The 7 Year Itch

I often get asked by buyers first starting their Austin Home Search whether they should buy a home with a master upstairs with the rest of the bedrooms or on the main level.  The answer lies in the buyer based on where he is in his own individual timeline.  Sure, there comes a point when you may not want to be on the same floor as the kids – or maybe even in-laws.  On the flip side, buyers who are just starting to plan to have kids or have young children often prefer to be on the same floor.  The boogie man typically doesn’t make a presence until about 2am, so parents often want to be nearby to deal with late night trouble shooting without being a flight of stairs away. 

Search Listings for Homes for Sale in the Austin MLS

A Custom Home Search for Austin MLS listings can be created to search for homes with the master on the first floor or upstairs only.

Sure, a master on the main level can be helpful in the later years, when the kids are gone and the steps become cumbersome.  Understand, though, as much as we think this is going to be the last house we will ever buy – this little thing called life often gets in the way, which leads to a move. 

What my clients are often concerned about when purchasing a home with the master up is how that might affect re-sale.  What is important to remember is that buyers more often than not, reflect the seller at a given moment in time and that is when they are shopping for a home.  When you are selling the buyer is going to choose your home, for the same reasons you decided to buy it.  Also, there are many neighborhoods where is master is always up, just because that was the trend at the time.  So, in certain neighborhoods – that is the design you are going to be choosing from regardless.

 
My advise – choose a house that is going to work with your lifestyle for the next 7 years.  If you stay in it longer – great, but after 7 years you generally start getting the itch to move or need to move.  If we all had crystal balls the world would be a much different place.

7405 Teak Cove in Jester Point Open House Sunday 1 to 4

7405-teak-cove-living-room-viewVisit on Sunday, April 22nd at 7405 Teak Cove, Austin Texas 78750.  7405 Teak Cove is located in the Northwest Austin subdivision of Jester Point in the Jester Neighborhood.  Jester is nestled between 2222 to the South and the Capital of Texas Highway to the East.  Jester is located about 15 miles north of downtown Austin and about 3 miles south of the popular Arboretum shopping area.  For local fun, residents can join the Jester Club which offers access to a swimming pool, tennis, playground, and picnic area.   Nature lovers enjoy the convenience of the neighboring 48 acre Bull Creek Park and nearby St. Edward’s Park.
 
7405 Teak Cove in Jester Point offers 4 bedrooms, 2 living areas and a 3-car garage.  At 3,080 square feet (tax records) the floor plan features the master bedroom on the main level, with an office/TV/4th bedroom on the main level, a formal dining and living room, with a large gourmet eat in kitchen.  7405 Teak Cove has many upgrades and energy efficient features.
 
For more information visit my 7405 Teak Cove webpage.
 
Visit Sunday from 1 – 4.
 
Directions:    Go west on 2222 to Jester Blvd, Right on Teak Cove or 360 to Lakewood Drive, Left on Beauford, Right on Jester Blvd, Right on Teak Cove

A picture is worth 1,000 words

The old adage “a picture is worth a thousand words” is no truer than referring to marketing properties for sale in Austin.  If an agent gives no written description about a property, but offers great pictures – buyers will come in droves.  On the flip-side, if an amazing story about a house is advertised, but with no pictures, people will question the validity of the story.  The more pictures that can be shown to market a property – the better.  I’m sure you have seen listings that only show the front of the house.  The instant question that comes to mind is: what’s wrong with the inside?   The only time that it is customary to only show the outside of a house is when you have a tenant living in it.

Austin Real Estate Listings

I typically hire a professional photographer to take pictures of my Austin Real Estate listings.  There are times that I utilize photos in magazines and brochures, in addition to on-line marketing.  The benefit to using a photographer is that the pictures are taken at such a high resolution that they translate well for any medium I choose.  Great pictures are also crisp, making rooms look very clean.  How many pictures have you seen that show the corner of room?  Professionals use a wide angle lens which helps capture rooms better.   If you want to see my latest listing at 7405 Teak Cove, Austin TX 78750 in Jester Point, follow the link.

