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Last week the Federal Reserve raised the “Federal Funds Rate” after years of rumors that they would do so. The media got very busy discussing what that means for the economy, and for other interest rates that are important to consumers — including mortgage loans, but whether and when mortgage rate changes might happen has very little to do with the Federal Reserve Board. Continue reading
Much has been said over the past couple of years about housing affordability in the Austin area, and rightfully so. This is not hopeless, however. There are ways to address this trend, by allowing the addition of much more, and more varied housing stock throughout the area. Continue reading
Following up on another post today about the market environment on and near Lake Travis, I want to comment quickly, that although lake-area homes are generally more expensive than the median home in the Austin metropolitan area, the market velocity issues discussed in that post are not price-driven. Here’s a look at Days to Sell … Continue reading
Following up on another post today about the market environment on and near Lake Travis, I want to comment quickly, that although lake-area homes are generally more expensive than the median home in the Austin metropolitan area, the market velocity issues discussed in that post are not price-driven. Here’s a look at Days to Sell … Continue reading
The Austin metro area has become a famous real estate market over the past couple of years — hot, hot, hot!!! Multiple offers and very quick sales are frustrating for prospective buyers, many of whom make offers for several homes before successfully getting one under contract. These market conditions can also be discouraging to would-be … Continue reading
You’ve decided to look for a home — either your first one, or a move-up. You’ve got good employment history, solid rental and/or mortgage payment history, you have managed your credit, and you have been preapproved for a mortgage loan. Where should you focus your search? Continue reading
There is a difference between home prices being bid up to unrealistic levels through shear speculation, and the way Central Texas home values are being driven by real supply and demand forces, supported by strong employment and population growth and buying power provided by a still very conservatiove mortgage lending industry. Continue reading
How much do homes really cost here? In the metro area, the highest average and median prices are in neighborhoods near the close-by south shore of Lake Travis, not in the city itself. At the other end of the market, there are six suburban cities with average and median home prices at or below $200,000. Continue reading
It is still possible to buy less expensive homes, but with the rapid growth in population and employment, it is more difficult and competitive, and most often in the suburbs. Still, through September 2014 more than 1/3 of all homes sold in the metro area were priced under $200,000. Continue reading
I’m convinced that Austin’s growth and home value appreciation are happening for the right reasons — real demand supported by economic growth and employment opportunity. I do not see reasons to fear a market bubble that is so much on some people’s minds after the painful recession we’re all still pulling out of. Continue reading
