Entries Tagged as 'buyers'

Homeowners & Renters See The World Through Different Lenses

Renters have a different view of real estate economy than homeowners.


Source: PEW Research Center

It seems that renters are much more pessimistic about rising home prices. I’m not sure of the participants in this study were planning on buying a home in the near future, but this study does show something interesting about how you see the market when you own property versus when your at the mercy of a landlord.

More renters believe home prices are rising.

Are they pessimistic about their buying power? They may be feeling left out of the prosperity homeowners found during the boom years leading up to our current conditions.

Renters aren’t worried about the housing economy.

Renters expect prices to climb more than homeowners do. So why aren’t they buying? First-time home-buyers are seeing harder times with mortgage woes. It takes some patience and hard work to get a home loan, and perhaps renters aren’t willing to go through with it.

Americans are not optimistic about the economy.


Source: PEW Research Center

Yet this study is extremely interesting. We saw some of the greatest appreciations in Austin real estate in 2006. Many people sold out to collect their equity while late-comers created a building and flipping surge, especially in central Austin real estate. 2007 was much slower than 2006, especially in the last two quarters. Yet, the number of those who believe the economy is in poor shape has not increased as dramatically as I would expect. I think this shows how pessimistic people are about the economy anyway. We live in a fairly prosperous country and Austin has a steady growth rate which leads to steady real estate prices, yet I would expect similar numbers on a local study based on the fears and questions I receive.

Is this thing on?

I still wonder if anyone can actually hear me. Don’t be afraid to buy. We are currently in a RARE buyer’s market here in the Austin real estate market and at the same time, interest rates are at HISTORIC lows. I’m shopping for real estate in Austin now so don’t blame me if you don’t get in on this buyer’s market! Get your head out of that national news paper, turn off CNN, and get real. We’ve seen studies showing that people think the bottom is falling out of the American economy for years and it hasn’t. In fact, the primary reason for the housing slowdown and the buyer’s market here in Austin is the attitudes of people, not actual economic fact. Now that sellers are getting real, take a chance and think about investing in Austin’s real estate market. I’ll show you how!

Most Expensive Home Sale for 2008 (so far!)

I’m at it with my numbers again! While I was logged into MLS to update my listings, I decided to do a quick search for the most expensive home sale for 2008 to date (as of 4/14/2008). With so much unfounded real estate panic floating around, wouldn’t the rich and famous be weary of making a home purchase right now? Of course not! Those in the know are taking full advantage of this buyer’s market before it turns. And at the rising rate of multiple offers that my office has seen this year, another seller’s market could be just around the corner. Of course, I still recommend buying if you need to move closer to work or find a larger home for your growing family, not as an investor unless you are really up for it. Like buying stocks, real estate goes up and down and it’s best to be in it for the long hall.

Anyway, the most expensive home sold so far this year was listed at $3,800,000 in Northwest Travis County. The sales price was under asking, but I don’t believe in revealing those details! This home was one of two homes to sell for over $3 million so far this year.

5 homes have sold for $2,000,000 to 2,999,999 and 37 have sold from $1,000,000 to $1,999,999 this year alone in the 4.5 months we’ve had so far.

According to my ABOR MLS search, 4858 homes total have sold so far this year by Austin’s Realtors.

Where to watch out for bad foundations

CenTex Foundation Repair has released data of where they have been hired to repair foundations in Austin.  These areas may be some to watch out for when buying a new home.  Of course, always hire an inspector before closing!

CenTex Foundation Repair’s Top 20 Zip Codes List:

NOTE: Inspections from FY 2007

North Austin
78758   53 homes
78759   41 homes

Central Austin
78702   98 homes
78703   83 homes
78704   127 homes
78705   39 homes
78751   82 homes
78753   56 homes
78757   57 homes

East Austin
78722   52 homes
78723   131 homes
78724   42 homes

South Austin
78744   62 homes
78745   174 homes

West Austin
78746   41 homes

Outside of Austin
78610   38 homes
78660   84 homes
78664   152 homes
78666   62 homes