Laurie Mills, Real Estate Advisor/Realtor, Austin Portfolio Real Estate

Maximalism to the nth degree at this colorful Fort Worth home. Not much I can say other than to take it all in! 😍

Get Ready to Obsess Over Every Pattern in This Colorful Texas Home We have all the designers' wallpaper and fabric sources.

Whether you're right on Lake Austin (like this home), nestled in the hills of Westlake, or situated on one of our many tree-lined streets, beautiful natural surroundings are always enhanced by pretty interiors. 💯

Tour Drunk Elephant Founder Tiffany Masterson’s Art-Filled Lake Austin Escape The skin-care guru turned to designer Elizabeth Young to update an architecturally striking weekend getaway using a specific palette of rich hues

Much of UT's campus looks quite similar to how it did when I went to school there. Come 2028, part of it definitely won't. That's when the new $425 million undergraduate business building, Miriam and James J. Mulva Hall, is set to open. Replacing the Dobie parking garage, it will be the first academic building on University Avenue and a long-overdue modern facility for what's consistently one of the country's top business schools. 🙌

UT to break ground on new McCombs Business building in fall. Here's what it will look like At 17 stories high and 373,000 square feet, the new building will be home for McCombs School students, faculty, alumni and prospective students.

One thing that's pretty much a necessity to encourage more employers to move to Austin: modern-day office buildings. That's exactly what 100 Congress produced with this stunning renovation of its lobby by acclaimed architecture firm Olson Kundig. Gone are the drab, sterile interiors, replaced by a warm, intimate aesthetic that's much more conducive to showing up to the office every day.

Olson Kundig revamps lobby at 100 Congress Street in downtown Austin Olson Kundig revamps lobby at 100 Congress Street in downtown Austin. The lobby from the 1980s had not been renovated since opening.

I'm not surprised my last buyer-represented transaction just a few weeks ago had a strong backup offer. Austin buyers are still out there... and they should be. Of the 221 metro areas across the U.S., only 16 - including Austin - saw lower home prices in the first three months of 2024 compared to the last three months of 2023. Granted, the median home price in the Austin-Round Rock MSA declined by only 0.3%, but it still signals that buyers have better opportunities now than they've had in a long time. lauriemillsaustin.com

As US home prices soar, these 2 Texas metro areas are seeing prices drop As U.S. home prices soar, 2 Texas metro areas are seeing a drop in 2024 property values. Job opportunities, lower cost of living make Texas desirable.

So many Austin restaurants these days are made for Instagram, like the retro Swim Club at the new Downright Austin hotel. That's okay, I don't mind them helping make my grid look pretty! 😉

Take a dip at Downright Austin's retro-fab Swim Club with this summer stay exclusive The retro-fabulous Swim Club made a splash recently with its debut at the newly opened Downright Austin hotel, and now there's an even more enticing way to come experience it for yourself.

Make of it what you will, but fascinating to read these stats highlighting the evolution of South Congress Avenue from a one-time seedy strip to a hip shopping mecca with world-class retailers. Renting on SoCo, as it's now nicknamed, used to cost about $48 per square foot in the early 2000s. Now, it's closer to $200, meaning a 1,000-square-foot shop needs to make at least $1 million annually to justify a storefront on the street. That's a high hurdle for a lot of companies, but then again, South Congress has become one of the premier retail destinations in the country!

Austin loves and hates what's happening on South Congress - Austin Business Journal This iconic strip has changed a lot, going from quirky mom-and-pop shops to places that sell $1,400 sneakers.

The first 3-star Michelin restaurant in Austin is... too early to say. While we all know our local food scene has really picked up over the last several years, leave it to the Michelin Guide - the famous international ranking system - to give us the official answer on the best restaurants in town. Their first Texas guide, covering Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, and Fort Worth, will be announced later this year. 🙌

The Michelin Guide Is Coming to Texas for the First Time The coveted dining guide is finally happening in the Lone Star state for 2024

Just over 1,000 square feet in Tarrytown, and not a single square inch goes to waste. An updated bathroom and kitchen and refinished walls, ceilings, and hardwood floors. The owners made extensive updates to the property, but the one feature they didn't touch? The location - it's absolutely perfect!
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2810 Windsor Rd • 78703 ︱ 2 bed + 1 bath ︱ 1,035 SF ︱ Listed at $925,000︱ Reach out for details and to schedule a private showing: [email protected] | 512.636.8930
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SOLD just two weeks after hitting the market! As the saying goes, they're not making any more land. And they're certainly not making any more prime lots in Deep Eddy with downtown skyline views and easy access to just about everywhere in the city, all at an exceptional price. So excited for my client to be building in such a fabulous neighborhood... and to now have even more time to speak with architects after such a quick close!

