From the floor plan renderings you know BartonPlace is different. “Live, dine, bathe, sleep, breathe.” This is how BartonPlace describes the various living spaces in the individual units. Sure beats BR 1, or ½ BA. The twinkling pool, with its twinkly radiance is integrated in such a way as to make it immersive – like the building grew around it.

Then, the location, There’s an old adage in real estate that goes a little like this: What are the three most important things to consider when buying real estate. And the answer is, of course, A) identify property with potential market-pricing arbitrage, B) perform the appropriate regression analytics, and C) assess current lending rates as a function of your long term ROI goals and cash position. Yeah, you fell for it. That’s an incredibly nerdy joke thanks to a dubiously used MBA.

BartonPlace, according to Google is less than 600 feet from the following: Uncle Billy’s, Shady Grove, Austin Java, Chuy’s, Casa De Luz, Romeo’s, Baby A’s, Juiceland, and Yum Yum. If you feel like lacing up the hiking boots and go another 1,000 feet – triple the options. Zilker Park, Town Lake Park, ZACH Theater, Umlauf Sculpture Garden, Butler Park Pitch and Putt (BYOB is A-OK), and Disch Field (bring your dog and take a picture next to the Stevie Ray Vaughn statue) are an easy walk of around 10 minutes.

When not gorging yourself on easily obtained comestibles of every variety on your very block, invite your crew over for crouton crusted sea bass – or whatever you can dream up and prepare in the professional kitchen in the owner’s lounge and dining room. If any of them enjoy too much revelry, they can always play it safe and comfortable in BartonPlace’s guest suite. However, before they drift off to downtown Austin restfulness, take in the Texas sky from one of the four rooftop terraces.

As of the time of publication, there is currently a 1/1 in BartonPlace with 683 sq. ft. listed for $283,900. That’s inexpensive for so much Austin. If all those strolls through the aisles of Ikea haven’t convinced you that 683 sq. ft. can be palatial, there’s a 3/2 with 1,502 sq. ft. and 2 garage spaces on for $609,000. BartonPlace is a new construction building with many of the units completed in 2010 and a few in 2011. CondoDomain will easily and happily help you out with taking in that new condo smell.

2020 Congress condos boasts a very serene ambiance and is very well put together.  South Congress is an excellent avenue to live as it is very clean and has upstanding businesses and venues. You will find the noise of traffic is not a problem here, though you will notice the population surge in this area (especially on the weekends)!

While it may seem like Austin is hosting a bunch of new condo developments, 2020 Congress is one you will find worth its weight-in-gold as it offers quite a few pricing advantages over other downtown developments.

2020 Congress Condos is the perfect blend of contemporary finish-out and classic Austin architecture.

These awesome condo homes are now available for sale with prices starting in the $90s. Buy with us and you’ll get back 20% of our commission in cash.

2020 Congress Condos features spacious floor plans that include junior one-bedrooms, one-bedrooms, two-bedrooms and town homes. Amenities include everything one expects in a luxury condo, such as granite counter-tops, hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, an onsite workout facility, and much more.

Residents of 2020 Congress enjoy solitude and peace-of-mind when desired, while still being a hop, skip, and a jump away from all the action.

The spacious courtyard is a perfect meet-and-greet pavilion for residents of 2020 Congress condos. This is the place young professionals, students and out-of-towners would love to call home.

2020 Congress condos is situated in the SoCo neighborhood and is close enough to downtown where you can take a $5 cab ride, take a quick bus, or walk there on a nice day (and save on gas). But there isn’t even always the need to go downtown for a short distraction or fun excursion, because there are a lot of great dining and entertainment venues nearby.

If you want an affordable and pleasant SoCo experience, 2020 Congress is for you! To schedule a viewing call us at 877-852-6636.

Some consider Brazos Lofts the only ‘real’ warehouse lofts in Austin. Well I can say that judging from both the inside and outside, it feels that way.

