Austin Real Estate » Blog http://www.joecline.com Just another WordPress weblog Tue, 03 Aug 2010 07:21:11 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Austin MLS Statistics (Buyer’s Market) http://www.joecline.com/blog/2010/08/03/austin-mls-statistics-buyers-market/ http://www.joecline.com/blog/2010/08/03/austin-mls-statistics-buyers-market/#comments Tue, 03 Aug 2010 07:20:07 +0000 admin http://www.joecline.com/?p=1470 The Austin Area Market Not Looking Good

The number of active listings are up 17.58% from last year during the same week.

New listings are down 5.37% this week compared to the same week last year.

Pendings are down this week by 21.19%.

Sold residential units are down 23.49 compared to the same week last year.

Showing properties 1 - 50 of 500+. See more city of Austin real estate.
(all data current as of 9/2/2010)

  1. 3 beds, 1 full bath
    Size: 1,008 sq ft
    Lot size: 7,274 sq ft
    Year built: 1954
    Parking spots: n/a
    Walk Score™: n/a
  2. 3 beds, 2 full baths
    Size: 1,341 sq ft
    Lot size: 6,838 sq ft
    Year built: 2006
    Parking spots: 2
    Walk Score™: 3
  3. 1 beds, 1 full bath
    Size: 551 sq ft
    Lot size: 1,001 sq ft
    Year built: 1983
    Parking spots: n/a
    Walk Score™: n/a
  4. 4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths
    Size: 3,287 sq ft
    Lot size: 10,280 sq ft
    Year built: 2008
    Parking spots: 2
    Walk Score™: 15
  5. 4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths
    Size: 3,424 sq ft
    Lot size: 12,196 sq ft
    Year built: 2010
    Parking spots: 3
    Walk Score™: 18
  6. 2 beds, 3 full, 2 part baths
    Size: 3,110 sq ft
    Lot size: 27,399 sq ft
    Year built: 1984
    Parking spots: n/a
    Walk Score™: 8
  7. 3 beds, 2 full baths
    Size: 1,818 sq ft
    Lot size: 7,971 sq ft
    Year built: 1974
    Parking spots: 1
    Walk Score™: 14
  8. 4 beds, 4 full baths
    Size: 3,601 sq ft
    Lot size: 15,855 sq ft
    Year built: 2005
    Parking spots: 2
    Walk Score™: 40
  9. 2 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
    Size: 1,550 sq ft
    Lot size: 5,140 sq ft
    Year built: 2003
    Parking spots: 2
    Walk Score™: 35
  10. 4 beds, 3 full baths
    Size: 2,589 sq ft
    Lot size: 6,577 sq ft
    Year built: 1994
    Parking spots: 2
    Walk Score™: 40
  11. 2 beds, 2 full baths
    Size: 1,048 sq ft
    Lot size: 3,267 sq ft
    Year built: 1977
    Parking spots: n/a
    Walk Score™: 60
  12. 0 beds, 1 full, 1 part baths
    Size: 1,080 sq ft
    Lot size: 1,393 sq ft
    Year built: 1968
    Parking spots: n/a
    Walk Score™: 63
  13. 4 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
    Size: 2,269 sq ft
    Lot size: 11,325 sq ft
    Year built: 1980
    Parking spots: 2
    Walk Score™: 43
  14. 3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
    Size: 2,848 sq ft
    Lot size: 6,708 sq ft
    Year built: 1992
    Parking spots: 2
    Walk Score™: 17
  15. 4 beds, 3 full baths
    Size: 3,410 sq ft
    Lot size: 26,876 sq ft
    Year built: 1994
    Parking spots: 2
    Walk Score™: 32
  16. 4 beds, 5 full, 1 part baths
    Size: 4,807 sq ft
    Lot size: 14,984 sq ft
    Year built: 1984
    Parking spots: 2
    Walk Score™: 11
  17. 3 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths
    Size: 2,393 sq ft
    Lot size: 3,179 sq ft
    Year built: 2008
    Parking spots: 2
    Walk Score™: n/a
  18. 3 beds, 3 full baths
    Size: 2,105 sq ft
    Lot size: 7,666 sq ft
    Year built: 1948
    Parking spots: 1
    Walk Score™: 46
  19. 3 beds, 2 full baths
    Size: 1,758 sq ft
    Lot size: 6,316 sq ft
    Year built: 2002
    Parking spots: 1
    Walk Score™: n/a
  20. 2 beds, 1 full bath
    Size: 1,300 sq ft
    Lot size: 10,977 sq ft
    Year built: 1931
    Parking spots: 4
    Walk Score™: 66
  21. 2 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
    Size: 1,582 sq ft
    Lot size: 3,354 sq ft
    Year built: 2005
    Parking spots: 2
    Walk Score™: 77
  22. 4 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
    Size: 1,870 sq ft
    Lot size: 12,763 sq ft
    Year built: 1977
    Parking spots: 2
    Walk Score™: n/a
  23. 3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
