West Austin Lifestyle

West Austin January | February 2013

Your West Austin Neighbor and Realtor

Providing A Lifestyle, Not Just An Address.

The Austin real estate market is changing daily.

FEATURED PROPERTIES

If you are considering buying or selling a home, there is NO substitute for experience and proven performance. My hard work and dedication has translated into being one of the Top Producers in Austin real estate. As a long-time area resident, I have extensive knowledge of the market, neighborhoods and the area’s prestigious properties. With over 20 years of sales and

ISLAND GETAWAY $2,995,000 • www.4609IslandCv.com

HIDDEN JEWEL $3,695,000 • www.2956WestlakeDr.com

PRIVATE ESCAPE $1,395,000 • www.1100ExtonCv.com

GREAT ESCAPE $399,900 • www.2907Noack.com

marketing experience, my proven sales record, business skills and innovative ideas, I am confident in being your ideal choice for a realtor.

For a free consultation on what your home may be worth, call me today.

www.StephanieNick.com

Ideas to Freshen Up Your Interior Design

JUST SOLD PROPERTIES

Your Realtor Relationship LAKE AUSTIN SERENITY • Lake Austin

WATERFRONT LIVING • Lake Austin

What Legal Responsibilities Do They Have to You?

Simple Yet So Savory!

Judges’ Hill’s Crab Cakes Stephanie Nick,

Realtor®

Million Dollar Guild, CLHMS

512.426.9183

MEDITERRANEAN DREAM • Barton Creek

SOUTH AUSTIN ORIGINAL • South Austin

St.Nick@SothebysRealty.com All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.

Produced by UpscaleRealEstateMarketing.com • 877.660.0996

West Austin

Real Estate Report

In Good Taste

Event Calendar

Featuring Judges’ Hill Restaurant & Bar 512.495.1857 I JudgesHillRestaurant.com

JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2013 The Lion King Bass Concert Hall, January 16th – February 10th 800.731.7469 | Austin.Broadway.com It’s a performance that’s visually stunning, technically astounding and with a musical score like none other you’ve ever heard. The entire savannah comes to life and as the music soars, Pride Rock slowly emerges from the mist. The Tony® Award-winning Broadway sensation offers a breathtaking spectacle of animals brought to life by a cast of more than 40 actors. And, enjoy an unforgettable score including Elton John and Tim Rice’s Oscar®-winning song “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” and “Circle of Life.”

GULF COAST CRAB CAKES INGREDIENTS 1 lb. lump crab meat, fully cooked 1 lemon 1 egg, beaten 2 tsp. Old Bay seasoning pinch of salt 10 saltine crackers, pulverized 2 Tbs. mayo 2 oz. yellow onion, small diced, and cooked thoroughly 2 Tbs. canola oil PROCEDURE Combine egg, mayo, lemon juice and zest, salt, and Old Bay in a bowl. Add cooled onions and saltines to mixture. Gently fold in crab meat. Allow mixture to rest in refrigerator for 20 minutes. Form into 2 oz. patties, tightly packed. Place on paper towels before searing in a hot pan. Sear both sides in a hot

Making a home unique, special, and personally intuitive are challenges every

By Debra May Himes, ASID, LEED AP homeowner encounters whether the home is 1,500 square feet or 15,000 square feet.

Often, a home needs just a touch of glamour, or special visual interests, to take it from “nice” to “knock-out!”

No matter the size of the home or space, there will always be common issues to contend with. For example, how to bring interest to that space? What will make a home or space stand apart from another one? How should large spaces be fashioned to feel more intimate? How can smaller spaces feel larger?

Designing a home or space properly can also be quite an investment. If and when a homeowner decides to sell the property, the home should stand alone from the other choices on the market. Creating fascinating and compelling details is optimum, in that those remarkable elements and appealing design choices hopefully will remain in the memories of those who are viewing your home.

In many instances, a touch of drama is a great way to create interesting spaces. The trick though, is to understand exactly what that means and how to achieve it. For larger spaces, there is usually a bit of a stronger challenge, but properly designing the space will certainly include focusing on at least one area in the room to add that touch of drama.

