Philosophy - I've got nothing against cookie cutter homes. They fill the real and basic need of many families, and I can find a good one for you blindfolded. And of course anybody can sell one - they're in demand. But your home should also be an expression of your unique "Self" as much as the clothes you wear or the car you drive. When you pull into the driveway it should lift your spirits. If you want (or want to sell) something distinctive, unusual, even unique, we will work very well together. There aren't many Realtors who would say that. Even if it were true.
I've been buying and selling, leasing and managing real estate in the older part of Austin for over 40 years, and consider it the "real Austin." (More about that on the "community info" page of this web site.)
Personal data - I came the University of Texas from drought stricken South Texas in 1962; worked my way through college as a property manager, casualty claim negotiator, security guard and armored car driver; graduated with a BA in 1967 and entered the UT School of Law, receiving my Doctorate in 1970.
In 1967 I married my high school sweetheart, and we're still happily together. Mary is a psychoanalyst, and for 30+ years we've lived and maintained our offices in the SoCo area that's recently been rediscovered by people much younger than we are. We enjoy the new activity (and property appreciation) very much.
During all that time Austin didn't exist much beyond US 183 on the north and east, and US 290 on the south. We have watched in awe as our city has exploded in recent years. But we're still partial to the "real Austin," and of course 78704. If this is where you are, or want to be, I want to be your Realtor, and your broker. And your lawyer!
Yes, it's true. Until 2000 I was known as (800) Bill Ley, Biker Lawyer, and although I've always been a real estate investor on my own account, my "bread and butter" back then was representing injured bikers in court. In that kind of practice, where massive injuries are life altering, with entire families looking to me to make desperate circumstances right again, I learned the real meaning of "putting your client first." I sold that practice in 2000 and since then have applied that same focused client dedication to my full time real estate practice.
So when you decide that you'd like to buy, sell or lease residential property in the real Austin, please contact me.
