Summertime

Once again time has gotten away from me and it's been too long since I've remembered to update my blog.  I have plenty of excuses, the best one being that the real estate market in Austin has been crazy busy these past few months.  The Inman News just listed Austin among the Top 10 Real Estate Boomtowns through 2020. Personally I've had the pleasure of meeting some wonderful new clients, now friends, all whom have moved to Austin from out of state.  Some are returning home and some have landed here for the first time.

Showing homes has been challenging this summer to say the least, we have topped the record "over 100 degree" days of 75 and there is no end in sight, we are in the middle of one of the worst droughts in history and our air conditioners are running overtime. But despite the heat, buyers are happy to relocate and jump into all Austin has to offer.

One of these offerings, and in keeping with our local Keep Austin Weird motto is The Cow Parade, here since July.  Here's Moolah, the cow sponsored by my husband's office, Horizon Bank. Beneficiary's are Dell Children's Hospital Medical Center of Central Texas and the Superhero Kids Fund.

And for all our new residents, last weekend was the beginning of the most important season in Texas...FOOTBALL!!  Local high schools kicked off their pre-season openers

including the "Battle of The Lakes".  The annual game between Austin Westlake and Lake Travis had attendance upwards of 17,000 at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium. And yes, it was still blazing hot at kickoff.  If you are new to Texas and football, get ready for Austin to be covered in a sea of burnt orange on Saturdays... The Longhorns have their season opener at home this Saturday against Rice.

And for those of you still trying to get here, whether it's to watch the Longhorns, run a race, visit a museum or look for homes, don't forget to plan some time to do something uniquely Austin. Check out Culture Map Austin, the daily digital magazine for ideas, news and interesting reading.

Going Over The Edge

There are so many wonderful charitable organizations out there looking for a way to stand out and raise money. Well, I think the Make A Wish Foundation of Central and South Texas has found an interesting way to capture our attention with their innovative "Austin Over The Edge" fundraiser.  Talk about Keeping Austin Weird!

I ran across this fundraising event while reading 365 Things To Do In Austin, a blog dedicated to sharing "new and exciting things to do everyday" and shared it with my daughter. Being a Chi Omega alum, I thought she might be interested in participating since the Make A Wish Foundation has an affiliation with Chi Omega. 

She was interested in raising money, but not so sure she wanted to rappel 32 stories off a downtown office building in Austin in the heat of the summer (July). But my son said he thought it would be fun (he's rappelled while in school at the Univ. of Wyoming) as long as she did the fundraising.  So it began...

The way it works is the first 150 people to raise $1500 get the opportunity to rappel down the One American Center on July 25th.  His goal is $3000, but we are hoping to be able to change that goal and hit $5000.  Taking baby steps first. 


For those of you who don't know, Make A Wish helps grant wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. It's an amazing organization bringing them hope, strength and joy.  Since 1984 the Make A Wish Foundation of Central and South Texas has granted over 3000 wishes in its' 40 county area.

If you are interested in helping out and sending my son "Over The Edge" here is the link.  Even the smallest donation helps a child get their wish.  http://www.austinovertheedge.com/Colin_Avant/

Springtime in Austin!!

While it's not quite spring yet, Austin is a bloom with more than just the first bluebonnets, redbuds and plum trees. The sun is shining, the weather is warm and the city is full.

Just in time for spring break, Austin is alive with activity. The boys and girls state basketball championships bring in visitors from across the State to play at UT's Frank Erwin Center (lovingly referred to as "the Drum"), the Texas softball and baseball teams are swinging and Austin is the host to the Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo. 

The Rodeo has something for everyone; the Youth Livestock Auction, the carnival, pig races, bull riding, calf roping and food. Entertainers include  Dierks Bentley, Lee Ann Rimes and Kevin Fowler. Family fun for all!

And if that's not enough excitement, downtown Austin is swarming with techies, film buffs and music junkies in town for the SXSW interactive, film and music festivities. There are so many young, hip people in town that Apple opened up a temporary storefront in the heart of downtown to accommodate the demand for the newly launched iPad2. Lines have been winding down the street and around the block since they opened.

