market price

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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Austin and Washington — similar strengths!

Austin, Texas and Washington, D.C. have a lot in common. Apparently, that includes strength in home values. Continue reading →

“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 →

Austin Market Dashboard – updated

Virtually all economic indicators call for optimism for Austin’s economy and housing sector. However, uncertainty in the U.S. economy generally, and in the real estate business in many key metros, call for caution. Personally, I remain bullish but I am eager to see actual results in May and June 2011 before saying confidently that we have entered a sustainable new growth cycle. Continue reading →

Downtown Austin condos — pricing right to sell for more

Sellers who price right early consistently sell faster and for more money than those who have to reduce their prices one or more times to attract a buyer. Continue reading →

Home values around the country — what a ride for some!

By this comparison, Austin’s gain in market value looks very tame compared with most of the other cities. It’s still nothing to sniff at, though: 170% price appreciation in 20 years represents an average of 8.5% annual growth. Continue reading →

Prices up? Prices down? Depends who you ask

From articles earlier this week saying that home prices nationwide are falling faster than at any time in three years, to a new article today saying the home prices are rising in most cities, it looks like you really can “pick your facts” about real estate. Continue reading →

Are home prices falling?

When I see reports like those this week about how weak home prices are I feel the need to remind Austin/Central Texas consumers that we really are different. Renewed strength in other major metropolitan areas will obviously help us too, but so far the sky isn’t falling here. Continue reading →