512-297- 3442 – www.LetsMoveAustin.com – Austin, TX real estate and investment specialists.

Welcome to 18445 Sunhaven Cove – an exceptional opportunity to own an one story home in the desirable community of Westwind in the quickly growing community of Elgin, TX just 19 miles east of Austin, TX!

View FULL DETAILS and additional PHOTOS here: Home for Sale in Westwind Subdivision! 

Great starter home in the Westwind Subdivision in Elgin! You’ll love the natural light that pours in the big windows in the living room. The kitchen is open to the dining room, with plenty of counter space and a raised breakfast bar to eat at. All kitchen appliances included in sale. The spacious master, which features a walk-in closet, double vanity, and garden tub, is separate from the other two good sized bedrooms. Fenced backyard. From the cul de sac this home is on, it’s an easy walk to the community park, which features a playset and sport court.

Only minutes to North Austin from Hwy 290 and easy access to the airport too!

It doesn’t make sense to rent when you can own a home like this in a growing area and start building equity now! Contact us to get connected to a lender and see how low your mortgage payment could be!

Westwind is a small neighborhood conveniently located just off Hwy 290 in Elgin, TX. Westwind features a picnic pavilion, sport court and a children’s playground which are all maintained by the Homeowner’s Association.

This home for sale in Westwind in Elgin, TX is served by the Elgin ISD and students are zonedto the following schools: Neidig Elementary, Elgin Middle School, and Elgin High School.

Shops near Westwind in Elgin include an H.E.B. and a Wal-Mart, but there are many local business and artists as well, as indicated in this local business directory. And of course, Elgin has long been famous for it’s BBQ! 

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 Theresa Bastian 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 listings in Whispering Hollow, Buda and all the surrounding areas in Central Texas at www.LetsMoveAustin.com.

512-297- 3442 – www.LetsMoveAustin.com – Austin, TX real estate and investment specialists. 

Let’s Move Austin is pleased to announce it has been selected as the ParkBench.com affiliate in two South Austin areas – 78749 Far South Austin and 78737 Belterra and West of Weird. Theresa Bastian focuses on the 78749 area, and Russ Kendrick and Brandi Summers are the experts in 78737.

Parkbench is an easy to use website where locals can find local events, deals, news, and real estate in their specific neighborhoods. Local businesses use Parkbench to put up daily deals and sales and allow customers to write reviews without worrying about them being filtered if the business doesn’t pay for advertising.

If you’re a homeowner or someone who loves to hangout in Belterra or Far South Austin, www.parkbench.com is the #1 source for local news, events, and deals. It also has a business and school directory, and information about real estate, and you can subscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updates and coupons for small businesses as well.

“Theresa Bastian and the Let’s Move Austin team have really impressed me because they take all theactions necessary to provide value to their clients and the community. They have deep knowledge about the schools and many of the neighborhood associations because they are active with the PTAs and booster clubs and volunteer at the events. They are able to advise clients on the local shops and services because they’ve put in the time to meet the local owners. And they’re a joy to work with because their enthusiasm is contagious. I couldn’t be happier to have them sponsor and represent two Parkbench Neighborhoods and become our Local Leaders®,” stated Parkbench CEO Grant Findlay-Shirras

Parkbench also provides its users with up to date information on news and events taking place in the neighborhoods. If you have a social media site that disburses information like this, and you’d like to be included on the Parkbench site for your neighborhood, contact Theresa Bastian at 512-297- 3442.

This video outlines the benefits of being on Parkbench for small business owners, who are often bombarded by requests to pay for placement on social media and review sites. Parkbench is free for small business owners as a service to the community. Click here if you’re a local business owner and you’d like to be apply to be featured on the site!

Overall, the mission of Parkbench is to help people stay up to date with what’s going on around them, and get to know the people and businesses in their neighborhood. And now, the people of Belterra and Far South Austin have this powerful and free local platform.

Theresa Bastian and the team at Let's Move Austin are ready to help you buy, sell, lease, or invest in real estate throughout Austin and Central Texas. Call 512-297-3442 to get started today.

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU TODAY?

I want to sell my Austin,TX property

I’d like to Search for Austin Real Estate

I’d like to speak to someone from Lets Move Austin

512-297- 3442 – www.LetsMoveAustin.com – Austin, TX real estate and investment specialists. 

Welcome to 430 Middle Creek – an exceptional opportunity to own an immaculately remodeled home in the desirable community of Whispering Hollow in Buda!

View FULL DETAILS and additional PHOTOS here: Home for Sale in Whispering

Hollow in Buda! 

