Lamar Homes Construction and Remodeling

Remodeled and Under Contract

Lamar Homes, a local home builder (and yes my parents!) that also does remodels handled the remodeling of this current listing on Brookhaven Drive in Barton Hills. Improvements included the removing of all dark wood paneling, popcorn on the ceilings, carpet, wallpaper, and dated fixtures. Fresh paint, carpet, and hardwoods gave new life to this home.

Michael Mason, owner of Boardwalk Flooring, did a fabulous job putting in Cognac Oak hand scraped wood floors, giving the entry and living/dining/kitchen areas an open clean look. The remodeling went smoothly and quickly and allowed the sellers to have it ready to go on the market before the end of 2010. This home went under contract in under 6 days!

If you're looking to remodel or update your home call Gerald Lamar at 512-748-5288 for a bid. He renovated my husband and I's current home in Allandale and we love it!

Check out an article and photos in The Statesman

Weekly Mortgage Review

Mortgage Update

by Marie Funston - Coldwell Banker Mortgage

What Did Interest Rates Do Last Week?

** based on Freddie Mac weekly average survey **

30-yr Fixed – Slightly Lower

Last Week: 4.81%

Previous Week: 4.83%

1yr Ago: 5.05%

15-yr Fixed – Slightly Lower

Last Week: 4.15%

Previous Week: 4.17%

1yr Ago: 4.38%

Highlight of Last Week’s Major Economic Reports

The rise in rates was finally reversed this week, as the final review of 3^rd quarter GDP revealed that the economy grew at a rate of 2.6% for the year, slightly below some projections of 3%. This was viewed by some traders as a sign that the economy isn’t forging ahead as strongly as recently anticipated and consequently brought on some relief for mortgage rates.

The housing market continues to offer glimmers of sporadic hope. Existing Home Sales inched up 5.6% in November, while New Home Sales increased 5.5%. Actual figures are still far below 2009’s tax-credit-inflated levels, but we may at least start seeing some stabilization in demand.

What to Look for This Week

Very light on the economic calendar this week, with the lone highlight being Uncle Sam auctioning off $99 billion in Treasuries. Whether demand is strong or weak will dictate the direction of rates, but we expect rates should remain fairly stable overall.

Open House - Barton Hills Sunday 12/19

Open House 2-4pm - December 19th

**JUST LISTED**

1806 Brookhaven Drive

Come by to see this gorgeous property tucked away in Barton Hills just minutes from Zilker Park, Barton Springs & Lady Bird Lake. This home boasts all new cognac oak hardwood floors, fresh paint & new carpet. The property has a wonderful open floor plan and the vaulted ceilings make it feel even more spacious. Imagine yourself splashing around in the crystal clear pool and having a drink under the covered patio with your friends. This home is HOT and won't last long so swing by Sunday December 19th from 2-4pm or call for a private showing (ML#9071424).

The Barton Hills Neighborhood is highly sought after and a gem like this one doesn't come along very often. This is a great area! Barton Hills Elementary, the greenbelt at your doorstep, and the close proximity to downtown are just a few reasons to call this neighborhood home. Shop and dine at nearby Soco (South Congress) and SoFi (South First). Not to mention walking/jogging/biking around Lady Bird Lake and all the local favs like Chuy's, Shady Grove & Daily Juice.

If you're interested in more homes in Barton Hills, check out www.HanaleiMyers.com or call me at 512-573-1432 to preview properties in the area.

Tis the Season - Austin Style

Austin is a fabulous town to live in for the holidays. From the annual lighting of the Zilker Christmas Tree to the 1st ever Trailer of Lights, there is something happening almost every day. This past week I was able to view gorgeous gems at the Micah Yancey Bon Bon Trunk Show. We gathered at Malverde above La Condessa in the Second Street District. If you haven't seen her amazing jewelry check out her website www.etsy.com/shop/micahyancey and get some beautiful gifts. It was a great opportunity to catch up with friends, sample delicious appetizers, and drool over all of the jewelry I wanted to take home with me. The Second Street District will be having quite a few holiday soiree's, check out their events page www.2ndstreetdistrict.com/events/.

A few other fun season pleasers are the 37th Street Lights, Armadillo Christmas Bazaar, & the Holiday Wine Trail.

So tis the season, enjoy it Austin style!

If you're interested in living near downtown check out what's available at www.HanaleiMyers.com or call me if you'd like to see some Austin Finds 512.573.1432

Gypsy Picnic - Trailer Food Festival

The 1st annual Gypsy Picnic was held last Saturday November 6 at Auditorium Shores which is located near Zilker Park and across from The Long Center. This gathering that was produced by C3 Presents brought together many of Austin's favorite trailer eateries. This event allowed people to sample (good portions) of each trailer's yummy treats. I parked near Zach Scott Theater and walked over because the weather was absolutely beautiful. I arrived a little before noon and the place was already hopping. Apparently I wasn't the only one who thought great weather and lots of food would be an excellent combo. People, families, dogs, bikers, walkers, you name it, everyone was out and about ready to EAT!

I met up with friends who had already enjoyed some Mighty Cone and we coasted from line to line. We started off with the Chipotle Chicken Nacho-dillas which were a huge portion. This was at around 1pm and lines were starting to get a little out of control, winding around in different directions. Next was MMMpanadas where I sampled the pumpkin one with whip cream and my friends tried the Chicken empanada. The sample soy chorizo with brie got mixed reviews. The sun started heating things up and we were wanting some shade by this point. Lucky for me, we were able to check out the inside of one of the refurbished trailers and got to enjoy some lovely AC.

With live music, lots of delicious food & drinks and good vibes, this 1st time festival had all the makings for a perfect day. But the long lines and crowds made it a little more intense than most would like and word on the street is that they'll expand it to make more room for next year.

Short Bus Subs who is a roving trailer (moves from location to location) won fan favorite. I talked with them today while they were at my office, it sounded like they were quite pleased with the whole event.

Check out trailerfooddiaries.com for more fun info on these and other trailer eateries.

And if you want to find cool digs near the Auditorium Shores/Zilker area click on Hanaleimyers.com or give me a call~

Open House- 940 E 55th - Sunday 11/7

Open House 11/7 - $134,950

Come by and see this amazing deal of a house!

2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, huge lot and less than 10 minutes to downtown Austin and UT, you'd be crazy to not want this place! Priced at $134,950, it would make an excellent home or investment property. Swing by, tell your friends....... Spread the Word

Open House this Sunday November 7th

2 - 4pm

Snacks served

You'll get the pleasure of seeing a hip neighborhood, cute house, and talk with a fun knowledgable person (that's me by the way) about real estate!

To schedule a showing at a different time or to look at other property in Austin check out www.HanaleiMyers.com or call 573-1432

Halloween in Austin

There are a million different ways to celebrate in Austin for Halloween! On some years we've gone downtown to 6th street for the ultimate costume viewing experience. Our favorite spot to get a drink and dinner is at Iron Cactus on the balcony which has a great view of everyone dressed up below. You'll take in some wild, creative costumes downtown.

Another popular event this year was the The Zombie Ball which featured live music, a fashion show, light show and DJ's. And of course Austin is filled with Haunted Houses!

If you've got kiddos, each neighborhood usually has their own trick or treat event. Usually it's held at a school or church and it allows all of the kids to come together and have a great time while getting candy in a safe environment.

This year I spent most of my time at Pumpkin carving parties although my husband Merritt was the one to actually do all the carving, thanks honey! Halloween night we had a good group of trick or treaters and my parents brought over some great decorations complete with spooky music. Halloween seems to become a bigger and bigger event with each year!