Filed under: Real Estate | Tags: Austin, Austin real estate, central Austin homes, Real Estate
We’ve often been told that urban flight occured in the 60’s-80’s, but seeing the numbers gives you a true picture. According to the city of Austin, here are population totals from 1940 to 2010:
1940 — 12,560
1950 — 10,609
1960 – 6,790
1970 – 5,021
1980 – 3,084
1990 – 3,882
2000 — 3,855
2002 — 4,525
2004 – 5,276
2006 – 5,859
2008 – 9,725
2010 – 11,200
The city of Austin had actually predicated a downtown population of 14,672 by 2010 before the economic slowdown. The revised and lower number is based on finished and approved residential projects, and is an estimate from the Downtown Austin Alliance.
Considering the current traffic congestion downtown, I hope a good number of these new residents opt for biking or mass transit!
Filed under: Real Estate | Tags: Austin homes, Austin real estate, Green Homes
It has now been six months since the ECAD (Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure) Ordinance took effect in Austin. As the ordinance was being developed, many people were afraid the rules would cause delays in closings, or cause a financial burden to sellers. However, the final ordinance gave a number of exceptions and alternatives, so there hasn’t been a slowdown in closings nor a financial burden to sellers. Very few of the homes I’ve sold have been required to provide the audit since they are either newer than 10 years, outside the city limits, or have had energy efficient renovations prior to sale.
Agents and sellers alike have been on top of this ordinance and have been proactive in meeting the guidelines. I have read the new disclosure/audit, and find that it is somewhat useful. Personally, I think if sellers had to provide a 1-year history of utility payments, that might provide equally valuable information, and it’s free. I do often ask for utility payment history, and have been very surprised by some of the bills. I’ve had sellers in tiny houses with electric bills surpassing $300/month – a strong indication that the home needs sealing and insulation, and perhaps new appliances or HVAC systems.
If you’re getting ready to sell and have questions about the energy ordinance or upgrades that will help sell your home, call Vikki Goodwin, 512-426-9090, REALTOR, Homes ATX.
Filed under: Real Estate | Tags: Austin homes, Austin real estate, Real Estate, Southwest Austin real estate
I visited Gabardine today to see what it’s like. I pass it almost daily on my drive, and I’ve heard from another Realtor that it is a neat community. The first phase consists of 53 homes, all 2-story, mostly in the lower price point of $170K-$250K. A second planned phase will have larger homes, including 1-story homes, and a community center and pool. The first phase of homes all have 1-car garages and small yards which are maintained by the HOA. The monthly HOA fee is $155, similar to a condo fee, and like condos all exterior maintenance will be handled by the HOA.
The neighborhood is really quite different from those around it. While Shady Hollow, the Estates of Shady Hollow and Barker Ranch all tend to feature larger lots and lots of trees, Gabardine has very small lots and not as many trees yet. The homes are craftsman style, no brick or stone exteriors. The neighborhood is gated, and some of the homes have a courtyard between the garage and home. Located on the side of the first phase is a 13-acre park with a creek running through it.
So far the neighborhood has a certain charm to it. It has a nicely landscaped entrance and each home is painted a different vibrant color. The courtyard is set up with vibrant, colored chairs and a neat fountain in the middle. Maybe one day it will be host to neighbors gathering around to talk to one another. The homes feed into highly regarded schools: Baranoff, Bailey and Bowie.
Overall, while this is no Shady Hollow, it is it’s own cute and quaint community that I believe will flourish. I’ll check back in a while and see how far along it has come. Click here to see homes for sale in the community, and check with me for more information and price opinion. Vikki Goodwin, REALTOR®, Homes ATX, 512-426-9090.
Filed under: Real Estate | Tags: Austin real estate, homes, Real Estate, tax credit
It’s official now, an extension of the first-time home buyer tax credit was signed into law today. The law expands upon the $8000 credit by now offering a $6500 tax credit to buyers who have owned a home for at least 5 years. The home purchase price must be less than $800K. The law passed the House of Representatives with a 403-12 vote. The new law also raises the income limits up to $125K for singles and $225K for couples. Because of questionable claims made under the previous law, the new law include measures to prevent fraud. It’s estimated that the previous law resulted in $10 billion of lost revenue just through Aug. 22.
Filed under: Real Estate | Tags: Austin homes, Austin real estate, hill country views, lake area homes, Lakeway, Real Estate
It is difficult to find homes on acreage in the Lakeway area without the price tag going over $500K, so this home, priced at $435,000, really stood out when I saw it last week. Situated on 2.52 acres, the 2865 sq ft home was built in 1998 and has 3 bedrooms plus a study, and 3 baths. I really liked the feel of the home from the moment I walked in the door. The living room is open with big windows to the hill country, panoramic views, and the kitchen is completely open to the living room and dining area. There are two bedrooms and baths downstairs, and one bedroom and bath upstairs. The home is located in the Majestic Hills Ranchettes. Click here to see more, or call Vikki Goodwin, REALTOR, Homes ATX, 512-426-9090, for further details.
Filed under: Real Estate | Tags: Austin homes, Austin real estate, Real Estate, real estate investment, real estate values
Have you heard the radio commercial advertising foreclosures going for under $20K and allowing people to buy homes for under $200/month? I truly wish the radio station owners would refuse to allow such misleading ads to be aired on their stations. There are no homes for sale in Austin for under $20K – not even foreclosures. Now maybe you can find a dilapidated, foreclosed mobile home in Neiderwald for that amount, and granted the commercial doesn’t specify what you’ll get or where… Besides, taxes and insurance alone will start at $200/mo. On average, I find that foreclosures aren’t marked incredibly low, except in rare instances in which the remaining loan balance is very low and the bank can afford to give it away. This mainly applies to older properties, usually in a bit of disrepair. There are deals out there, but often you get what you pay for. If you’re interested in finding a good deal, either as a home or an investment, just let me know. This year I’ve purchased investment properties for myself, and I’ve helped several of my clients find good investments. For help with investments, contact Vikki Goodwin, REALTOR®, Homes ATX, 512-426-9090.
