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AUSTIN — Last year was a record breaking one for home sales in Austin and this year a national real estate brokerage firm is recognizing the city for its wealth of “green” housing options.
The real estate brokerage firm Redfin published a survey in advance of Earth Day on April 22, listing the nation’s top 10 neighborhoods for green housing.
Austin made the list twice.
According to the Redfin.com survey the Mueller development in Central East Austin ranked second for the greatest number of homes for sale with green features. The Galindo neighborhood in south central Austin ranked seventh.
Jankea Rector moved to Mueller in January of last year, looking to plant some roots after years of moving around with her military family.
“It’s really really pretty and I love it here,” said Rector. “When you look at this neighborhood it’s pretty obvious they’re doing revolutionary things here.”
Driving by on her house hunt, she says the curb appeal captured her. But she says the low utility bills and emphasis on community and efficiency will convince her to stay.
Development began in 2007 when the City of Austin partnered with developers to build a community focused on sustainability, according to Catellus Development spokesperson Brian Dolezal. He says eventually the community will have about 5,700 residences including a mix of apartments and single family homes. All of them will meet criteria for an Austin Energy Star rating of 3 or higher.
Redfin realtor Andrew Vallejo says things like solar panels, compost areas, and energy efficient windows and water systems have become ‘must haves’ for clients in Austin, and Mueller is no exception.
He says the neighborhood is already a highly competitive housing market, with only one resale currently listed.
“When a house goes on the market inventory is so low that people are actually waiting in line to see the house,” said Vallejo.
And he expects the Redfin listing will heighten that trend.
“It’s very common for clients to look for green features,” said Vallejo. “I mean it’s great, because my energy bills are less.”
Rector says now that she’s found her home– she’s keeping it
She says building green paid off for her, and national recognition shows it’s paying off for Austin.
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