Mary Lynne Gibbs

Having lived in the Austin area for over 30 years, I’ve gotten to know the community and what it offers.  I definitely have my favorites and Westlake ranks high on my list of places to eat, shop and enjoy.

Westlake is not only a gorgeous place to live; it’s a wonderful place to BE.

There is a difference.  Many times you find yourself in a neighborhood where you have to leave your quaint little area to get to various amenities…this is not the case in Westlake.

Founded in 1953, Westlake has grown to meet the needs of its residents, while keeping the beautiful Texas landscape intact.  Keep reading to find out what makes Westlake so special!

Not only does Westlake have a fabulous school system, they also have the Westbank Library, which is a great place to learn, read and even meet friends for book clubs and study groups.  The upstairs is ideal for meeting a tutor.  And if you are in need of a daycare, after-school care or summer camps; Elsass Academy Preschool is the place to go.

Of course, as you travel through the community you will see many interesting sights.  Specifically, the views along Red Bud Trail are phenomenal anytime of the year.  It’s one of many Westlake roadsides that have fabulous wild flowers during the springtime.

In addition, you will see decorated trees lining Highway 360 throughout the Christmas season.  This community decorating idea caught on and now you’ll find tinsel and ornaments on trees along many thoroughfares in the Austin area during the holidays.

And then there are the restaurants in Westlake….  It is so hard to choose, but here are my favorites:

1. Maryes Gourmet Pizza Pub – For over 20 years, this pizzeria has created some of the best homemade pizza in the area.  They are also known for their fine wines and craft beers.
2. Tres Amigos – This Mexican restaurant is a great place to enjoy your meal while watching birds, raccoons, possums, squirrels and deer in the backyard.
3. Hula Hut – Who doesn’t like sitting outside on a deck drinking a margarita and watching the boats go by on Lake Austin?  This Tex-Mex eatery is fun, family-oriented and a wonderful place to entertain your out-of-town guests.
4. Maudie’s Milagra – This ‘Tex-Mex Heaven’ can be found in Davenport Village off of Highway 360 and serves up award-winning food and margaritas!
5. Las Palomas – Here you will find authentic interior Mexican cuisine at its best!  Located on Bee Caves Road, Las Palomas has been in Westlake for over 30 years.
6. The Grove Wine Bar and Kitchen – Having started as a wine bar, they have grown into one of the best places to eat in Austin.  The relaxed, casual atmosphere is great to wind down after a hectic day!
7. My Fit Foods – If you lead a busy lifestyle, but want to eat healthy; My Fit Foods is perfect!  Founded in 2006, these already prepared meals to go help people reach their goals without the lengthy food preparation.

On top of the plethora of wonderful restaurants, Westlake offers the One World Theater for shows and concerts throughout the year and the Westlake Beach for all of your summertime fun.   The beach located on Lake Austin has plenty of room to float on a raft, dig around in the sand, eat some yummy ice cream and has plenty of shade to keep the sunburn at bay.

It’s no secret that the outdoors and wild life around Westlake is important to its citizens, so Breed & Co. for all things gardening and Wild Birds Unlimited for the best bird houses in town make for a perfect fit! Lake Austin tops the community off with gorgeous views, water sports, boating and a number of other activities that make the area one of the best in Austin.

Of course, I can’t forget golfing because Westlake is absolutely surrounded by amazing courses! Some of them include Westwood Country Club, Austin Country Club and Barton Creek Spa & Resort!  Plus, there is nothing like enjoying a facial, massage, brunch or a round of golf at Barton Creek Spa & Resort.  What a treat!!

If shopping is your priority, then you will not be disappointed in the original Austin SteinMart located on Bee Caves Road or the Barton Creek Mall at the corner of Mopac and Highway 360.  I think this mall is the best in the area and it includes my two favorite stores, Nordstroms for shoes and Teavana for exotic and delicious teas!

Don’t just take my word for it!  Come visit Westlake and find out for yourself all of the many fantastic features that it possesses!

