Living in Southwest Austin

8th Annual Apple Pie Giveaway

Thank you to everyone who came out and made our 8th Annual Apple Pie Giveaway such a HIT! We love this event as it gives us the opportunity to make new friendships in the community and reconnect with some familiar faces. We look forward to this each year and hope to see you all again next year! 

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Announcing our new AmazonSmile Cain Club Activity!

Through Cain Cares, our mission is simple. We strive to help when help is needed most. A severe time of need or a sudden emergency can happen in a blink of an eye. We intend on being that helping hand when there are no other options. Now there is an even simpler way for you to join our mission, at no cost to you! Introducing, Cain Cares -- AmazonSmile!

What is AmazonSmile?

AmazonSmile is a website operated by Amazon with the same products, prices, and shopping features as Amazon.com. The difference is that when you shop on AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to the charitable organization of your choice at no cost to you. 

Simply connect your account and start shopping away! Be sure to bookmark the new link, you will need to use Amazon.smile for your purchase to count. We appreciate any and all support to continue serving our clients, past clients, friends, and neighbors should an emergency arise. 

The donations made from the AmazonSmile foundation in your name will assist our mission of being to help those that need it the absolute most. You can feel confident that Cain Cares will issue blessings to those that could use a ray of light the most. 


Click here to receive 15 Cain Keys upon connecting your AmazonSmile account! 

Charming Four Bedroom Southwest Austin Home For Sale

3601 Capistrano Trail, Austin, TX 78739

$419,997 | 2,052 Sq.Ft. | 4 Bedroom | 2 Bathroom


Privately situated on a tree-lined estate sized lot with a backyard oasis, this charming one-story home is a true gem. This estate with an open-floor plan proudly features Travertine stone floors, wood floors, high beamed ceilings, remodeled kitchen & bathrooms and much more. Private backyard features a 34-foot swimming pool, diving board and a huge backyard perfect for entertaining. Also within walking distance to Capistrano Park, hike/bike trails and Shady Hollow feeds into award-winning schools!


Learn more about this amazing Southwest Austin home, here!  This home is sure to go quick, don't miss the opportunity to view this property!

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Charming 4 Bedroom Southwest Austin Home Price Reduced

Charming Southwest Austin home priced below value and LOW 1.2% tax rate! Gorgeous 1.5 story home featuring an open floor plan that offers the master bedroom on the main floor, office/study down. Game room/bedroom and powder room upstairs. Gorgeous open kitchen with granite counter tops, breakfast bar and plenty of cabinet storage. Full sprinklers and fenced in yard. This home has many fabulous features. One of the best lots in the community with a green space and park on one side instead of a neighbor. Walking trails and community pool!

809 Cardenas Lane | PRICE REDUCED: $339,997 | 2,515 Sq.Ft. | 4 Beds | 4 Bath


Learn more about this charming Southwest Austin property by clicking here.

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Stunning Southwest Austin Home For Sale

10509 Marshitahs Way | $229,997 | 1,466 Sq.Ft. | 4 Beds | 2 Baths


This pristine home features an open-style floorplan and is located in a quiet neighborhood with access to walking trails and only minutes to downtown Austin. In addition, this home features energy upgrades including recently installed HVAC system, hot water heater and recessed lights with LEDs! Other upgrades include tile floors, wood-like flooring, stainless steel appliances and new paint. The backyard paradise is private and expansive, and includes lots of shaded areas and an inviting covered porch!


Click here to learn more about this stunning Austin Property For Sale.

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Mother's Day Tips to Ensure Mom Has The Best Day Ever

Mother's Day is approaching quickly and we want you to be covered, ensuring an amazing day for both you and mom. Follow DO512's Tips on how to have the best Mother's Day ever!

Energy-Saving Projects For Your Southwest Austin Home

With the turn of a new season comes new ways to protect your homes energy use and efficiency. Of course, you could seal air leaks, add a ton of insulation and swap out your energy draining light bulbs for LED bulbs, but we have projects that will not only take that a step further, they are fun too!

DIY Laundry Drying Racks 

Laundry dryers account for 6% of the electricity used in the United States each year, according to a group that studies dryer efficiencies. That is roughly the same amount of energy used by the entire state of Massachusetts. Debbie, from ME and my DIY, made an awesome DIY drying system that you can view here. Use Debbie's model and come up with something that works with your space so that you can cut down on that monthly cost. You never know, this may even cut down on the number of shirts you shrink along the way!

