West Austin City Lifestyle is thrilled to share our recent conversation with Elle Spikes, a local realtor, about finding a home with family in mind. A community advocate in West Austin's real estate scene, Elle is a native Texan with "real estate in her DNA. With a deep-rooted passion for the industry and an appreciation for the region, Elle brings a commitment to giving back to the community she loves.
Her personal journey has been marked by multiple relocations with her family throughout Texas, the West Coast, and back to where her heart belongs, West Austin. This has fueled her commitment to helping others find their dream homes. "I know firsthand the stressors that come with trying to find a home under pressure in an area you know little or nothing about while trying to get your kids plugged in and acclimated all at once," Elle recounts.
Now living in the Lake Travis area, she encourages newcomers and locals alike to explore its potential. "It's big enough to offer many ways to fill your day but small enough that it’s pretty likely you will run into someone you know at the grocery store," she says. "You can be on the golf course in the morning, the lake by lunchtime, and catch a beautiful Texas sunset outside at a local Hill Country brewery, listening to live music over dinner, all in the same day."
During our talk, Elle spoke of her admiration for the region, "West Austin has so much to offer no matter the season of life you are in. It embodies the spirit and energy of Austin while offering a strong sense of community, the best of outdoor lifestyle, great schools, and all within the beauty and uniqueness of the Hill Country."
Elle notes that while each season presents its own set of opportunities, fall stands out in particular. "Every season has its advantages but buyers generally benefit in the fall from lower prices and less competition,” she notes. "When there are fewer buyers on the market, sellers are more motivated and more likely to reduce the price. At the same time, the fall is still a good time to be a seller because so many of the families living in West Austin are settled in for the school year and not interested in having their house on the market. Less homes on the market means less competition for sellers looking to move."
Regardless of the season, Elle brings a personalized dimension to her work, "Who you work with matters when it comes to understanding the personalities of the various West Austin communities and finding which one is the best fit for you to call home."
"I find joy in working side by side with my clients and making their wants and needs my focus," she shares, highlighting her commitment to her clients' visions. Her participation in the Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership and Ambassador programs further underscores her passion for the community and its growth, "I am passionate about supporting our community businesses in the Lake Travis area because I first want to see them succeed for their own benefit, but also because their success will have positive ripple effects."
Elle places a strong emphasis on her client-centric approach, "I've mastered the art of listening, understanding, and guiding." As a dedicated wife and mother of two, she intertwines her familial values with her professional commitments. "One of my favorite spots is Front Yard Brewing and Five Souls Wine Co.," she reveals, recommending family-friendly locations that capture West Austin's beauty and community spirit. For Elle, real estate is about helping families find their home sweet home and taking pride in matching their wants and needs to the right community and neighborhood. Ready to turn the page on your next chapter in West Austin? Connect with Elle at ElleSpikes.com.