Austin | Lakeway TX | Westlake Texas Real Estate Listings – Homes For Sale

September is here, the weather is finally starting to cool down, and as usual the housing market is cooling down with it. After three months of super-hot days and a super-hot real estate market, a break from the heat is welcomed around here!

I just completed my monthly analysis of the Austin real estate market comparing August 2011 with August 2010. Now that the impact of the home buyer tax credits is fully behind us, it’s encouraging to see three consecutive months of year-over-year growth in sales volume.

Austin Real Estate Market Snapshot

August 2010 vs August 2011

• $516,797,994 – Total dollar volume of single-family properties sold, 31% more than August 2010,
• $200,000 – Median price for single-family homes, unchanged from August 2010,
• 1,978 – Single-family homes sold, 33% more than August 2010,
• 215 – Condos and town homes sold, 16% more than August 2010,
• 79 – Average Days on market, 2 days longer than August 2010,
• 2,386 – New single-family home listings on the market, 9% less than August 2010,
• 8,705 – Active single-family home listings on the market, 22% less than August 2010,
• 1,789 – Pending sales for single-family homes, 19% more than August 2010.

If you’re in the market to buy, the inventory of homes is extremely low, so you’ll need to get pre-qualified and be ready to act the moment the right home hits market. The best deals are gone in a couple of days, with multiple offers, so send me your search criteria and I will get you setup on a personalized MLS search that will send you email alerts the moment new listings hit the market.

If you’re in the market to sell, we have 22% fewer homes on the market than this time last year, which means less competition. However, the market varies widely across the greater Austin area, so send me the details on your home and I will get busy preparing a comprehensive analysis of your home’s value in today’s market.

Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter! I’m always here to help, so please contact me if you have any questions or are getting ready to buy or sell. And remember I always appreciate your referrals.

Sincerely,
Maggie Falvey

If you’ve been following the financial news lately you might assume there are very few people in the market to buy a home these days. This may be the case in some areas, but July marked the best month in Austin real estate in more than 2 years and August sales are poised to out pace July.

I just completed my monthly analysis of the Austin real estate market comparing July 2011 with July 2010. For the first time this year I was able to compare 2011 home sales to a 2010 market that was not inflated by last year’s government incentives.

Austin Real Estate Market Snapshot

• $524,492,455 – Total dollar volume of single-family homes sold, 23% more than July 2010.
• $196,750 – Median price for single-family homes, 11% less than July 2010.
• 1,973 – Single-family homes sold, 32% more than July 2010.
• 205 – Condos and townhomes sold, 45% more than July 2010.
• 77 – Days on market, 5% longer than July 2010.
• 2,808 – New single-family home listings on the market, 13% less than July 2010.
• 9,393 – Active single-family home listings on the market, 20% less than July 2010.
• 1,994 – Pending sales for single-family homes, 28% more than July 2010.

Some of the 32% increase in year over year home sales can be attributed to the sharp decrease that occurred when Federal homebuyer tax credits expired on June 30, 2010. However, there are other factors driving this market such as record low mortgage rates, stable home values, an unemployment rate of only 6.7% and a very limited supply of new and resale homes for the 56,000 people expected to move here this year.

If you’re in the market to sell, we have 20% fewer homes on the market than this time last year, which translates to less competition. Send me some details on your home and I will generate a comprehensive analysis of your home’s market value.

If you’re in the market to buy, get pre-qualified so you’re ready to act when the right home hits market. The best deals are flying off the market with multiple offers, so send me your criteria and I will get you setup on a personalized MLS search to send you email alerts the moment new listings hit the market.

Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter! I’m always here to help, so please contact me if you have any questions or are getting ready to buy or sell. And remember, I always appreciate your referrals.

Sincerely,
Maggie Falvey

Dear Reader,

There is simply no way to keep Austin a secret any more, as the latest census numbers have given the press a fresh reason to put Austin in the headlines. Last month, the American Cities Business Journals ranked Austin as the best city for young adults based on job growth, low unemployment and access to higher education. Earlier this week, Diane Sawyer of ABC World News Tonight ran a feature explaining why our relatively affordable housing market, lack of a state income tax, and access to arts, entertainment and continuing education have resulted in Austin becoming the fastest growing destination for retiring Baby Boomers.

I just completed my monthly analysis of our single family home market comparing June 2011 with June 2010. The most interesting aspect of the numbers is their similarity in year over year comparisons.

Austin Real Estate Market Snapshot – June 2010 vs June 2011
• Median Sold Price – Increased .5% to $199,000
• Median Asking Price – Increased 2.5% to $204,900
• Number of Homes Sold – Decreased 1% to 2,188
• Homes Under Contract – Decreased 15% to 2,030
• Number of New Listings – Decreased 6.57%
• Number of Available Listings – Decreased 18% to 11,240
• Average Days on Market – Increased 2.4% to 42 days

Even though the June 2010 sales numbers were bolstered by the availability of government incentives, we had very similar sales volume, sales prices and days on market this year without any incentives. In July of 2010 we experienced a significant decline in sales volume when the incentives ended, so July’s year over year comparison is likely to show significant gains in 2011.

