How about this new layout! I am working on a new Wordpress theme for the Austin Real Estate Blog and since it was mostly working (and working better than what I had up), I went ahead and made the new theme live. There are still a few kinks to work out and if you have any suggestions, comments, or notice anything not functioning properly, feel free to email me. As always, I will be keeping you up to date with all things Austin Real Estate!
Austin is a very educated city with a huge internet presence. Connect with your neighborhood online! If your neighborhood has a website that is not listed here, please let me know.
Austin’s Neighborhood Links:
Aria Schoenfelt McIntosh
liveaustinrealestate.com
This Thursday, February 7th, a Milago Condominiums Open House is scheduled. There will be wine and exotic cheese available to guests touring 10 Milago units currently on the market in Milago.
When: Thursday, Feb 7th 4-6 pm
Where: 54 Rainy Street, Milago Condominiums
Check in at the front desk for a list of condos on the tour.
RSVP to michelle@bridgeoneproperties.com
If you’ve taken a road trip recently, you may have noticed seemingly endless rows of turbines lining the landscape along-side Texas’s interstate highways. I have, and it made me wonder…Austin Energy has recently announced a new GreenChoice® program using wind power from West Texas. If you would like to know more about the program and how to subscribe, click the link above. The energy will initially cost you just under $0.02 per kWh, but the rate is promised to stay fixed through 2023. Austin Energy is consistently rated #1 in the country for utility sponsored green power programs and this wind power is Austin Energy’s next step.
The obvious questions are.. Why haven’t we harnessed wind energy already? How much does wind energy cost? What are the advantages and disadvantages?
A great source to learn more about wind energy is the U.S. Department of Energy’s website. Here are the basics:
Although wind power is still new, I see a great deal of potential when combined with other renewable sources such as solar technologies (many of which can store power). However, currently, I see very few people choosing green options when the expense is so much greater than traditional choices. The current green movement is wonderful, but still motivated by cost. I would like to see consumers switch to renewable sources so I wonder what would happen if the City charged more for non-renewable power to off-set the initial expense of renewable power such as the power brought in from wind farms (most of which are located in West Texas). We are on the right path, but there is still a great deal of work to be done.
Aria Schoenfelt McIntosh
BridgeOne Properties & Corias Homes, Inc.
ariaschoenfelt.com
ariakristen@gmail.com
(512) 771-1776
Looks like curbside recycling in Austin is getting a lot easier thanks to success from a pilot program using 60-gallon recycling carts and not requiring sorting! Soon, instead of the small blue bins required for recycling pick-up, 90-gallon trash-like carts will be used. They will be distinguishable by their blue lids and recycling will be collected every-other week. Fill ‘em up because you will no longer be required to sort your #1&2 plastic and cans from paper and corrugated cardboard, and new items will be accepted including non-corrugated cardboard and a wider range of plastic materials.
The goal of this new program is to increase citizen participation in Austin’s Solid Waste Services Recycling by making recycling easier and more convenient.
Links:
News 8 Austin Coverage
Austin’s Solid Waste Services
All-in-One Pilot Program
Aria Schoenfelt McIntosh
BridgeOne Properties & Corias Homes, Inc.
ariaschoenfelt.com
ariakristen@gmail.com
(512) 771-1776
I was getting ready for the holidays when I got a call from clients interested in a house at the new Mueller development. I’ll admit that although it is a quick bike ride away from my home, I had yet to visit the new residential section. As a native Austinite, Mueller is still synonymous with Austin’s crammed old airport in my mind, but I had already enjoyed the benefits of having the shopping conveniences of Best Buy, Shoe Pavillion, and the future PetsMart in Central Austin.
Before meeting with my clients, I took myself on a drive-by tour of the homes going up on the meandering streets of Mueller. To my surprise, I was delightfully surprised by the look and feel of the neighborhood! It wasn’t at all what I have come to expect from the big cookie cutter builders who are typically limited to bulk-land tracts on the edges of Austin’s suburbs. I’ve toured these builders’ homes before, but at Mueller, expect something wonderfully creative. It’s as if the volume builders have found an outlet for their creativity at last!
But my experience didn’t stop there, and yours shouldn’t either. Along with my clients and a representative from Standard Pacific Homes, we toured a beautifully decorated model home. The furnishings and colors were fresh yet simple and elegant with a throw-back feel with the understated retro-styling that I love. If you know me, you know I love the simplicity and quality of the Craftsman and Arts & Crafts period. It’s no surprise that I call Hyde Park home. What I loved about Mueller was how they blended classic features that have stood the test of time with the contemporary, urban feel that is heading Austin’s newest projects. Options available on these homes make them feel custom, yet they are built with the efficiency of large companies. These are all things I never expected from tract builders!
As a builder, developer, and concerned Austinite, I am very pleased with the product of all of the hard work put into Mueller. Everything I have seen is a very well-planned urban community with options for everyone as well as plenty of shopping, open spaces, and community centers. Best of all, my clients are pleased and excited as their new home takes shape with views of Mueller’s hike & bike trail and the frost bank tower from their second-story windows.
I recommend you take a look; you might be pleasantly surprised yourself! The website for Mueller is http://www.rmma.net/. And don’t forget how many pockets of east Austin are booming these days. If you would like any additional information about anything here or on Austin’s Real Estate Market in general, feel free to email me at ariakristen@gmail.com.
Expect the best you’ve seen from these builders:
Mueller’s plan includes:
Aria Schoenfelt McIntosh
BridgeOne Properties & Corias Homes, Inc.
ariaschoenfelt.com
ariakristen@gmail.com
(512) 771-1776
$2,850,000
Hill Country Views
Panoramic View
3 1.71+/- ac. private Lake Austin waterfront lots (PENDING TAKING BACKUPS)
1.0+/- acre lot; gated Barton Creek community (SOLD)
Recently, my 
ariakristen@gmail.com
talk/txt 512.771.1776
gtalk ariakristen
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