids and we look forward to a great game.
The 6th Grade also will compete in the 5th Annual "MAYB Slamma Jamma I" Tournament at Crockett High School on Saturday December 5th. They will play Round Rock 7th Grade at 10am, The Heat at 4:05pm, and the Van Alstyne Panthers at 7:10pm. All three games will be highly competitive and Lake Travis looks forwards to the beginning of their building process.
The Lake Travis Select 7th Grade Team will also open their tune-up schedule at the Slamma Jamma Tournament. They will play in the 8th grade division. They open up with the New Braunfels Avengers at 10am, the SV Rangers at 2:05pm, and one other game TBA that evening. They have had tons of sucess at their own age level, so the 8th grade division will be a great experience.

Lake Travis Select Basketball is a private club with teams Coached by Lance Carter.

Lori Wakefield is a REALTOR with Keller Williams - Lake Travis specializing in West Austin Real Estate - Lake Travis, Lakeway, Westlake, Waterfront and Luxury Homes

Budding Signs of Recovery Continue - This Month in Real Estate

2009-11-17T15:29:00.000-06:00

Budding signs of recovery continued last month. The encouraging news arrived in a number of closely followed economic indicators. On Thursday, October 29, the U.S. Commerce Department stated the country's recession has officially ended, at least as leading data indicates.
U.S. GDP expanded 3.5 percent in the third quarter, the first period of quarterly growth in more than a year. A strong bounce in housing sales activity in September, mainly due to first-time buyers' efforts to claim the tax credit before it expires for November 30, pointed to stabilization in the housing sector. And more good news this week as an extension and expansion to the Home Buyer Tax Credit made its way through a congressional vote and has officially been signed into law by the President.
The recovery will continue to develop in small steps. The Recent Nobel Prize winner in economics, Paul Krugman, praised the progress, stating the most severe part of the crisis has now subsided and “the end of the world has been postponed.” Moving forward, trade imbalances and mounting levels of government debt, as well as high levels of unemployment, will need to be addressed. For now, governments including the United States will continue to provide stimulus support until the major economies are firmly on solid ground.
THE HOUSING MARKET
Existing Home Sales – Up over 9%
Existing home sales bounced back strongly in September with much of the increase being attributed to the rush of first-time buyers trying to claim the tax credit before the end of this month. Sales jumped 9.4 percent to 5.57 million units over August sales of 5.09 million, marking five gains in the past six months and is 9.2 percent above levels seen last year. Sales activity is at the highest level since July 2007 when sales hit 5.73 million.
Median Home Price
Existing-home price was $174,900 in September, 6 percent higher from its low in January but still 8.5 percent below September 2008. Distressed properties, which accounted for 29 percent of all transactions in September, continue to hold down the median price, as they typically sell for 15-20 percent less than traditional homes.
Inventory – Lowest in 2.5 years
The current housing supply is the lowest seen in two and a half years. Total housing inventory at the end of September fell 7.5 percent to 3.63 million existing homes available for sale, representing an 7.8-month supply at the current sales pace, down 16.1 percent from August’s 9.3-month supply. Compared to a year ago, there are now 15 percent fewer homes on the market. According to Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, “If we could continue to absorb inventory at this pace, home prices would return to normal, modest appreciation patterns next year.”
Mortgage Rates – Close to 5%
Rates for 30-year fixed loans continue to hover around 5 percent. While having risen above the ultra-low 4.78 percent reached in the spring, rates remain at attractive levels for people looking to buy a home or refinance. As an economic recovery is underway and concerns over inflation come back, experts expect mortgage rates will likely go up.
Affordability – Very favorable
Historically high affordability conditions coupled with the first-time buyer tax credit are boosting home sales. Home buyers continue to benefit from low home prices as well as unprecedented mortgage rates. “Potential first-time buyers can take heart in that affordability conditions this year are the highest on record dating back to 1970,” according to NAR President Charles McMillan. So far this year, the home price-to-income ratio has fallen well below the historical average of 25 percent. The ratio now stands at 15 percent.
Sources: National Association of Realtors, Freddie Mac
Lori Wakefield is a REALTOR with Keller Williams - Lake Travis specializing in West Austin Real Estate - Lake Travis, Lakeway, Westlake, Waterfront and Luxury Homes

Homebuyer Tax Credit Extended and Expanded!

