Always choosing the path of innovation, entrepreneur Martin Neath is no stranger to being an early adopter of the latest technologies. In fact, he’s built his career on it. So, when he engaged Concierge Auctions to sell his Austin, Texas smart home, he turned to a new approach.
THE TECH SELLER Neath is a driving force in Austin’s now-booming tech scene. As one of the first employees of Tivoli Systems, Inc., he helped build Tivoli into a multi-billion-dollar software and service company that was acquired by IBM in 1996. He has continued to use his expertise in information technology and enterprise software and has advised and helped build several young emerging growth technology companies in the Austin area. He is currently an investor and member of the Board of Directors of more than one dozen startups.
Neath worked with European and local artists who collaborated over five years to produce his Austin, Texas home. 3509 Lost Creek Boulevard is a one-of-a-kind, Tuscan-inspired villa sitting on 3.18 acres. Like its owner, the house is a tech-savvy smart home with Hill Country views inside the coveted Barton Creek community.
When Neath became ready to sell his home, he took notice of the marketing that Concierge Auctions did for another Austin property. Shortly after the successful sale of 101 Pascal Lane, Martin enlisted Concierge to sell his Austin smart home.
“I was fascinated by the exposure and price that Concierge generated for 101 Pascal Lane,” says Neath.
AN INNOVATIVE SALE Neath has chosen to auction his home using the Concierge Auctions Instant Gavel mobile bidding app.
“As a technology entrepreneur, I have also followed Concierge Auctions’ success with Instant Gavel and wanted to be the first seller in Austin to utilize this cutting-edge technology to enable a diverse and global customer set to bid on my home,” he says.
Neath is not alone.
“Thus far in 2016, more than 80 percent of our auctions have been conducted through our Instant Gavel app — up from less than 10 percent just a year ago, when most of our sales included a live, on-site auctioneer,” states Concierge Auctions Chairman, Chad Roffers. “The app has proven effective at engaging buyers from around the world and enabling full anonymity. Bidders also enjoy the transparency of being able to watch the competition real-time and participating in a comfortable, less time-constrained atmosphere.”
Previously listed for $5.995 million, 3509 Lost Creek Boulevard will be sold without reserve to the highest bidder. But, what makes Neath’s auction unique, is that historically, an Instant Gavel auction starts at a set time, lastly approximately 30 minutes to an hour. The auction for his home will be the first to take place over a 30-hour period. Bids will be accepted from July 27th at 12pm CDT until the following day, July 28th, at 6pm CDT in cooperation with Christopher E. Watters of Watters International Realty.
“Martin (Neath) had an unbelievable vision for this estate, and invested countless time and energy into creating what is arguably one of the most unique properties in this highly desirable neighborhood,” says Watters. “It offers complete privacy and has a resort-like feel, yet is only 15 minutes from downtown Austin, high-end shopping, renowned golf courses and more. It’s a perfect fit to have a tech savvy individual like Martin sell his home through a mobile app. It’s an exciting process, and we can’t wait to see the bids roll in.”
THE SMART HOME The 14,000-plus-square-foot estate offers a master suite with a massive walk-in closet and bathroom, five lavish guest rooms with en-suite bathrooms, and a complete guest apartment with a separate entrance. Built for entertaining, the home also features a 10-bay art gallery, a gym with stationary lap pool, a media/home theater, and a 1,600-bottle wine cellar and tasting room.
The smart home is equipped with state-of-the-art lighting, temperature control, and a top-of-the-line security system, all of which can be controlled from an iPad and iPhone.
Outdoors, the expansive patio and panoramic views make way to a sleek infinity-edge pool and in-ground hot tub. There is also an outdoor kitchen and attached living room complete with a white marble fireplace.
VISIT THE PROPERTY3509 Lost Creek Boulevard is available for preview daily by appointment between 11am and 2pm. Bidding will be open from July 27th at 12pm CDT to July 28th at 6pm CDT to registered bidders, and can be viewed real-time via the Instant Gavel app, which is a free download from the Apple or Android App Store.