Fireplaces, interesting art, important pieces of furniture, beautiful views and conversation areas will help determine those focal points.

The opposite will be true when designing smaller spaces. In this case the challenge is usually to make the space feel larger. The best way to achieve this may be to simplify.

For a smaller space, this may be achieved by determining a focal point in the room and addressing it with something that will demand attention when someone enters the space.

When incorporating some drama, you might take a cue from current design trends.

For color, the “new neutral” is definitely gray - not an icy gray, but more of a warm gray.

That gray is being paired with all sorts of other fashionable hues such as yellow, apple green, and purple.

Organic shapes versus geometric or linear lines are on-trend now and can be seen in furnishings, fabrics and even wall décor. Wall panels in all sorts of materials, shapes and patterns are a way to make a big impact. Check out InterlockingRock panels by ModularArts.com for inspiration.

A statement headboard in the Master Bedroom is another sure way to create drama.

These headboards can be upholstered in all sorts of gorgeous fabrics, crafted from wood or even made out of leather-upholstered large mosaic pieces.

Often, the use of interesting texture is all that’s necessary. A simple wall or other mundane architectural element can be absolutely transformed with the application of materials such as stone, metal, tiles, crystals...the options are as limitless as your imagination!

Now, get your imagination working on overdrive and plan to put a little panache in your home’s design as well!

Debra May Himes, Principal of Debra May Himes Interior Design & Associates, LLC can be reached at DMHDesign.com.

non-stick pan with canola oil. Place in oven at 350 degrees for 5 minutes or until an internal temperature of 160 degrees is reached.

Yield: Eight 2 oz. crab cakes

It’s important to understand what legal responsibilities your real estate salesperson has to you and to other parties in the transaction.

Ask what type of agency relationship your agent has with you:

UNDERSTANDING AGENCY RELATIONSHIPS

SELLER’S REPRESENTATIVE (also known as a listing agent or seller’s agent) A seller’s agent is hired by and represents the seller. All fiduciary duties are owed to the seller. The agency relationship usually is created by a listing contract.

BUYER’S REPRESENTATIVE (also known as a buyer’s agent) A buyer’s agent is hired by prospective buyers to represent them in a real estate transaction. The buyer’s rep works in the buyer’s best interest throughout the transaction and owes fiduciary duties to the buyer. The buyer can pay the licensee directly through a negotiated fee, or the buyer’s rep may be paid by the seller or through a commission split with the seller’s agent.

SUBAGENT A subagent owes the same fiduciary duties to the agent’s customer as the agent does. Subagency usually arises when a cooperating sales associate from another brokerage, who is not the buyer’s agent, shows property to a buyer. In such a case, the subagent works with the buyer as a customer but owes fiduciary duties to the listing broker and the seller. Although a subagent cannot assist the buyer in any way that would be detrimental to the seller, a buyer/customer can expect to be treated honestly by the subagent. It is important that subagents fully explain their duties to buyers. Subagency is not common in Texas.

DESIGNATED AGENT (also called appointed agent) This is a brokerage practice that allows the managing broker to designate which licensees in the brokerage will act as an agent of the seller and which will act as an agent of the buyer. Designated agency avoids the problem of creating a dual-agency relationship for licensees at the brokerage.

The designated agents give their clients full representation, with all of the attendant fiduciary duties. The broker still has the responsibility of supervising both groups of licensees.

NON-AGENCY RELATIONSHIP (called, among other things, a transaction broker or facilitator)

DISCLOSED DUAL AGENT Dual agency is a relationship in which the brokerage firm represents both the buyer and the seller in the same real estate transaction. Texas does not allow dual agency, but rather intermediary, in which the consent must be in writing. Dual agency relationships do not carry with them all of the traditional fiduciary duties to clients. Instead, dual agents owe limited fiduciary duties. Because of the potential for conflicts of interest in a dual-agency relationship, it’s vital that all parties give their informed consent. Disclosed dual agency, in which both the buyer and the seller are told that the agent is representing both of them, is legal in most other states.