707 Meriden Ln • 78703 - Buyer Representation︱Whether buying or selling in Austin, reach out and let’s discuss working together! [email protected] / 512.636.8930

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So sad to see post offices closing around the country. But also so fun to see several being converted into restaurants, stores, and museums. In Texas alone, we now have Tiny Grocer in Austin's Hyde Park, City Post Chophouse in Georgetown, Post Houston in Houston, and McAdoo’s Seafood Restaurant in New Braunfels, just to name a few. All great examples of adaptive reuse and beautiful spots to relax and browse your email. 😉

These Old Texas Post Offices Sat Empty. Now They're Thriving Cafes, Stores, and Museums. These six restored historic post office buildings found across Texas are serving their towns and cities in new and exciting ways.

UT Austin isn't just one of the best public universities. It's also one of the best values, recently ranking No. 2 in the state according to a SmartAsset study that looked at metrics like tuition, living expenses, and median starting salary. Considering in-state tuition is only about $12,000/year (compared to the $50,000+ it can cost these days at a private university), it's difficult to overemphasize what a great deal it is.

Study ranks UT Austin one of Texas’ ‘best value’ colleges Hook ’em: UT Longhorns have plenty to celebrate after a new study named the University of Texas at Austin the second “best value” college in Texas.

Thrilled to share that this Nokonah condo is now SOLD! Summer's the time when you either want to get away for a while and not worry about keeping up your home, or take advantage of the city being quiet so that you can try new restaurants and walk the Hike-and-Bike Trail in relative solitude. From this unit, you could easily do both! Congrats to my repeat clients on a successful closing.

901 West 9th St, Unit 412 • 78703 - Seller Representation︱lauriemillsaustin.com

I don't have the first clue how the Shady Grove site has been left in shambles for over four years now. You'd have thought with its prime location on Barton Springs Road that something would've taken its place. Well, the wait might soon be over now that prominent local architecture firm Rhode Partners has unveiled plans for an eight-floor multifamily development with space on the ground level for retail or a restaurant. It's still very early stages, but let's hope it moves forward because anything would be better than weeds and overgrown plants!

Redevelopment Concept Now in Review for Shady Grove Site on Barton Springs After the widely-mourned closure of longtime Barton Springs Road restaurant and live music venue Shady Grove in 2020 not long after the start of the coronavirus pandemic, the possibilities of the s…

What a difference a decade makes in Austin real estate. Between 2014 and 2023, the median home price here jumped 87%. 10 years ago, the median sale price was $287,000. In 2023, it was $538,000. That's a pretty astonishing rise. Granted, the pandemic played a big role, but prices were rising well before that. It's impossible to predict what the next decade has in store, but for those of us who've owned in Austin for a long time, I think it's fair to say you shouldn't bet against prices continuing to rise long-term.

Austin home prices jumped 87 percent in 10 years, report reveals A new real estate report confirms something that Austinites pretty much already knew: The city of Austin saw a significant increase in housing prices among U.S. cities within the last decade, with median home prices skyrocketing up to 87 percent.

We all want to stay cool in our homes this summer, but none of us want to spend a fortune in the process. Tips from Austin Energy to reduce electricity use and bills in the summer include:

- Setting your thermostat at 78 degrees or higher
- Using fans while you're in the room
- Closing shades/curtains on windows hit by direct sunlight
- Avoiding using large appliances during the hottest time of the day
- Turning off lights and unplugging devices when not in use
- Spending ample time at the many natural watering holes nearby, including Barton Springs 🌞

Little changes can have a big impact on keeping costs down!

If you'd told me a few years ago we'd be sitting at 4.9 months of housing inventory, I'm not sure that I would have believed you. We haven't experienced these levels in 13 years, and many agents will likely tell you we're in unchartered territory in the Austin market.

So what does it all mean? That we're approaching a balanced market characterized by steady prices and ample options for buyers, including plenty of affordable homes perfect for first-time homebuyers.

Is it a buyer's or seller's market? Neither — but it's moving toward buyers finally - Austin Business Journal The market is finally catching its breath to reach normal levels, experts say.

35 floors done, only another 39 to go! Waterline, the 74-story “supertall” tower project going up in the Rainey Street District, is now about halfway through its construction schedule. Once completed in late 2026, it'll be the tallest building in all of Texas, but what's even more exciting is all the retail, dining, and entertainment options it'll bring to this part of downtown. 🙌

Austin’s Record-Setting Waterline ‘Supertall’ Is Halfway Done Downtown Waterline, the 74-story “supertall” tower project poised to break the state’s height record upon its expected completion in late 2026, is approximately halfway through its constru…

4+ years and many disappointed parents and children later, the Zilker Park mini train is finally back in action. It's a brand-new train with a new(ish) name: the Zilker Eagle, which was actually the name of the very first train in the park back in 1961. The city's changed a lot since then, but very glad to see an Old Austin pastime keep chugging along.

Zilker Eagle mini train opens to the public ​KVUE has been following the train's journey back to Zilker Park for years.