2009-11-10T12:54:00.002-06:00

Homebuyer Tax Credit Extended and Expanded!
Last week, a new Homebuyers Tax Credit bill was signed into law. The bill extends the tax credit for first-time homebuyers (FTHBs), as well as opens it up to current homeowners who are looking to buy. And even if you aren't looking to purchase - pass on this article to anyone you think might be in the market to do so. This is information that might benefit them greatly, and I'll be happy to be of service to them.

Here is a brief overview of the Homebuyers Tax Credit - and its benefits - based on the new bill.

Tax Credit for First-Time Homebuyers
FTHBs (that is, people who have not owned a home within the last three years) may be eligible for the tax credit. The credit for FTHBs is 10% of the purchase price of the home, with a maximum available credit of $8,000.Single taxpayers and married couples filing a joint return may qualify for the full tax credit amount.

Tax Credit for Current Homeowners
The tax credit program now gives those who already own a residence some additional reasons to move to a new home. This incentive comes in the form of a tax credit of up to $6,500 for qualified purchasers who have owned and occupied a primary residence for a period of five consecutive years during the last eight years.Single taxpayers and married couples filing a joint return may qualify for the full tax credit amount.

What are the New Deadlines?
In order to qualify for the credit, all contracts need to be in effect no later than April 30, 2010 and close no later than June 30, 2010. Those in the military do have some special extensions on the timelines available.

What's So Great About a "Tax Credit"?
The benefit of a tax credit is that it's a dollar-for-dollar benefit, rather than a "tax deduction", or reduction in a tax liability that would only save you $1,000 to $1,500 when all was said and done. So, if a first-time homebuyer who qualified for the entire benefit were to owe $8,000 in income taxes and would qualify for a tax credit of $8,000, she would owe nothing.Better still, the tax credit is refundable, which means the homebuyer can receive a check for the credit if he or she has little or no income tax liability. For example, if a first-time homebuyer is eligible for a tax credit of $8,000 but is liable for $4,000 in income tax, she can still receive a check for the remaining $4,000!

Higher Income Caps
The amount of income someone can earn and qualify for the full amount of the credit has been increased.Single tax filers who earn up to $125,000 are eligible for the total credit amount. Those who earn more than this cap can receive a partial credit. However, single filers who earn $145,000 and above are ineligible.Joint filers who earn up to $225,000 are eligible for the total credit amount. Those who earn more than this cap can receive a partial credit. However, joint filers who earn $245,000 and above are ineligible.

Maximum Purchase Price
Qualifying buyers may purchase a property with a maximum sales price of $800,000.

Remember, the new tax credit program includes a number of details and qualifications.

Call or email today if you have questions or would like to see if you can benefit from the tax credit...and email this article along to anyone else you feel it might benefit as well!

Looking to take advantage of the new tax credit to purchase your next Austin Texas home? Visit our website at http://www.loriwakefield.com/ to search all Austin Texas Real Estate.

Lake Travis TV

2009-11-01T20:29:00.003-06:00

Lake Travis has started its own Internet TV station - LakeTravisTV.com - a Web site featuring video content on local news, high school sports, lifestyle and business information.

You can learn about things to do in the area, weather, the schools, interesting information about Lake Travis, fishing, boating and of course, real estate including features on a few of the neighborhoods in the area. I think it is interesting to see all of this in video form and it high quality.

It's a great informative website especially if you are thinking about relocating to the area.

