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 […]
FHA Announces Fee Increases – Buy Before 2013 and Save
Mortgage insurance is required on all FHA insured home loans and is one of the most popular loan programs for Austin home buyers. FHA requires two mortgage insurance premiums, upfront mortgage insurance equal to 1.75% of the total loan amount (this portion can be financed) and annual mortgage insurance added to your monthly payment. How […]
Time to Purchase Austin Investment Real Estate
WOW! I’m amazed at how quickly a formerly depressed segment of the Austin real estate market can turn around. The Austin, Texas small unit (2-4 units) rental market is a textbook example. The notable drop in home ownership rates from 69% in 2005 to 66% in 2011 has created about 5 million new renter households. […]
Should a Seller Pay a Buyer’s Closing Costs ?
The question of why should the seller pay the buyer’s closing costs comes up with some degree of frequency. Should a seller pay a buyer’s closing costs in Austin? This is an excellent question and the answer is very straight-forward and pragmatic: You contribute to a buyer’s closing costs so they can BUY your house! […]