With "five days of compelling presentations from the brightest minds in emerging technology(1)" ending and the film festival in full swing, it is time for the music to take center stage.  SXSW, which began as a music festival is celebrating 25 years with hundreds of acts in venues all over town. There are also music panels, parties, food giveaways and transportation via pedicab.

Imagine living in one of the upscale luxury condos in downtown Austin, you would be close to the action, within walking distance of many venues, able to come and go as you please without worrying about parking.  Or if crowds aren't your thing, rentals are in high demand for the two weeks of SXSW, a great way to make some spending mondy while you are away on vacation.

More reasons we love living in Austin, Texas!!   

(1) www.sxsw.com/interactive

"No One Has Ever Become Poor by Giving."

I was reminded of this quote from Anne Frank's Diary of A Young Girl at the Association of Fundraising Professionals 2011 Philanthropy Day Breakfast by MariBen Ramsey, one of this years honorees. Sitting at breakfast with some of Austin's biggest movers and shakers I was struck not by their business savvy but by their power of giving.

It is a well know fact that the Austin community is a generous one, so it is was no surprise that when I looked around it seemed everyone knew each other. The diversity of the causes, and the fact that many  had ties to more than one organization spoke volumes to the kindness in the room.

Choosing the honorees must have been difficult. This year the Outstanding Philanthropic Foundation winner was Sooch Foundation, Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation was Whole Foods Market and Outstanding Philanthropic Organization was Assistance League of Austin. Nominated by their peers these groups have gone above and beyond in their service and kindness to the community.

It was inspiring to listen to the background story of the Kelly Davidson Memorial Outstanding Philanthropic Youth winner, Leah Goetzel, who at 15 years of age has done more than many adults. Saying she was inspired by her grandfather is a shining example of paying it forward. It's not just about donating, but about volunteerism and persuasion. She is one amazing young lady.

Other recipients were Leslie Lockett Sweet, HEB (Outstanding Community Affairs Exec), Patti Clark, Austin Zoo (Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser) and Deirdre Anderson of Planned Parenthood (Outstanding Fundraising Professional).

This year, Special Recognition was given to MariBen Ramsey, not only for her work as Interim President and CEO of the Austin Community Foundation, but for years and years of selfless volunteerism to her beloved Austin. Emcee Kerry Tate summed it up best when she called MariBen "Austin's Best Friend" I can't think of a better way to describe her.

The Outstanding Philanthropist honoree this year was William "Bill" Dickson. He has touched so many lives. Unassuming, compassionate and generous he spoke about giving to causes he "believes in deeply" and "...as much as I have the choice to give or not to give, in the end it is very much a duty, and one I hold sacred."  He sentiments resonated around the room.

So please, volunteer, give of your time and money. No amount is too small, no gift goes unnoticed by those in need. Remember "No one has ever become poor by giving."

Try out this link: http://www.recognizegood.com/

New Years Resolutions

I have many, both personal and professional, and high on my list is to blog on a regular basis, about interesting topics in and around Austin. Last year I became bogged down trying to keep my blogging narrowly focused on real estate, which resulted in sporadic blogging as best. This month, while I was working on my goals for 2011 I realized that although I sell homes for a living, what I really sell to my clients is the Austin lifestyle.

This morning I attended the Leadership Austin's Engage Speaker Series. This year's theme is "Innovate or Else" and topics have already included a Legislative Preview and Race Relations. This mornings topic was Innovative Relationships: Non-Profit/For Profit Collaborations and was one of the most interesting and inspiring panels of the past 2 years. Justin Evans with CapitalOne Bank and Matt Kouri with Greenlights for NonProfit Success were the panelists, with the always entertaining Jim Walker (director of Sustainability at UT Austin) as moderator.

Thinking outside the box and creating collaborative relationships between for-profit and non-profit corporations is such an obvious solution that it's amazing that we don't do this more often. For-profit employee engagement with non-profits help create long term relationships and can be a win-win for both the for-profit and non-profit organizations. So can collaborations between similar non-profits (pet adoption agencies for example) banding together and approaching a single donor for a long term relationship.

Upcoming Engage Speaker Series topics include mental health, artistic innovation and redistricting. Interested? Breakfasts are held at Chez Zee once a month.

