Dianne Bartlett's Lakeway Lake Travis Real Estate Blog

Round Rock Texas Cat Hollow Home for Sale.  New listing in Cat Hollow on the market priced less than what you have been seeing lately!  Many updates on this home include gleaming dark wood floors plus shining slate tile.  Recent carpet, paint, roof and garage doors add to the updated feel of this home.

You'll appreciate the floor plan with over 2500 square feet of living space.  A huge kitchen with a pass-through bar opens up to a friendly family room with a gas log fireplace and soaring ceilings.  The master bedroom is downstairs with a private bath, double vanity, separate shower and garden tub.

Upstairs is a generous game room plus 3 large bedrooms.  You'll love the spacious, floored, attic storage.  This popular floor plan is sure to meet your needs.

The home is located in coveted Cat Hollow, and children in this neighborhood attend award-winning Round Rock schools.  Older students go to McNeil High School - home of the Mavericks.  Cat Hollow also has a wonderful neighborhood park with a swimming pool, playground, tennis courts, basketball courts and walking trails.

For more information on this listing, click here.

To see what your home may be worth, click here.

103 Birdie Drive in Lakeway Texas is a Jaw-Dropping Bargain!  This little birdie has a secret - and it's a good one for the buyer.  At just $265,000, your jaw will drop when you see inside this luxurious corner-lot, stand-alone, garden home.  Rich wood beams and soaring ceilings in the living room and overlooking loft provide that open, spacious feel of a much larger estate home.

A complete remodel includes custom cabinets, tile floor and counters, stainless appliances and a gourmet kitchen.  You'll love the private master bedroom with morning light and its own patio.  Great in-law floor plan with 2 extra bedrooms upstairs.  Over 2000 square feet of living for this bargain price in Lakeway, Texas.

103 Birdie Drive allows you to live in the Lake Travis ISD for less.

Call today for a no-obligation showing.

Want to know what homes in the area are selling for?  Click here for an Instant Market Snapshot.

Lake Travis Lake Levels Still Low and Hindering Waterfront Home Sales.  The elevation of Lake Travis today is 654 feet msl.  This summer, the lake reached historic lows due to exceptional drought but rain this fall helped raise the lake over 15 feet to date.  Many area home owners think the lake levels are nearly back to normal but this is not the case.

Area news stations report lake levels daily and give a misleading view of how low the lake remains because they report how many feet below "average" the level is for that day.  Average does not mean full.  Lake Travis fluctuates from its full pool elevation of 681 feet, and the "average level for December over the years is 668.  At 668 feet, the lake is still 13 feet below full.

Any lake level at Lake Travis below 681 feet means dry coves, longer walks to the water, steeper drops from cliffs and harder-to-navigage boat ramps.  Waterfront home owners suffer a loss of property value when the lake is anywhere below full.  Views retreat, neighboring docks compete for space and access to the water decreases.  Trespassers also take advantage of low levels when they have access across exposed land to reach private property that is normally inaccessible.

The truth is:  Lake Travis is over 25 feet too low!  25 vertical feet of water is missing from the lake due to drought.  Rainfall has been infrequent in the last several weeks and inflow rates are declining.  There is no significant rain in the forecast.

Low lake levels hinder waterfront home sales even more than a seasonal decline in home buying activity.  Who wants to buy a "waterfront home" that may not even have water in front of it?  Buyers who are willing to buy with the lake low will find bargain prices if they act now before the lake comes up.

Visualizing and Nevillizing Your Goals - It Really Does Work!  After just 6 short days of describing on paper my ideal life as if it were already true, events are already happening to propel me toward that reality.  In my blog post on December 9th, I talked about how Jack Canfield had re-inspired me to visualize my goals.  As I focused in on what I want to have already happened by January 22nd, 2010 (a random date I picked), I began daily journal entries describing how much money I would have in the bank, what activities I would be doing with my family and how happy we would be.  I also described how my listings were selling and how new business was coming to me.  One of my dreams is to sell one of my investment properties - so I described that as happening, too, and I visualized me signing the closing papers and deposting the large proceeds check at the bank.

I have tenants in all my rent houses, and a week ago, I wasn't sure how I would actually sell one of them.  Plus, the market is at a low point in the neighborhoods where the houses are.  One of the things that Jack Canfield reminds us to do is to take action even as you are visualizing your goals.  When one of my tenants had not paid the rent for December, I took the initiative to drive over to the house (when he didn't return my phone calls).  I was stunned to see a moving truck in the driveway, only to find out that his girlfriend was moving back in.  I spoke with both of them about getting caught back up on the rent.  (Who wants to put a family out right before Christmas??)  After 4 days, though, they still had not paid a dime in rent.  It was time for me to take action.  My son asked me why I was more charitable to a family I didn't even know than to my own family.  Wow!  That really hit home.  No one gets a free ride in my household - why was I giving a free ride to a tenant who chronically paid rent weeks after it was due and wouldn't even take care of the property?  I prepared an eviction letter and carried it over to the house.  The girlfriend actually looked relieved.  She said she was sorry she had moved back in because it wasn't working out anyway.