To see homes for sale in the Lake Travis area, visit my website at www.LoriWakefield.com

Austin Texas Real Estate Market Statistics

2009-10-25T12:06:00.000-05:00

Austin Texas Real Estate Market Statistics
Austin-area real estate market shows improvement over last year
Austin Board of REALTORS® releases September 2009 real estate statistics

October 19, 2009 - According to the September 2009 Multiple Listing Service report by the Austin Board of REALTORS®, activity in the Austin-area real estate market has shown signs of improvement from September 2008.

In September 2009, 1,780 homes were sold, a six percent increase from 1,673 homes sold in September 2008. The median home price for Austin in September 2009 was $185,250, up two percent from the same month the prior year.

“This spur in activity compared to last year is a good sign,” said Jay Gohil, chairman of the Austin Board of REALTORS®. “It shows the Austin-area real estate market is healthy and has remained stable.”

According to the report, the average median home price in the third quarter of 2009 is statistically similar to that of the third quarter of 2008. In addition, the third quarter of 2009 represented the highest quarterly average for home sales this year. There was an average of 1,857 homes sold during the third quarter of 2009, a 3 percent decrease compared to the third quarter of 2008 which averaged approximately 1,912 homes sold.

Gohil continued, “As the deadline for the first-time homebuyer tax credit approaches on Nov. 30, we may continue to see increases in home sales into October and November.” On Nov. 30, the tax credit for first-time homebuyers of up to $8,000 expires. To qualify, first-time homebuyers must close their real estate transaction by that date, a process that requires anywhere from 14 to 60 days or more. For more, visit contact Lori Wakefield at 512.657.4455 or to search all Austin Texas Real Estate visit www.LoriWakefield.com

September 2009 Statistics

$431,530,740 was the dollar volume of single-family properties sold, a seven percent increase from September 2008.

$185,250 was the median price for single-family homes, a two percent increase from September 2008.

9,148 was the number of active single-family home listings on the market, a ten percent decrease from September 2008.

1,780 was the number of single-family homes sold, a six percent increase from September 2008.

The Austin Board of REALTORS® is a non-profit, voluntary organization representing more than 8,000 licensed REALTORS® in Central Texas.

Lake Travis Real Estate Market Trends - September 2009

2009-10-21T08:13:00.002-05:00

Lake Travis Real Estate Market Trends September 2009

Trends At A Glance	Sep-09	Previous Month	Year-over Year
Median Price	$344,500	$340,000 (+1.31%)	$375,000 (-8.85%)
Average Price	$395,723	$442,725 (-12.06%)	$486,439 (-22.92%)
No. of Sales	59	75 (-27.12%)	61 (-1.69%)
Pending Properties	70	64 (+8.57%)	57 (18.57%)
Active	714	777 (-8.82%)	786 (10.08%)
Sales vs. List Price	95%	92%	95%
Days On Market	99	120 (-21.21%)	106 (-7.07%)

Lake Travis Area Pending Home Sales Point to Improving Real Estate Market

Pending sales of Lake Travis area single family homes were up 18.57% year-over-year in September. In the Lake Travis area, 40% of the year-to-date home sales were under $300K and an additional 20% of the homes sold were priced between $300-$400K. With the end of the federal tax credit for first-time home buyers ending November 30th, we expect sales to be strong through the end of October.

Lake Travis area home sales were down in September, decreasing 27.12% from August. Year-over-year, Lake Travis area home sales were up 10.67%. Year-to-date, Lake Travis home sales are down 1.69%.

Inventory declined last month, down 8.82% from August and down 10.08% compared to last September.

The median price remained constant from August and was down 8.85% compared to September 2008. The average price dropped 12.06% from August and was down 22.92% year-over-year.

The sales price to list price ratio increased 300 basis points to 95%.

The real estate market is very hard to generalize. It is a market made up of many micro markets. For complete information on a particular neighborhood or for an evaluation of your home's worth, call me at 512.657.4455.

