10212 James Ryan Way, River Place

Fabulous custom home with the most awesome indoor & outdoor kitchens designed by gourmet cooks w/their every wish fulfilled.Pot filler,6-burner cook top,solid surfaces with wrap-around cooking/eating islands both inside & on the back patio.Soaring ceilings,gorgeous windows,views of the hill country.Downstairs is the lovely master suite w/gorgeous bath.Down the hall is private study lined w/ 2 walls of built-ins.4 living areas for casual,spread out lifestyle. The backyard is an oasis! So much more! See more...

If you haven't read today's Austin American Statesman , you just might want to check out one article that will make you smile. Yesterday's Livestrong Austin Marathon has been in the news for weeks, and the traditional photo of this year's first place finisher is not a whole lot different than the same photo taken in years past. A tall, athletic Kenyan runner named Edward Kiptum grabbed first in 2 hours 22 minutes and 50 seconds, just slightly ahead of his good friend and fellow Kenyan, Jynocel Basweti who won in 2007. But, what really caught our eye this year was the story of 57 year old Mary McCardle who was running in honor of her brother-in-law who has cancer. Mary, cheered on by her husband and son, made it to the finish line in 8 hours, 4 minutes and 20 seconds. It was her first marathon. We are duly impressed by her stamina and drive. It takes a lot to finish first, but even more to proudly run across the finish line last. That's the Austin spirit. Congratulations Mary!! Read the whole story here...

like this find in Cedar Park:

2901 Martin Drive Light and bright Cedar Park gem! This meticulously cared for single story home features an open floorplan, lots of natural light, high ceilings, and a big backyard with plenty of room for everyone to play. Tile, stained concrete and laminate flooring throughout-no carpet! Fourth bedroom perfect for nursery or home office. Spacious master with double vanity, big walk-in closet, garden tub and separate shower. Updated HVAC, hardi-plank siding and much more. Convenient to shopping & restaurants!  See more...

or this North Austin condo:

1101 E. Parmer Ln. #209: Luxury North Austin condo in gated community! Features include high ceilings, open floorplan,& lots of natural light. Great open kitchen with Corian-type countertops, tile backsplash, & stainless steel appliances. Upstairs master retreat with double vanity, garden tub, separate shower & closet updated with Elfa shelving. Check out the utility room with extra storage & the fenced back yard.Community amenities include pool & outdoor kitchen area.HOA includes ext. maintenance,landscaping,water,trash & gas! See More...

Call us to find out more. And, check back often as our inventory changes regularly!

Open 2-4 PM, Sunday February 12

$699,000

Stunning soft contemporary home on prestigious Valburn Dr!Features include open kitchen w/ granite counters & SS appliances,soaring ceilings, private master retreat, & tons of storage.Huge gameroom w/wonderful natural light & built-in seating w/extra storage space.5th bedroom w/double desk built-in workspace perfect for home office.Expansive covered deck for entertaining or enjoying nature.Enjoy all the amenities of great Northwest Hills location. See more...

Do you remember the last time you were searching to find the number of FCC Registered Cell Phone Towers in Austin? Or do you remember when you were trying to verify what the most common first name was among the deceased in Austin, and the average age of the deceased with that name? No? These ponderings don't ring a bell? We came across a veritable goldmine of Austin information, some which actually might prove valuable to you, at City-Data.com (http://www.city-data.com/city/Austin-Texas.html). If you run a business or are thinking of starting a business, a lot of this information might be worth a second look. If you're looking for cocktail party conversation, you'll be tempted to spend hours on this site. Regardless, we found it intriguing and thought you might too...Just look at some of the fascinating facts we came across:

• Number of grocery stores: 133 (1.37/10,000 pop.)
• Air Quality Index: 32.2 (US average is 32.0)
• Austin Bergstrom Airport Facts : Runways: 5, Commercial Ops: 99,995, Air Taxi Ops: 19,843, Itinerant Ops: 61,483, Local Ops: 2,196, Military Ops: 4,623
• Total number of bridges: 53
• Austin-area historical tornado activity is slightly above Texas state average. It is 105% greater than the overall U.S. average
• Austin-area historical earthquake activity is significantly below Texas state average. It is 100% smaller than the overall U.S. average
• In the 2008 presidential election, 65% voted for Obama, 35% voted for McCain

So as not to leave you hanging, the number of FCC Registered Cell Phone Towers in Austin is 4. And, the name "Mary" was the most common among deceased individuals with a count of 2,084 and an average years lived of 78.7.

And the list goes on and on. Enjoy this find! We sure did.

Austin always offers plenty to do on weekends, sometimes so much that choices have to be made and priorities set. This weekend, you may want to put the Austin Modern Home Tour on your list of fun and interesting things to do. On Saturday February 4, from 11 AM to 6 PM, 16 homes designed by 16 local architects will be open for viewing. Tickets are required and can be purchased on the Austin Modern Home Tour website. Enjoy!!

