Introducing Our New Hyde Park Renovation Project

Where did I leave off? For the past 3 months my husband and I have been working on acquiring this little house in Hyde Park, one of Austin's oldest and most historic neighborhoods. Unfortunately, this particular real estate saga was high on drama and incredibly time consuming... not to mention my kids, my husband, my day-to-day real estate clients, and, oh right... the holidays...sigh. Needless to say, my blog was neglected.


I was out for a run one September morning in Hyde Park and I noticed that this little house - which I had jogged past MANY times... had a "For Sale" sign posted out front. This house, I should mention, has had a "For Sale By Owner" sign posted for probably over a year...but the sellers wanted an unreasonable amount of money given the property's compromised condition.

Turned out that the house was up for foreclosure and the sellers were now trying to do a short sale. My husband and I immediately wrote up an offer (for what we thought was market value) and submitted it. Apparently in the nick of time, saving the house from foreclosure. (Interesting to note - a bank cannot foreclose on a house if there is a written offer to purchase...no matter what the purchase price)

Now, 4 months later, and much drama... it's all ours. ! We have big plans for the house that we will renovate for ourselves to live in - hopefully for many years to come. The renovations will begin next month - pending city of Austin building permits. The house is actually located in a historical preservation district... which presents many fun hoops to jump through. Luckily, we have a great builder, Urban Nature, Inc. to help us through the process.

I am looking forward to telling the story of our renovation project this year as it progresses, along with keeping everyone informed of Austin things to do, to see, and of course... Austin real estate.

Happy 2011.

Brentwood Central Austin Home - 1900s Schoolhouse Loaded with Charm

Today I am showcasing this 1911 schoolhouse... relocated from Elgin, Texas to the heart of central Austin in the Brentwood Neighborhood. It rests on a large, private 1/3 acre lot with a creek behind... lots this big are rare in the heart of the city. Imagine having your own personal oasis!

Note the schoolhouse shaped door trim! You can't see it in this photo, but there's a school bell over the door as well. The house has a large inviting front porch and a large back porch.

Inside, many period details and architectural design elements including soaring 12 foot ceilings, arched doorways, and a fireplace mantle with marble hearth.

The kitchen has loads of cabinets and built ins along with a picture-perfect window over the sink. The home could use a little TLC... but is also perfectly darling as-is.

The house is 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1500+ square feet with 2 dining areas, a huge utility room, walk-in pantry, and outdoor storage. This view is from one of the bedrooms.

The bathroom has an original cast iron tub and vintage tile.

The house is priced at $289,000 - which, when combined with the size of the lot... is a steal. Click here for the virtual tour.

Hyde Park Austin Home - Stunning, yet Practical Renovation

Yet another Hyde Park Austin beauty.... The quintessential family home nestled on sought after Avenue C in Hyde Park. The home boasts 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, and 3000 squre feet and is priced agressively at $233/sf. It's a stunning example of how to tastefully bring a vintage Austin home into 2010. Also zoned exemplary Austin ISD Lee Elementary.

Rich maple hardwood flooring throughout the house. Designer paint colors, high ceilings, period details... and wide open spaces.

Cook's kitchen with granite, stainless appliance package (including built in fridge and wine refrigerator).

Lovely Master bath with Kohler undermount sinks, subway tile, and frameless glass shower giant soking tub. All this and still a shady backyard with plenty of space to relax, play, unwind. An oasis in the heart of the city... just a few miles north of University of Texas and downtown Austin.

Listed at $699,999. Open house 8/29 from 1 PM - 4 PM.

Incredible Value - Austin Home for Sale - Oak Hill Elementary on Wooded Lot - Fully Renovated

Listed at $289,000 and just over 2500 square feet, this 4 bedroom, 2 bath southwest Austin home located in Oak Hill Elementary school district is a fantastic value. The house is light and airy with bamboo and travertine floors throughout. The living room has soaring ceilings and a wood burning fire place.

This little sun room is just off the entrance to the home and looks out onto the large front yard and carport... with boat parking!

The master bedroom is a zen sanctuary with loads of windows and shoji-inspired sliding closet doors. The house also has 3 good size secondary bedrooms also with bamboo floors.

The kitchen has also been fully renovated with granite counters, travertine floors, and modern cabinetry.

Spa like master bathroom incorporating the native Austin limestone with travertine. Has a jetted tub and separate rain shower.

The house sits on a .4 acre, wooded lot with a wet weather creek alongside. It is located in Austin MLS area W, zip code 78735, not far from other popular neighborhoods like Travis Country and Oak Hill. This little subdivision, Oak Park, has very little turnover... and in fact, this is currently one of only two homes for sale in the subdivision.

Click here for the full virtual tour.