Austin Real Estate Blog

After spending 12 years making many major upgrades and improvements to their Allandale residence, Steve Mierl and his wife Carla have decided to sell their home and relocate. This decision gives one lucky homebuyer the chance to purchase a beautiful home in a prime neighborhood, with the added bonus of knowing that their purchase will save them money on energy bills and give back to the planet.

The family has added many features to the circa 1959 home since they moved in back in 1996, starting with the addition of a family room. One of the most unique features of the room is the vaulted ceiling with beams recycled from a train depot in the small town of Agua Dulce, more than 40 years ago. There are many other wood features throughout the home, as well. There aesthetic improvements were only the beginning of the features they have added over the years.

As a garage, game room and utility room were added, the Mierls kept energy efficiency at the forefront of their building plans. Using features such as fiberglass insulation, ceiling fans, and cross-ventilation systems, they have seen major decreases in the amount of money spent on electricity each month. Even with more than a thousand square feet in additions to the home, energy bills have not increased at all.

In addition to the physical features of the home, the location gives buyers the opportunity to keep a greener lifestyle. There are shops and parks within walking distance and the home is located in one of the safest communities in Austin, making car trips for shopping minimal.