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 The Westgate Condominium building sits across the street west of the Texas State Capitol. I’ll let you in on a little secret: the Texas State Capitol has one of the most beautiful lawns in Downtown Austin… Imagine including the green grass, established trees, shady spots and lovely vistas part of your daily routine.
Westgate Condo for Sale
For sale is a one-bedroom condo, the only one on the market at the Westgate as of this writing. (See Westgate Condo for Sale here for unit pricing.) Filled with light, the unit has three Juliette balconies. In addition to Downtown vistas, the sellers have enjoyed sunset and firework views.
This condo’s wonderful floor plan starts with a small entryway and huge storage / coat closet. A peak-through to the kitchen ahead lets extra light into both the kitchen and hall and allows visitors to say hi to that evening’s cook. A corner built-in at the juncture of the entryway and living room ads more storage and a lovely display area.
There’s room for a dining area between the kitchen and living. To the left, each off a small hall, are a large bedroom and bathroom.
Benefits to the Westgate’s location
The Westgate Condo’s location is lovely… Besides those lovely Capitol grounds I mentioned above, all of Downtown Austin is just out the door:
- Businesses, shopping, restaurants/bars, jogging/bike trail
- A Starbuck’s at 10th and Congress
- Easy access to festivals
- The book festival is right here!
- Austin City Limits Music Festival bus pick up is nearby.
- SXSW is within walking distance
- Etc.
- Austin’s other best-kept secret, the airport shuttle, drops off directly at the building. Currently at $1, that’s huge convenience at a major bargain!
- Cap Metro bus stop right outside the building
Westgate Building Amenities
 Westgate building amenities include:
- Rooftop pool with lovely, needs-to-be-seen gathering area that seems perfect for functions
- Large gym and on-site laundry area
- Around-the-clock staff familiar with the building and residents
- Concierge manages receiving and guests professionally
- By-order maid service available
- Key-access only after hours
- Elevators
- Valet parking available
All in all, I’m charmed by this unit. It’s simple, spacious, well-”storaged” floor plan makes for easy living. My guess is it also helps knowing how much the sellers have loved living here.
Please contact me for more details.
This Downtown Austin condo is one of only seven similar units at the 360 Condos. In a building with 43 floors worth of units, that’s something special – and it’s now for sale! Unit 1418 at 360 Condos is a 760 SF 1 bedroom/1 bath condo with a great layout. The stunning north-facing views can be enjoyed from both the living room and bedroom through floor-to-ceiling windows. The balcony feels private because the unit extends past its neighbors. It has great views and great light! And did I mention the awesome location?
360 Condos Location (Again: “Awesome”)
 At 3rd and Nueces, 360 Condos are in the heart of it all. Everything “Downtown Austin” is nearby. 360 Nueces Unit 1418 is walking distance to:
- Exercise opportunities – e.g. the Hike and Bike Trail, swimming at Barton Springs
- Groceries – Whole Foods Market, Royal Blue Grocery (in the 360 building) and Downtown Austin’s Saturday Farmer’s Market (just a block away)
- Hotels (of all kinds and price ranges)
- Movie theaters – e.g. the Alamo and Violet Crown
- Night life and entertainment – e.g. 6th Street, the Market District, Esther’s Follies
- Restaurants – e.g. Garrido’s, La Condesa and on and on
- Special events – SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival and Arts District events are all within walking distance….
Features of this 360 Condo
 All 360 condos have at least 10 foot ceilings (this one too!) and this 760 SF 1/1 has an awesome layout:
- The kitchen opens to the living area and both have beautiful views
- The bedroom has a large walk-in closet
- The bathroom almost feels en suite but also functions well as a guest bathroom
Additional features are:
- Faces north meaning wonderful ambient light but little direct heat in the late afternoons/evenings, keeping utility bills reasonable
- Views! – see section below
- Granite counters in kitchen and bath
- Unique, private balcony… Except for the units above and below, you cannot see 360 neighbors
- Good closet space – plus, the area above utility closet was opened up for additional storage
- Full-size stackable washer / dryer and Bosch refrigerator convey to buyer
360 Condo Amenities
 Most amenities you could possibly want exist at 360:
- Well-established 24/7 front desk services
- High-speed internet included in HOA fees
- 0.75 acre outdoor amenities deck includes heated pool, outdoor living area including plasma TV and grilling area
- Exercise room / Gym
- Club, media and game rooms with reserve-able kitchen and bar
- Security entry
- Private elevator codes
360 Nueces Unit 1418 Views
 The unit is uniquely north-facing (for a building that primarily has units facing east or west). The views I’ve enjoyed most are:
- A dynamic Downtown Austin scene including the Austin City Lofts and Whole Foods Market
- The Texas Capital Building
- The Hill Country
- The new federal courthouse
- Lots of green, beautiful trees – I find it soothing!