What does less than $1 million buy you in Tarrytown? Not typically something as special as this! 🙌
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2810 Windsor Rd • 78703 ︱ 2 bed + 1 bath ︱ 1,035 SF ︱ Listed at $925,000︱ Reach out for details and to schedule a private showing: [email protected] | 512.636.8930
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Mountains, sand dunes, caverns... and all accessible from Austin? It's sometimes easy to forget there are four national parks within a (long) day's drive from here: Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains in Texas and Carlsbad Caverns and White Sands in New Mexico. If you're going to drive 7+ hours to any one of these parks, you might as well spend a few extra days and knock out all four of them!

8 Road Trips Through Iconic U.S. National Parks Why the United States is the best country for road trips.

Life as a Nokonah resident: you walk to all the hottest restaurants in town; hit the Hike-and-Bike Trail on a regular basis; work out in your well-equipped gym; and leave for vacation without a care in the world. Exactly what the soon-to-be new owners of this wonderful unit will get to experience!

UNDER CONTRACT: 901 West 9th St, Unit 412 • 78703 - Seller Representation︱lauriemillsaustin.com

I've made a move of my own... to Compass! The last 7+ years at Austin Portfolio Real Estate have been incredible working alongside many talented colleagues and building out my practice; however, this opportunity - including the technology and tools that Compass provides - is one I'm fired up about. Excited about the transition and putting these resources to work for my clients!

JUST LISTED in Tarrytown! A Central Austin charmer at its finest, this property is small but mighty with a larger-than-expected living room, separate dining room, and two spacious bedrooms with crown molding and abundant natural light throughout the home. The owners have updated the bathroom and kitchen and refinished the walls and ceilings, and the backyard is quite private and offers room for entertaining, gardening, or play. Welcome home!
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2810 Windsor Rd • 78703 ︱ 2 bed + 1 bath ︱ 1,035 SF ︱ Listed at $930,000︱ Reach out for details and to schedule a private showing: [email protected] | 512.636.8930
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You don't need a lake house to feel like you live in one. Lake house decor is trending right now and is actually quite easy to implement. All it takes is natural materials and textures, earthy color schemes, simple design, and some vintage and antique pieces here and there. It's a nice feeling to be in control of creating your most relaxing environment, especially when it involves not having to go anywhere.

Lake house decor is trending, and it's the perfect design style for summer – here's how to get the look Create a tranquil lakeside retreat no matter your location with these clever styling tips from interior designers

Activity in downtown Austin isn't quite where it was prior to the pandemic, but it's getting there. Foot traffic has returned to ~90-95% of its 2019 levels; more than 50 new businesses opened in 2023; and there are eight retail development projects under construction and 23 new ones proposed. That's a considerable amount of momentum and strong support for the fact that people and businesses will continue to move here and invest here.

50+ businesses open in downtown Austin in 2023, report says According to the Downtown Austin Alliance, there are more than 685 storefront businesses in the city’s downtown.

Why bother with maintaining your own gym or pool when it can all be taken care of for you? That's part of what's so wonderful about living in a lock-and-leave condo like this one. Want to take a dip in the pool without thinking about cleaning out the leaves? Heading out of town for most of the summer? You have plenty of freedom living here, including the freedom to not have to worry about anything!

901 West 9th St, Unit 412 • 78703︱2 bed + 2 bath︱1,210 SF︱Offered at $825,000︱More details here: lauriemillsaustin.com/901-w-9th-412

You have enough on your plate when selling or leasing your home, so the last thing you want your agent to do is pile on! That's why I purposely try hard to actually take things off your to-do list. Sure, I'll ping you throughout the process, but it's usually just with good news. 🙂

Check out some cool new art and get a workout in at the same time! If you happen to be walking on the Hike-and Bike Trail east of I-35, keep an eye out for “Conversation Stones,” an installation consisting of 32 natural river rocks that is meant to serve as a space to relax and chat with fellow trail-goers. It's nice to see the city and the Trail Conservancy encouraging unique ways for Austinites to connect.

New art sparks conversation on downtown Austin’s hike-and-bike trail A new art installation on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and Bike Trail is inviting Austinites to engage in more conversations with their community. Titled “Conversation Stones,” the piece was created by local artist and native Austinite Diego Miroě-Rivera and is part of Tempo, a collaborative tem...

Many of the metros that were once among the hottest housing markets in the country are experiencing price cuts. Notably, Austin isn't one of them. We've historically had a pretty resilient local market, and this current period is no exception. Inventory and closed sales in the Austin metro are both up, as is the median sales price. In a way, that's a win-win for both buyers and sellers given buyers have plenty of homes to choose from at multiple price points, while sellers can go into the process knowing that prices are holding steady.

Reach out anytime to chat more about the latest trends: [email protected] / 512.636.8930
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Austin home prices rise, but so do choices for buyers - Austin Business Journal Central Texas' housing market is bucking a national trend as prices slip in other hot housing markets.