Real Estate Articles

What To Look Out For In Crime When Buying East Austin Real Estate

This is an issue that has gotten much better as East Austin has been redeveloping but it can still not be ignored.  Most crimes on the east side are indeed petty such as small theft, breaking into cars, etc.  But there are cases of homes being broken into, cars being stolen, and even the rare violent crime.  This is another big reason to check out the neighborhood at various times during the day and night and to talk to the neighbors…it’s a great way to get a feel for the crime situation if any.  Neighbors will generally not have a problem talking about any issues that have happened…sometimes to the point of talking your ear off!  Also, ask the seller of the east Austin real estate if they’ve had any issues…they need to disclose if they have had problems and it’s a great way to find out any history of problems.   Ask if there is a crime watch present in the neighborhood.  If not, is there a neighborhood association or homeowner’s association that could help in facilitating this?  Also, the Austin Police Department has a website that you can check all recent crime in the neighborhood.

Here’s the URL:

http://coagis1.ci.austin.tx.us/website/CrimeViewer/viewer.htm

It’s best to use Internet Explorer on this site.  You can search by address or draw a rectangle and have the system search in those parameters.

I also found a useful tool from the Austin American Statesman to find out about crime in the area.  I actually think this works better than the APD tool.

Here’s the URL:

http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/local/spotcrime/index.html

East Side Involvement

The rapid changes occurring in East Austin provide good reason to become involved in the process and have your voice heard.  The city provides community outreach during their planning process so citizens can take part in how their community is shaped.  Numerous neighborhood associations are active in this process in order to contribute to the change that is occurring to East Austin communities and their East Austin real estate.

Here’s a link to the various neighborhood planning areas provided by the city:
http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/zoning/planning_areas.htm

These neighborhood planning areas should each have a neighborhood contact team that works with the city to recommend various plans and actions in the planning area.   These contact teams are composed of people from multiple neighborhoods because the planning areas are sections of the city that encompass multiple neighborhoods.  Becoming involved and attending the contact team meetings is a great way to meet other proactive people in the area and have a voice in the process.

East Austin Real Estate HOA

Also, check and see if there is a neighborhood association or homeowner’s association in the neighborhood where you are looking to buy a home.  Becoming involved and attending the meetings for an association like this is the first step in being an active participant on how the neighborhood implements rules, establishes new policies, or adapts to events occurring in the neighborhood or in the immediate area.