7405 Teak Cove Austin Texas 78750

7405 Teak Cove in Austin Texas 78750

 

7405 Teak Cove in Jester Point!  Plenty of curb appeal with sun-filled spacious interior.  Ideal floor plan boasts main level master bedroom, gourmet center- island eat-in-kitchen with extensive granite counters, formal living room with fireplace,  additional bedroom on first floor could be a home office, guest room or TV room,additional full bath on first floor, formal dining area, center foyer, 2 bedrooms on upper level with full bath.  The living area on second floor provides ample space for a media, family or play room.  Added luxury of a large 3-car garage and outdoor patio for backyard grilling and entertaining.  Home is nestled on a picturesque cul-de-sac location with lush landscaping and towering oak shade trees. 

7405 Teak Cove is located in the popular Jester neighborhood located in Austin, Texas 78750.

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7405 Teak Cove, Austin Texas Upgrades

  • Complete Roof replaced (2009)
  • Water Heaters replaced (2010)
  • Lennox HV/AC Units replaced by Strand Brothers (2002) (14 SEER)
    • Exceed City energy requirements/recommendations on performance
      • Less than 6.5% and 6.1% leakage on systems (per energy audit)
  • Digital programmable thermostats.
  • Granite counters in Kitchen with bullnose edging (2007)
  • Kitchen appliances (2007)
  • Low flow commodes (1.6 gallons/use) (2010)
  • Master Bath fixtures replaced (2012)
  • Garbage Disposal replaced (2011)

 

7405 Teak Cove, Austin Texas Features

  • 4-sides masonry exterior
  • Granite counters in Kitchen with bullnose edging
  • Abundant cabinetry in Kitchen with pantry and Center Island
  • Granite Center Island in Kitchen
  • Fireplace in Formal Living
  • Built-ins throughout
  • Plenty of storage
  • Double front door entry
  • Hardwood floors and tile in first floor living areas
  • Crown Molding throughout
  • Master closet with his/her separate entries
  • Balcony overlooking Entry Foyer and Formal Living Room
  • Soaring ceilings in Foyer and Formal Living
  • Tray ceiling in second floor Living Area
  • Vaulted ceilings in secondary bedrooms
  • Utility room with sink
  • Ceiling Fans
  • Fenced in backyard
  • Wired for Security

7405 Teak Cove Austin Texas Room Specifications

  • 3,080 square feet of living space (tax record)
  • 3 Bedrooms (master on main)
  • 3 Full Baths (two with double vanities)
  • 3 Living Areas
  • Eat-in Kitchen
  • Formal Dining Area
  • Entry Foyer
  • Utility Room
  • 3 Car side-entry Garage:  713 square feet (tax records)

List Price:  $466,500

Listed by:  Doreen Zelma, Realtor, GRI

o:  512-761-0567

e: doreen@supportlocalaustin.com

 

All information is reliable, but not guaranteed.  Buyer to verify.

5905 Paseo Del Toro

Northwest Central Location Open House Saturday March 3rd from 11:00 –  2:00

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5905 Paseo Del Toro is a Central Austin beauty which combines casual style with modern sophistication.  Ideal floor plan w/master suite & additional bedroom on main level — perfect for office or guests. Large eat-in kitchen w/stainless appliances.  Features:  2 Limestone stone fireplaces, built-ins, hardwood floors on first floor, crown molding, modern master bath w/ glass tile backsplash, glass cabinets in kitchen, wood blinds, ceiling fans in all rooms. HVAC (SEER <14), Water Heater, Roof, updated plus many more! Commuters Delight!

Directions:  From Mopac, go West on 2222, Right on Dry Creek, Right on Paseo Del Toro.  From 360, go East on 2222, Left on Dry Creek, Right on Paseo Del Toro.   From Mesa, turn on Dry Creek and Left on Paseo Del Toro

5905 Paseo Del Toro Updates

  • Composite roof (2006)
  • HV/AC installed 2009 (SEER >14)
  • New water heater installed 2011
  • Gutters replaced  (2008)
  • Whirlpool Convention Oven Range 2009

