Give Your Fireplace a Face Lift

Many newer homes in Steiner Ranch and other Austin communities by various builders come with white plaster fireplaces. They are nice and neutral, and are actually quite elegant.

But like many homeowners, you might be looking for ways to update your home interiors with the new year.

I wanted to share an easy way to transform the look of your white plaster fireplace. As you can see from these shared photos, it can really warm up the room (pun intended).


BEFORE:

AFTER:

First, the fireplace is painted. It can be the same color as the wall, slightly different shades of the wall (like this one shown), or a completely different color. And then it is glazed. The little pockets or indentations are accented for a very textured appearance.

Contact me for a local painter to transform your fireplace!

As a full-time residential Realtor, I am here to help you buy and sell. Please contact me: (512) 568-0483, rosasjen@earthlink.net

Austin Housing Sales UP in November 2011

I love reporting good news, particularly about beautiful Austin, TX. And even more specifically about Austin real estate.

For the sixth consecutive month, the volume of Austin homes sales has increased and the inventory of available homes has decreased.

As the Austin Board of Realtors reported today, 1,358 single-family homes were sold in the Austin area in November 2011.

√This is 11 percent higher than November one year ago.

√In the same time period, the median sales price for Austin area homes was UP three percent at $189,300 compared to November 2010.

√In November, the Austin market had 4.5 months of inventory, 1.4 less than November of last year.

√Homes sold faster too -- homes sold after an average of 83 days on the market in November -- which is seven days less than last November.

READ THE FULL REPORT HERE:

http://www.abor.com/news_media/press_releases/2011/p23_11.cfm

2012 holds strong promise for greater Austin area housing. The strength of the local economy, low unemployment, and continued population growth, add up to demand for homes.

As a full-time Realtor here in Austin, I am here to help. Please contact me for more information on buying and selling residential real estate: Jenny Rosas, (512)568-0483, rosasjen@earthlink.net.

Introducing a Neighborhood Association for Steiner Ranch

I had the opportunity to attend the first meeting to form the Steiner Ranch Neighborhood Association this week.

Residents of Steiner Ranch have recognized the need to be "one voice representing thousands of voices" as the community and surrounding areas grow. The main objective is to ensure and maintain a better quality of life and to address priority issues including safety, schools and traffic as development expands.

The Neighborhood Association is separate of the Homeowners Association (HOA).

Some facts:

•The NA is completely voluntary. No mandatory dues or membership.

•The NA is recognized by the city of Austin. It has already been formally documented by the city.

•The NA will include residents of non-HOA Steiner areas including the neighborhoods down by Lake Austin, down Quinlan Park, as well as apartment residents, etc.

•Many Austin communities (many of them smaller than Steiner Ranch) have formal neighborhood associations including Long Canyon, Milwood, Grandview Hills and Jester, to name a few.

•Traditionally NAs help identify challenges and concerns, support change and improvement efforts, represent the neighborhood as a whole to elected officials and find resources to make the area a better place to live.

The Steiner Ranch Neighborhood Association is working on the fast track to get off the ground ASAP. A board of directors will be chosen, by-laws will be established, and membership enrollment will begin. I will report when the January meeting is set.

PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH YOUR NEIGHBORS AND FRIENDS.

A WEB SITE HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED:
www.steinerranchna.org


http://www.steinerranchna.org/

Please feel free to contact me directly: Jenny Rosas, residential Realtor and Steiner Ranch resident: rosasjen@earthlink.net, (512) 568-0483.

The Power of Austin Housing Market

Housing is a great job creator.

Think about it. When homes are built and sold, or simply when houses are bought and sold, there are many people "working" behind the scenes to make it all happen. And people working equates to a stronger economy.

Austin is a prime example of a market, even during the nation's economic downturn, that has remained stable, flat at worst. And leading economists are saying, "flat is the new up."

Markets like Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Riverside/San Bernadino and other California cities and counties, would love to be flat.

What factors contributed to the stability of Central Texas during the downtown?

