Austin-area home sales and prices set an all-time record in 2015, as well as records for the month of December 2015, according to a Multiple Listing Service report released by the Austin Board of REALTORS^®.

Demand for Austin-area real estate was stronger than ever in 2015, mostly due to our thriving economy and population growth. The median price for single-family homes in the Austin area increased nearly $30,000 in the last year alone.

In December, the median price for condominiums was $250,000, eight percent more than the same month of the prior year and they spent an average of 46 days on the market, 10 days fewer than in December 2014.

If you know someone who wants to buy or sell in today’s market, call me!

December 2015 Statistics

• 2,390 – Single-family homes sold, five percent more than December 2014.
• $270,000 – Median price for single-family homes, 10 percent more than December 2014.
• $348,904 – Average price for single-family homes, 13 percent more than December 2014.
• 57 – Average number of days single-family homes spent on the market, one day more than December 2014.
• 1,646 – New single-family home listings on the market, six percent more than December 2014.
• 5,214 – Active single-family home listings on the market, three percent more than December 2014.
• 1,601 – Pending sales for single-family homes, one percent less than December 2014.
• 2.2 – Months of inventory* of single-family homes, unchanged compared to December 2014.
• $833,880,560 – Total dollar volume of single-family properties sold, 19 percent more than December 2014.

2015 Year-End Totals

• 29,068 – Single-family homes sold, five percent more than 2014.
• $263,900 – Median price for single-family homes, nine percent more than 2014.
• $333,558 – Average price for single-family homes, eight percent more than 2014.
• 49 – Average number of days that single-family homes spent on the market, two days more than 2014.
• 36,810 – New single-family home listings on the market, four percent more than 2014.
• 6,044 – Active single-family home listings on the market, five percent more than 2014.
• 29,839 – Pending sales for single-family homes, five percent more than 2014.
• $9,695,852,178 – Total dollar volume of single-family properties sold, 13 percent more than 2014.

Source: http://www.abor.com/statsdec15/

CODE EXPERTISE. Maybe you want to buy a home near a business district and turn the front into a store or perhaps you want to add an addition or build a backyard fence. Experienced real estate agents are familiar enough with local zoning ordinances to make sure you’re buying a property where the city allows it. If a house isn’t connected to the public sewer system, the real estate agent will make sure that is disclosed by the Seller to the Buyer within the inspection period.

PRICING EXPERTISE. Agents can provide all the data on local home sales and deliver in-depth knowledge regarding your purchase that comes from years of watching transactions close in the neighborhood.

UNEMOTIONAL NEGOTIATION. An agent can write requests objectively and submit them to the seller which saves you from getting overly emotional about the transaction. An agent can take the heat in difficult negotiations in a businesslike manner, negotiating all facets of the transaction in your best interest.

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING SPECIFIC? Aside from the technical aspects of a sale and the mistakes people can make in the paperwork, real estate agents know neighborhoods and houses inside and out. A real estate agent might just know exactly where to find the home you are looking for.

TACKLING THE PAPERWORK. A real estate transaction involves an extensive amount of paperwork. An Agent can properly prepare the necessary real estate purchase contract, disclosures and associated forms that are required to be fully executed by the buyer and seller. The odds of missing something, not initialing a page or failing to check a box, can substantially decrease when you’re working with a professional who knows the paperwork.

FINDING AVAILABLE HOMES. Homes for sale can be viewed on the Web. Often times, great properties are not widely publicized because Sellers have health or financial problems, divorce factors or choose not to advertise their sale during the holidays. Working with a Realtor® gives you access to homes you might otherwise miss seeing.

REQUESTING REPAIRS. Request for repairs can make or break a deal. The touchiest part of a real estate purchase often involves requesting repairs. An agent may be able to identify trouble that you may not see and recommend a good independent home inspector who can provide a detailed report on problems with the house. The agent will have a good sense of what’s reasonable to request and what’s excessive.

ETHICAL CONSIDERATION. Real estate agents who are members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) agree to abide by a code of ethics that requires Realtors® deal with all parties of a transaction honestly.

