Olympic Heights Home for Sale

512-740-6486 – http://KeepAustinWeirdHomes.com – Austin, TX Real Estate and Investment Specialists. 

Keep Austin Weird Homes is pleased to feature our listing at 2202 Billy Fiske Lane. This affordable South Austin home has all of the features discriminating buyers will appreciate, and a few extras you deserve.

You’ll find vaulted ceilings & eco-friendly Eucalyptus hardwood floors in the living room, which opens to the kitchen and dining areas.

Speaking of the kitchen…this one will be a pleasure to cook in with stainless appliances including a gas stove, brand new granite counters - and you won’t believe the size of the pantry!

The three generously sized bedrooms are upstairs - the master has a double vanity and walk-in closet. On the main floor there is a flex room that can be used as a playroom, office, or even a 4^th bedroom.

In the backyard, you’ll enjoy the privacy created by the bamboo screen. You’ll also find raised garden beds for organic vegetable and herb gardening, plum, fig and pomegranate trees, blackberry bushes, and a self-watering irrigation system for the garden and bamboo. The swing set will convey with the property.

This home for sale in Olympic Heights is ideally situated off the main roads in the neighborhood and walking distance from all the amenities such as the community pool, dog park & jogging trails. 

This South Austin neighborhood is served by Baranoff Elementary, Bailey Middle School and Akins High School.

Located just off S. Manchaca Rd. and less than 10 minutes from IH-35 and Southpark Meadows, you can easily commute anywhere in Austin or the surrounding towns from this home for sale in Olympic Heights. 

View FULL DETAILS and PHOTOS here:  Olympic Heights Home for Sale

IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE: Although this property was available at the time of this ad creation, it is very possible that an offer has been submitted or even accepted since that time. This ad was created with the intent to sell THIS property. If you are interested in this property, please call 512-740-6486 to check on its current availability.

Search the MLS like a Realtor and never miss the newest listings or the latest price changes. Search using criteria used by Realtors and brokers with multiple photos, satellite images, FULL MLS Descriptions and more. It’s easier than the MLS!  Search Austin and the surrounding areas in Central Texas.

• By Theresa Bastian

How To Protest Property Tax in Austin

The new tax assessed property values were mailed to homeowners throughout Texas recently and people in Austin and surrounding areas are experiencing sticker shock to find their values have gone up tens of thousands of dollars in just one year. I took a class this week so I could learn even more about the process to protest property tax in Austin and share the most current accurate information with you.

The property taxing system is a cycle with 4 parts:

·       

  Phase 1 – Appraisal – occurs between Jan. 1 and April 30. This is when the county determines the value of every property using a computer algorithm. It’s not personal, it’s not specific. Then the notices we are all panicking about are mailed.

·        

Phase 2 – Equalization. Yes, it is part of the cycle for homeowners to protest their values and help determine a more accurate one. Think of it like a check and balance.

·      

   Phase 3 – Adopting a Budget – comes after the protest period has ended and the values, and anticipated revenues – are set. This is meeting the public can attend.

·    

     Phase 4 – Collecting Taxes – is from Oct. – Jan. 31^st of the following year.

Let’s focus on Phase 2 – Equalization. What are your options?

·         Don’t do anything. Accept the value your property was assigned by the computer system and prepare to pay that increased tax bill.

·         Protest your property tax in Austin.  Complete the Travis County tax protest form and send it in by May 31^st. Check both boxes “Value is over market value” AND “Value is unequal compared to other properties”. That way you have options as you do your research. Check YES for “I want to receive a copy of hearing procedures”. I recommend filing as close to May 31^st as you can without being late. Hearings are done in the order received, and if others homes’ values in your area have had successful protests before your hearing, that data will help you. You will need access to the data for comparable homes sold in your neighborhood between Oct. 1 of last year and March 31 of this year. 

·         You can ask a Realtor to help, but be aware that if you don’t have a relationship with that person or experience with their attention to detail, you may not get the best information.  In general, our market has increased in value a great deal. You want to find the nuances that can show why your property shouldn’t follow the average, and those are time consuming to research.

·         You can hire a firm on contingency to do the work for you. They take between 35-60% of the tax savings they get you. Average success rate is 90% and they average a 10% reduction. So if they save you $1,000 in taxes they collect between $350 and $500. If there is no reduction, there is no cost.

·         Remember you can actually protest two things - the lot value and/or the structure value. It seems that this year the appraisers did a better job of differentiating between lot sizes. So if you have a larger lot, you probably saw a more significant increase this year. You can still protest your lot value if for example, you have drainage issues, or it’s not flat and buildable.

