Home Office: DIY Chalkboard Door

Today I am starting on a project to vitalize my home office space. I have been working in this space since we moved back home and now I'm feeling motivated to start making it a remarkable and motivating workplace!

I've been gathering ideas from all over. One idea that I have always loved is making my own chalk board wall. We have these great craftsman-styled 4-panel doors and I thought, What a great place to apply my chalk board idea? Each Panel can be used personally... In a way similar to Pinterest and their categorizable 'Pinboards', I can use each of the 4 panels for organizing ideas and todo's.


I have aspirations to be very calm and patient with this project. I am positive that my undiagnosed A.D.D. will interup my progress at some point and focus me in four directions before completing this project! 

Supplies needed:
1" Painter's Tape: $3
(1) QT-Valspar's Chalkboard Paint: $20
(2) 2" Foam brushes: $1
(1) box Chalk: $1.50
(1) reused plastic tub
Several plastic or paper grocery bags to use as drop cloths

Total Spend: $25.50...and I have a lot of paint left over!

Step 1: Wipe the surface with a damp cloth to remove dust. Let surface dry completely. If your surface is not already smooth, you will need to sand it down prior to painting.

Step 2: Carefully tape the edges of your painting area. Take time and diligence with this as it is the most important step to making this look really nice.

Step 3: Lay out a plastic or paper bag down and bring together all your supplies. Pour a small portion of paint into your reused (mustard salad) container. It is best to pour small amounts so as not to waste paint as well as keeping your usable paint from drying out.

Step 4: Begin painting your first coat. Use broad strokes and slightly lift the paint brush as you finish a stroke. By adding this little lift to the end of the stroke will keep from creating painting lines that may be hard to cover with future coats. Watch corners and edges for paint build up. As the coat begins to dry, take your foam brush and lightly brush away from the edges to smooth any goopy spots.

Step 5: Apply additional coats until your desired finish. I needed to do about 4 coats before I had a slate black finish. Allow coats to dry for 30 minutes. Allow the final coat to dry for about 2 hours. 

Step 6: Remove the painters tape.

Step 7: Using white chalk on its side, rub the surface from edge to edge and evenly coat the chalkboard surface. Wipe away with a dry paper towel.

Viola! The finished Product!

I'm really happy with how this turned out! Peewee even got a space for her busy life...

October Wrap-up! Housing Trends eNewsletter

Click on the link below to read the latest stats on real estate progress in the Austin area and Central Texas!

Housing Trends eNewsletter- Molly Parks

Just listed For Sale & For Lease! This SW Austin home's location can't be beat!

Austin and Many Texas Cities continue to rank in Forbes Top Lists

Once again Forbes magazine has ranked Austin as the Best Big City for Jobs followed by 3 other Texas Metro Cities leaving 4 of the Top 5 ranked, cities in the Lone Star State!

Being from Austin we keep hearing Austin toping the charts of many polls and ranking reports so this isn't quite news to me, however it is continued reassurance that Austin continues to distance herself from the woes of our national economy.

Every time I hear Austin ranking at the top of a new poll I do get a bit worried. Yes, I am a Realtor® and my success relies heavily on the growth of the metroplex, however as a loyal and proud Austinite I also recognize the changes this means for my humble little 'town'.  I am not a born Austinite, but this town is all I've known since I was 10 years old. Austin is where I consider home! With the love of my hometown I see the changes that have taken place and that will continue to take place. The big developments changing our skyline, the natural habitats that are so dear to the hill country's ecology that surrounds our city slowing losing the fight against the big developer.

With the growth comes consequence and I hope the people who have decided to move to Austin based on what they've read or heard come here and appreciate it for what it truly is and not for an opportunity to take advantage of it's blossoming state. There are a lot of opportunities to capitalize on, many of which could change the feeling and the scene that is Austin. This is a city where people treat pets with the same humanity they treat themselves (Which means they get to attend happy hours and sit on sunny breakfast patios) This is a city where people will still allow you to merge into traffic and also wave thanks from their rearview when you let them over. This is a city where the almighty food trailer is respected and expected to be incredible. This is a city where you can throw your 2-day dirty hair in a barrette and go have a  michelada at 2pm. This is a youthful, liberal town centered on creativity and passion. This is not city where tangible items create you or where The W is the place to be any day of the night. This is a city where live music is the heartbeat. A heartbeat that is threatened with every new downtown condo high rise. You see, many (not all) of the people who soaked up the condo's are now the ones complaining of late night noise pollution from clubs that have been the historic backbone of Austin. These people who moved here because they read or heard how incredible it would be to live here are the very ones changing the scene and the course of what Austin is known for.