Each Brazos Lofts home is separated by a brick wall. I’m not sure if the bricks used on the parting walls are original to the building, but they are a good match and are aged appropriately. Select units feature narrow-plank hardwood floors and comfortable, yet chic appointments.

True to its character, the Brazos Lofts is only three stories and is only two stories throughout  most of the building. It features only 39 condos.

The small, low rise complex features brick walls, hardwood or stained concrete flooring, exposed wood beamed ceilings and walls of windows. Kitchens and bathrooms are the ultimate with granite counters, stainless appliances and elegant travertine baths. The Brazos is very near to Sixth Street, the Four Seasons and Driskill Hotel (I absolutely love this place).

Brazos Lofts has earned a distinction as the only loft-warehouse in the face of Downtown Austin with a stylish architecture that resembles the typical New York style Loft.

Brazos Lofts are a perfect fit for artists, urban dwellers, students, professionals, bachelors and anyone interested in living near the buzz of Austin. Brazos Lofts prices range from $250,000 to $700,000. One- and two-bedroom units are available and offer spacious floor plans.

Purchase one of these awesome lofts today and you’ll get back 20% of our commission in cash! To schedule a viewing call us at 877-852-6636.

The Spring condominiums feature luxury appointments such as gourmet kitchens with slab granite and the finest in appliances. The well laid out kitchen is fit for any chef and will entice you to break out your recipe books and whip up something spectacular! Buy a Spring condo with us and you’ll get back 20% of our commission in cash. And if you can’t cook, you can use the extra cash to invest in cooking lessons!

These condo homes are full of amenities that will shape your lifestyle. At the end of the day, relax by the pool or in the resident lounge. If you happen to have some last minute company come over, you will be able to accommodate this well in one of the guest suites. And if you need a place to host a large dinner party, mixer or get-together, then Spring’s private dining room, equipped with kitchen, provides the space for your special occasion.

Spring’s condo homes are is layered beautifully with dazzling decor that includes walls of glass, a myriad of amazing colors and more.

Residents can unwind from a hard day taking in the calm waters of Lady Bird Lake (so beautiful this time of year) and the rollingTexas Hill Country, or be stimulated by the vibrancy of downtown Austin. Following a beautiful sunset, the orange brilliance of the University of Texas Tower is always a wonder to peer out at.

Come and discover true urban living that Spring Condominiums offer! To schedule a viewing of these awesome condominium homes, call us at 877-852-6636.

Colonial Grand at Wells Branch — This North Austin apartment complex was the latest to be bought by Colonial Properties Trust. The company owns about 3,450 local units spread out over 10 complexes.

A Birmingham, Alabama based real estate investment trust has begun building a large, Class A apartment complex at 11001 S. First St. about a mile from I-35 near downtown Austin. The Colonial Grand at Double Creek — a $31.7 million, 18-building complex by Colonial Properties Trust Inc. — is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2012.

The Colonial Grand at Double Creek will be a 296-unit rental property designed by Plagemen Architecture of Burlington, N.C. The complex will be Colonial’s second National Association of Home Builders green-certified bronze project. The company confirmed all financing was set.

Construction comes at a time when most signs indicate Austin’s available multifamily housing is shrinking. New tenants could see rent increases of 4.2 percent this quarter as construction slows but the population continues to grow, according to a recent report by Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services Inc.

Citywide, 1,000 new units are expected to come online in 2011 compared with 2,900 units last year, the report said.

Local experts said the new Colonial property is one of a few projects getting done that will deliver needed new product to the market this year or next.

Colonial’s activity in Austin — having also bought the 336-unit Colonial Grand at Wells Branch in North Austin in February — is indicative of this market’s appeal.

The Grand Colonial at Double Creek is being built along the largely undeveloped extension of South First Street, part of a strategy that Colonial said enables them to unlock the potential of its unused land.

Colonial Double Creek consists of two- and three-story, direct-entry apartments with private garages, Spahn said. The exterior is stone and masonry stucco. The interiors have ceramic tile floors, walk-in closets, garden tubs and patios.

