Great News for UT

In case you didn’t already know, the capitol city of Austin is home to the University of Texas. In addition to being one of the largest public universities in the United States, it has recently been ranked 25th in the 2012-2013 Times Higher Education World University Rankings. This is up from 29th place a year before. Areas in which it excels include research, innovation and teaching. This jump in position among universities is even more impressive due to the fact that this university receives less funding and charges a lower tuition than most public universities of the same size.

Anyone planning to attend UT (or has found employment with UT) will find that living in and around Austin has many benefits. Whether you’re living in a dorm or making a more permanent move by purchasing a home, there are many reasons to give serious thought to living here. Because it is the home of many large technological corporations, Austin is sometimes known as “Silicon Hills.”

Austin’s natural surroundings are inviting to anyone visiting or thinking about living here. The rolling hills, greenbelt and various parks offer numerous areas for outdoor adventure. Several spring fed pools are available for those who enjoy swimming. One of the most popular is Barton Springs, which boasts a 900-foot-long natural water pool.

For anyone interested in an Austin home search, it’s wise to work with new home builders in Austin who are familiar with the area. At Buffington, we have the knowledge of the local climate, geology and other variables that allow us to build austin homes that are unique to the area.

The rise in UT’s rankings along with the positive growth of the surrounding area make Austin worth investigating when looking into potential colleges.

Read more on bizjournals:
http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/blog/morning_call/2012/10/ut-cracks-top-25-in-world-university.html

Read Full Post »

Home Prices See a Rise in Austin!

Following news that the price of Austin homes is up nearly 7% from July 2011, homeowners who have considered selling their homes are urged to take advantage of the trend. The rise in prices means that homeowners who have held out on selling and moving on can feel more confident in their ability to get the best price for their house.

While an increase in the selling price of homes is sure to benefit sellers, there are also positive points for prospective buyers who are undergoing an Austin home search. Higher prices mean that more sellers are encouraged to put their homes on the market. Buyers are now presented with more choices in all price ranges, so buyers who could not find the perfect home for their needs before are more likely to find a dream home now.

Prices may be on the rise, but the average price point of homes in Austin still keeps homes in the area within reach of buyers. Predictions about the future of the home market in Austin project that sellers will enjoy a continued increase in prices, so buyers are encouraged to start hunting for a home now to take advantage of prices that remain competitive and the large volume of properties to view. Visit KUT News to find out more about Austin housing trends as reported by CoreLogic.

Buyers who continue to struggle with finding the right home may want to consider new home builders in Austin. A new construction gives future homeowners the opportunity to customize their home and incorporate all of the features they want.

Read Full Post »

Discover Austin via Museums

One of the major benefits of owning a home in Austin, Texas, is having constant access to the engaging culture of the city. Austin’s museums serve as cultural centers where residents can always find new ways to connect with the cultural life of the city. Aside from their permanent collections, many of these institutions hold special events and exhibitions throughout the year.

The Austin Children’s Museum

Located in Austin’s Dell Discovery Center, the Austin Children’s Museum dedicates itself to providing families with new learning experiences. Current and upcoming exhibitions for the museum’s 2012 season include:

• 123 Geometry Lane, an exhibition that uses hands-on experiences to explain mathematical concepts

• Ready, Set, Roll, an interactive exhibition that uses golf balls to introduce visitors to concepts in physics

The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum

Located in Austin’s downtown, the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum focuses on telling the story of the state of Texas. The museum is notable for having the only IMAX theater in Austin, and it frequently shows new release movies.

The Bob Bullock Museum does not have a permanent collection of its own. Instead, it operates entirely through acquiring objects on loan from other institutions. Upcoming items for exhibition at the museum include:

• A Wheaties collectible card featuring Ben Hogan

• Cufflinks worn by Buddy Holly

• A pair of black boots once worn by Lyndon B. Johnson

The Texas Natural Science Center

Operated through the University of Texas at Austin, the Texas Natural Science Center focuses on providing visitors with an understanding of biological diversity. Current and upcoming exhibitions during 2012 include:

• Colors of Nature, an exhibition that features photography of native Texan wildlife by John Ingram and Greg Lasley

• Fishes of Texas, an interactive experience of multimedia displays, photography and specimens that focuses on native fish species in Texas

The Blanton Museum of Art

Part of the University of Texas at Austin, the Blanton Museum of Art holds the largest art collection in Texas. In addition to its exhibitions from its permanent collection, current and special exhibitions include:

• The Rules of Basketball: Works by Pfeiffer and James Naismith’s Original Rules of Basketball, which is an exhibition that explores the historical and psychological impact of basketball on society

• Into the Sacred City: Tibetan Buddhist Deities from the Theos Bernard Collection, an exhibition of materials on loan from the collection of Theos Bernard, who was one of the first westerners to visit Lhasa.