OPEN SUNDAY, JANUARY 29 2-4 --- JOIN US!! --- OPEN SUNDAY, JANUARY 29 2-4

8105 Amelia Cove

$575,000

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7003 Beauford Drive

$479,900

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8213 Crabtree Drive

$435,000

SPEND SUNDAY IN JESTER ESTATES

OPEN SUNDAY, JANUARY 29 2-4 --- JOIN US!! --- OPEN SUNDAY, JANUARY 29 2-4

$360,000

OPEN SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2-4 PM

Great opportunity for investor or owner-occupy in hot East Austin! Main house with 3 bed/3 baths & single story 2 bed/1 bath guest cottage currently leased at $1200/month thru Aug. Great open floorplan w/high ceilings & lots of natural light. Catch the sunset over the city skyline from the large upstairs deck! Each bedroom in main house complete w/separate bath so wonderful roommate rental opportunity. Single story guest house with open eat-in kitchen & living,2 spacious bedrooms & private parking spaces. See More...

• The Austin MSA was the third fastest growing metropolitan area in the United States from 2000 to 2010.
• Most of  this growth  occurred outside of the City limits of Austin in Travis and surrounding counties.   
• 49%  of all people in the CAPCOG region cross at least one county line to get to work.
• Two-thirds  of the Austin metro area's growth over the past decade was due to migration.
• Among  the nation's largest MSA's, Austin posted the highest net migration of adults with a bachelor degree.

$599,000

Gorgeous white Texas stone inside & out,soaring ceilings,walls of windows overlooking a massive park-like back yard,& a great floor plan come together to make this Northwest Hills beauty a must-see.On the main floor, a spacious Master Suite overlooks the tree-filled back yard and features it's own stone fireplace & a large bathroom w/double vanities,an oversized bathtub & walk-in shower.A Guest Bedroom & full bath are also located on the main floor in a private wing.A floor-to-ceiling fireplace in family.

See More...

Does it seem like every time there's a news report on Real Estate that "doom and gloom" are in the headlines? That may have been true in most of the United States over the past few years, but things appear to be looking up...at least in Central Texas! Here's a re-print from the January 10, Austin American Statesman Business Digest: 

Central Texas home starts jump 47 percent in fourth quarter

Housing starts in Central Texas continued their upward pace in the fourth quarter of 2011, jumping 47 percent over the same quarter in 2010, new figures show.

Builders started work on 1,523 homes from October through December, 486 more than in the same period in 2010, according to a report from Residential Strategies Inc., which tracks the numbers.

For all of 2011, builders started 6,741 homes in Central Texas, a 10 percent increase over 2010, according to Residential Strategies' figures.

In the fourth quarter, "homebuilders capitalized on the demand that stems from more traditional market drivers such as employment growth and migration to the Austin area," said Cassie Gibson, senior vice president of Residential Strategies.

Scroll down to see just some of what we've got listed!! See even more here. 

7103 Spurlock Dr. 

Open 2-4 PM

New price on NW Hills charmer!New cabinetry, granite countertops,stone backsplash,& SS appliances in kitchen. Both baths remodeled, fresh paint inside & out,updated electrical,great storage & energy features all make this home move in ready! Terrific open floorplan w/tile & laminate flooring. Wonderful enclosed back porch perfect for playroom or artist studio w/window A/C not included in TCAD sq. ft. 2nd living could be study or formal dining-lots of options!Only 1 interior step & good walkability! See more...

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1015 E.Yager Ln. #8

Open 2-4 PM

Wow, wonderful bright open 2 story condo,this unit has updated flooring in kitchen,entry & bathrooms,upgraded kitchen cabinets,appliances,light fixtures & hardware. The Windows & French doors have also been replaced. Master can be upstairs or downstairs. Extra storage in downstairs bedroom includes a custom wardrobe w/mirrors. Water heater Oct 2011. Spacious rare backyard w/custom built stone table & flower bed walls. Easy access to IH35 & Tech Ridge. MLS#3829898 also for sale, same owner! See more...

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1015 E. Yager Ln. #59

Open 2-4 PM

Check out this 2 bed/1 bath one story end unit. This place shows like a dream, updated kitchen cabinets, countertops,backsplash, sink, & SS appliances. Designer tile & window treatments, light fixtures & ceiling fans. Spacious bedrooms w/great closet space. Backyard w/patio and a small yard for pet or garden. Refrigerator, washer & dryer convey.MLS#6678858 also for sale, same owner!Water heater replaced Nov 2011. See More...

