This is your guide to finding the best neighborhood to call home!

So you are moving to Austin and looking for a place to settle down. There are a few things that play a role in finding your forever home. 

Are you renting or buying? Are you a student? What is your career? Do you love or hate the city? 

All of these and more can influence your home selection process. 

But don’t fear!!!

Our wonderful team at HardHat have put together a list of the TOP FIVE best neighborhoods in Austin. 

At the top of our list we have

Downtown Austin

 Are you looking for an immersive “Keep Austin Weird” experience, then downtown is the place to be. Direct your eyes to the luxury high-rise condos and apartments that complement the local businesses and historic sites that fill the downtown area. Downtown is riddled with beautiful neighborhoods offering a selection of shops, historic parks, music venues, and plenty of hidden gems to explore! Featured neighborhoods are Congress avenue stretching 11 blocks filled with fast take-out and fine dining. Congress Ave. also has plenty of boutiques to underground jazz clubs.  Grab drinks Upstairs at Caroline and a bite to eat at Homeslice Pizza and finish the night out at the famous Paramount Theater.  

Austin’s famous 6th Street which is ranked NUMBER 1 in the whole country for the amount of bars in a single ZipCode, the 78701 ZipCode, is located in this neighborhood. That’s right there are 88 bars, that’s one bar for every 67 people. 

Barton Hills

Home to the famous Austin City Limits (ACL). Barton Hills merges historic homes with beautiful newly constructed homes located minutes away from major roads, parks, schools, and many more amenities – we will get to those soon. This neighborhood is next to the Barton Creek Greenbelt where you can explore the trails and observe the beautiful scenery.  If you are heading towards downtown Austin be sure to stop at the beautiful 350 acre Zilker Park which is animal friendly and a hot spot for off leash fun! 

Housing construction began in the 1940’s and 1950’s when William Barton first laid his eyes on that beautiful piece of land. Throughout the years Barton Hills exploded with new and diverse homes. 

The key attraction at Barton Hills is all of the outdoor activities that are at your disposal. You have one of the largest natural springs found in the entire great state of Texas, Bartons Springs.

North Lamar Boulevard

North Lamar is a great mix of urban life and suburban peace. It is parallel with I-35 giving it easy access to all of Austin. Many of N. Lamar’s residents enjoy outdoor dining and visiting all of the shops and boutiques that line the boulevard. People can enjoy the best food Austin has to offer while soaking up the sun. N. Lamar is home to many local businesses, helping keep the culture of Austin alive and growing. 

Are you wanting to go kayaking or paddle boarding? Head down to Lady bird lake or Shoal Creek Greenbelt to enjoy plenty of fun in the sun! 

Congress

What can I say? 

This one might be my favorite. Congress Avenue has a little bit of everything for the whole family. We have West, East, and the famous South Congress (SoCo)/. Congress Ave. is surrounded by both I-35 and Highway 290, and at its southernmost tip we have William Cannon Dr. 

Congress neighborhood has apartments for rent, like Windsor on the Lake and AMLI Downtown. Congress is not limited to just apartments; they have condos and single family homes. The homes vary in size and style going from ranch style or a single story family home. 

Congress is littered with local dives where you can grab a cocktail at the Magnolia Cafe, do some quick shopping, and end the night with a lovely dinner at Perlas.

Congress is also neighboring Lady Bird Lake and is a short drive away from Barton Springs. 

West Lake Hills

Here it is folks. I know you have been waiting for this one… WEST LAKE! 

Westlake is very well known for its massive luxurious houses and its breathtaking rolling hills. This neighborhood is located about five miles outside of downtown Austin. 

The styles of houses in West Lake vary from beautiful luxury estates to classic modern mansions. You also have Texas style ranches next door to a beautiful villa. You will see homes with private yards featuring stone outdoor kitchens and pools fit for royalty.

This neighborhood is also located close to Zilker Park, and the beautiful Red Bud Isle, a perfect place to take you furry friends.

If you and your family are looking to make the move to Austin. I hope that we at HardHat can make your move quick, easy, and worry free.