5905 Paseo Del Toro House Improvements

  • Updated master bathroom with glass tile, new cabinetry, his/her sinks and new hardware, cork floors & lighting
  • Hardwood floors throughout lower living area and master
  • Tile in kitchen and laundry
  • Crown molding
  • Stainless kitchen appliances
  • Garage door and opener (2008)
  • High-end carpet throughout upstairs
  • Designer paint throughout
  • Wood blinds
  • Glass-faced cabinetry
  • Ceiling fans in all rooms
  • Large deck off back door
  • Popcorn removed from all ceilings
  • Updated upstairs bathroom with wainscoting
  • Landscaping in front and back yard
  • Leaded glass front door
  • Updated lighting

5905 Paseo Del Toro Features

  • Master bedroom downstairs
  • Exceptional storage space
  • Limestone fireplace in living room
  • Limestone fireplace in master bedroom
  • Low maintenance yard
  • Second refrigerator space and built-in ironing board in laundry
  • Large garage
  • Insect extermination maintained by ABC Pest and Lawn
  • Fully automated sprinkler system
  • Security system

5905 Paseo Del Toro, Austin TX 78731 Neighborhood

  • Exemplary elementary school
  • Mature oaks & deer
  • Great Location for commuters
  • Minutes to downtown
  • Minutes to lake, walking trails and dog parks
  • Local restaurant within easy walking distance
  • Minutes from grocers, cleaners, daycare centers and places of worship

Austin Real Estate Market Trends Jan 2012

Austin is hot and I’m not just talking about the weather, though we did have the nation’s high temperature last week with 92 degrees!   Residential houses in the greater Austin area saw an increased volume of sales, with an increase of 10 percent in January compared to 2011.  According to the Austin Board of REALTORS®, the average time a home remained on the market was 85 days in January, which is eight days less than the same month in 2011.  As I have mentioned inventory is low.  How low? There were 6 percent less new listings added in January 2012, than in January of 2011.   January of 2012 also saw 19 percent fewer active homes for sale and 16 percent more home listings pending.

Austin Real Estate Market Data

The Austin Real Estate Market had 4.1 months of homes for sale in inventory in January 2012, which is 1.4 months less than the same month one year ago.  According to the Austin Board of Realtors, this is the lowest inventory the Austin real estate market has seen since they began tracking months of inventory in 2009.

Austin Real Estate Condo Market Data

Austin area estate sale of condominiums and townhomes are up as well, by 27 percent.  According to the Austin Board of Realtors, the median price for a condo in January 2012 was $159,500, which is 4 percent higher than the same month last year.  Active days on the market were 7 percent longer this year, but 121 condos were sold in January 2012, which is 27% more than January of last year.

Tarrytown Austin 78703

Tarry Town is located in Central Austin.  Tarry Town is an ideal neighborhood for people who seek a convenient location to central attractions like the downtown area and Zilker Park.  Tarry Town also offers local access to Lake Austin, popular eateries along Lake Austin and a local golf course.

Tarry Town, Tarrytown and Tarrytown Oaks Location

There are 3 subdivisions that area commonly referred to as Tarry Town, simply because they neighbor one another and are located in the same area.  All Tarry Town subdivisions are located just north of Enfield Road, West of the MoPac Expressway and East of Lake Austin.  Tarrytown, Tarrytown and Tarrytown Oaks are all located within the 78703 zip code.

Homes for Sale in the Tarrytown Area

Homes in Tarrytown vary in style and include everything from bungalow, traditional and mid-century modern. The variety of home styles is part of the appeal in this neighborhood.  Tarry Town doesn’t have a cookie cutter feeling, like some neighborhoods have. Homes for Sale in Tarry Town, Tarrytown and Tarry Town Oaks can be viewed on my Tarrytown page.

Tarry Town, Tarrytown and Tarry Town Oaks Austin Market Data

There are 8 active single family houses for sale right now. There are 11 pending houses and 8 homes have sold in the last 90 days.  The average price of an active single family house in Tarrytown, Tarrytown Oaks and Tarry Town is $711,600.  The average size of a home is 2,488 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths.

The Tarrytown area is comprised of many micro subdivisions not mentioned here. New subdivisions were created as the area developed.   One of the largest is Brown Herman.  My advice to anyone looking in the area is to have a customized map search created, this way nothing will be missed.