Former All-Star pitcher Scott Kazmir wants to offload his lakeside home in Conroe, TX, for $2,425,000.

With four bedrooms and nearly 4,800 square feet, this residence is well equipped for a water-loving family.

Indeed, water sports take center stage at this house just north of Houston. The spacious spread sits right on a canal, with access to Lake Conroe. Plus, it has two boat lifts and jet ski lifts. And if the lake doesn’t appeal, there’s a heated pool and a hot tub. The property also has an outdoor living area with a covered kitchen, fireplace, and plenty of seating.

The interiors abound with traditional decor. On the first floor, there’s a cozy living room with a fireplace and two main bedrooms. The second-floor primary suite has a bathroom with a steam shower, large walk-in closet, home office, exercise space, and its own living area. There’s also a balcony here, with views of the lake and incredible sunsets.

Kazmir was drafted by the New York Mets in 2002 but never played in New York. He was part of an infamous trade that sent him to the Tampa Bay Rays, where he made his debut in 2004. But after four solid seasons with the Rays—and a couple of All-Star nods—the lefty’s career declined because of arm issues.

He bounced around the big leagues for a few more seasons and made a unexpected comeback in 2021 with the San Francisco Giants. Kazmir finished his career with 108 wins and an impressive 1,618 strikeouts.

The post All-Star Pitcher Scott Kazmir Lists His Waterfront Texas Home for $2.4M appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Two shipping containers and a creative owner amounted to this minimalist living space in Marfa, TX.

“It’s a really fantastic property, and the views are spectacular—some of the best in town,” says listing agent Mary Farley, with Marfa Vista Real Estate. “The person who designed it has great taste.”

The home is 933 square feet and is listed for $525,000.

The bottom container comprises the kitchen, living space, bedroom, and bathroom. The the home’s design instantly captured Farley’s attention the first time she saw it.

“I thought it was beautiful,” she remembers. “I loved everything about it. I like the way you go in from this kind of rough exterior with the container and then go into this very serene, beautiful place with great views, a very nice layout, and a beautifully designed space.”

Another bedroom and bathroom are situated in the second container.

“There’s an exterior stairway to the upstairs unit, instead of taking up interior space in the downstairs unit,” Farley explains.

The metal construction of the repurposed shipping containers is part of the design.

“They used the container for the interior doors, backsplash, and for the shade structure,” Farley explains. “There’s a bit of the Marfa aesthetic to it.”

It’s a nod to minimalism and a striking example of form following function.

“You see things that are pretty pared down,” she says. “It’s a very clever use of those design elements, and you kind of see the abstract beauty in the skin of the container, which is used as well.”

But the shipping containers aren’t the only element of the home that was upcycled. The large, floor-to-ceiling windows on the lower level came from a skyscraper in Denver, CO, Farley says.

Large decks are attached to each container, providing great views of the mountains. And the locale is just half a mile to the center of town.

The home is set on three lots and was completed in 2015. It served as the seller’s primary residence for a while. Recently, though, it has been a vacation rental.

Farley thinks the unique dwelling would be equally ideal as a full-time residence or as a getaway spot the owner could could just “lock up and leave” as needed.

“It’s not a high-maintenance property, and everything is relatively new,” she says. “I think [the buyer is] someone that just wants to come and enjoy all the aspects of the desert. You can open up the doors, and the breeze flows through. It’s a perfect getaway from a larger city in Texas.”

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The notoriously expensive city of Marfa, TX, has a brand-new home for sale. Or should we say, two brand-new homes: 1316 W Sacramento Street comprises a pair of designer studio houses. The architect-built abodes were completed in 2020 and are being sold together for $465,000.

“It’s unique in that it may be utilized as two separate residential units—one residence, two short-term rentals, or even one long- and one short-term rental—per the city zoning,” says listing agent Lauren Meader Fowlkes.

The homes each have a bedroom, bathroom, living and dining space, and a full kitchen. Both units also come with outdoor patios and breeze-block walls for extra privacy.

This simple, low-maintenance setup would work equally well for full- or part-time residents.

Newly built abodes

“Everything is up to date,” Fowlkes says of the homes. “There is an efficient, mini split HVAC unit on each side and custom kitchen and bathroom cabinetry.”

The average Marfa house is between 60 and 80 years old, so this property represents a unique opportunity to own new real estate in the exclusive artist community.

For the uninitiated, Marfa is quite the trendy destination for celebrity visitors like Natalie Portman, Matthew McConaughey, and Jake Gyllenhaal. Plus, many full-time artists call the city home. As of 2021, the small West Texas city had a population of only 1,750.

The far-flung locale was founded in 1880 as a railroad water stop. These days, The Water Stop is the name of a popular local restaurant and bar.

“This house is in West Heights on Marfa’s west end, close to The Water Stop, Alta Marfa Winery, and the UP line walking trail at the western edge of town,” Fowlkes says.

In addition to the designer aesthetic of the homes themselves, the property also has a drought-tolerant xeriscape and low-maintenance exterior finishes, including corrugated steel and a standing-seam, metal roof.

Fowlkes adds, “It is literally one of a kind in Marfa.”

The post We Love a BOGO! Snag 2 Homes in Marfa for Less Than $500K appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

If you live in the Houston area, keep your eyes peeled for a handsome guy wearing sunglasses and a purple jacket while tentatively touching the tomatoes in the produce section of your local Whole Foods.

Not that Drake would be picking out his own groceries on the regular, but in an inviting city like Houston, he just might feel comfortable doing it.

During a recent concert at Houston’s Toyota Center, the popular rapper indicated an H-Town property purchase could be imminent. Drake told his fans he plans to spend a lot more time in Texas and has, in fact, already lined up a place to live there.

“I want to tell you something,” he said to the adoring crowd. “I’m excited I get to share this with you. I had to make it official first. I’ve been looking for a long time, trying to figure out the right place for me to live—where I belong outside of Toronto. And I finally, finally, after all these years, found me a place in Houston, Texas!”

It’s still unclear whether that means he’s simply spotted a place he might buy or rent—or that he’s already purchased a some grand abode. Maybe he’d like to establish a home base in Texas, or perhaps he was just playing to the emotions of the hyped-up Houston crowd.

Whatever the case, it’s an ideal time to scope out Drake’s real estate past, present, and possible future.

Drake’s real estate history and holdings

Toronto

It’s unlikely that Drake will ever sell his glitzy mansion in Toronto. Completed three years ago, the 50,000-square-foot residence has been featured in Architectural Digest. The property is best described as part club, part resort, and all rapper’s delight.

Nicknamed “The Embassy,” it’s constructed of precious materials, including bronze, marble, limestone, exotic woods, and a generous helping of gold.

High-end amenities include an NBA regulation-size indoor basketball court, a massive great room with 44-foot-high ceilings, a chandelier composed of 20,000 pieces of hand-cut Swarovski crystal, a recording studio, an awards room, a hall of sports jerseys, and an indoor pool.

Hidden Hills, CA

Until about a year ago, Drake was a property holder in the exclusive enclave of Hidden Hills, CA. He assembled a trio of homes and dubbed the compound the YOLO Estate.

YOLO consisted of a 12,500-square-foot English Tudor mansion on a 3-acre lot that Drake purchased in 2012 for $12 million. A massive swimming pool with a spa grotto, a 25-seat theater, game room, massage room, and wine cellar are among the dwelling’s many luxuries.

Later on, he bought two adjoining properties with large homes.

He put all three properties on the market in March 2022 for $22.2 million, with the caveat that they could be sold all together or separately. The Tudor mansion went for $12 million, and the other two properties were sold to Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford for $11 million, netting Drake a total of $23 million for the entire spread.

Beverly Hills

Before the ink was dry on the Hidden Hills sale, Drake invested a whopping $75 million in a sumptuous, Tuscan-inspired estate in Beverly Hills. The 24,260-square-foot place was owned by music star Robbie Williams.

It sits on a 20-acre lot near the Beverly Hills Hotel and is one of the largest residential properties in the area. It features 10 bedrooms and 22 bathrooms, spread across a number of structures.

Either the property didn’t suit Drake, or he decided to go for one of the priciest flips in history. After a little more than a year, Drake put that estate back on the market for $88 million.

That was back in May. It’s still available today with nary a price drop in sight. Is it all further evidence that he’s soured on California dreamin’ and is ready to hitch his star to the Lone Star State? Time will tell.

Drake-worthy candidates in Houston

Because Drake has so much capital tied up in Beverly Hills, it’s easy to understand why he might be drawn to the less-expensive price per square foot of Houston’s luxury housing market.  The Texas metro currently has nine homes on the market priced above $10 million.

Browsing the high end of the market, we found three opulent estates that could be just what Champagne Papi needs. Perhaps he’s already purchased one of them! There’s no news yet, but we’ll keep you posted.

3217 Del Monte Dr, Houston, TX

Price: $13,500,000

Magnificently modern Tudor: Drake’s Hidden Hills Tudor proves he has a penchant for this style, and he could well be attracted to the cleaner lines and airy spaces in this brand-new, 12,219-square-foot mansion completed in March.

Situated in the secure and private Country Club Estates, the home features six bedrooms and twice as many baths. Luxury details include a grand two-story entry, library, a steel-and-glass wine room, bar with a tasting room, catering kitchen, and spacious family kitchen. For days off, there’s a game room with a golf simulator.

The lush, half-acre grounds include a heated pool and spa, a loggia with a summer kitchen, and perfectly manicured English gardens.

1000 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX

Price: $13,995,000

Museum quality: With 10 bedrooms and 15 bathrooms spread across 22,880 square feet, this classic contemporary has plenty of room for entertaining. The home is in the prestigious River Oaks community and sits on a 3-acre, gated property with bayou frontage.

The room sizes are generous, and the home’s many resort-style amenities include a fitness center, lavish kitchen with double high-end appliances, and a pool and spa with a chic waterfall and spacious cabana. Plus, there’s a separate, two-story staff residence.

The home was built in 1986, so Drake might want to update its interiors a bit. But he’d likely want to keep certain standout features, including the golden staircase and front door, as well as the massive crystal chandelier in the entryway.

10105 Longwood Ct, Houston, TX

Price: $15,500,000

Most likely to succeed: How could Drake possibly resist this 5-acre, bayou-banked stunner? It was built with inspiration from I.M. Pei, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. The exterior and interior are equally impressive, and the home is absolutely move-in ready.

Built with rich, natural materials such as granite, slate, and rift-sawn oak, the residence has eight bedrooms and 14 bathrooms. There’s a main house and, across the ravine, there’s an additional home that Drake could outfit as a world-class studio space.

The main house is distinguished by its sky-high, modern, coffered ceilings and several indoor, reflecting ponds. Rooms are illuminated by floor-to-ceiling windows; wood-framed, folding, glass doors; and architectural skylights. Luxe spaces, including the kitchen, indoor pool pavilion, and the primary suite with its two-story sleeping gazebo, are works of art.

The post Is Drake Really Moving to Houston? Check Out These Drizzy-Worthy Pads Deep in the Heart of Texas appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

They say everything’s bigger in Texas, and David Bromstad, the host of “My Lottery Dream Home,” might have just proved this old saying right.

In the Season 14 episode “Living Large in Lubbock,” Bromstad meets Kathryn and her daughter Nicole. Kathryn recently received an inheritance from her father, which she’s put toward purchasing her dream home in Lubbock, TX, so she can be closer to her two adult children.

She has a $350,000 budget and is hoping for a good amount of space to entertain. So she’s delighted when Bromstad shows her that Texas has plenty of homes with ample square footage that won’t break the bank. In other places, these massive homes could cost well over a million.

