The Strangest Homes You've Ever Seen

In event of the season, I’ve decided to stray a little from the norm, and instead of writing about interesting décor ideas, real estate, or the comings and goings of Austin folk, I’ve decided to take on something different. Today, I want to share with you some of the strangest and weirdest homes ever built. 

1-     Everingham Rotating House in Taree, Australia

This is an octagonal house that actually rotates a full 30 degrees with a few mechanical buttons. The rotating device consists of 32 outrigger wheels powered by two 500 watt electric motors, allowing the owner to spin the house whenever he wants. The process takes anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours.

2-     The Nautilus

This is a seashell shaped home that was finished in 2006.  It is a prime example of the new bio-architecture trend, a style that immitates animals and creatures. The Nautilus  is made like a crustacean Shell and filled with lots of vegetation and small trees. 

3-     The Montesilo in Woodland Utah

This is an award-winning home that was created when two corrugated grain silos where joined together. This is a neat way of repurposing an existing product. 

4- The Steel House in Lubbock Texas

This Steel home was built around 1974 but what makes it so interesting is that the structure is more like a sculpture than a home. The owner makes constant changes and the overall weight is about 110 tons. 

5- The Mushroom House in Cincinnati, Ohio

What makes this home unique is the undulating wood work and the strange shapes.  This is a home made of many different materials, which is what makes it so different and strange. The interior is just as oddly shaped as the exterior, yet very artistic.

What makes a kitchen remodel work?

It’s important that you know what you should and more importantly, what you shouldn't do when it comes to remodeling your kitchen. Almost everyone has that terrible “kitchen remodel” story to share. They often go on to tell you what they would have done differently. It doesn't matter whether this is a neighbor with his never ending remodel or the story told and retold of a friend of a friend who couldn't get a contractor to get along with the architect.  To prevent yourself from falling into the kitchen remodel trap, you can protect yourself from falling into these first-timer kitchen remodel mistakes.

Look at the Big Picture First

While it may be fun shopping for appliances or looking at new counter tops, you need to stop for a minute; you first need to focus on the big picture. Think of your lifestyle and what use you’ll give your kitchen before you start the design process. Your lifestyle can determine the types of materials, appliances and design elements you need.

Forget about Fad

Be careful when looking at what is in style. A kitchen design should last between 10 to 15 years, so you don’t want to go with something that is in style now, but later out of fashion. Be careful with trendy colors and short lived shapes. Remember, what works for you today may not work for you tomorrow.

DIY Projects Are not Always Cheap

Most people think that doing the renovation project themselves is the best way to save money but this isn't necessarily so. Many aspects of a kitchen remodel require professionals with specific experience.  Hire licensed and skilled professionals to complete certain parts of the work. Design service can often be just as affordable as the big-box retailer.

 Bottom Line

When it comes to designing your kitchen you need to take the time to do it right, plan it out. It’s not all about shopping. You need to think about functionality and use first, and then hire professionals that will give you exactly what you want, not tell you what you need.

How to Choose the Right Bathroom Decor

Contemporary bathroom design is entirely a matter of personal choice. Imagination and creativity. But you can get a few more ideas by looking online, saving pictures that you like and by shopping for fixtures that work with the contemporary look you want.  

 Make Your Bathroom A Focal Point

The design and finish of this room reflects your personal choice; it is a reflection of your personality, and because you only remodel a bathroom sporadically you want to make . Just keep in mind the following aspects when working with contemporary styling:

• Contemporary bathroom design is simple, clean and offers a non-messy look.
• Each piece of furniture is as important as the other in modern designing trends.

Contemporary The Opposite of Traditional

Remember, contemporary style is all about clean design lines in all fixtures and furniture. It's about accenting neutral colors with bright contrasting colors. You may also want to add a touch of stainless steel, as this material reflects that clean, shiny, contemporary look, especially in bathrooms that are otherwise, traditional, Consider light colored tiles; Something like pale blue tiles, white vanity sinks and bathtubs with a wood finish and a few other natural effects create that sought after calm spa-like atmosphere.