If you or someone you know is interested in real estate or receiving more information about the Austin area, please contact Mary Lynne Gibbs at 512.431.2403 or austinluxurybroker@gmail.com!

It would be an honor to earn your business!

Austin recently hosted the 8^th Annual Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) Symposium at the Four Seasons Hotel that targeted every facet of the real estate industry and delivered insights for Austin’s future growth, demographics and economy.

The Gibbs Team wanted to share with our readers some of the pertinent information that was revealed about Austin’s current condition by the three featured speakers:  Dr. Mark G. Dotzour, Mark Strama, and Brian Kelsey.

Interesting facts and figures included:

Austin grew 47% in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from 2001-2012.  The GDP is the total value of all final goods and services produced within that economy during a specified period.

Austin is No. 1 in job growth and is up 23% from 2001-2012.

Austin nets 150 people moving to our city on a daily basis.

Travis County has gained 9,000 people per year since 2006.

Travis County income per capita is not as high as expected based on the GDP growth rate.  It is just above national average.

Two-thirds of all jobs being created in Austin require a post-secondary degree.  54% of the total population has NO post-secondary degree.

Relocation of employers has added 3% of new jobs.

The #2 economic challenge in Texas is currently the lack of homes available.

Household net worth is increasing.

Household debt service payments as a percentage are at the lowest level since 1980.

Overall, Austin’s outlook appears healthy.  However, no matter what the numbers come out to be, Austin continues to be a great place to call home!  The area, the people and our eclectic culture makes Austin one of the most sought after places to live and for good reason.  The city and surrounding communities are amazing!

Come find out for yourselves!  Call Mary Lynne Gibbs and the Gibbs Team at 512.431.2304 or austinluxurybroker@gmail.com if you or someone you know is looking to buy or sell real estate!

It would be an honor to earn your business.

 

 

Ever wonder what the sales price, number of bedrooms or square footage is of a home you randomly drive by?  Are you curious to know what the homes are selling for in your own neighborhood?  Do you sometimes wish you knew what homes were holding an open house so you could drop in and get ideas?

Well, the answers to all of these questions and more are delivered right to your phone when you download the Keller Williams Realty Real Estate Search App to your Android or IPhone for FREE!  You can get the app by going to http://app.kw.com/KWGK09DT.

In fact, you can send me search areas and questions from this app when you insert my code KWGK09DT. This app allows us to stay connected and can help you find the information you are looking for quickly.

Additionally, you can enter a drawing to win $50,000 until March 31^th!  The winner will be announced on or around April 9, 2014.  (*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Legal residents of the 50 United States (D.C.) 18 years and older. Ends 3/31/14. To enter and for Official Rules, including odds, alternate method of entry if applicable, and prize descriptions, visit http://bit.ly/1jgVljU. Void where prohibited.)

Features of the app include the following:

• Easily connect with your agent and send property inquiries instantly.
• Draw a circle on the map or drop a pinpoint to search that area.
• See property details and full-screen photos, get driving directions, mark your favorites, create notes about what you liked, or share it with family and friends.
• Estimate your home loans with a free mortgage calculator.
• View Open Houses in your area. View Rental Properties in your area.

The Keller Williams Realty Real Estate App saves time and is highly recommended by Keller Williams’ clients who have already had the chance to use it!  And…it’s helpful regardless of whether you are buying, selling or just curious!

Please take the time to download the app today and let me know what you think!

Mary Lynne Gibbs and the Gibbs Team would be honored to serve you in any and all of your realty needs!  Please contact us at austinluxurybroker@gmail.com or 512.431.2403.

Lakeway Commons makes it easy to pamper your Valentine this year!  Just because it’s the most romantic holiday doesn’t mean you have to travel far to spoil your loved one.

Our very own Lakeway Commons located at the corner of Highway 620 and Lakeway Boulevard offers Lakeway residents and visitors a convenient and exceptional experience right here at home.  Plus, Valentine’s Day is just a good excuse to try out the shops and restaurants that our well-located shopping center provides.