In the end, Bromstad’s buyer is left with one big problem: deciding which house is best for her. See if you can guess which property she picks, and why, which might help guide some of your own home-related decisions in your future.

Keep your office out of the bedroom

The first house Bromstad shows Kathryn and her daughter is a $319,000 home with four bedrooms and three bathrooms on a quarter-acre lot. It’s a lot of space for one person—so much space, in fact, that in addition to all of those sleeping quarters, there’s an office nook outside the main bedroom.

“I love this little setup right before the main bedroom,” he says, noting that a lot of people are forced to have their office space inside their bedroom, which is not ideal.

“I just don’t love that because it’s like you wake up to stress,” Bromstad explains.

This office outside of the bedrooms, on the other hand, allows homeowners to separate work from relaxation.

A large yard may need a lot of work

Kathryn has a small dog, so she says she is hoping to get a house that has a good-sized yard. Lucky for her, this home has a huge yard for her dog to run around.

The only problem with a big yard is that it can be expensive to fill it up. This space is a blank slate, but Bromstad says he would “just add a ton of trees” and suggests switching out the patio covering with a built-in pergola.

The lesson here: Though extra yard space can be a luxury, it may require extra work and investment.

No home should have wasted space or features

The second house Bromstad shows Kathryn has five bedrooms and three bathrooms for $349,950. The house has a large living room, a formal dining space, and a sizable main bedroom. Still, the main bathroom isn’t quite to Kathryn’s liking. This buyer typically sticks to showers, and this bathroom has a huge bathtub.

“Well, then you don’t have to have it,” Bromstad says. “Take it out, and put in some storage.”

It’s a smart suggestion that shows how, even when square footage is ample, homeowners should try to make every inch as usable as possible.

A big fireplace suits a large living room

The third house Bromstad shows Kathryn has three bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. The home is a little over Kathryn’s budget, listed at $368,000, but Kathryn and Nicole are blown away by the large living room and the “huge” fireplace.

The fireplace looks classic, with light tile and a chunky mantel, and while it’s much bigger than the typical fire feature, it’s a perfect fit for this spacious room.

Plus, Bromstad points out, the built-ins on either side are “great for collectibles.”

This large room deserves a proportional focal point. A small fireplace would seem strange in this expansive room, but this big one is properly sized.

An open kitchen means plenty of seating

Kathryn is also impressed by the connected kitchen, which she says has “plenty of cabinets for my stuff.”

The room also has ample seating with stools at the island and a full dining table right next to it.

While this home doesn’t have a dedicated dining room, the clever kitchen design allows for ample space for entertaining. It shows how sometimes it’s not how much space a home has, but how it’s used.

Which house is the winner?

While house No. 3 is pricier than the others, Kathryn decides to splurge on it.

“Even though it was … well, a lot over my budget,” she says of the third home, “I just decided to go for it, and I knew that this was going to be my forever house.”

The post David Bromstad of ‘My Lottery Dream Home’ Shows Where Huge Houses Can Be Bought on the Cheap appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Jennifer Todryk, the host of “No Demo Reno,” has broken her biggest home renovation rule: Rather than stick to cosmetic changes, she’s knocked down a wall.

In the Season 3 episode “Bachelor Pad,” Todryk meets Randy Simpson and his son Brad. Randy’s wife, Dawn, recently passed away, so Randy is now bravely moving forward with the home renovation they started together.

In the meantime, Randy, Brad, and Brad’s brother, Blake, are planning to live together in this Texas home. Renovating this house is a big and emotionally heavy task. But Todryk is excited to create a design that Dawn would have approved of while also making it masculine enough for Randy and his boys.

“I am designing for three dudes,” Todryk says.

With a budget of $130,000, Todryk renovates the kitchen, living room, and a bathroom. Find out what she does, and why she decides to depart from her typical low-impact philosophy and break out the sledgehammer.

Every kitchen needs prep space

Todryk decides early on to remove the kitchen peninsula, as well as a partial wall behind some cabinetry.

“This is a request from Dawn,” Todryk says after looking through Dawn’s old renovation notes. “And so I feel like I [have to] break the rules.”

She also removes a window that she says isn’t worth keeping.

“I don’t miss it,” she says when the window is covered with new cabinetry.

While Todryk usually doesn’t rely on demolishing walls, she’s proud of the result. The kitchen now has more storage and counter space where the window used to be, and it seems more spacious with an island rather than the old peninsula.

This little demolition goes a long way.

It’s OK to choose counters by their color

With so much room for extra cabinets and countertops, Todryk wants to make sure the kitchen finishes make a good impression. She chooses a masculine blue-gray for the cabinet color and selects a countertop to go with it.

“I chose this quartzite strictly on its color,” she says of the counter. “I love the color palette. I love the veining. I love that it has warm, moody colors, and it’s not a stark white. And it complements the warm gray cabinetry so well.”

Pendant light placement is key

To finish this kitchen, Todryk selects dark, masculine pendant lights to go over the island. The lights are perfect for this space, but Todryk and her contractor, Victor Manta, can’t decide where to place them.

The kitchen isn’t symmetrical, so when Manta wants to center the lights over the island, Todryk says that they will look uneven relative to the vent hood.

Todryk decides to center them over the vent hood, creating a balanced focal point for anyone looking at the kitchen. It’s definitely the right placement, and the lights look great.

“Sometimes the right symmetry isn’t actually the right symmetry,” Todryk says.

When in doubt, arch it up

Todryk also redesigns the living room, and while she has big plans for each room, she realizes the transition between rooms also needs some work.

“The blocky separation that is here right now is just so builder-grade, it’s boring,” she says of the squared-off entry between rooms. “I think an arch would soften this place up. It’s going to be this beautiful separation between now a very open kitchen and dining room into a living room.”

She rounds off the entry, creating visual interest in this often forgotten area.

There’s a fine line between ‘rustic’ and ‘ranch’

Todryk seems excited when Randy and Brad say she can rip out the dated square tile floors. To replace them, she goes in search of luxury vinyl plank flooring to complement her rustic-industrial design.

She finds one flooring that she says is “timeless” and “leans more into the rustic realm.”

She also points out that the material has some variation, but not too much, comparing it with another sample with a more dramatic color range.

“It’s not like this guy over here, with all this crazy variation, screaming, ‘I’m from a barn,’” she says. “I just don’t want that gimmicky feel. This is more elevated.”

Apparently, there’s a fine line between “rustic” and “home on the range.”

The post ‘No Demo Reno’ Star Jennifer Todryk Has Just Broken Her Own No. 1 Rule appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Kevin Millar parlayed his 12-year big-league career into a sweet second act as a popular personality on the MLB Network. His daily talk show, “Intentional Talk,” has been a staple on the network since 2011.

Now, the former slugger and full-time broadcaster is in search of a new place to set up his microphone. His luxurious Austin, TX, home is now on the market for $7.9 million.

The seven-bedroom, 9,311-square-foot mansion in the Steiner Ranch neighborhood is a “private paradise,” the listing notes.

The home sits on 3.5 acres and features views of Lake Austin. The design is old-world elegance, with neoclassical columns and archways throughout the home.

There’s a formal living room with a double set of windows, and the chef’s kitchen is equipped with custom cabinets, high-end appliances, and a walk-in pantry.

The primary suite comes with a fireplace, sitting area, two walk-in closets, and a spa bath. There are four more bedrooms in the main house and two more in the separate guest retreat. This extra spot has a kitchenette, living room, and 2.5 baths.

Out back, there’s a pool, hot tub, putting green, fire pit, and outdoor kitchen. The property includes more than 200 feet of lake frontage along with a boat dock, deck, and covered lounge space.

Millar, 52, played for a dozen seasons after making his big-league debut with the then-Florida Marlins in 1998. But it was his midcareer stint with the Boston Red Sox that elevated his profile. He was a key member of the World Series–winning team in 2004, ending the franchise’s 86-year championship drought.

The post Former MLB Star Kevin Millar Selling Waterfront Mansion in Austin for $7.9M appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Former NBA talent Jason Kapono is aiming for a huge off-court score. The two-time Three-Point Contest champ has hoisted his deluxe Austin, TX, mansion onto the market for $13,495,000.

Measuring in at 6,200 square feet, the five-bedroom home underwent a total renovation this year and comes with lovely views of Lake Austin. Situated in the coveted Westlake neighborhood on the city’s north side, the home is right across the highway from the Austin Country Club.

Local architect Sam Burch was tasked with reinventing the residence and dialing up its wow factor. The result is a fabulous facelift that includes glass walls to showcase the surrounding water views. Interior designer Rachel Mast put the finishing touches on the decor.

Pretty vistas dominate the views from the windows off the main living room and kitchen, which sports an endless island. A nearby family room opens to a porch in the rear that overlooks two pools, a pool deck, and the lake below.

The primary bedroom suite sits on the first floor and has its own balcony. The main bath is huge and includes double vanities, a dual-head shower, and a sculptural soaking tub.

The home also has a full-sized bar with seating, plus a game room and a grilling station outside. A two-car garage and large, fully fenced yard round out the posh property.

Kapono, 42, starred in college at UCLA and was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round in 2003. He went on to play in more than 500 games over nine seasons with a variety of NBA teams. His true career highlight came during the All-Star weekends of 2007 and 2008, when he won consecutive three-point shooting contests.

The post Former NBA Sharpshooter Jason Kapono Aims To Sell $13.5M Austin Mansion appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Jennifer Todryk, the host of “No Demo Reno,” has a tip that many proud homeowners might not want to hear: A DIY renovation isn’t as easy as it’s often made out to be on TV.

In the Season 3 episode “DIY Don’t,” Todryk meets Erica and her dad, Bruce, who have been trying to fix up her Texas home for six long years. The project has been time-consuming and caused conflicts, so they figured it was time to seek professional help.

“People think DIY looks fun, it’s going to save them a ton of money, and I’m going to be able to brag and say, ‘I did it myself’ huge flex,” Todryk says. “And then when you’re in it, you realize this sucks and you can’t finish it. That was Erica for the past six years.”

With a budget of $130,000, Todryk finishes Erica and Bruce’s projects and creates a beautiful sanctuary. Read on to find out how she pulls it off, plus plenty of lessons that might enhance your own abode, whether you dare to do it yourself or go with a pro.

Antiques add a whole lot of character

Erica loves antique knickknacks and a warm, cozy atmosphere. Todryk takes care to bring this feeling into the kitchen.

The designer adds a new island, which is lined with what looks like a bunch of small drawers, like an apothecary table. But the drawers are actually much bigger than they appear, allowing storage for plates, place mats, and anything else Erica might need for entertaining.

“I knew from the beginning I wanted this to look like a piece of furniture,” Todryk explains.

Indeed, the island looks like an heirloom and makes a unique, homey addition to the kitchen.

Remove messy electrical cords

To bring in extra light and charm, Todryk adds an old lamp to the kitchen decor. However, she doesn’t want the messy-looking cord to ruin the clean look of the space, so she cuts off the cord and adds a small, battery-powered puck light inside the lampshade.

“And now, what was about to be trash is now a beautiful little kitchen lamp for you, and you don’t have to mess with any of the cords hanging out in the background,” Todryk explains. “It’s just something that’s subtle and cozy, kind of brings the living room into the kitchen.”

A foosball table doesn’t belong in the living room

When Todryk first tours Erica’s home, she’s surprised to find that her client has a foosball table right in the middle of her living room.

