The Power of Wow

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Every house needs a wow factor. As a listing agent, I try to highlight one when marketing a home to appeal to buyers. Buyers often have their own wow factor when touring a home as it can be a personal thing. A wow factor can be anything: an island kitchen, hand scraped floors, even a great price can turn a buyer’s head. I was in Driftwood two months ago and the neighboring house has an outdoor fireplace that was amazing. My clients and I just stood there and said “wow” in unison.

Austin area real estate is unique in that the hill country landscape adds some natural wow factors.  City, hillside and lake views all add an additional backdrop to many of the homes here.

A wow factor puts the exclamation point on a home and really sells it. Do you know what’s really interesting though? Rarely does the wow factor translate over the internet. You might be in like over the internet, but you won’t be in love until you see it in person. Even when price is the wow factor, it is often hard to see what might appeal to you over the internet.

Subdivisions by the Numbers

How many homes are for sale in an Austin subdivision near you?  What are the median list prices?  Let’s explore some random subdivisions look at the numbers.  Note these numbers are by specific subdivision name, not by local market area.  There may certainly be more homes available nearby. 

When Austin real estate buyers are looking in a general area, like Spicewood or Northwest Hills, I typically set up a map search.  Older neighborhoods are made up of many micro-subdivisions as the land was and is developed. 

The subdivision list below is random.  It will give you an overall idea of what to expect in terms of available inventory and price points.  If there is a particular subdivision or neighborhood you would like me to highlight in the future, please ask.

 Milwood

Number of homes for sale                       57        

Median List Price                                   $187,500          

Where is Austin?                                   North

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Hot Rods Hit SoCo

Last weekend, South Congress Avenue was once again transported back in time for the 10th Annual Lonestar Round Up.  The event brings visitors from all over world, and hot rods, classic and custom cars from all over the country.

The SoCo area in Austin, already exuding a 50’s vibe, becomes a hot spot as car enthusiasts line the streets to view the cars and take in some live music.

SoCo Real Estate Market

Let’s take a look around the SoCo area of South Congress, which will include the Travis Heights and Bouldin areas.

The picture shows a ½ mile radius setting Doc’s Bar & Grill and Jo’s in the middle.  There are currently 14 homes for sale.  Available houses for purchase in this area range in age from 90 years to newly built.  List prices range from a $299,000 for a tear down/needs TLC, to $717,500 for new construction.  Average time on the market, is currently 77 days.

I support local Austin, after all I think it’s only neighborly.