We are expected for 1 million more in the next decade. Im not sure Austin can handle this expected growth without some drastic changes. Our most notable issue is traffic. We dont have enough roads. We dont have proper public transportation and the rail system launch was a complete joke. Many generational Austinites have refused to vote for road improvements or light rail thus spinning Austin into a downward spiral of catchup. I hope city council and all the regional mobility authorities can get a well rounded and comprehensive plan in place and started prior to the end of this decade. Otherwise I bet we will begin to see Austin's chart toping reputation decline...


Rankings information from "Texas Rising", From the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts

North Central Austin gets Nightlife Upgrade, coming this Spring!

I am excited to see redevelopment happening at the former space of Fuddruckers at the Village Center on Anderson Lane.

The Austin American Statesman has confirmed that North Central Austin is upgrading it's nightlife and happy hour scene!

"The Goodnight" will be the name... We are told to expect bowling lanes, virtual golf, billiards and bar to name a few.

Maybe we could liken this to The Highball on South Lamar, if so, we are in for a treat!

Can't wait to play and show my style on the lanes!

Click the link below for The Statesman's full article.

In North Austin, Alamo Drafthouse expands, boutique bowling alley on the way

Homestead Exemptions Filing Changes with HB252

Under a new law (HB 252) passed by the Texas Legislature homeowners applying for a new homestead exemption as of September 1st must provide proof of principle residency to the appraisal district.

What does this mean to you?

If you already have your homestead exemption you do not have to do anything.

If you havent filed your homestead exemption prior to Sept. 1st you will now be required to do 1 of 2 things:

  1 - Texas driver's license or state issued identification card & homeowner's vehicle registration receipt.

If you do not own a car:
  2 - Current utility bill showing name and address, along with an affidavit stating non-ownership of a vehicle.


Review the press release from Tx Comptroller, Susan Combs here.

Homestead Exemption Form

Deadlines for submitting Homestead Exemption:
Jan1-April 30 of the calendar year your applying for the exemption.

Austin Real Estate Market Stats

The Austin Real Estate Market has begun to show some signs of slowing down. Usually at this time of year we expect a minimal slowing of sales volume accompanied by a reduction in median home sales price. It is nothing I would be too concerned about. Its a good time for buyer's still as the market remains highly saturated. It is also a good time for landlords renting their homes. Stay tuned later this week for Austin metro Rental stats...

Aug-11 Quick Sales Facts: (Source: Austin Board of Realtors®)

• The median price of existing single-family homes decreased to $195,000 down -0.8% vs Jul-11.
• Existing single-family home sales decreased -1.2% from Jul-11 for a Aug-11 total of 1,666 sold units.
• Condos decreased in price to $159,250 down -2.0% vs Jul-11.
• Existing condo sales increased 2.1% in Aug-11 over Jul-11 for a total of 196 sold units.

 

Click the link below for visual charts and graphs illustrating sales trends...

http://tinyurl.com/3qtbm48

Housing Trends eNewsletter- Molly Parks

Follow the link to September's Monthly Housing Trends eNewsletter!

Housing Trends eNewsletter- Molly Parks

For Lease in Onion Creek. $1750/month. Move in before the holidays! MLS #8285244

I'm excited to present For Lease this beautiful 3 bed, 2 bath home in South Austin's acclaimed Onion Creek community!

Located on a corner lot across from the community lake this home features a large shady backyard with wood deck and pergola. A great space for Sunday BBQ's and afternoon play!

This home has been delightfully updated inside. Updates include 18" porcelain tile floors, hardwoods, travertine counters in the kitchen and baths, as well as warm-toned paint colors throughout. 

Upon entering you'll notice a grand open space with a large family room featuring a vaulted ceiling, wood-burning stone surround fireplace and direct backyard access. The Kitchen, with all its updates invites home cooked meals and even plenty of space for entertaining!      

 The Master bedroom and bath are separated from the secondary bedrooms where you'll find additional hall closets and a dual vanity bathroom with updated tile finishes and jumbo-sized shower!  

The Master bedroom is large and spacious easily accommodating a King sized bed.  The bathroom has also been updated with lightly colored travertine tile, his and her's pedestal sinks and a fully retiled shower surround. 

A truly lovely home in one of Austin's most notable neighborhoods. Located just east of IH-35 in Onion Creek you'll enjoy proximity to all the shops, dining and entertainment at Southpark Meadows!

Located centrally between downtown Austin, Austin Bergstrom International Airport, Kyle, Buda and San Marcos!

Priced to lease at $1750 per month.

If you are interested in seeing this home or know someone who might be, call or email me!

Charity T-shirts to Benefit Texas Fire Survivors - Limited Edition!