Lake Travis Real Estate Market Trends August 2009

2009-10-03T14:33:00.004-05:00

Lake Travis Real Estate Market Trends August 2009

Trends At A Glance	Aug-09	Previous Month	Year-over Year
Median Price	$340,000	$339,900 (+.00%)	$410,000 (-2.06%)
Average Price	$442,725	$429,687 (+2.95%)	$506,919 (-14.50%)
No. of Sales	75	71 (+5.03%)	67 (+10.67%)
Pending Properties	64	75 (-17.19%)	58 (+9.37%)
Active	777	815 (-4.89%)	810 (-4.25%)
Sales vs. List Price	92%	94%	95%
Days On Market	120	110 (+8.33%)	103 (+14.17%)

Lake Travis Area Pending Home Sales Point to Improving Real Estate Market

Pending sales of Lake Travis area single family homes were up 9.37% year-over-year in August. In the Lake Travis area, 40% of the year-to-date home sales were under $300K and an additional 20% of the homes sold were priced between $300-$400K. With the end of the federal tax credit for first-time home buyers ending November 30th, we expect sales to be strong through the end of October.

Lake Travis area home sales were up in August, increasing 5.03% from July. Year-over-year, Lake Travis area home sales were up 10.67%. Year-to-date, Lake Travis home sales are down 9.5%.

Inventory declined last month, down 4.90% from July and down 4.25% compared to last August.

The median price remained constant from July and was down 20.58% compared to August 2008. The average price rose 2.9% from July and was down 14.5% year-over-year.

The sales price to list price ratio declined 200 basis points to 92% most likely due to strong price adjustments in the market to get homes sold.

Austin Real Estate: Federal Banking Regulators Stopping New Construction Loans?

2009-09-30T20:33:00.000-05:00

I received the below article today in a Real Estate Newsletter and while I think the headline “Credit Woes to Threaten Housing Recovery?” is a little alarmist, the article did ‘hit a nerve’ with me. The report is that banks are not lending money to home builders for housing production. The bankers say the regulators will not let them, however, the federal banking regulators maintain that they are not instructing the banks to stop making loans or to indiscriminately liquidate outstanding loans. This – the bankers inability to help their customers at the expense of the regulatory environment - has been an irritant of bankers for years.
To give you some history, prior to my career as an Austin real estate agent, I spent 15 years in community banking as a CFO/COO managing the bank’s operations and finances. I worked directly with Bank Regulators and loved it! Really, I enjoyed the regulatory exam process and liked working with the bank examiners. As a result, I have a unique perspective and ability to understand both sides--that of the community banker and that of the regulator.
Community bankers want to help you. They want your business. They want to lend you money. They want to find creative ways to make and build a relationship with you as their customer. In fact, the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 ensures that banks meet the ‘convenience and needs of communities including the need for credit services as well as deposit services.’
The FDIC wants to protect your money deposited in the banks. They want the banks to invest in the communities they serve by making loans, but they recognize that the banks are leveraging your money and want to make sure it is protected which is where the regulator guidance comes in. In order for banks to do business, they must follow the banking laws and regulations and respect the guidance set forth by the FDIC and other supervisory entities.
What is going on currently is with bank failures of the past year, the regulators are scrutinizing banks closer than ever. In an effort to protect the consumer’s money, the government has added additional banking oversight related to managing liquidity and concentrations in commercial real estate (i.e. land development and construction loans).