•Stricter home equity lending laws in Texas than other states.
•A diverse local economy.
•Continued job and population growth (see my previous post on this specifically)
•More plentiful supply of land and lots

Also, Texas has a different mind-set towards home ownership. Traditionally, Texans do not look at residential real estate like a stock commodity or something to trade quickly. As a state, Texas was founded on the rights of the homeowner and purchases are made by decisions of where a resident wants to raise a family or retire or lay down roots.

This is not just a nice sentiment, but is reality. I advise my buyer clients to "buy what you like, buy where you want to live" in Austin. The end result is pretty positive.

For more Austin real estate information, whether buying or selling, I am here to assist you: Jenny Rosas, rosasjen@earthlink.net, 512-568-0483

Why Texas? Why Now?

While this Blog primarily covers the award-winning master planned community of Steiner Ranch in beautiful Austin, TX, I also want to tout and showcase Texas as a desirable state to live, work and play.

Texas as a whole repeatedly makes headlines and rankings as a leading state to reside; and Austin, the state's capitol city does the same.

So why Texas? Why now? Check out this video which highlights Texas and its exciting current and future growth and opportunities:



Thinking about relocating to Austin? Know someone who is? I welcome the opportunity to assist you. For more information about Austin, TX real estate, please contact full-time Realtor Jenny Rosas: rosasjen@earthlink.net
512-568-0483

Spooky Spirit Seen Around Steiner Ranch

Happy Halloween!

In addition to the festive pumpkins (see former blog post) in Steiner Ranch, I have spotted some other fun decor around the community.  Could not resist sharing...

A Steiner Tombstone....it isn't real is it?

 This big guy won't be able to keep the Steiner kids away!

This witch tried to escape to one of Steiner's greenbelts....oops and ouch!


Be safe, have fun, enjoy!

For more information on Steiner Ranch community real estate, and the greater Austin area, please contact:  Jenny Rosas, Licensed Realtor:  rosasjen@earthlink.net.

The Great Pumpkin Arrives In Steiner Ranch

As Halloween approaches, I want to report that there is indeed a Great Pumpkin in the Steiner Ranch community.  He lives here, but stays anonymous for the sake of the Steiner Ranch Files.  He is creative.  He is a trend setter.  He started a trend on his own residential Steiner street.  And the idea has quickly spread on surrounding streets, in surrounding neighborhoods.

The Great Pumpkin is responsible for preparing and distributing plastic orange pumpkins over exterior house lights, creating a cool, glowing effect.  It is very festive!  On his street, the effect is enjoyed on every house for one long block, and beyond.

I asked him where he got the idea.  I thought perhaps he saw it in a magazine or on TV; but nope, this is the Great Pumpkin's brainchild after three margaritas.

The Great Pumpkin says he stocked up on orange plastic pumpkins and offered them up as gifts to homes on his street...his way of showing appreciation for his neighbors.  He explains the decorations are really a symbol of the closeness of his Steiner neighborhood.  "But we had this strong bond before the pumpkin decorations," he says.

According to Linus of the Peanuts comic strip, on Halloween night, the Great Pumpkin rises from the pumpkin patch he deems the most "sincere."  He then flies through the air delivering toys to all the good little children in the world.

But what is up with this rebel green pumpkin we spotted nearby? (made us chuckle)

And finally the man behind the Great Pumpkin is working with his neighbors on a street-wide Christmas decoration idea!  We cannot wait!


If you would like info on how to hang your own festive light fixture pumpkins, AND info on the Steiner Ranch community, please contact me:  Jenny Rosas, rosasjen@earthlink.net

Steiner Ranch Goes to the Dogs With Proposed Dog Park

Steiner Ranch community in Austin, TX is known and loved for its vast amenities --  geared toward adults and kids alike.  These amenities include miles of hiking and biking trails, three community centers with pools, tennis and basketball courts, parks and playgrounds, and the Steiner Ranch Lake Club on Lake Austin.

Now Steiner Ranch's canine friends are being considered with a proposed dog park.

One of Steiner's Irresistible Friends

A dog park has been on the radar of Steiner Ranch HOA (home owner's association) and residents for a while.  I turned to resident Bob Withrow, who is assisting with current efforts to make a dog park a reality, for more information.

Where would the community put a dog park?  "Past studies have assumed a location in the Town Center recreation area between the existing pool complex and Quinlan Park Rd.  Away from homes, play areas and the pool," reports Withrow.  "The exact location/size has not been determined, but this is the area being considered."