DIY Frosted Windows

Depending on the type of film you use and the amount of the covered area, frosted windows can play a key factor in keeping a room cool in the summer and warm in the winter, cut UV exposure so fabrics won't fade, and even strengthen windows for added security.  Window film starts at around $1.50 per square foot. Click here to see how Tricia, from the Blog Making it Feel Like Home, used the frosted window technique to save on energy costs!

DIY Rain Barrel

Rebekah Greiman of Potholes and Pantyhose.com discovered that an inch of rainfall on a 1,000-sq.-ft. roof produces 600 gallons of water, and now she waters her yard...

House Hunting Tips for Buying in Southwest Austin

Buying a home is one of the largest financial investments one can undergo, that puts even more pressure to do it correctly in order to yield a great outcome.  In a seller's market, time makes all the difference in the success of your home buying process. It is crucial to make the most of the time you spend touring homes. Here are some tips to make your home search as productive as possible courtesy of Realtor.com.

1. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Do not start touring houses before you are pre-approved for a mortgage. Not only will this give you a clear, concise, and to the point price range you should be looking in, but it will solidify your status as a serious buyer. Let our rockstar agents get you in contact with our preferred lender, Silvia Ward, today to start the home buying process. Silvia will make it quick and stress-free, ensuring you are well equipped with the necessary information. 

2. Clarify Which Amenities Matter the Most

Don't start touring homes and unless you have a defined list of what amenities you absolutely need in order to call a new place home. Once you have a clear-cut list of what you are looking for, this will become your guide on which houses you'll look at, based on the boxes they check. After you have the physical attributes of the home, it is a good idea to look at other variables such as school district, proximity to work, walkability, and dining/entertainment options. Narrowing down what is most important to you and your family will make the home touring process much easier.  

3. Find a Savvy Real...

Get Batty for This Austin Family Attraction!

Austin is home to the largest Mexican free-tail bat colony in North America, and Austinites love to celebrate those winged creatures. The colony lives underneath the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge in downtown Austin. 

While the "peak season" is in late July early August, it is still considered "Bat Season" in Austin right now! "Bat Season" takes place every year from March to November as the bats emerge around sunset to feed on a variety of flying insects. You can call the "bat hotline" at (512)327-9721 to see when bats have been emerging downtown.  

Not sure where to spend your batty experience? We've got you covered! Here are a few of the most popular bat viewing locations downtown.

- Sit on the lawn / Stand on the bridge: The easiest thing to do is to pack a picnic and head down to the Statesman’s Bat Observation Center in the northwest corner of the parking lot at least an hour before dusk.

- Take a boat tour:  Lone Star Riverboat offers public sightseeing cruises which are about an hour in length and which cost $10 per adult and $5-$7 for kids. Departure times vary slightly, depending on what time of year it is, and you do need to arrive a bit in advance. The boats are also BYOB so feel free to bring some drinks along for the cruise. 

- Enjoy the view from afar: The north side of Lady Bird Lake has several hotels with restaurants, which have some of the best bat watching views. One casual dining option is Alta’s...

Dig Into Spring with the Right Gardening Tools

We are almost out of this strange "wintery, spring" part of the transition into beautiful weather and sunny skies! Before long, everyone will be pulling out their gardening tools to get a start on your landscape and outside projects. Gardenoid, did the dirty work for us gathering 34 gardening experts to find out their options on the top must-have tools for sprucing up your garden this fall. 

Among the most popular tools used by gardeners is a mattock, which is used for clearing the ground, removing stones and digging out deep roots that create blocks. Another favorite of the experts was the idea of composting. Composting is a great way to practice environmental responsibility. The tools needed for composting can be anything from a chipper shredder to a leaf shredder. 

While there are a ton of new and improved tools that make your project much easier and less time consuming, the most important tools take it back to the basics! While having one generic pair of garden gloves can be essential, the real trick is owning three pairs will make a multitude of tasks easier:

Washable synthetic gloves – For general maintenance, such as deadheading, weeding in dry soil, and handling seeds, the thin fabric, and snug fit allow fingers maximum dexterity.

