JC

Follow Up Question:

Would I have more choices if it was Condo or Townhouse? (May be preferable because of no upkeep)
Looking for something small (around 1,000 sq feet) - Fri May 16 2008, 05:30

A couple of more follow up questions:

Lake Travis Elementary
1. Why are these homes with $15-$20k in property taxes supporting an "acceptable" school (Lake Travis elementary). Yes I know Texas doesn't have a state income tax, but as a frame of reference: In Avon, CT (median house price of $450k), On a $700k house, You'd pay about $10k in property taxes and another 5.5% in state income taxes. If you made $300k income, the state income taxes + property taxes would be close to overall taxes of an equivalent Austin house in these neighborhoods - especially when you add in the Texas sales tax (8% vs 6% CT). CT schools require teachers to have masters degrees after a certain amount of years and their public schools are among the best in the nation.

Do many homeowners zoned in the Lake Travis Elementary area send their kids to private school?

2. Is anyone worried about the Stucco built homes?? There have been numerous lawsuits of stucco built homes where they literally fell apart. In fact at my wife's company, their relocation firm will not purchase your home if your house is constructed of EIF stucco.

3. How many Austin houses have basements. It's amazing how useful they are. And the only homes in the area that seem to have them are located at the Ridge of Alta Vista (the Toll Brothers community). Are there other subdivisions that have basements? - Thu May 1 2008, 19:56

Many great answers (obviously this area has many fine real estate experts).

More details of my situation: I will know more about my job situation after May 12. Charlotte is also a possibility. I went to UT all my friends are back in Texas.

What I am looking for:
I want the McMansion. 4000+ sq feet, 3+ car garage, great schools (otherwise private school), newer home. That's why I began my search in NW Austin. I know the population has just boomed since I went to school.

I do not want "country living". I do not want to be on a golf course (maybe when Im 65). I want a waterfront view or close to it but not to be on the water. I do not want to live near campus (though I love it there). I want to live in suburbia with our Minivan and where my wife and our children can meet new friends.

If the airport is an hour away, I may reconsider. Ill leave it up the people who know better (you folks)

If I am not close to the water, we will probably buy something cheaper and pocket the difference.

Thanks to everyone who answers. I would like to email 2 realtors from Trulia (I don't know any local realtors) and would rather not get "stuck" with whomever the company assigns me.

Lastly, if you are a Longhorn alum, that's a HUGE plus. If you are a Rice grad (my wife's school, that's also a plus). If you are aggy or Oklahoma land thief, you are out (Im serious). - Thu May 1 2008, 10:53

Final Follow Up. Thanks to everyone who have responded. Ill email some of you to get more details in my search. Im new to Trulia and have found it extremely helpful, especially the realtor feedback about the local neighborhoods.

Final Question: Assuming everything works out and we do move to Atlanta (still unknown at this stage - my wife's first choice is Charlotte, mine Atlanta) , the company will likely offer me a full relo-package. I believe most companies "suggest" certain agents???? I assume I don't have to use them?? I respect your time, knowledge and expertise and I don't want to waste anyone's time assisting me if there is no chance of earning my business. - Sat Apr 26 2008, 08:04

Thanks for all of your answers. Follow Up Question: Why is there no sq. feet (or even approximations) in these listings? How can anyone make an informed decision? Who buys a house without knowing the approximate size??? Is this a Georgia MLS issue? - Sat Apr 26 2008, 07:11

Thank you all for your answers. Im new to Trulia and reviewed the trends and stats but couldn't get a good feel for the nuances among the different neighborhoods.

If I accept the job, my job would require heavy travel so my commute would be the airport, not, downtown. Ease of access to the airport (but not near the airport!) would be important but obviously secondary to safety and schools.

One other concern (perhaps completely misguided). Are the stereotypes of southern racial intolerance accurate? I am Asian and my wife is caucasion. I can choose to live in Miami, Charlotte, or Atlanta. I would prefer Charlotte, based on the great feedback of others but am not sure what the social climate is (which is also a reason I might rule out South Carolina). I don't mean to offend anyone with this perception of your state(s) but I want to make sure my family would be welcomed before I make this move. - Sat Apr 19 2008, 09:46