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 Texas legislature only meets every two years. With two years or less of our water in storage at this point, this Legislative session is the time for action. Please attend next week’s Water Forum if you can, and help to spread the word on this issue and this Forum. Continue reading
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
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
If you assume operating expenses amounting to 15%, those ratios translate into a Capitalization Rate of about 5.5. That’s not stellar, but compare it to the likely return on many alternative investments and you’ll understand why this has been a fast-moving market this year. Continue reading
Even in one of the hottest metropolitan market areas in the country, there are huge variations in market conditions. Don’t read one article or watch a video about the seller’s market in Austin and assume it describes your property, or a property you may want to buy. Real estate is still very much a hyperlocal business, and you deserve detailed, professional consultation about your specific situation. Continue reading