So you missed out on the First Time Homebuyers Tax Credit. I say SO WHAT!?! With interest rates at the lowest rates in years, you will save far more than $8000 in the next few years. Home ownership has many benefits, and when you look at those combined with the low interest rates, it is a great time to buy!

If you believe that you may want to look at buying a home in the Austin area, I would love to help. I am experienced throughout the Austin area and with helping home buyers and sellers alike. Drop me an email with some information about what you are looking for in a home, and I can set you up an easy search website so that you can have a place to save your favorites and make notes, as well as set up showing appoinments.

If you aren’t sure about what you are looking for, or what the prices are like in different areas of Austin, feel free to use the Realbird search map below. You can easily look throughout the area at all of the current listings.

Lastly, I have several listings coming up in the next few weeks. They will all be under $210,000 and are in the following areas:

• Campden Dr in Cherry Creek, Austin 78745 – 3/1.5 with 1500+SF
• Waterlily Way in Creek Bend, Hutto 78634 – 4/2.5 with HUGE yard
• Jadestone Dr in Block House Creek, Leander 78641 – 3/2 single story
• La Guardia Dr in Los Cielos, Del Valle 78617 – 3/2 with 1400+ SF

If any of these interest you, please email me your information, and I will be happy to let you know as soon as they are available.

Today, September 11th, seems like a day to both remember the past and look towards the future, and I love to do that in my garden. My garden is made up mostly of plants that were propagated from other plants, both my own and my loved ones. There are years and years of gardening love in the yard, reminding me of the past. Then there are the sweet little sprouts of newness that can be seen all around – new blooms, new vegetable plants, new herbs. Take a look at what today held for me in my Texas garden!

Heirloom Oxblood Lilies

Althea grown from a bunch of little cuttings from my PawPaw’s yard

Japanese Maple – this was only about 6″ tall when I planted it two years ago.

Budding Beans and Black-Eyed Peas

Dill Weed – Can’t wait to get these little guys in a jar with some cucumbers!

I hope today is a day of reflection and renewal for you. It’s there – you just have to look for it!

This Sunday, September 12th from 2-5 pm, several homes will be open for you to come and see what The Pointe, near the Hill Country Galleria, has to offer. Located in the Lake Travis ISD, The Pointe is a short commute to both downtown Austin and lake recreation.

I will be opening my listing and the following homes will also be open in the area:

• 1420 Palisades Pointe
• 1506 Resaca Blvd
• 1515 Resaca Blvd #8
• 1715 Resaca Blvd
• and again, my seller’s beautiful home at 1715 Palisades Pointe.

Please come out and see us tomorrow, Sunday, September 12th from 2-5 pm in The Pointe. Just take Bee Caves Rd to Resaca and go all the way to the end on Resaca. The gate should be open. If you have questions, please call me directly at (512) 507-5779. I look forward to seeing you there!

Here’s a look at 1715 Palisades Pointe:

Shelley Rowton | RE/MAX River City | (512) 507-5779 1715 Palisades Pointe, Austin, TX Stately home in The Pointe with refreshing pool and lush landscaping. Located in gated community in Lake Travis ISD! 4BR/4BA Single Family House offered at $799,995 Year Built 2000 Sq Footage 4,260 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 4 full, 0 partial Floors Unspecified Parking 3 Car garage Lot Size 0.455 acres HOA/Maint $35 per month DESCRIPTION Stately home with 4-5 bedrooms and 4 full baths in The Pointe in Lake Travis ISD. Gameroom, study, multiple balconies and patios. Refreshing inground pool and spa and lush landscaping in back yard. Sweeping two story entry, formal dining room and formal living room with walls of windows. True entertainers layout with formal living/dining as well as kitchen open to family room, so make it formal or keep it casual! see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES - Central A/C - Central heat - Fireplace - High/Vaulted ceiling - Walk-in closet - Tile floor - Family room - Living room - Bonus/Rec room - Office/Den - Dining room - Breakfast nook - Dishwasher - Refrigerator - Stove/Oven - Microwave - Granite countertop - Attic - Laundry area – inside - Balcony, Deck, or Patio - Yard - Swimming pool - Jacuzzi/Whirlpool COMMUNITY FEATURES - Playground - Gated property ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Front of House Pool Family Room Living Room Gameroom Foyer/Dining/Staircase Contact info: Shelley Rowton RE/MAX River City (512) 507-5779 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Jul 31, 2010, 10:19am PDT

I avoided laboring as long as I could today, but I'll keep it light so maybe it won't count against me! Here are a few pictures from my garden, which is dominated by Texas Native Perennials. From the beautiful Texas Rock Rose to the fast spreading Salvia, all of the natives seem to have an explosion of color waiting for me every morning!

When I moved this Texas Rock Rose to it's new home in the sun, the blooms became a much deeper shade of pink than they had been before.