Some states permit a real estate licensee to have a type of non-agency relationship with a consumer. These relationships vary considerably from state to state, both as to the duties owed to the consumer and the name used to describe them. Very generally, the duties owed to the consumer in a non-agency relationship are less than the complete, traditional fiduciary duties of an agency relationship. In Texas, a non-agency relationship is not practiced. Instead, a Realtor in Texas either represents the buyer, the seller, or is in an intermediary relationship.

Source: REALTORMag. Official Magazine of the National Association of REALTORS.® www.realtor.org

Dell Children’s Gala Austin Convention Center, January 26th 512.324.0169 | ChildrenAustin.org Benefitting the Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas is one of the most anticipated annual fundraising events in Austin. Each year, proceeds from the Gala provide more than $1 million to the Medical Center’s area of greatest need. This year’s event will include live music, silent and live auctions, dinner and dancing with more than 1,000 private supporters and members of the medical community.

The Marriage of Figaro Dell Hall, January 31st – February 3rd 512.472.5992 | AustinLyricOpera.org Don’t miss opera buffa (comic opera) at its best with Mozart’s hilarious story filled with schemes, masquerades and mistaken identities. The infamous Figaro, his bride-to-be Susanna, and the Countess conspire to expose and embarrass the cunning, skirt-chasing Count.

Rodeo Austin Gala Palmer Events Center, February 9th 512.919.3005 | RodeoAustin.com As one of Austin’s largest black tie affairs, the Gala offers cocktails and hors d’oeuvres coupled with outstanding entertainment and luxurious silent auction items. Anticipated to be one of the premier events of the year, the who’s who of the Austin community will mix, mingle and party for a charitable cause.

Multi-platinum artist Dierks Bentley will be the headline entertainment.

LIVESTRONG Austin Marathon & Half-Marathon Downtown Austin, February 17th 512.476.7223 | YourAustinMarathon.com Whether you run the 5K, half-marathon or the full 26.2-mile marathon, you’re sure to feel a huge dose of accomplishment! The event includes a weekend-long expo, and of course, a Finish Festival with live on-stage entertainment. Not a runner?

Join in the fun with numerous volunteer opportunities.

In Good Taste

Event Calendar

Featuring Judges’ Hill Restaurant & Bar 512.495.1857 I JudgesHillRestaurant.com

JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2013 The Lion King Bass Concert Hall, January 16th – February 10th 800.731.7469 | Austin.Broadway.com It’s a performance that’s visually stunning, technically astounding and with a musical score like none other you’ve ever heard. The entire savannah comes to life and as the music soars, Pride Rock slowly emerges from the mist. The Tony® Award-winning Broadway sensation offers a breathtaking spectacle of animals brought to life by a cast of more than 40 actors. And, enjoy an unforgettable score including Elton John and Tim Rice’s Oscar®-winning song “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” and “Circle of Life.”

GULF COAST CRAB CAKES INGREDIENTS 1 lb. lump crab meat, fully cooked 1 lemon 1 egg, beaten 2 tsp. Old Bay seasoning pinch of salt 10 saltine crackers, pulverized 2 Tbs. mayo 2 oz. yellow onion, small diced, and cooked thoroughly 2 Tbs. canola oil PROCEDURE Combine egg, mayo, lemon juice and zest, salt, and Old Bay in a bowl. Add cooled onions and saltines to mixture. Gently fold in crab meat. Allow mixture to rest in refrigerator for 20 minutes. Form into 2 oz. patties, tightly packed. Place on paper towels before searing in a hot pan. Sear both sides in a hot

Making a home unique, special, and personally intuitive are challenges every

By Debra May Himes, ASID, LEED AP homeowner encounters whether the home is 1,500 square feet or 15,000 square feet.

Often, a home needs just a touch of glamour, or special visual interests, to take it from “nice” to “knock-out!”

No matter the size of the home or space, there will always be common issues to contend with. For example, how to bring interest to that space? What will make a home or space stand apart from another one? How should large spaces be fashioned to feel more intimate? How can smaller spaces feel larger?

Designing a home or space properly can also be quite an investment. If and when a homeowner decides to sell the property, the home should stand alone from the other choices on the market. Creating fascinating and compelling details is optimum, in that those remarkable elements and appealing design choices hopefully will remain in the memories of those who are viewing your home.

