Buying in Austin
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FOR BUYERS: FINDING THE BEST
With so many to choose from, how do you know who is the right real estate agent for you? How do you even narrow it down? You can stop your search right here, I’m a REALTOR® and an Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®), and I would love to help you find your next home! The Second Most Important Homebuying Decision You’ll Make: Tips for Finding the Best Agent for You by Caroline Biggs. © 1994-2017 Apartment Therapy, LLC.
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FOR BUYERS: ALL ABOUT THE INSPECTION
If you’re a first-time buyer, a home inspection might be a pretty vague concept. What is it? Do you really need it? I’m an Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) and can help answer these questions, and any others you might have about inspections or the rest of the home buying process! The Top 5 Things Buyers Should Ask About Home Inspections by REBAC Staff. © 2016-2017 REBAC.net.
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For Buyers: Our House Is A Very, Very, Very Fine House
FOR BUYERS: OUR HOUSE IS A VERY, VERY, VERY FINE HOUSE Nowadays, it’s rare to see houses without some form of smart home technology. It’s popular for a reason. Be it reducing your electric bill, or sheer convenience, there’s something for everyone and for nearly every purpose. Here’s a list of top home technology trends for 2017. Do you have any of these in your home? Would you like to? 5 Top Trends for Smart Homes In 2017 by REBAC Staff. © 2016-2017 REBAC.net.
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Market Quick Hits = Opportunity
Market Quick Hits “We often miss opportunity because it’s dressed in overalls and looks like work” ― Thomas Edison Units closed in April 2017 decreased 3.8% compared to April 2016. Year to date we’re up 1%. The Austin MSA inventory is up 16.9%, 15.1% in Travis County and 14.6% in Austin City Limits. Year to date condo sales are up 13%. Condos currently represent 10% of the total sales in the Austin MSA and 20% of the total sales in Austin city limits. Current interest rates for a 30-year fixed are 4%; down 0.125% from the beginning of May. Builder incentives and seller concessions are on the rise once again. Percentage of sold price…
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For Buyers: What’s It Worth
FOR BUYERS: WHAT’S IT WORTH? Many people view homeownership as a primary goal, even when the initial benefits aren’t financial. I’m an Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) and I’d love to discuss your homeownership goals! Report: Homeownership Is More Than Just the Facts by Suzanne De Vita. © 2017 RISMedia.
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Looking Ahead To The 2017 Housing Market
Looking ahead to the 2017 Housing Market Blame it on the election cycle, the climbing interest rates or affordability, and I’ve heard it all, the central Texas housing rate of growth very clearly slowed in 2016 compared to previous years. The good news is that the Austin metro area had another record breaking year with home values and sales. Though the housing market traditionally slows every presidential election year, I wouldn’t blame the second half of last year being slower than the previous three years solely on the election. The normalization of our market in 2016, meaning a less aggressive rate of growth, will likely continue – though check out the…
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Reviewing the 2016 Housing Market
“Change in the Air”Reviewing the Housing Market 2016 proved to be another solid year for Texas home owners, sellers and buyers. Here in Central Texas, home values continued to climb to record numbers as did the total units and dollar volume sold. But with change hanging over heads all year long, it’s little surprise to see some rates of change slow to a more “normal” market, as yours truly projected last January. This time last year the Austin Board of Realtors reported that during 2015 the metro area saw 5% growth in terms of units closed and an appreciation rate of 8%, and citing it was “primarily due to our…
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For Buyers: Saved By The Bell
FOR BUYERS: SAVED BY THE BELL You may have heard the rumors that spring is the best time to buy a home. But if everyone is abiding by that advice, what does that mean for you? Sometimes it helps to go against the current and do things on your own timeline. Here are some compelling reasons why you may want to wait until after the school bell rings to start shopping around for a new home. Winter spring, summer, or fall, all you have to do is call and I will make sure that I find you your dream home. I look forward to working with you! 4 Reasons to…
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A Note From Scott, October2016
A Note From Scott Howdy, y’all! The peak home sales season may have passed but our little team of Real Estate professionals hasn’t slowed in the least. To the contrary, our buyers, and many of our homeowners for that matter, are busier than ever. To me, the fall is the best time of year to consider all of your options as a homeowner or prospective homeowner. Regardless of your situation, we would love to visit with you to see if we can make your current situation even better! Considering a move-up or relocation? We should build that plan today! Ready to enter the marketplace as a first time home buyer? With today’s interest…
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New To The Austin MLS: “CS” Listings
New to the Austin MLS: “CS” listings For a few years, local buyers have had countless reasons to be frustrated. The lack of inventory has made it difficult to win offers and often they’ve missed out on opportunities entirely as some homes contract without ever hitting the open market. Realtors have tried countless ways to adapt creating numerous underground market portals that only fractions of the local Realtor community actually join. But now, a game changer from the Austin Board of Realtors (ABOR) and I think sellers and buyers will be pleased! The Austin Board of Realtors has launched a new MLS status called Coming Soon or CS. This new status was implemented in an effort…