Contemporary bathroom design also uses spaces in an appropriate way. Consider placing the shower and tub in the corner of the room, leaving plenty of room in the center of the bathroom to move around.  Other ways of adding the illusion of spaciousness is by using appropriate flooring colors. For instance, you might want to consider using slate or neutrally colored grey floor tiles to compliment wood finishes and help with that illusion of wide clean spaces. Long mirrors, horizontally mounted, can also give the illusion of spaciousness, while at the same time reflecting light from any skylights or windows.

How to Find the Right Contemporary Design for Your Bathroom?

Before you start shopping you need to start looking for ideas. Think of materials and types of fixtures you like. Look for ideas online and when you shop, look for materials that go well together. Print pictures and refer back to them over two or three days. This helps you determine whether these are styles you really like and want to use in your home.

Workmanship

Remember that quality workmanship is crucial when you do a bathroom remodeling job. So you only want to hire experienced contractors that can complete installation work with the utmost care. 

Make a Few Changes and Your Home Becomes Your Palace

A beautiful home is a reflection of people who live in it... The decor of your home speaks volume about your sense of aesthetics. Whether it is plain & simple, eclectic, vintage, traditional or modern, the decor of your house is the first impression that someone gets when they enter your home.

Home decor should be based on a theme or a style you love. The objects that adorn your walls or the furniture that defines the space of your rooms, needs to follow the style or theme that you select. To help you find your own style here are a few changes you can make to improve the style of your home:

1) Change The Bedding:

Change your bed, pillows, cushions and all of your bedding... Believe it or not, just a bedding change can create a beautiful home decor change.

2) Rearrange Wall Displays

Replace the wall art or move it from one room to another. Use high end canvas prints. You could also create your own wall art if you are creative. You can also visit local art shows or buy art pieces from artists you find online.

3) Rearrange furniture

Many a times, simply by rearranging some furniture you can create a whole new look to an area. Add a sitting area or nook, add flower arrangements, a few accents and you’ve got a whole new look

4) Window Dressing

Add new window treatments to your windows. This creates an interesting and very elegant new look.

5) Add Flower Arrangements

Whether it is natural or artificial, flowers brighten up any space. Use tall vases to accentuate the flower arrangement. Get creative by touching up flowers with golden shimmer or just a spray of golden glitter. Dry flower arrangements look very elegant and arrangements are quite easy to make with just some dry branches/flowers/weeds or simple pine cones!

6) The Right Lighting

Lighting creates magic in a home. A single lamp shade can change the environment completely, no matter how huge or small your house is. Lighting can also be a great way to accentuate a painting or create a focal point in a certain area.

Bottom Line

A bit of creativity, effort and a few changes can make a big difference to the look of your home. To get ideas on simple things you can do look online, on social media networks and in magazines.  Another great way to get some fun ideas is to look at other homes in your area. 

What Brings So Many Younger People to Austin

Texas often gets criticized in the news; “It’s that place way down south, you know the one with the cowboys, where everyone drives huge trucks and talks with a long Texan drawl…where the women are beautiful but very conservative.”

In reality, Texas is not all that different from other states. Most people have never ridden a horse, don’t know all that much about cattle and many are very well read and come from a culturally diverse background. However, from the representation of Texas at large, you would think one of two things: either everybody lives in the direst of poverty, or everybody here is ultra-conservative and stuck-up. When in reality, nothing could be further from the truth, especially, when we refer to the city of Austin, Texas. This is a city that has been booming for the past few years – and it is new, younger residents that seem to be attracted to this city.

While the primary reason for moving to Austin has to do with economics, there are also a few other reasons why people make living in this city a choice and not a necessity. 

1. Austin is the cultural hub of the entire state of Texas. This city hosts events, activities and social networks like SXSW, film festivals, and Austin City Limits.

2.     The music in Austin is renown throughout the nation. Bands and groups from all over the nation converge here, so whether you are a Jazz, rock, or alternative music fan, you’ll find just what you are looking for at more than a few of the local Austin clubs.
        
3. Austin also has a burgeoning improv scene, with comedy clubs being popular   throughout the city.

4. Austin is a friendly city; it has great year-round weather and offers many fun things to do, and the means to do them with.

