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        <title>JBGoodwin REALTORS® - Austin &amp; San Antonio Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/2016-09/</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>
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    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/austin-sold-stats-august-2016.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/austin-sold-stats-august-2016.html</link>
        <author>macastro@jbgoodwin.com (Mary Ann Castro)</author>
        <title>Austin Sold Stats- August 2016</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[  ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 23 Sep 2016 14:15:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/3-solutions-to-austins-affordable-housing-problem.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/3-solutions-to-austins-affordable-housing-problem.html</link>
        <author>macastro@jbgoodwin.com (Mary Ann Castro)</author>
        <title>3 Solutions to Austin's Affordable Housing Problem</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Austin's economy is booming, resulting in a rise in both the city's population and home prices. While the number of jobs continues to grow, wages have plateaued, meaning some of Austin's lower income earners have become priced out of owning a home. Renting is often not a solution, as rental prices have also increased. 


Here are some fast facts about Austin's growth between 2011 and 2015 (via the U.S. Census Bureau):




Austin saw 3.1 percent growth annually to its population—nearly 4 times the national average of population growth


58 percent of new Austinites moved from within the country


189,000 new jobs were created vs. 93,085 new housing construction permits granted




East Austin Has Seen the Largest Rise in Prices


East Austin is a huge draw for new residents to Austin—especially millennials who are seeking affordable, easily walkable living close to downtown and all of life's daily amenity needs. This has led to the construction of newer, denser condo developments in East Austin, which has led to an increase in home prices in the area.


Here are some facts about East Austin's housing market between 2011 and 2015:




4 out of 6 East Austin ZIP codes more than doubled in housing prices over the 5 year period, compared to a 41.5 increase in Austin as a whole


Each East Austin ZIP code's home prices grew between 56 and 162 percent over the 5 year period


The average East Austin home spent 60 less days on the market in 2015 than it did in 2011




Three Solutions to the Austin Affordable Housing Issue


East Austin has seen the highest percentage increase in residential housing cost, forcing many of its lower-income residents out of the area. This has created a need for affordable housing in Austin, and in East Austin in particular. Let's take a look at three ways the city of Austin is combatting its affordable housing issue, through both public and private initiatives.


1. Subsidized Affordable Housing Programs


A number of affordable homes programs have sprouted up in East Austin. To qualify for most affordable housing units, families must earn less than 80 percent of Austin's Median Family Income (MFI), which would be about $62,250 for a family of four, or $43,600 for one person.


Most recently, the Mueller Affordable Homes Program has taken shape at the location of the former Robert Mueller Municipal Airport. This 700-acre development will be home to 13,000 people, and will include over 1,400 environmentally conscious homes and apartments made available as affordable housing. These homes will be scattered between full-market-value homes in the development, offering comfort and security in knowing that the affordable homes won't be easily singled out. Click here to learn more about the community of Mueller.


Other affordable homes programs in East Austin include the Reserve at Springdale in East Austin, and Easton Park. The Reserve at Springdale in East Austin, developed by Ryan Companies US Inc. in partnership with the Austin Affordable Housing Corp., will open in late 2016, offering 292 brand new apartment rental units. Easton Park, developed by Brookfield Residential, will offer 650 homes for low-income families, as well as 350 rental units.


2. Manufactured Houses Re-Zoning


Manufactured houses, including mobile homes and tiny homes, are a highly affordable option for low-income earners. Tiny homes have increased hugely in popularity across the country, as they offer a low-maintenance and no-frills alternative to renting or homeowning. At present, there are only 50 manufactured housing communities in Austin, allowing a maximum potential of 7,500 mobile homes. There are strict zoning laws in place that prohibit mobile home communities across most of the city. Most mobile home developments are outside the city, making it inconvenient for those who need to commute downtown for work.


Loosening the zoning prohibitions would result in a large increase in the supply of manufactured houses. In December 2015, Roberts Communities, one of Austin's prominent mobile home community developers, was granted a rezoning in Southeast Austin that could indicate a brighter future for mobile home communities within city limits. Roberts Communities is now planning a 100 tiny home development.


3. Accessory Dwelling Units


Accessory dwelling units are additional living quarters on single-family lots. This is a small guest house of sorts that sits on the same property as the main single-family home. The city of Austin recently relaxed the regulations for building these accessory apartments, so there are now 58,000 lots in Austin that are eligible for a second unit. According to the Real Estate Center of Texas A&amp;M University, these units offer three unique possibilities for homeowners:




These units can generate additional income, making it more affordable to remain within the neighborhood.


These units can be used as an affordable option to house another family member within the same neighborhood, such as an older parent or child.


They can allow homeowners to downsize without having to move out of their neighborhood. Homeowners can live in the smaller accessory unit while renting out their primary residence.