    Size: 1,864 sq ft
    Lot size: 7,666 sq ft
    Year built: 1981
    Parking spots: 1
    Walk Score™: n/a
  24. 3 beds, 3 full baths
    Size: 2,887 sq ft
    Lot size: 10,585 sq ft
    Year built: 1995
    Parking spots: 2
    Walk Score™: 34
  25. 5 beds, 3 full baths
    Size: 3,119 sq ft
    Lot size: 16,509 sq ft
    Year built: 1974
    Parking spots: 2
    Walk Score™: 0
  26. 4 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
    Size: 2,445 sq ft
    Lot size: 9,583 sq ft
    Year built: 1984
    Parking spots: 2
    Walk Score™: n/a
  27. 3 beds, 2 full baths
    Size: 1,773 sq ft
    Lot size: 12,937 sq ft
    Year built: 1991
    Parking spots: 2
    Walk Score™: 17
  28. 4 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
    Size: 2,878 sq ft
    Lot size: 8,494 sq ft
    Year built: 2006
    Parking spots: 2
    Walk Score™: 20
  29. 3 beds, 2 full baths
    Size: 2,485 sq ft
    Lot size: 15,115 sq ft
    Year built: 1972
    Parking spots: n/a
    Walk Score™: 43
  30. 5 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths
    Size: 3,753 sq ft
    Lot size: 11,717 sq ft
    Year built: 2001
    Parking spots: 3
    Walk Score™: 12
  31. 4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths
    Size: 2,662 sq ft
    Lot size: 10,454 sq ft
    Year built: 1984
    Parking spots: 2
    Walk Score™: n/a
  32. 4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths
    Size: 2,921 sq ft
    Lot size: n/a
    Year built: 1998
    Parking spots: 2
    Walk Score™: 11
  33. 3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
    Size: 2,767 sq ft
    Lot size: 6,664 sq ft
    Year built: 2003
    Parking spots: 2
    Walk Score™: 38
  34. 3 beds, 2 full baths
    Size: 2,163 sq ft
    Lot size: n/a
    Year built: 2007
    Parking spots: 2
    Walk Score™: 17
  35. 3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
    Size: 2,068 sq ft
    Lot size: 3,659 sq ft
    Year built: 2007
    Parking spots: 2
    Walk Score™: 3
  36. 2 beds, 1 full bath
    Size: 796 sq ft
    Lot size: 14.15 ac
    Year built: 1990
    Parking spots: n/a
    Walk Score™: 60
  37. 3 beds, 2 full baths
    Size: 1,618 sq ft
    Lot size: 6,534 sq ft
    Year built: 1978
    Parking spots: 2
    Walk Score™: 51
  38. 3 beds, 2 full baths
    Size: 1,896 sq ft
    Lot size: 7,143 sq ft
    Year built: 1985
    Parking spots: 2
    Walk Score™: n/a
  39. 3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
    Size: 1,827 sq ft
    Lot size: 4,573 sq ft
    Year built: 2008
    Parking spots: 2
    Walk Score™: n/a
  40. 3 beds, 2 full baths
    Size: 1,154 sq ft
    Lot size: 9,713 sq ft
    Year built: 1987
    Parking spots: 2
    Walk Score™: n/a
  41. 4 beds, 2 full baths
    Size: 2,451 sq ft
    Lot size: 36,198 sq ft
    Year built: 1978
    Parking spots: 2
    Walk Score™: n/a
  42. 5 beds, 4 full baths
    Size: 3,390 sq ft
    Lot size: 13,764 sq ft
    Year built: 2001
    Parking spots: 2
    Walk Score™: n/a
  43. 3 beds, 2 full baths
    Size: 2,223 sq ft
    Lot size: 6,359 sq ft
    Year built: 1997
    Parking spots: 2
    Walk Score™: n/a
  44. 4 beds, 3 full baths
    Size: 3,112 sq ft
    Lot size: 2.62 ac
    Year built: 1984
    Parking spots: n/a
    Walk Score™: n/a
  45. 2 beds, 2 full baths
    Size: 1,240 sq ft
    Lot size: n/a
    Year built: 2008
    Parking spots: 2
    Walk Score™: 78
  46. 6 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths
    Size: 3,553 sq ft
    Lot size: 7,623 sq ft
    Year built: 2005
    Parking spots: 2
    Walk Score™: 15
  47. 2 beds, 2 full baths
    Size: 1,819 sq ft
    Lot size: 28,706 sq ft
    Year built: 2005
    Parking spots: 2
    Walk Score™: 8
  48. 3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
    Size: 3,659 sq ft
    Lot size: 2.84 ac
    Year built: 1986
    Parking spots: 2
    Walk Score™: 15
  49. 3 beds, 1 full, 1 part baths
    Size: 1,162 sq ft
    Lot size: 7,579 sq ft
    Year built: 1970
    Parking spots: 1
    Walk Score™: 40
  50. 3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
    Size: 1,759 sq ft
    Lot size: 4,965 sq ft
    Year built: 2009
    Parking spots: 2
    Walk Score™: n/a

