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        <title>JBGoodwin REALTORS® - Austin &amp; San Antonio Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/2016-11/</link>
        <description>Stay up to date on the latest Austin, San Antonio, and Central Texas real estate trends with JBGoodwin's real estate blog.</description>
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    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/new-construction-high-rise-condos-in-downtown-austin.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/new-construction-high-rise-condos-in-downtown-austin.html</link>
        <author>macastro@jbgoodwin.com (Mary Ann Castro)</author>
        <title>New Construction: High-Rise Condos in Downtown Austin</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



As of November 2016, there are 38 skyscrapers being built in downtown Austin. With the downtown core only measuring three square miles, that's a lot of construction in a small area. It's no wonder the city skyline is embellished by a network of construction cranes angled in the sky, the bands of metal that make up their stems and arms crisscrossing higher and higher.


While the majority of these buildings are intended for commercial purposes, eight of these 38 new construction projects are intended to be high-rise condo and apartment buildings.


Located out of view of the State Capitol Building where building heights are restricted, these structures intend to tower high in the sky. Many of them plan to have upwards of twenty or thirty stories. With windows lit in warm hues come dusk and tri-towered buildings stepping higher into the sky, these residences are intended to be art pieces as much as they are practical living spaces.


Two notable condos in development are The Independent and 70 Rainey Street.


The Independent


With intentionally misaligned floors, the Independent's teetering appearance has given it the nickname, &quot;The Jenga Tower.&quot; Having that said, this luxury condominium is a great deal fancier than a stack of blocks. With glossy glass exteriors reaching 58 stories high, this building is an engineering feat.


Inside, the residence features sleek modern floor plans with top-of-the-line appliances and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer stellar views of Austin's Seaholm District and beyond.


The 9th floor has a heated outdoor infinity pool and lounge area where residents can absorb some Texas sunshine in the summer. There's also a spacious play station where the youngest residents of this building can rendezvous for a play date close to home.


The 34th floor boasts a fitness center that brags killer views of the city and a broad array of workout machines. There's even a private theater on this floor where patrons can appreciate their favorite films on a full-sized screen. For the business savvy, this floor also has a board room where they can host meetings only a few minutes walk from the comfort of their home.


70 Rainey Street


70 Rainey Street is expected to open in fall 2018. Contractors from Sackman say that they want the building to be like &quot;a park in the sky.&quot; With its spacious 19,745 square foot roof transformed into a greenspace, it seems they'll succeed.


The rooftop is planned to have a treed grill lounge and fire pit, a landscaped garden lounge, and a space where residents can grow their own vegetables or flowers. Contractors also plan to develop a dog run for the canine residents in the building and a games area for bocce ball and other lawn games. The rooftop will also feature a pool and lounge area.


In addition to recreating the natural world on its rooftop patio, 70 Rainey Street is located within a block of Lady Bird Lake. This not only affords residents with splendid lakefront views, but easy access to a space where they can run, bike, and row in the heart of Austin.


The suites in the building feature boxy modern architecture, granite counter tops, and spacious interiors. In fact, a limited number of these suites were developed by interior designer, Mark Zeff. Ranging in size from one bedroom, to three bedrooms, to luxury penthouses, many of these suites have already been purchased and their owners are eagerly awaiting move-in day.


So, next time you're in downtown Austin, take a peek at these rapidly developing properties. Their unique appearances make them easy to spot, and their imaginative designs make them worth investigating if you're looking to purchase Austin real estate.


If you're interested in learning more about luxury high-rise condos in downtown Austin, contact JBGoodwin. We've been experts on Austin real estate for over forty years.
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    <pubDate>Tue, 29 Nov 2016 15:35:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/austin-real-estate-sold-stats-october-2016.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/austin-real-estate-sold-stats-october-2016.html</link>
        <author>macastro@jbgoodwin.com (Mary Ann Castro)</author>
        <title>Austin Real Estate Sold Stats - October 2016</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[  ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 23 Nov 2016 08:15:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/4-ways-to-winterize-your-austin-home.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/4-ways-to-winterize-your-austin-home.html</link>
        <author>macastro@jbgoodwin.com (Mary Ann Castro)</author>
        <title>4 Ways To Winterize Your Austin Home</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



With average winter temperatures in Austin sitting around 17°F, for the most part, preparing for winter is about rotating all of the shorts and tank tops to the back of your closet and bringing all the cozy sweaters and heavy scarves to the front. But once that winter chill sets in, there's no doubt you'll have to do a few things around your Austin home to beat the cold.