For current Austinites or future residents undergoing an Austin home search, these events and exhibitions provide reasons to re-visit the city’s museums and help make Austin a cultural place to call home.

Read Full Post »

House Hunting Goes High-Tech

With smartphones and tablets assisting users in everything from finding the cheapest gas in their immediate area to losing weight, it’s no wonder that these devices can help with a house hunt. People looking for Austin homes for sale can use one of the apps listed below to make the search easier.

• CalcsFree Mortgage Calculator

There’s no need to wonder about whether a home is affordable while house hunting. This mortgage calculator lets users know exactly how much they’ll be paying every month for that new home. Taxes and insurance expenses can be added into the calculation to give users a better idea of what they’ll really be paying.

• Zillow

This app is ideal for people who want to know how much homes in a certain area cost, but it is also useful for anyone who will be selling their own home in the near future. Zillow keeps up-to-date data on the estimated value of homes in the United States.

• Trulia

House hunters who know where they want to live can use this app to search for homes for sale in a pinpointed area. Information related to open houses in the immediate area gives users the opportunity to go for an impromptu showing while driving around the neighborhood.

• CrumbTracks

Anyone searching for home builders in Austin, TX will want to use this app to aid in the home design process. This app allows users to take pictures of homes that they like and save the pictures. The photo saving function makes CrumbTracks perfect for taking note of home features that a person would like to incorporate in their own home.

• AroundMe

Everyone knows that location is the most important consideration when searching for a new home. AroundMe gives users the ability to search for entertainment, grocery stores, shopping and other desirable amenities in a new neighborhood. The app also provides a route from the user’s current location, so potential home buyers can discover whether amenities are within walking distance and how far the potential home is from their workplace.

• House Hunter

This is a must-have app for house hunters looking at dozens of different homes on the market. Keep information about each home straight by taking note of key features and rating the home with the scorecard capability. According to Business Insider, the House Hunter App is “flipping awesome.”

In addition to these apps, you can also browse current move-in ready homes from Buffington here.

Read Full Post »

Maintaining a Home’s Foundation in the Texas Heat

Texas heat can be damaging to the foundations of homes in Austin, and some home owners will neglect proper care of the foundation in favor of other tasks. However, preventing concrete foundation issues is less expensive than the costly repairs that could otherwise follow.

Having the proper amount of moisture in the soil around and under the foundation is important, and the Texas heat can easily dry up all of that necessary moisture. Watering the foundation evenly on all sides is ideal, but it is also important to make sure that the soil in the area drains properly to prevent water from pooling immediately under the foundation. Additionally, gutter systems should direct water at least three feet away from the foundation to prevent similar pooling.

Unfortunately, watering a foundation is not always an option during the dry months due to water restrictions. In this case, there are some other options. If there are trees located close to the house, looking into root barricades or root shields is a good idea. These barriers prevent the roots from penetrating the ground around the foundation and they prevent the roots from sucking up moisture from that specific area of the foundation.

Avoiding steep temperature variations will keep the foundation from expanding and contracting. This includes both heating and cooling.

Composting is another option for maintaining moisture around a foundation. In this case, the compost can be used around the foundation of the house or around trees or shrubs that might be pulling moisture away from the foundation.

An Austin home search might reveal the perfect home, but maintenance of that home’s foundation during the hottest months cannot be ignored. With proper care, Austin homes can be enjoyed for years to come.

Read Full Post »

Yard Maintenance Tips for 2012: Spring and Summer Landscaping

With proper hydration, warm weather can help a yard flourish. Who doesn’t love a yard filled with blossoms, green grass or colorful foliage? At the same time, overgrowth can happen quickly during the summer. Maintaining Austin homes during the warmest months of the year requires a consistent routine and a little diligence. Fortunately, new home builders in Austin such as Buffington Homes often plan landscaping with easy upkeep in mind. Here are a few tips to help keep your yard looking its best:

Maintain healthy soil. A soil test can provide an idea of any deficiencies or pH problems in a yard. Healthy soil is the foundation of a healthy backyard ecosystem. When that environment is balanced, a homeowner will need to use fewer chemicals. Healthy grass will overtake weeds, and bugs will shy away from vigorous plants.

Don’t overwater. In most cases, watering deeply and less often encourages deeper root growth. Deeper roots make plants less dependent on frequent watering, so they are more likely to survive short summer droughts. Keeping the lawn and garden too moist can invite disease and the development of fungus.

