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What if Apple and Samsung had decided in recent months and years that they couldn’t trust Central Texas to provide the infrastructure necessary to support their growth? What if the next AMD or Motorola or GM makes that decision and moves somewhere else instead? What if growth continues, but builders can’t get building permits? Those are all real possibilities unless we take action now, during this Legislative session. Continue reading
The National Association of REALTORS® has done a good job reporting the effect on the housing industry of the American Taxpayer Relief Act passed by Congress this week. Beyond the change in personal income tax rates that have filled virtually all news accounts, the Act also extends mortgage cancellation relief that has made short sale a … Continue reading
The recent housing crisis was in very large part caused by our government and quasi-governmental agencies (Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) creating incentives for mortgage lenders to make loans that they would not have made otherwise. I’ll be happy to discuss this, but in my opinion it’s incontrovertible. In response to the crisis it created, … Continue reading
Just a quick roundup of reports in 2012, and a look forward to the 2013: ABJ’s top business stories of 2012 Austin’s jobless rate drops to 4.9% Texas locks up title of top magnet state Austin pushes past Oklahoma City to lead monthly economic rankings Austin No. 7 nationally in home price jump Austin No. 1 … Continue reading
While Austin isn’t the most affordable community in the U.S., we’re far from the least affordable. Continue reading
Yes, the Affordable Care Act imposes a new tax on capital gains, but it’s unlikely to hit you directly … Continue reading
I encourage my younger friends and prospective homebuyers to assume that 3.5% will NOT be the long-term mortgage interest rate. We are living in trying economic times with many historically unusual pressures. This too shall pass, and rates will begin to rise. Continue reading
Austin’s experience with residential property foreclosures remains very different when compared with many other cities and with national averages. Continue reading
Foreclosed properties represent less than 10% of YTD sales in the Austin metropolitan area, and less than 3 1/2% of available listings! Continue reading
Without elaboration, here is a good summary from Austin Business Journal: Low vacancy: Office space tight in downtown Austin
Bill Morris on Austin Real Estate 