Banks that have been active in making construction loans are now finding that the regulators feel that for the amount of risk in today’s economic environment, the banks need more capital and liquidity relative to the amount of construction loans on their books and in turn, the regulators are giving banks weak ratings and criticism. Effectively, the message to the bankers is that you can no longer continue to do business the way you have been. You need to reallocate your assets and liabilities to fit into a parameter that the FDIC has deemed reasonable. In order to avoid supervisory action, the banks address the issues and invest excess cash into assets other than loans. So while the federal regulators do not ever specifically tell a bank to stop making loans, their oversight is specific enough that the end result is that the bank cannot make the loans unless they receive additional capital from investors which is hard to come by these days and doesn’t always make financial sense.
So, go easy on your banker. He wants to help you.
Credit Woes to Threaten Housing Recovery?
RISMEDIA, September 30, 2009—Nearly two-thirds of single-family home builders are reporting a severe lack of credit for housing production, threatening the fragile housing recovery before it has time to take hold, according to a new builder survey of acquisition, development and construction (AD&C) financing conducted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
“Across the country, home builders and developers are reporting a deterioration in credit availability and intensifying pressure on borrowers with outstanding loans,” said NAHB Chairman Joe Robson, a home builder from Tulsa, OK. “Lenders are cutting off loans for viable new housing projects and producing unnecessary foreclosures and losses on AD&C loans. With the pending expiration of the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit, these challenges threaten to halt any positive developments we have seen in the housing market in recent months.”
In the latest NAHB survey of AD&C financing conditions, 63% of builders stated that the availability of credit for single-family construction loans worsened in the second quarter of 2009.
Builders reporting deteriorating credit conditions cited the following reasons: 80% said that lenders are lowering the allowable loan-to-value ratio, 76% reported that lenders are not making new loans, 75% stated that lenders are reducing the amount they are willing to lend and 62% said that lenders are requiring personal guarantees or collateral not related to the project. Two-thirds of respondents reported putting single-family construction projects on hold until the financing climate gets better.
While federal banking regulators continue to maintain that they are not instructing institutions to stop making loans or to indiscriminately liquidate outstanding loans, builders responding to the survey cited the top reason that lenders have given them for restricting the availability of new loans or for tightening the terms of outstanding loans is that “regulators are forcing lenders to do it.”
NAHB believes that regulators and lenders should provide leeway to residential construction borrowers who have loans in good standing by providing flexibility on re-appraisals, loan modifications and perhaps forbearance on loans to give builders time to complete and sell their inventory.
“There can be no meaningful economic recovery until the flow of credit is restored to housing,” said Robson.
For more information, visit www.nahb.org.
Lori Wakefield is a REALTOR with Keller Williams - Lake Travis specializing in West Austin Real Estate - Lake Travis, Lakeway, Westlake, Waterfront and Luxury Homes