If you want to be able to say I live in Downtown Austin, this is one not to miss.
Call or email me for pricing and to set up your appointment to see this condo today. – Ole, Austin Realtor, 512.663.5776
1811 Ashby Ave, Austin TX 78704 is a charming, brick-sided, north-facing home in the heart of Zilker. This South Austin home was built in 1960 by a selective builder who liked things sturdy. It’s a 2 bedroom/1 bath home that boasts a floor plan that flows very well.
The current owners have been there over 20 years and have used only organic materials to care for their yard. For those with kiddos, buy this house and your young’ns get to go to Zilker Elementary (“happy place”).
(I’m hosting an open house the first weekend of this listing: Sunday, August 14 from 1-4PM. Come join me if you read this before then!)
This Zilker Home’s Features
 • 1124 SF
• 2 large bedrooms / 1 large bath
• 1-car garage with utility closet for washer and dryer
• Solidly built by an owner/ builder in 1960
• Original kitchen cabinets and shelving
• Cool, now-vintage, sturdy two pane storm windows
• All sides are brick which can help with insulating the house
• Large, 0.149 acre lot
• Vintage tile in bathroom
• North-facing with southern exposure to the back of the house
• Yard treated organically for all of current owner’s occupancy which is over 20 years
• Best magnolia tree in the neighborhood
• Covered porch in back from which to enjoy your beautiful lawn
• Sidewalk on street, a Zilker rarity
• Most of interior cleaning was done with baking soda and vinegar
If you should decide you want to update this home, ask me about the 203K FHA (“construction”) loan program. I can put you in touch with a lender who specializes in this program. With 3.5% down, you could qualify for up to $14,000 in renovations. Act fast, though. The limits that make this program work for this house end September 2011.
1811 Ashby – Floor Plan Specifics
• Bedrooms and bath are nicely separated from living areas
• Bedrooms are large
• Kitchen is connected to a breakfast area
• The dining area (yep – you heard me) is connected to the living room
• Ability to open up the living to dining to kitchen more
• Room to expand living area approximately 4 feet and keep the same general footprint
• Entryway with hall closet
The Zilker Neighborhood
If you don’t know about the Zilker neighborhood, I encourage you to do learn more! In my humble opinion, it’s one of the best neighborhoods in Austin. You’re near:
• Downtown
• Zilker Park (and its well-loved Austin City Limits Music Festival)
• Barton Springs (swim, see music, kick back by the pool)
• Numerous restaurants along Barton Springs and S. Lamar
• Numerous bars and entertainment venues along the same strip
• Plenty more
You’re also adjacent to Bouldin and SoCo.
As you can tell, if you’re not a big fan of having fun, this isn’t the place for you.
1811 Ashby Zilker Home Photos
Ask Realtor Ole (that’s me!) about this home and its price, or other Austin homes, by calling me at 512.663.5776 or submitting your information here.
800 Brazos St. No. 811 is a wonderful Downtown Austin one bedroom condo that’s listed for sale and for lease – both fully furnished.
Brazos Place: Location Location Location
At 8th and Brazos, Brazos Place Condos are very central to all of Downtown Austin. South of the Capital a few blocks, residents are right around the corner from the Paramount Theatre. In addition to the plethora of restaurants and bars nearby (including the Intercontinental Stephen F. Austin and Driskill – not bad!), there’s Chipotle and Subway for a quick bite. Travel much? Brazos Place is about 2 blocks away from an Airport Flyer stop. (If you don’t know about the Airport Flyer… it’s quick, inexpensive transportation to and from the airport… a great way to go.)
 Brazos Place 811 – Unit Specs
- 622 SF
- Stainless appliances
- Granite counters
- Glass tile accents
- Well-lit / Good natural light
- Concrete floors
- Walk-in closet
- Large bathroom
- Reserved garage space
Brazos Place Amenities
In addition to having a bright, spacious lobby with front desk attendant, the Brazos Place offers valet parking services. The community also shares a large exercise room and a rooftop deck with views of the capital.
