Almost no foreclosure activity makes Austin and most of Texas very different from what you read about in most of the national press. Continue reading
Austin has continued to attract employers and employees over the past several years, and conservative home equity lending laws prevented much of the price run-up experienced in places like California. I’m pleased to call Austin home for many reasons, and our experience with this most recent recession is just one. Continue reading
The Austin-area real estate market has turned the corner. We’re clearly into a new growth phase. As evidence, here’s a quick summary of the past few years’ home sales: We have experience 22 consecutive months of year-over-year sale growth, and very significant growth in most of those months: Moreover, it’s worth noting that even filtering … Continue reading
The real estate market turnaround in the Austin metro area is unambiguously underway. Here is the data to confirm that fact. Continue reading
Home sales grew by 20% last year. At the same time, the number of homes for sale declined by 21%. There is a growing number of buyers chasing a shrinking number of homes, and prices are going up. Continue reading
This data shows why the average price of about $278,000 in “Austin” is not especially helpful in more specific discussions of property values. You can also see why my answer to “What’s the price per square foot in Austin?” is always, “It depends.” Continue reading
All of the proportional sales growth in this market over the past 10 years has happened above $250,000, and the fastest growth was above $400,000 — even though the median price remained below $200,000 until last year. Pay attention to the difference between average price growth and actual value appreciation. Continue reading
In Austin, there are no mixed signals. Living and working here, you can feel the growth. The pace of the real estate market feels like 2006 again, and maybe even a little more frenetic! My Austin Market Dashboard helps to explain 2012, and gives us a glimpse into 2013. Continue reading
The “Financing The Solution” water forum at the Texas Capitol yesterday drew an overflow crowd and enthusiastic response. I have written hear before about water and this forum. It will prove to be an important step toward getting the Texas Water Plan funded in 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