<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" ?>
<rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom">
    <channel>
        <atom:link href="https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/2015-05/rss/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
        <title>JBGoodwin REALTORS® - Austin &amp; San Antonio Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/2015-05/</link>
        <description>Stay up to date on the latest Austin, San Antonio, and Central Texas real estate trends with JBGoodwin's real estate blog.</description>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/san-antonio-tech-companies-are-the-citys-future.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/san-antonio-tech-companies-are-the-citys-future.html</link>
        <author>macastro@jbgoodwin.com (Mary Ann Castro)</author>
        <title>San Antonio Tech Companies Are The City's Future </title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
On Friday, May 22nd, Judge Nelson Wolff gave his annual State of the County address, with high expectations for San Antonio’s development over the next few years. San Antonio is often compared to its northern neighbor, Austin - economically, culturally, and even gastronomically. However, the Bexar County Judge was confident in every way that San Antonio could catch up with, and even one day have an edge over Austin - specifically by embracing the technology economy.





The optimistic judge specified in detail what would need to be done in San Antonio. Here’s what you need to know:


Don’t Worry San Antonio is Already Doing Well


San Antonio and Bexar County in general have witnessed incredible employment growth over the last 5 years and have an impressively low unemployment rate. The positive state of the economy has allowed the county to gradually lower property taxes over the last decade and a half.


San Antonio’s prosperity owes a lot to the expansion of various industries: manufacturing, cybersecurity, and oil and gas, to name a few. But in order to continue growth, San Antonio needs to keep innovating – and in this case, that means opening up to the tech industry, something Wolff said would be key criteria in measuring the success of modern cities.


Local Government Must Embrace Disruptive Technologies


The residents and government leaders of San Antonio and Bexar County should welcome more projects like San Antonio’s Bibliotech, the first 100 digital public library in the U.S. Innovative ventures similar to Bibliotech will attract other tech industry leaders and bright minds to the region by boosting San-Antonio’s forward-thinking repute. Fittingly, Judge Wolff will create a $1,000,000 grant to attract and propagate local San Antonio tech companies.


Housing Matters


It may not seem relevant, but housing contributes to a city’s livability perception, which in turn contributes to the success of industry development, especially when the goal is to recruit newcomers. Therefore, San Antonio must continue to develop high-quality housing, particularly in inner-city areas, which will enhance economic development in those neighborhoods.


Expanding Municipal Fiber


Austin has connected its public institutions including universities with CPS fiber. San Antonio must be willing to fund a similar system. This could provide high-speed broadband access across the city.


San Antonio IT officer Hugh Miller is also looking to work with Google high speed fiber.


More Tech is Needed in the Health Care &amp; Academic Fields


Local hospitals are using a $900 million endowment to modernize their facilities and invest in advanced technology. Meanwhile, universities should be expected to spend more on technology research and education, including funding new degree programs in high-tech fields.


Everybody Must Be Involved


Wolff has urged private sector companies to step up their game when it comes to development of employees’ tech skills and development of the cyber security industry. He has smartly dubbed this entire undertaking ‘Innovative Tech City’.


While this may be clearly ambitious, San Antonio is already well on its way. In fact, the oil and gas industry has shown itself to be an unlikely magnet for tech companies in the area – many tech start-ups dashed up in response to the requirements of energy companies, catering to their need for efficient processes and industry-specific software.


Outside of the oil &amp; gas industry, numerous San Antonio tech companies have also been making waves. Unlike Austin, the city has certainly not attracted big names like Google &amp; Uber yet. Still, San Antonio is home to a growing number of small but high-quality, original-idea start-ups – and that may be an even clearer sign of an innovative city.


Is San Antonio the next Silicon Valley? Let us know in the comments below
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 29 May 2015 14:19:00 -0500</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/austin-real-estate-agent.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/austin-real-estate-agent.html</link>
        <title>Austin Real Estate Agents</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ The Austin, Texas area has about 15,000 licensed real estate agents according to the Austin the Board of Realtors That number can be daunting especially if you're in search for a professional real estate agent. There are many different realtors in the industry who offer a variety of different services. Some specialize in luxury homes only, some only practice commercial real estate, and some specialize in being a full service agent that is capable of providing you services to cater to all your real estate needs.