Just four months ago, this was a lush St. Augustine lawn and a sickly old Red Bud tree. Now it's a sun-loving mix of Texas native flowers and flowering shrubs that the bees and hummingbirds love!

Perhaps my favorite, the Brazilian Rock Rose should continue to bloom well into November!

The guara is peeking through some of the abundant Lady in Red Salvia. The salvia was touted as a plant that would grow 12-15", but mine is pushing 40" right now. It has broadcast seeds and I have countless babies growing afoot!

I hope you are having a beautiful Labor Day, and that my garden of Texas Native Perennials added a little happiness to your day!

One question that always comes up when talking to people across the country is, “Why is everyone moving to Austin?” So I thought a great way to show you one of the reasons, that you can get more bang for your buck here than anywhere else, is to roll out a series much like the national network show that shows you just what you can get across the city for your money.

This post will tackle the $1,000,000 range. Just like everywhere, a million dollars is alot of money; unlike elsewhere, you can get ALOT of house for that money in Austin. You can get several thousand square feet, lots of garage space, infinity or negative edge pools and killer views. Here is a look at a few homes on the market currently for $1,000,000 to $1,050,000:

In the heart of old Tarrytown, you could purchase this mid-century remodel for exactly $1MM. It is listed by Blackburn Properties and is on one of Austin’s most prestigious streets. It features a RARE fully finished basement (we just don’t have many basements in Austin!) as well as a gated entry and Brazilian hardwood floors.

If you prefer a more rural hill country setting, you might like this home in Westlake’s Davenport Ranch near the iconic Pennybacker Bridge over Lake Austin on Capital of Texas Highway (Loop 360, which isn’t a loop at all, by the way).

It is a five bedroom home on nearly one acre of land, and is offered by Posh Properties, LLC. Exposed cedar beams and red oak hardwood floors appoint the interior, while a pool, playscape and sport court await you outside. It’s current list price is $1,049,000.

Also listed at $1.049MM is this new construction classic style Texas home in Greenshores on Lake Austin with over 1,000 SF of outdoor living space and spectacular hill country views. It is a custom home from Waldrop Builders and listed by Waldrop Properties.

That’s a quick look at what $1 Million Dollars will likely buy you in Austin today – here are a few examples of what has recently sold for around $1,000,000 in Austin Texas.

This little piece of history in Bouldin Creek in the popular 78704 zip code was sold recently. It was originally constructed elsewhere in 1890, but was moved to this site and completely renovated by Urban Nature, Inc. They did a great job of working with artist and designer Ivan Spaller in preserving the historic Victorian charm and detail, while optimizing the home to take advantage of the location and views of downtown. Thanks to Realty Austin for sharing this rare gem in the MLS.

Located near Davenport Village in the Westlake area is this beautiful stone home with an outdoor kitchen and living area. It sits on a 1/3 acre gated estate lot. This is a great example of what $1,000,000 will buy in the Austin TX area, and it also showcases Austin’s outdoor living lifestyle.

Lastly is a unique home at Rob Roy on the Lake that was originally built in 1988, but much of that was recently torn down to the studs, renovated and new construction added on increasing the space to 4,786 SF with a beautiful pool and cabana with bar and shower. Balconies and patios lend distant hill country views, and two master suites make guest accomodations a breeze.

These are just a few examples of what $1 million dollars can buy in Austin, but the possibilities are endless. If you are in the market for a home in the Austin area, I will give you phenomenal service at any price level. Give me a call or email me, and I’ll send you a current list of homes available in your price range in Austin or it’s suburbs. You really can get more bang for your buck here, and have some left over to enjoy the sights, sounds and eats of Austin.

Entertainer’s Dream | Lake Lover’s Haven

Lake Austin Lakefront Home

for Sale in Austin, TX

8724 Big View Dr, Austin, TX 78730 | $2,999,500

This lakefront estate on Lake Austin has a gorgeous outdoor entertaining area with waterfall, pool and spa, all with lovely lake views also enjoyed from all the living areas and bedrooms.

• 6,038 Square Feet (Builder)
• Four Bedrooms
• Five and a Half Baths
• Three Car Attached Garage with Porte Cochere
• Two Lift Boat Dock

• Large Gameroom with Wetbarn/Formal Dining/Living Room
• Huge Pecan Trees
• Large Media Room with Theatre Seating

• Central Vacuum
• Sub-Zero Refrigerator
• Gated Courtyard Entry

Served by River Place Elementary, Canyon Ridge Middle School and the new Vandegrift High School.

Community Pools, Golf Course (Private), Tennis Courts, Jogging Trails, Lake Access, Playground, Clubhouse and Gym.

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A RE/MAX River City REALTORS Listing | 8724 Big View Dr | $2,999,500

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If you would like to view this home, or any property in the Lake Travis and Lake Austin areas, please let me know! I would be glad to offer you a private showing.

