I just posted the Market survey under the Weblinks tab. For quick reference go here!
Showing posts with label Austin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Austin. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Positive signs for 2012!
I've spent over a week pulling reports and analyzing statistics and now have a nicely compiled little Market Survey summarizing what all those #1 Articles keep saying... ...Austin is where it's at for prime real estate investments!
I just posted the Market survey under the Weblinks tab. For quick reference go here!
I just posted the Market survey under the Weblinks tab. For quick reference go here!
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Market becoming (has become) more seller friendly!
It has been a rough couple of years for Seller's nationwide, even in Austin where the market has fared much better than anywhere else. I have been working with some first time home buyers since January and was shocked to see that inventories didn't really bump up as Spring approached, as would seasonally be expected. As each weekend passed and little to no additional listings presented, pressure started to mount for myself and my buyers. We have particularly been looking in the 78757, 78759 zip codes (N. Allandale, Crestview, Mesa Park & Millwood South). A few weeks back we found an incredible fixer-upper in Crestview and made an offer. After calling the listing agent to notify of our intentions I found out that three other offers had already been received and this house was only on the market for 18 hours. I felt the whiplash of shock hit me as I heard this! We placed an offer for $11K over list, no seller concessions and a 30 day close. We did not win the bid, however I was informed we were next in line. Again, I was shocked! Not only had this home received 4 offers in the first 24 hours, it had a bidding war already in place. I swear I blinked and found ourselves in this new, once dreamed of, Seller's Market!
After getting over the loss of that home my c;ients and I took a step back to refocus on what it was they really wanted and were willing to deal with in purchasing a resale home. We visited two homes that needed remodels with a third party contractor and realized that the level of remodel needed wouldn't be worth it. Fully refocused we hit the street to find two more options. Two homes, across the park from one another in Mesa Park, similar square footage and interior updating but completely different functional layouts. We placed an offer on one of the two homes and quickly found out that a cash offer had already been received and another offer was expected in the next couple of hours with two return showings in the same day. Again, I saw the same scenario beginning to play out.. Multiple offers + a bidding war... Well, We played it safe, kept our heads on strong and placed an offer just below list with minimal seller contribution. With an immediate response back from the listing agent we found ourselves with a counter at full price, no seller paid contributions and a 45 day close. Even though our original offer wasnt accepted we got the home for a great price. Now we're onto Option and excited to get into Escrow!!
What an incredible whirlwind this has been. I had never expected the market to turn this quickly and now that we're officially in a Seller's Market its time to hit the road and hit it fast. Inventories are at a record low in some areas and the inward population migration is soaking up all available options!
Get your lender ready and let's make a deal!
Follow this link to a recent article about the turning market in Community Impact Newspaper.
After getting over the loss of that home my c;ients and I took a step back to refocus on what it was they really wanted and were willing to deal with in purchasing a resale home. We visited two homes that needed remodels with a third party contractor and realized that the level of remodel needed wouldn't be worth it. Fully refocused we hit the street to find two more options. Two homes, across the park from one another in Mesa Park, similar square footage and interior updating but completely different functional layouts. We placed an offer on one of the two homes and quickly found out that a cash offer had already been received and another offer was expected in the next couple of hours with two return showings in the same day. Again, I saw the same scenario beginning to play out.. Multiple offers + a bidding war... Well, We played it safe, kept our heads on strong and placed an offer just below list with minimal seller contribution. With an immediate response back from the listing agent we found ourselves with a counter at full price, no seller paid contributions and a 45 day close. Even though our original offer wasnt accepted we got the home for a great price. Now we're onto Option and excited to get into Escrow!!
What an incredible whirlwind this has been. I had never expected the market to turn this quickly and now that we're officially in a Seller's Market its time to hit the road and hit it fast. Inventories are at a record low in some areas and the inward population migration is soaking up all available options!
Get your lender ready and let's make a deal!
Follow this link to a recent article about the turning market in Community Impact Newspaper.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
Austin and Many Texas Cities continue to rank in Forbes Top Lists
Once again Forbes magazine has ranked Austin as the Best Big City for Jobs followed by 3 other Texas Metro Cities leaving 4 of the Top 5 ranked, cities in the Lone Star State!
