The traditional 30-year fixed interest rate loan in Austin has dropped from near 4.0% to about 3.22% over the past year. The mortgage interest rate drops mean greater buyer purchasing power – much greater than a decrease in home prices. With the same monthly payment, buyers can borrow more money today than they could one […]
Austin Green Homes – Fad or Necessity?
We hear about the Green Movement, the Green Initiative, Green Homes, ……… but what does it all mean on a practical level? The simple truth is that conservation makes good sense; being a good steward of the environment has been an acknowledged goal by many societies throughout history. Waste – the profligate squandering of resources […]
Buy Again 1 Day After Bankruptcy Foreclosure or Short Sale
So you lost your home in bankruptcy, foreclosure, short sale or just gave it back to the lender using a deed in lieu, and you think you can’t buy a home again? Well, like ESPN’s Game Day co-host Lee Corso is known to say: “not so fast, my friend.” The prospect of buying a home […]
Timing the Real Estate Market – Buy Sell or Wait
Every real estate investor whether in Austin or Abilene wants to know the best time to buy, sell or hold? Here in Austin, the real estate market is enjoying a boom of sorts. But for how long and when might it change? Tools for Analyzing the Real Estate Market Market charts can be a useful […]
Austin vs California – Traffic Construction Business Climate and Community
If you are you an ex-Californian like me, you’ll find living in Austin more than a little different. Probably the most noticeable difference is the weather. It’s hot and hotter. Air conditioning is mandatory and not an option. During the hottest months – July, August and early September – outside mid-day activities for most people […]
6 Professionals Who Make Real Estate Happen in Austin
Whether you’re buying or selling a home in Austin, Texas, real estate is a team sport. Making a transaction work requires to co-operation and expertise of several different, yet complimentary, specialties. Close of escrow is their primary goal, a seamless close of escrow is their ultimate objective. Specialties You Need on Your Side If you […]
How to Spot an Overpriced Austin Home
So you’re driving around your neighborhood and notice several for sale signs in the front yards. Some you remember seeing, others you don’t. Would you know which home was overpriced? The answer is the one that isn’t selling; overpriced homes don’t get offers. How to Spot an Overpriced Austin Home Here are three telltale signs […]
How to Buy After Foreclosure or Short Sale
If you lost your home through foreclosure or was sold as a short Sale in 2009 or earlier, it may be time for you to re-enter the market now that the waiting period has elapsed. In Texas the waiting period is 3 years after a short sale or foreclosure to qualify for an FHA mortgage […]
When Does Trading Up Make Sense?
Over the years, we have developed a check list for Austin home owners to help decide whether trading up to a more expensive home or move to a more desirable neighborhood makes good sense. Answering “yes” to most of the following questions may be indicative that moving is the right next step for you. #1: […]
Property Taxes Too High – How to Appeal
If you think your property tax assessment is too high, you can appeal the value of your home assessed by the taxing district. A property tax assessment is what the taxing district thinks your home is worth, based on mass computerized data models. It’s just their opinion and it subject to challenge. Challenging their opinion […]