As you may recall, in my previous blog post titled, When’s The Best Time to List My Property, I mentioned how most families prefer to move during the summer.  This has resulted in sellers getting the highest price for their home in May/June.  In fact, over the past five years, we have consistently seen the highest median sales price for homes in the City of Austin occur in either May or June. Given that the average days on market for Austin properties over the past five years that sold in May or June ranges from 32-45 days, and the fact that a home usually takes on average 30 days to close after going under contract, these properties were likely listed for sale in March or April.  Thus, if a home that was listed for sale in the early spring is still available, it may be a great opportunity to get a home for a steal. 
 
You may have hesitations about looking at a home that has been on the market for over 100 days, and wonder why this home hasn’t sold. You might think something must be wrong with this home.  However, it may have simply not been marketed properly, been priced too high initially,  or this could be a result of one of these other reasons. 
 
Regardless, if a home was listed in the early spring and is still on the market, the sellers may be getting anxious to sell.  This is especially true if the home is vacant.  A vacant property means the sellers are simply incurring costs (utilities, property taxes, insurance, mortgage etc.) without any benefit.  After a few months of this, many sellers become more inclined to accept a lower offer.
 
If you’ve been looking for a home in Austin throughout the spring and early summer, you know how competitive the market has been.  Multiple offers on homes occurred frequently, and you may have become burned out by the process.  Now, there is less competition.  In fact, data from the Austin Board of REALTOR’s MLS shows price decreases are occurring on many Austin homes.
 
Everyone knows that moving in Austin this time of year can be hot.  However, a little sweat may be worth it if you can get a great deal.  If you’re looking for a great buy in Austin, contact me today.  I can easily locate the best options for you based on your specific needs.  If you feel like looking at Austin homes for sale   on your own first, click the link below.

Krause Springs:
Krause Springs is located about 45 minutes west of Austin in Spicewood, Texas.  The property features a man-made pool as well as a natural swimming hole created by the springs.  The entire property is filled with towering trees creating shade and adding to the scenic ambiance of the recreational site.   The natural springs constantly flow at approximately 68 degrees feeding the swimming holes at Krause, so there is always water! Day passes costs $8 for adults and $5 for children.  You can also camp at Krause! They have tent sites as well as RV sites.  Krause Springs does not allow pets.  However, you are welcome to bring picnics, floats and grilling supplies.  For more information on Krause Springs, visit their website.  

The San Marcos River:
If you’ve never been floating in Texas, you’re missing out!  Floating the river is a popular pastime for Austinites, and one of the closest places to do so is in San Marcos.  San Marcos is approximately 40 minutes south of Austin, and is home to Texas State University.  Most people start their float trip at the Lion’s Club Tube Rental.  Here you can rent tubes for $12 which also includes shuttle service.  You can also bring your own tubes and pay a small fee to have them blown up. Similarly, you can opt to just pay for the shuttle service.  It’s important to remember to get a cooler tube too!    I also highly recommend bringing string or bungee cords so you can tie off to all of your friends and float the river together.  Floating in San Marcos is fairly calm. The river runs constantly, but add a mild pace.  The entire float takes about an hour, and at the end dumps you at a large tube chute- a natural water slide of sorts.  The shuttle picks you up here and brings you back to the Lion’s Club.  

Hamilton Pool:
Hamilton Pool is also located west of town in the same direction as Krause Springs but a bit closer to town.  It is located in Dripping Springs, and has become quite popular in recent years. In fact, reservations are now required for summer trips to Hamilton Pool.  The entrance cost for Hamilton Pool is $15 per vehicle.  Once you enter the Hamilton Pool Preserve, you can park your car and hike approximately 8 minutes down to the pool.  The actual pool is picturesque.  A large, fifty-foot waterfall cascades over a cliff edge delivering water to the popular swimming hole. There is almost always water at Hamilton Pool; however, during severe droughts, it may not be swimmable.  You are welcome to bring food and drinks, but no glass or public display of alcohol is permitted. To learn more about Hamilton Pool, visit the Travis County Parks and Wildlife Site.

The Homestead neighborhood is located in the City of Bee Cave, approximately 20 minutes west of Austin.  As you drive into the neighborhood you are greeted with serene scenes of the hill country.  The homestead allows horses, and trails meander through this picturesque neighborhood.  While it once was a fairly rural neighborhood, recent commercial developments are now just minutes away.  You enter The Homestead off of Highway. 71 at Great Divide Drive.  This intersection is approximately one mile from the intersection of Highway 71 and FM 620 which leads to Lakeway. 
 