Awesome Condo Floor Plan
Unit 811 is one of Brazos Place’s smaller units, but it is efficient. When you walk in, there’s a small entryway area with coat closet. The kitchen opens up to the living room and there’s a large utility closet with the washer dryer. The bedroom also has good light and a nice large bathroom with stand up shower.
This Condo is Furnished
And impeccably so. The owner has a great sense of her space. Each choice she made maximizes function and space.
If you’re looking to buy, it’s a turnkey situation / investment. And if you’re looking to lease, it’s a wonderful furnished lease option. Very personal!
The owner often tells me that, after seeing many of the units in the building, it’s the condo she’d choose if she had it to do all over again. Let me know if you’d like to have a look and see if you think the same!
Ole, 512.663.5776
There’s been lots of fuss in my office about the Trail of Lights being gone this year. Our President set up a website to bring the lights back. Our real estate agents are blogging about it.
As a Zilker resident with no kids, the Trial of Lights has historically been little more than an inconvenience to me.
I’m not a total Scrooge… Let me explain.
First of all, you have to agree. They’re… well… they’re kind of hoaky (at least I thought they were when I went about four years ago). Rather than a lights display, I perceived it as advertisement. Rather than creative, I perceived it as kind of boring. I wanted to see something more like Central Austin‘s 37th St – all-out creative Christmas light madness. The trees that were lit up at the end of the Trail of Lights when I went (not part of the main attraction) were my favorite part….Beautiful, serene, calming….
Secondly, my two most common routes home are blocked during December evenings. And the neighbors on the Zilker list serve tell stories about rude visitors like you wouldn’t believe. Driveways blocked. Trash left behind. People yelling at them. During the holidays? With kids in tow? It kind of leaves a bad taste in your mouth and makes you wonder if it’s worth it.
But, reading the comments people have been writing in support of bringing the Trail back have swayed me (some). There are stories of kids wide-eyed with excitement. There are stories of family bonding, a tradition of going year after year. There are stories of dedication… many people have agreed they’d pay an entrance fee to see the Lights if they could just have them back.
I’m fine re-routing to get home. It comes with the territory of living in one of the best neighborhoods in Austin. And the rudeness my neighbors sometime experience? Certainly, there’s no reason to let a few “disgruntleds” taint our opinion of the rest of the Trial goers.
So, if other Austinites want it, I say….let the Trail live on!
Are you torn between buying a home or an investment property? Are you interested in living in Central Austin but concerned you won’t get much for what you want to spend? Consider a duplex.
Advantages to buying a duplex
Some benefits to buying a duplex are:
- As long as you have renters on the other side, someone else is helping you pay for your mortgage. This can increase your buying power.
- Many duplexes in Central Austin have at least one unit that’s a 2 bedroom if that’s what you’re looking for.
- Many duplexes have yards.
- You’ll be able to write off some of the work you do (as related to anything with taxes, it’s highly recommended you talk to your accountant).
- While some people not want to live next to their tenants, it does mean you can keep an eye on them and how they’re treating your property.
Being a landlord
Of course, being a landlord has some extra responsibilities. Basically, if you don’t hire a property manager, you need to be the one who is hands on. You need to keep up with maintenance and handle vacancies as they come up. There is also additional liability/exposure in being a landlord. You’ll want to talk to your insurer about changes and potential extra costs to your insurance plan.
Central Austin Duplexes
Duplexes in my pocket of Austin (Zilker and Barton Hills) are an interesting entry into the neighborhood. Price per square foot they’re, on average, about $50/SF less than home sales. And, if you have a renter, you’re getting someone to help you pay the mortgage. When you’re ready to move up (a term used in real estate to refer to moving up the real estate latter), you can rent out both sides if you’d like. Or, some people convert their duplexes to a single family residence.
Financing a duplex
Financing a duplex is pretty easy. Duplexes even qualify for FHA loans. (Again, talk to a Realtor and lender regarding your specific circumstances. Things can change these days!)
Choosing a duplex
As with all properties, pick wisely. Have the duplex inspected and understand your full cost of ownership, which includes repairs, upkeep and maintenance.
I have two owner/agent duplex listings coming up. Contact me if you’d like more information!