Holly Schuler
VP, Business Development
Holly.Schuler@Title365.com
512.913.9098  :  Mobile

Shops

Whether you’re looking for home décor, clothing, jewelry, or a one-of-a-kind gift, you’re sure to find something in Georgetown. There are numerous antique stores, all within walking distance from each other. Check out Sunshine West Vintiques for great deals on antiques as well as re-purposed vintage items. Another unique store on the square is Tribal Impressions. They carry cowboy and Indian museum quality replica wear as well as turquoise and silver jewelry, headdresses, books, music, and art. Therapie Boutique now has a permanent location inside of The Co-op 78626, a salon & boutique that stands out in Georgetown due its cool Austin vibe. Stop by for a makeover from head to toe!

For the kids: If you’re shopping for children or if you’re looking for a place to entertain them, you should check out All Things Kids. Not only do they sell exceptional toys but their store features a large Play Zone where children can play with all the toys and parents can work using the store’s WiFi.

Restaurants

Georgetown has no shortage of fantastic locally owned restaurants. Here are some new local favorites: Burger University, located in the century-old Lockett Building prides itself on its fresh, never frozen hamburger patties and its fries that are cut fresh every day. If you like live music, check out Roots Bistro. They have live music every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night as well as a great craft beer selection and delicious food. Eats on 8^th uses only the freshest ingredients from local growers to provide their customers with a unique farm-to-table experience. Whether it’s date night or you are having lunch with friends, definitely try out Eats on 8th. If you prefer giant pizza slices and a wide assortment of beer in a casual and fun environment, you’ll love 600 Degrees Pizzeria. 600 Degrees has become extremely popular since opening a year and half ago due to its delicious pizza and lively atmosphere.

For the kids: Hat Creek Burger Company is a favorite among local Georgetown families. Fellowship, family, and fresh cheeseburgers are the three pillars of this fun restaurant. Come enjoy great food in a casual atmosphere while your kids place in the large outdoor play area.

Outdoor Activities

The San Gabriel River runs through the city, providing a beautiful view for the 30 miles of hike and bike trails. There’s also an 18-hole disc golf course beginning in Rivery Park. If you’re feeling adventurous, check out Inner Space Cavern, one of the most well preserved caves in Texas.

For the kids: Last year Georgetown’s Creative Playscape was completely redone in an effort to bring the equipment up to Title II of the American with Disabilities Act, as well as current Texas Health and Safety Code standards. What once was a maze of wooden towers and tunnels is now a beautiful open park with plenty of exciting things for children to engage with.

With its unique combination of urban style and southern charm, Georgetown, Texas is a great place to visit and an even better place to call home. Feel free to contact me if you would like more information on buying property here in Georgetown!

Investing in real estate.

There’s a tremendous opportunity right now to become a real estate investor here in the Austin area for multiple reasons. And it’s much easier than you might think. In fact, it’s a very simple process. Rental properties are evaluated just like any other single family home and all you need is at least a 15% down payment.

Why should you invest in real estate?

Home values in the Austin area continue to rise. According to the most recent information from the Austin Board of Realtors, the median price for single family homes is 10% higher compared to the same period last year.  Can you name any other type of investment that provided such a return? Plus, your equity is secured by a first lien. Unlike other types of investments, your rental property value will never drop to zero!

Another motivating factor is the current state of interest rates. Interest rates for rental properties have been so low for so long that rental payments cover the mortgage, property taxes, insurance and maintenance costs in most cases.  Rental rates in Austin are also on the rise meaning the rents take care of your loan, maintenance costs, and you’re actually making money, or cash flowing, each month.

Here in Austin, there has been considerable interest in investment properties and rightly so. The combination of low rates and higher rents make investment real estate a very attractive option. In addition, if the property you buy currently has tenants, the lender can use the rental income to help qualify for the new loan.  And speaking of financing, these low rates are fixed, not adjustable, so your cash flow and equity will continue to grow well into the future.