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.


]]> http://www.joecline.com/blog/2010/08/03/austin-mls-statistics-buyers-market/feed/ 0 Add A Room Cheap and Fast http://www.joecline.com/blog/2010/05/29/add-a-room-cheap-and-fast/ http://www.joecline.com/blog/2010/05/29/add-a-room-cheap-and-fast/#comments Sat, 29 May 2010 09:18:19 +0000 Austin Broker http://www.joecline.com/blog/2010/05/29/add-a-room-cheap-and-fast/ Outdoor living space is sometimes the most under used portion of the home, mostly due to lack of interest and decorating technique. The backyard patio space can be a home owner’s dream or nightmare, depending on the amount of time and careful consideration given to this large living area and all it can do for you.

Your backyard can be an extension of the interior part of the home, and may prove useful for additional living space for a recreation room, pool table, solarium, extra bedroom, or resort-style living under the stars. If you need additional square footage on your home, but do not wish to invest in a costly contractor, you may opt for adding a sunroom with four walls, roof and option of with or without flooring.

Sunroom extensions are easy to install, can be configured to individual specifications and can be purchased with snap-on roofs in tented or flat formations. Your sunroom comes equipped with open and close windows, sliding glass doors, choice of solid surface floors, and features a door locking capability similar to any drywall addition.

The sunroom option is ideal for home owners who have longed for their own billiard table but could never find adequate space to put it. Perhaps your dream is to have a dance studio or a state-of-the-art home gym without interrupting life as you know inside the house. The paneled patio room extension is the economic solution to open up your living space without breaking the bank. Perhaps you do not intend to remain in your property for any great length of time, in such case, be sure to purchase a sunroom kit that can be easily dissembled and taken to your next residence.

Although the sunroom affords an increase in living space and may appear to look like a traditional construct to the home, your new quarters may not qualify for square footage on the county real estate record. They do, however, add a measure of value should you decide to sell your property with the sunroom attached, and they are an excellent investment for immediate property expansion solutions.

]]> http://www.joecline.com/blog/2010/05/29/add-a-room-cheap-and-fast/feed/ 0 Living Small IS Living Large in Austin http://www.joecline.com/blog/2010/05/23/living-small-is-living-large-in-austin/ http://www.joecline.com/blog/2010/05/23/living-small-is-living-large-in-austin/#comments Mon, 24 May 2010 00:23:40 +0000 Austin Realtor http://www.joecline.com/blog/?p=652 For many families, a two-car garage, expensive automobiles, and a sizable home are signs of success; however, a new trend is emerging in many American cities including Austin. Living small is more than a housing choice, but a philosophy that embraces environmental responsibility and social change. Rather than buying a large home and paying to heat and cool extra space, more and more individuals and families are choosing to downsize into a more energy-efficient, smaller space. By purchasing a smaller house or condominium, home buyers can minimize their environmental footprint and reduce their expenses while maintaining comfort and privacy.