In many instances, a touch of drama is a great way to create interesting spaces. The trick though, is to understand exactly what that means and how to achieve it. For larger spaces, there is usually a bit of a stronger challenge, but properly designing the space will certainly include focusing on at least one area in the room to add that touch of drama.

Fireplaces, interesting art, important pieces of furniture, beautiful views and conversation areas will help determine those focal points.

The opposite will be true when designing smaller spaces. In this case the challenge is usually to make the space feel larger. The best way to achieve this may be to simplify.

For a smaller space, this may be achieved by determining a focal point in the room and addressing it with something that will demand attention when someone enters the space.

When incorporating some drama, you might take a cue from current design trends.

For color, the “new neutral” is definitely gray - not an icy gray, but more of a warm gray.

That gray is being paired with all sorts of other fashionable hues such as yellow, apple green, and purple.

Organic shapes versus geometric or linear lines are on-trend now and can be seen in furnishings, fabrics and even wall décor. Wall panels in all sorts of materials, shapes and patterns are a way to make a big impact. Check out InterlockingRock panels by ModularArts.com for inspiration.

A statement headboard in the Master Bedroom is another sure way to create drama.

These headboards can be upholstered in all sorts of gorgeous fabrics, crafted from wood or even made out of leather-upholstered large mosaic pieces.

Often, the use of interesting texture is all that’s necessary. A simple wall or other mundane architectural element can be absolutely transformed with the application of materials such as stone, metal, tiles, crystals...the options are as limitless as your imagination!

Now, get your imagination working on overdrive and plan to put a little panache in your home’s design as well!

Debra May Himes, Principal of Debra May Himes Interior Design & Associates, LLC can be reached at DMHDesign.com.

non-stick pan with canola oil. Place in oven at 350 degrees for 5 minutes or until an internal temperature of 160 degrees is reached.

Yield: Eight 2 oz. crab cakes

It’s important to understand what legal responsibilities your real estate salesperson has to you and to other parties in the transaction.

Ask what type of agency relationship your agent has with you:

UNDERSTANDING AGENCY RELATIONSHIPS

SELLER’S REPRESENTATIVE (also known as a listing agent or seller’s agent) A seller’s agent is hired by and represents the seller. All fiduciary duties are owed to the seller. The agency relationship usually is created by a listing contract.

BUYER’S REPRESENTATIVE (also known as a buyer’s agent) A buyer’s agent is hired by prospective buyers to represent them in a real estate transaction. The buyer’s rep works in the buyer’s best interest throughout the transaction and owes fiduciary duties to the buyer. The buyer can pay the licensee directly through a negotiated fee, or the buyer’s rep may be paid by the seller or through a commission split with the seller’s agent.

SUBAGENT A subagent owes the same fiduciary duties to the agent’s customer as the agent does. Subagency usually arises when a cooperating sales associate from another brokerage, who is not the buyer’s agent, shows property to a buyer. In such a case, the subagent works with the buyer as a customer but owes fiduciary duties to the listing broker and the seller. Although a subagent cannot assist the buyer in any way that would be detrimental to the seller, a buyer/customer can expect to be treated honestly by the subagent. It is important that subagents fully explain their duties to buyers. Subagency is not common in Texas.

DESIGNATED AGENT (also called appointed agent) This is a brokerage practice that allows the managing broker to designate which licensees in the brokerage will act as an agent of the seller and which will act as an agent of the buyer. Designated agency avoids the problem of creating a dual-agency relationship for licensees at the brokerage.

The designated agents give their clients full representation, with all of the attendant fiduciary duties. The broker still has the responsibility of supervising both groups of licensees.

NON-AGENCY RELATIONSHIP (called, among other things, a transaction broker or facilitator)

DISCLOSED DUAL AGENT Dual agency is a relationship in which the brokerage firm represents both the buyer and the seller in the same real estate transaction. Texas does not allow dual agency, but rather intermediary, in which the consent must be in writing. Dual agency relationships do not carry with them all of the traditional fiduciary duties to clients. Instead, dual agents owe limited fiduciary duties. Because of the potential for conflicts of interest in a dual-agency relationship, it’s vital that all parties give their informed consent. Disclosed dual agency, in which both the buyer and the seller are told that the agent is representing both of them, is legal in most other states.