I now have a concrete plan to get this house sold.  In 6 days, I went from dreaming about having my equity out of one of my investments to actually taking steps to make it happen.  None of this could have taken place if I hadn't spent the last 6 days visualizing and nevillizing this goal.  Oh, are you wondering what nevillizing is?  Joe Vitale used the phrase to pay homage to Neville Goddard, a Barbados mystic who believed that you can create your reality through your imagination.  The trick is to visualize your goals as already achieved AND to feel the good feelings that would be evoked from that achievement.  One way to practice this methodology is to describe your ideal life on paper each day.

I knew that goal achievement has to involve action, and frankly, who can be motivated to kick out a tenant?  I've got to tell you, though, that the words that came out of my mouth when navigating this potentially unpleasant situation felt like they didn't even come from me.  I'm not normally a very articulate person, and I don't do analogies well.  However, when I spoke with my tenants about moving out immediately, I was surprised at how calmly assertive I was and entirely fair.  I can only believe that these inspired words came out because they were coming from my true desire for a better life.  I can even visualize a better life for my tenants as they find a more affordable place to live where life doesn't have to be such a struggle for them.

If there is something that you want in your life or some goal you want to achieve, I encourage you to practice visualizing and nevillizing every day.  It really does work!

Lakeway Texas Living for Less!  The time to buy in Lakeway is now.  Prices have dropped to the lowest in a decade, and you'll get lots of value, space and quality for your money.  If you want to live in the most highly coveted area of Austin Texas for less money, the following is just one example of what you can buy.

109 Nakoma Drive is a recently-built home for just $319,000.  The home is situated on over 1/3 acre and features an all masonry Texas stone veneer.  You'll get over 2500 square feet of living space for this price plus a 3-car garage.  Your back yard is buffered by a green belt for serene privacy.  This is a single story home for easy living and maintenance with 3 bedrooms and 3 full baths.

The master bedroom is located on the opposite side of the home from the secondary bedrooms in an ideal floorplan.  The kitchen is open to the dining and living, and you will appreciate the wood and hard tile floors.

Call today to see this beautiful home:  512-266-2606.

Close-in Austin Texas Condos are Bargain-priced!  Have you considered downsizing?  Do you have thoughts of living closer to Downtown Austin?  Do you need to invest in a place for your college student to live?  Ever thought of benefitting from rental property?

If any of these thoughts have crossed your mind, now is a good time to consider a close-in, Austin condo.  I recently looked at several possibilities for a potential buyer and found bargain-priced condos fairly abundantly just north of Austin and less than 5 miles to the University of Texas campus.  These condos are located in pleasant neighborhoods on the west side of IH 35.

Prices for Austin condos start at $85,000.  I found a very nice 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo with a large balcony and outside storage closet for $86,900.  The complex is just off Anderson Lane and includes a well-kept pool and laundry facility.  The unit is ideal for 2 college students desiring a quieter environment that is still close to campus.  Investors could also place this unit in rental pool for out-of-town business folks & tourists visiting Austin who need something a little longer term than most hotels provide.  There was also a nicely-priced 3-bedroom unit in this same complex.

For empty nesters wanting to downsize and simply their living, I liked a group of condos near Northcross Mall.  These condos are completely renovated and start at $114,900.  These units include upgrades such as granite counters and stainless appliances.  Utilities (except electric) plus cable are included in the low HOA fee.  The complex has a large pool, fitness center, club house, on-site hotel and dining facilities.  These condos would also make excellent second homes for anyone wanting a central Austin retreat that's close to entertainment, shopping, sporting events, etc.

If you are interested in Austin condos, call me today.  I saw even more complexes that just had wonderful envirornments with units in excellent condition.  I haven't seen these kinds of bargain prices in several years and was pleasantly surprised to see what you can buy so close-in to Austin.

Christmas at 410 Calico Bush Lane in Round Rock, Texas!  Celebrate the holidays early with a great Christmas present to yourself.  410 Calico Bush Lane in Round Rock is a true "Black Friday" bargain.  It's priced below market value PLUS you may qualify for a government tax credit of up to $8000.  Wow!  On sale with a rebate - what could be better than that?

Here's what.  We have super-sized the back yard to add to your purchase value.  This home sits on over 3/4 acres just off the tollway in Round Rock.  You get country living close in for an easy commute to any job location.  You'll be living at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac with your own park-like back yard where you can do what you want.  The home is one story with a pleasant side-entry garage and a double gate to your expansive back yard playing field.  It even includes a shaded, covered porch for your enjoyment.

You'll love the white stone exterior and inviting entry.  This is a popular open floor plan with a generous living area and light and bright kitchen.  The master bedroom is located on its own private hallway.  On the opposite side of the house, you'll find the two, spacious, secondary bedrooms.  Plus, you get a nice-sized, private office off the entry hallway.

Extras include good appliances and cabinetry.  You'll appreciate the generous indoor utility room and the epoxy floor in the garage.  There is a water softener already installed.  Good-sized, walk-in closets will store all your holiday shopping treasures.  Do you like designer paint colors?  The walls are already ready for your fashionable decor at 410 Calico Bush Lane in Round Rock, Texas!