Here are four ways to winterize your Austin home:


1. Keep Your Windows Airtight


Drafty windows are a quick and easy way to lose hot air. Especially if your Austin home features plenty of big single-pane picture windows, you can expect to lose a lot of heat to these uninsulated spots in your home.


Fortunately, there are lots of solutions. If you place your hand on the window sill and can feel cool air seeping past your fingers, you know the seal isn't tight. Luckily, this is one of the easiest and more affordable problems to solve. You can purchase weather stripping or window seals. These are easy to install and block the gaps where cold air is sneaking through. You can do this to leaky doors too.


If find yourself perpetually cold in the winter, you may want to consider double-paned windows. The air between the two sheets of glass provides a natural insulator to keep you cozy in the winter without increasing your heating bill. The initial cost of the windows can be a bit more expensive, but, in the long term, they'll add value to your home and are well worth the investment.


2. Clean Your Heat Source


A clean heater is an efficient heater. So, it's important to keep your heat source in tip-top shape.


If you have a fireplace, that might mean cleaning the chimney. The National Fire Protection Association recommends chimneys be cleaned at least once a year. Excessive ash buildup can lead to chimney fires, which are not only incredibly damaging, but incredibly dangerous. You'll also want to confirm your air intake point is clear. With proper access to oxygen, your flames should burn hotter.


If you have electric heating, it might be as simple as giving the baseboards a good dusting so you can avoid the smell of a summer's worth of dust burning off the top. Likewise, if you have a furnace, changing the filter is a good place to start. A clean filter means that hot air can exit the furnace uninhibited which means it will be more efficient. You can also expect to see your air quality improve as the filter picks up any dust, dander, or air pollution in your home.


3. Keep Gutters Clutter Free


If you have a beautiful deciduous tree in your front lawn, you may have noticed that all of those leaves have sprinkled down through the branches and into your gutters. Winter in Austin means rain, so functioning gutters are key. Backed up gutters mean that water can't drain off of your roof properly. Best case scenario, water pours over the edge of your gutter and drowns whatever foliage is directly underneath. That leaves a ring of water damaged plant life around your house. The worst case scenario is that too much water stays on the roof, resulting in damage to the integrity of your roof which can be a pricey repair later.


4. Landscape


One small perk of winter setting in is that you may not need to mow your lawn anymore. However, not every plant goes dormant in the colder winter months. In fact, fall can be a perfect time to plant large trees such as alders, ash, elm, maples or deciduous shrubs. Planting in the fall ensures that these plants have ample time to develop their root systems before spring arrives and it's time for them to shoot out buds and blooms. A mature root base means that the rest of the tree has access to a larger quantity of water, meaning an overall healthier plant.


While you're outside planting shrubs and trees, it may also be a good time to pack up the patio furniture. Especially if you have those lovely fabric cushions that are so comfortable for lounging on in the summer, it's a good idea to get them safely tucked away in storage before the rains come in full force.


So, if you're new to Austin, and this will be your first winter, you can pack your snow shovels away with relief, but don't write off prepping for winter altogether. Your wallet will thank you for taking the time to make your house more heat efficient now, so later you can spend less on heating and more on the things that matter to you later.


For more helpful home improvement tips and to learn more about Greater Austin real estate, contact JBGoodwin REALTORS®. For over forty years, we've been providing clients with top-notch service.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 22 Nov 2016 14:32:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/jb-goodwin-voted-a-top-employer-by-austin-american-statesman.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/jb-goodwin-voted-a-top-employer-by-austin-american-statesman.html</link>
        <author>macastro@jbgoodwin.com (Mary Ann Castro)</author>
        <title>JB Goodwin REALTORS® Voted A Top Employer by Austin American-Statesman </title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
 JB Goodwin REALTORS® is honored to announce that we've been voted as the second-best employer in the Austin American-Statesman's Top Workplaces list for 2016.