5. Austin offers job security. Forbes has ranked Austin as the #1 place to look for a job, unlike many other regions around the country. Austin has gained many new companies in the technology industry, as well as new corporate residents in the last few years. Companies move to Austin because of the steady flow of qualified, employable people who graduate from the University of Texas and want to work in their hometown.

Bottom Line

Austin has a lot to offer both socially and economically. Best of all, you don’t have to be born in Austin to be a success here. The economy is stable and there are lots of things to do for families and singles. All the city needs is for you to join in on the fun.

Adding Curb Appeal - A Big Plus for Austin Homes on The Market

From simple upgrades to meticulous landscaping projects, or simply replacing outdated fixtures; it is these little changes that can make a big difference in selling your existing home. By doing a little curb appeal you can get more for your home or sell it more quickly. But what can you do?  There are dozens—if not hundreds—of ways to enhance your home's appearance. The improvements shown here won't break the bank and can be completed in a morning. Best of all, they'll make a dramatic difference that you'll appreciate every time you pull into your driveway.

 Curb appeal adds value to your home, especially because it is the first impression potential buyers have of the property. There dozens if not hundreds of ways to improve your property’s appearance. The following are just a few simple ways to give you property a dramatic improvement,  and one that will impress anyone that comes to visit.

Edge the Driveway

Install a border along the driveway to add that crisp , clean look. You can use pavers, bricks, stone or any combination thereof to add interesting texture and design to the edge of your driveway.

Add Lights

Add lighting to your entryway. This gives evening guests a welcome and makes them feel safer. Besides soft lighting adds a romantic atmosphere to the home and can emphasize important landscaping features.

Flower Beds

Add flowers along the sidewalk and in front of the house. Add these to flower boxes, hanging baskets and create raised garden beds. Flowers are probably the easiest way to add curb appeal and certainly one of the fastest way to increase the property’s appeal.

New Garage Doors

Drab garage doors make a bad impression on potential buyers. Get new doors with beautiful color or with an interesting design. These perk up any house very quickly. You can install doors made of wood, steel or fiberglass and these come in a variety of different colors.

Upgrade Door Hardware

Simple changes to outside doors can seriously improve that curb appeal. Change outdated locks and handles on front and side doors. Replace rusty fixtures and hinges for a newer look.

Bottom Line

These are just a few of the changes you can make to the exterior of your property. They are relatively simple to perform  and really do make a big difference when it comes to impressing potential buyers in the market for an Austin home.

Staging Your Home for the Sale Makes it More Appealing

Planning to sell your home at profit? Then, you need to know what prospects look for in the homes they buy. According to a study conducted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, a beautiful presentation is the key to selling a home effectively.

What is home staging?

The art of highlighting a home's strengths and making it  visually appealing, with furniture, beautiful decor and spacious uniformity, is called the home staging process.

Home staging can be done either by home owners or professionals, and involves not just decorating, but minor repairs , easy eye catching landscaping, the removal of personal items that distract buyers' mind. It is the making  of the home into an appealing showcase that everyone loves.

Ways of Staging a Home

There are several ways of staging a home. Though, these are generally divided into two categories, partial home staging and full home staging.

Partial Home Staging: This is best for those owners who want to sell with minimal investments to present homes to prospective buyers. This involves rearranging furniture, fixing masonry cracks, painting with attractive colors, adding greenery, removing outdated housing hardware units, improves lighting, and adding interior decorations. Planning for partial home staging is to amend things which buyers usually look for in general.

Full home staging: In this process, an owner adds a new set of furnishings and accessories which present the home at it's best. It offers an eye-popping setup to buyers. Full home staging is very effective and presents the home at its best, allowing it to t sell at a profit and within a shorter span of time. It involves installing a whole new set of furniture, creating comfortable room environment, arranging furniture to create focal points, giving art work and decorating.

Benefits

Home staging benefits you by allowing your  home to make a good impression, one that enables a faster sale with a higher number of referrals and a better overall price.

A staged home keeps potential buyers in the home longer, allowing them to  connect with the home, and makes the home stand out over the other homes in the area that are for sale. 

Austin - The Eclectic Capitol of Texas

Austin is the cultural mecca of Texas, a place everyone wants to live and to enjoy.  But last night, as I was thinking about all the great places I wanted to recommend for new visitors, I found myself trying to find a good stopping point. It’s just too hard to account for all of the great attractions in this terrific city. But here I've done my best to include the most popular of Austin activities and attractions.