Choosing Your Real Estate Agent


In order to choose what type of real estate agent is best for you, it's good to start off by identifying your needs. If you're buying your needs will be slightly different than those of a seller. For Buyers:What Type of Property You WantNew Construction, Condo, Townhouse,  Bungalow, Duplex, etc.Price RangeGet pre-qualified by your preferred lender to know your price range. Or if you are a cash buyer you'll know the price range you'll want to start your search in.The Characteristics Your Property Should HaveHow many beds/baths, pool or not, square footage, yard, LOCATION, garage, schools, etc.Once your real estate agent understands your needs and current situation, the better we will be able to help you For Sellers: When selecting your real estate agent for selling a property it's important to understand that not all realty brokerages offer the same benefits and marketing that other agencies offer for listing your home.  At JBGoodwin REALTORS, we offer one of a kind real estate marketing solutions for every client. From featuring your property in print collateral like the Austin American Statesman to getting your property listed in the real estate top websites, our sellers get the top of the line treatment at NO COST to them. For over 42 years, it's no wonder why property owners in Austin and central Texas choose JBGoodwinFor more information about our services visit our Austin Agents page or contact me directly via email: adriansalas@jbgoodwin.comI am a full service REALTOR® in Austin and surrounding areas  
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 25 May 2015 15:33:00 -0500</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/tell-austin-how-to-spend-your-tax-dollars.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/tell-austin-how-to-spend-your-tax-dollars.html</link>
        <author>macastro@jbgoodwin.com (Mary Ann Castro)</author>
        <title>Tell Austin How To Spend Your Tax Dollars</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 





Want to tell the city of Austin how to spend your tax dollars? Now you can Right now, until June 5, the city is collecting community feedback on how our tax dollars should be allocated.


The city's total budget is $3.5 Billion, and it gets spread out between:




Emergency Response


Parks and Libraries


Health &amp; Housing


Planning and Economic Development


Energy


Water


Clean Community


Streets &amp; Infrastructure




Austin is using Budget in a Box for the second year in a row, letting you have a say in how the city spends your tax dollars. The box includes instructions, a game board, an informative video, discussion materials, and other interactive resources, giving you everything you need to understand city budgeting and make smart decisions.


Approximately 20 of property taxes (and 12 of sales taxes) go to the city. You pay these taxes, and now you can help decide how they are spent Once you know your options and opinion, simply fill out a mail-in or online form and send it back to the city.


At Home Budget In A Box


Get together a group of friends and make a night of it The Budget In A Box was initially developed for small groups of 5-10 people, and this is a fantastic format. You can get together with friends, share some appies and learn all about budgeting in a social, informal setting. Once you know your priorities, fill out the form and send in your feedback using the postage-paid envelopes included.


Request your Budget In A Box right here (Deadline: June 7, 2015)


Community Budget In A Box


Community members are also welcome to attend district-wide guided sessions, eliminating the need to organize your own at-home event. Many sessions have already occurred, but here are the ones that remain:


District 1 May 30: Victory Grill (1161 Angelina St) @ 11 am - 1 pm


District 2 May 20: Dover Springs Rec. Center (5801 Ainez Dr) @ 5:30 - 7:30 pm


District 3 *Discussions Complete*


District 4 May 26: Gus Garcia Re Center (1201 E. Runderberg L) @ 6 - 8 pm


District 5 *Discussions Complete*


District 6 May 20: Balcones Country Club (8600 Balcones Club Dr) @ 6 - 8 pm


District 7 May 30: Yarborough Branch Library (2200 Hancock Dr) @ 10 am - Noon June 6: North Village Branch Library (2505 Steck Ave) @ 10 am - Noon


District 8 May 27: Hampton Library at Oak Hill (5125 Convict Hill Rd) @ 6 - 8 pm


District 9 May 28: Hancock Rec Center (811 E. 41 St) @ 6 - 8 pm


District 10 June 2: Jewish Community Center (7300 Hart Lane, Rm 150D) @ 6 - 8 pm



From the beginning to the end, city budgets take about 5 months to develop. Gathering citizen input is the very first step in the process, and it's a critical one, giving the community a voice on what their priorities are. Austin is giving its citizens the opportunity to speak up and we highly recommend doing so


 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 20 May 2015 11:40:00 -0500</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/san-antonio-real-estate-roundup-may-2015.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/san-antonio-real-estate-roundup-may-2015.html</link>
        <author>macastro@jbgoodwin.com (Mary Ann Castro)</author>
        <title>San Antonio Real Estate Roundup May 2015</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Stay connected with the latest San Antonio real estate news. See what's happening in San Antonio and stay ahead of the game in this increasingly competitive market. Courtesy of JBGoodwin REALTORS®.  May has started out as a busy month in San Antonio, TX and the housing market is brimming with new listings and ambitious developments. The San Antonio real estate market is showing great growth, with more homes being sold and for better prices. And on that note, here are a couple of real estate stories that have made the news this week.


