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.

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.

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'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.

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.

Forbes Predicting Austin Economy Will Grow $5 Billion By The End of 2010.

After a fun filled weekend showing buyers around Austin, and again this morning, before the heat became too much, I realized that I've been busier these last few weeks than I have been in a long time. While this is traditionally a busy time, buyers trying to get into a new home before school starts and sellers hoping to have time to sell and settle into their new home before it gets too late in the fall, nothing has gone as expected recently.

It's odd to be so excited about "normal" activity in the marketplace, but I can't help myself. The past year has been unusually unpredictable, and this is coming from someone who threw out her crystal ball in the 80's! I've worked through many cycles in the market, some fantastic and some not so great, but there has always been a method to the madness, until the past Fall. No one, not even the "experts" have been able to come to a consensus, at least until recently.

Now, more often than not, I have been reading that Austin is rebounding on many different fronts (housing, jobs, best places for this & that) and my business is living proof that indeed, at least on the housing front, this is true.

I appreciate your referrals. When you work with me you'll know that A Class Act in Austin is in your corner.

For more information, read the latest news from Forbes. They predict Austin's economy will grow by $5 billion by the end of 2010. http://bit.ly/hE9sJ


http://www.SusanAvant.com/

Susan Avant, CLHMS, CRS, GRI
AvenueOne Properties
512-917-9936
susanavant@aveone.com
www.linkedin.com/in/susanavant

Despite Heat Wave Austin's Market is Looking Up

We are in the middle of an unprecedented heat wave in Austin, with more days over 100 degrees than I am willing to acknowledge. But despite the fact that no one wants to venture outside, I have been showing property with amazing frequency.

Anyone with their house listed will agree that this is great news. And any buyer willing to brave this heat and spend hours looking for a house must be serious. Unfortunately our luxury marketplace is still slow, most of the activity is under $800,000. But just a few months ago we were seeing little or no activity over $500,000 so things are looking up.

That said, here's some news put together by Real Estate Center Online News (TAMU):

FORECLOSURES FALL ACROSS STATE AUSTIN (Austin American-Statesman) – Residential foreclosures are at a five-month low in Central Texas, reflecting a trend in other parts of Texas, according to Foreclosure Listing Service (FLS) data.
"The tide may have changed," said FLS President George Roddy Sr., adding that the figures offer hope that foreclosure postings may have peaked.
Travis, Williamson, Hays and Bastrop counties posted a combined 1,072 properties for foreclosure in the August auction, down 27 percent from July.
The Dallas area saw foreclosures fall below 5,000 for the first time since March. In Bexar County, postings fell to their lowest level since March, according to Real Estate Foreclosures Inc.

AUSTIN HOUSING MARKET SHOWS SIGNS OF LIFE AUSTIN (Austin Board of Realtors) – Just over 2,100 single-family homes were sold last month, according to the June 2009 Multiple Listing Service report by the Austin Board of Realtors. That’s 4 percent less than a year ago. Meanwhile, the median price was $199,900, unchanged from last year.
"We've seen the year-over-year gap in sales volume close steadily throughout 2009, and that momentum continues this month," said Jay Gohil, chairman of the Austin Board of Realtors.
Home prices in the Austin area have continued gaining momentum since the beginning of the year. Over the first two quarters of 2009, the average sale price for a single-family home has increased $20,824, while median sales price has increased $24,400.
Also, since January 2009, sales volume is up 61 percent, and active listings are up 14 percent.

AUSTIN GROWS DESPITE DOWNTURN AUSTIN (Austin American-Statesman) – After moving past Columbus, Ohio, to become the 15th-largest city in the nation, Austin continues to grow despite the economic downturn.
Austin city demographer Ryan Robinson expects Travis County to add more than 30,000 people this year, including births. New residents keep the local economy going by renting apartments, buying homes and cars and starting new businesses. Of the country's largest metropolitan regions, Austin–Round Rock boasts the fourth-largest rate of self-employment, according to Brian Kelsey, director of community and economic development for the Capital Area Council of Governments.
Twenty-two percent of the area's workforce meets that qualification, serving as either an asset or a liability, depending on the state of the economy.

Merger of Two of Austin's Oldest Real Estate Firms

Last month my company, AvenueOne Properties, and Garrison Realtors merged under the AvenueOne Properties name. The highly respected former broker of Garrison Realtors, Homer "Trey" Garrison III has taken over the leadership of AvenueOne and things couldn't be better. I've been asked by clients and friends why we merged and how are things different and it's surprisingly easy to answer. Our philosophies and areas of expertise were so similar it just made sense to combine these two long standing Austin boutique companies. Our agencies both catered to the luxury home marketplace in Austin. Garrison Realtors was founded in 1986 by Trey's mother, Mary Nell Garrison (now deceased) and AvenueOne Properties was founded in 1986 as Eden Box & Company, changing it's name in 1998.

Not much has changed in the way we do business, except we are stronger and have a greater presence in the luxury marketplace. Our agents are busy, our leadership is strong and business is better than ever. The Austin marketplace is showing signs of recovery and we are helping our buyers and sellers take advantage of every opportunity.

We are the Exclusive Austin Affiliate of Christie's Great Estates and an Affiliate of Luxury Portfolio and Leading Real Estate Companies of the World (LRE) allowing us access to luxury properties and agent referral services around the world.

I appreciate your referrals. When you work with me you'll know that A Class Act in Austin is in your corner.

http://www.susanavant.com/

Susan Avant, CLHMS, CRS, GRI
AvenueOne Properties
512-917-9936
susanavant@aveone.com