Erica loves entertaining, so this table is fun for her guests, and especially her guests’ kids. However, Todryk points out that there’s hardly anywhere to sit in the home. This is a serious design DIY fail. The table has got to go!

The HGTV star removes the foosball table and adds plenty of seats, plants, and more. Now, Erica has a lovely sitting space to entertain her friends. Bonus: The new furnishings make the place seem bigger.

“What’s crazy is you only had one piece of furniture in here, and sometimes, Erica, if you do that, it makes the space look smaller than when you put a lot of stuff in,” Todryk explains. “As long as it’s arranged appropriately … it can actually make a room feel really big.”

Sheer curtains add privacy while letting in light

To finish this room, Todryk adds sheer curtains around the glass doors. These curtains are perfect because they add some texture to the room without blocking the natural light or the view into the yard.

“I love that this is thin and it lets light in,” Todryk says of the material.

In fact, Todryk likes it so much that she decides to use these curtains on the kitchen window. Now, there’s lots of natural light coming in, and the curtains unify these separate spaces.

Disguise a flat-screen TV as artwork

Erica’s bedroom is plain and boring, with old furniture and a TV on the wall. Todryk also notices that the TV is in a strange spot, perched to the left of the bed where Erica has to crane her neck to see it. However, Erica says she doesn’t mind the placement and actually wants to keep the TV where it is. Todryk agrees to do what Erica wants, even if it seems a little strange.

“She is never leaving. She’s staying here,” Todryk says about Erica. “She doesn’t give a flying flip about resale value or anyone else living in this home, and there’s a lot of freedom that comes with that.”

The post Jennifer Todryk of ‘No Demo Reno’ Shares a Dirty Secret About DIY Home Projects appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Thanks to a potent mix of heavy free-agent spending, high-profile trades, and a few key youngsters from their team’s farm system, the unlikely Texas Rangers captured the 2023 American League pennant.

In real estate parlance, the Rangers went over budget and reaped the reward. It’s akin to a homebuyer stretching to purchase a home that might be just a bit beyond their stated price range.

As recently as 2019, the team’s payroll had dropped to a relatively modest $118 million. But after three consecutive years of acquiring highly paid veterans, the Arlington-based squad now carries a robust $251 million payroll.

And as with a buyer who took an adjustable-rate mortgage to finance a home beyond their means, the Rangers might run into financial difficulties five years down the road. But for now, the glory of a World Series run makes their spending spree well worth it.

More importantly, those well-compensated players can use the cash from those multimillion-dollar contracts to buy homes of their very own. We took a look at the Rangers roster of real estate and found an impressive lineup of lovely abodes. Let’s take a look.

Star second baseman Marcus Semien

The Rangers’ spending spree began in earnest in the 2021 offseason. And it started with All-Star second baseman Marcus Semien, who inked a seven-year, $175 million contract in November 2021.

While 2022 was a disappointing season for the well-paid infielder, he bounced back into All-Star form in 2023 and has helped anchor the defense.

Off the field, Semien closed on a lot in an exclusive gated neighborhood in Westlake, TX, in May 2022. We weren’t able to determine how much he paid for his 1.2-acre parcel in Quail Hollow, but it is one of only 96 home sites in the high-end development. On the property, he had local builders Lorant & Elliott construct a 7,848-square-foot custom mansion.

A San Francisco Bay Area native, Semien starred in college at Cal-Berkeley before making his big-league debut in 2013 with the Chicago White Sox. A 2014 trade sent him back home to the Oakland A’s, where he starred for six seasons.

In the midst of his stint with Oakland, Semien bought a four-bedroom home on Bay Farm Island in Alameda, CA. Purchased in 2017 for $1,332,500, the residence sits right across the water from the Oakland Coliseum and just a couple of blocks from the San Francisco Bay.

Slugging shortstop Corey Seager

Just days after agreeing to terms with Semien, the Rangers shocked the baseball world when they locked up yet another middle infielder with a massive contract. Corey Seager signed a 10-year, $325 million agreement to be the team’s shortstop.

While he figures to be in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex for eight more seasons, we weren’t able to determine exactly where Seager lives in Texas. We do know that the slugging shortstop took some of those earnings and scored an offseason home in Brentwood, TN.

In July 2021, Seager closed on a brand-new $4.95 million mansion just south of Music City. Outfitted with four bedrooms, an open floor plan, and a two-story study, the home sits in the luxurious Cartwright Close community.

Rotation stalwart Jon Gray

The team’s spending spree in December 2021 wasn’t limited to the infield. It also splurged on free-agent pitcher Jon Gray, giving the dependable right-hander a four-year, $56 million deal.

As with Seager, we weren’t able to determine where Gray stays during the season. But he is in the midst of selling his offseason home, a sign that he might be upgrading his winter digs.

In April 2020, the then-Colorado Rockies ace spent $640,000 on a four-bedroom home in Scottsdale, AZ—about 9 miles north of the Rockies spring training facility. In 2022 and again this year, Gray put the home up for rent at $5,500 a month.

With no tenants lined up for the fall, Gray tossed the fully furnished home onto the market in late September for $1,049,900. The place is pending sale. We expect the pitcher might be eyeing a purchase across town, near the desert suburb of Surprise, where the Rangers’ spring training facility is located.

MVP outfielder Adolis Garcia

In addition to the thump that Seager and Semien provide, outfielder Adolis Garcia has offered up three straight seasons of affordable pop in the middle of the Rangers lineup. His prodigious power was on display in the ALCS, where he won MVP honors for helping vanquish the hated Houston Astros with five home runs and 15 RBI.

And because the Cuban star didn’t become a big-league regular until 2021, at the age of 28, his salary isn’t exactly commensurate with his performance. He’s made $746,760 in 2023, which means the bonus each player earns for a World Series title would be a welcome payday for Garcia.

With the expectation that he’s going to stick around for a while, Garcia plunked down $3 million in August on a brand-new mansion in the suburb of Keller, TX.

When it was on the market this summer, the seven-bedroom home was described as a “modern contemporary masterpiece.” It’s also ideal for extended family or guests, thanks to a separate in-law wing that includes a kitchen and living room.

To help finance the purchase, Garcia sold his Sunshine State starter home this summer.

In 2017, he inked a deal with the St. Louis Cardinals and received a $2.5 million signing bonus. That same year, he bought a modest, six-bedroom home in Ruskin, FL, for $344,990. Located just south of Tampa on the state’s Gulf side, the 3,858-square-foot home also has an in-law suite—a feature that seems important to Garcia.

The purchase proved to be astute—Garcia nearly doubled his money when he sold the place for $625,000 in August.

Veteran pitcher Nathan Eovaldi

While the Rangers spent the 2021 offseason focused on adding Semien, Seager, and Gray, the 2022 offseason was all about acquiring pitching help. In December 2022, the Rangers signed reliable right-hander Nathan Eovaldi to a two-year, $34 million deal. It was a Lone Star State homecoming for the Houston native, who’s pitched for six big-league teams.

He keeps a home just south of H-Town, in the suburb of Friendswood, TX. Purchased in 2014 for an undisclosed amount, the five-bedroom, 4,000-square-foot house has a game room and media room.

Injured ace Jacob deGrom

However, the Rangers’ biggest 2022 offseason splurge was for two-time Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom.

Texas enticed the New York Mets ace to head south with a five-year, $185 million deal. It was a risky move, given deGrom’s recent history of arm issues. He made it only into six games this season, before being shut down with a torn elbow ligament. He underwent surgery and hopes to return to the rotation in late 2024.

Shortly after signing with the Rangers, deGrom secured a place to stay. In January, he spent $6,650,000 on a five-bedroom, Mediterranean-style mansion in Westlake, TX. Part of the exclusive Vaquero Club community, the 7,795-square-foot home features an outdoor living room, a large pool, and an oversized primary suite.

The Florida native might also look to upgrade his offseason digs this winter.

In 2016, he purchased a modest three-bedroom home on 2.5 acres in DeLand, FL, for $430,000. Just north of Orlando, the residence was marketed as “elegant perfection” when it was listed seven years ago. It features two primary suites, an inviting front porch, and a huge outbuilding designed to hold an RV or water toys.

New face Max Scherzer

When deGrom was sidelined with his arm injury in May, the Rangers pivoted to acquire yet another ace in the middle of the season. Enter three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer. Brought on board to the Rangers staff in July, the 39-year-old future Hall of Famer made eight appearances down the stretch.

Following his trade to Texas, we floated a few ideas for Scherzer to look at when home shopping. He promptly ignored our advice and purchased a five-bedroom home less than a mile from deGrom’s new digs in the Vaquero Club. The deal closed in late August, and the purchase price remains undisclosed. The home was on the market for $6.35 million, though.

We’ve covered Scherzer’s other real estate moves, including the sale of his gorgeous Virginia mansion and the purchase of a fabulous offseason home in the Sunshine State in 2020.

But it turns out the well-traveled pitcher wasn’t content with his first Florida home purchase. He bought the five-bedroom home next door in March for $14,875,000. That means he is now the proud owner of an out-of-this-world compound in Jupiter, FL.

Fastball-throwing Aroldis Chapman

Scherzer wasn’t the only arm added to the Rangers this summer. The team also made a June trade to supplement its bullpen with the fireballing lefty Aroldis Chapman. The former closer has bounced around in recent years, but he’s a useful weapon to keep opposing hitters from getting too comfortable.

Chapman himself enjoys perfect comfort away from the field in the offseason at his mansion near Miami. He bought the five-bedroom spread in Davie, FL, for $1,845,000 in September 2011, during his second season in the bigs with the Cincinnati Reds.

In 2016, he supplemented his Florida holdings with the purchase of a three-bedroom condo in Aventura for $499,000. The modern unit in a boutique building comes with pool and gym access.

Chapman might be ready to add to his portfolio again with the proceeds of a sale in May in New York City. He sold his four-bedroom Upper West Side apartment for $7,120,000. The pitcher basically broke even on the deal, having paid $7,150,000 for it in 2018, while starring for the New York Yankees.

Free agent-to-be Jordan Montgomery

Chapman wasn’t the only former Yankee to join the Rangers midseason. Left-handed starter Jordan Montgomery helped steady the rotation after arriving in July. The 30-year-old is set to hit free agency after the World Series, so it’ll be interesting to see if the Rangers try to retain his services.

For now, the South Carolina native keeps an offseason home (or income-generating rental) in downtown Charleston, SC. Built in 1852, the three-bedroom place was picked up by the pitcher in 2020 for $585,000. He’s had it on the rental market for the past couple of years for $4,995 a month.

General manager Chris Young

The architect of this AL-winning Rangers roster is a man who’s familiar with the big leagues. Former pitcher Chris Young finished his playing days in 2017 and slid into the general manager role in Texas in 2020.

A native of Dallas, Young might have had an inkling he’d be taking on a role with the Rangers when he bought a four-bedroom home in the city’s University Park neighborhood in 2019. The purchase price for the 7,000-square-foot home was undisclosed, but it was on the market for $2.35 million.

Young also keeps a place near the team’s spring training HQ in Arizona. In August 2022, the GM plunked down just over a million bucks for a brand-new home in a new development in Surprise, AZ.

And from his playing days, the towering 6-foot-10 hurler has held on to a five-bedroom home in La Jolla, CA, that he purchased in 2007 for $5,315,500. Bought when Young was in the rotation for the San Diego Padres, the home has been up for rent over the years for $20,000 a month.

Looking for a fourth ring: Bruce Bochy

For all his moves to acquire players, Young’s smartest move might have been to bring his former manager out of retirement to lead the Rangers.