This article is sponsored by Tera Gilbert of New Penn Financial.  If you’ve been thinking about investing in real estate here in the Austin area or want more information, contact Edwin Lui or Tera Gilbert for a free consultation. There may never be a better time to buy a rental property in Austin than right now.

The good news is that parents can positively impact a child’s immune system, decrease the likelihood of them becoming sick, and avoid the cycle of catching everything that is going around.  A lot can be accomplished by putting the right things into their growing bodies on a daily basis. Here are just a few tips to make it through the school year unscathed:

Reduce sugar.  According to Dr. William Sears, “eating or drinking 100 grams of sugar, the equivalent of 2 cans of soda, can reduce the ability of white blood cells to kill germs by forty percent.” The effect starts almost immediately and can last for up to five hours.  Eating a sugar-filled breakfast and sending kids off to school with a suppressed immune system makes their bodies more vulnerable when they are at school.

Get enough sleep.  It’s hard to get back onto a regular bedtime schedule after a long summer, but research shows this is important.  Lack of sleep has been linked to a variety of cognitive and physical health issues including a reduced ability to fight off infections.  David Katz, MD says, “Sleep is crucial to immune system function.  People underestimate the importance of getting enough sleep.”

Eat more produce.  A healthy diet rich in immune-boosting foods can help your body build infection-fighting white blood cells and repair injury to cells, protecting itself against infection and illness.  There is much research and evidence that the best source of antioxidants is fresh fruits and vegetables.

There are many great habits you can teach your children to do while at school, such as proper hand-washing and drinking water rather than juice or soda.  But do not underestimate the positive impact of good nutrition on building healthy bodies.  If you find it challenging to eat the recommended 9 to 13 servings of fruits and veggies, take a look at the product JuicePlus, which provides your body with nutrients from 30 different fruits, vegetables, and grains.

To learn more about JuicePlus and to see if your child qualifies to receive the product for free through the Children’s Health Study, visit our partner Ginger Hobbs and mention this article.

Standard Pacific Homes will be selling in a charming and newly developed northwest Austin townhome community.  Standard Pacific is one of the premiere builders in Austin.  Here’s a great opportunity to own a townhome in one of the fastest growing areas of the beautiful Texas Hill Country!

Just off highway 183 and 45, Lakeline Center is a prime location:

• Walking distance to Capital Metro Rail Lakeline Station
• Major retail and resaurants
• Popular Round Rock ISD schools
• Close to Concordia University and Austin Community College’s Cypress Creek Campus
• Numerous parks and trails

Please contact me if you are interested in learning more about Lakeline Center in northwest Austin!

August 24th – Classes Begin

Georgetown ISD – more information here.

Austin ISD – more information here.

Leander ISD – more information here.
August 25th – Classes Begin

Round Rock ISD – more information here.

Perhaps your children are heading off to college. If the cost of tuition, housing and books concerns you, you might want to consider refinancing your home.

Tera Gilbert with New Penn Financial suggests that if you’ve been thinking of reducing your loan term from a 30-year fixed to a 10-, 15- or 20-year loan, it’s probably a good idea to go ahead and start the refinance process. But while you’re at it, pull some cash out during the process to take care of college expenses. In Texas, you can pull cash out during a refinance up to 80 percent of the current market value of your home. And that cash can be used for any purpose you choose, including college tuition.

Say you have a 30-year fixed rate at 4.875% on a $300,000 mortgage and your home is worth $550,000. You determine that refinancing that note into a 20-year loan at 3.50% will save you a considerable amount of interest over time. During this process, you decide to not just change the term and reduce your rate but you also pull out $20,000 for college. The difference in monthly payments is just over $100 per month. Where else can you leverage $20,000 at such a rate?

If you would like to talk about your options and see if this process makes sense for you, send me a message and I’d be happy to connect you.

