The Business of Real Estate

RE/MAX #1 — in sales and satisfaction!

Another honor for RE/MAX, bestowed by our clients … Continue reading →

Residential investments in Austin — 1st Half 2011

Six months ago I compared “typical” investments in 2010 in single family homes as rental properties in various parts of Austin. Now, I want to offer an updated look at residential real estate investments in the first half of 2011 — this time including single family homes, duplexes, and fourplexes. Continue reading →

Mortgage interest rates and monthly payments

Let’s say the rates bounced “all the way” up to 6%. What would that mean to the average homebuyer? To answer that, consider buying a $200,000 home (near the median in Austin), with a 3.5% down payment on a 30-year fixed rate FHA loan. Here’s what happens to the monthly payment (principal and interest only) as rates go up. Continue reading →

“Under all is the land …”

“Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization.”   So begins the Preamble to the National Association of REALTORS® Code Of Ethics.  Those are not just words, but an important statement of institutional values.  Everything members of the … Continue reading →

Avoiding recovery?

Americans who would love to get back into the real estate market are being told almost daily that “it’s the worst market in 80 years,” or “you’ll probably lose the money you put into a house.” The folks propagating that viewpoint are actually creating the reality. It’s time to move on. Continue reading →

A study in market values

One of the ongoing services I offer my clients is assistance every year with market information needed to protest proposed new tax values. This year one provided a great example of how widely values can vary within a single market area.

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Is Housing Important, or not?

What’s going on with rules affecting mortgage lending is horribly misguided …. “AARRGGGHHHHHH!”
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“Shop high” usually doesn’t pay off

A recent post understandably prompted a reader to ask whether they should shop for homes well above the price range in which they hope to buy. I replied to that question directly, but the issue of “shopping high” comes up frequently (almost as often as sellers want to “start high” on list price), so I’ll discuss it again here. Continue reading →

Price It Right to Make More

Homes that are priced right on day one sell faster and for higher prices than those that “start high.” There are bound to be exceptions, but I haven’t found one yet. Continue reading →

RE/MAX Productivity — another new report!

Home sellers and buyers shouldn’t have to wonder whether their agent is truly focused on the largest financial transaction most will ever be involved in. And they should be able to assume that their agent writes, negotiates, and closes enough transactions to be, not just proficient, but expert in the profession. Continue reading →