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Austin, TX Real Estate News

By Robin Scott, Broker, REALTOR® - Austin Texas
(Robin Scott, REALTOR®)
Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese concept of balance in the environment which has been available to westerners for many years and most of us are aware of the idea that following some of these ideas present a better package when trying to sell a house. Below are a few ideas to help you prepare your home for sale. 1. The front door is of special interest. In Feng Shui it is considered the "mouth of chi" through which abundance, blessings and good fortune enter your home. Along the same lines, it's what the buyer sees first and  that which begins the "first impression" of the home.  This is why it's important for the front doorway area to be clean  and if the front door is freshly painted with polished or new door hardware,  perhaps adorned with a door wreath or enhanced with a blooming pott...
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By Kathy De La Cruz, Realtor®, ABR, CRS, SRES
(RE/MAX Austin Associates)
I received an exclusive invitation to attend one of Hays ISD Seminars for Success as a vendor. I got the chance give a presentation and talk about the available teachers programs such as the down payment assistance program and the HUD program. We handed out prizes to teachers and the event turned out to be a real success! What a great networking opportunity!!  Austin Texas Real Estate     
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By Garreth Wilcock, Sherlock Homes Frisco
(Sherlock Homes Frisco)
Austin’s Nine Sixty Nine development will soon enjoy a new retail center, according to information shared with local homeowners last week. In recent posts about life at Agave, Austin, residents debunked the misconception that the Nine Sixty Nine development was inconvenient for Austin amenities. A new retail development at the junction of 969 and 183 will be extremely convenient for the development, which is half a mile further East. The development at 969 features two series of Agave homes - “design” and “architectural” in addition to the Villas and the planned Fiore (a 5 star green community)... ...Read more about Agave at Nine Sixty Nine Garreth Wilcock is a Realtor® who expertly represents buyers of Agave Homes in Austin. He specializes in Central and East Austin Real Estate. Call 5...
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By Betina Foreman, Realtor, C.N.E., with WJK REALTY
(WJK Realty)
In this economy more hard working families are faced with the reality of losing their homes by foreclosure. I want to share a heartwarming story that will renew your faith in your fellow man, or woman. In 2004 Ms. Orr from Dallas Texas bought a home for $80K, recently she was laid off and fell behind in her payments. So the bank foreclosed on the home. After this happened this distraught woman went to the auction where her home was on the auction block. While at the auction she met Marilyn Mock of Rockwall Texas. Those of you from Texas know that we Texans have big hearts so what I am about to tell you may not surprise you. Ms. Mock bought that house for $30K and gave it back to Ms. Orr. Now Ms. Orr will be making house payments to Ms. Mock and will get to move back into her home. Ms. M...
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By South Austin Real Estate Blog
(Sky Realty South Austin)
Yesterday morning I heard about this on the news and 2 of my colleagues and I went over during our lunchtime, donated our $$ and rolled up our sleeves, YES it really was drive thru.  Now how convienent was that? So easy I couldnt believe it and I also got a BUGS BUNNY BANDAID! All shots are free-suggested donation is $10..  Here are the upcoming dates. Drive-thru Clinic - Givens Recreation Center Wednesday, October 293811 E. 12th St  7:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Drive-thru Clinic-Travis County Expo CenterWednesday, November 5 7311 Decker Lane 7:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Walk-in Clinic - South Austin Neighborhood CenterSaturday, November 82508 Durwood Street 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Walk-in Clinic - Fire Station #5 Tuesday, November 111201 Webberville Road 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Walk-in Clinic - Fire Station #...
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By Victor Montalvo Bilingual Realtor Sí, hablo español
(Exit Realty Associates)
 SAVE THE DATE!!!!! 2009 NAHREP AUSTIN BOARD INSTALLATION And Christmas Gala!  Ron Urias - 2009 NAHREP AUSTIN PRESIDENT  Date: DECEMBER 2, 2008     "Home is Where the Heart is"                                                                        "El Hogar es donde esta el Corazon"  Our Gala this year will benefit St. Vincent de Paul Society.  Start collecting clothes, non-perishable food, toys, toiletries, etc..  Bring to Gala!  $$$ accepted too! We'll have live dancing music by Frank Gomez!    Tickets:   $40.00 each   For more information contact: Installation Chair, Gracie Ruiz: gruiz@independencetitle.com or 512-293-3709 or 512-279-1986 or  President Elect, Ron Urias: rurias@farmersagent.com or 512-448-0844.
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By Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653)
(Austin Texas Homes, LLC)
I have to admit that the fall came on a bit quicker than usual this year.  In fact, we sometimes seem to skip fall altogether in this area.  I have lived in Texas my entire life (born and raised in Dallas, lived in Austin for 20+ years now), and I've seen years that transition from late summer to winter with nothing in between.  For those of you who prefer using the word "autumn" instead of "fall", I applaud this, because it shows a romantic/poetic side.  In fact, maybe I should start trying to implement this into my everyday speech.  I bet I could get some of my friends to start saying it if I make a concerted effort. Although it's late October, I am still surprised to see nighttime temperatures in the 40's.  Yes, the FORTIES!  This is Texas!  I was on Twitter for an hour or so last ni...