Absolute stunner of a home in the highly sought after Whispering Hollow

community! Impeccable condition and ready for move in! Standard Pacific’s

quality built Birmingham floorplan features 3 large bedrooms plus an office and game/media room.

The master suite features an enormous closet you’ll have to

see to believe. Interior designer supervised the recent extensive remodel which

includes bamboo flooring, granite counters, subway tile backsplash, new stainless

appliances, lighting, paint and landscaping. Gorgeous updates and color décor

throughout! Nothing cookie cutter or builder grade here. Lot backs to greenbelt,

giving great privacy for the backyard. Neighborhood offers exemplary schools,

community pool, jogging trails and playground.

Whispering Hollow is a large, master-planned community currently being

developed by Ryland Homes, and which was also developed by Standard Pacific,

the builder of this home for sale at 430 Middle Creek. Whispering Hollow features

a resort style swimming facility, picnic pavilion, jogging trails and a children’s

playground which are all maintained by the Homeowner’s Association.

This home for sale in Whispering Hollow in Buda is served by the Hays ISD and

students are zoned to highly rated schools: Elm Grove Elementary, Dahlstrom

Middle School, and Hays High School.

Shops near Whispering Hollow in Buda include an H.E.B. Super Plus grocery store

and a Super Wal-Mart, as well as Cabela’s.

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 Theresa Bastian 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

listings in Whispering Hollow, Buda and all the surrounding areas in Central Texas

at www.LetsMoveAustin.com.

512-297- 3442 – www.LetsMoveAustin.com – Austin, TX Real Estate & Investment Specialists.

But Zillow Says…

Most Austin, TX Realtors have encountered this phrase…these 3 little words that

seem so innocuous but which ring in our ears with the same whiny tone of a small

child playing one parent against the other. When we hear it, we know we have

some explaining and educating to share with our clients. But we also know we

can’t fault our clients for bringing up this issue – after all, automatic valuation

models (AVMs) are heavily promoted online on some of the very biggest portals

for home searching. But before you just blindly accept the “zestimate”, let’s take

a careful look at how these figures are calculated. 

Automated valuation models (AVMs) plug basic property characteristics, publicly

available data, local market information, and price trends into a computer

algorithm to come up with an estimated value for the property. The more similar

the property is to others around it, the more accurate the AVM is likely to be. In

Austin, TX Realtors know that this method works better for a home in a fairly

recently built subdivision with many similar homes as opposed to a home on

acreage that has had unique additions and improvements over the years. But

even in a relatively similar subdivision, an AVM doesn’t take into account the

condition of the property – meaning that two homes may be valued the same

although one that has new siding and a remodeled kitchen would clearly be worth more to a buyer.

Bottom line – if you are just interested in getting a general idea of what propertyvalues are in a certain town or neighborhood, these AVMs can be a decent place to start.

But if you are considering whether to put your home on the market, or evaluating whether the listing price of a home you are considering making an offer on is fair, you’re going to receive far more accurate information by contacting a Realtor. Only a seasoned Realtor is going to have the expertise and complete sales data to properly price a home in Austin, TX. But don’t take my word for it – read these warnings directly from the most popular websites that offer AVMs.

Theresa Bastian and the team at Let's Move Austin are ready to help you buy, sell,

lease, or invest in real estate throughout Austin and Central Texas. Call 512-297-3442 to get started today.

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU TODAY?

I want to sell my Austin, TX property

I’d like to Search for Austin Real Estate

I’d like to speak to someone from Lets Move Austin

512-297- 3442 – www.LetsMoveAustin.com – Austin, TX Real Estate and Investment Specialists.

Appraisals in Austin Real Estate

One important part of the real estate transaction that is often misunderstood or

overlooked by buyers and sellers is the appraisal. This key step in the purchase

process happens virtually behind the scenes, well after the initial negotiation and

the home inspection are over, so it is somewhat understandable that both parties

are focused on the myriad of other details involved with moving. But a good

Realtor is not going to take their eyes off this very important step in the

transaction. Because if a mortgage is involved, the property must appraise at or

above the sales price in the contract in order to protect the mortgage lender’s

interest in the property.

Why Do Appraisals Come in Low in Austin so Often?

In an area with limited inventory and increasing home values such as Austin, this

can be a problem. Many buyers are willing to pay more than the asking price –

and more than anyone has ever paid before – for homes in hot neighborhoods or

starter home price ranges. But appraisers must compare a property to other

homes that have sold within the last year, not properties that are currently on the

market. It can be very frustrating to buyers and sellers alike when appraisals in

Austin real estate don’t come in at the contract price.

How Can We Prevent an Unwelcome Surprise (Low Appraisal)?

At Let’s Move Austin, we have specific strategies we employ to assist with the

appraisal process, which is so critical to our clients having a smooth transaction.

