Do you ever wonder what luxury living is outside of Austin Texas? It's easy to become so familiar with the materials, styles and trends in our own backyard we sometimes forget that there are other amazing properties around the world.
Since my company, AvenueOne Properties has the privilege of being the Exclusive Affiliate of Christie's Great Estates in central Texas I thought I would share a glimpse of these other luxury markets with you today. Including the opportunity to own a residence on the world's largest private yacht, The World.
Besides having access to the leading luxury real estate firms worldwide, I also am able to provide Art Referrals for consignment of fine art, furniture and other collectibles to Christie's Auction House. Please contact me for more information if you are interested in this service.
Christie's Great Estates digital magazine: http://tinyurl.com/mmze8w
The World: http://www.aboardtheworld.com/
Monday, August 31, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
What does Austin's ECAD mean to you?
Approved by the Austin City Council, the Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure (ECAD) ordinance became effective on June 1st. Currently the ordinance applies only to properties within the city limits of Austin who receive electricity from Austin Energy, but it is sure to expand throughout the county in the coming years.
What does this mean for a homeowner considering putting their home on the market? A homeowner must get the audit before the sale of their home. There are no requirements to fix/upgrade any of the deficiencies, it is for information only. But beware, while the auditors need to meet the City's certification requirements, and perform a specific audit, there is not yet a standard for pricing. Be sure to get two or three quotes before you hire an auditor.
Many of the auditors may also be service providers for the needed energy-efficiency improvements. Before they do the audit, let them know you will not be hiring them to do any needed improvements, it is best to hire a provider that is neutral to the transaction.
So, does your house need an energy audit? There are many exceptions. If your home is less than 10 years old or has received energy-efficiency improvements or a total of $500 in rebates through the Austin Energy Home Performance with Energy Star (R) Program within 10 years of the sale your home is exempt.
Other exemptions include condominiums, mobile/manufactured homes, foreclosures, pre-foreclosures, trustee or deed sales, gifts within families, court order, probate, decree of legal separation or divorce. A homeowner can go to the website (below) and do an ECAD Audit Self-Check to see if your home qualifies for an exemption.
What does the ECAD tell an owner about their home? Among other things, the audit measures air leakage from ducts, R-value and efficiency of attic insulation and heating and cooling efficiency. The audit also identifies windows which are receiving at least one hour of sun per day.
While the ordinance doesn't apply to many homeowners in the Austin metro area, the idea of making repairs/upgrades to our homes while we still live in them is a good thing to consider. When the need for a new HVAC system, or refrigerator arises, be sure they are Energy Star (R) rated. Replace the old water heater with a tankless one, or re-insulate your attic, done over a period of time, when needed, these improvements will make the eventual sale of your home smoother.
My suggestion to anyone (inside or out of the Austin city limits), thinking of selling their home is to go ahead an get an energy audit. You may be able to upgrade some of the smaller deficiencies in your home and you will have the information ready to give to potential buyers from the beginning. Many buyers outside the city limits are asking for an audit to be performed as part of the contract, and will be pleased to know that you have been proactive.
Please feel free to contact me for names of approved energy auditors, with questions about the ECAD, or for help buying or selling your home.
For more information about Austin's ECAD ordinance http://www.austinenergy.com/About%20Us/Environmental%20Initiatives/ordinance/index.htm
UPDATE: Tim Arndt @ Austin Energy read my blog and sent a shorter link:
http://www.austinenergy.com/go/ecad
And the Home Performance with Energy Star (R) site is:
http://www.austinenergy.com/go/rebates
What does this mean for a homeowner considering putting their home on the market? A homeowner must get the audit before the sale of their home. There are no requirements to fix/upgrade any of the deficiencies, it is for information only. But beware, while the auditors need to meet the City's certification requirements, and perform a specific audit, there is not yet a standard for pricing. Be sure to get two or three quotes before you hire an auditor.
Many of the auditors may also be service providers for the needed energy-efficiency improvements. Before they do the audit, let them know you will not be hiring them to do any needed improvements, it is best to hire a provider that is neutral to the transaction.
So, does your house need an energy audit? There are many exceptions. If your home is less than 10 years old or has received energy-efficiency improvements or a total of $500 in rebates through the Austin Energy Home Performance with Energy Star (R) Program within 10 years of the sale your home is exempt.
Other exemptions include condominiums, mobile/manufactured homes, foreclosures, pre-foreclosures, trustee or deed sales, gifts within families, court order, probate, decree of legal separation or divorce. A homeowner can go to the website (below) and do an ECAD Audit Self-Check to see if your home qualifies for an exemption.
What does the ECAD tell an owner about their home? Among other things, the audit measures air leakage from ducts, R-value and efficiency of attic insulation and heating and cooling efficiency. The audit also identifies windows which are receiving at least one hour of sun per day.
