Betina Foreman

Dear JC,
The answers you are getting are pretty reasonable for the most part. As a 5th generation Texan I want to welcome you back home. Give me 30 seconds to answer your questions.

1. The truth is it will be an hour to the airport from Lakeway no matter how you slice it. If you have a plane or helicopter you might be able to do it in 30. Its on opposite parts of town and don't forget about the traffic. Anyone that tells you different is selling you oceanfront property in Oklahoma. Don't beleive it!

2.There are many homes with septic systems. These are not always a problem. My home is on a septic system and it has been just great. However before you buy a home with a septic, I would have it pumped and inspected. Make sure the previous owners maintained it and you should be fine. Talk to Jan Witt of Rainbow Septic, they have been in the business for 20+ years and are a g.reat source of information.

3. Inventory is high now because less people are qualifing for home loans and some people are now selling their vacation homes (Lakeway is full of second homes).

4.There are several custom builders and numerous semi-custom builders in the area. I used to work for a fantastic custom builder in Lakeway called Vintage Fine Homes and our base product was a million plus the cost of land. So there are choices, you are not locked in to one builder for the area. Toll Brothers is not the only game in town, but they do consistantly produce a high volume and a high quality product with a rapid turn time. My brother in law is their salesman, Dan Foreman. Basements are the execption not the rule in Texas, however Austin's hilly terrain does make a basement possible for some homes.

5. Lakeway has historically had a large retired population, however in recent years they have had more younger couples or families move in. I can email you some specific demographics. Please make sure you check outhttp:// www.SchoolMatters.com to get an idea about the quality of the schools in Lake Travis ISD.

6. If the high $800's home you want has been for sale over 150 days come in with a lower offer maybe $860K. If its over 200 days they may be more motivated by any offer. I will write it however you want.

7. By the way I went to UT and my father went to Rice. I grew up in Houston, but moved to Austin back in 1989. I have a couple of questions for you: What is your timeline? If your purchase here is contingent upon your sale there, I would sugest a lease for 6 months in the area your considering buying to make sure it is what you really want.

Call me or shoot me an email with more information and I will happily get any answers you need. In the mean time, hurry back to Texas & welcome home.

Sincerely,
Betina Foreman 512-771-6318 - Fri May 2 2008, 14:54

Dear Tim,
These are all good neighborhoods. Personally I sell more 78704 than anything else, as the neighborhood is so close in and the lots are a decent size, clients seem to gravitate to this area. So if your planing to buy or sell for the short term or long term I would suggest 78704. The are has seen some very solid and consistant escalation in property values.

The other two neighborhoods are also good choices, however some parts of Hyde Park are difficult to sell due to the high level of student occupancy, and the houses are often much smaller and older (some as petite at 700SF) and the close proxemity to I-35 (free-way noise).

Some parts of 78723 have really large lots bigger than a quarter acre with trees, which appeal to many buyers. However you should check out the schools before you buy a home. Even if you don't have children, when you try to sell your home it may become an issue. I suggest you go tohttp:// www.SchoolMatters.com and look up Reagan HS and compare it to other Austin schools.

It sounds like it has been several days since you spoke to your agent. I would try calling his office/Broker and find out if something happend to him. If your agent still won't call you back, you may always cancel the Buyers Representation Agreement and obtain a new Realtor. I would read your Buyers Rep and see the details on termination. Your agent works for you and if he is not cutting the mustard, I know that you can find one who will. I wish you luck!

If there is anything I can do for you please don't hesitate to call me, 512-771-6318.
Good luck with your relocation!
Betina - Sat Apr 26 2008, 17:27

Dear Charlotte,
I just found a really cute house for sale, and they are asking $165K. Its a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath with two car garage in 78745 zip code. The house has 1403 square feet and a fenced yard. Its about 15 minutes from downtown. Call me if you want to go see it. It just hit the MLS today. I can email you some photos if your interested.
Betina - Sat Apr 26 2008, 15:26

Dear Charlotte,
You are looking for something that is in high demand and unfortunately short supply. However it is still out there on a limited basis. I have found homes in the 10N& 10S areas for under $160K. They usually need a little fixing up and they don't last very long on the market. I would be happy to show you some properties under $160K.