Latex-coated cotton gloves – For dirty, wet jobs, like picking up leaves or planting shrubs, and for working with thorny plants (the latex coating is puncture-resistant)

Heavy-duty leather gloves – For tough jobs, like digging holes, clearing brush, and carrying firewood.

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Join us this Thursday for the Think, DO, and Grow Rich Event

We have a Big announcement and opportunity for you all to be apart of on Thursday, April 5th from 5:30 to 9:00 PM!
 
Recently, our team has been chosen to be featured on the New TV Show Success in Your City, which is a show highlighting entrepreneurs in different cities that are creating great things in their business and also helping others. 
 
The crew is Emmy award-winning, and the producers are the co-founder of Priceline, one of the original sharks on Shark Tank and a producer that worked with the Napoleon Hill Foundation to create the Think and Grow Rich movie.
 
As part of the show, we are filming a big fund-raising event for our non-profit, Cain Cares.  At this event titled Think, Do, and Grow Rich, we have the author of the new Think and Grow Rich book speaking and signing copies of the book, as well as myself speaking on how my thinking has changed and how that's impacted my life.  A portion of this will be me speaking about how BOLD has lead to me thinking at a much higher level.  There will be other speakers and also a panel discussion.
 
All the proceeds from the event and everything we do will also go towards our 1st Annual Love Where You Live Event, the following Saturday. This event will include our entire organization, along with any applicable service providers, essentially shutting down for the day to go and work as a team to improve a resident's home and property. By the end of the day, we will have made a new friend, and their home will once again be a place of happiness to help them along through their tough times and challenges. 
 
We would like to invite you to join us at this event on April 5th. You can reserve your tickets at ...

Community Spotlight: Legend Oaks

About Legend Oaks

Legend Oaks has a family-friendly atmosphere situated in the beautiful Hill Country surrounding. Homes in this community feature mature trees and fabulous greenbelt views giving the neighborhood an isolated feel. Legend Oaks provide a variety of housing for young professionals, families, retirees and more. In this master-planned community, residents have access to private parks, two pools, tennis courts, entertainment areas, a new playscape and walking trails. With a convenient location close to the newly built Escarpment Village, residents have great access to local shopping and dining. 

Legend Oaks School Links

Useful Legend Oaks Links

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Southwest Austin Coyote Response Guide

How to respond to coyotes in your neighborhood

As Austin grows, our interactions with wildlife increase. To keep coyotes and other wildlife wild, we can follow a few, simple preventative measures:

  • Always keep trash and compost in a secure bin
  • Keep your barbecue grill clean
  • Keep the area under your fruit and nut trees free of droppings (a coyote’s diet can be up to 40% fruit in Texas)
  • Avoid feeding pets outdoors (if you must feed pets outside, feed during the daytime and remove the uneaten food as soon as the animal has finished).
  • Feeding wildlife and feral cats can attract coyotes. In addition to coyotes eating the food, mice and other animals will be drawn to leftovers, which can subsequently attract predators such as foxes and coyotes.

Hazing

To discourage coyotes from associating people with safety and food, eliminate the food sources around your yard and engage in hazing if you see a coyote on your property. Hazing is a process used to reinforce a coyote’s natural wariness without harming them. To haze, be big and loud: Wave your arms, shout, use noisemakers, throw non-edible objects in its direction (but not at it), or spray the animal with a hose. It shouldn’t take much for the coyote to get the memo -- just be persistent and maintain eye contact. Do not haze if a coyote is sick, injured, with pups, or is in its territory or out at night.

 

Pet safety

Keep small pets inside when possible and monitor them while outside. While walking dogs, use a secure, 4-6 foot leash and do not let dogs explore vegetation that you can’t see through. It is advised that pets be fed indoors. If pets must be fed outdoors, feed during the daytime and remove food as soon as your pet is finished.

 

For...

Stunning South Austin Home Just Listed

Be the first to see our quaint #NewListing in South Austin! This beautiful home in the fantastic Cherry Creek community is ready for new owners to call it home! Excellent curb appeal on a cul-de-sac street. French doors, walk-in closets, a private backyard, and a fire pit are just a few of the features this beautiful home has to offer. Pride of ownership is evident. Don't delay! This one won't last long.