While the ordinance doesn't apply to many homeowners in the Austin metro area, the idea of making repairs/upgrades to our homes while we still live in them is a good thing to consider. When the need for a new HVAC system, or refrigerator arises, be sure they are Energy Star (R) rated. Replace the old water heater with a tankless one, or re-insulate your attic, done over a period of time, when needed, these improvements will make the eventual sale of your home smoother.
My suggestion to anyone (inside or out of the Austin city limits), thinking of selling their home is to go ahead an get an energy audit. You may be able to upgrade some of the smaller deficiencies in your home and you will have the information ready to give to potential buyers from the beginning. Many buyers outside the city limits are asking for an audit to be performed as part of the contract, and will be pleased to know that you have been proactive.
Please feel free to contact me for names of approved energy auditors, with questions about the ECAD, or for help buying or selling your home.
For more information about Austin's ECAD ordinance http://www.austinenergy.com/About%20Us/Environmental%20Initiatives/ordinance/index.htm
UPDATE: Tim Arndt @ Austin Energy read my blog and sent a shorter link:
http://www.austinenergy.com/go/ecad
And the Home Performance with Energy Star (R) site is:
http://www.austinenergy.com/go/rebates
Saturday, August 15, 2009
What's New is Old
As a child of the 60's & 70's growing up in California I am a product of the original "Green" movement: "Save Our Coastline", "Save the Whales" "Ecology Day" , etc. Social movements and peace movements were the way in which young idealists got out the word, protesting everything from war and nuclear weapons to deforestation and the need for cleaner national and local parks. It was the birth of Earth Day and many conservation groups, most notably Greenpeace.
We thought we were conservationists, but I think most of us were more into the idea of the cause rather than the practice of conservation. We spent designated days cleaning up the beach, the road, the water but never really stopped using the products causing the problems. It was about being heard, protesting, bringing attention to the problem, not finding a long lasting or "Sustainable" solution.
What's new is old. We are "Green" again, but now it's more mainstream to have solar energy or to use biodegradable products. Instead of strictly conserving or not using resources, we are balancing the use of these products with our lifestyles. We are becoming Sustainable.
Sustainability is defined as "the ability to satisfy the basic needs of today without compromising the ability of future generations to satisfy their needs.(1)" This is often defined as people, planet, and prosperity. It's no longer an all or nothing solution, it's about using and reusing what best suits our individual lifestyles.
We want "green" homes, but what does that mean? Is it enough to have energy efficient appliances and windows? For some it is, but others may need rainwater collection systems and xeriscaped lots. Or do you want all the building material in your home locally harvested? Maybe you just want low VOC paint and no carpet, there is no wrong answer.
We can be as much or as little "green" as we want and it's okay. The options and sources are out there, it's just a matter of education and practice. So if you are ready to start "greening" your life take baby steps. Start with grocery sacks or recycled paper, change out your light bulbs or toilets. For a list of Green resources go to my website under Reports and click on Central Texas Green Resource Guide. (http://www.susanavant.com/)
(1) United Nations "Our Common Future, Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development," 1987. Published as Annex to General Assembly document A/42/427.
We thought we were conservationists, but I think most of us were more into the idea of the cause rather than the practice of conservation. We spent designated days cleaning up the beach, the road, the water but never really stopped using the products causing the problems. It was about being heard, protesting, bringing attention to the problem, not finding a long lasting or "Sustainable" solution.
What's new is old. We are "Green" again, but now it's more mainstream to have solar energy or to use biodegradable products. Instead of strictly conserving or not using resources, we are balancing the use of these products with our lifestyles. We are becoming Sustainable.
Sustainability is defined as "the ability to satisfy the basic needs of today without compromising the ability of future generations to satisfy their needs.(1)" This is often defined as people, planet, and prosperity. It's no longer an all or nothing solution, it's about using and reusing what best suits our individual lifestyles.
We want "green" homes, but what does that mean? Is it enough to have energy efficient appliances and windows? For some it is, but others may need rainwater collection systems and xeriscaped lots. Or do you want all the building material in your home locally harvested? Maybe you just want low VOC paint and no carpet, there is no wrong answer.
We can be as much or as little "green" as we want and it's okay. The options and sources are out there, it's just a matter of education and practice. So if you are ready to start "greening" your life take baby steps. Start with grocery sacks or recycled paper, change out your light bulbs or toilets. For a list of Green resources go to my website under Reports and click on Central Texas Green Resource Guide. (http://www.susanavant.com/)
(1) United Nations "Our Common Future, Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development," 1987. Published as Annex to General Assembly document A/42/427.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Why is it so hard to answer the phone?
I had an interesting weekend, from an unexpected encounter which got me wondering why it's so hard to answer the phone.
The weekend started as usual with some showing appointments on my listings. Then I took a buyer out to see new a couple of listings that fit their criteria. Nothing exciting enough to spark any interest, but at least they know what they don't want.
Sunday was l free, no open houses scheduled, and I started thinking that maybe I could get to a movie (Julie & Julia perhaps?) when my phone rang. It was a desperate call from a tenant moving into a condo where I have the listings for sale with my partner. Our phone numbers are on the banner hanging on the front of the building so we got the call.
