HGTV's Property Brothers - Coming to Austin with New Show!

Update:  I get a lot of calls from this post.  Please note it is dated May 2012.  This particular event wrapped last year.   Also, I am a local Austin Realtor and not affiliated with the show.  If you would like more current Real Estate News, please follow this link to my new blog

HGTV is currently filming the premier season of "Buying and Selling" and, are in search of great couples and families in Austin who would be interested in getting a FREE RENO and being on TV!

This new show, called "Buying and Selling", is the Property Brothers' new project, and is all about people in the Austin area who are trying to sell their home. Each 1 hr episode will feature a different home/family, and follow the house selling and buying process from start to finish.

The Property Brothers will advise the couple/family on the small reno's/changes needed to increase the value and appeal of the property (and pay for them!), their team of professional designers and renovators will DO the actual reno's, and then the Property Brothers will assist in the actual SELLING of the house.  Once the sale is made, and during the renovation process, the “Brothers” will help to find the best NEW home on the market for the featured family.

HGTV are looking for people that have a great story - we want to find couples / families that have a strong reason for moving: closer commute to work, need more space for growing family, to be near better schools, extra room for home office etc. As well, families MUST be moving within the Austin area, and wanting to do so before August 2012.

Ideal selling price is roughly $150,000 - $400,000, and sized anywhere from 1,400 – 2,300 sq ft.  We're looking for those homes that need just an extra bit of "lipstick make-over" before they can be listed, and that will show nicely for the big "REVEAL".

Contact me if you or someone you know wants to be a apart of the show.

RealtyTrac - Renter Alerts

While doing research on foreclosures in the area on RealtyTrac, I came across a useful tool for renters.  It allows you to put in an address to see if it is in foreclosure.  Which can be helpful for renters to know if their landlord is really making those mortgage payments.

I can't say if its 100% accurate but it is a tool for renters sidestep a possible eviction through no default of their own.

Bella Vista - Cedar Park

This is a new project that I am working on for my blog, I will be visiting the neighborhoods of Cedar Park on a regular basis.  The video will be a drive through of the neighborhood along with MLS (Multiple Listing Statistics.  Enjoy.

Preliminary MLS Data - March 2012

Units for Sale: (compared to March 2011)
New listings are down 7.90%.
Pendings are up 19.39%.
Solds increased by 16.46%

As for Average Prices:
The "New Listings" average list price is up 3.66% to $342,713.  In March 2011 the average list price was $330,627.

Sold average sales prices increased 6.14% to $258,863.  For March 2011 it was $243,878.

What does this mean?  We are seeing a steady number of buyers coming to the market, but listings are not coming on the market at the same pace as last year.  The homes that are ready to sell and price right are selling quick.

February 2012 - MLS Update

Austin continues to see an promising trend on home sales.

Units for Sale: (compared to February 2011)

New listings are up 9.15%.

Pendings are up 28.61%.

Solds increased by 11.98%

As for Average Prices:

The "New Listings" average list price is up 5.84% to $326,993.  In February 2011 the average list price was $308,936. 

Sold average sales prices increased 4.26% to $251,134.  For February 2011 it was $240,864.  

Real Estate: Week Review - Austin MLS

Units for Sale:
For March 4, 2012 - March 10, 2012 (compared to the same week in 2011)

New listings are down this week 1.35%.
Pendings are up this week 18.79%
Solds are up 39.53%

Average Prices  
For March 4, 2012 - March 10, 2012 (compared to the same week in 2011) 

Sold average sales prices increased 15.41% to $270,637.  In 2011 it was $234,508 for the same week.

FREE Foreclosure Prevention Phone-A-Thon

The Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs is hosting a Free Foreclosure Prevention Phone-A-Thon on Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Target Audience: Delinquent and at-risk Borrowers

What: Homeowners have an opportunity to ask questions and obtain information about steps to start or continue the process to avoid foreclosure

When: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm CST, Tuesday, March 13, 2012

How: Call toll free: 1-866-989-6931

Host: Fannie Mae's "Know Your Options"

Team: http://www.knowyouroptions.com/

While this event will be broadcast live only in Dallas on NBC 5, calls will be accepted from anywhere in Texas.

Please help spread the word to those in your community who may be facing foreclosure!