Million Dollar Real Estate Market in San Antonio


The San Antonio real estate market is growing strong, and it isn't just affordable and mid-range homes that are selling - luxury homes priced at $1 million or higher are on the rise as well. San Antonio is considered a global market, attracting people from all over the country, and internationally. In 2014, people came from over 40 states and 20 countries to live in San Antonio, and a large number of those buyers were in the market for a luxury home.


In the past 2 years, over 200 homes with a price tag of $1 million or more have sold in San Antonio, not including custom-built houses, demonstrating the strength of the city's luxury home market.


New Master-Planned Development in the Works


An exciting new development is coming down the pipes in San Antonio. Brass Real Estate Funds has recently paired up with Convergence Communities to begin the development of a master-planned community. The $100 million dollar development will span across 880 acres just west of the city, emcompassed by the Briggs Ranch Golf Club.


The community has yet to be named, but plans consist of several subdivisions with up to 3,000 homes and 900 apartments in addition to real estate space and office space. Homes in the community are estimated to cost between $230,000 and $690,000, and developers plan to break ground in fourteen to eighteen months.


Live the 007 Lifestyle in this Replica Home


The luxurious One &amp; Only Ocean Club replica home, inspired by the luxury resort featured in two James Bond movies, including Casino Royal, is now on the market. Located in the gated luxury community of Fortaleza on the outskirts of the city, this 4,834 square-foot home is priced at $1.5 million.


This luxury resort-style estate comes with some of the best views in the city, and features an infinity edge pool from which residents can view the dramatic colors of the San Antonio sunset. With 4 bedrooms and 4.5 baths, an expansive patio, and lush, park-like gardens on 2.45 acres of land, this home is a slice of paradise in a secluded setting.


Interested in this listing? Contact us to set up a viewing. 


Subscribe to the JBGoodwin REALTORS® BlogSign up with JBGoodwin REALTORS® to stay up to date with all things real estate in Central Texas, delivered right to your inbox. For more information on the housing market in Austin or San Antonio metro areas, contact us online.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 15 May 2015 16:16:36 -0500</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/are-drones-the-next-big-thing-in-austin-real-estate.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/are-drones-the-next-big-thing-in-austin-real-estate.html</link>
        <author>macastro@jbgoodwin.com (Mary Ann Castro)</author>
        <title>Are Drones The Next Big Thing In Austin Real Estate?</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 


 



 









Having a ball over the Austin 360 Bridge. Feel free to share. austin 360bridge

Posted by Over Austin on Thursday, May 7, 2015








That's a good question. They certainly offer dynamic and technology-forward possibilities for marketing homes. And they will give potential buyers a lot more insight into a property, before they even step through the door. Of course, it's not just about providing stunning photos—though you have to admit, with the sweeping vistas you get in Texas Hill Country, Austin real estate can really take advantage drone photography. Drones will have the very practical application of letting agents and prospective buyers see things they might otherwise miss.


So, What's The Current Situation?


At the moment, the FAA is only allowing drones to be used for commercial purposes on a case-by-case basis. Browsing through real estate images on the Internet, it's obvious that drone photography is already being used commercially in the industry and with the sorts of exciting visuals like those taken by local photographers CVSherman's OverAustin you can see what Realtors® can't wait to incorporate drone photography and video in their marketing packages. However, doing it legally now is complicated. The FAA fined a photographer from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville $10,000 in 2013 for using his drone for commercially.


A Realtor® With A License ...To Use A Drone


A Tucson area Realtor®, Douglas Trudeau, became the first person authorized to use a drone for real estate purposes in February of this year. Requirements he must comply with include needing a FAA Private Pilot certificate to operate the vehicle, as well as an observer nearby. The pilot also needs a current medical certificate. Other rules include not allowing the drone to be out of sight any time it is in the air. Douglas, by the way, doesn't like the term drone. He thinks it's derogatory and prefers Small Unmanned Aerial Systems, SUAS.


