I was reading the Austin Business Journal Wednesday, and came across an article I wanted to share with you. It’s an update on the Waterstone condos to be built within the Waterford on Lake Travis community…Ground Breaks on Lakefront CondosConstruction has begun on Waterstone, a $27 million previously announced condo project on Lake Travis.The 71-unit development is within the master-planned Waterford on Lake Travis community off Lohman's Ford Road in Lago Vista. Dallas-based Winston Capital Corp. is leading development of the project with equity partner Realty Capital Partners.Designed by the architectural firm of PageSoutherlandPage LLP, Waterstone will feature two- and three-bedroom condominium homes ranging in size from 1,400 to 1,800 square feet. The units are priced from $400,000 to $600,000."We are fortunate to be situated on one of the prime locations on Lake Travis," says Richard Barge, president of Winston Capital. He says the project will allow homeowners to experience lakeside living at a fraction of the cost of single-family homes in the area.Austin Business Journal, 09-26-07
The Hooper Family
Mick with wife Tracy Angelocci and daughter Chance.The Lake Travis View recently interviewed Yours Truly for their ‘Lake Travis People’ section, with Charles McClure… Read on for a little insight into Mick Hooper, your Lake Travis Specialist!Hooper Strives to Give Clients a ‘Day in the Life’ Experience!Name: Mick HooperFamily: My wife, Dr. Tracy Angelocci and our daughter, Chance - a 2-1/2 yr old who we adopted from China about 3 months ago. My mom lives in Cedar Park and I have 3 siblings scattered across the country.Occupation: Real estate broker, owner of Crosswind Realty (specializing in Lake Travis real estate)Previous jobs: I’ve been a construction superintendent (building apartment complexes), owned my own home remodeling company, and was a flight attendant and new-hire instructor for American AirlinesEducation: Life experience! Business courses at the community college level, 900+ hours in real estate courses to achieve broker statusIf you could give advice to those who are just starting their careers, what would you say? Follow something you’re passionate about, work for yourself, and go into your venture adequately funded. Get a business coach!What are the best/worst parts of your job? The best part is spending the day with clients on the boat. I have a 40 ft Formula PC named “The Office” that I use to sell waterfront real estate. I give my clients a ‘day in the life’ experience – not just looking at property, but visiting lakefront restaurants, trolling through Devil’s Cove to people-watch, and firing up the blender for a pitcher of margaritas. The worst part of real estate is the mountains of paperwork – but, really, I have it good because I have licensed employees who manage that for me, and my wife is an expert at putting systems and processes in place to automate the business and free up my time to sell.What is the best advice you’ve ever received? “Just do SOMETHING, even if it’s wrong” – in other words, show initiative and don’t be fearful of failureWho – fictional or real – most closely resembles your work ethic, values, etc.? Herb Kelleher, founder of Southwest Airlines; Or at least his public persona – offer great service, have fun doing it, and create raving fans in both your clients and employees. (Should I mention that when I met him in person, though, he had a blonde under each arm, a cigarette in one hand and a beer in the other?)Whom would you choose to play you in a movie? Seriously? Well, fame is one of my goals, so I’d like to play myself! Please send scripts to....Favorite television shows? I’ll veg to anything that’s on after the baby falls asleep! A lot of comedy in syndication.Favorite books? Anything by Clive CusslerFavorite movies? I have a 2 year old – I don’t get to see movies! But I would watch anything playing at Alamo Drafthouse – after a bucket of beer, does it matter what it is?Favorite bands? Whoever is playing at Carlos ‘N Charlie’s when I’m down on the dock. The CD most played on the boat is Jimmy Buffet.Favorite place to relax? Lake Travis, of course! Second favorite is the wine country in northern California. Third favorite is the beaches of the Mayan Riviera. I could go on....If you didn’t have the job you have now, what would you be doing instead? Schlepping sombreros on the beaches of Cabo... I haven’t been able to find the down side to that job. Walk a little, talk to some people, take a siesta, make a sale, and go for a swim...Lake Travis View – August 30, 2007
If you’re looking for a great place to settle down, or even just for investment purposes, Lake Travis and the Austin area Real Estate Market is a great choice for many reasons. This recent article from the Austin Business Journal gives you yet another reason – the strong Austin economy! Austin Economy Performs Better Than MostAustin leaders discussed job creation and business growth Friday morning at The Austin Chamber of Commerce's Education Roundtable: 2007 Regional Labor Market Forecast.Brian Kelsey, assistant director of the Capital Area Council of Governments, presented an economic update and outlook on behalf of CAPCOG.Regional job growth in the Austin-Round Rock area was above 2.5 percent during the past seven years, outpacing both state and national job growth rates during that same time period, says Kelsey.The Austin area saw 1,275 new manufacturing jobs created last year. The computer programming sector added 64 new firms and 1,261 new jobs last year. Similarly, the computer systems design sector added 48 new firms and 440 new jobs in 2006. And wired telecommunications firms added 45 new businesses and 939 new employees, according to the CAPCOG presentation.In Austin, wages are keeping pace with other comparable metropolitan markets and the area continues to attract new residents, according to Kelsey.The chamber also presented an update of its five-year strategy plan {2004-2008} to create new jobs, attract corporate relocations, and diversify the city's economic base.By 2008, the chamber hopes to generate 72,000 new jobs and reach its goal of attracting 100 new businesses to the area. So far in the past year there have been 33,100 jobs created in 2006 and 36 corporate relocations have been announced.Austin Business Journal - September 7, 2007
