If you love to shop, you probably already know that Austin, Texas is one of the best cities in the country to go shopping. It seems Lucky Magazine has discovered this too. Coming in at #12 in the 25 Best Cities for Shopping list, Austin is touted for having centralized shopping that makes it easy to walk around and visit some great stores and places to eat. Austin topped Philadelphia, Boston, Houston and Dallas on the trendy fashion magazine’s shopping list.
Feb
10
In our last York Real Estate blog, we addressed some of the important factors in buying a house after divorce. This is a unique experience for some would-be Austin homeowners, because they no longer have to consult a spouse regarding preferences and opinions on amenities, space and daily living options while doing an Austin home search. They also don’t have the second income and additional manpower to handle the bills and maintenance. Now we’ll take a look at the considerations of home decorating, utilities, financing and upkeep when buying a house after divorce.
Feb
6
Finding a place to live and buying an Austin house after your divorce may have its challenges, but it can be done with some careful planning and a little creativity. Divorce creates change. Some of the unforeseen changes are often financial ones. Where a mortgage and other expenses were shared with a spouse, the financial burden shifts. While the income splits in half, the expenses do not. The utilities, car insurance and grocery bills may drop some, but will not disappear.
Jan
27
If you have pets and you’re looking for an Austin home, you probably have different priorities and needs than potential homeowners without pets. Do a basic pet inventory to determine the special needs your pet or pets have. This will help you to find the right home, yard and neighborhood for all members of your household, including the ones with fur, feathers and scales.
Take note of the following:
• Number and type of pets
• Size, age and weight
• Physical restrictions
• Potential use of the yard
Jan
20
The numbers are in for December. Compared to last year, the number of single-family Austin homes sold in December 2011 is up from 2010. According to recent figures reported by the Austin Board of Realtors (ABR), there were 11 percent more home sales and 12 percent more pending sales than there were the year before.
Jan
13
If you’re thinking about moving to Austin, you might be wondering what there is to do for fun and entertainment. We have our share of artistic and cultural events. There are plenty of parks and outdoor activities to keep you entertained year-round. Most people find time to explore the city and do fun things with friends and family. Here are just a few of the highlights you’ll find in Austin.
Austin Children’s Museum
Take the kids to the Austin Children’s Museum. It’s an inter-active learning experience with fun exhibits. There is always something different to see and do.
Zilker Park
Zilker Park is 351 acres and offers an almost endless list of things to do, depending on the weather. Some of the most popular activities include hiking, biking, boating, Frisbee, disc golf, beach volleyball and picnicking. Barton Springs pool is generated by a natural spring. The water is a chilly but refreshing year-round average of 69 degrees. It’s a busy place, especially on the weekends and in warm weather. Special events throughout the year include the Austin City Limits music festival in October and the kite festival in March.
Golf
With more than 39 golf courses in the area, there is something for everyone who enjoys golf. There are both public and private courses of varying degrees of difficulty.
If you’re thinking about moving to Austin, request our Austin relocation guide here for more information on schools, things to do, taxes and more.
Jan
9
One thing that people like about living in Austin is the variety of homes available, from luxury homes to a simple condo to call your own. One of the often overlooked housing options is for families with college-age students. Parents of college students often become condo fans, whether they live nearby or out of state. Here’s why.
Dec
30
If you’re thinking about selling your home in the next year, consider making a few home improvements that are sorely needed before you list it. Rather than make home improvements for someone else’s benefit, give yourself the time to enjoy them before you move out. Home improvements should make your home look better or be more energy efficient. They are not always necessary, but when they are, it’s better to do it now, rather than later.
Dec
23
Most people like the idea of owning a home. They want a place to call their own where they feel comfortable. They want the freedoms that come with home ownership. They want a house that they can decorate as they wish, where children and pets are safe and welcome. While it has many freedoms, it also has many responsibilities. Home ownership isn’t for everyone, but many people prefer it to renting.
Dec
16
When it’s time for the holidays, many people selling their Austin homes ask our York Real Estate agents whether or not they should decorate the property outdoors. The short answer is yes. Here’s why.