What do you think? Would you be willing to move into a beautiful building in an underdeveloped area? Why or why not?

courtesy of Cody Lyon, ABJ Staff, Austin Business Journal

White Lodging Corp. said last year it would shelve plans for a 1,000-room, $185-million Marriott hotel on Congress Avenue and Second Street. But an Austin American-Statesman report quoted officials saying construction will begin in about nine months.

The story also said the city could waive $4.3 million in fees for the project. That’s a pretty big chunk of change. A city spokesman confirmed the possible agreement, but not the amount. The council is expected to finish discussing the plan during its regular meetings.

White Lodging said previously the project would create 600 full time jobs and equate to more than $2 million in property tax and $4 million annually in bed tax for the city, according to 2006 projections related to the initial project.

How do you feel about the newest addition to Austin?

courtesy of Ashley Furness, ABJ Staff, Austin Business Journal

At other downtown condos, you’re always reminded you’re in the urban jungle: the concrete, the construction, the streetlights, the garbage trucks, music from the bars, even the grackles at night that require you to cover your head on a short walk. No worries like that at the Milago.

The price per square foot and HOA dues are very reasonable. There are 240 residences in the 13 story building ranging in size from 750 to 2421 square feet. Choose from one to three bedroom units with up to three bathrooms. Prices range from $200K to over $1 million for penthouse suites. Buy with us and you’ll get back 20% of the commission in cash.

The Milago offers all the modern conveniences and finishes the particular buyer wants. Open floor plans and large windows make the Milago a dream home.

Milago condos have everything you need for an active lifestyle in the city, with luxury touches that turn laid back style into everyday elegance. The kitchens in every unit of the Milago are designed for both utility and creativity with stainless steel appliances and granite slab counters, helping you to unlock you inner chef.

Other quality appointments included are hardwood and stone tiled floors, walk-in closets, tall cottage windows, stainless appliances, track lighting and private balconies.

Residents of the Milago relax in the wi-fi lounge for a coffee break or for an entire afternoon. The lounge exits directly to the hike and bike trails on Lady Bird Lake, the perfect jumpstart to your morning exercise routine.

The Milago is right on the hike-and-bike trail and Lady Bird Lake where there is always something going on, like regattas and riverboats rides, just to name a few.

You are literally just steps away from the trail and lake, which makes it hard to slack off from doing that walk, run, bike or canoe ride to keep you healthy. You’ll have all the motivation you’ll need!

With the development of the Austin Waterfront District, the desirability of living at the Milago is sincere and will continue to grow for years to come. To schedule a viewing call us at 877-852-6636.

While there were firework bans on the Fourth of July, and now watering bans across the city, Austin struggles but handles.  So, what if your lawn is brown and crunchier than a bowl of pre-milk Grape Nuts?

But wait a moment. Austin is the capital of Texas and the State Capitol building is here in Austin. The building must look good year round for all luminaries helping to keep liquor stores closed on Sundays (why, oh why lawmakers is this law a law?). It’s grounds look like a postcard from Ireland. Lush and green and something millions of fathers across the country would gaze upon after mowing and grin then help themselves to a cold one. The State Capitol here in Austin is an impressive place for sure. The grounds are so beautiful, so green, and so history filled. If this is something you appreciate, as a tourist, stop by for a tour – it’s free. If this is something as a resident you might enjoy, check out Westgate Condos. Directly across from the Capitol, you can look out your windows from the Westgate and think – hey, this is my lawn. No upkeep, no water bills, no crazy kids traipsing across.

The Westgate is from a bygone era in Austin when political and business deals were made from its rooftop pool/lounge by big hat wearing, cigar chomping people who weren’t used to hearing no for an answer. The Westgate, as has Austin – more than many other parts of Texas, undergone many re-imaginings, rebrandings, and refreshment. Austin is hip. As buildings go, the Westgate was like the big brother who kept quiet, yet secretly approved and monitored your progress. So, for the love of proximity to all things Austin, or just a nice walk in the park when parks themselves are largely on hiatus, the Westgate keeps things cool. To tour the Westgate’s available units for purchase, call us at 877-852-6636.