One of these things is to provide an “Appraiser’s Package” in advance and have it

available at the property for the appraiser. This package typically includes plats,

surveys, deeds, HOA documents, floor plans, detailed lists of upgrades and costs,

inspection reports, neighborhood details, and energy efficient features. This can

help the appraiser learn the features of this specific property quickly and

efficiently, and is especially useful when a property is unique in some way.

Will I Receive a Copy of the Appraisal?

Since the appraisal is paid for by the buyer, and ordered through the buyer’s

lender, the buyer will receive a copy of the appraisal. It is always a good idea for

the buyer to authorize their Realtor to see a copy of the appraisal, especially if it

doesn’t come in at value. Sellers don’t automatically receive a copy of the

appraisal, but their agents can request that the buyer share the information.

What if the Appraisal STILL Doesn’t Come in at the Contract Price?

If there are flaws with the comparable properties that the appraiser used, or there is additional information that the appraiser didn’t appear to consider, it is possible for the client to challenge the appraisal. This can be a complicated and time consuming process, and we will work with you to decide if it is the right strategy in your specific situation. Sometimes it is possible to renegotiate the purchase price based on the information in the appraisal. But if you are purchasing with an FHA or VA loan, you have additional protection per the Texas real estate contract which states that the buyer shall not be obligated to purchase the property if the appraisal doesn’t come back in at or above the contract price.

To learn even more about the details of appraisals, we are providing this “Guide to Understanding a Residential Appraisal”

Feel free to contact us if we can answer more specific questions.

Theresa Bastian and the team at Let's Move Austin are ready to help you buy, sell,

lease, or invest in real estate throughout Austin and Central Texas. Call 512-297-3442 to get started today.

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU TODAY?

I want to sell my Austin, TX property

I’d like to Search for Austin Real Estate

I’d like to speak to someone from Lets Move Austin

512-297- 3442 – www.LetsMoveAustin.com – Austin, TX Real Estate and Investment Specialists.

Hunger Games: How to be a First Time Home Buyer in Austin without Becoming a Tribute

So you have decided to stop throwing away money on rent and put down roots in

our awesome town of Austin. You’ve spoken to a lender and found out what you

can afford. Maybe even talked to a parent whose going to help with the down

payment (although since most first time buyers can put down as little as 3.5% of

the home’s purchase price, you may not even have had to do this step).

Congratulations on taking this giant leap into homeownership, the most

consistent form of wealth building this country has ever experienced.

But wait! If you are a first time home buyer in Austin, TX this year the enthusiasm

can wear off pretty quickly. Because with low inventory, lots of people moving

here, and prices rising, being a first time home buyer in Austin can feel an awful

lot like being a Tribute stepping into the Arena in the Hunger Games.

You have to watch carefully for tricks, you must stay alert at all times, and you’re

going to need a team you can rely on to reach your goal.

Let’s talk about tricks: Many first time home buyers in Austin fall for the trick of

calling the agent who is listed on the sign in front of a home they like. This is a

mistake! The agent on the sign already represents a client – the seller. As a first

time buyer you are going to have a lot of questions and you need someone who is

advocating for your interests through the process. Just as the Tributes in the

Hunger Games were each assigned an escort to help them avoid mistakes and

prepare for the Arena, your buyer’s agent will help you navigate the home buying process.

At the minimum, things your buyer’s agent should do for you are to help you

analyze the prices of homes in the areas you are interested in, anticipate what

repairs/updates might be needed in properties you’re considering, explain the

details and timeline involved in a real estate contract. The best thing is, you don’t

have to pay for the buyer’s agent’s services – this person will be compensated by

the seller of the property you purchase. So it makes sense to choose someone

you feel great about working with, not blindly calling an agent from the sign or an

online ad.

Click here for a list of questions you can ask an agent to determine whether you’d

be a fit to work together.

Let’s talk about staying alert: Just as the Tributes in the Arena had to be on guard

for traps and challenges throughout the Games, first time home buyers in Austin

and their agents must constantly be on the lookout for properties coming on the

market that meet their criteria. In Austin, we have a shortage of homes in the

areas and price ranges that are most popular among first time buyers. And the

competition for these homes is fierce, with multiple offers being the norm. the

multiple offers situation, which for first time buyers can feel a lot like the

bloodbath in the onset of the Hunger Games – out of control and scary. Having an

agent who is well-connected and makes YOU a priority is key to avoiding this.

There are multiple networking groups in which Austin Realtors share “coming

soon” listings. Some of these homes never even hit the open market, because the

Realtors involved in these groups understand the value of networking with other

professionals. If a first time home buyer in Austin has an agent who can find them

one of these pre-MLS properties, it can be a very good thing.

