As usual there’s some fantastic houses, the ones i’m most excited for are:

4502 Balcones Dr

701 W. Elizabeth

2903 Wade

but one super exciting thing is my 3501 Greenway Lake/Flato designed house is on the tour also!

what an honor to be included!

So…in celebration, i’m giving away a pair of tickets!!!

To win, you have to:

1. find my blog post I wrote about 3501 Greenway

2. answer the question – What are the style of stairs in the home called.

3. Go to my FACEBOOK page, like it and post the answer on the picture of the stairs.

yeah i know i’ts a blatant plea for “likes” but i like likes.

Oh and it needs to be done by noon on February 1st!

Also, let me know if you are going on the tour! What house are you exceted about? and stop by and see me at Greenway

Bonus contest: mention this blog post at the tour to me and I will give you a GO LOCAL AUSTIN card!

SXSW  is coming up, when Austin is transformed for 2 weeks into a big city, people everywhere, fun stuff non stop. One of the questions as a Realtor that I get asked a lot in the time leading up to it is if I know of the perfect, close to downtown, sleeps 12, super cheap pad to rent.

You might be thinking right now, that renting out your place for SXSW attendees (or ACL, or anytime) would be a lucrative way to make a little cash. It may be! But it may also be trickier than you think.

The short term rental business has taken off like crazy lately, but before you dive in and become a temporary landlord there are some risks (and some pluses) you should consider.

Ashley Halligan, an analyst for a local software company, wrote this article on the Risks and Rewards of Short-Term Rentals.

In the article she outlines 4 Rewards: Income, Preservation, Tax Break & Community Reweards, as well as 4 Risks: Hidden Costs, Competition, Restrictions & Community Risks.

Everyone in Austin is aware of Home Away, which is the leading short term rental company, I have not looked into the costs of listing with them or any of the procedures but I know it’s super successful

AirBNB is another popular way to find a place to stay. I get facebook ads about it all the time especially around SXSW and ACL, I beleive it’s more casual and “grassrootsy” than Home Away.

And then there’s good old Craigslist. I would imagine Craigslist would pose the most risk, less ability to screen renters. Yet I know many people who list their houses on there for SXSW then go off to the beach for spring break, paid for by thier temporary tenant!

I would love to hear any of your experiences either as a temporary landlord or renter!

Also, let me know if you ever have a place available, I’d be happy to put people together!

One of the best and first things you should do when putting your house on the market is clean the windows! You wouldn’t believe the difference it makes to the lighting in your home and the overall first impression. It’s one of those things you don’t think about or notice when you are living there, but when you do it….wow.

One of my home stage friends said it’s the first thing she reccomends to clients.

Anyway, I thought of this today because one of those Amazon Local Deals/Living Social coupon things came in my inbox for window washing or power washing. Which by the way also is awesome, a power washed driveway, or front of house, is like a brand new thing!

So if you read this post in time – here’s the coupon deal for Austin: WINDOW WASHING OR POWERWASHING COUPON

I have no affiliation – I just think it’s a great deal for home sellers!! make you house sparkle

PS – I owe y’all a New Years Video – soon!

I know this is coming out a bit late as October 1st is almost over – but in case someone reads this and is spontaneous – Go to the Ballet Austin Production of  The Mozart Project tonight & tomorrow – stunning, beautiful, exciting, moving! Here is the AUSTIN AMERICAN STATESMAN article describing it.

Tuesday October 4th

HAAM Benefit Day – businesses donate 5% of the day’s proceeds to the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM) – a non profit dear to my heart. Go out and eat & shop and support Austin’s most valuable treasures – our musicians!  Here’s where you can see a list of all the participating businesses & events – HAAM

Wednesday October 5th

Changing the world One Om at at Time – Mercury Hall 6:30pm to 8:30pm – practice yoga in a big group, with amazing teachers, raising money for babies in Bali & Aceh – www.one-om.org/

October 15th & 16th

The Austin Chocolate Festival – 10am to 6pm at Norris Conference Center – 2 days of chocolate-o-rama! For sale, to sample, contests & raising money for multiple sclerosis awareness.   www.austinchocolatefestival.com

Sunday October 16

AIDS Walk Austin – dog friendly 5k walk to raise funds & awareness for people living with HIV/AIDS – walk begins at 2pm – walk up registration at 12:30 – $20 at Austin City Hall www.asaustin.org

Saturday October 22

Viva La Vida Fest – my fave! I participated last year – here’s my pic!