The residents of The Pedernales Lofts are committed to living as a true community. Young professionals, artists, business people, academics, athletes, designers, students, musicians and more believe that the Pedernales Lofts represent energy and ingenuity.

At the Pedernales Lofts, “green philosophy” has taken hold. Environmental responsibility and conservation is a focus of Pedernales Lofts residents.

The Pedernales Lofts are a mixed use work/live community in east Austin. There are 14 ground floor storefronts and studios and 91 upper floor residential lofts in this S.M.A.R.T (Safe, Mixed-Income, Accessible, Reasonably-priced and Transit-oriented) Community.

The floor plans range from small 700 square foot studios to large 1200 square foot one bedroom units, across three stories and divided between six separate free-standing buildings. Buy with us and you’ll get back 20% of the commission in cash.

Interior amenities include stained concrete floors, exposed ductwork, very high ceilings on all three floors, live/work units offering private baths and Sixth Street frontage, Energy Star appliance packages, huge walk-in closets, ceiling fans, commercial doors and windows.

All units have 12-foot ceilings, modern island kitchens as well as washers & dryers. Pedernales Lofts are the total loft-style package in trendy east Austin.

The Pedernales Lofts are located at 6th and Pedernales, just east of the Lance Armstrong Foundation headquarters and in very close proximity to the new MetroRail station connecting Leander to Downtown.

The lofts are situated on 3.2 acres of green space with the Saltillo Plaza light rail station, Hot Mamma’s espresso bar and the Peacock nearby.

Residents of the Pedernales Lofts believe in supporting each other and the surrounding neighborhoods in East Austin. At the Pedernales Lofts, support for creativity, festivity and entertainment boosts the in-house artists and as well as affiliations with local Austin talent.

To check out these super-cool East Austin lofts, call us at 877-852-6636.

The Austin condo market is booming, in light of the suburbs sprawling beyond acceptable boundaries. What does this mean, you ask? Good question. What it means is that many young professionals and savvy Austinians are driving the desire for condos as they consider a luxury condo a valid alternative to a home in the suburbs. Mid- to high-rise condominiums are ideally situated, priced and built for comfortable living and offer residents the best of both worlds; modern luxury homes and high-end abodes centered in plush and lively districts.

The savor for condominiums in Austin is high because of a number of factors such as place of the metropolis, exceptional neighborhoods, the expanding economy, the dominant presence of a major US college (University of Texas – Go Longhorns!) as well as other academic establishments, and the existence of numerous significant technology firms like Dell and Motorola.

But enough schmoozing. Let’s get to the deets…

As home prices fall and rents rise, investors are chucking their money into condominiums, chasing the cash flow that rental properties produce.

Austin’s condo market consistently sustains a sizeable pool of interested investors seeking to create cash flow from renting luxury condominium homes. So, Mr. Investor, you’ll appreciate that Austin condominiums boast affordability and price stability, which does well for their appreciation.

But are rental properties, particularly condos, a cash-cow? The experts seem to think so.

“For the first time in a long time, you can buy that home and can get a cash-on-cash return immediately,” says William King, director of valuation services for Veros Real Estate Solutions, a supplier of housing data to the country’s largest banks, as well as government organizations.

“Investors are looking at these properties on a monthly income generating basis,” said Alex Villacorta, director of research & analytics at Clear Capital, a firm that provides data for real-estate asset valuation and risk assessment to financial services companies. “They can start to realize instant profit margins, even as the market goes down more.”

Rental properties in Austin, Texas have become a popular and successful investment for investors. Even though the phenomenal property value increases of past decades have slowed, long-term upward trends are expected to continue. In fact, investing in condominiums has shown to be comparable to, or more profitable than, long-term stock market investments. Top it off with the 20% cash back that you get with every purchase you make through CondoDomain and there’s no reason you shouldn’t call 877-852-6636 today! In fact, every day you wait, you are losing money so contact our local real estate expert today!

