Vikki Goodwin’s Austin Real Estate Weblog

Yesterday I saw a fascinating home on Fairhill Way on Balcones golf course – one that looks great in the photos, but up close has some flaws.  The first and most obvious negative is the wall that greets you as you walk in the front door.  This must have been a popular architectural style in the 1960’s and 70’s.  I’ve seen these walls in a number of homes.  However, today’s buyer does not like the wall; today’s buyer likes an open floor plan.  The remedy?  Find the load bearing studs, but remove the main portion of the wall, opening the living room up to the entryway.  This would provide a “wow” factor as you enter the home as the living room already features huge windows looking out to the beautiful backyard and golf course beyond.  The home has undergone some renovations, such as the kitchen and secondary bathrooms, but it needs a new roof and the master bath is mid-renovation.  If I were buying the home, I might also convert the game room back to a garage.  While the home is reasonably priced for the condition, it will certainly take a buyer who has the time, skills and money to complete the work.  Priced at $319,000.