Owner / Agent – Laura “Ole” Olesen
REALTOR®, CNE, GRI, MBA
c. 512.663.5776
This Este Condo located at 2235 E 6th Street in East Austin is new to the market. Priced just under $225/SF, unit 215 (MLS# 6909612) is priced to sell. It has 1018 SF, 2 baths and is considered a two bedroom. HOA fees are low at $183/SF.
Este Condos – Exterior and Location
Este Condos have a sturdy exterior. With brick, concrete and metal work, the look is reticent of Eastern U.S. industrial buildings. Located next to a curve in the commuter line train tracks (yes – this means it’s close to the Saltillo Plaza commuter rail stop that takes you to Downtown Austin!), the exterior fits in well with its surroundings. Not only do I love it, but one gets the sense it’s built to last!
 This Este Condo’s Interior Space
I am the seller of this particular condo (which is what it means when Realtors include owner/agent on one of their listings). What I love about it is the space and flexibility. The floor plan is long. The entrance is right in the middle – more in the living space. If you want, you can create walls to separate out bedrooms. If not, you can use other creative ways to separate out niche spaces. It depends on how you live and who you’re living with.
(If there are two of you and you want office space, note that there’s now an office space business located in one of Este’s commercial spaces downstairs!)
Este Unit 215 Interior Finish Out
The kitchen is positioned entirely along a wall which frees up the space around it to use however if you’d like. Want an island? Bring one in! Don’t cook much but want a huge table to sit around, bring that in! There are many possibilities to make it just right for you.
The floors are polished concrete. The walls are a neutral tan/yellow shade. The ceilings are high. Because it has such an open, lofted feel with good light, it’s a smashing spot for entertaining friends.
Interested in learning more? Contact me for more information.
Laura “Ole” Olesen
REALTOR®, CNE, GRI, MBA (owner/agent)
512.663.5776
I’m always excited to bring this lease to the market. This large, 3 bedroom, 3 bath, 2 living area townhouse style condo, built in 2006, stands out as one-of-a-kind… in the best of ways.
 First of all, there’s location, location, location. At S 3rd and Monroe in the heart of Bouldin, the property is central to Downtown Austin and the best of 78704. More or less equidistant to the Alamo Drafthouse on S. Lamar as it is to the South Congress District, 1513 S 3rd, Bouldin is even closer to S. 1st St and all its stores, eateries and entertainment venues. The Performing Arts District, Auditorium Shores and the Hike & Bike Trail are just down the hill. For those whom appreciate S. Austin style, just cruising the surrounding streets is a delight.
So….Great location? Check.
S. Austin style? Oh, yes, it’s cool – well-known local designer Tracey Overbeck Stead put modern, funky, sophisticated touches on this condo. Yet…. in another way, I’d call this condo warm. On a corner, replete with well-placed windows, this condo is naturally well-lit with soothing undertones. I’ve seen this property decorated by four different people. Each time, I’m struck by the welcoming feel of this property. This is a great space!
 Not only is this Bouldin condo blessed with location and style, it has a well-designed floor plan which allows for creative use of space. The kitchen (dynamite with stainless steel appliances and granite counters), living room and the fenced outdoor sitting area are joined together for easy entertaining. Also downstairs is a full bath, a bedroom (potential study) and your entrance to the garage. The entryway, charming on its own, is adorned with a unique S. Austin ironwork art installation.
Upstairs is a second living area, the master bedroom and bath, third bedroom and bath and the washer/dryer utility closet that comes with uber-cool red LG front loaders. The master bedroom closet and closet upgrades must be seen to believe. As for the bath: spacious with two vanities, a luxurious tub with window above and a separate standing shower.
Having three bedrooms and a second living / sitting area upstairs provides lots of flexibility for how you can set things up. Plus, the bathrooms and closets are spacious.
Did I mention that this property has a huge yard and that lawn care is included with the lease? What’s not to love?
If you’re in the market for a higher-end lease in 78704, do not miss 1513 S 3rd, 78704, coming to the market soon. If you’re interested in buying this Bouldin Condo, it never hurts to ask…. Contact me for more details.
Laura “Ole” Olesen
REALTOR®, CNE, GRI, MBA
Sky Realty :: c. 512.663.5776
Property Features
Large lot
78704 zip code!