Being from Austin we keep hearing Austin toping the charts of many polls and ranking reports so this isn't quite news to me, however it is continued reassurance that Austin continues to distance herself from the woes of our national economy.
Every time I hear Austin ranking at the top of a new poll I do get a bit worried. Yes, I am a Realtor® and my success relies heavily on the growth of the metroplex, however as a loyal and proud Austinite I also recognize the changes this means for my humble little 'town'. I am not a born Austinite, but this town is all I've known since I was 10 years old. Austin is where I consider home! With the love of my hometown I see the changes that have taken place and that will continue to take place. The big developments changing our skyline, the natural habitats that are so dear to the hill country's ecology that surrounds our city slowing losing the fight against the big developer.
With the growth comes consequence and I hope the people who have decided to move to Austin based on what they've read or heard come here and appreciate it for what it truly is and not for an opportunity to take advantage of it's blossoming state. There are a lot of opportunities to capitalize on, many of which could change the feeling and the scene that is Austin. This is a city where people treat pets with the same humanity they treat themselves (Which means they get to attend happy hours and sit on sunny breakfast patios) This is a city where people will still allow you to merge into traffic and also wave thanks from their rearview when you let them over. This is a city where the almighty food trailer is respected and expected to be incredible. This is a city where you can throw your 2-day dirty hair in a barrette and go have a michelada at 2pm. This is a youthful, liberal town centered on creativity and passion. This is not city where tangible items create you or where The W is the place to be any day of the night. This is a city where live music is the heartbeat. A heartbeat that is threatened with every new downtown condo high rise. You see, many (not all) of the people who soaked up the condo's are now the ones complaining of late night noise pollution from clubs that have been the historic backbone of Austin. These people who moved here because they read or heard how incredible it would be to live here are the very ones changing the scene and the course of what Austin is known for.
We are expected for 1 million more in the next decade. Im not sure Austin can handle this expected growth without some drastic changes. Our most notable issue is traffic. We dont have enough roads. We dont have proper public transportation and the rail system launch was a complete joke. Many generational Austinites have refused to vote for road improvements or light rail thus spinning Austin into a downward spiral of catchup. I hope city council and all the regional mobility authorities can get a well rounded and comprehensive plan in place and started prior to the end of this decade. Otherwise I bet we will begin to see Austin's chart toping reputation decline...
Rankings information from "Texas Rising", From the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
Being from Austin we keep hearing Austin toping the charts of many polls and ranking reports so this isn't quite news to me, however it is continued reassurance that Austin continues to distance herself from the woes of our national economy.
Every time I hear Austin ranking at the top of a new poll I do get a bit worried. Yes, I am a Realtor® and my success relies heavily on the growth of the metroplex, however as a loyal and proud Austinite I also recognize the changes this means for my humble little 'town'. I am not a born Austinite, but this town is all I've known since I was 10 years old. Austin is where I consider home! With the love of my hometown I see the changes that have taken place and that will continue to take place. The big developments changing our skyline, the natural habitats that are so dear to the hill country's ecology that surrounds our city slowing losing the fight against the big developer.
With the growth comes consequence and I hope the people who have decided to move to Austin based on what they've read or heard come here and appreciate it for what it truly is and not for an opportunity to take advantage of it's blossoming state. There are a lot of opportunities to capitalize on, many of which could change the feeling and the scene that is Austin. This is a city where people treat pets with the same humanity they treat themselves (Which means they get to attend happy hours and sit on sunny breakfast patios) This is a city where people will still allow you to merge into traffic and also wave thanks from their rearview when you let them over. This is a city where the almighty food trailer is respected and expected to be incredible. This is a city where you can throw your 2-day dirty hair in a barrette and go have a michelada at 2pm. This is a youthful, liberal town centered on creativity and passion. This is not city where tangible items create you or where The W is the place to be any day of the night. This is a city where live music is the heartbeat. A heartbeat that is threatened with every new downtown condo high rise. You see, many (not all) of the people who soaked up the condo's are now the ones complaining of late night noise pollution from clubs that have been the historic backbone of Austin. These people who moved here because they read or heard how incredible it would be to live here are the very ones changing the scene and the course of what Austin is known for.