I just think this is a great way to raise money for Texas Fire Survivors!

Click on the link to purchase a limited edition t-shirt. Strut your charitable self in style!

Charity T-shirts to Benefit Texas Fire Survivors

 "We love the Lone Star. We hate to see it on fire. Who's with us?
100% of the net proceeds will go directly to Central Texas wildfire survivors."

 

  From our friends at AirShp

Housing Assistance for Families Affected by Texas' Wildfires

 It has been an incredible sight in and around Austin the past few days. Living and working in central Austin the past week has felt more like a war zone. Any direction you turn you would see smoke along the horizon. Now, as the fires around Austin begin to extinguish it's going to be time for families to begin rebuilding their lives. The volunteer response has been incredible to hear about and now as these families begin to think about rebuilding their lives it's important to realize that assistance will continue to be needed, whether volunteer or professional.
Being a REALTOR®, I am proud to say our professional organizations are stepping in and doing what they can to assist the families in need of new homes, whether temporary or long term.

Austin Board of REALTORS® has provided a list of help links and information for families affected by the Texas Wildfires.

Here is the full link to this resource provided by AustinHomeSearch.com

Some details I found important to note:

What can consumers do now if they were affected by the fires?

• Contact your Loan Officer: If you are under contract on a home, you need to check with your loan officer to determine whether or not additional final inspections are required. If so, that may cost up to $200 for the final inspection and take a few extra days to finalize the loan.

 

• Check with your insurance provider: Additionally, I would recommend that homeowners contact their insurance providers to see if the insurance company is ready to insure the home.

 

• Contact HomeAway for Vacation Rentals Offered by Owners: Many vacation rental owners have offered their properties specifically to local residents who have been displaced by the fires in Central Texas for free or at discounted rates.

 

• Coordinating with FEMA: ABoR has talked with FEMA about publishing rental homes listed on the popular consumer-oriented site AustinHomeSearch.com. This effort is designed to connect displaced evacuees with available interim housing. More information will be published as the details are available. Check back regularly for more information.

I want to thank Austin Board of REALTORS® and Austin Home Search for publishing this information.

If you know of anyone affected by the wildfires in and around Austin please share this with them so they may know these resources are available to them.

~Molly

The final days of summer!

Usually at this time of year I am feeling the impending fall depression... The thought of the warmer temperatures leaving and colder temps setting in always makes me a little crabby. However, I think we would all agree that this summer has been and continues to be terribly dreadful! Its been tough to pry myself out of the house or any four walls with A/C. This past weekend The Husband and I finally talked each other into battling the 112 degree heat by attending the hot sauce festival. I mean, why not? Might as well fry my mouth while my skin is burning! We lasted all of about 30 minutes before my water was gone, my mouth on fire and sweat had forged a river down my back.
This summer I say good riddance record breaking temperatures. I can't wait for the day I can get in my car and not burn my hands touching the steering wheel.

So, then a new depression begins to set in. ...ACL? What the heck, man... I'm just not sure we will be able to truly handle the heat this year. I pray Jim Spencer will do his rain dance and bring a drop in the temperatures. The Husband turns 30 this year during the ACL Festival weekend so this is intended to be a blow out year for him. I think we just might be the ones camping in the shade of a Zilker Tree, leaving camp for others to come and find refuge in the shade. In 2007 when ACL was known as the dust bowl I told myself that I could never do that again. ... I hope C3 will just say screw it and have sprinkler's in the park for us all to run through. Ill take the mud anyday over the dust!

As I say this The Husband has walked in the door with a delivery in hand. ...Our ACL wristbands! Whoohoo! ~Now if I can just figure out how to put the darn'd thing on?

Water your house!

Photo Courtesy of Dan McGreevy

Yesterday I watered my house, YES, I water my house... That might sound crazy, but I think it summoned the rain gods to tease us with today's showers!

For real though, it is so important to take care of your house's foundation health. The simplest way to do this is to maintain a hand watering schedule. Once a week I walk the perimeter of my home and water the foundation. The Husband tells me that it is not necessary due to our 'commercial grade' foundation, however I still see our new house as if it was the old house. ... Constantly breathing with the weather!

So, do yourself and your home a favor and give it a drink at least once a week. Doing this will preserve your foundation, whether it be slab or pier and beam. Just Do It!

OPEN HOUSE, SUNDAY-Aug 28th 1-3pm. Beautifully built, contemporary design in Brentwood!

This Sunday you will find me hosting an Open House in Brentwood. The home, 5607 Jim Hogg Avenue was built in 2009 and features a contemporary design with warm modern details. 

The first 5 people to come by and register will be entered to win a $25 Visa gift card! If you know someone looking for a new construction in an established neighborhood share this post and tell them to stop by this Sunday, August 28th between 1 & 3 pm. 

