Some Historic Properties       
Resources       
City of Austin Preservation

This phrase brings a chuckle as people ponder where to apply the adjective "old." I rather like the double meaning, because I certainly am no longer young, and I am enjoying growing old.

However, the phrase points to the main focus of my real estate practice in central, or "old Austin." I went into real estate in 1997 to work with people who want to preserve the history, culture and environment of our older neighborhoods.

Much is being said these days about what it means to be a Sustainable Community. Preserving our environment and our natural resources is an urgent part of the public agenda. Environmental conservation and historic preservation are inseparable, as we acknowledge that the "greenest building is one that already exists."

I believe that our built environment is as much a key to our well being as our natural environment. The structure of our neighborhoods strongly influences how we feel and function.

Austin before World War II was a small town by comparison with today. Most neighborhoods were laid out so that people naturally interacted with neighbors. Today, some of the most desirable areas of town remain from that earlier time. I want to help preserve these neighborhoods and learn from them how to make our city work better.

Although some of Austin's early homes were quite grand, many were simply good, solid houses, built to last. Even modest homes were built with good design and materials. Often there were homes of a variety of sizes and styles within one area, accommodating a natural diversity of ages and economic levels among neighbors.

When Austin began to grow in the 1970's, many of these older homes were destroyed in the haste to expand downtown, government and university buildings. A sad record of scores of buildings which disappeared during that era was displayed in the Austin History Center photography exhibit A Lost Austin.

Demolition of some homes may have been justified, but too often it was done without regard for the value of the structures or integrity of the surrounding neighborhoods. Many of the old homes that remain are still in danger of loss by neglect, abuse, or demolition. I hope to help buyers and sellers of those homes see that they are preserved.

Some people want, at least at some time in their lives, to live in the woods by themselves. Others want, at least some time in their lives, to live in an urban setting where they will be in regular sight of and contact with their neighbors. They find it satisfying to participate in associations that influence the direction of city planning decisions. It is the latter group of people I can best serve when they need real estate services.

The search for a home in Old Austin can be difficult and frustrating. It is especially so without the help of a Realtor® who knows Central Austin neighborhoods and values the old houses here. I encourage anyone who wants to buy or sell an old house to work with one of the Realtors® who live and work here. We may not all be "old," but we have demonstrated a commitment and knowledge that can be extremely helpful to a discriminating buyer or seller.
Lin Team