Lakewind Estates ? (Austin, Hudson, Hudson Bend: attorney, relocating, foreclosure)

[ASJL]

We are relocating to Austin and interested in a house thats in Lakewind Estates. Does anyone have any input on the area in terms of suitability for a young family with two children both attending the public elementary school ? My husband works from home, but I would be looking for employment once we get settled, so in terms of a commute downtown, how is the traffic from there ? We like the area because the lot sizes are large, and we really enjoy spending a lot of time in the garden with our kids (they love to be outside and the bigger the backyard the better !!!) Whats the shopping like in that area ? We're moving from out of state so we have no idea about which areas are the nicest. I'd appreciate input from anyone who knows the area. Thanks !!!

[IC_deLight]

Originally Posted by ASJL

We are relocating to Austin and interested in a house thats in Lakewind Estates. Does anyone have any input on the area in terms of suitability for a young family with two children both attending the public elementary school ? My husband works from home, but I would be looking for employment once we get settled, so in terms of a commute downtown, how is the traffic from there ? We like the area because the lot sizes are large, and we really enjoy spending a lot of time in the garden with our kids (they love to be outside and the bigger the backyard the better !!!) Whats the shopping like in that area ? We're moving from out of state so we have no idea about which areas are the nicest. I'd appreciate input from anyone who knows the area. Thanks !!!

Lakewind Estates is in an HOA. Since you are coming from out of state, you might want to familiarize yourself with the laws in Texas regarding HOAs. Some of the HOA behavior in Texas is likely unlawful in the state you are coming from.

It's very easy to see and like a house because there is something tangible to see. The HOA, however, is a legal construct, an intangible, that might render your housing decision highly undesirable once you are aware of it.

Lakewind Estates appears to be one of many subdivisions with a "central gas" system for propane. These were originally setup as a residual income stream for developers. Basically, the developer would get a kickback forever from the propane purchased by the residents. Generally speaking, this is often accomplished by imposing a restrictive covenant obligating you to install propane appliances in order to create an artificial demand. The developer would then prohibit you from having choices either by controlling the Architectural Committee or by simply prohibiting propane tanks on the lots. Propane is economically unregulated with the result that you have to pay whatever price the propane vendor dictates that you will pay. In addition, you will have monthly fees for the "privilege" of being a customer.

You might also want to find out if Lakewind Estates has adopted a "priority of payment" policy and a "fining policy". This enables the HOA (and management company) to threaten you with foreclosure in order to extract fines, management company fees, attorney fees, and a host of other charges from you based upon the mere accusation that you are in violation of some restrictive covenant. This is unlawful in much of the United States, but the management companies and HOA attorneys thrive on it here. No court, no due process, no equal protection, pay up, shut up, or lose your home!

[McDavis]

That is a beautiful area with great schools. Carlos n Charlie's is just down Hudson Bend Rd, and there's increasingly more shopping options up and down 620. Commuting to downtown will problematic though. Way back in college I worked at CnC's, and it took me a good 30 minutes to drive from UT to that area during off peak hours.

[ASJL]

Thanks for your input IC_deLight. I've requested a copy of the HOA documents from the Realtor. I will cirtainly check that out thoroughly before we purchase.

[ASJL]

Hi McDavis. Because I'll be looking for a job once we move there, its really hard to know how long my commute will be anyway. I'm trying to be optimistic in hoping I'll land a great job thats close to Lake Travis. You never know, the stars might be shining on me with this move. Because my husband works from home, I'm more inclined to try and buy in an area thats really pleasant to live in with good schools and good quality of life, and my fingers are crossed that I'll find a job thats not too big of a commute. If we buy there I'll possibly rule out working downtown when looking for a job, thats all I was just wondering how practical it would be if I did have to drive downtown every day. Thanks for your input !!!

[McDavis]

Originally Posted by ASJL

Hi McDavis. Because I'll be looking for a job once we move there, its really hard to know how long my commute will be anyway. I'm trying to be optimistic in hoping I'll land a great job thats close to Lake Travis. You never know, the stars might be shining on me with this move. Because my husband works from home, I'm more inclined to try and buy in an area thats really pleasant to live in with good schools and good quality of life, and my fingers are crossed that I'll find a job thats not too big of a commute. If we buy there I'll possibly rule out working downtown when looking for a job, thats all I was just wondering how practical it would be if I did have to drive downtown every day. Thanks for your input !!!

Then I think you're definitely looking in the right area! And how lucky will husband be! He'll be able to fire up the laptop and work at the lake if he wants.