Win the Price War & Beauty Contest
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Oldham Group Austin Update
April 25, 2025
What sells & what doesn’t
win the price war & beauty contest
In the current Austin real estate market, one thing is clear: buyers have options. Inventory is up, and while homes are selling, it’s no longer enough to simply list a property and hope for the best. If you’re a seller, the question isn’t if homes are moving—it’s whether your home is one of the ones buyers will compete for or one of the ones they’ll scroll past.
The homes that are selling in this market are the ones that are ready. And by ready, we mean completely dialed-in. That means fresh paint, clean or new carpet, sparkling windows, manicured landscaping, and a presentation that makes buyers feel like they’re walking into a magazine shoot—not a weekend project. With so much inventory available, buyers can afford to be choosy. The properties that don’t hit the mark in condition or price are the ones that sit.
There’s an old saying in real estate: you have to win the beauty contest and the price war. It might sound like a cliché, but it couldn’t be more true right now. Today’s buyers are navigating higher interest rates, so they’re laser-focused on getting value. That doesn’t mean slashing prices—it means aligning condition with price in a way that makes sense for both parties. Buyers want a deal, yes—but more importantly, they want a home that feels worth it.
If you’re thinking about selling, now is not the time to go it alone. You need an expert who knows how to position your home at the top of the pack—someone who understands what it takes to make your house stand out in a competitive landscape.
The good news? Homes are moving. But only the best-prepared, best-priced homes are actually crossing the finish line. If you’re ready to take advantage of the momentum and get your home sold, it’s time to talk.
Contact Courtney to learn how to get your house market-ready and attract the right buyers in today’s Austin market.
Featured Properties
1006 Gaston Avenue
3 BD
3 BA
3,336 SF
$2,500,000
- Just Listed
This traditional Pemberton Heights home exudes warmth/elegance. Hardwood floors, sophisticated finishes throughout, natural light and vaulted ceilings. Great floorplan with two separate living areas and formal dining room. One guest bedroom with full bathroom is down, while primary bedroom suite and a third bedroom and bathroom are up. Great room overlooks charming backyard great for entertaining, it includes fire pit, grill, dining area, and turfed yard.
Listed by: Courtney Oldham, Compass RE
10103 Alcott Cove
4 BD
3 BA
2,764 SF
$625,000
- Sold
From the moment you arrive, the bold exterior sets the stage for what’s inside: a celebration of color, creativity, and the unmistakable spirit of Austin. Inside, you’ll find incredibly detailed concrete flooring treatments that serve as works of art underfoot, guiding you through a space that’s equal parts cozy and captivating.
Listed by: Courtney Oldham, Compass RE
2208 Real Catorce
5 BD
4.5 BA
4,187 SF
$1,900,000
- Available
Stunning Parkstone Home with Greenbelt Access and luxurious upgrades nestled in the highly sought-after Eanes ISD within the private gated section of the Parksttone neighborhood, this exquisite stone-exterior home offers the perfect blend of luxury, convenience, and adventure. Backing to a serene greenbelt with direct access to the Barton Creek trails system, this residence is ideal for families who love outdoor exploration while appreciating a close-in location with easy proximity to everything Westlake and downtown have to offer.
Listed by: Courtney Oldham, Compass RE
2103 De Verne Drive
2 BD
1 BA
1,159 SF
$750,000
- Available
Just minutes from Zilker Park, Barton Springs, and the Hike and Bike Trail, this is your opportunity to get into one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in 78704—Zilker. Whether you choose to remodel the existing home or build your dream property from the ground up, this location offers incredible potential.
Listed by: Courtney Oldham, Compass RE
1600 Holly Street
3 BD
3.5 BA
1,800 SF
$995,000
- New Price
This stunning modern home exudes style and comfort. Featuring sleek stained concrete floors, soaring high ceilings, and recessed lighting throughout- the space feels open and inviting. The gourmet kitchen boasts premium finishes, ideal for entertaining or culinary adventures. Each spacious bedroom includes its own ensuite bathroom, offering privacy and contemporary luxury. Outside, enjoy a private fenced backyard with low-maintenance astroturf and stylish sail awnings, perfect for intimate gatherings or quiet relaxation. Experience modern East Austin living at its finest!
