Austin: What It Is Today - 05/31/08 10:13 PM

The city of Austin has come a long way since its days as a buffalo-hunting ground for the Tonkawa and other Indian tribes. The 4,224 square miles now hold more than 1.5 million people. The city has one of the fastest growing populations in the country and the fastest growing income in the state. Neither shows signs of slowing, as more than 8,000 new inhabitants are anticipated every year with 2,000 fewer leaving. But with all these people, where are they living? 
Many are in apartments, but more still are in houses, the average price of which are 184,200 dollars … (0 comments)

Quit Quitclaims - 05/30/08 04:41 PM
The real estate world is full of mysterious jargon that only select few understand. Realtors often seem like they are speaking a language all their own, a fact that can make dealing with them and their clients intimidating, overwhelming and seemingly not worth a fight. But that kind of attitude can hurt you, especially if you get talked into something as risky as a Quitclaim. 
A Quitclaim Deed, often mistakenly called a Quick Claim Deed, is a deed in which the landowner does not promise he has no interest in the land but says he will surrender any that may exist. … (0 comments)

Commercial Building Slows to Residential's Pace - 05/27/08 11:24 PM
In 2007, everyone stopped building homes. For that matter, they stopped buying and selling homes, too. They weren't wanted; they weren't needed; and they certainly weren't in the budget. That wasn't the case, however, for commercial structures. Offices, malls, hotels and public institutions continued to be built throughout the year. These buildings seemed to feel very little of the economy's tightening, remaining strong and newly erected while everything else weakened.    Unfortunately, that's no longer true. Current trends show that nonresidential construction is about to hit a standstill. Projects already in the works are tentatively continuing, unsure if they'll have enough funds … (2 comments)

Austin Begins Work on Dictating Another Aspect of Homes - 05/21/08 02:25 AM
I CAN'T BELEIVE IT. I just got this in my email. I thought the forced green upgrades was out of characted for Austin, but I must be losing it. Now the city wants to force builders to build with certain specifications. Forget custom homes. Now the city is working on making all homes follow these guidelines.
 
MANDATORY VISITABILITY IN CAPITAL CITY?
AUSTIN (Austin Business Journal) – A proposed city ordinance could require local home builders to equip all new single-family homes with features designed especially for disabled individuals and the elderly.
The city council this month passed a resolution to … (12 comments)

My opinion on the forced green movement in Austin. - 05/21/08 01:26 AM
I posted a note about the potential point of sale green update ordinance in Austin a few days ago. Here's my thoughts on the issue now that I've had a few days to think about it.
There’s no denying the importance of eco-conscious living. We have, after all, caused considerable damage to the environment. Whatever we can do to reverse this should be done, but because we want to not because our mayor or government as a whole says we should.           
The new energy efficiency ordinances currently under consideration by Austin officials are not the solution to our environmental problems. … (8 comments)

Anybody else feel like doing this? - 05/19/08 02:32 AM
Check out this excerpt from the New York Times. It's about a family in Austin that is bucking the growing trend of materialism and going to live simply.
May 17, 2008 Chasing Utopia, Family Imagines No Possessions
By RALPH BLUMENTHAL and RACHEL MOSTELLER
AUSTIN, Tex. — Like many other young couples, Aimee and Jeff Harris spent the first years of their marriage eagerly accumulating stuff: cars, furniture, clothes, appliances and, after a son and a daughter came along, toys, toys, toys.
Now they are trying to get rid of it all, down to their fancy wedding bands. Chasing a … (8 comments)

Apartments for Sale Galor in Austin - 05/16/08 03:23 PM
I have sold some multifamily properties in the Austin area and love apartments as investments for the most part. After all everyone needs a place to live and not everyone wants to be tied down with a house. When I saw this news clip come across my email I was pretty shocked given the apartment outlook for the area. As you can see, someone already snapped up 9 of the properties.
Now is certainly the time to buy at a decent price with the economy being semi-distressed and the folks who are cash poor needing to become more liquid. I'm not … (5 comments)

Check out the storm that hit Austin. - 05/16/08 01:22 AM
Last night around 12:20am a huge storm rolled over my house and through west austin - central austin - and out of town through east austin. I got some photos of the damage at my place. It was no fun, but at least no one was hurt.
Joe

2+ inch piece of hail that I picked up from the garage.

Neighbor's tree took out my fence.

Another of my neighblor's trees and part of the fence taken out.
Joe
Cat Mountain TX Homes MLS Search | Lakewood Real Estate and Cat Mountain Real Estate
… (6 comments)

Take Action: Stop Point of Sale in Austin - 05/14/08 04:39 PM
I wanted to help get the word out about this so I'm posting the email I got from TREPAC. I already sent emails to the city council. I encourage all Austin homeowners and agents to do the same if you have not already. You can check out the site at http://www.keepaustinaffordable.com
In doing research on the potential effects of this odrinance I'm curious if any other areas around the country have had this sort of forced upgrade at the threat of not being allowed to sell your home. Please send me any info that you have. I would greatly appreciate it!
… (1 comments)

New San Antonio Condo Development In The Works - 05/13/08 05:20 PM
 
Prospective buyers in the San Antonio area have access to a new condominium development that will begin construction in April of 2009. The Palmilla at Port Aransas will be a waterfront community, overlooking the Corpus Christi Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. These luxury condos will feature floor plans ranging from 1600 to 3000 square feet, with prices starting in the $400,000 market. The project will include a total of 94 units, as well as amenities such as a fitness center, event rooms, Internet café, and a community pool. Sales have already begun, with units having already been sold. 
Developers … (0 comments)

