Located on the south shore of Lake Travis in the community of Lakeway, Rough Hollow offers residents direct lake access, sweeping hill country views and top notch amenities.  Rough Hollow has it’s own yacht club and marina where residents can store their boats, enjoy concierge service, and dine at the on-site restaurant. They even offer complimentary stand up paddle board and kayak rentals to guests (I mean residents). The community also features a resort style pool complete with swim up bars and a lazy river.  If you feel like enjoying yourself outside without getting wet there are tennis courts, soccer fields, a playscape, volleyball courts, a dog park and an amphitheater. There’s also a state of the art fitness center and a splash pad for the little ones.  Speaking of kiddos, Rough Hollow feeds into one of the best school districts in the Austin area, Lake Travis ISD.

Also located north of Austin, Rancho Sienna is a community full of amenities located in Georgetown.  The Sienna House is the heart of the community; here you will find the fitness center which is open 24 hours a day and has tons of workout equipment plus classes for residents to enjoy.  There’s also a basketball court if you feel like shooting some hoops.  A large covered pavilion allows residents to gather year round.  There’s a cozy wood-burning fireplace for keeping warm in the winter and a large fan for a cool breeze in the summer.  The Sienna House also has a large grassy lawn for casual picnics, movie-nights, and summer concerts.  The Sienna House pool offers something for everyone:  dedicated lap lanes, water volleyball, a beach, and Ol’ Dumper who keeps the little ones entertained.  Of course a master planned community in Austin wouldn’t be complete without a splash pad, and Rancho Sienna has not one but two splash pads for the kiddos.  Don’t think Rancho Sienna forgot about the fur babies; they have dedicated dog parks for small and large breeds, and if your pup need more activity consider taking him for a hike along Big View Trail.


Need help choosing which amenity-filled Austin community is right for you?  Contact me today, I’d be happy to help you find your new home.

There are quite a few equestrian friendly neighborhoods in the greater Austin area, and there are other properties that may not be located in a horse community, but are well suited for horses.  Obviously, the most important factor to consider when looking for an equestrian property is if the deed restrictions permit horses.  Once you ensure the property can legally have horses on it, you will want to make sure the property is suitable for horses too.


When looking for an equestrian property in the greater Austin area make sure to consider these factors:

1. Land - you will want to make sure you have enough land for the horse(s) to live, and you will also want to make sure the land is suitable for horses.  The general rule of thumb in Texas is 1 acre per horse.  However, not all acres are created equal.  If the topography of the land is too steep to make it suitable, then it will not make for a great horse friendly property.  You will also need to make sure there are some flat areas for storing food and water, and overall you will want to ensure the property allows for horses to walk safely.
2. Out Buildings- Pay attention to what buildings are currently on the property, and where you may be able to add buildings if needed.  Barns, sheds, stables and other storage areas are necessary for proper horse care.
3. Fencing- Is the property entirely fenced?  What type of fencing is present?  You will need to ensure you have adequate fencing that is in good condition at the property or account for the cost of this expenditure when preparing an offer on an equestrian friendly property.
4. Community Amenities- Many central Texas equestrian communities have riding trails or horse stables within the community. If you are buying a horse property in a community with riding trails, make sure to evaluate how easy it will be to access the horse riding trails from the property.​

Horse Friendly Communities in Bee Cave:
The Homestead
Madrone Ranch

Horse Friendly Communities in Spicewood:
Rivercliff
Ranch at Windemere
Paleface Ranch 
Paleface Homesteads 
Granite Ridge

Horse Friendly Communities in Driftwood:
La Ventana

Horse Friendly Communities in Dripping Springs:
Polo Club at Rooster Springs

Horse Friendly Communities in Southwest Austin:
Bear Creek Estates 

Horse Friendly Communities in Hutto: 
Heritage on San Gabriel

Horse Friendly Communities in Georgetown:
Ranches of Sontera

Horse Friendly Communities in Leander:
Lone Mountain Ranch 

There’s nothing better than being able to wake up in the morning and enjoy a cup of coffee while you look out at the lake and see the sun reflecting off the water.  If this sounds like a little slice of heaven to you, you may be considering purchasing a home with a lake view.  In Austin, there are two main lakes, Lake Austin and Lake Travis. I should mention that both “lakes” are really damned portions of the Colorado River.  Regardless, us Austinites refer to them as lakes, and you can find wonderful homes with great views of the water near both of these lakes. ​