1. Watch the Sunset at the Oasis

The Oasis is an Austin institution, but one with a recent history of misfortune. It is know for its beautiful Lake Travis views. Sittings high on a bluff overlooking the lake, with an extensive network of hundreds of decks, the Oasis offers a wonderful back to nature getaway within the city; a place where you can sit, eat and drink, and watch the sun set over the lake.

2. Get Out on The Lake

Visit Lake Travis. A dammed lake where the Texas Colorado river flows into offers a great many activities for Austin residents. The lake is 63 miles long and 4.5 miles wide, making it ideal for boaters, fishing and skiing.  A day at Lake Travis can be relaxing and fun

3. The Bats

Austin has the largest urban bat colony in the United States. In 1980, when the Congress Avenue bridge was being reconstructed, engineers built expansion joints into the bridge (a series of narrow crevices underneath the bridge). Little did they know that 1.5 million Mexican freetail bats would eventually call those crevices  their "home away from home."

Every year, these Mexican freetail bats migrate here from Mexico, first arriving around mid-March. This makes the summer and fall prime bat-viewing time. If you go down to Congress Avenue bridge at dusk on any summer night, you'll be among hundreds (possibly thousands) of people who have lined up to see Austin's bats take to the sky like clockwork. Watching the bats take flight is one of the most popular things to do in Austin, Texas (view photos), especially for people who have never seen it before. In fact, every time I have guests from out of town, I usually put the bats on my list of things to do in Austin.

4. The Texas State Capitol

If you travel down Congress Avenue you’ll come to the Texas State Capitol. The expression "things are bigger in Texas" holds true here, for the Texas State Capitol is even taller than the U.S. Capitol building. But that's just one reason to visit this architectural wonder.

5. Downtown Austin

Spending time downtown Austin is another "must" for your list of things to do in Austin. The city's unofficial motto is "Keep Austin Weird," which is symbolic of Austin's easygoing nature, eclectic mix of people, and cultural uniqueness. 

Four of the Top Trends in Austin Luxury Homes

When you think of luxury homes, you may imagine a beautiful house built to look fantastic from every angle, inside and out. But the truth of the matter is, these houses are not just about looks. The best luxury homes today offer many convenient features that can make day-to-day life more enjoyable. Here's a look at four trends that are gaining in popularity with homeowners:

 

Built-in Storage 

This convenient feature is currently found in nearly every room of a luxury home. Libraries and offices feature custom-designed storage for books, but also to display awards, trophies, or prized travel mementos. Children's playrooms may have an entire wall filled with different-sized compartments built to accommodate all sizes of toys and mementos. 

Personalized Touches 

Builders work closely with their clients to put customized finishes on luxury homes so that the space becomes personalized and fits the most discerning of tastes. Some of these details are built on the exterior of the house. This might include a pergola to offer shade and comfort to outdoor areas.  Backyard entertaining spaces feature fireplaces, full outdoor kitchens, projection screens for movie nights, and other home accessories,  perfect for hosting guests or keeping the family entertained. Another hot trend for car enthusiasts is a car lift, which adds a  third or fourth needed parking area.

Exercise Space 

Exercise areas vary greatly from house to house. Yoga enthusiasts often request a customized room with rice paper paneling, natural light, and a raised yoga platform, where as more traditional gym goers will likely want free weights, stationary machines, and other standard gym equipment. Families can stay active in the home with the inclusion of a racquetball court, half-basketball court, or indoor/outdoor pool.  New pool features include cozy grottos, fun-shaped slides, in-pool seating, and waterfalls.

Automation 

Technology is also a major factor in the high-end luxury home. Homeowners can opt to have control of lighting, heating and cooling; all their home electronics; and security systems. In-house control stations give homeowners absolute control of all lighting and electronic devices in the home. In fact, many of a homes technology is now smart phone reliant, and can be activated and deactivated from anywhere through the owner's smartphone. 

Austin Offers Fabulous Possibilities

Amazingly, Austin, even with its low cost of living, has a varied and diverse cultural society, and a strong influence of music and Art. It is this that makes it one of the most desirable cities to live in. It is the fourth largest city in the state of Texas and the eleventh largest city in the US. Currently, Austin has a population of almost 2 million people.

