Green Homes – Austin Real Estate Professional Certified to Address and Encourage the Benefits of Energy Efficiency and Green Features in Homes

Sunday, March 30th, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: 3.01.08
Contact: Tally Ragsdale, tally@perryhenderson.com The Live Well Team at Prudential Texas Realty http://www.livewelldowntown.com/
Austin, TX – 3.5.08– Perry Henderson, of Prudential Texas Realty in Austin has earned the EcoBroker Certified® designation, having successfully completed a unique and informative training program on the energy and environmental issues that affect real estate transactions. Perry Henderson joins the movement of professionals pushing the real estate market toward energy-efficient, sustainable, and healthier design/features in homes and buildings.

The “performance home” movement is getting a boost thanks to this type of high quality real estate professional earning the EcoBroker designation. EcoBrokers®, like Perry Henderson, throughout the country are forging this market and creating competitive advantages for their customers. With national surveys indicating that 80% of consumers consider themselves “green-minded,” real estate professionals with the EcoBroker designation are in a better position to serve the real estate consumer. “I’m always looking for the best ways to offer my clients the best value. My EcoBroker training helps me ensure customer satisfaction, my number one priority,” Perry Henderson explains. “From windows to moisture control to energy savings, I now have more resources at my disposal to help my buyers and sellers make better real estate decisions. The EcoBroker designation doesn’t make me an energy and environmental expert, but it allows me to better understand the issues and to convey this understanding to my buyers and sellers.”

EcoBroker International’s education and designation program is designed exclusively for real estate professionals who care about the environment and want to help their clients benefit from the energy-efficiency, “green,” and healthier features of homes and buildings. EcoBroker provides a complete curriculum of energy and environmental training to licensed real estate agents. Real estate professionals must complete the extensive EcoBroker curriculum and training and fulfill additional program requirements to become Certified EcoBrokers®. “Perry Henderson, is an example of the quality real estate professional the EcoBroker designation continues to attract,” explains EcoBroker International’s CEO, Dr. John Beldock. “These real estate professionals are not only distinguishing themselves in a competitive market place, but they are really giving back to the community in very constructive and meaningful ways. Austin needs more contributors like Perry Henderson. The planet and our grandchildren need them too,” Dr. Beldock said.

From his downtown Austin office, Perry Henderson explains, “With EcoBrokerÒ training, I have broadened the range of real estate opportunities I offer my clients. Whether the transaction involves environmental assessment and mitigation (mold, radon, etc.) or the opportunity to reduce utility bills, I’m in a position to help. The real estate industry is changing, and to best serve my clients I need to understand the newest designs, technologies, and environmental issues. My EcoBroker designation helps me stay ahead of the game.”

Perry Henderson earned his EcoBroker Certified® designation in December and is wasting no time in putting the tools and additional expertise to work. Perry Henderson has already found that being a Certified EcoBroker® creates added value and customer satisfaction that sets him apart from other agents. For example, at a recent listing presentation, Perry Henderson was able to show the prospective sellers how he can highlight the benefits of the solar power power panels can earn Swanee 21 homeowners a monthly check for selling excess energy back to the city. His innovative energy and environmental perspective gave him an edge in winning the listing. Perry Henderson says he’s looking forward to continuing to positively impacting the quality, durability, comfort, safety, and cost-effectiveness of homes and commercial buildings.

For additional information please contact:
Tally Ragsdale tally@perryhenderson.com
About the The Live Well Team

Our small boutique community of highly productive agents specializes in the marketing of downtown Austin condos, eco-friendly green communities and spaces considered out of the ordinary. We’re creative, think out of the box, have better than average conversion rates and customers love us because we treat them like family.

Simply put, we find property to fit your lifestyle.

About Eco-broker International
EcoBroker International provides a unique energy and environmental curriculum to licensed real estate professionals, leading to the EcoBroker Designation. EcoBroker’s mission is to broaden and improve the base of training and continuing education for real estate professionals and in doing so, encourage improvements to the quality of buildings, while reducing their impact on natural resources and the environment. EcoBroker is a BuildingÒ America and Built GreenÒ Colorado Education Partner; the most successful green-building program in the United States. EcoBroker provides state-approved continuing education courses to licensed real estate professionals in states throughout the U.S. EcoBroker can be reached by phone at 1-800-706-4321, online at http://www.ecobroker.com/, and by email at customerservice@ecobroker.com.

Agave Austin – Green homes in East Austin with modern contemporary vibe

Sunday, March 30th, 2008




Agave is a hip and vibrant new home community in East Austin downtown. These are the concept designs that you can see in the community. It’s a green home community with very neighborly people.

