Buying or selling a home isn't like any other type of transaction. You can't just look online and order one. It might check off all the requirements, but still not be right. It's about feeling. It's about how you live and where you are in life. It's about timing and it's about comfort - financially, geographically, situationally. We look at the entire picture of who you are and what you do and what resonates with you, and help you navigate the process and find the right fit! There’s a science to it for sure, but we think there’s more. We think finding just the right home—or selling your home for just the right price—is an ART. That’s what we do.
I am a Realtor with an over-the-top work ethic who brings heart, soul, and both sides of my brain to my real estate endeavors. With a bachelor’s degree in Bioengineering from Texas A&M (great for crunching those numbers for a market analysis), a MBA in Marketing from Purdue (great for effectively marketing the homes that I list), and a very strong desire to really get to know my clients and their personal situations, I’m uniquely qualified to handle the many complex facets of buying and selling real estate.
My career began in 1993 in sales of custom robotic systems for the pharmaceutical industry. I then moved to strategic planning for an orthopedic device company. Then, to an inside sales position for custom wafer sorters in the semiconductor industry. At around 3 years at each of these jobs, I got the itch to go do something else. I got my real estate license in 2002 when my company tried to move me to California. I couldn't bear the idea of leaving Austin, so I found a career that allowed me to stay in Austin as long as I want to. And after 16+ years in the business - I still love it and have not felt compelled to move on to something else. I think I found my calling!
I moved a lot growing up, but when I found Austin, I found HOME! I have lived in the Austin area since 1995 - first in Round Rock, then three different locations in the Four Points/Northwest Austin area, and now back to our dream home in Round Rock as empty nesters. Austin has been the perfect place to raise my two kids, who are now in college. I absolutely love Austin, Texas and doubt that I will ever leave. I love to take advantage of the wonderful things Austin has to offer - especially hiking, mountain biking, playing tennis, enjoying the live music (especially the free outdoor concerts), eating at great restaurants, enjoying the lakes, visiting art galleries, and just enjoying the beauty of the Texas hill country! God has truly blessed this part of Texas, and blessed me by allowing me to have such a rewarding and satisfying career in the place I love!
I’m the right brain piece of this puzzle, a little something different. I want to zig when others zag. A graduate in Design from the University of Texas (Hook ‘em!) I developed my chops in the ad agency business and in corporate America as a Designer and Art Director. In 1985 I founded Jolly Design, a wonderful and life-defining experience spanning over three decades as one of the top graphic design and brand development firms in Austin. During this time I helped raise three wonderful children (all products of Westwood High School) who have each gone on to make their marks on this world in some pretty cool ways themselves. Like many Austinites, the recession of ’08-09 ushered in for me a time of transition both professionally and personally, witnessing the organic downsizing of Jolly Design, and at the same time the emergence of a long dormant passion to express myself through painting. In the few short years since, my career has morphed into that of a Studio Artist whose work is best described as “Dali meets Rockwell”, having shown in numerous galleries and exhibits and been the recipient of unexpected accolades and awards, including the City of Austin’s 2015 Peoples’ Choice Award.
A Real Estate Agent that paints? In 2012 I married Margaret Jolly, my very own Aggie (Gig ‘em)! In the process of working with Margaret on some of her brand development and marketing initiatives, it began to dawn on us that there might be some synergy in formally combining our talents. So in early 2017 I got my Texas Real Estate License, and formally joined the team of Margaret Jolly Homes. As the husband of and now business partner with Margaret, I’ve enjoyed a front row seat to one of the most successful, fascinating, and truly rewarding small business enterprises I’ve ever seen…and I’ve seen a lot! She’s truly an artist. She solves difficult problems the way an artist does, with creativity and moxie. She values relationships and the beauty of work. It is this commitment to excellence that is both the bedrock of Margaret Jolly Homes, and the promise that I personally bring to the table on behalf of its clients: every ounce of my marketing, design, and business experience to the art of buying, staging and selling homes. And yes, of course I will still paint! Who knows, maybe a tastefully placed piece of custom art might even show up at an open house! Because that’s the way Real Estate Artists work.
Helping someone buy or sell a home is an ART. We want to get to know you. We want to understand what makes you tick, what excites you, what you need, what you want, and what your priorities are. We want to know you so we can be the best resource for you and help you find the best combination of price and timing when you are selling, and help you find the perfect home to fit your unique set of needs, wants, and priorities when you are buying. We want to be your go-to resource for anything real estate - and this extends WAY beyond the closing date. We want to stay in contact and be your first phone-call when you need a plumber, or an A/C repair guy, or need your windows cleaned. We love referring our clients to great contractors, and we want to hear from you when you get great service from someone so we can continue to refine our list of partners. We are Real Estate Artists...and we are here to paint a beautiful home buying/selling picture for you!