The award was given for employee satisfaction and sense of purpose. This award comes after two similar distinctions granted by the San Antonio Express-News and the Austin Business Journal earlier this year. Personal collaboration with management, an encouraging culture, and the constant pursuit of excellence are just some of the things that our employees attribute to why they love to work at JB Goodwin.


While JB Goodwin is now one of the most reputable names in Austin real estate, like many large organizations, we too come from humble beginnings. Our first office opened in the early 1970s, and from our first days as REALTORS®, all the way up to the present day, we've always believed that extensive training, strong support systems, and good recognition are the pillars to professional success. Our goal is to ensure that everyone on our team, whether you're a new agent, administrative assistant, or a certified REALTOR®, feels at home when they're at work.


As we continue to acquire new talent and nurture our existing team members, we promise to never lose sight of what matters most: supporting our agents so that they can give the best service possible to home buyers and sellers in their communities.


This has truly been a great year for JB Goodwin REALTORS®, but we couldn't have done it without the hard work and dedication of each and every member of our team.




“I wanted to work for a broker I could trust and respect…and I wanted to know that my broker would be available to me and happy to help”. – Isabel Affinito, JB Goodwin REALTOR®




Join the JB Goodwin Team


If you're a driven individual who's looking for a fast-paced career with endless opportunities, you too could be a great fit for our team


JB Goodwin REALTORS® offers:




Flexible scheduling


New agent training


Brokerage support for independent agents


Access to industry-leading technology


Frequent social gatherings and team luncheons


Free marketing materials for your listings


A low manager-to-agent ratio




If you've been thinking about a career change or are a current agent who's looking for a supportive environment, we want you Get in touch with JB Goodwin REALTORS® today to learn more about our team or visit our Careers page for more information.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 18 Nov 2016 11:22:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/university-of-texas-redevelops-downtown-austin.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/university-of-texas-redevelops-downtown-austin.html</link>
        <author>macastro@jbgoodwin.com (Mary Ann Castro)</author>
        <title>University of Texas Redevelops Downtown Austin</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
In a rapidly expanding city, construction is to be expected. One of the latest projects defining downtown Austin's ever-developing skyline is being prompted by the University of Texas and its new plans to redesign a full city block.


The Current Downtown Space


The space bounded by West 7th, Colorado Street, West 6th, and Lavaca Street is defined as Block 71. At present, the block features a plaza with a fountain that hasn't run in ten years, a parking garage, a nine-story tower, and a historic hall, but big changes are headed its way.


The area currently belongs to the University of Texas and is the site of their system facilities offices. However, UT is developing a new building on West 7th Street dubbed &quot;OneUTSystem.&quot; This new structure will have fifteen levels, six of which will be dedicated to parking. The 250, 000 square foot office will house all of the university's system administration services under one roof.


That leaves the question of what's to happen to their old spaces.


New Construction Plans


If you've walked past the area, you've likely noticed the beautiful historic building on the corner of Lavaca and 6th with its Roman columns, arched windows and fine detailing. The Claudia Taylor Johnson Hall, named after the wife of President Lyndon Johnson, dates back to 1914 and was initially constructed as the seventh post office in the city. This Claudia Taylor Johnson Hall is the only structure on the block that will be preserved.


Sometime after summer 2017, you can expect to see the rest of the block razed. The new construction plan requires the contractors start from scratch. The new buildings are likely to be a mixture of residential and commercial.


Block 71 does not belong to the Capitol View Corridor, which restricts construction heights in the immediate proximity of the Texas State Capitol allowing views of the historic site from as many vantages in the city as possible. There's nothing stopping these new towers from stretching way high up in the sky.


This block is located near the heart of downtown Austin, and while at present, this happens to be a quieter area, these new buildings have a large potential to be highly desirable. At present, the surrounding blocks are predominantly home to restaurants and offices, which makes it an ideal location for apartments, condos, office spaces, or other businesses.