I own a home there in one of the sister communities. The builder is reputable and has always treated me fairly.

Castle Hill Terrace condo project – downtown Austin live-work lofts with green home features and a great location

Saturday, March 29th, 2008

This is a really cool live-work loft project minutes from everything Downtown Austin has to offer
-13 hillside live-work residences
-Loft/Flat and 2 bedroom floorplans
-Private, covered outdoor living areas
-Incredible central location. Walk to: · Whole Foods Flagship Store · Austin Java & The Tavern · Jeffrey’s & Cippolina · Neighborhood Parks · N. Lamar Boutiques
-Remarkable landscaping
-Stylish lighting, modern fixtures, w/d connections, stainless appliances
-Priced from $170,000

Swanee 21 – Green Homes in Austin, TX – Affordable live work condos

Saturday, March 29th, 2008

Finally, a Green building developer that gets it. As I understand it, they have built in Solar collection systems that serve powering the common areas and sell the excess power to the city. I imagine this will be the norm in the future but until then, this is the first.
Michael Moran is one of the best green builders in Austin. Great job on this one.

The Belair lofts – 4801 South Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78745 – South Congress live work condos with a modern and green vibe

Wednesday, March 26th, 2008

82 new 1 and 2 bedroom lofts on Baja South Congress Avenue, mixing mid-century modernism with contemporary design sensibilities.

Open floor plans, concrete floors, private attached garages, most units have their own roof-top decks with panoramic views of the hills. They also Beautiful landscaping plan includes outdoor area courtyard with fireplace. Next to Battlebend Park, a five acre city park

To find out more about this or any other Austin condo projects or search by Austin condo prices, got to our website.
Perry Henderson and the Live Well Team, we find property that fits your lifestyle.

Projects offered exclusively by the Live Well Team:
Star Riverside – Waterfront modern contemporary in the heart of downtown Austin http://www.starriversideaustin/

Revolution Riverside – Waterfront contemporary with a unique Austin vibe http://www.revolutionriverside.com/

Willow Branch Lofts – Totally functional live – work spaces that are kinda cool, eco-friendly and $5 cab ride to downtown http://www.willowbranchlofts.com/

Forest Creek Condominiums – Luxury golf course living near Dell http://www.austincondos.net/

Agave Austin – Cool green community of homes in East Austin

Wednesday, March 19th, 2008


Agave Austin is located on the East side of Austin just past 183 and north of MLK. It’s a cool community filled with unique designs that are energy efficient homes with multi-star ratings.
To find out more about Agave Austin or any other Austin condo project, you can search by Austin condo prices at http://www.perryhenderson.com/.
Perry Henderson and the Live Well Team, we find property that fits your lifestyle.
Projects offered exclusively by the Live Well Team:
Star Riverside Waterfront modern contemporary in the heart of downtown Austin http://www.starriversideaustin/
Revolution Riverside Waterfront contemporary with a unique Austin vibe http://www.revolutionriverside.com/
Willow Branch Lofts Totally functional live – work spaces that are kinda cool, eco-friendly and $5 cab ride to downtown http://www.willowbranchlofts.com/
Forest Creek Condominiums Luxury golf course living near Dell http://www.austincondos.net/

Pre-Construction Condos: How the Process Works in downtown Austin

Wednesday, March 12th, 2008


When you buy a home that’s not built yet, there can be setbacks before you move in. Here are steps to buying a pre-construction condo

Pre-construction condos are units that have been proposed by a developer, but have not yet been built. When you purchase a pre-construction unit, you are putting money down before construction begins. Buying a pre-construction condominium can be a great opportunity, but you should proceed with caution. Because you are buying into something that does not yet exist, there is greater potential for unforeseen problems and setbacks before you move into your home. By understanding the risks and planning carefully, you can avoid complications and come out a winner.

Advantages
The main advantage to buying into a condominium development before construction starts is that you often get a lower price than if you buy when construction is complete. The reason for this is that developers typically need pre-construction sales of 50 percent to 90 percent of the units in a development before they can borrow funds to begin construction. Pre-construction condos can also get you in on the ground floor of an investment that will appreciate. The market value of pre-construction units generally increases during the one to three years it takes to build a development, so your unit may be worth more than you’ve paid for it before you set foot in the place. In addition, you can often choose from a variety of finishes and flooring options, allowing you to customize your home.