Three-time World Series winner Bruce Bochy has made all the right moves in the postseason for a Texas squad that entered the playoffs with a bit of a whimper.

And the skipper won’t be headed back to the West Coast once the Series is over. Bochy traded in his longtime family home in Poway, CA, in favor of the bright lights of Nashville.

In September 2022, the future Hall of Famer sold his four-bedroom home in the San Diego suburbs for $2,755,000. The custom-built residence featured an “entertainer’s backyard” with a large pool, putting green, and covered barbecue area. Bochy made out quite nicely in the deal, considering he bought the property in 1997 for $590,000.

Prior to the sale, the manager bought a five-bedroom, modern Tudor in the town of College Grove, TN, for $3,498,000. The home has a chef’s kitchen, wine cellar, and views of the nearby golf course. Around the same time, Bochy also scored a nearby parcel of land measuring less than an acre for $684,000.

Randy White (stonecrestmediava@gmail.com) contributed to this report.

The post MLB Cribs: Have a Look at the Homes of the American League Champion Texas Rangers appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

A rural respite, less than two hours from the Dallas–Fort Worth metro area, awaits in Ranger, TX.

Three tiny homes sit on a 10-acre plot, part of a much larger ranch community known as Big Bear by Legends Texas—a more-than-3,000-acre, gated area.

All three dwellings and the land are available for $650,000.

“The sellers wanted a legacy ranch and partnered with Nomad Tiny Homes, which was featured on HGTV,” explains listing agent Collin Roberts, with Compass RE Texas, LLC. “These are really high-end and luxury tiny homes. You can come out and have friends and family on a weekend getaway.”

Two of the homes are 238 square feet. The third is 170 square feet. These custom dwellings were placed on the property in 2022, with all of the finishings touches completed this past summer.

The diminutive domiciles come fully furnished. The larger units each have two queen loft beds, a stacked washer and dryer, an oven, a double-burner cooktop, and a fridge. Meanwhile, the smaller home has one queen loft bed, a washer and dryer, cooktop, fridge, and a microwave with ovenlike functionality, Roberts says.

Each unit has a bathroom, and the square footage does not include the lofts.

“You climb up the stairs, and it’s just a queen bed where you go and lie down,” Roberts says, adding you can’t stand up in those areas. “You’re going to spend most of your time gathering, not in bed, so when you crawl up there, those are tighter spots.”

Large windows throughout help create an open feeling.

“I think [the homes] feel bigger than they are,” Roberts notes. “They’re very tall, because they’re double-lofted, and they kept them open.”

However, there’s plenty of room to spread out on the enormous acreage.

And while the homes are close enough together for group activities, they’re also decently distanced.

“There’s a lot of brush and trees and things like that to make it private,” Roberts says. “Each window faces out, looking at different corners of the mountain. If you’re staying there, you have your own privacy; but you could walk 60 to 75 feet and then all gather together around a fire pit, and enjoy the time together.”

A multigenerational family is selling the property after their plans changed.

The owners originally wanted a weekend retreat they could offer as a short-term rental on Airbnb when they weren’t using the place. They had hoped it could be “an income-producing, family ranch,” Roberts says, adding that some of the family members instead moved out of state.

“It’s unfortunate that a really good idea didn’t play out like they wanted it to,” he says.

So who will swoop in and grab these tiny homes and nice-sized acreage?

The perfect buyer is “someone working long hours and just needs time away—the overworked individual who needs an escape and is going to drive an hour and a half, put the devices down, and just have face-to-face conversations with the family without being distracted by technology, and just enjoy the creation,” Roberts says

He notes that a new state park is coming soon, and the homes’ have easy highway access—perks that would appeal to a buyer who like’s the property’s rental potential.

“Ten minutes of off Highway 20, and you’re pulling into a turnkey, luxury, tiny home ranch,” Roberts says. “I think it could be a petty lucrative investment opportunity, as well.”

The post Not-So Big in Texas: 3 Tiny (but Chic!) Homes on 10 Acres Are Listed for $650K appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Austin, TX, is a popular destination for those seeking a vibrant culture, delicious food, and warm weather. Austin also tops the list of markets in the U.S. that favor renting, with the median rent for a studio to two bedrooms at $1,670 as of August 2023 rental data.

But where in Austin, exactly, are the best places to rent? With so many options to choose from, renting in Austin requires careful consideration of proximity to work, school districts, and safety.

That’s why we looked into a combination of Claritas Pop-Facts Demographics 2023 and Realtor.com rental data to identify the top 10 renter-friendly ZIP codes across the Austin metro area. (We’re defining renter-friendliness by which ZIP codes have a higher share of renters compared with homeowners.) We’ll also show which neighborhoods to check out within each ZIP code, with information on median rent, demographics, and more.

1. 78741

• Median rent: $2,200
• Median age of renters: 37.6
• Median household income: $61,534
• Share of renters: 83.54%
• Share of homeowners: 16.46%

First on the list is ZIP code 78741. Most of the population are between 15 to 24 years old. However, there’s also a relatively large population of renters between 65 and 74, which indicates this can be a great location for a variety of ages.

There are a handful of restaurants and coffee shops to check out, but you might find yourself commuting to nearby neighborhoods to get a wider variety of options. While these amenities are limited, rentals here are close to trails, parks, and the Colorado River—making it easy to explore nature or take your furry pet on a long walk.

There aren’t as many rental listings in 78741, but most of the ones that are available also allow pets. It’s important to note that some areas might be more prone to flooding, so check flood maps when searching for an apartment.

2. 78751

• Median rent: $1,950
• Median age of renters: 34.5
• Median household income: $70,801
• Share of renters: 75.55%
• Share of homeowners: 24.45%

ZIP code 78751 offers relatively affordable rentals, with various restaurants, coffee shops, and highways nearby. Specifically, Hyde Park—a neighborhood within this ZIP code—is packed with historic attractions and vintage charm that help it stand out.

If you’re attending the University of Texas at Austin but want to live off campus, this could be an ideal area. A large population of students and young professionals call this ZIP code home because of its affordability and availability of restaurants.

Based on the latest inventory, most available listings allow cats, dogs, or a combination of both.

3. 78758

• Median rent: $1,947
• Median age of renters: 39.5
• Median household income: $66,205
• Share of renters: 74.47%
• Share of homeowners: 25.53%

This ZIP code, which includes North Austin, Quail Creek, and North Park Estates, offers both affordable and higher-end rentals. This area is close to the Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park, a local favorite that offers opportunities to play sports or hike, and features pet-friendly areas.

If you’re a foodie, you’ll be happy to hear that well-reviewed restaurants are nearby, including Bodhi Viet Vegan, BackDraft Pizzeria, and Beirut.

4. 78705

• Median rent: $1,525
• Median age of renters: 23.1
• Median household income: $23,392
• Share of renters: 89.41%
• Share of homeowners: 10.59%

Neighborhoods within ZIP code 78705 are often considered the best places to live. Why? For one, there are a plethora of restaurants, coffee shops, and grocery stores nearby—all of which you can explore more using the Realtor.com RealView map feature, which will bring up Yelp reviews of local businesses.

Compared with the other listed ZIP codes, the average age of renters here is the youngest, at 23.1, most likely due to the proximity to the University of Texas at Austin.

This is a great location to check out if you’re a young renter moving into your first apartment for college or seeking an affordable apartment.

Most available listings on Realtor.com allow cats and/or dogs. And you can easily access bike lanes if you want to avoid traffic or don’t plan on using your car much.

5. 78701

• Median rent: $3,150
• Median age of renters: 38.3
• Median household income: $140,060
• Share of renters: 64.60%
• Share of homeowners: 35.50%

The 78701 ZIP code includes the neighborhoods of downtown Austin, the Financial District, and Raine Street Historic District. The Texas State Capitol is located within this ZIP code, so the area has a calmer vibe than other listed ZIP codes. However, this could be a great spot for renters who want to be close to their job in downtown Austin.

Rentals here generally have a higher price tag, with the median rent at $3,150. The good news is that these rentals are mere minutes from a variety of office buildings and top-rated restaurants. So while you might spend more on rent, you’ll spend less time in traffic.

6. 78753

• Median rent: $2,025
• Median age of renters: 41.5
• Median household income: $63,665
• Share of renters: 63.69%
• Share of homeowners: 36.31%

If you’re looking for family-friendly neighborhoods, ZIP code 78753 is the one to check out. Among all of the listed ZIP codes, this area had the highest population of households with kids.

There are also many schools to choose from—varying from elementary to high school to private. If you use our RealView feature during your home search, you can see what homes each school serves and their GreatSchools Rating based on what other parents have to say. You can also use this tool to determine which neighborhoods make sense based on price, nearby schools, and noise levels.

7. 78729

• Median rent: $2,150
• Median age of renters: 40.4
• Median household income: $110, 371
• Share of renters: 59.84%
• Share of homeowners: 40.16%

If you’re looking for a slower-paced environment, it might be worth checking out ZIP code 78729. While it lacks some of the amenities of other ZIPs, the neighborhoods here are close to major highways, making commuting to other locations easier. There are also various parks to visit with your furry friends, and schools for families.

8. 78726

• Median rent: $2,750
• Median age of renters: 40.4
• Median household income: $84.945
• Share of renters: 58.46%
• Share of homeowners: 41.54%

Like the ZIP code above, 78726 offers a quieter renting experience. This area might not be ideal for families looking to be close to more than one school, considering there are limited options. However, for renters who prefer to be away from the city and enjoy the slower pace of a suburb, this area could be just what you’re looking for.

9. 78756

• Median rent: $2,322
• Median age of renters: 42.3
• Median household income: $96,279
• Share of renters: 56.48%
• Share of homeowners: 43.52%

Next to popular neighborhoods like North Loop and Hyde Park, ZIP code 78756 offers tons to do with various rental listing options. The population is generally younger, which could make this a good location for renters who prefer a more mature version of their college town.

Despite the share of renters being slightly higher than homeowners, there are still various options to choose from that are close to schools, popular amenities, and more. Traffic is also relatively light in this area, meaning it’s easy to get around with a car.

10. 78759

• Median rent: $2,495
• Median age of renters: 40.6
• Median household income: $95,880
• Share of renters: 54.31%
• Share of homeowners: 45.69%

ZIP code 78759 could be ideal for older renters who are looking to retire or rent in a senior community. Noise levels might be higher if the rental is located near highways, but the area overall ranks low in noise levels. There are tons of amenities to check out close to Gateway and Hardrock Canyon, but there aren’t many options close to Great Hills.

The area is close to popular neighborhoods like North Austin, so it’s relatively easy to commute to more options.

Find your next home with Realtor.com

The city of Austin offers neighborhoods with varying characteristics, making it easy for all renters to find their next home. Now that you’ve learned more about the top renter-friendly ZIP codes, visit Realtor.com to aid in your rental search.

You can access oodles of listings that can be filtered by price, move-in date, beds, baths, pet-friendliness, and more. Get started on your search today.

The post 10 Best Renter-Friendly ZIP Codes in Austin, TX appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Former NBA All-Star Rashard Lewis has listed his mansion in Houston, TX, for the cool sum of $6 million.

The small forward’s impressive six-bedroom, 9,280-square-foot home sits on a 3.5-acre parcel on the city’s west side. The sedate and calming interior spaces received the expert touch of local designer Nicole Franco.

The palatial dwelling features contemporary lines and a glamorous aesthetic. The elegant entry with a lofty ceiling leads to a living room with double-height windows and enough space for a baby grand piano.