We know this town. The ins. The outs. The traffic patterns. The schools. Austin has a lot of different areas, each with its own vibe. Whether you like the views and hills near the lake, the cozy feel of a Central Austin bungalow, a child-friendly suburban community, or a condo in the heart of the entertainment district, we are here to make sure you end up in just the right part of town. We'd be happy to give a the tour of our awesome city!
Beautifully updated home in lovely quiet Village of Western Oaks neighborhood. Flexible floorplan features 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, plus a bonus room that can be a study, den, or formal dining. Corner lot on a quiet cul-de-sac street. Recently updated kitchen is open to the spacious family room. Beautiful wood floors through the living areas, master, and guest room. Recent carpeting in the remaining 2 bedrooms. The master bedroom is your sanctuary with its own private deck shaded by established trees. Close to everything you need: parks, trails, shops & more. Fridge and washer and dryer can convey! $397,000
Mid century layout meets modern design! When people talk about the cool excitement of East Austin, this neighborhood embraces the concept. This home has found new life in a growing transitional neighborhood, just minutes from downtown Austin, Mueller, and the airport. Eclectic design touches abound, such as artful light fixtures, whitewashed shiplap ceiling detail, shaker style cabinets with sleek pulls, and gorgeous updated flooring. Of course the kitchen, baths and fixtures have been nicely updated, but it’s the thoughtful functionality you will fall in love with. The layout offers tons of flexibility and cleverly-designed built-in storage features, including bookshelves, a china hutch, laundry hampers, plus generous closet space, and a nice workshop/storage area in the garage. $349,000 Multiple Offers-Under Contract!
Popular Alicante townhome-style condominium. Perfect roommate setup with one bedroom on the main level, one on the third level, and living and kitchen in-between. Both bedrooms have very generous walk-in closets and private baths. Living area features wood flooring and kitchen includes contemporary cabinetry. Patio on main level and covered porch on the 2nd floor. Attached 1 car garage and room for a car in the driveway. Gated community with nice pool and workout facilities. $213,000 Under Contract!
This beautifully updated 3,976 sqft. 5 bedroom, 4 full bath, 3-car Grandview gem includes thoughtful touches inside and out, with gorgeous wood floors downstairs in the master and 2nd downstairs bedroom/office, a gourmet kitchen featuring high end Prima Verde leathered granite and a tasteful slate and glass backsplash, updated slate fireplace surround, and beautiful river rock accents and frameless shower enclosure in the master bathroom. Game room plus large professional art studio (could be media room). Back yard includes an expansive patio with a hot tub, separate outdoor storage, beautiful landscaping, a fenced garden, and huge producing fig tree! Four Points area on the easy side of the traffic! $524,900
You could be my next current client! Click "schedule an appointment" or call me for a no-obligation consultation at 512-496-2281.
Fantastic one story home in popular neighborhood. Lovingly maintained home w/ the perfect floorplan - 2,119 sqft with 3 bedrooms plus study and formal dining. High ceilings, spacious living area, and beautiful kitchen with quartz counters and stainless appliances (including Jenn Air gas range w/ double ovens!). Beautiful master w/ nice sized walk-in closet. Nice deck and very private, shady yard! Fantastic Leander ISD schools and great location near school bus stops, walking distance to Brushy Creek Trails and Brushy Creek Regional Park with canoe and kayak launch sites, picnic pavilions, fishing pier, wildlife observation areas, sand volleyball court and exercise pavilion. $349,900
"Margaret is a great listener and tirelessly works to make every detail perfect for your transaction. She cares a lot about your personal needs and does things to help that you'd never dream a realtor would do for you. We've used her twice now and I can't recommend her enough. She's more than a realtor, we consider her a friend and I'd never use anyone else for my real estate needs.
I work almost exclusively by referral - which means that my goal is to provide exceptional service so that you want to tell your friends, family, and co-workers about me!
You are not just another transaction to me. My clients become my friends and I love to keep in touch and know what is happening with you and your home. I enjoy getting phone calls about remodeling projects and what contractors I would recommend and I love seeing photos of new furniture and home upgrades. Wanna have lunch? I'm in! And I just might "pop-by" occasionally when I'm in your neighborhood just to say hi! This is how I work with my clients. If this sounds like what you want from your agent, give me a call!
I welcome your phonecalls, texts, and emails! I would love to hear from you and find out how I can help you!