How Much Does It Cost to Sell a House? Here’s a Reality Check

Show me the money! Admit it, that’s what you’re thinking when you consider selling your house. In fact, chances are good you’ve mentally spent much of the proceeds already—on a new house you’re buying, and maybe even a nice vacation this summer. Slow down there—while selling a home can indeed bring in some sweet profits, not every […]
Austin-area home sales, median price hit all-time high in 2016
Austin-area home sales, median price hit all-time high in 2016 Central Texas home sales and home prices hit a record high in 2016, the Austin Board of Realtors said Wednesday. It was the sixth straight year of record sales and prices in the Austin metro area. Economists are forecasting a strong housing market for 2017, […]
Why does Matthew McConaughey live in Austin? The answer is simple

Why does Matthew McConaughey live in Austin? The answer is simple Sure, the Uvalde-born Matthew McConaughey is a Texan’s Texan with an obvious affinity for the Lone Star State … … but the Hollywood superstar could live anywhere he wants – and afford to bring plenty of Texas with him – why does he live…
The most popular kitchen remodeling trends for 2017

The most popular kitchen remodeling trends for 2017 If your New Year’s resolution was to eat healthier or cook more, a remodeled kitchen could help you succeed, according to the fourth annual Houzz kitchen trends report. The home design platform polled homeowners who recently upgraded their kitchens to gauge the most popular trends – and […]
Austin among top cities for career happiness

Austin among top cities for career happiness AUSTIN – Do you really love your job in Austin, Texas? If the answer is yes, as it turns out you’re not alone. According to a new report from CareerBliss, Austin ranks in the top 10 for cities where people truly love their job.
Year-End and December 2016 Market Report

Central Texas housing market breaks sales record in 2016, shows signs of normalization in 2017 Austin Board of REALTORS® releases December 2016 & Year-End 2016 Central Texas Housing Market Report AUSTIN, Texas – Jan. 18, 2017 – The December & Year-End 2016 Central Texas Housing Market Report released today by Austin Board of REALTORS® reported 2016 as another […]
5 (Totally Legal) Tricks to Boost Your Credit Score Fast

So, you’ve decided next year is the year you’re finally going to buy a house. Congrats! But now you’re a little panicked because your credit score isn’t exactly going to make lenders swoon. You’re not alone. The national average credit score is 695, while only half of consumers fall in the desired 700-plus range. Although you certainly can get a mortgage with […]
5 Funky Texas Facts

5 Funky Texas Facts Most people know the glaringly obvious facts about the great state of Texas, but we found a few that tickle the funny bone and teach a lesson. Here are five funky Texas facts from the obscurity files. Did you know? 1.
6 Things You Should Never Say When You’re Selling Your Home

How many of these are you guilty of? Yet another reason it’s great to have an experienced agent managing your sale. You know that expression about loose lips sinking ships? It holds true for selling your home as well. Sure, there are some things you have to disclose to buyers—such as if your home has lead paint or is located in a […]
In their own words, Westlake’s players and coaches recall their remarkable run to the 1996 Class 5A football title

This was in the “good ole days” of Westlake and I remember it well! Westlake players, coaches recall remarkable run to 1996 football title In their own words, Westlake’s players and coaches recalltheir remarkable run to the 1996 Class 5A football title. Before the first game of the season, all-state offensive line prospect and future […]
This Could Be The Last Year Of Daylight Saving Time In Texas

This Could Be The Last Year Of Daylight Saving Time In Texas Daylight Saving Time – some of us love it, some of us can’t stand it. What I think we can all agree on is how unnecessary it is. Most of our country isn’t working in the fields or on the railroads all day, […]
Austin Dubbed One of the Smartest Cities in the U.S.

Austin Dubbed One of the Smartest Cities in the U.S. As the fastest growing city in America, Austin has added “the Silicon Valley of the South” to their list of monikers along with “the live music capital of the world.” National Geographic recently published an article stating that Austin is “one of America’s smartest cities” […]
A Guide to How to Afford Your Dream Home

The Realtor’s Guide to Getting Your Dream Home | SoFi If you believe some of today’s headlines, young professionals like you just aren’t interested in buying a home. You’re either too broke, too busy working, or too much of a nomad to plant roots in a community. But the numbers tell a different story.
People are leaving Austin in droves, according to new report (Video)

People are leaving Austin in droves, according to new report You’ve heard the same old song and dance for a few years now – the Austin area is one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, 100-something people move here every day, whatever. We get it. Austin’s great and people want to live here.
Preparing Your Home for Sale

Small improvements can provide a big payoff when selling your home. <blockquote class=”embedly-card” data-card-key=”c9d81a895f564a1fb52c3fea68f0bbc8″ data-card-type=”article-full”><h4><a href=”http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/18/realestate/preparing-your-home-for-sale.html?_r=0″>Preparing Your Home for Sale</a></h4><p>2. SHINE THE FLOORS “Unless your floors are severely damaged, it doesn’t make sense to have them refinished,” said Pat Christodoulou, who stages homes for sale in Connecticut and New York. Instead, she hires a handyman […]
Why Austin ranks among the 10 best cities for dog owners