Austin boasts many different home types and styles, all in different topographical surrounding. Homes sit on cliffs overlooking Lake Austin or sit in the heart of downtown in a simple yet stylish high-rise condo. Of course, you may prefer a quaint bungalow on the outer limits of the city, a ranch or a sprawling suburban contemporary home that sits in one of Austin’s suburban neighborhoods.

Why Austin

Wherever you live within the Austin area you are sure to enjoy interacting with neighbors that come from a diverse background; those that are artists, professors, students, tech gurus, and a variety of other people. In fact, Austin was voted as America´s number one College Town by the Travel Channel, yet it is also home to some of the most important technology enterprises in the nation, rightfully earning its name as Silicon Hills.

Neighborhoods

There are more than a few Austin neighborhoods that exemplify the meaning of “weird but interesting” a term Austin is known for. Downtown is diverse, and boasts homes that are gorgeous, eclectic and, yes even luxurious.  The blending of Austin’s different living possibilities  makes real estate in this area one of the most sought after investment opportunities in the state.

The Bouldin Creek Area

This has recently become a trending area to live, yet it still retains its artistic feel and a reflection of its colorful history. This history offers colorful attractions like Mexican bakeries, tattoo parlors, cafes and art galleries; it is these that give Bouldin Creek its ethnic flavor.

Hyde Park

This is an area that offers a historic ambiance. It is here that you’ll find residents lounging on porches and drink lemonade on their turn of the century wrap around porch homes. Tree lined streets offer protection to both businesses and residents of the area. This is area that sits on the Northern edge of the city is full of Victorian mansions, where now, some have been turned into apartments or beautiful Bed & Breakfasts. Today Hyde Park retains its architectural charm it began with more than a hundred years ago.

The Austin Real Estate Market

These are but a few of the nicer neighborhoods in the Austin area, where homes are selling at a faster rate than in other parts of the country. Despite the slow national real estate market growth, the Austin Board of Realtors has conducted studies on the home market for this area and found that home sales have risen 8 percent as of June of last year. On average homes were on the market for about 43 days, a number that is about 16 days fewer than last year.

Find Affordable Austin Real Estate

The desire to keep up with the neighbors is universal, at least it is in my community. We see someone with a new car, a bigger TV, better home, and we wish we had those things. It is this financial envy that gets people into debt and even into bankruptcy or home foreclosure. US News Money offers a simple solution.  Change your priorities.

There are two key learning aspects here: First, frugality requires you to come to terms with what you have and evaluate the things you can afford…and be happy with that. So you should only buy a home you can afford, one you will be happy in, but not necessarily a home that is as large as that of your neighbors. Second, comparing yourself to others doesn’t bring anything positive to your life. If you must compare yourself then compare your life to those that are less well off than you. This will give you a sense of appreciation for what you do have. 

How Do I Choose Austin Real Estate I Can Afford?

Actually, according to Austin Business Journal, Austin real estate is already really affordable, coming in second, next to Dallas as being the most affordable in the state.

Still there are a few things you can do to ensure you really find that Austin home you can afford. 

      1- Save up

If you have a larger down payment you have room to negotiate on the Austin property you want. Sellers are more likely to take you seriously, and mortgage lenders can offer you better deals. 

2- Clean Up Your Credit

A few months before looking at homes, you want to check your credit. Make sure your score is as high as you can get it. Do this by paying off as much debt as you can. Keep one or two credit cards on hand, use these but pay them off on a monthly basis.

 

       3- Specify Your Needs to Your Austin Real Estate Broker

Make sure you explain to your broker exactly what you are looking for. Give her the exact budget you have to work with, and explain that you are most concerned with affordability. 

      4-   Get a Mortgage Pre-approval

If you shop for your mortgage first, before looking at homes, you know exactly how much of a home you can afford. You also have a specific budget and your real estate agent can help you find the home of your dreams faster. 

In the End

Finding the perfect home is about planning, timing and sticking to your budget. You want a home you can enjoy, not one you have to struggle to find the monthly payment for.

