Check out this great information on the reasons & benifits of Using a Real Estate Agent when Purchasing a New Construction Home…
January 24, 2012
San Antonio Cocktail Conference – January 26 – 29th 2012
Hey Austin! Check out this great event happening in San Antonio this weekend!
The San Antonio Cocktail Conference
November 19, 2011
Austin Housing Market Statistics – October 2011
Austin’s Housing Market starts off the 4th quarter with good numbers!
According to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) report released today by the Austin Board of REALTORS® (ABoR):
October 2011′s sales numbers for single family homes (1455) showed a nearly 19% increase when compared to October 2010.
Judith Bundschuh, Chairman of the Austin Board of REALTORS®, commented, “With October marking the fifth straight month in which home sales volume has outpaced the prior year, it’s clear that demand for real estate continues to drive the economic recovery in Austin.”
Median Sales Prices, when compared year over year, remained about the same…with a slight 3% drop to $189,720.
Homes are selling faster though…. The average Days on the Market dropped from 92 to 82 (10.87%) year over year.
“The inventory of Austin-area homes continues to decrease and was lower than any month since 2008, indicating continued momentum in Austin real estate,” said Bundschuh.
In October 2011, the Austin market had only five months of inventory, 1.4 months less than October 2010.
Condo & Townhome sales continue to rise as well…. In October 2011, sales numbers showed a whopping 38% increase over October 2010, with 161 units sold and sales prices were up 12% to $179,000.
All of this goes hand & hand with rental rates decreasing slightly (4%). This shows that people are taking advantage of the good buying conditions that are in place…including the incredibly low interest rates!
Austin is definitely positioned to finish out 2011 strong!
November 14, 2011
Buying vs. Renting – Why NOW is the time to BUY in Austin, TX!
Buying vs. Renting – Why NOW is the time to BUY in Austin, TX!
Here are the top 10 reasons why you should buy NOW!
1. Affordability: Even though Austin’s housing market has been much more stable than other areas of the country, there has not been a tremendous amount of recent price appreciation. This is actually a good thing for buyers. We are sure to start seeing prices increase as things on the national level stabilize. Now is the time to get in, before the prices do go up.
2. Interest rates are low! Seriously…Interest rates are historically low…as low as they have been in 50 years! Which means lower payments! Basically, you can afford more home! Plus, rates will most definitely be going up in the near future.
3. Save on taxes: If a buyer itemizes on their federal tax return they can deduct mortgage interest and property taxes. Taking the tax deductions may mean the effective cost of owning is less than renting. For example, if someone paid $10,000 in mortgage interest in a year and was at a 25% federal tax rate, they may receive up to a $2,500 annual tax deduction.
4. Supply: There is a fantastic supply of homes on the market…Meaning you have some great homes to choose from.
5. Negotiating power: Even though we are getting closer to a balanced market, we are still in a buyer’s market. This makes it easier to negotiate with the seller or builder to pay some or all closing costs and prepaids.
6. Zero or Low Down Payment Loan Programs: With USDA Loan Programs offering a Zero Down option & FHA only requiring as little as 3.5% down, you do not necessarily need a large amount of money saved up in order to close on a home. Who knows when these programs will be going away!
7. Save money: It may be cheaper to own than rent. Your mortgage payment may be less than your rent payment. With some of the lender requirements having tightened up, rental rates are on the rise. So, with good prices & interest rates at all time lows, it is very possible that your mortgage payment could be lower than rent! Plus, the money you pay towards principal each month is essentially forced savings!
8. Ownership & Personalization: When you own a property you are able to enjoy personalizing it and really making it home! Don’t like the color of the walls? Paint them! Want a deck in the back? Build it! The possibilities are endless!
9. Sense of Community: You’ll be able to put down roots in a community. Renters tend to come & go…When you’re a homeowner, you’ll get to know your neighbors, participate in community events, meet potential baby-sitters and you & your children will be able to make lasting friendships!
10. Solid Investment: Austin has proven to have one of the best real estate markets in the country throughout the “housing crisis.” Sales numbers are up & values are strong. Austin is a great place to own real estate.
Let us know if you would like more information on Austin Real Estate and buying a home in Austin.
Are you Relocating to Austin? Let us help you get to know the area!
Give us a call (210) 209-8711 or shoot us an email today!
October 19, 2011
Austin Housing Market Statistics – September 2011
Austin Housing Market Statistics – September 2011
After a great Summer, The Austin, TX area real estate market continues to show strength & surpass numbers reached in 2010.