For advice on finding a home in the Austin area, contact JB Goodwin REALTORS® today No matter what your budget, we'll find you the home that's right for you.Source:  
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 21 Sep 2016 09:06:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/three-austin-schools-named-as-americas-top-high-schools.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/three-austin-schools-named-as-americas-top-high-schools.html</link>
        <author>macastro@jbgoodwin.com (Mary Ann Castro)</author>
        <title>Three Austin Schools Named as America's Top High Schools</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Three Austin Schools have made Newsweek's list of America's Top High Schools 2016. In conjunction with Westat, Newsweek compiled the list of the country's best public high schools using the following criteria:




Students' performance on standardized tests such as state-wide assessments, SATs, and ACTs


College acceptance and enrollment rates


Existence of AP, IB, and AICE programs


Students enrolled in both high school and college courses (dual enrollments)




Here are the three top Austin public high schools that ranked in the country's top 500 schools, as well as information on where to live if you'd like your children to attend these schools


Westwood High School (48)


Westwood High School earned the ranking as the country's 48th best public high school, and Austin's best public high school. Westwood achieved its high rating thanks to a college readiness score of 85.9/100, a graduation rate of 100 percent, and 93.4 of its students continuing on to a post-secondary degree. Westwood also landed at number 96 on Newsweek's &quot;Beating the Odds&quot; list, as the school achieved high academic rankings despite 13.7 percent of its students living in poverty.


Westwood High School is part of the Round Rock ISD, and serves several neighborhoods in Northwest Austin. If you're looking to move into the school district, consider Anderson Mill, which offers affordable, family-friendly ranchers. For more upscale homes, Spicewood at Balcones is another great option, offering newly renovated homes and fantastic yards. Great Hills offers impressive luxury homes along the fairways of the Great Hills Country Club. Canyon Creek real estate offers spacious homes only 5 miles from Lake Travis.


Vandegrift High School (193)


Vandegrift High School earned its ranking in the top 200 schools thanks to a stellar 100 percent graduation rate. 83.5 percent of its students continued on to higher education, and the school achieved a college readiness score of 78.7.


Vandegrift is part of the Leander ISD, serving a wide area in Northwest Austin, east of Lake Travis. For homes within the district, Steiner Ranch real estate offers a 4,600-acre master-planned community set among mature trees. There are also a variety of other Northwest Austin neighborhoods that are served by Vandegrift High School.


Anderson High School (256)


Anderson High School, yet another Northwest Austin school, had an impressive 97.8 percent graduation rate, with an incredible 95.1 percent of students attending college. Anderson High School, home to over 2,200 students, serves a wide and diverse range of neighborhoods, including Allandale, Great Hills, Northwest Hills, Mesa Park, Millwood, The Domain, and more.


For more information on living near any of these great schools, contact JB Goodwin REALTORS® today
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 19 Sep 2016 08:09:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/dell-medical-school-slated-to-change-the-austin-medical-landscape.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/dell-medical-school-slated-to-change-the-austin-medical-landscape.html</link>
        <author>macastro@jbgoodwin.com (Mary Ann Castro)</author>
        <title>Dell Medical School is Changing the Austin Healthcare Landscape</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
 The Dell Medical School is set to revolutionize healthcare in Austin, and Central Texas as a whole. With initial plans to locate a medical campus at UT Austin approved in 2008, the plan was finally brought to life when Travis County voters approved allocating $35 million of annual taxpayer money for the new medical school. Thanks to additional funding from the University of Texas and $50 million in funding from the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation, after whom the school was named, construction began on the new medical school in April 2014.


June 2016 marked the opening of the project's first building, making the Dell Medical School the first medical school in the country to be built completely from scratch at a top tier research university since Michigan State opened a new med school back in 1956.


But what exactly makes this project so significant to the city of Austin?


The Dell Medical School's Impact


The Dell Medical School is already having a major impact on the community. One of the main benefits of the program will be the increased availability of health professionals across the Central Texas area. When the medical school was approved in 2012, there were 209 medical residents operating in the Austin area. At present, there are 271 residents, who practice under the supervision and guidance of the school's faculty physicians, primarily funded by the Seton Healthcare Family. This number is projected to grow to 317 residents by 2020, as The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board recently approved $825,000 in grants that will provide funding for 11 additional residency positions, including 4 new surgical residency positions.


Research suggests that 80 of medical students who remain in one state for the entirety of their medical education end up taking up practice in the same state. This means the Dell Medical School should result in a significant influx of practising physicians across the city of Austin, and the entire state of Texas.


Innovation at the Dell Medical School


With the first class of 50 students having entered in summer of 2016, we're already seeing major changes in the traditional approach to medical school. There's no previous curriculum precedent to abide by, so the school's faculty are free to design a modern, innovate program that pushes the boundaries of learning. Whereas typical medical schools begin with two years of science-focused instruction, the Dell Medical School has opted to put students through only one year of science training.


The goal is to expose students to real-world challenges earlier on in the process, giving them more time to problem solve, interact with patients, and focus on innovation in the presence of their instructors and mentors. This means less lecture and classroom time, and more time spent at patients' bedsides.


As part of their education, med students will be expected to undertake projects that make significant impact on the local community. Students will focus on local issues, such as fighting obesity in Austin.