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By Les Sherman, ABR, CRS, CNE
(Re/Max Austin Associates)
A 2-3 acre lot in East Austin has been discovered to be the home of an illegal dump. The site was brought to the city's attention and the city tested the site and found lead, arsenic, DDT and another pesticide. The city spent $100,000 for the testing of the site and concluded that the lead has not leached into the soil. The city plans to clean up the area, but has estimated it will take about a year to get the project started. Some members of the neighborhood are outraged and don't understand why the problem wasn't taken care of years ago. Location of Dump:
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By Kathy De La Cruz, Realtor®, ABR, CRS, SRES
(RE/MAX Austin Associates)
Today I read that 1 in 6 homeowners are upside down on their mortage. In some parts on the country, homes that were bought just a year ago are being sold for 30 and 40% less than their purchase price....and they say the market will only get worse. Luckily, here in Austin, we have an extremely healthy market in comparison to other cities. Austin is developing rapidly and becoming a great place to relocate. Not only for it's affordable market conditions, but also for the beauty of the city itself and it's vibrant music, film, and art scene. It is city life at it's best where people can enjoy the beauties of nature in the lap of luxury.               Austin Skyline                                          Lake Travis   Austin Texas Real Estate Austin Texas Real Estate
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By Shire Commercial Real Estate, "Best followup in Austin"
(Steve Shire- CRE Broker | Austin, Texas)
Market News Brief -Warehouse and Industrial Property in Austin TexasThe Industrial Market in Austin ended the 2nd quarter of 2008 with a vacancy rate of 10.8%, which is up over the previous quarter. Warehouse, Flex Space and Industrial Space rent rates ended the 2nd quarter at an average of $7.39, an increase over the previous quarter. New construction delivered 8 new properties totaling 610,000 square feet. Flex projects reported a vacancy rate of 17.6% which is flat compared with the 1st quarter of 2008.  Sales figures show an average price per square foot for industrial buildings  $45.54 per square foot compared with the previous quarter selling prices at $55.23 per square foot.
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By Betina Foreman, Realtor, C.N.E., with WJK REALTY
(WJK Realty)
I had to write about a cool website for your dogs. Its called www.Dogster.com and was created for people that love of dogs. Now once your pooch joins the site he or she can write blogs about their favorite hangouts like restaurants that allow dogs. Some dogs write about their favorite vet or groomer or post their diary to share with other dogs. My dogs are partial to the Town Lake jogging trail and Freddie's Place in south Austin. You can meet with other dog parents for play-dates. There are Groups just like many of the dating or networking sites. So if you are into Standard Schnauzers, you can make friends with more dogs and dog parents of that particular breed. You can post photos or yourself (remember this is all written from the dog's perspective) so the photos are of the dogs! Your...
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By Shire Commercial Real Estate, "Best followup in Austin"
(Steve Shire- CRE Broker | Austin, Texas)
Market News BriefAustin Sublease Space increases to over 850,000 square feet!Office construction in Austin continues with the bulk of construction in the Southwest area followed by; Round Rock and the Northwest. What does this mean to you? Excess construction may bode well for the tenant due to excess supply being built in the market. Recent sublease activity has increased giving tenants an opportunity to lease office space below market rates. Current vacancy rates are running approximately 14.8 % with the lowest average Class A rent rates being quoted in the Northeast area of Austin. Class B rates are running the lowest in South, Central and the Northeast. Class C property rates are lowest in the Northeast, North, Round Rock and the Southeast regions of Austin.As an average, rent rates...
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By Robin Scott, Broker, REALTOR® - Austin Texas
(Robin Scott, REALTOR®)
The City of Austin has approved the most conservative budget in 5 years bringing the tax rate lower than other major Texas cities. This decision was based on evidence that the local economy will continue to grow during the current fiscal year. A $2,8 billion budget was approved by the Austin City Council for the 2009 fiscal year that began Oct. 1. Deputy budget Officer Marisa Cortinas says the city will maintain the current level of services but must find ways to cutback. For example, the public library will close one day a week which will save $420,000 for the fiscal year. TAX RATES IN MAJOR TEXAS CITIES FOR 2009Austin - $0.4012San Antoinio - $0.5671Houston - $0.615El Paso - $0.633Dallas - $0.747Fort Worth - $0.855 GENERAL FUND REVENUE 200933.7% Property Taxes25.9% Sales Taxes19.6% Uti...