Back to resolutions, I'm going to "Innovate" in 2011, both personally and professionally. What are you going to do?

It's SXSW time!

It's back, the amazing SXSW Film and Music Festival. When spring break comes to Austin and all the students leave for the beach or the ski slopes, the movers and shakers in the music and film biz, along with fans from all over, head to the Capitol City for SXSW (South by Southwest).

In its' 24th year, the music festival showcases nearly 2000 musical acts with 80 stages, spanning the musical spectrum from alternative and electronic to rock, pop, latin and country. There is something for everyone and many popular performers got their start here at SXSW, think Red Hot Chili Peppers and Los Lonely Boys.

In 1994 SXSW added the Film and Interactive to the line up, usually starting in the days just before the music. 2007 highlighted Elvis and Annabelle, 2010 has The Hurt Locker.

Although finding a place to stay can be challenging and getting around is easiest on foot, (there are shuttles set up just for the festival) it is well worth the trip. It's best to get a reservation well in advance at area hotels, or find one of the many residents in Austin willing to rent their home/condo out for the week.

If you missed it this year, start making your reservations for 2011, it will be the 25th Anniversary and I can only imagine the celebrations being planned.

For something a bit different, check out the Star of Texas Rodeo, held at the fairgrounds. In addition to bull riding, roping and children's activities (petting zoo, pony rides) this years musical lineup features acts from the Doobie Brothers to Lady Antebellum to Kevin Fowler.

For a break on Sunday the 14th, pick up something to eat at one of the food trailers on S. 1st Street or S. Congress then head to the Zilker Park Kite Festival. Kites will be up and flying from 10-5.

Keep Austin Weird!

http://www.sxsw.com/

http://www.rodeoaustin.com/

My Favorite Things - Part One

Often when I meet clients who are new to Austin we spend at least part of the day driving around to get a feel for the city. They ask me for a "tour" and want to know my favorite places, things to do, etc.

The tour is easy, my favorite things are a challenge, there are so many! Do they want to know my favorite places to eat? shop? my favorite art venues? sports teams? What about parks? hiking? biking? So to bring an end to a decade and welcome in the next I have decided to tackle a few of my favorite things each month and paint a picture of my favorite city, Austin. Here goes...

As anyone who is familiar with life in Texas knows, football is like a religion. We eat, drink and breathe the game at all levels. Football begins in school in the seventh grade, (flag & pop warner are earlier). But it really takes hold in high school. Fridays in the fall consist of pep rallys, tailgating and games. Stadiums are packed throughout the State and Austin is no exception. Many of the teams in Central Texas go to State playoffs and my "home" team is no exception.

I live in the Eanes school district---home of the Westlake Chaparrals. The Chaps are a 5A school and consistently compete for a State Title. Once the regular season has ended "Going to State" means playing football every weekend (hopefully) until just before Christmas. This year the Chaps made it all the way to the final game, playing December 19th at the Alamo Bowl. They have played there so often it's like a second home field. Unfortunately they lost, in OT to Euless, a team outside of Dallas.

One of the things that makes Friday nights so much fun is the community involvement. Everyone gets behind the team (and the band, and the hyline, and the cheerleaders, and the technical crew....) Red & blue bows are tied on trees, antennas and even the stop signs. The local businesses post messages on the signs outside their doors and local nursery, Pots and Plants, lets the parents paint its trademark flamingos Chaparral blue and red.

And then there is college football, and the University of Texas, down the road a few short miles. Friday night colors change to burnt orange on Saturday mornings as the locals cheer their Longhorns to victory (and the National Championship game at the Rose Bowl on January 7th).

Living in Eanes is like living in a small town with all the amenities of the big city. Neighbors know each other, local businesses remember your name and the schools bring the community together. It's a wonderful place to raise children. I have a son and a daughter who went through Eanes Elementary, Hill Country Middle School and graduated from Westlake High School. They left the state for college, but still enjoy coming home and seeing their friends, many whom they have known their entire life.

There are many different neighborhoods in Eanes, something for everyone. Small homes, large homes, condos, old or new they all have their own hill country personality. And there are many similar communities in the Austin area. All with their own neighborhood identities. So if you or someone you know is looking to make a move, please think of me first, I would like to be your agent.