8602 Bisbee Ct. 

$319,997 | 1,860 Sq.Ft. | 4 Beds | 3 Baths

 

 

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Candy Cain Lights Giveaway Winner!

The Holiday Season is our favorite time of the year, as everyone is in such a joyous and giving spirit! To celebrate, every year, our team rewards one very lucky Southwest Austin resident with a custom exterior holiday lighting package from Shine of Lakeway! We accept entries in November and love surprising the lucky winners on their doorstep with the fantastic news! Congratulations to this year's winner, Lisa Dufrene!

To stay in the loop about all of our contests and giveaways be sure to join our Loyalty Rewards program, Cain Club. Complete various small tasks to earn points for amazing prizes and services. Sign up TODAY on Cain Club.

2017 Southwest Austin Candy Cain Lights Contest Winners

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8th Annual Candy Cain Holiday Lights Contest

Every year, Cain Realty Group rewards one very lucky Southwest Austin resident with a custom exterior holiday lighting package from Dennington Decor.  It's one of our favorite events we put together every year, and we love showing up at the winner's doorstep to surprise them with the fantastic news.  

We begin accepting entries in November every year, and we usually surprise the lucky winner the first week of December. Residents can only win once, so make sure you fill out the entry form below to throw your name in the hat.

Click here to fill out your entry form!

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Southwest Austin Times Coloring Contest Winner!

Congratulations to the Southwest Austin Times Coloring Contest winner, Ethan! Ethan won a $20 Toys-R-Us gift card for his awesome "Back to School' entry. 

While it is always hard to pick a winner, Ethan's entry stood out with bold creativity. Thank you to everyone who entered, we look forward to seeing, even more, entries for next months contest! 

Be sure to be on the lookout for the next issue of Southwest Austin Times and get those coloring entries in! 

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Community Spotlight: Belterra

About Belterra

Belterra is a neighborhood located on the southwest side of AustinTexas. Living at Belterra means you don't have to choose between the Austin city experience and the Hill Country lifestyle, Dripping Springs affords community members the best of both worlds. Big skies and bold topography surround a thriving community already engaged in exciting events and outdoor adventures.

The community also brings the lifestyle of nearby Austin to the forefront. Residents bond together over live music and entertainment, food truck block parties, and poolside movies.

Belterra is recognized as Austin’s premier master planned community real estate option. At the 16th Annual Business Journal’s real estate awards luncheon, Austin's most successful Realtors and homebuilders were identified and honored.

Belterra was recognized because of the lifestyle provided by the community. This Dripping Springs real estate gem showcases all of the amenities you would expect in an award-winning community. Complete with a recreation center, aquatic center, state of the art gym, and trail system; there is always something available to connect with nature, friends, and family. Also within the community are award-winning schools and programs that bring families together.

If real estate in Dripping Springs Texas is something you are considering, there is no better community than award-winning Belterra.

Belterra Helpful Links

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AISD's Proposed $1 Billion Bond Aims to Bring 21st-Century Learning Spaces To District

Austin ISD's proposed $1.05 billion bond aims to deliver 21st-century learning spaces to campuses across the district.

In preparation of the bond's approval, the board of trustees deliberated about a bond construction delivery plan in order to deliver the proposed bond projects in the most effective and efficient way. The Texas Local Government Code requires the board to consider a construction contract method other than the competitive bidding before advertising solicitations for proposals.

Delivery methods include:

  • Design-build—A single entity is responsible for both the design and construction of a facility. Design of discrete packages of work can be submitted for permitting individually, and construction starts early while the design is still ongoing, resulting in a shorter project delivery schedule.
  • The construction manager at risk, or CMR—An architect and a contractor are hired at the same time, well before the design is complete. The contractor provides preconstruction services, including cost estimating, constructability reviews and other valuable input during design. The contractor will provide a guaranteed maximum price, or GMP, for each bid package, of which there are likely to be several for each project. CMR is particularly relevant for projects with complex building and/or site conditions. The work is typically broken up into phases with the contractor providing a GMP for each phase.
  • Competitive sealed proposal—Price and other factors, such as qualifications and experience, are considered in determining the best value for the district.
  • Job order contract—A job order contracting firm or a cooperative firm is used to provide prices for specific tasks as they occur.

Trustee...