A number of companies specialize in manufacturing pre-fabricated small homes that incorporate energy-efficient features. Smaller spaces require less energy for basic climate control; by adding features like solar panels, passive solar heating solutions, greenhouse glazing, and enhanced insulation, homeowners can significantly reduce the already low heating and cooling costs for these properties and provide a comfortable environment for their families.

Green condominiums are another solid choice for smaller families, couples, and singles; small by design, these properties typically feature more amenities and greater luxury than comparably-sized single-family homes. Because most Austin condominiums are located in close proximity to shopping and entertainment opportunities as well as workplaces and schools, some condo owners may be able to minimize or eliminate the use of private transportation altogether. This represents a major savings on automobile insurance, car payments, and gasoline, making it a financially and environmentally responsible choice. Many condo owners retain the use of a car, but the reduced use of gasoline alone can make a significant difference in the cost of living and justify the price of living in a downtown condo.

Even for families considering traditional homes, the living small philosophy can be put to good use in deciding on which home to purchase. Things to consider include:

  • Does the home contain a great deal of decorative but unusable space? Vaulted ceilings and sweeping staircases add visual interest, but heating and cooling that additional space can be expensive and wasteful.
  • Is the home located close to shopping, schools, and other frequently-visited locations? Walking or biking rather than driving to nearby destinations can save hundreds of dollars per year and helps keep Austin air clean.
  • How sustainable is the property? Can it be upgraded to energy-efficient heating and cooling through solar panels or other green technologies? Landscaping with native plants can reduce the need for watering in the summer and provides an attractive, authentically Texan environment for local wildlife while embodying the living small concept, even in a larger home.
]]> http://www.joecline.com/blog/2010/05/23/living-small-is-living-large-in-austin/feed/ 0 How To Decorate With A Wagon Wheel http://www.joecline.com/blog/2010/05/15/how-to-decorate-with-a-wagon-wheel/ http://www.joecline.com/blog/2010/05/15/how-to-decorate-with-a-wagon-wheel/#comments Sun, 16 May 2010 00:36:47 +0000 Joe Cline http://www.joecline.com/blog/?p=648 From functional to decorative in just 100 years!

From functional to decorative in just 100 years!

An authentic wagon wheel is a piece of Texan history that no home in the southwest should be without. So what do you do with your very own wagon wheel? Toss it in a backyard corner? Hardly. The wagon wheel has many modern functions, and with a little ingenuity, can put the finishing touch to any room or outdoor living space. The sturdy wagon wheels are rock solid and hold up well to water, making them an excellent accent that will stand the test of time. Wagon wheels come is a variety of shapes and sizes, just ready for your creative energy to put them to good use, and they make an excellent addition to almost any room in the house.

Chandeliers
Wagon wheels bring a rustic and earthy tone to your lighting fixtures and are superbly complimented with soft, covered lighting. Try an opaque or amber glass fixture surrounding each light bulb on your chandelier for that glowing ember effect over your dining table. The rugged wagon wheel wood responds well to a soft yellow-orange illumination and can change the entire mood in a room.

Garden Art
Wagon wheels make a beautiful addition to any garden paradise. Try a full-sized wheel propped in among the foliage, or you may opt for a trough style planter with a wagon wheel nailed to the back of it. The wagon wheel not only adds a touch of Texas class to your favorite flowers, but will also support rising vines similar to a trellis. Tough and durable, your humble wagon wheel will outlast your descendants. You can check out other garden art at the Umlauf Museum.

Furnishings
Wagon master craftsman have perfected the art of wagon wheel integration to furnishings, albeit, for a hefty price. If you are handy with a hammer and want to create your own, try a semi-finished garden bench and anchor two medium to low sized wheels on each end, then secure with a wooden balance bar. Finish and varnish to taste, and know you have the best wagon wheel bench on the block.

Christmas Wreath
If you dare to be different with your holiday wreath, try using a wagon wheel as the base for the holly and lighting fixtures. The finished product can be hung indoors or out and makes a bold Texas statement to usher in the New Year.

]]> http://www.joecline.com/blog/2010/05/15/how-to-decorate-with-a-wagon-wheel/feed/ 0 Austin's Radio Station Run Down http://www.joecline.com/blog/2010/05/12/austins-radio-station-run-down/ http://www.joecline.com/blog/2010/05/12/austins-radio-station-run-down/#comments Wed, 12 May 2010 17:39:22 +0000 Joe Cline http://www.joecline.com/blog/?p=644 They say, “Everything is bigger in Texas”, and that includes our diverse and eclectic taste in music. Not just country western anymore, the Texas spirit has embrace a wide genre of musical selections for all ages, interests and walks of life.

