Seeking opinions and references (via PM per TOS) for possible home purchase (Austin: insurance)

[miss.aiko]

Hi, I've relied on this forum to really help me narrow down the locations for a new home here in Austin. We are looking to put an offer in on a home in Oak Hill and was hoping to get some opinions on the following:


Seeking Opinions:
-This home is right off of Convict Hill; curious what others think about the area, the value impact of 290 improvements, and the general direction this area is undergoing.

-Oddly (at least for me and my buying experience) there are very little comps to get solid data from. It's an older home (early 80's) that lacks some of the "upgrades" a newer community (Circle C) would have. Can someone offer what they feel is an appropriate price/sq foot would be for this area? We will be getting a professional appraiser (seeking references below).

-Any issues with flooding, crime (understand that Austin overall is low), and vermin?

-Daycare: Any thoughts on Country Home off of Escarpment and William Cannon?


Seeking References via PM:
-Can someone please recommend a good home inspector that makes use of thermal imaging?

-Can someone please suggest a pest control specialist? I would like a thorough assessment of the home for any and all pests. Yes, this is a bit of a a hot button issue for me.

-Can someone please point me towards a good pool maintenance or builder? There's a pool with this property, and since this will be our first pool, would really like to have an inspection performed on the state of the pool.

Lots of questions and requests, thank you guys for your help in advance. Hoping that we found our home and can start to settle our family in.

[austin-steve]

Originally Posted by miss.aiko

Hi, I've relied on this forum to really help me narrow down the locations for a new home here in Austin. We are looking to put an offer in on a home in Oak Hill and was hoping to get some opinions on the following:


Seeking Opinions:
-This home is right off of Convict Hill; curious what others think about the area, the value impact of 290 improvements, and the general direction this area is undergoing.

The SW Austin area is a good area. That doesn't mean every home in the area is a good buy though. Values will increase regardless of Hwy 290 so I wouldn't even factor that in. If the house is close enough to hear Hwy 290, then I'd take that into consideration though.

-Oddly (at least for me and my buying experience) there are very little comps to get solid data from. It's an older home (early 80's) that lacks some of the "upgrades" a newer community (Circle C) would have. Can someone offer what they feel is an appropriate price/sq foot would be for this area? We will be getting a professional appraiser (seeking references below).

There should be ample comps that your Realtor can provide you. Most active/experienced agents will know the correct price just by walking through as well. The layout and whether it is "open" or "boxy" (likely in early 1980s with low ceilings) affects value. If you're off Convict Hill you likely attend the Patton->Small-> Austin High school track, so I'd comp it out with homes built pre-1993, in 78749, attending Austin High, within 10-20% of the square footage above and below. Then filter for best matches.

Then add/subtract whatever value you assign the pool. Personally, I would assign the pool zero value, or I'd subtract. Only buyers who were planning to build a pool anyway or who can actually assign it a lifestyle value should pay more for one, in my opinion. It will cost you in additional electricity, water, maintenance and insurance expenses. Plus they are a pain to take care of, or else you have to hire a pool guy. so ask if you really want/need that, and if it's worth the additional $100s/mo in expenses on top of whatever premium you're paying on top of the house value.

-Any issues with flooding, crime (understand that Austin overall is low), and vermin?

-Daycare: Any thoughts on Country Home off of Escarpment and William Cannon?

It's called Convict *Hill* road because it's a hill. No flooding unless the lot itself has poor drainage. Crime is not something I'd factor in. It's low in Austin overall, and nothing in SW Austin would deter an ordinary buyer with reasonable sensibilities. I can't answer daycare questions, but most have a wait list, so that tells me something. I'd be worried about one that doesn't.

Seeking References via PM:
-Can someone please recommend a good home inspector that makes use of thermal imaging?

-Can someone please suggest a pest control specialist? I would like a thorough assessment of the home for any and all pests. Yes, this is a bit of a a hot button issue for me.

-Can someone please point me towards a good pool maintenance or builder? There's a pool with this property, and since this will be our first pool, would really like to have an inspection performed on the state of the pool.

Lots of questions and requests, thank you guys for your help in advance. Hoping that we found our home and can start to settle our family in.

Are you not getting these references, as well as comps, from your agent?

Good luck.
Steve