According to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) report released by the Austin Board of REALTORS®, there was a total of 1,681 single-family homes sold in the Austin area in September 2011, which is 31% more than September 2010.
Pending sales are also up 19% year-over-year.
Judith Bundschuh, Chairman of the Austin Board of REALTORS®, commented, “In September, Austin saw its fourth straight month of year-over-year sales volume increases and the third month in which those volumes outpaced 2010 by more than 30 percent. In the midst of that growth, Austin-home values have remained stable.”
Values have indeed stayed relatively stable, with the median price for homes in the Austin-area during the month of September 2011 at $189,000 (2% less than the median price in September 2010).
Townhome & Condo sales in September 2011 also showed an increase of 25% of that of September 2010, with 158 units sold. And, the median price of $162,250 is virtually the same as that of this time last year.
Average days on the market for single family homes in the Austin area for September 2011 was 81, which is unchanged from last year. Condos & Townhomes showed a slight decrease (2%) in time on the market with 91 days as the average.
All good news. But, there is more…
The amount of inventory in the Austin area continues to decrease. Typically when a market has 6.5 months of inventory, it is considered to have a balance between supply & demand. Last month we discussed that Austin’s inventory was at 5.7 months. As of September 2011, it has dropped to 5.4 months….which is actually 1.3 months lower than is was in September 2010. We have not seen inventory this low since the end of 2009.
“For the fourth straight month, the inventory of Austin-area homes has decreased and reached one of the lowest levels we’ve seen in all of 2011 or 2010,” said Bundschuh.
Again, historically low interest rates are definitely playing a role in obtaining these numbers. But, the city of Austin is with-out a doubt doing it’s fair share. Rates are low everywhere, but few places are seeing this amount of stability & growth.
Even those who are not buying are deciding to call Austin home…. Rental rates are up 17% from this time last year…even with rental prices being up 8% as well!
According the the Austin Housing Market Statistics for September 2011…All-in-all the Austin area real estate market is officially rocking!
October 2, 2011
Highrise Luxury Apartment Rentals – Ashton Austin Apartment Homes
Highrise Luxury Apartment Rentals – Ashton Austin Apartment Homes
Ashton Austin Apartment Homes offers luxury apartments for rent in Austin, TX.
This 36 story highrise apartment community offers spectacular views of Lady Bird Lake, Downtown Austin, and the Hill Country.
The Ashton Austin boasts some incredible amenities…including a sparkling Infinity Edge Pool with outdoor Fire Pits & Grills, Whirlpool Spa, Resident Lounge complete with a Wine Cellar with climate controlled bottle storage & Coffee and Hot Tea service, state of the art Business Center & Conference Room with WiFi, premier Fitness Center, Theater Room & controlled entry access Parking with dedicated spaces!
The on-site staff is extremely helpful & will even receive packages for you!
Really…what more do you need? Oh wait, this is Austin, you may need a spot to park your bike…they have those too!
The apartments themselves are luxurious & fully upgraded…with features such as 9 Ft. Ceilings, Built-in Bookcases, Hardwood & Travertine flooring, open kitchens with European-style cabinetry, Granite Counters & Stainless Appliances, spa-inspired bathrooms with soothing Garden Tubs and all units have Private Terraces…many of which offer those stunning views!
The Ashton Austin is situated in the popular & trendy 2nd Street District…so you are just steps away from boutique shops, bistro eateries & swanky nightlife. It as also just blocks away from the Texas state capitol & the University of Texas – Austin. Plus, it is just minutes from I-35.
The Ashton is definitely a place worthy of calling home!
October 2, 2011
Mortgage Rates Hit All-Time Lows this week…another reason that NOW is a great time to buy a Home or Condo in Austin!
Mortgage Rates Hit All-Time Lows this week…another reason that NOW is a great time to buy a Home or Condo in Austin!
“Freddie Mac (FMCC) announced on Thursday that according to its market survey, interest rates for 30-year and 15-year fixed-rate mortgage loans hit their all-time lows.
The rate declines came on the heels of the Federal Reserve’s “Operation Twist,” where the central bank announced plans to shift its investment strategy toward longer-term securities, in an effort to push long-term interest rates lower, while keeping short-term rates at very low levels.
According to the mortgage giant — which like its competitor Fannie Mae (FNMA) was taken under government conservatorship in September 2008 — the national average rate for a conventional 30-year fixed-rate mortgage loan was 4.01% for the weekend ended September 29. The rate declined from 4.09% the previous week and 4.32% a year earlier.
For mortgage loans in the U.S., “conventional” means that the loan meets the standard underwriting requirements for the lender to be able to immediately sell a newly originated mortgage loan to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.