Bee Cave Central Park Opening Soon??

2009-09-25T23:28:00.001-05:00

The $4.5 million Bee Cave Central Park may open in October thanks to the recent rain .
The City of Bee Cave held a dedication and recognition ceremony at the Central Park on Saturday, July 18, 2009. The Mayor and City Council, along with members of the Economic Development Board and Planning & Zoning Commission, thanked everyone involved for their efforts.
However, The City of Bee Cave had this statement to explain why the park was still not open despite looking complete,
"The City of Bee understands how important this impressive amenity is and how anxious everyone is to see it open. Unfortunately, and due primarily to the drought conditions affecting Central Texas, the Bee Cave Central Park must remain closed to the public for the time being to allow native and seeded grasses to take root before the Park opens officially. The contractors are working diligently to fulfill their contract by completing the remaining punch list items. We estimate the Central Park will be open to the public in the Fall of 2009."
Word on the street is that the recent rains are helping speed the process along. Great news for Lake Travis residents who are anxiously awating to enjoy this beautiful park!
Lori Wakefield is a REALTOR with Keller Williams - Lake Travis specializing in West Austin Real Estate - Lake Travis, Lakeway, Westlake, Waterfront and Luxury Homes

Lake Travis Area Sees Growth with New Hospital and Subdivisions

2009-09-22T15:27:00.001-05:00

Big things are happening in the Lakeway / Lake Travis area with construction underway on several projects including new subdivisions as well as a large hospital and medical facilities. It's exciting to see construction of the new hospital and shows that city planners see a future need based on the past and projected growth of the community.
Here is a list of the current projects going on it the area:
Serene Hills Drive to be extended to HWY 71 by Summer 2009 … opening delayed pending improvements along HWY 71
Creekside at Flintrock – 33 acre subdivision with 26 single family lots
Palomba Addition – 15 single family lots
Flintrock Falls Phase 5 – 24.5 acres consisting of 44 single family lots
Flintrock Falls Phase 6 – 10.5 acres consisting of 20 single family lots
Lakeway Highlands – Total of 1,540 acres consisting of approximately 1,400 single family lots, 330 condominium units, 35 acres of commercial, 10 acres of hotel, 8 acres of yacht club, 300+ acres of parks and green space, 130 acres of irrigation land, Highlands Blvd to be open in 2009
Rough Hollow – Sections 1 & 2 consist of approximately 100 single family lots, Section 5 has approximately 40 single family lots, and Section 7 with 40 single family lots
Lakeway Church – a new 13,600 sqft Youth and Children’s building at 2203 Lakeway Blvd
Lakeway Dental – 8,000 sqft medical office building at 2220 Lakeway Blvd
Pierce Plaza – 11,700 sqft office building on 1.26 acres at Lohmans Crossing and Rolling Green, plans approved, construction delayed indefinitely
Weed-Corely-Fish Funeral Home – 10,000 sqft funeral home at 411 RR 620 South. Driving by there yesterday, construction looks complete or very close to complete.
Lakeway MUD Water Tank – Two million gallon water storage tank. Tank operational, site work and tank façade to be completed by September 2009
Tuscan Village – 61 acres total; 42 acres on South side of Lohmans Crossing consisting of 104 sign family cottages, 66 townhouses, 100 condominium units, 30,000-60,000 sqft of office/retail, 10,000-15,000 sqft public library, neighborhood commercial, cublhouse, 19 acres on North side of Lohmans Crossing consisting of 210 multifamily units, 50,000 sqft office/retail, neighborhood commercial, clubhouse. Site work underway.
Lake travis Transitional Medical Center – Located on RR 620 and Birrell Street. Total of 15 acres – Phase 1 includes a long term acute care hospital (currently under construction – expected completion by Spring/Summer 2010), Phase 2 includes approximately 60,000 sqft of medical offices.
The Vistas at Lakeway – 50 acres at RR620 and Glen Heather Drive. Total of 175 condo units in three phases, Phase 1 and 2 (roughly 110 units) currently under construction.
Real del Lago – 2609 RR 620 S, 22,500 sqft building on 4 acres for Restaurant, Retail and Office Use. Site plan in development
Discovery Point – 3001 RR 620, Two phases, 13.5 acres total. Phase 1 – 11,000 sqft building to include office and restaurant space (complete); Phase 2 22,000 sqft medical office building (site work underway).
Lakeway Regional Medical Center – 3000 RR620, 54 acres consisting of a hospital (104 beds in first phase), hotel, day care, medical office, retail and restaurants. Site work underway.
North Lakeway Village – Total of 160 acres to include 130 single family units, 88 condo units, 33 acres greenbelt, and 51 acres of commercial. Residential units under construction; no plans for commercial property at this time.
Holiday Inn Express – hotel (and possibly commercial) on 4 acres tract at Oak Grove Blvd and RR 620 North. Site plan under development.
For a map of the current Lakeway projects, visit the City of Lakeway website or click on the link below:
http://cityoflakeway.com/DocumentView.aspx?DID=1016

Austin among the Best Performing Cities

2009-09-17T16:05:00.001-05:00

Good news for the Austin Real Estate Market - according to a new national forecast from IHS Global Insight, Austin and San Antonio will be the first two US cities to recover from the recession.
In fact, Austin is predicted to return to our pre-recession job levels sometime in 2010 while other US cities are expected to take until 2011 to reach their pre-recession job levels.
Austin is also named on of the 20 Best Performing Metropolitan areas in the second quarter of 2009, according to a study by the Brokkings Institution.
Austin is the a leader among several of the nine metrics tracked by MetroMonitor report, including percent change in gross metropolitan product to percent change in housing prices.
Austin's employment rate fell just .5% from its pre-recession peak - the second narrowest gap in the nation! And, Austin is one of only three US cities that surpassed its pre-recession peak output by the second quarter of 2009. Overall, Austin, McAllen, Texas and Washington DC have been the least affected by the downturn.
Austin, Texas is a great place to live and work!