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6305 Lost Horizon

Open 3-5 PM

Stunning home situated on lovely tree-shaded lot in Great Hills.Updates galore;rich granite counters in the kitchen & all baths.Stainless appliances & plenty of counter space. Soaring vaulted ceilings in Family Room & Master.Walls of windows & skylights bring in lots of natural light.Bonus loft could be third living area or workout room.Wraparound back deck overlooks exquisite tree-shaded pond.Master Bath features dual granite vanities,two walk-in closets & frameless glass shower w/rainfall shower head. See more...

Austin, known since the '90's as one of America's High Tech Meccas. is now making news as America's Clean Tech Mecca. Drawn to Austin by a ready workforce, a liberal mindset and a unique culture, green energy companies are settling in Austin and making it one of the leaders in the burgeoning field. A recent article in Time Magazine explains what and why: 

"An experienced technical workforce was already available, ready to shift from manufacturing computer chips to building solar panels."

Read more: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2103780,00.html#ixzz1j51vgRvF

"...as politically conservative as Texas tends to be, it's kept an open mind on renewable energy, which is one reason more wind power has been installed in the state than anywhere else. "

Read more: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2103780,00.html#ixzz1j51gJwFX

"SustainLane Government, a network for green business, has ranked Austin the top city in the U.S. for clean-tech incubation."

Read more: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2103780,00.html#ixzz1j51GWF2k

"Austin has more 100%-green-powered businesses than any other city in the country, and all the municipal government's electricity comes from renewable sources."

Read more: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2103780,00.html#ixzz1j50tlBZt

Thinking of moving to Austin? This may be one more reason to include on your list of good reasons to settle in the heart of Texas!

OPEN TODAY, Sunday, January 8  2-4 PM

Fabulous single story Jester beauty w/huge backyard! Updates include rich hardwood floors in all living & bedrooms & plantation shutters throughout. The home features a very open floor plan w/warm designer colors, lots of natural light, & spacious master retreat. Second living perfect for study, formal living or playroom. Open kitchen w/center island, tall cabinets & plenty of counter space. Enjoy backyard entertaining or just relaxing on stone patio. Check out extra garage storage! Open Sun 2-4

8105 Appommatox Dr.

This single story home is ready for move-in.Spacious liv is bright & open & showcases a natural stone fireplace,kitchen w/beautiful wood cabinets opens to dining.Dining opens to living.Retreat to the oversized master bedroom w/space for king sized bed & extra seating area,updated mstr bath w/walk-in shower.Guest beds offer tons of space.The backyard is a gardner's dream,beautifully landscaped w/native plants & walking paths w/stone patio.Updates include: HVAC, sprinkler system, interior paint, light fixtures.

See what we've sold lately...

3602 Brownwood Drive

$349,000

Updated 4 bedroom home on great quiet Central Austin neighborhood. Very convenient location!Brand new granite counters, tile back splash & tile floors in kitchen. Beautiful light hardwood floors in hallway & family room. New carpet in living, dining & bedrooms.Vaulted ceilings in family & master bedroom. Stone fireplace in family w/built-in bookcase. Screened porch & stone patio make backyard wonderful outdoor entertaining space!Very convenient location near Mopac, great schools, shopping, & restaurants! See more...

Carol Dochen

Arlene Maze

A huge congratulations is in order for two members of the Carol Dochen Realtors team! On December 1, 2011, Carol and Arlene were named to the prestigious Platinum Top 50 Realtors.

The Platinum Top 50 Awards Program annually recognizes fifty (50) residential REALTORS® for their outstanding achievements in: sales, education, industry participation and civic leadership. Often referred to as the most successful and well-rounded REALTORS®, Platinum Top 50 Winners exemplify: initiative, involvement, success, and philanthropy.Through participation in The Award Program, REALTORS® experience various products and services by PT50 Preferred Affiliates, allowing them to be on the cutting edge of what is new and exciting in the marketplace.

PT50 awards program uses a point system and computer program to determine winners and finalists. Points are earned based on entry form answers within 4 categories listed below.

• 25% Sales Production Accumulated from Sept 1 - Aug 31 and obtained from broker
• 25% Closed Sides Accumulated from Sept 1 - Aug 31 and obtained from broker
• 25% Education and Industry Involvement 1pt → designation/certification 1pt → membership 2pt → committee involvement 3pt → officer/chairman position
• 25% Community Involvement 1pt → financial contribution 1pt → membership 2pt → committee involvement 3pt → officer/chairman position

For their commitment to excellence in their professions as well as their contributions to our community, we're so proud of Carol and Arlene!!

$435,000

Stunning end unit condo nestled in the heart of a fabulous greenbelt. Located next to the greenbelt with hiking/biking trails. Spacious two-story living area with stone fireplace. Gourmet kitchen with stainless appliances, granite counter tops,pantry & center island. Large master suite with a walk-in closet & private outdoor balcony. Master bath includes a double vanity, jetted tub & separate shower. Game room overlooks the downstairs living & has a balcony leading to the greenbelt. See more...