The post Where is The Best Place to Live in Austin: 2022 appeared first on Hard Hat Investments.

So, you’re thinking about flipping houses? Good for you! Flipping houses can be a great way to make some extra money and build your wealth over time. But it’s not as easy as it may seem. There’s a lot of work that goes into flipping a house, and if you’re not prepared for it, you could end up losing money instead of making it.

In this article, we’ll teach you the basics of flipping houses, and tips on how to sell your house fast. We’ll cover everything from finding the right property to flipping it for a profit, so that you can get started on your own journey to becoming a house flipper.

1. Make a Budget

Making a budget is the key to flipping your first house. You need to have enough money to cover the hidden costs of buying, repairing and selling a property. The hidden costs are the costs that aren’t obvious right away, such as taxes, mortgage and bills. The buyer needs to make sure that you have the necessary funds to cover these costs. You also need to set up deadlines in which your house will be finished and when it is ready to sell. This will help keep you on track and prevent you from overspending on the project. That’s where The Buildsters project development plan comes into play, they track every expense down to the nail and make sure the “flipper” is aware of every step throughout the process.

2. Learn the market

Learning and understanding the market in your area will be your greatest weapon in flipping. When looking at the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) and off-market properties, you can gather the understanding you need to build your budget, know what other properties in the area are selling for, and what you can price your home to make the biggest return. It’s also important to learn about market trends–is the market growing or slowing down? What’s the average days on the market for a property? How many properties are selling in a given month? This information will help you make informed decisions about when to buy and sell a property.

3. Know your area

When flipping a house, it’s important to do your homework on the neighborhood where the property is located. This includes learning about any underlying conditions that may not have been disclosed at first, such as new buildings being built that could affect your property value, or frequent events or festivals that may affect the property’s appeal to buyers. It’s also important to know the average prices of homes in the area, as well as what features are popular with buyers in that market. This will give you a better idea of what kind of renovations to make and how much you can realistically expect to get for the house when it goes on the market.

4. Know your goals. 

It is essential that you know your endgame before starting on a fix and flip project. By doing your research on what others have done in your price point, you can make goals that are achievable and realistic. It’s important to remember that you don’t want to over develop or end up with an underdeveloped your property. Underdevelopment can leave you with an undesirable property that no one wants, while overdevelopment can lead to losing money or no profit at all. Knowing your flipping goals will help you stay on track and achieve the results you want. Often, people want to make a quick profit. But there are other things to consider as well. Are you trying to renovate a certain style or make it more accessible for a certain type of person? . It’s important to be realistic about what you can achieve and stay within your budget.

5. First Impressions 

Curb appeal is key when flipping your house. This could make or break a sale. First impressions are huge! When you have your clients or neighbors driving by your house you want it to stand out. Make sure it’s well-landscaped, painted and in general, looks like it’s ready to be lived in. Anything that can get that second glance is a bonus.

6. Amenities 

When flipping a house, it’s important to know your amenities. Things like schools, grocery stores, courthouses, and more can help you sell your home faster. Properties that are close to these amenities can be more appealing to families. These are not necessities to have when finding a location, but it does give you more of a diverse clientele when selling. For example, an area surrounded by bars may target a younger crowd of home buyers while an amusement park may attract a family. Knowing what your target market is will help you cater to them better and increase the chances of selling your home quickly and for top dollar.

7. Know your Audience

I know you have seen shows where they transform a beat up old house into a beautiful new property fit for the Royal Family, but it is important to remember your audience in the area. You don’t want to have too much of your own taste put into the design that can hinder the selling process.8. Don’t be afraid to get help

When dealing with electrical, hvac, and plumbing don’t be ashamed if you don’t know where to start. Attempting to do these jobs by yourself without the proper training and tools can lead to severe damage to your home. The Buildsters Project Development Plan is a great way to avoid any costly mistakes and guarantees a great contractor, or they will replace them at no extra cost.

