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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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1Q17 Market Watch
How’s that real estate market, you ask? 1Q17 single family units sold were 0.5% higher compared to 1Q16. This is a clear continuation of the market slowdown we noted previously, but make no mistake, we are still on pace to beat last year’s numbers. Even if it’s just by 0.5%What continues to raise my eyebrow is the interest rate increases over the last 9 months. Consider the graph above that shows the interest rate fluctuation for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage over the last 5 years. If you are considering a home purchase, think about this: A July 2016 homebuyer had an average interest rate of 3.41%, an average price of $353K, and a monthly principal and interest (PI) payment of $1,560. Today,…
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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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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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Consider This: Fall Season Is Home Buyer Season
Consider this Fall season is buyer season! Last week we closed a first time home buyer who purchased a remodeled 3 bed, 2.5 bath home in south Austin, north of Slaughter, for only $233,500. That buyer only brought $8,000 to the table (earnest money, downpayment, inspection and appraisal) and left with a 3.5% interest rate and $1600 monthly payment. Still think Austin isn’t affordable? This graph shows the number of sales and the percentage of original list price sellers received by month in 2015. Consider that though the sales numbers dip in the fall, buyers very clearly have negotiation strength as sellers discount more during this time of year. The low rates and increase in seller concessions…