How the process works
There are several steps to buying a pre-construction condo. They can vary from developer to developer, but the basic components are:

1. Reservation agreement You give a deposit (usually between $5,000 and $10,000) to reserve the unit and set the price (although the builder can reserve the right to change the price in the contract). The deposit is held in escrow and you can cancel the agreement at any time with a full refund.

2. Condominium documents When a development is approved for construction, the developer submits condominium documents (including budgets, association rules, unit descriptions, materials and other important information) for approval by the state. Once the documents are approved, they are sent to you for review. Read them carefully to make sure that you will be comfortable living by the association rules.

3. Right of rescission Once you receive the condominium documents, you have a 15-day period to decide whether you would like to proceed into a binding contract. If you don’t, you can exercise your right of rescission and withdraw with a full refund.

4. Hard contract If you don’t withdraw, you’ll provide the balance of the required down payment, usually 15 to 20 percent of the purchase price, and sign a binding contract agreeing to purchase the condominium. You generally have seven days after that to cancel. This is your last chance to walk away with no penalty.

5. Closing When construction is nearly finished, the developer will issue you a Certificate of Occupancy. A closing date is set when you will hand over the balance of the purchase price and sign the final documents. If all goes according to plan, your closing will coincide with your move-in date, and you will be ready to enjoy your new home.

The Boulevard condos, 1200 Grove Ave, Austin, TX 78741 – Riverside downtown Austin condos in East Austin

Sunday, March 9th, 2008

These are really cute. A 1-br will go for $140K and a 2-Br will sell for $160K. The area is a little rough but this part is better than most and in a redevelopment zone.
Check out the latest condo prices at my web site here.

Perry Henderson and the Live Well Team, we find property that fits your lifestyle.

Projects offered exclusively by the Live Well Team:
Star Riverside Waterfront modern contemporary in the heart of downtown Austin http://www.starriversideaustin/

Revolution Riverside Waterfront contemporary with a unique Austin vibe http://www.revolutionriverside.com/

Willow Branch Lofts Totally functional live – work spaces that are kinda cool, eco-friendly and $5 cab ride to downtown http://www.willowbranchlofts.com/

Forest Creek Condominiums Luxury golf course living near Dell http://www.austincondos.net/

Milago Condominiums – 54 Rainey St., Austin, TX 78701 – Downtown Austin Condos

Sunday, March 9th, 2008


The 240 units of Milago Condominiums offer wonderfully comfortable living within walking distance of all the music, art, culture, dining, and nightlife that Austin’s downtown has to offer. Surrounded by natural beauty, Milago Condominiums are designed to offer urban stylishness with a cosmopolitan flair. Located at the foot of Rainey Street on Town Lake Trail, this condominium community offers easy access to both outdoor activities and urban amenities.

Built in 2006, Milago Condominiums offer the latest in modern designs and amenities. Right on the edge of Town Lake, with stunning lake views, this building offers a natural environment as well as 1, 2, and 3-bedroom residences that must be seen to be believed. This high-rise in Austin has 13 stories containing 240 units. The architecture of the building itself is very attractive, with soft curves that mimic towers. The Milago Condominiums hearken back to a time when beauty of architecture was important.

A trail around Town Lake is within steps of the front door, and residents of Milago Condominiums also enjoy a roof-top pool for recreation. The pool is the perfect place to exercise in privacy while enjoying a stunning 360 degree view of the lake and downtown core. A state-of-the-art workout facility is fully stocked with the latest exercise equipment, making an active lifestyle a snap. A cyber café in the building overlooks the sparkling water of the lake and provides hours of fun or work time. Whether you want to work outside your unit or just spend some time with your neighbors in a casual atmosphere, this café is the perfect place to do so. A four level parking garage, and 24 hour security provide added comfort and security. Well-designed common areas offer wireless internet access and present a gorgeous face to visitors.
Each unit boasts stainless steel appliances, hardwood flooring, and granite countertops, among other amenities.

All units are carefully designed to offer both maximum comfort and stylish living. Individual units offer plenty of space for storage and living. For urban comfort within a natural setting, be sure to view a unit today.

Vital Statistics:
54 Rainey St.
13 Stories
240 Units
Built in 2006

Swanee 21 Lofts – 503 Swanee, Austin, TX 78751 – Imagine an HOA that pays you!

Tuesday, March 4th, 2008

Finally, a Green building developer that gets it. As I understand it, they have built in Solar collection systems that serve powering the common areas and sell the excess power to the city. I imagine this will be the norm in the future but until then, this is the first.
Michael Moran is one of the best green builders in Austin. Great job on this one.