Real Estate Blog

Buying A Home With a Friend | Spyglass Realty

When home prices continue to rise (and rise!) all over the country, some would-be homeowners are thinking about alternative paths to homeownership -- like teaming up with friends to buy a house together. This isn't a new solution, but it can feel very unusual for people who have never done it before or who don't know anybody else who's joined forces with friends to buy a residence. And like most big life decisions that aren't all that common, it's smart to research your options before you commit to one path over another.

If you have a friend you'd consider tapping as a real estate partner, then make sure you're covering all your bases before you sign any documents. Buying a house together isn't as permanent as marriage or divorce, but extracting yourself…

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August Newsletter: Growing Our Team | Isabel Affinito

Team Growth

August has been a great month settling into my new role as a team leader. I resisted hiring for years, (aside from Emma, of course) because I believed that hiring and training agents would be a distraction from running my business.

I've watched so many agents get busy and frustrated, and hire a new agent they hope will save them from their own chaos. The problem is, agents often hire before stopping to ask themselves if they should get more efficient first. As we all know, busy is not the same as productive or profitable. So agents hire into their inefficiency and create more inefficiency. I myself was guilty of this mistake several years ago.

Our team: Morgan, Emma and me at Urban Axes this month. Emily, pictured…

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Best Coffee Shops in South Austin | Spyglass Realty

Nothing tastes better in cool or warm weather than coffee. When it comes to really good coffee, we know that finding the right cup of joe can make anyone's day a lot better! With plenty of coffee shops within 78704 - South Austin, it can be a challenge to choose your favorite!

We gathered a list of our best 78704 coffee shops that you should visit for your next cup!

1. Cosmic Coffee and Beer

Price Range: $$

121 Pickle Rd

Austin, TX 78704

Located near St. Edwards University and across the parking of Infinite Monkey Theorem is one of our favorites, Cosmic Coffee and Beer Garden. They offer specialty coffee, cocktails, locally brewed draft beer, and more. The ambiance of the shop is unlike any other you might have encountered.

…

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5 Best Restaurants in South Austin | Spyglass Realty

78704 is more than just a zip code of South Austin, it is a neighborhood that has an eclectic mix of trendy, hip, and unique vibes. 78704 is one of the best areas to live and experience Austin living. And oh, don’t forget about the food scene in the area! If you’re lost on where to begin your trip the best places to eat in 78704, we got something for you!

Austin is known for its delicious homegrown dishes and its mouthwatering barbecue restaurants that will definitely keep you wanting more. Here is our list of the best places to eat in 78704 in no particular order.

1. Eberly

$$$

615 S Lamar Blvd

Austin, TX 78704

Photo from Eberly Austin's website.

Eberly is Austin’s must-try restaurants owned by Eddy Paterson and John…

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New Business Opportunities in Austin, TX | Spyglass Realty

Austin is named as the #1 place to start a business in America by CNBC. In 2016, the Texas capital was leading at number one for the best cities in the U.S. for launching startup technology. Small businesses are growing and there are numerous opportunities for each individual in the City. A recent study by Fit Small Business stated that Texas is the best place to start a business.

There is a diverse mix of government employees, tech workers, blue-collar workers, and corporate and business people in the area. If you live within the area and are interested to start a business, here are some ideas for new business opportunities in Austin. Texas.

1. Day Care

Most parents in Austin are full-time employers that work within offices with tight…

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Things to Do in Austin Before Summer Ends | Spyglass Realty

Think you’re going to miss the fun in summer? It’s not too late to have fun! We prepared a list for you to enjoy the last few weeks or days before summer ends. When it comes to live music, green spaces, delicious meals, and a vibrant nightlife, Austin surely tops the lists amongst other cities in Texas!

You might be overwhelmed with the countless things you can do here whether you are a tourist or someone who lives in the beautiful Bat City. We made things easier for you so we made a simple yet cool guide to fun things to do before summer ends in Austin!

1. Cool Off in Hamilton Pool Preserve

A beautiful and historic swimming hole within the Dripping Springs area. Water from the Hamilton Creek flows down to the limestone outcroppings…

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Grilling Tips to Wrap Up Summer | Spyglass Realty

Summer is about to come to an end soon, so let's wrap it up with a nice, juicy, and delicious barbecue feast! Recipes and flavors are truly important when it comes to grilling, but what makes them work are the techniques used. Here are some grilling tips you can take notes from for a successful grilling feast with your friends and family!

Photo by Victoria Shes on Unsplash

1. Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill for 10-20 minutes to make sure that it reaches the right temperature and to kill any bacteria in the grill grate. Your grill should reach 500°F with its lid closed. For high heat, it will range from 400-450°F and 250-300°F for low heat.

Heat helps loosens bits of food left on the grill grate and makes it easier to brush them…

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Google Home vs. Amazon Echo | Spyglass Realty

The battle for the best smart speakers for homes is tough; with recent developments between Google Home vs. Amazon Echo, it might be a challenge in choosing which is better for your home. In this blog, we’ll lay out a comparison guide between Google Home and Amazon Echo, also known as Amazon Alexa, to help you figure out which is best for your home, needs, and budget!

Thanks to technology, artificial intelligence can now transform your home. Both smart speakers are booming in the market. Obviously, it does make it easier and convenient for consumers to have these gadgets at home. From news, weather, conversion, facts, controlling the lights and devices in your home, and more; everything is just a “Hey Google...” or “Alexa...” away with these…

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July Newsletter: Our Team is Growing! | Isabel Affinito

July. Whew. Where do I start?

Our Team is Growing

First off, our team is growing! We added Morgan and Emily to our team in the last few weeks. You made that possible (and necessary) by being awesome clients and trusting me to help your friends and family too. So thank you!

In the last few months, Emma and I found ourselves in too many situations where we needed to be in two important places as once. We were having conversations like this... "Okay, you're writing up the offer for Jane and John... I'm going to write up the offer for Bob... so... who is going to show that house to James right now because the offer deadline for that is tonight and he needs to get in there."

The first few times this happened, it was exhilarating. Look at me, I'm…

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What To Expect When Visiting Austin, TX? | Spyglass Realty

Are you visiting Austin for a business trip, seeing a friend, or planning on a vacation in ATX? From vibrant music scenes to mouthwatering culinary delights, Austin offers a blend of culture, history, and innovation that leaves an indelible mark on all who visit.

Here are things to expect when visiting Austin, Texas! If you are not sure where to begin, let us lead you the way to the quirky, hip, and beautiful city of Austin!

Music

Austin's claim to fame as the "Live Music Capital of the World" is well-deserved. Its vibrant music scene caters to all tastes, from blues and rock to country and indie. The heart of this musical prowess lies on Sixth Street, where iconic venues showcase both local talents and international sensations. The…

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