At 44 floors, the new 360 Condominium tower has a dramatic impact on the Austin skyline. At 563′ tall, it is the city’s 3rd tallest skyscraper. Ultramodern and stylish, 360 Condominiums’ structure design stands out, taking cues from the best modernist architects and designers.

The homes of 360 are bright and airy with open floor plans, vaulted 10 foot ceilings, floor to ceiling windows, generous use of natural materials and a sensuous sense of space and style underline the luxury of living here.

Residences of 360 boast quality details like hardwood floors, granite counter tops, wooden cabinetry, stainless steel appliances and designer tiling. Generous closets, soundproofing and expansive balconies are standard and high-tech touches like high speed internet, home automation and pre-wiring for sound go that extra step to set these homes apart. Like what you hear so far? Then you’ll love what you’re going to hear next…

Select units are currently for sale and priced from $245,000 to $600,000! Many of the other high-rises in downtown Austin are more expensive, so 360 Condominiums provides an opportunity for young professionals, investors and first-time buyers to enter the Austin condo market. Buy with us and you’ll get back 20% of our commission in cash. 360 Condos also make a great pied-a-terre for travelers who desire a fabulous downtown residence.

Residents who work downtown can forgo driving altogether and just use a Zipcar when needed. There are also plenty of restaurants, clubs and outdoor activities nearby that are within easy walking distance.

If you don’t want to leave the building when you feel the need to shop or grab a bite to eat, hustle on down to 360’s lobby on the retail level. There, you will find six convenient retail stores and four new relaxing venues: Blu Cafe Bar & Lounge, Royal Blue Grocery, Lora Reynolds Gallery, Mulberry and more.

360 Condos location is perfect for those with an active nightlife as it is set in the middle of Austin’s Market District, 2nd Street and Republic Square and Warehouse District. Check out the 360 Condominiums today and find the luxury home you’re looking for! To schedule a viewing call us at 877-852-6636.

Photo credit: Austin CVB

Each year, beginning on the second Thursday in June, Austin becomes the site of the 4th largest motorcycle rally in the country. With the scores of vendors, shows, food, the world’s longest motorcycle parade [as certified by the Guinness Book Of World Records] and the Congress Street area, cordoned off to traffic, holding the largest known downtown biker party, this isn’t your father’s bike rally. The 18th Republic of Texas Rally (R.O.T. – hardly rotten, but it’s nice to still maintain a little of that renowned biker toughness) kicks off at the Travis County Exposition Center in Northeast Austin.

Northeast Austin doesn’t really dominate the conversation when discussing the vibrancy of Austin’s self-described “directional areas.” With the Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park and Lake, Big Walnut Nature Preserve, the Expo Center (also the permanent home of Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo – don’t underestimate its place of high esteem even in bohemian Austin), and a smattering of restaurants, N.E. ATX is a more nuanced countrified Americana to the freneticism of Austin’s world famous downtown scene – a mere 7 miles away.

Occupying an important tract at the crossroads of Central and N.E. Austin, near The Dell Children’s Medical Center, is a green-initiative condominium development called Greenway Lofts. With an abundance of public pools and parks, and HOA fees allowing the free use of these outdoor opportunities, Greenway is responsible about its footprint.

Greenway Lofts is proud of its modernity and efficiency from its conscious choices around heating and cooling, to its promotion of Austin’s unofficial favorite pastime – cycling… for fun and as an alternate and reasonable means of transportation in a compact city such as Austin.By the way, the building is spectacular looking inside and out. Imaginative use of exterior colors and materials is undeniable. The interiors do equal justice with dark woods and dazzling use of glass and tile.

Greenway is walking distance to retail and restaurants. Every unit, either 1 or 2 bedrooms, has a greenbelt facing patio and assigned, secure parking. That includes parking for motorcycles if you want to slap on your lid (or not, here in Texas, if you meet certain requirements), fire up the bike, and head over to ROT – starting Thursday, June 9, 2011 – just a breezy, short ride to the east. Prices 160s – 260s.