Uchiko

A fun Friday night was had by all! Thank you to some good friends who included us in a private dinner at Uchiko- Austin’s darling restaurant by Tyson Cole. The highlight of the night (it is hard to pick) was meeting Top Chef Texas contender (and surely the winner) Paul Qui. The dinner consisted of 10 courses and 5 wine pairings. Delish! Even for a girl who doesn’t eat raw.
Uchiko backs to one of my favorite, sleepy neighborhoods, Rosedale. Quiet streets, walking distance to Central Market and all of that retail and shopping and Ramsey Park. The City of Austin did a major rehaul on the park last year and it is a kid favorite (good playground, splash pad for summer).

Hope your weekend shapes up to be as fun as our Friday night!

Austin Kids Summer Camps

While we find ourselves celebrating love on St. Valentine’s Day (Valentine’s day cards, hearts and flowers)- our house has even more to celebrate: my daughter’s FIRST birthday!! It is amazing to think a year has gone by…so many wonderful changes have come into my life.  I had the best year EVER in my career this past year, am HONORED to be included in Austin’s ELITE 25 (group of top producing agents in the city) and have the two best kids and husband on top of it all!  Phew- makes me tired just reading it!

If you are like me (type-A, planner, looking forward to summer) and have children, you are already looking at the calendar and thinking “What will my kids DO all summer?” Independence Title Company has an AMAZING list of Austin Summer Camps and Programs.  Click HERE to check out many options and opportunities for your kids to learn, have fun and beat the inevitable heat this summer. I have my son signed up for Spring Break camp at Champions School of Austin for play, gymnastics and all around good fun.

So enjoy this SWEET day, but don’t let too much longer get away from you before signing your kids up for a little time away from the house this summer.  If you wait too long…you might regret it.

 

xoxo

 

Behind the Scenes

Being a Realtor is more than just showing houses. A client of mine and I were laughing recently as we sat at the computer and she saw the hundreds of emails in a folder about her house- emails she had no idea about- things I was doing behind the scenes on behalf of getting her house sold. Most are inquiries asking for more information on the house- email blasts to hundreds of Realtors- reminding them that the house is available and ‘Easy to Show!’ and ‘Bring your Discerning Clients!’

I spend most Friday mornings previewing new listings in central Austin. Realtors meet and network- talk about Buyer needs and listings coming on the market- you would be amazed how many housing connections are made at these meetings. (Many, many central Austin homes sell out of MLS)
Then- it is off to preview. Today- I had 2 private previews in Westlake. I am scouring the globe – or really a small, specific area in Westlake (Bridge Point Elem, 4-5 BRs, large flat lot- preferably below $1M mark?). The first preview was in the incredible Summit. The second in West Rim Estates. The first turn key ready- the second will need a facelift from the new Buyers.

Yesterday’s previews were on the Austin Luxury Network monthly tour- words cannot describe the array of multi-million dollar homes.

There’s a house for everyone.
Xoxo

Happy Super Bowl Weekend! I am skipping to go see Wicked!

Buyers

I know I am in the right business when I get to drive folks around Austin, looking at incredible homes, on a 75 degree day in February.  Wow.

I showed 5 houses to a dear friend from California this morning.   She, like many others, is choosing to make Austin home after retiring in California.  The cost of living, weather (hey- not as great but she is in Northern California) and people are driving her to Austin.  We looked at homes in Pemberton Heights, Tarrytown and the Westlake area ranging in price from $1,000,000- $1,500,000.  We saw an awesome array of houses- 2 on Lake Austin!!

As I always tell Buyers, it only benefits you to see as many houses as possible, so that when you walk into the right one, you just know.  She was thrilled with what we saw.  When her houses sell in California, she’ll be back, checkbook in hand.  Again, not a bad gig.