Day of the Dead Festival & parade starting at Plaza Saltillo in East Austi and ending with the celebration & costume contest at Mexic-Arte on Congress & 5th – MEXIC-ARTE WEBSITE

Gypsy Picnic Trailer Food Festival – Auditorium Shores 11am to 9pm – FREE!  In it’s second year, it’s now twice the size and hopefully the lines won’t be as long. Over 40 food trailers with special sample size menu items so you can try them all! Stay tuned for my vegan picks for this year www.gypsypicnic.com

October 22nd & 23rd

Texas Book Festival at the State Capitol building & grounds – Free to attend. Author talks, panel discussions, book signings, music, kids activities, this is one of Austin’s best best yearly events. www.texasbookfestival.org

3501 Greenway,  Austin Tx, 78705

This home is designed by Ted Flato of Lake/Flato architects, also known for designing the San Jose Hotel and The Livestrong Foundation Headquarters. The house was originally built for Ted Flato’s sister, an artist, one of the wonderful features of the house is its use of Natural light that permeates the home. Many windows enable this yet the high ceilings provide ample wall space for hanging art – a criteria of the original owner.

Lake/Flato is known for tailoring their designs to the environment, the concrete & stone exterior is almost completely hidden from the street & the wisteria covered patio blends the outside landscaping to the home seamlessly. This home is nestled in the historic Hancock neighborhood, the location is ideal, near UT, hospitals, shops & the Hancock golf course.  Close in yet secluded & quiet, no window coverings are necessary.   The hand cut mesquite floors add warmth to the modern concrete & plaster walls. The gourmet kitchen features a custom Chambers stove & SubZero refrigerator. Wood burning stone fireplaces in the living room & master bedroom. The master bath features a completely private outdoor shower. Concrete “Good Morning” stairs lead to the upstairs rooms, while passing walls of bookshelves.

The upstairs rooms feature an artist studio/bedroom with a wall of windows, as well as a bedroom with full bath, and a flex space for media or office.

Bedrooms: 3

Baths 2.5

Living: 1

Dining: 1

Sq Foot 2927 approx

Year Built: 1984

Area: UT

Asking Price : $995,000

Features:

Designed by Ted Flato of Lake/Flato architects

Built by Don Crowell

Covered patio shaded with wisteria vines

Very private lot

Tall ceilings

Wall of windows

Hand cut mesquite floors

Custom Chambers stove & SubZero refrigerator

Whole house fan

3 HVAC zones

Walls of built in book shelves

Private outdoor shower

 You can read about the rich history of the Hancock neighborhood here: Hancock Neighborhood Association

For more pictures check out the virtual tour www.3501Greenway.com

*this listing is being marketed by Nanette Labastida of Austin Fine Properties a Private Label Realty company

this picture looks cold - which is what we want right?

Ok, so this blog & this series took a summer vacay!

I’ll blame it on the heat ok? As we go into September we can hope for cooler weather, and maybe some of the outdoor events will be bearable!

Saturday September 3rd & Sunday September 4th

Austin Cactus & Succulent Society Show and Sale – Zilker Botanical Gardens – FREE – Go buy and admire a cactus!

Monday Sept 5th

Free Day of Yoga – it’s FREE! all over town studios are giving free yoga classes, try it for the first time, try a differen style, try a different teacher, bring a reluctant friend. Learn the fountain of youth!   here’s the schedule and info – FREE DAY OF YOGA

Thursday September 15th

Dies Y Seis celebrations in Republic Square & at the Mexican American Culture – info on CITY OF AUSTIN website

Friday September 16th & Saturday September 17th

Diez Y Seis – 2 days of Tejano, Conjunto and Norteno bands, delish food and celebrating the start of the Mexican War of Independence  www.diezyseis.org

Thursday Sept 22nd thru Thursday Sept 29th

Fantastic Fest – movies for a week! Sci-fi, horror, gore and more at Alamo Drafthouse http://fantasticfest.com/

Friday September 23

Private House Concert featuring Joshua James and Cowboy & Indian – benefitting Love Hope Strength, a favorite cancer charity of mine – INFO

Saturday Sept 24th

13th Annual North Loop Block Party – 11 to 7 - all the merchants on North Loop will have dicounts, and sidewalk sales, food & fun. My fave vegan food trailer will have corn dogs!

 Sunday September 25th

Austin Museum Day – my fave day of the year, really, I mean it, i wish it lasted 2 days!  I really want to try and visit a completely different museum than our norm of The Blanton, Bob Bullock & Austin Muesum of Art, like maybe the Elizabet Ney, The Texas Music Museum, or the Goodwill Computer Museum! Whatever we choose, it will be free and fun, there will be activities at many of the museums! Go get you some culture! www.austinmuseums.org/index/

Have you heard of the Go Local Card?  I’m sure you’ve seen the logo around town.  But basically it’s a discount card you buy, and use at participating local businesses for some kind of discount! Super awesome and helpful and a great way to make a point of frequenting local Austin companies.