Lake Travis is much larger than Lake Austin.  Lake Travis is about 25 square miles opposed to Lake Austin’s 2.5 square mile size.  So, as you might imagine there are many more homes for sale with Lake Travis views than Lake Austin views. ​

The south shore of Lake Travis consists of neighborhoods such as Hudson Bend, Lakeway, and Spicewood.  These communities are located about 20-30 miles west of downtown Austin in the the Lake Travis Independent School District (LTISD).  According to niche.com, LTISD is rated the #2 school district in the Austin area.
The north shore of Lake Travis consists of neighborhoods such as Volente, Jonestown and Lago Vista.  The north shore communities of Lake Travis are about 20-40 miles from downtown Austin.  However, in my opinion, it seems it usually takes longer to get to these neighborhoods from downtown than it does to get to the south shore communities.

Homes with lake view on Lake Austin, can similarly be categorized as homes on the south side of the lake verse homes on the north side of the lake. However, closer to downtown they are often categorized as west of the lake or east of the lake. Residents of neighborhoods like West Lake Hills (west of Lake Austin, duh) and Tarrytown (east of Lake Austin) can usually get to downtown in less than 20 minutes.  Further out, you can find homes with lake views in neighborhoods such as Cuernevaca, Lake Pointe, and Apache Shores (all south of the lake). On the north side of Lake Austin you can find homes with lake views in Steiner Ranch, River Point, and Cat Mountain.
​
If you’re thinking about purchasing a home in the Austin area with a lake view, feel free to contact me for insider information on the best neighborhoods for your specific needs.

​Approximately five miles south of downtown Austin is an area locals are now referring to as St. Elmo.  This area which has previously been referred to as East Congress encompasses the subdivisions of Greenwood Hills, Battle Bend and Colonial Trails.  In recent years, Austinites have begun referring to this area as St. Elmo.  The Yard at St. Elmo opened a few years ago- transforming a previously industrial space into a mixed use site with a variety of amenities including restaurants, a co-working space, and a fitness studio, as well as a distillery and brewery.
 
Additionally, the St. Elmo Public Market will open next year.  The mixed use space will feature offices and retail as well as a large open indoor/outdoor market similar to the Chelsea Market in New York City. 

With the commercial growth in this area, you would expect pricey homes.  However, homes in the St. Elmo neighborhood are still relatively affordable.  In the past year, homes in this area sold for approximately $315K on average.  On average, these homes were 1,311 square feet, featuring 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, and were built in 1975. 
 
Considering that the median price for a single family home in the City of Austin was right around $350K last month, the St. Elmo neighborhood is still relatively affordable.  Many of these homes may need a bit of a face lift to bring them up to current design standards, but they also offer a great investment opportunity. 
 
Developers of the Market at St. Elmo envision the space as becoming a must visit hot spot for locals and tourists alike.  If the St. Elmo district explodes as expected, home prices will surely rise. Thinking about purchasing a home in Austin’s St. Elmo neighborhood?  Click here to take a look at all St.Elmo homes currently for sale. ​

Sunset Valley is a small independent city surrounded by Austin.  It is located about 15 minutes southwest of downtown Austin near the intersection of Hwy 290 and Mopac.  Sunset Valley is probably best known for its large shopping centers with a variety of big box retailers such as Home Depot, Home Goods, TJ Maxx, Academy Sports and Outdoors, Nordstrom Rack, Old Navy and many others.  However, this small city also has some of the most beautiful tree lined residential streets.
 
Sunset Valley was founded in 1954, and the entire city measures just one square mile.  According to the 2016 Census, Sunset Valley has a population of 696 residents.  There are only about 150 residences in the City of Sunset Valley. Homes in Sunset Valley tend to be on larger lots, and residents of Sunset Valley enjoy an extremely low property tax rate of just under 1.8%.  Much of Sunset Valley is dedicated conservation land; Williamson Creek runs through Sunset Valley, and a handful of residential lots are partially located in the floodplain.            

In 2017, there were only 8 residential sales in the City of Sunset Valley.  The following trends are based on these sales.
 