Take on the Austin's Home Inspector's Role when Shopping for the Right property

People shopping for Austin homes have different priorities when shopping for a home. Some folks think school districts are important, others like a particular neighborhood. Some even drive street-by-street checking off possible home options. Others base their shopping decision on price and lot size. Regardless of the type of  home shopper you are, you should always take a second look, as savvy buyers know that finding that great bargain depends on your ability to develop as keen as eye as any expert home inspector. The following are points to look out for when looking at homes.

Water Damage

This could be the most damaging of any needed repair work. Water damage to an Austin home could be the initial cause of foundation problems, mold and rot issues. When looking at homes, inspect the walls, foundation and roof areas for discoloration and possible water damage.

Grade Sloping

Look for poor drainage which leads toward the home, instead of away from it. Drainage that leads toward the house can cause water damage to crawlspaces, walls and the foundation. It could also cause cracking and foundation movement.

Roof Aging

If you've ever seen an Austin home inspector at his job you’ll notice that he or she spends a lot of time looking upward. There is good reason for this, as an older home could have roofing issues. An older home may have roofing issues as materials are only made to last about 15 to 30 years. Look for corner staining or roof peeling as this could indicate damage and the need for extensive roof repair, which could be expensive. Look for cupping or blistered shingles or exposed matrix (the stuff used to adhere the shingles), as an indication of needed repair work.

Bottom Line

It’s important you have an Austin home inspected before you make a final decision. But even before you get to this point you should always bring a critical eye to any prospective home. Be sure to keep an eye out for damage, even before calling an inspector in to check the home. This can help you avoid unexpected expensive repair work.

The American Dream - Owning Your First Home is a Closer Reality than You Might Think

“I Too Am American,” a poem by Langston Hughes, an extremely moving literary work that speaks of what it is to be American, of hoping for that promise of the American dream. It is this poem that comes to mind when I think of the one true American dream, that of owning a first home.

Buying real estate, especially for the first time,  is a very ‘big deal.’ It is the ultimate symbol of adulthood, responsibility, prosperity, of the need to set down roots, and (in some cases) of raising a family.

Why not? After all, it is the perfect time to own a home; property prices are lower than they have been in more than ten years. Mortgage prices are also sitting at historic lows.  It is these two factors, more than any other that make this American dream well within the reach of most people. This is great news for first-time buyers. It is a time when you can buy low, and most likely, sell high.  But just to make sure you get that “Good Buy” we’ve set out a few pointers to help guide you along the way:

1-    The Timing

Make sure you are buying at the right time. Ask yourself a few questions that require hard-truth answers. Are you planning on moving in the next year or two? Can you rent a comparable home less expensively than you can buy one? Are you ready to make such a long term commitment? When you are buying real estate you need to think of it as a long term commitment; the era of flipping houses after a few months of ownership are long gone.

2-    Save Up

If your goal is to buy a home at a great price you need to start saving early on. Cash and good credit are critical in your getting a bargain on your home purchase.  The magic number here is about 20%. If you have a 20 percent down payment you can often avoid additional expenses such as that of purchasing Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), an additional cost in your mortgage that protects the lender in the event of a default.

However, even first time home buyers without a substantial down payment, shouldn’t shy away from the buying process. Often lenders can find other ways of helping new owners find the down-payment amount.

3-    Credit Check

About a year before you plan to buy your house you’ll want to do an extensive credit check on yourself. Make sure all the information reported is accurate and take steps to remove any mis information, or report data that could benefit your credit report. Pay off as much of your debt as possible. If you have outstanding credit card debt, make larger monthly payments so you reduce these balances as much as possible.

4-    Get Pre-approved

The fastest way to find a great home at a great price is to get pre-approved for a mortgage. If a seller knows you are pre approved they are usually a little more enthusiastic about negotiate a final price. A pre-approved mortgage helps expedite the final purchase.

Bottom Line

Be realistic! No matter how much money you make, you need to shop for homes you can really afford. You don’t want to be stuck in a home that will take most of your monthly income. Remember, you’ll also need to make insurance payments, pay taxes and pay a certain amount in monthly maintenance expenses.  Planning for your first home purchase is essential to your getting a bargain, an investment that will give you a higher return within a few years.