Well I found out that I as a realtor could “take” the Go Local card AND not only that, I could get a bunch made with my logo and info. How cool.

I didn’t really know what to offer as my deal – so I decided to offer a part of my commissions from clients with Go Local cards to 2 charities that mean a lot to me – The Breast Cancer Resource Center & HAAM (Health Alliance for Austin Musicians)  – I love that I can support the whole Go Local card, Austin business at the same time as helping my community.

Here’s the GO LOCAL AUSTIN website – look at all the participating businesses!

Cards are usually $10 but I always give them to my clients and, I will give away 10 cards to the first 10 people to comment here and tell me your fave Local Austin business as well as tweet this post (if you have a twitter) – make sure to let me know your twitter account so I can see the tweet!

Monday May 2nd

Bill Callahan at The Mohawk – I rarely put just regular music shows here because there are so so many, but i’m putting 3 this month that are just too good to miss – If you don’t know Bill Callahan, enrich your life & your music collection – early show 6:30 – hear a snippet on KUT’s MUSIC MINUTE

Thursday May 5th

Kristen Armstrong Book Signing at 1379 Family Sports 2727 Expositioin Blvd in Tarrytown – she will be signing her excellent new book Mile Markers – snacks from Galaxy Cafe

American Whiskey Festival at Opal Divine’s Penn Field – 7 to 11pm – sample the finest American Whiskeys, hors d’oeuvres includes $30- benefits Meals on Wheals www.opaldivines.com/

Diva de Mayo – presented by Rogue Running – this event is free & fun! 6-9pm at 500 San Marcos St, Austin, TX – Ladies Only!

*A margarita machine
*Food from Mel’s Meals
*All-new post-workout apparel showcase
*Custom jog bra fits
*Rae Cosmetics
*A special appearance by pro triathlete Desiree Ficker
*Deals and giveaways galore!
 

The Three Amigos Cinco De Mayo Quote-along – Alamo Drafthouse Ritz – All you can eat tacos & shouting out Three Amigos quotes – awesome way to celebrate – get tix here : ALAMO RITZ

The Gables West Avenue Presents: Pink-O de Mayo – Hudson’s on 5th, 6-8 pm – Help the Gables West team raise awareness & funds for the Komen Passionately Pink for the cure – RSVP on Do512 for a free Pink Passion Coctail

Friday May 6th

Sloane Crosley book signing – at Book People 7pm – the author of  the awesome I Was Told There’d Be Cake will be signing copies of her new book How Did You Get This Number  – details at Bookpeople.com

Two amazing Rock Shows:

Dengue Fever at Emos – from LA they combine Cambodian Pop & physchedelic rock, it’s kind of a must see

Jon Spencer Blues Explosion at the Mohawk  – one of the best rock shows I ever saw in the 90s, good n dirty – Ticketets HERE

No Pants Day – yeah, I rarely wear pants and I know a few men who proudly wear kilts, but lets just hope it’s not windy that day! http://www.nopantsday.com/wp/ - i may just stay home

Saturday  May 7th

Austin Family Music Festival – 10 to 3 at Pioneer Farms $12 per person – the Biscuit Brothers are playing, also Taiko Drums, Mariachi band and more!  Hay Rides, crafts, and the wondeful Pioneer Farms displays n stuff – read more details HERE

Gardens on Tour – the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center will host a tour of five  private & spectacular gardens from 9am to 5pm – this includes the Wildflower Center itself – check the WEBSITE for map, addresses & details.

Maifest – 12-6 at the German-Texan Heritage Society – German food, beer, wine & music. Family Friendly – looks very fun http://germantexans.org/

Free Comic Book Day – yes, it is what it says. On this day, comic book stores will give away comic books for free! This is a nationwide event check http://www.freecomicbookday.com/ to find participating Austin comic book stores

Saturday May 7th & Sunday May 8th

Cinco de Mayo Austin celebrations – at Fiesta Gardens – 2 days of conjunto music and partying – FLYER HERE

Saturday May 14th

Austin Dog Rescue K9 Karnival – noon to 4pm at Hyde Park High School – family and doggie friendly event with music, and games, even a PUPPY KISSING BOOTH! how cute. Benefits Austin Dog Rescue’s foster homes & adoption programs.  So much more….read HERE

Fight for Air Climb – join the American Lung Association in it’s fight for healthy lungs! Climb the stairs at the Frost Tower  – DETAILS

Build the HYP: Zoot Suit Riot featuring Cherry Poppin’ Daddies – Habitat For Humanity’s Habitat Young Professionals Gala event – looks like a blast! What an awesome band check the website for tickets, event details ect.  HYP 

Thursday May 19th

Austin Pets Alive Tarrytown Adoption Center Grand Opening – 7 to 9pm 3108 Windsor Road – A great addition to Tarrytown Center, this new location will provide more opportunities to save cats & kittens! Goodie Bags & Refreshments!