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By Jeff Kessler, Broker,CLHMS,GRI
(Austin Homes, Realtors www.OwnAustin.com)
If you change out the inefficient lighting with new efficient lighting Austin Energy will pay up to 80% of these costs.  That includes the cost of the lights and the installation of the lights.  You will usually get your rebate in 6 months Austin Energy helps by providing the contractors and they will conduct a free energy ananlysis of your property.  The will handle all the paperwork, inspect the contractor's work and help make this project hassle free.  The requirements:Has to be Commercial or non-profit with 100 kilowatts of demand or less.  You can call 512.482.5346 or send and email to conservation@austinengergy.com Thank you, buying a new home in Texas?  Why not save thousands of dollars!!!  See www.rebateontexashomes.com for more details. J.
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By Ki Gray, Austin Real Estate
Trying to come up with things to do with out of town visitors in the height of summer? The Austin area offers a wide variety of activities to entertain even the most difficult audience. During the summer months, your primary goal will be trying to stay cool, and Austin and the surrounding area offers swimming holes a-plenty. The iconic Barton Springs near the Barton Hills neighborhood is open from early spring to late autumn. Sometimes called the soul of Austin, this spring fed pool maintains a steady 68 degrees in all seasons. And don't forget to impress your visitors with a promise of seeing the extremely rare salamander that is only found in the spring and pool at Barton Creek. The Deep Eddy Pool, near downtown in west Austin, boasts a huge wading area for the tiny people and water t...
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Williamson County Still High Growth RateThe Texas State Data Center recently released population estimates for all cities and counties in Texas.According to the report, the Austin-Round Rock Metropolitan Statistical Area, including Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop and Caldwell counties, grew by 39,000 residents from Jan. 1, 2007 to Jan. 1, 2008 - a growth rate of 2.5 percent. This was slower than 2006's 4.4 percent growth, but the second-highest rate in 2007 among 25 MSAs in Texas.The TSDC also estimated Williamson County ranked fifth among Texas counties with the highest percentage of population change in 2007. The county added 21,482 residents last year, adding to its status as the county with the second-highest growth rate in Texas since 2000. -Texas State Data Center Area Market St...
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By Phil Hutson
(Austin TX Real Estate)
Area Market Statistics Home Sales Stabilize in Austin Area October 20, 2008 - Central Texas home sales remain steady, according to the latest Multiple Listing Service (MLS) report from the Austin Board of REALTORS®. The median price for single family homes in September remained unchanged from one year ago, while the number of homes sold inched closer to 2007 sales totals. The 1,670 homes sold in September reflect an eight percent decline from one year ago. These sales contributed $406,955,620 to the local economy, down 11 percent from 2007. Meanwhile, the median price for single family homes showed no change from last September, remaining at $182,600. Active listings for September rose two percent from one year ago to 10,217, while pending sales dropped ten percent to 1,520 and new list...
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By Jessica Bruehl
(JKB Realty Group)
More great news for Austin owners!  PMI's quarterly analysis of the nation's top 50 largest MSAs, ranks which markets have the highest likelihood that home prices will be lower in two years.  While a number of large real estate markets have a 90% or greater chance of price declines, Austin was ranked the 9th best in the US with less than a 1% risk of a price decline.  Austin was also highly ranked for its affordability compared to other markets.    PMI Fall 2008 Risk Index Indicates Rising Foreclosures and Unemployment Intensifying Risk of Future Home Price Declines Housing Affordability Continues to Improve WALNUT CREEK, Calif., Oct. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- PMI Mortgage Insurance Co., the primary U.S. subsidiary of The PMI Group, Inc. (NYSE: PMI), today released its Fall 2008 U.S. Market Ris...
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I don't want to jinx the Longhorns going into the very important game against the Red Raiders of Texas Tech this Saturday night (ABC, 7:00 CDT).  That being said, being #1 in the country for the past three weeks, and playing in front of national markets on ABC, may in fact have an impact on the local economy.   Schools in the Spotlight Get More Applicants - Schools that win the national championship, or that receive a great deal of time on the air for having a good team, often see a subsequent rise in applications.  As a result, the applicant pool becomes more competitive, and the school becomes better for it.  Though the impact isn't seen right away, this should lead to a smarter and more diverse group of graduates years down the road which is generally healthy for the local economy.  ...
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As I have posted time and again (though not in a few months), Central Texas has been very lucky in how the economy has fared in relation to other parts of the country.  That said, I've also posted time and again about how the growth in available sublease space and new office space are precursors to lower lease rates in the Austin area.    Has it happened, yes.  Rates and sales prices have definitely come down.  Subleases continue to become more prevalent.  Landlords and building owners are having to settle for less, or offer more incentives.  Is it because the economy in Austin has suddenly soured?  What about the dramatic drop in gas prices, isn't that supposed to amount to a huge stimlus to the economy?  Well, I believe the problem lies elsewhere:   People Are Scared - Business owners...
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