This tenant was moving into her new unit and the leasing agent was now 45 minutes overdue and not answering his phone calls. Calls to the brokerage resulted in being forwarded to voice mail with no guarantees of a return call before Monday. It was 105 degrees outside, before noon, and the movers were getting impatient, I was their last hope for entry. But I knew nothing about their lease, I only sell those condos so I couldn't give them access.
Luckily I have the leasing brokers number and was able to find him and the new tenants gained access to their new home. But not long after, I received another call, the air conditioning not only was blowing warm air (remember it's 105 outside) but leaking all over the carpet. Calls to the management company resulted in , "it's not my job today" answers so I got the call. I contacted the developer and he was able to take care of the AC problem.
I put the incident behind me and didn't think of it again, there's always a snag and it's usually easily fixed. Plus, they aren't my clients!
Until this morning when I received an email from the tenant thanking me for taking the time to help her out and for being "professional" when no one else she has worked with during this transaction has made any effort to help her. She went on to give me a synopsis of her leasing experience beginning in March and it was unbelievable that she a)continued to work with this agent b)ever found anything to lease c)still had her sanity.
It made me wonder why agents don't answer their phones anymore and don't bother to research their buyers/sellers criteria or motivation for pursuing a transaction. It's so simple yet fewer and fewer "professionals" are conducting them selves in a professional manner.
Years ago (10-11?) I picked up a client because I returned a phone call and another agent did not. I have since conducted numerous transactions with this client, become friends with his family, celebrated the births of his children and received referrals from him just because I picked up the phone and provided "professional" service when he asked for it.
Isn't that what real estate are supposed to do? My service is my knowledge of the market, ability to get from contract to close and find my clients the best home (or buyer for their home) possible. I get paid for my advise and my service, I don't have a tangible commodity (car, surgical services, tax return) to give my clients. It's not a part time, when I'm not busy with something else, job. It's a job driven by constant communication with the client, other agents, and market knowledge. So why is it so hard to answer the phone?
I don't know, I don't have an answer, it's such an easy thing to do. I just know my clients are able to pass along my name to their friends and associates knowing that the agent they are referring will answer her phone and will be able to provide them with professional service from beginning to end.
The weekend started as usual with some showing appointments on my listings. Then I took a buyer out to see new a couple of listings that fit their criteria. Nothing exciting enough to spark any interest, but at least they know what they don't want.
Sunday was l free, no open houses scheduled, and I started thinking that maybe I could get to a movie (Julie & Julia perhaps?) when my phone rang. It was a desperate call from a tenant moving into a condo where I have the listings for sale with my partner. Our phone numbers are on the banner hanging on the front of the building so we got the call.
This tenant was moving into her new unit and the leasing agent was now 45 minutes overdue and not answering his phone calls. Calls to the brokerage resulted in being forwarded to voice mail with no guarantees of a return call before Monday. It was 105 degrees outside, before noon, and the movers were getting impatient, I was their last hope for entry. But I knew nothing about their lease, I only sell those condos so I couldn't give them access.
Luckily I have the leasing brokers number and was able to find him and the new tenants gained access to their new home. But not long after, I received another call, the air conditioning not only was blowing warm air (remember it's 105 outside) but leaking all over the carpet. Calls to the management company resulted in , "it's not my job today" answers so I got the call. I contacted the developer and he was able to take care of the AC problem.
I put the incident behind me and didn't think of it again, there's always a snag and it's usually easily fixed. Plus, they aren't my clients!
Until this morning when I received an email from the tenant thanking me for taking the time to help her out and for being "professional" when no one else she has worked with during this transaction has made any effort to help her. She went on to give me a synopsis of her leasing experience beginning in March and it was unbelievable that she a)continued to work with this agent b)ever found anything to lease c)still had her sanity.
It made me wonder why agents don't answer their phones anymore and don't bother to research their buyers/sellers criteria or motivation for pursuing a transaction. It's so simple yet fewer and fewer "professionals" are conducting them selves in a professional manner.
Years ago (10-11?) I picked up a client because I returned a phone call and another agent did not. I have since conducted numerous transactions with this client, become friends with his family, celebrated the births of his children and received referrals from him just because I picked up the phone and provided "professional" service when he asked for it.
Isn't that what real estate are supposed to do? My service is my knowledge of the market, ability to get from contract to close and find my clients the best home (or buyer for their home) possible. I get paid for my advise and my service, I don't have a tangible commodity (car, surgical services, tax return) to give my clients. It's not a part time, when I'm not busy with something else, job. It's a job driven by constant communication with the client, other agents, and market knowledge. So why is it so hard to answer the phone?
I don't know, I don't have an answer, it's such an easy thing to do. I just know my clients are able to pass along my name to their friends and associates knowing that the agent they are referring will answer her phone and will be able to provide them with professional service from beginning to end.
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