The medical facilities themselves are expected to be state-of-the-art as well. A $295-million teaching hospital, the Dell Seton Medical Center at the University of Texas, is set to open in 2017. This 211-bed teaching hospital, replacing the University Medical Center Brackenridge, will push the boundaries of innovation. Instead of waiting rooms, patients will be assigned to private rooms with impressive touch-screen to access medical records, insurance options, and more.


Dell Medical School Buildings


Construction of the Health Learning Building was completed in the summer of 2016, but that's only the start of the project. Here's a preview of the buildings coming to the new medical campus:




Health Learning Building (completed 2016): features an oak tree-filled courtyard, eateries, interactive auditorium, teaching labs, and other learning spaces


Health Transformation Building (Summer 2017): features doctors' offices, an ambulatory surgical center, demonstration clinics, and a bridge to the Health Discovery Building


Health Discovery Building (Summer 2017): features medical research facilities, imaging center, plaza, and lecture hall




Other developments include a large parking garage, the aforementioned Dell Seton Medical Center, and the courtyard centered around Waller Creek. The campus is located at the northeast corner of E. 15th Street and Trinity Street, extending east past Red River Street.


Interested in learning more about development in Austin, or have questions about Austin real estate? Contact JB Goodwin REALTORS® today and we'll answer any questions you may have
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 16 Sep 2016 13:55:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/austin-leasing-and-rentals-september-2016.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/austin-leasing-and-rentals-september-2016.html</link>
        <author>macastro@jbgoodwin.com (Mary Ann Castro)</author>
        <title>Austin Leasing and Rentals - September 2016</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[  ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 09 Sep 2016 09:04:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/coming-soon-lone-star-brewing-district.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/coming-soon-lone-star-brewing-district.html</link>
        <author>macastro@jbgoodwin.com (Mary Ann Castro)</author>
        <title>Coming Soon: Lone Star Brewing District</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
A new project is looking to revitalize the long-neglected Lone Star Brewery in San Antonio. The old brewery, found in Southtown between Lone Star Boulevard and Steves Avenue, hasn't been in operation since 1996. The revitalization project, headed by Aqualand Development and CBL &amp; Associates Properties, looks to transform the brewery's relics into a state-of-the-art mixed-use development with an emphasis on condos, food, shopping, entertainment, and of course, beer.


The new development, scheduled to open in late 2018, is currently known as the &quot;Lone Star Brewery District.&quot; Over $300 million is budgeted for the project, which aims to be the go-to cultural gathering spot in Southtown.


Lone Star Brewing District Development Details


While many aspects of the development have yet to be determined, general site plans have been released to the public. The developers of the Lone Star Brewery District seek to revive the legacy created by the original Lone Star Brewery by maintaining many of the rustic, industrial architectural aspects of the current brewery, and maintaining links to the brewery and community's history. The developers are currently in discussions with Lone Star Brewing to bring a microbrewery to the site of the new development.


At present, plans for the Lone Star Brewery District include:




The Cannery District: featuring retail and office space


The Brewery District: featuring retail, restaurants, entertainment, and offices


The Market Exchange: featuring restaurants, entertainment, and a food hall


Lake District: central lake surrounded by restaurant and retail space


Cinema: A dine-in movie theater complex


Residences: Three residences with 700 multi-family units


Hotel: Major brand-name hotel with 135 rooms


Other outdoor entertainment and gathering spaces




The developers seek to attract a healthy mix of local, regional, and national brands to their retail and dining spaces. There will be a large focus on the district's entertainment spaces, which could possibly include a bowling alley, a 1,200-seat live music hall, a new Texas Music Hall of Fame, and more. At the new Lone Star Brewery District, you can expect to find concerts, holiday celebrations, exhibitions, film festivals, community events, and more, which should make the district one of San Antonio's go-to nightlife destinations.


Lone Star Brewery District Condos


The initial project plans forecast the development of over 700 Lone Star Brewery District condos. The development will feature three separate five-story residential developments with 220-250 units each.


Each building, respectively located at the northeast, southeast, and southwest corners of the development, will feature a covered parking garage, as well as an outdoor pool as part of a central courtyard. These condos will offer views of the San Antonio River, as well as the amphitheater and the lake found at the center of the development.


Around the Lone Star Brewery District


The Lone Star Brewery District is set along the San Antonio River, located only 1.5 miles south of downtown San Antonio. The district is found directly across from Roosevelt Park, which features a swimming pool, community center, picnic areas, a basketball court, and a playground. The district lies to the north of the Interstate 10 highway, and offers convenient access to I-35 and I-37 as well. The Southtown area, where the brewery is found, has seen a recent surge of business development, as well as galleries, restaurants, trails, and parks.


The developers have cited San Antonio's fast-growing millennial population as one of the driving factors of the development. These younger home buyers and renters tend to seek out multi-family developments near major shopping and entertainment centers, making the Lone Star Brewery District the perfect fit for this growing niche of buyers.


For more information about San Antonio real estate, and any of the city's fine neighborhoods, contact JB Goodwin REALTORS® today
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 02 Sep 2016 17:32:00 -0500</pubDate>
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