If you are thinking of selling this year, we have 18% fewer homes for sale than this time last year, and more buyers in the market, so there is less competition than usual. Send me some details on your home and I will provide you with a comprehensive analysis of your home’s value in today’s market.

If you are thinking of buying in a hot neighborhood, you’re going to need to be patient, and ready to act. Many homes are flying off the market with multiple offers, so send me your criteria and I will get you setup on a personalized MLS search to send you email alerts the moment new listings hit the market.

Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter! I would truly appreciate it if you would forward this email or send me the name of anyone in need of a customer service-oriented agent to help them buy or sell a home in Austin.

Sincerely,
Maggie Falvey

Punniest of Show Contestant

The O. Henry Pun-Off is one of several Keep Austin Weird annual staples. Begun in 1978, the Pun-Off is held annually in May to crown world champions in that simultaneously beloved and reviled form of humor the pun.

There are two distinct competitions within the Pun-Off, the Punslingers and the Punniest of Show competitions.

In Punslingers, two aspiring punsters rattle off puns on a given topic until they can pun no more. They face-off in bouts lasting from just a few puns to over 20 minutes, with the winner being crowned after coming out atop a 32 person bracket.

The Punniest of Show portion similarly has 32 entrants, who are each given two minutes to perform a pun-filled monologue, sometimes with the aid of a partner, costumes or other visual aides. Their performances are judged by a four person panel who are often veteran punsters. There is also an award for Most Valuable Punster, a separate distinction given for favorite performance and voted upon by the competitors.

The Pun-Off itself is held on Brush Park behind the O. Henry House and Museum O. Henry was the pseudonym of William Sidney Porter, whose often witty and humorous short stories are an excellent match for the entertainment that occurs on stage. The O. Henry Pun-Off is the only event of its kind in the world and attracts not only a large number of Austinites, but viewers and competitors from all over the country and the world as well.

The 2011 event occurs this Saturday, the 21st and will start a bit after noon with the Punniest of Show contestants matching wits first. Treat yourself to an Austin classic that will be a punderful time! (had to do it once)

In the past week or so Texas property owners received their 2011 Property Tax Appraisals in the mail. This single piece of mail is among the most dreaded as we find out how much the County thinks our home’s value has increased, and how much they are raising our taxes. It is very difficult to protest your taxes on your own, but as a REALTOR I have access to all the sold data you need to win. Please let me know if you want help protesting your taxes.

Having just completed my monthly analysis of the single family home market in Travis, Williamson and Hays Counties comparing April 2010 with April 2011, I can tell you that many homeowners are likely to see higher appraised values. The latest numbers, which I pulled directly from our Multiple Listing Service (MLS) database might surprise you.

Market Snapshot (Travis, Williamson and Hays Counties)
• Median Sold Price – Increased 6% to $203,000
• Median Asking Price – Increased 1% to $229,900
• Number of Homes Sold – Decreased 23% to 1,467
• Homes Under Contract – Decreased 15% to 2,030
• Number of New Listings – Decreased 27% to 3,007
• Number of Available Listings – Decreased 11% to 11,043
• Average Days on Market – Increased 36% to 77 days

So, what conclusions can we draw from these numbers?

The only explanation I can come up with is that last year more homes sold as government incentives pulled this year’s demand forward. Evidently the incentives worked since our tight inventory of available homes is holding prices stable.

If you are thinking of selling this year, inventory is very tight, so your competition will be low as we move into the summer buying season. Send me some details on your home and I will provide you with a comprehensive analysis of your home’s value in today’s market.

If you are thinking of buying, it’s time to get off the fence before you miss out. Send me your criteria so I can get you setup with a personalized MLS search that will send you email alerts the moment new listings hit the market.

Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter! I would truly appreciate it if you would forward this email or send me the name of anyone in need of a customer service-oriented agent to help them buy or sell a home in Austin.

Sincerely,
Maggie Falvey

Austin is hands-down one of the greatest cities in the nation. Ask any local Austinite, visitor, or analyst, Austin is a great city to live in. Not a week goes by without Austin ranking high on one of the country’s “best of” lists — best economy, best environment, best job market, etc. Take a look at this year’s list of Austin rankings. There’s no doubt that we have a little something for everyone here, making it easy for anyone to find a reason to live in this beautiful city. From its local business structure to its “Keep Austin Weird” culture, there’s so much to love about Austin.

2011 Austin Rankings

• Austin is the 2nd Best Place to Find a Job according to Ajilon Professional Staffing in March 2011.
• Austin is 4th Most Social Media Savvy City according to NetProspex in March 2011.
• Austin is the #1 Most Popular City for College Graduates according to the Yahoo Finance in January 2011.
• Austin is the #3 Best Job Market in America according to Forbes in January 2011.

Click here to see all of Austin’s Rankings from 2010-2011.

We love Austin, and the press loves Austin, too.  If you’re considering relocating to Austin or moving within Austin, let Maggie know!