Here are some fantastic places for the entire family to enjoy fireworks safely:

• Austin Fireworks and Symphony Orchestra: Long Center for the Performing Arts lawn, 8:30 p.m.
• Cedar Park: parade starts at Cedar Park Center at 10 a.m., celebration starts at 4 p.m. at Milburn Park
• Georgetown Sertoma Club 4th of July: San Gabriel Park, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Kyle Independence Day Celebration: Hays CISD Performing Arts Center/Plum Creek Golf Course, 6 p.m.
• Lago Vista: Various events throughout the day. Click on the link for more information.
• Leander Liberty Fest: U.S. 183A South between San Gabriel Parkway and Hero Way, 6 p.m.
• Marble Falls Community Fireworks: Lakeside park, 2 p.m.
• Round Rock Frontier Days: Old Settlers Park, Sertoma Parade starts at 10 a.m., festival starts at noon
• San Marcos SummerFest: Plaza Park, 6 p.m.

Please check the links for updated information and remember most fireworks are not allowed in and around Austin.  Check your local laws.  Fortunately there are plenty of places nearby where you can enjoy fireworks!

Spend time together.

Take him out to the ballgame. Bring your gloves and baseballs! Round Rock Express has a home game on Father’s Day. Fathers and their kids can come down to the field to play catch before the game from 5:45 – 6:15. Bonus: Gatti Land will be giving away baseballs to all kids 12 and under.

Treat him to golf! Topgolf Austin opens an hour early (8am) on Father’s Day. They also have a new brunch menu and games for all ages to enjoy.

Go to the movies. Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out will be released the Friday before Father’s Day. Older kids will enjoy taking him to see the highly anticipated Jurassic World in 3D, which will be out the week before!

Make him something.

Get Crafty.  “All About My Dad” worksheets are a fun way for kids of all ages to show Dad how much they care. You can download a worksheet for Dad or Grandpa here.

Upload a YouTube video. Record your children recounting funny Dad Stories or telling their favorite thing about him. Include special songs or inside jokes that make you think of Dad.

Bring on the praise.

Appreciate him. Tell him how much you love and need him. Show him how you feel by writing him a thank you note detailing the ways he contributes to the family, how he gives moral and emotional support, or what makes him a great parent. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on extravagant gifts; your gratitude and love are the greatest gifts you can give him this Father’s Day.

1. What single home feature do buyers say they want most in a new home?

A. Walk-in closet in master bedroom
B. Central air conditioning
C. Backyard
D. Fully finished basement

2. What was the median home size purchased in 2013?

A. 2,320 square feet
B. 1,860 square feet
C. 1.450 square feet
D. 1,000 square feet

3. Repeat buyers tend to be choosier than first-time buyers. In particular, repeat buyers place much more emphasis on these home features:

A. Fireplaces and air filtration systems
B. Bay windows and finished basements
C. Over-sized garages and master bedroom with walk-in closets
D. Backyards and proximity to entertainment

4. Within three months after buying a home, nearly half of all buyers remodeled or made improvements to which part of the house?

A. Master bedroom
B. Backyard
C. Kitchen
D. Home office

5. Which kitchen feature ranked highest among buyers?

A. New appliances
B. Eat-in kitchen
C. Kitchen Island
D. Granite countertops

6. What three features did buyers say they’d be most willing to pay extra for in a home?

A. Proximity to work, a wooded lot, and a backyard or play area
B. Whirlpool baths, proximity to schools, and a deck
C. A corner lot, a lawn sprinkler system, and high-end kitchen appliances
D. Central air-conditioning, walk-in closets, and hardwood floors

7. A home’s energy efficiency is most important to which segment of buyers?

A. Repeat buyers
B. Second-home buyers
C. New-home buyers
D. First-time buyers

8. Where do first-time home buyers tend to purchase a home?

A. Rural area
B. City or urban area
C. Suburb or subdivision
D. Small town

9. What’s the most common type of home purchased?

A. Single level
B. Split level
C. Two levels
D. Three levels

10. What did new-home buyers most wish their home had more of?

A. Storage
B. Bedrooms
C. Kitchen space
D. Bathrooms

Answers

1. B          2. B          3. C          4. C          5. A          6. D          7. C         8. C          9. A          10. A