Austin Texas Real Estate | Travis Country West | 5800 Sunset Ridge

2009-09-12T12:06:00.003-05:00

MLS #: 6753756
Price: $397,000
Street 5800 Sunset Ridge City Austin State Texas Zip 78735
Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3 Half Baths: 1 Subdivision: Travsi Country West Stories: 2 Square Ft: 3,256
Year Built: 2006 Prop. Type: Residential Status: Active
Description:
Fabulous family home has tons of upgrades & sits on a large lot with distant hill country views*Gourmet kitchen features beautiful granite counters, built in oven/microwave, custom tile backsplash & opens to the spacious family room that has tons of natural light, * Wood floors and tile throughout the entire downstairs *The elegant master suite has coffered ceiling, double vanity & huge walk in closet * Large backyard deck perfect for entertaining

Lake Travis Real Estate | The Preserve at Barton Creek | 11208 Native Texan

2009-09-12T12:05:00.002-05:00

MLS #: 8276876
Price: $860,000
Street 11208 Native Texan City Austin State Texas Zip 78735
Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3 Half Baths: 1 Subdivision: The Preserve at Barton Creek Stories: 2 Square Ft: 4,358 Lot Size: 1.15 acres
Year Built: 2003 Prop. Type: Residential Status: Active
Description:
This Home Has it All !!! Acreage Estate Lot, Exclusive Gated Community, Hill Country Views, Beautiful Finish Out, Large Private Backyard with Pool, Hot Tub, Cabana and Fire Pit, Close to area Shopping and Beautiful Lake Travis * Acclaimed LTISD Schools

Lake Travis Real Estate - Flintrock at Hurst Creek - 110 Desert Forest Ct Austin Texas 78738

2009-09-12T12:00:00.003-05:00

MLS #: 2030817
Price: $399,999
Street 110 Desert Forest Ct City Austin State Texas Zip 78738
Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Subdivision: Flintrock at Hurst Creek Stories: 1 Square Ft: 2,093 Lot Size: .39 acres
Year Built: 2007 Prop. Type: Residential Status: Active
Description:
Amazingly Beautiful Home loaded with Upgrades in a Premier Gated Golf Course Community * Mediterranean Architecture * Nice Courtyard with Fireplace * Open Floorplan with Fabulous Kitchen * Covered Patio with Built-in Grill * Backyard Perfectly Oriented to Enjoy the Afternoon Shade * Room for Pool

Home Grown In Austin Texas

2009-07-28T12:16:00.004-05:00

Thanks to Lisa Altamirano with Gracy Title for sharing this list with us. Homegrown in Central Texas ~ A "Go Local" Guide for Products and Services in the Central Texas Area. Features hundreds of locally owned businesses in the Austin area from restaurants, cafes, breweries, arts and entertainment and even auto mechanic and body shops! Some of these businesses have been around for 75 years!

Golf Course Home in Falconhead Home with a Pool

2009-07-26T15:15:00.002-05:00

MLS #: 469289
Price: $545,000
Street 4509 Sharpshinned Hawk Cove City Austin State Texas Zip 78738
Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 3 Subdivision: Spillman Ranch at Falconhead Stories: 2 Square Ft: 3,960
Year Built: 2004 Prop. Type: Residential Status: Active
Elementary School: Lakeway Middle School: Lake Travis High School: Lake Travis
Description:
Buy this home now and enjoy your new pool all summer long! Home Features * Great Family Home with Resort Vacation feel in the Premier Falconhead Golf Course Community * Open Floor Plan with Soaring Ceilings, Expansive Windows and Natural Light * Formal Dining and Living area * Gourmet Kitchen with Granite Counters and Island Opens to Living Area * Spacious Master Retreat with Golf Course and Hill Country Views * Master Bath with Jetted Tub, Separate Shower, His and Her Vanities and Large Walk-in Closet * Upstairs Gameroom with Hill Country and Golf Course Views * “Texas Basement” ~ Amazing Storage Space above the Garage Exterior Features * Quiet Cul-de-sac, Golf Course Lot * Located on the #3 and #8 Holes * Rock and Stucco Exterior * Sprinkler System Front and Rear * Large Covered Patio & Outdoor BBQ * Pool and Spa * Three-Car Garage Area Amenities * 7,300 yard, par 72 Tournament Designed Golf Course * Jogging/Biking Trails * Play Ground * Minutes from Lake Travis and new Hill Country Galleria Shopping * Top Rated Lake Travis Schools