101X, a local, independent and alternative rock station offers the unique opportunity for local bands to strut their stuff by uploading their music on mp3. Are you new to the music biz? Listen-up. Through the 101X new artist’s preview program, you’ll gain exposure and develop a fan following with complete artistic control. If you are good, you are going to be noticed and ready to cut your path in the music business. The 101X listener preview program enables the new artists to cut to the chase and find their niche and build a fan base, while satisfying the consumer interest in new music product. Listeners be sure to check the local 101X “Line Up” for all the info on your favorite band and how to get tickets to their next gig.

If you like a little action with your rock n’ roll, KLBJ 93.7 FM – The Rock of Austin delivers with a full calendar of community events to meet and greet with your favorite DJ’s. Sing up for sports, entertainment, Texas BBQ’s, movie previews and charity events to mix and mingle, meet new friends or show your community support for your favorite cause. Whatever your pleasure: classic rock, soft rock, pop rock and more are the sound of the Rock of Austin, and don’t forget to check out the morning show with Dudley and Bob, weekdays at 6 to 10 AM.

Not every jammin’ city has it’s own first-rate university radio, but the city of Austin does with public waves from the University of Texas at Austin. KUT 90.5 offers a plethora of music genres to sample the best selections from a culturally diverse collection of music. Latin mixes, Irish Celtic, Bluegrass, Americana and more are at your fingertips to enlighten and enrich your listening pleasure. And be sure to check out the unique audio of the Story Corps, a project designed to relate people’s stories with sound.

For all you early birds, try the JB and Sandy Morning Show at MIX 9.47, the longest running morning show in radio history. These guys are saying what you are thinking, making them one hot duo for more than 12 years. Listeners are welcomed to chime in and sound-off on the JB and Sandy blog, or catch up on contemporary issues with other like-minded listeners.

And finally, not to be missed is spending the day with Bob. Check out 103.5 BOB FM in Austin for all the best of today and yesterday as per your request. BOB guarantees that they play “anything”, so get your creative juices flowing and put them to the test.

]]> http://www.joecline.com/blog/2010/05/12/austins-radio-station-run-down/feed/ 0 Summer Fun with Austin Parks & Recreation http://www.joecline.com/blog/2010/05/10/summer-fun-with-austin-parks-recreation/ http://www.joecline.com/blog/2010/05/10/summer-fun-with-austin-parks-recreation/#comments Mon, 10 May 2010 23:46:19 +0000 Austin Realtor http://www.joecline.com/blog/?p=635 Austin loves its tennis players, young and old!

Austin loves its tennis players, young and old!

It’s not too soon to start thinking about summertime activities and planning to make this summer the best ever. The Austin Parks and Recreation Department offers a wide range of activities for area children at low or no cost to city residents. One of the most popular options for families is the swimming and diving program offered by the department; children and adults can sign up for two-week sessions that are geared to the student’s age group and expertise. Successful completion of a two-week instructional course allows the student to continue on to the next level of instruction. Classes are available for every ability level and for ages ranging from infant to adult. A two-week session consists of eight lessons and costs $55, but reduced-cost lessons are available through many City of Austin Recreation Center for those with limited financial means.

The annual Austin Junior Golf Academy provides the perfect entree into the world of golf for beginners from age five to thirteen. The program provides instruction in six of the major elements of golf, including putting, pitching, chipping, fairway play, driving, and the ever-present sand traps. Each one-week session takes place from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM and focuses on basic rules and good sportsmanship; the fee for a session is $110 and limited scholarships are available. Teenagers interested in learning more about the sport of golf can participate in the Afternoon Golf Academy, which is designed specifically for students aged fourteen to seventeen and covers much of the same material. The fee for participation in the Afternoon Golf Academy is $125 with limited scholarships available for students who qualify. Students can also enroll in one of the Austin Junior Golf Clinics, which last an hour and a half and cover the fundamentals of golf etiquette and play; the fee for each session is $5.