View Larger Map

Beautiful Lake Travis Lakefront Home for Sale in Austin, TX | 107 Edgewater Cv, Austin, TX 78734 | $1,650,000

This lakefront gem on Lake Travis has a gorgeous outdoor entertaining area with Ibe wood deck and negative edge pool and spa, all with lovely lake views.

• 4200 SF (per Owner)
• Built in 1995
• 4 Bedrooms
• 4.5 Baths
• Panoramic Views of Lake Travis
• Private Dock and Boat Lift
• Recently Renovated Interior
• Refreshing Pool and Spa with Lake Views
• Ipe Wood Deck

Served by Lakeway Elementary, Lake Travis Middle School and Lake Travis High School.

Community Pool, Golf Course (Private), Tennis Courts, Jogging Trails, Lake Access.

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A RE/MAX River City REALTORS Listing | 107 Edgewater Cv | $1,650,000

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If you would like to view this, or any property in the Lake Travis area, please let me know! I would be glad to offer you a private showing.

View Larger Map

There are several sections of homes in Twin Creeks, ranging from small lot garden homes to spacious luxury homes on large lots with golf course and hill country views. The newest section, The Reserve at Twin Creeks, is still under construction and features Craftsman architecture in a hill country setting, with both single family home and condominium options.

A home in the Reserve at Twin Creeks

Some of the condos at The Reserve at Twin Creeks

In 2010, the sales prices (7 sales) in The Reserve at Twin Creeks have ranged from $165,500 to $482,000 in an average of 72 days on the market (DOM). The average $/SF has been $115/SF for the single family homes, and $109/SF for the condos. Here are the currently available homes in the Reserve at Twin Creeks:

If Twin Creeks looks like somewhere you would like to call home, I can help you make the transition. I am knowledgeable in the offerings of Twin Creeks and surrounding neighborhoods and woulld be honored to help you. Please give me a call at (512) 507-5779 or email me to get started on your home search today!

Nestled along the Jollyville and Cypress Creek Units of the Balcones Canyonland Preserve, the neighborhood of Twin Creeks is in the southernmost boundary of Cedar Park near NW Austin. boasts two beautifully laid out golf courses for the members of Twin Creeks Country Club to enjoy and is a great place to call home.

Amenities are abound in Twin Creeks, from the Fred Couples Signature Golf Courses, designed by Lee Schmidt to the spacious parks and lush landscaping found throughout the community. Here’s a look at a few of them:

The aquatics facility offers junior Olympic and zero-depth entry swimming pools, along with interactive fountains and a giant water slide. Pool hours vary seasonally, so be sure to check with the Club before visiting.

(Photo courtesy of twincreeksclub.com)

The playscape at the large open park at Twin Creeks Blvd and Dervingham Drive near the neighborhood entrance.

A second playscape near the Country Club complex and Twin Creeks Aquatic Center.

The clubhouse boasts 15,000 SF of interior space with 10,000 SF of exterior entertaining area and is the communities hub for social and recreational activities.

Along with a bar and lounge, the Twin Creeks Country Club clubhouse is home to a fine-dining restaurant. There are also locker rooms, private meeting room, card rooms, pro shop, turn house and bag/cart storage.

Children of Twin Creeks residents attend Deer Creek Elementary, Cedar Park Middle School and Cedar Park High School. See the location of these schools here.

With all the wonderful amenities and location in the Leander ISD, one would expect quality homes to choose from in the neighborhood, and that’s exactly what you get. Below are some examples of homes in Twin Creeks and The Reserve at Twin Creeks.

In 2010, the 29 home sales on record in Twin Creeks have ranged from $165,500 to $599,000 and the 31 currently available listings as of 8/25/2010 range from $189,000 to $1.2MM.

If Twin Creeks looks like somewhere you would like to call home, I can help you make the transition. I am knowledgeable in the offerings of Twin Creeks and surrounding neighborhoods and woulld be honored to help you. Please give me a call at (512) 507-5779 or email me to get started on your home search today!

Three homes have sold in the River Place community in West Austin (zip 78730) thus far in August 2010. They sold for an average of $139.41/SF in 104 days on the market. The sellers received 97.53% of their list price at the closing table, higher than the Austin market’s overall average and well above the RN MLS area 2010 average to date of 93.3%.

The homes that sold were:

4006 Love Bird Ln

10017 Planters Woods Dr

9760 Big View Dr

We at RE/MAX River City wish to extend a warm welcome River Place’s newest residents! If you need help buying or selling a home in River Place, there’s no one closer to your community than RE/MAX River City! Not only are we just around the corner, but we are experienced in the neighborhood and have the connections to find you a buyer for your home, or to be able to match you up with the right property on the market.

Stop in and see us at 6900 RR 620 N – just look for the big rock sign with the famous RE/MAX balloon! We’re always ready for company!