The Construction Team


Spearheading the task is Trammell Crow Company, a prolific Dallas-based developer. The company was established in 1948 and is responsible for over 2600 construction projects. One of their most impressive works is Trammell Crow Tower, which is the sixth tallest building in Dallas.


So, if you've been on the search for freshly minted office buildings or potential apartments, keep an eye on this latest project in downtown Austin. Only time will tell exactly what kind of spaces Trammell Crow Company and the University of Texas will deliver.


Considering moving to Austin? Contact JB Goodwin to talk to Austin real estate experts.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 10 Nov 2016 16:20:38 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/5-ways-color-can-freshen-the-kitchen-in-your-san-antonio-home.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/5-ways-color-can-freshen-the-kitchen-in-your-san-antonio-home.html</link>
        <author>macastro@jbgoodwin.com (Mary Ann Castro)</author>
        <title>5 Ways Color Can Freshen The Kitchen In Your San Antonio Home</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
If the kitchen in your San Antonio home is starting to look a bit tired, it may be time to give it a facelift. While a full-blown renovation can quickly become expensive, there are smaller cosmetic touches that can be implemented for a great deal less. This week, let's focus on what a little color can do.


Here are five fun ways to add some color to your San Antonio home's kitchen:


1. Appliances &amp; Accessories


One of the most functional ways to incorporate a splash of color into your kitchen is to buy your every day tools in the wackiest shades you can find. Silicon cooking utensils come in the full spectrum of colors. Keeping these in a vase by the stovetop not only adds a nice touch of color, but is highly functional. Alternatively, if you're looking for a larger fixture, KitchenAid makes beautiful countertop appliances in a range of vibrant shades.


Linens also provide an affordable way to mix up the colors in your kitchen. Bright dish towels can be swapped in and out with ease. Table runners or table clothes are another easy way to include a playful print in your kitchen.


2. Sinks


If you've been reading up on home improvement trends, you'll have noticed that the colored sink is becoming more and more popular. Coming in any range of tints, from the brightest of royal blues to the warmest of cherry reds, these sinks throwback to the 1970s when it wasn't so uncommon to see a sea foam green or a pale pink sink.


3. Windows &amp; Walls


One of the simplest ways to add some no-fuss color to your walls is with a paintbrush. Pick a bright coat of paint and give one wall the full treatment. One major perk of painting in the kitchen is that you can get away with something with really funky tone as there won't be a whole lot of it due to the space kitchen cupboards occupy.


You can also try experimenting with some lively curtains. Mix up different prints to get your own unique flair. The great thing about using curtains to provide a pop of color is you get to choose how much of the hue shows depending on whether the curtains are open or closed.


4. Living Color


Consider creating a living plant wall in your kitchen. They don't have to be the elaborate affairs you may have spotted in mall food courts or high-end restaurants. Some look like cleverly constructed shelves that seat lanes of plants, and can be placed anywhere. If you pack them with delicious herbs and spices, you'll have an indoor spice garden close at hand. Others take the shape of sheets of felt that hang on the wall and are fitted with rows of pockets ready for you to tuck seedlings inside. Florafelt makes a few different models you could check out. If you want to get crafty, some homeowners repurpose wood pallets or use threaded rods and custom wood pieces to create hanging shelves you can mount anywhere.


If you don't have a sunny kitchen, don't get discouraged. Lowlight plants such as ferns, African violets, and peace lilies can thrive in the dimmest of lights. Plus, you get the added benefit of plants purifying your air.


5. Centerpieces


We've all seen it in the home making magazines. The bulbous glass vase one-third full of lemons for optimal visual appeal, or perhaps the tall wide-mouthed container packed with bright green Granny Smith apples. These popular standbys can be an easy way to add a pop of color to your kitchen table, but don't limit yourself to bright fruits.


A mason jar filled with beach glass or brightly colored glass gems can add a playful pop of color, and if you're close to the beach, a new beachcombing hobby. Closer to Christmas, you can fill a large bowl with red, green, and silver baubles and place a few candles in the middle for a festive addition.