According to Freddie, the average rate for a conventional 15-year fixed-rate mortgage loan was 3.28%, declining from 3.29% the previous week and 3.75% a year earlier.” (FULL ARTICLE FROM The Street…)
If you are planning on purchasing a home or condo in Austin any time in the next few years, you should seriously consider making the move sooner, rather than later. Rates are sure to rise soon.
In additional to these historically low rates, Austin’s housing market is strong (one of the best in the nation…) and there are great homes in fantastic communities to choose from!
Want one more reason to start looking now for your new home in San Antonio? Builders & developers are gearing up for the end of the year & there are great deals to be found on inventory homes & condos that can close before 2011 is over.
Call or email today, so we can get started on finding your new place in Austin!
September 25, 2011
Austin Housing Market Statistics – August 2011
The Austin Board of REALTORS® recently released the Austin Housing Market Statistics for August 2011. We all know that the temperature in Austin during the month of August was HOT…well, so was the Austin Real Estate Market!!
With 1,978 single-family homes sold in August 2011, Austin saw a 33% increase in the number of single-family home sales when compared to August 2010.
Plus also had 19% more pending sales than August 2010.
The median home price stayed virtually unchanged year over year at $200,000 and the number of days on the market saw only a slight 2 day increase to 79 days.
This great month comes on top of the great numbers reported for June & July.
Due to these great sales numbers, the amount of inventory in Austin continues to decrease. In fact, in August 2011, Austin only had 5.7 months of inventory. Typically when a market has 6.5 months of inventory, it is considered to have a balance between supply & demand.
Sales for Condos in Austin were also up over 15 % in August 2011.
It is great to see that so many people are getting to take advantage of these historically low interest rates…and that they are doing so in a very cool city!
After seeing the Austin Housing Market Statistics for August 2011, it is officially safe to say that Austin’s Real Estate Market has had a great Summer!
September 13, 2011
Austin City Limits Music Festival 2011
Austin City Limits Music Festival 2011
Austin, the Live Music Capital of the World, is gearing up for one of its biggest annual music festivals of the year, Austin City Limits!
The 2011 Austin City Limits Musical Festival is the weekend, September 16th – 18th!
During the 3-day event (Friday, Saturday & Sunday), ACL Festival-goers will get to enjoy over 130 artists from across the globe as well as enjoy “amazing local eats and wares, fun for the kiddos, green goings-on, and other cool activities…”
There are some incredible artists at Austin City Limits this year! Some of the top headliners include Stevie Wonder, Arcade Fire, Coldplay & Kanye West! Check out the Complete Artist Lineup for Austin City Limits (ACL) 2011…
Ok…so we know the music at ACL will be great…but, we can’t forget about all of the delicious Food (another thing Austin is known for)!! Everything from Pizza, to Ice Cream to Tacos! Check out Some of the Food you will find at ACL 2011…
So, we have great music & delicious food…but, there will also be a Farmer’s Market & an Art Market…really giving you a taste of Austin!
Austin City Limits is a family friendly event & there are tons of fun activities for the kiddos to enjoy at Austin Kiddie Limits! Plus, kids under 10 get in for FREE with a ticket-holding adult!
All of this fun will take place on 46 acres in Zilker Park!
This event is always a HUGE success & this year looks like it will be even bigger & better!
AUSTIN CITY LIMITS 2011 EVENT SCHEDULE
Get Your Tickets Now…Hurry, Before they Sell Out!
August 11, 2011
Austin Housing Market Statistics – July 2011
It seems like everytime a current report comes out discussing which housing markets are fairing the best, Texas cities, such as Austin, San Antonio & Dallas are at or near the top. And, much of the time, it is Austin topping the list!
Well, Housing Market Stats are out for July 2011 and Austin is still showing, not only a steady market, but strong increases in sales!
Even though we saw a slight 3% decrease in the average sales price year over year (down to $257,266), the 32% increase in the number of single-family homes sold is great news! Plus, the total sales volume is up nearly 13% to almost $460 million for the month of July.
Another great Austin Market Statistic is is that there are currently 27% less homes for sale in Austin than at this point in 2010 and the number of homes currently pending sale is up by 31% this year compared to last year!
All-in-all, Austin’s Housing Market is strong & steady. One key factor in increased sales numbers could definitely be interest rates…which are historically low, currently at an average of 4.3% for a 30 year conventional loan! But, there is also no denying that Austin’s just a cool place to live…fun people, tons of stuff to do, fantastic places to eat, music on every corner…you get the idea…Austin Rocks!