What To Expect In The Future


The FAA is required by law to produce legislation for drones by September and earlier this year, it released its proposed framework. The new regulations will apply to drones weighing less than 55 pounds and requirements will include the operator needing to be a licensed pilot and that flights only take place during the day, within direct sight of the operator. While the NAR has supported the proposed framework, there is definitely interest in the industry for an expanded scope for flights. For instance, night visuals will be useful to Realtors® and for larger and rural properties, the ability to fly beyond the sight of the pilot would be useful. It's possible this last restriction could be lifted, as the FAA has said they are currently studying the issue.


Are Drones Going To Be Everywhere After September?


Currently the FAA is estimating that within five year of the regulations coming online, 7,500 commercial drones could be in operation. But the rules the FAA issues will not be the only legislation to affect drones. Agents will have to look into other local laws governing privacy and safe operation of drones. Even without intending to violate anyone's privacy, an agent using a drone to take panoramic videos of a listing might accidentally capture the neighbors through a window or in their backyard and in some states, this could put you in violation of the law. Some states require signed permission if someone is going to appear in an image used for commercial purposes. Other states allow people to sue if a drone is flown over their property at less than 400 feet. In the state of Texas, the Texas Privacy Act has a number of clauses that apply to drones. So, it will be important to do your research before getting your drone airborne.


Will Drone Photos For Real Estate Be Worth The Effort?


While the new rules will come into effect in September, there will probably be appeals and changes to the rules over the next few years, so it will be some time before we see what the real potential is. And for denser urban areas, the pictures might not be as exciting as you think, you'll get a lot of rooftops and power lines. That being said, with our breathtaking, rolling landscape, drone photography and video should make a big splash in the Austin real estate market.


Thinking about selling your home? JBGoodwin REALTORS® is here to help. Find out your home's value by requesting a free home evaluation. Contact us online or by calling us toll free at 1.800.531.5207 to connect with one of our knowledgeable agents.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2015 14:05:00 -0500</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/7-money-saving-moving-hacks.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/7-money-saving-moving-hacks.html</link>
        <author>macastro@jbgoodwin.com (Mary Ann Castro)</author>
        <title>7 Money Saving Moving Hacks</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Let's face it, moving ain't cheap. It can also be a stressful experience for many, especially if your moving with pets or a family. Cut down on anxiety and costs by using these helpful moving hacks. With a seamless move, you'll be settled into your new home in no time.


Pack important items in clear plastic totes


Pack items you use every day like utensils, chargers, cookware, towels into clear plastic totes. Putting them in clear totes also differentiates them from other cardboard boxes, and allows you to easily identify the items inside.


Pack an overnight bag with essential items


By moving day, it's smart to pack an a overnight bag filled with essential items like toiletries, a towel and a change of clothes. The likelihood of you unpacking your entire home upon arrival is slim to none, so having these items on hand will save you the headache of searching for them.


Save on bubble wrap by wrapping breakables in clothing


Save room and money by wrapping all of your fragile items in clothing instead of bubble wrap. This way, you are packing your kitchen and your closet at the same time. Genius


Alternate breakable plates with styrofoam plates


Another great way to safely pack plates is to stack each breakable plate on top of an inexpensive disposable plate.


Save time with proper labeling


In addition to writing down the contents of each box, make a point to write down which room of the house the box is going to go. This will not only help out the movers, but also help you locate items quickly. Also label your boxes on the side, not on top, so you can read them even if they are stacked up.


Snap a picture of electronic inputs/outputs before you unplug


Nothing is more frustrating than trying to hook up electronics, especially if you have multiple devices (speakers, blue ray player, stereo etc.) connecting to a single unit like a Smart TV. The solution? Snap a picture of the wiring setup on your smartphone and use it as a quick reference.


If you're moving into a rental, snap a picture of the empty home prior to moving


Make sure that you get your damage deposit back by documenting what the move-in condition of the home was before you start bringing in your things. If there was any existing damage to the space, you won't be held liable for damages.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2015 14:16:00 -0500</pubDate>
</item>
    </channel>
</rss>