Beautifully built, contemporary design in Brentwood!

See all the details here!

Look forward to seeing you there!

Today, I get my driveway back!

After a two month wait we were finally given access to our driveway again. It has been such a mess around here, not to mention the ever so irritating sounds coming from the tonka trucks 25 feet outside my front door.

Peering out from the upstairs bedroom as they lay 4'x7' culvert deep under the road

Our section took a bit longer to pass due to the transition from 6'x8' foot culverts to (2) parallel 4'x7' culverts.

I really had no idea what to expect when the procession of tonka trucks and orange vested workers arrived to our section of the road. While they approach I could here what was going on down the road, but I just had no idea what it all really entailed.

Our yard became a temporary staging area for the culverts, no doubt because the front of our house still looked like a construction zone without any grass installed yet.

...Our section of road proved to be more complicated then previous sections. Once they got in front of our house they hit a deep shelf of limestone bedrock, thus causing them to bring in the big guns. I'm serious, my front yard looked like a scene from transformers. It was amusing for a while until one day while reading in the back bedroom I started to feel a series of rumbles and shakes. Much to my dismay the 21 foot concrete piers that anchor our home were feeling the reverberation from the rock blasting going on in the street. My thoughts began to fall back to the days of the old Bull Creek house. The constant 'breathing' we lived with that eventually led to us wedging a kitchen chair up against the front door as our 'vintage security device'. It seems like a novelty now but I couldn't help but worry that with all the rock blasting going on outside that I would regret selling that chair in last years yard sale. So the procession of equipment and hardhats has now moved northward. I've been waiting for signs of damage in our new home and much to my dismay I did find some. We have a hairline crack in our guest bathroom and one of the bedroom doors is sticking pretty badly. Interesting enough when I shared my discoveries with the City of Austin Project Manager he said, "We have a legal department in place to take your claims". I was quite shocked when he so flippantly replied with that. I guess that means Im up for a battle with the city.  ... I just really hope those two little details are not signs of a bigger problem???


So on the brighter side of things this storm drain installment project IS a really good thing. With the littlest bit of rain our street would flood from curb to curb and on larger rain falls would flood into our yard about 2 feet. The City says the project should be wrapped up by Jan 2012. I just hope my claim for damages doesn't last longer than that!

May 2011. A 20 minute rainstorm caused this.

In the meantime, I don't have to lug my groceries from 3 houses down any longer. Cheers to that!

Economist: Austin economy keeps outperforming nation's as a whole

Economist: Austin economy keeps outperforming nation's as a whole

Austin Real Space Realty & Property Management

Perform LIVE MLS searchs here

My 1st Electric Bill in the New House

was only $100!
I live in roughly 2600 square feet of air conditioned space. My Husband and I were anticipating our first utility bill and much to our surprise it was lower than we thought it would be. It goes to show that all the energy effeciency upgrades we did really paid off. The temperatures outside have been in the triple digits for over 40 days!

So, I started paying attention to how the mechanics of the house operate. We have two A/C units, one for down and one for up and they never run at the same time. When they do run its for short stints. We installed CFL's in all the light fixtures except for the recessed cans. Our windows are super duper efficient with double panes and argon gas. The entire house, including the attic is blanketed in spray foam insulation while the roof is metal with a radiant barrier and an air barrier to boot! Our Architects took into consideration the direction of the sun and where windows should be placed to reduce the solar heat gain experienced from windows facing west. The entire home features 3' eaves to keep direct sunlight and rain away from the windows and the side walls of the house. We also have a tank less water heater that runs a fraction of the time a standard water heater runs.

I realize now after living in our home since May that all the expense and time it took to integrate these energy efficient features in our home was well worth the pay off. In the original home we carried a similar utility bill for 1000 less square feet, terribly old aluminum windows & A/C window units, 60 year old insulation (if there even was any!) and leaky cracks and crevices.

I am so happy we decided to remove the old house and build anew! The payoff is apparent and I highly recommend anyone with the opportunity to remodel or rebuild their home to seriously consider energy conserving options. The expense might seem high in the beginning but with rebate programs, expected lower utility bills and an eco-satisfaction you get, the outcome is well worth the expense!

Check out the City of Austin Rebate Program for available rebates to upgrade your home!

Day ONE on my Blogging Adventure!

Today, after much hesitation I started my own Blog. We'll see where this takes me... I'll be posting my journey through the Real Estate World as I begin to build my business. I'll have stories to tell from previous experiences from my career as well as my personal life. This should be fun and hopefully rewarding for more than just myself! Stay tuned & enjoy!

~Molly