<blockquote class=”embedly-card” data-card-key=”c9d81a895f564a1fb52c3fea68f0bbc8″ data-card-type=”article”><h4><a href=”http://austin.culturemap.com/news/city-life/12-30-16-valuepenguin-best-cities-dog-owners-austin-rank/?utm_content=bufferb94fa&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer”>Why Austin ranks among the 10 best cities for dog owners</a></h4><p>This city is going to the dogs. Not only do we come up with some pretty cute (and original) dog names, a report from says Austin is the 10th best city for dog owners. ValuePenguin ranked U.S. cities based on 16 […]
2017 Home Design Trends

Learn about the latest on the residential style horizon so you can get your home sold quickly and for top dollar. A real estate professional, especially one with a background in design, construction, & investing (eh-em, yours truly) is the best resource for devising a plan on what will be the best return on investment when […]
Where Austin’s Young Families Live

I was just discussing how the demographics in Eanes ISD have been changing. There is certainly more diversity when you look around classrooms than decades ago (although your pre-conceived notions may not be far off). However, there are changes parents are noticing in schools: shrinking younger classes. Without even looking at data, I had a […]
10 Ways UT Austin Was Ranked Around the World in 2016

10 Ways UT Austin Was Ranked Around the World in 2016 If you have ever set foot on the Forty Acres, you probably don’t need a reminder of how good it is to be a Longhorn. The perks of bleeding burnt orange are well-documented. It’s just that sometimes you receive so much praise that it’s […]
Millennials Are Living the Dream in Austin

Austin has made yet another list as a favorite city for Millenials in a recent report. Living the Millennial Dream – ABODO Apartments What do you look for in a city? Perhaps you prioritize affordable housing or a thriving job market. Or maybe you care most about abundant parks and hiking trails, a bustling downtown […]
Report: Austin among top 10 cities people are leaving

Can you believe it? A recent report shows that a surprisingly large number of people are leaving Austin. Report: Austin among top 10 cities people are leaving Austin has made it onto yet another “Top 10” list, but it’s not one many of us would expect. Austin is one of the Top 10 cities in […]
2017 National Housing Forecast – Realtor.com Economic Research

<blockquote class=”embedly-card” data-card-key=”c9d81a895f564a1fb52c3fea68f0bbc8″ data-card-type=”article-full”><h4><a href=”http://research.realtor.com/2017-national-housing-forecast/”>Realtor.com® 2017 National Housing Forecast – Realtor.com Economic Research</a></h4><p>The 2017 housing market will be a year of slowing, yet moderate growth, set against the backdrop of a changing composition of home buyers and a post-election interest rate jump that could potentially price some first-timers out of the market, according to the […]
How did Austin do in 2016?

You see my post articles bragging on Austin constantly. Here are some of the highlights!
The Most Expensive Home Listing in Every State 2016

The Most Expensive Home Listing in Every State 2016 Behold the priciest property presently purchasable in every state-from the West Coast to the eastern seaboard.
6 Exterior House Renovations that Increase Property Value

6 Exterior House Renovations that Increase Property Value Home improvement is one of the key factors most real estate experts consider when selling houses. It is an inevitable aspect, which can increase the resale value of a home significantly, especially with the improvement of the exterior parts of the homestead. However, many people do not […]
Report: Austin No. 1 tourist destination in Southwest, No. 2 in U.S.

The only tourist destination in the country more popular that Austin is Las Vegas! Report: Austin No. 1 tourist destination in Southwest, No. 2… Austin ranks as the top vacation destination in the Southwest U.S., according to a first-of-its-kind J.D. Power report. Nationwide, Austin ranked No. 2, behind only Las Vegas, getting high marks for […]
Coming Soon in Northwest Hills on Mesa Drive

Just spotted… coming soon in Northwest Hills If you’d like to be the first through the door, call me! Aria Kilpatrick, 512-646-1000 x101 or aria@ariarealtytx.com Broker/Owner, Million Dollar Guild, GRI, Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist 6410 Mesa DR, Austin, TX 78731 1,450,000 | 5 beds 5 baths – Total Remodel w/2nd Story Addition, Contemporary Styling, […]
5 Acre Estate lot in Gated Eanes ISD Community

What is the one thing everyone is looking for in Austin right now but can nearly never be found? SPACE. Space to play, space to breathe, space to relax…space to BE. What would you say if I told you that you can own FIVE gorgeous acres in Westlake just over a mile from Eanes ISD’s […]
How many Californians are moving to Austin? The numbers will surprise you.

Since the tech boom in 2001, we’ve had a habit of blaming our population boom on Californians. However, if you’ve ever asked me about it, I’ve had a very different story to tell you. It turns out, we tend to swap residents with California resulting in a much smaller number. How many Californians are moving […]
People are leaving Austin in droves, according to new report

You heard that right. Sure, 100+ people move here EVERY DAY, would you believe that some are on their way out as well? People are leaving Austin in droves, according to new report You’ve heard the same old song and dance for a few years now – the Austin area is one of the fastest-growing […]