Little personal touches like these make a house a home, so whether you're looking to make your recently purchased San Antonio real estate homier, or if you're looking to sell, it might be a good time to freshen up the face of your kitchen so that it looks its very best.


Contact JB Goodwin REALTORS® for more information on current Austin real estate or information on buying, selling, or renting San Antonio homes for sale.
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    <pubDate>Tue, 08 Nov 2016 12:11:15 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/austins-top-3-tourist-destinations.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/austins-top-3-tourist-destinations.html</link>
        <author>macastro@jbgoodwin.com (Mary Ann Castro)</author>
        <title>Austin's Top 3 Tourist Destinations</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
When you sit down to plan your next vacation destination, your list probably includes places like Hawaii, Palm Springs, and Orlando. However, a recent study by J.D. Power, an international marketing information services company, found that Austin not only takes the number one spot for tourist destinations in the Southwest, but also the second in the entire nation. As a matter of fact, it is only succeeded by Las Vegas.


Part of the reason Austin was so successful in this study was due to its strong infrastructure and the broad range of activities there are to do. If you're new to Austin, or even if you aren't, it may be time to explore the city of Austin tourist style.


Here are three of the highest rated attractions you need to see:


1. The State Capitol


Standing tall at the end of Congress Avenue, The State Capitol building is one of Austin's most iconic landmarks. The building dates back to 1885 and is an architectural marvel. It features an impressive rotunda and is one of the tallest state capitol buildings in America. The 22 acre grounds feature a range of monuments and a picturesque paved walkway known as the &quot;Great Walk.&quot;


An additional perk, half-hour guided tours of the Capitol are free. Certain times of years, they even offer specialty tours. In October, they offer ghost-themed tours that feature haunting urban myths, and in honor of Remembrance Day, the first three weeks of November focus on Texas' contributions to military conflicts.


2. Zilker Metropolitan Park


Nestled along the shores of the Colorado River across from Austin's Downtown, Zilker Metropolitan Park is a popular destination for tourists and locals. The greenspace covers 350 acres, and botanists will be delighted to know that 26 of those acres are dedicated to beautiful gardens including a botanical garden, an herb garden, and a Japanese garden complete with koi fish.


Children will enjoy riding on the Zilker Zephyr miniature train or exploring the Austin Nature and Science Center. The center offers all kinds of hands-on activities such as rock climbing, archery, and family stargazing.


Zilker Metropolitan Park is also home to Barton Springs Pool, an enclosed outdoor swimming area that's waters are made up of Barton Creek itself. The concrete division built into the creek provides a safe space to swim free of strong currents, yet the way in which the pool was designed, allows a constant flow of cool, clean water to pass through.


Other notable sights to see in the park include: Zilker Hillside Theatre, which hosts all kinds of concerts and a Shakespeare in the park festival; Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum, which showcases the fine works of Charles Umlauf; and the Zilker Park Kite Festival. Also at Christmas, the park is the site of a 155-foot tall holiday tree made up over 3000 lights.


Whether you're a tourist visiting Austin in any season, or whether you're a resident of Austin, there's always something to do in Zilker Metropolitan Park.


3. Lady Bird Lake


This reservoir on the Colorado River covers 416 acres and is a popular destination for those who like to swim or boat. There's even the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail that forms a well-treed, landscaped circuit that wraps around the entire lake.


Take a tour via bicycle or cruise boat that passes under the Congress Bridge. This picturesque bridge is home to the world's largest urban colony of bats. These Mexican free-tailed bats number more than a million, and watching the flock of them take off, is a sight unlike any other.


So, if you've been living in Austin for a while and you're looking to explore, check out some of the more touristy sites in the city. You might be surprised by what you learn about the city's historic roots.


Or, if you're looking for your next vacation destination, visit Austin. You wouldn't be the first to come to see the attractions and then end up staying for the people, the culture, the incredible vistas, and the ever-growing opportunities.