Prune dead or vigorous growth. Once trees have their full foliage, any dead branches will be more noticeable. Removing dead growth during the summer helps prevent them from breaking off during thunderstorms or heavy winds and damaging your home. In contrast, the summer growing season can also cause bushes and shrubbery to grow too close to the house or air conditioning unit. Pruning this kind of growth during the summer will help prevent moisture from becoming trapped in areas that need to be dry.

If you’re undergoing an Austin home search, take note of the condition of the landscape. A landscape that appears sparse during the winter may need less upkeep during the summer. The tips mentioned will help you maintain a healthy yard that will keep a green, lush appearance in the summer months.

How do you maintain your yard in summertime?

Read Full Post »

5 Ways to Reduce Spring Allergens in Your Home

New home builders in Austin notice an influx of new residents as the weather warms in springtime, but the allergies that are commonly associated with Austin this time of year warrant special precautions. Anyone who suffers from cedar, molds, oak pollen or other allergens will want to consider these five effective ways to reduce allergens in Austin homes:

1. Change Air Filters Regularly

The filters that are installed behind the vents in a house prevent the spread of allergens like dust and mold spores. When these filters are not changed every 30 to 60 days, they become saturated with particles that prevent the circulation of clean air. Changing the filters on a regular basis will ensure the proper function of a home’s HVAC system and the overall reduction of allergens in the air.

2. Use Bedding that Reduce Allergens

Anti-allergy bedding includes pillows, pillow cases, mattress pads, sheets and comforters that are specially manufactured to reduce the amount of dander, dust mites and other allergens that frequently find their way into fabrics. Because a person spends approximately one third of his or her life in bed, it is important that this time be spent in an allergy-free environment.

3. Wipe Down Electronics Weekly

Electronics attract and hold dust more than anything else in the home. Televisions, DVD players and game systems should be wiped with an approved dust cleaner to avoid the dispersion of dust into the air.

4. Clean Ceilings Monthly

The corners and seams of ceilings and walls often harbor minuscule spider webs, dust mites and hair, all of which can contribute to mild to moderate allergic reactions. The easiest way to rid a house of these elements is to use a brush attachment with a vacuum.

5. Vacuum Fabrics Weekly

Curtains, carpet and upholstered furniture all tend to collect allergens, especially dust and pet dander. Vacuuming these fabrics only once per week greatly reduces the amount of allergenic material in the air within the home. Special fabric sprays can be purchased to increase the effectiveness of weekly vacuuming.

Future residents who are undergoing an Austin home search in the springtime may find that their allergies act up more than usual. The sudden rise in pollen and other allergens in the air can cause a number of irritating symptoms. Following the above tips, however, can help immensely in reducing the severity and frequency of allergy outbreaks in the home.

Read Full Post »

Austin in the Spring: Things to See and Do

Spring in Austin arrives with welcome thoughts of sunny outings and fun attractions in the area. Due to the capital city’s unique and diverse nature, Austin has rapidly become one of the most sought after areas of residence in the entire country. If you are looking to begin a new Austin home search, be sure to consider the wide variety of local attractions and activities available here, particularly those that are best enjoyed during the spring.

Paddleboarding and Canoeing are popular
activities in Austin

Considering Austin Homes

If you’re considering purchasing real estate and browsing homes for sale, Austin, TX should be at the top of your list of potential areas to call home. When it comes to beautifully designed, well-appointed homes for sale, Austin home builders and the neighborhoods they craft far exceed traditional expectations. Friendly, closely knit neighborhoods are surrounded by fun and interesting things to do all year long, and the allure of various springtime attractions lends Austin a considerable amount of its charm.

Participate in Spring Attractions during Your Austin Home Search

Families enjoy the sights of nature and springtime at the beautiful Zilker Botanical Gardens, Barton Springs and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, all within a short driving distance of historic downtown Austin. Canoeing on Lake Austin or going for a bike ride around Town Lake are also inviting ideas as the weather warms. After enjoying a fun and exciting day traveling the city, get ready to unwind with a delicious meal at a local spot and some unbelievable live entertainment.

As the official home of springtime music event South By Southwest, this proud city is known far and wide as the live music capital of the world for good reason. Hundreds of the world’s hottest music performers and bands got their start right here in the heart of Austin. Enjoy cool refreshments and live gigs on the patios of famous Austin music venues. Stubb’s BBQ and Giddy Ups are only a few of the locations where you’ll find friendly faces and catchy tunes, all beneath a clear, springtime sky.

If you’re already an Austin resident, what do you love most about Austin in the spring?