Hope you are enjoying Super Bowl Week! Who are you rooting for? Are you, or anyone you know, moving to or around Austin? Call me! xoxo

Set up Shop at the Top of the Four Seasons

Kid Rock and I’m the real McCoy…..
Whoa- stop it right now. The Four Seasons Residences in Austin, Texas is beyond amazing. Austin Portfolio Real Estate had the most amazing private party at the Four Seasons Residences tonight. Thank you Lauren Bayne, Alan Holt and Emily for hosting. It makes you think twice about having a yard and all that entails. Call me for a private showing….

Set up Shop at the Top of the Four Seasons

Kid Rock and I’m the real McCoy…..
Whoa- stop it right now. The Four Seasons Residences in Austin, Texas is beyond amazing. Austin Portfolio Real Estate had the most amazing private party at the Four Seasons Residences tonight. Thank you Lauren Bayne, Alan Holt and Emily for hosting. It makes you think twice about having a yard and all that entails. Call me for a private showing….

5901 Highland Hills Terrace, 78731

As I sit here watching the “State of the Union” address- I am thinking how fortunate I am to have grown up in Austin, Texas.
When it comes to marketing a home for sale- I have to pull from a large toolbox.  Some houses have different needs than others.  The beauty is- there are many tools to choose from.  I just finished a website for 5901 Highland Hills Terrace- an incredible updated, traditional home that is located in Central Austin.  It has an open floorplan and architectural details like exposed brick.  This home shows like it should grace the pages of Elle Decor.  I am honored to represent this home, and family- I couldn’t ask for better and more accommodating sellers.

www.HighlandHillsTerrace.com

Pass it on…maybe you know someone wanting their elementary aged children attending award winning Highland Park Elementary~ where my dad went to elementary and my niece is in first grade.

Kudos to all the Academy Award Nominees!!

 

2513 McCallum Drive

I have the privilege of bringing 2513 McCallum Drive to the market.  This custom home has had one owner- and the detail and materials are like nothing Austin has seen before. Located in Central Austin, specifically Pemberton Heights.

Take a moment to click on the website below for more details.  Call to set up your private showing

http://marthasmallhomes.austinkw.com/listing/mlsid/13/propertyid/9846323/

 

Who knew:  Seal and Heidi Klum?

Oh What a Night

Late December back in ’63…I spent the past weekend with fabulous girlfriends in the City of New Orleans- checking out the fantastic real estate along St. Charles Avenue.  What a gorgeous city.  The last, and first time, I was in NoLa was February after Katrina. Wow- has that City come back.  I hardly saw a “For Sale” sign and the people were so appreciative of all who were visiting. Ran into a great family at Galatoire’s on Friday, the locals lunch, celebrating their daughter’s 30th birthday.  The wife is the head of Keller Williams Commercial in Covington- we had the best time catching up.

Looking forward to putting the most incredible home in Pemberton Heights on the market tomorrow.  Check my website for photos and details…$2.5M- a small price for a little slice of heaven.  The week will be charged with family, work and relaxation.  I am also helping Clint Small Custom homes with their first project…stay tuned for those details.

 

xoxo

Geaux Tigers

I am watching the BCS National Championship and am mourning the fact that college football season is coming to an end.  I come from a football family.  My grandfather, Clint Small, played for the University of Texas, as did my father and brother in law; my brother played for Vanderbilt.  There is nothing greater than fall football in Austin, Texas.  I think about the time and physical commitment the young men make to be on a team. Makes me want to do the same for my own business.  Get to the National Championship like LSU and Alabama.

The company I work with has amazing tools- it is all in how you use them.  Consider the “Market Update”- up to date information about every zip code in this country.  I focus on 78703.  It is the neighborhood in which I grew up and currently live.  Click to put your own zip code in and find out (or confirm) why it is so great.  You can also compare zip codes.  Are you thinking of moving? Compare where you live now to your new zip code.

I like to set my business up 90 days out.  I know myself and can work with 4 to 5 buyers and 4 to 5 sellers at a time.  Do you need to be on my radar?

Congrats to Bey and Jay! Blue Ivy Carter!!!