A quick question, have you been pre approved? If not stop by my website and call one of the mortgage lenders listed under local links/service providers/mortgage lenders. Call me I am happy to assist you to find the perfect home for your shepard. I know having a yard for my two standard schnauzers was what kept me out of a condo. We will find the right yard for your puppy with a nice house for you too!
Betina - Sat Apr 26 2008, 10:37

Dear Greg,
There are several neighborhoods that fit your criteria. What I suggest will depend a lot on your lifestyle. Do you go out to night clubs? Do you enjoy running or hike and bike trails? Would you prefer a larger yard and more privacy? If you can give me more detail about what your looking for then I can zero in on a neighborhood that will appeal to you.

If you like to go out often, I suggest 10N & 10S as being very affordable and close to downtown and the nightclubs. You can still find the occasional home just east of downtwon under $300K, but it may need a little work. There are plenty of condos in that price on the east side of downtown (area 3 and area 5).

If being fit and active is your thing, try Barton Hills & Travis Heights (area 7 & 6), you might find a house for $300 but you can definately get a nice new condo for $300K. This is next to Ladybird Lake and a fantastic hike and bike trails and Barton Springs Pool. There is great shopping and many fantasic resturaunts to choose from. This area has seen very good escalation in home values over the last 10-15 years.

If your more interested in privacy and a larger yard, I suggest Oak Hill or Dripping Springs and Driftwood (area HD/W/SW/HH). Its about 20-30 minutes from downtown but its lovely hill country. You can still see the stars at night and your neighbors are not right in your lap. Lots can be as small at .18 of an acre up to several acres. For example I just saw a lovely one story 3-2-2 stone home built in 2005 on 2.60 acres for $314K. The homes in these areas vary from brand new custom homes, to older farm houses built in the 1960's-1980's. Also the schools in Dripping Springs are very good.

You may want to go to: www.SchoolMatters.com to check out all the area schools. I know you don't have children yet, but its always good to know as it can affect your eventual resale.

If your not approved yet, you should do that prior to looking. The last thing you want to do is find 'The House' and then loose it because your not prequalified. Often that can be the deciding factor for a seller when faced with multiple offers. They know you all love the house, but being pre-qualified proves you are ready/capable to buy the house. I have several lenders listed on my website. Just go tohttp://:www.BetinaForeman.com/local links/service providers/mortgage lenders. Call any of them and get a quote. If you don't like any of them, try searching on the internet or contact your own bank. They may be able to give you a comptitive rate.

Contact me if you want to go look at some homes upon your arrival.
Travel safe & welcome to Austin!
Betina - Sat Apr 26 2008, 11:09

Daer Chris,
I lived in "the 59" for several years. Northwest Hills is a wonderful neighborhood that has seen steady appreciation in the last 10-15 years. We bought at $180K and sold for almost $300K six years later. That home sold in 2006 for $480K. The homes are a very good size, with much larger bedrooms than most builders are currently building. The lots are generous (.25+ acre), and its not uncommon to have a pool.

The homes are mostly built during the 70's & 80's and most have been updated. Some have unusual architectural details; for example ours had a suspended fireplace in the living room. We also had an indoor lap pool and 8 person spa that waterfalled down into the pool. The house was an entertainers paradise! I would still live there if my husband had not taken a job far south. He could not handle the commute.

There is a great neighborhood private community center called the Westover Club. It has a park, 2 pools and indoor basketball courts and can be reserved for parties and events. It is members only, but you can have guests.

I knew all my neighbors and we even had the occasional block party. I felt perfectly safe when my husband travelled extensively. As I knew I could count on my friends and neighboors if I needed help with my car or anything. There are several good cafes and shopping centers close by.

Downtown is only about 10-15 minutes away and the Arboretum is just across HWY 360. I would move back in a heartbeat!

Call me if I can help you find a home in Northwest Hills, Great Hills or any other part of Austin. I am a native Texan and I have lived in Austin for 20 years. I can help you buy or sell anywhere in or around Austin.

Betina - Sat Apr 26 2008, 10:26