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.

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.

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.

Investment Opportunity for Hudson Bend Home Buyer!  How many homes can you find for less than $200,000 in the coveted Lake Travis Hudson Bend area?  According to our multiple listing system today, there are only 17 homes for sale in the entire 78734 zip code that are less than $200,000!  There are only 8 homes listed for less than $160,000 in 78734 as of today, AND there is only ONE home less than $200,000 in Hudson Bend.

4503 Weletka Drive, Austin, Texas 78734 has just been listed for $157,000 - a true investment opportunity.  The property is over half an acre and conveniently located within minutes of Lake Travis and less than 20 miles to Downtown Austin.  This home was originally located in Central Austin just south of Disch Falk Field.  The 1940's original was moved to its present location and refurbished to preserve its vintage charm.  The lot is wooded and private with two convenient out buildings for plenty of storage.  Look out every window to see hill country views or wooded groves.

This home has two bedrooms and two baths.  The master plus full bath is located on one side of the home, and a spare bedroom plus hall bath are on the opposite side of the house.  The original wood floors have been refinished, hard tile has been added to the baths and wood laminate preserves style in the upgraded kitchen.  Fixtures reflect an early 1900's vintage, and the master bath includes a claw foot tub and beaded board walls.  The living area is extra large, and the windows have been recently upgraded to wood-clad, energy efficient with easy-to-care for 2 inch blinds.  Keep warm in the winter with a wonderful wood-burning stove!

The kitchen has Corian counters with a porcelain sink.  The dishwasher is recent, and the range is a smooth-top, convection oven.  You'll appreciate all the shelving and cabinets as well as multiple closets throughout the house.  There is an additional over-sized mud room plus an enormous utility room at the back of the house which all could be converted to an additional bedroom and bath or more living space if desired.  The flexibility of this floor plan contributes to its value as an investment opportunity.

The home is located in the Travis Landing 2 neighborhood in Hudson Bend.  Children in this area attend the prestigious Lake Travis schools.

To see all homes for sale in 78734, click here.

Waterfront Home Sellers Welcome More Rain for Lake Travis. More rain is currently falling over the Texas Hill Country which means that Lake Travis may once again be on the rise.  The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) is oddly quiet on their web site today, and that sometimes means they really don't know if the raining falling now will make a difference or not.  In my experience, when LCRA is quiet, it can mean a several feet rise on Lake Travis when rain is falling in the upper watershed as it is right now.  Last week's rains brought a 13 foot rise in elevation and brought the lake level to approximately 642' msl.  That means the lake is still 39 feet below full (681' msl is full).  Right now the lake is at 643' msl and appears to be rising as I look out my window.

The elevation of Lake Travis makes a difference to waterfront home buyers.  Many buyers can't imagine what the lake looks like when it's full, especially if they only see the particular waterfront home they are considering when lake levels are at historic lows.  Plus, there are so many waterfront homes located in coves that go dry when the lake drops.  At 643' msl, most coves are dry, very shallow or hard to navigate.  Even the best coves on the lake begin looking ugly at approximately 660' msl.  Fearing flooding, some waterfront home owners find comfort when the lake hovers around 670' msl - a level often quoted as "average" by the news media.  I personally prefer a full lake at 681' msl.  It's the level most boat docks are optimally designed for, and most waterfront property lines fall along the full pool elevation.

Lake Travis waterfront home sellers should always wish for a full lake.  Even if a waterfront home is located on the main body and not in a cove, the view is always better when the lake is full.  Docks are easier to access, and buyers don't have to use their imagination to determine the full value of living in a particular waterfront home.

Two factors will determine whether or not waterfront home sellers on Lake Travis can have success selling.  One is definitely more rain to fill the lake.  The second factor is more availability of Jumbo Loans!

Find waterfront home listings here.

Keller Williams Food Drive in Travis Landing Austin Texas is a Huge Success!  The Travis Landing home owners donated over 35 bags of food this weekend to the Capital Area Food Bank of Austin.  Home owners generously opened up their hearts this past week, allowed me to knock on their doors and accepted a bag to fill with food items for Austin's hungry.  The Capital Area Food Bank usually experiences a shortage of food around the holidays when hungry families and children need it the most.  Austin area real estate agents at Keller Williams Realty comb their neighborhood streets for donations every year to help collect food and donate it at a time when it's most needed.

When I drove around to pass out the bags, I wanted to speak with as many people personally in order to introduce myself since I'm fairly new to the neighborhood.  Plus, I know I'm more likely to donate if someone asks me face-to-face.  Hunger in Austin is a bigger problem than many of us know.  I just wanted to give this food drive my best effort in order to help as much as possible.

What I found is that Travis Landing residents are the coolest!  I met so many wonderful people and saw lots of great landscaping and home decor.  Oh, and lots of big dogs, too.  About half the neighborhood was home when I walked around Monday afternoon, and I did my best to leave bags on porches of anyone not there.  The homeowners' association was nice enough to let me post a sign at the entrance of the neighborhood so that everyone would know what to expect.

Next year, I hope to be a little better organized and do a better job to make it as easy as possible for residents to donate.  One thing I learned is that I got a little over-anxious this morning and started picking up bags too early.  Afterall, it is Saturday morning!  I just wasn't sure how long it would take me.

When I arrived at the church parking lot where the trucks were waiting, several volunteers opened up my Honda Pilot and started unloading.  I stayed about an hour and watched several other vehicles come through with their donations.  And guess what!  I think Travis Landing residents donated the most!

Congratulations and thank you to everyone who participated.  I'll see you next year!