May Real Estate Stats for Austin Texas - 05/12/08 10:51 PM
The Month in Review April 2008
Units for Sale: (compared to April 2007)
New listings were up 48.05%. Pendings were down 67.04%. Solds decreased by 17.31%.
As for Average Prices:
The "New Listings" average list price is down 0.47% to 330,528. In April 2007 the average list price was $332,105. In March (2008) it was $322,288. Sold average sales prices decreased 0.75% to $241,610. For April 2007 it was $243,425. In March (2008) it was $234,386. Check it out at http://www.alamotitle-austin.com/mls_statistics.php
Did You Know...? That we had 9,527 active listings during the same week in 2007? Today there are 11,892 … (0 comments)

Remodeling for the long haul - 05/10/08 11:08 AM
Are you considering selling your home in a difficult market? Although many people today are looking to sell because of foreclosures perhaps you are one with a growing family. Due to the buyers market is possible for you not get the value your house deserves, thus you should consider alternatives. One inexpensive yet effective alternative is remodeling. According to remodeling magazines at 2007 analysis it's possible for homeowner to gay 70 to 80% return on the cost of most remodeling projects. This makes the choice of remodeling a positive option for homeowners willing to wait out the market.
There are five … (3 comments)

Commercial Real Estate Expo - 05/09/08 03:00 PM
Just learned about this event and wanted to pass it along in case you are interested in commercial real estate like I am. Drop me a note if you're going and we can meet up. Joe
Red Oaks Cedar Park Listings | Austin Texas Listings
… (0 comments)

The New Landlord-Is it the answer? - 05/08/08 06:02 PM
There is not a doubt across the nation, it is a buyers market. Foreclosures are at an all time high and more and more homeowners are trying to find creative ways to make sure they can hold on to there home.  But what about homeowners caught in a flaccid market where home are subject to the sting of a fire-sale offer or to competition forcing pricing to bargain basement lows. For some this will have to be tolerated in order to sell the house.
For fortunate homeowner who can afford to ride the tide, consumer reports show that many homeowners are … (1 comments)

Solar Energy and Green Building Event - 05/07/08 04:51 PM
I just got information about this in the mail. Pretty cool looking program. If you are going shoot me an email and we can meet. Joe
Lakeway Real Estate | Austin Real Estate
Program Details 
Friday, May 16, 2008 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Here Comes the Sun: Solar Energy in Green Building In 2007, the U.S. Department of Energy selected Austin as one of the first 13 Solar America Cities to help lay the foundation for a solar energy market that can serve as a model for cities around the nation. Find out what Austin Energy is doing to encourage solar installations in … (0 comments)

HUD Releases New Loan Limits - 05/06/08 11:28 PM
For a long time, it has seemed that the government is all talk and no action. The members of the House and Senate discuss the teetering real estate market in depth regularly. They theorize about what will make it better and propose bills and plans that should benefit everyone. When all is said and done, there is no progress. Fortunately, that’s not the case anymore.
In March of this year, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released new FHA and conforming loan limits. The limits are based on median home prices throughout the country and set at … (0 comments)

REIT? - 05/05/08 05:41 PM
Real Estate is often a solid investment for those who are looking to invest in the ‘safer’ options. During difficult economic times, this still holds true. Investments can be made in varying levels. The most commonly known is the rental property. This is one that comes with significant tenant concerns. This applies to either a rental home, as many facing foreclosure are being forced to do, or a building. There are other real estate investment options that investors not prepared for the landlord position can examine. For smaller portions of real estate an investor can seek out real estate investment trusts … (0 comments)

Texas Shoot Out - 05/04/08 10:05 PM
The Dallas Country Club hosted a Texas Shoot Out for the second year. This test of commercial real estate skills was an impressive display of talent, intellectual strength, and ability. Teams of four to six people were assigned to evaluate a complex real estate situation. This situation focused on the sales-leaseback arrangements as well as the corporation consolidation of two business campuses in a difficult market. This market challenge was set in a difficult and declining marketplace such as what they may experience today. Teams then conferred and designed solutions for the potentially real life issues. After reaching their conclusions the … (2 comments)

Mold can be a significant issue in any home - 05/03/08 12:26 AM
Mold in any home is a significant issue. It is a health risk, a liability, and often a hidden danger. Mold develops when a given area is damp or wet, even through the drying process. When mold develops it is difficult, but not impossible to get rid of. The first step however is detection, and that is not the easiest thing. Should you be selling a home, this could be one of the hardest points to address, unless you hire an inspector.
The mold liability issue has become so vast that many of the insurance agencies are dismissing the claims, … (0 comments)

Homevestors... - 05/02/08 12:59 AM
HomeVestors of America Inc, the Dallas-based company is once again trying to have an impact on the economy.  The We Buy Ugly Houses company is sponsoring a National Real Estate Investors Association meeting with Congress members and representatives.  The day on the Hill event will occur April 30 in Washington to DC.  The goal of the meeting is to discuss with Congress to be impact real estate investors are able to have on a current housing market crisis. This will be a true meeting of the real estate minds.
There is a legitimate investment opportunity, which has an impact on the … (0 comments)

 

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