Mamma Jamma Kick Off Party – 6-8pm at GSD&M Idea City on 6th St – The Mamma Jamma ride to leave Breast Cancer behind is in October, come to the awesome kick off party for food, drinks, & learn how to help or join in!  – MAMMA JAMMA

Saturday May 21st

Austin Outdoor Living Tour – Like the awesome Modern Living Tour – a self paced tour of some incredible homes with breathtaking outdoor living spaces – 11-6pm $15 – http://www.outdoorlivingtouraustin.com/

Renegade Craft Fair – SUNDAY ALSO! – 11 am to 7 pm at Palmer Events Center – one of those (many) things that just make me love Austin so much! The BEST indie crafts, home made coolness, hand made stuff, craft activities – this looks so fun and it’s Free!!  http://www.renegadecraft.com/austin

O. Henry Pun Off – 34th Annual!! I must confess I still have not made it to this and I love puns!  11am to 6pm at Brushy Square, 409 E. 5th St, Austin, TX

Pachanga Fest – again a very me event I’ve never made it to – this year Ozomatli are headlining! Fiesta Gardens in East Austin – an amazing day of music http://www.pachangafest.com/

Sunday May 22nd

Boobapalooza 2 – Help Ginger Leigh kick cancer – my friend and Austin musician Ginger Leigh was diagnosed with breast cancer a couple of months ago, she has had surgery and like most musicians is without insurance. A day of music at the Saxon Pub to help ofset the crazy medical costs! Great line up – check it out on the FACEBOOK EVENT

Saturday May 28th

Williamson County Humane Society presents 2011 Car, Truck & Bike Show – 11am to 10pm rain or shine – at the HSWC Shelter 10930 Crystal Falls Parkway, Leander,  TX – enter your car, or go and admire! Live music and other entertainment – here is the FLYER

Saturday May 28th & Sunay May 29th

Austin Wine & Music Festival – a perfect pairing of local Austin music & local Autin wine sbeer!  Held for 2 days at the backyard of the Domain. http://www.austinwineandmusicfestival.com/

Tuesday May 31st

My Birthday – to celebrate my birthday & a year since being diagnosed with breast cancer, my dear friends are havinga party & benefit  at the Continental Club. They wanted to have it to benefit me, as it has been a rough year, but I feel better off than many others at this point in time – so I want it to benefit the Breast Cancer Resource Center.  Li’l Cap’n Travis, David Garza, Star Star (stones cover band) and more!!!  Come out and party with me!

people often ask me how I came up with Rock’n Realty as my online presence, I am not a musician myself so why? Well it truly is because music is my love and it is the entire reason I live in Austin. When I was 12, I visited my aunt here, and she took my brother and I out for a wild night where we saw Stevie Ray Vaughn at the Steamboat & Standing Waves at Liberty Lunch. We both decided we would move here as soon as we could, and we did.  I immediately became immersed in the Austin music scene & made a ton of music friends, fellow fans, musicians, and busines folks

One of Austin’s most talented songwriters, and yes I’m biased, is my ex husband Tony Scalzo You may remember his band Fastball & their big hit The Way in 1998.  Those were fun times. I still get goosebumps when I hear that song. And I am still a fan. Whenever I hear a new Tony song I am amazed at how lucky I am to know him. And I think our kids have his talent! They don’t get the music gene from me

Anyway, times have changed. The music business is not the same, the recording industry is a different animal.  Record deals are rare. Tony explains it better in the video he made for his Kickstarter project. But it is time for a solo record! And he’s going to make it himself, with a little help from his friends.

Thanks to Kickstarter many musicians have been able to fund recording projects and now Tony Scalzo is asking for help. This album truly deserves to be made. Austin needs it! You need it!  And my kids would love it

Tony is offering a bunch of incentives at the different levels of donation and I’m going to offer one too.  For every donation with a comment to this post letting me know you did it, i will donate $10 to HAAM which has helped so many austin musicians keep on making music.  Just let me know your name that you used to kickstart!

So Click below & watch Tony’s video and let me know what you think!

www.tonyscalzo.com