The Case-Shiller index of 20 major cities showed a decline of 0.8% from August to September, and 18 of 20 cities experienced declines …. but focusing on a single month-to-month change in average prices can be misleading. Continue reading
In a predictable environment entrepreneurs and businesspeople will gamble their capital and their livelihoods on the chance to build and grow — creating jobs and prosperity for many others along the way. Continue reading
I just posted an article on my website with recommendations for home buyers during this recessionary market period. Most are good, but there are important differences between the Austin/Central Texas real estate market and the hard-hit markets that rightly get so much attention in the national press. Continue reading
Since your FICO score affects so much of your life these days, it is important to understand how to raise it or to keep it high. Continue reading
If it’s your time to buy or sell, don’t wait for some imaginary sea-change in the Central Texas real estate market. The outlook for home values and mortgage interest rates us UP, and we are not facing a flood of low-priced properties in the coming months. Make your move because it’s right for you, not because of external factors you read or hear about. Continue reading
“Even with several years of price declines, the typical seller who purchased a home eight years ago experienced a median equity gain of $33,000, a 24% increase, while sellers who were in their homes for 11-15 years saw a median gain of 40%.”
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Pending home sales were down in September, but the Austin metropolitan area shows signs of strength. Continue reading
According to the Austin Board of Realtors® , pending homes sales in the Austin metro area down27% in September 2010 compared to September 2009. Year-to-date sales, however, were down only 1%.
In this recession, maybe more than all others, it is important to recognize that “it ain’t over ’til it’s over.” That said, we still have the climate, the culture, the tax structure, the entrepreneurial dynamism, and the activity of a growth-oriented Chamber of Commerce that has made the Austin area so attractive and successful. Continue reading