Average Home Size:  4 bedrooms, 3 baths (2,940 square feet)
Average Lot Size:  .956 Acres
Average Year Built: 1983
Average Days on Market: 39
Median Home Sales Price:  $665,950
 
If you are interested in purchasing a home in Sunset Valley, you can click here to view all available homes for sale in Sunset Valley.  

​At the site of the old Cinemark movie theatre in Westlake Hills, across the street from the Barton Creek Mall, The Walsh community has recently sprouted.  The Walsh, aptly named for its location off Walsh Tarlton Lane, is a new home community of 55 townhome style residences in Eanes ISD. 
 
The modern style luxury residences start in the 600s, and all share a similar minimalistic Scandinavian inspired design with an emphasis on geometric details.  Inside, you will find finish-outs in line with a luxury product: wide plank oak floors, stainless steel Bosh appliances, oak cabinets, marble, quartz, or honed stone countertops just to name a few.
 
There are eight different floorplans at The Walsh, with homes ranging from 1,961-2,881 square feet.  All floorplans have a garage; the larger floor plans have two car garages while the smaller floorplans only have one.  The smallest floor plan at The Walsh, The Nils, has 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a one car garage, and a small patio.  The first floor is an open floor plan with dining, living and kitchen (something you will find in all units at The Walsh).  Upstairs you will find the master, two additional bedrooms and a second living room/bonus space dubbed “the landing”.
 
In comparison, the largest model, The Brit, has three levels, 4 bedrooms and 4.5 baths.  On the bottom floor of The Brit, you will find the two car garage, one bedroom, a full bath, and storage space.  The Brit also features an elevator that takes you to the second and third floors.  The second floor has the master, kitchen, living and dining spaces, and a patio.  On the top level, there are two additional bedrooms, another patio, and a large game room.
 
The Walsh is located in the acclaimed Eanes Independent School District.  Residences at The Walsh feed to Cedar Creek Elementary, Hill Country Middle School, and Westlake High School.  All three schools are less than a five-minute drive from The Walsh.  As I mentioned earlier, The Walsh is also conveniently located across the street from the Barton Creek Mall.  Here you will find all your big name department stores, including Nordstrom’s, a variety of dining options, and a movie theater. 
 
If you’re looking for a new home in Austin, and like the idea of a low-maintenance new construction home in south west Austin, I encourage you to take a look at The Walsh for yourself.  You can view more information on The Walsh website, or contact me today to see it in person.

Between South Congress and I-35, a new community is beginning to come to life.  PSW’s North Bluff community consists of 66 free-standing condos.  The units range from 1,268-1,675 square feet and start at $295,000.  There are seven different home types; however, they all share some great features.
 
All of the homes at North Bluff feature super high ceilings that amplify the open floor plan living, kitchen and dining spaces.  Stainless steel appliances, gas ranges, and engineered quartz counters come standard in the homes, and there is no carpet in the entire community.  First floors feature stained concrete, and upstairs there is laminate wood-look flooring.
 
These homes are cosmetically appealing, and they also feature a slew of green features.  Low VOC paint and compact fluorescent lights are found throughout the home.  High performance insulation is present at the roof and exterior walls.  EPA watersense plumbing fixtures and dual flush toilets are installed in the baths, and each unit has a solar photovoltaic panel system.  These are just a sample of all of the green features found in the North Bluff community.
 
The community features walking trails, and community green space as well. Keeping with the sustainable theme, the green space features native landscaping.  HOA fees are reasonable for the area at $450/quarter.  Plus, with all of the green features, your utility costs are likely to be minimal. North Bluff is being built in two phases, and Phase 1 homes are almost complete if you’re looking for an immediate move.
 
If you’re interested in learning more about South Austin’s North Bluff, contact me today.  Alternatively, you can check out PSW’s website with up-to date info on pricing and availability.

Are you the type of person that thinks if you own your property you should be able to do whatever you please with it?  If you want to build a fence, paint your door pink, or park an RV on your land, you should be able to do as you please. If so, you may be feeling constricted by all of the regulations so prevalent in most Austin communities. Well, you’re in luck.  There are some areas in Austin that are a bit more liberal when it comes to building use and regulations.  Consider one of these two west Austin neighborhoods where just about anything goes.
 
Both of these communities are located in the City of Austin ETJ, border Lake Austin and feed to exemplary schools.  Cuernavaca is located off Bee Cave Rd. in EANES ISD, and Apache Shores is located off FM 620 in Lake Travis ISD. In each of these communities you will find immaculate million dollar homes as well as mobile homes.
 