The open floor plan includes a family room, media room, and spacious study. Luxe finishes include wood and tile floors, marble and granite surfaces, as well as custom ironwork. The kitchen offers two islands, Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, a walk-in pantry, and a breakfast nook.

The primary suite is grand in every way, with space for a desk and couch, two baths, a laundry room, and even a full bar.

Entertainment options include a game room, a home theater, and a lovely aquarium. Outside, there’s a grotto-style pool with spa and a pool house with a full bath.

Lewis was selected by the Seattle SuperSonics out of high school in the 1998 NBA draft. Over the course of a 16-year career in the league, he suited up for a number of teams, including the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat. His scoring prowess helped him reach the NBA Finals three times, and he won a championship with the Heat in 2013.

Today, Lewis works with the Detroit Pistons as a player development coach.

The post Former NBA All-Star Rashard Lewis Lists Huge Houston Mansion for $6M appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Once more to market! 2022 World Series winner Yuli Gurriel, who just finished a season with the Miami Marlins, cut the price of his Houston home by $100,000 in hopes of attracting a buyer.

And the discount appears to have done the trick. The $1,590,000 place is pending sale.

Gurriel has also been attempting to unload his impressive, four-bedroom, $4.3 million mansion in Miami for more than a year. And he has additional interest in securing an optimal deal on this property: His wife, Lianet Barrera Fabregas, with First Service Realty ERA, is the listing agent.

Is real estate success just around the corner for the Cuban-born slugger? Let’s a look at all the inviting details at his house in Houston.

This low-slung, ranch-style home from the 1950s is set back from the road and features a large front lawn and abundant outdoor living space in the backyard. The interior underwent an extensive renovation in 2021 and now features a large living room divided by a gorgeous, freestanding, two-sided fireplace.

A formal dining room is situated off to one side of the home, and the updated, white kitchen offers loads of counter space, an island with a waterfall edge, and space for a table.

The home also has new, double-paned windows throughout; a game-room with smart built-ins; and spacious bedrooms, including a fourth that’s separated, making it an ideal guest suite. Outside you’ll find a heated pool and an enormous patio, the perfect space for entertaining a big crowd.

Gurriel, 39, made his major league debut with the Houston Astros at the age of 32, though he played pro baseball in Cuba and Japan for several years prior.

He was an Astro from 2016 to 2022. Gurriel signed with the Marlins in March and is now a free agent.

Randy White contributed to this report.

The post Price Cut Puts Former Astros Star Yuli Gurriel on the Verge of Selling His Houston Home appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

On “No Demo Reno,” Jennifer Todryk knows that a home’s needs change along with its inhabitants. And in the latest episode, people are moving in—and out—requiring a ton of renovations to make things right.

In the Season 3 episode “Organic Coastal NOLA,” Todryk meets Jason and Robyn Wilkinsons, parents of two in Dallas who are about to be empty nesters. But they won’t be lonely in their huge home, since Jason’s mother, Tammy, is moving from Florida into the first-floor bedroom, which Jason currently uses as an office.

Todryk is asked to create a Florida-inspired bedroom for Tammy, a New Orleans-inspired office for Jason, and a modern kitchen for the whole family.

“This isn’t a matter of ‘this home is super outdated and ugly.’ It’s not,” Todryk says. “It’s just we have a lot of rooms now that are changing purpose, and so they need a lot of work done to make it function appropriately.”

Todryk has nine weeks and $125,000 to complete these three very different spaces. But in the end, she illustrates three beautiful ways homeowners can reimagine their homes after the kids move out, or when in-laws move in. Here’s what Todryk taught us this week.

Ceiling panels add a beach house vibe

Tammy is moving to Texas from Florida, so Todryk wants to make her feel right at home with a Florida-inspired bedroom. She transforms Jason’s office into a beachy retreat by choosing a light green wall color and a jute light fixture for additional beachy vibes. She adds paneling on the ceiling, which makes the space look a little like a beach house.

The designer says that the slatted wood treatment “makes the space feel open, it makes the ceiling feel taller.”

A few simple updates like paint and paneling here completely changed the function and feel of the room.

Go bold with bathroom tile

Todryk also renovates the bathroom next to Tammy’s new room, removing the dated brown slate tile and replacing it with a white and blue floral tile that Todryk calls “fun” and “feminine.”

“If I did this on the floor, then I could do a little more calmer, less movement on the shower walls,” she says.

Indeed, Todryk installs the floral tile on the shower and bathroom floor, then finishes the room design with simpler features such as rectangular shower tile on the walls, a tan beadboard above the toilet, and a navy vanity.

Create a separate space with French doors

Jason is giving up his office, but he still needs space to work. He’s taking over Robyn‘s old workspace, which is currently attached to both the kitchen and the dining room. He hopes to gain some privacy by closing off the doorway to the kitchen and adding French doors to separate this space from the dining room. Todryk approves of this idea.

“Believe it or not, a lot of times when I walk into homes, clients are like, ‘We don’t like these French doors,'” she says. “And I’m like, ‘Why?’ It kills me. They’re so cool, they’re so beautiful, and they’re not in everyone’s home.”

Jason also loves New Orleans style, explaining that he and Robyn used to live there. So Todryk installs French doors with NOLA charm, including a transom window up top.

This French door gives the room not only privacy but also a whole new style.

A home office needs a camera-ready backdrop

In addition to privacy, Jason tells Todryk that this office needs to be camera-ready, as he plans to take lots of video calls in the space. The HGTV star also knows that Jason will need some storage, so she designs an attractive built-in bookshelf for behind her client’s desk.

She takes inspiration from the New Orleans-style French doors and gives this bookshelf an ornate, moody feel with arches and beadboard. The dark color adds style to the room while the ample storage helps turn this bonus space into a true office.

Small details can tie rooms together

While giving Tammy a room and upgrading the office space for Jason are important changes, Robyn is perhaps most excited about updating the kitchen.

“We’re getting to that empty-nester stage, and we want to have more friends over and just make this an entertaining space,” she says.

Todryk makes a lot of changes in this kitchen, like swapping out the cabinets and counters, moving the pantry, and even adding a bar. But she explains that sometimes the small details, like the railing detail above the oven vent hood, are the most important.

“This house really has three different styles going on,” she explains. “We’ve got New Orleans style, we’ve got the organic modern, and we’ve got coastal Florida. And so how do I make all these very different aesthetics kind of go together? And I think it’s in the little things.

“It’s like these little rails that are going in the kitchen tie into the look that’s going in Jason’s office,” she continues. “They’re not identical, but they favor each other.”

When Robyn sees the finished kitchen, she’s impressed.

“It’s simple, it’s updated, it’s modern, but it still has that cozy feel,” she says. And while she has a lot of big changes to admire, she complements the rail above the hood vent specifically. It’s a beautiful addition to the room that helps the whole home flow together.

The post Jennifer Todryk IDs One Simple Feature She Thinks Is ‘So Beautiful’—and You May Already Have It appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

A modern shipping-container home sits on a large piece of Lone Star land ripe with possibilities.

“It’s a recreational piece of property in the sense that you can hunt, you can ride an ATV, it’s endless,” says Brandi Freeman, who is representing the listing with Kathie Franklin and agent Jordan Hall.

Roughly two hours north of Dallas, the 153-acre spread in Wolfe City, TX—and the new container home on it—are available for $1,579,997.

Freeman notes it’s the sort of property that somebody with a “vision and a dream for their family” could use to make lots of memories. The land is being sold as one parcel but could be subdivided if a buyer desires, she says.

That process of memory making can begin immediately, because the one-bedroom, one-bath container home is fully furnished and ready for move in.

“Everything you see in the pictures would stay with the home,” Freeman says. “The only thing that’s not furnished is kitchen gadgets like pots and pans.”

Backcountry Containers, which has been featured on HGTV, built the custom home. It was added to the property to enhance what would otherwise be just a parcel of land.

“We were brainstorming how we could stand out from our competitors and make the property more appealing to the buyer,” Freeman says. “We thought putting a container home on the property would help bring the vision and make a dream a reality. It’s basically saying, ‘All you have to do is show up with your truck and your hunting equipment, and you’re good to go.’”

There is currently no power or water on the property, but both are available.

“It does have a generator, a composting toilet, and water tank, so it’s fully operable if you go out there,” Freeman explains. “You wouldn’t have to do anything but show up and turn the generator on, and you’re ready to go.”

The large acreage offers enough room for just about anything.

“We’re trying to market it as a hunting property,” Freeman notes. “Whatever your sports-enthusiast family wants, you could do. It’s one of those sportsman’s paradise kinds of things. The sky’s the limit. There’s plenty of room for an ATV to run all over the property, and there are trails cut out for that.”

The pond on the property isn’t currently stocked, but that doesn’t mean it couldn’t become an angler’s paradise.

“It’s a bit low right now and doesn’t have any fish stock in it; but with a little bit of work, it could be a fully functional pond,” Freeman says.

The land’s 70-mile proximity to metro Dallas is another of its inviting perks.

“It’s the perfect [distance] if somebody wanted to commute into work, they could do that—or if they wanted to just go for a quick weekend getaway,” Freeman says. “Even if they wanted to pick up their kids after school and go shoot a few rounds after school for a few hours, it would be ideal.”

The post Bag This 153-Acre Hunting Property and Shipping-Container House in Texas for $1.5M appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela just listed his Houston home for $730,000.

But if the big man sells this five-bedroom residence, he won’t be without a perch in the Lone Star State. He also owns a three-bedroom unit in a luxury high-rise in downtown Houston.

Capela made his NBA debut with the Houston Rockets in 2014 and spent six seasons manning the paint in H-Town. A 2020 trade shipped him east to the Hawks, which means he no longer needs two places in Texas.

Large in scale and stately in appearance, the home is spread over nearly 3,500 square feet and sits in a gated community. The property underwent some key upgrades, including new HVAC, fresh landscaping up front and in the rear, plus a sprinkler system that’ll keep the greenery going in the arid Texas climate.

Open-plan living areas sport high ceilings, large windows, French doors, and built-ins. The kitchen is outfitted with lots of counter space, a roomy island, and an Instagram-worthy farm sink. A breakfast nook, dining room, and home study are also part of the layout.

The main bedroom sports a bird’s-eye view of the backyard and features its own spa bathroom and soaking tub. Outside, you’ll find a large deck, pool, hot tub, and shower on the fully-fenced property.

Capela, 29, was born in Geneva, Switzerland and brought his talents to the U.S., after being drafted by the Rockets in 2014. The NBA center’s more than 330 games with Houston resulted in an average of 12 points and almost 10 rebounds per game. Capela has also appeared in 61 playoff games, starting 39 times.

Randy White contributed to this report.

The post Atlanta Hawks Center Clint Capela Aims To Score a Sale on His $730K Houston Home appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

On “No Demo Reno,” show star Jennifer Todryk has been known to go bold with her designs—but not every homeowner wants a grand, dramatic look.

In the Season 3 episode “Familyness,” Todryk meets Lennie and Lisa Nicholson, a husband and wife with a blended family of six. With their kids getting older, these two are excited to reimagine their Allen, TX, home and make it the perfect house to host all of their friends and family.

The only trouble: These two have very different design styles. Lisa wants bold finishes, while Lennie likes a more natural, rustic look.

“My biggest challenge is going to be how do I make this bold enough for Lisa, but also traditional enough and rustic for Lennie,” Todryk says.