The Gibbs Team, having lived in Lakeway for years, has frequented the Lakeway Commons often.  Today, we wanted to highlight our favorites in case you were in need of Valentine’s Day suggestions.

However, again, we stress that the best thing about our top picks at Lakeway Commons is that they are available throughout the year whenever the occasion arises.

ARTISAN BISTRO – Experience this quaint French restaurant and savor the fabulous fare cooked by an excellent chef.  They have an outstanding wine selection and their sauces are absolutely delicious.  We’ve been served a scrumptious duck dish, along with many other mouthwatering pleasures.   Definitely a place the Gibbs Team recommends.

ROCCO’S – Relish some of the best Italian food this side of the Atlantic by Rocky and Linda Piazza.  Their friendly, family and fun atmosphere lends to a comfortable feel while enjoying great cuisine.   Dine in or take out to suit any situation.

FORE – Delight in the Gibbs Team’s favorite salmon dish in the greater Austin area by restaurant owners James & Ose.  This casual eatery serves American comfort food and you don’t want to miss out on the bone in pork chops either because they are scrumptious!  They also have a full bar and lounge that are open until 2 a.m.

LUXURY NAILS – Visit this great nail salon for a manicure, pedicure or Shellac manicure.  They are kind, affordable and very accessible.

SPA AT THE LAKE – Sit back and relax while others pamper you at this full service spa and salon!  We love the facials, but they offer many more services including massages, manicures, pedicures, eyelash extensions, haircuts and more.  Make sure you ask them about their Valentine’s Day specials that are running through February 28^th.

LAKE TRAVIS WINE TRADER – Stop by this family operated Wine Shop and Wine Bar that has over 30 wines by the glass and over 1,000 selections by the bottle.  Stay and unwind or pick up and go!

Clearly, Lakeway Commons delivers convenience, fun and festivity to our great town!  Make sure you shop local and experience the many opportunities we have right here!  For more information about the shops and restaurants in Lakeway Commons, please visit their website at www.lakewaycommons.com.

The Gibbs Team would be honored to serve you in any and all of your real estate needs.  Please contact Mary Lynne Gibbs at 512.431.2301 or austinluxurybroker@gmail.com!

We hope you have a marvelous Valentine’s Day!

Despite lower sales than expected in December, Austin real estate finished 2013 with a bang!  The fact that December was not as stellar as hoped is not a surprise being that it was definitely colder than usual and the holidays always make the month a challenge.

The great news is that new home sales in 2013 were up overall by 16.4 percent from the previous year.  Additionally, 2013 new homes sales were the best since 2008 and existing home sales were at the highest they had been since 2006.

According to a presentation by 360 Real Estate Analytics, the market drivers for the Austin area are continued strong job and population growth, pent up demand, a tight apartment market, more communities to choose from, a builder’s growth mentality and more builders.

They cited the challenges that Austin might face include home price increases versus lower income levels, rising interest rates and the fact that Austin’s luster may lessen.

No one knows what the future may hold.  However, the Austin area has several things going for it that will continue to allure newcomers, visitors and students.

Future attractions of the Austin area include:

1. New film studios in the Bee Cave area
2. The Dell Medical School
3. A new teaching hospital to be connected with the new medical school
4. Google Fiber implementation
5. X-Games to be held in Austin from 2014-2017
6. JW Marriot Hotel
7. Westin Hotel
8. Whole Foods Resort
9. New water park in Pflugerville

And those are just the planned benefits that make Austin enticing!  We shouldn’t forget that we already have the only Formula One track in the U.S., SXSW, ACL Festival, University of Texas and the capital of Texas!!

All of these values give the Austin real estate market a great forecast for the future!!

The Gibbs Team and I invite you to visit our lovely city and see why we are expected to double in size by 2040!  We would be honored to help you in all of your real estate needs!