3 bedroom / 3 bath / 2 living areas
2214 SF (source: tax record)
1-car garage
Fenced-in patio
Concrete floors first floor
Gorgeous Tracey Overbeck Stead finish out
Cactus entryway artwork included
W/D included
Lawn care included
Great floor plan
Stainless appliances
Granite counters
Large baths
Large closets
MLS No: 6395924 :: 901 W 9th St, Unit 601 :: Active lease listing :: Listed for $4100/month :: Available now
Do you know someone who might be interested in Downtown Austin living? This Downtown Austin condo is over 2000 SF with two bedrooms and a large study. Picky clientele will not be disappointed with the finish out. The large, combined living / dining / kitchen area is lined with stunning oak floors. The kitchen has granite counters and stainless appliances.
Additionally, Situated at at the end of a hallway, this unit has views on three sides, including views of the Capital, UT Tower, the Castle Hill neighborhood and Spring condo tower. It’s very private. Over half of the unit has no neighbor above it.
The Nokonah condo building is two blocks north of Whole Foods Market at the corner of 9th and Lamar. With under 100 units, it’s a smallish condo community, but with amenities aplenty. These include:
- 24/7 front desk assistance
- HOA onsite
- A pool deck
- Onsite gym
- Hot tub.
Additionally, there is also a community room and business area people can rent out when they need additional space.
Living here, one could:
- Pick up any and every meal at Whole Foods – dine in or take some items home to cook it up oneself!
- Meet friends at the Hike & Bike Trail daily
- Dine like a king / Have a drink / Check out music at any of the many establishments nearby
- Entertain your friends, offering them lovely views
- Throw a party in the community area
- Enjoy a hot tub daily after work
Contact me, Downtown Austin Realtor Laura “Ole” Olesen if you’d like more information about this or any other Downtown Austin property!
 4306 Reynosa Drive is a Shady Hollow gem that shows wonderfully. Currently on the market for $275,000, many of its features make it a marvelous choice for a Shady Hollow home.
I helped the sellers buy this property when they first came to Austin. They had heard so many good things about Shady Hollow, it’s the only place we looked. This particular property stood out then for many reasons which hold true today.
First of all, is its location. To reach the property, head west on Capistrano Trail from Brodie Lane and then to turn left on Reynosa Dr. Half way down Capistrano Trail on the right, you’ll pass the Capistrano Trail Park, which includes a pool, two tennis courts and more! This is a great community center to have so close to your home.
When you approach 4306 Reynosa Dr, its beautiful brick exterior and tasteful landscaping are friendly and draw you in: curb appeal!
 Upon entering the home, you’ll note that the vaulted ceilings lend the property lots of light and a degree of elegance. This front room is currently used as a formal living area and dining area, but new owners might have different ideas about what to do with it.
Past this area is where the kitchen / den area is. This is a lovely, large yet cozy space for families to spend their time together. During cold days and nights, you can enjoy a fire in the fireplace.
Not only that, you have a private view of the greenbelt from here. The backyard has a large porch area. Then there’s a well-maintained yard with touching landscape touches. Beyond that, it’s wild, beautiful greenbelt. I asked my sellers how often they’ve seen people back there. Just a few times – someone mowing once or twice and someone riding by on horseback.
This is highly desired scenery and provides a wonderful sense of privacy.
Downstairs off the den, you’ll find the washer dryer and a half bath on the way to the entrance to the garage.
Upstairs are the three bedrooms and another living area that the sellers use as a second family area. Currently used as a TV / game room area, one could also convert this landing to a fourth bedroom if a fourth bedroom were desired.
 The bedrooms are sizable in the property and the bathrooms well-equipped.
While it wasn’t a key factor for my clients when they were searching properties, it’s important for any buyer to know that the schools associated with Shady Hollow are well-respected. The elementary school for 4306 Reynosa is Baranoff which was recognized as exemplary by the Texas Education Agency in 2009. Shady Hollow is also just a twenty minute drive to Downtown Austin.
Come see this listing! It won’t be on the market long. We’re participating in a Shady Hollow community-wide open house Sunday, May 23, 2010 from 1:00-4:00 PM. You can join us there or call me for more details separately.
Laura “Ole” Olesen
REALTOR®, CNE, GREEN, GRI, MBA :: Sky Realty
c. 512.663.5776 :: ¡Olé Austin!
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The Westgate Condominium building sits across the street west of the Texas State Capitol. I’ll let you in on a little secret: the Texas State Capitol has one of the most beautiful lawns in Downtown Austin… Imagine including the green grass, established trees, shady spots and lovely vistas part of your daily routine.
Westgate building amenities include:
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