Read Full Post »

Gardening in Spring: Seasonal Plants to Spruce up Your Texas Yard

Home buyers are greatly influenced by a home’s curb appeal, and there is no easier way to spruce up Austin homes than to landscape with seasonal plants and flowers this spring. Recent rains have made the grounds very hospitable to the large variety of plants that thrive in central Texas conditions.

While it may be too late to plant bulbs for spring flowers, homeowners always have the option of planting colorful tulips that have already bloomed. Tulips are available in wide varieties and colors and do well in central Texas. These beauties come back year after year, so it’s an easy and low-cost way to landscape. Another flower that comes back every spring is the hyacinth. Some homeowners start hyacinth indoors during the coldest part of the winter. Look for blooming hyacinth at area lawn and garden stores for immediate color and heavenly aroma.

Potential buyers undergoing an Austin home search are frequently drawn to colorful vegetables such as kale, a perfect vegetable for spring gardening in central Texas. This green and purple plant is not only unique in appearance—it’s also incredibly nutritious. Pair kale with showy pansies, both of which are able to withstand late spring frosts.

Orange Lantana can endure Texas summers

After the last frost, homes for sale in Austin, TX should be surrounded by a multitude of bedding plants. Home builders in Austin often add flower beds near mailboxes and patios for extra curb appeal. Spring and summer annuals include petunias and wax begonias, both strikingly beautiful against green spring grasses. Homeowners looking for plants to last through the summer should look for drought-resistant varieties, such as hardy lantana and show-stopping zinnias.

Consider fast-growing ivies to bring charm and shade to warm Texas porches. Morning glory is a beautiful flowering vine that can also be used as a noise barrier, blocking out noise from neighbors and the street. It’s perfect near windows and fences located along homes for sale in Austin.

Plant various colors and types of plants to keep the yard beautiful year-round, and be sure to water during allotted times.

What do you enjoy planting in spring?

Read Full Post »

2011: Another Great Year for Austin

Austin is known for topping national rankings lists for quality of life, entertainment and job opportunities. Of course, 2011 was no exception. Austin’s quirky personality and emphasis on quality of life keep the city at the forefront of national trends. From coffee lovers to bicyclists, single women to telecommuters, this city has a little something for everyone. If you don’t already call Austin home, we know of several good reasons to consider a move.

December 2010: Moving into 2011, Austin’s shopping landscape put the city in 12th place on the Forbes list of America’s 25 Best Cities for Shopping. Austin homes are just a short drive from more than 5,300 retail locations and 31 shopping centers: http://www.forbes.com/sites/meghancasserly/2010/12/13/the-best-shopping-cities-us-macys-walmart-outlet-malls/

December 2010: Also getting 2011 off to a good start was a mention on AOL’s Daily Finance blog naming Austin as the Best City for Telecommuters. As longtime home builders in Austin, Buffington Homes often incorporates flexible space for a home office: http://www.dailyfinance.com/2010/12/02/the-11-best-cities-for-telecommuters/

January 2011: Forbes says Austin has the third best job market in the nation: http://www.forbes.com/2011/01/06/best-and-worst-places-for-jobs-business-beltway_slide_9.html

February 2011: Bicycling magazine ranks Austin 11th on its list of America’s Best Bike Cities: http://www.bicycling.com/news/featured-stories/bicyclings-top-50

May 2011: Austin is a top 10 city for single women, according to SingleMindedWomen.com. Buffington Homes communities offer convenient amenities for both singles and families looking for homes for sale in Austin, TX: http://singlemindedwomen.com/money-tips/2011-top-10-cities-for-single-women/

September 2011: Austin is No. 2 on the Best Cities for Families list from Parenting magazine: http://www.parenting.com/gallery/2011-best-cities-to-live?pnid=381605

September 2011: Bloomberg Businessweek ranked Austin 12th on its list of Best 50 Cities. The city’s parks, air quality and live music contributed to its high ranking: http://images.businessweek.com/slideshows/20110920/america-s-50-best-cities/slides/40.

October 2011: Come for a weekend, fall in love and check out the homes for sale in Austin, TX. Forbes calls the city one of the 10 Best for Weekend Vacations: http://www.forbes.com/sites/larryolmsted/2011/10/18/10-best-cities-for-weekend-vacations/

December 2011: Austin comes in at No. 4 on Milken Institute’s Best-Performing Cities Index: http://bestcities.milkeninstitute.org/

December 2011: MarketWatch ranked Austin No. 8 among the Best Cities for Business: http://bestcities.milkeninstitute.org/

Read Full Post »