For even more fun for children aged three to sixteen, the City of Austin offers numerous two-week summer camps through the Austin Recreation Centers, the Austin Nature & Science Center, the George Washington Carver Museum, and the Dougherty Arts Center. The themes of these camps vary depending on location; for instance, the Dougherty Arts Center offers camps focusing on art history, the medieval period, and the State of Texas, while the Austin Nature & Science Center summer camps include hiking, nature photography, caving, archeology, and many other themes that will get kids in touch with the natural world. Fees, age groups and dates vary for these camps, and early registration is recommended for the best selection.

]]> http://www.joecline.com/blog/2010/05/10/summer-fun-with-austin-parks-recreation/feed/ 0 Common Law Unions OK in Travis County http://www.joecline.com/blog/2010/05/06/common-law-unions-ok-in-travis-county/ http://www.joecline.com/blog/2010/05/06/common-law-unions-ok-in-travis-county/#comments Thu, 06 May 2010 12:52:50 +0000 Joe Cline http://www.joecline.com/blog/?p=622 Preparations for a wedding can run into the tens of thousands of dollars and keep you jumping like a full time job. However, not every wedding needs to be a cookie cutter format, where every movement and vow is choreographed by a total stranger. Many couples today are looking for an alternative choice to tie the knot, keeping their focus on themselves, rather than forking out a mint to entertain others. And the great state of Texas just might be the ticket to hassle-free nuptials and change back on a $100.

The traditional way of marriage requires a license from the state, a practice originating in England in the mid 1700’s. The reason for the licensing was mostly fiscal, as the government charged a fee for the marriage and, in turn, issued a license. The truth is, that people have been marrying since the beginning of time and do not legally need a license or a ceremony.

Travis County, Texas, is an ideal location to meet your mate for a common law marriage, a union that is recognized anywhere in the world as fully and vital as any ceremony performed by clergy or a magistrate. Although the common law marriage does not require a license, it does require a signature from the two parties involved and must be signed by a witness. Contrary to popular belief, the common law marriage is not merely a living together arrangement, but is a legal union that cannot be dissolved by signature or mutual agreement. Should a separation occur in the future, the common law couple must seek the divorce services from an attorney in the same way and manner as couple holding a marriage license on file with the state.

In a day and age when unique and individual personalities thrive, opting for a common law marriage offers the newlyweds a sense of freedom from state and county control via a marriage license. The actual point when the marriage is valid occurs when all parties have signed the document. There is no beginning, middle or end such as in a ceremony, which holds a rigid outline merely for the wedding party and guests to know what to do next. Preplanned nuptial ceremonies do not contain any magical words that lend any more credibility to the marriage than a fast and private common law agreement, but rather, bluster their protocol purely for show. The common law marriage is fast, cost effective and asserts one authority over government regulation over such a sensitive issue as marriage. Your Texas common law union may be legally recognized by filing a form with The Bureau of Vital Statistics and paying a nominal fee.

]]> http://www.joecline.com/blog/2010/05/06/common-law-unions-ok-in-travis-county/feed/ 0 Do It Yourself Classes for Bathroom Tile http://www.joecline.com/blog/2010/05/03/do-it-yourself-classes-for-bathroom-tile/ http://www.joecline.com/blog/2010/05/03/do-it-yourself-classes-for-bathroom-tile/#comments Mon, 03 May 2010 07:08:11 +0000 Joe Cline http://www.joecline.com/blog/?p=618 Take a tiling class and you'll be tiling in no time!

Take a tiling class and you'll be tiling in no time!

Renovating a bathroom brings a new and fresh excitement to the home decor, but is also one of the key investment components if you are planning to sell your property. Contrary to popular belief that a swimming pool or other luxury items will pump up the value to a home, the old standby of kitchen and bathroom upgrades remain rock solid at a real estate sale.

Renovating a bathroom should be done with a master plan in mind before you begin, whether the renovation is for commercial enhancement of the property or your own personal enjoyment for years to come. In addition, you will want to set forth a budget and keep the materials and labor fees within easy reach, perhaps electing to do some of the work yourself. The biggest chunk of change is shelled out to the contractor and subcontractors for demolition and installations, however, you may opt to take a few classes at a Home Depot or similar retail outlet to take care of some of these expenses without hiring a professional. Removing tired old tile and artfully laying down a new tile color scheme can be skillfully done just by taking a weekend class for instruction.