Apache Shores actually has a POA that oversees the approved uses for any given lot.  Even with these restraints, Apache Shore’s regulations are some of the most lenient in the area.  The section of Apache Shores your property is located in determines what you can and cannot do on your lot.  Reviewing the POA’s governing docs and deed restrictions for a particular lot is a prudent move if you are planning to purchase in Apache Shores.
 
Cuernavaca has a voluntary HOA.  Membership in Cuernavaca’s Lake Hills Community Association grants members access to the community pool and lakeside park.  However, the HOA has no governance over residential land use within Cuernavaca.  There are some communities within Cuernavaca with extensive deed restrictions, but overall the community has minimal deed restrictions on most tracts.  If you’re looking for a great place to put your tiny home that’s close to the lake and the city, there are lots in Cuernavaca that permit you to do so.
 
While both of these communities have some of the most lenient residential land use regulations; ultimately, you will need to inspect the individual deed restrictions associated with the lot in order to assess if you can do what you want on the lot.  Additionally, with less regulation generally comes less public services.  While both of these communities have electricity, they do not have city water service.  A septic system is required for properties in both of these communities, and a MUD provides potable water services for both Cuernavaca and Apache Shores.
 
If you’re looking to do something a little outside of the ordinary on your next property, you may want to consider Austin’s wild west communities of Apache Shores or Cuernavaca.  Depending on your specific needs, these communities may not be the best fit.  An educated real estate professional such as myself can guide you through the intricacies of zoning, deed restrictions, and municipal regulations.  Contact me today to simplify the process.  

​I was recently chatting with a friend and she mentioned how it was odd that Austinites often refer to their neighborhood by zip code.  This is often the case when talking about Austin’s 78704 zip code.  You will frequently here people say they live in the ’04.  Alternatively, one might mention living off of one of the zip’s major roads such as “I live off of South Congress.” 
 
The 78704 zip code is home to the SoCo Strip, Zilker Park, St. Edwards University, and the legendary Broken Spoke, among other attractions.  The 78704 zip code of Austin is bordered by the Barton Creek Greenbelt on the west, Town Lake aka Lady Bird Lake on the North, I-35 on the east and Ben White/290 is the southern boundary. Residents are attracted to this area of Austin due to its easy access to downtown as well as numerous green spaces and a plethora of fun shops and restaurants. 
 
There are a number of neighborhoods that make up the 78704 zip code of Austin.  For today’s purposes, I am focusing on the two neighborhoods located west of South Lamar, Barton Hills and Zilker.  Between South Lamar and I-35 there are a number of other 78704 neighborhoods such as:  Bouldin, South Lamar, Dawson, Galindo, Travis Heights, South Congress, and the St. Edward’s neighborhood. 
 
The Barton Hills neighborhood is located south east of the Barton Creek Greenbelt, and north west of South Lamar.  As you might imagine, this area is hilly.  Here you will find a diverse array of housing styles; bungalow style homes built in the 50s can often be seen adjacent to newly built, uber modern homes.  Barton Hills has a highly rated elementary school, and this factor combined with its convenient location attracts a number of young families to the Barton Hills Area.  The Barton Hills Neighborhood is almost entirely residential; however, there are ample options for shopping and dining along South Lamar.
 
The Zilker neighborhood of 78704 is located northwest of Barton Hills.  As you might imagine, it is also located next to Zilker Park.  Barton Springs Road runs through this neighborhood and is home to a number of popular Austin restaurants such as Chuy’s, Shady Grove, Baby A’s, Austin Java Co, and a large food truck park.  In recent years, a number of new condo developments have sprouted up along the north side of Barton Springs Road.  South of Barton Springs Road, there are a mostly single family homes as well as a handful of multi-family properties.  Historically, homes in Zilker tended to be a bit smaller than in Barton Hills.  However, as is the case in Barton Hills, you are similarly seeing a number of Zilker homes being torn down and replaced with new construction homes.
 
If you’re considering moving to South Austin, 78704 really is a great place to call home.  You can view all homes and condos for sale in the 78704 zip here.  If you’re curious about other neighborhoods of Austin’s 78704 zip code or just have general questions about Austin life, feel free to contact me today.  

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.