Based on information from the Austin Board of Realtor (ACTRIS). All data is provided as is. Data maintained by the Board or ACTRIS may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
August Real Estate Statistics
For the homes that sold in August, we experienced an increase in sales price and square footage compared to August 2009. 1,568 listings closed for the month of August as well, 80% of the sold homes were $350K or less. The significant difference between this and last August is the volume. of transactions, however year today we are up 3.6%.
Based on information from the Austin Board of Realtor (ACTRIS). All data is provided as is. Data maintained by the Board or ACTRIS may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.
Based on information from the Austin Board of Realtor (ACTRIS). All data is provided as is. Data maintained by the Board or ACTRIS may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Limited Seller Financing Allowed Once Again
The Texas Department of Savings & Mortgage Lending, Commissioner Doug Foster issued a notice on August 12th that allows the continuation of the de minimis exemption until further action is taken by the Legislature.
Foster's notice states, in part, "Seller Financing in part or in whole has historically been an important part of facilitating real estate sales transactions. To depart from long standing Texas de minimis tradition in the midst of the current credit restrictions and a market where sellers have difficulty selling homes would run counter to the efforts of stabilizing the housing market & reviving the economy"
Source: Texas Realtor Magazine (Sept/Oct 2010)
Foster's notice states, in part, "Seller Financing in part or in whole has historically been an important part of facilitating real estate sales transactions. To depart from long standing Texas de minimis tradition in the midst of the current credit restrictions and a market where sellers have difficulty selling homes would run counter to the efforts of stabilizing the housing market & reviving the economy"
Source: Texas Realtor Magazine (Sept/Oct 2010)
Monday, September 27, 2010
Mineral Rights in Texas
Do you own the mineral rights to the property you currently own? It depends. Mineral go with the land being conveyed unless the minerals or an interest therein, were previously severed. The mineral estate is known as the dominant estate in land, meaning the owner of the minerals has the right to come on to the land and take the minerals.
If are going to purchase or sell a property were mineral rights come into play you may want to ask for “Information About Mineral Clauses in Contract Forms” (TAR 2509).
This form gives the basics about mineral rights.
If are going to purchase or sell a property were mineral rights come into play you may want to ask for “Information About Mineral Clauses in Contract Forms” (TAR 2509).
This form gives the basics about mineral rights.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Dispute over fire coverage costs could affect 1,700 homes
TCESD 14 notified Cedar Park city officials June 16 that it intended to terminate a fire service contract, effective June 15, 2011. TCESD 14 contracts with Cedar Park for the city’s fire department to provide fire services to more than 1,700 homes in the ETJ.
Residents in Bella Vista, Twin Creeks Country Club, Ranch at Deer Creek and Cypress Canyon subdivisions receive fire services from Cedar Park’s top-rated fire department, but could receive lower-rated coverage from the Volente Fire Department if the contract ends.
The change in the service contract may also affect homeowner insurance rates.
Click Here to read entire story
Residents in Bella Vista, Twin Creeks Country Club, Ranch at Deer Creek and Cypress Canyon subdivisions receive fire services from Cedar Park’s top-rated fire department, but could receive lower-rated coverage from the Volente Fire Department if the contract ends.
The change in the service contract may also affect homeowner insurance rates.
Click Here to read entire story
Friday, September 17, 2010
Growing your Real Estate Practice: The Next Wave
In the coming years, it is estimated 55M “seniors” born 1925 to 1946 (G.I. Generation, Silent Generation & Boomers) will be entering the residential housing market place. When will depended on your market but it would be wise to being your preparation now.
Prepare now in order to tap into the “senior” resource by actively marketing and building referral base.
To effectively work with this demographic:
• Know the your local market
• Reach where they live, eat and meet
• Find and tap into local senior resources
• Build a senior friendly network
• Actively market to seniors moving into/out of your area.
• Learn what is important to them
Prepare now in order to tap into the “senior” resource by actively marketing and building referral base.
To effectively work with this demographic:
• Know the your local market
• Reach where they live, eat and meet
• Find and tap into local senior resources
• Build a senior friendly network
• Actively market to seniors moving into/out of your area.
• Learn what is important to them
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Monthly Review of the Texas Economy - August 2010
Texas' economic recovery is strengthening. After 16 months of job losses, the state's economy experienced its third month of positive annual employment growth. The growth rate from July 2009 to July 2010 was 1.3 percent compared with a rate close to zero percent for the nation. The state’s private sector posted a positive annual employment growth rate of 1.2 compared with a zero percent for the United States.
The monthly report is by Ali Anari and Mark G. Dotzour. To read the entire report: http://recenter.tamu.edu/econ/
The monthly report is by Ali Anari and Mark G. Dotzour. To read the entire report: http://recenter.tamu.edu/econ/
Monday, September 13, 2010
Cost to Value Report on Remodel Projects
Recent article on Realtor.org looks at the cost and investment return on remodeling.
On average, the return on investment recoups approximately 63.8% of cost. Upgrading the kitchen and bath are still a smart bet but forego the super expensive, deluxe projects. Instead, take a look at what is selling in your neighborhood at top dollar and use similar costs in your upgrades.
Worth mentioning, the greatest rate of return at a whopping 128% is upgrading the front door. Its one of the least expensive projects and immediately changes the first impression of your home!
To read the entire article: www.realtor.org
On average, the return on investment recoups approximately 63.8% of cost. Upgrading the kitchen and bath are still a smart bet but forego the super expensive, deluxe projects. Instead, take a look at what is selling in your neighborhood at top dollar and use similar costs in your upgrades.
Worth mentioning, the greatest rate of return at a whopping 128% is upgrading the front door. Its one of the least expensive projects and immediately changes the first impression of your home!
To read the entire article: www.realtor.org
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