If you or someone you know needs help understanding their Travis County property tax valuation and their options to protest property tax in Austin, we can help! Email theresa@keepaustinweirdhomes.com with your property address and contact information and we will go from there.

Search the MLS like a Realtor and never miss the newest lease, listing, or the latest price changes.
Search using criteria used by Realtors and brokers with multiple photos, satellite images, FULL MLS
Descriptions and more. Search Austin and the surrounding areas in Central Texas

-       By Theresa Bastian

78704 Home for Sale – ideal for investor/builder

78704 Home for Sale in Austin

                                                      

512-740-6486 – http://KeepAustinWeirdHomes.com – Austin, TX Real Estate and Investment Specialists. 

Keep Austin Weird Homes is pleased to feature our listing at 1002 Taffy Ct. This vintage 3 bedroom 1 bath is situated just off extremely popular South 1^st Street in Austin’s hippest zip code – 78704. Walk to eclectic Austin businesses like Torchy’s Tacos, Summermoon Coffee, and enjoy the South Austin Park and Rec Center, which is less than 1 mile away.

Be aware that the value is in the land. This level lot is clear in back with mature trees only in front or along property line, making it an ideal site for an expansive remodel or remove the existing home and build the modern home of your dreams in Austin’s hippest zip.

   

It would be possible to live in or rent out the house while preparing your plans, permits and zoning changes. Similar properties have rented for $1,200 - $1,500 recently. 

The lot is currently zoned SF3 but denser zoning surrounds this area. This property is priced to sell with current zoning and "As Is” condition.  Zoned to Galindo Elementary, Fulmore Middle School, and Travis High School, although many charter and private schools are also nearby.

View FULL DETAILS and PHOTOS here:  78704 Home for Sale

IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE: Although this property was available at the time of this ad creation, it is very possible that an offer has been submitted or even accepted since that time. This ad was created with the intent to sell THIS property. If you are interested in this property, Please call 512-297-3442 to check on its current availability.

Search the MLS like a Realtor and never miss the newest listings or the latest price changes. Search using criteria used by Realtors and brokers with multiple photos, satellite images, FULL MLS Descriptions and more. It’s easier than the MLS!  Search Austin and the surrounding areas in Central Texas.

Travis County Homestead Exemption Forms

2014 Travis County Homestead Exemption Forms and Info

512-740-6486 – http://KeepAustinWeirdHomes.com – Austin, TX Real Estate and Investment Specialists. 

As a service to you, we are providing the 2014 Homestead Exemption Form for Travis, Williamson and Hays County. Just click the link to access the form you need for your property, complete the form, and return to the appraisal district before the deadline. Feel free to contact us at 512-297-3442 if you have any questions.

Travis County – includes Austin, Bee Cave, Lakeway, Manor, and Pflugerville

Williamson County – includes Cedar Park, Georgetown, and Round Rock 

Hays County – includes Dripping Springs, Kyle, Buda, San Marcos, and Wimberly

Homestead exemptions allow you to remove part of your home’s value from taxation, thereby saving you money on your taxes. In order to qualify, a property must be owned by an individual (not a corporation or trust) and by used as the individual’s primary residence on January 1 of the tax year. You may file a Homestead Exemption form with your appraisal district for the $15,000 homestead exemption up to one year after the taxes on the homestead are due. Once you receive the exemption, you do not need to reapply unless specifically request to by the appraiser’s office.

There are additional exemptions available for homeowners over the age of 65, disabled homeowners, and disabled veterans. Please contact us if you’d like advice about any of these exemptions.

Wish you had that new home to file a Homestead Exemption on?  Let us help you make your homeownership dreams come true in 2014! 

Search the MLS like a Realtor and never miss the newest listings or the latest price changes. Search using criteria used by Realtors and brokers with multiple photos, satellite images, FULL MLS Descriptions and more. It’s easier than the MLS!  Search Austin and the surrounding areas in Central Texas.

Real Estate in Austin hits 7 year high for November

           

Austin-area home sales rise 14 percent, hit seven-year high for November

Austin Board of REALTORS® releases real estate statistics for November 2013

AUSTIN, Texas – Dec. 19, 2013 – According to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) report released today by the Austin Board of REALTORS® (ABoR), the volume of home sales continues to rise as November became the 30th straight month of sales volume increases and the most home sales in November since 2006.

According to the report, 1,899 single-family homes were sold in the Austin area, which is 14 percent more than November 2012. The median price for Austin-area homes was $219,530, which is 10 percent more than the same month in 2012.

