I’m happy to announce the first release of the new InspiredAustin.com Austin Home Search.

InspiredAustin.com Austin Home Search

As you can see, I’ve built a map-based interface for searching homes for sale in Austin, Texas. This first release of the new interface has the following main features:

Google Map Property Display

Map icons indicate property locations, type (homes vs. condos), and modern vs. non-modern. You can adjust the map view (pan, zoom) to change the search area. Clicking on an icon displays a summary of property details (see below).

Table Property Display

This table displays details about the properties visible in the map. The table is sortable by any field (price, sqft, etc.). Clicking on a table row displays a summary of property details (see below).

Search Form

This form expands from the upper right corner and allows you to search for homes by price, # of beds & baths, Sqft, as well as MLS # or Street name.

Listing Detail Summary

This panel on the right of the map displays a summary of property details when any icon or table row is clicked. You can click through images here, or click on the link to the full property details page.

Search Statistics Table

This table at the bottom right displays the number of search results for the current map view and Search Form settings as well as Min/Max/Average values of list price, Sqft, and price/sqft.

Summary & Request for Input

The intent of this new interface is to allow buyers to quickly and easily drill down to homes that meet your specific needs. It can also help sellers to get a quick idea of prices in their area. The map interface allows for focusing on specific areas, while the search form can further narrow results. The map, table, and statistics displays provide a high level view of home search results, while the Listing Summary and linked Details pages provide full info.

I hope you find this new search interface as useful as I do. I think my Austin Home Search is already better than most existing Austin Home Search websites, although there is still much room for improvement. I have several additional features planned.

I would truly appreciate any feedback or suggestions for improving the design/usability of this search. I know many of my clients & readers have design backgrounds so I’m sure you could provide many useful tips. Please comment below or email me: ryan at inspiredaustin dot com

Be sure to check out the new search here or via the link at the upper right :

Austin Home Search

Note: If you long for the older tabular Austin listing displays they can be found here: Austin Modern Home List. If there is enough demand I can add a link to this on the sidebar as well.

Next Tuesday, April 22, is internationally recognized as Earth Day (at least in the northern hemisphere).

Here’s a quick summary of a few related events in the Austin area this weekend:

Austin Earth Day Farmers Market

It’s much more than a normal Austin Farmers Market. Check it out:

Austin Green Art, a non-profit arts organization dedicated to raising awareness of sustainability issues through art, is kicking off the Sustainability Revolution during this FREE community-wide event featuring green art, local food, music, green business and environmental partners expo with hands-on activities for kids.

See www.austinearthday.com for full details.

Eco Home Tour

We cordially invite you to join us at the First Annual Eco Home Tour and help us celebrate Earth Day. Meet your ECO community and learn about green living—architectural designs, native landscapes, home energy efficiency & sustainable farming.

The schedule includes a tour of homes and several speakers, including:

• Adams Kirkpatrick – Founder/Designer | Sunflower Design-Sustainable Landscapes
• Chris Krager – Principal | KRDB
• Christy Seals, AIA – Partner | Loop Design
• Heather Kennedy – Director of Global Marketing | Whole Foods

Here is the website for full details: Eco Home Tour

Austin Green Living Expo

I hesitate to post this one. Sometimes these convention center expos seem to have more chiropractors, hot tubs and infomercial booths than ‘green technology’. However, it looks like there are several interesting speakers this time around (Will Wynn, Peter Pfeiffer, Kevin O’Connor). Check out the exhibitor list yourself before making the trip: Austin Green Living Expo

In other news…

Some of you may have noticed my Austin Home Search has changed recently. I will post about it soon, hopefully you find the new interface to your liking. I look forward to your feedback.

Wow! What a great response we have received about my Featured Listing at 1101 Canyon Edge.

Below I have screenshots of a few other websites who have taken notice of this amazing home. Today, I’m excited to announce that you are all welcome see the home in person this weekend.

1101 Canyon Edge Open House – Sunday, April 13

On Sunday, April 13th, the home open from 1pm to 3pm. Please come by and see this amazing AIA award winning home. I always enjoy meeting Austin architecture enthusiasts, and I can promise this home does not disappoint. Stop on by!

Directions:

Take Bee Cave (2244) West from Loop 360. Turn right (North) on Cuernavaca, drive about 1.4 miles and turn right on Canyon Edge Dr.

Full listing details are here: Featured Listing at 1101 Canyon Edge. If you are in the market for award winning design, impeccable build quality, panoramic views, Lake Austin access, Eanes ISD … etc., be sure to see this home.

See you all on Sunday!

Click on to see coverage of 1101 Canyon Edge on ModernAustin, SocketSite, and Design*Sponge.
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With all of the beautiful weather we’ve enjoyed lately I’m sure we’re all spending a lot of time outdoors. Outdoor living is one of the key benefits of living in our climate, and one of the many reasons people choose to live in Austin.

If your outdoor living space needs some sprucing up for Spring, I have a great new source for you: Austin Outdoor Studio, owned by my friend Jonathan Duke.

Jonathan is a very handy guy. As long as I’ve known him he’s been building furniture, fences, patios, planters, homes, and even a classic car. He is a very creative and efficient craftsman.

Now Jonathan has opened a new business to share these talents with the community. Check it out:

Austin Outdoor Studio

Austin Outdoor Studio, LLC is a local Austin company specializing in outdoor accessories. We fabricate custom outdoor steel and Ipe planters, furniture, and just about anything you can dream up. We have a few standard products available, like the Parker Bench, and an assortment of planters which are available at local vendors like Uptown Modern on Burnet. We can also help you design or work with your landscape architect to install custom steel edging, planters, gates and water features.

If you are considering some outdoor improvements, give Jonathan a call. Here are a few photos of his work:

For more information about the products and services they have available visit their website at www.austinoutdoorstudio.com.

Another great speaker at Architecture at the Umlauf this week:

The event is Thursday, April 3rd, at the Umlauf Sculpture Garden. Doors open at 7pm and admission is $5 to non-members.

If you went on the 2007 AIA Homes Tour then you saw this Tim Cuppett design in Watersmark:

See his website for more photos of this and other impressive homes: Tim Cuppett Architects.