Almost all of my buyers want to live in a home where they can go in the backyard and have a feeling of privacy. Whether that is provided by trees and shrubs or an extra large lot is not as important as simply having a feeling that the neighbors can’t view our backyard activities – unless invited! I’ve recently listed for sale a home in SW Austin, in the neighborhood of Shady Hollow. This home has a lot of character and many positive features. The home is bright and inviting and well maintained. The HVAC system is fairly new as are the double-paned lowE windows. The home is very energy efficient. The backyard is a place to sit back and relax, and perhaps watch the wildlife! View a picture of the home, or see it in person! Call Vikki Goodwin, Realtor, Homes ATX, 512-426-9090.
A couple of homes in SW Austin have caught my eye recently. I thought both of these homes would sell in an instant, but for some reason they are both still available. They both have unusually large and park-like backyards. They have the type of yard that is sought after by many buyers because when you are in the backyard you have privacy and an escape from the normal hussle and bussle of the outside world! Large trees and a large lot in both Circle C and the Shady Hollow area can be found, but not often. Both of these homes have large lots, large trees, and a wow factor when you go in the backyard. The homes themselves are not bad either – one built in 1995 and one in 2001. See details and photos of the Circle C house and the Shady Hollow house - or call me to view either one, or both, in person. Vikki Goodwin, Realtor, Homes ATX, 512-426-9090.
Filed under: Green Homes, Real Estate | Tags: Austin, Real Estate, solar power
This home has some really nice features – including a solar system that generates the power for the home along with natural gas. The owners took an older home, built in 1945, and completely remodeled it. It now has wood floors, granite counters in the kitchen, a large master suite and a luxurious master bath. It also has a rooftop terrace providing views of downtown Austin! The home is listed for sale by EXIT Exceptional Properties. See pictures and information about this home, or call me to view the home in person. Or search for other properties that meet your criteria. Call me for real estate advice: Vikki Goodwin, Realtor, Homes ATX, 512-426-9090.
Filed under: Real Estate
I read an interesting article today about cities that have strong real estate markets despite the overall sluggish housing markets in many parts of the country. The Money Magazine article listed various cities that are exceptions to the housing slow down and gave several reasons, such as a large influx of retirees, city ordinances that slowed down new construction, and continued job growth, among other reasons.
I often turn to the sales data to get a better feel for where we really are. To summarize, the numbers show that the real estate market is slowing down a bit in Austin, but amazingly, prices are going up. Here are some numbers I just pulled from the MLS.
In Nov., 2007, 527 houses sold in Austin. In Nov., 2006, 835 houses sold in Austin.
In Nov., 2007, 117 houses sold in Round Rock. In Nov., 2006, 228 houses sold in Round Rock.
In Nov., 2007, 92 houses sold in Cedar Park. In Nov., 2006, 106 houses sold in Cedar Park.
And the trend continues the same way in the other suburban communities.
Now, for the prices:
In Nov., 2007, the average sales price was $323,000 and the median sales price was $230,000 in the city of Austin.
In Nov. 2006, the average sales price was $285,000 and the median sales price was $214,000 in the city of Austin.
The average time on the market both years was 50 days. The increased sales prices show that we still have a strong real estate market – but buyers can be more selective. If you need professional real estate services, call me, Vikki Goodwin, Homes ATX, 512-426-9090, or visit my website.