Cathy Coneway, 2013 President of the Austin Board of REALTORS­®, explained, “With strong activity across all segments of the market, the Austin-area housing market has been full steam ahead through the holidays and the rest of the year, Our city’s population and job growth show no signs of slowing down, so 2014 will likely be another competitive year for Austin real estate.”

In November 2013, inventory remained at a historically low level of 2.3 months, which is more than half of a month less than November 2012. Additionally, homes spent an average of 51 days on the market, which is a decrease of 16 days from one year prior.

The total dollar volume of single-family properties sold was $555,757,542 or 24 percent higher than the same month last year. The market also featured the same amount of new listings, 11 percent fewer active listings and two percent more pending sales in November 2013 compared to the prior year.

November 2013 Statistics

• 1,899 – Single-family homes sold, 14 percent more than November 2012.

• $219,530 – Median price for single-family homes, 10 percent more than November 2012.

• 51 – Average number of days single-family homes spent on the market, 16 days fewer than November 2012.

• 1,967 – New single-family home listings on the market, statistically unchanged from November 2012.

• 5,119 – Active single-family home listings on the market, 11 percent fewer than November 2012.

• 1,756 – Pending sales for single-family homes, two percent more than November 2012.

• 2.3 – Months of inventory* of single-family homes, more than half of a month less than November 2012.

• $555,757,542 – Total dollar volume of single-family properties sold, 24 percent more than November 2012.

The following sections describe trends in other sectors of the Austin real estate market.

Townhouses & Condominiums

The number of townhouses and condominiums (condos) purchased in the Austin area in November 2013 was 223, which is 35 percent more than November 2012. In the same time period, the median price for condos was $195,200, which is eight percent more than the same month of the prior year. When compared to November 2012, these properties spent an average of 55 days on the market, or 38 percent less time.

Leasing

In November 2013, a total of 1,162 properties were leased in Austin, which is six percent more than November 2012. The median price for Austin-area leases was $1,390, which is seven percent more than the same month of the prior year. 

Make the Best New Years Plans

                         

With the big all night party upon us, will you be out around town or hosting your own soiree? If you’re looking for the best parties around town to attend or crash we’ve got a full line up for you. Check out the information here from Austin 360.

Still want to party like the rockstar you once were but have littles in attendance this year? We have that covered too. There’s plenty of family friendly partying to be had here in Austin. Check out Free Fun in Austin for a complete list of things to take the mini me’s to!

Hosting New Years?

                                     

We do love being crafty here at Keep Austin Weird Homes and we’ve got plenty of ideas to help make your party not just a success, but the one that your friends talk about for many New Years to come! From cupcakes to fortune cookies to making your own party hats, we’ve got all the last minute DIY ideas and links to tell you how.  Make sure you follow us on Pinterest for party ideas year round along with DIY home projects and remodel ideas.

Just remember no matter what your plans are for the New Year holiday celebration, make it a safe one. 

Keep Austin Weird Homes

Theresa Bastian and Rodney Campbell run an Austin, TX real estate brokerage established with the intention of doing good business with good people.  As Austin real estate specialists, Theresa and Rodney can help you buy, sell, lease or invest in real estate in and around Austin, TX.

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU TODAY?

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Austin Holiday Traditions

At Keep Austin Weird Homes we value everything that makes Austin unique – and this is true during the holiday season as well. Here are three of our favorite Austin Christmas traditions.

                                     

Perhaps the most well known Austin holiday tradition is the Trail of Lights at Zilker Park, a 351 acre public park near downtown. The highlight of the Trail of Lights is the Zilker Holiday Tree, which stands over 150 feet tall, made up of multiple strands of lights, and is topped with a 10 foot tall lighted star. The event includes 2 stages featuring local music and dance performances, food trucks, and a mile-long path of fantastical lighted creations that winds through Zilker Park.

                                                    

Instead of flocking to the malls, Austinites know the best place to find unique gifts is at the Armadillo Bazaar at the Palmer Events Center. This event is an art fair and music festival (it IS Austin, after all) in one. Where else can you shop for everything from stocking stuffers to collectible pieces, all while enjoying a cup of Christmas cheer from the coffee shop or the bar and some local music? The Armadillo Bazaar runs through Christmas Eve.

But perhaps the weirdest Austin holiday tradition is, naturally, our favorite – the decorated trees along Highway 360. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas small groups of family members, friends or coworkers park their cars on the side of the roadway to transform a tree. Some use traditional Christmas colors, while others display carefully chosen themes ranging from sports teams to pop culture icons. If you’re inspired to decorate a tree along Highway 360 yourself this year, just remember to securely fasten the decorations to the tree, and of course, return the tree to its natural state after Christmas.