We are expected for 1 million more in the next decade. Im not sure Austin can handle this expected growth without some drastic changes. Our most notable issue is traffic. We dont have enough roads. We dont have proper public transportation and the rail system launch was a complete joke. Many generational Austinites have refused to vote for road improvements or light rail thus spinning Austin into a downward spiral of catchup. I hope city council and all the regional mobility authorities can get a well rounded and comprehensive plan in place and started prior to the end of this decade. Otherwise I bet we will begin to see Austin's chart toping reputation decline...
Rankings information from "Texas Rising", From the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
North Central Austin gets Nightlife Upgrade, coming this Spring!
I am excited to see redevelopment happening at the former space of Fuddruckers at the Village Center on Anderson Lane.
The Austin American Statesman has confirmed that North Central Austin is upgrading it's nightlife and happy hour scene!
"The Goodnight" will be the name... We are told to expect bowling lanes, virtual golf, billiards and bar to name a few.
Maybe we could liken this to The Highball on South Lamar, if so, we are in for a treat!
Can't wait to play and show my style on the lanes!
Click the link below for The Statesman's full article.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Austin Real Estate Market Stats
The Austin Real Estate Market has begun to show some signs of slowing down. Usually at this time of year we expect a minimal slowing of sales volume accompanied by a reduction in median home sales price. It is nothing I would be too concerned about. Its a good time for buyer's still as the market remains highly saturated. It is also a good time for landlords renting their homes. Stay tuned later this week for Austin metro Rental stats...
Aug-11 Quick Sales Facts: (Source: Austin Board of Realtors®)
- The median price of existing single-family homes decreased to $195,000 down -0.8% vs Jul-11.
- Existing single-family home sales decreased -1.2% from Jul-11 for a Aug-11 total of 1,666 sold units.
- Condos decreased in price to $159,250 down -2.0% vs Jul-11.
- Existing condo sales increased 2.1% in Aug-11 over Jul-11 for a total of 196 sold units.
Click the link below for visual charts and graphs illustrating sales trends...
Monday, September 26, 2011
For Lease in Onion Creek. $1750/month. Move in before the holidays! MLS #8285244
Located on a corner lot across from the community lake this home features a large shady backyard with wood deck and pergola. A great space for Sunday BBQ's and afternoon play!
This home has been delightfully updated inside. Updates include 18" porcelain tile floors, hardwoods, travertine counters in the kitchen and baths, as well as warm-toned paint colors throughout. Upon entering you'll notice a grand open space with a large family room featuring a vaulted ceiling, wood-burning stone surround fireplace and direct backyard access. The Kitchen, with all its updates invites home cooked meals and even plenty of space for entertaining!
The Master bedroom and bath are separated from the secondary bedrooms where you'll find additional hall closets and a dual vanity bathroom with updated tile finishes and jumbo-sized shower! The Master bedroom is large and spacious easily accommodating a King sized bed. The bathroom has also been updated with lightly colored travertine tile, his and her's pedestal sinks and a fully retiled shower surround.
A truly lovely home in one of Austin's most notable neighborhoods. Located just east of IH-35 in Onion Creek you'll enjoy proximity to all the shops, dining and entertainment at Southpark Meadows!
Located centrally between downtown Austin, Austin Bergstrom International Airport, Kyle, Buda and San Marcos!
Priced to lease at $1750 per month.
If you are interested in seeing this home or know someone who might be, call or email me!
Friday, September 9, 2011
Charity T-shirts to Benefit Texas Fire Survivors - Limited Edition!
I just think this is a great way to raise money for Texas Fire Survivors!
Click on the link to purchase a limited edition t-shirt. Strut your charitable self in style!
"We love the Lone Star. We hate to see it on fire. Who's with us?
Click on the link to purchase a limited edition t-shirt. Strut your charitable self in style!
Charity T-shirts to Benefit Texas Fire Survivors
"We love the Lone Star. We hate to see it on fire. Who's with us?
100% of the net proceeds will go directly to Central Texas wildfire survivors."