Home remodeling classes are succinct with the necessary steps to achieve a professional finished product while paying a minimum cost for the materials. When searching for a quality do-it-yourself course, be sure that the class will cover all the basics to include, but not limited to, the following:

1. How to remove the existing tile or vinyl flooring.

2. How to construct and design a cardboard template for use with mixed media tiles.

3. How to mark the grid lines with chalk.

4. How to effectively mix and apply the mortar.

5. How to compress tiles into the wet mortar.

6. Laying the inward tiles first and saving the baseboard area for last with the cut tiles.

7. Everything you need to know about using a wet saw, to include rental and operational information.

8. How to remove a toilet.

9. How to use a circular tile cut around the toilet area.

9. How to smooth and finish your new bathroom tile work.

10. Classes may also offer you a discount if you buy your supplies from the retailer providing instruction.

]]> http://www.joecline.com/blog/2010/05/03/do-it-yourself-classes-for-bathroom-tile/feed/ 0 Austin Art Lessons http://www.joecline.com/blog/2010/05/01/613/ http://www.joecline.com/blog/2010/05/01/613/#comments Sat, 01 May 2010 06:12:51 +0000 Joe Cline http://www.joecline.com/blog/?p=613 Pottery lessons are available in Austin.

Pottery lessons are available in Austin.

The city of Austin, Texas has emerged as a front-runner on the cultural scene with arts and entertainment options to rival the big guns once only found in the likes of New York City and Los Angeles. Attending galleries and exhibitions are a great way to broaden one’s mind and learn to see the world from a unique and artful perspective, however, hands-on participation is the road to finding your own creative genius.

Many people who appreciate art have resigned themselves to spectators, rather than participants, and may come to find out that they, themselves, have something to offer the artistic community. Latent and dormant aesthetic personalities come out of their shell when exposed to painting, drawing or sculpting classes. The problem is mustering up the motivation to get yourself in gear and try your hand at what moves you. The misconception is that your fourth grade art project earned a C grade, and therefore, you cannot be a true artist. Wrong. Artistic expression is drawn out from one’s life experiences and transformed into an alternate form of expression. The older you get, the more apt you are to create without boundaries. Practice makes perfect, and there’s no time like the present to cultivate your artistic skills with all the best that Austin has to offer.

To get started and find the art medium that interests you the most, you should sample a few classes in various coursework to find the area of art that brings out the best in you. Whether you opt to draw, paint or create 3-D sculptures, Austin has a variety of quality art supply and instruction centers to get you up and running today.

1. The Art Pad, 4520 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX (512) 323-0802

2. Austin Fine Art Classes, 6803 Silvermine Drive, Austin, TX (512) 443-4078

3. Amanda Lee Jones: Art Lessons For Children, Austin, TX (512) 826-1802

4. Texas Performing Arts, 2350 Robert Dedman, Austin, TX (512) 471-2787

5. Art and Soul, Inc, 12593 Research Blvd, # 100, Austin, TX (512) 257-8900

6. Art Institute of Austin, 101 W Louis Henna Blvd, # 100, Austin, TX (512) 691-1707

7. Dougherty Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX (512) 974-4040

8. Arc of the Arts, 6717 Burnet Road, # B, Austin, Tx (512) 524-2375

9. Major Mosaics, 1200 Lakeway Drive, Austin, TX (512) 261-5767

10. Stephanie Bradley, 1805 Raleigh Ave, Austin, TX (512) 415- 2109

]]> http://www.joecline.com/blog/2010/05/01/613/feed/ 0 Austin Market for Week Ending April 24, 2010 http://www.joecline.com/blog/2010/04/27/austin-market-for-week-ending-april-24-2010/ http://www.joecline.com/blog/2010/04/27/austin-market-for-week-ending-april-24-2010/#comments Wed, 28 Apr 2010 04:56:54 +0000 Joe Cline http://www.joecline.com/blog/?p=607 Austin Market Overview

Apr. 18- Apr. 24, 2010 Comparison
(compared to the same week in 2009)

The number of active listings are up 5.08% from last year during the same week.

Listing Status
New listings are up this week 24.68%
Pendings are up this week 34.79%
Solds are up 63.26%

Average Prices
Sold average sales prices increased 5.95% to $239,557. In 2009 it was $226,105 for the same week.

Week Ending 4-24-10 Austin Market Charts

Week Ending 4-24-10 Austin Market Charts

Data courtesy Alamo Title.

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