I have written recently that we might be seeing some signs of movement in the direction of more normal market conditions. The latest local data seems to reinforce that opinion. Continue reading
The Five Star Professional network provides monthly market data that is compiled to provide this Heat Index comparison of market conditions. Continue reading
… frequent press reports about the Federal Reserve Board raising interest rates can cause confusion among concerned mortgage borrowers who don’t understand that the Fed has no direct control in the mortgage market … Continue reading
Although the Austin area has been in drought for much of the past 10 years, if you have been around Austin for a while, you know that floods also feature prominently in our history. Continue reading
Ultimately, all market cycles turn, and this one will too, but job and population growth remain strong in the Austin area, supporting continuing strength in residential real estate. We might be seeing some resistance, though. Continue reading
Monthly prices have been consistently exceeding (and lifting) the long-term trend for all of 2 1/2 years now. If there is risk in our market that may be it, but if buyers begin to resist then sellers will adjust. Our very long market boom has been and remains driven by job creation and resulting population growth, but a functioning market will balance itself over time. Continue reading
Jim Gaines, chief economist at the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University, said the June sales dip is not an indication that the Austin-area housing market is cooling off. Continue reading
I have heard recent comments from a few real estate agents that the market seems slower this year. I have “felt” something different in recent weeks myself, but I trust data so I decided to check on that from 30,000 feet … Continue reading
Water is a precious resource in many ways, and managing that resource for the long term is vital. We can and must do better! Continue reading
After five years of strong demand, limited supply, and rising sale prices in Austin-area residential real estate, it’s no surprise that the taxable values of homes are also rising. Here’s a summary from Hays County: Hays County home values rise nearly 9% For comparison, these are similar recent reports about Travis and Williamson counties: It’s … Continue reading