She has $180,000 and eight weeks to fix up this home in a way that makes everyone happy. Here’s how she pulls it off, with plenty of lessons you might be inspired to try around your own abode.

A high-contrast color scheme does not need to be black and white

Before renovations begin, Lisa tells Todryk she’d like to have a high-contrast design in the kitchen. Of course, Lennie isn’t so sure about such a dramatic look.

Todryk ends up compromising, going for bold, dark granite counters but a natural-color backsplash tile.

“Lisa, you wanted that contrast,” Todryk says on reveal day. “But instead of stark white and black, I softened it with a tan.”

She also notes that she brings some warmth into the kitchen by keeping some wood elements around the windows and on the island.

This is a nice balance that appeals to both Lisa and Lennie.

A kitchen island can steal the show

One of the biggest changes to this kitchen is the removal of the peninsula and dining table. Todryk replaces them with a massive island, which she tops with a white quartzite counter with black veining.

This one slab costs a whopping $6,000, but Todryk knows it’s worth the price.

“I kind of wasn’t thinking the island was going to steal the show, but now that I’m looking at this slab, I think it will,” she says after shopping for the countertop. “It’s going to be beautiful.”

When the kitchen is finished, Lennie and Lisa are impressed by the island and are so glad they decided to give up the peninsula and table.

“You could fit more seating with this mega island,” Todryk adds.

Don’t be afraid to mix different design styles

In the kitchen, one of Lisa’s biggest complaints is about the plain white backsplash tile. She wants something with more personality.

To deliver, Todryk chooses a hand-painted Spanish tile that is “going to be its own focal moment.”

While new tile probably seems like a given for many kitchen renovations, this particular look is fairly surprising because the Spanish style differs from the rest of the kitchen design.

“It’s like modern meets rustic meets Spanish style,” Todryk says of the space. “There is a lot of different design elements in this kitchen, but it’s working so well so far.”

Downplay a big fireplace

In the living room, Todryk notes that the fireplace seems a little “heavy” with the surrounding brick and wood.

She decides to remove the wood shelving, though she makes sure to keep a chunky wood mantel for a touch of rustic style for Lennie. She continues to simplify the area by covering some of the brick with drywall.

With a clean slate, Todryk adds character back to the living room by painting the fireplace a dramatic black. This bold color adds a sleeker, more modern look.

On reveal day, Todryk explains how the drywall softens the fireplace’s look.

“It was just so big and overpowering, and I feel like this is now kind of modernizing it just a little,” she says of the fireplace.

“It becomes part of the room, where before this was just like it was the room,” Lennie adds.

Terra-cotta tiles add a spa vibe

When it comes to the main bathroom, Lisa is looking for a luxurious spa ambiance. So Todryk installs a standing tub and shower behind beautiful glass. She also adds tan tile on the walls, which matches the kitchen and ties the two rooms together.

To take this luxe look one step further, Todryk picks terra-cotta tile for the floor.

With the rich color and imperfect look, this tile gives the space a “natural, earthy, outdoor” feel, she says.

The post Jennifer Todryk of ‘No Demo Reno’ IDs One Big Splurge She Says Is Totally Worth It appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Live like a rock star! This extravagant, glass house where the late ZZ Top bassist Joe Michael “Dusty” Hill lived with his wife, Charleen Lee Hill, is on the market, Mansion Global reports.

The College Station, TX, home was recently listed for $4.5 million. In 2021, the home made its market debut for $7 million.

The home has three bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, and more than 5,800 square feet. It’s located along a winding river, on more than 78 acres. Take in striking views from every room—the house is made of glass, after all.

You can’t beat the view

This house is for you, if you’re into modern spaces with an edge. Its open-concept layout has an industrial flair with exposed-wood ceilings and movable divider walls, which allow each room’s size to be customized.

There are also plenty of sitting areas throughout the space. Some are nestled in quiet corners with river views, while others boast concrete walls and futuristic ceiling fans.

Meanwhile, the spacious gourmet kitchen has a sleek center island, two dishwashers, and glossy cabinets. Steps away, the dining area showcases a sculptural chandelier and dark-hued walls. A sunroom and home office are also highlights.

Incredible compound

Continue to the bedrooms, each with floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor access. The primary en suite bathroom is also next level. It has dual vanities, a double-head shower with a bench, and tons of storage.

Outside, there’s a large, in-ground pool with patios and lounge areas.

Additionally, this address comes with a secondary auxiliary structure that holds up to four cars. You could also transform it into a guesthouse, though.

Hill was the bassist for iconic rock band ZZ Top for more than five decades. He died in 2021 at the age of 72.

The post ZZ Top Bassist Dusty Hill’s $4.5M Glass House in College Station, TX, Is Clearly a Stunner appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

After a major interior makeover, an architecturally significant, 5,550-square-foot house in Houston‘s upscale Piney Point Village neighborhood needs a new owner.

With an asking price of $3.1 million, it features five bedrooms, 4.5 baths, and a four-car garage on a nearly 1-acre lot. It was built in 1970.

“It’s really a fun house,” says listing agent Walter Bering, of Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty – Central Houston Brokerage. “I’ve been selling homes for 43 years, and this is the coolest house I’ve listed. There’s not anything else like it in Houston.”

The late architect, Jack Stehling, who designed the standout residence, is known for his residential designs throughout Texas, including in Houston and Fredericksburg. Already, there has been significant buzz around the modernist marvel.

“We had multiple offers, and there was a lot of interest,” Bering says of the listing’s market debut in December. Nonetheless, it’s still an active listing.

Attractive architecture

The home’s astounding walls of glass seem to be a crowd favorite.

“Every room has huge windows that look outside,” Bering says. “That’s what makes midcentury architecture so appealing: It brings the outside in.”

Stehling designed an open layout with lots of natural light, thanks to walls of windows on all three stories of the atrium, attached to the rest of the home via a platform deck and glass-enclosed walkway. Sliding-glass doors lead out to the yard.

Carefully preserved, throwback decor is found throughout—there are terrazzo floors and a conversation pit in the living room that’s surrounded by eye-catching rosewood paneling.

“You can picture people sitting there sipping on martinis,” Bering muses.

During the two-year renovation, the seller—who bought the home in 2017—updated the kitchen with a Bosch cooktop, Gaggenau appliances, and soft-close doors.

The owners created a show-stopping bedroom for themselves. The updated primary suite now has a free-standing, amoeba-shaped tub.

“If you’re going to do that, this is the house to do it in,” Bering says of the unusual fixture. “The tub looks out the back window. You don’t have to worry about the neighbors peeking in.”

The primary suite also comes with a coffee station; plus a herringbone-pattern, marble-tile floor; a floating vanity; a marble steam shower; and an enlarged closet.

Another perk is the view.

“Houston is very flat,” Bering notes. “If someone wants a view, it’s along the Bayou, a golf course, or a high rise. You feel like you’re out in the middle of nature, and also very close to the city.”

The charming vibe, good schools, and wooded lots here often attract buyers to Piney Point Village, which has long been a desirable corner of Houston.

“It’s primarily a residential area,” Bering points out. “The only thing you have are homes and churches and schools, and perimeter areas have shopping.”

The post $3.1M Marvel: Glass-Walled, Midcentury Manse in Houston Reflects Serious Interest appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Everything Chip and Joanna Gaines touch turns to gold, right? Maybe not.

A one-bedroom home the pair renovated on “Fixer Upper” in 2016 has been on the market for a long time.

The skinny home in Waco, TX, was renovated in the Season 3 episode “Tiny House, Big Charm.” The buyers, who got the home for free, paid $5,000 to move it from its original spot and an additional $31,000 for the lot where it currently sits. (The lot is located near the Magnolia Silos and Market.)

Chip and Jo transformed the worn-down 1920s build into a charming home with a colorful main suite, bonus loft room, and backyard with a fire pit. Despite the home’s HGTV pedigree, the current owners have struggled to sell it.

Perhaps the price is daunting. Fresh off its makeover, the home was listed in 2017 for $950,000. It was relisted in October 2023 for the same price. Its current list price of $799,500 comes out to a rather robust $761 per square foot for the 1,050-square-foot home.

Let’s take a look inside this unique “Fixer Upper” house and contemplate what buyers would pay for it.

With fresh blue paint, chunky trim around the windows, and sleek new railings, the house has major curb appeal. It sits on a 6,970-square-foot lot that’s been spruced up with elegant plantings.

Inside, the walls are a creamy white and the original pine floors are restored.

The small kitchen has a white backsplash and black countertops. There’s also plenty of bar seating and open shelving.

Next to the kitchen is a staircase to a loft space. In the “Fixer Upper” episode, Chip explains that a pulley system allows the staircase to retract up to the ceiling. This is a thoughtful feature in a one-bedroom home where space is scarce and precious.

The main bedroom is painted a bold blue, and the en suite bathroom rocks an industrial aesthetic with a cement double sink.

On “Fixer Upper,” Chip notes that this is the first time they installed a concrete vanity with the sinks embedded.

Out back, Chip and Jo added a fire pit and plenty of seating space. Just beyond the fire pit is a grassy area for kids and pets to run around.

Will a “Fixer Upper” fan finally snap up this famous house, now nearing three months on the market? We’ll keep our eyes peeled and report back.

The post Why Won’t This Chip and Joanna House Sell? Peek Inside the Famous Design From Season 3 of ‘Fixer Upper’ appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

If you ever thought owning a stylish barndominium with water views might be beyond your budget, it’s time to think again.

A barn-style home overlooking Lake Weatherford in Weatherford, TX, and affordably priced at just $399,000 is this week’s most popular listing.

The 2019 build features an open floor plan with two bedrooms in 1,188 square feet of space. The country-style interior boasts high ceilings, concrete flooring, and sliding barn doors.

Also grabbing attention were a White House replica on Cape Cod, a remote log cabin in Montana, and a former Masonic temple in Idaho.

For a full look at this week’s 10 most popular homes, just scroll down.

10. 1543 Lakeview Dr, Green Bay, WI 

Price: $299,900
Why it’s here: This adorable three-bedroom ranch house will take you back in time when you walk inside.

The 1,634-square-foot interior of the 1977 build features wood-paneled walls in the living room and a kitchen with a drop ceiling. Recent updates include new carpeting and a new boiler system. The primary bedroom comes with a bathroom.

The property includes a glass-enclosed, 300-square-foot sunroom overlooking the 1-acre lot, an attached two-car garage, and a detached two-car garage.

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9. 14 Hidden Shores Ln, Dennis, MA

Price: $1,175,000
Why it’s here: This White House replica might have you wondering if you are in the nation’s capital.

Located in Mid Cape Cod, the six-bedroom Greek Revival with stately exterior columns was built in 1849. This former sea captain’s home features many period details throughout its 3,766 square feet. They include preserved hardwood floors, exposed-beam ceilings, and four ornate fireplaces.

The updated kitchen has custom cabinets, stainless appliances, and an island with a marble countertop. The sunroom features a beautiful cathedral ceiling.

The 1.6-acre property near Fresh Pond is zoned for residential and commercial use, and most of the furnishings are included.

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8. 40 Shadow Ln, Cascade, MT

Price: $499,000
Why it’s here: Adventure seekers might want to take a peek at this two-bedroom log cabin surrounded by 106 acres of privacy.

The rustic home built in 1979 comes with a generator, and a septic system was recently installed. Water will need to be hauled in, and cellphone service is limited.

Measuring 974 square feet, the home includes a wood-burning stove, walls of windows, and an expansive deck off the living room.

The enormous property encompasses four parcels near the Dearborn and Missouri Rivers. It has been used as a hunting and fishing lodge.