Originally posted by Realty Austin

I just completed my monthly analysis of the single family home market in Travis, Williamson and Hays Counties comparing March 2010 with March 2011. The latest numbers, which I pulled directly from our Multiple Listing Service (MLS) database surprised me.

Market Snapshot (Travis, Williamson and Hays Counties)
• Median Sold Price – Increased 3% to $191,059
• Median Asking Price – Decreased .1% to $223,900
• Number of Homes Sold – Decreased 16% to 1,397
• Homes Under Contract – Decreased 5%to 1,952
• Number of New Listings – Decreased 17% to 3,152
• Number of Available Listings – Decreased 5% to 10,590
• Average Days on Market – Increased 25% to 79 days
• Months Supply of Inventory – Decreased 10% to 4.0 months

So, what conclusions can we draw from these numbers?

First we have to remember that sales were bolstered in March of last year by the availability of government incentives, which have since expired. Fewer people are moving within the Austin area, and our strong job market means fewer families are leaving Austin for jobs in other cities, while more families are relocating to Austin, so the availability of homes for sale is at an extremely low 4 month supply. Anything below a 6 month supply is considered a seller’s market, and this low inventory is keeping prices steady.

If you are thinking of selling your home now might be the best time since early 2008. We are in a seller’s market, where supply and demand favors sellers, especially those with great homes to sell. Send me your address and I will provide you with a comprehensive analysis of your home’s value in today’s market and tell you what it will take to get your home sold.

If you are thinking of buying in a particular community or neighborhood, I would be happy to do the research and provide similar statistics for you. Send me your criteria and I can also get you setup on a saved MLS search to send you email alerts as new listings hit the market.

Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter! I would truly appreciate it if you would forward this email or send me the name of anyone in need of a customer service-oriented agent to help them buy or sell a home in Austin.

Sincerely,
Maggie Falvey

Shred Day is here again so it’s that time to clean out the attic and your file cabinets.

With increased awareness of identity theft, it’s important to dispose of personal records carefully. Hosted by the Association of Records and Managers and Administrators (ARMA), Shred Day is FREE for citizens. Many people don’t have paper shredders at home and may not be disposing of their personal documents safely. Free shredding will be provided by shredding service companies in Austin to support secure document destruction.

Households can bring up to five file boxes for shredding. Mobile shredding trucks will be provided by document shredding companies Austin Shred, Centex Shred, Iron Mountain, Certified Shred and Intel Armor.

ARMA, a non-profit organization, is the leading authority on managing records and information. See attached flyer for date and directions.

Monetary donations will be accepted for the Capital Area Food Bank at the event.

Last year 47,000 pounds of paper was shredded and over $2000 for the Food Bank!

Shred Day Flyer

The national unemployment rate fell to 8.8%, which was its lowest point in two years. This encouraging news nationally is reflected by economic news in Texas and in Austin, where both the state and local economy are performing well above the average.

Texas’ unemployment level has consistently been below that of the US in the past several years; where the February US unemployment rate was 8.9%, Texas’ rate was 8.2%. For the annual job growth rate in February, the US was at a 1% gain whereas Texas was at a 2.3% gain.

Much of Texas’ strong job market is fueled by its metro areas. According to data on the Austin Chamber of Commerce site, for February, Austin ranked 15^th amongst the top 50 US metros in job growth with Dallas 1^st and Houston 8^th. As well, when the amount of current jobs available is compared to the pre-recession peak in job numbers, Austin ranks 1^st in percentage lost, while Houston is 3^rd and Dallas is 4^th.

Full February data for the top US metro areas hasn’t been released, but in January, Austin had the third lowest unemployment rate. Look for the Austin unemployment rate to continue to fall and Texas and Austin economies to continue to pace the national economy in the coming months.

Texas has seen tremendous growth in the past decade; with 2010 census data showing it had the 5th largest growth percentage of any state in the US and the largest population growth numerically. The bulk of Texas’ growth occurred around the cities, as the Dallas/Ft. Worth and Houston metro areas each grew by more than 1 million people. Counties around the DFW area as well as Williamson and Hays have been among the nation’s fastest growing counties in recent years.

In Austin, much of this population growth is outside the city itself; as at Dallas and Houston, the rapidly expanding suburbs around Austin account for much of its growth. While Travis County grew by 26.1%, the counties to the north and south, Williamson and Hays, grew by 69.1% and 61.0%, respectively. This graphic by the Austin American-Statesman illustrates this trend, as it shows the percentage of houses in Austin and the outlying cities which were built from 2005 to 2009.

Housing is growing in the Austin area to meet with the new demands made by population growth Manor and Hutto, for instance, grew tremendously over the past 10 years as Austin expanded and highway infrastructure grew. From 2000-2009, Williamson County was in the top 10 fastest growing counties in the country, and the Austin area is predicted to continue growing at a quick rate, with the Austin Economic and Housing Forecast predicting new home starts to increase to accommodate some of this growth.

See all the census data at the 2010 Census website, and see also the USA Today’s census information with maps, graphs and articles.

The Austin American Statesman has a more local census data perspective with their article New census data show housing surge on Austin’s outskirts