Austin Real Estate Blog

Hamilton Pool Preserve just outside of Austin.

Current economic conditions may have put a damper on vacation plans for the foreseeable future; that trip to Paris or Hawaii may have to wait for another year. Here in Austin, however, we have a number of outstanding vacation opportunities with little or no travel involved. These luxurious retreats can provide all the amenities of a world-class hotel, allowing you to get away from it all while staying close to home. Here are some ideas to help you start planning your next vacation to the sunny climes and picturesque attractions of Austin, Texas.

East Austin’s Lady Bird Lake is the setting for the spacious Architect’s House and the smaller Architect’s Guest House rental properties; these luxurious properties offer lodgings for four at affordable rates, with the use of kayaks included in the nightly rental charge. A deluxe high-definition projection television is available in the Architect’s House for stay-at-home types, and pets are considered on a case-by-case basis.

To truly experience all that Austin has to offer, book a night at the Hotel Irons, which features Austin music, books, and art and serves up some of the best Austin originals including honey and barbecue sauce in its well-stocked pantry. Dogs and kids are welcome in this chic two-story house, and the heated swimming pool makes this a family favorite all year round.

The ultimate fairytale vacation is available at Bouldin Castle with its dungeon, moat, and stone ramparts surrounding a tower. The castle is a new addition to the Austin scene; originally built in 1940 as a Roman Catholic church, it was reimagined in 2007 as a classic European castle. Of course, the moat is really a lap pool, and the vast medieval hall area was once a place of worship, but guests at this elaborate establishment enjoy the illusion created by the medieval décor and atmosphere in this 4,200 square foot Austin castle.

By vacationing in one of the deluxe accommodations available in Austin, residents can enjoy the benefits of well-deserved rest and relaxation while exploring the many attractions that are available in this diverse cosmopolitan city. Take a tour of Austin’s many art galleries, go for thrills and chills on the Austin Ghost Tour, chill out at one of the many live music venues in the “Live Music Capital of the World”, spelunk through the Inner Space Cavern, or book a ride on the antique Austin Steam Train; whatever you choose, you’ll save money and enjoy the best of Austin culture right here at home.

Selling your home during the holiday season can be challenging; winter is usually a slow time in the real estate market. The good news is that buyers who brave the cold are usually motivated to buy and looking seriously for their new home. This can work to your advantage in selling your home quickly and for the right price. By setting the stage properly, you can present your home to its best advantage during this joyous time of year; here are some hints to get you started.

Celebrate the season, not the ceremony
Make sure your holiday decorations are not overly faith-specific; religious themes can make some buyers uncomfortable. Opt for general holiday ornaments like a tree or lights, rather than a full-scale Nativity scene. Avoid excessive clutter or overly elaborate decorations; a clean, simple holiday display can let your home shine without overwhelming potential buyers.

Everyone loves a bargain during the holidays
While severely underpricing your home is probably not the best idea, pricing it just below the listings for comparable homes in your area will attract more attention and ensure your home is one of the first stops for buyers. It may sound simple, but if you price your home to sell, it’s much more likely to sell. In today’s market, opting for a realistic asking price can prove more effective than starting high and expecting to negotiate with buyers later. A lower initial price will attract more views and can help your home sell fast.

Say it with pictures (and video)
Clear, attractive pictures of your home will help attract buyers who otherwise might not be willing to journey out in the cold. An online video tour is even better, letting potential home buyers take a virtual walk through your home and attracting additional attention for your property. If at all possible, post pictures of your home’s exterior in different seasons; this will give buyers a better feel for your home’s unique appeal.

Offer a warm welcome
When it’s cold outside, a crackling fire in the fireplace can add a warm glow to your home and showcase an important selling point. For homes without fireplaces, keeping the temperature at a comfortable level and offering fresh-baked goodies like cookies or brownies can create a holiday atmosphere and add to your home’s appeal.

Fix it up and save
If there are any nagging home projects you have been putting off, the holidays are an excellent time to take care of them. Little improvements can make a big difference in your home’s appeal; prices are usually lower off-season, so investing a little now could reap large rewards at the time of sale.

You might want to think twice about the lamps you put out as you can see from the above video.

For individuals and families looking for an opportunity to give back to the community this Thanksgiving, there are a number of volunteer opportunities available in the Austin area. By giving some of your time and effort to help those less fortunate, you can build a family tradition of caring and social responsibility. Sharing is truly the spirit of the holiday season; here are some ways you can help.

Operation Turkey
This annual event provides a hot Thanksgiving meal to homeless individuals throughout Austin. Volunteers are needed to help sort, prepare and package food and deliver it to various sites that will be serving up these meals to the homeless on Thanksgiving Day. Sign up at volunteers@operationturkey.com or learn more at www.operationturkey.com.

Meals on Wheels
This well-known program delivers food to the elderly or housebound. This Thanksgiving, Meals on Wheels is in need of a few extra volunteers to package and deliver meals. Interested individuals can sign up or learn more at www.mealsonwheelsandmore.org/volunteer/current-needs.

Arc of the Capital Area
A non-profit organization providing assistance to developmentally challenged and disabled individuals, Arc of the Capital Area offers a variety of services to special-needs individuals and their families. On Thanksgiving, they are in need of several volunteers to pick up meals from H-E-B, package them appropriately, and deliver them to Arc clients. For more information, contact Genessee Klemm, Arc’s volunteer coordinator, at (512) 476-7044 or by email at gklemm@arcofthecapitalarea.org.

Salvation Army
The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign provides Christmas baskets and toys to needy families throughout the Austin area, as well as supporting a number of other charitable activities by the organization. Bellringers are needed for two-hour shifts throughout the holiday season. Those wishing to volunteer as a bellringer should contact the Salvation Army at (512) 437-4566.

Feast of Giving
St. Louis Parish Social Ministries will host a Thanksgiving Dinner for needy individuals and families at the St. Louis King of France Catholic Church at 7601 Burnet Road. Volunteers are needed to help cut turkeys and prepare the meals as well as greeting and serving the guests as they arrive. Clean-up crews are also needed after the event’s conclusion. Since this is a family event, volunteers as young as five are welcome to help with this annual event; 420 people were served at last year’s dinner, and turnout this year is expected to be even higher. Food donations are also accepted beforehand and, for perishable items, on Thanksgiving Day. Those wishing to donate or volunteer should contact Bea Dela Rosa at (512) 454-0384 ext. 199.

Good morning everyone! I hope that your holidays are going great and that you’re having a wonderful time with your friends and family. I hope this message finds you and yours in good spirits and good health!

Your friend,

Joe