This brings us to the team approach: In many Austin neighborhoods and price

ranges, you and your agent need to be able to drop everything to tour a home

that comes available, because it simply won’t be on the market long enough to

wait a couple days until your schedules can fit it in. At Let’s Move Austin, we work

as a team so that if one of our agents cannot be available on short notice for a

priority client, there is someone else who can step in and make sure that buyer

gets to see the property. We also have a trusted network of related professionals

such as mortgage brokers, home inspectors, and service providers such as

plumbers and electricians that we make available to our clients, much as the

Tributes in the Hunger Games have a whole array of Escorts and Sponsors. This

kind of expertise is especially important for first time home buyers in Austin, TX.

Theresa Bastian and the team at Let's Move Austin are ready to help you buy, sell,

lease, or invest in real estate throughout Austin and Central Texas. Call 512-297-3442 to get started today.

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU TODAY?

I want to sell my Austin, TX property

I’d like to Search for Austin Real Estate

I’d like to speak to someone from Lets Move Austin

512-297-3442 – www.LetsMoveAustin.com – Austin, TX Real Estate and Investment Specialists.  

VILLAGE OF WESTERN OAKS OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 7/2 and SUNDAY 7/3

9009 Sommerland Way – from MoPac take the Slaughter exit and follow our signs to the property.

View FULL DETAILS and additional PHOTOS here:  

See Property Details 

Recent Price Reduction in the HOT HOT HOT neighborhood of Villages of Western Oaks.  This 3 bedroom 2 bath home was built in 1999 and has extensive upgrades including wood and tile floors, granite counters, stainless appliances, and a frameless shower in the master bath,.  

Walk to exemplary schools like Mills Elementary, Dick Nichols park and pool, Starbucks, HEB the new Alamo Drafthouse movie theater, and many more shops and restaurants.

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. Search Villages of Western Oaks, Southwest Austin and the surrounding areas in Central Texas.

With over 15 years of experience in real estate sales and brokerage management, Theresa is truly able to find unique solutions to unique real estate situations.  Theresa holds the Internet Marketing Specialist Designation (IMSD), ensuring that Let’s Move Austin is up to date with the most cutting edge ways of marketing properties online. She also holds the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation. Her ability to assist divorcing couples untangle their real estate holdings has been recognized by Texas Realtor Magazine. Theresa's extensive volunteer work with the PTAs at Kiker, Gorzycki and Bowie has earned her a slot as a finalist in Austin's Platinum-50 Top Realtors award program, which recognizes sales volume and community service, for two years in a row. She serves on the Policy and Governance committee at the Austin Board of Realtors. When she is not listing and selling property, she keeps busy supporting her kids’ activities and enjoying live music in South Austin. 

The team at Let’s Move Austin can help you buy, sell, lease, or invest in real estate throughout Austin and Central Texas. Call 512-297-3442 and we get started right away.

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU TODAY?

I want to sell my Austin, TX property

I’d like to Search for Austin Real Estate

I’d like to speak to someone from Lets Move Austin

Currently, a magnet program does not exist in any of the south Austin high schools including. District data demonstrates that a large portion of the magnet school Liberal Arts and Science Academy’s (LASA) student applicants and enrollees are from southwest Austin. LASA's current location at LBJ High School has reached capacity. 

As a result of the Trustees’ discussion at the November 9, 2015 Board Work Session, the Austin ISD administration convened a planning committee to develop proposals for a magnet in south Austin to provide students greater access to magnet programming. The planning committee was tasked with reviewing available data, establishing magnet program visions and curriculum/instruction focus, identifying elements of enrollment criteria, and soliciting community feedback. 

Planning Committee's Five Program Proposals

1.     Civics and Law Magnet Program Proposal

2.     Comprehensive Advanced Academics Magnet Program Proposal

3.     Computer Science Magnet Program Proposal

4.     Enterprise and Leadership Magnet Program Proposal

5.     Health Sciences Magnet Program

Public Community Meetings  

8 to 11 a.m. April 16 at the Covington Middle School cafeteria.

4 to 7 p.m. April 28 at the Mendez Middle School cafeteria

The meetings are come-and-go meetings, allowing community members to arrive at any time during the meeting and stay as long as they would like. The meeting format will ensure all attendees receive the same information regardless of arrival time.

Community members will have the opportunity to review the program proposals and are asked to complete a survey to further inform the committee’s work.

The public will have multiple opportunities to share perspectives with the committee, tasked with establishing magnet program visions and curriculum/instruction needs for a potential new south magnet program. 

Please provide feedback on the proposals by taking the online survey in English or Spanish.