I have elaborated before about the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Index and how representative it is (or not) of conditions in the Austin/Central Texas real estate market. News reports today are offering shock as the Indices for December 2010 returned to two-years ago levels, prompting fears of a “double dip” in housing. Here’s an up-to-date look at how Austin compares. Continue reading
The theme in my Austin Market Dashboard this month is that the Austin/Central Texas real estate market remains unpredictable — although virtually all economic indicators and forecasts call for improvement in our local economy generally, and our real estate market specifically. Continue reading
The Greater Austin Chamber Of Commerce posted some very interesting information this week about Texas and our major metro areas, and their relative performance economically. This post focuses on just a few charts. Continue reading
As the national economic recovery takes hold, Austin’s outlook will continue to improve, leading to more jobs, more in-migration, more builder confidence, and real growth in building permits. We may have another dip in front of us this year, but I expect the climb in the 12-month moving average shown above to be a sign of things to come this year and next. I believe that 2011 will mark our transition into another growth cycle in 2012.
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What a great time to be in a great place! Continue reading
In this recession, maybe more than all others, it is important to recognize that “it ain’t over ’til it’s over.” That said, we still have the climate, the culture, the tax structure, the entrepreneurial dynamism, and the activity of a growth-oriented Chamber of Commerce that has made the Austin area so attractive and successful. Continue reading
Road and utilities preparation could begin this year, and the entire development could ultimately include 5,000 homes and townhomes, 2,600 apartments, 2 million square feet of office and retail space, and 700 acres of parks and open space. Continue reading
Year-to-year sales performance in the Austin metro area does not show the kind of growth reported nationally, but there is a lot to be thankful for in this market area, and plenty of reason for optimism for the future. Continue reading
An feature article in the Business section of today’s Austin American-Statesman highlighted a decline in home sales in the Austin area and growth in listing inventory. As noted by the Austin Board of Realtors the very small sales decline is really reason for optimism for the Austin/Central Texas real estate market. Consider listing inventory relative to current demand. Continue reading
This was a cash purchase of 440 acres in just one subdivision, a huge commitment to building in Crystal Falls. It also represents a very important vote of confidence in future demand for new homes in our area.
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