From our friends at AirShp
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Housing Assistance for Families Affected by Texas' Wildfires
It has been an incredible sight in and around Austin the past few days. Living and working in central Austin the past week has felt more like a war zone. Any direction you turn you would see smoke along the horizon. Now, as the fires around Austin begin to extinguish it's going to be time for families to begin rebuilding their lives. The volunteer response has been incredible to hear about and now as these families begin to think about rebuilding their lives it's important to realize that assistance will continue to be needed, whether volunteer or professional.
Being a REALTOR®, I am proud to say our professional organizations are stepping in and doing what they can to assist the families in need of new homes, whether temporary or long term.
Austin Board of REALTORS® has provided a list of help links and information for families affected by the Texas Wildfires.
Some details I found important to note:
~Molly
Being a REALTOR®, I am proud to say our professional organizations are stepping in and doing what they can to assist the families in need of new homes, whether temporary or long term.
Austin Board of REALTORS® has provided a list of help links and information for families affected by the Texas Wildfires.
Here is the full link to this resource provided by AustinHomeSearch.com
Some details I found important to note:
What can consumers do now if they were affected by the fires?
- Contact your Loan Officer: If you are under contract on a home, you need to check with your loan officer to determine whether or not additional final inspections are required. If so, that may cost up to $200 for the final inspection and take a few extra days to finalize the loan.
- Check with your insurance provider: Additionally, I would recommend that homeowners contact their insurance providers to see if the insurance company is ready to insure the home.
- Contact HomeAway for Vacation Rentals Offered by Owners: Many vacation rental owners have offered their properties specifically to local residents who have been displaced by the fires in Central Texas for free or at discounted rates.
- Coordinating with FEMA: ABoR has talked with FEMA about publishing rental homes listed on the popular consumer-oriented site AustinHomeSearch.com. This effort is designed to connect displaced evacuees with available interim housing. More information will be published as the details are available. Check back regularly for more information.
I want to thank Austin Board of REALTORS® and Austin Home Search for publishing this information.
If you know of anyone affected by the wildfires in and around Austin please share this with them so they may know these resources are available to them.
~Molly
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
The final days of summer!
Usually at this time of year I am feeling the impending fall depression... The thought of the warmer temperatures leaving and colder temps setting in always makes me a little crabby. However, I think we would all agree that this summer has been and continues to be terribly dreadful! Its been tough to pry myself out of the house or any four walls with A/C. This past weekend The Husband and I finally talked each other into battling the 112 degree heat by attending the hot sauce festival. I mean, why not? Might as well fry my mouth while my skin is burning! We lasted all of about 30 minutes before my water was gone, my mouth on fire and sweat had forged a river down my back.
This summer I say good riddance record breaking temperatures. I can't wait for the day I can get in my car and not burn my hands touching the steering wheel.
So, then a new depression begins to set in. ...ACL? What the heck, man... I'm just not sure we will be able to truly handle the heat this year. I pray Jim Spencer will do his rain dance and bring a drop in the temperatures. The Husband turns 30 this year during the ACL Festival weekend so this is intended to be a blow out year for him. I think we just might be the ones camping in the shade of a Zilker Tree, leaving camp for others to come and find refuge in the shade. In 2007 when ACL was known as the dust bowl I told myself that I could never do that again. ... I hope C3 will just say screw it and have sprinkler's in the park for us all to run through. Ill take the mud anyday over the dust!
As I say this The Husband has walked in the door with a delivery in hand. ...Our ACL wristbands! Whoohoo! ~Now if I can just figure out how to put the darn'd thing on?
This summer I say good riddance record breaking temperatures. I can't wait for the day I can get in my car and not burn my hands touching the steering wheel.
So, then a new depression begins to set in. ...ACL? What the heck, man... I'm just not sure we will be able to truly handle the heat this year. I pray Jim Spencer will do his rain dance and bring a drop in the temperatures. The Husband turns 30 this year during the ACL Festival weekend so this is intended to be a blow out year for him. I think we just might be the ones camping in the shade of a Zilker Tree, leaving camp for others to come and find refuge in the shade. In 2007 when ACL was known as the dust bowl I told myself that I could never do that again. ... I hope C3 will just say screw it and have sprinkler's in the park for us all to run through. Ill take the mud anyday over the dust!
As I say this The Husband has walked in the door with a delivery in hand. ...Our ACL wristbands! Whoohoo! ~Now if I can just figure out how to put the darn'd thing on?
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