What's the catch?  We've priced it over $20,000 below market so that you can choose your own flooring for the kitchen and do a little yard work.  Yes, the kitchen flooring needs to be replaced, and you will need to trim the hedges.  Since we don't have "curb appeal" and need to do a little fix-up, you could be the beneficiary of this awesome opportunity to own MORE for LESS in Round Rock, Texas.

Jack Canfield teaches us to Visualize Our Ideal Lives.  I had the great fortune to attend Jack Canfield's Breakthrough to Success seminar a couple of years ago, and it still impacts my life today.

I was recently listening to an audio CD of Jack's, and he was encouraging folks to spend time each day thinking of how we want our lives to be.  Above all, don't think about your current results if you are not happy with them.  It takes focus and effort to think of things the way you want them to be, but it is well worth the effort.

Start by describing yourself according to your future intentions and ideals.  Build your ideal life in your mind first.  Get a clear image of what you want - every aspect of it - financial, career, health & fitness, relationships, travel you want, hobbies you want to engage in, all of your achievements and your legacy.  Hold the image and focus on it daily.  Keep working on it until you get it exactly as you want it.  Do this every day for 30 days.

This was a great reminder for me, so I diligently pulled out a blank notebook and started writing down my ideal life.  Only... I got stuck.  If you are like me, you may not be able to think too many months in the future.  Suddenly, it dawned on me that I could describe my ideal life as it would be just a couple of months from now.  I picked January 22nd as my target date and had a much easier time describing the many closings and listings I would have by that time.  It was easy to write down my ideal financial status as it can (will) be in January.  I found it fun to talk about the travels I would plan due to my financial success, and it was more thrilling to be describing a near-future goal than something a year or two away.

Every day for the next 30 days, I will continue to write about this Ideal Life of mine that will all be in place by January 22nd.  Because the vision is so clear, I have no doubt that it will all be in place by next month.

Jack also shared a great affirmation that he uses every night before he goes to sleep:  I will wake up tomorrow in a happy and productive mode, and I will enjoy life even more than I did today!

Austin Area Home Buyers Get Second Chance at Tax Credit.  The home buyer tax credit has been extended through April 30, 2010.  Home buyers may find a home and sign a purchase contract by April 30th in order to qualify.  Closing may take place as late as July 1st, 2010.

The original $8000 tax credit applies to first-time home buyers and buyers who have not owned a primary residence the previous 3 years.  The new bill adds a $6500 tax credit for current homeowners purchasing a new principal residence who have used the home being sold as a principal residence for five consecutive years within the last eight.

Wow!  So, what does this all mean?  Anyone can buy a primary residence and get money back from the government!  Remember 10 years ago in Austin when buyers could ask for a $8000 "decorating allowance" from the seller at closing?  Buyers walked away from closing with money in their pocket back then, and with the tax credit, they can do the same thing again.  What buyer couldn't use an extra $6500-8000 when they purchase a home?  The money could be used for decorating, landscaping, updating or simply to help out on the monthly payments.

What is another reason to buy RIGHT NOW?  Interest rates are low, low, low!  Did you know that a 1 % increase in interest rates could cost a home buyer over $45,000 in extra payments over the life of a $200,000 home loan?  Interest rate increases also cause home buyers to lose a chance to buy in a higher price range because they may no longer qualify for the home that they want.

The home buyer tax credit won't last forever nor will low interest rates.  With over 8500 homes to choose from, Austin area home buyers are lucky to have a second chance to buy.

Click here to search for a home now.

Be a Good (Quiet) Neighbor When You Have a Back Yard Party.  I attended a wonderful Halloween party last week in a South Austin neighborhood.  When we parked the car along the street, it was eerily quiet!  In fact, we were walking up to the house and were worried we had the wrong address.

The party host was insistent that we all come dressed in costume.  So when we saw Alice and the Mad Hatter walking up, we knew we were at the right place.  The couple directed us along the caution tape in the front yard to an opening in the fence that led to the back yard.  There, flaps of black visqueen plastic formed a curtain that we parted and walked through.

Then, we walked through a tunnel formed by the side fence and the plastic.  We hunched under spider webs and foliage along a path all the way to the back of the yard.  There, we turned and followed the back fence line between the large plastic sheet and the fence until we finally reached the opening to the party into the back yard.

Wow!  There were 30 costumed folks already talking, laughing and listening to music.  The large, thick sheets of plastic had formed the perfect sound curtain!

We found out later that the owners had two reasons to shield the noise and keep it quiet.  The neighbors were serving as the baby sitter for the young children & babies of party goers.  Even attendees wanted it quiet for sleeping babies.

We stayed until 1pm and enjoyed a costume contest announced by microphone, raucus laughter, a stunt show which included a pocket bike and a pole dancing show put on by Juno & her boyfriend.  There were no neighbor complaints, and when we left the party that was still going strong, we were amazed at the quiet as we walked to our car.