Just past the intersection of Highway 71 and FM 620 are two large shopping centers, the Galleria and the Shops of the Galleria.  The Shops of the Galleria were built first along the southern side of Highway 71 adjacent to the old site of The Backyard, Austin’s beloved outdoor amphitheater.  The Shops of the Galleria is home to numerous big box stores such as Best Buy, Lowes, Old Navy, Ulta, Michael’s, Home Goods, and a number of smaller shops and restaurants.  On the other side of the highway, you will find the Hill Country Galleria.  The Galleria features an open air shopping center with a number of local retailers and restaurants as well as familiar chains such as Dillard’s, H&M, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Victoria’s Secret, Whole Foods, and Panera.
 
As you might imagine, this abundant supply of retail options is incredibly convenient for residents of The Homestead.  Interestingly, once you are winding down Great Divide, where it’s not uncommon to see a neighbor trotting along on horseback, it’s hard to believe that so many modern conveniences are located so close. 
 
There are a few hundred homes in The Homestead with lots ranging from 1-8+ acres.  Many of the properties have unbelievable views of the Hill Country and a large percentage of properties have pools.  The architecture style varies significantly throughout The Homestead.  You will find Tuscan style homes, juxtaposed to single story ranch homes; you will find farm house style homes and an increasing number of modern homes as well.  Homes also vary in age; there are homes built in the 70s and new construction houses. 
 
There is no formal HOA for The Homestead.  Residents do have an informal list serve that is used for neighborhood announcements, and informal events such as the annual chili cook off bring residents together.  The Homestead is located in Lake Travis Independent School District (LTISD).  LTISD is known for being one of the best-performing school districts in Austin. Houses in The Homestead feed to Bee Cave Elementary, Lake Travis Middle School, and Lake Travis High School. 
 
If you are looking for a private, peaceful neighborhood that is minutes from modern amenities you may want to consider looking at properties for sale in The Homestead.  

Are you thinking about moving to Austin?  Did you hear that our summers are HOT, and realize a waterfront home or a house with a pool might be the way to go? Well, spending some time on the lake is a great way to cool off from the Texas heat. 
 
There are two main lakes in Austin:  Lake Austin and Lake Travis.  First off, while Austinites refer to these as lakes, both lakes are technically damned portions of the Colorado River.  Lake Austin is a constant level lake meaning the depth of the lake does not fluctuate.  Conversely, lake levels on Lake Travis do fluctuate.  Lake Austin is much smaller than Lake Travis; however, Lake Austin is much closer to downtown than Lake Travis.
 
If you are considering purchasing a property on Lake Travis, you certainly want to be aware of the lake level fluctuations.  During severe droughts in recent years, some waterfront properties on Lake Travis turned into desert front properties.  As you might imagine, such conditions cause drastic changes in property value and can lead to very hot home owners.  Homes located on the main body of Lake Travis were less affected by the droughts than homes located on the arms of Lake Travis.  If you are considering buying a home on Lake Travis, it would be prudent to look at the historical lake level data near the property site.
 
If you are buying a property on Lake Travis with a septic system, a Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) septic inspection is required.  If you are planning on buying a property on either Lake Austin or Lake Travis and remodeling/adding on to it you will likely need the approval of not only the municipality, but also the LCRA depending upon the extent of the renovations. 
 
There are many waterfront neighborhoods located in Austin.  Each neighborhood has unique pros and cons that a real estate professional can explain.  Generally speaking, homes on Lake Austin tend to be a bit pricier than homes on Lake Travis.  It’s challenging to find a decent home on Lake Austin for less than 1.5 M.   On the other hand, you can locate a property on Lake Travis for under 500K with relative ease.  This is primarily due to the proliferation of moderately priced waterfront homes on Lake Travis’s north shore in areas like Lago Vista.  While these homes may look appealing from a first glance it is important to know they are relatively difficult to get to from Austin by land.  There is no bridge across Lake Travis, although I’m sure many residents wish there was, and thus, you must go all the way around Lake Travis to get to the City of Austin, oftentimes an hour long trip.
 
Whether you are looking for a permanent residence or a vacation home, Austin has plenty of options to suit your needs.  You can view current Austin waterfront homes for sale here, or contact me today and we can discuss the best waterfront Austin neighborhoods for your specific needs.