9. Understanding your areas taxes and fees

Knowing the property tax in your area will help you with budgeting and when you finish selling your property. If the taxes are too high you can drive away potential buyers and be stuck paying the property tax and HOA fees, as well as understanding the costs of water, electricity, cable, internet, waste management, and natural gas, and how these prices fluctuate throughout your city. These are crucial elements that will help your property get flipped.10. Don’t be selfish 

The hardest part of selling your home is coming to terms with the price. Let’s face it there is no avoiding the market, and the market will do what it wants. If your price of the home is too high you will be sitting on the market for a while, and like I said earlier you will be stuck with fees and taxes no one wants to deal with. If you price it competitively however there is a better chance of your home selling fast and easy.

The post What To Look For When Flipping Your First House: A Beginner’s Guide appeared first on Hard Hat Investments.

 San Antonio is definitely a city worth considering. San Antonio, home of the Spurs, is the second largest city in all of Texas. San Antonio has plenty to offer in terms of culture, nightlife, and, of course, recreation. But with so many neighborhoods to choose from, it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. To make things a little bit easier, we’ve put together a list of the top FIVE neighborhoods in San Antonio.

1. Olmos Park

Founded in the early 1920’s, Olmos Park is one of the most beautiful historic neighborhoods located near the center of San Antonio. Olmos Park is known for the stunning luxury homes, oak trees stretching to the heavens, and breathtaking parks. Olmos Park is a popular destination for those who appreciate fine architecture and lush green spaces. The neighborhood is also home to a variety of businesses, including restaurants, shops and art galleries. We recommend visiting Brackenridge Park. This 343-acre public park follows the San Antonio riverwalk, has access to the beautiful Japanese Tea Garden, hiking trails and amenities throughout the park as well. Olmos Park offers over 800 single-family homes, most valued between $450,000 and $950,000. Several, though,are valued at $1,500,000. The neighborhood includes an apartment district of about 250 units.

2. Alamo Heights

Alamo Heights is one of the most popular neighborhoods in San Antonio. Why? This inner-city neighborhood is known for its displays of nature and science. The Witte Museum and The DoSeum are both located in this area and are family-friendly. The Witte Museum features interactive education on dinosaurs, fossils, shells, and much more. The DoSeum is an interactive museum for children that features a water play area and a shocking 550-foot zip line. If you want to take a break from the museums, stop by one of our favorite restaurants in the whole San Antonio area: Southerleigh. This fine-dining-brewery serves traditional Texan dishes and house-brewed beer from their rustic taproom. And if you’re looking for a place to live in this neighborhood, don’t worry – these homes, due to their history of numerous developers, vary in architectural style – a characteristic of the neighborhood that attracts people of all income groups and ages! 

3. The Pearl District

If you’re looking for a trendy and upscale neighborhood in San Antonio, look no further than the Pearl District.  The Pearl is home to some of the city’s best restaurants, bars, and boutiques. You’ll find plenty of art galleries and museums here, as well as beautiful parks and lush gardens. The Pearl District is perfect for those who want to be in the heart of the action.

4. Southtown

Southtown is one of the most vibrant and multicultural neighborhoods in San Antonio. It’s known for its artsy vibe and abundance of restaurants, bars, and galleries. If you’re looking for a lively atmosphere and plenty of things to do, Southtown is the place for you. Homes here range from historic bungalows to modern apartments, so there’s something for everyone. You’ll also be close to downtown San Antonio and all its attractions.

5. Castle Hills

Castle Hills is one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in all of San Antonio. It features gated communities, rolling hills and stunning homes. If you’re looking for luxury and privacy, Castle Hills is the perfect place to call home. You’ll be surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in the city, and you’ll enjoy top-notch amenities and security. Castle Hills is perfect for families, retirees and everyone in between. 

BONUS: WestCreek

Nestled in the northwest side of San Antonio, WestCreek is one of the most-sought after neighborhoods in the city. Here you’ll find beautiful homes in a quiet, suburban setting. The location can’t be beat – it’s close to I-10 and Loop 1604, making it easy to get anywhere in San Antonio.There are also plenty of shopping and dining options close by, too.

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