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7. 155 N Lotus Beach Dr, Portland, OR

Price: $769,000
Why it’s here: This three-bedroom home in Hayden Bay Marina offers spectacular views of the Columbia River.

The 2,526-square-foot residence built in 1990 boasts vaulted ceilings, oversized windows, walls of glass, and an enormous deck.

The reverse floor plan features a great room, kitchen, and dining space on the second level, which has the best views of the water. The minimalist kitchen is equipped with custom wood cabinets and a large prep island.

The upstairs primary suite has a gas fireplace and a private terrace. Two spacious bedrooms on the main level have marina views.

Hayden Bay Marina’s gated community features a communal pool, clubhouse, and tennis court.

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6. 195 E Main St Unit 5, Harbor Springs, MI

Price: $799,900
Why it’s here: Here’s the convenient opportunity to live downtown above all the action while enjoying views of nearby Lake Michigan.

This furnished condo sits atop the retail shops along Main Street. From the upstairs deck, you will have a front-row view of parades and other local events.

The open floor plan features 1,506 square feet of modern living. The large kitchen has granite countertops, stainless appliances, and a spectacular curved wall of windows.

The home built in 2007 also features wood ceilings and floors, oversized windows, and wainscoting.

The living room and primary bedroom have access to an elevated back deck. A parking space is included in the sale.

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5. 217 1st Ave N, Oxford Junction, IA

Price: $130,000
Why it’s here: This budget-friendly antique built in 1900 has been entirely updated inside.

The 1,644-square-foot home still features original hardwood floors, high ceilings, and built-in cabinetry. The kitchen comes with plenty of countertop space, and the three bedrooms are located upstairs.

The two-car detached garage has storage space, which could be transformed into a workshop. The property includes a vacant lot in the back.

4. 18 Sno Way, Ellicottville, NY

Price: $575,000
Why it’s here: There is “sno way” Hansel and Gretel wouldn’t love this ski chalet. The three-bedroom residence sits on the slopes and offers ski-in/ski-out access from HoliMont Ski Club.

Built in 1964, the 1,920-square-foot home features a living room with a floor-to-ceiling fireplace and an arched ceiling. The main level houses the dining room, kitchen, and one bedroom. The remaining two bedrooms are located in the loft and the downstairs.

The downstairs also has a ski room. The home is being offered fully furnished.

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3. 260 W Grand Ave, Arco, ID

Price: $268,000
Why it’s here: This former Masonic Temple was built in 1916, and its low list price suggests it will need updates.

The six-bedroom, 5,712-square-foot brick structure currently houses five tenants. It’s now being marketed as a single-family residence.

The enormous 1,500-square-foot top floor would be ideal for entertaining.

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2. 1310 Connecticut Woods Dr, Hudson, OH

Price: $2,100,000
Why it’s here: This enchanting three-bedroom Tudor tucked away on 20 acres looks like something straight out of a fairy tale. But it was built in 1988 and comes with 6,805 square feet of space.

No interior photos are available, but the listing states the custom-built home has wood moldings and “numerous artistic elements” that “await inspiration.”

The primary suite comes with a private balcony, the spacious lower level has walk-out access to a limestone patio, and the vaulted top floor has an entertainment room.

The grand turret includes a lookout and wraparound balcony. There’s also a porte-cochere and a three-car garage.

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1. 464 Burton Hill Dr, Weatherford, TX

Price: $399,000
Why it’s here: This is a stylish steal. Overlooking Lake Weatherford, this 1,188-square-foot barndominium comes with two bedrooms and plenty of acreage to spread out.

The kitchen has dark cabinets and an island made from reclaimed wood. The glass garage door in the living room opens to views of the lake. There are two bedrooms with en suite bathroom.

The property comes with a covered dog kennel, a large carport, and a climate-controlled garage and workshop with two lofts.

The post Chic Texas Barndominium With Lake Views Is the Week’s Most Popular Home appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Haylie Duff is selling her four-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home in Austin, TX. The 4,279-square-foot house, which sits on over an acre of land, is listed for $3,250,000.

According to records, the secluded property was built in 2013 and last sold in 2020 for an undisclosed amount. It had previously been listed for $1,950,000.

This Santa Barbara-style mansion is located in the Spanish Oaks neighborhood.

The home’s layout is open and airy, with the arched front door opening to a massive foyer with a curved staircase and high ceiling.

The eat-in kitchen has a long island, sleek white cabinets, and large picture windows. Bonus features include a butler’s pantry, quartz countertops, and high-end appliances.

The spacious family room has a coffered ceiling, hardwood flooring, and glass doors leading outside. The living room has beautiful crown molding.

Details, details, details

The primary bedroom on the main floor has a curved bay window and a stylish tray ceiling. The en suite bathroom is in a league of its own, with a porcelain soaking tub, glass-walled shower, and marble counters. The remaining three bedrooms are spacious and located upstairs.

Additionally, this home has a covered second-floor balcony, a home office, and multiple study nooks. The laundry room is on the main floor, and the home gym makes working out a breeze.

Outside, there’s a swimming pool, spa, and summer kitchen. This home has a low monthly homeowners association fee of $440, which includes access to a resort-style pool and golf club. The location is about a 30-minute drive from downtown Austin.

Duff, 38, an actress and singer, is the older sister of Hilary Duff. She’s appeared on the hit TV shows “7th Heaven” and “Lizzie McGuire” and in movies such as “Napoleon Dynamite” and “Material Girls.”

The post Haylie Duff Lists Her Stylish and Secluded Austin Estate for $3.3M appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

A seven-bedroom manor in Galveston, TX, recently hit the market for $1,379,999.

The historic, 8,000-square-foot home at 1702 Post Office Street was originally built in 1905 by the architect George B. Stowe for businessman John D. Hodson.

But possibly the most interesting resident believed to have occupied this East End District mansion was a woman known as Madame Rose.

“During the Prohibition era, Madame Rose ran an empire of bordellos on Post Office Street,” says current owner Brian Bertsch. “She didn’t use this mansion as a brothel, but it was her headquarters for entertaining and hosting Galveston’s elite—which included ship captains, actors, and elected officials.”

A fascinating history isn’t all that remains from Madame Rose’s former lair, though.

“As a side business, she ran a speakeasy on the garden level east wing,” Bertsch says, adding that the home has multiple “secret hiding spots and hidden panels” that were used for money and alcohol.

Upgraded abode

Although the mansion has undergone a number of upgrades in recent years—including a roof replacement and all-new electrical and air conditioning systems—much of the .24-acre property has been preserved. This includes a lavish entryway and original features throughout.

“The home has 14-foot-high ceilings—the ones in the lobby are made of irreplaceable and rare tiger mahogany,” Bertsch says. “In the kitchen, there’s a giant pantry that held an early refrigerator, which would have cost more than a car at the time. There are also a few remaining 100-year-old Kohler toilets.”

In addition to the home’s impressive interiors, it was built to withstand the tropical storms that frequently rip through Galveston.

“It was built like a literal fortress, with a mindfulness towards hurricane proofing,” Bertsch says. “It has awe-inspiring, 16-inch thick concrete walls and an 18-inch-thick foundation pad that was raised 10 feet off the ground to mitigate potential flooding.”

Further wonders await in the backyard, which is home to two of the island’s oldest and tallest Princess Palm trees.

“The west yard also has an orchard with lime, lemon, and pomegranate trees,” Bertsch says. “Every day here feels like living in a tropical resort.”

The post This Grand Galveston Manor Has a $1.3M Price Tag and a Past That Might Make You Blush appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Most people open their garage doors to pull their cars out. But residents in one Justin, TX, neighborhood do that to retrieve their airplanes.

So for anyone in the market for a fly-in/fly-out property, have we’ve got a home for you.

The place in the Propwash Airport community, on appropriately named Cessna Road, is ready for takeoff. Priced at $1.7 million, the property combines a high-end home with the convenience of an attached hangar on the runway.

Luxe living quarters

“With most hangar properties, you don’t find a lot that are as luxurious as this one in the living quarters,” explains listing agent Mariana Pearson, with Keller Williams Central. “Not only is a pilot—or someone who loves aviation of any sort—going to have the hangar literally attached to their home, but they will have luxury living that goes with it.”

The three-bedroom, two-bath residence has about 2,600 square feet and more than enough space to whip up favorite recipes.

“You’ve actually got two kitchens,” Pearson notes. “The downstairs kitchen is kind of like the main kitchen, and then upstairs you have a full kitchen, as well. It’s great for entertainment or a guest suite.”

She adds that this area would be a perfect short-term rental for a pilot.

The hangar home was built in 2001, but the current owners remodeled it within the last two years.

“If you were to step inside, you’ll understand just how just how great it is,” Pearson insists. “It just feels very inviting.”

The backyard has a privacy fence, fire pit, and swim spa, which allows you to “turn it on and do laps,” she says.

A place for your planes

The hangar is about 3,000 square feet and is attached to the living space.

“It’s essentially like a big garage,” Pearson explains. You walk out the door, and there’s your hangar. I was told you can probably fit three planes, depending on the size of the aircraft.”

The 1-acre property sits just off the runway of the private airport, which is available to the public. The HOA maintains the runway for a monthly $73 fee, but there are no public facilities.

For the “people landing there, it may be like a pit stop, or they’re there to see friends or some sort of gathering,” Pearson says. “We’ve actually had [listing] agents who get in a plane, and they land right outside of the hangar, and they show the home that way.”

Pearson says many, but not all, residents in the neighborhood own planes.

“I think that the perfect buyer is going to be not necessarily someone who has a plane but someone who loves aviation enough to have that desire to want to live on a landing strip or an airport,” she says. It’s “someone who’s looking for that luxurious lifestyle on top of needing or wanting a hangar space.”

The post Texas Home With an Airplane Hangar Ready To Land a New Owner for $1.7M appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Folks are heading South—and not just for the winter.

More people moved to the South in 2023—especially Florida and Texas—according to a recent report from the U.S. Census Bureau. The region is known for offering more affordably priced homes, a lower cost of living, and warmer winters. Meanwhile, New York City and pricey parts of California experienced the largest population losses.

“The rate of which people are coming in [to Florida] has slowed,” says Brad O’Connor, chief economist of the Florida Realtors®, noting that migration to the state peaked during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“But we’re still a hot spot,” he adds, pointing out that people are gravitating toward Florida’s suburbs. “We still have really robust growth coming from the Northeast and the West Coast.”

About 60% of U.S. counties experienced an increase in population in 2023, according to the report. Typically, more populated counties gained even more residents while smaller ones saw decreases.

Florida, in particular, saw strong growth. About 96% of the state’s counties grew, while just three lost residents from 2022 to 2023.

“People are moving for strong job growth, relatively low home prices compared to those in New York and California, relatively low property taxes,” says Gay Cororaton, chief economist of the Miami Association of Realtors®. “And Florida has an allure for retirees.”

While many residents are leaving Miami-Dade County, they’re often staying nearby—in Broward County, she explains.

This also marked the first year since the pandemic that the Midwest gained more residents than the region lost. And while the cold (and pricey) Northeast lost more residents than gained new ones, the loss abated.

Below are the counties with the highest levels of net domestic migration in 2023.