Some states permit a real estate licensee to have a type of non-agency relationship with a consumer. These relationships vary considerably from state to state, both as to the duties owed to the consumer and the name used to describe them. Very generally, the duties owed to the consumer in a non-agency relationship are less than the complete, traditional fiduciary duties of an agency relationship. In Texas, a non-agency relationship is not practiced. Instead, a Realtor in Texas either represents the buyer, the seller, or is in an intermediary relationship.

Source: REALTORMag. Official Magazine of the National Association of REALTORS.® www.realtor.org

Dell Children’s Gala Austin Convention Center, January 26th 512.324.0169 | ChildrenAustin.org Benefitting the Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas is one of the most anticipated annual fundraising events in Austin. Each year, proceeds from the Gala provide more than $1 million to the Medical Center’s area of greatest need. This year’s event will include live music, silent and live auctions, dinner and dancing with more than 1,000 private supporters and members of the medical community.

The Marriage of Figaro Dell Hall, January 31st – February 3rd 512.472.5992 | AustinLyricOpera.org Don’t miss opera buffa (comic opera) at its best with Mozart’s hilarious story filled with schemes, masquerades and mistaken identities. The infamous Figaro, his bride-to-be Susanna, and the Countess conspire to expose and embarrass the cunning, skirt-chasing Count.

Rodeo Austin Gala Palmer Events Center, February 9th 512.919.3005 | RodeoAustin.com As one of Austin’s largest black tie affairs, the Gala offers cocktails and hors d’oeuvres coupled with outstanding entertainment and luxurious silent auction items. Anticipated to be one of the premier events of the year, the who’s who of the Austin community will mix, mingle and party for a charitable cause.

Multi-platinum artist Dierks Bentley will be the headline entertainment.

LIVESTRONG Austin Marathon & Half-Marathon Downtown Austin, February 17th 512.476.7223 | YourAustinMarathon.com Whether you run the 5K, half-marathon or the full 26.2-mile marathon, you’re sure to feel a huge dose of accomplishment! The event includes a weekend-long expo, and of course, a Finish Festival with live on-stage entertainment. Not a runner?

Join in the fun with numerous volunteer opportunities.

West Austin January | February 2013

Your West Austin Neighbor and Realtor

Providing A Lifestyle, Not Just An Address.

The Austin real estate market is changing daily.

FEATURED PROPERTIES

If you are considering buying or selling a home, there is NO substitute for experience and proven performance. My hard work and dedication has translated into being one of the Top Producers in Austin real estate. As a long-time area resident, I have extensive knowledge of the market, neighborhoods and the area’s prestigious properties. With over 20 years of sales and

ISLAND GETAWAY $2,995,000 • www.4609IslandCv.com

HIDDEN JEWEL $3,695,000 • www.2956WestlakeDr.com

PRIVATE ESCAPE $1,395,000 • www.1100ExtonCv.com

GREAT ESCAPE $399,900 • www.2907Noack.com

marketing experience, my proven sales record, business skills and innovative ideas, I am confident in being your ideal choice for a realtor.

For a free consultation on what your home may be worth, call me today.

www.StephanieNick.com

Ideas to Freshen Up Your Interior Design

JUST SOLD PROPERTIES

Your Realtor Relationship LAKE AUSTIN SERENITY • Lake Austin

WATERFRONT LIVING • Lake Austin

What Legal Responsibilities Do They Have to You?

Simple Yet So Savory!

Judges’ Hill’s Crab Cakes Stephanie Nick,

Realtor®

Million Dollar Guild, CLHMS

512.426.9183

MEDITERRANEAN DREAM • Barton Creek

SOUTH AUSTIN ORIGINAL • South Austin

St.Nick@SothebysRealty.com All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.

Produced by UpscaleRealEstateMarketing.com • 877.660.0996

West Austin

Real Estate Report