http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/4509-Sharpshinned-Hawk-Cv_Austin_TX_78738_1108333974

Lake Travis Waterfront Home

2009-07-26T15:13:00.002-05:00

Price: $1,850,000
Street 16700 Forest Way City Austin State Texas Zip 78734
Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3 Subdivision: Hudson Bend Colony Stories: 2 Square Ft: 2,800 Lot Size: 2 acres
Prop. Type: Residential Status: Active
Description:
Only 20 minutes from downtown Austin this 2 acre Husdon Bend Colony waterfront lot features 100 foot of water frontage and one of the most amazing views of Lake Travis. This Steinbomer Architects designed home was crafted as an authentic Texas farm house with attention to detail throughout. The two bedroom, two bath house, separate casita with a bedroom, full bath, media room and sunroom were built by Dalgleish Custom Homes. Stroll down to the lake to your boat dock, with boat and jet ski hydraulic lifts, or sit out by the pool and enjoy the amazing views. Lake Travis at its finest!

Looking for Austin Texas Homes for Sale

2009-07-26T15:10:00.002-05:00

Save time and be the first to know when Austin homes that match your needs come on the market with our New Listing Notifier Service. It's FREE!

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You can also create your Property Organizer Account that will allow you to save searches, save home listings, and request automatic email updates when homes that match your criteria are first placed on the market.

Austin Area Festivals and Events

2009-07-26T14:15:00.003-05:00

JULY
Zilker Summer Musical. Thursday through Sudnay evenings through Aug. 15th. The 51st annual summer musical is "The Music Man". Bring a blanket and picnic dinner. Beverly S. Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theater, 2201 Barton Spreings Road. phone 512.479.9491. www.zilker.org

AUGUST
Blanco County Fair and Rodeo. Augu. 13-15. Livestock show, arts and crafts, food and country music. Blanco County Fairgrounds, US 281, Johnson City. www.johnsoncitytexaschamber.com or www.bcfra.org
Hot Sauce Festival. Aug 30th. Sample more than 350 hot sauce entries. Waterloo Park, 403 E 15th Street. phone 512.454.5766. www.austinchronicle.com

Top 10 largest public and private employers in Austin

2009-07-26T13:59:00.002-05:00

1. Austin school district
2. City of Austin
3. Dell, Inc
4. Federal government
5. IBM Corp.
6. Seton Family of Hospitals
7. St. David's Healthcare
8. State of Texas
9. University of Texas
10. Freescale Semiconductor

Source: Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce

Lake Travis ~ The Best Place to Live, Work and Play

2009-07-25T08:52:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Your Austin Texas Relocation Guide

2009-07-25T08:44:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Austin, Texas! If you are relocating to Austin, consider yourself lucky. Everyone loves Austin and those who visit wish they lived here. Austin is part of the beautiful Texas Hill Country with lakes, rivers and spectatular scenery. Austin has a quality of life that is unsurpassed ~ a beautiful city with year round great weather, friendly diverse people, and an economic climate that includes education, government, health care, high tech, of couse, entertainment including movies and music. A city renowned for its casually elegant lifestyle, Austin is known as “The Live Music Capital of the World”. Austin serves as the capitol of the state of Texas and is home to The University of Texas at Austin.