How would the dog park be structured?   Withrow said, "Overall the dog park will be one contiguous space, however, the current proposal provides for separate areas for smaller versus larger dogs.  Much of the public information concerning the design of dog parks encourages for this 'safe play' consideration.  The areas would be sized proportionally."

Big Dogs Like To Have Fun Too!

A specific target date has not been established.  The Steiner HOA board needs to determine interest/support and cost factors.  Funding may come from the HOA, as well as fund raising and sponsorships.

Volunteers for the dog park committee are welcome; those interested should contact Sharon Adams in the Steiner HOA office:  sharon@steinerranchhoa.org

Austin is full of dog lovers, and Steiner Ranch is no exception.

Gotta Love Her!

Steiner Ranch -- Teams Tell A Tale

When I meet people, I always ask, "where are you from?".  Yes, as a Realtor, it is my job to inquire, but it is also my nature.  And most people eventually get to this question when meeting others.

But often my observation in Austin's Steiner Ranch community is a flag waving from the front porch, a bumper sticker, or even a t-shirt and cap tell the tale of where residents are from...or at least have lived before.  College football team supporters.

No argument that there is a lot of burnt orange and white (UT), as well as maroon and white (A&M) proudly displayed around the community during coveted college football season.  Actually year round!  Visit homes, and you will find rooms dedicated to these teams, complete with thematic lampshades, rugs, showcased jerseys, throw pillows, commemorative helmets, and glassware.  But look a little closer, and you will see plenty of hints of "other" team alignments.

Gators, Fighting Irish, Seminoles, Cardinals, Trojans, Buckeyes, and the list goes on.  Observe:  a dad watching kid soccer with a Bruin cap.  A SUV filling up gas with a giant Ducks emblem across the back windshield.  A  jogger decked out in purple and gold Tiger wear.

License plates around Steiner Ranch reveal where people have arrived from -- Georgia, Colorado, New York, Florida, Oregon, and of course California.  But Texas law requires new state residents to get Texas plates within 30 days.  Those out of state plates don't last long...but the license plate holders do!

Steiner Ranch's exemplary schools, span of housing prices and sizes, organized activities for kids and adults, and vast amenities and more, easily draw people from across the USA, even the world.  Once here, many "transplants" quickly start wearing the Central Texas college gear (which is sold in every grocery store, gas station and even roadside).   Stickers appear on cars!  T-shirts appear on kids!  Only a fraction of transplants will actually attend a football game.  And some people like me, proudly support my out of state Alma Mater, AND cheer for the local guys too.  But it is all fun, spirited and Steiner accepted.

Strength of Community as we Live It, Love It, Share It

I started this Blog dedicated to Steiner Ranch about a week and a half ago.  The day after I named the Blog, created a logo, and posted a short introduction, this wonderful community experienced a wildfire that destroyed 24 homes and damaged approximately 30 more.  The date of September 4, 2011 will forever hold new significance for Steiner Ranch residents.  For perspective, the damage was contained to approximately 160 acres of the more than 4600 acres of Steiner Ranch in total.  The firefighters are to thank for their heroic and tactical efforts for this containment.

Throughout Steiner Ranch there is signage that reminds residents and visitors of our community motto:  Live It, Love It, Share It.  The immediate outpouring of compassion, assistance, generosity and cooperation from our community demonstrated how much residents indeed love it and share within it.  The Steiner schools immediately got behind the relief efforts, as well as local businesses and numerous churches throughout Austin.  Countless groups, neighborhoods and individuals stepped up and asked, "what can we do?", and they did it.

I have mapped out some wonderful and hopefully helpful/informative posts for my Steiner Files Blog.  These posts will be coming soon, but I wanted to pause and note the strength and bond of this community.

It may be a Texas thing.  It may be an Austin thing.  But it definitely is a Steiner thing.

                                                                                                                                                                       

Informational, Observational, and FUN! Coming soon....

Coming soon...we are in building mode.  Follow this blog all about Steiner Ranch in Austin, TX.  I will share Information about this award-winning master planned community, reveal my Observations "around town" as I call it, and just have FUN!  Get excited...because I am!