If you're interested in purchasing Austin real estate, contact JB Goodwin. We have all the expertise you need to make your homebuying experience smooth sailing.
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    <pubDate>Tue, 08 Nov 2016 08:52:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/south-side-san-antonio-real-estate-transformed.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/south-side-san-antonio-real-estate-transformed.html</link>
        <author>macastro@jbgoodwin.com (Mary Ann Castro)</author>
        <title>South Side, San Antonio Real Estate Transformed</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Historically, San Antonio's South Side has been the site of industry. The area was known for being the home of many blue-collar workers who worked in the nearby oil fields. As one of the few places where San Antonio real estate was cheap, many of the families who live in South Side made the choice to purchase housing they could afford to own rather than go into debt living in a part of the city where real estate rates are as high as the tallest skyscrapers. Of course, the downside of living on the city's fringes was the lack of amenities. The nearest grocery stores were a few miles away, the public school districts were notoriously bad, and to top it all off, the south end has two of the city's three sewage treatment facilities giving all that clean rural air, a distinctly less clean odor.


However, in the past few years, this neighborhood has been turning it around. With the population in San Antonio rising, the demand for new, affordable housing has increased, providing neighborhoods like the ones in south San Antonio with an opportunity to shape up.


Freshly Developed South Side Real Estate


One prime example is the community of Mission del Lagos. For those who might be unfamiliar, Mission del Lago is a master-planned community built around the Mission del Lago golf course. In 2014, the construction company SouthStar bought Mission del Lago. Since then, they have built 300 homes and plan on adding an additional 1,500 over the next eight years. That's more than two dozen single-family neighborhoods. Family-orientated, the community has its own on-site elementary school, freshly minted sidewalks, and fenced backyards perfect for children to play. Furthermore, the community borders a natural wonderland, the 1,200 acre Mitchell Lake Audubon Center. The bird conservation center has an impressive lake and an informative educational facility.


In an interview with the San Antonio Express-News, Mission del Lago resident Yvonne Brinkley noted that though the neighborhood is new, it already has a strong sense of community. She also mentioned how much she appreciated the balance the area strikes between urban and rural. Only ten minutes from basic amenities, the subdivision is surrounded by fields full of bobbing heads of grass and endless blue skies.


Recent Construction


Despite this, Mission del Lago is far from the only site of recent development. In addition to the Mission del Lagos subdivision, SouthStar has helped develop eight master-planned communities throughout Georgia, North Carolina, and Texas. They are just one of many contracting companies jumping on this opportunity. Verano Land Group is currently expanding the Texas A &amp; M University and the surrounding region. KB Homes recently developed The Reserve at Southton Ranch, an upscale residential community located just off the IH-37. Pearsall Park, located in the southwest, recently acquired an additional 268 acres and transformed what used to be a landfill into a 505-acre park that has an impressive range of things to do including playgrounds, adult fitness equipment areas, and a splash park.


So, discard that notion that southern San Antonio isn't worth investing your time and money in. Explore the developing neighborhoods and see how your lifestyle as a working professional, a busy parent, or a first-time homebuyer might fit into this exciting new area. Weigh the benefits of buying a recently constructed home against the risks of buying an old house rife with unreliable wiring, worn out appliances, and tired interiors. Consider that if you've been searching for a quiet residence that pays daily homage to Texas' rural roots perhaps a home in the south end is for you. A region transformed, South Side real estate has a lot to offer.


To get expert advice and to view the finest in southern San Antonio homes for sale, contact JB Goodwin REALTORS® today.
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    <pubDate>Mon, 07 Nov 2016 11:57:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/austin-leasing-and-rental-stats-november-2016.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/austin-leasing-and-rental-stats-november-2016.html</link>
        <author>macastro@jbgoodwin.com (Mary Ann Castro)</author>
        <title>Austin Leasing and Rental Stats - November 2016</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[  ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 03 Nov 2016 09:43:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/austin-realtor-jill-rose-featured-in-bhg-for-crafty-kitchen-refacing.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/austin-realtor-jill-rose-featured-in-bhg-for-crafty-kitchen-refacing.html</link>
        <author>macastro@jbgoodwin.com (Mary Ann Castro)</author>
        <title>Austin REALTOR® Jill Rose Featured in BHG for Crafty Kitchen Refacing</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Photo courtesy of Better Home and Gardens. 