The top 10 counties where people are moving

1. Polk County, FL

Largest city: Lakeland, FL (between Tampa and Orlando)
Median county home list price in February: $350,000
Migration number in 2023: 26,029

2. Montgomery County, TX

Largest city: Conroe, TX (also includes part of Houston)
Median county home list price: $360,020
Migration number in 2023: 25,501

3. Pasco County, FL

Largest city: Zephyrhills, FL (Tampa outskirts)
Median county home list price: $364, 311
Migration number in 2023: 23,750

4. Collin County, TX

Largest city: McKinney, TX (also includes part of Dallas)
Median county home list price: $547,960
Migration number in 2023: 20,749

5. Denton County, TX

Largest city: Denton, TX (also includes part of Dallas)
Median county home list price: $512,500
Migration number in 2023: 19,262

6. Williamson County, TX

Largest city: Georgetown, TX (outskirts of Austin)
Median county home list price: $496,808
Migration number in 2023: 17,943

7. Pinal County, AZ

Largest city: San Tan Valley, AZ (outskirts of Phoenix)
Median county home list price: $406,500
Migration number in 2023: 17,463

8. Fort Bend County, TX

Largest city: Sugar Land, TX (also includes part of Houston)
Median county home list price:
Migration number in 2023: 15,757

9. Marion County, FL

Largest city: Ocala, FL (and The Villages, which spans three counties)
Median county home list price: $424,968
Migration number in 2023: 15,167

10. Horry County, SC

Largest city: Myrtle Beach, SC
Median county home list price: $324,900
Migration number in 2023: 15,061

The top 10 counties where people are leaving in droves

1. Los Angeles County, CA

Largest city: Los Angeles, CA
Median county home list price in February: $1,049,500
Migration number in 2023: -119,037

2. Cook County, IL

Largest city: Chicago, IL
Median county home list price: $335,700
Migration number in 2023: -58,105

3. Kings County, NY

Largest city: Brooklyn, NY
Median county home list price: $821,250
Migration number in 2023: -55,308

4. Queens County, NY

Largest city: Queens, NY
Median county home list price: $576,944
Migration numbers in 2023: -50,161

5. Miami-Dade County, FL

Largest city: Miami, FL
Median county home list price: $662,425
Migration number in 2023: -47,597

6. Bronx County, NY

Largest city: Bronx, NY
Median county home list price: $339,000
Migration number in 2023: -41,473

7. Orange County, CA

Largest city: Anaheim, CA
Median county home list price: $1,349,500
Migration number in 2023: -35,597

8. Dallas County, TX

Largest city: Dallas, TX
Median county home list price: $395,750
Migration number in 2023: -34,330

9. San Diego County, CA

Largest city: San Diego, CA
Median county home list price: $996,500
Migration number in 2023: -30,745

10. Santa Clara County, CA

Largest city: San Jose, CA
Median county home list price: $1,424,944
Migration number in 2023: -29,077

The post The 10 Places Americans Are Moving to—and the 10 Spots They’re Leaving in Droves appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Tony Parker, former point guard for the San Antonio Spurs, has put his 53-acre Boerne, TX, ranch on the market for $16.5 million.

The retired All-Star and majority owner of the French basketball team ASVEL Basket had the mansion custom-built in 2009. It boasts 10 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, and over 13,300 square feet. And it’s just a 30-minute drive from downtown San Antonio.

The luxe home is part of Anaqua Springs Ranch, an upscale gated community in Texas Hill Country.

Next-level luxury

When the resortlike property was designed, every bit of elegance was taken into consideration.

For starters, the home has a Spanish-style tiled roof, multiple balconies, and a striking courtyard with a center fountain. It also has a double-gate entrance with a guardhouse for maximum security.

Inside the foyer, a tiled floor and dramatic staircase with an intricate railing are focal points. This luxurious entryway sets the tone for the rest of the home.

The living room boasts a stately, white-stone fireplace and a floor-to-ceiling window.

A chef’s kitchen features professional-grade, stainless steel appliances; a marble-topped center island with seating; and a vaulted ceiling. The kitchen is large enough to fit a table and chairs; but if you’re feeling ambitious, you can serve meals in the formal dining room. There’s also a family room, which is readymade for entertaining guests.

A private waterpark

Each bedroom is large and luxurious. The primary suite has a spa-inspired bathroom, custom walk-in closet, and space for a sitting area.

One standout space is the temperature-controlled, 1,500-bottle wine room.

This estate is chock-full of luxe amenities. There’s a theater room with stadium seating; double offices; and a separate, four-bedroom guest apartment with equally luxurious details.

Outside, there’s a water park (yes, you read that right) with a speedy body slide, diving platform, grottos, and lazy river. There’s also a tennis court, sand volleyball court, and a tortoise enclosure.

Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the property’s greenhouse, herb garden, and fruit orchard. Meanwhile, fitness buffs will be big fans of the 5,922-square-foot gym.

Parker, 41, joined the NBA in 2001 when the San Antonio Spurs drafted him. The native of Belgium is a four-time NBA champion, six-time NBA All-Star, and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023.

This property is listed with Binkan Cinaroglu, of Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty. 

The post Former NBA All-Star Tony Parker Lists Palatial Texas Estate for $16.5M appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Golf pro Bryson DeChambeau is hoping to tee up a sale on his luxe home in Dallas.

DeChambeau currently plays on the LIV Golf Tour and has listed his grand five-bedroom, 5.5-bath dwelling for $3.2 million.

With more than 5,300 square feet inside and a half-acre landscaped yard, this stately property is a fine find for anyone hoping to relocate to the Big D.

Two years ago, DeChambeau opened his doors to fans and allowed them a look inside his mansion.

This mansion is located in Melshire Estates, a popular upscale neighborhood in Dallas.

The open floor plan features a main room with a vaulted ceiling and a fireplace. The glass doors here open to the sunny patio and yard.

The kitchen was recently updated and features stainless-steel appliances, a large island, and new cabinets.

The primary bedroom and a guest bedroom are on the first level. The en suite bath boasts a glass shower and a lovely slipper tub in a windowed nook.

DeChambeau is leaving behind a pool table as well as an HD golf simulator.

Outside, there’s a large covered kitchen, patio, fireplace, fire pit, and pool with a spa.

DeChambeau turned pro in 2016 and notched eight wins on the PGA Tour, before joining the LIV Tour in 2022. He’s also played on two Ryder Cup teams and won the U.S. Open in 2020 when it was held at the Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, NY.

The post Pro Golfer Bryson DeChambeau Is Selling His Dallas Mansion for $3.2M appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

A Waco, TX, home that’s a piece of “Fixer Upper” history seeks a buyer.

Know as the Gorman House, this five-bedroom residence was featured on Season 1 of the hit HGTV show. It’s also a historical gem with a convenient location and proven income potential. But after going up for sale in 2021, again in 2022, and in 2023, a solid offer still hasn’t materialized.

The house bounced back onto the market in early February with a substantial price cut (from $1.2 million to $775,000), but after two months, there’s been no movement.

It looks like a dreamy home, finessed by the expert hands of Chip and Joanna Gaines, so why hasn’t it sold?

Great opportunity for investors

Built in 1930, the 3,284-square-foot home boasts a big front yard, sizable backyard, and abundant Magnolia charm.

The property comes with a detached, two-bedroom additional dwelling unit (ADU) and was featured on the second episode of “Fixer Upper” way back in 2014.

It’s a dream for an investor and has been a solid revenue source for the current owners, Baylor soccer coach Chuck Codd and retired soccer pro Charmaine Hooper, who worked with Chip and Jo to transform the home a decade ago.

Hooper spoke with us about the property and revealed that after filming the show, her family didn’t end up moving into the home. It was too much trouble to transfer her daughter to a new school district. Even so, the family kept the property as a short-term rental.

Now, Hooper says that while the house has served her family well, they need a break from their rental business.

“It’s a house I’m very connected to; but in the end, we’ve got some other short-term rental properties, so we’re a little bit overwhelmed at this point,” she explains. “Our daughter in now in college, and we spend a lot of time traveling to go watch her play soccer. We love the property, but we figured something has to go.”

Size is a major perk

Listing agent Tracy Childress, with AG Real Estate & Associates, says one of the property’s best features is its size.

With a roomy main house and the accompanying ADU, the property would allow a buyer to live in one structure and rent out the other, Childress notes.

The ADU could also serve as a perfect in-law suite. But Childress admits a bigger house inevitably comes with a bigger price tag. She also acknowledges that mortgage rates are double what they were a few years ago, and home affordability is on the wane.

Childress knows the home is pricey but points to its sizable income potential. Between Baylor visitors (the home is near the university) and Magnolia-loving tourists, the residence has raked in an impressive $100,000 every year (except 2020) since Hooper and Codd began renting it out.

List price affects time on the market

Another realtor in the Waco area, Amber Brown with White Label Realty, says there’s nothing wrong with the property. She reports that the home is “beautiful, fully renovated, with all the bells and whistles.” However, she believes the listing hasn’t sold, because the original price was simply too high.

Brown notes that each time the house hit the market over the past few years, it was listed at $1.2 million or $1.1 million. It was outside the norm, considering the median list price in Waco currently sits at $280,000.

Of course, this home is larger than the median, which might carry a premium. And its fun HGTV history could excite some buyers.

But Brown says, in her experience, buyers aren’t always willing to pay more for a house that was featured on HGTV.

“I’ve seen sellers place an inconsiderate amount of value on a property just because it was a ‘Fixer Upper’ project,” she notes. “But that doesn’t always translate to the buyer.”

That said, Brown believes the recent price cut was a smart move.

Is the price cut enough to attract a buyer?

So far, the price cut hasn’t sold the home, but Childress isn’t worried.

“The average days on market for properties between $700,000 and $800,000 is currently 131 days,” she says. “We expect a house at this price point will take time.”

Childress is also less focused on finding just any buyer for this house and is more concerned with finding the right buyer.

A dwelling of this size might not be the perfect house for everyone, but for a multigenerational family looking for a place with plenty of space—or a savvy buyer looking for an investment property—it might a perfect fit.

But no matter who ends up with the home, Childress hopes they’ll love it.

“It’s a beautiful property, and you certainly don’t want to turn it over to anybody who’s not going to take care of it,” she says. “Of course, you can’t always choose who’s gonna buy a house. But you certainly hope they have a heart and a desire to take care of this home [and] carry on its legacy.”

The post Despite 35% Discount, the Gorman House From ‘Fixer Upper’ Season 1 Still Hasn’t Sold appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Actress Jenna Elfman, best known for her role on the hit sitcom “Dharma & Greg,” has put her Austin, TX, house up for rent or $13,500 a month.

The gorgeous midcentury home has four bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and 3,600 square feet. It sits on three-quarters of an acre and is just a few minutes from the city’s lively downtown.

Pretty hills, stately trees, and a cul-de-sac make this rental a highly desirable address. A light-filled great room sports wall-to-wall windows; warm-blond wood; and low-slung, era-appropriate furniture.

The kitchen is open to the dining area and features abundant counter space, a sizable island, and custom cabinetry. High-end appliances were likely part of the 2020 renovation, which was down to the studs. The cook space now includes a Miele fridge and Bertazzoni oven and range. There’s also a breakfast nook and a deck off the kitchen.

The home offers a gym and a lower-level family room that overlooks the heated pool. Two more bedrooms with en suite baths are also on this level.

Elfman won a Golden Globe for her title role as Dharma on the ABC sitcom, but her TV work ranges far beyond this breakout character. She’s also appeared on “Roseanne,” “NYPD Blue,” and “Townies,” among many other series.

She moved to Austin in 2020 to continue the work she’d been doing on the AMC series “Fear the Walking Dead.”

The post Jenna Elfman Puts Her Chic Austin Abode on the Rental Market for $13.5K a Month appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.