Listed by: Courtney Oldham, Compass RE
555 E. 5th Street, Unit 901
2 BD
2 BA
1,389 SF
$699,999
- Sold
Experience the best of downtown Austin living in this stunning condo at The Five Fifty Five Residences, located above the Hilton Hotel. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the great room showcase breathtaking northern and western skyline views, complemented by a spacious wraparound balcony. Residents enjoy exclusive access to the Hilton’s top-tier amenities, including a newly renovated fitness center, sauna, Jacuzzi, outdoor saltwater pool, and on-site dining. Additional perks include concierge service, security, dedicated maintenance, and two reserved parking spaces. Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to own a premier residence in the heart of Austin!
Listed by: Courtney Oldham, Compass RE
3207 Grasshopper Drive
3 BD
2 BA
1,565 SF
$599,000
- Sold
Nestled in the highly sought-after Cherry Creek neighborhood of South Austin, this gorgeous one-story home is a true standout, offering the perfect blend of charm, modern upgrades, and energy efficiency. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be captivated by its beautiful curb appeal, enhanced by mature oak trees that provide shade and timeless character.
Listed by: Courtney Oldham, Compass RE
4504 Destinys Gate Drive
4 BD
2.5 BA
2,033 SF
$550,000
- Sold
Welcome to this stunning two-story brick home in the highly sought-after Preston Oaks neighborhood of North Austin. Nestled among gorgeous mature trees, this home offers a perfect blend of charm, space, and modern amenities.Step inside to expansive ceilings and large open windows, bathing the living area in natural light. The chef’s kitchen is a dream, featuring a beautiful island, ample countertop and cabinet space, a gas range, undermount sink with a gooseneck faucet, and abundant lighting. A second dining area ensures effortless flow between dining, cooking, and entertaining
Listed by: Courtney Oldham, Compass RE
9514 San Lucas Road
5 BD
3.5 BA
3,629 SF
$1,495,000
- Privately Listed
Rare Fourplex in highly sought-after Balcones Terrace. With its unbeatable location and proximity to major tech employers, entertainment, and transportation hubs, this property is an excellent investment opportunity. Whether you’re looking to add to your portfolio or secure a long-term income-generating property, this is the chance to capitalize on Austin’s growing demand
Listed by: Courtney Oldham, Compass RE
What’s Happening
Old Settlers
The 38th annual Old Settler’s Music Festival returns April 24-27, bringing four days of live music to a 145-acre ranch just 45 minutes south of Austin and 12 miles southeast of Lockhart. Single-day tickets are now on sale for the festival, which offers a diverse lineup of local and national acts.
Arty Party
The Contemporary Austin’s Laguna Gloria will host its monthly “Arty Party” for children ages 3 and under from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, April 25. The free interactive storytime event invites young children and their caregivers to explore art and nature through books, songs and hands-on art activities.
Tax Protest
Every spring, property owners whose market value has increased by at least $1,000 will receive a Notice of Appraised Value. If you believe the market value of your property is incorrect, you have the right to protest that value. The deadline to file your protest is May 15 or 30 days after your Notice is mailed, whichever is later.
Field Guide
Field Guide is a food festival that connects attendees to their local food system. Attendees are encouraged to meet local farmers, eat delicious seasonal food from top Austin chefs, learn about current food trends, discover mindful brands and give back to the community.
Ready to Make a Move
The first step is EASY! Call or text Courtney.
We’ll set up a time to carefully evaluate all options and put together the BEST plan & timeline for you and your family. We’ve helped thousands of clients navigate buying and selling in Austin over the last 17 years. We’d be honored to help you, your friends and colleagues.
Courtney Oldham
© Compass 2025 | All Rights Reserved by Compass | Made in NYC
The information contained herein does not purport to be complete nor, necessarily, accurate and should be independently verified; nor does it represent or constitute a legal analysis or financial advice. All of the financial projections and/or conclusions are provided for illustration purposes only. Compass and its agents disclaim any and all liability for representations and warranties, express or implied, contained in, or for omissions from, the information contained herein or any other written or oral communication transmitted or made available to the recipient. This represents an estimated sale price for this property. It is not the same as an opinion of value in an appraisal developed by a licensed appraiser under the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.