This week, JB Goodwin REALTOR®, Jill Rose, was featured in Better Homes &amp; Gardens. It all started when Rose decided to reface her kitchen.


The space started with classic wooden cabinets, a microwave over the stove top, and an uninspired white backsplash. By the time she was done, she had created a sleek modern kitchen that featured clean white cupboards, an attractive off-white tile backsplash, and an eye-catching custom range hood.


What you can't tell from looking at the fixture is that Rose actually built it herself. She was inspired by a $4000 bronze hood that she fell in love with on her search for a new look. Of course, $4000 is a lot to spend on an appliance, so Rose decided to get crafty. In a matter of five hours, this industrious home keeper had herself a brand new range hood which she made from wood and designed herself. The best part being, she made something exactly to her tastes for the price she wanted: an impressive $115.


Here's a few different ways to update your kitchen, just like this Austin REALTOR®:


1. Backsplashes


Tiles don't just come in various shades of the classic subway tile anymore, there are hundreds of options to choose from. Finger tiles can provide slender blocks of coordinating colors ideal for a funky accent band. Small square ceramic tiles come in every color you can think of from glitzy golds to pristine whites. If you haven't tiled before, don't get intimidated. Most smaller tiles come on a mesh sheet, making getting perfect spacing a snap. If you opt for larger tiles, there are all kinds of spacers you can buy to help you keep your work exact. Then, it's just a matter of mounting the tiles, squishing grout into the gaps, and being sure to keep your workspace clean. Chipping dried grout off the floor is no fun, so try to keep your construction zone neat.


2. Cabinets


Kitchen cupboards can be a significant focal point in a room, and if they are starting to look a bit tired, you may want to consider refacing them. Rose applied a coat of paint and some new handles to freshen them up. You could also look into getting a few glass cupboard doors and add one or two as accents. Glass doors can have a lovely effect in a kitchen, effectively breaking up any monotony. You also may consider selecting a cabinet to remove the doors from entirely. Use the shelves inside to feature some of your finest dishes and give your kitchen a showroom flair.


3. Light Fixtures


The amount of light you have in a space can make a big difference on atmosphere. Whether a room feels cozy, sterile, or warm can all be affected by lighting. For a warmer, more intimate touch, consider investing in pot lights. For big, bright lighting a bank of fluorescents might be just the thing. For a flashy antique look, you may even want to invest in a small chandelier.


4. Faucets


Updating the faucet in your kitchen sink isn't just a simple way to update the look of your sink, it can also be a handy improvement. If you like to cook big portions, you've probably had this problem at some point: You go to wash your tall soup pot or a long baking tray, and you quickly realize you can't get it under the tap. Consider upgrading to a high-necked faucet to get that extra clearance, or invest in one that has an extendable nozzle. In terms of aesthetics, nozzles can come in all kinds: brushed brass, high-gloss stainless steel, even copper with a satin finish. More importantly, updating this appliance is also practical.


5. Islands


If you have a large kitchen, but are forever on a search for more of that elusive counter space, consider adding an island. What's great about an island is that, while consistency can be great, there's no need to match it to your preexisting countertop type. In fact, something a bit different can act as a fantastic centerpiece for your kitchen. There are some very clever ones that manage to repurpose vintage counters from hardware stores, banks, and sweet shops. Others have used stainless steel for an ultra-modern appearance, repurposed lumber for a rough-hewn look, or granite for a classy finish.


So next time you're viewing a home, don't get caught up on some of the smaller details like the cupboard doors, or the type of faucet in the kitchen sink. Appreciate the space and the shape of the room. Kitchen refacing is always a possibility down the road, and as Rose proved, if you're willing to get a bit crafty, it doesn't have to cost much either.


If you're looking for a new home to call your own, contact JB Goodwin today. For over 40 years we've been providing premium service for those searching for and selling Austin real estate.
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